iscoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most typical chron-ic cutaneous lupus erythematosus type. It predominantly af-fects the face and scalp, presenting with characteristic hard-ened discoid lesions covered in scale.[1] Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly affects the face. It is characterized by inflammatory lesions such as transient or perma

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluates the accuracy, quality, reliability, and content of 56 YouTube videos on calcific tendinitis of the shoulder. Data on views, likes, dislikes, video type, duration, content, view rate, and upload date were recorded. The videos were assessed using DISCERN, JAMA, GQS, and VPI scores to measure quality and educational value.
METHODS: In June 2024, three orthopedic surgeons analyzed 56 YouTube videos on "Calcific tendinitis of shoulder" using DISCERN, JAMA, GQS, and VPI. Data were analyzed with SPSS, using descriptive statistics and the Kruskal-Wallis test for non-normally distributed data (p=0.05), while Spearman correlation assessed variable relationships.
RESULTS: The analysis revealed reliable GQS, DISCERN, and JAMA scores. The average video duration was 376 seconds, with 153,936 views and 3,397 likes. DISCERN scores ranged from 20.33 to 70.67, JAMA from 1 to 4, and GQS from 1 to 4.67. Most videos focused on disease and treatment, with 60.7% created by doctors. Doctor-produced content had significantly higher DISCERN, GQS, and JAMA scores, with strong correlations between these metrics.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study found that most YouTube videos on calcific tendinitis are of moderate quality, with higher-quality videos produced by doctors. A strong correlation between JAMA, DISCERN, and GQS scores indicates consistent quality across these measures. The study highlights the need for better health-related video content on platforms like YouTube to provide accurate, reliable information to patients. Future research could expand this analysis to other social media platforms.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic infection caused by Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an obligate intracellular parasite. Toxoplasmosis can be dangerous for pregnant women in terms of ‘Congenital Toxoplasmosis’. This condition may cause spontaneous abortion, foetal death, intrauterine growth retardation, hydrocephalus, neurological, ocular or auditory problems or cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of T. gondii IgM and IgG in pregnant women and to compare it with studies conducted in Türkiye.
METHODS: Pregnant women between the ages of 18-50 years who applied to our outpatient clinic between 2017 and 2022 and who had T. gondii IgM and IgG results from blood samples in the first trimester were included. Anti-T. gondii IgM and IgG antibodies were analysed in sera of the patients.
RESULTS: Of the 2056 pregnant women included in the study, 2033 (98.9%) were IgM negative and 23 (1.1%) were IgM positive. IgG was negative in 1686 (82%) and IgG positive in 370 (18%) of 2056 pregnant women. 1671 pregnant women were both IgM and IgG negative, 362 pregnant women were IgM negative but IgG positive, 15 pregnant women were IgM positive but IgG negative and 8 pregnant women were both IgM and IgG positive.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The number of foetuses affected by toxoplasmosis can be reduced by determining the seroprevelance of toxoplasmosis in countries with different regions and lifestyles such as our country, screening pregnant women in regions with low rates such as the population admitted to our hospital for toxoplasmosis and informing pregnant women at risk about toxoplasmosis.

INTRODUCTION: Acute Compartment Syndrome (ACS) is a serious complication of leg fractures that requires timely diagnosis and intervention. While intracompartmental pressure monitoring remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the role of serum biomarkers as non-invasive diagnostic tools is gaining interest. This study investigates the correlation between serum biomarkers and intracompartmental pressure in diagnosing ACS. To evaluate the correlation of serum biomarkers with compartment pressure monitoring in suspected ACS in fractures of the leg and its medico-legal significance.
METHODS: This prospective observational study included 60 patients with leg fractures suspected of developing ACS. Serum biomarkers were measured, including creatine kinase, potassium, lactate, bicarbonate, and chloride. Simultaneously, intracompartmental pressure was recorded using a pressure monitoring device. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and binary logistic regression to evaluate the association of biomarkers with intracompartmental pressure.
RESULTS: Serum biomarkers, particularly creatine kinase and lactate, offer valuable support in diagnosing ACS in leg fractures, complementing intracompart-mental pressure monitoring. Integrating these biomarkers into diagnostic protocols can improve early detection, especially in resource-limited settings. This research underscores the medico-legal significance, as accurate ACS identification prevents legal issues arising from delayed intervention and patient harm.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Serum biomarkers, particularly creatine kinase and lactate, show promise as adjuncts to intracompartmental pressure monitoring for diagnosing ACS in leg fractures. Incorporating these biomarkers into diagnostic protocols may enhance early detection, particularly in resource-limited settings. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and establish clinical thresholds. This research highlights the medico-legal significance of serum biomarkers in diagnosing ACS in leg fractures. Elevated creatine kinase and lactate levels, along with clinical findings, provide crucial evidence for timely diagnosis and treatment. Accurate identification of ACS can prevent legal implications related to delayed intervention and patient harm.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of HIV-infected patients commencing antiretroviral therapy typically experience a rapid reduction in plasma HIV-RNA levels and an increase in CD4+ T lymphocyte count. Nevertheless, in certain cases, the suppression of viral replication does not coincide with a notable rise in CD4+ T lymphocyte count—a phenomenon referred to as a “discordant response.” This study aims to investigate the frequency of immunological discordant responses and the associated factors in HIV-infected patients.
METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the records of 216 HIV-infected patients who were monitored at our outpatient clinic between 2002 and 2014. We identified patients over 18 years old and previously drug-naïve who were under treatment. Viral suppression was defined as a plasma viral load below 200 copies/mL during therapy. Patients achieving virological suppression were assessed for immunologic responses at the 6th and 12th months of the antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen. A discordant response was considered if there was an increase of less than 50 cells/mm³ in CD4+ T lymphocyte count compared to baseline levels at the 6th month, and this threshold was set at 100 cells/mm³ at the 12th month of therapy. We examined the relationship between immunological discordance and parameters such as age, gender, baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte count, baseline HIV-RNA level, and treatment regimen.
RESULTS: Of the 93 patients who met the inclusion criteria, the majority were male (81%), with a mean age of 37 years. The median baseline viral load was 5.35 log10 copies/mL, and the median baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte count was 272 cells/mm³. The most common treatment regimen among the patients (68.6%) consisted of Efavirenz (EFV) + Tenofovir/Emtricitabine (TDF/FTC). At the 6th month, 10 patients (10.7%) exhibited discordant responses, while at the 12th month, 14 patients (17.5%) showed discordant responses.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: No significant relationship was found between the discordant response and age, gender, baseline CD4+ T lymphocyte counts, baseline HIV-RNA levels, or treatment regimens during both the 6th and 12th months of the treatment.

INTRODUCTION: The Tokyo Guidelines 2018 (TG18) are widely used to evaluate the severity of acute cholecystitis. However, there remains a need for simpler and faster laboratory markers. This study aimed to assess whether the large unstained cell (LUC) percentage could serve as a useful biomarker for determining disease severity.
METHODS: This retrospective study included 300 patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis between January 2019 and December 2023. Demo-graphic characteristics, laboratory parameters, and radiological findings were reviewed. Based on TG18 criteria, patients were categorized into mild (Group 1), moderate (Group 2), and severe (Group 3) groups. The relationship between LUC% and disease severity was analyzed.
RESULTS: According to TG18 classification, 50.3% of patients (n=151) had mild, 32.3% (n=97) moderate, and 17.3% (n=52) severe acute cholecystitis. The median LUC% was 1.4% (range: 0.02–4.0). LUC values significantly differed across groups (p=0.006), being lower in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Group 1 (p=0.049 and p=0.017, respectively). A weak but significant negative correlation was found between LUC% and TG18-defined disease severity (r=-0.184, p<0.001). A cut-off value of 0.75% for LUC% identified mild cases with 28.85% sensitivity and 88.07% specificity (AUC: 0.604, 95% CI: 0.540–0.667, p=0.002).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: LUC% is negatively associated with the severity of acute cholecystitis and may serve as a rapid, cost-effective, and accessible marker to support early clinical assessment.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to investigate the contribution of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters to the differentiation of fibroepithelial lesions of the breast from malignant breast masses.
METHODS: We enrolled 200 patients, 100 with fibroepithelial lesions and 100 with breast cancer, from the Radiology Clinic Breast Polyclinic at Istanbul Training and Research Hospital between 2016 and 2017. Thirty patients from each group were excluded for various reasons. MRIs were conducted using a 1.5 Tesla MRI device (GE Healthcare Signa HDi 1.5T), with dynamic contrast-enhanced breast MRI performed in the prone position with a breast coil. Axial T1-weighted, axial T2-weighted, sagittal T2-weighted, diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), and dynamic contrast-enhanced images were obtained for all patients, with DWI images acquired using b values of 0 and 850. Following non-contrast imaging, 0.1 mmol/kg of contrast agent (gadolinium preparation) was injected at a rate of 3 ml/s, and six consecutive phased series images were obtained for the same region.
RESULTS: In our study, study groups were formed with 70 patients in each group. We found that fibroepithelial lesions in our study were significantly younger in age, smaller in size, with oval smooth contours, higher apparent diffusion coefficient values, reaching the peak contrast enhancement later, and demonstrating a Type 1 curve pattern compared to the malignant group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion, dynamic breast MRI contributes to the differentiation between malignant masses with suspicion of malignancy and benign fibroep-ithelial lesions.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to evaluate the impact of vitamin D on the clinical outcome of acute rotavirus gastroenteritis in children under 5 years.
METHODS: This prospective study included 70 patients in a pediatric emergency department with rotavirus gastroenteritis. Patients were divided into two groups based on serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) level: low vitamin D (<30 ng/mL) and normal vitamin D (≥30 ng/mL). Disease severity and clinical outcomes were compared.
RESULTS: Out of 70 patients, 55 (78.6%) were in the low vitamin D group. The patients with normal serum 25(OH)D3 levels were younger than those with low serum 25(OH)D3 levels (p=0.01; p<0.05). The Vesikari scores, the severity of dehydration, the need for intravenous fluid, and the duration of diarrhea were similar between the groups. The low vitamin D group had higher hospitalization rates and longer hospital stays than the normal vitamin D group (p=0.015; p<0.05, and p=0.035; p<0.05, respectively). Low vitamin D was identified as a predictive risk factor increasing the risk of hospitalization (p=0.016; p<0.05) and prolonged hospital stay (p=0.003; p<0.01). Exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months was a protective predictor for reducing diarrhea duration and length of hospital stay (p = 0.024; p<0.05 and p=0.035; p<0.05, respectively).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study suggests low vitamin D status is a preventable risk factor for more severe disease courses in preschool children with rotavirus gastroenteritis.

INTRODUCTION: Serum uric acid (SUA), the end product of purine metabolism, has been implicated in cancer as both an antioxidant and pro-oxidant. Emerging evidence suggests that SUA may serve as a prognostic biomarker, particularly for overall survival (OS). This study evaluated the prognostic significance of SUA in patients with solid tumors.
METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 132 patients with solid malignancies (breast, colon, rectum, pancreas, and gastric) treated at a single center between August 2023 and December 2024. SUA levels were measured pre- and post-chemotherapy. Patients were categorized into high vs. low SUA groups based on median values (4.3 mg/dL pre-treatment, 4.2 mg/dL post-treatment). OS was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method and compared via log-rank tests.
RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 21 months, 25.0% of patients had died. Baseline SUA above 4.3 mg/dL was associated with significantly shorter median OS (9.6 months [95% CI 7.6–11.6]) compared to SUA ≤4.3 mg/dL (12.1 months [10.1–14.3]; p=0.03). A similar survival detriment was observed for high post-chemotherapy SUA (>4.2 mg/dL: 9.6 months vs. ≤4.2: 12.1 months, p=0.03). Traditional prognostic factors such as stage, liver metastasis, and sex were not statistically significant.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Elevated SUA is associated with worse OS in solid tumors and may serve as a practical, low-cost prognostic biomarker. Its consistent association across tumor types supports its integration into risk models. Prospective studies are needed to validate these findings and clarify underlying mechanisms.

INTRODUCTION: Pregnant women, typically young and healthy, may face life-threatening conditions during pregnancy and delivery due to obstetric complications or exacerbation of pre-existing diseases. Some may require intensive care unit (ICU) admission. This study retrospectively examines obstetric patients followed in the ICU to evaluate outcomes.
METHODS: This descriptive study involved a retrospective file review of obstetric patients admitted to the ICU between January 2015 and May 2016. Data collected included patient demographics, ICU admission details, diagnoses, comorbidities, and outcomes.
RESULTS: Out of 1,223 ICU admissions, 88 (7.19%) were obstetric patients. The maternal age was 30.97±6.02 years, and the median gestational age was 35 weeks. The most common ICU admission reasons were postpartum haemorrhage (62.5%) and hypertensive disorders (48.9%). The ICU mortality rate was 3.4%. Comorbidities were present in 26.1% of patients, with intracranial pathologies and epilepsy being the most common. Culture positivity was detected in 12.5% of patients, with Candida species being the most frequently isolated microorganism. Culture positivity and additional pathology development were found to be increased in patients who underwent procedures such as intra-arterial catheterization, central venous catheterization, intubation, and chest tube insertion (p<0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study highlights that postpartum hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders are the primary causes for ICU admission in obstetric patients, with a relatively low mortality rate of 3.4%. Early intervention and experienced multidisciplinary teams are crucial in improving maternal outcomes in critical cases.

INTRODUCTION: Among the critical health emergencies stands upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In this study, we aimed to assess the factors that may influence mortality due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We also investigated the prognostic significance of the lactate/albumin ratio.
METHODS: Retrospectively included in the study were patients admitted to the internal medicine clinic due to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Into two groups, the patients were classified based on treatment outcomes: those who recovered and those who died. Demographic data, comorbidities, causes of bleeding, AIMS65, Rockall, and Glasgow-Blatchford scores, as well as lactate/albumin ratios, were compared. Additionally, factors affecting mortality were assessed using univariate and multivariate analyses.
RESULTS: Of the 300 patients included retrospectively, 31 were in the mortality group, while 269 were in the recovery group. In the mortality group, liver cirrhosis was detected in 7 patients (22.6%), whereas in the recovery group, 20 patients (7.4%) exhibited the condition, indicating a higher prevalence among those who did not survive. In the mortality group, malignancy-associated bleeding appeared in 6 patients (19.4%), whereas in the recovery group, it was present in only 9 patients (3.3%), highlighting its stronger association with poor outcomes. Identified as independent risk factors for mortality due to gastrointestinal bleeding were a high lactate/albumin ratio and the existence of malignancy, according to univariate and multivariate analyses.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: An elevated lactate/albumin ratio in serum stands out as an independent prognostic factor for mortality among patients suffering from upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

INTRODUCTION: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a challenging neurological disorder frequently managed with microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. This retro-spective investigation evaluates the efficacy and outcomes of MVD procedures on patients with HFS at our institution between 2015 and 2023.
METHODS: Forty-six patients diagnosed with HFS based on clinical evaluations, physical examinations, electromyography (EMG), and imaging studies were included. Patients were selected for surgery based on their ability to handle surgical risk and evidence of likely vascular compression. Postoper-atively, patients were assessed at regular intervals to evaluate the long-term outcomes of MVD surgery.
RESULTS: MVD surgery resulted in an 84.8% rate of “Excellent” and “Good” outcomes. Arterial compression was commonly observed during surgery, with anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) compression being most frequent. The outcomes were less successful in cases with petrosal venous compression. A low complication rate was noted, with no permanent neurological deficits or mortality. However, reoperation was required in 8.6% of patients due to symptom recurrence.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the efficacy and safety of MVD as a primary surgical treatment for HFS. With a high success rate and a low incidence of complications, MVD provides substantial and lasting symptom relief for most patients. Our findings highlight the importance of identifying vascular com-pression patterns to optimize surgical outcomes. Future large-scale, multicenter studies will further refine patient selection and surgical strategies to enhance long-term success rates.

Natural products have been used as an important biological resource for drug discovery for the last fifty years. Cancer is one of the main causes of death globally. Patients' quality of life is negatively impacted by the severe side effects of conventional cancer treatments. Although there have been significant advancements in the field of cancer therapy, the utilization of chemotherapeutic approaches is severely limited by issues such as drug resistance, distant metastases, toxicity, and related side effects. Cervical cancer (CC) is the third most frequent malignancy in women and the fourth most dangerous disease worldwide. Research on natural products has broadened to include compounds other than conventional anticancer drugs due to their chemoprotective and chemosen-sitizing qualities. Examining the available scientific data on their use in the treatment of CC is the goal of this study. The terms cancer, cervical cancer, phyto-chemical, pharmacological, and herbal medicine were used to gather the scientific data for this review from PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google. The current review article's scientific findings outline the biological potential of phytochemicals: α-mangostin, 2',4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC), 10-gingerol (10-G), sesamol, gallic acid, punicalagin, resveratrol, indole-3-carbinol (I3C), γ-tocotrienol, caffeic acid, naringin, quercetin, curcumin, chrysin, plumbagin, alloimperatorin, calycopterin, engeletin, moscatilin, and chamaejasmine in medicine. The biological significance of phytochemicals for treating CC was indicated by the scientific findings presented in this review article. Additionally, this review article also discussed their different molecular mechanisms. Scientists studying the medicinal properties of herbal products will find this article's scientific content useful for the treatment of CC.

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is the most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus, characterized by hardened discoid lesions with scaling, primarily on the face and scalp. The efficacy of isotretinoin in treating rosacea has been attributed to its capacity to reduce cutaneous blood flow and the number of sebaceous glands. In addition, isotretinoin has comparable efficacy to other commonly used treatment modalities, such as hydroxychloroquine, in the treatment of refractory subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE), DLE, and chronic cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CCLE). Nine Demodex-positive patients with a diagnosis of DLE who were treated at the tertiary Dermatology Clinic between December 2022 and July 2023, with a mean age of 48.78, were included in the study. The lesions responded positively to isotretinoin treatment, and the patients showed partial and complete remission. Isotretinoin's anti-inflammatory properties make it a potential treatment option, especially for Demodex-positive DLE cases.