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Objectives:To evaluate the use of the Amsler grid test (AGT) in screening for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most common causes of blindness, in primary healthcare settings.Materials and Methods:The AGT was applied to 700 eyes of 355 people aged 50 and over who applied to a family health center in Ankara and had no eye complaints. The test was considered positive if the lines on the AGT card were seen as broken or curved, there was a difference in shape or size between the squares, or a color change or blurring was described in any area. An ophthalmologist was consulted if the AGT was positive in one or both eyes. Patients considered suitable by ophthalmologists were evaluated with optical coherence tomography. AGT results were compared with ophthalmologist examination and tomography findings in terms of AMD detection.Results:The AGT was positive in 97 (13.9%) and negative in 603 (86.1%) out of 700 eyes included in the study. A total of 184 eyes, 79 with a positive AGT and 105 eyes with a negative test, were evaluated by an ophthalmologist. As a result of examinations and tests performed by ophthalmologists, AMD was detected in a total of 67 eyes: 42 of 79 eyes with positive AGT and 25 of 105 eyes with negative AGT but referred to an ophthalmologist for different reasons. In our study, the AGT had 62.7% sensitivity and 68.4% specificity.Conclusion:The AGT is an inexpensive and easily applicable test. Although moderate sensitivity and specificity were found in our study; further studies are needed to evaluate the suitability of its use for AMD screening in primary care with limited facilities.

المخلص: أهداف البحث: العلاج بالاستنشاق هو العلاج المفضل لأمراض الرئة الانسدادي مثل الربو ومرض الانسداد الرئوي المزمن. ومع ذلك، فإن أقصى فائدة من العلاج تعتمد على الاستخدام الصحيح لأجهزة الاستنشاق. في هذه الدراسة، كان هدفنا الأساسي هو تقييم تقنيات استخدام أجهزة الاستنشاق لدى مرضى الربو ومرض الانسداد الرئوي المزمن من أجل تحديد الأخطاء. أيضا، قمنا بفحص تأثير المعلمات المحتملة على معدل إساءة الاستخدام. طرق البحث: تم تسجيل ما مجموعه 300 من مرضى الربو / مرض الانسداد الرئوي المزمن، الذين قدموا عيادات أمراض الصدر وطب الأسرة للمرضى الخارجيين في مستشفى ثالث يقع في أنقرة - تركيا ، في الدراسة. استخدمنا استطلاعًا وجهاً لوجه تضمن أسئلة حول الميزات الاجتماعية والديموغرافية والعلاج بالاستنشاق. بعد ذلك، طلبنا من المرضى توضيح كيفية استخدامهم لأجهزة الاستنشاق وتقييم تقنية الاستنشاق الخاصة بهم بسبب قوائم المراجعة. النتائج: من بين جميع المرضى، كان 70.2٪ يستخدمون أدوية الاستنشاق بشكل غير صحيح. كان معدل إساءة الاستخدام بين مستخدمي أجهزة الاستنشاق بالجرعات المقننة أعلى مقارنة بمستخدمي أجهزة الاستنشاق بالمسحوق الجاف (77.6٪ مقابل 64٪). عند مقارنة أجهزة الاستنشاق بالمسحوق الجاف فيما بينها، كانت معدلات إساءة الاستخدام أعلى بشكل ملحوظ في مستخدمي هانديهالر ومستخدمي أجهزة الاستنشاق ديسكس مقارنة بمستخدمي سانوهالر. تم العثور على الجنس ونوع المرض (الربو / مرض الانسداد الرئوي المزمن) ومدة استخدام جهاز الاستنشاق ومدة المرض ليس لها أي تأثير على سوء الاستخدام. ومع ذلك، فإن العمر المتقدم (> 60 سنة)، ومستوى التعليم الأدنى من المدرسة الثانوية، واستخدام أجهزة الاستنشاق بالجرعات المقننة كانت من العوامل المرتبطة بسوء الاستخدام. كان الخطأ الأكثر شيوعا هو ''عدم التنفس قبل الاستنشاق'' لجميع أنواع الأجهزة (بالنسبة إلى أجهزة الاستنشاق بالجرعات المقننة: 66.7٪ ، و أجهزة الاستنشاق بالمسحوق الجاف: 71.1-82.8٪). الاستنتاجات: تم العثور على معدل إساءة استخدام العقاقير المستنشقة لتكون عالية. من شأن تحديد العوامل المرتبطة بسوء الاستخدام أن يوفر عناصر لتنفيذ الإجراءات لتقليل معدلات فشل العلاج. Abstract: Objectives: Inhaled therapy is the treatment of choice for obstructive lung diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the maximum benefit from such therapy depends on the correct use of inhaler devices. In this study, our primary aim was to evaluate inhaler techniques in patients with asthma and COPD in order to identify common errors. In addition, we investigated the effect of various parameters on the rate of inhaler misuse. Methods: We enrolled a total of 300 asthma/COPD patients, who presented at the Chest Diseases and Family Medicine Outpatient Clinics of a tertiary hospital located in Ankara, Turkey. We used a face-to-face survey that included questions about sociodemographic features and inhaler therapy. Subsequently, we requested patients to demonstrate how they use their inhalers and assessed their inhalation technique according to checklists. Results: Of the 300 patients, 70.2% used their inhaler drugs incorrectly. The rate of misuse among metered dose inhaler (MDI) users was significantly higher than those using dry powder inhalers (DPIs) (77.6% vs 64%; p = 0.002). When DPI devices were analyzed, the rates of misuse were significantly higher in Handihaler users (p = 0.012) and Diskus inhaler users (p = 0.009) when compared to Sanohaler users. Gender, type of disease (asthma/COPD), duration of inhaler use, and duration of illness had no impact on the rate of misuse. However, an advanced age (>60 years old), a level of education lower than high school, and the use of MDI were all identified as factors associated with misuse. The most common mistake was ‘failing to breath out before inhalation’ for all types of devices (for MDI: 66.7%, and for DPI: 71.1–82.8%). Conclusions: The rate of inhaler drug misuse was high. The identification of factors associated with misuse could provide information to implement appropriate actions to reduce the rates of misuse.

Background: Premature ovarian failure describes women under 40 who usually present with amenorrhea, hypergonadotropic hypogonadism, and infertility. Quercetin is an antioxidant flavonol. Quercetin’s oxidative, kinase and cell cycle inhibitor activities are known. Our study aimed to examine the efficacy of Quercetin on premature ovarian failure. Methods: Forty-eight regular-cycled adult female Wistar rats weighing 200 ± 40 grams, 10–12 weeks old, were used in the study. They were randomly divided into four groups with 12 animals. Four groups are Control, Cyclophosphamide, Cyclophosphamide + Quercetin (100 mg/kg) and Quercetin (100 mg/kg) groups. At the end of the experiment, the ovarian tissues were quickly removed. Follicles were counted to determine the ovarian reserve. Serum was extracted, and an Anti-Müllerian hormone analysis was performed. RT-PCR (reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction) from ovarian tissue performed mRNA expression analysis of the Ddx4 gene. Results: As a result of Cyclophosphamide administration, it was determined that there was a decrease in both early-stage follicles and total follicles. This decrease was also statistically significant (p < 0.05). Anti-Müllerian hormone levels were significantly lower in the group given Cyclophosphamide (p < 0.01). On the histological examination, the number of early-stage and total follicles was significantly decreased in the Cyclophosphamide group compared to the control group, and those of the Cyclophosphamide + Quercetin were very close to that of the control group. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were also significantly lower in the Cyclophosphamide group compared to the control, but they were recovered to the level of the control group by Quercetin treatment. Conclusions: Our study may prove that Quercetin can protect ovarian function against Cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage.

Introduction: Epicardial adipose tissue serves as a source of inflammatory cytokines and mediators. Cytokine storm is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Objectives: To investigate the association between epicardial fat volume (EFV), inflammatory biomarkers and clinical severity of COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective study included 101 patients who were infected with COVID-19. Serum inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) and ferritin levels were measured. Computed tomography images were analyzed and semi-automated measurements for EFV were obtained. The primary composite endpoint was admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) or death. Results: The primary composite endpoint occurred in 25.1% (n=26) of patients (mean age 64.8±14.8 years, 14 male). A total of 10 patients died. EFV, CRP, PCT, ferritin and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in ICU patients. Moreover, a positive correlation was determined between EFV and CRP (r: 0.494, p102 cm3 were more likely to have severe complications. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, EFV independently predicted admission to the ICU at a significant level (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.03, p=0.025). Conclusion: EFV and serum CRP, IL-6, PCT and ferritin levels can effectively assess disease severity and predict the outcome in patients with COVID-19. EFV is an independent predictor of admission to the ICU in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Resumo: Introdução: O tecido adiposo epicárdico é fonte de citocinas inflamatórias e mediadores. A tempestade de citocinas é uma importante causa de morbilidade e mortalidade na doença coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19). Objetivos: Investigar a associação entre volume adiposo epicárdico (VAE), biomarcadores inflamatórios e gravidade clínica da COVID-19. Métodos: Este estudo retrospetivo incluiu 101 doentes infetados com COVID-19. Foram avaliados biomarcadores inflamatórios séricos, incluindo os níveis de proteína C-reativa (PCR), de interleucina-6 (IL-6), de procalcitonina (PCT) e de ferritina. Foram analisadas imagens de tomografia computorizada (TC) e foram obtidas medições semi-automáticas do VAE. O endpoint primário composto foi a admissão na unidade de cuidados intensivos (UCI) ou morte. Resultados: O endpoint primário ocorreu em 25,1% (n=26) dos doentes (idade média 64,8±14,8 anos, 14 homens). Um total de 10 doentes morreu. Os níveis de VAE, PCR, PCT, ferritina e IL-6 foram significativamente superiores nos doentes internados na UCI. Além disso, verificou-se uma correlação positiva entre o VAE e a PCR (r: 0,494, p102 cm3 tinham maior probabilidade de ter complicações graves. Conclusão: O VAE e os níveis séricos de PCR, IL-6, PCT e ferritina podem avaliar a gravidade da doença e prever o resultado em doentes com COVID-19. O VAE constitui um fator preditivo na admissão dos doentes hospitalizados com COVID-19 numa UCI.

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLWH) have a higher incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than the general population due to the mode of transmission. Through this study, we analyzed the prevalence of STIs among PLWH, and identified the sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral risk factors associated with the occurrence of infections. By this, we can design preventive strategies and raise awareness among clinicians and PLWH. Materials and Methods: We included PLWH aged ≥18 years and were admitted to an infectious diseases clinic between 2018 and 2020 in this prospective descriptive study. Data was obtained from participants using an epidemiological questionnaire including their sociodemographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. Furthermore, they were tested for Treponema pallidum, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus using ELISA, and for Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) and Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) using multiplex PCR. We recruited 200 PLWH amongst whom 106 (53%) were men having sex with men (MSM) and 69 (34.5%) were heterosexual men. Results: We noted that 25.5% of the participants had at least one STI. These include syphilis (19.5%), infection with MG (3.5%), infection with TV (2%), gonorrhea (1%), and infection with CT (1%). The prevalence of syphillis was significantly higher among MSM (p

Aim:Microvasculopathy is one of the suspected complications in Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Nailfold capillaroscopy is a noninvasive method used to evaluate microvascularity. It can be a guide in detecting endothelial dysfunction and microvasculopathy in COVID-19 patients.Materials and Methods:Severe acute respiratory syndrome-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction positive 54 patients were evaluated. The 2nd-5th digits of both hands were investigated by nailfold capillaroscopy. Capillary density, capillary architecture and capillary morphology were recorded. Patients with abnormal and normal nailfold capillaroscopy findings were compared in terms of COVID-19 clinical symptoms.Results:Of the patients included in the study, 72% were male and the mean age was 35.6±11.6 years. In total, 22 patients (41%) had at least 1 abnormal capillaroscopy change. Diffuse capillaroscopic abnormalities were as follows: pericapillary edema 43%, enlarged and dilated capillaries 24%, and tortiosteal capillaries 22%. Hyperinflammatory response was observed in 17% of the patients and intensive care was required in only 1 patient. The frequency of hyperinflammatory response, anticytokine use and thrombosis increased in patients with abnormal capillaroscopyConclusion:Abnormal capillaroscopy findings were found to be frequent in COVID-19 patients. Higher rates of the hyperinflammatory response and anticytokine drug use in patients with abnormal nailfold findings suggest that there may be a relationship between hyperinflammation and microvasculopathy in COVID-19. Further studies are needed to evaluate the clinical relevance of nailfold abnormalities with clinical manifestations of COVID-19 disease.

BACKGROUND: Long-COVID refers to a variety of symptoms that continue for at least 4 weeks following the onset of acute COVID-19 infection. "Microclots/microvasculopathy" is a potential cutting-edge theory. Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive method used to assess microvascularity. In this study, we aimed to compare baseline characteristics and capillaroscopic findings of patients with and without long-COVID syndrome. METHODS: Baseline clinical characteristics of 53 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were recorded. At the time of COVID-19 diagnosis, patients underwent nailfold capillaroscopy. One year later, patients were rescreened for long-COVID symptoms. Comparisons were made between patients with and without long-COVID syndrome in terms of their baseline characteristics and capillaroscopic findings. RESULTS: There were 35 individuals (66%) with long-COVID syndrome. The most common symptoms related to long-COVID were fatigue (43.4%), myalgia (34%), arthralgia (20.8%), dyspnea (20.8%). In total, 22 patients (41.5%) had abnormal capillaroscopy findings. Like other baseline characteristics, the proportion of patients with abnormal capillaroscopic findings (40% vs 44%, p=0.76) was similar between patients with and without long-COVID syndrome. CONCLUSION: Microvasculopathy and microthrombotic vascular damage are among the strongest hypotheses discussed in this regard. Our results may suggest that factors, rather than baseline microvasculopathy, may drive pathophysiological mechanism underlying the poorly understood long-COVID syndrome [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical presentations, outcomes, and changes over 8 years period of infective endocarditis (IE) patients in a tertiary hospital in Turkey and to identify predictors of mortality. Materials and Methods: All adult patients who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of definite IE were included in the study. The data were analyzed both collectively and separately in two consecutive four-year periods i.e. 2010-2013 and 2014-2017. Results: There were 72 IE cases in the study. Male/female ratio was 1.57:1 (44 males,28 females). The mean age of the patients was 48.5±17.6 years. Staphylococci were the most common agents (44%). Independent predictors of mortality were heart failure, the invasive procedure before IE, and lower platelet level. Increased invasive procedures before IE and enterococcal endocarditis were found significantly to be higher during the last period (2014-2017). Conclusions: IE is still a serious and deadly disease in the 21st century. Our data indicate that invasive procedures have been increasing before IE and this increase with associated poor prognosis.

Abstract Background Early identification of severe COVID-19 patients who will need intensive care unit (ICU) follow-up and providing rapid, aggressive supportive care may reduce mortality and provide optimal use of medical resources. We aimed to develop and validate a nomogram to predict severe COVID-19 cases that would need ICU follow-up based on available and accessible patient values. Methods Patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 between March 15, 2020, and June 15, 2020, were enrolled in this retrospective study with 35 variables obtained upon admission considered. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to select potential predictive parameters using 1000 bootstrap samples. Afterward, a nomogram was developed with 5 variables selected from multivariable analysis. The nomogram model was evaluated by Area Under the Curve (AUC) and bias-corrected Harrell's C-index with 95% confidence interval, Hosmer–Lemeshow Goodness-of-fit test, and calibration curve analysis. Results Out of a total of 1022 patients, 686 cases without missing data were used to construct the nomogram. Of the 686, 104 needed ICU follow-up. The final model includes oxygen saturation, CRP, PCT, LDH, troponin as independent factors for the prediction of need for ICU admission. The model has good predictive power with an AUC of 0.93 (0.902–0.950) and a bias-corrected Harrell's C-index of 0.91 (0.899–0.947). Hosmer–Lemeshow test p-value was 0.826 and the model is well-calibrated (p = 0.1703). Conclusion We developed a simple, accessible, easy-to-use nomogram with good distinctive power for severe illness requiring ICU follow-up. Clinicians can easily predict the course of COVID-19 and decide the procedure and facility of further follow-up by using clinical and laboratory values of patients available upon admission.

BackgroundThe aim of the study is to assess the effect of chronic lung disease on mortality in patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of prevariant COVID-19 Pneumonia compared to patients without chronic lung disease.Research design and methodsA cohort of 1,549 patients admitted to the pandemic clinic with a COVID-19 Pneumonia diagnosis was analyzed. Group 1 and Group 2 were compared in terms of the treatment they received, admission to intensive care, mortality and follow-up parameters.ResultsThe patient group with COVID-19 and lung disease consisted of 231 participants (14.91%) (Group 1). The patient group with COVID-19 but without lung disease had 1,318 participants (85.19%). Group 1 cases were found to receive more oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation than Group 2 cases (p ≤ 0.001), Following univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses, it was determined that patients with chronic lung disease had a 25.76% higher mortality risk [OR: 25.763, 95% CI (Lower-Upper) (2.445–271.465), p = 0.007].ConclusionIt was found that chronic lung disease contributed significantly to mortality in this study. Among chronic lung diseases, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), lung cancer and interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) were shown to be more effective than other chronic lung diseases in patients with prevariant COVİD-19 population.

Objectives: Anti-osteoporotic drugs (AOD) are essential for secondary prevention of osteoporotic fracture (OF) in patients with established osteoporosis. However, data about AOD utilization rates are scarce among patients with OF. This study was therefore aimed at determining the AOD utilization rates among those particularly vulnerable patients. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study followed the medical records of patients with OF starting from their first OF diagnosis date. Each patient’s preventive osteoporosis treatments (vitamin D, calcium+vitamin D) and AOD utilization rate were recorded for a 12-month period following OF diagnosis. Results: A total of 210 patients (168 females, mean age: 67.8±11.9 years; 42 males, mean age 62.4±16.1 years) were enrolled in the study. Of these, 65.7% (n=138) did not use any medication for primary protection against osteoporosis before OF diagnosis. The ratio of patients not using any type of medication for secondary prevention after OF increased from 26.5% to 51% during a 12-month period. In addition, by one year following diagnosis, AOD usage rate had decreased from 62.3% to 41.3%. Conclusion: The AOD usage rates for secondary prevention of OF were insufficient, and cessation rates were high. Identification of factors associated with decreased AOD utility rates will provide important information for guiding patient follow-up in order to reduce the occurrence of OF.

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of eprinomectin, moxidectin and fenbendazole for treating Dentostomella translucida infections in naturally infected Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).Methods:A total of 28 gerbils were placed in individually numbered cages to determine the individual animal parasite load. Eggs per gram (EPG) counts were used to estimate the efficacy of the drugs. The day before the anthelmintic administration was denoted as day 0, and the EPG counts were determined by the McMaster technique from the stool removed from the cage bottom on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. The animals were assigned to one of four treatment groups according to their day 0 EPG counts. The orally administered drugs in the treatment groups were eprinomectin (15 mg/kg), moxidectin (0.4 mg/kg) and fenbendazole (12 mg/kg) for groups 1-3, respectively. The fourth group served as the control (without any drug administration).Results:Treatment efficacy was evaluated based on weekly EPG counts. The values decreased to zero in the fenbendazole group at 4 weeks of follow-up after treatment, and no parasite was found in any of the repeated examinations. The eprinomectin and moxidectin groups exhibited a fluctuating EPG state on both individual and group basis.Conclusion:D. translucida, which is known as the specific parasite of gerbils, can easily affect other members of the animal colony; thus, the control of its presence in gerbil breeding units is necessary. Therefore, the reported effective drug treatments are important for the fight against the investigated parasitic infection.

Background: In this study, we aimed to compare the intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate of hospitalized mild/moderate COVID-19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), favipiravir, and HCQ plus favipiravir. Methods: Single center retrospective designed observational study conducted in Ankara City Hospital. Patients who were hospitalized between March 15, 2020 and June 1, 2020 in COVID-19 inpatient clinics with laboratory confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 were included in the study. An inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) for multiple treatment groups approach was used to balance the differences in several variables on admission. Results: Among 2441 patients hospitalized with diagnosis of COVID-19 during the study period, 824 were eligible for the analysis. Median age of patients was 42 (18−93 years). Among all, 347 (43.2%) of the patients had mild disease, 470 (56.8%) had pneumonia. Propensity scores ranged from 0.1841 to 0.9381 in the HCQ group, from 0.03643 to 0.29885 in the favipiravir group, and from 0.03542 to 0.56184 in the HCQ plus favipiravir group. After IPTW for multiple treatment groups was applied, all the covariates in the planned propensity score had weighted standardized effect sizes below 10% which were ranged from 0.005 to 0.092. Multivariate analysis of treatment effect (adjusted effect of treatment) was indicated that there is no statistically significant difference between HCQ, favipiravir, and HCQ plus favipiravir treatment. After using combination of SMOTE and Bootstrap resampling approach, we found no statistically significant difference between HCQ and HCQ plus favipiravir groups in terms of ICU admission. However, compared with the HCQ group, ICU admission rate was statistically significantly higher in the favipiravir group. We obtained the similar results after the sensitivity analysis. Conclusions: HCQ with or without favipiravir treatment is associated with reduced risk of ICU admission compared to favipiravir alone in mild to moderate COVID-19 adult patients.

Aim: Studies of the effects of COVID‐19, especially post‐acute COVID‐19 syndrome, on psychological health in non‐severe cases are limited. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence and associated risk factors of psychological symptoms, and quality‐of‐life in three groups of outpatients, hospitalized and intensive care patients. Methods: A total 276 patients, previously confirmed with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, attending the COVID‐19 follow‐up outpatient clinic from December 2020 to July 2021 were interviewed face‐to‐face. In this cross‐sectional, retrospective study, all participants were asked our self‐designed demographic and screening questions to assess their psychological symptoms and administered the WHQOOL‐BREF survey to evaluate quality of life. Results: In screening questions, major depressive disorder symptoms were detected at a rate of 20.3%, generalized anxiety disorder symptoms at a rate of 16.7%, panic attack symptoms at a rate of 10.9%, post‐traumatic stress disorder symptoms at a rate of 28.6% and obsessive‐compulsive disorder symptoms at a rate of 18.1%. The outpatient group with COVID‐19 infection had a higher risk of developing psychological symptoms and decreased quality of life. Conclusion: COVID‐19 infection was found to have a considerable psychological impact on those treated as outpatients despite the less severe course of their illness. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Post‐intensive care syndrome affects physical, cognitive and psychological health.It is associated with symptoms such as generalized weakness, memory disturbances, cognitive function impairment, depression, anxiety and post‐traumatic stress disorder.Some physical and psychological symptoms persist for over 12 weeks in some patients and have been classified as 'Post‐acute COVID‐19 Condition or Syndrome' (PCS). What this paper adds? At the post‐acute‐COVID‐19 period, a considerable number of outpatients with COVID‐19 infection were at higher risk for psychological distress symptoms than those who had been treated in the hospital or intensive care unit.Depression, anxiety, panic disorder and PTSD symptoms were found to be higher in outpatients and those with these symptoms were also shown to have a lower quality of life.Our findings highlight the significant psychological impact of COVID‐19 on patients, even after their reported recovery from the acute manifestations of this disease. The implications of this paper: Ongoing psychological symptoms in the post‐COVID period are not associated with the severity of the disease in the acute phase.It is important that healthcare professionals are equally concerned not only with physical condition of post‐COVID‐19 patients but also with their psychological state and the patient's psychology‐related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to examine the relationship between decision-making processes and other cognitive characteristics associated with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) in comparison with healthy controls by using the neurocognitive tests. Method: The sample of the study consists of the patient group diagnosed with BPD (n=27) and the voluntary participants without any psychiatric diagnosis (n=28). Borderline Personality Inventory (BPI) was used for psychiatric evaluation, and Iowa Gambling Test (IGT), Stroop Test, Benton Face Recognition Test, Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Dokuz Eylül Theory of Mind Scale (DEToM), WMS-R Digit Span and Logical Memory Subscales were administered for neuropsychological examination. Results: A significant difference was found between the BPD and the control group in BPI scores (p=0.02). There were no significant differences on the duration of interference and the number of errors in the Stroop Test, but it was observed that the number of spontaneous correction responses differed significantly (p=0.02) between the groups. A significant difference was revealed (p<0.01) in the immediate recall scores of the WMS-R Logical Memory (subtest story A) between the groups. There were also differences in the Iowa Gambling Test between the groups in the response tendency to choose from deck A (p=0.028) in the first half and from deck B (p=0.03) in the second half of the test. Finally, among the total scores of DEToM there was significant difference between the two groups (p<0.01), and this difference was prominent in the second-degree false belief (p=0.024) and empathy (p=0.027) tasks. Conclusion: As a result of our study, it was concluded that individuals with BPD have minimal difficulty in inhibiting inappropriate response, and this difficulty is related to making disadvantageous choices in decision-making behavior. While BPD group was successful in predicting mental states from external cues in terms of social cognition, however, it was observed that they had difficulty integrating cues within a social pattern and making coherent narratives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening is strongly recommended in the pre-transplant evaluation of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, although it remains inadequate in many transplant centers. We decided to investigate pre-transplant TB risk assessment, LTBI treatment, and registry rates in Türkiye. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult SOT recipients who underwent tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon-gamma release test (IGRA) from 14 centers between 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. An induration of ≥5 mm on TST and/or probable/positive IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB) was considered positive for LTBI. Demographic features, LTBI screening and treatment, and pre-/post-transplant TB history were recorded from the electronic database of transplantation units across the country and pooled at a single center for a unified database. RESULTS: TST and/or IGRA were performed in 766 (33.8%) of 2266 screened patients most of whom were kidney transplant recipients (n = 485, 63.4%). LTBI screening test was positive in 359 (46.9%) patients, and isoniazid was given to 203 (56.5%) patients. Of the patients treated for LTBI, 112 (55.2%) were registered in the national registry, and 82 (73.2%) completed the treatment. Tuberculosis developed in 6 (1.06%) of 563 patients who were not offered LTBI treatment. CONCLUSION: We determined that overall, only one-third of SOT recipients in our country were evaluated in terms of TB risk, only 1 of the 2 SOT recipients with LTBI received treatment, and half were registered. Therefore, we want to emphasize the critical importance of pretransplant TB risk stratification and registration, guided by revised national guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a global health problem causing morbidity and mortality. It has a clinical spectrum ranging from an absence of symptoms to acute respiratory distress syndrome. A new COVID-19-related clinical finding is published daily. We report here a patient with COVID-19 and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis and no deep vein thrombosis or any underlying predisposing factors for hypercoagulation.

Introduction and aim. Although increasing vaccination rates among healthcare workers (HCWs) is crucial for protecting their own health and preventing the spread of infections to patients, vaccination rates remain low. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of healthcare workers concerning seasonal influenza vaccination in a training and research hospital in Türkiye. Material and methods. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 364 healthcare workers working in a training and research hospital in Ankara, Türkiye. A face-to-face questionnaire was completed by selected participants that included questions about their sociodemographic characteristics, receiving seasonal influenza vaccination, reasons for not receiving vaccination, attitudes and behavior towards seasonal influenza vaccination recommendations for their surroundings, knowledge of who should get the vaccine, and their immunization history. Results. Among the participants, 58.5% stated that they had never received an influenza vaccination, 35.7% mentioned not receiving the regular influenza vaccination, and only 5.8% reported receiving the influenza vaccination regularly every year. Reasons for not getting vaccinated included not trusting the influenza vaccine's protection (60.1%), not believing they are in the risk group (38.9%), and not finding a suitable time to get vaccinated (36.1%). A total of 57.1% of the healthcare workers recommended the influenza vaccine for their surroundings. Conclusion. Influenza vaccination rates among healthcare workers are quite low. To maximize influenza vaccine uptake, awareness programs are needed to correct the misconceptions health care workers have about the vaccine, and diverse strategies should be implemented to encourage them to get vaccinated, thereby promoting influenza vaccination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Long-term consequences of COVID-19 vary widely, representing a growing global health challenge. The aim of this report was to define the presence of symptoms in post-acute-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) patients and to assess the frequency, associated factors, and the spectrum of persistent symptoms. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 487 adults with a previously diagnosed “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2” (SARS-CoV-2) who admitted to COVID-19 follow-up outpatient clinic between December 1, 2020 and November 31, 2021 were interviewed face-to-face three times. Data was collected on patient demographics, comorbidities, and symptoms. A questionnaire of 160 questions was asked and organized into the following: identification and consent, socio-demographic/ epidemiological characteristics, previous medical history, diagnosis and clinical presentation of acute COVID-19, as well as systematic symptoms. Data were evaluated using univariate comparisons and multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: The most prevalent symptoms among all PCS patients during their initial visit were dyspnea, weakness, forgetfulness, fatigue, and arthralgia respectively. The most common symptoms in patients with 6 months or more time from discharge to follow-up at the first and second visits, appear to be persistent. While incidence rates decreased by the third visit, the five most common symptoms remained the same. The possibility of weakness and arthralgia was found to be higher in non-hospitalized patients. Females were associated with the most common persistent symptoms and the strongest association was with arthralgia. CONCLUSION: A large number of COVID-19 survivors had continuing symptoms at the first year of post-COVID-19-infection. Neither the presence of comorbidities of the patient nor smoking status were associated with the severity of PCS symptoms. A better understanding of the mechanisms, predisposing factors and evaluation require a multidisciplinary team approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective properties of betanin in rats exposed to Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles. An experimental animal study was conducted on 40 Spraque Dawley rats. The rats were studied in 4 groups (n = 10). Group I: Control group, Group II: TiO2 group (250 mg/kg/bw), Group III: TiO2 + Betanin group (250 mg/kg/bw TiO2 + Betanin; 100 µg/ml), Group IV: Betanin group (100 µg/ml). After 28 days of application, blood and liver tissue samples of the rats were collected. Total Antioxidant Status (TAS, mmol Trolox Eq/L), Total Oxidant Status (TOS, µmol H2O2 Eq/L), Paraoxonase (PON, U/L), Total thiol (μmol/L), Nitric oxide (NO, µmol/L), Malondialdehyde (MDA, nM/ml) and Catalase (CAT, U/mg protein) activity levels in the blood and liver tissue measured. Liver tissue samples were evaluated by immunohistochemical methods (Caspase-3 and 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine) and hematoxylin-eosin staining. As a result, a significant (p < 0.001) increase in the mean oxidant parameters and a significant (p < 0.001) decrease in the antioxidant parameters were determined in the TiO2 group when compared to the control group. Caspaze-3 and 8-OHdG histopathological results findings indicated a similar situation. However, it was determined that TiO2 damage was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in rats to which TiO2 and betanin were administered together. In addition, the highest antioxidant levels and low histopathological damage were determined among all groups in the betanin-only group. Betanin (C24H26N2O13) shows protective activity in oxidative tissue damage caused by TiO2 nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the use of the Amsler grid test (AGT) in screening for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the most common causes of blindness, in primary healthcare settings. Materials and Methods: The AGT was applied to 700 eyes of 355 people aged 50 and over who applied to a family health center in Ankara and had no eye complaints. The test was considered positive if the lines on the AGT card were seen as broken or curved, there was a difference in shape or size between the squares, or a color change or blurring was described in any area. An ophthalmologist was consulted if the AGT was positive in one or both eyes. Patients considered suitable by ophthalmologists were evaluated with optical coherence tomography. AGT results were compared with ophthalmologist examination and tomography findings in terms of AMD detection. Results: The AGT was positive in 97 (13.9%) and negative in 603 (86.1%) out of 700 eyes included in the study. A total of 184 eyes, 79 with a positive AGT and 105 eyes with a negative test, were evaluated by an ophthalmologist. As a result of examinations and tests performed by ophthalmologists, AMD was detected in a total of 67 eyes: 42 of 79 eyes with positive AGT and 25 of 105 eyes with negative AGT but referred to an ophthalmologist for different reasons. In our study, the AGT had 62.7% sensitivity and 68.4% specificity. Conclusion: The AGT is an inexpensive and easily applicable test. Although moderate sensitivity and specificity were found in our study; further studies are needed to evaluate the suitability of its use for AMD screening in primary care with limited facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the level of awareness, regarding the importance of breast self examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography, and the effects of education on these issues among patients who applied to family medicine outpatient clinic for follow-up or treatment purposes. Methods: This study was done by establishing a questionnaire form, after review of necessary litetarure, to be applied in patients who applied for follow-up or treatment in a district polyclinic affiliated to the department of family medicine of a tertiary care center in Ankara. Results: A total of 434 women aged between 18-56 years participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 36.62±9,21 years. Although 258 (59.4%) of the participants reported that they performed BSE. 176 participants (40.6%) stated that they did not perform a BSE. The 38.2% of the participants have undergone a CBE and the 24 % of women expressed that they underwent a mammography.The frequency of BSE, CBE and undergoing mammography has been shown to increase significantly as education level increases. The rates of having a CBE and a mammography were also found to be statistically significantly higher in patients who had a family member with breast cancer. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that the level of education was important for awareness on the early diagnosis of breast cancer. Thanks to efforts to increase educational level, we can get promising achievements regarding the awareness of both BSE, CBE and mammography performances.