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  Item type:Publication, Access status: Open Access ,

  Analysis of serum boron, arsenic and aluminium in Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A pilot study

  (2026-01-01)

  PASTACI ÖZSOBACI N.

  ;

  KARIŞ D.

  ;

  ERDEM M. G.

  ;

  ATEŞ F.

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  Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is a common autoimmune disease with its unclear pathogenesis. HT, widely diagnosed in women, targets thyroid gland and its parenchyma. Thyroid gland is damaged by pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators due to an imbalanced immune system. Trace elements play vital roles in many physiological and pathological inflammatory process. Dysfunctions of reactive oxygen species production and anti-oxidant protective systems in HT effect alterations of trace/toxic element levels. The biological, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of boron (B) on endocrine system have been pointed out in several studies. Arsenic (As) and aluminium (Al), as environmental toxic elements, induce oxidative stress and inflammation also including thyroid gland. The present pilot study was aimed to evaluate alterations of serum B, As and Al in patients with HT. The individuals were categorized in two groups; patients with HT (HT Group, n=30) and healthy controls (HC Group, n=30). Serum element levels were measured using ICP-OES. Serum B and As levels in HT Group were significantly higher than HC Group (p 0.001 and p 0.05; respectively). There was a significant positive correlation between serum As-Al levels in HT Group. The present study revealed that higher serum B levels in HT might present its re-distribution form tissues and the protective effect of B against inflammation due to oxidative stress. Otherwise, higher serum As and Al, and their positive correlation in HT express their hazardous effects on thyroid dysfunction. Further studies should be warranted to determine effects of a variety trace/toxic elements in HT by means of molecular and physiopathological pathways. Monitorization of serum elements should be considered as beneficial biomarkers for thyroid functions.

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  Item type:Publication, Access status: Open Access ,

  Real-world Efficacy and Safety of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in HER2-positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study from Türkiye

  (2026-04-01)

  Muğlu H.

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  SÜNGER E.

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  ŞEKER CAN L.

  ;

  Han Ö.

  ;

  Güney B.

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  Objective: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is a novel human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-directed antibody-drug conjugate that has demonstrated significant clinical activity in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in multiple pivotal trials. However, data regarding its effectiveness and safety in real-world settings, particularly from underrepresented regions such as Türkiye, remain limited. Material and Methods: This retrospective, multicenter observational study included HER2-positive mBC patients [immunohistochemistry (IHC) score of 3+, or IHC score of 2+ with in situ hybridization-positive gene amplification] who received T-DXd after at least one prior line of systemic therapy. Clinical outcomes, including objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), were evaluated. Subgroup and univariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to assess prognostic factors. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded and graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for AEs version 5.0 (CTCAE v5.0). Results: A total of 39 patients were included. The ORR was 89.7% and the DCR was 100%. Median PFS and median OS were not reached at the time of analysis. In univariate analysis, a better Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status and receipt of T-DXd in earlier treatment lines were associated with improved survival outcomes. AEs were generally manageable; grade ≥3 toxicity occurred in 15.4% of patients. Interstitial lung disease (ILD) was observed in 7.7% of patients, leading to treatment discontinuation in one patient. Conclusion: T-DXd demonstrated high clinical efficacy and manageable toxicity in a real-world cohort of Turkish patients with HER2-positive mBC. These results are consistent with those reported in clinical trials and support the use of T-DXd as an effective treatment option in routine clinical practice. Our findings also highlight the importance of early identification and management of treatment-related AEs, particularly ILD.

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  Item type:Publication, Access status: Open Access ,

  Virtual Orthognathic Surgery: A Retrospective 3D Analysis of Surgical Planning vs. Postoperative Outcomes

  (2026-01-01)

  PERGEL T.

  ;

  AKKOYUN E. F.

  ;

  KUŞLU T.

  ;

  YÖRÜK E. S.

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  Objective: Orthognathic surgery addresses facial deformities by improving both function and aesthetics, with its success relying heavily on accurate planning. This study aimed to assess the long-term accuracy of virtual surgical planning (VSP) by comparing three-dimensional (3D) preoperative virtual models with actual postoperative outcomes and identifying regions prone to deviation. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted and approved by the Ethics Committee of Bezmialem Vakıf University. Patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery for Class II or III malocclusion and had postoperative computed tomography scans ≥6 months later were included. VSP was performed using NemoFab software. Standardized Le Fort I and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomies were conducted. The preoperative virtual planning model and the postoperative surgical model were aligned using surface-based registration in 3-matic and analyzed in Mimics. Linear and directional (sagittal, coronal, axial) deviations were measured at cephalometric landmarks, and 3D color-coded deviation maps were generated with a ±2 mm threshold. Distance differences between 15 cephalometric points on preoperative planning and postoperative models were statistically analyzed using a one-sample t-test. Results: Forty-two patients (aged between 18 and 40) were included. The mean deviation was 2.19±0.82 mm. Significant deviations (>2 mm) were observed at anterior nasal spine (ANS) and posterior nasal spine (PNS) points, and for maxillary mean deviation, while mean deviations in axial, coronal and sagittal planes were significantly below 2 mm. No significant differences were observed based on sex, skeletal class, or surgical sequence. Most discrepancies occurred in the anterior maxilla, chin, and posterior mandible. Preoperative asymmetry and pogonion deviation were not predictive of discrepancies. Intraclass correlation coefficient values >0.90 confirmed measurement reliability. Conclusion: VSP shows high overall accuracy; however, ANS and PNS remain prone to deviation, warranting further investigation in larger studies.

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  Item type:Publication, Access status: Open Access ,

  Enhancing nursing students’ preoperative care competence and problem-solving skills through video-assisted case-based learning

  (Elsevier BV, 2026-03-01)

  GÜVEN B.

  ;

  Şahin B.

  ;

  Karapınar M.

  ;

  Baş M.

  ;

  Gürkan Ö.

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  Background: Competent nursing care provided the preoperative period is crucial for ensuring patient safety, improving surgical outcomes, and preventing potential complications. Traditional teaching methods in nursing programs may be insufficient for developing this competence. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of video-assisted CBL on nursing students’ perceived preoperative care competence and problem-solving skills. Methods: A quasi-experimental, two-group, pretest–posttest design was used in this study. Seventy-seven nursing students were assigned either to the CBL group (n = 38) or to the lecture-based learning (LBL) group (n = 39). Outcomes pertaining to perceived preoperative nursing care competence and problem-solving ability were assessed in both groups using the Perceived Preoperative Nursing Care Competence Scale for Nursing Students (PPreCCNS) and the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI). Results: In the CBL group, the post-intervention total and subscale scores of the PPreCCNS showed significant improvements compared with baseline. The CBL group demonstrated higher mean scores than the LBL group on all PPreCCNS sub-dimensions except for the communication. Regarding the PSI, no significant change in the total score was observed in the CBL group when compared with either the pre-intervention assessment or the LBL group; however, significant difference emerged only in the approach–avoidance style subscale. Conclusions: To enhance students’ perceived competence in preoperative nursing care, active learning approaches such as CBL may be integrated into undergraduate nursing curricula. Further studies are needed to examine the effectiveness of longer-term CBL using diverse scenarios, as well as other active learning strategies, to better support the development of problem-solving skills.

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  Item type:Publication, Access status: Open Access ,

  Scientific Editorial Quality Assurance System (SCEQAS): Foundational Standard (FS-1.0)

  (Prof. Dr. Hülya Öztürk, 2026)

  Hayrettin Öztürk

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