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Background. The incidence of malignancy is heightened in individuals infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Despite a decrease in the incidence of HIV infection resulting from antiretroviral therapy (ART), the prevalence of HIV-associated malignancies remains substantial. Objective. Our objective was to examine the types of cancer that initially manifest in individuals infected with HIV or emerge during their subsequent observation period. Material and method. The study conducted a retrospective analysis of demographic characteristics, malignancy types, presenting symptoms, mode of transmission, HIV-RNA levels, and CD4/CD8 ratios in individuals living with HIV who developed malignancies and were under follow-up at the Infectious Diseases Polyclinic between October 2018 and December 2022. Results. Out of the 465 patients who were monitored during the study, 27 individuals (5.8%) were diagnosed with various malignancies. Among these patients, 22 (81%) were men and 5 (19%) were women. The average age of the patients ranged from 45.87 to 9.12 years. Among the patients, 17 (63%) were married and 10 (17%) were single. In terms of education, 16 patients (59.3%) had completed primary school, 7 patients (25.9%) were university graduates, and 4 patients (14.8%) had completed high school. The mode of HIV transmission in all patients was through sexual intercourse. The reasons for testing varied, with 8 patients (29.7%) being tested due to fever, 6 patients (22.2%) before undergoing surgery, 3 patients (11.1%) due to weight loss, and 2 patients (7.4%) tested for reasons such as job application, diarrhea, pre-blood donation, lymphadenomegaly, and dysphagia. The most common types of malignancies observed in the patients were non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with 11 cases (40.7%), followed by Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) with 5 cases (18.5%), and cervical carcinoma with 3 cases (11.1%). Conclusion. The incidence of cancer is higher among individuals with HIV. There is a need to enhance the awareness among both healthcare providers who specialize in HIV care and those who do not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to determine the utility of CD4 T lymphocyte counts and percentages and CD4/CD8 ratios as markers for the progression of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to active tuberculosis (TB) infection in HIV-positive patients followed in the Acquired Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Polyclinic of our hospital. Methods: The files of 530 HIV-positive patients were retrospectively analyzed. "Tuberculin skin test" (TST) was applied after the anti-HIV test was positive. Asymptomatic patients with a TST =5 mm were considered TB negative, patients with a TST =5 mm were considered LTBI, and all symptomatic patients (fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss) regardless of TST result were considered as active TB infection. CD4 counts and percentages and CD4/CD8 ratios were calculated and the relationship between LTBI and active TB infection was evaluated using Mann-Whitney U test and independent sample t-test. Results: During the specified period, 530 patients were admitted to the HIV Outpatient Clinic. There were 43 (8.11%) patients in the LTBI group, of whom 4 (9.3%) were female and 39 (90.7%) were male. CD4 was <200 mm² in 7 (16.3%) patients and >200 mm² in 36 (83.7%) patients. The mean CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.55 (0.08-1.45). 21 (3.96%) patients had symptoms of fever, cough, night sweats and weight loss and were diagnosed with active TB infection. Among these patients, 1 (4.8%) was female and 20 (95.2%) were male. CD4 was <200 mm² in 5 (23.8%) patients and >200 mm² in 16 (76.2%) patients. The mean CD4/CD8 ratio was 0.38 (0.07-1.8). The difference in CD4 counts between patients with LTBI and active TB infection was not significant, but the difference in CD4/CD8 ratio was significant (p<0.05). Conclusion: Immune dysfunction that occurs in HIV and TB co-infection facilitates the activation of LTBI. While CD4 counts and CD4 percentages were not significant as risk markers, CD4/CD8 ratio was found as significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We aim to determine whether chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b pigments in green vegetables and fruits have antigenotoxic effects against the MeIQx compound, which is frequently formed during the cooking of meat and meat products. In this study, the protective effects of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b (0.5 and 1 µM) against the heterocyclic amine compound 2-amino-3,8-dimethylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoxaline (MeIQx, 4.69 µM, 9.38 µM, 23.45 µM) with somatic mutation and recombination test in Drosophila melanogaster are investigated. Chronic applications are performed to transheterozygous larvae with respect to two recessive genes, mwh (multiple wing hair) and flr3 (flare), by using Drosophila strains. The genotoxic effects of MeIQx are primarily determined for third instars larvae. In antigenotoxicity studies, two different application groups are constituted. While for the first group doses of chlorophyll a, b, and MeIQx are given to the third instars larvae simultaneously, for the second group doses of MeIQx are applied at the third instars after doses of chlorophyll a and b are given to at the second instars larvae. Chlorophyll a and b are effective in reducing genotoxic effects of MeIQx by both applications on individuals and it is observed that the pretreatment method is much more effective than the simultaneous one. There are similar results for chlorophyll a and b in efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We investigated the effects of hypokalemia on clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with Covid-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective study, we recorded characteristics of hospitalized covid-19 pneumonia patients and laboratory test results on the first hospital day. Duration of hospitalization, requiring intensive care including mechanical ventilation and survival, were determined. Results: Our study included 185 patients and of them 111 male (60% male) patients with mean age of 64 ± 14.5 (23- 90). Patients were grouped as hypokalemic (16.8%) and normokalemic patients (83.2%). The number of diabetic patients was higher in the normokalemic group. Serum total protein and albumin levels were lower in hypokalemic group, while alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, blood pH and bicarbonate level were higher. In multiple logistic regression analyses, alkalosis increased risk of hypokalemia 5.73 times. Duration of hospitalization, requirement of intensive care and hospital mortality were similar in hypokalemia and normokalemia patients. Conclusion: In patients with Covid-19 pneumonia, hypokalemia has been found to be quite common as high as 16.8% at the first presentation. Hypokalemia was related to metabolic alkalosis but unrelated to the duration of hospitalization, requirement of intensive care including mechanical ventilation and hospital mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giriş: Bu çalışmada insan bağışıklık yetmezliği virüsü (HIV) nedeniyle polikliniğimizde takip edilen hastalarda AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalık sıklığını görmek amaçlandı. Gereç ve Yöntem: 2018-2023 yılları arasında hastanemiz enfeksiyon hastalıkları ve klinik mikrobiyoloji polikliniğine başvuran ve takipleri yapılan HIV pozitif hastalar geriye yönelik olarak incelendi. Hastaların ilk başvuru sırasında AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalık belirtileri, HIV-RNA ve CD4 sayıları, eşlik eden komorbid durumlar irdelendi. Bulgular: Yaşları 21 ile 66 arasında değişen, 5 (%10) kadın ve 45 (%90) erkek, HIV tanımlayıcı hastalık olan 50 hasta çalışmaya dahil edildi. En sık görülen AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalık Pneumocystis jirovecii (n=19, %38) pnömonisiydi. Bunu sırasıyla lenfoma (n=9, %18), sifilitik üveit (n=7, %14), Kaposi sarkomu (n=7, %14), kandida özefajiti (n=6, %12), toksoplazma keratit ve ensefaliti (n=2, %4), kriptokok menenjiti (n=2, %4), sitomegalovirüs retiniti (n=2, %4) ve bir hastada progresif multifokal lökoensefalopati idi. Hastaların 5'inde (%10) birden fazla HIV tanımlayıcı hastalık mevcuttu. HIV-RNA düzeyi 0-14093638 kopya/ml (ortalama: 1158750 kopya/ml) arasında ve CD4 sayısı 1-1314/μl (356) arasında değişmekteydi (hastalık gruplarına göre HIV-RNA ve CD4 sayıları ve ortalamaları Tablo 1'de özetlenmiştir). Sonuç: AIDS tanımlayıcı hastalıklar neoplazmlar, viral, bakteriyel, parazitik, fungal enfeksiyonlar şeklinde karşımıza çıkabilmektedir. Farklı şikayetlerle başvuru yapan hastalarda tanımlayıcı hastalıkların varlığı HIV enfeksiyonunu düşündürmeli ve gerekli tetkikleri istenmelidir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of left ventricular geometric patterns in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Materials and Methods: A total of 162 patients (100 males) with stage 2--5 CKD were included in the study. Patient age was between 17 and 79 years. Left ventricular geometry (LVG) patterns were calculated as left ventricular normal geometry (LVNG), left ventricular concentric remodeling (LVCR), concentric left ventricular hypertrophy (cLVH) and eccentric left ventricular hypertrophy (eLVH) by echocardiographic parameters. Results: The incidence of LVH was 45.1%. LVG patterns were found as follows: eLVH in patients 18(11.1%), cLVH in 42(25.9%), LVCR in 51(31.5%), and LVNG 51(31.5%). LVNG was found 10.38% and 34.27% in CKD stage 2 and dialysis, respectively. LVCR was as high as 62.3% in CKD stage2. cLVH and eLVH were found as 35.92% and 29.13% in stage 5 non-dialysis and dialysis, respectively. There was a relationship between clinical characteristics and LVG as follows age and GFR with LVCR, HbA1C and serum levels of albumin and sodium with cLVH, and age and serum albumin with eLVH Conclusions: In our CKD patients, abnormal LVG was found as earlier as CKD stage 2. The incidence of cLVH and eLVH was higher in advanced stages of CKD. Nontraditional factors such as volume status and nutrition were also crucial for left ventricular remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate baseline parameters including platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) as predictive value for mortality in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: In this study 129 patients undergoing hemodialysis more than 3 months, were evaluated for survival between 1999 and 2017. In the 3. Month of beginning of hemodialysis clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were separated into 2 groups as dead and living. After 30 excluded patients due to study criteria, 33 paients of the remaining 99 patients died and 66 were still undergoing hemodialysis. Results: The mean age of patients was 57 ± 18.9 years (13- 93), 46.5% (46) were female and mean hemodialysis vintage was 35.02 ± 30.44 months. According to Kaplan Meier, survival analysis PLR was significantly higher in hemodialysis patients who died compared to surviving hemodialysis patients but NLR was not different in hemodialysis patients who surviving or died. Multivariate Cox regression analysis model, correlated factors associated with mortality were PLR and serum sodium. Conclusion: Baseline PLR and serum sodium were found to be sensitive biomarkers for mortality. Baseline 3. hemodialysis month PLR of which is easily accessible, inexpensive and simple, can be a predictor of mortality at follow up period in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In hemodialysis patients, detection of left ventricul diastolic dysfunction as early as possible is critically important. The presystolic wave occurs in the left ventricul outflow tract and it’s associated with left ventricul stiffness and compliance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical significance of presystolic wave in the detection of diastolic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, eighty hemodialysis patients and 88 healthy controls were included in the study. The laboratory parameters were tested before the dialysis. The conventional B-mode, pulsed doppler parameters, doppler tissue-imaging, and presystolic wave measurements were performed at echocardiography. Results: Presystolic wave was detected in 46.0% of patients and 18.1% of the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between patients in terms of MPI, mitral E and A wave velocity, E/A and e’/a’ ratio, deceleration time, septal a’ and e’ wave velocity, and Sao in either presence or absence of presystolic wave. In the univariate model, higher Eao velocity and septal E/e’ ratio, and reduced duration of hemodialysis were determined as risk factors for the presence of presystolic wave. Conclusion: The assessment of presystolic wave on echocardiography examination may provide important information about the left ventricul diastolic function. But we have demonstrated in this study that presystolic wave is not entirely associated with left ventricul diastolic dysfunction in hemodialysis patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis transmitted through the urine of infected animals. Leptospira can be associated with respiratory, renal, hepatic and hematological complications and most importantly carries a high mortality when untreated. We present a rare cause of acute renal failure, acute hepatitis, hyperbilirubinemia and cold agglutinin disease occurring simultaneously with leptospirosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitous anthropogenic contaminants, and their abundance in the entire ecosystem raises the question of how far is the impact of these MPs on the biota, humans, and the environment. Recent research has overemphasized the occurrence, characterization, and direct toxicity of MPs; however, determining and understanding their genotoxic effect is still limited. Thus, the present review addresses the genotoxic potential of these emerging contaminants in aquatic organisms and in human peripheral lymphocytes and identified the research gaps in this area. Several genotoxic endpoints were implicated, including the frequency of micronuclei (MN), nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear buds (NBUD), DNA strand breaks, and the percentage of DNA in the tail (%Tail DNA). In addition, the mechanism of MPs-induced genotoxicity seems to be closely associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inflammatory responses, and DNA repair interference. However, the gathered information urges the need for more studies that present environmentally relevant conditions. Taken into consideration, the lifestyle changes within the COVID-19 pandemic, we discussed the impact of the pandemic on enhancing the genotoxic potential of MPs whether through increasing human exposure to MPs via inappropriate disposal and overconsumption of plastic-based products or by disrupting the defense system owing to unhealthy food and sleep deprivation as well as stress. Overall, this review provided a reference for the genotoxic effect of MPs, their mechanism of action, as well as the contribution of COVID-19 to increase the genotoxic risk of MPs. [Display omitted] • The genotoxic effects of MPs are determined in somatic cells of aquatic organisms and human peripheral lymphocytes. • The mechanism of MPs-induced genotoxicity is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA repair disruption. • The COVID-19 pandemic contributes to the genotoxic potential of MPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) is a life-threatening clinical pathologic syndrome caused by a variety of diseases. We report a case of DAH related to therapy of warfarin use. In this case report, we present the diffuse alveolar hemorrhage case as a rare and life-threatening complication of warfarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels are commonly employed as prognostic and inflammatory indices, given their ease in assessment, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of serum beta-2 microglobulin as a marker in geriatric patients and establish its role in frailty assessment. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 participants aged>65 years. Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels were compared with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor Tumor Necrosis Factor-a, and vitamin D levels. To determine whether beta-2 microglobulin is an effective marker for frailty assessment, the study was divided into frail and non-frail patients, except for the acute infection group. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale Version 9, and quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life Scale Short Form-36. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.14±7.00 years. The frail group comprised 47.5% of the total patients. beta-2 microglobulin exhibited a strong positive correlation with C-reactive protein, Clinical Frailty Scale score, and comorbidity index, and a moderate positive correlation with Tumor Necrosis Factor-a and interleukin-6 levels. Conversely, beta-2 microglobulin and Short Form-36 exhibited a strong negative correlation. The Short Form-36 was the most effective in assessing changes in beta-2 microglobulin levels. The optimal beta-2 microglobulin cut-off value to assess frailty was 3.78 (sensitivity=75%; specificity=93.5%). Conclusion: In the geriatric population, we detected a significant association between increased beta-2 microglobulin levels and frailty, as well as a significant relationship with decreased quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels are commonly employed as prognostic and inflammatory indices, given their ease in assessment, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. Herein, we aimed to confirm the effectiveness of serum beta-2 microglobulin as a marker in geriatric patients and establish its role in frailty assessment. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 81 participants aged>65 years. Serum beta-2 microglobulin levels were compared with erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor Tumor Necrosis Factor-a, and vitamin D levels. To determine whether beta-2 microglobulin is an effective marker for frailty assessment, the study was divided into frail and non-frail patients, except for the acute infection group. Frailty was assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale Version 9, and quality of life was assessed using the Quality of Life Scale Short Form-36. Results: The mean age of the participants was 72.14±7.00 years. The frail group comprised 47.5% of the total patients. beta-2 microglobulin exhibited a strong positive correlation with C-reactive protein, Clinical Frailty Scale score, and comorbidity index, and a moderate positive correlation with Tumor Necrosis Factor-a and interleukin-6 levels. Conversely, beta-2 microglobulin and Short Form-36 exhibited a strong negative correlation. The Short Form-36 was the most effective in assessing changes in beta-2 microglobulin levels. The optimal beta-2 microglobulin cut-off value to assess frailty was 3.78 (sensitivity=75%; specificity=93.5%). Conclusion: In the geriatric population, we detected a significant association between increased beta-2 microglobulin levels and frailty, as well as a significant relationship with decreased quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 has been recognized to become a worldwide health concern at an alarming rate over time and to be more progressive and fatal in specific risk populations. This study aims to determine the clinical features of COVID-19 in kidney transplant recipients (KTRxs) and contribute to the regulation of these patients' immunosuppressive treatments and COVID-19 treatment protocols. The trial comprised eleven KTRxs with COVID-19. Immunosuppressive treatments such as antimetabolite cessation, calcineurin inhibitor dosage adjustments based on blood levels, and low-dose corticosteroids were all controlled. All patients received antiviral medication and low-molecular-weight-heparin (LMWH) as part of initial treatment. The steroid dose was then raised, and anti-cytokine therapies were provided in the setting of clinical worsening. The mean age of the patients was 50.3±11.2 years and 8 (73%) of them were male. The average time since transplantion was 6.82±3.34 years. Due to COVID-19 progression, the steroid dosage was raised in eight patients, anakinra and tocilizumab was added in five and one of the patients respectively. In five (%45) patients, the need for critical care arose and plasmapheresis was used in three of them. At the end of the follow-up, nine of our patients had made a complete recovery, whereas two (18.2%) had perished. Consistent with the literature, the data in presented study may also support the severe and fatal course of COVID-19 in KTRxs. It may be proposed that KTRxs with COVID-19 should be admitted to the hospital and constantly monitored, and certain effective management techniques should be initiated early depending on clinical circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choroid plexus papillomas (CPPs) are relatively rare neuroectodermal tumors that develop from choroid plexus epithelial cells and are usually restricted to the ventricles. Extraventricular CPPs are very unusual and can be difficult to diagnose and treat. A 50-year-old male patient was admitted to our clinic complaining of headache and visual deterioration. Neurological examination found no abnormalities except decreased light perception and secondary optic atrophy in the left eye. Endocrine testing revealed normal levels of hormones produced by the pituitary and target glands. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain revealed a huge regular-shaped lesion in the sellar-suprasellar region occupying the sella turcica and extending into the suprasellar cistern and planum sphenoidale. The lesion was completely excised by microsurgery via an ordinary left-sided pterional approach. Histopathology identified the lesion as a choroid plexus papilloma. Following the case report, literature on the origin, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this rare tumor is reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many studies about effects on health of compounds having azo groups in literature. However, anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of phthalocyanines containing azo dyes are unknown. Therefore, the new metallophthalocyanines (M: Mn, Co, Zn) substituted with resorcinol azo dyes were synthesized and anticancer, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties investigated. All phthalocyanines were synthesized by the microwave assisted method. The structures were characterized by elemental analysis, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, UV/vis, IR and Mass spectroscopy techniques. The antioxidant capacities were analyzed through radical scavenging of DPPH and chelating ability to ferrous cation. The highest DPPH activity was obtained from compounds ( 1c and 2c ) and the best ferrous ion chelating activity was determined from compound 2 . The antibiotic activities were evaluated by disc diffusion method. Compound 2 exhibited antibacterial activity against studied bacteria, but the other compounds had no significant antibacterial effect. Cytotoxicity, apoptotic and necrotic effects were examined on cancer cells MCF-7 and healthy fibroblast cells. Compounds 1 , 1a and 2a seem to be proper for the future cancer therapy researches. p K a values were determined by potentiometrically according to the half-neutralization method in N , N -dimethyl formamide. The effect of pH on the electronic absorption spectra of compounds ( 1 , 2 , 1c and 2c ) was reported. The newly synthesized compounds show positive solvatochromism behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have useful properties, such as strong magnetism and compatibility with living organisms which is preferable for medical applications such as drug delivery and imaging. However, increasing use of these materials, especially in medicine, has raised concerns regarding potential risks to human health. In this study, IONPs were coated with silicon dioxide (SiO 2), citric acid (CA), and polyethylenimine (PEI) to enhance their dispersion and biocompatibility. Both coated and uncoated IONPs were assessed for genotoxic effects on Drosophila melanogaster. Results showed that uncoated IONPs induced genotoxic effects, including mutations and recombinations, while the coated IONPs demonstrated reduced or negligible genotoxicity. Additionally, bioinformatic analyses highlighted potential implications of induced recombination in various cancer types, underscoring the importance of understanding nanoparticle-induced genomic instability. This study highlights the importance of nanoparticle coatings in reducing potential genotoxic effects and emphasizes the necessity for comprehensive toxicity assessments in nanomaterial research. • Uncoated IONPs have both mutagenic and recombinogenic activity. • The IONPs were separately coated with three different coating materials. • SiO 2 , PEI and CA coatings reduced IONP genotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many new pesticides are produced for use every year. Fungicides, one of the important subgroups of pesticides, are used to protect agricultural products from fungal infections. However, studies on the genotoxic potential of fungicides are still very limited. In this study, the genotoxic potentials of four commonly used fungicides (metiram, kresoxim-methyl, propamocarb and hymexazol) were investigated using the Drosophila Somatic Mutation and Recombination Test (SMART) and the Drosophila Single Cell Gel Electrophoresis Test (Drosophila Comet Test). Drosophila, which has been widely used in genetic studies in recent years, provides a powerful system in the use of genetic and molecular approaches in human genetic diseases research. As a model organism, Drosophila is in many ways similar to human systems. According to the results obtained from the study, it was determined that 4 fungicides whose genotoxic effects were investigated by SMART method did not induce genotoxicity. In the KOMET experiment, it was determined that the studied fungicides caused DNA single strand breakage. This study provides new data on the potential effects of pesticides on human health and possible genetic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anomalous origin of left coronary artery from pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is an uncommon but major congenital cardiac anomaly, which was firstly defined in 1866. Multiple surgical techniques intend to compose 2-coronary artery system, including direct reimplantation of left coronary artery to aorta and coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. Left coronary artery seldomly rises from non-facing pulmonary sinus, where direct reimplantation is technically quite difficult for surgical correction because of long distance from native aorta. In this case report, a surgical technique option of reconstructing left coronary artery, arising from nonfacing sinus which we turned to aorta with a tunnel created from autologous pulmonary artery wall, was presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giriş: Koronavirüs hastalığı-2019 (COVID-19) pandemisi sırasında tüm dünyada yoğun bakım ünitesinde (YBÜ) tedavi ve izlem gerektiren hasta sayısında ciddi artış yaşandı. Kateter-ilişkili üriner sistem enfeksiyonları (Kİ-ÜSE), sağlık bakım ilişkili enfeksiyonlar (SBİE) arasında en sık görülmekte ve yaklaşık %75’i katetere bağlı gelişmektedir. Kİ-ÜSE’nin önlenmesi için alınan önlemler, sıklığını, morbidite ve mortalite oranlarını azaltmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, COVID-YBÜ ve genel-YBÜ’de yatarken Kİ-ÜSE gelişen hastaların demografik özellikleri, enfeksiyon hızı, risk faktörleri ve etken dağılımlarının karşılaştırılması amaçlandı. Gereç ve Yöntem: Bu retrospektif çalışmada, 01.04.2020-31.12.2021 tarihleri arasında bir şehir hastanesinin COVID-YBÜ ve genel-YBÜ’de yatan hastalarda yatışının 3. günü veya daha sonra ortaya çıkan ve başvuru esnasında inkübasyon döneminde olmayan tanı almış Kİ-ÜSE’ler, aktif sürveyans verileri ve Ulusal Sağlık Hizmeti İlişkili Enfeksiyonlar Sürveyans Rehberi doğrultusunda incelendi. Birden fazla Kİ-ÜSE tanısı alan hastalarda ilk atak çalışmaya dahil edildi. Hastalar COVID-YBÜ’de ve genel YBÜ’de yatan hastalar olarak iki gruba ayrıldı; enfeksiyon hızı, risk faktörleri ve etken dağılımları açısından karşılaştırıldı. Tanımlayıcı istatistikler ortalama, medyan, IQR (interquartile range), standart sapma, minimum ve maksimum değerleri analiz edildi. Kategorik değişkenler için ki-kare testi, normal dağılıma uymayan veriler için Mann-Whitney U testi yapıldı. İstatistiksel anlamlılık düzeyi p<0,05 kabul edildi. Bulgular: Toplam 1205 yatak kapasiteli ve 224 YBÜ yatağı olan hastanemizde; 57 yataklı COVID-YBÜ, toplam 7 ünitede 77 yataklı genel üçüncü düzey erişkin YBÜ’leri mevcuttur. Çalışma döneminde genelYBÜ’de yatan 5485 hasta ve COVID-YBÜ’de yatan 1997 hasta Kİ-ÜSE açısından değerlendirildi. Genel-YBÜ’de 26 hasta, COVID-YBÜ’de 7 hasta Kİ-ÜSE tanısı aldı. Enfeksiyon hızı ve enfeksiyon dansitesi her iki tür YBÜ’de benzerdi (Tablo 1). Kİ-ÜSE tanılı hastaların demografik ve klinik özellikleri Tablo 2’de özetlenmiştir. YBÜ kabulden Kİ-ÜSE tanısı alana kadar geçen süre ve YBÜ yatış süresi, COVID-YBÜ’de anlamlı olarak daha kısaydı. En sık izole edilen Kİ-ÜSE etkenleri genel-YBÜ’de Klebsiella pneumoniae (%38,5), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (%34,6), COVID-YBÜ’de Klebsiella pneumoniae (%28,6), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (%14,3) idi. Etken dağılımları Tablo 3’te verilmiştir. Sonuç: Her iki YBÜ’de de Kİ-ÜSE, 2020 yılı Ulusal Hastane Enfeksiyonları Sürveyans Ağı ağırlıklı genel ortalaması olan %1,2’nin altındadır. YBÜ’ye yatıştan Kİ-ÜSE tanısı alana kadar geçen süre COVID-YBÜ’de daha kısadır. Sürveyans çalışmalarının Kİ-ÜSE’nin önlenmesi ve sıklığının azaltılmasındaki yeri büyüktür. Enfeksiyon kontrol programı ve Kİ-ÜSE önlem stratejilerinden önlem paketi (bundle) uygulamasına devam edilmesi önemlidir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is a diagnostic test with relatively rare usage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate both the optimal cleaning regimen for CCE and the diagnostic value of test in the study group. Methods. A total of 62 patients were enrolled in this study. In the first step, 3 different colon preparing regimens were given to 30 patients [Group A: 3 days of liquid diet, sodium phosphate (NaP) (90 mL), and NaP enema; Group B: 3 days of liquid diet, 4 L of polyethylene glycol (PEG), and metoclopramide; Group C: 3 days of liquid diet, 4 L of PEG, NaP (45 mL), and bisacodyl after capsule ingestion] (10 patients in each group). The other consecutive 32 patients were cleaned with the best regimen which was NaP + PEG and CCE was performed. The results of CCE were controlled with colonoscopy in 28 patients. Results. Group C had the highest cleaning score, compared with the other groups (2.2±0.4 versus 2.7±0.4 versus 3.7±0.4, p value =0.000). The CCE findings were as follows in 28 patients who were also examined with colonoscopy: polyp (range: 5–10 mm) in 6 patients, internal hemorrhoids in 3 patients, angiodysplasia in 1 patient, diverticula in 1 patient, and ulcerative colitis in 1 patient. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of CCE were 100%, 92%, 93%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions. Low dosage NaP combined with PEG provides optimal bowel preparation for CCE. CCE appears to be a highly sensitive diagnostic modality for detecting colonic pathologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The in vitro genotoxic and the soft-agar anchorage independent cell transformation ability of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO 2 ) and its microparticulated form has been evaluated in human embryonic kidney (HEK293) and in mouse embryonic fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells. Nano-TiO 2 of two different sizes (21 and 50 nm) were used in this study. The comet assay, with and without the use of FPG enzyme, the micronucleus assay and the soft-agar colony assay were used. For both the comet assay and the frequency of micronuclei a statistically significant induction of DNA damage, was observed at the highest dose tested (1000 µg/mL). No oxidative DNA damage induction was observed when the comet assay was complemented with the use of FPG enzyme. Furthermore, long-term exposure to nano-TiO 2 has also proved to induce cell-transformation promoting cell-anchorage independent growth in soft-agar. Results were similar for the two nano-TiO 2 sizes. Negative results were obtained when the microparticulated form of TiO 2 was tested, indicating the existence of important differences between the microparticulated and nanoparticulated forms. As a conclusion it should be indicated that the observed genotoxic/tranforming effects were only detected at the higher dose tested (1000 µg/mL) what play down the real risk of environmental exposures to this nanomaterial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hydrocephaly has been recognized for years, its treatment and follow-up remain obscure. Ventriculoperitoneal shunt application is the most common treatment used in recent years. However, revision incidence and mortality are very high due to infection, overdrainage or underdrainage, and obstruction. 62 years old female patient was operated and ventriculopleural shunt performed in our clinic. Fifth day after operation persistant dyspneic complaints exists. Chest graphia performed and bilateral pleural effusion was seen. In this report, we present a case of hydrothorax after ventriculopleural shunt operation. Ventriculopleural shunting was preferred in this patient because peritoneal absorption disorder developed after recurrent ventriculoperitoneal shunt operations and revisions. The tension hydrothorax that developed is discussed in light of the relevant literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: High‐fat and high‐sucrose intakes were shown to contribute to syndromes such as hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Numerous studies showed that a high‐fat and/or high‐sucrose diet induces insulin resistance in rodents. The effect of a long‐term high‐fat, high‐sucrose diet on the apoptosis has not been clarified. Material and Methods: This research project aims to investigate plasma Caspase 3 (CASP3) levels in High‐fat and High‐sucrose Fed Rats. For this purpose, Konya Necmettin Erbakan University, KONÜDAM Experimental Medicine Research and Application Center which was available from 28 adult Wistar albino postnatal (8‐12 weeks) male rats fed, accompanied by a high‐fat, high‐sucrose or standard chow. It was divided into several groups, in its blood (plasma) CASP3 levels (markers of apoptosis) were studied with the ELISA method. Results: The plasma CASP3 levels of fed with standard feed, fed with high sucrose diet, fed with high fat diet and fed with high fat and high sucrose diet were found as (X + SD) 0.34 ± 0.007, 0.36 ± 0.03, 0.36 ± 0.01 and 0.35 ± 0.02 ng/ml respectively. There were no significant differences between plasma CASP3 levels of the groups. Discussion: Our findings shown that high fat and high sucrose diet may not cause apoptosis. We belive that our finding will contribute to further understanding of the etiopathogenesis of feeding a high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet‐related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Consumption of a diet high in saturated fats and sucrose is an important factor in the increasing occurrence of these metabolic disorders. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and Bcl‐2 associated X protein (Bax) are multifunctional protein that are important for immune responses, cell survival, apoptosis, and proliferation. However, ıt is unknown about the relationship between the STAT3/ Bax and high sucrose/ high fat diet Material and Methods: Konya Necmettin Erbakan University, KONÜDAM Experimental Medicine Research and Application Center which was available from 28 adult Wistar albino postnatal (8‐12 weeks) male rats fed, accompanied by a high‐fat, high‐sucrose or standard chow. It was divided into several groups, in its blood (plasma) STAT3 and Bax levels were studied with the ELISA method. Results: Plasma STAT levels of fed with standard feed, fed with high sucrose diet, fed with high fat diet and fed with high fat and high sucrose diet were found as (X + SD) 0.25 ± 0.007, 0.26 ± 0.02, 0.27 ± 0.02 and 0.29 ± 0.04 pg/ml respectively. Plasma Bax levels of fed with standard feed, fed with high sucrose diet, fed with high fat diet and fed with high fat and high sucrose diet were found as (X + SD) 0.35 ± 0.02, 0.34 ± 0.02, 0.35 ± 0.01 and 0.33 ± 0.01 ng/ml respectively. There were no significant differences between plasma STAT3/ Bax levels of the groups. Discussion: Our findings show that there was no relationship between the STAT3/ Bax and high sucrose/ high fat diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]