PubMed İndeksli Yayınlar Koleksiyonu / PubMed Indexed Publications Collection

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14517/21

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Modeling Dysentery Spread and the Impact of Public Awareness on Control Dynamics
(Nature Research, 2025) Ahmed, K.K.; Yusuf, J.S.; Isa Aliyu, A.I.; Agaie, B.G.; Yusuf, A.S.; Ozsahin, I.; Sulaıman, T.A.
Dysentery remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developing regions, exacerbated by poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. This study develops a novel mathematical model to analyze the transmission dynamics of dysentery and evaluate the effectiveness of control strategies, with a specific focus on the impact of public awareness. The model uniquely stratifies the population into compartments based on health education status and disease severity, allowing for a nuanced analysis of intervention impacts. We derived a key epidemiological threshold, the basic reproduction number, to determine the conditions for disease elimination or persistence. Our analysis demonstrates that a disease-free equilibrium is locally and globally stable when this threshold is below one. Furthermore, we employed optimal control theory to simulate and compare three intervention strategies: public awareness campaigns, hygiene and sanitation improvements, and treatment of infected individuals. Numerical simulations reveal that while each intervention alone reduces disease burden, a combined strategy is the most effective and cost-efficient approach to curtailing outbreaks. These findings underscore the critical importance of integrated public health policies that synergize education, prevention, and treatment for effective and sustainable dysentery control. © The Author(s) 2025.
Evaluating the Role of Resistive Index in Pediatric Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Diagnosis and the Impact of Vitamin D Treatment on Resistive Index
(BioMed Central Ltd, 2025) Kaba, S.; Doǧan, M.; Özkaçmaz, S.; Kiliç, S.
Objectives: Thyroid ultrasonography combined with color Doppler imaging represents one of the most reliable and non-invasive tools for assessing patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Growing evidence suggests that vitamin D deficiency contributes to the pathophysiology of this autoimmune disorder and may influence its progression toward hypothyroidism. This study aimed to explore the role of ultrasonography and color Doppler evaluation in children with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and to determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on resistive index values, as well as on serum thyroid hormone and antibody levels. Materials and methods: Eighty-four children were enrolled in this study, consisting of 45 diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and 39 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. In all participants, serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, thyroid hormones, and thyroid antibodies were analyzed. Both groups underwent grayscale ultrasonography and color Doppler evaluation of the thyroid gland. The patient group received oral vitamin D supplementation at approximately 2,000 IU daily. After two months of treatment, all biochemical and sonographic assessments were repeated. Results: Patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis demonstrated significantly higher grayscale ultrasonography grades compared with controls. Free thyroxine and vitamin D levels were notably lower among patients. Following vitamin D supplementation, anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody titers decreased significantly, accompanied by a statistically meaningful reduction in resistive index values in the right, left, and overall thyroid lobes. Conclusion: Although the resistive index alone does not appear to be a reliable diagnostic indicator for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, vitamin D supplementation was associated with reductions in both resistive index values and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody levels. Further controlled trials including untreated patients are warranted to confirm these findings. © The Author(s) 2025.
Role of Different Anti-Seizure Medications on Carotid Intima-Media Thickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(2025) Davari, A.; Bahadori, A.R.; Mohammadi-Asl, A.; Zafari, R.; Sheikhvatan, M.; Ranji, S.; Shafiee, S.
BACKGROUND: Various types of anti-seizure medication (ASMs) may have an impact on the cardiac health of patients who have epilepsy. One of the most important noninvasive predictive factors related to cardiovascular disease is carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to determine the effect of both mono- and poly-therapy with ASMs on CIMT. METHODS: Four databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase) were searched for records. Studies that measured the effect of ASMs on CIMT were eligible to be included. The case and control data of studies were extracted. Also, the quality assessment of each included study was assessed by the risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I) checklist. Additionally, the random-effect model analysis was performed by the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software (CMA) version 3.0. RESULTS: Twenty-nine studies were included in the systematic review, and 15 studies were eligible to perform meta-analysis. Among both poly-therapy, and monotherapy with valproate sodium, carbamazepine, levetiracetam, and phenytoin, CIMT had significantly higher thickness compared to the control group (SMD: 1.82, 1.18, 1.33, 1.83, and 1.15 with 95%CI: [0.34, 3.3], [0.67, 1.7], [0.38, 2.27], [0.1, 3.56], and [-0.49, 2.8], respectively) (P-value: .001, .001, .001, .001, and .007, respectively). CONCLUSION: The potential risk of cardiovascular diseases related to CIMT may be elevated by using both mono- and polytherapy with valproate sodium, carbamazepine, levetiracetam, and phenytoin. © © 2025 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Thermal and Stability Outcomes of Different Osteotomy Techniques and Implant Macrogeometries in Type IV Bone: An in Vitro Study
(MDPI, 2025) Canakci, F. Gulfesan; Cakir, Merve; Yalcin-Ulker, Gul Merve; Duygu, Gonca
Achieving reliable implant stability in type IV (D4) bone remains a clinical challenge due to its thin cortical plates and low trabecular density, which increase the risk of early failure. Novel osteotomy techniques such as osseodensification and the OsseoShaper have been proposed, yet their effects when combined with different implant macrogeometries are not fully understood. This in vitro study evaluated forty osteotomies in standardized polyurethane foam blocks simulating D4 bone density. Three site preparation protocols-conventional osteotomy, osseodensification, and OsseoShaper-were combined with two implant macrogeometries (parallel-walled conical and tri-oval tapered designs). Insertion torque (IT) was measured using a calibrated digital torque meter, and implant stability was assessed by resonance frequency analysis (ISQ). Intraoperative thermal changes were monitored with infrared thermography under constant irrigation. Statistically significant differences were observed among groups (p < 0.05). Osseodensification with parallel-walled implants achieved the highest stability, whereas osseodensification with tri-oval implants showed the lowest. Although osseodensification produced the greatest thermal increase, all values remained below the 47 degrees C osteonecrosis threshold. Within the study's limitations, both the osteotomy technique and implant macrogeometry significantly affected stability and thermal outcomes, with osseodensification plus parallel-walled implants providing the most predictable performance in D4 bone.
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) Levels and Sensory Properties of Cooked Rice: Exploring Varietal Differences
(Sage Publications Ltd, 2025) Tireki, Suzan; Dagistan, Hazal; Cam, Dilaycan; Cakir, Cansel; Ozturk, Mehmet; Demirkoz, Asli Barla
The composition and cooking quality of rice varieties vary highly. Preparation and cooking techniques may lead to thiamine degradation. In this study, rice meals were prepared with three different rice varieties grown in T & uuml;rkiye (Baldo, Osmancik, and Cammeo), four different fats (sunflower oil, margarine, butter, and olive oil), and two different cooking methods (Salma and Roasted), and thiamine amount and sensory attributes were investigated. Thiamine levels of raw rice were measured as 0.399 +/- 0.0210, 0.299 +/- 0.0010, and 0.303 +/- 0.0070 mg/100 g in Baldo, Osmancik, and Cammeo, respectively. The thiamine amount varied between 0.038 +/- 0.0020 and 0.176 +/- 0.0020 mg/100 g in rice meals, and the highest value was observed in Osmancik rice cooked with margarine using the Roasted method. Descriptive sensory analysis (DSA) assessed 8 taste attributes. Salma-cooked samples had a higher intensity of starchy and butter taste than the Roasted-cooked ones. Roasted-cooked rice meals had a higher intensity of sweet, salty, margarine, olive oil, sunflower oil, and roasted taste than the Salma-cooked samples.
Comparison of Shear Bond Strength of Different Indirect Composites to New Generation Polyetheretherketone Materials
(Wroclaw Medical University, 2025) Seferli, Ziya; Degirmenci, Kubra; Saridag, Serkan
Background. The bond stability between polyetheretherketone (PEEK) materials and composites is a novel concern, and evidence regarding bond strength is limited. To date, no study has comprehensively evaluated the effect of different surface treatments, adhesive agents and composite materials on the shear bond strength (SBS) of various PEEK materials. Objectives. The aim of the study was to compare the SBS between 2 PEEK materials and different indirect composites applied after the application of various surface pre-treatment methods and adhesives. Material and methods. A total of 328 PEEK specimens (JUVORA (TM) (unfilled PEEK material, n = 164); BioHPP (compound containing 20% nanoceramic-filled PEEK, n = 164)) were divided into 4 groups according to the applied surface treatment: no treatment; air abrasion; acid etching; and acid etching + air abrasion. Subsequently, all specimens were conditioned with visio.link (VL) or Single Bond Universal (SBU). The specimens were veneered with crea.lign composite (CR) or SR Nexco composite (SR), and the bond strength values were measured. The co-variance analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to analyze the data (alpha = 0.003). Results. The SBS values for BioHPP specimens were significantly higher than the values for JUVORA (TM) specimens in the no treatment group (p < 0.001). The highest SBS values were detected between BioHPP and SR (22.54 +/- 1.22 MPa), and between JUVORA(TM )and SR (21.45 +/- 1.43 MPa) after acid etching and conditioning with VL (p < 0.001). The surface treatments, composites and adhesives affected the SBS between the composites and PEEK materials. Conclusions. Following air abrasion or acid etching of surfaces, conditioning with VL and aesthetic veneering with SR may bea more reliable clinical application than othersurface treatments and adhesive-composite combinations for PEEK.
Cultural Adaptation and Turkish Version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument for Individuals with Gonarthrosis: A Validity and Reliability Study
(Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2025) Hazar, Yagmur; Atici, Emine; Cagliyan Erdogan, Hande; Kardes, Kubra
Purposes: This study aimed to culturally adapt and assess the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Late-Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI) in elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis (gonarthrosis). Methods: A total of 240 participants aged >= 65 were selected using simple random sampling. The adaptation process followed Beaton's guidelines and included translation, back-translation, and pilot testing. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha, test-retest, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), while validity was evaluated via exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and convergent validity with established scales. As part of convergent validity, the relationship of the LLFDI with Barthe Index (BI) and the Functional Independent Measurement (FIM), the Lequesne Index were used. The correlations between the LLFDI scores and these scales were analyzed to determine the level of convergent validity. Results: The LLFDI demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha > 0.70) and test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.734-0.899). Construct validity was supported by Exploratory Factor Analysis (KMO = 0.838-0.952) and significant Bartlett's Test (p < 0.001), revealing appropriate factor structures. Convergent validity was confirmed through significant correlations with the BI, FIM, and Lequesne Index. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the Turkish version of the LLFDI is a valid and reliable assessment tool for individuals diagnosed with gonarthrosis.
Managing Post-Disaster Primary Health Care: Experiences of Public Health Professionals After the 2023 Kahramanmaraş Earthquake
(Frontiers Media SA, 2025) Sahan, Ceyda; Bilgin, Ahmet Can; Kilic, Bulent; Bulut, Pelin; Mert, Esra; Kantas, Secil Nur; Erbaydar, Tugrul
Objectives To explore the post-earthquake experiences and perspectives of public health specialists, with a particular focus on the delivery of public health services following the 2023 Kahramanmara & scedil; earthquake.Methods This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach, aiming to capture lived experiences and contextual understanding of the situation. In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 public health specialists. Participants were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via in-depth interviews and analyzed thematically using multiple coding by the research team.Results Public health specialists reported experiencing stress, burnout, and housing difficulties due to increased workloads and suboptimal working conditions, despite also expressing a sense of professional fulfillment in crisis management. Key challenges included problems in temporary housing, infectious disease control, and insufficient coordination in primary healthcare services and community-based approaches. Poor coordination, vague job roles, and inadequate training and resources were cited as significant barriers to effective disaster response.Conclusion The main challenges following the earthquake included increased workloads and unclear role definitions. These findings underscore the importance of establishing pre-defined job descriptions and clear lines of authority to improve disaster preparedness and response in the health sector.
Balancing Accuracy and Readability: Comparative Evaluation of AI Chatbots for Patient Education on Rotator Cuff Tears
(MDPI, 2025) Koluman, Ali Can; Ciftci, Mehmet Utku; Ciftci, Ebru Aloglu; Cakmur, Basar Burak; Ziroglu, Nezih
Background/Objectives: Rotator cuff (RC) tears are a leading cause of shoulder pain and disability. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based chatbots are increasingly applied in healthcare for diagnostic support and patient education, but the reliability, quality, and readability of their outputs remain uncertain. International guidelines (AMA, NIH, European health communication frameworks) recommend that patient materials be written at a 6th-8th grade reading level, yet most online and AI-generated content exceeds this threshold. Methods: We compared responses from three AI chatbots-ChatGPT-4o (OpenAI), Gemini 1.5 Flash (Google), and DeepSeek-V3 (Deepseek AI)-to 20 frequently asked patient questions about RC tears. Four orthopedic surgeons independently rated reliability and usefulness (7-point Likert) and overall quality (5-point Global Quality Scale). Readability was assessed using six validated indices. Statistical analysis included Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA with Bonferroni correction; inter-rater agreement was measured using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: Inter-rater reliability was good to excellent (ICC 0.726-0.900). Gemini 1.5 Flash achieved the highest reliability and quality, ChatGPT-4o performed comparably but slightly lower in diagnostic content, and DeepSeek-V3 consistently scored lowest in reliability and quality but produced the most readable text (FKGL approximate to 6.5, within the 6th-8th grade target). None of the models reached a Flesch Reading Ease (FRE) score above 60, indicating that even the most readable outputs remained more complex than plain-language standards. Conclusions: Gemini 1.5 Flash and ChatGPT-4o generated more accurate and higher-quality responses, whereas DeepSeek-V3 provided more accessible content. No single model fully balanced accuracy and readability. Clinical Implications: Hybrid use of AI platforms-leveraging high-accuracy models alongside more readable outputs, with clinician oversight-may optimize patient education by ensuring both accuracy and accessibility. Future work should assess real-world comprehension and address the legal, ethical, and generalizability challenges of AI-driven patient education.
The Impact of Preclinical Education on Operative and Restorative Skills in Dental Students: A Survey-Based Evaluation
(BMC, 2025) Turkes Basaran, Elif; Dikici, Burcu; Yenier Yurdaguven, Gulsah; Yurdaguven, Haktan
Aim In response to the nationwide measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face preclinical dental education transitioned to a hybrid format. This survey aimed to assess the impact of hybrid education on dental students' transition to clinical practice and to evaluate the efficacy and sustainability of preclinical education delivered in a hybrid model. Methods The multi-centered questionnaire survey was e-mailed to students who received preclinical education in dentistry faculties from 2018 to 2020 and subsequently proceeded to clinical education. Students who received preclinical education in face-to-face and hybrid formats were included. The survey examined how preclinical education affects restorative clinical skills and students' perceptions. It compared students with different levels of preclinical education using descriptive statistics and the Mann-Whitney U test for quantitative analysis (p < 0.05). Results Analysis of responses from 341 participants revealed that students who received face-to-face preclinical education exhibited greater confidence in performing restorative procedures than students educated in a hybrid format. Nonetheless, both groups demonstrated a high level of self-assurance. Conclusion This study highlights the challenges faced by students in hybrid learning and provides strategies to overcome them. With proper adjustments, hybrid learning can become a reliable and flexible component of dental education, maintaining continuity and quality even in challenging circumstances. The study also informs future curriculum planning by emphasizing the importance of preparedness for distance-based learning, flexibility in clinical scheduling, and early identification of gaps in clinical skill development.
Fertility Preservation in Endometriosis: Evaluating Surgical Risks and Emerging Preservation Approaches
(Elsevier Sci Ltd, 2026) Farzizadeh, Neda; Najmi, Zahra; Rosenbaum, Alan J.; Khosravi, Arezoo; Hariri, Amirali; Aminbeidokhti, Mona; Zarrabi, Ali
Endometriosis poses significant challenges for women of reproductive age, particularly due to its impact on ovarian reserve and fertility. In addition to endometriosis-associated infertility contributing to diminished ovarian reserve by inflammation and oxidative stress, surgical interventions, often required to manage endometriosis, can exacerbate ovarian damage, further complicating fertility preservation. This narrative review critically examines the interplay between endometriosis treatment and fertility preservation strategies, offering insights into current surgical risks and emerging approaches to mitigate their impact on reproductive potential. Furthermore, it explores traditional fertility preservation methods, including oocyte, embryo and ovarian tissue cryopreservation, alongside advances in vitrification techniques that enhance success rates. Innovative minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as carbon dioxide laser vaporization, plasma energy ablation, haemostatic sealants, and robotic-assisted laparoscopy, are evaluated for their ability to preserve ovarian tissue. Moreover, emerging trends, including the use of artificial intelligence for personalized treatment planning and bioengineering innovations, such as three-dimensional-printed ovarian scaffolds, are discussed as transformative solutions for restoring fertility. A multi-disciplinary, patient-centred approach is emphasized, integrating expertise from gynaecology, reproductive endocrinology, and bioengineering to optimize fertility preservation outcomes. By bridging technological advances and clinical practice, this review aims to provide a framework for preserving fertility while addressing the complex challenges of endometriosis.
Elliptic Anisotropy Measurement of the F0(980) Hadron in Proton-Lead Collisions and Evidence for Its Quark-Antiquark Composition
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Hayrapetyan, A.; Tumasyan, A.; Adam, W.; Andrejkovic, J. W.; Bergauer, T.; Chatterjee, S.; Zhokin, A.
Despite the f(0)(980) hadron having been discovered half a century ago, the question about its quark content has not been settled: it might be an ordinary quark-antiquark (q (q) over bar) meson, a tetraquark (q (q) over barq (q) over bar) exotic state, a kaon-antikaon (K (K) over bar) molecule, or a quark-antiquark-gluon (q (q) over barg) hybrid. This paper reports strong evidence that the f(0)(980) state is an ordinary q (q) over bar meson, inferred from the scaling of elliptic anisotropies (v(2)) with the number of constituent quarks (n(q)), as empirically established using conventional hadrons in relativistic heavy ion collisions. The f(0)(980) state is reconstructed via its dominant decay channel f(0)(980) -> pi(+)pi(-), in proton-lead collisions recorded by the CMS experiment at the LHC, and its v(2) is measured as a function of transverse momentum (p(T)). It is found that the n(q) = 2 (q (q) over bar state) hypothesis is favored over n(q) = 4 (q (q) over barq (q) over bar or K (K) over bar states) by 7.7, 6.3, or 3.1 standard deviations in the p(T) < 10, 8, or 6 GeV/c ranges, respectively, and over n(q) = 3 (q<(q)over bar>g hybrid state) by 3.5 standard deviations in the p(T) < 8GeV/c range. This result represents the first determination of the quark content of the f(0)(980) state, made possible by using a novel approach, and paves the way for similar studies of other exotic hadron candidates.
Promoting Patients' Empowerment in Rheumatic Diseases: The Perspective of the International Society of Behçet's Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy and Patients' Education
(Clinical & Exper Rheumatology, 2025) Di Cianni, F.; Marinello, D.; Altenburg, A.; Karacayli, U.; Emmi, G.; Schirmer, M.; Talarico, R.
Behcets' disease (BD) is a rare multi-systemic vasculitis that significantly impacts patients' quality of life. Effective management of BD requires a patient-centred approach that empowers individuals to actively participate in their care. This work explores the importance of patient empowerment, adherence to treatment, and patient education in BD. The impact of BD on quality of life (QOL) is significant, affecting both physical and psychological well-being. QOL measures are essential in capturing the full burden of the disease from the patient's perspective, helping guide interventions that can improve disease management. Moreover, treatment adherence remains a major challenge due to various factors, including medication complexity, fear of side effects, and patient perceptions of their health status. Empowerment strategies, including education and emotional support, are crucial to improving adherence and reducing healthcare costs. Empowering BD patients involves fostering a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients, promoting shared decision-making and enhancing patients' knowledge and skills to manage their condition. Patient education plays a crucial role in empowering patients by providing them with accurate information about the disease, treatment options, and self-management strategies. The International Society for Behcet's Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy, and Patient Education aims to address these issues by developing global strategies to empower BD patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. This initiative promotes collaboration across the BD community, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and serving as a model for similar efforts in other disease areas.
Simultaneous Investigation of sST2, IL-33, and Caspase-3 Serum Levels in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
(International Institute of Anticancer Research, 2025) Akdeniz, Fatma Tuba; Barut, Zerrin; Avsar, Orcun; Arinc, Sibel; Isbir, Turgay
Background/Aim: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of lung cancer with a high mortality rate. Many molecular and biochemical mechanisms are involved in its development, among which the suppression of tumorigenicity-2 protein (ST2) signaling pathway. Soluble ST2 (sST2) competes with transmembrane ST2 (ST2 ligand) for IL-33 binding. Activation of IL-33/ST2 pathway leads to M2 macrophage polarization, which promotes tumor progression. Since Caspase-3 is implicated in the regulation of IL-33 activity, the present study aimed to analyze the serum levels of IL-33, sST2, and caspase-3 in non-small cell lung cancer patients, compare them with control samples, and simultaneously investigate their predictive capacity. Materials and Methods: In this study, sST2 protein, IL-33, and caspase-3 levels were investigated using the ELISA method in serum samples collected from 25 patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer and 25 completely healthy volunteer individuals. In the study, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic power of the biomarkers. Results: Serum IL-33 levels were found to be significantly elevated in patients compared to the control group (p<0.0001). Similarly, the patient group showed significantly higher caspase-3 serum levels than the control group (p<0.030). While sST2 serum levels were higher in the patient group, the difference did not reach statistical significance. The ROC analysis for IL-33 showed an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.838 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.725-0.952, p<0.05], indicating that IL-33 is good diagnostic capability for NSCLC. The AUC value for Caspase-3 was 0.678 (95% CI=0.525-0.832, p=0.023), while for sST2, the AUC value was 0.499 (95% CI=0.333-0.665, p>0.05). Conclusion: NSCLC patients are characterized by increased IL-33 and caspase-3 serum levels. These findings suggest that these markers could serve as valuable diagnostic and prognostic indicators, in addition to being potential therapeutic targets.
Scabies Cases at a Dermatological Outpatient Clinic in Türkiye: Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic
(J Infection Developing Countries, 2025) Atalik, Kevser; Cevik, Mine; Kaya, Ayse Demet; Babaoglu, Ulken Tunga
Introduction: Annually, scabies affects more than 400 million people worldwide and is an important public health problem. This study investigated the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with scabies at a major dermatologic clinic in Turkiye in the context Methodology: A retrospective evaluation was performed on outpatients diagnosed with scabies between 2014 and 2022. Statistical analyses Results: In total, 759 of the 48,381 patients (1.6%) who visited the dermatology outpatient clinic were diagnosed with scabies. The incidence rate of scabies was 0.5-0.9% before the pandemic, which increased to 3.1-4.4% in 2020-2022. Cases were more common in October- December (36.5%), and 57.9% of patients were 18-44 years old. Those aged 1-6 years showed an increased rate of scabies from 3% to 7.8% during the pandemic. There was no significant difference according to gender or nationality. All patients complained of itching, and 35% had a history of contact with individuals who were diagnosed with scabies. The recurrence rate was 27.3%. Lesions of 73.1% of patients showed a generalized distribution, as well as local lesions on the hands (7.9%), genital area (6.4%), trunk (4.0%), arms (3.0%), legs (2.8%), feet (1.6%), and head (1.2%). Conclusions: The results emphasize that scabies can develop regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, and periods such as pandemics may delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to a higher occurrence of the disease.
Promoting Patients’ Empowerment in Rheumatic Diseases: The Perspective of the International Society of Behçet’s Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy and Patients’ Education
(Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology S.A.S., 2025) Di Cianni, F.; Marinello, D.; Altenburg, A.; Karaçayli, U.; Emmi, G.; Schirmer, M.; Mumcu, G.
Behçet’s disease (BD) is a rare multisystemic vasculitis that significantly impacts patients’ quality of life. Effective management of BD requires a patientcentred approach that empowers individuals to actively participate in their care. This work explores the importance of patient empowerment, adherence to treatment, and patient education in BD. The impact of BD on quality of life (QOL) is significant, affecting both physical and psychological well-being. QOL measures are essential in capturing the full burden of the disease from the patient’s perspective, helping guide interventions that can improve disease management. Moreover, treatment adherence remains a major challenge due to various factors, including medication complexity, fear of side effects, and patient perceptions of their health status. Empowerment strategies, including education and emotional support, are crucial to improving adherence and reducing healthcare costs. Empowering BD patients involves fostering a collaborative relationship between healthcare providers and patients, promoting shared decision-making and enhancing patients’ knowledge and skills to manage their condition. Patient education plays a crucial role in empowering patients by providing them with accurate information about the disease, treatment options, and self-management strategies. The International Society for Behçet’s Disease Working Group on Patient Empowerment, Adherence to Therapy, and Patient Education aims to address these issues by developing global strategies to empower BD patients, caregivers and healthcare providers. This initiative promotes collaboration across the BD community, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and serving as a model for similar efforts in other disease areas. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.
PRP and Diced Cartilage-Enhanced Fascia Lata: A Composite Graft for Septal Perforation Repair
(Sage Publications Inc, 2025) Hanci, Deniz; Onaran, Oyku Izel; Altun, Huseyin; Bozer, Berke Berat; Gurpinar, Berk; Obuz, Mert; Uyar, Yavuz
Objective: Nasal septal perforation (NSP) is characterized by defects in the mucosal, cartilaginous, and bony structures of the septum, most commonly resulting from septoplasty. Spontaneous healing of NSPs is rare, necessitating surgical intervention once the condition stabilizes. Numerous techniques have been developed for NSP repair. This study presents a novel technique combining fascia lata grafts, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and diced septal cartilage harvested from the patient's remaining deviated nasal septum for the repair of medium-sized NSPs.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 32 patients who underwent NSP repair between July 2022 and July 2023. The repair utilized fascia lata, PRP derived from venous blood, and diced cartilage from residual septal cartilage. The procedure involved an open rhinoplasty approach for graft placement, followed by stabilization using endoscopic techniques.Results: The mean horizontal and vertical diameters of the septal perforations were 12.06 +/- 2.87 mm and 13.12 +/- 2.44 mm, respectively. All patients had medium-sized perforations (0.5-2 cm). The mean follow-up period was 12.03 +/- 1.11 months. Complete closure was achieved in 28 of 32 cases (87.5%). The cohort included 18 males (56.3%) and 14 females (43.8%), with a mean age of 35.47 +/- 5.31 years (range: 25-45). Ten patients (31.3%) were smokers, among whom 4 experienced incomplete closure. Smoking was not significantly associated with repair failure (P = .06).Conclusion: This novel technique combining fascia lata, PRP, and diced septal cartilage offers a reliable and effective approach for the repair of medium-sized NSPs.
Prevalence of Left Kidney Vein Entrapment Signs on Computed Tomography Angiography Images of Kidney Donors
(Via Medica, 2025) Atli, Eray; Ferhatoglu, Murat Ferhat; Gurkan, Alp
Background: The nutcracker phenomenon (NC-P) is the entrapment of the left kidney vein (LKV) between the superior mesenteric artery and the abdominal portion of the aorta. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of significant left renal vein compression in a healthy population. Materials and methods: The computed tomography angiography images of 131 healthy patients who underwent living kidney donor nephrectomy at our institution were enrolled in this retrospective, descriptive anatomic study. Results: Three (2.3%) cases had severe stenosis, and 26 (19.8) cases had moderate stenosis. The mean aorto-mesenteric angle was narrower in females (p < 0.05). The mean LKV diameter ratio and beak angle were shorter and narrower in females (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Thirteen cases (9.9%) showed 3 or 4 positive criteria for NC-P. Younger pateitns and those with body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m(2) had increased rates of positive criteria determination (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: The NC-P criteria were seen with a high frequency in healthy individuals. Female and younger individuals with lower BMI showed a greater prevalence of positive criteria. Revision of the current standards for NC-P with a distinct classification between sex, age, and BMI is required to better assess LKV compression.
Nutritional Approaches and Supplementation in Lipedema Management: A Narrative Review of Current Evidence
(Springernature, 2025) Aydin, Ayca; Bilgic, Pelin
Purpose of Review Lipedema is a painful chronic disease characterized by symmetric fat tissue accumulation in the lower extremities. Inflammation of the subcutaneous adipose tissue causes pain, edema, and various functional limitations, making daily activities difficult and affecting quality of life. Recent Findings Although the pathogenesis of lipedema is not fully known, it is a disease that is associated with the interaction of genetic predisposition, hormonal factors, stressful lifestyle and inflammatory processes. Lipedema, which can often be confused with obesity and lymphedema, causes patients to undergo unnecessary examinations and treatments, while the disease can also create an additional burden on the health system through psychosocial problems. Summary Chronic inflammation of subcutaneous adipose tissue is resistant to weight loss. Since there is no definitively proven treatment method in the literature for the treatment of lipedema, the primary goal is to alleviate the symptoms associated with the disease with a multidisciplinary team. At this point, increasing misinformation content on social networks or difficulties in accessing accurate information emphasize the importance of evidence-based practices and guidelines in the nutritional treatment of lipedema. Ketogenic diet and Mediterranean diet are prominent dietary models in the nutritional treatment of lipedema, as they overlap with the pathophysiology of lipedema with their insulin sensitivity-enhancing and anti-inflammatory effects. The Mediterranean diet, rich in antioxidants, acts by reducing the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the body, while the ketogenic diet with its low carbohydrate content improves the blood glucose profile and insulin resistance, preventing hyperglycemia-induced inflammation supported by lipedema. On the other hand, serum levels of vitamins and minerals, which play important roles in ensuring the physiological functioning of the body, are also important in order not to worsen the clinical picture and reduce inflammation. There is limited data in the literature on the long-term applicability, safety and therapeutic effects of these dietary models. Therefore, more research is needed to expand clinical applications.
Assessment of the Water and Energy Nexus in the Energy Supply Subsystem of Water Stressed Countries like Iran
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Vahabzadeh, Masoud; Molajou, Amir; Variani, Hossein Akbari; Afshar, Abbas
Iran, situated in the Middle East, is recognized as a prominent energy hub, with its economy heavily reliant on the exportation of energy. Iran currently faces significant water stress, underscoring the importance of examining its Water-Energy (WE) nexus. Hence, it is crucial to examine the Water-Energy (WE) nexus in this nation. This study evaluates Iran's WE nexus from upstream to downstream in its energy subsystem (2007-2017) through an integrated framework combining water footprint analysis, water consumption methodologies, and nexus system modeling. This study assessed the WE nexus from upstream to downstream in Iran from 2007 to 2017. Key findings reveal that steam turbine power plants, particularly Ramin and Neka, exhibit the highest water consumption intensities, approximately 2.04 and 2.65 m3/MWh respectively, making them critical targets for efficiency improvements or retirement. Conversely, combined-cycle plants with dry cooling technology show significantly lower water intensity (0.18 m3/MWh), presenting viable alternatives. The study recommends shifting energy infrastructure towards combined-cycle and gas turbine plants to mitigate water stress, thus providing actionable insights for sustainable energy and water resource management in water-stressed regions.

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