Search

BackgroundGovernments across the globe have taken different measures to handle the Covid-19 outbreak since it began in early 2020. Countries implemented various policies and restrictive measures to prevent transmission of the virus, reduce the impacts of the outbreak (i.e., individual, social, and economic), and provide effective control measures. Although it has been over one year since the outbreak started, few studies have examined the long-term effects of the pandemic. Furthermore, researchers need to examine which government intervention variables are the most, and least, effective. Such analysis is critical to determine the best practices in support of policy decisions.MethodsVisual exploratory data analysis (V-EDA) offers a user-friendly data visualization model to evaluate the impact of the pandemic. It allows one to observe visual patterns of trends. The V-EDA was conducted on one year data for the COVID-19 Pandemic, one year after the outbreak between 1 January and 31 December, 2020. The data were analyzed using the student’s t-test to verify if there was a statistical difference between two independent groups, and the Spearman test was also used to analyze the correlation coefficient between two quantitative datasets and their positive or negative inclination.FindingsWe found that high-testing countries had more cases per million than low-testing countries. For low-testing countries, however, there was a positive correlation between the testing level and the number of cases per million. This suggests that high-testing countries tested in a preventive manner while low-testing countries may have a higher number of cases than those confirmed. The poorest developing countries have reduced testing which can coincide with the reduction in new cases, which we did not observe in the high-testing countries. Among the restrictive measures analyzed, a higher population aged 70 or older and lower GDP per capita was related to a higher case fatality ratio. Restrictive measures reduce the number of new cases after four weeks, indicating the minimum time required for the measures to have a positive effect. Finally, public event cancellation, international travel control, school closing, contact tracing, and facial coverings were the most important measures to reduce virus spread. We observed that countries with the lowest number of cases had a higher stringency index.

Cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877 (Hemiptera: Aphididae), is a major pest in cotton fields. Neonicotinoids are important and highly prevalent insecticides currently used against A. gossypii and other herbivorous insect pests in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey. However, some insecticide applications against A. gossypii in the Çukurova Region have failed despite using high rates. Therefore, bioassays and enzyme analyses were conducted to determine resistance to imidacloprid and thiamethoxam in A. gossypii populations collected in 2015-2016 from cotton fields in this region. Resistance factors (RF) were 54.6 to 206.5 fold for imidacloprid and 5.7 to 65.7 fold for thiamethoxam. Populations from Kürkçüler (RF 206.5) had the highest LD50 for imidacloprid and from Körkuyu (RF 65.7) for thiamethoxam. Enzyme analysis revealed statistically higher metabolic resistance. Maximum enzyme activities were 17.8, 142.3 and 3.8 nM/min/mg protein for carboxylesterase for in Körkuyu, for glutathione S-transferase in Bahçe and for cytochrome P450 monooxygenase in Körkuyu, respectively. This study revealed the development of resistance in A.gossypii to neonicotinoid insecticides in Turkey and the need for new management strategies to break this resistance.

In this multicenter prospective cohort study, it was aimed to evaluate the bacterial and viral etiology in community-acquired central nervous system infections by standart bacteriological culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Patients hospitalized with central nervous system infections between April 2012 and February 2014 were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical information of the patients were collected prospectively. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of the patients were examined by standart bacteriological culture methods, bacterial multiplex PCR (Seeplex meningitis-B ACE Detection (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Group B streptococci) and viral multiplex PCR (Seeplex meningitis-VI ACE Detection kits herpes simplex virus-1(HSV1), herpes simplex virus-2(HSV2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 6 (HHV6)) (Seeplex meningitis-V2 ACE Detection kit (enteroviruses)). Patients were classified as purulent meningitis, aseptic meningitis and encephalitis according to their clinical, CSF (leukocyte level, predominant cell type, protein and glucose (blood/CSF) levels) and cranial imaging results. Patients who were infected with a pathogen other than the detection of the kit or diagnosed as chronic meningitis and other diseases during the follow up, were excluded from the study. A total of 79 patients (28 feMale, 51 Male, aged 42.1 ±18.5) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. A total of 46 patients were classified in purulent meningitis group whereas 33 were in aseptic meningitis/encephalitis group. Pathogens were detected by multiplex PCR in 41 patients. CSF cultures were positive in 10 (21.7%) patients (nine S.pneumoniae, one H.influenzae) and PCR were positive for 27 (58.6%) patients in purulent meningitis group. In this group one type of bacteria were detected in 18 patients (14 S.pneumoniae, two N.meningitidis, one H.influenzae, one Lmonocytogenes). Besides, it is noteworthy that multiple pathogens were detected such as bacteria-virus combination in eight patients and two different bacteria in one patient. In the aseptic meningitis/encephalitis group, pathogens were detected in 14 out of 33 patients; single type of viruses in 11 patients (seven enterovirus, two HSV1, one HSV2, one VZV) and two different viruses were determined in three patients. These data suggest that multiplex PCR methods may increase the isolation rate of pathogens in central nervous system infections. Existence of mixed pathogen growth is remarkable in our study. Further studies are needed for the clinical relevance of this result.

Introduction: In this multicenter study, we analysed the magnitude of healthcare worker (HCW) [infection control practitioner (ICP), nurses and others] workforce in hospitals participated in the study. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in 41 hospitals (with intensive care units-ICU) located in 22 cities from seven regions of Turkey. We analysed the ICP workforce, nursing and auxiliary HCW (AHCW) workforce in ICUs, number of ICU beds and occupied beds in four different days [two of which were in summer during the vacation time (August 27 and 31, 2016) and two others in autumn (October 12 and 15, 2016)]. The Turkish Ministry of Health (TMOH) requires two patients per nurse in level 3 ICUs, three patients per nurse in level 2 ICUs and five patients per nurse in level 1 ICUs. There is no standardization for the number of AHCW in ICUs. Finally, one ICP per 150 hospital beds is required by TMOH. Results: The total number of ICUs, ICU beds and ICPs were 214, 2377 and 111, respectively in he 41 participated centers. The number ICPs was adequate only in 12 hospitals. The percentage of nurses whose working experience was 2. The number of patients per other HCW was minimum 3.75 and maximum 4.89 on weekdays and on day shift while it was minimum 5.02 and maximum 7.7 on weekends or on night shift. When we compared the number of level 1, 2 and 3 ICUs with adequate nursing workforce vs inadequate nursing workforce, the p value was

Objective: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)and Cytomegalovirus (CMV) are the main causes of infectious mononucleosis (IM) and IM-like sendrom in humans. In this study it was aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and liver enzymes changes in cases with EBV and CMV infections accompanying hepatic involvement in our department. Material and Methods: The hospital records of immune competent cases with EBV and CMV infections accompanying hepatic involvement who were followed up in our department between 2008-2016 were evaluated in terms of demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, laboratory, clinical data and treatment results retrospectively. Results: There were a total of 31 patients (19 men, 12 female) aged 27,6±10,6 (24 patients with EBV, 7 with CMV). The most common clinical symptoms were fever (27 patients 87,1%), fatigue (18 patients 58,1%), sore throat (12 patients 38,7%),vomiting (10 patients 32,3%), and swelling in the neck (9 patients 29,9%). Palpable servical lymph nodes (8 patients 25,8%) and hepatosplenomegaly (7 patients 22,5%) were the most common physical findings. Liver enzyme values on the 1st day and an average of 10 days after (10,9±5,8) (Range 3-30 day), 30 patients’ liver enyzmes follow up values are screened. All patients were hospitalized for an average of 6,9 days (±3,1, min: 3-max:20) and discharged as healthy. The icteric hepatitis was seen in 6,5% (2 patients). Conclusion: We conclude that the EBV and CMV serologic markers should be monitored as well as other hepatitis virus markers in the evaluation of cases with increased liver enzymes. © 2017 by Türkiye Klinikleri.

The aim of this study was to screen the patients with solid organ malignancy for HBV (Hepatitis B virus) infection before the start of chemotherapy and follow up in the oncology department of our setting. All cases admitted to oncology department for chemotherapy were screened prospectively for HBV infection and reactivation between March 2013-September 2014. A total of 225 patients were included in the study and divided into 3 groups; Group I: having recovered past HBV infection: 43 patients (19.1%), Group II: isolated Anti-HBcAg total positive: 20 patients (8.9%) and Group III: chronic HBV infection with 10 patients (4.4%). HBV reactivation developed in one (5.9%) of 17 patients in group II, and two (28.6%) of seven patients in group III while under lamivudine prophylaxis. Neither hepatitis flare by HBV reactivation nor HBV-related death were observed in our study. In the moderate endemicity areas like Turkey for HBV infection, all patients must be screened for HBV before starting of chemotherapy. © 2017, UHOD - Uluslararasi Hematoloji Onkoloji Dergisi. All rights reserved.

PubMed ID: 28929964, In this multicenter prospective cohort study, it was aimed to evaluate the bacterial and viral etiology in community-acquired central nervous system infections by standart bacteriological culture and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods. Patients hospitalized with central nervous system infections between April 2012 and February 2014 were enrolled in the study. Demographic and clinical information of the patients were collected prospectively. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples of the patients were examined by standart bacteriological culture methods, bacterial multiplex PCR (Seeplex meningitis-B ACE Detection (Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Group B streptococci) and viral multiplex PCR (Seeplex meningitis-VI ACE Detection kits herpes simplex virus-1(HSV1), herpes simplex virus-2(HSV2), varicella zoster virus (VZV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and human herpes virus 6 (HHV6)) (Seeplex meningitis-V2 ACE Detection kit (enteroviruses)). Patients were classified as purulent meningitis, aseptic meningitis and encephalitis according to their clinical, CSF (leukocyte level, predominant cell type, protein and glucose (blood/CSF) levels) and cranial imaging results. Patients who were infected with a pathogen other than the detection of the kit or diagnosed as chronic meningitis and other diseases during the follow up, were excluded from the study. A total of 79 patients (28 feMale, 51 Male, aged 42.1 ±18.5) fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. A total of 46 patients were classified in purulent meningitis group whereas 33 were in aseptic meningitis/encephalitis group. Pathogens were detected by multiplex PCR in 41 patients. CSF cultures were positive in 10 (21.7%) patients (nine S.pneumoniae, one H.influenzae) and PCR were positive for 27 (58.6%) patients in purulent meningitis group. In this group one type of bacteria were detected in 18 patients (14 S.pneumoniae, two N.meningitidis, one H.influenzae, one Lmonocytogenes). Besides, it is noteworthy that multiple pathogens were detected such as bacteria-virus combination in eight patients and two different bacteria in one patient. In the aseptic meningitis/encephalitis group, pathogens were detected in 14 out of 33 patients; single type of viruses in 11 patients (seven enterovirus, two HSV1, one HSV2, one VZV) and two different viruses were determined in three patients. These data suggest that multiplex PCR methods may increase the isolation rate of pathogens in central nervous system infections. Existence of mixed pathogen growth is remarkable in our study. Further studies are needed for the clinical relevance of this result.

WOS: 000384168600022, PubMed ID: 27608909, OBJECTIVE: To investigate the potential preventive effect of resveratrol in rats exposed to acoustic trauma (AT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this experimental study, Wistar albino rats were divided into three groups: Group 1 (Control, n = 6), Group 2 (AT, n = 6), and Group 3 (resveratrol + AT). The rats in Group 2 were exposed to AT. The rats in Group 3 received resveratrol (300 mg/kg/day) via gavage for 7 days. On day 7, the rats were exposed to AT 10 min following resveratrol treatment. Histological sections of the cochleae were examined using light microscopy, transmission (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The cochlear hair cells, stereocilia, and Deiters' cells of the control group appeared normal in all microscopic evaluations. In Group 2, light microscopy revealed predominantly inner hair cell loss, although the outer hair cells were affected. TEM and SEM examination showed severe loss of stereocilia and SEM revealed stereocilia arranged in an asymmetric array. The cochlear structure in Group 3 appeared well preserved under the light microscope, and although TEM and SEM revealed stereocilia loss, the hair cells and stereocilia appeared near normal compared with those of Group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Resveratrol may have a protective effect against AT damage in the cochlea, most likely through its antioxidant activity. Our results may be useful for studies in humans exposed to AT and noise-induced hearing loss related to chronic exposure to occupational noise., Continuous Education and Scientific Research Association, With the exception of data collection, the preparation of this paper, including design and planning, was supported by the Continuous Education and Scientific Research Association. Only scientific support was provided; no grant or funding was received.

WOS: 000363361200007 PubMed: 26601554 Do viral infections have a role in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo? Objectives: To investigate the role of viral infection in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Methods: In this retrospective study, 483 patients with BPPV were included in the study group. The control group consisted of 461 healthy subjects. In both groups, serologic analysis of viral agents (HSV1, HSV2, Herpes zoster, EBV, CMV, adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza virus) was performed. Results: With the exception of influenza and parainfluenza, all viral serology values were higher in the BBPV group than the control group. We also observed seasonal variation. The BPPV group exhibited elevated values for HSV1 and adenovirus in March and May, for Herpes zoster, adenovirus, and influenza in April, for HSV1 in June, and for HSV1 and CMV in September, compared to the control group. In October, the BPPV group showed increased values for all of the viruses studied, compared to the control group. Conclusion: BPPV is associated with positive viral serology, particularly during certain months of the year, mainly in spring and autumn. Viral infection might promote BPPV attacks due to the development of vestibulopathy or induce secondary BPPV via viral infection-related neurolabyrinthitis. Continuous Education and Scientific Research Association Except data collection, the preparation of this paper, including design and planning, was supported by the Continuous Education and Scientific Research Association. There was no grant or funding, only scientific support.

Our study aims to determine the efficacy of infectious disease consultations and the interrelations between doctors in this social laboratory. This study was conducted at 34 centers located in 22 cities across Turkey and contributed by 210 infectious disease specialists (IDSs) and 970 non-infectious disease specialists (NIDSs), totaling 1180 medical doctors. Infectious disease specialists and NIDSs have separately contributed by responding to questionnaires designed specifically for the consultation process. It appears that a satisfactory collaboration has been established between IDSs and NIDSs during the consultation practices. There are some discrepancies in the perceptions of some of the NIDSs. These are the evaluation of patients holistically, the expectation of NIDSs in critical infection cases to start the therapy immediately, losing the support of drug companies by NIDSs, and the restriction of NIDSs in routine medical practice. On the other hand, NIDSs seem to have real problems in the diagnosis or treatment of infectious diseases. The consultation service provided by the IDSs in Turkey is widely accepted among other clinicians and appears to be of a crucial importance. Copyright © 2012 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins., Kurtaran, B.; Department of Infectious Diseases, Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Balcali, Adana, Turkey; email: behicekurtaran@gmail.com

42nd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy -- SEP 26-30, 2002 -- SAN DIEGO, CA Saltoglu, Nese/0000-0003-4239-9585; Leblebicioglu, Hakan/0000-0002-6033-8543; dokmetas, ilyas/0000-0003-3523-3923; Ersoy, Yasemin/0000-0001-5730-6682 WOS: 000221932100007 PubMed: 15191382 The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in Turkey. Epidemiological and clinical data for 158 patients with acute HBV infection from 22 medical centres in the period February 2001 to February 2002 were collected prospectively. HBV genotyping was based on analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms and nested PCR. There were 59 female and 99 male patients, with a mean age of 34.2 +/- 15.6 years. The most common probable transmission route was blood contact in 63 (41.1%) cases, but was unknown in 78 (49.4%) cases. The mean alanine aminotransferase level was 1718 +/- 1089 IU/L. Four of the 158 patients (2.5%) died because of fulminant hepatitis. One year after discharge, 11 (10.6%) of 103 cases were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 80 (77.7%) were positive for anti-HBsAg. Genotype determination was unsuccessful in 11 cases because of a negative PCR; genotype D was found in the remaining 147 cases. The results suggested that acute HBV infection constitutes a significant health problem in Turkey and that genotype D is predominant.

Sushi, a very popular food worldwide became a popular ready-to-eat food selling in supermarkets, but it exhibit distinct features, which are associated with microbiological hazards. Therefore, MAP technology, known to reduce aerobic bacteria in fishery products, was used to improve quality of ready-to-eat salmon sushi in this study. Salmon sushi were packaged with air (control), 50%N2 /50%CO2 (MAP-a), and 100% CO2 (MAP-b), stored at 4 ±1°C for 6 days and analyzed every day. During the study, control samples taken the lowest sensory scores. The total color change (ΔE) was lower in MAP samples comparing to controls. Likewise, mesophilic and psychrophilic aerobic bacteria counts of gas-treated samples were significantly lower. These results show the positive effect of MAP technology on the quality of salmon sushi. Regarding the improving demand to ready-to-eat sushi selling in supermarkets, this result will be useful in further studies and commercial applications.

Background: Device-associated healthcare-acquired infections (DA-HAI) pose a threat to patient safety, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). We report the results of the International Infection Control Consortium (INICC) study conducted in Turkey from August 2003 through October 2012. Methods: A DA-HAI surveillance study in 63 adult, paediatric ICUs and neonatal ICUs (NICUs) from 29 hospitals, in 19 cities using the methods and definitions of the U.S. NHSN and INICC methods. Results: We collected prospective data from 94,498 ICU patients for 647,316 bed days. Pooled DA-HAI rates for adult and paediatric ICUs were 11.1 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) per 1000 central line (CL)-days, 21.4 ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAPs) per 1000 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days and 7.5 catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) per 1000 urinary catheter-days. Pooled DA-HAI rates for NICUs were 30 CLABSIs per 1000 CL-days, and 15.8 VAPs per 1000 MV-days. Extra length of stay (LOS) in adult and paediatric ICUs was 19.4 for CLABSI, 8.7 for VAP and 10.1 for CAUTI. Extra LOS in NICUs was 13.1 for patients with CLABSI and 16.2 for patients with VAP. Extra crude mortality was 12% for CLABSI, 19.4% for VAP and 10.5% for CAUTI in ICUs, and 15.4% for CLABSI and 10.5% for VAP in NICUs. Pooled device use (DU) ratios for adult and paediatric ICUs were 0.54 for MV, 0.65 for CL and 0.88 for UC, and 0.12 for MV, and 0.09 for CL in NICUs. The CLABSI rate was 8.5 per 1,000 CL days in the Medical Surgical ICUs included in this study, which is higher than the INICC report rate of 4.9, and more than eight times higher than the NHSN rate of 0.9. Similarly, the VAP and CAUTI rates were higher compared with U. S. NHSN (22.3 vs. 1.1 for VAP; 7.9 vs. 1.2 for CAUTI) and with the INICC report (22.3 vs. 16.5 in VAP; 7.9 vs. 5.3 in CAUTI). Conclusions: DA-HAI rates and DU ratios in our ICUs were higher than those reported in the INICC global report and in the US NHSN report.

PubMed ID: 24819272, Writing a thesis is mandatory for getting a postgraduate medical degree in Turkey. Publication of the results of the thesis in an indexed journal makes the results available to researchers, however publication rate is usually low. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to investigate the publication rate of Turkish Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Medical Microbiology specialty theses and Microbiology doctorate theses in international peer-review journals. On August 17th 2007, the thesis database of the Council of Higher Education of the Republic of Turkey (YOK) where all specialization and doctorate theses are recorded obligatorily, was searched for Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology and Medical Microbiology specialty and Microbiology doctorate theses. Assuming that publication of a thesis would last at least six months, theses dated to February 2007 and after were excluded. The publication rate of those theses was found out by searching Science Citation Index-Expanded database for thesis author and supervisor between August 17-September 12, 2007. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Our search yielded a total of 834 theses dated from 1997 to 2007, however 10 of them were excluded, since they were dated to February 2007 or after. It was found that the overall publication rate was 11.4% (94/824). The publication rates for Microbiology doctorate, Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology specialty theses were 13.7% (34/249), 10.7% (33/309) and 10.2% (27/266), respectively, with no statistical significance (p> 0.05). It was determined that nine (9.6%) of the 94 published theses belonged to 1997-2001 period, whereas 85 (80.4%) were in 2002-2007 period (p< 0.05). The probable reason for this increase was thought to be related with the updated criteria of YOK carried out in 2000 for academic promotions, nevertheless the publication rate of the investigated theses in international peer-review journals was still low. Thesis is an important part of specialty and doctorate education and necessitates intense work. The created knowledge usually contains important data about the country and the world. Publication of the theses supplies dissemination of new knowledge and completes the process of a scientific study. Solutions must be generated to promote the publication of specialty and doctorate theses.

WOS: 000352210000003 PubMed: 25392094 OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to review the National Newborn Hearing Screening (NNHS) programme data obtained from Corlu, located in west part of Turkey for the last 4 years. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total 11575 newborns that were either born in Corlu State Hospital or referred from other Health Care Centers, between September 2009 and November 2012 were included into the study. Automated-Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission (A-TEOAE) test and Automated-Auditory Brainstem Response (A-ABR) were used as screening tests. When the newborn had failed at the initial A-TEOAE test, then the test was repeated after 15 days. If the same result was obtained at the second test; the newborns were referred for ENT examination. A-TEOAE and A-ABR screening tests were performed as the third stage evaluation. The failed newborns were referred for clinical ABR test. RESULTS: Out of 11575 newborns, 593 (5.12%) had failed the test and they were referred for clinical ABR. Out of these 593 neonates, 470 had passed the diagnostic ABR test at the referral center. Bilateral and unilateral sensori-neural hearing loss (SNHL) was detected at 15 and 7 babies respectively, 10 of 22 of these babies had risk factors such as family history of hearing loss, and parental consanguinity. CONCLUSIONS: The final hearing impairment and risk factor rates of our study was similar with literature. Although referral rates and the number of default babies gradually decreased in the last 4 years; definitive diagnosis and hearing aid initiation times need to improvement. Continuous Education and Scientific Research Association Except data collection, preparation of this paper including design and planning was supported by Continuous Education and Scientific Research Association.

Recent years have seen considerable progress in epidemiological and molecular genetic research into environmental and genetic factors in schizophrenia, but methodological uncertainties remain with regard to validating environmental exposures, and the population risk conferred by individual molecular genetic variants is small. There are now also a limited number of studies that have investigated molecular genetic candidate gene-environment interactions (G × E), however, so far, thorough replication of findings is rare and G × E research still faces several conceptual and methodological challenges. In this article, we aim to review these recent developments and illustrate how integrated, large-scale investigations may overcome contemporary challenges in G × E research, drawing on the example of a large, international, multi-center study into the identification and translational application of G × E in schizophrenia. While such investigations are now well underway, new challenges emerge for G × E research from late-breaking evidence that genetic variation and environmental exposures are, to a significant degree, shared across a range of psychiatric disorders, with potential overlap in phenotype. © 2014 The Author.

KILIC, MESUT/0000-0002-1562-7629 WOS: 000347666000005 PubMed: 25651293 PURPOSE OF THE STUDY To compare the clinical results of clavicular fractures operated by superior locking plate using either horizontal or vertical incision by physical examination and nerve conduction tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between January 2010 and January 2013, 63 patients with displaced midshaft clavicle fracture were treated with superior locking plate (22 female, 41 male) with either horizontal (n = 38) or vertical incisions (n = 25). Mean interval between trauma and surgery was 3 days (1 to 8 days). Electrodiagnostic tests were performed to 15 patients who felt numbness across their shoulder or chest and ASES test was performed to each of the patient 12 weeks postoperatively. IBM SPSS Statistics 22 (IBM SPSS, Turkiye) programme was used for statistical analysis. Student t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed parameters (quantity) and continuity (Yates) test was used. p < 0.05 was accepted to be statistically significant. RESULTS 8 patients of the horizontal incision group and 7 patients of the vertical incision group described numbness across their shoulders. 14 patients had abnormal sensorial electrodiagnostic findings. Comparison of electrodiagnostic findings did not reveal any statistical significance. The mean ASES score of the affected shoulder was 76.39 +/- 1.20 in the horizontal group, in the vertical group it was found to be 79.00 +/- 2.5 ( p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Electrodiagnostic study revealed similar results in both groups. According to these results, significant difference in mean ASES scores of both groups was not related to sensorial injury.of the supraclavicular nerve.

Background: Device-associated healthcare-acquired infections (DA-HAI) pose a threat to patient safety, particularly in the intensive care unit (ICU). We report the results of the International Infection Control Consortium (INICC) study conducted in Turkey from August 2003 through October 2012. Methods: A DA-HAI surveillance study in 63 adult, paediatric ICUs and neonatal ICUs (NICUs) from 29 hospitals, in 19 cities using the methods and definitions of the U.S. NHSN and INICC methods. Results: We collected prospective data from 94,498 ICU patients for 647,316 bed days. Pooled DA-HAI rates for adult and paediatric ICUs were 11.1 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) per 1000 central line (CL)-days, 21.4 ventilator-associated pneumonias (VAPs) per 1000 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days and 7.5 catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) per 1000 urinary catheter-days. Pooled DA-HAI rates for NICUs were 30 CLABSIs per 1000 CL-days, and 15.8 VAPs per 1000 MV-days. Extra length of stay (LOS) in adult and paediatric ICUs was 19.4 for CLABSI, 8.7 for VAP and 10.1 for CAUTI. Extra LOS in NICUs was 13.1 for patients with CLABSI and 16.2 for patients with VAP. Extra crude mortality was 12% for CLABSI, 19.4% for VAP and 10.5% for CAUTI in ICUs, and 15.4% for CLABSI and 10.5% for VAP in NICUs. Pooled device use (DU) ratios for adult and paediatric ICUs were 0.54 for MV, 0.65 for CL and 0.88 for UC, and 0.12 for MV, and 0.09 for CL in NICUs. The CLABSI rate was 8.5 per 1,000 CL days in the Medical Surgical ICUs included in this study, which is higher than the INICC report rate of 4.9, and more than eight times higher than the NHSN rate of 0.9. Similarly, the VAP and CAUTI rates were higher compared with U.S. NHSN (22.3 vs. 1.1 for VAP; 7.9 vs. 1.2 for CAUTI) and with the INICC report (22.3 vs. 16.5 in VAP; 7.9 vs. 5.3 in CAUTI). Conclusions: DA-HAI rates and DU ratios in our ICUs were higher than those reported in the INICC global report and in the US NHSN report. © 2014 Leblebicioglu et al.