Effects of preconceptional vitamin D levels on in vitro fertilization outcomes in infertile patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Vitamin D plays various roles in different stages of reproduction, and abnormalities in its levels are associated with diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to determine the relationship between initial vitamin D levels and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in PCOS patients.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 1174 PCOS patients who consulted the Acıbadem Maslak Hospital IVF Clinic between January 2015 and March 2021.

The effect of intratesticular autologous platelet-rich plasma injection on sperm retrieval rates and in vitro fertilization outcomes in couples with non-obstructive azoospermia.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of intratesticular injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in men with non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) and a history of failed microdissection-testicular sperm extraction (mTESE) procedures.

Methods: A prospective case series of a cohort study was conducted involving couples diagnosed with NOA. Patients with at least one failed mTESE procedure were included.

Lower Pole Stones Are Associated with Low Stone-Free Rates in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery: A Myth or Fact? - A Matched Case-Control Study from the RIRSearch Group.

Introduction: There are conflicting results in the literature regarding the efficacy of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in lower pole stones. This study aimed to evaluate RIRS outcomes in lower pole stones by forming matched case-control groups.

Methods: The data of 491 patients who were diagnosed with kidney stones and underwent RIRS were retrospectively included in the study.

Might retrigger with human chorionic gonadotropin be a solution for empty follicle syndrome after gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist trigger?

Objective: This study aimed to determine whether the use of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) as a trigger could offer a potential solution for addressing empty follicle syndrome following the administration of a trigger for gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted using data extracted from the hospital database pertaining to 415 patients who underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) with an antagonist protocol triggered by a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist between December 2019 and January 2023 at the Acıbadem Maslak Hospital Assisted Reproductive Technologies Unit. All cases that failed to obtain oocytes and required rescue were analyzed.

A New Perspective On Arterioectatic Spinal Angiopathy with a Reversible Pattern: Cause or Consequence?

Objective: In 2022, arterioectatic spinal angiopathy (AESA) of childhood was reported as a fatal, progressive, multi-segment myelopathy associated with a unique form of non-inflammatory spinal angiopathy involving diffuse dilatation of the anterior spinal artery and cord congestion in children. In this study, we present four more cases of AESA, using early and long-term conventional imaging and flat detector computed tomography angiography (FDCTA) imaging to assess the probability of disease regression and prevent unnecessary interventions.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and radiological findings of four patients with AESA seen in two neuroradiology departments between 2014 and 2023.

Evidence-based Approach for Prevention of Surgical Site Infection.

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is regarded as a critical factor contributing to the failure of primary and revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA). With the increasing prevalence of TJA, a significant increase in the incidence of PJI is expected. The escalating number of cases, along with the significant economic strain imposed on healthcare systems, place emphasis on the pressing need for development of effective strategies for prevention.

What Do Breast Cancer Previvors Tell Us About Their Stories? To Know or Not to Know?

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the (1) experiences of breast cancer previvor women during genetic testing; (2) perceptions of the impact of genetic testing on their personal, social, family, and professional lives; and (3) views on breast cancer prevention and follow-up processes. This study focused on the risk of breast cancer in persons with BRCA mutations.

Methods: Data were collected through individual in-depth semistructured interviews.

Unveiling hidden outcomes in malignant gastric outlet obstruction research - insights from a "Pancreas 2000" review.

Malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mGOO) is a major condition affecting patients with periampullary tumors, including pancreatic cancer. The current treatment options include surgical gastroenterostomy, endoscopic stenting and more recently EUS-guided gastroenterostomy. Most studies comparing the outcomes of the three procedures focus on technical success, clinical success and safety.

Clinical and radiological effects of Bevacizumab for the treatment of radionecrosis after stereotactic brain radiotherapy.

Purpose: The purpose of this multicenter retrospective study was to analyze the clinical and radiological effects of bevacizumab (BV) on radionecrosis (RN) that developed after stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for brain metastasis.

Methods: Forty patients with SRT related symptomatic brain RN treated in 10 radiation oncology centers were analyzed. The clinical response to BV treatment was categorized as follows: complete (no additional treatment required), partial (requiring either steroids or repeat BV), and unresponsive (requiring surgery).

Functional Ankle Reconstruction Technique After Total Calcanectomy.

Background: Although comminuted fractures, osteomyelitis, large skin ulcers, and malignant tumors are rarely seen in the calcaneus, it is a problematic region to treat because it is not an actual compartment and has insufficient blood supply. Few foot and ankle surgeons would recommend total calcanectomy in various cases of malignant tumors, comminuted fractures, ulcerations of the heel often seen in diabetic patients, and chronic osteomyelitis. After calcanectomy, if functional reconstruction is not performed, the patient will experience loss of function, pain, wound problems, talonavicular dislocations, and additional surgical interventions.

Does Focused Gluteus Medius Muscle Stretching After Total Hip Arthroplasty Work? An Electromyographic Study.

Background: The hypothesis of this randomized prospective study was that focused stretching of the gluteus medius muscle, in addition to generalized physical therapy, is likely to improve muscle reaction time and positively impact the return to function of the patient after primary total hip arthroplasty.

Methods: We prospectively recruited 28 patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty from January 2021 to January 2023. The control group (13 patients) received a conventional rehabilitation protocol, while the intervention group (15 patients) received focused stretching exercises of the gluteus medius muscle in addition to the conventional rehabilitation protocol.

Comparing total mesorectal excision with partial mesorectal excision for proximal rectal cancer: evaluating postoperative and long-term oncological outcomes.

The treatment role of Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) in proximal rectal cancers (PRC) is still debated. Partial Mesorectal Excision (PME) can reduce morbidity in PRC patients. The purpose of this study was to compare short-term clinical and long-term oncological outcomes between the two groups.

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) midline carcinoma of the larynx: A rare case report of a paediatric patient and literature review.

Nuclear protein in testis (NUT) carcinoma is a rare neoplasm arising mainly from midline structures. It is an aggressive type of carcinoma associated with poor survival despite the use of multiple treatment modalities. Here, we present a case of a 17-year-old paediatric patient with NUT carcinoma of larynx, which is even rarer among all reported cases.

Aspirin is an Effective Prophylaxis for Venous Thromboembolism After Revision Hip and Knee Arthroplasty.

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) following revision total joint arthroplasty (TJA) poses significant risks despite prophylactic measures. The optimal VTE prophylaxis agent for revision TJA remains unclear. This study aimed to compare aspirin against various anticoagulant agents regarding efficacy and safety in preventing symptomatic VTE events after revision TJA.

Prostate Cancer Awareness in the Middle East: A Cross-Sectional International Study.

Purpose: Prostate cancer has emerged as a significant public health challenge in the Middle East, characterized by rising incidence rates and a concerning mortality-to-incidence ratio. Yet, despite these alarming trends, data regarding prostate cancer awareness in the region remain limited. To address this critical knowledge gap, this study investigates prostate cancer awareness within the Middle East.

Real-World Efficacy and Safety of First-Line Nivolumab Plus Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced Gastric, Gastroesophageal Junction, and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: A Nationwide Observational Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) Study.

Based on the CheckMate 649 trial, nivolumab plus chemotherapy is the recommended first-line treatment for HER2-negative unresectable advanced or metastatic gastric, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ), or esophageal adenocarcinoma. This nationwide, multicenter, retrospective study evaluated the real-world effectiveness of this regimen in Turkish patients and identified subgroups that may experience superior outcomes. Conducted across 16 oncology centers in Turkey, this study retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of adult patients diagnosed with HER2-negative unresectable advanced or metastatic gastric, GEJ, or esophageal adenocarcinoma from 2016 to 2023.

Myonecrosis as a rare side effect of stereotactic body radiotherapy for bone metastases: Report of two cases and a comprehensive literature review.

Stereotactic body radiotherapy is a highly effective form of radiation therapy for palliation of bone metastases, but it can also lead to rare but severe side effects, such as myonecrosis. According to the literature, the incidence of myonecrosis after stereotactic body radiotherapy is low and mostly dose dependent. It is crucial to consider the potential impact of immunotherapy and other systemic therapies in the assessment.

Evaluation of Sexual Behavior and Sexual Functions of BDSM Practitioners: A Controlled Study.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the sexual behaviors, sexual functioning of "bondage-discipline, dominance-submission, sadism, masochism" (BDSM) practitioners.

Methods: The study group (n=141) consisted of 65 women and 76 men who defined themselves as BDSM practitioners included in the study with the snowball technique through websites that are accessible on online BDSM groups. A control group (n=167) who stated that they were not BDSM practitioners was also recruited through websites.

Proximal junctional kyphosis after adult spinal deformity operated patients with long fusion to the pelvis. Does the type of proximal anchor matter?

Purpose: To assess, in a large population of Adult Spinal Deformity (ASD) patients, the true interest of varying the upper anchors as a protective measure against Proximal Junctional Kyphosis (PJK), by analyzing and comparing 2 groups of patients defined according to their proximal construct. Another objective of the study is to look for any other factors, radiological or clinical, that would affect the occurrence of the proximal failure.

Methods: Retrospective review of a prospective ASD database collected from 5 centers.

A Witteveen-Kolk Syndrome Patient with Reflux Disease and a de novo Deletion of the SIN3A Gene.

Introduction: The Witteveen-Kolk syndrome (WITKOS) (OMIM: 613406) is a heterogeneous emerging disorder caused by pathogenic variants or microdeletions encompassing the gene (SIN3 Transcription Regulator Family Member A). It is characterized by distinctive facial features, developmental delay, intellectual disability, microcephaly, short stature, and subtle anomalies on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To date, about 50 patients have been reported in the medical literature.