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Purpose: To examine the long‐term effects of COVID‐19 on surgical nurses. Background: Individuals contaminated with COVID‐19 may face several metabolic or psychological issues, primarily in the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous, musculoskeletal and renal systems during the late period. However, the long‐term epidemiology is still not clear. Design: Descriptive cross‐sectional study. Methods: The study included nurses (n = 509) who had been diagnosed with COVID‐19 at least 12 weeks before and worked in surgical departments. We collected the study data via an online survey using the snowball sampling method between December 2021 and May 2022. This study followed the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology Guideline. Results: The mean age of the nurses was 31.66 ± 8.74 years. Nurses stated that they were diagnosed with COVID‐19 approximately 36 weeks before participating in this study. We found that the nurses mostly experienced palpitation (83.5%), headache (73.5%), dyspnea (64.1%), anosmia (57.6%), arthralgia (55.7%) and burnout (58.4%) during the late period after COVID‐19. Conclusion: The long‐term effects of COVID‐19 were related to multiple organ dysfunctions. No Patient or Public Contribution: Since the study was conducted with healthy individuals who had previously experienced COVID‐19, there is no patient contribution. Relevance to Clinical Practice: This study focuses on the long‐term effects of COVID‐19 on nurses. The results support the long‐term effects of COVID‐19 and are thought to contribute to the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonellosis is of great importance for humans and animals. Companion animals, particularly dogs, can be asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella, and thus have been ignored as a source of salmonellosis. They can also spread multidrug resistant Salmonella strains via dog feces, causing inconvenience in the treatment of human salmonellosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the presence of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolates from collected dog feces belonging to dogs residing at the Municipal Dog Shelter, Anatolian Shepherd Dog Farm, and from blood, stool, and joint fluid samples from humans with symptoms of gasroenteritis, abdominal, and joint pain. In addition to this, the antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolates were examined. A total of 45 human and 11 dog Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica isolates were obtained. The 11 Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica recovered from dogs were identified as S. Infantis, S. Enteritidis, and S. Typhimurium, which correspond to serovars priotorized for human health. Almost all human isolates (42/45) and all dog Salmonella isolates (11/11) were found to be resistant to one or five, and one or four of the tested antibiotics, respectively, but not for CFZ, CAZ, CST in human and CFZ, CAZ, CST, ETP in dog Salmonella isolates. Common resistance profiles in dog and human origin Salmonella isolates were GEN/AMK, AMP/GEN/CIP/SXT, AMP/CIP, SXT. Exhibition of the common resistance profiles against antibiotics recommended in the treatment of human salmonellosis should not be ignored. Companion animals should be monitored for carrying Salmonella and spreading antibiotic resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heart transplantation is the most important treatment option in end-stage heart failure, and heart transplant recipients should be monitored at home by healthcare professionals in terms of symptoms and self-care requisites. The aim of this study is to examine symptoms and self-care requisites of patients with heart transplantation after discharge. Symptoms and self-care requisites of 81 patients who had heart transplantation between 2015 and 2020 were evaluated retrospectively in this study. Survey data were collected using the telephone interview method. It was determined that 77.8% of the patients were male and their mean age was 41.87 ± 2.51 years. Fatigue (91.4%), pain in the back, neck, and joints (86.4%), restlessness/agitation (81.5%), weight gain (71.6%), and edema in the lower extremities (71.6%) were the first 5 common symptoms experienced at home after heart transplantation. It was also found that the vast majority of patients (80.2%) answered negatively to the question of eliminating the lack of knowledge about the disease, and some of the patients were found not to pay attention to some important issues (e.g., regular blood pressure check, quitting smoking, etc.). Findings revealed that patients with heart transplantation experience a series of symptoms, and their self-care requisites were mostly focused on education and information specific to the disease after discharge. As a part of public health nursing practices, home care concentrating on symptoms and learning needs of patients should be planned and organized with a multidisciplinary approach to decrease rehospitalization and contribute to cost-effectiveness after heart transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, one of the most frequently effected areas is the musculoskeletal system. COVID-19 associated musculoskeletal problems can cause disability in patients ≥65 years. The aim of the study was to define the musculoskeletal problems after the COVID-19 infection and to examine the relationship with the accompanying comorbidities in geriatric population. Materials and Method: The study was conducted by the members of Geriatric Rehabilitation Study Group of Turkish Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Society at 11 different hospitals from 7 provinces (Ankara, İstanbul, İzmir, Gaziantep, Adana, Bursa, and Kırıkkale) of Türkiye. Individuals aged 65 years and over who had a history of COVID-19 within the last 12 months and experienced persistent/continuous musculoskeletal complaints were included into the study. COVID-19 diagnoses were confirmed from electronic hospital records and the e-Nabız system. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews and after recruiting the first 50 patients from each center, patient recruitment was terminated. Results: A total of 457 cases in which all questions were answered completely (without any missing data) were included in this observational study. The cases were mainly 65-75 years old, married, and non-smoking women. The most common musculoskeletal involvement was widespread pain (81%), followed by myalgia (63.7%) and arthralgia (44.4%). Other rare involvements (osteonecrosis, myositis, steroid myopathy, arthritis) were significantly more frequent in patients older than 75 years, regardless of gender. Analysis showed that musculoskeletal pain immediately after infection is observed more in cases with comorbid diseases (p<0.001), hypertension (p<0.001), pulmonary involvement (p=0.002) and hospitalization due to COVID-19 (p<0.001). It was determined that the incidence of pain seen immediately after infection increased as the number of comorbidities increased (p<0.001). In conjunction with this, persistent pain after COVID-19 infection were more common in those with osteoarthritis (p=0.039). Conclusion: Elderly patients may develop musculoskeletal pain in multiple body sites after COVID-19, which is primarily related to presence and number of comorbidities, hospitalization and pulmonary involvement. The long-term consequences of COVID-19 on musculoskeletal health are still being studied, and further research is needed to fully understand the extent and duration of these effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In our study, it was aimed to assess clinical and epidemiological features, laboratory findings, applied treatments, and complications of patients who were referred retrospectively to Konya Training and Research Hospital Pediatric's Infectious Disease Clinic. Methods: This study was conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with brucellosis who applied to the Pediatric Infectious Diseases outpatient clinic between December 2014 and July 2016. Results: In our study, 46% of the patients were female and 54% were male, and the median age was 10.3±3.2 years (min: 5-max: 18 years). It was observed that patients were referred most frequently in the spring and summer seasons. Eighty percent of the patients had a history of eating raw milk cheese, and 52% had an animal contact history. Brucellosis history in the family environment and immediate surroundings was found in 44% of the patients. According to frequency order, referral complaints of our patients were 70% arthralgia, 64% fatigue, 60% anorexia, and 50% fever. Arthralgia was the most common physical examination finding (40%). Serum agglutination titer at the rate of 88%, serum immunocapture test at the rate of 96%, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the rate of %88 were found positive, and the agent culture rate of blood culture, which was taken from 34% of the patients, was found to be 35%. As complications, patients were monitored by the reason of 8% pancytopenia, 8% hepatitis, and 12% osteoarticular involvement. At the follow-up between 7 and 14 days of treatment, serum immunocapture agglutination titers decreased. There were no patients in whom drug side effects, abnormality of laboratory findings, or relapse were observed. Discussion and Conclusion: Brusellosis, which is endemic for our country, should be considered in patients with fever, arthralgia/arthritis, and hepatosplenomegaly; family history, occupation with stock farming, raw milk, and milk product consumption should be questioned; and tests for this disease should be wanted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: COVID-19 is a respiratory disease that caused a pandemic after reportedly emerging from Wuhan, China, in December 2019. Different types of COVID-19 vaccines such as viral vectors, mRNA, and inactivated vaccines have been produced since the beginning of the pandemic. Turkovac is an inactive COVID-19 vaccine developed and produced in Türkiye. We conducted our study to investigate the local and systemic side effects of the Turkovac vaccine. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted to collect data on the postvaccine side effects in people aged over 18 who were vaccinated with Turkovac, between March and June 2022, in the Malatya Turgut Özal University Research and Training Hospital. A 54 question, multiple-choice questionnaire was used to collect demographic data from the participants and identify the possible local and systemic side effects after Turkovac vaccine administration. Results: Of the 403 participants included in the study, 134 (33.3%) were female and 269 (66.7%) were male with a mean age of 47.7 ± 13.7. The most common local side effects observed after vaccination were pain at the injection site (22.8%) and local swelling and redness (0.5%). Systemic side effects included weakness or fatigue (4.2%), muscle or joint pain (2%), headache (1.7%), fever (1%), cough (0.25%), lymphadenopathy (0.25%), and urticaria (0.25%). Side effects were most commonly observed within the first 24 h. We found that for participants under 47 years of age, female sex, chronic diseases, and regular medication use were associated with the risk of suffering side effects. Conclusion: Our study revealed that Turkovac is a generally well-tolerated vaccine and had no side effects. More studies are required to evaluate Turkovac's side effects in other populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Introduction: In this study, we aimed to examine dental barotrauma and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) complaints in a large group of divers. Method: This survey study included scuba divers older than 18. The questionnaire contained 25 questions about the demographic characteristics of divers, dental health behaviors, and diving-related dental, sinus and/or temporomandibular joint pain Results: The study group consisted of 287 instructors, recreational and commercial divers (mean age 38.96 years) (79.1% males). A total of 46% of divers reported a frequency of tooth brushing less than twice a day; 28% never receive a routine dental examination; 22.6% experienced dental pain after and/or during diving, mostly in the upper posterior teeth (40%); 17% required dental treatment; 77% of these cases are restoration fracture. TMJ symptoms after diving were statistically significantly higher in women (p=0.04). Jaw and masticatory muscle pain in the morning (p<0.001) limitation of mouth opening (p=0.04) and joint sounds in daily life (p<0.001) were recorded as exacerbated after diving; the results were found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: In our study, the localization of barodontalgia was consistent with the distribution of caries and restored tooth areas in the literature. Dive-related TMJ pain was also more common in those with pre-dive problems such as bruxism and joint noise. Our results are important to remind us of the necessity of preventive dentistry practices and early diagnosis of problems in divers. Divers should take personal precautions, such as brushing their teeth twice a day and avoiding the need for urgent treatment. The use of a personalized mouthpiece is also recommended for divers to prevent dive-related temporomandibular joint diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aim. It is known that some members of the genus Convolvulus (C) L. are commonly used in Turkish folk medicine. These species are powerful in curing toothache and joint pains. Due to the limited information on the biological activities of C. aucheri, a species almost exclusively occurring in Turkey, we aimed to investigate the antioxidant and cytotoxic effects of three extracts obtained from the plant, as well as to characterize their phenolic profile. Methods. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by using ABTS, NO, FRAP, phosphomolybdenum, and metal chelating assays. In addition, the bioactive compounds found in the extracts, such as total phenolics, flavonoids, and saponins, were determined. Cytotoxicity was assessed by using the CellTiter-Glo assay on HeLa and H1299 cancer cells. Results. The methanol extract of C. aucheri demonstrated the highest antioxidant activity as well as the highest phenolic, flavonoid, and saponin content. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that the major phenolic compounds in the extract were chlorogenic acid, (+)-catechin, rosmarinic acid, and rutin. The methanolic extract obtained from the aerial parts of C. aucheri was found to interfere with the viability of HeLa cells, with an IC50 value of 14.22 µg/mL being recorded. Conclusion. Our results showed that C. aucheri could be a good candidate as a novel and alternative natural antioxidant and antitumor source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Brucellosis is an important zoonotic disease in developing countries, which can occur with varying clinical findings and cause complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate cases diagnosed with brucellosis that were followed up in our clinic over the last 10 years. Methods  A retrospective evaluation was made of cases diagnosed with brucellosis and then followed up and treated as inpatients or outpatients in our clinic between January 2011 and 2021. Patient data were obtained from the hospital automated records system. Results  This study included 81 cases comprising 43 (53.1%) males and 38 (46.9%) females with a mean age of 10.7 ± 4.5 years (range, 13 months–18 years). There was a history of consuming unpasteurized milk and/or dairy products in 69 (85.2%) patients, living in a rural location in 66 (81.3%), and the family keeping livestock in 49 (60.5%) cases; there was a family history of brucellosis in 31 (38.3%) cases. The most common complaint at presentation was joint pain in 71.6%, the most common finding on physical examination was fever (59.3%), and the most common laboratory finding was elevated C-reactive protein (71.6% of cases). Brucella spp. were isolated from 12 of 43 patients who had blood cultures performed. Complications occurred in 33 (40.7%) cases, most commonly involving the osteoarticular system. Conclusion  Priority should be given to family education about not consuming raw animal products. Animals should be checked, vaccinated, and treated with a multidisciplinary approach. Until the clinical condition in endemic areas is proven to be due to a different cause, patients should be examined with the suspicion that any clinical finding may be due to brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Studies have reported that most post-COVID-19 patients experience post-disease symptoms, but the results of these studies have not been interpreted correctly. The present study aimed to determine the ongoing symptoms and quality of life levels in post-COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional research was carried out with 151 post-COVID-19 patients in Turkey. A sociodemographic data form and the general quality of life scale EQ-5D-5L were used. Results: Most of the participants completed outpatient COVID-19 treatment (93.4%). Of the participants, 84.7% had at least one post-COVID-19 symptom and 41.7% had six or more symptoms. Fatigue (70.9%), joint pain (45.7%), and muscle pain (38.4%) were the most common post-COVID-19 symptoms. The longest-lasting post-COVID-19 symptoms were hair loss (104.2±51.5 days), memory problem (101.9±53.3 days), and depression (96.3±48.6 days). The mean of the visual analog scale was 83.9±16.1 and lower in individuals with six or more post-COVID-19 symptoms (p=0.001). In female participants, post-COVID-19 symptoms increased by 2.7 times (p=0.020). The prevalence of certain COVID-19 symptoms was significantly higher in females (loss of smell, hair loss, and heart palpitation), those aged 40 years and older (intermittent fever), and obese individuals (heart palpitation and intermittent fever). Conclusion: Considering that post-COVID-19 symptoms can be seen in patients with mild illness at a high rate and for a long period of time, patient follow-up should be given importance especially for the females, elderly, and obese. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is one of the most frequent genetic diseases with a frequency of 1/1,000 in our country. We aimed to assess awareness of FMF among caregivers of patients with and without FMF. Materials and Methods: Caregivers of FMF patients (group 1) and other caregivers who were in hospital for other reasons (group 2) were given a questionnaire regarding FMF and the results were compared between the 2 groups. Results: The mean ages were similar between group 1 (n=142) and group 2 (n=207). Female gender and lower educational status were more frequent in group 1. Group 1 was more aware that recurrent fever, joint pain, abdominal pain, and its occurrence in attacks are seen in FMF; and also that the disease is inherited rather than contagious; that a specific treatment exists; that the risk of kidney and heart failure increases when not treated; that attacks are triggered by sleeplessness, tiredness or emotional stress; that colchicine does not provide complete recovery; and that diarrhea is the most common side effect of colchicine (p<0.05). However, awareness about chest pain as a feature, infertility as a complication, non-adherence as a trigger for the disease and the statement that "patients feel healthy between attacks" were similar (p>0.05). Interestingly, group 2 was more aware that different treatment options exist (p=0.04). The total score was higher in group 1 and in participants who only graduated from secondary school or less (p<0.01). Conclusion: Being a caregiver of a patient was associated with a higher level of awareness of FMF regardless of education level, however, they still need to be informed about current developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Clinical features in sarcoidosis are very variable and can present with numerous phenotypes depending on organ involvements, clinical onset (acute, subacute, and chronic) and response to therapy. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical findings, diagnostic methods and treatments of patients with sarcoidosis by 10-years data in our hospital in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out between January 2018 and January 2019. The patients were screened retrospectively from the hospital information system. Clinical details were collected using a structured data collection form. Results: 172 patients were included in our study. 122 (70.9%) were female and 50 (29.1%) were male. The mean age at diagnosis was 50.18 ± 13.73 years in all patients, while female patients’ mean age was 52.86 ± 13.06, male patients’ was 43.66 ± 13.24 (p <0.001). Arthralgia were more common in men than in women (30% vs 12.3%) (p:0.008). 70.9% of patients were diagnosed by EBUS-TBNA. Most of the patients were at the stage 1 (49.4%) and stage 2 (41.3%). Extra-pulmonary system involvements were detected in 27.3% of the cases. 27.9% (n:48) of the patients (n:172) did not come back for regular follow-ups. Among those who did do regular follow-ups (n:124), 24.2% showed spontaneous remission, 30.6% showed stable disease, and 45.2% showed remission with treatment. Conclusion: The general features of the patients were similar to those reported in the literature. In our cases, arthralgia was more common in males. Most significant finding of our study is that the diagnostic method of sarcoidosis seems to have changed after EBUS-TBNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate demographic, clinical, and radiological characteristics of Turkish children with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis. Patients and methods: Between January 2008 and December 2018, a total of 28 patients (10 males, 18 females; median age: 12.5 years; range, 4.5 to 21 years) who were diagnosed with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis in three pediatric rheumatology centers were retrospectively analyzed. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory findings of the patients were recorded. Results: The median age at the time of diagnosis was 10.2 years. The median time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 6.5 months. The median follow-up was 18.5 months. The most frequent symptom at onset was arthralgia (75.0%). The most frequently involved bone was the femur (67.9%). Eight (63.6%) of 12 patients had at least one Mediterranean fever gene (MEFV) mutation, indicating a significantly higher prevalence than the Turkish population (14.8%). Five of these patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). All patients received non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other drugs were methotrexate (46.4%), sulfasalazine (39%), corticosteroids (25%), anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) agents (32%), pamidronate (25%), and colchicine (21.4%). Six of eight patients with MEFV mutations were administered with colchicine, and all of them responded to treatment. Conclusion: Clinical evolution and imaging investigations should be carefully performed to prevent any delay in the diagnosis of patients with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis. Based on our study results, FMF coexistence is worth investigating in patients with chronic non-bacterial osteomyelitis, particularly in the Turkish population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Brucellosis is the most common bacterial zoonosis in all around the world and still a public health threat with high rates of incidence in Turkey. In the present study, we evaluated the brucella infection cases, manifested in Sirnak, one of the regions that brucellosis is common in our country. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data of 83 outpatients and inpatients who admitted infectious disease department of a second-line hospital between dates of October 2017 and December 2018. We have evaluated possible risk factors for brucellosis, complaints of the patients, the initiation time of the complaints, clinical signs, complications and treatment regimes. Results: 61.4% (51/83) of the patients included in the study were female. The mean age of the patients was 35.3 (15-84). Brucella infection was most common among housewives (39.7%) and the most common risk factor was fresh dairy cheese consumption (78.3%). The most common symptom was muscle and joint pain. We have applied 13 different treatment regimens in the form of double and triple drug combinations, and treatment of 13.2% of the patients was switched because of various reasons. 30.1% of the patients infected with brucella had hepatitis and 13.2% had osteoarticular involvement. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.009) and C reactive protein (p = 0.046) were statistically significant high in patients with osteoarticular involvement compared to without. The correlation between higher Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.009), C reactive protein (p = 0.046) values and osteoarticular involvement was statistically significant. Epididymoorchitis was developed in three patients (3,6%). The rate of relapse was 26.5%. Conclusion: Brucella infection should be kept in mind in patients presenting with nonspecific symptoms, especially in areas where brucella infection is common like our region and patients should be examined for brucellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Design: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), enthesitis and/or soft tissue swelling accompany psoriasis in 6-30% of all psoriatic patients. Early recognition of PsA is crucial since it is a serious disabling comorbidity with irreversible complications. Materials and Methods: Patients, who were admitted to the outpatient clinic of Hacettepe University Department of Dermatology between March 2014 and 2015 with plaque psoriasis lacking any prior PsA diagnosis, were enrolled for this study. Demographic data, previous treatment history, laboratory parameters and physical examination of the patients were collected. All patients were examined by the same physician with a rheumatologic questionnaire that consists of five questions about any accompanying rheumatologic complaints. All patients who had at least one positive answer were consulted with the department of rheumatology at the same center. Results: Two hundred and twenty-three patients were included, 58% (n=129) were male and 42% (n=94) were female. The mean age of the patients was 43.46±14.31 years. The mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score was 12.66±9.89 standard deviation. The most common complaint detected by the questionnaire was myalgia/arthralgia at rest in 28% (n=62) of the patients. 30% (n=69) of the patients were consulted to rheumatology for a positive answer on the questionnaire and 24% (n=53) of the patients were evaluated by a rheumatologist. 51% (n=27) of the evaluated patients were diagnosed with a rheumatologic disease which were PsA in 40% (n=21), sacroiliitis in 6% (n=3), ankylosing spondylitis in 4% (n=2), and unspecified connective tissue disease in one patient. Conclusion: The improvement of dermatologist's skills about suspecting, questioning and examining PsA symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis. This study concludes that a standard rheumatologic questionnaire efficiently helps dermatologists to predict PsA in psoriatic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent fever, serositis, abdominal pain, arthritis, arthralgia and erysipelas like erythema. Fas and Fas ligand molecules play a central role in the apoptosis signaling of various cell types including neutrophils. Neutrophils are the major cell population involved in acute inflammation in patients with FMF and the role of Fas and Fas ligand molecules in this cells of FMF patients may be crucial. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to investigate whether the Fas cell surface receptor gene ( FAS ); NM_000043.5: c.-671A > G (rs1800682, MvaI) and Fas ligand gene ( FASLG ), NM_000639.2: c.-844C > T (rs763110, BsrD1) functional polymorphisms in patients with FMF and their relation to the main clinical features of the disease. The polymorphisms in the promoter regions of FAS c.-671A > G and FASLG c.-844C > T were investigated in 97 non-related FMF patients and 70 non-related healthy controls by using PCR-RFLP technique. The frequencies of FAS c-671AG genotype and G allele were not significantly different between FMF patients and healthy subjects. The frequency of FASLG -844TC genotype was found significantly different between the patients with FMF and healthy controls whereas T or C allele frequency was not significantly different between the groups. Haplotype frequencies of the studied polymorphisms were also not significantly different between FMF patients and controls. There were no correlations between the studied FAS c.-671A > G and FASLG c.-844C > T polymorphisms and the main clinical features of FMF such as fever, arthritis, abdominal and chest pain, arthralgia and erysipelas-like erythema. Our findings suggest that FAS c.-671AG genotype or G allele and FASLG c.-844 allele are not to be a risk factor, whereas FASLG c.-844TC genotype may be protective in the studied Turkish population. According to our results we may suggest that although not statistically significant, higher frequencies of FASLG c.-844CC genotype in FMF patients may be related to delayed apoptosis of neutrophils and ultimately cause neutrophilic inflammation by increasing FASLG expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms among Turks and re-settlers with German origin from Russia and to compare those findings with a German group from the same area.Method: Sixty-nine Turkish migrants, 50 re-settlers, and 96 Germans were clinically examined according to a short version of the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) protocol. The subjects participated in a feasibility study of the German National Cohort and were recruited from the study center Heidelberg/Mannheim of the cluster Baden-Württemberg/Saarland.Results: Significant differences emerged between the three ethnic groups for unassisted opening without pain, maximum unassisted opening, and overbite, with highest values for the German group. No significant differences were found for muscle pain on palpation or muscle and joint pain during opening.Discussion: As the authors identified significant differences between the different ethnic groups for metric measurements, it might be beneficial to include questions concerning the ethnicity to the German version of the RDC/TMD for further research, to make the results more comparable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the final Jones criteria, different diagnostic criteria were established for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever for low risk and moderate-high risk populations. Turkey was found to be compatible with moderate-high risk populations as a result of regional screenings performed in terms of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. The changes in the diagnostic criteria for low-risk populations include subclinical carditis found on echocardiogram as a major criterion in addition to carditis found clinically and a body temperature of 38.5°C and above as a minor criterion. In moderate-high risk populations including Turkey, subclinical carditis found on echocardiogram in addition to clinical carditis is used as a major criterion as a new amendment. In addition, aseptic monoarthritis and polyarthralgia are used as major criteria in addition to migratory arthritis and monoarhtralgia is used as a minor criterion among joint findings. However, differentiation of subclinical carditis from physiological valve regurgitation found in healthy individuals and exclusion of other diseases involving joints when aseptic monoarthritis and polyarthralgia are used as major criteria are very important. In addition, a body temperature of 38°C and above and an erythrocyte sedimentation rate of 30 mm/h and above have been accepted as minor criteria. The diagnostic criteria for the first attack have not been changed; three minor findings have been accepted in presence of previous sterptococcal infection in addition to the old cirteria for recurrent attacks. In the final Jones criteria, it has been recommended that patients who do not fully meet the diagnostic criteria of acute rheumatic fever should be treated as acute rheumatic fever if another diagnosis is not considered and should be followed up with benzathine penicilin prophylaxis for 12 months. It has been decided that these patients be evaluated 12 months later and a decision for continuation or discontinuation of prophylaxis should be made. In countries where the disease is prevalent, it is very important for physicians to make an accurate diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever with their own logic and assessment in addition to the criteria proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an inborn error of metabolism caused by the deficiency of homogentisate 1,2-dioxygenase (HGD) as a result of a defect in the HGD gene. HGD enzyme deficiency results in accumulation of homogentisic acid (HGA) in the body, which in turn leads to multisystemic clinical symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the presenting symptoms, age at diagnosis, and clinical and genetic characteristics of AKU patients followed-up in different centers in Turkey. In this cross-sectional, multicenter, descriptive study, medical records of 66 AKU patients were retrospectively evaluated. Patients' data regarding demographic, clinical and genetic characteristics were recorded. HGD database (http://hgddatabase.cvtisr.sk/) was used to identify HGD gene variants. Of the patients, 37 (56.1%) presented with isolated dark urine and 29 (43.9%) were diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms or family screening. One of these patients was on follow-up for 2 years due to Parkinsonism and was diagnosed with AKU on further analyses. Signs of ochronosis such as joint pain, low back pain and renal stones developed in childhood in 7 patients. Eight patients were diagnosed with depression via psychiatric evaluation. There were 14 (21.2%) patients operated on for ochronosis. The most frequent mutation observed in the patients was c.175delA, which was followed by c.674G > A and c.1007-2A > T mutations. Four novel mutations (c.189G > A, c.549+1G > T, c.1188+1G > A, and c.334 T > G) were identified in the patients included in the study. In addition to the known signs such as dark urine and skin pigmentation, symptoms involving different systems such as neurological findings and depression can also be encountered in AKU patients. The presence of a change in urine color needs to be questioned in patients presenting with different symptoms such as arthralgia/arthritis, renal stones or low-back pain, particularly in childhood, when skin ochronosis is not pronounced, and further examination should be performed. • Signs of ochronosis may initiate in childhood in AKU patients. • Black urine should be questioned in the presence of arthralgia, kidney stones, and lumbar pain in childhood. • As black urine may be misdiagnosed as hematuria, AKU should be kept in mind in children admitting with black urine. • Adult AKU patients may be presented with neurological symptoms like Parkinsonism. • Depression is one of the psychiatric findings seen in in AKU patients in all ages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are concerns about the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection and recently, a patient with SARS-CoV-2 re-infection (or COVID-19) confirmed by epidemiological, clinical, serological and genomic analyses have been published. We have noticed another patient with SARS-CoV-2 re-infection based on clinical and laboratory studies: A 23-year-old woman presented to her hospital with fever (39°C), chills, fatigue, cough, headache, sore throat, muscle and joint pain on April 9, 2020. On examination, oropharynx was mildly hyperemic, and chest auscultation was normal. SARS-CoV-2 PCR from nasopharyngeal specimen was ordered. She was given isotonic saline and acetaminophen and prescribed azithromycin and acetaminophen and sent home for isolation. SARS-CoV-2 PCR was reported positive and she was given hydroxychloroquine for five days. She improved in 10 days and PCR studies on April 22, and April 27 remained negative. On 4 August 2020, she was re-admitted with fever (38.7°C), chills, fatigue, loss of appetite, taste and smell loss, muscle and joint pain. On examination, oropharynx and chest auscultation were normal. SARS-CoV-2 PCR was reported positive and she was prescribed hydroxychloroquine, acetaminophen and sent home for isolation again. She improved in one week (taste-smell loss improved in 10 days) and on follow-up visit after 14 days, she was doing well. PCR was negative on 17 August 2020. Her anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were negative on 17 August 2020 and slightly positive (2.14 signal-to-cutoff) on 29 August 2020. Previous report from To et al. [Clin Infect Dis. 2020;ciaa1275. doi:10.1093/cid/ciaa1275] showed that viral genomes from first and second episodes belonged to different clades/lineages. They described second episode of asymptomatic infection occurred 142 day after the first symptomatic one. Our patient is the first report, describing two symptomatic episodes 116 days apart. We conclude that as the patients recovered from COVID-19 increases, increased awareness may delineate the characteristics of re-infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms among Turks and re-settlers with German origin from Russia and to compare those findings with a German group from the same area., Method: Sixty-nine Turkish migrants, 50 re-settlers, and 96 Germans were clinically examined according to a short version of the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDC/TMD) protocol. The subjects participated in a feasibility study of the German National Cohort and were recruited from the study center Heidelberg/Mannheim of the cluster Baden-Württemberg/Saarland., Results: Significant differences emerged between the three ethnic groups for unassisted opening without pain, maximum unassisted opening, and overbite, with highest values for the German group. No significant differences were found for muscle pain on palpation or muscle and joint pain during opening., Discussion: As the authors identified significant differences between the different ethnic groups for metric measurements, it might be beneficial to include questions concerning the ethnicity to the German version of the RDC/TMD for further research, to make the results more comparable.