Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Uniportal Vats Wedge Pulmonary Resections, Kubi̇lay İnan, Özgür Ömer Yildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a common approach in surgical procedures involving the lung, mediastinum, thoracic wall, and diaphragm. Recent studies have described the performance of diagnostic and therapeutic VATS procedures via a single port, and the technique has become the preferred diagnostic modality for various intrathoracic pathologies and for patients deemed unsuitable for fine-needle biopsy.

Materials and methods: The records of 57 patients who underwent diagnostic and therapeutic uniportal VATS for wedge pulmonary resection between January 2024 and January 2025 were reviewed retrospectively, and details regarding the surgical method, length of hospital stay, complications, and diagnostic …

Changes In T-Cell Subsets And Their Relationships With Disease Severity In Patients With Alopecia Areata, Hati̇ce Türk Daği, Hülya Özdemi̇r, Mehmet Akyürek, Fatma Tunçez Akyürek, Hasi̇be Artaç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring hair loss disorder characterized by genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and T-cell–mediated autoimmunity. While various CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets are implicated in its pathogenesis, the roles of follicular T-cell (Tfh), peripheral T-cell (Tph), and regulatory T-cell (Treg) subsets– particularly within the CD8+ population–remain incompletely defined. This study aimed to characterize circulating CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets in Turkish patients with AA and to evaluate their associations with disease activity, duration, and severity.

Materials and methods: A total of 40 patients with AA and 40 healthy controls were enrolled. CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets—including …

Thyroid Function In Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder And Specific Learning Disorder: A Retrospective Comparative Study, Gül Trabzon, Seda Aybüke Sari, Servet Yüce, Şeyma Demi̇ray Güllü

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study analyzes thyroid function parameters (free T₃, free T₄, TSH) in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ADHD with specific learning disorder, and healthy controls, to determine whether subtle thyroid dysregulation contributes to the phenotypic heterogeneity of ADHD.

Materials and methods: This retrospective, cross-sectional study included 135 children aged 6–18 years: 62 diagnosed with ADHD (38 isolated ADHD and 24 ADHD+SLD) and 73 healthy controls. Demographic, anthropometric, and thyroid function data (free T₃, free T₄, TSH) were extracted from medical records. Group comparisons were conducted using independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and ANCOVA adjusted for age, sex, and treatment status. …

Comparative Analysis Of Corticosteroid Injection Alone Versus Combined Corticosteroid And Radiofrequency Ablation For Plantar Fasciitis: Short- And Medium-Term Outcomes ​, Nevci̇han Şahutoğlu Bal, Emel Başar, Hati̇ce Babaoğlan, Ülkü Sabuncu, Mustafa Cem Yilmaz, Şükri̇ye Dadali, Erkan Yavuz Akçaboy

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Plantar fasciitis (PF) is a common cause of heel pain and may lead to functional impairment and reduced quality of life. This study aimed to compare the short- and medium-term clinical outcomes of corticosteroid injection (CSI) alone versus combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and CSI in patients with PF refractory to conservative treatment.

Materials and methods: This single-center retrospective comparative study included patients diagnosed with PF between 1 January 2021 and 1 January 2025. Patients who underwent either CSI alone or combined RFA and CSI after failure of conservative management were included. Pain intensity was assessed using a visual analog …

Sarcopenia Risk In Women With Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Sarc-F-Based Assessment ​, Burak Kami̇l Turan, Ayşe Adi̇le Küçükdeveci̇, Zafer Günendi̇, Ayşegül Yaman, Oya Özdemi̇r, Jale Meray, Fatma Yeşi̇m Gökçe Kutsal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Osteoporosis and sarcopenia are diseases of bone and muscle tissue, respectively. Studies reported that these disorders were interrelated. However, this relation was explored in older adults and/or with certain comorbidities, and information about nonelderly postmenopausal women is scarce. This study’s objectives were to investigate the relationship between osteoporosis and SARC-F-defined sarcopenia risk in postmenopausal women aged ≤70 years and to examine the effect of other factors on this risk.

Materials and methods: This multicenter case-control study included postmenopausal women aged 45–70 years. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was utilized to diagnose osteoporosis. Sociodemographic and clinical variables, sarcopenia risk (SARC-F), muscle strength …

Evaluation Of Acne Vulgaris Patient Care In Outpatient Clinics: Guideline Adherence And Patient Education ​, Mefküre Durmuş, Betül Sena Çavdar, İbrahi̇m Etem Arica, Sena Ustaömer, Sena Güzel Karahan, Seçi̇l Çolak, Selcen Şenol

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Acne vulgaris, affecting over 85% of adolescents, is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disorder. Its management is severity-based, with specific drug selections and combinations according to guidelines. However, adherence to these guidelines and the adequacy of patient counseling remain uncertain in real-world practice. The aim in this study was to evaluate prescribing patterns in acne management, assess compliance with guidelines, and promote awareness among healthcare professionals.

Materials and methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the dermatology outpatient clinic of a tertiary hospital in Türkiye between February and May 2025. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and …

Rna Sequencing Detects More Challenging Cases Of Somatic Hypermutation In The Ighv Gene In Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia ​, Fatma Arikan, Pinar Ata, Şenol Demi̇r, Meral Uluköylü Mengüç, Fahi̇r Özkalemkaş, Bedretti̇n Orhan, Özgür Mehtap, Arda Bayar, Asu Fergün Yilmaz, Ayşe Tüli̇n Tuğlular, Işik Atagündüz, Tayfur Toptaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) exhibits marked biological heterogeneity, and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IgHV) mutation status remains a key prognostic biomarker. We evaluated patient IgHV status via RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and examined real-life clinical outcomes in a retrospective CLL cohort.

Materials and methods: Eighty-seven adults diagnosed with CLL between 2020 and 2022 at three centers were included. Total RNA from peripheral blood underwent anchored multiplex polymerase chain reaction with the Immunoverse BCR-IGH IGKL v1.0 kit (Integrated DNA Technologies) and was sequenced on the MiSeq platform (Illumina). IgHV mutation status was determined according to ERIC 2022 guidelines, specifically regarding classification …

Association Of Precise-Hbr Score With Clinical Outcomes And Length Of Hospital Stay After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation ​, Erhan Saraçoğlu, Yunus Emre Özbebek, Beki̇r Demi̇rtaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The PRECISE-HBR score was developed to estimate bleeding risk after percutaneous coronary intervention, but its clinical utility in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) remains uncertain. We evaluated its association with major bleeding and hospitalization burden after TAVI.

Materials and methods: This ambispective, single-center observational study included 184 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI. The patients were categorized by PRECISE-HBR score (≤22, 23–26, and ≥27) for descriptive comparisons. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to assess the discriminative performance of PRECISE-HBR and the Society of Thoracic Surgeons score for major bleeding, prolonged hospitalization, and in-hospital mortality. Binary logistic regression was …

Hounsfield Unit Thresholds In Differentiating Adenoma From Nonadenoma Adrenal Masses: A Retrospective Adrenalectomy-Based Study ​, Burak Özbaş, Muhammet Mustafa Etleç, Hüseyi̇n Dursun, Mustafa Gök, Abdullah Bahadir Öz, Alper Celal Akcan, Ayşa Hacioğlu, Ökkeş İbrahi̇m Karahan, Züleyha Ci̇han Özdamar Karaca, Kürşad Ünlühizarci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Adrenal incidentalomas are increasingly detected during imaging studies performed for various indications, and their frequency in endocrinology practice has risen in recent years. While adenomas account for approximately 80% of adrenal incidentalomas, the remaining 20% include lesions such as primary malignancies, metastases, and pheochromocytomas that should not be overlooked. Given the risks associated with adrenal biopsy, accurate diagnosis with noninvasive methods is essential. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the Hounsfield unit (HU) values and lesion sizes measured on noncontrast computed tomography (CT) to identify a more accurate threshold than the widely used 10 HU.

Materials and methods: In …

Beyond Individual Willingness: Family Veto, Legal Knowledge, And The Dynamics Of Organ Donation In Türkiye ​, Hasan Gi̇ray Ankara, Hakan Değerli̇, Semi̇h Baş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to understand the factors underlying the dynamics of organ donation behavior by focusing on three different aspects. Three models were tested in this regard, namely (i) individual willingness for the donation of one’s own organs, (ii) willingness to approve organ donation for close relatives, and (iii) a family veto gap.

Materials and methods: A national-level adult sample from the Eurobarometer 72.3 survey (collected in 2009) conducted in Türkiye was utilized. Standard and penalized logistic regression models were employed to conduct the analyses.

Results: The results show that discussing organ donation with family members and being aware …

Transient Bacteremia During Coblation-Assisted Tonsillotomy In Children ​, Yüce İslamoğlu, Sami̇ Berci̇n, Bengi̇ Arslan, Gökhan Ati̇k, Mehmet Emi̇n Ak, Muhammed Fati̇h Ozcan, Selman Secki̇n, Ezgi̇ Erki̇li̇c, Bedi̇a Di̇nc

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of transient bacteremia after coblation-assisted intracapsular partial tonsillectomy (tonsillotomy) in children.

Materials and methods: This prospective study included 42 children with grade 3–4 tonsillar hypertrophy who underwent coblation-assisted tonsillotomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Aerobic and anaerobic blood cultures were obtained preoperatively and immediately after tonsillotomy. Intraoperative throat cultures were also obtained before mucosal manipulation.

Results: All preoperative blood cultures were negative. Postoperative blood cultures were positive in two patients (4.8%; 95% CI, 0.6%– 16.2%). Streptococcus pyogenes and Actinomyces spp. were isolated. The patient with S. pyogenes bacteremia also …

Nationwide Characteristics Of Infectious Disease Patients Transported By Helicopter In Türkiye, Ayşe Gülden Bekgöz, Kerem Dost Bi̇lmez, Muhammed Saltuk Deni̇z

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the clinical, demographic, and operational characteristics of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance and to examine differences in the transfer patterns, flight durations, and diagnostic categories.

Materials and methods: Registry data of patients with infectious diseases transported by helicopter ambulance were analyzed. Demographic characteristics, diagnoses, referring and receiving hospital types, intraprovincial and interprovincial transfer status, flight durations, and temporal distribution of transfers (hours, days, and months) were evaluated. Flight duration was calculated in minutes and compared between intraprovincial and interprovincial transfers.

Results: A total of 543 patients with infectious diseases were transported by helicopter ambulance. …

A Hidden Danger In Cancer Patients: Intestinal Parasites ​, Asli Geçgel, Ayşe Merve Parmaksizoğlu Aydin, Ahmet Türk, Esra Erdem Kivrak, Gökhan Vatansever, Nevi̇n Turgay, Erdem Göker, Meltem Taşbakan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Intestinal parasites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, distribution, and associated clinical factors of intestinal parasite detection among patients with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea over a 10-year period.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included patients aged ≥18 years with solid tumors who presented with diarrhea and had stool samples examined at the Ege University Medical Parasitology Laboratory between January 2014 and September 2024. Patients with incomplete records or inadequate stool processing were excluded. Demographic, clinical, and treatment data were retrieved from electronic medical records …

Can Hydrolyzed Silk Fibroin Derived From Bombyx Hatayensis And Ozonized Gel Modulate Inflammatory And Angiogenic Responses In A Corneal Alkali Burn Model? ​​, Şule Barman Kaki̇l, Hamdullah Suphi̇ Bayraktar, Okan Soylu, İshak Gökçek, Meryem İlkay Karagül, Zehra Demi̇ray Asoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The therapeutic effects of hydrolyzed silk fibroin derived from Bombyx hatayensis and a commercially available ozonized gel, administered individually and in combination, were evaluated in a rat model of corneal alkali burn.

Materials and methods: A standardized corneal alkali burn was induced in the right eyes of Wistar albino rats using 1 N sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Animals were randomly assigned to six groups: negative control, positive control (PC), hydrolyzed silk fibroin (SF), ozonized gel (O), combined treatment (SF + O), and antibiotic treatment. Topical treatments were administered for 21 consecutive days. Clinical evaluation included assessments of corneal opacity, neovascularization, …

Repurposing Diclofenac For Combination Therapy: Targeting The Warburg Effect To Enhance Breast Cancer Treatment ​, Gonca Tuna, Eli̇f Ertürk, Ayşen Sağnak, Ferda Ari

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Diclofenac (Diclo), a widely used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, has emerged as a potential candidate for drug repurposing in oncology, with reported anticancer effects extending beyond cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition, including modulation of tumor metabolism. This study investigated the antiproliferative and glycolysis-associated effects of Diclo in MCF-7 breast cancer cells, alone and in combination with docetaxel (Doc) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU).

Materials and methods: Cell viability was assessed using the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. To evaluate metabolic alterations, glucose uptake and lactate release were quantified following treatment. In addition, Triosephosphate Isomerase (TPI) protein levels and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) activity were measured to …

Antiobesity, Antidiabetic, And Antioxidant Activities Of Selected Rubia Species (Rubiaceae) And Lc–Ms/Ms-Based Chemical Profiling ​, Semi̇h Bulut, Ahmet Kahraman, Ayşenur Işik, Mustafa Abdullah Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Rubia species (Rubiaceae) are recognized as medicinal and industrial plants exhibiting diverse biological activities. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antiobesity potential of extracts prepared from Rubia davisiana Ehrend. (an endemic species), R. peregrina L., and R. rotundifolia Banks & Sol., which grow naturally in Türkiye.

Materials and methods: The antioxidant activity of 80% ethanol extracts prepared from the aerial parts was evaluated using 2,2’-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays, ferric reducing power, metal chelating capacity, and total antioxidant capacity assays. Inhibition assays for α-glucosidase and α-amylase were performed to evaluate antidiabetic activity, …

L-Theanine Attenuates Alcl3-Induced Cognitive Dysfunction And Neurotoxicity In Rats: A Behavioral And Biochemical Study, Muhammet Oğuzhan Dönmez, Azi̇ze Şener, Şeyda Karaman Ersoy, Mahdi̇ Marzi̇, Göksel Şener

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The effects of L-theanine (LTN), a natural compound found in tea leaves, on biochemical parameters and cognitive functions were investigated in an aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced Alzheimer’s disease-like experimental model.

Materials and methods: A total of 32 male Wistar rats were allocated into four groups: control, AlCl3-induced AD-like group, LTN-treated AD-like group, and donepezil-treated AD-like group. Donepezil was used as a reference drug. For the induction of AlCl3- induced neurotoxicity, AlCl3 was administered by gavage at a dose of 25 mg/kg/day during the 1st week and 150 mg/kg/day for the subsequent 3 weeks. LTN was administered orally at a dose …

Therapeutic Potential Of Nasal Kisspeptin-54 For Reducing Α-Synuclein Accumulation And Restoring Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity In A 6-Hydroxydopamine-Induced Rat Model Of Parkinson’S Disease ​, Ayşegül Gemi̇ci̇ Si̇nen, Emre Savran, Okyanus Bora Güleç, Osman Si̇nen, Nari̇n Deri̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons and pathological aggregation of α-synuclein (α-syn), leading to significant motor and cognitive impairments. Kisspeptin-54 (KP-54), a neuropeptide primarily involved in reproductive regulation, has recently been implicated in neurorestorative processes, with emerging evidence suggesting beneficial effects on locomotor activity and cognitive function. However, its therapeutic potential in PD has not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of chronic nasal KP-54 administration in a 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD, focusing on motor and cognitive outcomes, hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and α-syn pathology.

Materials and …

Boric Acid Enhances The Antitumor Effects Of Paclitaxel By Modulating Apoptosis, Autophagy-Related Protein Expression, And Proinflammatory Cytokine Expression In Ovcar-3 Ovarian Cancer Cells ​, Nazmi̇ye Bi̇tgen, Gözde Özge Önder, Münevver Baran, Fatma Esen Karakuş, Meli̇ke Akbulut, Arzu Yay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Ovarian cancer is the eighth most prevalent malignancy among women globally and ranks third among gynecological cancers in terms of incidence. The limited efficacy of standard chemotherapy, primarily due to intrinsic drug resistance and high recurrence rates, highlights the urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies that are both effective and selectively cytotoxic.

Materials and methods: This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of boric acid (BA), a biologically active boron compound with emerging antitumor potential, and paclitaxel (PTX), a conventional chemotherapeutic agent, on cell viability, cell cycle progression, apoptosis, autophagy-related protein expression, and inflammatory signaling in the chemoresistant …

Exploratory Evaluation Of Mir-146, Inflammatory Biomarkers, And Subjective Cognitive Symptoms In Chronic Migraine ​, Hale Gök Dağidir, Duygu Bandirmali, Merve Hi̇lal Ceren Akgör, Doğa Vuralli, Meltem Yalinay, Güvem Gümüş Akay, Hayrunni̇sa Bolay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Chronic migraine (CM) is a disabling neurological disorder associated with substantial impairment of quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests that inflammatory and epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to migraine pathophysiology. miR- 146, a microRNA involved in the TLR-4/NFkb pathway, is known to regulate proinflammatory signaling, whereas HMGB1 activates inflammatory pathways through TLR2 and TLR4 receptors. IL-17 is another proinflammatory cytokine implicated in both inflammation and cognitive processes. In this research, our aim was to investigate the relationship between serum HMGB1, IL-17, and miR-146 levels and migraine-related subjective cognitive symptoms in patients with CM.

Materials and methods: Serum samples were collected …

Erratum To “Effects Of Colchicine On Sah-Induced Vascular Damage In An Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Model’’ [Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 56 (2) 2026 597-607] ​, Emi̇ne Demi̇r, Cumaali̇ Demi̇rtaş, Cansu Sönmez, Eray Meti̇n Güler, Sarper Kocaoğlu, Hakan Beyaztaş, Eyüp Çeti̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The original article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.6192.

Background/aim: Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is a severe cerebrovascular condition with high morbidity and mortality. Inflammation and oxidative stress are key factors in its pathophysiology, particularly in secondary vascular injury. This study aimed to evaluate the 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 divided into three groups: Control (no SAH), SAH (induced without treatment), and SAH + Colchicine (1 mg/kg intraperitoneally at 1 h and 24 h). SAH was induced by autologous blood injection into …

Erratum To “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)’’ [Turkish Journal Of Medical Sciences 56 (3) 2026 817-827] ​, Emel Yantir, Eren Gündüz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The original article can be accessed at https://doi.org/10.55730/1300-0144.6216.

In Article No. 56-3-22, entitled “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)”, an error was identified in the DOI of the Aperta link provided in the Supplementary Materials section, as the final digit of the DOI was inadvertently omitted.
The correct and complete version of the link is provided below on a separate page.
https://aperta.ulakbim.gov.tr/records/287387

Direct Pars Repair Techniques For Lumbar Spondylolysis: A Comparative Literature Review ​, Kami̇l C. Kose, Moustafa Ibrahim, Ni̇cholas D. Haden, John Afolayan, Hanny Anwar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Lumbar spondylolysis, a pars interarticularis defect affecting approximately 3%–6% of the general population, presents a significant clinical challenge in young adults and athletes. When conservative management fails, direct pars repair offers an attractive alternative to spinal fusion by preserving segmental motion and reducing the risk of adjacent segment degeneration. This narrative review compares seven principal direct pars repair techniques—Buck’s technique, Scott’s wiring method, Morscher’s hook-screw system, pedicle screw-based constructs, the V-rod/U-rod (Gillet technique), the smiley face rod construct, and the dualstability construct (DSC)—evaluating their biomechanical properties, clinical outcomes, fusion rates, and complication profiles.

Materials and methods: A narrative literature …

Posttraumatic Stress In Newly Diagnosed Epilepsy: Associations With Early Maladaptive Schemas, Anxiety, And Quality Of Life In A 6-Month Prospective Study ​, Mehmet Öztürk, Pinar Öztürk, Fügen Sönmez Çeti̇nkaya, İlker Özdemi̇r

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that significantly affects psychosocial functioning, self-perception, and quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms may be more prevalent in individuals with epilepsy than previously recognized, particularly following seizure-related experiences perceived as traumatic. The aim of this study was to evaluate short- and long-term PTS levels in individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy and examine their associations with anxiety, depression, early maladaptive schemas, and quality of life.

Materials and methods: In this prospective study, 31 individuals with newly diagnosed epilepsy were enrolled. Participants completed a sociodemographic data form, the Post-Traumatic Stress …

Cervical Conjoined Nerve Root Anomalies: Prevalence And Impact On Posterior Cervical Surgery, Ahmet Eren Seçen, Ayfer Aslan, Musa Onur Özbakir, Uğur Kemal Gündüz, Ali̇ Dalgiç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Anomalous nerve roots (ANRs) are well described in the lumbosacral spine but are rarely reported in the cervical region. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence, clinical characteristics, and surgical outcomes of cervical ANRs, with particular emphasis on conjoined nerve roots, in a single-center clinical series.

Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent posterior cervical discectomy for cervical disc herniation at our institution between 2010 and 2025. A total of 113 posterior cervical procedures were performed, and seven patients were found to have surgically confirmed cervical ANRs. For these patients, demographic …

Preserved Inflammatory Homeostasis During Emergency Transport: A Multibiomarker Assessment Of Neonatal Rds Transfers ​, Eyüp Sari, Şeri̇fe Suna Oğuz, Mehmet Semi̇h Demi̇rtaş, Bensu Bulut, Medi̇ne Akkan Öz, Murat Genç, Ayşenur Gür, Ümi̇t Alper Özcan, Hüseyi̇n Mutlu, Rami̇z Yazici

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim was to compare the pre- and posttransport levels of systemic inflammatory markers in neonatal infants transported to a tertiary intensive care unit via emergency health services with a neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (nRDS) diagnosis and to assess the quality of transport.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study was conducted between January 2019 and December 2023. A total of 117 nRDS patients’ emergency transports were included in the study. Demographic data, transfer time, intubation, cold treatment, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and pre- and posttransport laboratory parameters were obtained retrospectively. The statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics (Version …

Effect Of Vnotes Hysterectomy With Uterosacral Ligament Suspension On Overactive Bladder Symptoms In Patients With Pelvic Organ Prolapse: A Retrospective Cohort Study ​, Gonca Türker Ergün, Mahmut Kuntay Kokanali, Duygu Tuğrul Ersak, Meli̇ke Doğanay, Özlem Moraloğlu Teki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes following vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy combined with bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension in patients with apical prolapse and concomitant overactive bladder symptoms.

Materials and methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single tertiary referral center. Women with symptomatic apical prolapse (stage ≥ II) and concomitant overactive bladder symptoms were included. All patients underwent vNOTES hysterectomy with bilateral uterosacral ligament suspension. Anatomical outcomes were assessed using the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) system, whereas functional outcomes were evaluated using validated questionnaires, including the Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20 (PFDI-20), …

Association Between Mri-Based Tumor-To-Skin Distance And Axillary Lymph Node Metastasis In Breast Cancer ​, Hi̇kmet Pehlevan Özel, Seçi̇l Gündoğdu, Eda Şahi̇ngöz, Ebru Menekşe, Mesut Tez

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Axillary lymph node (ALN) status is a major prognostic factor in breast cancer and influences both survival outcomes and treatment planning. Noninvasive predictors of nodal metastasis are of clinical interest. Tumor-to-skin distance (TSD) has been proposed as a potential anatomical marker; however, standardized data based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) remain limited.

Materials and methods: This retrospective study included 98 female patients with pathologically confirmed breast cancer who underwent preoperative breast MRI between 2020 and 2025. Patients with prior breast or axillary surgery, distant metastasis, multifocal or multicentric disease, or inadequate MRI quality were excluded. TSD was measured on …

Standardizing Group Visits For Gestational Diabetes Education: A Quality Improvement Initiative In An Outpatient Maternal-Fetal Medicine Clinic, Nha Nguyen

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: At an outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic in Northern California, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) education is delivered inconsistently across nurse practitioners (NPs) and registered dietitians (RDs), with no standardized curriculum, referral criteria, or educational materials. Aim: By August 12, 2026, this project aimed to develop and implement a standardized GDM group visit framework for NPs, RDs, and scheduling staff in maternal-fetal medicine clinic, increasing compliance with standardized referral, enrollment, and educational processes from a baseline of 0% to 50%. Methods: Using baseline observations, workflow assessment, stakeholder input, and a literature review, the QI team developed standardized bilingual slide …

Reducing Variation, Improving Outcomes: Standardizing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Education In A Clinical Microsystem, Thanh Le

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective: Variations in referral, scheduling, delivery of educational information, patient materials, and documentation hampered the quality of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) education in the outpatient maternal-fetal medicine clinic. Purpose: The aim of the quality improvement project was to boost adherence to a standardized GDM group education framework from 0 to 50% in the course of 12 weeks and assess attendance at group visits. Methods: The microsystem analysis was conducted based on observations of group visits conducted in Spanish and English, examination of current processes and resources in use, educator pre-survey, SWOT analysis, and cause and effect analysis. The implementation of …