Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Scalable Biosynthesis And Recovery Of Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate Produced From Cotton-Derived Glucose By Cupriavidus Necator, Ashley M. Clark, Lucia E. Gargano, Gabriella M. Fioravanti, Hannah M. Schapiro, Ron G. Kander

School of Design and Engineering Papers

To combat the growing issue of petroleum plastic waste, alternative bio-based polymers are being developed. Many of these biopolymers are made from bio-derived materials, or are biodegradable, but the most promising polymers fall in both categories. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are one such class of polymers, and poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (P3HB), the most popular PHA, has shown great potential. This study utilized two types of cotton-derived glucose, alongside commercial glucose, as a feedstock for the biosynthesis of P3HB by Cupriavidus necator (also known as Ralstonia eutropha). The fermentation took place in a 2-L bioreactor, showing potential for scale-up. A single-solvent extraction method was …

Housing Insecurity Is Associated With Higher Utilization Of Acute Care Services Among Oregon Health Plan Members With Behavioral Health Conditions, Megan Holtorf, Cat Livingston

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Quality Improvement Project: The Impact Of A Dedicated Education Unit On The Self-Efficacy Of First-Year Associate Degree Nursing Students, Danita Broussard

Doctor of Nursing Practice Projects

Nursing education continues to face challenges in preparing students to meet the complex demands of modern healthcare, particularly due to limited clinical placements and faculty shortages. This quality improvement project addressed the gap between classroom instruction and clinical practice by implementing a Dedicated Education Unit (DEU) model designed to impact students' self-efficacy. The purpose of this Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) project was to determine whether participation in a DEU impacted the self-efficacy of the first-year associate degree nursing students compared to the traditional clinical model. Guided by Bandura’s Self-Efficacy Theory and grounded in Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) principles, the project …

Current Insights On Predicting Vestibular Diseases Using Machine Learning, Emre Söylemez, Muhammed Mustafa Şeker

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The vestibular system is one of the three main systems responsible for maintaining balance and posture. Accurate vestibular inputs enable the perception of the head’s position and movement in space, and ensure coordination between head movements, eye movements, balance, and posture. Any dysfunction in the peripheral vestibular end organs, the vestibular nerve, or the central vestibular system may lead to vertigo, dizziness, and gait disturbances in individuals. Some syndromes that cause vertigo symptoms can be life threatening. Although peripheral vestibular pathologies are generally benign, they can reduce patients’ quality of life, cause falls, and hinder independence. Therefore, the diagnosis and …

Knowledge And Attitudes About Epilepsy Of Neurology Outpatients In Türkiye, Ayşe Pinar Ti̇ti̇z, Abi̇di̇n Erdal, Yaren Ağar, Buse Altunbaşak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We aimed to evaluate the level of epilepsy-related knowledge and attitude among neurology outpatients without an epilepsy diagnosis.

Materials and methods: The Epilepsy Knowledge and Attitude Scale was applied to 331 adult patients who were evaluated with various diagnoses in the neurology outpatient clinic.

Results: The participants comprised 331 people, 51.4% of whom were women and 48.6% of whom were men. The knowledge and attitude values increase significantly as the education level of our participants increased (p < 0.001). The knowledge and attitude scores of those who knew about an individual with epilepsy were significantly higher (p < 0.001). Attitude scale scores were higher in patients diagnosed with headache, multiple sclerosis, syncope, Behçet’s disease, essential tremor and sleep disorders compared with other groups.

Conclusion: This study focused on a subgroup of adults without epilepsy who had other neurological conditions. The findings may illuminate the critical …

Impact Of Pulmonary Metastasectomy Timing And Nodule Characteristics On Survival Outcomes In Patients With Pediatric Sarcoma ​, İlteri̇ş Türk, Mehmet Çeti̇n, Neri̇man Sari, Selma Çakmakci, Necati̇ Solak, Fatma Babacan, Nesri̇n Gürçay, Pinar Biçakçioğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Pulmonary metastasectomy (PM) is a crucial intervention for patients with metastatic sarcomas, particularly among pediatric populations. The timing of PM and its impact on survival outcomes remain a subject of debate in the literature. This study aims to evaluate the impact of PM on survival outcomes.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included pediatric patients diagnosed with sarcomas who underwent pulmonary metastasectomy. Demographic and clinical characteristics, including age, sex, primary malignancy type, metastasis presence at diagnosis, chemotherapy response, and PM details (e.g., number and laterality of metastatic nodules, time from metastasis detection to surgery) were analyzed. Survival data were …

Anthropometric And Metabolic Assessment In Adults With Down Syndrome: The Need For Novel Indices And Tailored Criteria ​, Seli̇n Teki̇n, Nergi̇s Basmaci, İnci̇lay Lay, Alper Gürlek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the metabolic profile of adults with Down syndrome (DS) using novel anthropometric and metabolic indices, while also highlighting the limitations of traditional obesity assessment methods compared with the non-DS population.

Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 22 adults with DS and 28 age- and sex-matched non-DS controls. Anthropometric measurements, including BMI, waist circumference (WC), and hip circumference (HC), were recorded alongside novel indices such as waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI), A body shape index (ABSI), and visceral adiposity index (VAI). Metabolic parameters (fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, lipid profiles, HOMA-IR) and CBC-derived …

Do The Expressions Of Hla-G And Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptors Change In Colorectal Cancer?, Ezgi̇ Di̇nçer, Fatma Kaya Dağistanli, Kivanç Derya Peker, Damlanur Sakiz, Fi̇gen Abatay Sel, Demet Kivanç, Hayri̇ye Şentürk Çi̇ftçi̇, Çi̇ğdem Keki̇k Çinar, Şule Karataş, Fatma Savran Oğuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The immune system functions as a well-coordinated defense mechanism, protecting the host from both external pathogens and internal threats. Cancer cells often display surface antigens that the immune system can recognize as foreign, potentially triggering an immune response. However, many cancer cells evade detection by downregulating or completely losing these surface antigens. The immune system relies on the expression of surface antigens and human leukocyte antigens (HLA) to identify and target tumor cells. One key method by which tumor cells evade natural killer (NK) cells involves alterations in HLA antigens. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known to cause various changes …

Association Between Nutritional Targets And Muscle Index Changes In Patients With Terminal Cancer Under Palliative Care ​, İrem Kiraç Utku, Burcu Çalişkan Aydoğmuş, Hati̇ce Nur Avcioğlu, Müge Çatikkaş, Ayfer Durak, Deni̇z Sevi̇ndi̇k Günay, Umut Safer

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

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Background/aim: Malnutrition and muscle wasting are common in terminal cancer patients and adversely affect prognosis. Bedside muscle ultrasonography (US) has emerged as a practical tool to assess nutritional status and monitor therapy. This study evaluated the relationship between achieving individualized nutritional targets and changes in muscle indices measured by US in terminal cancer patients receiving palliative care.

Materials and methods: Subcutaneous fat tissue thickness (SFTT), muscle thickness (MT), and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris (RF) and biceps brachii (BB) muscles were assessed by US over 10 days and normalized to height squared (m²). A total of 95 …

Contribution Of Genetic Test Results To Patient Management In Ophthalmology: Results From A Turkish Stargardt Disease Cohort ​, Fulya Yaylacioğlu Tuncay, Şengül Özdek, Burak Acar, Gülsüm Kayhan, Murat Yüksel, Hüseyi̇n Baran Özdemi̇r, İhsan Gökhan Güreli̇k, Mehmet Ali̇ Ergün

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the genotype and phenotype characteristics of Turkish patients with a clinical diagnosis of Stargardt disease and to evaluate how collaboration between the departments of medical genetics and ophthalmology contributes to patient management.

Materials and methods: The clinical findings, genetic testing workflow in the medical genetics department, and the genetic testing results of patients clinically diagnosed with Stargardt disease in the ophthalmology department were retrospectively analyzed.

Results: The study included 50 patients from 46 families. The genetic test reports confirmed the clinical diagnosis of Stargardt disease type 1 (STGD1) in 27 patients …

Lumbar Disk Herniation Surgeries: The Impact Of Preoperative Holding Area Duration On Anxiety And Postoperative Pain ​, Zuhal Koç Apaydin, Hakan Kina

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate how anxiety levels are affected by preoperative holding area waiting times and how these fears affect pain following surgery. Patients waiting for surgery frequently suffer from preoperative anxiety, which can have an impact on how well they manage their postoperative pain.

Materials and methods: Forty-eight individuals with lumbar disc herniation scheduled for surgery participated in the study. Patients’ anxiety and pain levels were measured both during and after the preoperative holding area waiting period using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale (APAIS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Visual Analog Scale …

Reliability Of Handheld Autorefractometers In Patients After Cataract Surgery ​, Ayça Küpeli̇ Çinar, Abdulkadi̇r Can Çinar, Hande Güçlü

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Accurate postoperative refraction assessment is essential for optimal visual rehabilitation after cataract surgery. Although handheld autorefractometers (HH-ARMs) are widely used in pediatric and uncooperative patients, their reliability in adults after cataract surgery remains uncertain. This study compared refractive outcomes obtained with a HH-ARM (Mediworks V100; Mediworks, Guangzhou, China) and a TB-ARM (Canon RK-F2; Canon Inc., Tokyo, Japan) to evaluate the clinical applicability of HH-ARM in this population.

Materials and methods: This prospective study included 150 eyes of 150 patients (aged 55–85 years) who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. At 1 month postoperatively, spherical value (SV), cylindrical …

Effects Of Olfaction On Sexual Function, Anxiety, Depression, And Quality Of Life In Men And Women With Smell Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Controlled Study ​, Esi̇n Özlem Atmiş, Eser Sağaltici, Eren Yilmaz, Hasan Gökçay, Aytuğ Altundağ

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Olfaction is necessary for healthy sexual intercourse. Better smell has been associated with a more positive sexual experience.

Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, 40 patients diagnosed with a smell disorder and 60 healthy volunteers were included. The participants were divided into 2 groups according to sex. The female group had 19 patients and 25 female controls. The male group had 21 patients and 35 male controls. Sniffin’ Sticks tests, the World Health Organization quality of life assessment (WHOQOL), and hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) were applied to all participants. In addition, the international index of erectile …

Ai Performance In Emergency Medicine Fellowship Examination: Comparative Analysis Of Chatgpt-4o, Gemini 2.0, Claude 3.5, And Deepseek R1 Models, İshak Şan, Medi̇ne Akkan Öz, Mehmet Yortanli, Murat Genç, Bensu Bulut, Ayşenur Gür, Rami̇z Yazici, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Mustafa Önder Gönen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study evaluated the accuracy rates and response consistency of four different large language models (ChatGPT- 4o, Gemini 2.0, Claude 3.5, and DeepSeek R1) in answering questions from the Emergency Medicine Fellowship Examination (YDUS), which was administered for the first time in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: In this observational study, 60 multiple-choice questions from the Emergency Medicine YDUS administered on 15 December 2024, were classified as knowledge-based (n = 26), visual content (n = 2), and case-based (n = 32). Each question was presented three times to the four large language models. The models’ accuracy rates were evaluated according …

The Effect Of Beverages And Cleansers On The Color Stability And Surface Roughness Of Conventional And Digital Denture Base Resins ​, Zeynep Şahi̇n, Nazi̇re Esra Özer, Mehmet Ali̇ Kiliçarslan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Research on the optical and surface properties of 3D-printed denture base materials is limited. This study investigated the effects of different beverages and denture cleansers on the color stability and surface roughness of conventional and digital denture bases.

Materials and methods: A total of 240 specimens were prepared using two digital (CAD/CAM milling and 3D printing) and two conventional (cold- and heat-polymerized) materials. The specimens were immersed in tea, coffee, and artificial saliva for 12 days. After immersion, specimens were cleaned with either sodium hypochlorite or a Corega effervescent tablet. Color changes and surface roughness were measured with a …

Validation Of The Turkish Version Of The Assessment Of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Raynaud’S Phenomenon (Asrap) ​, Duygu Temi̇z Karadağ, Şeyma Yilmaz, Betül Di̇kkanoğlu Demi̇rok, John D. Pauling, Ayten Yazici, Ayşe Çefle

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Importance Of Sample Selection And Generalisability In Scientific Methodology ​, Egemen Ünal, Şefi̇k Yurdakul, Okan Maden

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Letter To The Editor Regarding ‘‘Kara M, Alp G, Pekdiker M, Ketenci S, Porreca A Et Al. Evaluating Leflunomide Andmethotrexate Combination Vs. Monotherapy In Rheumatoid And Psoriatic Arthritis. Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences: 2025; 55 (3): 632-643’’, Özge Tezen

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Erratum To “ The Role Of Carbon Dioxide Angiography In Reducing Contrast-Induced Nephropathy In Diabetic Foot Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment” [Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 55 (4): 877-886 ], Sadik Ahmet Uyanik, Erdem Bi̇rgi̇, Saffet Öztürk, Umut Asfuroğlu, Erdi̇ Tangobay, Hi̇kmet Erhan Güven

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The original article can be accessed at: https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.6040

Assessment Of Alterations In Regional Homogeneity And Amplitude Of Low-Frequency Fluctuations In Children With Dyslexia ​, Esra Demi̇rci̇, Şeri̇fe Gengeç Benli̇, Semra İçer, Zeynep Ak, Ebru Aker, Zehra Fi̇li̇z Karaman

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Exploratory methods in neuroimaging are gaining increasing attention for revealing functional connectivity structures across the entire brain. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the functional mechanisms underlying dyslexia, along with the effects of specialized education for dyslexia treatment, by utilizing measures such as regional homogeneity (ReHo), amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF), and fractional ALFF (fALFF).

Materials and methods: Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from three groups of Turkish-speaking children aged 7–12: diagnosed with dyslexia for the first time (Dys, n = 19), children with dyslexia who received specialized education (EDys, n = 20), …

An Examination Of The Experiences Of An African American Male Diver On A Power Four Swim Team: An Elite Interview, Steven N. Waller Ph.D., Tiffany M. Quash Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

Despite the incremental increase in the number of Black people who are learning to swim, the number of Black divers has not kept pace. In the NCAA Database, swimmers and divers were not segmented; thus, they all appear in the category of “swimming” by race and sex. When viewing the 2024 Division I NCAA Demographics Database, 89 (.02%) of 4307 student-athletes participating in swimming were Black women. For men, the data is equally dismal, revealing that 81 (.03%) of 2,608 student-athletes who were identified as swimmers were Black. The purpose of this research note is to examine the developmental experiences …

Adult Adhd Is Linked To Higher Illicit Drug Use And Prescription Drug Misuse, Andrew S. London, Kevin M. Antshel, Joshua Grove, Iliya Gutin, Shannon M. Monnat

Population Health Research Brief Series

Adolescents and young adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more likely than their peers without ADHD to use illicit drugs and misuse prescription drugs. This brief summarizes findings from a study that used data from the National Wellbeing Survey (NWS) to describe differences in lifetime and past-year use of 7 illicit drugs (marijuana, cocaine, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and hallucinogens) and misuse of 4 categories of prescription medications (opioids, tranquilizers, sedatives, and stimulants) between U.S. adults ages 18-64 with and without self-reported healthcare provider-diagnosed ADHD in 2023. The authors find that adults with ADHD are 1.6 to 3.3 times …

Differential Patterns Of Gut And Oral Microbiomes In Hispanic Individuals With Cognitive Impairment, Yannick N. Wadop, Erin L. Vasquez, Julia J. Mathews, Jazmyn A. S. Muhammad, Rosa P. Mavarez, Claudia Satizabal, Mitzi M. Gonzales, Jeremy A. Tanner, Gladys E. Maestre, Bernard Fongang

School of Medicine Publications

Alterations in both oral and gut microbiomes have been associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD). While extensive research has focused on the role of gut dysbiosis in ADRD, the contribution of the oral microbiome remains relatively understudied. This study aims to evaluate distinct patterns and potential synergistic effects of oral and gut microbiomes in a cohort of predominantly Hispanic individuals with cognitive impairment (CI) and without cognitive impairment (NC). We conducted 16S rRNA gene sequencing on stool and saliva samples from 32 participants (17 CI, 15 NC; 62.5% female, mean age = 70.4 ± 6.2 years) recruited in …

Addressing Housing As A Health-Related Social Need: Insights And Impacts From Health Share’S Housing Benefit Pilot Program, Monique Gill, Benjamin Gronowski, Megan Holtorf

Articles, Abstracts, and Reports

No abstract provided.

Addressing Barriers To Care For African American Men Facing Prostate Cancer: A Scoping Review Of Navigation Programs, Ashley Nicole Smith, Brittany A. Campbell, Ghilamichael Andemeskel, Peggy Tahir, Joseph Egbunikeokye, Tisha M. Felder Phd, Msw, Barbara Cicerelli, Nynikka R. Palmer

Publications

PURPOSE

African American/Black men are disproportionately impacted by prostate cancer (PCa). Patient navigation is an evidence-based approach to address barriers to care, improve access to care and health outcomes, and reduce disparities. This scoping review provides an in-depth examination of navigation programs in PCa care across the cancer continuum, with a focus on African American/Black men in the United States.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive literature search through September 1st, 2023, in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL Complete, using keywords and index terms within three main themes: PCa, patient navigation, and African American/Black men. We included studies that …

Efficacy Of Autologous Platelet-Rich Fibrin (Prf) In Promoting Soft Tissue Healing And Bone Regeneration Following Extraction In The Anterior Maxilla: A Digital And Radiological Study, Anthony El Rai, Abdallah Menhall, Joseph Zaarour, Robin Jalkh, Joseph Bassil

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PRF in promoting soft tissue healing and bone regeneration after extraction in the anterior maxillary region. A secondary objective was to correlate soft tissue change with underlying bone structure variation. Finally, the study also aimed to compare soft and hard tissue alteration based on different types of extracted teeth.

Methods: The sample included five adult patients requiring the extraction of at least two symmetrical teeth in the anterior maxilla, totaling fourteen teeth. Participants underwent CBCT scans and digital impressions before extraction. Concerned teeth were then …

Effect Of Ingot Thickness And Translucency Of Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic And Final Shade: An In Vitro Study, Rami Shurbaji Mozayek, Even Hanifi, Hiba Al Helou, Mohammed Yamen Al Shorbaji Al Moziek, Nour Al Deen Kharboutly

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: laminate veneers can alter the final shade depending on factors like resin cement shade or material used. Other factors such as ceramic thickness and translucency will be discussed in this study.

Methods: The study sample consists of 60 discs made of lithium disilicate glass ceramic divided into four groups (HT, LT, MO, HO) according to their translucency, each group was subsequently divided into three subgroups (1, 0.75, 0.5 mm) according to their thickness. L, a,b values were measured for each disc. One-Way ANOVA was carried out with 95% confidence interval.

Results: Statistical analysis showed significant difference …

Comparative Evaluation Of Heat-Treated Retreatment Files On Canal Transportation And Dentin Thickness In Endodontically Treated Teeth: An In Vitro Cbct Study, Monisha Bhate, Pradeep Solete, Aparna Mohan

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Non-surgical retreatment is a conservative approach for managing recurrent endodontic infections requiring efficient removal of obturating material while preserving dentin. Retreatment file systems,through their design and function,plays a vital role in ensuring effective cleaning and minimal structural compromise.

Methods: Forty-five extracted mandibular molars were decoronated and obturated at a standardized root length of 16 mm in both mesial canals. Samples were divided into three groups (n=15): Group 1 – SoliteRS3, Group 2 – Dentsply Protaper Universal Retreatment Files and Group 3 – Neoendo Retreatment Files. Pre- and postoperative CBCT scans were used to assess remaining dentin thickness, …

Cytotoxicity And Osteogenic Potentials Of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Via A Novel Formulation Of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate: An In Vitro Study, Ahmed Elgendi, Ehab Hassanien, Mohamed Nagy, Iman Fathy, Ashraf Abu Seida, Elhassan Hassanein

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: Root perforations can lead to periodontitis and alveolar bone loss. This study compared cytotoxicity and osteogenic potential of zirconia-containing mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Matreva (MAT group) to MTA Angelus (ANG group) as root perforation repair materials.

Methods: Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) were extracted from two albino rats and cultivated. The cytotoxicity of the studied materials was determined using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay at three time points: 3, 7, and 14 days. The evaluated materials were employed to guide the osteogenic differentiation of BM-MSCs into osteoblasts. The osteogenic impact was evaluated by assessing calcium …

Evaluation Of The Remineralizing Agents After Orthodontic Bracket Debonding: A Sem-Edx Investigation, Bassant Ashraf Badr, Medhat Elzainy, Noha Ibrahim, Hend El Messiry

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: To compare the remineralizing efficacy of (Fluoride (Fl) Varnish, Nanohydroxyapatite (n-HAp) serum and NovaMin-containing toothpaste) on premolars subjected to orthodontic debonding and a pH-cycling model.

Methods: 60 human premolars were divided into six groups (n=10). Group IA, sound enamel, IB, orthodontically treated premolars, IC, orthodontically treated premolars subjected to demineralization cycles. Three experimental groups included orthodontically treated premolars subjected to demineralization cycles and treated with Fl varnish (IIA), n-HAp serum (IIB), and NovaMin toothpaste (IIC). Surface topography and mineral content were evaluated using SEM-EDX analysis, and data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA test and Tukey’s post-hoc test. …