Medical Sciences Commons^™

Comparative Analysis Of Takagi-Sugeno And Mamdani Fuzzy Inference Architectures With Anfis-Based Automated Rule Generation For Eeg-Based Cognitive State Monitoring, Amina Radončić, Mehrija Hasičić, Jasmin Kevrić

Communications of the IIMA

Fuzzy inference systems have demonstrated considerable promise for EEG-based cognitive state monitoring in neurodegenerative conditions. However, two design decisions significantly influence system performance and clinical applicability: the choice of inference architecture (Takagi-Sugeno vs Mamdani) and the method of rule and membership function generation (manual expert-driven vs data-driven automated). This paper presents a comparative analysis of both dimensions in the context of an EEG-based Alzheimer’s disease monitoring system operating on the ds004504 OpenNeuro dataset (88 subjects: 36 AD, 23 FTD, 29 HC). A Takagi-Sugeno system, implemented as a hybrid FSM-Fuzzy architecture, is compared against a Mamdani equivalent across four axes: inference …

The Role Of Resilience Among Emergency Medical Service Personnel And Its Relationship With Their Adaptive Performance In Riyadh-Saudi Arabia., Abdullah Alabdali, Majed Althagafi, Malak Alharbi, Amera Almutere, Alanoud Almawzan, Nourh Aljaber, Reem Muafa

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Healthcare workers, particularly Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel, are frequently exposed to traumatic physical and psychological events. EMS personnel regularly encounter critical incidents that challenge their resilience, adaptive performance, and overall quality of life. Understanding the factors that support resilience is essential to maintaining workforce well-being and performance. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 348 EMS personnel employed by the Saudi Red Crescent Authority (SRCA) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between September 2020 and October 2021. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing resilience, adaptive performance, coping mechanisms, and demographic variables. Results: EMS personnel demonstrated higher resilience levels …

Females With Urinary Incontinence Demonstrate Impaired Postural Stability, Jean L. Mccrory, Corrie Mancinelli, Kate Harrison, Samantha K. Rondini Monaco, Krystal L. Thomas

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Introduction: Females with urinary incontinence (UI) have an increased risk of falls.  Few studies have quantified postural control, namely center of pressure (COP) movement and vertical ground reaction force in static and dynamic tasks, in females with UI. Purpose: The aim of our study was to examine static and perturbed postural stability in females with UI compared to unaffected females. Methods: The study design was a between-group comparison (UI vs control) on our static outcome variables of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP sway, COP displacement, average and instantaneous maximum COP velocity, and standard deviations of anteroposterior and mediolateral COP movement and …

Erratum: Genetic Variations In Extracellular Matrix Degradation Pathways Linking To Major Depressive Disorder: Evidence From A Large-Scale Genetic Association Study, Halliru Zailani, Daniel Tzu-Li Chen, Sheng-Che Lin, Jia-Hau Lee, Mei-Ling Li, Bing-Fang Huang, Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Kuan-Pin Su

BioMedicine

No abstract provided.

Pneumoperitoneum As A Rare Complication Of Percutaneous Vertebroplasty: A Case Report, Chen-Ting Yang, I-Han Hsiao, Chun-Chung Chen, Der-Yang Cho, Hui-Shan Lu, Po-Fan Chiu

BioMedicine

A 70-year-old woman with a history of hepatocellular carcinoma and bone metastasis underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for multilevel pathological vertebral compression fractures due to back pain persisting despite conservative treatment. Subsequently, she reported significant pain relief; however, on postoperative day 1, she complained of intermittent, diffuse, and severe abdominal pain. Imaging examination revealed free air in the retroperitoneum and paraspinal space, suggesting hollow organ perforation. She refused exploratory surgery and was consequently discharged against medical advice with only oral antibiotics. Two weeks later, she returned for follow-up. She was in good condition with stable vital signs and no signs of toxic …

Tracking The Course Of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva In A Patient With The Classic Acvr1 Mutation, Mohamed Mostafa Kotb, Usama Farghaly Omar, Bishoy Raafat Zaky, Arun-Kumar Kaliya-Perumal

BioMedicine

Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is an extremely rare and debilitating genetic disease affecting approximately 1 in 2 million people. It is caused by a heterozygous gain-of-function mutation in the gene encoding activin A receptor type I (ACVR1), leading to dysregulated bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling. Clinically, the disease features progressive heterotopic ossification, with bone forming in sites of soft tissue inflammation. We report a 7-year-old boy with two isolated ectopic bone masses in the paraspinal muscles of the neck and lumbar spine, resulting in pain and restricted spinal mobility. Genetic analysis revealed the classic c.617G>A mutation in the gene …

Physalin A Protects Against Diabetes-Like Retinal Neurodegeneration Via Autophagy, Mitophagy, And Antioxidant Pathways In Drosophila Melanogaster, Yan-Ru Xiao, Wei-Yong Lin, Wen-Zhen Lee, Yu-Sheng Hsieh, Wei-Cheng Jiang, Fu-Shin Chueh, Yueh-Hsiung Kuo, Sheng-Yao Hsu, Yu-Jung Lin, Wen-Tsong Hsieh

BioMedicine

Background: Diabetic retinopathy begins with neuroretinal dysfunction driven by oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury, and impaired proteostasis before microvascular pathology emerges. Drosophila provides a tractable neuron-centric model to interrogate these early events. Physalin A (PA), a withanolide, has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities, yet its retina-specific mitochondrial actions in vivo remain incompletely defined.

Purpose: To determine whether PA rescues visual function and neuronal integrity in insulin receptor mutant Drosophila with DR-like retinal injury, and to delineate associated pathways in autophagy, mitophagy, and antioxidant defense.

Methods: Adult w^{1118; P{GMR-InR.A1325D}3} Drosophila received dietary PA (6–24 μM) for seven days. Visual function was …

Neuroinflammatory And Neuronal Damage Biomarkers In Depression: A Meta-Analysis Of Hmgb1, S100Β, And Nse Levels, Ikbal Andrian Malau, Suet-Kei Wu, Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Cheng-Ho Chang, Chun-Hung Chang, Ming-Jun Tsai, Yung-Chih Chiang, Kuan-Pin Su

BioMedicine

Background: Depression is associated with neuroinflammation and dysfunction of neurons and glial cells. Immune activation and damage-associated signals such as S100 calcium-binding protein B (S100β) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) amplify inflammation, leading to neuronal injury. Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) reflects such injury. These molecules may serve as potential biomarkers of depression.

Aims: This study compared levels of S100β, HMGB1, and NSE in individuals with depression versus non-depressed controls.

Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched up to April 5, 2025, using the terms “S100B AND Depression”, “neuron specific enolase AND Depression”, and “HMGB1 …

Evaluation Of The Anti-Inflammatory Properties In Vitro, In Vivo And In Silico, Of The Snail Slime Helix Aspersa Müller, Marouane Aouji, Malak Zirari, Mariame Taibi, Meryem Lamdak, Amine Rkhaila, Rachid Bengueddour

BioMedicine

Background: The search for effective natural alternatives to synthetic non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are often associated with undesirable side effects, is an important axis of current research. The slime of the snail Helix aspersa Müller, is a traditional remedy that deserves scientific investigation for its potential therapeutic properties.

Purpose: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of Helix aspersa Müller slime using a combination of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico methodologies.

Methods: In vitro analyses included assays for inhibition of protein denaturation, antiprotease and antilipoxygenase activities, and membrane stabilization, with diclofenac and indomethacin as reference …

Traditional Chinese Medicine And Healthcare Utilization In Bipolar Disorder: A Population-Based Study With Propensity-Matched And Mirror-Image Analyses, Shu-Ping Chen, Su-Tso Yang, Kai-Chieh Hu, Hui-Chih Chang, Jane Pei-Chen Chang, Kuan-Pin Su

BioMedicine

Background: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic relapsing illness associated with high rates of acute psychiatric hospitalizations (APH) and emergency services (ES) use, placing burdens on healthcare systems. Many patients seek complementary modalities, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), alongside standard pharmacotherapy. However, population-based evidence regarding TCM’s effect on acute healthcare utilization in BD is lacking.

Methods: Using data from Taiwan’s Longitudinal Health Insurance Database 2000 (LHID 2000), this population-based study employed propensity score matching (PSM) based on age, gender, the index year (defined as the calendar year of the index date for TCM users and their matched nonTCM counterparts), and …

Topical Peony And Licorice Decoction Attenuates Exercise-Induced Muscle Pain: A Randomized Double-Blind Self-Controlled Trial In Taiwan, Daniel Tzu-Li Chen, Chang-Wei Hsieh, Chia-Han Tsai, Tzung-Yan Lee, Pin-Chun Chen, Pu-Wei Hou, Kuan-Pin Su, Hen-Hong Chang

BioMedicine

Background

Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is a common phenomenon that occurs after exercise training, resulting in pain and reduced muscle performance. Previous basic and animal studies have reported that oral use of Peony and Licorice Decoction (PLD), a traditional Chinese formula with anti-inflammatory and muscle-relaxing properties, may be safe and effective for DOMS. However, there have been no clinical studies, particularly on the topical use of PLD, in this field to date.

Material and Methods

Our study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. We recruited healthy male athletes to assess the effect of external PLD, whose bioactive compounds were …

A Causal Association Between Alkaline Phosphatase And Natural-Cause Mortality: A Mendelian Randomization Study In East Asians And Europeans., Hung-Lin Chen, Ping-Hsun Wu, Yi-Ting Lin, Amrita Chattopadhyay, Hsiu-Yin Chiang, Yu-Ting Lin, Ya-Chi Lin, Che-Chen Lin, Min-Yu Chiang, Hung-Chieh Yeh, I-Wen Ting, Yu-Cyuan Hong, David Ray Chang, Jenq-Wen Huang, Yu-Ting Lin, Wei-Chi Syu, Tzu-Pin Lu, Yi-Chun Tsai, Fuu-Jen Tsai, Chin-Chi Kuo

BioMedicine

Background: Although observational studies show a positive association between alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and mortality, a causal study is not yet available.

Objective: We conducted a retrospective cohort study and a systematic one-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate the causality of ALP on natural-cause mortality.

Methods: The study used a hospital-based cohort of Asian patients recruited from the China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) and a community-based cohort of white European participants from the UK Biobank (UKB). Two retrospective cohorts included 43,994 patients from CMUH and 80,941 participants from UKB, all aged 50–55 years, with ALP measurements. For the MR …

Linking Institutional Ai Capability With Workforce Ai Fluency In Academic Health Institutions, Chin-Chi Kuo, Yu-Ting Lin, Cheng-Chieh Lin, Long-Bin Jeng, Bradley Chen

BioMedicine

No abstract provided.

Flaxseed Ethanolic Extract Modulates Β-Catenin And Dkk1 Expressions During Osteoblast Differentiation Of Dental Pulp-Derived Stem Cells, Nur Sazwi Nordin, Khairani Idah Mokhtar, Omar Abdul Jabbar Abdul Qader, Basma Ezzat Mustafa, Widya Lestari, Deny Susanti Darnis, Thirumulu Ponnuraj Kannan, Azlina Ahmad, Solachuddin Jauhari Arief Ichwan

Journal of Dentistry Indonesia

Background: WNT signaling regulates osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) through the canonical WNT pathway. β-catenin; an important molecule of WNT pathway, and DKK1; a WNT antagonist, play important roles in regulating bone formation. Although flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum) has various health benefits, including promoting bone health, our previous study showed that flaxseed ethanolic extract (FEE) reduced the osteoblast differentiation potential of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). This study aimed to determine the effects of FEE on WNT pathway-related molecules, β-catenin and DKK1, during osteoblast differentiation of SHED.

Methods: RNA at Day 7, 14, …

The Correlation Between Medication Adherence, Blood Glucose Levels, And Quality Of Life In Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus At Ciamis Regional Hospital, Amyla Putri Nurul Nazmi, Nur Rahayuningsih, Lusi N

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition requiring continuous treatment, including patient adherence to prescribed medication. This study aimed to explore the relationship between medication adherence, blood glucose levels, and quality of life in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus at Ciamis Regional Hospital, conducted from January to March 2025, the research employed a quantitative, prospective cross-sectional design involving 49 hospitalized patients. Data included blood glucose levels (RPG, FPG, 2hPG), medication adherence measured using the Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS-5), and quality of life assessed via the Diabetes Quality of Life-Brief Clinical Inventory (DQOL-BCI). The chi-square test was used …

Cost Effectiveness Analysis Of Psychopharmaca Therapy Combination Compared With Psychopharmaca Therapy And Ect Combination In Schizoaffective Inpatients At The Rsj Provinsi Jawa Barat, Yasmin Fadillah, Sani Asmi Ramdani Lestari, Ardilla Kemala Dewi

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Mental disorders constitute an economic burden on health, estimated at USD 2.5 trillion in 2010 and expected to increase to USD 6 trillion by 2030. Treatment of schizoaffective disorder involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy. Pharmacoeconomics is an important consideration in drug selection. This study aims to determine the cost-effectiveness of psychopharmaca therapy combination compared with psychopharmaca therapy and ECT combination in schizoaffective inpatients at the RSJ Provinsi Jawa Barat. Data collection was conducted retrospectively from patient medical records for the period December 2023–December 2024. Total costs, based on a health perspective, include psychopharmaca drug costs, inpatient care costs, …

Evaluation Of Antibiotic Use Using The Gyssens Method On Clinical Outcomes In Ischemic Stroke Patients, Juniarto Mende, Graciano A. Maturbongs, Yohana K. A. Mbulang

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Ischemic stroke is a health problem that causes death and neurovascular disability worldwide. The inflammatory response due to infection can increase ischemic stroke and increase brain damage through changes in blood pressure, coagulation, immune response, and endothelial function. This study aims to evaluate the rationality of antibiotic use on clinical outcomes in ischemic stroke patients. This study used a cross-sectional design. Retrospective data were taken from the medical records of Jayapura Regional Hospital for the period January 1, 2023, to May 31, 2025. The study subjects were all patients who suffered ischemic stroke and received antibiotics. Evaluation of the rationality …

Retrospective Analysis Of Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns In Gram-Positive And Gram-Negative Blood Isolates, Helman Kurniadi, Timbul Partogi Haposan Simorangkir, Ros Sumarny, Fitria Heldiana

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

Bloodstream infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality, while antimicrobial resistance limits treatment options. This retrospective study evaluated bacterial distribution and antimicrobial susceptibility in blood cultures at RSPAD Gatot Soebroto, Jakarta, using microbiology and medical record data from January-December 2019. Clinically significant isolates were included, while duplicates and contaminants were excluded. Identification and susceptibility testing followed standard procedures and CLSI 2019 guidelines. Data were analyzed descriptively. Among 482 isolates, 246 (51.0%) were Gram-positive and 236 (49.0%) were Gram-negative. The Gram-positive isolates were mainly coagulase-negative staphylococci, including Staphylococcus epidermidis (62, 25.2%), S. hominis (61, 24.8%), and S. haemolyticus (50, …

The Phytochemical Content And Antibacterial Activity Of Purified Extract Of Mangifera Indica L. Against Gram Positive Pathogen, Dewi Andini Kunti Mulangsri, Masduki Faqih, Sugar Arifin, Mutiara Trie Sieya Agustin

Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy Research

The purified extract of arum manis mango leaves contained flavonoid compounds by TLC methods and antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and negative pathogens. This research aimed to identify and determine the phytochemical content (mangiferin and flavonoids content) and antibacterial activity against other Gram-positive pathogens. Purification of ethanol extract of arum manis mango leaves by liquid-liquid fraction method. Determination of total flavonoid content and identification of mangiferin used respectively by aluminum chloride and Thin Layer Chromatography method. The disk diffusion method was used to assay antibacterial activity against S. epidermidis, and B. subtilis bacteria with the concentration of the sample such …

Face Mask Littering: Environmental Impacts, Regulatory Challenges, And Ai-Driven Waste Management Strategies For The Post-Pandemic Era, Pri̇yanka Rathee, Sari̇ta Khatkar, Renu Sehrawat, Pooja Rathee, Anurag Khatkar, Esra Küpeli̇

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The widespread use of polypropylene-based face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic created a significant and persistent source of plastic pollution. This review aims to provide an integrative assessment of the environmental, toxicological, and public health implications of face mask litter and evaluate current waste management challenges and emerging technological solutions in the postpandemic context. A narrative review approach was employed, synthesizing literature published between 2020 and 2025 and indexed in major scientific databases including Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. Studies were selected based on their relevance to the issues of environmental contamination, microplastic generation, toxicological effects, regulatory frameworks, and …

Male Osteoporosis: Pathophysiology, Risk Assessment, And Evidence-Based Management, Seli̇n Teki̇n, Alper Gürlek

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Osteoporosis in men is a common yet underrecognized condition associated with substantial fracture-related morbidity and excess mortality. Although men generally attain higher peak bone mass than women, age-related changes in bone microarchitecture, progressive cortical bone loss, declining sex steroid bioavailability, and a high prevalence of secondary causes contribute to a significant lifetime fracture risk. Importantly, a large proportion of fragility fractures in men occur at bone mineral density (BMD) values above the osteoporotic threshold, highlighting the limitations of BMD-based diagnosis alone. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical characteristics of osteoporosis in men, with particular …

Hearing Loss In Behçet’S Syndrome: Prevalence And Associated Factors In A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Analysis ​, Alper Doğanci, Serdar Can Güven, Nuray Yilmaz Çakmak, Nurhan Güven, Sali̇h Başer, Nesli̇han Öztürk, Şuayi̇p Bi̇ri̇nci̇, Nai̇m Ata

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss in Behçet’s syndrome and its associations with other disease manifestations, comorbidities, and treatment agents. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive study to date addressing this issue.

Materials and methods: The study was designed as a cross-sectional, nationwide study. The Turkish Ministry of Health National Electronic Database (e-Nabız) was used under the supervision of the Ministry of Health to extract patient data. A nationwide cohort was established from patients who had been assigned an ICD-10 code for BS (M35.2) on at least …

Daam2 Gene Variants P.(Asp165glu) And P.(Asn614thrfster2) In Pediatric Cryptorchidism: A Hypothesis-Generating Pilot Case-Control Study From The Eastern Black Sea Region Of Türkiye ​, Onur Yalçin, Çağri Doğan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly of the male genitourinary system, characterized by a multifactorial etiology. The disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 2 (DAAM2) gene regulates androgen receptor (AR)- dependent transcription; its variants are associated with partial androgen insensitivity. Since the inguinoscrotal phase of testicular descent is androgen-dependent, we hypothesized that DAAM2 variants contribute to cryptorchidism susceptibility. This pilot study, designed to generate hypotheses rather than to establish association, investigated the frequency of two functionally characterized DAAM2 variants, p.(Asp165Glu) and p.(Asn614ThrfsTer2), in pediatric cryptorchidism.

Materials and methods: This prospective case-control study included 40 male pediatric cryptorchidism patients and 39 …

A Comparative Analysis Of Clinical Quality And Readability Of Neuropathic Pain Patient Information Leaflets: Türkiye Versus The United States, Gonul Sari, Argun Pire

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Neuropathic pain management requires high patient adherence and complex dose-titration regimens, making the readability of patient information leaflets (PILs) a critical patient safety factor. This study aimed to compare the clinical content quality and linguistic readability of PILs for neuropathic pain medications between Türkiye (TİTCK) and the United States (DailyMed).

Materials and methods: A total of 11 pairs of innovator medications were analyzed. Clinical content was assessed using the 15-item Keystone Clinical Content Checklist (KCCC). Readability was assessed using the Ateşman index for Turkish texts and the Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES) for English texts. Information quality and reliability …

Readability Of Dermatology Patient Education Materials: A Comparative Analysis Of Turkish Dermatology Association Brochures And Texts Generated By Chatgpt And Gemini ​, Ahmet Kağan Özdemi̇r, Bengü Reyhan Botsali Özdemi̇r, Akin Aktaş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In modern healthcare, patient education materials (PEMs) are essential for bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and patient understanding. However, in Türkiye, where 64.6% of the adult population possesses inadequate or problematic health literacy, traditional medical brochures often exceed recommended reading levels. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the readability of Turkish dermatology PEMs prepared by the Turkish Dermatology Association (TDA) with those generated by artificial intelligence (AI) models.

Materials and methods: A total of 68 TDA PEMs were analyzed. Readability was assessed using the Ateşman Readability Index. Responses were generated by AI models to questions extracted from …

Comparing Age Of Obesity Onset, Concerns About Weight And Body Shape, And Quality Of Life In Individuals Seeking Bariatric Surgery ​, Vi̇ldan Çakir Kardeş, Özge Saraçli, Nuray Atasoy, Levent Ati̇k, Si̇bel Kahraman Gi̇rgeç

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study explored the relationship between concerns about weight and body shape and quality of life in bariatric surgery candidates with morbid obesity regarding the onset of the weight problem in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.

Materials and methods: We included 453 patients who applied to our center for preoperative bariatric surgery assessment between January 2010 and April 2019. We reviewed the sociodemographic information, psychiatric diagnoses, and results of the Body Shape Questionnaire-34, Quality of Life Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory of all patients.

Results: Concerns about weight and body shape were increased in women (p < 0.001), unemployed patients (p = 0.001), those with a comorbid psychiatric disorder (p < 0.001), and those with childhood- or adolescent-onset of weight problems (r = –0.170; p < 0.001). Concerns about weight and body shape had a relationship with the vitality (r = –0.434), mental health (r = –0.464), social functioning (r = –0.418), pain (r = –0.307), and general health (r = –0.352) subscale scores of quality of life. Physical functioning was higher (p = 0.037) in patients with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity compared to patients with adult-onset obesity, while mental health was higher (p = 0.001) in the latter group. Individuals with childhood- or adolescent-onset obesity inquired about bariatric surgery options at an earlier age (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: …

Risk Of Systemic Reactions During Pediatric Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy: Clinical Predictors And Safety Outcomes ​, Fi̇gen Çelebi̇ Çeli̇k, Alp Kazancioğlu, Soner Günder, Meli̇ke Ocak, Berna Uzunoğlu, Canan Şule Karkiner, Özlem Sancakli, Ayfer Tuncer, Özge Uysal Soyer, Bülent Eni̇s Şekerel, Demet Can, Ümi̇t Murat Şahi̇ner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, timing, severity, and clinical predictors of systemic reactions in children receiving subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SCIT) with house dust mite (HDM) and grass pollen extracts under real-world clinical conditions.

Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study included 623 children with moderate-to-severe allergic rhinitis, with or without asthma, who received SCIT between 2006 and 2023 at two tertiary pediatric allergy centers. Clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, immunotherapy protocols, and systemic reactions (SRs) were recorded and graded according to the updated 2024 World Allergy Organization (WAO) systemic reaction scale.

Results: SCIT was well tolerated. Systemic reactions …

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. …