Threshold hemoglobin level for delayed cerebral ischemia: A single-center retrospective analysis.

Background: Delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) occurs in approximately 20%-30 % of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This is the most common complication of SAH and has a high mortality rate. In the present study, we investigated the relationship between hemoglobin (Hb) values and DCI and aimed to determine a cutoff Hb value to be used as a predictor of DCI.

Enhancing nutritional care in palliative care units: assessing nurse knowledge and quality perception in enteral nutrition practices.

Background: Adequate, balanced, and individualized nutrition, planned according to the patients' life expectancy in palliative care units, is crucial for maintaining essential functions.

Aim: To determine the knowledge levels of nurses working in palliative care units regarding enteral nutrition practices and their perceptions of nutritional care quality in their units.

Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 palliative care units located in Izmir, Türkiye, between June and September 2022.

Can fecal calprotectin be used as a biomarker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescents?

Background: The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing with obesity, and it is believed that the ongoing low-grade inflammation in obesity and alterations in the enterohepatic axis contributing this process. This study aimed to determine the role of fecal calprotectin (FC) as inflammatory biomarker in obesity and NAFLD.

Methods: Between November 2022-August 2023, 31 obese and 10 healthy adolescents aged between 10 and 18 years enrolled in this prospective controlled study.

Rare Inherited Coagulation Deficiencies: A Single-Center Study.

Background: Rare factor deficiency (RFD) is characterized by a deficiency of factor (F)I, FII, FV, FVII, FX, FXI, FXII, FXIII, or a combined deficiency of FV+FVIII or vitamin K-dependent factors. The prevalence of RFD ranges from 1/1,000,000 to 3,000,000. Combined deficiencies of vitamin K-related factors have been described in 30 families worldwide, and these patients can present with a wide range of clinical symptoms, from mucocutaneous bleeding to life-threatening symptoms such as central nervous system and gastrointestinal bleeding.

Predictive value of NT-proBNP for major adverse cardiovascular events within a 6-month period in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Background: The role of NT-proBNP as a cardiac biomarker for predicting short-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains unclear.

Aims: This study investigated the utility of the NT-proBNP level for predicting MACEs within a 6-month period in patients with ACS.

Methods: This prospective study included 241 consecutively enrolled adults with ACS between September 2023 and February 2024.

Milk ladder: Who? When? How? Where? with the lowest risk of reaction.

The milk ladder (ML) approach, which is the gradual reintroduction of the milk allergen from the least allergenic forms to the most allergenic forms into the diet of the patients, has been utilized mostly in non-IgE-mediated but in some countries also in IgE-mediated-CMPA due to its possible benefits which include nutrition, quality of life and tolerance induction. Despite increasing interest, so far, there is no guideline on ML; thus, the use of this approach shows discrepancies among healthcare professionals as many factors such as dietary habits, patient history, test results, workload, and facilities of the hospitals, the anxiety of the parents/patients may affect the decision on how, when, where and whom to use ML. Here, we reviewed current data on implementing the ML, suggested a 4-step ML including receipts and amounts, and shared our experience on optimal patient selection, appropriate time and steps for initiating ML, and time intervals between the steps targeting the lowest risk of reaction.

Comparison of Friedewald, Martin/Hopkins, and Sampson formulae with direct LDL measurement in hyperlipidaemic and normolipidaemic adults in a Turkish population.

Methods: The study was a retrospective investigation by the Department of Medical Biochemistry of the Ankara Training and Research Hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2022. Our study evaluated the results of 6297 patients aged 18-95 years who underwent cholesterol panel TC, TG, HDL-C, and direct LDL-C in our laboratory. The estimated LDL-C was calculated according to Friedewald, Martin/Hopkins, and Sampson formulae.

Are Cases of Nonvisualized Appendix on Ultrasound Not Actually Appendicitis? Single-Center Results.

Background: Ultrasonography (USG), which is used as the first step in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA), sometimes cannot visualize the appendix. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the clinical, imaging, and pathology results of these cases and to provide information to clinicians about the next step to be taken.

Methods: The study was performed retrospectively between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021.

The impact of central sensitization-related symptoms on subacromial steroid injection outcomes in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome: an observational study.

Background: Evidence indicates that central sensitization (CS) plays a role in subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Reduced treatment response has been associated with pretreatment pain sensitization features, such as CS-related symptoms.

Methods: Patients who received subacromial steroid injection were evaluated before the injection, at the first and third months.

A Comparative Study of Equatorial and Longitudinal Incision Techniques in Micro-Dissection Sperm Extraction for Non-Obstructive Azoospermic Patients.

Objective: To compare sperm retrieval rates, postoperative pain, testicular volume, and postoperative testosterone levels between equatorial incisional microdissection testicular sperm extraction (micro-TESE) and longitidunal incisional micro-TESE in non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) patients.

Methods: Fifty NOA patients undergoing equatorial incisional micro-TESE were retrospectively assigned to Group 1, while 50 patients undergoing longitidunal incisional micro-TESE were prospectively assigned to Group 2. Demographic data, operative time, postoperative pain assessed via the visual analog scale (VAS), complications, sperm retrieval rates, and hormonal evaluations (FSH, LH, total testosterone) were recorded.

What is the role of alpha-1 antitrypsin in the management of acute graft versus host disease?

Objective: Acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurs in 20-80 % of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Of these patients, 40 % will be resistant to steroids, which is the standard first-line approach. There is no standard second line treatment approach for patients with steroid refractory acute GVHD (SR-aGVHD).

Is there a relationship between vitamin D levels and graft versus host disease?

Objective: Vitamin D deficiency is common in adult patients undergoing allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Since vitamin D is an important regulatory factor for the immune system, vitamin D deficiency may have effects on antitumor activity, relapse rates, graft versus host disease (GVHD) occurrence and infection rates in allo-HSCT. We aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin D levels on the outcome of allo-HSCT.

Treatment Patterns and Attrition in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Real-Life Experience from the Turkish Oncology Group Kidney Cancer Consortium (TKCC) Database.

Introduction: Despite the rapid evolution in management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) over the past decade, challenges remain in accessing new therapies in some parts of the world. Despite therapeutic advancements, attrition rates remain persistently high. This study aims to assess the treatment patterns and attrition rates of patients with mRCC in oncology clinics across Turkey.

Effect of toys made from medical materials on anxiety among hospitalized children: A randomized controlled trial.

Purpose: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of toys made from medical materials on anxiety among hospitalized children.

Design And Methods: This study was conducted with pediatric patients aged 4-6 years who were hospitalized in the pediatrics department of a teaching and research hospital in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. The study was completed with 90 children, allocated to the toys made of medical materials group (45) and the control group (45).

The impact of cold application on pain and comfort during the process of diabetic foot care.

Background And Aim: Given the significance of pain management in the context of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) care, particularly in terms of ensuring patient adherence to treatment regimens, this study was undertaken to ascertain the impact of cold washing on pain and comfort levels during diabetic foot care.

Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted in the chronic wound care clinic of a teaching and research hospital in the southeastern region of Turkey. The sample consisted of 68 patients, with 34 assigned to the cold application group and 34 assigned to the control group.

Effects of immune modulatory treatment on language and psychiatric profile in patients with electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES).

Electrical status epilepticus in sleep (ESES) is an electrographic pattern associated with cognitive impairment. Our study aimed to prospectively evaluate the psychiatric findings and language skills in patients diagnosed with ESES and to determine the immune modulatory treatment-responsive subgroups. We assessed the patients for psychiatric features and language skills at the baseline and 12 months after.

Efficacy of Ruxolitinib in the management of chronic GVHD.

Objectives: Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment for hematological diseases, with success rates improving due to advancements in conditioning regimens and new anti-graft versus host disease (GVHD) drugs. Ruxolitinib, an oral selective Janus kinase (JAK) 1 and 2 inhibitor has been used to mitigate the effects of various inflammatory and myeloproliferative syndromes, given the JAK kinase pathway's central role in cytokine signaling during inflammatory and immune processes. In this study we aimed to assess ruxolitinib's efficacy in patients with chronic GVHD (cGVHD).

Effectiveness of comprehensive approach in rejuvenating the aging lower periorbita.

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy of a comprehensive surgical approach for rejuvenation of the aging lower periorbita.

Methods: Between February 2018 and January 2023, 80 eyes of 40 patients with lower lid dermatochalasis (LLD), lower lid laxity (LLL) or orbicularis laxity of the lower lid (OL) admitted to the oculoplastic surgery department of our clinic were included in the study. 18 eyes had LLD, 14 eyes had LLL, 18 eyes had LLD and LLL, and 30 eyes had LLD, LLL and OL.

The Effect of Cold Spray Applied Before Local Anesthesia on Anxiety and Pain in Coronary Angiography Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Purpose: Cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Clinically, various techniques are used to diagnose coronary artery diseases. Coronary angiography is considered the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

Surgery for patients with endometrioid-type endometrial cancer: is lymphadenectomy above the inferior mesenteric artery necessary?

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to identify the risk of metastasis to lymph nodes above the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) in endometrioid-type endometrial cancer (EC) and the factors that influence metastasis.

Methods: The study included patients who had been operated on for endometrioid-type EC in three gynecological oncology centers between 2007 and 2023. The supramesenteric lymph node (SM-LN) is the region between the left renal vein and the IMA, whereas the inframesenteric lymph node (IM-LN) is the region between the IMA and the aortic bifurcation, as determined by the level of the IMA.

Cancer awareness across borders: a comparative study of internet search trends for breast and prostate cancer in Europe and Turkey.

Objectives: The governments and private organizations strongly support cancer awareness campaigns. It remains unknown whether the campaigns during the awareness months have the same effect in every country. This study aims to compare the impact of awareness campaigns conducted in October for breast cancer and September for prostate cancer on internet search trends among the most populous European countries and Turkey.

The effect of disopyramide therapy on functional capacity improvement in patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO), leading to symptoms and adverse outcomes. Disopyramide, with its negative inotropic effects, is commonly used to reduce LVOTO in obstructive HCM (HOCM). This study evaluates the impact of disopyramide on functional capacity in HOCM patients.

Effectiveness of ibrutinib in the management of chronic GVHD.

Objectives: Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) represents a significant adverse event that may ensue following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (Allo-HSCT). In patients resistant to corticosteroids, which is the first-line treatment for cGVHD, ibrutinib is being evaluated as a potential treatment option. In this study, we aimed to share the findings of our multicenter study regarding the outcomes of ibrutinib treatment in patients with corticosteroid-resistant cGVHD who had previously received multiple systemic therapies.

Valency of cystatin C and creatinine on troponin values in chronic kidney disease patients with chest pain in emergency department.

Objective: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with chest pain (CP) should receive special attention in the emergency department (ED). Evaluating troponin levels is highly confusing. This study aims to compare Cystatin C (CysC) and creatinine on troponin results in CKD patients with CP in ED.

Arthrodesis in the treatment of ankle osteoarthritis due to neglected malleolar fractures in the elderly.

Neglected malleolus fracture cases, among other conditions in which arthrodesis is inevitable, usually present with pseudoarthrosis of the malleolus and impaired ligament balancing. The study aimed to summarize the clinical data results of neglected malleolus fractures accompanied by ankle instability. The retrospective study was conducted at Adana City Training and Research Hospital.