2026-02-12
KÜBRA ŞEN KÜÇÜK et al.
Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the clinical features, laboratory findings, treatment approaches, and follow-up strategies employed in the management of pediatric patients with levothyroxine poisoning. Materials and methods: This multicenter retrospective study included patients aged ≤18 years who presented with acute, single-episode levothyroxine ingestion to the pediatric emergency departments of six tertiary care centers between 2010 and 2023. Clinical data, laboratory findings, symptom onset and severity, and treatment modalities were extracted from medical records. Thyroid function tests (TFTs) were interpreted according to the age-specific reference ranges of each center. Treatment decisions, including gastric decontamination and pharmacologic therapy, were evaluated based on documented clinical indications. Results: A total of 45 patients were included in the study. The median age was 3.83 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.2–6.1). Levothyroxine ingestion was accidental in 80% (n = 36) of cases and intentional (suicidal) in 20% (n = 9). The median ages for accidental and suicidal ingestions were 3.0 years (IQR: 2.0–4.2) and 15.0 years (IQR: 13.7–16.9), respectively (p Conclusion: Levothyroxine poisoning in children is generally asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they are typically mild to moderate in severity, and the overall prognosis is favorable.
2026-02-12
EMRAH KOÇ et al.
Background/aim: Anti-interleukin-1 agents have known beneficial effects in the treatment of colchicine-resistant familial Mediterranean fever (cr-FMF); however, studies to date have tended to have small sample sizes and to be based on pooled data. The present study investigates the efficacy of Canakinumab (CAN) in a homogeneous cohort of cr-FMF cases. Materials and methods: The study included patients who underwent treatment in three tertiary rheumatology departments, whose electronic medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The inclusion criteria were presence of colchicine resistant disease activity or persistent proteinuria secondary to AA-amyloidosis, and treatment with CAN for at least 6 months. Clinical and laboratory parameters were assessed before and after CAN treatment. Results: The study included 65 patients with a mean age of 38.2 ± 13.8 years, with a mean disease duration of 23.7 ± 11.4 years and a mean colchicine dosage of 1.5 ± 0.6 mg/day. Of the total, 60% of the patients had an M694V homozygous mutation, and 41.5% were resistant to Anakinra. Furthermore, 25 had FMF-related amyloidosis, and 16 were renal transplant recipients. The mean CAN treatment duration was 31.3 ± 23.1 months, and 80% of patients achieved complete remission, while 20% achieved partial remission. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, frequency of attacks, and patient global assessment decreased significantly after CAN (p Conclusion: Canakinumab demonstrates excellent efficacy and favorable safety as a treatment for cr-FMF. Our study is the first to indicate the efficacy of CAN in reducing serum creatinine levels.
2026-02-12
ERDİNÇ DİNÇER et al.
Background/aim: To evaluate the association between the preoperative pan-immune inflammation value (PIV) and prognostic factors, including stage, lymph node involvement, and metastasis, in patients who underwent radical orchiectomy for germ cell testicular tumors. Materials and methods: Data from 178 patients who underwent radical orchiectomy for testicular tumors between January 2014 and January 2024 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative serum tumor markers, hematologic parameters, and histopathological findings were recorded. Tumor staging was determined based on radiological imaging and serum tumor markers. The PIV was calculated using the formula: (monocyte count × neutrophil count × platelet count) / lymphocyte count. Optimal cut-off values for PIV were determined using ROC curve analysis. The association between the PIV score and clinicopathological variables was analyzed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 32.34 ± 9.62 years. The mean PIV score in patients with metastasis and retroperitoneal lymph node invasion (RPLNI) was significantly higher than in those without metastasis or RPLNI (p = 0.01 and p = 0.04, respectively). The PIV score increased progressively with higher tumor T, N, and M stages. Additionally, a statistically significant increase in PIV scores was observed among patients classified into higher International Germ Cell Cancer Collaborative Group risk groups (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Higher PIV scores are significantly associated with tumor stage, lymph node involvement, and metastasis in patients with germ cell testicular tumors. The PIV score appears to be a useful and cost-effective preoperative marker for predicting advanced disease in testicular tumors at the time of diagnosis.
2026-02-12
MEHMET AKİF TOPÇUOĞLU et al.
Background/aim: The link between atrial fibrillation (AF) and lean body mass is unclear. This study presents the effects of AF on sarcopenia indices, including ultrasonographic muscle architecture. Materials and methods: In this study conducted in neurology units, 72 subjects with AF (mean age: 71 ± 11years, 49% female) were compared with 538 without AF (mean age:66±12years; 53% female) in terms of sarcopenia indices [anthropometry; Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB); hand grip strength (HGS); bioimpedance analysis (BIA) indices; skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI) normalized to weight, height and body mass index (BMI); and phase angle (PhA)]; muscle ultrasonography [thickness, cross-section area (CSA), fiber length (fL) and pennation angle (PeA) of rectus femoris (RF), biceps brachii (BB), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus intermedius (VIM) and gastrocnemius medialis (GCM)]; possible causes of sarcopenia such as malnutrition; and consequences of sarcopenia [fall, fatigue, SarQol] along with sarcopenia screening (SARC-F). Possible associations were tested in multiple exploratory linear models, and partial r(pr) and p were reported. Results: Participants with AF exhibited significantly higher SARC-F and SarQol scores. In multivariable models adjusted for age, sex, height, and body weight, AF was independently linked to lower mean and maximum HGS (pr = –0.137, p = 0.014; pr = –0.130, p = 0.02), reduced PhA (pr = –0.193, p Conclusion: AF is linked to impaired muscle health and reduced quality of life. Management should include thigh muscle ultrasound and strategies to prevent malnutrition.
2026-02-12
BÜLENT BOZYİĞİT et al.
Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate the impact of fall history on postural stability, disability, and anxiety in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). It was hypothesized that patients with a history of falls would exhibit greater postural instability, perceived disability, and anxiety levels compared with those without a fall history and healthy controls. Materials and methods: A total of 62 participants were included: 16 CNP patients with a history of falling (Group Ia), 21 CNP patients without falls (Group Ib), and 25 healthy controls. Assessments included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for instability, and static postural stability was measured using a force platform under four sensory conditions. Results: Group Ia demonstrated significantly higher NDI, BAI, and VAS scores than Group Ib and controls (p 0.05). Conclusion: Fall history in patients with chronic neck pain is associated with greater balance impairments and increased anxiety, suggesting that a simple self-reported fall history may serve as a low-cost indicator of disrupted postural control. These findings may provide a practical guide for early screening of fall risk in clinical settings and highlight the importance of implementing preventive strategies for individuals with chronic neck pain.
2026-02-12
NEVZAT MEHMET MUTLU et al.
Background/aim: Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with especially high mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients, whose prognosis is worsened by dysphagia, malnutrition, and aspiration risk. The Feeding Time Index (FTI)—defined as the ratio of feeding days to total ICU length of stay—quantified nutritional exposure. This exploratory cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between FTI and mortality in ICU patients with acute ischemic stroke (IS) or hemorrhagic stroke (HS) and to examine the potential role of FTI, together with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and oral feeding status, as a supportive metric for quantitative assessment of nutritional practices. Materials and methods: In this retrospective observational study, 239 stroke patients admitted to the ICU were analyzed. Demographic data, clinical characteristics, APACHE II scores, time to feeding initiation, feeding routes, and FTI values were collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results: Among 239 ICU patients, 56.9% had IS and 43.1% had HS, with an ICU mortality rate of 31%. Higher FTI values were significantly associated with a lower mortality risk in univariate Cox analysis (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.06), but this association was not maintained in the multivariate model. In contrast, inability to feed orally (HR = 14.8) and higher APACHE II scores (HR = 1.07) remained the main independent predictors of mortality. Conclusion: These findings suggest that, while FTI is a useful complementary and exploratory indicator of the relationship between feeding duration and clinical outcomes in ICU stroke patients, mortality prediction relies more heavily on clinical factors such as the APACHE II score and oral feeding status. Thus, FTI should be viewed as a supportive metric for quantitatively monitoring nutritional practices, and further multicenter prospective studies controlling more thoroughly for disease severity are needed to clarify its prognostic value and role in guiding nutritional strategies.
2026-02-12
MUSA GÜNEŞ et al.
Background/aim: Frailty is a clinical syndrome that affects individuals physically and psychosocially. However, the association between lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) and frailty remains unclear. This study aimed to compare pain, balance, disability, fear of falling, and quality of life between patients with LSS with and without frailty. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study included 43 frail and 48 nonfrail patients with LSS according to the frailty criteria of Fried et al. Pain intensity (numeric rating scale [NRS]), static balance (single leg stance test [SLST]), dynamic balance (Timed Up and Go test [TUG]), disability (Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]), fear of falling (Falls Efficacy Scale–International [FES-I]), and quality of life (Short form-36 [SF-36]) were assessed. Results: Frailty was observed in 47.3% of patients, and baseline characteristics were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). NRS scores for low back and leg pain, ODI and FES-I scores, and TUG test durations were significantly higher in frail patients with LSS than in nonfrail patients (p Conclusion: Frail patients with LSS experience greater pain intensity, balance disorders, disability, fear of falling, and poorer quality of life. Moreover, reduced mobility, lower physical activity levels, and decreased vitality are associated with a higher likelihood of frailty in patients with LSS. Therefore, early assessment of frailty in patients with LSS and the implementation of personalized rehabilitation approaches may help mitigate its negative impact.
2026-02-12
SERKAN AYDIN et al.
Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic significance of preoperative inflammatory markers including the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and procalcitonin in predicting 30-day and 1-year mortality in patients undergoing femur fracture surgery. Materials and methods: This retrospective, multicenter cohort study included patients who underwent surgical treatment for femur fractures between January 2018 and December 2024. Patients were stratified into survivor and nonsurvivor groups based on 30-day and 1-year outcomes. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, laboratory parameters, and inflammatory indices were recorded and analyzed. Linear and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of mortality. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess the predictive performance of the inflammatory markers. Results: A total of 430 patients were included, 310 (72.1%) of whom survived while 120 (27.9%) died during the 1-year follow-up. The 30-day mortality rate was 15% (n = 65) and the 1-year mortality rate was 38% (n = 163). Nonsurvivors were significantly older (81.3 ± 9.6 vs. 75.2 ± 10.1 years, p Conclusion: Preoperative inflammatory markers, particularly the MLR and CRP, were strongly associated with short- and long-term mortality in femur fracture surgery. Their integration into preoperative assessment may enhance risk stratification and guide clinical decision-making.
2026-02-12
SEVGİ IŞIK et al.
Background/aim: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized by the Philadelphia chromosome (Ph), which occurs as a result of t(9;22). In 5%–10% of CML cases, variant t(9;22)s are observed. Additionally, while t(9;22) is formed, deletions can be observed in chromosomes 9 and 22. These deletions are observed more frequently in variant t(9;22). There is conflicting information in the literature about the prognostic effects of variant t(9;22) and deletions of 9q and 22q. There is also limited information about the frequency and breakpoints of other chromosomes involved in the variant t(9;22). Signal patterns other than the classical signal pattern of FISH analysis indicate deletions and variant translocations. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of nonclassical FISH signal patterns and to determine the frequency of variant translocations. Materials and methods: Bone marrow samples from 231 newly diagnosed CML patients were analyzed by conventional cytogenetics and FISH. Results: As a result of FISH analysis, nonclassical FISH signal patterns were detected in 49/231 cases, and variant t(9;22) was detected in seven cases by conventional cytogenetics. It was determined that chromosomes 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 21 were involved in variant t(9;22). When cases with classical and nonclassical signal patterns were compared in terms of 6th- and 12th-month treatment responses, survival times, and treatment changes, it was found that cases with classical signal patterns had significantly higher treatment responses at the 6th month (p Conclusion: Because variant translocations are extremely rare and involve many different chromosomal breaks, a large number of cases are needed to clearly understand their prognostic implications. Due to the limitations of conventional cytogenetic analyses, it should be considered in patient follow-up that nonclassical FISH signal patterns indicating deletions and/or variant translocations may cause a delay in obtaining a complete cytogenetic response at the 6th month.
2026-02-12
GİZEM AVCI et al.
Background/aim: The external oblique intercostal plane block (EOIB) is a regional anesthesia technique that may be utilized for the management of postoperative pain following laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of EOIB after laparoscopic radical nephrectomy by comparing 24 h tramadol consumption between groups. Materials and methods: Initially, 66 patients were enrolled in the study, and after exclusions, 60 were analyzed and divided into two groups: the EOIB group and the control group. Postoperative tramadol consumption, pain scores at rest and during movement, and dermatomal coverage of the block were recorded. Results: The EOIB group (181.33 ± 57.038 mg) showed significantly lower tramadol consumption compared to the control group (283.33 ± 49.013 mg; p Conclusion: EOIB resulted in lower tramadol consumption compared to the control group. These findings indicate that EOIB is an effective regional anesthesia technique that can enhance postoperative analgesia.
2026-02-12
CANAN ULUSOY et al.
Background/aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic demyelinating inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Studies have shown that B cells may play an important role in the induction and progression of MS. Switch-associated protein 70 (SWAP-70) is a signal transduction molecule abundantly expressed in B cells and involved in B-cell polarization, directed migration, endothelial cell adhesion, and tissue homing. B-cell stimuli increase its expression. SWAP-70 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, including MS. This study aims to investigate the effects of acquired SWAP-70 inhibition on immune cell subsets in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Materials and methods: EAE was induced in Swiss James Lambert mice by immunization with proteolipid protein. EAE-induced mice were treated with either SWAP-70 short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) or nontargeting scrambled shRNA. Control PLP-immunized and non-PLP-immunized mice received saline treatment. The model was established by immunofluorescence studies demonstrating spinal cord demyelination and immune cell infiltration. Ratios of lymph node cell subsets were assessed by flow cytometry at termination. Results: All PLP-immunized mice showed clinical signs of EAE and demyelination and CD8+ T-cell/macrophage infiltration at spinal cord sections. SWAP-70 shRNA-treated mice showed significantly higher average clinical EAE scores than the other groups. SWAP-70 shRNA-treated mice showed significantly higher lymph node CD19+CXCR5+CD21+ follicular B-cell ratios than other groups, whereas ratios of other effector B-cell and T-cell subsets were comparable among groups. Conclusion: SWAP-70 appears to have an autoimmunity-suppressing effect in the PLP–EAE model, likely mediated by inhibiting follicular B cells. These findings propose a novel mechanism by which SWAP-70 might be involved in autoimmunity and endorse SWAP-70 as a potential target in novel MS-treatment strategies.
2026-02-12
ALİ KUŞSAN et al.
Background/aim: Extremity arterial injuries (EAIs) present a significant clinical challenge due to the risk of limb ischemia, amputation, and mortality. This retrospective cohort study aimed to delineate the clinical course, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes following trauma-induced EAIs, and to identify independent predictors of adverse outcomes. Materials and methods: Retrospectively analyzed were data from 168 consecutive patients with traumatic EAIs who underwent computed tomography angiography at a tertiary care center between 2019 and 2025. Data extracted from electronic medical records included demographics, injury mechanisms, clinical presentation, laboratory findings, imaging results, treatment modalities (primary repair, grafting, endovascular intervention, conservative management), and patient outcomes (sequelae-free recovery, amputation, mortality). The primary outcome was sequelae-free recovery, while secondary outcomes included amputation, and mortality. The entire patient follow-up period, encompassing all treatment modifications, extended from emergency department admission until the primary or secondary outcome was reached. This period included hospitalization, postdischarge care (if applicable), and all subsequent outpatient clinic visits. Mortality was attributed only when directly causal. Results: The mean age of the patients was 37 ± 15 years, with a male predominance (86%). Penetrating trauma was the primary etiology for upper extremity injuries, while blunt trauma predominated in lower extremity injuries. Clinical presentation varied, with pulsatile bleeding significantly associated with penetrating trauma and hypoesthesia with blunt trauma. Independent predictors of adverse outcomes included hypotension, pulselessness, hypoesthesia, and elevated international normalized ratio (≥1.2). Base deficit was significantly associated with adverse outcomes in upper EAIs. Treatment modalities included primary repair (51.2%), grafting (10.1%), endovascular intervention (8.2%), and conservative management (28%). Amputation rates were 1.3% for upper extremities and 5.3% for lower ones, while mortality rates were 2.6% and 3.3%, respectively. Conclusions: Early diagnosis, prompt surgical intervention, and a multidisciplinary approach are essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Hypotension, pulselessness, and hypoesthesia were identified as significant independent predictors of adverse outcomes. Future multicenter studies are warranted to validate these findings.
2026-02-12
MASSIMO CONTI et al.
The trigeminocardiac reflex (TCR) is a physiological response characterized by a reduction in heart rate and arterial blood pressure following stimulation of any branch of the fifth cranial nerve. This review presents a novel mechanism of TCR induction through proprioceptive activation of the trigeminal nerve via mandibular extension (ME). Accordingly, it is referred to as the “proprioceptive trigeminocardiac reflex” (pTCR). An overview of the existing literature on ME-evoked TCR in humans and animals is presented, with particular emphasis on evidence of cerebral microcirculatory alterations. The magnitude of cardiovascular responses appears to depend on the duration of ME, with repeated applications producing more pronounced and prolonged effects, particularly in hypertensive subjects. In rats, pTCR induction is accompanied by a marked increase in pial arteriolar diameter within the frontal and parietal cortices, apparently independent of neurovascular coupling. Anatomical studies propose a putative neural pathway underlying the pTCR, originating in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus and projecting to cardiovascular control centers within the brainstem. Experimental evidence indicates that the TCR may represent a centrally mediated neurogenic reflex resulting in decreased arterial pressure and cerebrovascular vasodilation. A deeper understanding of this reflex may pave the way for developing noninvasive interventions aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of hypertension and stroke, both of which are increasingly prevalent in Western populations.
2026-02-12
NERGİZ ERKUT et al.
Background/aim: The protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway plays a critical role in preventing the accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins within the endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, the role of the PERK signaling pathway was evaluated in newly diagnosed, treatment-naïve patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Materials and methods: Plasma levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 3 (eIF2AK3), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α), and caspase 3 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in peripheral blood samples obtained from AML patients and healthy controls. Results: A total of 40 individuals were included, comprising 19 (47%) AML patients and 21 (53%) healthy controls. HIF-1α, eIF2AK3, GRP78, ATF6, CHOP, and caspase 3 levels were significantly higher in the AML group than in the control group (p = 0.019, 0.005, Conclusion: PERK and ATF6 signaling pathways were activated in patients with AML. Targeting the unfolded protein response pathway may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with AML.
2026-02-12
SÜLEYMAN YILDIRIM et al.
Background/aim: Invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is a fundamental intervention for patients with respiratory failure in intensive care units (ICUs). This nationwide, multicenter point-prevalence study aimed to describe current mechanical ventilation mode preferences (conventional, adaptive, and biphasic) in Turkish ICUs and to report associated clinical outcomes descriptively, without assessing causal relationships. Materials and methods: A nationwide, multicenter point-prevalence study was conducted on 17 April 2024 and included adult patients (≥18 years) who had been receiving IMV for more than 24 h. Data on patient demographics, ventilation mode distribution, ventilatory parameters, and descriptive clinical outcomes on day 28 (weaning status, tracheostomy, and mortality) were recorded without comparative outcome analysis. Results: A total of 426 patients were included. Conventional modes were used in 84.5% of patients, adaptive modes in 10.6%, and biphasic modes in 4.9%. Synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) was the most commonly used conventional mode. The primary indication for IMV was acute respiratory failure (61%), with pneumonia being the leading cause. Among the 350 orotracheally intubated patients, 25.6% were in the weaning phase on the study day. A total of 59 (16.9%) patients were extubated, 150 (42.9%) underwent tracheostomy, and 64 (18.2%) remained intubated on day 28. Overall, 185 (43.4%) patients died during their ICU stay, 152 (35.7%) remained in the ICU, and 89 (20.9%) were successfully discharged from the ICU. Conclusion: Conventional ventilation modes, particularly SIMV, were more commonly used in Turkish intensive care units (ICUs), whereas adaptive modes were less frequently applied. These patterns may reflect factors such as clinician familiarity, institutional practices, and equipment availability rather than definitive preferences. Although the impact of ventilation modes on clinical outcomes was not comparatively evaluated in this study, the choice of ventilation mode may still influence patient outcomes. Therefore, further prospective and comparative studies are warranted to better elucidate this relationship.
2026-02-12
ABULİMİTİ ABULAİTİ et al.
Background/aim: Oleanolic acid–chitosan compound (OAC) shows potent antinonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) activity, but its mechanisms remain unclear. This study elucidates how OAC modulates autophagy and apoptosis via the Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog/Protein Kinase B (PTEN/AKT) signaling pathway. Materials and methods: Oleanolic acid was coupled with chitosan to synthesize OAC. A549 and MRC-5 cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium and Minimum Essential Medium, respectively, supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and penicillin–streptomycin. Cells were pretreated with chloroquine before OAC treatment. Cell viability was assessed using the CCK- 8 assay, while 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and colony formation tests were employed to evaluate cell proliferation. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC/PI (fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide) staining. Autophagy was monitored through western blot analysis of LC3, SQSTM1, Atg5, Beclin1, and LAMP1, and confirmed by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was determined by JC-1 staining, and acridine orange staining was used to detect acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs). Additionally, PTEN overexpression was induced by transfecting cells with the hemagglutinin tag (HA)-PTEN plasmid. Results: OAC treatment significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation in A549 cells, as evidenced by decreased CCK-8 absorbance, reduced BrdU incorporation, and fewer colony formations. Flow cytometry revealed a marked increase in apoptotic cells following OAC treatment. Western blot analysis demonstrated altered expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2, Bax, Cytochrome c, caspase-9, caspase-3, PARP) and autophagy markers (LC3, SQSTM1, Atg5, Beclin1, LAMP1). Immunofluorescence and TEM further confirmed the induction of autophagy. AO staining showed increased AVOs, while JC-1 staining indicated a reduction in MMP. PTEN overexpression enhanced OAC-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Conclusion: OAC effectively inhibits cell proliferation and induces apoptosis and autophagy in A549 cells, with PTEN playing a regulatory role in these processes. These findings suggest that OAC may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for cancer treatment.
2026-02-12
ÖMER FARUK NALDÖVEN et al.
Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee pain among healthcare workers in surgical units and to explore whether the use of knee panels during surgical hand scrubbing is associated with persistent knee pain. Materials and methods: This single-center cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2023 and March 2025. A total of 400 physicians and nurses working in surgical and nonsurgical departments were included. Participants completed a structured and modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire, as well as knee pain assessment tools, including a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Kujala score for anterior knee pain-related symptoms. Occupational exposure among surgical staff was additionally evaluated. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics. Results: The prevalence of knee pain was 54.8% among surgical personnel and 39.5% among nonsurgical personnel. VAS scores were significantly higher in the surgical group, while there was no significant difference between groups in terms of Kujala scores. Knee panel use was common and more than half of the users reported discomfort during use; however, there was no statistically significant association between panel use and persistent knee pain. Regression analysis identified increasing age, longer duration of surgical experience, and employment in a surgical unit as factors independently associated with knee pain. Conclusion: Employment in a surgical unit is associated with a higher prevalence of knee pain among healthcare workers. However, the use of knee panels during surgical hand scrubbing does not appear to be associated with persistent knee pain. Multicomponent ergonomic interventions should be implemented to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
2026-02-12
BURCU ÇALIŞKAN DEMİRKIRAN et al.
Background/aim: The global rise in multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has led to an increased incidence of MDRO infections following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly during the preengraftment period. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pretransplant colonization by MDROs or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and the occurrence of infections caused by phenotypically similar microorganisms during the preengraftment period, as well as to assess the clinical outcomes of patients colonized with MDROs prior to transplantation. Materials and methods: This prospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with hematological malignancies who underwent HSCT at the bone marrow transplant unit of Dr. Abdurrahman Yurtaslan Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital between 01 May 2023 and 30 July 2024. Weekly surveillance cultures were obtained at admission and thereafter, including axillary, inguinal, and perianal swabs for MDRO/CRE detection and stool samples for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) colonization. The effect of MDRO colonization on the development of infections caused by phenotypically similar MDRO pathogens during the preengraftment period was analyzed. Results: A total of 118 patients were included in the study. The infection rate with CRE pathogens in patients colonized at least once and in those without CRE colonization was 23.3% and 1.3%, respectively (p = 0.004). The incidences of sepsis (p = 0.003), septic shock (p = 0.01), intensive care unit transfer (p = 0.006), and 28-day mortality (p Conclusion: Early detection of CRE colonization through surveillance culture screening may facilitate timely initiation of appropriate antibiotic therapy for CRE infections during the early preengraftment period, potentially improving clinical outcomes and survival.