Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) has become the standard endovascular treatment for peripheral arterial disease. In complex lesions with severe calcification, drug penetration into the vessel wall is reduced and the risk of dissection increases. Especially in complex femoropopliteal lesions, vessel preparation with directional atherectomy (DA) before PTA may improve procedural success, reduce the need for stenting, and affect short- and mid-term outcomes compared with PTA alone. This study aimed to investigate these effects. Patients who underwent endovascular treatment for symptomatic (Rutherford 2–5) peripheral arterial disease at the Alanya Training and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, between January 2021 and January 2025 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into two groups as follows: Study group: 46 patients treated with atherectomy + PTA, Control group: 68 patients treated with PTA alone. Demographic data, lesion characteristics, procedural details, and early and mid-term complications were compared. In the atherectomy group, residual stenosis rates after atherectomy were significantly reduced, allowing balloon dilation at lower pressures. In line with the literature, stent implantation rates in severely calcified lesions were lower in the atherectomy group compared to the control group. No procedure-related mortality or major amputation was observed in either group. In patients with peripheral arterial disease, plaque debulking with atherectomy before drug-coated balloon treatment increases vessel compliance, reduces dissection risk, and lowers the need for stent implantation. As part of a comprehensive arterial flow maintenance strategy, atherectomy is a safe and complementary method that enhances the effectiveness of PTA. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 448-52]
Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a common surgical emergency, usually developing secondary to gallstones and characterized by gallbladder inflammation. Although classical biomarkers such as leukocyte count and C-reactive protein (CRP) are widely used for diagnostic purposes, composite inflammation-based indices such as Hemoglobin, albumin, lenfosit ve trombosit (HALP), Systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), and Systemic Inflammatory Response Index (SIRI) have recently emerged as important prognostic markers. This study aims to evaluate the association of HALP, SII, and SIRI scores with clinical outcomes [hospital length of stay, Internal care unit (ICU) requirement, and gallstone presence] in adults hospitalized with acute cholecystitis. A total of 88 patients hospitalized with acute cholecystitis between January 2020 and December 2024 were included. Demographic data, admission laboratory parameters, and HALP, SII, and SIRI scores were retrospectively analyzed. Correlation tests and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis were performed to assess prognostic performance. No statistically significant association was observed between HALP, SII, and SIRI scores and either length of hospital stay or intensive care unit requirement (p>0.05). In contrast, WBC levels showed a positive correlation with both parameters and were significantly higher in patients requiring intensive care (p=0.035). In ROC analysis, the Area Under the Curve (AUC) value for Leukocyte (WBC) was determined as 0.859. The significant increase in CRP and glucose levels in patients with acute cholecystitis acalculus suggests that this variant is associated with a more pronounced inflammatory process. In this study, traditional biomarkers especially WBC were more predictive of prognosis in acute cholecystitis than composite inflammation scores. Further time-series, prospective, and multicenter studies are warranted to validate the clinical utility of indices such as HALP, SII, and SIRI. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 6-11]
Operative hysteroscopy allows direct visualization and targeted treatment of intrauterine pathologies. This study evaluated the clinical indications and histopathological outcomes of operative hysteroscopy performed over a three-year period in a tertiary healthcare facility, with particular attention to differences between premenopausal and postmenopausal patients. This retrospective study included 211 consecutive patients who underwent operative hysteroscopy for suspected intrauterine pathology between July 2019 and July 2022. Patients were classified as premenopausal or postmenopausal. Clinical indications, demographic characteristics, and histopathological findings were obtained from medical records and analyzed comparatively between groups. Of the 211 patients, 184 (87.2%) were premenopausal and 27 (12.8%) were postmenopausal. The mean age was significantly higher in postmenopausal patients compared with premenopausal patients (58.15 ± 6.22 vs. 41.96 ± 7.47 years, p [Med-Science 2026; 15(2.000): 929-33]
High-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) assays have transformed the diagnosis and management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and have become central to modern emergency and laboratory medicine. Despite the rapidly expanding literature, no comprehensive bibliometric study has evaluated global publication patterns or Turkey's contribution to this field. This bibliometric analysis examined hs-cTn-related journal articles and reviews indexed in Scopus between 2010 and 2024. A structured search strategy using TITLE-ABS-KEY fields was applied, excluding non–high-sensitivity assays. After manual cleaning, deduplication, DOI verification, and consolidation of consensus documents, 4178 global records and 107 Turkey-affiliated publications were included. Bibliometric indicators (annual growth, citations, h- and g-index), keyword evolution, co-authorship, international collaboration, co-citation networks, and Bradford's Law journal distributions were analyzed using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer. Global hs-cTn research demonstrated continuous expansion with a 10.5% annual growth rate and a total of 128,560 citations (mean 56.3 per article). The field showed strong international collaboration, led by the United States and Western Europe. Highly cited documents were dominated by major ESC and AHA/ACC guidelines and COVID-19–related studies. Keyword analyses revealed an evolution from ACS-focused diagnostic research to broader prognostic and translational themes. Turkey contributed 2.5% of global output, with publication activity increasing notably after 2018 and peaking in 2021. Turkey's research showed a regionally concentrated collaboration network and a narrower journal distribution. This study provides the first comprehensive bibliometric mapping of hs-cTn research, demonstrating rapid growth, strong guideline-driven influence, and expanding clinical breadth. Turkey contributes meaningfully but remains regionally concentrated. Future studies may benefit from strengthened international collaboration and broader dissemination channels. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 437-47]
The study aims to investigate how avoiding pregnancy influences marital adjustment and sexual life following two major disasters coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkiye. The study was conducted as follows 275 women in a hospital located in Malatya province, an area impacted by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake. Data were collected through the Participant Information Form, the Pregnancy Avoidance Scale (PAS), the Marital Adjustment Scale (MAS), and the Women's Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire (SQLQ-F). After experiencing two consecutive disasters, several conditions were found to be associated with poorer sexual quality of life among women. These include not using any contraceptive method, avoiding sexual activity due to concerns about unintended pregnancy, shifts in sexual desire and intercourse frequency, engaging in sexual relations as infrequently as once per month, and perceiving the relationship with one's spouse as less harmonious. The study also shows that the marriages of women who avoid pregnancy tend to display better marital harmony. It is recommended that healthcare professionals take appropriate measures to prevent unwanted pregnancies in the aftermath of disasters. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 306-13]
The increase of opportunistic pathogens in the oral biofilm triggers the development of periodontal diseases. In order to prevent these diseases, a wide variety of chemical plaque removal oral care products are used. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the in vitro antimicrobial activities of 7 different commercially available essential oils and Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) mouthwash against four different standard bacterial strains and to compare the antimicrobial effects of essential oils with CHX solution. The antimicrobial activity of different commercially available essential oils and CHX solution against the most common oral bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) strains were analyzed comparatively. Antimicrobial activity was investigated by disc diffusion method. Thyme oil showed the highest antimicrobial effect on S. aureus and B. subtilis against the other test products (p=0.006 and p=0.004, respectively), while CHX showed the highest effect against S. mutans and E. faecalis species (p=0.006 and p=0.006, respectively). Thyme, peppermint and rosemary oils showed no significant difference in antimicrobial activity compared to CHX against S. aureus (p=0.479, p=0.164 and p=0.164, respectively), S. mutans (p=0.301, p=0.072 and p=0.072, respectively) and B. subtilis (p=0.072, p=0.072 and p=0.813, respectively) strains. Due to their effects on oral pathogens, essential oils such as thyme oil, peppermint oil, and rosemary oil have been considered as potential alternatives to CHX solution as oral antiseptic solutions. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 165-71]
Acute motor and sensory axonal neuropathy (AMSAN) is a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) that involves motor and sensory fibers and causes axonal damage. Malignancy, vasculitis, and infectious agents may be responsible for the etiology of GBS. Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a necrotizing vasculitis affecting small-to medium-sized vessels. One of these vasculitis types is Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA). Involvement of the nervous system in GPA is at a level of 20-50%; peripheral or cranial neuropathy may be observed. It is a matter of debate whether AAV and GBS rarely occur together in patients due to autoimmune predisposition or whether vasculitic neuropathy is a result of vasculitis. In this article, a case that presented with AMSAN as a rare condition and was diagnosed with GPA is discussed. Since the prognosis depends on the correct diagnosis and treatment selection, further research is needed in this area. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 540-3]
The study aimed to analyze the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of individuals referred for criminal responsibility (CR) assessment, to determine the factors affecting CR, and to discuss the findings in light of the existing literature. Forensic reports of adult cases (n=360) evaluated between 01.01.2018 and 31.12.2022 at Karabuk Forensic Medicine Branch Directorate were retrospectively reviewed. After applying exclusion criteria, 301 cases were included, corresponding to 434 criminal acts. Sociodemographic variables, psychiatric diagnoses, psychiatric service admissions, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, and substance use history were analyzed. Logistic regression was performed to determine predictors of CR. Of the 434 offenses, 78.8% were judged to have full CR, while 21.2% were considered to have diminished or no responsibility. Male predominance was notable (84.4%), with a mean age of 35.9 years. Logistic regression showed that psychiatric disorders, absence of substance use, and living with parents were the strongest predictors of CR assessment (Nagelkerke R²=0.796, overall accuracy=94.9%). Psychiatric diagnoses, intellectual disability, substance use, and social functioning factors are crucial determinants in CR assessments. The findings underline the necessity of a multidimensional medico-legal approach that incorporates psychiatric history, functional capacity, and contextual variables, rather than relying solely on diagnoses. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 267-75]
The aim of the study was to compare the isokinetic upper extremity (shoulder) strength of elite male handball players on their dominant (Ds) and non-dominant (Nds) sides and to determine its relationship with peak torque angle (PTangle) values. Thirty male volunteers who actively played handball (age: 22.40 ± 2.06 years; height: 185.50 ± 5.01 cm; body weight: 83.52 ± 9.29 kg; BMI: 24.21 ± 1.89 kg/m²) participated in the study. The study had a cross-sectional design. To determine participants' upper extremity isokinetic strength, concentric/concentric shoulder internal rotation (IR) and external rotation (ER) tests were performed at angular velocities of 60 and 180°/sec, and participants' peak torque (PT) and PTangle values were recorded. Participants' Ds and Nds shoulder isokinetic strength values in the IR and ER phases were significantly different at all angular velocities (p < 0.05); however, unilateral and bilateral strength asymmetry ratios were within the normal range. Additionally, no significant correlation was found between PT and PTangle values (p > 0.05). Strength adaptations were observed in the dominant shoulder due to repetitive and high-torque movements in handball. Furthermore, the angular parameters involved in maximum torque production may provide specific information about the neuromuscular dynamics of athletes. [Med-Science 2026; 15(2.000): 908-13]
Premature birth, which requires the baby to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), is a difficult process for both mother and father. Mothers with newborns in NICU experience anxiety, fear, and stress. This study compared the anxiety levels of NICU mothers staying in maternity hotels and those staying in their own homes. This study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital. Mothers with newborns in NICU were included. Two groups were formed: Group 1: Mothers staying in a maternity hotel (n=44) and Group 2: Mothers staying in their own homes (n=42). Data were collected using a questionnaire that included characteristics of mothers and newborns, as well as the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI TX-1–STAI TX-2). All data were collected through a face-to-face interview, which took about 40 minutes, conducted by two psychologists at the maternity hotel. State anxiety levels for NICU mothers staying at the maternity hotel (40.07±9.94) were significantly lower compared with those staying at home (50.19±11.17) (p [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 365-9]
The choice of suture critically impacts surgical results, considering both clinical and logistical aspects. Despite the range of suture materials available, studies on surgeon preferences and related complications are insufficient. This study aimed to investigate the preferences of surgeons regarding suture materials and identify the correlation between material choice and postoperative complications. A cross-sectional survey was performed with 200 surgeons representing various surgical specialties. Demographic data, suture preferences (skin and deep tissue), selection criteria (tissue type, biocompatibility, supply/cost), and complication experience (inflammation, wound dehiscence) were all collected via structured questionnaires. Surgeons most often chose rapid vicryl for skin closure (55.0%, n=110), and vicryl for deep tissue (77.5%, n=155). A majority (n=147, 73.5%) prioritized the supply chain and price in their selection. The choice of 18.5% (n=37) of the surgeons was influenced by monofilament or multifilament properties. There was a strong link between selection criteria and the choice of suture for both skin and deep tissue (p [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 384-9]
This work aims to provide a thorough examination of the existing research on the use of pre-trained artificial intelligence models for predicting and categorizing myocardial infarction, emphasizing the various models, methodologies, and findings documented in the literature. This research is a literature review examining the use of pre-trained artificial intelligence models for myocardial infarction prediction and classification. We utilized research publications from academic sources dealing with myocardial infarction and artificial intelligence applications. The technique covered artificial intelligence models (particularly BERT, ResNet, and XGBoost), data sources (EHR, ECG, and CMR), methods (transfer learning, deep learning, and machine learning), and the quality of the literature review was evaluated using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA). Pre-trained artificial intelligence models, particularly CNN and transformer architectures, have significant promise in the prediction and categorization of myocardial infarction. These models provide elevated accuracy, prompt detection, and tailored methodologies, while optimizing data and computing resource use. This research thoroughly studied the use of pre-trained artificial intelligence models to predict and classify myocardial infarction. Our findings indicate that models based on CNN and transformer topologies, in particular, provide considerable benefits in the diagnosis and treatment of myocardial infarction, with the possibility for early detection and a tailored strategy. However, concerns such as data quality, model interpretability, and the requirement for thorough validation must be addressed in clinical practice. Future research addressing these constraints and concentrating on the practical and ethical implementation of AI-based solutions in cardiology has the potential to enhance patient outcomes and usher in a new age of precision medicine. This review was created using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA) criteria, which included the topic's relevance, defined goals, a literature search, and acceptable source citing. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 554-63]
Although general pediatricians play a key role in the early recognition of cystic fibrosis and timely referrals, real-world data on cystic fibrosis-related knowledge and practice patterns are limited in settings with nationwide newborn screening. This study aimed to evaluate general pediatricians' knowledge, awareness, and clinical practices related to cystic fibrosis, and to identify potential gaps that may affect early diagnosis and management. We conducted a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based online survey of general pediatricians actively practicing in Turkiye (November–December 2025). The survey included demographics, a 13-item cystic fibrosis knowledge assessment (score range 0–13), clinical practice items (reported descriptively), and education/training needs. A total of 412 pediatricians were included (mean age 37.81±5.63 years; 54.1% female). The mean knowledge score was 10.11±1.32. Clinically relevant uncertainty was observed for newborn screening interpretation: 35.0% selected "not sure" for the statement "cystic fibrosis cannot be present if newborn screening is negative." Referral frequency for suspected cystic fibrosis was low (frequently 1.5%, rarely 88.3%, never 10.2%). Self-perceived adequacy in diagnosing/referring suspected CF was moderate (2.94±0.82) and strongly correlated with knowledge score (r=0.647, p [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 496-504]
Marine drugs are employed in the management of several disorders where tolerance arises, necessitating the pursuit of novel therapeutics. Marine fungi are also producers of compounds that may serve as novel therapeutic candidates. This study examined total phenol (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and the antioxidant and antifungal properties of the crude ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extract derived from the Fusarium oxysporum fungus isolated from the sea sponge Petrosia ficiformis in Hatay/Turkiye. The total phenol content of the extract was found to be 85.42±3.93 mg gallic acid (GAE)/g extract and the total flavonoid content was 50.11±8.35 mg rutin/g extract. The antioxidant capacity of the extract was measured at 0.90 mg GAE/g of extract by DPPH• assay. The antifungal activity of the F. oxysporum EtOAc extract was determined against five Candida strains. Although the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values obtained against the tested species were not significantly different (7.031-28.125 mg/mL), C. parapsilosis was found to be more susceptible to the crude extract than other tested species, followed by C. glabrata, C. albicans and C. tropicalis. In conclusion, it is believed that the marine fungus F. oxysporum obtained from the sea of Turkiye is a promising pharmaceutical candidate and that its place in the scientific field should be increased with future studies. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 59-63]
NTRK gene fusions are rare but actionable oncogenic drivers of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Although receptor tyrosine kinase (TRK) inhibitors show high efficacy, the relationship between NTRK status, concurrent mutations, and immune biomarkers, such as PD-L1, remains to be fully elucidated. We retrospectively evaluated 413 NSCLC cases that underwent comprehensive profiling for NTRK fusions and other somatic alterations using targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS). PD-L1 expression was assessed using immunohistochemistry at 1%, 10%, and 50% cut-off levels. NTRK fusions were identified in 12 (2.9%) patients. The median age of the NTRK fusion-positive group was 65 years, with male predominance (83.3%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type (50.0%). Genomic analysis revealed a high rate of co-occurring mutations, particularly in EGFR (25.0%) and TP53 (33.3%), whereas fusions in BRAF (8.3%) and FGFR (8.3%) were also detected. Notably, NTRK fusion-positive tumors showed a significantly lower rate of PD-L1 expression at the 1% cut-off compared to NTRK fusion-negative tumors (11.1% vs. 58.0%, p=0.006). Our study revealed that NTRK fusion-positive NSCLC frequently exhibits a complex molecular architecture characterized by concurrent alterations, most notably in EGFR and TP53. These findings align with the recent literature challenging the traditional "single-driver" model and suggest that such genomic complexity may mediate bypass signaling pathways. The presence of these co-occurring mutations underscores the clinical necessity of comprehensive NGS profiling to identify potential resistance mechanisms and guide personalized therapeutic strategies beyond solitary TRK inhibition. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 370-6]
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is strongly associated with increased oxidative stress, and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is a key biomarker reflecting oxidative deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage; however, its clinical relevance in angiographically confirmed CAD patients remains insufficiently defined. This study aims to investigate 8-OHdG levels, which indicate oxidative DNA damage, in patients with CAD diagnosed by coronary angiography and to evaluate the relationship between the presence of CAD and oxidative DNA damage. This prospective study included a total of 100 individuals: 50 individuals diagnosed with CAD based on coronary angiography results (Group 1) and 50 healthy individuals with normal coronary arteries (Group 2). Plasma 8-OHdG levels were measured from venous blood samples taken from both groups using the ELISA method. The groups were similar in terms of age, gender, height, weight, body surface area, and ejection fraction percentage (p>0.05). The 8-OHdG level was significantly higher in the CAD group (0.42±0.06 ng/mL), and this increase was statistically significant when compared to the control group (0.25±0.05 ng/mL; p < 0.001). This finding indicates that oxidative DNA damage is markedly increased in CAD. Patients in the CAD group were classified angiographically according to vessel involvement, with multivessel disease being predominantly observed. The significantly elevated levels of 8-OHdG in coronary artery disease patients support the notion that oxidative DNA damage plays an important role in CAD pathogenesis. 8-OHdG may be a potential molecular biomarker for CAD. Further investigation of this relationship in larger, multicentre studies is recommended. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 314-8]
The outbreak of a newly recognized coronavirus in China's Hubei province in December 2019 marked the beginning of a new pandemic called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemics on the cellulitis patients to reveal possible health problems that may be encountered in the future pandemics. We have evaluated the demographics, clinical features, predisposing factors of cellulitis patients admitted to our department during lockdown period (March-July 2020) and the corresponding months of the previous, and following 2 years. The ratio of cellulitis patients to total number of patients was also evaluated. The rate of recurrent attacks was found to be significantly higher in the lockdown period (54.5%) compared to precovid (12.5%), restriction (23.1%) and unrestricted periods (10.8%), (p=0.011).Although the ratio of cellulitis patients to the total number of patients during the lockdown and restriction periods (0.21% and 0.19% respectively) were higher compared to precovid and unrestricted periods (0.14% and 0.13%, respectively), the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. The rate of the recurrent episodes of cellulitis is higher in lockdown period. Patients with a known history of cellulitis should be advised to take proper measures to prevent recurrent episodes in future pandemics. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 111-5]
The postmortem interval (PMI), defined as the time between death and the discovery of the body, plays a crucial role in forensic medicine. Determining the time since death contributes not only to estimating the time and cause of death but also facilitates evidence collection in investigations. This study aims to map the global scientific landscape of PMI-related research and highlight Turkiye's position within this field. A retrospective search was conducted in the Web of Science database using the keyword "Postmortem Interval." Articles published between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2024, were included. The articles were evaluated based on language, year, country of origin, authors and affiliations, journals, and citation counts. A total of 281 articles were identified, receiving 4381 citations in total. The majority (97.51%) were published in English. China contributed the highest number of publications (n=75, 26.69%). The most active journal was Journal of Forensic Sciences (n=36). The highest publication frequency occurred in 2017 (n=30). The difficulty in accurately determining PMI maintains the interest and diversity of related research. Bibliometric studies offer a valuable perspective for understanding the current state of forensic science and guiding future research. This study contributes to raising awareness of PMI research in Turkiye and encourages further interdisciplinary collaboration. [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 155-60]
To test whether inflammatory indices derived from first-trimester complete blood counts (CBCs) can anticipate placental abruption. We performed an observational matched case–control study (January 2023–February 2025), including 44 histopathology-confirmed placental abruption cases and 44 controls matched on maternal age and gestational week. From first-trimester CBCs we computed neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR). Group differences and diagnostic utility were assessed, including ROC analyses. Compared with controls, placental abruption cases showed higher neutrophil counts with elevated NLR, PLR, SII and SIRI, while lymphocyte counts were lower (all p [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 12-18]
Appendiceal neoplasms are rare entities often discovered incidentally in patients undergoing surgery for acute appendicitis. Accurate identification is critical due to differing prognoses and management strategies. This retrospective single-center study analyzed 2802 adult patients who underwent appendectomy for suspected acute appendicitis between January 2015 and May 2025. Demographics, surgical approach, histopathological findings, and tumor characteristics were evaluated. Of the 2802 patients, 0.7% were diagnosed with neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), 0.4% with low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMNs), and 0.1% with adenocarcinomas. Patients with LAMNs and adenocarcinomas were older (mean age >50 years), whereas NETs were more common in younger patients (mean age 33.5 years). Most NETs were well-differentiated, Grade 1, with Ki-67 index [Med-Science 2026; 15(1.000): 135-40]
