Decisions about sample size and statistical power are often treated as a technical afterthought in research proposals, squeezed into a single sentence or delegated entirely to software. Yet these decisions sit at the intersection of scientific validity, feasibility, and ethics and directly determine whether a study can answer its primary question in a trustworthy way. Sample size calculation and power analysis should no longer be regarded as optional technicalities appended at the end of a protocol. They are central to scientific integrity, determining whether a study can credibly answer its research question, justify the burdens placed on participants, and make a meaningful contribution to the literature. In this editorial, we aim to draw attention to sample size calculation and power analysis, outlining their conceptual foundations, practical implementation, and ethical implications in contemporary research.

Aim: This study aims to compare the sociodemographic characteristics, clinical course, and treatment approaches of patients diagnosed with early-onset bipolar disorder (EOBD, 0.05), except for employment status (p=0.007). The EOBD group had a higher number of manic episodes (p=0.006). Lithium use was more frequent in LOBD patients, although not statistically significant (p=0.295), while olanzapine use was statistically significant (p=0.010). Antidepressant use was low in both groups (p=0.156). Conclusion: Late-onset bipolar disorder may present with distinct clinical features and treatment preferences compared to early-onset cases. Age at onset is a key determinant for clinical management and treatment planning.

Aim: This study aimed to assess ChatGPT-3.5's performance in ophthalmology, comparing its responses to clinical case-based and multiple-choice (MCQ) questions. Methods: ChatGPT-3.5, an AI model developed by OpenAI, was employed. It responded to 98 case-based questions from "Ophthalmology Review: A Case-Study Approach" and 643 MCQs from "Review Questions in Ophthalmology" book. ChatGPT's answers were compared to the books, and statistical analysis was conducted. Results: ChatGPT achieved an overall accuracy of 56.1% in case-based questions. Accuracy varied across categories, with the highest in the retina section (69.5%) and the lowest in the trauma section (38.2%). In MCQ, ChatGPT's accuracy was 53.5%, with the weakest in the optics section (32.6%) and the highest in pathology and uveitis (66.7% and 63.0%, respectively). ChatGPT performed better in case-based questions in the retina and pediatric ophthalmology sections than MCQ. Conclusion: ChatGPT-3.5 exhibits potential as a tool in ophthalmology, particularly in retina and pediatric ophthalmology. Further research is needed to evaluate ChatGPT's clarity and acceptability for open-ended questions.

Aim: This study aims to review specific types of inguinal hernias over the past three years and analyze the surgical decision-making processes based on recent literature. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of 1,159 patients who underwent inguinal hernia surgery at Servergazi State Hospital between January 1, 2021, and December 31, 2023. Data analyzed included patient demographics, hernia types, locations, surgical methods, and complications. Special hernias, including Amyand's, Littre's, and Richter's hernias, were specifically identified and reviewed. Results: Among the 1,159 patients, 113 were female (9.7%) and 1,046 were male (90.3%). The average age was 47.8 years for females and 58.6 years for males. Hernia types included 838 inguinal (72.3%), 267 femoral (23.1%), and 54 recurrent (4.6%). Specific hernias identified included 4 cases of Amyand's hernia (0.34%), 2 cases of Littre's hernia (0.17%), and 1 case of Richter's hernia (0.08%). Surgical approaches consisted of 83.7% open surgery and 16.3% laparoscopic procedures, with meshplasty performed in 96.5% of cases. Complications were infrequent: seroma in 3.9%, hematoma in 1.8%, wound infection in 2.8%, and recurrence in 0.4%. Specific hernias required additional procedures such as appendectomy for Amyand's hernia and diverticulectomy for Littre's hernia, with no complications reported during follow-up. Conclusion: Inguinal hernias often contain omental tissue, but special hernias like Amyand's (appendix), Littre's (Meckel’s diverticulum), and Richter's (intestinal wall) necessitate thorough examination. Amyand's hernia, which can range from incidental findings to acute appendicitis, benefits from mesh repair and appendectomy if needed. Littre’s hernia requires diverticulectomy in addition to hernia repair. Richter's hernia, presenting with varied symptoms, should be managed with direct inspection and appropriate repair. The increasing use of minimally invasive techniques may lead to a higher incidence of Richter's hernia. Tailoring surgical strategies to the type of hernia ensures optimal outcomes.

Aim: Since the scrotum and testicles are superficial organs, they can be easily examined by palpation and sometimes transillumination. However, it is not possible to distinguish whether the fluid in the scrotum is hydrocele or hematocele. This study attempts to find an ultrasonographic distinction between hematocele and hydrocele based on a simple finding (septation) that every physician can recognize. Methods: Patients who were admitted to the emergency department (ED) with complaints of scrotal pain, swelling or redness were divided into two groups: those whose complaints developed due to trauma and those whose complaints developed spontaneously. All included patients underwent scrotal US/Doppler by an emergency medicine specialist with US training. Results: Of the 61 patients included in the study, 36 (59%) presented with scrotal trauma and 25 (41%) with non-traumatic complaints. While hematocele was detected in 8 (22.2%) and hydrocele was detected in 1 (2.8%) of 36 patients with a history of trauma, neither hematocele nor hydrocele was detected in 27 (75%). On the other hand, septation was detected in 6 of 8 hematocele patients (75%), but no septation was detected in 2 (25%) patients (p = 0.013). However, no signs of septation were found in any of the 28 patients who presented due to scrotal trauma and had no signs of hematocele. When patients with a history of scrotal trauma were categorized according to duration, no signs of septation were detected in 12 patients who had acute or scrotal trauma within 1 week, while signs of septation were detected in 6 of 24 patients (25%) with a history of scrotal trauma 1-4 weeks ago (p = 0.043). Conclusion: When septation is seen on the US of a patient who presents to the ED with scrotal pain, swelling, or ecchymosis, hematocele must first be ruled out. The presence of septation is not useful in acute trauma for distinguishing hematocele from hydrocele, but it may be useful in distinguishing chronic hematocele from acute hematocele or hydrocele.

In this case report, we aim to present our observation of a rare variation on the dorsum of the foot, including the double deep fibular (peroneal) nerve and its connections to superficial nerves. The cutaneous nerves of both feet ' dorsum were examined during a routine dissection on a formalin-fixed adult male cadaver. During the dissection of the dorsum of the right foot, it was observed that the deep fibular nerve (DFN) surfaced at two distinct points by piercing the investing fascia. Then, these two branches converged, and DFN had connections at three different points with the superficial fibular (peroneal) nerve (SFN). However, the superficial nerve anatomy of the dorsum of the left foot exhibited the anatomical structure commonly described in classical textbooks. To the best of our knowledge, the variation of double DFN with multiple connections to the SFN has not been previously described in the literature. Understanding the innervation of the dorsum of the foot may be clinically substantial in preventing nerve injuries during surgical interventions. The knowledge regarding rare superficial nerve variations may contribute to the success of anaesthesia applications, especially in the ankle and dorsum of the foot.

Aim: Self-esteem is an important psychological concept for mental health. The aim of our study was to compare the levels of self-esteem between visually impaired adults who participate in sports and those who do not. Method: A total of 85 visually impaired adults were included in the study, including 42 who participate in sports and 43 who do not. A personal information form and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used for data collection. Results: The mean age of the visually impaired adults who participate in sports was 20.86±3.0 years, while it was 20.88±2.92 years for those who do not participate in sports. Among the visually impaired adults who participate in sports, 22 were female and 20 were male, while among those who do not participate in sports, 26 were female and 17 were male. The analysis revealed that the self-esteem of visually impaired adults who participate in sports was statistically significantly higher than that of those who do not participate in sports (p=0.001). It was also observed that the self-esteem of both female and male visually impaired adults who participate in sports was statistically significantly higher than their counterparts who do not participate in sports (female p=0.001, male p=0.020). Conclusion: It was concluded that participation in sports increases self-esteem in visually impaired adults regardless of gender. In this context, it should be emphasized that participation in sports should be expanded among visually impaired individuals.

Aim: Human neuroblastoma cell lines are widely used to elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurotoxicants and to facilitate the prioritization of in vivo testing. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) is a tetrazole derivative. Although PTZ is the most commonly used chemical to create an in vivo and in vitro epilepsy (EP) model, its mechanism of action in neuronal cells has not been fully elucidated. Gallic acid (GA) has broad biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory activities. This study aimed to investigate the effect of GA on PTZ-induced neurotoxicity in neuroblastoma cells. Methods: For the study, four groups were formed from SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells as control (C), GA (100 μM), PTZ (30 μM), and PTZ+GA. In the study, total antioxidant and oxidant status (TAS and TOS), inflammatory cytokines (TNF α, IL 1β, and IL 6), lipid peroxidation levels as malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), and glutathione (GSH) levels in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were determined. Results: The results showed that PTZ treatment caused neurotoxicity in the neuroblastoma cell line and increased TOS, TNF α, IL 1β, IL 6, and MDA levels while decreasing TAS, GSH, and GSHPx levels. This situation improved with GA treatment. Conclusion: As a result, it was determined that GA treatment showed a protective effect in the PTZ-induced neural toxicity model in SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cell lines.

Upper cervical spine surgery which requires instrumentation is a highly complicated procedure, both due to the presence of critical structures in the region and variable pedicle anatomy. Despite the widespread use of technological advances as intraoperative imaging and navigation technologies aimed at preventing screw malposition and injuries to the critical neural and vascular structures, there are only a few clinics capable of employing those technologies. In clinics lacking intraoperative imaging facilities that assist in the instrumentation of the upper cervical spine, navigation technology can be employed in both posterior and anterior approaches with the assistance of the technique described in this manuscript. This approach will not only decrease complication rates compared with the freehand method, but also considerably lower radiation exposure for both the patient and surgical team.

Aim: This study aims to examine the frequency of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in the postpartum period and its relationship with other risk factors. Materials and Methods: Patients who were diagnosed, followed up and treated for gestational diabetes in Malatya Turgut Özal University, Malatya Training and Research Hospital Endocrinology outpatient clinic and who underwent Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) in the postpartum period were included. Results: In our retrospective study, 157 patients were included. The mean age was 31.8±5.6 years. After being followed up with her follow-up and treatment throughout the pregnancy, OGTT administered with 75 grams of glucose was performed at the postpartum 8th week. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was detected in 23 patients (14.64%), impaired fasting glucose (IFG) in 18 patients (11.46%), and type 2 DM in 17 patients (10.8%). When evaluated in terms of the presence of DM in the postpartum period, no difference was found regarding the history of gestational DM in the anamnesis (p=0.305) and the presence or absence of family history (p=0.095). In terms of the presence of DM, there was a significant difference between the patients receiving insulin therapy and those receiving diet therapy (p=0.001). Conclusion: We can say that type 2 DM development in the postpartum period is associated with high maternal age and an increase in body mass index (BMI). Being pregnant with the ideal weight to be achieved by lifestyle changes may decrease the risk of type 2 DM and diabetes-related complications in the long term.