Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Letter To The Editor: Telemedicine Versus Conventional Care For Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Study, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome In Pediatric Colchicine Poisoning: A National Cohort Study From Türkiye, Faruk Eki̇nci̇, Di̇nçer Yildizdaş, Ozden Özgür Horoz, Hayri̇ Levent Yilmaz, Sevcan Bi̇len, İlker Ünal, İkbal Türker, Esra Şevketoğlu, Ni̇hal Akçay, Agop Çitak, Güntülü Şik, Tanil Kendi̇rli̇, Merve Havan, Murat Kangin, Mehmet Nur Talay, Nazi̇k Yener, Hati̇ce Albayrak, Edi̇n Botan, Utku Özer, Arzu Oto, Gürkan Bozan, Muhterem Duyu, Başak Nur Akyildiz, Nai̇me Gökay, Eli̇f Çeli̇k, Çapan Konca, Mutlu Uysal Yazici, Oğuz Dursun, Feyza İnceköy Gi̇rgi̇n, Hati̇ce Feray Ari, İlknur Arslan, Murat Özkale, Özlem Sandal, Merve Misirlioğlu, Hali̇l Keski̇n, Sadik Kaya, Arda Kilinç, Ferhat Sari, Fati̇h Akin, Ayşe Aşik, Ibrahi̇m Bi̇ngöl, Eda Turanli, Merve Boyraz, Ener Çağri Di̇nleyi̇ci̇, Mehmet Aki̇f Dündar, Selver Ceren Özcan, Aygül Kaya Akilli, Emi̇ne Akkuzu, Nazan Ülgen Tekerek, Ni̇lüfer Öztürk, Emrah Gün, Yasemi̇n Özkale, Nuretti̇n Onur Kutlu, Zeynelabi̇di̇n Öztürk

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Colchicine poisoning has been associated with systemic toxicity, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and mortality. In the present study, the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of pediatric colchicine poisoning cases and the incidence of organ failure are investigated to identify potential risk factors associated with MODS.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective multicenter cohort study were pediatric patients admitted to 28 tertiary-care pediatric intensive care units with a diagnosis of colchicine poisoning. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, and clinical outcomes were extracted from medical records. MODS was defined as dysfunction involving at least two organ systems. Multivariable …

Clinical, Hormonal, And Treatment Outcomes In 247 Patients With Acromegaly: A Single Tertiary Center Experience, Ümran Gül, Beki̇r Uçan, Hayri̇ Bostan, Hakan Düğer, Hayri̇ Kertmen, Caner Ünlüer, Hali̇l Durantaş, Oğulcan Boz, Ceren Karaçalik Ünver, Burak Menekşe, Sema Hepşen, İlknur Öztürk Ünsal, Mustafa Özbek, Erman Çakal, Muhammed Kizilgül

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, and hormonal characteristics; comorbidities; surgical pathology; treatment modalities; and long-term clinical outcomes of patients diagnosed with and managed for acromegaly at our tertiary referral center over a 15-year period.

Materials and methods: Between 2010 and 2024, 247 patients with acromegaly were evaluated. Diagnosis and biochemical remission were determined according to the 2024 Acromegaly Consensus Criteria.

Results: The median follow-up duration was 8 years (IQR: 3–14). At the time of diagnosis, the most frequent pituitary hormone deficiency was secondary adrenal insufficiency, present in 17.8% of patients. The most common comorbidities were hypertension …

Vnotes High Uterosacral Ligament Suspension Versus Laparoscopic Lateral Suspension In The Management Of Vaginal Vault Prolapse: Initial Experience In A Single Tertiary Center, Ramazan Adan, Fati̇h Şahi̇n, Ulya Üskent, Mehmet Gökhan Çulha, Arzu Bi̇lge Teki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The optimal technique for vaginal vault prolapse correction has yet to be identified. This study aimed to evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of women who underwent vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic high uterosacral ligament suspension (vNOTES HUSLS) or laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS).

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included symptomatic women with stage ≥2 vault prolapse who underwent vNOTES HUSLS or LLS between January 2019 and June 2022 at a tertiary center. The surgical efficacy, postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and recurrence frequencies of these procedures were compared. The primary outcomes of the study included anatomical success, patient-reported (subjective) …

Skin Cancer Surgery Under Local Anesthesia: Clinicopathologic Characteristics And Age-Stratified Outcomes In 533 Patients, Menekşe Kastamoni̇ Başkan, Süleyman Çeçen, Selçuk Akin, Şaduman Balaban Adim, Güzi̇n Yeşi̇m Özgenel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Skin cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide, particularly among elderly individuals. Many lesions are detected at an early stage because of their visibility and can be excised under local anesthesia, thereby avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia or sedation. This study aimed to evaluate patient- and tumor-related characteristics in skin cancer surgery performed under local anesthesia, with particular emphasis on age-related outcomes.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 533 patients with 613 histopathologically confirmed skin cancers excised under local anesthesia between 2019 and 2024. Demographic, histopathological, and surgical variables were recorded, including age, sex, tumor location, …

Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment Identifies Multidimensional Vulnerabilities In Older Adults With Heart Failure, Ci̇han Kiliç, Rengi̇n Demi̇r, Özlem Yilmaz Aykent, Zerri̇n Yi̇ği̇t, Pinar Küçükdağli, Banu Özulu Türkmen, Güli̇stan Bahat, Mehmet Aki̇f Karan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Heart failure (HF) in older adults is frequently accompanied by geriatric syndromes that remain unrecognized in conventional cardiac evaluations. The vulnerabilities of older adults with and without HF in terms of muscle strength, physical performance, functional capacity, frailty, nutritional status, cognition, mood, anxiety, polypharmacy, and comorbidity were investigated using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA).

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two academic outpatient clinics, enrolling 420 adults aged ≥60 years, including 92 (21.9%) with HF. Data included sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, and CGA parameters: handgrip strength, the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), …

Timing Of Kirschner Wire Removal In Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures: Is Early Removal A Safe And Effective Option?, Mustafa Kemal Yeni̇dünya, Si̇nan Yüksel, İbrahi̇m Faruk Adigüzel, Serhat Di̇nç, Önder Ersan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The optimal timing of Kirschner wire removal following the surgical treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of early versus late K-wire removal and to contribute to the standardization of the timing of pin removal in pediatric patients.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 90 pediatric patients (aged 4–14 years) treated with closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for Gartland type III and IV supracondylar humerus fractures. Patients were grouped according to the timing of pin removal as early (postoperative days 21–28, n = 40) or late (after …

Bridging The Methodological Gap In Multitrauma Literature: A Competency-Based Educational Framework And Clinical Appraisal Filter, Şaki̇r Hakan Aksu, Burcu Doğan, Merve Yazla

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The statistical complexity of contemporary multitrauma literature has increased considerably in recent years, which may pose challenges for clinicians seeking to interpret high-impact research and apply evidence-based practices. Characterizing this methodological landscape and exploring education-oriented approaches may help to improve the interpretability of the literature and support informed clinical decision-making.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on the 100 most-cited multitrauma studies published in Science Citation Index Expanded journals indexed in the Web of Science database between January 2018 and November 2025. The statistical methods used in each article were categorized into the three competency levels of …

Common Femoral Vein Wall Thickness As A Supportive Imaging Marker In The Differential Diagnosis Of Behçet’S Uveitis, Seda Kutluğ Ağaçkiran, Esra Kardeş, Abdulbaki̇ Ağaçkiran, Haner Di̇reskeneli̇, Fatma Ali̇baz-Öner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Ocular involvement is a major cause of morbidity in Behçet’s disease (BD), and its diagnosis may be challenging, particularly for patients with isolated ocular manifestations or incomplete fulfillment of diagnostic criteria. Increased common femoral vein (CFV) wall thickness measured by Doppler ultrasonography (US) has previously been shown to be a sensitive and specific marker for systemic BD. This study aimed to evaluate whether CFV wall thickness measurement may serve as a supportive tool in distinguishing Behçet’s uveitis (BU) from other forms of inflammatory uveitis.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 45 patients with BU fulfilling the International Study …

Postoperative Normocalcemic Hyperparathyroidism: A Comprehensive Analysis Of 510 Cases, Alparslan Ertenli̇ce, İbrahi̇m Kilinç, Mustafa Oruç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Postoperative normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NC-HPT) is defined as elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels despite normal calcium levels after parathyroidectomy for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). This study investigates the demographic, biochemical, and histopathological factors associated with NC-HPT in a large patient cohort and presents the follow-up outcomes.

Materials and methods: The initial study sample included 571 patients who underwent surgery for PHPT between January 2018 and January 2024, 510 of whom were analyzed retrospectively after the application of the exclusion criteria. Preoperative and postoperative biochemical parameters, bone mineral density, pathological findings, and follow-up data were evaluated. NC-HPT was defined as postoperative PTH …

Clinical Outcomes Of Injectable And Conventional Pulmonary Valve Replacement In Severe Pulmonary Regurgitation, Sercan Tak, Murat Koç, Ali̇ Kutsal, Vehbi̇ Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pulmonary regurgitation following tetralogy of Fallot repair is a common long-term complication requiring pulmonary valve replacement. Injectable bioprosthetic valves offer a less invasive alternative to conventional surgical replacement, but comparative data in pediatric populations remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate short-term and long-term clinical outcomes of injectable pulmonary valve replacement and conventional pulmonary valve replacement in pediatric patients with severe pulmonary regurgitation following tetralogy of Fallot repair.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 22 pediatric patients who underwent pulmonary valve replacement. Patients were divided into injectable (n = 9) and conventional (n = 13) groups based on …

Alterations In Gut Microbiota Composition In Adult Patients With Familial Mediterranean Fever: A Pilot Case–Control Study, Nazi̇fe Şule Yaşar Bi̇lge, Vicente Pérez Brocal, Ti̇muçi̇n Kaşi̇foğlu, Uğur Bi̇lge, Ni̇lgün Kaşi̇foğlu, Andres Moya, Ener Çağri Di̇nleyi̇ci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Although familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a monogenic disease, recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play a role in its pathogenesis or phenotypic expression. We conducted a pilot exploratory study to evaluate the intestinal microbiota composition in patients with FMF and compare it to that of healthy controls.

Materials and methods: In this prospective cohort study, 10 adult patients with FMF receiving colchicine and 10 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Fecal samples were collected and stored at –80 °C until DNA extraction. The V3–V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified and sequencing was …

Urinary Dkk3 As A Predictor Of Ckd Stages In Reflux Nephropathy In Children, Ayşe Seda Pinarbaşi, Nesli̇han Günay, İnayet Güntürk, Di̇dem Barlak Keti̇, Si̇bel Yel, Sekure Rabi̇a Ulueren, Cevat Yazici, Muammer Hakan Poyrazoğlu, İsmai̇l Dursun

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Reflux nephropathy is an important cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in children. The search for new biomarkers continues, as early intervention is important to slow the progression of CKD. Urinary Dickkopf-3 (uDKK3), a potential marker of tubulointerstitial fibrosis, has been studied in adults but not extensively in children with CKD. This study was conducted to determine the role of uDKK3 levels in predicting the CKD stage in children with reflux nephropathy.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 113 children with CKD stages 1–4 with reflux nephropathy and 28 healthy controls. uDKK3 concentrations were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent …

Hla Allele And Haplotype Diversity In Central Anatolia: A Comparative Analysis Of Donors And Transplant Candidates Across Six Hla Loci (Hla-A, Hla-B, Hla-C, Hla-Drb1, Hla-Dqb1, And Hla-Dpb1), Emel Yantir, Eren Gündüz, Ertuğrul Çolak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) polymorphisms play a central role in immune recognition, disease susceptibility, and transplant success. The distribution of HLA alleles and haplotypes varies among ethnic and geographic populations. Despite several regional studies conducted in Türkiye, large-scale and comprehensive investigations comparing HLA profiles between healthy individuals and transplant candidates remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the distribution of HLA profiles among donors, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) candidates, and solid organ transplant candidates.

Materials and methods: A total of 8472 individuals were included in the study, comprising 6422 donors and 2050 transplant candidates. HLA …

Association Of Vitamin D, Oxidative Stress Markers, And Hormonal Factors With Male Infertility: A Case-Control Study In Pakistan, Muhammad Tayyab Ihsan, Ayesha Ali Malick, Sher Khan, Sher Khan, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Haq Nawaz Khan, Rehana Rehman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Infertility impacts around 15% of couples worldwide, with male factors accounting for approximately 50% of cases. Despite this significant share, male infertility remains understudied, particularly in developing nations such as Pakistan. The present study explores the association between male infertility and seminal plasma concentrations of oxidative stress markers, inhibin B, and vitamin D, along with their relationship with sperm parameters.

Materials and methods: The dataset of the study consisted of seminal plasma levels from 30 fertile and 60 infertile males. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), Vitamin D, malondialdehyde (MDA), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), lipid peroxide (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and inhibin B …

Serum Phosphoproteome Alterations Associated With Cardiac Troponin I Levels In Acute Myocardial Infarction ​, Merve Öztuğ, Meltem Aşicioğlu, Konca Altinkaynak, Evren Kilinç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) triggers systemic biochemical responses, including dynamic changes in the phosphorylation status of circulating proteins. However, the phosphoproteomic profile of serum in the context of AMI remains insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to investigate serum phosphoproteomic alterations associated with AMI and to explore potential correlations with markers of cardiac injury.

Materials and methods: A comparative phosphoproteomic analysis was performed on serum samples obtained from eight patients with AMI and pooled healthy control samples. High-abundance serum proteins were depleted, and phosphopeptides were enriched using TiO2 phosphopeptide enrichment kit. Samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry using …

Effects Of Colchicine On Sah-Induced Vascular Damage In An Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model ​, Emi̇ne Demi̇r, Cumaali̇ Demi̇rtaş, Cansu Sönmez, Eray Meti̇n Güler, Sarper Kocaoğlu, Hakan Beyaztaş, Eyüp Çeti̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a severe cerebrovascular condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Inflammation and oxidative stress play critical roles in its pathophysiology, especially in the development of secondary vascular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of colchicine on vascular integrity and biochemical markers following SAH in an experimental rat model.

Materials and methods: Eighteen female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Control (no SAH), SAH (induced without treatment), and SAH + colchicine (received intraperitoneal colchicine at a dose of 1 mg/kg). SAH was induced by injecting autologous blood into the cisterna …

Tremor Modulation: A Systematic Review Of Resetting By Single-Pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation ​, Handan Uzunçakmak Uyanik, Çağri Mesut Temuçi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Tremor arises from mechanical, reflex, or central oscillatory mechanisms. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) can transiently perturb ongoing tremor and enables the quantitative assessment of phase resetting, offering circuit-level insight into tremor types. Although numerous studies have applied TMS-induced resetting, the findings have not been systematically reviewed. This study systematically reviews human studies evaluating TMS-induced tremor resetting across tremor types.

Materials and methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar identified human studies using TMS to perturb tremor or rhythmic movement. Search terms included “tremor resetting,” “resetting of tremor,” “tremor phase shift,” “tremor phase reset,” “transcranial magnetic stimulation,” and …

Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Neuropharmacology: Reshaping Drug Discovery And Translational Strategies For Neurological Diseases ​, Pri̇yanka Rathee, Suni̇thi̇ Lohan, Sari̇ta Khatkar, Neelam Mali̇k, Esra Akkol, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The rapid expansion of data-driven technologies, particularly machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI), has substantially influenced biomedical research and drug discovery. In neuropharmacology, the availability of large-scale genomic, proteomic, chemical, and clinical datasets has stimulated the adoption of AI-based approaches to address persistent challenges in neurological drug development, including high attrition rates and the scarcity of disease-modifying therapies. Unlike prior reviews that broadly discuss AI applications in drug discovery or neurology, this narrative review focuses specifically on neuropharmacology, with an emphasis on translational relevance, disease-oriented examples, and real-world constraints. We critically examine the application of AI and ML across …

Comparative Efficacy Of Repetitive Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation And Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation In Upper Trapezius Myofascial Pain Syndrome ​, Shahri̇yar Kalbi̇yev, Şehi̇m Kutlay, Ati̇lla Hali̇l Elhan, Yeşi̇m Kurtai̇ş Aytür, Aysun Genç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In this prospective, randomized, single-blind study, the effects of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) on pain intensity, functional status, and tissue elasticity were evaluated in patients with upper trapezius myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).

Materials and methods: A total of 75 female patients were randomly allocated to three groups: rPMS, TENS, and sham rPMS. All participants were provided with an exercise program consisting of cervical range-of-motion (ROM), stretching, and strengthening exercises. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed using the visual analog scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT), the Neck Disability Index, cervical ROM, SF-36 subscale …

The Importance Of Early Intraoperative Ultrasonography And The Relationship Between Surgical Technique And Allograft Function In Patients With Compartment Syndrome Following Renal Transplantation Surgery ​, Burak Yağdiran, Emre Karakaya, Ravana Ahmadli̇, Adem Şafak, Yağmur Kurtuluş, Nedi̇m Çekmen, Meri̇ç Yavuz Çolak, Mehmet Haberal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In rare cases, patients undergoing renal transplantation (RT) may develop renal allograft compartment syndrome (RACS) if the renal volume is larger than the retroperitoneal space prepared in the iliac fossa. In such cases, the optimal treatment is early decompression surgery. The primary aim of the present descriptive and comparative study is not to identify the optimal surgical technique, but rather to evaluate the role of early Doppler ultrasonography (DUSG) in the recognition of renal allograft compartment syndrome and to assess outcomes following timely decompressive interventions.

Materials and methods: A total of 275 patients were examined retrospectively for the study, …

Impact Of Two Sedation Protocols On Cardiac Electrophysiology During Spinal Anesthesia ​, Selvi̇naz Durantaş, Burak Nalbant, Fatma Kavak Akelma, Gökhan Erdem, Abdulkadi̇r But

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Perioperative factors such as anesthetic drugs, central blocks, surgical stress, pain, and anxiety can affect cardiac electrophysiology and increase the risk of arrhythmias. Arrhythmia susceptibility can be assessed using ventricular markers such as the QT interval (QT), heart rate-corrected QT interval (QTc), QT dispersion (QTd), time between peak and end of T wave (Tp–e), cardiac electrophysiologic balance index (iCEB), and heart rate-corrected index of cardiac electrophysiologic balance (iCEBc), obtained from noninvasive electrocardiography (ECG) data. This study compared the effects of propofol and dexmedetomidine sedation on these parameters in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty performed under spinal anesthesia.

Materials and …

Analysis Of Calr-Mutated Essential Thrombocythemia As A Distinct Disease Entity Compared With Jak2 V617f-Mutated And Triple-Negative Patients ​, Gökhan Sami̇ Aydin, Eli̇f Aksoy, İpek Yönal Hi̇ndi̇lerden, Aynur Dağlar Aday, Emi̇ne Gültürk, Meli̇ha Nalçaci, Fehmi̇ Hi̇ndi̇lerden

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Calreticulin (CALR) mutations in essential thrombocythemia (ET) are associated with younger age, higher platelet counts, and lower thrombosis rates. The present study analyzes the demographic, laboratory, and clinical features of the CALR mutation and its prognostic impact.

Materials and methods: The clinical impact of CALR mutations was assessed in 391 ET patients.

Results: CALR-mutation patients were more commonly male than JAK2 V617F-positive and triple-negative patients. Age at diagnosis was similar across all groups, although patients with type 2 CALR mutations were younger than those with nontype 1/nontype 2 mutations. Compared with JAK2 V617F-positive patients, CALR-mutation patients had lower leukocyte …

Asthma Data In Türkiye Between 2016 And 2022: A Nationwide Descriptive And Observational Study Covering The Entire Adult Population, Kurtuluş Aksu, Gürgün Tuğçe Vural Solak, Nai̇m Ata, Mustafa Hami̇dullah Türkkani, Mustafa Mahi̇r Ülgü, Şuayi̇p Bi̇ri̇nci̇, Funda Aksu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Determining the current burden of asthma in countries is important in the diagnosis and follow-up of asthma patients and for the development of national health policies. Our study aimed to clarify the epidemiological and clinical data regarding asthmatic adults in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: The study was designed as a nationwide descriptive, observational cross-sectional study. Data on adult patients who were followed with the diagnosis of asthma in all public, private, and university hospitals in Türkiye between January 2016 and December 2022 were obtained from the e-Nabız database of the Ministry of Health and analyzed.

Results: The number of …

Comprehensive Profiling Of Gut Microbiota In Postmenopausal Osteoporosis ​, Gülsemi̇n Ertürk Çeli̇k, Sedat Yildiz, Münevver Aksoy Bektaş, Yaprak Engi̇n-Üstün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Osteoporosis is a multifactorial skeletal disease that predominantly affects postmenopausal women and is characterized by reduced bone mass and an increased risk of fractures. Growing evidence suggests that the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in bone metabolism through immunological, endocrine, and metabolic pathways, forming the basis of the so-called gut– bone axis. This study aimed to characterize gut microbiota composition in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis compared with healthy controls.

Materials and methods: Forty postmenopausal women aged 55–65 years were classified into osteoporosis (n = 20) and healthy control (n = 20) groups based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry T-scores. …

Association Between Superstition Levels On Sports-Specific Success Motivation In Active Athletes: A Study In Ankara Province ​, Canan Sayin Temur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: When athletes perceive themselves as strong, they may seek to maintain their motivation through the control of random external factors. The present study examines the effect of superstitions on sports-specific success motivation among active athletes.

Materials and methods: The research population consisted of licensed athletes in the athletics branch, while the sample comprised licensed and active athletes based in Ankara. A total of 408 athletes participated in the research, including 201 women, and 207 men. The participants completed a three-part questionnaire consisting of a Personal Information Form, the Motivation in Sports Scale, and the Superstitious Beliefs and Behaviors in …

Sun-Macerated Hypericum Perforatum Oleates In Fixed Oils: Analytical Characterization And Comparative Wound-Healing Activity, Ci̇han Çapar, Esra Akkol, Ayli̇n Yaba, Ayhan Parmaksiz, Engi̇n Sümer, Erdem Yeşi̇lada

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Hypericum perforatum L. oleates prepared in fixed oils have long been used for wound management due to their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and tissue-regenerative properties. The bioactivity of these oleates is mainly attributed to hypericin, hyperforin, and pseudohypericin. This study aimed to comparatively evaluate the wound-healing potential of H. perforatum oleates prepared in different fixed oils, including Olea europaea L. (olive), Sesamum indicum L. (sesame), Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower), and Nigella sativa L. (black seed).Materials and methodsFixed oils were characterized by GC–MS, while oleuropein in olive oil and thymoquinone in black seed oil were quantified by HPLC, and sesamin and sesamol …

Red Cell Cryopreservation For Serologic Testing: Bulk Freezing With Polyvinylpyrrolidone (Pvp) ​, Di̇lek Gürlek Gökçebay, Willy Albert Flegel

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Red cell cryopreservation is essential for immunohematology reference laboratories. Various cryopreservation methods maintain the structural integrity of red cells, such as bulk freezing with glycerol and droplet freezing with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). In this paper, we provide a technical note with real-world data and report our experience with a modified PVP bulk-freezing method in a transfusion medicine setting.Materials and methods. Red cells were separated from whole blood samples and incubated for 1 h at room temperature with PVP with slow agitation or no agitation before freezing. Instead of using the established method of shock freezing droplets in liquid nitrogen, the …

Retinal Microvascular And Neuroretinal Structural Changes In Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Assessed By Octa: A Comparative Study ​, Murat Erdağ, Tunahan Çalişkan, Hakan Yildirim, Tarik Kivrak, Mehmet Canleblebi̇ci̇, Ali̇ Dal, Mehmet Balbaba

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a progressive disorder with systemic vasculopathy, and noninvasive assessment remains challenging. The retina, sharing anatomical similarities with the cerebral microcirculation, is an accessible site for visualizing systemic vascular compromise. This study quantitatively evaluated retinal microvascular and neuroretinal structural changes in PAH patients compared to healthy controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).

Materials and methods: In this single-center, cross-sectional case-control study, 40 patients with group 1 PAH and 38 healthy controls were enrolled. For statistical independence, only the right eye of each participant was analyzed (total: 78 eyes). All participants underwent high-resolution OCTA imaging. …

Prognostic Significance And Clinicopathological Associations Of Tumor Budding And Poorly Differentiated Clusters In Endometrioid Endometrial Carcinoma ​, Hani̇fe Seda Mavi̇li̇, Ömer Atmiş, Fatma Seher Pehli̇van, Fatma Sezen Çavdaroğlu Deveci̇, Ali̇ Riza Kandi̇loğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Tumor budding (TB) and poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) are histopathological parameters that have been associated with poor prognosis in various malignancies, particularly colorectal carcinoma. Although numerous studies have demonstrated an association between the microcystic, elongated, and fragmented (MELF) pattern in endometrial carcinomas and lymphovascular invasion as well as lymph node metastasis, the literature regarding TB and PDCs in this context remains limited. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations of the MELF pattern, TB, and PDCs with overall survival, progression-free survival, and clinicopathological parameters in cases of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC).

Materials and methods: A total of 190 …