Investigation of rs11568476 Polymorphism in the Gene in Turkish Patients with Hypocitraturia and Calcium-Containing Kidney Stones.

: Hypocitraturia is a major risk factor for calcium-containing kidney stone disease. Citrate inhibits stone formation by binding calcium in the urine. The gene encodes the sodium-dependent dicarboxylate cotransporter 1 (NaDC1), a membrane transport protein that facilitates citrate reabsorption in the proximal renal tubules.

Artificial Intelligence for Objective Assessment of Pediatric Uroflowmetry Curves.

Objective: To evaluate the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to objectively classify uroflowmetry curves, aiming to reduce variability and enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed 586 uroflowmetry curves from children aged 5-17 years, excluding tests with voided volumes below 50% of expected bladder capacity. Curves were standardized per ICS recommendations (1 mm = 1 s on x-axis, 1mL/s on y-axis) and classified by three pediatric urology specialists into bell, tower, plateau, staccato, or interrupted patterns per ICCS definitions.

Hybrid Neural Networks for Precise Hydronephrosis Classification Using Deep Learning.

Objective: To develop and evaluate a deep learning framework for automatic kidney and fluid segmentation in renal ultrasound images, aiming to enhance diagnostic accuracy and reduce variability in hydronephrosis assessment.

Methods: A dataset of 1731 renal ultrasound images, annotated by four experienced urologists, was used for model training and evaluation. The proposed framework integrates a DenseNet201 backbone, Feature Pyramid Network (FPN), and Self-Organizing Neural Network (SelfONN) layers to enable multi-scale feature extraction and improve spatial precision.

Pan-immune-inflammation value: a new predictor of cardiac scar in hospitalized myocarditis patients.

Background: Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging indicates myocardial scarring and has prognostic value in myocarditis. The Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV) is a novel biomarker reflecting systemic inflammation; however, its association with LGE in myocarditis remains uninvestigated. This study aims to evaluate whether PIV levels can predict the presence of LGE in patients with myocarditis.

Incremental Diagnostic Value of Computed Tomography Attenuation in Differentiating Malignant Pericardial Effusion: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Objective: Malignant pericardial effusion (MPE) is associated with poor prognosis and frequently presents as cardiac tamponade. While cytology is the diagnostic gold standard, its sensitivity is limited. Computed tomography (CT) attenuation, measured in Hounsfield Units (HU), may reflect fluid composition and assist in the non-invasive differentiation of MPE.

Lower Lip Complications: Myth or Reality? A Case-Control Study on Sensory Outcomes After Buccal Mucosa Grafting.

Objective: To evaluate sensory outcomes following lower lip graft harvesting in pediatric patients undergoing urethral reconstruction, with specific focus on mental nerve safety.

Materials And Methods: This case-control study included patients who underwent buccal mucosa harvesting from the lower lip between 2000 and 2023. Neurosensory testing involved tactile threshold measurement using Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and thermal discrimination using a standardized temperature test.

Assessment of Carotid Stiffness and Strain Parameters Using Speckle Tracking Strain Ultrasonography in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive joint deformity and increased mortality. RA patients typically exhibit elevated plasma levels of inflammatory markers, contributing to endothelial dysfunction and increased arterial wall stiffness-a recognized marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and heightened cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to evaluate carotid arterial wall stiffness in RA patients using ultrasound (US) imaging modality with speckle tracking carotid strain (STCS) software, a non-invasive method for assessing subclinical cardiovascular disease indicators.

Comparative analysis of interventional radiology awareness: insights from Turkey, the USA, and Europe using Google Trends data.

Purpose: To evaluate public awareness of Interventional Radiology (IR) by analyzing internet search trends across Turkey, the United States (USA), and major European countries (2004-2024), and assess the quality of online IR educational resources.

Materials And Methods: Google Trends data were analyzed for IR-related terms in five countries. Relative Search Volume (RSV) trends and growth rates were calculated.

Effect of hydrogen-producing magnesium-incorporated edible coating on Metabolomic and Volatilomic of beef meatballs.

Meat products are highly perishable and have a short shelf life. The effects of using a molecular hydrogen-producing magnesium-incorporated coating (H-P-Mg) on the color, pHysicochemical properties, deterioration, biogenic amines, free amino acid profile, and volatilomic profile of beef meatballs were evaluated. The meatballs were coated with different films as follows: group A (uncoated), group B (whey protein coating), group C (whey protein coating +7 % thyme extract), group D (whey protein coating +7 % thyme extract + Mg), and group E (whey protein coating + Mg).

Predictability of success of endoscopic vesicoureteral reflux treatment utilizing clinical risk factors and intraoperative injection characteristics.

Introduction: The guidelines lack clarity on how to follow the patients after endoscopic treatment for vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). The most discussed question is the need for voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG). Risk-based approaches that consider patient characteristics, disease severity, or factors related to the surgery itself could reduce its use, but a satisfactory predictive model has not yet been established.

The impact of rhubarb (Rheum Ribes L.) juice-based marinade on the quality characteristics and microbial safety of chicken breast fillets during refrigerated storage.

Acidic marinades are commonly used to improve the quality meat products. However, no study has been performed to determine the effects of rhubarb juice as a marinating liquid on the quality parameters of chicken breast fillets. The aim of the present study was to identify the bioactive compounds (organic acids, polyphenols, and volatiles) in the juice of rhubarb and to determine the effect of rhubarb juice as a marinade on the microbiological (total viable count, psychrotrophs, lactic acid bacteria, sulfate-reducing anaerobes, and yeast-molds) and physico-chemical properties (drip loss, cooking loss, water holding capacity, pH, color, malondialdehyde, total volatile base nitrogen, and texture profiles), sensory attributes, and microbial safety (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes) of chicken breast fillets during a 15-day refrigerated storage.

Integrating PET/CT, radiomics and clinical data: An advanced multi-modal approach for lymph node metastasis prediction in prostate cancer.

The involvement of lymph nodes critically affects patient outcomes in prostate cancer. While traditional risk models use factors like stage and PSA levels, the detection of lymph node involvement through modalities like PET targeting PSMA with Ga radiotracer plays a pivotal role in guiding treatments ranging from prostatectomy to pelvic radiotherapy. This study aims to create a deep learning model to predict lymph node involvement in intermediate to high-risk prostate cancer patients using Ga-PSMA PET/CT imagery, radiomics features, and various clinical parameters.

The effect of degenerative scoliosis and spinopelvic parameters on dislocation of hip hemiarthroplasty.

Background: Degeneration of the spine may affect pelvic parameters and hip mobility. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of degenerative scoliosis and spinopelvic parameters on hip hemiarthroplasty dislocations.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent hemiarthroplasty for intracapsular hip fracture over a twenty-year period.

Evaluation of Screening Results for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Three-Year Surveillance.

Background: Enterococci are facultative anaerobic, binary, or chained Gram-positive cocci. The gastrointestinal colonization of hospitalized patients is the most important reservoir of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. We aimed to evaluate retrospectively the screening results of vancomycin-resistant enterococci, studied by the simultaneous (real-time) polymerase chain reaction method on rectal swabs of adult and pediatric patients hospitalized in our hospital in 2019-2021.

Hypospadias Reconstruction Training: Development of an Ex-Vivo Model for Objective Evaluation of Surgical Skills.

Objective: To objectively evaluate technical skill acquisition in hypospadias repair procedures during surgical training using noninvasive wearable sensor technology.

Methods: We combined subjective video evaluations with objective electromyography (EMG) measurements in a hands-on hypospadias training course. Surgeons wore wireless EMG and accelerometer sensors on their dominant hand while performing tasks on ex-vivo cadaveric calf penises.

Effect of Rheum ribes L. pulp enriched with eugenol or thymol on survival of foodborne pathogens and quality parameters of chicken breast fillets.

The aim of this study was to characterize the pulp of Rheum ribes L. and to determine the effect of the pulp enriched with eugenol (1 %) or thymol (1 %) on the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of chicken breast fillets. Chicken breast fillets, inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica subsp.

Utilizing the Ex-Vivo Bovine Model in Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery Training.

Objective: To present an ex-vivo bovine model for retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) training.

Materials And Methods: The model was specifically developed for a pre-congress course organized as part of the National Pediatric Urology Congress. The course involved a 2-day online theoretical segment followed by hands-on training.

Syndesmosis Injuries in Lateral Malleolar Fractures Accompanied by a Posterior Malleolar Fracture: A Nonfixed Posterior Fracture Fragment May Not Affect Postoperative Tibiofibular Joint Malreduction Rates.

Background: The fact that lateral malleolar fracture is accompanied by posterior malleolar fracture may adversely affect syndesmosis malreduction rates. We aimed to compare syndesmosis malreduction rates determined on postoperative radiographs between isolated lateral malleolar fractures and lateral malleolar fractures accompanied by posterior malleolar fractures.

Methods: We retrospectively examined 128 operative patients: 73 with isolated lateral malleolar fractures (group L) and 55 with lateral + posterior malleolar fractures (group LP).

The Triglyceride-Glucose Index Might Be a Better Indicator for Predicting Poor Cardiovascular Outcomes in Chronic Coronary Syndrome.

This study aimed to explore the potential association between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG) and the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP)-both considered surrogate markers for atherosclerosis-and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients diagnosed with chronic coronary syndrome (CCS). We conducted a retrospective analysis, encompassing 715 consecutive patients with intermediate CCS risk, who presented at the outpatient clinic between June 2020 and August 2022. MACEs included non-fatal myocardial infarction, hospitalization for heart failure, cerebrovascular events, non-cardiac mortality, and cardiac mortality.

Evaluation and Management of Idiopathic Unilateral Footdrop.

Background: We evaluated patients who were followed after acutely developing single-sided footdrop and improving with conservative management or spontaneously.

Methods: In 2019 and 2020, ten patients were retrospectively evaluated for unilateral weakness of the lower extremity in the form of absent dorsiflexion at the ankle joint and were given a diagnosis of footdrop without etiologic cause. Patients were followed for 18 months.

Quantification of Bioactive Metabolites Derived from Cell-Free Supernatant of Pediococcus acidilactici and Screening their Protective Properties in Frankfurters.

The specific aims of the current study were to determine and quantify the bioactive compounds derived from the cell-free supernatant (CFS) of Pediococcus acidilactici and screen their protective effect in frankfurters by applying an edible coating. This was achieved by immersing the peeled frankfurters in the CFS (CFS: 50% and 100%) alone or in combination with chitosan (CH: 0.5% and 1%) solutions for 3 min.

Single coronary artery and coronary artery-pulmonary artery fistula in a variation of the Shone complex.

We aim to share the diagnostic methods and relevant findings of a rare case involving a 1-year-old girl with a variation of Shone syndrome, presenting with the coexistence of a single coronary artery and a fistula between the coronary artery and the right pulmonary artery. The patient had previously undergone aortic arch reconstruction surgery and during the preoperative evaluation, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) revealed the additional presence of a single coronary artery originating from the right, which fistulized into the right pulmonary artery distally. This finding was further confirmed by conventional angiography.