Effects of oxytocin induction on early postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding: a case-control study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding results of mothers who underwent oxytocin induction in the first stage of labor in the early postpartum period. METHODS: This single-center observational case-control study was conducted in the obstetric unit of a public hospital in Istanbul. The study sampling included 44 pregnant women who received oxytocin induction (case group) and 44 pregnant women who did not receive oxytocin (control group). The Personal Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale, and Postpartum Hemorrhage Collection Bag were used in data collection, and pad follow-up was carried out. RESULTS: The amount of hemorrhage in the first 24 h of the postpartum period and the mean Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale score were significantly higher in the case group. While 47.7% of the oxytocin-induced women had 1st or 2nd, and 11.4% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations, 20.5% of the control group had 1st or 2nd, and 2.3% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool in both groups. CONCLUSION: According to the study findings, it was determined that oxytocin induction administered in the first stage of labor increased hemorrhage and perineal trauma in the early postpartum period but did not affect the results of breastfeeding. Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT04441125.

A comparison of pre- and post-operative outcomes in living donors undergoing transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy and open nephrectomy: a retrospective single-center study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Kidney transplantation is often regarded as the preferred therapy for end-stage renal disease. Several surgical procedures have been developed to reduce postoperative donor complications, while maintaining kidney quality. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the preoperative and postoperative outcomes of living kidney donors who underwent either transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy or open nephrectomy. DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective study conducted in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: Fifty-five living-related kidney donors underwent nephrectomy and were retrospectively divided into two groups: 21 donors who underwent open nephrectomy (Group 1) and 34 donors who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy (Group 2). RESULTS: In comparison to the donors who underwent open nephrectomy, those who underwent transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy had significantly shorter postoperative hospital stays (2.3 ± 0.2 versus 3.8 ± 0.8 days, P = 0.003), duration of urinary catheterization (1.2 ± 0.8 days versus 2.0 ± 0.7 days, P = 0.0001), operating times (210 ± 27 minutes versus 185 ± 24 minutes, P = 0.02), and less blood loss (86 ml versus 142 ml, P = 0.048). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with regard to the estimated blood transfusion and warm ischemia time. The preoperative week, first postoperative week, and 1-month postoperative serum creatinine levels were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy can be safely performed at centers with expertise in laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy has better outcomes than open donor nephrectomy in terms of length of hospital stay, duration of urinary catheterization, operating time, and blood loss.

Impact of anthro-metabolic indices and gestational weight gain on maternal and neonatal outcomes: a prospective observational study

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of anthro-metabolic indices on maternal and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on healthy mother-baby pairs between January 1, 2023 and July 1, 2023. Detailed sociodemographic information was collected through an interview with the mother. Clinical, biochemical, obstetric, fetal, and neonatal outcomes were abstracted from hospital medical records. Anthropometric measurements were obtained from the examination of mother-baby pairs. RESULTS: A total of 336 healthy mothers-children pairs were included. Mothers of newborn ≥4000 g had higher gestational age (p=0.003), body mass index (p=0.003), gestational weight gain (p=0.016), waist circumferences (p=0.002), and hip circumferences (p=0.001). gestational weight gain was associated with the mode of delivery (p=0.023). waist-to-hip ratio (p=0.005), gestational weight gain (p=0.013), and a body shape ındex (p<0.001) were associated with longer length of hospital stay. Age (p<0.001) and inter-pregnancy interval (p=0.004) were higher in pre-pregnancy underweight/obese mothers. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that maternal waist circumferences (AUC: 0.708, p=0.005), maternal weight (AUC: 0.690, p=0.010), and hip circumferences (AUC: 0.680, p=0.015) were sufficient to predict macrosomia (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated a significant association between gestational weight gain and cesarean delivery, prolonged hospital stay, and macrosomia. It was also found that maternal body mass index, waist circumferences, and hip circumferences during pregnancy were associated with macrosomia. On the contrary, no significant relationship was found between maternal anthro-metabolic characteristics and maternal-fetal and birth outcomes.

Effect of mode of delivery on postpartum health-related quality of life

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the impact of mode of delivery on health-related quality of life in mothers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted between May and August 2022 on healthy singleton pregnant women aged between 18 and 45 years. Data on socio-demographic variables, clinic features, pregnancy and birth characteristics, and neonatal outcomes were collected. Health-related quality of life was assessed by using EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 1,015 healthy pregnant women were included. The EQ-5D-5L index score was higher in those with regular sleep patterns (p<0.001), those who did physical activity (PA) during pregnancy (p<0.001), those who received spousal support (p<0.001), and those with very good and good perceived health (p<0.001). EQ-5D-5L index and EQ-5D-5L-VAS scores were lower in those with unplanned pregnancy, those who preferred cesarean section, those who had cesarean section, those who underwent episiotomy, and those who admitted to the intensive care unit (p<0.001). Emergency cesarean section and elective cesarean section had the lowest and second lowest health-related quality of life mean scores, while normal vaginal deliveries had the highest health-related quality of life mean scores, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that health-related quality of life was higher after vaginal delivery than after cesarean section. In addition, spousal support, regular sleep pattern, and PA during pregnancy play an important role in maternal health-related quality of life.

The impact of Covid-19 on community and hospital pharmacists: a thematic analysis study

Abstract There are a limited number of studies examining the effects of the pandemic on the daily lives of Turkish community pharmacists, and no research investigating the impact on the lives of Turkish hospital pharmacists has been found. This study aimed to examine the effects of the pandemic on the personal and professional lives of Turkish community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists. In this qualitative study design, a comprehensive set of interviews was conducted with a total of 13 community pharmacists and 7 hospital pharmacists, employing a semi-structured interview guide. Through thematic content analysis of the interviews, four main themes, 1) long-term impacts, 2) dealing strategies, 3) professional life impacts, 4) personal life impacts, have emerged for both community pharmacists and hospital pharmacists. In addition to the psychological impacts and supply chain issues commonly mentioned in the literature, the study revealed ongoing effects such as the inability to sell available products and economic difficulties. Also, the increased demand for over-the-counter products during the pandemic highlights the need for the government to develop policies to address this issue.

Adequacy of surgical margins, re-excision, and evaluation of factors associated with recurrence: a retrospective study of 769 basal cell carcinomas

Abstract Background: Achieving adequate surgical margins and preventing recurrence are important in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the adequacy of surgical margins and the re-excision rates in patients with primary BCC who underwent standard surgical treatment using our proposed algorithm and to define the risk factors in patients with recurrent BCC. Methods: The medical records of patients who were histopathologically diagnosed with BCC were reviewed. An algorithm created based on previous literature was used to determine the distribution of optimal surgical margins adequacy and re-excision rates. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between the cases with and without recurrence in age at diagnosis (p = 0.004), tumor size (p = 0.023), tumor location in the H zone of the face (p = 0.005), and aggressive histopathological subtype (p = 0.000). When the tumors were evaluated for adequacy of deep and lateral surgical margins and re-excision rates, higher rates of adequate excision (457 cases, 68.0%) and re-excision (43 cases, 33.9%) were noted for tumors in the H or M zone. Study limitations: Inadequate follow-up of newly diagnosed patients in terms of recurrence and metastasis and the retrospective application of our proposed algorithm are the limitations of the present study. Conclusions: Our results showed that if BCC was detected at an early age and at an early stage, recurrence was lower. The H and M zones were the regions with the highest rates of optimal surgical outcomes.

Water consumption in 0-6-month-old healthy infants and effective factors: A systematic review / Consumo de agua en lactantes sanos de cero a seis meses y factores efectivos: una revisión sistemática

Introduction: Early introduction of fluids and water affects the duration of breastfeeding, the infant immune system, and possibly causes infants to consume less breast milk, which may, in turn, affect their nutritional and immune status. Objective: This study was carried out to determine water consumption in 0-6-month-old infants and the factors affecting this consumption. Materials and methods: A literature review was conducted in seven electronic databases (Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and TÜBITAK) for studies published until April 25, 2022, using the keywords: drinking water, infant, and breastfeeding. Results: The systematic review included 13 studies. Five studies were crosssectional, three were descriptive and quasi-experimental, and the others were case-control and cohort studies. It was reported in the examined studies that 86.2% of the infants were around 6 weeks old, 44 % of the infants were 1 month old, 77% were 3 months old, 2.5% were 4 months old, and 2.5 to 85% of the infants were around 6 months old when they first consumed water. The prominent reasons for making the infants drink water are the thought that they need it and cultural reasons. Conclusions: The exclusive breastfeeding of 0-6-month-old infants is the recommendation of reliable health authorities. Nurses play a key role in implementing this practice. In this systematic review, it was seen that families gave their infants water at varying rates in the 0-6-month period, and the factors affecting this situation were revealed. If nurses determine which factors affect families in terms of the early introduction of fluids, they could be able to plan the necessary education and interventions.

Introducción. La introducción temprana de líquidos y agua afecta la duración de la lactancia, el sistema inmune del lactante y posiblemente hace que los lactantes consuman menos leche materna, lo que a su vez puede afectar su estado nutricional e inmunitario. Objetivo. Este estudio se realizó para determinar el consumo de agua en bebés de cero a seis meses y los factores que inciden en este consumo. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo una revisión de la literatura en siete bases de dato electrónicas (Medline, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Cochrane Library y TÜBITAK) para estudios publicados hasta el 25 de abril de 2022, utilizando las palabras clave: agua potable, lactante y lactancia. Resultados. La revisión sistemática incluyó 13 estudios. Cinco fueron estudios transversales, tres fueron descriptivos, cuasiexperimentales y los restantes fueron estudios de casos y controles, y de cohortes. En los estudios examinados se informó que le dieron agua al 86,2 % de los lactantes de seis semanas, al 44 % de los lactantes de un mes, al 77 % de los lactantes de tres meses, al 2,5 % de los lactantes de cuatro meses y al 2,5 % a 85 % de los lactantes de seis meses. Las razones principales para dar agua a los bebés son la idea de que los bebés necesitan agua y razones culturales. Conclusiones. La lactancia materna exclusiva es la recomendación de las autoridades sanitarias para los bebés de cero a seis meses. Las enfermeras juegan un papel clave en la implementación de esta práctica. En esta revisión sistemática se observó que las familias daban agua a sus bebés en proporciones variables durante el período de cero a seis meses y se revelaron los factores que inciden en esta situación. Si las enfermeras determinan qué factores afectan a las familias en cuanto a la introducción temprana de líquidos, podrían planificar las medidas educativas y las intervenciones necesarias.

Pudendal nerve block for circumcision of pediatric patient with Pierre Robin Sequence: case report

Abstract Pierre Robin Sequence (PRS) is a congenital condition characterized by micrognathia, glossoptosis, and cleft palate that presents with airway obstruction and developmental delay with or without other congenital anomalies. These patients' anesthesia management is challenging because of difficult ventilation and intubation. Regional anesthesia methods should be considered for these patients on a case-by-case basis. This report presents primary use of regional anesthesia for circumcision of a 9-year-old boy with PRS.

Effect of perinatal and postnatal thiamine deficiency on auditory pathway of the Wistar-Albino rats

Abstract Objective: In this study, we created an animal model to demonstrate the effects of thiamine on the hearing pathways of new-borns during pregnancy and lactation by inducing a dietary thiamine deficiency in the mother. Methods: The study included 16 female Wistar albino rats. The animals were separated into four groups and provided the appropriate amounts of dietary thiamine according to their groups during pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and lactation periods. Three pups from each mother were included in the study, and 12 pups were selected from each group. On the fortieth day after birth, the auditory pathways of 48 pups in the 4 groups were examined electro physiologically and ultra-structurally. Results: In Group N-N, morphology of hair cells stereocilia degeneration was not obtained in all turns of cochlea. In Group N-T, Inner Hair Cells (IHCs) and Outher Hair Cells (OHCs) stereocilia didn't show degeneration in all turns of cochlea but had rupture inrows of HCs stereocilia. In group T-N IHCs stereocilia less degeneration was observed in all turns of cochlea. OHC stereocilia partial loss was observed only in basal turn of cochlea. In Group T-T IHCs stereocilia was observed less degeneration and rupture in all turns of cochlea. Conclusion: Thiamine is vital for the development of cochlear hair cells during both prenatal and postnatal periods. Even partial deficiency of thiamine causes significant degeneration to the auditory pathway. Level of evidence: The level of evidence of this article is 5. This article is an experimental animal and laboratory study.

Examining the correlation between sexual and reproductive health stigmatization level and gender perception: a case of a university in Turkey - a descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract BACKGROUND Stigmatization, which emerges depending on the sexual behavior of young individuals, leads to negative health and social outcomes, such as shame, social marginalization, violence, and mental health morbidity. Objective: This study aimed to examine the correlation between the level of sexual and reproductive health stigma and gender perception in female university students. DESIGN AND SETTING: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Faculty of Health Sciences of a university in Turkey. METHODS: The data of this study were collected from digital media between July and October 2020 from a study population of 385 students. The data were collected using the Personal Information Form, including the socio-demographic characteristics of students, the Sexual and Reproductive Health Stigmatization Scale in Young Women and the Perception of Gender Scale. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, analysis of variance, and Pearson's correlation test were used to assess the data. RESULTS: It was determined that there was a negative correlation between the Sexual and Reproductive Health Stigmatization Scale in Young Women and the Perception of Gender Scale (r = -0.173, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was determined that as the gender perception in the young women who participated in the study increased, the sexual and reproductive health stigmatization level decreased. The sexual and reproductive health stigmatization levels of the participants were at an above average level, and gender perception was at a medium level.

Ministernotomy in Aortic Root and Arch Surgery: Early Outcomes

ABSTRACT Introduction: Minimally invasive methods have become more preferred in cardiac surgery today. In this study, the comparative results of patients who underwent an aortic root, arch or hemiarch replacement by ministernotomy and full sternotomy in our clinic are presented. Methods: Between January 2017 and October 2019, a series of operations including aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch replacements were performed on 278 patients. The ministernotomy technique was used in 25 of them. Twenty patients who underwent full sternotomy were selected and matched to this group for comparison. Results: The ministernotomy group had a longer cross-clamping time (128.3±30.8 vs. 104.7±23.4 min, P=0.007) but the total operating time was similar in the two groups (249.76±28.56 vs. 248.25±37.53 min, P=0.879). The number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions per patient was higher in the full sternotomy group (4.65±3.74 vs. 2.44±1.85 unit, P=0.020). The ministernotomy group had shorter ventilation times (7.60±4.88 vs. 32.30±32.25 h, P<0.001) and shorter ICU stay (1.56±0.58 vs. 3.35±1.46 d, P<0.001). The 30-day mortality was 0% in the ministernotomy group. Conclusion: Early results of our study show that, in combined or isolated aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch surgeries, ministernotomy can be applied with relatively safety and low mortality and morbidity rates.

Comparison of three different exercise trainings in patients with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled study

Background@#Neck pain is a common problem in the general population and second only to low back pain in musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this study is to compare three different types of exercise training in patients with chronic neck pain. @*Methods@#This study was conducted on 45 patients with neck pain. Patients were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 (conventional treatment), Group 2 (conventional treatment plus deep cervical flexor training), and Group 3 (conventional treatment plus stabilization of the neck and core region). The exercise programs were applied for four weeks, three days a week. The demographic data, pain intensity (verbal numeric pain scale), posture (Reedco’s posture scale), cervical range of motion ([ROM] goniometer), and disability (Neck Disability Index [NDI]) were evaluated. @*Results@#In all groups, a significant improvement was found in terms of pain, posture, ROM, and NDI values in all groups (P < 0.001). Between the groups, analyses showed that the pain and posture improved more in Group 3, while the ROM and NDI improved more in Group 2. @*Conclusions@#In addition to conventional treatment, applying core stabilization exercises or deep cervical flexor muscle training to patients with neck pain may be more effective in reducing pain and disability and increasing ROM than conventional treatment alone.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Cognitive Functions and Retinal Findings From Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography in Patients With Schizophrenia and Their Healthy Siblings

Objective@#Retinal structural changes which were investigated by optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been reported in schizophrenia. Since cognitive dysfunction is a core feature of schizophrenia, the correlations between retinal findings and cognitive functions of patients and their healthy siblings may provide insight into the pathophysiological processes of the disorder. We aimed to investigate the relationship between neuropsychiatric tests and retinal changes in schizophrenia patients and their healthy siblings. @*Methods@#We measured OCT parameters and cognitive performance (via Trail Making Tests, verbal fluency tests, and The Digit Span Tests) of 72 participants (36 patients with schizophrenia and 36 healthy siblings) and disease severity (with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Global Assessment of Functioning, and Clinical Global Impression scales) in patients with schizophrenia and evaluated the relationship between retinal findings and clinical parameters, especially neurocognitive tests. @*Results@#We found decreased ganglion cell layer-inner plexiform layer thickness and macular volume in the patient group. There were strong correlations between neurocognitive tests and OCT findings in both groups. On the other hand, there was not any correlation between retinal findings and disease parameters. @*Conclusion@#The cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia may be more closely related to structural changes in the retina.

Portal Hypertension in Children: A Tertiary Center Experience in Turkey / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Purpose@#Portal hypertension (PH) and its complications have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the etiology; clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic findings; treatment approaches; long-term outcomes; and prognosis of pediatric PH. @*Methods@#This retrospective study included 222 pediatric patients diagnosed with PH between 1998 and 2016, and data encompassing clinical, laboratory, and radiological features; treatments; and complications were analyzed. @*Results@#The most common causes of PH were portal vein thrombosis (20.3%), progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (18.9%), and biliary atresia (12.2%). Among the enrolled patients, 131 (59.0%) were included in the cirrhotic group and 91 (41.0%) in the noncirrhotic group. Hepatomegaly and increased transaminase levels were more frequent in the cirrhotic group than in the non-cirrhotic group. Additionally, portal gastropathy, esophageal varices, and variceal bleeding were more frequent in the non-cirrhotic group, whereas ascites, hepatopulmonary syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy were more common in the cirrhotic group. The incidence of hepatomegaly was higher in the presinusoidal group than in the prehepatic group (p<0.001). Hyperbilirubinemia was more frequent in the prehepatic group (p=0.046). The frequency of esophageal varices was similar between the prehepatic and presinusoidal groups; however, variceal bleeding was more frequent in the prehepatic group (p=0.002). @*Conclusion@#Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction, genetic-metabolic diseases, and biliary atresia were the most prevalent causes of PH in our country. In patients with PH, hepatomegaly, increased transaminase levels, and synthesis dysfunction were suggestive of cirrhotic PH. Notably, PH in patients without cirrhosis might be more severe than that in those with cirrhosis.

Primary Immunodeficiencies in Children Initially Admitted with Gastrointestinal/Liver Manifestations / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Purpose@#The gastrointestinal system is the most commonly affected organ, followed by the lungs, in patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID). Hence, it is common for children with PIDs to present with gastrointestinal symptoms. We aimed to analyze the clinical and histopathological findings of patients who were initially admitted to pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology clinics and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs to identify the clinical clues for PIDs. @*Methods@#The demographic, laboratory, and histopathological findings, treatment modality, and outcomes of patients initially admitted to the pediatric gastroenterology/hepatology unit and subsequently diagnosed with PIDs were recorded. @*Results@#The study included 24 patients (58.3% male; median age [range]: 29 [0.5–204] months). Common clinical presentations included chronic diarrhea (n=8), colitis (n=6), acute hepatitis (n=4), and acute liver failure (n=2). The association of autoimmune diseases, development of malignant diseases, and severe progression of viral diseases was observed in 20.8%, 8.3%, and 16.6% of the patients, respectively. Antibody deficiency was predominantly diagnosed in 29.2% of patients, combined immunodeficiency in 20.8%, immune dysregulation in 12.5%, defects in intrinsic and innate immunity in 4.2%, autoinflammatory disorders in 8.3%, and congenital defects of phagocytes in 4.2%. Five patients remained unclassified (20.8%). @*Conclusion@#Patients with PIDs may initially experience gastrointestinal or liver problems. It is recommended that the association of autoimmune or malignant diseases or severe progression of viral diseases provide pediatric gastroenterologists some suspicion of PIDs. After screening using basic laboratory tests, genetic analysis is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis.

Observations and experiences of pediatric surgeons working on the field in the first 7 days of the Kahramanmaraş earthquake

Purpose@#This study aims to share our experiences and problems, and to suggest solutions as pediatric surgeons who took part in the teams that went voluntarily to the region hit by the Kahramanmaraş earthquake during the first 7 days after the disaster. @*Methods@#This study conveys our observations made at Kahramanmaraş Sütçüimam University Faculty of Medicine Hospital, where we worked as a volunteer team between February 7 and 14, 2023. @*Results@#During the first few days, there were registration problems due to lack of electricity, water, and internet, as well as issues with sterile surgical environments. In the following days, a lack of auxiliary health personnel was revealed as the main difficulty. @*Conclusion@#Since coordination is important when working as a team in the aftermath of an earthquake, staff from the same center should be deployed together if possible, and a team leader should be selected. Alternative recording systems should be established in case of power outages and computer problems. Secretaries, auxiliary health staff, and technicians should be included in the team in addition to doctors and nurses.

Predictors of 3-month mortality with muscle ultrasound and palliative prognostic tools among patients admitted to palliative care units

Background/Aims@#Prognostic factors are an important issue in progressive and life-limiting diseases. This study evaluate 3-month mortality in patients admitted to the palliative care unit (PCU). @*Methods@#In this study, the patient’s demographics, comorbidities, nutritional status, and laboratory values were recorded. The palliative performance scale (PPS), the palliative prognostic index (PPI), and the palliative prognostic (PaP) score were calculated. The rectus femoris (RF) cross-sectional area (CSA), RF muscle thickness, gastrocnemius (GC) medialis muscle thickness, pennation angle and fascicle length of the GC were measured by ultrasound for survival prediction. @*Results@#A total of 88 patients enrolled during the study period, with a mean age of 73.6 ± 13.3 years and a 3-month mortality rate of 59.1%. The findings of a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression model based on age, gender, C-reactive protein level and Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 scores as covariates revealed the PPI and the PaP score to be significant predictors of 3-month mortality. In addition, in the unadjusted Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the CSA of the RF muscle was also found to be a significant predictor of 3-month mortality. @*Conclusions@#Findings revealed that the combined use of the CSA of the RF, the PPI, and the PaP score are reliable predictors of mortality in patients admitted to the PCU.

Visual or computer-based measurements: Which is important for the interpretation of an athlete's electrocardiography?

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Preparticipation screening of athletes by electrocardiography is the most crucial step in determining sudden cardiac death risk factors. Several electrocardiography interpretation software programs have been developed for physicians practicing in this field. Our study aimed to assess cardiopoint sudden death screening module by comparing its findings with two cardiologists using Seattle and International criteria. METHODS: A total of 303 licensed national athletes (37% females) were enrolled. electrocardiographies were examined by the cardiopoint sudden death screening module using Seattle criteria and cardiologists. The consistency between cardiologists and software was compared, and the confidence assessment of the module was tested. RESULTS: With regard to Seattle criteria, moderate consistency was found between the cardiopoint sudden death screening module and the 1st (κ=0.41) and 2nd cardiologist (κ=0.59). Consistency between two cardiologists was moderate (κ=0.55). When we applied International criteria, there was moderate consistency between the module and the 1st cardiologist (κ=0.42), and good consistency between the module and the 2nd cardiologist (κ=0.63). Consistency between the two cardiologists was good (κ=0.62). CONCLUSION: The cardiopoint sudden death screening module had similar agreement with cardiologists based on both criteria. However, the software needs to be updated according to International criteria. Using computer-based measurements for preparticipation screening will help to save time and provide standardization of electrocardiography interpretation.

Effect of a combination of gliptin and metformin on serum vitamin B12, folic acid, and ferritin levels

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to explore the impact of metformin and metformin/gliptin combination therapy on the serum concentrations of vitamin B12, ferritin, and folic acid in individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This study included 118 patients, classified into two groups: 59 patients using only metformin and 59 patients using a combination of metformin/gliptin. Among the latter group, 35 patients used vildagliptin/metformin, and 24 used sitagliptin/metformin. The study recorded the demographic data such as the age and gender of the patients, as well as their initial and 1-year follow-up blood parameters. RESULTS: Folic acid decreased significantly in the metformin group but not in the metformin/gliptin group. Vitamin B12 and ferritin decreased significantly in both groups. The decrease in vitamin B12 and ferritin was not significantly different between the two groups. The decrease in fasting plasma glucose was more significant in the metformin/gliptin group than in the metformin group. CONCLUSION: After 1 year, both groups taking metformin and metformin/gliptin showed low serum ferritin and vitamin B12 levels. Therefore, vitamin B12 levels in patients using these drugs should be closely monitored. Ferritin levels can be used to indicate whether glycemic control has been achieved.

The effect of Pilates on pain during pregnancy and labor: a systematic review and meta-analysis

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis study was conducted to reveal the effect of Pilates on pain during pregnancy and labor. METHODS: The PubMed, ScienceDirect, MEDLINE, Ovid, EBSCO, CINAHL Plus, Cochrane Library databases, and Google Scholar databases were used to access the articles published in international journals, and the Dergipark, Turkish Clinics, and ULAKBİM databases were scanned to access the articles published in national journals between October 30 and November 30, 2022. The data were analyzed using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS: This study included four articles. According to the meta-analysis results, it was elucidated that Pilates exercise during pregnancy was not statistically effective in reducing pain during pregnancy (Z=0.61, p=0.54), but it was effective in reducing pain intensity during labor (Z=11.20, p<0.00001). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that Pilates exercise was not effective in reducing pain during pregnancy but was effective in reducing labor pain. There is a need for more research on the subject. PROSPERO Registration no: CRD42023387512