Digital Commons Network^™

Turkish Translation, Cultural Adaptation, And Validation Of The Patient-Reported Villalta Scale For The Diagnosis Of Postthrombotic Syndrome In Patients With Vascular Behçet Disease ​, Tuğçe Kübra Güneş, Murat Karabacak, Mehmet Umut Çapar, Tüli̇n Ergun, Rafi̇ Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Fatma Ali̇baz Öner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) constitutes 70% of all vascular findings related to Behçet disease (BD). Postthrombotic syndrome (PTS) is a serious complication of DVT that develops due to chronic venous insufficiency and decreases the patient’s quality of life. The physician-reported Villalta scale is a widely used and validated diagnostic tool for diagnosing and evaluating the severity of PTS. However, the necessity of physical examination by a physician burdens the clinician during routine practice. For that reason, a patient-reported Villalta scale was developed and validated. This study aimed to translate the patient-reported Villalta scale into Turkish and validate …

Impact Of Weather Changes On Pediatric Trauma: A Detailed Demographic Analysis ​, Nuri̇ Koray Ülgen, Ali̇ Sai̇d Nazligül, Ni̇hat Yi̇ği̇t, Sadik Emre Ergi̇noğlu, Arslan Kağan Arslan, Mehmet Orçun Akkurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pediatric trauma creates substantial emergency and orthopedic workload, and fluctuations in volume may affect staffing and resources. This study investigated the associations of ambient temperature, precipitation, and calendar characteristics with pediatric orthopedic trauma consultations and fracture events, including age-, sex-, and fracture-location-specific patterns.

Materials and methods: All pediatric trauma-related consultations were requested from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology by the emergency department between June 1, 2023, and June 1, 2024, were retrospectively analyzed. Consultation and fracture data were aggregated daily. Negative binomial regression was used for count outcomes, temperature nonlinearity was tested using a quadratic term, and weighted …

Decoding The Silent Damage: Clinical And Electrophysiological Features Associated With Occupational N-Hexane Exposure ​, Mehli̇ka Panpalli Ateş, Umur Poyraz, Mustafa Yurtdaş, Emi̇n Gemci̇oğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate early findings in patients exposed to n-hexane while working in a shoe factory.

Materials and methods: Twenty-four patients exposed to n-hexane were evaluated by physical examination and electroneuromyography 2–5 weeks after the onset of paresthesia symptoms. The examination and electrophysiological results of these patients were assessed by different physicians who were blinded to both examinations.

Results: Among patients who had weakness, it was particularly obvious in the proximal muscles of the lower extremities. Nerve conduction studies showed decreased motor nerve conduction velocity, conduction block, prolonged distal latency, and prolonged F-wave latency in 20 patients. …

Endovascular Management Of Vascular Complications In Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Center Experience ​, Ati̇ye Cenay Karabörk Kiliç, Burak Mert Akhan, Nemat Ibrahi̇mkhanli, Esra Kulaksiz Turan, Fati̇h Öncü, Mehmet Koray Akkan, Ahmet Baran Onal, Erhan Turgut Ilgit

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Vascular access failure remains a major cause of morbidity in patients undergoing hemodialysis. This study aimed to evaluate the types of endovascular interventions performed for hemodialysis-related vascular complications, as well as their technical success and patency outcomes, at a single center.

Materials and methods: A total of 103 lesions in 89 patients treated between 2001 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Catheterrelated complications, central venous stenosis or occlusion, and arteriovenous fistula- or graft-related complications were managed using endovascular techniques. Endovascular interventions included catheter repositioning, thrombolysis, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), stent placement for central venous lesions, PTA of the fistula vein …

Subclinical Trigeminal Involvement In Bell’S Palsy: Insights From Cranial Somatosensory Evoked Potentials ​, Ahmet Hakan Ekmekci̇, Burcu Sümeyye Çağar, Nadi̇re Ünver Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Bell’s palsy (BP) has traditionally been considered an isolated peripheral facial nerve mononeuropathy; however, subclinical trigeminal involvement has been suggested. We evaluated whether cranial somatosensory evoked potentials (cSEP) demonstrate electrophysiological alterations in the trigeminal system in patients with BP.

Materials and methods: The records of 32 patients with BP who underwent cSEP between March 2010 and April 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. For the six patients without explicit chart documentation, the affected side was determined using acute-phase facial electromyography records. During routine clinical assessment, cSEP recordings were obtained using inferior alveolar nerve stimulation according to a standardized protocol. Latencies (N1, …

Posture And Musculoskeletal Symptom Burden, But Not Daily Step Count, Are Independently Associated With Physical Quality Of Life In Office Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study ​, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k, Abdurrahman İskender, Ahmet Usta, Alper Doğanci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Office work is characterized by prolonged sitting and may be accompanied by musculoskeletal symptoms and reduced well-being. This study examined associations of step-based and self-reported physical activity, clinical posture, attitudes toward sports, smartphone addiction, and musculoskeletal symptom burden in office workers with the four domains of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale-Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF).

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional analysis included 44 desk-based office workers at a public institution. WHOQOL-BREF domain scores were transformed to a 0–100 scale. Physical activity was assessed via 7-day average daily step counts and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); posture …

Reliability And Validity Of The Turkish Version Of The Nose-Perf Scale ​, Aykut Özdoğan, Zülküf Küçüktağ, Gökçe Saygi Uysal, Enes Ahmet Subay, Serdar Özer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the NOSE-Perf scale, developed to assess symptom severity and quality of life in patients with nasal septal perforation (NSP), and to compare the symptom profile of patients with NSP with those of the nasal obstruction and healthy control groups.

Materials and methods: To evaluate the temporal stability of the NOSE-Perf scale, a test–retest assessment was performed in the NSP group at a 1-month interval. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, while discriminative validity was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) …

Psychological Distress Among Dental Students: A Comparative Study Of Preclinical And Clinical Stages ​, Ömer Faruk Sari, Eli̇f Albayrak, Muhammed Hi̇lmi̇ Büyükçavuş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Understanding the degree of psychological stress experienced by dental students, together with the contributing factors, is important for reducing the adverse effects of stress and improving student well-being. Accordingly, the present study examined psychological distress levels among dental students and compared psychological distress across different academic years.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included all undergraduate students enrolled in a single 5-year dental faculty in Türkiye during the 2024–2025 academic year. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) survey was administered to the students and 399 dentistry students filled out the survey completely.

Results: Statistically significant differences in K10 scores …

Trustworthiness In The Future: The Enduring Principles, Values, And Virtues Of Professionalism In Medicine, Thomas J. Nasca, Charles W. Thomas

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

No abstract provided.

Cover And Contents

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Lactulose Hydrogen Breath Test Findings In Children And Adolescents With Duodenogastric Reflux And Suspected Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth: A Pilot Study ​, Hati̇ce Yilmaz Dağli, Zafer Şahi̇n, Dudu Duygu Ci̇van, Reha Artan, Aygen Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to identify small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) in children and adolescents with persistent symptoms of duodenogastric reflux disease (DGRD).

Materials and methods: Patients aged 5–18 years who were diagnosed with DGRD between 2021 and 2023 were identified. Patients with two or more of 10 symptoms suggestive of SIBO (nausea, vomiting, weight loss, diarrhea, fatigue, joint pain, bloating, depression, acne rosacea, malnutrition) underwent lactulose hydrogen breath testing (LHBT).

Results: A total of 112 patients with DGRD were identified. Seven patients who could not be reached via the telemedicine method were excluded from the study. LHBT was not …

Appendix: Montana Science Teachers Association (Msta) Presentation, 2026, Garon C. Smith

G. Wiz’s Book of Spells

This appendix contains the PowerPoint file that was presented as the keynote address to the Montana Science Teachers Association at the Montan Federation of Public Employees convention on October 15, 2026 at Charles M. Russell High School in Great Falls. The talk that accompanied the slides was focused on how I use dramatic demos to introduce a new concept to my class. If you can capture their interest going into a new unit by letting them experience first-hand what its content concerns, you are more likely to keep them engaged. It gives them a real experience to associate with abstract …

Do Soil Amendments Improve Crop Production And Poor Water Infiltration?, Matt Yost, Megan Baker, Tejinder Singh, Grant Cardon

All Current Publications

Soil amendments are widely promoted as tools to improve aggregation, porosity, water holding capacity, nutrient availability, and water infiltration of soils. These benefits are possible, but they depend on the specific soil problem being treated, amendment type and rate, soil chemistry, soil texture and structure, and the time since application. Studies at Utah State University provide a useful short-term test of what growers can reasonably expect from a single surface application of these amendments.

Ronald Emrit V. Kim Kardashian

2026 Decisions

USDC for the Western District of Pennsylvania

Words And Places That Shape Behavior, Nicole J. Olynk Widmar,, Michael L. Smith, Erin Robinson

Purdue University Press Books

Words and Places That Shape Behavior, the sixth installment in the Consumer Corner series, brings the concept of place to the forefront, connecting what people say to where they actually go. By combining insights from online and social media conversations with real-world foot traffic data, the book reveals how consumers’ stated preferences align with—or diverge from—their actions..

From the rhythms of back-to-school shopping and childcare to the draw of state fairs, lakes, and local landmarks, this book explores how everyday choices shape the places where people gather and spend their time. It examines seasonal shopping and dining trends, what …

Influence Of Head Posture In Sitting And Standing Positions On The Vertical Dimension Of Rest Value In Dentate Patients: A Comparative Clinical Study, Mia Bardawil, Carole Abi Ghosn, Jihad Fakhouri

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: This study investigates the value of the vertical dimension of rest (VDR) in dentate patients in different head postures, supported and unsupported by the headrest of the dental chair, as well as in standing position.

Methods: The VDR was measured and compared in 60 dentate individuals aged 20–25 in different positions (sitting with and without head support, and standing) three times per position. The head was aligned according to the Frankfurt plane when unsupported or standing. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality and ANOVA to assess the effects of posture, gender, and their interaction. …

Comparative Evaluation Of The Effect Of Different Desensitising Methods On The Retention Of Crowns Cemented With Resin Modified Gic: An In-Vitro Study, Zainab Inayatullah, Kartika N. Kumar, Punit Rs Khurana, Anju Aggarwal, Aditya Chaudhary, Naila Perween

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: This in vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of three different desensitizing methods— Admira Protect, dentin bonding agent (Tetric N Bond), and diode laser—on the retention of porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns cemented with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC).

Methods: Forty extracted, non-carious human premolars were prepared for full-coverage crowns and divided into four groups (n = 10): Group I (Control, no desensitizer), Group II (Admira Protect), Group III (Dentin bonding agent), and Group IV (Diode laser). Standardized tooth preparations were performed and PFM crowns were fabricated and cemented using RMGIC (RelyX Luting 2, 3M ESPE). …

Spectator 2026-10-15, Editors Of The Spectator

The Spectator

No abstract provided.

Patterns And Clinical Outcomes Of Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infections: A 5-Year Single-Center Cohort Study ​, Mert Can Rador, Ahmet Can Tuzluklu, Gaye Fi̇li̇nte, Kaan Gi̇deroğlu, Alperen Kahraman, Bi̇lal Eryildirim, Hasan Fehmi̇ Küçük

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Necrotizing soft tissue infections are uncommon but rapidly lethal, and their perineal form, Fournier’s gangrene, is most often referred for reconstruction. Whether routine admission findings identify the highest-risk patients more accurately than severity scores remains uncertain, and whether sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors, which are widely used in patients with diabetes, influence clinical outcomes also remains unclear.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively studied consecutive adults with necrotizing soft tissue infection at a tertiary referral center over 5 years. A subcohort of 70 patients who underwent plastic and reconstructive surgery was identified within the full institutional cohort of 137. Admission findings …

Microbiota Awareness And Glycaemic Status In Primary Care Patients: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study ​, Cansu Sepetçi̇, Erhan Şi̇mşek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim in this study was to assess microbiota awareness in adults across different glycaemic groups and to investigate the association between microbiota awareness and HbA1c levels in a primary care population.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 330 adults aged 18–65 years: 110 participants with type 2 diabetes, 110 with prediabetes, and 110 without diabetes or prediabetes. Microbiota awareness was assessed using the Microbiota Awareness Scale (MAS), which was administered through face-to-face interviews. HbA1c values and relevant clinical data were obtained from medical records. Group differences in MAS scores were evaluated using both unadjusted analyses and …

Effects Of A Virtual Reality-Based Nature Video Intervention On Sleep Quality And Mental Well-Being In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial ​, Hati̇ce Yağci Karamanli, Nuray Bi̇ngöl

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sleep quality and mental health are negatively affected in many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual reality (VR) on sleep quality and mental well-being.

Materials and methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected from patients with MS who presented to a hospital in Türkiye. The study was completed by 21 participants in the experimental group and 22 participants in the control group. Participants in the experimental group watched nature videos using VR headsets for 6 weeks. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) …

Effect Of Beverages With Varying Acidity On The Surface Microhardness Of Resin Composites: An In Vitro Study, Vishnu S, Shweta Purohit, Yashas Dm, Mangala G K, Chinnu Mary Jose, Athira Bs

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: The increasing consumption of acidic beverages has raised concerns regarding their impact on the longevity of composite resin restorations. Surface microhardness is a critical parameter for evaluating the mechanical performance and durability of restorative materials.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the effect of beverages with varying acidity on the surface microhardness of different composite resin materials and to assess the relationship between beverage pH and microhardness reduction.

Materials and Methods: This in vitro experimental study included 140 disc-shaped specimens of four composite resins: Filtek Z350 XT, Tetric N-Ceram, Beautifil II, and Charisma Smart (n = 35 …

Distributed Leadership For Mission Integration, Mark J. Laboe D.Min.

Vincentian Studies

As Catholic and Vincentian institutions navigate increasing religious pluralism, declining numbers of vowed religious, and changing expectations about leadership, new models of mission leadership are needed. This article proposes distributed leadership for mission as a framework for sustaining Catholic and Vincentian identity in higher education. Drawing from the history of Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, and the Vincentian Family, as well as contemporary scholarship on leadership and organizational effectiveness, it argues that mission is best carried forward through intentional networks of leaders who share responsibility for cultivating institutional culture and advancing a common purpose. The article explores the theoretical …

Effect Of Post-Curing Time On The Color Stability Of 3d-Printed Hybrid Resin Material, An In Vitro Study, Nisrine Khneisser, Louis Hardan, Ziad Salameh, Joseph Hajjar, Karim Corbani

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: This study investigated the effect of post-curing time on the color stability of a non-polished, as-printed hybrid 3D printed resin material and assessed whether a nitrogen atmosphere during post-curing has any influence.

Methods: The 3D-printed specimens were divided into four groups based on the post-curing time (5, 10, 20 and 30 min) and two subgroups with and without nitrogen. Color changes ( E) of the specimens, immersed in coffee for 30 days, were measured using a spectrophotometer at different ageing times: first at baseline and 7,15 and 30 days after immersion. Data were analyzed with Shapiro–Wilk, Kruskal–Wallis, …

Destaining Of Stained Clear Aligners When Subjected To Different Cleaning Techniques: A Comparative In Vitro Analysis, Malik Cn Sadah, Raj Kumar Jaiswal, Amit Kumar Singh, Nishtha Srivastava, Stuti Raj, Ayushi Singh

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Clear aligners are widely used due to superior esthetics; however, staining and loss of transparency remain major clinical concerns. This study evaluated color changes in stained clear aligners after different destaining techniques.

Methods: In this in vitro comparative study, 40 new clear aligners were stained using coffee solution and divided into four groups: control, Invisalign cleaning crystals alone, crystals with ultrasonic cleaning, and crystals with motorized brushing. Color change was assessed using VITA Easyshade spectrophotometer, Adobe Photoshop LAB analysis, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Data were analysed using ANOVA, Tukey post hoc test, Kruskal–Wallis, and Mann–Whitney U …

Cholesterol Metabolism And Oral Health: An Integrative Review, Raíssa Colherinhas, Carla Guimarães Moutinho, Ana Cristina F Vinha, Carla Alexandra Lopes Andrade De Sousa E Silva

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Background: This integrative review associated changes in cholesterol metabolism and oral diseases. Conditions such as periodontal disease, tooth loss and oral cancer may be influenced by imbalances in lipid levels through mechanisms involving inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune modulation.

Highlight: This review examined scientific studies published mainly in the last decade. The findings indicate consistent associations between hypercholesterolemia or hyperlipidemia and periodontal disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiovascular conditions, peri-implant health, and tooth loss. Hypocholesterolemia was associated with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Periodontal disease was the most frequently investigated oral condition, representing almost half of the included studies.

Conclusion …

Psychological Therapy In The Management Of Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review, Pragatheeswari R, Kavitha M, Sarumathi T, Niveditha B, Barkavi Panchatcharam, Pavithra D, Samu Fathima A I, Vigneshwaran J

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of psychological therapy in the management of temperomandibular disorders compared to other treatment modalities.

Methodology: Studies were selected according to PICO criteria, considering the RDC/TMD as a reference, improvement of pain and psychological parameters were the primary outcomes. Data search was mainly carried out through electronic search in several renowned databases: PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Google scholar. The publications collected were published between 2010 and 2024. Randomized clinical trials that compared the efficacy of psychological treatment modality with other conservative treatment modalities were screened and evaluated. A total of 5 …

Stem Cell-Based Therapies In Periodontology And Implant Dentistry: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Abdullah Saeed, Marycris Padrigo

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Periodontal disease and peri-implantitis remain the leading causes of tooth and implant loss, and conventional regenerative procedures consistently fall short of full structural restoration. Stem cell therapies have emerged as a promising alternative, operating through multi-lineage differentiation, immunomodulation via paracrine signaling, and extracellular vesicle communication. Prior systematic reviews, however, lacked methodological rigor — omitting clustering adjustments, REML/HKSJ estimation, prediction intervals, and publication bias modeling.

Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated whether stem cell therapy produces superior clinical and radiographic outcomes compared to cell-free controls in adults with periodontal or peri-implant bone defects.

Methods: Searches across …

Looksmaxxing, Personal Branding, And The Performance Of Authenticity In Gen Z Culture, Erika Grodzki, Stefanie Powers, Gary Carlin

College of Communication and Design Faculty Publications & Presentations

Looksmaxxing, a practice centered on improving appearance through everything from skincare and fitness to more extreme measures, has become increasingly visible among Generation Z social media users. The trend has grown through platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where content focused on self-improvement, beauty, and personal transformation attracts millions of views. This roundtable will discuss looksmaxxing and its broader implications for personal branding, identity, and authenticity in digital spaces. Panelists will examine why the trend has become so popular among Generation Z, how social media shapes public image, and the role influencers play in shaping audience expectations. The conversation …

Persuasive Strategies To Increase Student Voting: A Communication-Based Framework For Civic Engagement At The Higher Education Institutions, Daniel Sherrick Apambila

eJournal of Public Affairs

The decline in civic engagement among college students poses a significant threat to democratic society, with youth electoral participation dropping from 50% in 2020 to 42% in 2024. This study presents a comprehensive communication-based framework designed to increase student voting participation at Illinois State University through theoretically grounded persuasive strategies. Drawing from established persuasion theories including Cialdini’s Principles of Persuasion, the Theory of Planned Behavior, the Elaboration Likelihood Model, and repetitive frequency effects, this research addresses structural, informational, and motivational barriers that prevent student electoral participation.

The proposed strategic framework encompasses three interconnected approaches: (1) behavioral positioning and target segmentation …