Obesity prevalence, nutritional status, and physical activity levels in Turkish adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: Although nutritional status is influenced by multidimensional aspects encompassing physical factors, there is limited research on this complex relationship. Objectives: This study aimed to examine the interaction between physical activity level indicators and the nutritional status of adults in Türkiye. Methods: A total of 3,970 individuals aged 18 years or older, residing in Afyonkarahisar (Türkiye), participated in this study. Data were obtained through face-to-face interviews with a questionnaire, using simple random sampling among adults. One-day food consumption was recorded using a 24-h dietary recall (24HDR). Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: This study comprised 3,970 participants: 2,087 (52.57%) men and 1,883 (47.42%) women. Among them, 32.64% smoked cigarettes, and 8.72% consumed alcohol. About 40% of adults were overweight, and 16.33% were obese. All participants had inadequate intake levels of potassium, calcium, and iron when compared to the recommended amounts. Physical activity levels showed a weak positive correlation with dietary energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, and cholesterol, and a weak negative correlation with age, waist-to-hip ratio, and BMI of participants. Conclusion: This study provides insights into the importance of addressing both physical activity and nutritional status. It was found that the weekly duration of physical activity for women was lower than for men. As a result of the nutritional status evaluation, it was found that the daily energy intake of men was higher than that of women.

Effects of Mediterranean Diet, Curcumin, and Resveratrol on Mild-to-Moderate Active Ulcerative Colitis: A Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of the Mediterranean diet (MD), combined with curcumin and resveratrol supplementation, on disease activity, serum inflammatory markers, and quality of life in patients with mild-to-moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC). This study was designed as a prospective multicenter three-arm randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomized to the MD, MD + curcumin, and MD + resveratrol groups. All participants were placed on the MD for 8 weeks. The MD + curcumin group also received 1600 mg/day of curcumin supplementation, whereas the MD + resveratrol group received 500 mg/day of resveratrol supplementation for 8 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, Truelove-Witts Index, Short Form-36, Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire, Mediterranean Diet Adherence Scale (MEDAS), and laboratory tests were performed at baseline and postintervention. Within-group comparisons showed that MD, MD + curcumin, and MD + resveratrol interventions were effective in reducing disease activity and inflammation and improving quality of life in individuals with UC (p < 0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed no significant difference in all parameters except for the pain subparameter of SF-36 and the MEDAS score (p < 0.05). The MD is an effective and safe intervention to be used in clinical practice in individuals with UC.

Outcomes of newborns with tracheostomy: single center experience.

BACKGROUND: Babies with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are discharged with the support of a home-type mechanical ventilator, after opening a tracheostomy. In addition, although rare, tracheostomy is required in the neonatal period in congenital airway malformations. Early tracheostomy is appropriate to prevent complications due to prolonged intubation. We aimed to find the appropriate time for tracheostomy by examining the tracheostomy opening and closing times, complications and demographic characteristics of the patients, who were hospitalized and underwent tracheostomy in our neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: This retrospective study involved infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between January 2014 and 2019 and discharged following tracheostomy. Information acquired from hospital data was enrolled. The protocol was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04497740. RESULTS: Twenty-six neonates with median 27.5 weeks gestational age and birth weight 885 gr were enrolled in the study. The mean opening time for tracheostomy was 54 ± 24 days, and the postmenstrual age (PMA) was 36 ± 3 weeks. The mean time to closure of tracheostomy in newborns with a tracheostomy was 387 ± 164 days. The duration of accidental decannulation developed as an early complication in 8 patients was mean 11 ± 8 days. Aspiration pneumonia in 2, subglottic stenosis in 5, accidental decannulation in 2, suprastomal collapse in 7, tracheocutaneous fistula in 8 and granulation tissue in 2 patients were found to be late complications, which occurred within median 90 days. CONCLUSIONS: If there is no evidence that breathing has improved and the patient is still using a mechanical ventilator at high pressures and high oxygen concentration, a tracheostomy placement should be considered within two months.

Protective potential of different mouthguard thicknesses against perianaesthetic dental trauma: a patient specific-finite element study.

Perianaesthetic dental trauma is a common anaesthesia-related complication. Theprevious studies have shown a lack of knowledge regarding mouthguard usage and controversial results related to perianaesthetic dental trauma prevention. This study aimed to conduct a finite element analysis of the compressive and tensile stresses on the tooth-periodontal ligament-bone complex using custom-made mouthguards of different thicknesses and glass fibre splints to prevent perianaesthetic dental trauma. Custom-fitted ethylene-vinyl acetate mouthguards of two different thicknesses (2 and 3 mm) and glass fibre splint were modelled. A linear static finite element analysis was performed by applying a rigid Macintosh laryngoscope to the palatal surface of the maxillary central incisors at 150 N. The model without a mouthguard and glass fibre splint showed the highest stress values at the palatinal root surfaces during the impact. Increasing the mouthguard thickness significantly decreased the stress-strain values regardless of the presence of the glass fibre splint. Maximum stresses in the group using the 3 mm mouthguard were the lowest compared with the other groups.

Parent rated bedtime resistance and comorbidity may predict levels of attention among Turkish children diagnosed with ADHD in on-line education classes during the COVID-19 outbreak.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the attention levels, of Turkish children and adolescents with Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in on-line education classes with healthy controls. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional, internet-based, case-control study that recruited 6-18 years old patients diagnosed with ADHD and receving treatment and healthy controls from eight centers. The measurements used in the study were prepared in the google survey and delivered to the participants via Whatsapp application. RESULTS: Within the study period, 510 children with ADHD and 893 controls were enrolled. Parent- rated attention decreased significantly in both groups during on-line education classes due to COVID-19 outbreak (p<0.001; for each). Children and adolescents with ADHD had significantly elevated bedtime resistance, problems in family functioning difficulties than control children according to parental reports (p=0.003; p<0.001; p<0.001, respectively). Furthermore, bedtime resistance and comorbidity significantly predicted attention levels in on-line education. CONCLUSION: Our findings may underline the need to augment student engagement in on-line education both for children without attention problems and those with ADHD. Interventions shown to be effective in the management of sleep difficulties in children as well as parent management interventions should continue during on-line education.

Sluggish cognitive tempo is associated with autistic traits and anxiety disorder symptoms in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Objective: To investigate the association of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) with autistic traits (ATs) and anxiety disorder symptoms among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A total of 195 children with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ADHD were included. The Barkley Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale (BSCTS) was used to measure SCT symptoms. Other study measures included the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED), Turgay DSM-IV Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S), and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS-R). Results: The frequency of SCT was 30.3% (n=59) in the whole group. Those with SCT had higher total AQ and SCARED scores. Significant associations and correlations were also found between SCT and certain subscores of AQ and SCARED. According to the linear regression model, the total score and social skills, attention switching, and imagination scores of AQ, as well as generalized anxiety and panic/somatic scores of SCARED and the total and inattention scores of parent T-DSM-IV, were predictive of SCT total score (p < 0.05). Conclusions: SCT is associated with ATs and anxiety disorders. Children with ADHD and SCT symptoms should be screened for such conditions.

Sluggish cognitive tempo is associated with autistic traits and anxiety disorder symptoms in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of sluggish cognitive tempo (SCT) with autistic traits (ATs) and anxiety disorder symptoms among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: A total of 195 children with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ADHD were included. The Barkley Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale (BSCTS) was used to measure SCT symptoms. Other study measures included the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Disorders (SCARED), Turgay DSM-IV Disruptive Behavior Disorders Rating Scale (T-DSM-IV-S), and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale (CTRS-R). RESULTS: The frequency of SCT was 30.3% (n=59) in the whole group. Those with SCT had higher total AQ and SCARED scores. Significant associations and correlations were also found between SCT and certain subscores of AQ and SCARED. According to the linear regression model, the total score and social skills, attention switching, and imagination scores of AQ, as well as generalized anxiety and panic/somatic scores of SCARED and the total and inattention scores of parent T-DSM-IV, were predictive of SCT total score (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SCT is associated with ATs and anxiety disorders. Children with ADHD and SCT symptoms should be screened for such conditions.

Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment Anxiety, Depression, Sleep and Sexual Function Levels in Patients with Breast Cancer.

OBJECTIVE: In the phase of diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer cases, patients can usually experience sexual dysfunctions, sleep disorders and psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression. The main objective of our research is to study of the pre-treatment and post-treatment anxiety, depression, sleep and sexual function levels in the patients with breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six patients with breast cancer and 52 healthy women have participated in our study. In order to determine the anxiety, depression, sleep and sexual function levels, Sociodemographic and Clinical Data Form, Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQI) and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) scores are utilized at pre-treatment and post-treatment phases for patients with breast cancer and our control group. RESULTS: According to scale scores applied to patients and control group, it has been determined that patients with breast cancer HADS sexual and sleep disorders, that their HADS and PSQI scores were higher and that ASEX scores decreased significantly (p<0.05). According to the scale scores calculated before and after treatment, there was a significant decrease in HADS and PSQI scores, whereas SEX scores have been increased significantly (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: According to the findings of our study, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction and sleep disorders in patients with breast cancer are far more explicit in the pre-treatment phase than post-treatment phase. Therefore, it is crucial to psycho-socially support patients with breast cancer in the early periods before starting the treatment after diagnosis.

Methylphenidate-induced Exacerbation of Chorea in a Child Resolved with Switching to Atomoxetine.

Choreiform movements have been reported with stimulant medications, especially in adults. There is only limited evidence on the management of such reactions in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Hereby, we present the exacerbation of chorea with long-acting methylphenidate use in a 6-year-old child with acute rheumatic fever which resolved with switching to atomoxetine.

Association between cellular immune activation, target cell frequency, and risk of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 superinfection.

We performed a case-control study of women at risk of HIV-1 superinfection to understand the relationship between immune activation and HIV-1 acquisition. An increase in the frequency of HIV-1 target cells, but not in other markers of T cell activation, was associated with a 1.7-fold increase in the odds of superinfection. This suggests that HIV-1 acquisition risk is influenced more by the frequency of target cells than by the generalized level of immune activation.

Genetic and environmental determinants of human NK cell diversity revealed by mass cytometry.

Natural killer (NK) cells play critical roles in immune defense and reproduction, yet remain the most poorly understood major lymphocyte population. Because their activation is controlled by a variety of combinatorially expressed activating and inhibitory receptors, NK cell diversity and function are closely linked. To provide an unprecedented understanding of NK cell repertoire diversity, we used mass cytometry to simultaneously analyze 37 parameters, including 28 NK cell receptors, on peripheral blood NK cells from 5 sets of monozygotic twins and 12 unrelated donors of defined human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genotype. This analysis revealed a remarkable degree of NK cell diversity, with an estimated 6000 to 30,000 phenotypic populations within an individual and >100,000 phenotypes in the donor panel. Genetics largely determined inhibitory receptor expression, whereas activation receptor expression was heavily environmentally influenced. Therefore, NK cells may maintain self-tolerance through strictly regulated expression of inhibitory receptors while using adaptable expression patterns of activating and costimulatory receptors to respond to pathogens and tumors. These findings further suggest the possibility that discrete NK cell subpopulations could be harnessed for immunotherapeutic strategies in the settings of infection, reproduction, and transplantation.

Cellular immune responses and susceptibility to HIV-1 superinfection: a case-control study.

A case-control study was performed to determine the effects of HIV-1-specific cellular immune responses on the odds of acquiring a second HIV-1 infection (superinfection). Changes in the frequency of cytokine-producing or cytolytic CD8+ or CD4+ T cells were not associated with significant alterations in the odds of superinfection, suggesting that HIV-1 specific cellular immune responses at the level induced by chronic infection do not appear to significantly contribute to protection from HIV-1 superinfection.

Cross-subtype neutralization sensitivity despite monoclonal antibody resistance among early subtype A, C, and D envelope variants of human immunodeficiency virus type 1.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) variants that are transmitted to newly infected individuals are the primary targets of interventions, such as vaccines and microbicides, aimed at preventing new infections. Newly acquired subtype A, B, and C variants have been the focus of neutralization studies, although many of these viruses, particularly of subtypes A and B, represent viruses circulating more than a decade ago. In order to better represent the global diversity of transmitted HIV-1 variants, an additional 31 sexually transmitted Kenyan HIV-1 env genes, representing several recent infections with subtype A, as well as subtypes A/D, C, and D, were cloned, and their neutralization profiles were characterized. Most env variants were resistant to neutralization by the monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) b12, 4E10, 2F5, and 2G12, suggesting that targeting the epitopes of these MAbs may not be effective against variants that are spreading in areas of endemicity. However, significant cross-subtype neutralization by plasma was observed, indicating that there may be other epitopes, not yet defined by the limited available MAbs, which could be recognized more broadly.

Identification and mapping of submerged plants in a shallow lake using Quickbird satellite data.

Turkey is a country rich in lakes and wetlands--monitoring of all these will require advances in technology such as remote sensing. In this study, the aquatic plants of the large and shallow Lake Mogan, located in Central Anatolia were identified and mapped using high spatial resolution Quickbird imagery. As Lake Mogan is an important bird area the assessment of submerged plant species is of great value for ecosystem conservation and management. Quickbird multispectral image acquired on August 6, 2005 was geometrically corrected and a water mask was used based on strong absorption of Near Infrared (NIR) wavelengths by calm, clear and deep water. The water mask was applied using band reflectance values for a specific pixel satisfying the conditions of band decreasing property (Green>Red>NIR) and NIR

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 superinfection occurs despite relatively robust neutralizing antibody responses.

Superinfection by a second human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strain indicates that gaps in protective immunity occur during natural infection. To define the role of HIV-1-specific neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) in this setting, we examined NAb responses in 6 women who became superinfected between approximately 1 to 5 years following initial infection compared to 18 women with similar risk factors who did not. Although superinfected individuals had less NAb breadth than matched controls at approximately 1 year postinfection, no significant differences in the breadth or potency of NAb responses were observed just prior to the second infection. In fact, four of the six subjects had relatively broad and potent NAb responses prior to infection by the second strain. To more specifically examine the specificity of the NAbs against the superinfecting virus, these variants were cloned from five of the six individuals. The superinfecting variants did not appear to be inherently neutralization resistant, as measured against a pool of plasma from unrelated HIV-infected individuals. Moreover, the superinfected individuals were able to mount autologous NAb responses to these variants following reinfection. In addition, most superinfected individuals had NAbs that could neutralize their second viral strains prior to their reinfection, suggesting that the level of NAbs elicited during natural infection was not sufficient to block infection. These data indicate that preventing infection by vaccination will likely require broader and more potent NAb responses than those found in HIV-1-infected individuals.