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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 …

Effects Of Communication Boards On Improving Communication In Assisted Living Care Facilities, Koleen Beatrice Arribas

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: A Residential Care facility utilizes paper charting causing limited access to vital information such as code status, allergies, and/or diet for those caring for the resident.

Context: Exceptional charting only when a resident’s condition changes may not provide enough vital information for the caregiver to administer medication or provide proper support during an emergency, such as the resident’s DNR status.

Interventions: A communication board was placed in a secure space near the nurses’ station with key resident information. Nurses would huddle at the board at before the change of shift and make updates as necessary.

Measures: Staff input in …

Improving Pressure Injury Prevention With Educational Programs For Caregivers And Nurses, Michella B. Kahanding

Master's Projects and Capstones

Problem: Pressure injuries are preventable with adequate interventions and knowledge by healthcare staff; however, skilled nursing facilities struggle with pressure ulcer prevention (PUP). Patient suffering and associated costs with treating these injuries are considerable.

Context: Staff education in knowledge regarding PUP is lacking, and annual PUP education is ineffective in reducing the number of pressure injuries in these facilities.

Interventions: Staff education on prevention strategies includes education, pre- and post-knowledge assessments, return demonstration and product use will be implemented

Measures: Results from the baseline knowledge of appropriate PUP in caregivers, pre- and post-test for knowledge retention, teach back techniques to …

Language Attrition As A Social Process, Or Barzilay

Master's Projects and Capstones

Language attrition is a process in which the gradual decline in proficiency of a language occurs when another language becomes more prominent among individuals, families, and broader societies. This shift often occurs not by choice but by necessity, as speakers are expected to adapt to the other language in educational settings, for employment, and to conform to societal pressures in their new environments. Although language attrition is often described as an individual loss of proficiency, contemporary research reveals a far more complex picture—one shaped by factors that determine which languages are valued and which fade into obscurity. These forces collectively …

Improving Efficiency In Volunteer Onboarding, Madeline Ly Bredehoft, Samantha Nicole Contreras

Master's Projects and Capstones

Project Access, a nonprofit organization serving residents of affordable housing communities, depends significantly on volunteers and student interns to deliver health, education, and employment programming. The current onboarding process lacks standardization, resulting in inconsistent training quality, delayed volunteer readiness, increased staff workload, and reduced engagement and retention. This quality improvement (QI) project aims to address these deficiencies by developing and implementing a standardized onboarding toolkit. The toolkit will include orientation modules, a learning agreement, defined deliverables, and digital resources to facilitate communication and clarify expectations. The project is guided by a PICOT question focused on efficiency and engagement, a structured …

Improving Interdisciplinary Communication And Collaboration With The Standardization Of Doula Care Through An Informatics Tool, Shela Le

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: The 22-bed Labor and Delivery (L&D) unit lacks a standardized model to introduce doulas, clarify their scope of practice, or communicate the value of the services they provide. To address this gap, the team implemented a standardized doula awareness poster that included each doula’s name, photo, years of experience, and personal interests. Aim: The goal is to enhance visibility and promote integration of doula support to strengthen team collaboration and patient engagement. Methods: A pre- and post-implementation survey was distributed exclusively to the volunteer doulas. After the doula awareness poster was displayed for a month, a post-survey assessed these …

Optimizing Electronic Health Record Workflow To Improve Flu Vaccinations In A Primary Health Clinic, Xzalyn Arianah Hernandez

Master's Projects and Capstones

Among the Latinx population influenza vaccination rates remain disproportionately low due to vaccine hesitancy, misinformation, limited access to healthcare, and socioeconomic barriers. Influenza related hospitalizations and deaths have risen in recent years as rates continue to drop across all age groups, as a result of this issue. This quality improvement project aims to increase staff satisfaction and flu vaccination rates among Latinx patients by the implementation of a more efficient workflow process. Different interventions were designed to address workflow inefficiencies and medical assistant dissatisfaction. These interventions included 1) integrating the Immunization Clinic function in EPIC to streamline flu vaccine documentation …

Reducing Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries Through Targeted Nurse Education On The Braden Scale And Skins Bundle, Sarah Nicole Farkas

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) continue to rise nationally despite overall reductions in other hospital-acquired conditions. This project sought to address gaps in nurse knowledge, inconsistent prevention practices, and workflow barriers contributing to HAPI development on a Trauma Medical-Surgical Unit (Unit A). Aim: This project aims to decrease the number of HAPIs on the Trauma Medical Surgical Unit by 11%, from nine HAPIs to eight HAPIs, following implementation of nurse education on the proper use of the Braden Scale and the SKINS Bundle from October 6, 2025, to November 14, 2025. Methods: A pre-intervention survey was administered to identify baseline …

A Quality Improvement Initiative To Streamline Flu Vaccine Documentation And Increase Staff Engagement, Carla E. Giron

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: This quality improvement project was implemented in an urban community health clinic primarily serving low-income and Latinx patients. Factors such as demographics, socioeconomic status, health, and transportation contribute to low U.S. influenza vaccination rates (Chen et al., 2020), while EHR training can improve provider satisfaction and efficiency (DiAngi et al., 2019). This microsystem faced inconsistent workflow processes, limited EHR training, and documentation errors that contributed to low staff satisfaction rates and influenza vaccination rates. An average of 11.4% of patients received a flu vaccine in October 2023 and 2024. Medical assistants (MAs) completed a pre-intervention survey indicating that 35% …

Bridging Gaps In Safety: A Team-Based Approach To Reducing Falls Among Older Adults, Enzali Min

Master's Projects and Capstones

A skilled nursing facility in the San Francisco Bay Area is experiencing fall rates surpassing the national average throughout the year. Falls among elderly residents lead to multi-level complications, from minor bruising to major injuries such as fractures, head injuries and hospital transfer, and in the most severe cases, higher mortality rates. To address the issue of high fall rates at the nursing facility, the post-fall huddle protocol was developed on the unit. The team intends to reduce the facility's fall rate by 25% over the next five weeks, from October 1 through November 5, 2025, along with improving the …

The Pressure Is On: A Quality Improvement Project To Educate Nurses On Hospital Acquired Pressure Injuries, Lance Ward

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective Hospital acquired pressure injuries (HAPIs) are injuries developed by admitted patients, from treatment interventions that they encounter during their hospital stay. If a patient acquires a HAPI during their stay, the hospital is required to cover all expenses related to the injury. An in-patient trauma unit at a large medical center wishes to improve patient care by educating nursing staff on preventive measures of HAPIs. A review of relevant literature on HAPIs from the past five years was conducted to identify HAPI preventions tools, such as the Braden Scale and SKINS bundle, as well as the best methods to …

From Fear To Familiar: Reducing Technology-Induced Anxiety In Seniors, Justin Kyle V. Manalang

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

This quality improvement project focuses on reducing the average technology-induced anxiety score among senior community members through 1:1 mentorship sessions. Aim During an eight-week period from September 10, 2025, to November 5, 2025, this project will reduce the severity of technology-induced anxiety by 25% from the established baseline. Methods: A 5P Microsystem assessment was conducted alongside an initial questionnaire to gauge the residents’ interests and concerns regarding technology use. From the results, focused mentorship sessions were conducted once a week and pertained to the chief complaint the resident had for eight weeks. The mentorship sessions were one-to-one and individualised …

Enhancing Psychotropic Medication Documentation Through Staff Education To Promote Increased Compliance Rates And Patient Safety, Matalyn F. Kirkes

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Inappropriate psychotropic medication use and documentation poses a risk to patient safety and health as well as premature death while also leading to regulatory noncompliance (Bednarczyk et al., 2022). Improving nurse documentation can help patients maintain safe and adequate prescriptions and doses. Context: Baseline data collected within our microsystem revealed gaps in nurse comfort and knowledge around documentation requirements. The nursing staff (LVNs/RNs), who we received the baseline data from, are responsible for assessments, documentation, and patient monitoring, for which there is significant variability in understanding the required expectations. Interventions: The education for the skilled nursing staff as well …

Stop, Look, And Save A Spot! Implementing The Hapi Prevention Tool, A Visual Cuing System That Aims To Reduce Hospital-Acquired Pressure Injuries In Acute Care Units, Jada Baldoza

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Hospital-acquired pressure injuries continue to be a major challenge in many healthcare settings as it poses increased risk in patient safety. Additionally, it creates a significant financial burden on hospitals as it increases operational costs that can increase strain on healthcare resource demands. Nurses play a major role in mitigating these injuries through practicing quality patient care and utilizing prevention strategies that have been proven effective. Aim: A quality improvement project was conducted by introducing a visual cueing system, the HAPI Prevention Tool to investigate its potential sustainability on reducing HAPI rates in the medical-surgical unit. Methods: The QI …

From Fear To Familiar: Alleviating Technology Anxiety In Older Adults Through A Community-Based Mentorship Program, Inyoung Jang

Master's Projects and Capstones

This quality improvement project was implemented in a senior residential facility in Richmond, California, catering to older low-income adults who frequently experience elevated levels of technology anxiety. Aim This project aims to reduce the mean modified technology-anxiety score among residents aged 65 and older by at least 25% from baseline by November 5, 2025. Methods The Abbreviated Technology Anxiety Scale (MTAS) was modified to consider the cognitive, linguistic, and experiential differences among target population. The original 11-item instrument, which was validated primarily within college-aged populations, used terms and repeated items irrelevant to older people. The adapted tool included five simplified …

Implementing A Standardized Doula Awareness Tool To Improve Team Collaboration And Patient Understanding, Stephanie Wong

Master's Projects and Capstones

Setting: 22-bed, Labor and Delivery (L&D) unit in the Bay Area serving diverse birthing patients. Problem & Context: The unit lacks a standardized model to introduce doulas, clarify their roles, or communicate their value. Evidence shows that doulas feel unseen by other hospital staff (Kett et al., 2022) and report that their role can be misunderstood, undervalued, or unrecognized, creating barriers to effective partnership (Louis-Jacques et al., 2024). Pre-survey: Only 19.2% of the participating volunteer doulas felt patients understood their role as a doula, and 11.5% felt patients were only slightly knowledgeable. In terms of collaboration, just 15.4% felt consistently …