Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Collateral Circulation As A Predictor Of Reperfusion Injury: Insights From Mechanical Thrombectomy In Stroke Patients ​, Eli̇f Uzun Ata, Asi̇ye Sözeri̇, Gürdal Orhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association between collateral circulation (CC) status on preprocedural brain CT angiography (BCTA) and the development of postthrombectomy hemorrhagic transformation (HeT) and contrast extravasation (CE) in patients with acute ischemic stroke.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, single-center study included 185 patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion who underwent mechanical thrombectomy (MT) between February 2019 and October 2022 and achieved complete angiographic reperfusion with a final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction grade of 3. Preprocedural CC was assessed on biphasic BCTA using a modified threecategory grading approach and classified as good, moderate, or …

Clinical And Prognostic Significance Of Glomerulonephritis In Clinically Indicated Kidney Allograft Biopsies ​, Hati̇ce Şahi̇n, Fatma Ayerden Ebi̇nç, Gülay Ulusal Okyay, Emre Yaşar, Ebru Gök Oğuz, Fevzi̇ Coşkun Sökmen, Kadi̇r Gökhan Atilgan, Ebru Şebnem Ayva, Mehmet Deni̇z Ayli

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Posttransplant glomerulonephritis (GN) is an underrecognized but clinically important cause of allograft dysfunction. It remains uncertain whether GN detected in a clinically indicated kidney allograft biopsy provides prognostic information beyond graft function and chronic histological injury. The present study evaluates the association between biopsy-detected GN and death-censored graft loss.

Materials and methods: Included in this retrospective single-center study were kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) who underwent clinically indicated allograft biopsy between May 2012 and October 2025. The primary outcome was death-censored graft loss, defined as a return to kidney replacement therapy. Postbiopsy graft survival was assessed using Kaplan–Meier analysis and …

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 …

Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness And Aortic Elasticity In Seronegative And Seropositive Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparative Evaluation Of Subclinical Cardiometabolic Burden ​, Abdullah Nabi̇ Aslan, Yunus Emre Özbebek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease associated with both joint pathology and elevated cardiovascular disease risk. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT) and aortic elasticity parameters are emerging cardiometabolic markers associated with systemic inflammation and subclinical atherosclerosis. Although the relationship between EATT, aortic elasticity parameters, and RA has been increasingly documented, differences in these parameters between seronegative rheumatoid arthritis and seropositive rheumatoid arthritis remain underexplored.

Materials and methods: Of the 396 consecutive patients with RA, only those free of established cardiovascular disease and uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors were included. As a result, 80 patients with RA and 43 …

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. …

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 …

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, …

Association Between Acetabular Morphology Parameters And Hip Osteoarthritis: A Multivariable And Diagnostic Performance Analysis ​, Ni̇hat Yi̇ği̇t, Nuri̇ Koray Ulgen, Hayretti̇n Unal, Ali̇ Sai̇d Nazligul, Mehmet Orçun Akkurt, Arslan Kağan Arslan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acetabular morphology plays a fundamental role in hip biomechanics by influencing load distribution and maintaining cartilage integrity. Although the Sharp angle, lateral center–edge angle (LCEA), Tönnis angle, and acetabular depth are commonly used radiographic parameters, their independent associations with hip osteoarthritis (OA) and their relative diagnostic performance remain uncertain. This study evaluated these associations and compared their diagnostic utility.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included standardized anteroposterior pelvis radiographs obtained between January 2021 and December 2024. Hips were classified according to the Kellgren–Lawrence (KL) grading system, with grade 0 hips assigned to the control group and grade ≥2 …

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) …

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 …

Effects Of Topical And Systemic Pirfenidone On Postlaminectomy Epidural Fibrosis In A Rat Model ​, Özgür Öcal, Zuhal Yildirim, Ayşe Çakir Gündoğdu, Abdurrahi̇m Taş, Betül Yaman, Abdurrahman Çeti̇n, Gökhan Gürkan, Abdurrahman Aycan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To investigate the effect of topical and systemic administration of pirfenidone (PFD) on the development of postlaminectomy epidural fibrosis in a rat model.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 male Wistar albino rats were randomly assigned to four equal groups (n = 8 per group). A bilateral total L1–L2 laminectomy was performed using a posterior midline microsurgical approach. The control group received only laminectomy; the sterile saline (SF) group received laminectomy followed by irrigation with sterile saline; the topical pirfenidone (PFDTpc) group received laminectomy followed by topical PFD application at the laminectomy site; and the systemic pirfenidone (PFD-Sys) …

Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Systemic Inflammation Is Associated With Depression-Like Behavior And Increased Hippocampal Epha4 Expression ​, Senem Esi̇n Yavaş, Özkan Yavaş, Ayşe Akbaş, Seda Işiklar, Semi̇ha Ersoy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Depression is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder with a complex etiology and a higher burden in women. The inflammation hypothesis, initially proposed based on parallels between depression and sickness behavior, has gained increasing support from accumulating evidence. EphA4, a regulator of synaptic plasticity, is highly expressed in the hippocampus and functions as a negative modulator of neuroplasticity.

Materials and methods: Hippocampal EphA4 expression was investigated in female Wistar rats subjected to lipopolysaccharide-induced acute systemic inflammation. Acute systemic inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal administration of lipopolysaccharide (5 mg/ kg). Depression-like behaviors were assessed using the open-field test and tail-suspension test, while …

Effects Of Topical Glycerin And Hydrogen Peroxide On Auditory Brainstem Response Thresholds In A Rat Model Of Tympanic Membrane Perforation ​, Özlem Akkoca, Emi̇ne Aydin, Şule Demi̇rci̇, Ridvan Hali̇t Pamuk, Emi̇ne Ceren Ersöz Ünlü, Harun Çoban, Yüce İslamoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Cerumenolytic agents containing glycerin and hydrogen peroxide are widely used in clinical practice and are generally considered safe; however, their potential effects on hearing function in cases of tympanic membrane (TM) perforation have not been adequately investigated. This experimental study evaluated the potential ototoxic effects of glycerin and hydrogen peroxide in rats with TM perforations using auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing.

Materials and methods: Twenty healthy male Wistar albino rats with bilaterally induced near-total TM perforations were divided into four groups (n = 4–6 animals/group) and received topical saline, amikacin, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide applications twice daily for 10 …

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 …

Comments On “Pregnancy Outcomes In Systemic Sclerosis Before And After Diagnosis: A Retrospective Nationwide Cohort Study” ​, Muhammad Faisal Shabbir, Muksh Maheshwari, Chand Raj, Maria Baloch

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

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 …

Evaluation Of Enamel Demineralization Around Bonded Lingual Retainers Cured Using The Transillumination Technique: An In Vitro Sem Study, Monis Raza, Achint Juneja, Udit Chaudhary, Anju Treesa Jacob, Vikas Thakur, Aayush Sudan

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introduction: Polymerization technique may influence enamel demineralization around bonded lingual retainers by affecting adhesive integrity.

Methods: Eighty-four mandibular incisors were randomly allocated to conventional curing (30 s), transillumination (30 s), or combined curing (15 s each). Specimens underwent pH cycling and were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy. Demineralization was scored (0–3), and linear lesion depth was measured. Data were analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis, Bonferroni, and Mann–Whitney tests (p ≤ 0.05).

Results: Combined curing significantly reduced demineralization compared with conventional and transillumination protocols (p < 0.001). Gingival regions showed significantly greater demineralization than occlusal regions across all groups.

Conclusions: Combined curing improved enamel preservation and may be an effective strategy for bonded …

Comparing Condylar Parameters Assessed By Ultrasonic And Mechanical Axiography: An In Vivo Pilot Study, Mark Salame, Amine El Zoghbi, Marina Daher, Carole Abi Ghosn, Paul J. Boulos

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Objectives: The objective of this clinical pilot study was to compare the condylar parameters (condylar path inclination and Bennett angle) obtained from two different axiographs: a mechanical axiography system and an ultrasonic axigraphy system, and thus to judge the reliability and degree of accuracy of the mechanical axiography compared with the ultrasonic axiography considered as a reference technique.

Methods: Eleven candidates, aged between 20 and 25 years, were selected (n = 11) following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each individual underwent two axiographic recordings by a single experienced operator. The first one was done with an ultrasonic axiograph, …

Effectiveness Of Animated Video And Electronic Dental Booklet Among Children In Primary Healthcare Centers, Kediri, Indonesia: A Prospective Interventional Study, Arini Indriyasari, Sayekti Wahyuningsih, Indasah Ir, Yuli Peristiowati

International Arab Journal of Dentistry

Introductions: Dental caries and poor oral hygiene remain major public health problems among children in Indonesia. Conventional dental health education has shown limited effectiveness in achieving sustainable behavioral change. Digital media, such as an animated video and an electronic dental booklet (e-Saku Gigi), offer a promising strategy to improve oral hygiene behavior in children.

Aim: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a Dental Health Education (DHE) intervention using an animated video and e-Saku Gigi on oral hygiene status (OHI-S), dental caries experience (DMF-T), and the knowledge–attitude–behavior pathway.

Methodes: A two-stage design was used. The first stage employed an …

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 …

Measuring And Understanding Geographic Inequities In Physician Distribution In The Philippines: A Multi-Method Study Protocol, Veincent Christian F. Pepito, Ryan Gabriel C. Molen, Julius R. Migriño Jr, Theo Prudencio Juhani Z. Capeding, Anne Rose D. Payumo, Hazel Ivy M. Jeremias, Karl R. Ubial, William C. Tiu, Manuel M. Dayrit

ASMPH Center for Research and Innovation (ACRI)

INTRODUCTION: The Philippines faces physician shortages, exacerbated by their propensity to practise in urban centres. Despite government placement programmes, recruitment and retention of physicians in many areas throughout the country remain difficult. This study aims to: (1) describe the distribution of general physicians and board-certified specialist physicians and (2) identify the individual, work environment, local environment, national environment and international environment factors that may influence physicians to establish their practice in areas with below-optimal physician-to-population ratios in the Philippines. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: To describe the distribution of general physicians and board-certified specialist physicians, we will map Philippine Health Insurance Corporation …

Characterizing Cannulator Training And Credentialing Practices Across United States Ecmo Programs, Drew Ikard

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

Introduction: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and other forms of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) require rapid, technically complex vascular cannulation. Although ECMO education and practitioner credentialing vary across centers, requirements specifically for cannulators are not well characterized. This study aims to describe training, credentialing, specialty restrictions, and proficiency maintenance for independent ECMO cannulators at U.S. ECMO programs.

Methods: We designed a multicenter, cross-sectional survey informed by prior literature on ECMO education and credentialing. The questionnaire assesses institutional characteristics, including annual ECMO and ECPR volumes, eligible cannulator specialties, required simulation hours, primary and assistant cannulation requirements, and criteria for maintaining independent cannulator …

Evaluating The Quality And Safety Of A Nurse Practitioner-Led Virtual Clinic For Secondary Prevention In Stable Coronary Artery Disease: A Pilot Feasibility Study., Anwar Abdi, Holly Rector, Vivian Hung, Shadi Akhtari

Medical Education Articles

Background Virtual care offers a complementary pathway to in-person visits for managing coronary artery disease (CAD). This study evaluated the feasibility of a nurse practitioner (NP)-led interdisciplinary virtual clinic dedicated to secondary prevention for individuals with stable CAD.

Methods A feasibility study was conducted in an academic cardiology practice in Canada from July 2021 to July 2024. A convenience sample of adults ≥18 years of age with stable CAD was included; each participant received at least one annual NP-led video visit reviewed with a cardiologist asynchronously. Primary outcomes: 1) percentage of self-reported maintenance of guideline-directed medical therapies (GDMT) and achieving …

Multicentre Real-World Outcomes Of Reference Bevacizumab And Two Biosimilars In Treatment-Naïve Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration ​, Eyüpcan Şensoy, Mehmet Çitirik, Burhan Başkan, Hasan Öncül, Abdullah Beyoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Bevacizumab biosimilars are increasingly used as alternatives to reference bevacizumab in ophthalmic practice, but comparative real-world evidence in treatment-naïve neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) remains limited. In this study, the short-term anatomical, functional, and documented safety outcomes associated with bevacizumab, bevacizumab-bvzr (Zirabev), and bevacizumab-awwb (Mvasi) were evaluated in treatment-naïve patients with nAMD in a multicentre real-world setting.

Materials and methods: This multicentre retrospective cohort included 250 treatment-naïve eyes with nAMD from 16 centres in Türkiye that completed a 3-month loading regimen with the same bevacizumab agent. Central macular thickness (CMT) was the prespecified primary longitudinal outcome; best-corrected visual acuity …