Evaluation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Introduction: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease that progresses with fever and bleeding and is endemic in our region. In this study, we aimed to determine the symptoms, transmission routes and risk factors in CCHF patients who have similar clinical features with COVID-19, and to investigate the relationship between CCHF cases and COVID-19 restrictions in our region where CCHF is endemic. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty-nine patients diagnosed with CCHF in the infectious diseases and clinical microbiology clinic between April 2021 and September 2021 were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of a set of questions was filled in for patients diagnosed with CCHF, in which demographic data, admission complaints, risk factors and habits during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the 159 CCHF patients included in the study was 50.9 +/- 18.5 years and 59.7% were male. The most frequently reported complaints by the patients were fatigue (94.5%), muscle-joint pain (79.9%) and fever (74.2%). During the disease period, COVID-19 was suspected in 62.3% of them, PCR test was applied to all of them, and the result was positive in only one patient. There was no change of residence of the patients during the illness period. There was no significant increase in the population of the residence area or the frequency of visits due to the pandemic. The number of patients who reported an increase in the number of ticks in their environment was 44 (27.8%). It was determined that there was no significant increase in the number of activities such as visiting rural areas or having a picnic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 32.2% of patients engaged in animal husbandry or field work reported an increase in the frequency of these jobs compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusion: The reason for the increase in the number of CCHF cases in our center was not associated with the increase in the frequency of visits to rural areas or the change of residence during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

The Mental Health Status of Inpatients with Newly Diagnosed Hematological Cancer during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison Study

Objective: This study is intended to evaluate the mental health statuses of hematological cancer (HC) inpatients diagnosed during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the statuses of patients diagnosed with HC before the pandemic. Method(s): A cross-sectional survey collected the mental health measurements of 77 inpatients with HC between March and May 2021 in Ankara, Turkey. The levels of depression, generalized anxiety, distress, sleep disorder, health anxiety, trait anxiety, corona phobia, and resilience in HC patients newly diagnosed during the pandemic (n=38) and before the pandemic (n=39) were compared. We then explored the relationships between predictive factors and cancer patients' mental health statuses. Result(s): Compared to HC patients diagnosed before the pandemic, depression (63.2% vs. 35.9%, p=0.017) and sleep disorder (67.8% vs. 38.5, p=0.016) were significantly higher, while comparison, generalized anxiety (57.9% vs. 38.5%, p=0.088) and distress (60.5% vs. 38.5%, p=0.053) were higher in a non-significant trend in patients newly diagnosed with HC during the pandemic. In contrast, health anxiety was more common in patients diagnosed before the pandemic (53.8% vs. 31.6%, p=0.048). Among the newly diagnosed patients, women had more generalized anxiety symptoms than men (76.5% vs. 42.9%, p=0.037). Being newly diagnosed increased the risk of more severe symptoms of depression (odds ratio [OR]: 3.178, p=0.036) and sleep disorders (OR: 4.73, p=0.018) but lowered the risk of health anxiety (OR: 0.14, p=0.003). Conclusion(s): Our data indicate that patients with HC are vulnerable to mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. This vulnerability is higher in newly diagnosed HC patients than in patients diagnosed before the pandemic. Copyright © Telif Hakki 2023 Gazi Universitesi Tip Fakultesi - Makale.

Evaluation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period.

Introduction: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease that progresses with fever and bleeding and is endemic in our region. In this study, we aimed to determine the symptoms, transmission routes and risk factors in CCHF patients who have similar clinical features with COVID-19, and to investigate the relationship between CCHF cases and COVID-19 restrictions in our region where CCHF is endemic. Material(s) and Method(s): One hundred fifty-nine patients diagnosed with CCHF in the infectious diseases and clinical microbiology clinic between April 2021 and September 2021 were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of a set of questions was filled in for patients diagnosed with CCHF, in which demographic data, admission complaints, risk factors and habits during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated. Result(s): The mean age of the 159 CCHF patients included in the study was 50.9 +/- 18.5 years and 59.7% were male. The most frequently reported complaints by the patients were fatigue (94.5%), muscle-joint pain (79.9%) and fever (74.2%). During the disease period, COVID-19 was suspected in 62.3% of them, PCR test was applied to all of them, and the result was positive in only one patient. There was no change of residence of the patients during the illness period. There was no significant increase in the population of the residence area or the frequency of visits due to the pandemic. The number of patients who reported an increase in the number of ticks in their environment was 44 (27.8%). It was determined that there was no significant increase in the number of activities such as visiting rural areas or having a picnic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 32.2% of patients engaged in animal husbandry or field work reported an increase in the frequency of these jobs compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusion(s): The reason for the increase in the number of CCHF cases in our center was not associated with the increase in the frequency of visits to rural areas or the change of residence during the COVID-19 pandemic period.Copyright © Telif Hakki 2022 Flora.

Evaluation of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Introduction: Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is a zoonotic disease that progresses with fever and bleeding and is endemic in our region. In this study, we aimed to determine the symptoms, transmission routes and risk factors in CCHF patients who have similar clinical features with COVID-19, and to investigate the relationship between CCHF cases and COVID-19 restrictions in our region where CCHF is endemic. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty-nine patients diagnosed with CCHF in the infectious diseases and clinical microbiology clinic between April 2021 and September 2021 were included in the study. A questionnaire consisting of a set of questions was filled in for patients diagnosed with CCHF, in which demographic data, admission complaints, risk factors and habits during the COVID-19 pandemic were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the 159 CCHF patients included in the study was 50.9 ± 18.5 years and 59.7% were male. The most frequently reported complaints by the patients were fatigue (94.5%), muscle-joint pain (79.9%) and fever (74.2%). During the disease period, COVID-19 was suspected in 62.3% of them, PCR test was applied to all of them, and the result was positive in only one patient. There was no change of residence of the patients during the illness period. There was no significant increase in the population of the residence area or the frequency of visits due to the pandemic. The number of patients who reported an increase in the number of ticks in their environment was 44 (27.8%). It was determined that there was no significant increase in the number of activities such as visiting rural areas or having a picnic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 32.2% of patients engaged in animal husbandry or field work reported an increase in the frequency of these jobs compared to the pre-pandemic period. Conclusion: The reason for the increase in the number of CCHF cases in our center was not associated with the increase in the frequency of visits to rural areas or the change of residence during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

Borderline, Narcissistic, Obsessive-Compulsive and Schizoid Personality Disorder Beliefs and Their Effects on Anxiety and Depression Levels in Inpatients with Covid-19

Objective: Mental-health problems among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients is an underinvestigated issue. The study reported herein was conducted to assess obsessive-compulsive, borderline, schizoid and narcissistic personality disorder beliefs and the influence of these dysfunctional beliefs on the anxiety and depression levels of COVID-19 inpatients.Methods: A total of 75 COVID-19 inpatients were recruited for the study. Their anxiety and depression levels were evaluated using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the aforementioned personality disorder beliefs were evaluated using Personality Belief Questionnaire -Short Form.Results: According to the cut-off values, 9.3% (n = 7) of the inpatients were considered having anxiety and 34.7% (n = 26) were considered having depression. The mean scores for obsessive-compulsive, schizoid, borderline and narcissistic personality disorder beliefs were 15.1 +/- 6.2, 12.9 +/- 6.0, 10.0 +/- 5.5 and 9.4 +/- 5.6, respectively. The anxiety levels of the female inpatients were significantly higher than those of the male inpatients (z = 2.152;p = 0.031). The inpatients' borderline personality disorder belief scores were significantly correlated with their anxiety levels (r = 0.390;p = 0.001).Conclusion: The study participants' obsessive-compulsive personality disorder beliefs were higher than their other aforementioned personality disorder beliefs. Female gender and borderline personality disorder beliefs were found to be related with anxiety level. The influence of these factors should be considered in the evaluation of COVID-19 inpatients in daily clinical practice.

Clinical validation of SERS metasurface SARS-CoV-2 biosensor

The real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis using nasal swab samples is the gold standard approach for COVID-19 diagnosis. However, due to the high false-negative rate at lower viral loads and complex test procedure, PCR is not suitable for fast mass screening. Therefore, the need for a highly sensitive and rapid detection system based on easily collected fluids such as saliva during the pandemic has emerged. In this study, we present a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) metasurface optimized with genetic algorithm (GA) to detect SARS-CoV-2 directly using unprocessed saliva samples. During the GA optimization, the electromagnetic field profiles were used to calculate the field enhancement of each structure and the fitness values to determine the performance of the generated substrates. The obtained design was fabricated using electron beam lithography, and the simulation results were compared with the test results using methylene blue fluorescence dye. After the performance of the system was validated, the SERS substrate was tested with inactivated SARS-CoV-2 virus for virus detection, viral load analysis, cross-reactivity, and variant detection using machine learning models. After the inactivated virus tests are completed, with 36 PCR positive and 33 negative clinical samples, we were able to detect the SARS-CoV-2 positive samples from Raman spectra with 95.2% sensitivity and specificity. © COPYRIGHT SPIE. Downloading of the is permitted for personal use only.

Investigation of CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 Gene Expressions in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic spread around the world like an infectious disease that presents waved effects on patients. Some patients needed ICU and respiratory support. Some patients only had flu-like symptoms. Cytokine storm and elevated ROS were serious problems for treatment. Apoptotic genes and CYP Family are part of these mechanisms. AIM: In this study, our aim was to examine the gene expression CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 in patients with COVID-19 infection. METHOD: 60 COVID-19(+) patients (ICU and non-ICU patients) and 30 healthy volunteers were enrolled to study. To measure the level of gene expression qPCR was used. The 2-ΔΔCt method was utilized to analyze gene expression. RESULTS: The expression of CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 genes showed a significant discrepancy between patients and healthy individuals. Caspase-3 expression increased (p=0,0041) but CYP2E1 expression decreased (p=0,0214) in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy individuals. Both levels of gene expression were lower in patients with affected lungs than patients with unaffected lungs (p<0,05). Laboratory findings including d-Dimer, LDH, platelet count, lymphocyte count were related to both gene expressions (p<0,05). We found no correlation between CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 expressions. CONCLUSION: The expression of Caspase-3 demonstrated apoptotic situations of patients but was not related to the CYP2E1 expression level. CYP2E1 gene expression is an important actor to metabolize endogens and xenobiotics however, COVID-19 patients demonstrated decreased CYP2E1 expression. CYP2E1 and Caspase-3 gene expression levels may be used as a diagnostic tool for COVID-19 patients.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms and Liver Damage in Patients with COVID-19

Introduction: Gastrointestinal and hepatic symptoms may be seen before respiratory symptoms in Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between liver damage and observed symptoms and laboratory parameters. Materials and Methods: Patients followed-up with diagnoses of COVID-19 between March and August 2020 were included in the study. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters were compared according to liver damage status. Results: Four hundred and thirteen COVID-19 cases were included. The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms was 19.8%, the most common being nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea (10.4%, 6.1%, and 2.9%, respectively). CT-confirmed pneumonia, intensive care requirement, and mean length of hospitalization differed significantly depending on liver damage status (p< 0.001, p= 0.006, p= 0.002, respectively). Significant differences were determined between the groups with and without liver damage in terms of all the laboratory parameters examined, apart from white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (NLR), total bilirubin, and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) (p< 0.05). Significant associations were present between alanine aminotransferase lev- els and all other laboratory parameters apart from NLR and PTT (p< 0.001). Aspartate aminotransferase (OR: 1.22, CI: 1.16-1.28) and albumin (OR: 2.28, CI: 1.12-4.63) were identified as significant independent risk factors for liver damage in patients with COVID-19. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal symptoms are not uncommon in COVID-19 patients. Liver damage may be associated with progression to intensive care and systemic inflammation.

Effectiveness of different types of mask in aerosol dispersion in SARS-CoV-2 infection. (Special Issue: Coronavirus (COVID-19) collection.)

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of different mask types in limiting the dispersal of coughed air. Method: The Schlieren method with a single curved mirror was used in this study. Coughed air has a slightly higher temperature than ambient air, which generates a refractive index gradient. A curved mirror with a radius of curvature of 10 m and a diameter of 60 cm was used. The spread of the cough wavefront was investigated among five subjects wearing: (1) no mask;(2) a single surgical mask;(3) a double surgical mask;(4) a cloth mask;(5) a valveless N95 mask;and (6) a valved N95 mask.

Presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA on particulate matters: A multi central study in turkey

RATIONALE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has been affecting the world since the end of 2019. Turkey is severely affected with the first case being reported on March 11th 2020. Several studies suggest an association between air pollution and the spread of the infection, and that ambient particulate matters (PM) can present a potential, as virus carriers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on ambient PM. METHODS: Ambient PM samples in various size ranges were collected from 13 sites including urban, urban background locations and hospital gardens in 10 cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Zonguldak, Tekirdag, Eskisehir, Bolu, Bursa, Konya, and Antalya across Turkey, between 13th of May and 14th of June, 2020. The nucleocapsid (N) 1 gene and RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) gene expressions were analyzed in PM samples for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 by applying quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and three dimensional (3D)-digital PCR methods. RESULTS: A total of 155 daily samples (Total Suspended Particulate [TSP], n=80;PM2.5, n=33;PM2.5-10, n=23;PM10, n=19;and 6 size segregated, n=48) were collected using various samplers in the each city. According to RT-PCR and 3D-RT-PCR analysis, dual RdRP and N1 gene positivity were detected in 20 of the samples (9.8 %). The highest percentage of virus detection on PM samples was from hospital gardens in Tekirda Zonguldak, and Istanbul, especially in PM2.5 mode. Samples collected from two urban sites, Ankara and Eskisehir, were also positive. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may be transported by ambient particles, especially at sites close to the infection hot-spots such as hospital gardens. Whether this has an impact on the spread of the virus infection remains to be determined.

Perceived stress levels in patients in novel corona virus infection pandemic: prospective single-center study

Aim: In the progression of the diseases, the psychological and stress levels of the patients affect the course of the disease. This situation is also important and should be analyzed in the follow-up of COVID-19 patients. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the stress levels of COVID-19 patients in our hospital isolation services. Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study is conducted in our isolation services where possible/definite COVID-19 patients older than 18 years old are followed. According to the patients' swap test results, patients are divided into two groups;group 1: COVID-19 possible, and the group 2: COVID-19 definitive groups. The demographic properties of the patients investigated, and the "Perceived Stress Scale", was applied to all groups the day after the swap test results were completed, and the outputs were analyzed.

The relationship of headache with inflammatory serum parameters and disease severity in COVID-19 patients

Aim: Most of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients have respiratory symptoms;however, various neurological symptoms, such as headache, can be seen. The pathophysiological mechanism of headache in COVID-19 is unknown completely. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between headache and inflammatory markers and disease severity in COVID-19 patients. Material and Methods: Two hundred and three hospitalized patients with a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis between 15 March and 01 June 2020 were retrospectively investigated. A total of 62 patients with headache symptoms (n=31) and without headache symptoms (n=31), who were age and gender-matched, were included in the study. The demographic characteristics, inflammatory serum parameters, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP)/albumin ratio (CAR), hospitalization times, and disease severity were determined. Results: Of the 203 COVID-19 patients, 36 (17.7%) had a headache, and it was the fourth most common symptom. Headache accompanied other symptoms in all patients. Of the patients with headache, 14 (45.2%) were female, 17 (54.8%) were male, and the mean age was 37.74±16.65 years. In our COVID-19 patients, the neutrophil count, NLR, CRP, CAR were significantly higher, and hospital stay was longer in patients with headache than those without headache (p=0.023, p=0.041, p=0.034, p=0,048 and p=0.049, respectively). Conclusion: As a result, the increased inflammatory response may play a role in the pathogenesis of headache in COVID-19 patients. Our study is the first study that evaluated the relationship between headache symptom and inflammation in COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed on this subject. © 2020, Duzce University Medical School. All rights reserved.