Akdeniz University Hospital

Phthiriasis palpebrarum is a rare infestation of the eyelids caused by Phthirus pubis. This condition is particularly noteworthy as it is a rare cause of red eyes in children and can often be confused with other forms of blepharoconjunctivitis. In this study, we examined an 11-year-old male patient who was brought to our clinic by his family and presented with redness and itching in both eyes that had persisted for a month. Biomicroscopic examination revealed two live lice with mobile legs and a semi-transparent appearance on the eyelashes of both upper eyelids, together with a large number of eggs, particularly concentrated on the right eye. No foreign body was found in the eye. After the necessary protective measures had been taken, the lice and their eggs were carefully removed from the eyelashes using forceps. The parasitological examination of eyelash samples confirmed the presence of adult lice and eggs of Phthirus pubis. After a suitable treatment plan was developed and detailed hygiene recommendations were thoroughly explained, the patient was discharged. During the follow-up examination conducted one week later, no lice or eggs were detected on the eyelashes, and the blepharoconjunctivitis had regressed.

This study aims to investigate the etiology, risk factors, and management outcomes of peritoneal malabsorption, including pseudocysts and non-hepatic ascites, as a complication of ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunting in pediatric hydrocephalus patients, with a focus on identifying predictors of distal dysfunction and evaluating therapeutic strategies. A retrospective review was conducted on 81 unique pediatric patients (≤ 18 years) undergoing 113 VP shunt revision episodes at Akdeniz University Hospital (2019-2023). Variables included age, sex, catheter site, hydrocephalus type, revision history, axial deformity severity, and abdominal surgery history. Peritoneal malabsorption occurred in 10 patients (11 revision episodes; 10 pseudocysts and 1 non-hepatic ascites), were analyzed for risk factors and management outcomes, with a minimum 9-month follow-up using ultrasonography and CT scans. Peritoneal malabsorption occurred in 10 patients (11 revision episodes), with statistically significant risk factors including history of multiple previous revisions (OR 8.02, 95% CI 1.86-34.63, p = 0.002), prior peritoneal-breaching abdominal surgery (OR 11.81, 95% CI 2.73-51.04, p = 0.001), and axial deformity (OR 4.07, 95% CI 1.03-16.03, p = 0.034; 2.77-fold increase per severity grade, p = 0.027). Prior abdominal surgery was present in 60% of malabsorption patients vs. 11.3% without, including even minor procedures (e.g., PEG placement, appendectomy, inguinal hernia repair). Management achieved peritoneal salvage in 7 of 10 patients; 5 episodes required only one procedure, while 6 episodes involved multiple interventions, with 3 ultimately needing ventriculoatrial shunt conversion. This small single-center series identifies prior abdominal surgery, axial deformity, and history of multiple previous revisions as factors associated with peritoneal malabsorption in VP shunts, suggesting mechanical and inflammatory contributions. Management remains challenging, with variable success rates and significantly prolonged hospitalization. These findings highlight the need for preoperative risk assessment and larger studies to refine therapeutic strategies.

Abstract Background Predicting the success of In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) and Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) cycles remains a challenge. Current morphological grading systems are subjective and do not always reflect the genetic or epigenetic potential of the embryo. This study investigates whether the expression levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-126 in follicular fluid (FF) can serve as non-invasive molecular biomarkers for predicting live birth outcomes. Methods A prospective study was conducted with 81 patients undergoing IVF/ICSI treatment. Follicular fluid samples were collected during oocyte retrieval. The expression levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-126 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). To address the small sample size and potential bias in live birth outcomes, Firth’s Penalized Likelihood Logistic Regression analysis was performed. Models were adjusted for maternal age and Body Mass Index (BMI). Results FF expression levels of both miRNA-21 (p = 0.034) and miRNA-126 (p = 0.038) were significantly higher in cycles that resulted in a live birth compared to those that did not. After adjusting for maternal age and BMI, both miRNAs remained independent predictors of live birth. A combined predictive model utilizing both miRNAs demonstrated an Adjusted Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.742, indicating a strong discriminative ability. Conclusions Increased levels of miRNA-21 and miRNA-126 in follicular fluid are associated with higher live birth rates. These microRNAs represent promising, non-invasive "liquid biopsy" biomarkers for assessing oocyte competence and predicting the clinical success of ART cycles

Abstract Introduction: Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is an autosomal dominant familial cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations in the VHL tumor suppressor gene, leading to various neoplasms including hemangioblastomas, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and pheochromocytomas. This study evaluates the clinical, radiological, and genetic profiles of two unrelated families: family A, in whom genotype–phenotype correlations were systematically analyzed, and family B, characterized by a novel de novo pathogenic variant. Methods Patients suspected of VHL were analyzed using exome sequencing and targeted family testing. Variants were interpreted according to ACMG/AMP 2015 guidelines and interpreted in line with the ClinGen recommendations for the VHL gene. Clinical follow-ups included multidisciplinary evaluations including detailed ophthalmologic screenings. Results The study primarily focuses on Family A, where 21 members carry the c.499C > T (p.Arg167Trp) variant. This variant revealed remarkable phenotypic heterogeneity, as family members presented with clinical manifestations consistent with multiple VHL subtypes across the established disease spectrum. In reported cases in the literature, pheochromocytoma is the most frequent manifestation (72%), whereas RCC is the least common (4.5%). In Family B, the study identified a novel frameshift mutation, c.449_462dup (p.Val155IlefsTer9), which has not been previously reported. Notably, this patient also carried a pathogenic BRCA2 variant, representing a rare case of Multilocus Inherited Neoplasia Allele Syndrome (MINAS). Furthermore, the administration of belzutifan, a HIF-2α inhibitor, showed promising results in stabilizing renal cystic lesions in the Family B proband. Conclusion Our findings highlight that even identical mutations, such as c.499C > T, can result in a wide spectrum of clinical outcomes, likely due to genetic, epigenetic, or environmental modifiers. The identification of novel variants and MINAS cases emphasizes the need for comprehensive genetic screening. Lifelong, multidisciplinary surveillance remains critical for the early detection and management of VHL-associated lesions to prevent morbidity.

The aim of this study is to identify the factors influencing the likelihood of target groups participating in agricultural tourism activities. The study collected data from 1,246 participants living in New York, Delaware, New Jersey, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia through online surveys. The resulting dataset was analyzed using logistic regression. According to the analysis results, social classes with a higher probability of participating in agricultural tourism activities have been identified. It was found that middle-aged and younger people, those unfamiliar with agricultural activities, individuals involved in agriculture, those generally residing in cities, and those with higher income levels are more likely to participate in agricultural tourism. The study reveals that agricultural tourism participants are mostly high-income urban dwellers seeking experiential activities, demonstrating that agricultural tourism plays a significant role not only in fresh produce marketing but also as a vital social and economic diversification strategy for small farms.

Abstract Objective: This study aims to examine the views of endodontic specialists and postgraduate students in endodontics practicing in Turkey on the use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). Methods: A total of 172 participants completed the CBCT-ASAU scale, which includes six factors: use in complicated cases (A1), measurement of proximity to adjacent anatomy and trauma assessment (A2), diagnostic and treatment planning (A3), ideal imaging (A4), access to CBCT (A5), and use according to lesion size (A6). Data were analyzed based on gender, CBCT training, professional experience, academic title, institution type, geographic region, and CBCT usage, using t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests. Results: Gender, academic title, institution type, and professional seniority did not show significant effects on CBCT attitudes (p > 0.05). CBCT training significantly influenced A2 and A6 scores (p < 0.05). CBCT users scored significantly higher than non-users in most factors (A1, A2, A3, A5, A6; p < 0.05). Overall, training, experience and actual CBCT use were associated with more positive attitudes and higher reported use. Conclusion: The findings indicate that CBCT education and practical experience play key roles in endodontists’ and trainees’ attitudes toward CBCT use. The CBCT-ASAU tool shows potential for assessing clinical adoption and guiding educational strategies in endodontics.

Tourism regional impact models are the models that aim to measure and predict the positive or negative impacts of tourism in tourism destinations. These models, primarily economic impact models, are models that try to measure environmental and social effects. Although economic models are the most widely used models, there are also models that aim to measure the positive or negative effects that tourism exerts on other areas, namely, the physical and social environments. In addition to models such as the input–output model, the Keynesian model, and the computable general equilibrium model, the current model, which consists of more than 300 indicators and is developed by the United Nations, aims to determine the effects of tourism by scenarizing them.

Abstract The Minoan eruption's extensive tephra deposits across the Eastern Mediterranean have been constrained by limited terrestrial data, particularly from the Anatolian mainland. This study presents the first documentation of the Bayır Tephra (BT), discovered in colluvial deposits 260 km E-NE of Santorini near the Yatağan Fault. Geochemically correlated with Minoan pyroclastics, the BT comprises two bimodal layers: BT-01 (8 cm white, micropumice-dominant, linked to the Plinian phase) and BT-02 (56 cm grey, non-vesicular glass shard-dominant, linked to the Co-ignimbrite phase). Using the BT data and an updated Anatolian dataset, a new isopach map was produced using the Radial Basis Function (RBF) method. Analysis of the tephra distribution yields a new Four-Stage Model for ash cloud dynamics: T 1 ) Initial eastward drift toward Rhodes; T 2 ) N-NE deflection near Rhodes creating a Bifurcation mechanism and the separation of a weak SE lobe due to crosswind effects; T 3 ) Continued N-NE movement with crosswinds forming an Aeolian Ashfall Edge to the East; and T 4 ) Final widespread ash drift towards the Black Sea. This model proposes that the bilobate tephra distribution (SE and NE) is controlled primarily by wind dynamics, rather than separation between Plinian and Co-ignimbrite plume axes. The ashfall volume is calculated as 59.3 km 3 (35 km 3 DRE), mass as 7.4 x 10 13 kg, and the Eruption Magnitude is updated to 7.1. These precise parameters are essential for accurate future risk and hazard assessments.

Background/Aims:Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and psoriasis (PS) are chronic inflammatory disorders characterized by significant systemic involvement and comorbidities. This study investigated the occurrence of periodontitis among PS and PsA patients and evaluated its associations with clinical and demographic factors.Materials and Methods:Comprehensive evaluations were performed, including the Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score (MASES) for all participants, along with PsA-specific assessments such as Psoriatic Arthritis and Composite Psoriatic Disease Activity Index (CPDAI). Dermatological and periodontal clinical parameters were recorded. The participants were organized into 2 groups: those with periodontitis and those without.Results:The study included 128 participants: 62 with PS and 66 with PsA. Although the prevalence of periodontitis was higher among PsA patients compared with those with PS (46.97% vs 30.65%), this difference did not reach statistical significance (P = .058). Elevated CPDAI (odds ratio [OR]: 1.38; P = .001) and MASES (OR: 1.39; P < .001) scores were significantly associated with the presence of periodontitis in PsA patients.Conclusion:In this study, patients with periodontitis demonstrated higher disease activity scores, underscoring the importance of incorporating periodontal assessment into the multidisciplinary management of psoriatic disease, particularly in patients with active disease.

Introduction: This study examines the news content produced by Turkish Political Islamist-oriented press’s thought through quantitative content analysis and critical discourse analysis. Social media journalism, recognized as an emerging value in journalism studies, is the primary focus of this research. Methodology: The study examining the discourse of news on social media posits that news content, in this context, is predominantly centered around ethnic sectarianism. The analysis focuses on Twitter/X posts related to Iran’s failed attack attempt on Israel on April 13, 2024. The study distinguishes two models of social media journalism: influencer journalism and the social media representations of traditional media outlets. Profiles such as “@themarginale” and “@turankislakci” exemplify influencer journalists, while the social media accounts of Yeni Akit and Sabah newspapers represent traditional media outlets. The study analyzed 8 news posts shared by journalists within the sample group on April 13-14, 2024. Results: The findings indicate that social media news content from Turkish Islamist-oriented media representatives internalizes ethnic sectarianism, reflecting ideological biases. This content often amplifies divisive narratives, prioritizing ethnic and religious identities over objective reporting. Discussion: The study highlights the Turkish Political Islamist-oriented press’s tendency to frame the Palestine issue through an ethnic sectarian lens, revealing the problematic nature of its ideological stance. These ideological patterns significantly influence readers’ perceptions of controversial issues, underscoring the need for critical analysis of such discourse to understand its broader societal impact. Conclusions: The influential power of social media news highlights the necessity of analyzing such content.