Digital Commons Network^™

Chemotherapy Tolerance And Continuity Are Prognostic For Overall Survival In Patients With Localized And Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer, Erman Akkuş, Pinar Kubi̇lay Tolunay, Eli̇f Berna Köksoy, Hati̇me Arzu Yaşar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Biliary tract cancers (BTC) are relatively rare and have a poor prognosis in both localized and metastatic settings. Clinical trials tend to include patients who can tolerate treatments; however, chemotherapy eligibility, patterns, and survival may differ in the real world. The present study provides a 5-year overview of chemotherapy eligibility, patterns, tolerance, and survival in patients with resected and advanced BTCs.

Materials and methods: Included in the study were patients with resectable or advanced BTC (excluding ampullary cancers) diagnosed between 2019 and 2024. The demographic/clinical characteristics, chemotherapy eligibility, patterns, and survival outcomes of the patients were evaluated.

Results: Of …

Predictive Impact Of Pi-Rads 3 Lesion Volume/Total Prostate Volume Ratio In Prostate Cancer Diagnosis In Biopsy-Naïve Patients, Emrah Özsoy, Musab Ali̇ Kutluhan, Emre Tokuç, Ridvan Kayar, Samet Demi̇r, Kaan Meri̇ç, Meti̇n İshak Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To assess the potential of the ratio between PI-RADS 3 lesion volume and total prostate volume as a predictive parameter for guiding the decision to perform a biopsy in patients presenting with PI-RADS 3 lesions on multiparametric prostate magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI).

Materials and methods: A total of 749 patients who underwent mpMRI due to suspected prostate cancer between January 2014 and August 2023 were scanned. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 308 patients were included. Age, total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value, prostate volume measured in mpMRI, mpMRI result, PI-RADS 3 lesion volume, and biopsy results were collected. …

Subjective Memory Complaints Among Older Adults In Türkiye: Prevalence And Contributing Factors, Mustafa Çeti̇n, Zehra Sarikaya Demi̇rbaş, Mehmet İlki̇n Naharci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs), defined as self-perceived declines in memory performance, are common among older adults and may serve as early indicators of neurocognitive impairment. Despite their clinical relevance, no previous studies have examined the prevalence and associated factors of SMCs in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: A total of 500 community-dwelling older adults were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study; all underwent a comprehensive geriatric assessment at a tertiary-level outpatient clinic. Participants with an mini-mental state examination score ≥27, independence in instrumental activities of daily living, and no diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment were assessed for SMCs. Sociodemographic …

Diagnostic Yield Of Clinical Exome Sequencing In Patients With Suspected Hereditary Neuropathy, Can Ebru Beki̇rcan-Kurt, Doruk Arslan, Naz Güleray, Sevi̇m Erdem-Özdamar, Burcu Balci-Hayta, Ersi̇n Tan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hereditary neuropathies exhibit significant genetic heterogeneities, often making molecular diagnosis challenging. Clinical Exome Sequencing (CES) allows the simultaneous evaluation of a wide range of candidate genes, and can be considered an efficient approach to identifying underlying genetic causes. The present study assesses the diagnostic utility of CES in patients with clinically suspected hereditary neuropathy.

Materials and methods: Included in the study were 21 patients with clinically suspected hereditary neuropathy who underwent CES. DNA samples were isolated from peripheral blood and subjected to CES on an Illumina NextSeq 2000 system, while a bioinformatics analysis and variant interpretation were performed using …

Serial D-Dimer Measurements Dynamically Predict Severity In Acute Biliary Pancreatitis: A Prospective Observational Study, Kemal Tekeşi̇n, Tolga Canbak, Ayli̇n Acar, Fati̇h Başak, Hasan Kumru, Olgun Erdem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Early risk stratification is required in cases of acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Traditional scoring systems such as Ranson’s criteria are complex and often delay treatment. D-dimer, a basic marker of systemic inflammation and coagulation, has shown promise as a prognostic tool. The present study investigates whether the predictive accuracy of serial serum D-dimer measurements is superior to that of the Ranson and BISAP scoring systems for moderate-to-severe ABP.

Materials and methods: Included in this single-center prospective observational study were 264 patients diagnosed with ABP between July 2022 and July 2025 whose collected data were analyzed. The participants were categorized …

Impact Of Patient Education Meetings On Disease Knowledge In Chronic Urticaria Patients, Nazan Beyhan, Hati̇ce Eylül Bozkurt Yilmaz, Asli Çi̇ftci̇, Ömür Aydin, Di̇lşad Mungan, Betül Ayşe Si̇n, Gülfem Eli̇f Çeli̇k, Murat Türk, İnsu Yilmaz, Sevi̇m Bavbek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a manageable disease with symptoms of itching and visible lesions that can disrupt daily life and reduce quality of life. The severity of symptoms can vary, and the cause is often unknown. Concerns among patients as regards to treatment and prognosis highlight the need for disease education to enhance self-management and reduce anxiety. The present study examines the effect of disease education on the knowledge level of CU patients.

Materials and methods: Patients with CU who presented to the allergy clinics of two tertiary university hospitals were invited to inperson education sessions including slide presentations …

Evaluation Of The Efficacy Of Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy In Cases With Parathyroid Adenoma, Bahri̇ Evren, Abdulkadi̇r Bozbay, İsmai̇l Okan Yildirim, Ömercan Topaloğlu, İbrahi̇m Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Radiofrequency ablation of solitary parathyroid adenoma has been used to treat primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) in high-risk patients for parathyroidectomy. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for treating pHPT in patients with parathyroid adenomas.

Materials and methods: The sample for this retrospective study comprised all consecutive patients with solitary parathyroid adenoma treated with radiofrequency ablation between 2013 and 2021. Patients’ baseline serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) values were obtained. The patients were followed up with serial biochemical measurements after the intervention, then at the first-week, first-month, third-month, sixth-month, and twelfth-month follow-ups. The study’s primary …

Validity And Reliability Of The Turkish Version Of The Topical Corticosteroid Phobia (Topicop) Scale, Esra Ağaoğlu, Hi̇lal Kaya Erdoğan, Hi̇lal Çavuş, Selma Meti̇ntaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Concerns about the use of topical corticosteroids (TCSs), commonly referred to as corticophobia, are widespread among dermatology patients and often lead to nonadherence to TCS treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the topical corticosteroid phobia (TOPICOP) scale.

Materials and methods: The TOPICOP scale comprises 12 items grouped into 2 dimensions: beliefs (6 items) and worries (6 items). For cultural adaptation, the scale was forward and backward translated. The final Turkish version was administered to 123 patients with chronic dermatoses who rated their perceptions of TCSs using a 4-point Likert scale. …

Irisin And Adropin Decrease In Preobese Or Obese Individuals With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cuma Mertoğlu, Yaprak Sule Örek, Bülent Albayrak, Yusuf Kemal Arslan, Taha Abdulkadi̇r Çoban

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a metabolic disease that is commonly observed in individuals with obesity. The present study investigates the irisin and adropin levels of sera in preobese or obese adults with NAFLD.

Materials and methods: Included in the study were 89 patients who were categorized into four groups: Group 1: 25 normal-weight individuals without NAFLD (Control group); Group 2: 17 preobese or obese individuals without NAFLD; Group 3: 24 preobese or obese individuals with Grade 1 NAFLD; and Group 4: 23 preobese or obese individuals with Grade 2–3 NAFLD. The demographic details of all participants were …

Etiology And Outcomes Of Upper Extremity Venous Thrombosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study, Selçuk Coşkun, Pinar Köksal Coşkun, Ferhat İçme, Mehmet Ali̇ Ceyhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Upper extremity venous thrombosis (UEVT), encompassing upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) and superficial vein thrombosis (UESVT), is increasingly recognized due to invasive procedures and advanced diagnostics. This study characterizes the 5-year outcomes and etiological factors of UEVT in a large cohort.

Materials and methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 304 consecutive adult patients with acute UEVT (2019–2025) at a tertiary care center in Türkiye. Demographics, medical history, thrombosis characteristics, treatments, and outcomes—including thrombosis resolution, pulmonary embolism, and mortality—were analyzed. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square tests, multivariate logistic regression, and random forest models.

Results: Among the …

Comparison Of Spatiotemporal And Arm Swing Characteristics Of Gait Between Patients With Copd And Healthy Controls, Hi̇daye Yamikan, Ni̇hat Özgören, Serdar Aritan, Oğuz Karcioğlu, Aynur Demi̇rel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Impairments in spatiotemporal gait characteristics have been observed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, arm swing characteristics—a fundamental component of gait that play a key role in maintaining gait stability and energy efficiency—have been largely overlooked. This study aimed to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of gait, together with arm swing patterns, in patients with COPD.

Materials and methods: A total of 20 patients with COPD (aged 40–65 years) and 20 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) participated in this cross-sectional study. Spatiotemporal gait characteristics and arm swing data were recorded using a motion capture system equipped …

Exploring Gender Differences In The Impact Of Sleep And Fatigue On Disease Severity In Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Moderated Mediation Model, Musa Salmanoğlu, Habi̇p Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances, which aggravate disease severity. Gender differences in these interrelationships remain insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine whether fatigue mediates the association between sleep quality and disease severity in RA, and whether these pathways differ by gender.

Materials and methods: A single-center study was conducted with 68 RA patients (55.9% female). Disease severity was assessed using the Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data-3, fatigue using the Bristol Rheumatology Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire, and sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Results: Fatigue significantly mediated the relationship between …

Outcomes Of The First Adolescent-Focused Smoking Cessation Clinic In Türkiye On Tobacco Control, Demet Taş, Furkan Kalayci, Alkim Öden Akman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Adolescent smoking remains common, highlighting the need to control tobacco use and identify influencing factors. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of an adolescent-focused smoking cessation clinic and the factors influencing them.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted with 262 adolescents, who, along with their parents, had direct access to the clinic. Data were drawn from patient records containing structured registration and follow-up documentation. The study investigated the effects of baseline cigarette consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, and nicotine patch use on smoking cessation rates at three months, six months, and one year.

Results: The three-month, six-month, and one-year …

The Impact Of Tizanidine, Thiocolchicoside, And Cyclobenzaprine On Vascular Function In Ovariectomized Rats, Sümeyye Nur Gürsoy, Tolga Esmerli̇gi̇l, Uğur Berkay İnce, Turhan Dost, Buket Demi̇rci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Menopause is associated with increased vascular risk. This study investigated the effects of 3 centrally acting muscle relaxants—tizanidine (TZ), thiocolchicoside (TCC), and cyclobenzaprine (CBZ)—on vascular reactivity in ovariectomized (OVX) rats as a model of menopause.

Materials and methods: Body weight, blood glucose, blood pressure, and heart rate were recorded, and the rats underwent oophorectomy surgery. Eight weeks after the operation, the rats were divided into 5 groups: sham operated rats, OVX rats, OVX rats treated with TZ (OVX + TZ), OVX rats treated with TCC (OVX + TCC), and OVX rats treated with CBZ (OVX + CBZ). All drug …

Natural Progression Of Meningeal Lymphatic Dysfunction In App/Ps1 Mice Creates A Critical Window For Alzheimer’S Disease Intervention, Zilong Shen, Xibin Zhou, Chunxiang Zhou

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs) facilitate the clearance of toxic metabolites like amyloid-beta (Aβ) from the central nervous system. Dysfunction in MLVs is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, current knowledge relies on exogenous intervention models that fail to capture spontaneous mLV decline during AD progression. In this study, we investigated the age-dependent correlation between mLV/deep cervical lymph node (dCLN) dysfunction and Aβ pathology in APP/PS1 mice under noninterventional conditions.

Materials and methods: APP/PS1 and wild-type (WT) mice at 3, 6, and 9 months of age were evaluated. Cognitive function was tested using the Morris water maze. mLV/dCLN drainage was …

Moltkia Coerulea Extracts Alleviate Caspase-3 Activity Via Reducing Oxidative Stress In Lps-Induced Neurotoxicity In Bv-2 Cells, Asli Can Ağca, Derya Altay, Hüdaverdi̇ Kul, Asli F. Ceylan, Betül Sever Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Moltkia coerulea, a medicinal plant traditionally used for its neuroprotective properties, contains diverse phenolic compounds. However, its mechanisms of action in neuroinflammation remain unclear. We hypothesized that extracts of M. coerulea may protect microglial cells from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by modulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase-3 activity.

Materials and methods: Aqueous and methanol extracts (5–50 μg/mL) were tested in BV-2 microglial cells. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, while ROS generation and caspase-3 activity were measured using fluorescence-based kits. The effective concentration (10 μg/mL) was selected for mechanistic assays based on viability data and …

Adapting Master’S-Level Chemistry Education In The United States: Insights From Industry, Academia, And The Literature, Brian Johnson, Amanda Lindell, Nina M. Goodey

Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

As the chemical industry evolves in response to technological and global challenges, Master’s-level chemistry programs must adapt to prepare graduates for workforce success. This article explores how such programs can better integrate professional skills such as communication, collaboration, and research. Drawing on literature and stakeholder interviews from a review of the Chemistry M.S. and Pharmaceutical Biochemistry M.S. programs at Montclair State University, a Hispanic Serving Institution in New Jersey’s pharmaceutical hub, we identified four key themes: the importance of hands-on research experiences, the integration of professional skills development, the need for flexible course and credit requirements, and the challenges of …

Pace Project: Language, Identity, And Mental Health—Building Voice Through Conversation And Analysis, Brian Kapustka

Faculty and Staff Scholarship

Informed by the theoretical foundations articulated in the accompanying PACE theory paper, this application project presents a complete instructional unit designed for upper-beginner to lower-intermediate Spanish learners in a community college context. Centered on the grammatical structure sentirse + adjective and the theme of mental health and well-being, the unit applies the PACE sequence to guide students from global interpretation of an authentic Spanish-language public health text (MedlinePlus Revista) to meaningful interpersonal and presentational communication. The project demonstrates backward design, with clear alignment among objectives, instruction, formative assessment, and a summative performance-based task. Special attention is given to accessibility, neurodiversity, …

Board Of Trustees Minutes, Dec. 12, 2025, Indiana State University Board Of Trustees

Board of Trustees

Indiana State University Board of Trustees meeting minutes

Policy Library- 147 University Curriculum, Assessment, And Student Success Committees, Indiana State University, General Counsel

Policy Library

Policy 147 University Curriculum, Assessment, and Student Success Committees

Exploring The Association Between Nurse Characteristics And Intent To Leave Their Current Position In Counties With Rural Hospital Closures, Caroline A. King

2025 Fall Honors Capstones Projects - Archive

Increased rural hospital closures and nursing burnout may lead to greater morbidity/mortality for rural residents. Current literature fails to capture whether rural hospital closures influence nurses’ intent to leave their current position. In this cross-sectional study, descriptive and correlational statistical analyses were conducted on survey responses from a sample of nurses who lived in a rural county that experienced a hospital closure. 66% of nurses stated that, at one point, they had considered leaving their primary nursing position. Logistic regression model results revealed that nurse-reported age and gender were significant predictors of a nurse’s intention to leave their current position. …

Staff Education To Impact Staff Knowledge Of Depression Screening In Primary Care, Nkeiruka Chinwendu Unaegbu

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Summary This doctoral project was a staff education program designed to improve depression screening among patients in an adult primary care setting. The practice problem addressed was the lack of standardized depression screening that led to inconsistent detection, delayed diagnosis, and fragmented mental health care. A move to address the issue is critical in nursing practice since nurses play a central role in early identification, patient advocacy, and integration of behavioral health into primary care. The practice-focused question guiding the project was, Will implementing a nursing staff education program impact their knowledge of Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for depression screening …

Psychological Capital Of Hospital Nurses In The United States During And After The Covid-19 Pandemic, Mary Jean Erschen-Cooke

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

This study was conducted to explore lived experiences, perceptions, and associated meanings reported by nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic to determine what protected their well-being. A plethora of research focused on the negative impact of exhaustion, compassion fatigue, moral distress, and burnout; however, there was a gap in information regarding supports for emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical health, particularly among U.S. nurses. The foundational theory of psychological capital (PsyCap), focusing on the positive psychological traits of hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, grounded this investigation. A basic qualitative research design yielded rich data from semistructured interviews with 16 nurses working full …

Factors Associated With Initial Psychogenic Non Epileptic Seizures (Pnes) Amongst Patients With/Without Epileptic Seizures (Es), Enow Ogork

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Psychogenic nonepileptic seizure (PNES) is an important individual and public health concern, but inconsistent results exist in the literature in terms of the circumstances surrounding the initial occurrence of PNES among patients without a prior diagnosis of epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent patient sex, number of medical comorbidities, sleep deprivation, head injury in the past, and eyes closed during seizures predict initial PNES among patients with or without PNES. The precaution adoption process model provided a framework for exploring how individuals become aware of health risks and decide to adopt preventive behaviors. Secondary …

How The Advisor-Advisee Relationship Contributes To Black Student Success At Pwis, Renata Denise Roberts

Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative study explores how the advisor-advisee relationship contributes to Black student success at Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs). Black student enrollment and retention at PWIs continue to decline, especially with national efforts to cut DEI measures. Previous research highlights that engagement and institutional support are critical to persistence and graduation; however, limited literature exists on how academic advising relationships can impede or contribute to Black student outcomes in these environments. Viewing from the lens of Black students’ perceptions, this study examines how the academic advising experience can foster trust and contribute to academic achievement for Black students or impede their …

Gender Gaps And Economic Growth: Why Haven't Women Won Globally (Yet)?, Patrick Agte, Orazio Attanasio, Pinelopi K. Goldberg, Charles Gottlieb, Aishwarya Lakshmi Ratan, Rohini Pande, Michael Peters, Charity Troyer Moore, Fabrizio Zilibotti

Discussion Papers

Globally women’s labor force participation lags that of men and women, on average, have lower labor market earnings than men. Does economic growth reduce gender disparities in labor market outcomes between women and men? Conversely, do gender inequalities in the labor market impede growth? To inform these questions, we conduct two analyses. First, we estimate regressions using harmonized data on gender gaps in a range of labor market outcomes from 153 countries spanning two decades (1998-2018). Second, we conduct a systematic review of the recent economics literature on gender gaps in labor markets, examining 16 journals over 21 years. Our …

Assessing The Efficiency Of Methods To Teach Adolescents About Testicular Cancer And Testicular Self-Examination, Ayşe Gül Güven, Laden Jafari̇, Murat Doğuş Günel, Özlem Akbulut

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Due to the increasing incidence of testicular cancer (TC), early testicular self-examination (TSE) in adolescent males is crucial for early detection and treatment. However, it is uncertain which method is best for teaching about TC and TSE in this age group. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of formal (face to face with model) and informal (video presentation) approaches in male adolescents about TC and TSE.Material and methods: This intervention study was conducted in 2 high schools, and included a study group (n = 142) and a control group (n = 102). In the study group, a video …

A Rodent Model Of Enhanced Anticipation Of Positive Events: Sex-Specific Modifications In Cognitive Bias And Emotional Resilience, Sarah C. Hartvigsen, Megan Hooper, Olivia Harding, Evelyn Barringer, Aditya Narayanan, Brendan Crockett, Yulia Shatalov, Paean Luby, Braden Wixted, Molly Kent, Kelly Lambert

Psychology Faculty Publications

While it is known that chronic unpredictable stress and negative events adversely affect neurobiological outcomes, much less is known regarding the neurobiological impact of positive emotions such as chronic anticipation of appetitive events. From a translational perspective, an enhanced understanding of the impact of extended exposure to positive emotions may provide novel insights into effective non-pharmacological, behavior-based approaches to enhance mental resilience. Here, we investigate a novel rodent model of chronic Unpredictable Positive Event Response (UPER) training in male and female Long Evans rats to examine behavioral, neural, and endocrine effects of enhanced anticipation of positive events. Rats were exposed …

The Relationship Between Light Physical Activity And 10-Year Weight Change In 2,868 U.S. Adults: A National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey Investigation, Chloe Diane Cory

Theses and Dissertations

The prevalence of obesity has steadily increased over the past several decades. About 13.4% of Americans aged 20-74 had obesity in 1960-1962 and the prevalence has steadily increased to 40.3% in 2021-2023--more than a 3-fold increase. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between time spent in light physical activity (LPA) and 10-year weight change in a random sample of 2868 women and men representative of the U.S. adult population. METHODS: Data were used from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from the 2003-2006 data cycles. Participants were limited to non-pregnant U.S. …

Board Of Trustees Agenda, Dec. 12 2025, Indiana State University Board Of Trustees

Board of Trustees

No abstract provided.