Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Measuring Nursing Student’S Performance, Attitude And Psychological Impact Of Different Evaluation Approaches In Simulation Education At Arab American University- Palestine, Mohammad Asia, Maysa Kassabry

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

This study aimed to compare the competency and psychological impact of using the objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to the traditional evaluation methods (TEM) in evaluating cardiology skills among nursing simulation students. Thirty-two students were initially assessed using TEM, and one week later using the OSCE. Scores of the student competency were compared using paired sample t-tests, while semi-structured interviews were used to expand on qualitative measures. Students' mean scores were significantly higher in using OSCE than in TEM (p< 0.001). Students' attitudes and perceptions of both approaches showed favorable attitudes towards OSCE on most of the items. The qualitative data showed that students with lower GPAs and utilizing the OSCE approach experienced higher anxiety. The psychological impact of evaluation approaches requires additional investigation.

The Effect Of The Proposed Training Program Using Body Resistance Exercises (Trx) On The Level Of Some Physical And Skill Abilities Of Female Gymnasts In Jerusalem, Hala Jaber, Ahmad Sharaf

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

The aim of this study is to identify the effect of the proposed training program using body resistance exercises (TRX) on the level of some physical and skill abilities of female gymnasts in the governorates of Jerusalem. The study was conducted on a sample of (30) gymnasts at the Rosary Sisters School, they were divided into two groups, the experimental group and its members (15) and the control group and its members (15), after ensuring the homogeneity and equivalence of the sample. The control group was subjected to the traditional program, and the experimental group was subjected to the proposed …

Enhancing Learning Through Role-Play In A Low-Fidelity Disaster Simulation, Susan S. Braithwaite, Susan J. Barcinas, Colleen A. Hayes

Innovations in Health Sciences Education Journal

ABSTRACT

Background: This report shares a best practice approach to low-fidelity simulation as a pedagogical method in disaster triage training for undergraduate nursing students.

Methods: This study utilized multi-year quantitative data such as student age, gender, GPA, prior simulation experience, and self-reported confidence in the START Triage application. It also utilized a secondary qualitative analysis of the debriefing process.

Results: Students who participated in a simulation event playing the role of a disaster victim scored significantly higher on subsequent performance as TRIAGE practitioners than students without roleplay experience. Perhaps even more compelling, these learning outcomes were demonstrated 18 months after …

Potential Effect Of Statins As Adjuvant Anti‑Tuberculosis Agents: A Short Communication, Mehwish Hanif, Ayesha Tariq, Laiba Zahoor

Digital Journal of Clinical Medicine

Tuberculosis is a chronic pulmonary infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and can affect other parts of the body such as bones, brain, and lymph nodes (extra pulmonary Tb). Statins, primarily used for hyperlipidemia, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that may help prevent and manage TB. They inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, reduce cholesterol synthesis and interfere with phagocytosis crucial for TB infection. Given the rise in resistance to first-line anti-tubercular therapies, Statins have shown promise as adjunctive agents by potentially shortening treatment duration, reducing adverse effects, and improving outcomes, particularly in immunocompromised and diabetic patients. Based on these findings, Statins …

Establishing A Novel Neurofunctional Pre-Season Baseline For Sports-Related Concussion In Men And Women Collegiate Athletics, Jonathan C. Vincent, Jon G. Divine Md Ms, Aaron Kuehn-Himmler At Ms, Robert E. Mangine Pt Med Atc, Jim K. Ellis Od, Frederick R. Carrick Dc, Phd, Ms-Hped, Kimberly A. Hasselfeld, Blake M. Bacevich, Daniel Fosselman Do Mba, Joseph F. Clark Phd, Atc

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Objective: To develop and validate a multi-domain neurofunctional baseline incorporating ocular, vestibular, proprioceptive, and cognitive assessments for collegiate athletes, thereby providing a more comprehensive approach to detecting and managing sports-related concussions.

Design: Retrospective chart review of pre-season baseline data.

Setting: Collegiate athletic training facility.

Participants: A total of 194 Division I collegiate athletes aged 18–24 years, stratified by sport, sex, and self-reported concussion history.

Interventions: A comprehensive battery of clinical and instrument-based neurological assessments, including Dynavision D2 tests (visual-motor coordination and reaction time), stereopsis, convergence, proprioception, peripheral vision, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements.

Main Outcome Measures: Normative …

Resveratrol And Il-6 Modulation Of Cxcl1 Expression And Viability In Human Breast Cancer Cell Lines, Entkhab M. A. Alanisi, Aida H. Alobaidi, Khalid Alyodawi

AUIQ Complementary Biological System

This study aims to investigate, through in vitro methods, the molecular, immunofluorescent, and immunohistochemical effects of resveratrol and IL-6 on CXCL1 gene/protein expression in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). MCF-7 and MCF-10A cell lines were cultured and divided into four groups: control, IL-6-treated, resveratrol-treated, and a combination-treated group. CXCL1 gene expression was assessed by real-time PCR (RT-PCR), while CXCL1 protein levels were analyzed using immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. Cell viability was quantified by MTS assay using ELISA. CXCL1 gene/protein was overexpressed in MCF-7 cells, especially in the IL-6-treated group, but reduced in both resveratrol and combination-treated groups. MTS assay showed increased …

Genetic Characterization Of Lpai-H4n2 And H4n8 Viruses Recovered From Free-Grazing Ducks In Thailand, Supanat Boonyapisitsopa, Supassama Chaiyawong, Kamonpan Charoenkul, Kitikhun Udom, Ekkapat Chamsai, Napawan Bunpapong, Somsak Pakpinyo, Alongkorn Amonsin Prof. Dr.

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

nfluenza A viruses (IAVs) can infect birds and various mammals. In this study, we retrospectively isolated and characterized IAVs (n=8) from oropharyngeal and cloacal swab samples of free-grazing ducks collected during December 2018 to December 2021, by using egg inoculation and whole-genome sequencing. The IAVs could be subtyped as IAV-H4N2 (n = 3) and IAV-H4N8 (n = 5) using real-time RT-PCR assays. Genetic and phylogenetic analyses revealed that all eight genes of Thai IAV-H4 belong to the Avian Eurasian lineage. Both Thai IAV-H4N2 and IAV-H4N8 exhibited low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) characteristics and were susceptible to oseltamivir and amantadine. This …

Prevalence, Antimicrobial Resistance Characteristics And Virulence Genes Of Streptococcus Suis In Pigs In Upper Northern Thailand, Wanida Mala, Rangsiya Prathan, Si Thu Hein, Sunpetch Angkittitrakul, Asinamai Athliamai Bitrus, Rungtip Chuanchuen

The Thai Journal of Veterinary Medicine

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, virulence genes and antimicrobial resistance of Streptococcus suis from pigs in Upper-Northern Thailand. A total of 768 nasal swabs were obtained from pigs at the municipal slaughterhouses in five provinces including Phayao (n=202), Nan (n=190), Chiang Rai (180), Chiang Mai (n=130), and Mae Hong Son (n=66) in 2018-2019. The prevalence of S. suis varied from 3.0%-9.4%, of which the highest prevalence was in Chiang Rai (9.4%) and Mae Hong Son (9.1%). Of all 59 isolates confirmed to be S. suis, serotype 8 (50.8%) was most commonly identified, followed by serotype 10 (3.4%), …

The Long-Term Efficacy Of Nusinersen On Respiratory Functions In Children With Symptomatic Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1, Mehmet Aki̇f Kiliç, Fulya Kürekçi̇, Osman Ki̇poğlu, Orhan Coşkun, Burçi̇n Nazli Karacebey, Selahatti̇n Katar, Ridvan Avci, Hülya Maraş Genç, Erkan Çakir, Edi̇be Pembegül Yildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Available data regarding the effects of nusinersen on respiratory function in the real-world setting are uncertain. We aim to evaluate the impact of nusinersen on respiratory outcomes with a follow-up period of up to 72 months in patients with symptomatic spinal muscular atrophy type 1 (SMA type1).

Materials and methods: Respiratory status is defined similarly to previous studies: spontaneous breathing, non-invasive ventilatory support for ≤16 hours per day, and permanent assisted ventilation. The planned evaluation time was day 180 (after the fourth dose), day 300 (after the fifth dose), and after the last injection for patients who received nusinersen …

Hmga2 Associated Cerna-Hotair Pathway In Breast Cancer Patients From Clinicopathological Perspective, Peli̇n Ercoşkun, Deni̇z Ağirbaşli, Mehmet Veli̇dedeoğlu, Mehmet Seven, Aysel Kalayci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Several epigenetic alterations are involved in the development of breast cancer. The long noncoding RNA HOTAIR and related RNAs play a role in initiation of breast cancer and are promising targets for diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic studies. In this study, we aimed to investigate HMGA2 associated ceRNA HOTAIR pathway in breast cancer patients.

Materials and methods: Forty breast cancer patients and ten healthy controls were included in this study, and then patients were divided into clinicopathologic groups. After total cell-free RNA isolation, expression levels of target RNAs were analysed by Real-Time PCR. The amount of gene expression was determined …

Bibliometric Analysis Of Colchicine In Cardiovascular Health: Trends, Key Contributors, And Global Collaborations, Meltem Sertbaş, Özlem Özaydin, Habi̇p Yilmaz, Abdullah Emre Güner, Özden Güdük, Nalan Okuroğlu, Ali̇ Özdemir, Yaşar Sertbaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The study aims to systematically analyze the body of literature concerning the effects of colchicine on the cardiovascular system, providing a comprehensive evaluation of the current knowledge and highlighting the clinical and scientific relevance of colchicine in this field.

Materials and methods: Data were obtained from the Web of Science Core Collection database on November 17, 2024. The search terms included “Colchicine” AND "Cardiovascular effects" OR "Cardiovascular diseases" OR "Heart diseases" OR "Coronary artery disease" OR "Myocarditis" OR "Pericarditis" OR "Atherosclerosis" OR "Heart failure" OR "Myocardial infarction." No restrictions were applied regarding publication date or language, ensuring the comprehensive …

The Role Of The Hemoglobin-Albumin-Lymphocyte-Platelet (Halp) Score In Deep Neck Infections And Its Relationship With Clinical Parameters, Ayşe Seçi̇l Kayali Di̇nç, Nagi̇han Gülhan Yaşar, Agah Yeni̇çeri̇, Çeti̇n Şahutoğlu, İbrahi̇m Sevi̇m, Meli̇h Çayönü

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Deep neck infections (DNI) are suppurative infections of the cervical spaces, which may lead to life-threatening complications. The HALP score is a laboratory parameter reflecting a patient’s nutritional and inflammatory status. The aim of this study was to compare the HALP scores of patients with DNI with those of a control group. A secondary objective was to investigate the potential relationship between the HALP score and clinical parameters, and to assess its role in determining disease severity.

Materials and methods: The study retrospectively included patients who were hospitalized and treated for DNI. Data were extracted from the hospital’s electronic …

Comparative Efficacy Of Adjuvant Folfox Vs. Flot Following Neoadjuvant Flot In Patients With Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer, Furkan Ceylan, Di̇dem Şener Dede, Safa Can Efi̇l, Ateş Kutay Tenekeci̇, Eren Göktuğ Ceylan, Serhat Sekmek, Mehmet Çakmak, Burak Bi̇lgi̇n, Şebnem Yücel, Hayri̇ye Tatli Doğan, Mehmet Ali̇ Nahi̇t Şendur, Muhammed Bülent Akinci, Doğan Uncu, Bülent Yalçin

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Perioperative FLOT is considered the gold standard treatment for locally advanced gastric cancer. However, in the adjuvant setting, chemotherapy intolerance has brought de-escalation strategies to the forefront as an important area of research. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of adjuvant FLOT and FOLFOX regimens in enhancing survival outcomes in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who underwent surgical resection following neoadjuvant FLOT treatment.

Materials and methods: Patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (cT2-4, N0-3) who received four cycles of neoadjuvant FLOT and subsequently underwent surgery at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital between January 2018 and September 2024 were …

Long-Term Results Of Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: 5-Year Follow-Up, Ilkay Kilic Muftuoglu, Natasha Mayer, Katherina Du, Catalina Feistritzer, Elise Barberis, Sashwanti Mohan, Jay Chhablani

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to report the 5-year outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Materials and methods: A retrospective review of patient charts was conducted. Data on central macular thickness (CMT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), photoreceptor integrity, number of intravitreal (IV) antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti- VEGF) injections administered, and treatment regimen were assessed.

Results: Ninety-seven eyes from individual patients with a mean age of 70.90 ± 11.49 (38–92) were included. The mean BCVA improved, and the mean CMT decreased at all follow-up visits following treatment (p < 0.05). Thirty-two eyes (33%) gained 3 lines of BCVA at the five-year follow-up. The mean number of total IV anti-VEGF injections administered was 19 ± 13.35 (1–49) during the five-year period, and 27.83% of patients received rescue laser treatment. Fifty-four percent of eyes received three consecutive monthly loading doses of IV anti-VEGF injections. The mean change in BCVA in the loading dose (+) group was significantly greater than in the loading dose (–) group at 1-year and subsequent visits. The loading dose (+) group showed a significantly greater reduction in CMT compared to the loading dose (–) group. The mean estimated time for BCVA to decline by ≥3 lines was 117 ± 8.74 months (95% CI = 100.21–134.51)

Conclusion: Anti-VEGF treatment was effective in improving anatomical …

Diagnosis Of Knee Joint Invasion In Patients With Osteosarcoma: The Value Of Direct And Indirect Mri Findings, İpek Tamsel, Hüseyi̇n Kaya, Orkhan Aghamirzayev, Oğuz Di̇mdork, Başak Doğanavşargi̇l, Mehmet Argin, Dündar Sabah

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor in adolescents, and the evaluation of joint invasion with MRI is important for treatment planning. This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of MRI findings (direct and indirect) for joint invasion in patients diagnosed with osteosarcoma of the knee region.

Materials and methods: The MRI evaluations of 50 knee osteosarcoma patients who underwent surgical resection between 2006 and 2018 were reviewed retrospectively by two radiologists and an orthopedic oncologist. The presence of intrasynovial tumor tissue, intra-articular destruction of cartilage or bone, and invasion of the capsular and cruciate ligament …

Evaluating Leflunomide And Methotrexate Combination Vs. Monotherapy In Rheumatoid And Psoriatic Arthritis, Mete Kara, Gülay Alp, Mete Pekdi̇ker, Sertaç Ketenci̇, Annamaria Porreca, Haluk Ci̇nakli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Methotrexate (MTX) and leflunomide (LEF) are conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) commonly used for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), either as monotherapies or in combination. This study aimed to compare the adverse effects (AEs) and efficacy of combined use of MTX plus LEF with monotherapy in RA and PsA patients.

Materials and methods: This study included 528 patients (385 RA and 143 PsA) with at least 6 months of follow-up. Disease activity was assessed using DAS-28 CRP and DAPSA, and treatment-related AEs were classified based on specific MedDRA categories.

Results: The cumulative incidence of AEs …

Pulmonary Artery Wall Thickness And Systemic Sclerosis: Influence Of Inflammation On Vascular Changes, Eli̇f Altunel Kilinç, Haydar Ali̇ Candan, İpek Türk, Çağlar Özmen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by vascular disorders and fibrosis. This study aimed to compare pulmonary artery wall thickness (PAWT) in SSc patients without PAH with idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and healthy controls and to investigate the effect of increased PAWT and inflammation on vascular changes in SSc patients.

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 SSc patients, 30 IPAH patients, and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, all of whom underwent echocardiographic evaluation. Data were analyzed including patient demographics, disease duration, type of skin involvement, lung involvement, and autoantibody status.

Results: PAWT was significantly …

Vitamin D Deficiency And Surgical Cellulose Mimicking Parathyroid Adenomaafter Initial Parathyroidectomy, Mustafa Şahi̇n, Volkan Genç, Koray Ceyhan, Demet Corapcioglu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a condition characterized by an excessive production of parathyroid hormone primarily resulting from the presence of an adenoma or hyperplasia of the parathyroid glands.

Materials and methods: A 45-year-old woman who had previously experienced high levels of calcium in her blood and abnormally elevated parathyroid hormone levels underwent surgical removal of the left parathyroid gland. Following surgery, she exhibited high levels of parathyroid hormone along with normalized calcium levels and persistent fatigue. Ultrasound imaging showed a hypoechoic mass on the left side, which was initially considered to be a recurrent parathyroid tumor.

Results: A comprehensive assessment, …

Pemhigus Herpetiformis: A Single Center Tertiary Care Experience, Merve Hatun Erkayman, Handan Bi̇len, Zeynep Karaca Ural, Eli̇f Demi̇rci̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pemphigus herpetiformis (PH) is a rare variant of pemphigus with a complex pathogenesis that is often difficult to diagnose. The literature generally presents data based on small case series. This study aims to broaden the understanding of PH by presenting our cases’ clinical, histopathological, and immunological characteristics.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of the medical charts of patients diagnosed with PH between 2008 and 2023 from the Dermatology Clinic at Atatürk University’s Faculty of Medicine was performed. The diagnostic criteria proposed by Kasperkiewics et al. were applied. All patients had lesional and perilesional skin biopsies for histopathologic examination …

Evaluation And Validation Of 3d-Printed Anatomical Urinary System Model And Virtual Reality Rirs Simulators In Rirs Training: A Comparative Study, Mehmet Ezer, Tahsi̇n Batuhan Aydoğan, Lazaros Tzelves, Andreas Skolarikos, Mehmet Uslu, Kemal Sarica, Emre Huri̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study evaluates the use of a 3D-printed anatomical urinary system model (3D-AUSM) and a Virtual Reality RIRS Simulator (VRRS), for training in RIRS, based on real user feedback.

Materials and methods: The 3D-AUSM was created using cadaver CT and MRI scans, and the data was transferred to a VR environment for simulation. A total of 43 inexperienced urology trainees participated in the theoretical phase of the RIRS training program. Of these, 32 trainees (Group T) who passed a proficiency exam proceeded to the hands-on training phase with the 3D-AUSM and VRRS models. Additionally, 17 experienced surgeons (Group S) …

Cardiometabolic Risk Factors And Their Association With Carotid Intima Media Thickness Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, Christian Saleh

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Profile Of Perinatal Infections Among Abandoned Neonates Admitted In A Tertiary Hospital In Oman, Mahmood Dhahir Al-Mendalawi

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Ear Health, Care Practices, And Hearing Loss On Academic Performance Among Male Adolescents In Residential Schools: A Cross-Sectional Study In Eastern India, Sumeet Angral, Bijit Biswas, Ksbs Krishna Sasanka, Gulistan Bano

Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the association between ear health, ear care practices, and academic performance among male adolescents in residential schools.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 684 male adolescents residing in residential schools in Deoghar, Jharkhand, India, during World Hearing Day 2023. Data were collected on socio-demographic characteristics, ear care practices, and academic performance. Comprehensive ear examinations and pure tone audiometry were performed to assess ear morbidity and hearing thresholds.Results: Ear morbidity was identified in 43% of participants, with bilateral involvement in 85% of these cases. Ear-related symptoms were reported by 26.3% of participants, including …

Expert Opinion On Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis And Treatment Of Infantile Onset Pompe Disease: A Delphi Study In Türkiye, Eki̇n Özsaydi Aktaşoğlu, Asli İnci̇, Ridvan Murat Öktem, Gürsel Bi̇beroğlu, İlyas Okur, Fati̇h Süheyl Ezgü, Fi̇li̇z Başak Cengi̇z Ergi̇n, Abdurrahman Akgün, Nur Arslan, Hali̇l İbrahi̇m Aydin, Ayşe Ergül Bozaci, Mahmut Çoker, Fatma Tuba Emi̇noğlu, Meli̇ke Ersoy, Emi̇ne Göksoy, Banu Kadioğlu Yilmaz, Mehtap Kağnici, Mustafa Kiliç, Nesli̇han Önenli̇ Mungan, Burcu Öztürk Hişmi̇, Pembe Soylu Üstkoyuncu, Ayşegül Tokatli, Ayşe Çi̇ğdem Aktuğlu Zeybek, Berrak Bi̇lgi̇ner Gürbüz, Sevi̇l Dorum, Di̇lek Güneş, Çi̇ğdem Seher Kasapkara, Sebi̇le Kilavuz, Erdoğan Soyuçen, Peli̇n Teke Kisa, Özlem Ünal Uzun, Fatma Derya Bulut, Songül Gökay, Selen Has Özhan, Deni̇z Kor, Aynur Küçükcongar Yavaş, Fi̇gen Özçay, Yilmaz Yildiz, Harun Yildiz, Leyla Tümer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pompe disease (acid maltase deficiency, glycogen storage disease type II, OMIM #606800) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by lysosomal acid-α-glucosidase deficiency. The infantile-onset type of the disease is mainly characterized by cardiomegaly, hypotonia, and a high mortality rate. This study aimed to create a national consensus about infantile-onset Pompe disease (IOPD) to raise awareness among clinicians and standardize diagnosis and treatment approaches in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: The Gazi University Division of Metabolic Diseases and Nutrition developed this expert opinion consensus and expanded it to include metabolism specialists across Türkiye. A systematic literature review was performed, and the …

Turkish Translation, Validity, And Reliability Of The European Organization For Research And Treatment Of Cancer Quality Of Life-High Dose Chemotherapy29 In Patients Undergone Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Vesi̇le Yildiz Kabak, Sevi̇lay Karahan, Eli̇fcan Aladağ Karakulak, Tüli̇n Düger, Songül Atasavun Uysal, Fulya İpek-Erdem, Hakan Göker

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Our aim was to investigate psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life-high dose chemotherapy29 (EORTC QLQ-HDC29) in patients treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Materials and methods: Patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years and undergone HSCT were included. The European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire–cancer30 the Eastern cooperative oncology group performance score, and the functional assessment of cancer therapy–bone marrow transplant were used to determine convergent validity. Reliability was assessed through the calculation of Cronbach’s alpha and …

Effects Of Lumbar Stabilization Exercises On Serum Biomarker Levels And Clinical Outcomes In Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Subgroup Analysis Of A Randomized Controlled Trial, Bi̇rgül Morkoç, Onur Aktan, Gamze Sönmez, Ebru Bodur, Jale Karakaya, Bayram Kaymak, Sevi̇l Bi̇lgi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the effectiveness of lumbar stabilization exercises on serum biomarker levels and clinical outcomes in lumbar disc herniation (LDH) patients with and without neurological deficit.

Materials and methods: 40 patients with neurological deficits (WND) and 34 patients without neurological deficits (WOND) diagnosed with LDH were included in this study. The patients WND and WOND were randomized into stabilization exercises (SE) and general exercises (GE) groups. Stabilization exercises or general exercises were applied for six weeks. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-4, beta-endorphin (BE), anandamide (AEA), and …

Effectiveness Of Distal Versus Proximal Greater Occipital Nerve Pulsed Radiofrequencyin Migraine Management: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial, Gülçi̇n Babaoğlu, Şükri̇ye Dadali, Ülkü Sabuncu, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy, Şeref Çeli̇k, Mustafa Yemli̇ha Ayhan, Yağmur Can Dadakçi, Mustafa Cem Yilmaz, Şazi̇ye Şahi̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of distal versus proximal greater occipital nerve (GON) pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatments in patients with episodic or chronic migraine.

Materials and methods: In this prospective, randomized controlled study, sixty participants were randomized to either distal GON PRF (n= 30) or proximal GON PRF (n = 30). Migraine related assessments were conducted at the baseline and at the first, second, and third month.

Results: Baseline characteristics indicated a higher migraine burden in the proximal group, including increased monthly headache frequency (15.0 vs. 9.5 attacks, p = 0.007). Both groups experienced significant reductions in headache …

Short-Term Efficacy And Safety Of Nondamaging Retinal Laser Therapy For Retinitis Pigmentosa-Associated Cystoid Macular Edema, Seda Çevi̇k Kaya, Mehmet Çitirik, Mevlüt Yilmaz, Eyüpcan Şensoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of nondamaging retinal laser therapy (NRT) for retinitis pigmentosa-associated cystoid macular edema (RP-CME) and analyze anatomical and functional outcomes.

Materials and methods: A retrospective case series of 40 eyes from 30 patients with RP-CME was conducted. The patients underwent NRT using a PASCAL laser system with endpoint management (EpM) software. Central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were assessed at baseline and 2 months posttreatment. Long-term follow-up data, including recurrence rates were also reviewed.

Results: At the 2-month follow-up, NRT significantly reduced mean CMT by 79.7 μm (p < 0.001) and improved BCVA by 0.10 LogMAR (p < 0.001). Complete resolution of CME was observed in 30% of the eyes, while 52.5% experienced recurrence within 6 months. Unilateral cases exhibited greater CMT reductions than bilateral cases (p < 0.05). No retinal damage from the laser was observed. The long-term sustainability of these effects remains unclear, and repeated treatments have not yet been assessed.

Conclusion: NRT …

Il-40 Levels In Treatment-Naïve And Methotrexate-Treated Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients, Hamdi̇ Oğuzman, Mete Pekdi̇ker

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that is characterized by persistent inflammation and progressive damage to the joints. In this study, it was aimed to explore the role of interleukin (IL)-40, a newly discovered cytokine, in the pathogenesis of RA. We also aimed to investigate the relationship between IL-40 and other cytokines such as IL-4, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α.

Materials and methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study included 87 participants divided into three groups: healthy controls (n = 29), newly diagnosed RA patients (n = 29), and RA patients with remission under methotrexate (MTX) …

Janus Kinase Inhibitors In Localized Scleroderma: A Systematic Literature Review, Seher Şener, Yusuf Zi̇ya Şener, Ezgi̇ Deni̇z Batu, Alper Sari, Ali̇ Akdoğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Reports on the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors in the treatment of localized scleroderma are increasing in the literature. In this review, we examined the published studies regarding the use of JAK inhibitors in patients with localized scleroderma.

Materials and methods: We searched MEDLINE and Scopus for articles on patients with localized scleroderma treated with JAK inhibitors. The search included articles from the inception of these databases through August 1st, 2024.

Results: Our literature search showed 11 articles describing 17 patients with localized scleroderma treated with JAK inhibitors. Generalized morphea (47.1%) was the most common type of localized …