https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/ Balkan Medical Journal — latest published articles en Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:18:41 GMT https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2912 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-307 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-307 Marija Gjorgjievska, Gjorgji Bozhinovski, Lejla Muaremoska Kanzoski, Marija Babunovska, Emilija Cvetkovska, Irena Rambabova-Bushljetik, Dijana Plaseska-Karanfilska Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2911 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-139 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-139 Željka Rogač, Dragana Maji, Brankica Spasojevi Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2910 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-2-56 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-2-56 Gaku Yamaguchi Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2909 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-224 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-224 Zequn Qiu, Zhang Rundong, Guocheng Zhang, Hao Chen, Yan Wang Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2908 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-32 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-32 Yue Li, Zhiqiang Yang, Pei Yin, Lizhuo Li, Qingzhen Zhao, Chao Liu Original Article Background: Time-to-peak of renal blood flow (TTPr), derived from Tc-99m diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) renal scintigraphy, is a novel parameter for assessing renal perfusion. Aims: To evaluate the prognostic significance of TTPr in patients with heart failure (HF). Study Design: Retrospective, observational cohort study. Methods: We analyzed 304 patients with HF who underwent Tc-99m DTPA renal scintigraphy to assess TTPr. TTPr values were compared between deceased and surviving patients. Cox regression analyses evaluated the prognostic value of TTPr. Model performance was assessed https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2907 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-245 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-245 Heng Zhang, Pengfei Qin, Anqiao Li, Zhenqian Huang, Sida Peng, Haiming Li, Lihua Xu Original Article Background: Interleukin 16 ( IL16) is a pleiotropic cytokine that does not belong to any interleukin family and functions as a CD4 + T-cell chemokine, a regulator of T-cell activation, and an inhibitor of human immunodeficiency virus replication in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Studies in the hemato-oncological disease multiple myeloma have demonstrated that IL16 plays an important role in promoting tumor cell growth and is associated with tumor burden and prognosis. However, the role of IL16 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains largely unexplored. Aims: To investigate the potential r https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2906 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-261 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-261 Jinfang Song, Yongru Zhuang, Chenling Wu, Yi Xu, Ya Chen, Tao Wang, Xiaoxing Yin, Fen Xie Original Article Background: Differences in the albuminuria-lowering effect of dapagliflozin and the associated factors require further exploration. Aims: To evaluate interindividual variability in the albuminuria-lowering effect of dapagliflozin and identify factors associated with the albuminuria response to dapagliflozin. Study Design: Retrospective observational cohort study. Methods: This real-world study, utilizing a big data approach, included patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetic kidney disease (T2DKD) who received dapagliflozin treatment for a minimum of 3 months. Using the change in urinary albumin https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2905 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-5-58 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-5-58 Kübra Öztürk, Fatih Haslak, Mehmet Yıldız, Amra Adrovic, Özgür Kasapçopur Invited Review Nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) provides direct, non-invasive access to the peripheral microcirculation and has become a central tool in adult rheumatology. Its primary clinical value lies in the evaluation of patients presenting with signs of Raynaud phenomenon (RP) and scleroderma-spectrum disorders. In particular, NVC facilitates the differentiation between primary and secondary (scleroderma-related) RP. The characteristic scleroderma pattern observed on NVC, including giant capillaries, capillary loss, microhemorrhages, and architectural disorganization, supports the diagnosis of sclero https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2904 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.240426 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.240426 Tuğcan Alp Kırkızlar, Mutlu Arat Editorial https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2903 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-103 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-103 Zhan Su, Wei Wang, Lingjie Sun, Ying Li, Xiangcong Yin, Hongguo Zhao Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2811 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-77 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-77 Seçkin Dereli, Onur Osman Şeker, Nihan Bahadır Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2866 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-250 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-250 Ulvi Mirzoyev, Cecilia Linde, Thomas F. Lüscher Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2827 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-181 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-181 Fubo Zhou, Ruili Li, Yingqi Xing Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2839 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-208 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-208 Marta Szepietowska, Bartosz Lisicki, Andrzej K. Jaworek, Magdalena Krajewska, Jacek C. Szepietowski Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2865 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-309 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-309 Merve Başol Göksülük, Ebru Öztürk, Ünal Erkorkmaz, Asuman Deveci Özkan, Hamdi Furkan Kepenek, Dinçer Göksülük Original Article Background: Differential expression (DE) analysis of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data are cornerstone of transcriptomic research. Widely used statistical frameworks are primarily optimized to detect monotonic mean shifts between conditions and may therefore overlook genes or microRNAs whose disease association arises at both low and high expression levels. Such non-monotonic patterns, referred to here as improper expression profiles, may reflect biologically relevant heterogeneity but remain difficult to identify using standard tools. Aims: To evaluated whether receiver operating characteristic ( https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2864 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-228 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-228 Meng Zhao, Jing Shi, Xiaohui Sun, Hongfei Ma, Huimin Yin, Yangyang Liu, Pingmin Wei Original Article Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Although global assessments of RA have been reported, age-specific estimates focusing on middle-aged adults [(MAA); 40–59 years] remain limited. Aims: To quantify the global, regional, and temporal burden of RA among MAA from 1990 to 2021 and project age-standardized trends through 2050. Study Design: A population-based descriptive epidemiological study using Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 estimates. Methods: GBD 2021 data (1990–2021) were used to estimate age-standardized incidence (ASIR), prevalence (ASPR) https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2863 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-54 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-54 Li He, Pengcheng Yan, Cheng Liu, Xiangde Zheng, Minming Zheng, Qingwei Chen Original Article Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) attributable to hypertension represents a major global public health challenge. This study evaluates the global burden of CKD statistically attributable to high systolic blood pressure (SBP), with a focus on young adults aged 25–49 years. Aims: To analyze trends in mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to high SBP among individuals with CKD aged 25–49 years from 1990 to 2021 and to project the future attributable burden through 2050. Study Design: Observational study. Methods: Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Dise https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2862 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-3-89 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-3-89 Nicholas G. Kounis, Ming-Yow Hung, Alexandr Ceasovschih, Cesare de Gregorio, Anastasia Mavromati, Marta Bernaola, Ioanna Koniari Invited Review Kounis syndrome is defined as the occurrence of acute coronary events in the setting of allergic, hypersensitivity, or anaphylactic reactions. It is mediated by mast cell activation and the interaction of inflammatory cells, including T lymphocytes and macrophages. This process leads to the release of multiple inflammatory mediators, such as platelet-activating factor, histamine, neutral proteases (tryptase and chymase), arachidonic acid metabolites, cytokines, and chemokines. Kounis syndrome represents a unique form of acute vascular disorder that may involve not only the coronary arteries bu https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2828 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-248 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-248 Wei Yang, Yusheng Ye, Liangyu Gan Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2861 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.150426 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.150426 Selçuk Korkmaz, Servet Altay Editorial https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2860 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-197 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-197 Ning Zhao, Li Yang, Ting Li Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2859 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-168 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-168 Yusuf Kavuzlu, Serdar Solak, Zafer Koçak Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2858 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.10.40 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.10.40 Limei Wen, Li Huang, Junjie Ning Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2857 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-1 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-1 Mihalache Georgeta, Spatari Anastasia, Chiriac Snejana, Lefter Oxana, Barcaru Dumitrița, Oprea Catalina, Ureche Andrei Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2856 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-275 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-275 Fethi Gül, Damla Öztürk Efe Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2855 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-249 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-249 Yu-Cong Zou, Yong-Sheng Wu, Ting Hu, Hao-Bin Zeng Original Article Background: The functional role of circular ribonucleic acids in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) remains poorly understood. In our previous study, circ_0004496 and actin gamma 1 (ACTG1) were found to be upregulated in ossified tissues from patients with AS. Aims: To investiagate the regulatory role of circ_0004496 in pathological bone formation through the miR-145/ACTG1 axis. Study Design: Combined in vitro and in vivo experimental study. Methods: Tissue samples were obtained from 15 patients with AS and hip ankylosis and 15 control patients with femoral neck fractures. Quantitative real-time poly https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2854 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-113 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-113 Yanfu Wang, Chong Wang, Wei Li, Xinyu Ren, Yubo Peng, Yan Zhang Original Article Background: Heart failure (HF) represents the terminal stage of many cardiovascular diseases. Doxorubicin (DOX) can induce HF through oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, and apoptosis. Ginkgetin (GK) has potential cardioprotective effects, but its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Aims: To investigate of GK against DOX-induced HF and explored its mechanisms, focusing on mitochondrial function and related signaling pathways. Study Design: In vivo and in vitro experimental models. Methods: HF was induced by DOX in mice and H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Cardiac function, myocardial injury, OS, inflam https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2853 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-3-145 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-3-145 Esra Eraslan Aydemir, Feride Özkara Akkuş, Murat Faik Erdoğan Invited Review Antithyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb) are present in 10–25% of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) and significantly affect the reliability of serum thyroglobulin (Tg) measurements during follow-up. Beyond causing assay interference, TgAb have emerged as independent surrogate tumor markers with prognostic implications. This review summarizes the current evidence on antithyroglobulin antibody biology, measurement methodologies, interference dynamics, and clinical utility as surrogate tumor markers in DTC surveillance. A narrative synthesis of the relevant English-language literature https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2852 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.270326 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.270326 Yeşim Hülya Uz, Suat Erdoğan Editorial https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2851 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-268 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-268 Ke Xu, Xiangyu Ren, Hongjie Cao, Tiantian Lyu, Zuisu Yang, Fangfang Huang Original Article Background: Bisphenol A (BPA), a widely used industrial chemical, is a well-known endocrine disruptor linked to testicular damage and impaired male reproductive function. Fucoxanthin (Fx), a marine carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties, has not been extensively studied for its potential to mitigate BPA-induced testicular injury. Aims: To evaluate the protective effects of Fx against BPA-induced testicular injury and explored the underlying signaling mechanisms. Study Design: Experimental study. Methods: A mouse model of BPA-induced testicular injury was established. Transcriptomic anal https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2850 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-226 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-226 Zi-Xin Tian, Jun Zhang, Zi-Xuan Wang, Xi Song, Yi-Tao Zhou, Ying-Yi Hu Brief Report Background: Aberrations in cadherin-related 23 (CDH23) account for a significant proportion of familial autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (DFNB12), a common subtype of hereditary hearing loss worldwide. Aims: To elucidate the molecular basis and pathogenic mechanism of DFNB12 in an affected girl from a nine-member pedigree. Study Design: Family-based genetic study with pedigree analysis. Methods: Clinical whole-exome sequencing combined with pedigree analysis was used to identify disease-causing mutations. The potential functional consequences of these mutations were investigated https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2849 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-51 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-51 Mehmet Fatih Tekin, Dilek Gül, Nurşah Eker, Adnan Dağçınar, Yaşar Bayri, Fatih Bayraklı, Beste Melek Atasoy, Süheyla Uyar Bozkurt Original Article Background: Accurate identification of medulloblastoma molecular subgroups is essential, particularly in settings lacking advanced genomic tools. Conventional markers, such as β-catenin, present significant challenges in reliably detecting the WNT-activated subgroup (WNT-AG). Aims: To evaluate the utility of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), Cyclin D1, and receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) as immunohistochemical (IHC) markers for molecular subgroup classification and to assess their prognostic significance. Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: IHC an https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2848 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-10-260 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-10-260 Guangnan Huang, Lei Gao, Shu Fang, Likun Xu, Xiaowei Zhao Original Article Background: Epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer cell stemness (CSC) are critical processes that driving the invasion and lethality of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). The chromatin remodeler ARID4B has been implicated in other cancers; however, its specific role and underlying mechanism in LUAD progression remain unclear. Aims: To elucidate the function of ARID4B in LUAD. Study Design: This study integrated bioinformatics analysis, in vitro cellular functional assays, and in vivo orthotopic lung cancer models to investigate the oncogenic role of ARID4B . Methods: ARID4B expression and its https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2847 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-153 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-153 Meziyet Dilara Reda, Aksel Siva, Eda Tahir Turanlı Invited Review Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a clinically and biologically heterogeneous, immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system, with substantial interindividual variability in disease course and response to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Over the past three decades, the MS therapeutic landscape has expanded considerably; however, treatment selection and switching remain guided primarily by clinical phenotype and imaging findings rather than molecular predictors of response. Despite extensive clinical trial evidence, prospectively identifying responders and non-responders to specific DMTs r https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2846 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-183 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026-1-183 Kalliopi Keramida Editorial https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2845 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-189 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-189 Uğur Özkan, Fatih Kardaş, Umutcan Vurucu, Kenan Yalta Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2844 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-27 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-27 Mehtap Akbalık Kara, Beltinge Demircioğlu Kılıç, Mithat Büyükçelik, Ayşe Balat Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2843 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-198 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-198 Uzeyir Rahimov, Jamil Babayev Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2842 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-236 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-236 Ma Zhili, Yuan Lei, Yang Xiaohong, Fan Ning, Wang Genshu Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2841 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-80 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-80 Songyang Pan, Miao Chen, Tianyang Dai Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2881 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-205 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-205 Yunyun Xiao, Jinhe Shi, Yan Dong, Lu Han Meta-analysis Background: Cesarean section is frequently performed for breech presentation; however, external cephalic version (ECV) is recommended as an alternative strategy to increase the likelihood of vaginal birth. Tocolytic agents are commonly administrated to improve ECV success, yet the comparative effectiveness of different regimens remains inadequately characterized. Aims: To systematically evaluate and compare the efficacy and safety of various tocolytic agents in facilitating successful ECV through a Bayesian network meta-analysis. Study Design: Bayesian network meta-analysis. Methods: Bayesian https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2880 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.090126 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.090126 Ethem Yıldız, Oğuz Kılınç, Çağlar Çuhadaroğlu Editorial https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2879 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-7-281 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-7-281 Mirac Ajredini, Arda Ulaş Mutlu, Sibel Erdamar Çetin, Rümeysa Atabey, Erman Aytaç, Leyla Özer Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2878 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-98 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-98 Jiayong Hu, Yuyao Zhu, Jianhui Liu Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2877 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-9-241 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-9-241 Jing Luo, Xiaoli Wang Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2876 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-274 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-274 Zhong-Qiang Li, Xue-Jun Wu Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2875 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-24 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-11-24 Rocío Egido García-Comendador, Elena Sánchez Marcos Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2874 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-9-168 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-9-168 Görkem Arıca, İsmail Yılmaz, Doğu Küçüksüleymanoğlu, Didem Kaymak, Ebru Alıcı Davutoğlu, Rıza Madazlı Original Article Background: The fetal liver is perfused by the umbilical vein (UV) and the main portal vein (MPV), both of which are crucial for nutrient delivery. The configuration of the umbilicoportal anastomosis may influence MPV blood flow and potentially affect fetal liver perfusion in fetuses with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Aims: To evaluate absolute and normalized UV and MPV blood flows in fetuses with normal growth and FGR, and to investigate the effect of umbilicoportal anastomosis type on MPV flow. Study Design: Prospective case–control study. Methods: Ultrasound was used to measure UV and MPV https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2873 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-101 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-12-101 Guo-Shan Chen, Wen-Hao Xiong, Dan-Zhou Li, Peng-Hui Zhang, Yi-Ting Wang, Yong-Chao Zhang, Feng Qi Original Article Background: Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major cause of graft dysfunction and failure, driving inflammation and tissue damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess therapeutic potential due to their immunomodulatory properties. Notably, neutrophils express the inhibitory receptor CD32b, which is a specific target of the immunosuppressive molecule soluble fibrinogen-like protein 2 (sFgl2). Aims: To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of genetically engineered MSCs expressing sFgl2 (sFgl2-MSCs) in treating renal I/R injury, with a focus on neutrophil r https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2872 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-42 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-10-42 Handan Kekeç, Tuğba Şişmanlar Eyüboğlu, Ayşe Tana Aslan, Volkan Medeni, Fazılcan Zirek, Mervenur Tekin, Figen Gülen, İsmail Güzelkaş, Sanem Eryılmaz Polat, Ayça Kıykım, Sinem Can Oksay, Abdurrahman Erdem Başaran, Ali Ersoy, Ela Erdem Eralp, Gökçen Ünal, Beste Özsezen, Gökçen Kartal Öztürk, Melih Hangül, Mina Hızal, Cansu Yılmaz Yeğit, Halime Nayır Büyükşahin, Füsün Ünal, Tuğba Ramaslı Gürsoy, Ayşe Ayzıt Kılınç Sakallı, Sevgi Pekcan, Nazan Çobanoğlu, Güzin Cinel, Yasemin Gökdemir, Saniye Girit, Ebru Yalçın, Nagehan Emiralioğlu, Ahmet Cevdet Ceylan, Diclehan Orhan, Berna Oğuz, Nural Kiper Original Article Background: Childhood interstitial lung diseases (chILD) and immunodeficiencies are rare, heterogeneous, and clinically challenging disorders. Aims: To evaluate the clinical and radiological characteristics of immunodeficiency-related chILD using data from the Türkiye chILD Registry (chILD-TR). Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Patients registered with the B3 code, according to the chILD-European classification, from 18 participating centers were included. Patients were classified into primary immunodeficiency (PID) and secondary immunodeficiency (SID) groups. Demographic, cli https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2822 https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2822 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT Cover Page https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2818 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.060126 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2026.060126 Deniz Palamar Editorial https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2819 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-230 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2026.2025-11-230 Mirac Ajredini, Arman Erkan, Amishi Desai, David Schwartzberg, Mehmet Gülmez, Feza H. Remzi Invited Review Abstract Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis restores intestinal continuity and generally provides excellent long-term functional outcomes. However, 5–15% of patients experience pouch failure, most commonly due to septic, mechanical, or inflammatory complications. Surgical management of pouch failure is technically demanding and requires a multidisciplinary approach in high-volume, specialized centers. This narrative review synthesizes contemporary evidence on the transabdominal surgical management of pouch failure, with an emphasis on standardized preoperative evalua https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2791 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-151 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-151 Rongxing Qin, Hongyu Xu, Qingchun Qin, Wei Xu, Xinyu Lai, Li Chen Original Article Abstract Background: Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a key cause of ischemic stroke that is strongly associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease and vascular death, hence the urgent need to develop therapeutic strategies targeting carotid atherosclerotic plaques that would reduce the overall risk of cerebrovascular events. Aims: This study performs single-cell sequencing to dissect the cellular subpopulations in CAS. Molecular docking is used to uncover the potential therapeutic targets, consequently providing a theoretical basis for the CAS treatment strategies. Study Design: I https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2795 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-6-149 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-6-149 Chongze Lin, Sisi Shao, Qianjia Wu, Yongfu Zhu, Sisi Lin Original Article Abstract Background: Hyperuricemia and gout are common metabolic disorders that show substantial disparities in prevalence and management across different socioeconomic status. Aims: To investigate the association between social determinants of health (SDOH) and mortality risk in adults with hyperuricemia and/or gout, to assess whether the interaction between SDOH and gout/hyperuricemia status influences mortality risk. Study Design: A retrospective cohort study. Methods: We analyzed 6,560 United States (US) adults (mean age 58 years, 60.02% men) with hyperuricemia and/or gout from the 1999&nd https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2794 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-9-81 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-9-81 Zehra Manav Yiğit, Aydan Mengübaş Erbaş, Ayberk Türkyılmaz, İsmihan Merve Tekin, Elif Yılmaz Güleç, Gülsüm Kayhan, Aydeniz Aydın Gümüş, Esra Arslan Ateş, Eyyüp Üçtepe, Kübra Ateş, Elvin Kazancıoğlu, Bülent Uyanık, Sena Çetin, Sahra Acır, Elif Sobu, İbrahim Kamer, Ahmet Yeşilyurt, Alperhan Çebi, Ahmet Anık, Müge Ayanoğlu, Gül Ünsel Bolat, Gökay Bozkurt, Hilmi Bolat Original Article Abstract Background: Wiedemann-Steiner syndrome (WDSTS) is a rare autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic variants in KMT2A . Although several large international cohorts have helped define its broad clinical spectrum, data from underrepresented populations remain limited. Aims: To characterize the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of Turkish patients with WDSTS and compare these findings with previously published cohorts. Study Design: Multicenter retrospective cohort study. Methods: Sixteen individuals from 15 unrelated families were recruited across https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2771 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-5-157 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-5-157 Xiaoxin Ji, Wei Su, Shancheng Si Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2820 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-7-265 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-7-265 Furkan Karahan, Cemil Turan, Murat Gök, Adem Reyhancan Clinical Image https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2778 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-43 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-43 Siqi Li, Ru Dai, Qunye Xu Scientific Letter https://balkanmedicaljournal.org/article.php?id=2772 https://doi.org/10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-6 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT doi:10.4274/balkanmedj.galenos.2025.2025-8-6 İrem Karaman, Barış Hekimoğlu, Mürüvvet Akçay Çelik, Dilek Erdem, Şevket Özkaya Scientific Letter