Are monocyte-to-HDL and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratios useful for the diagnosis and follow-up of Takayasu arteritis?

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, red blood cell distribution width, mean platelet volume, monocyte/HDL ratio, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of active and remission Takayasu arteritis patients compared with healthy control group. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-control study in which 56 Takayasu arteritis patients and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy control were included. The blood values of Takayasu arteritis patients were analyzed during their active period and post-treatment remission periods, after comparing them with the healthy control. Furthermore, all parameters were evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis. RESULTS: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/lymphocyte ratio, monocyte/HDL ratio, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio values were significantly higher in active Takayasu arteritis patients compared with healthy control and remission Takayasu arteritis groups. In the receiver operating characteristic analysis performed in active Takayasu arteritis and Takayasu arteritis patients in remission, C-reactive protein had the highest power to indicate disease activity, followed by C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and monocyte/HDL ratio. When Takayasu arteritis in remission was compared with the healthy control, a significant difference was found between erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, red blood cell distribution width, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, while no significant difference was found between monocyte/HDL ratio values. CONCLUSION: C-reactive protein/albumin ratio and red blood cell distribution width can be used in the diagnosis of Takayasu arteritis, and C-reactive protein/albumin ratio, red blood cell distribution width, and monocyte/HDL ratio measurements can be used in the follow-up. As C-reactive protein/albumin ratio is more powerful than C-reactive protein in differentiating the Takayasu arteritis group from the healthy control group, evaluation of C-reactive protein/albumin ratio together with albumin instead of evaluation of C-reactive protein alone when diagnosing the disease may help us to obtain more accurate results in daily practice.

The potential of lemon peel powder as an additive in layer quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica): An experimental study.

The current research intended to examine the impact of dietary lemon peel powder (LPP) on laying quail performance, egg quality criteria, and the antioxidant capacity of the yolk. A total of 120 female Japanese quails (272.6±9.3 g), aged 21 weeks, were allotted to 6 trial groups, each with 5 replicates of 4 quails. Additions of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 g/kg of LPP to the basal diet were used to create the treatment groups. Quails were fed ad libitum for 70 days. Neither performance parameters nor egg production was affected by LPP. However, eggshell-breaking strength improved by adding 2 g/kg LPP to the diet, but worsened at 5 g/kg. Moreover, the relative weight of eggshell and yolk L* value decreased with the treatments. Dietary LPP enhanced oxidative stability, reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) and increasing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) yolk values. The current study demonstrated that LPP, a safe and easily accessible agricultural by-product, enhanced eggshell quality when it was included in the diet of laying quails at doses of 2 g/kg. In contrast, improvement of yolk antioxidant capacity required increased amounts of LPP (4 g/kg). LPP could be advantageous to animal nutrition as an adequate substitute to reduce waste by-products.

The course of COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies and risk factors affecting mortality: A cross-sectional study

Objective This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes and risk factors affecting mortality in patients with COVID-19 following hematological malignancy (HM). Methods Patients diagnosed with HM and hospitalized for COVID-19 were included in this retrospective study. The age, demographic and clinical characteristics, prognosis and treatment of surviving and non-surviving patients were compared. Results A total of 49 patients were included in this study, 17 (34.6%) of whom died within 28 days of being diagnosed with COVID-19. Older age (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.002), secondary infection (p < 0.001) and secondary bacterial infection (p = 0.005) were statistically significantly higher in non-survivors. The remission status of HM was higher in surviving patients (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, age (OR: 1.102, p = 0.035) and secondary infection (OR: 16.677, p = 0.024) were risk factors increasing mortality, the remission status of HM (OR: 0.093, p = 0.047) was a protective factor from mortality. Conclusion The older age, the remission status of HM and secondary infection due to COVID-19 were determined as prognostic factors predicting mortality in HM patients with following COVID-19.

Genetic, haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Ligula intestinalis by using mt-CO1 gene marker: ecological implications, climate change and eco-genetic diversity / Análise genética, haplótipo e filogenética de Ligula intestinalis usando marcador do gene mt-CO1: implicações ecológicas, mudanças climáticas e diversidade ecogenética

Ligula intestinalis is a cestode parasite that affects freshwater fish in different countries of the world. The current study aims to reveal the phylogenetic, genetic and haplotype diversity of mt-CO1 gene sequences sent to the NCBI database from different countries by using in-silico analysis. The 105 mt-CO1 (371 bp) gene sequences of L. intestinalis obtained from NCBI were used for bioinformatics analyses. Sequences were subjected to phylogenetic and haplotype analysis. As a result of the haplotype analysis of L. intestinalis, 38 haplotypes were obtained from 13 different countries. Hap24 constituted 44.76% of the obtained haplotype network. Changes in nucleotides between haplotypes occurred at 1-84 different points. China and Turkey have highest fixation index (Fst) values of 0.59761, while the lowest (-0.10526) was found between Russia and Turkey. This study provides a baseline for future studies on extensive scale on the epidemiology, ecological aspects, distribution pattern, transmission dynamics and population dispersion of L. intestinalis worldwide.

Ligula intestinalis é um parasita cestódeo que acomete peixes de água doce em diversos países do mundo. O presente estudo visa revelar a diversidade filogenética, genética e de haplótipos das sequências do gene mt-CO1 enviadas ao banco de dados do NCBI de diferentes países, por meio de análise in-silico. As sequências gênicas de 105 mt-CO1 (371 pb) de L. intestinalis obtidas do NCBI foram utilizadas para análises bioinformáticas. As sequências foram submetidas a análise filogenética e de haplótipos. Como resultado da análise de haplótipos de L. intestinalis, 38 haplótipos foram obtidos de 13 países diferentes. Hap24 constituiu 44,76% da rede de haplótipos obtida. Mudanças nos nucleotídeos entre os haplótipos ocorreram em 1-84 pontos diferentes. A China e a Turquia apresentam os maiores valores do índice de fixação (Fst), 0,59761, enquanto o menor (-0,10526) foi encontrado entre a Rússia e a Turquia. Este estudo fornece uma linha de base para futuros estudos em larga escala sobre epidemiologia, aspectos ecológicos, padrão de distribuição, dinâmica de transmissão e dispersão populacional de L. intestinalis em todo o mundo.

Could We Predict POAF With a Simple Ambulatory Oscillometry Evaluating Aortic Stiffness?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between aortic stiffness and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: This study included 110 patients undergoing elective isolated CABG. Aortic stiffness was measured using a noninvasive oscillometric sphygmomanometer before surgery. Characteristics of patients with and without POAF were compared. RESULTS: POAF developed in 32 (29.1%) patients. Patients with POAF were older (63.7±8.6 vs. 58.3±8.4; P=0.014). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was more common in patients with POAF (11.5% vs. 37.5%; P=0.024), whereas the frequency of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and previous coronary artery disease did not differ. C-reactive protein and cholesterol levels were similar between patients with and without POAF. Left atrial diameter was greater in patients with POAF (35.9±1.6 vs. 36.7±1.7; P<0.039). Peripheral (p) and central (c) systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also similar between the groups, whereas both p and c pulse pressures (PP) were greater in patients with POAF (pPP: 44.3±11.9 vs. 50.3±11.6; P=0.018, cPP: 31.4±8.1 vs. 36.2±8.9; P=0.008). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly higher in POAF (8.6+1.3 vs. 9.4+1.3; P=0.006). PWV, pPR and COPD were independent predictors of POAF in multivariate regression analysis. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, PWV and pPP have similar accuracy for predicting POAF (PWV, area under the curve [AUC]: 0.661, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.547-0.775], P=0.009) (pPP, AUC: 0.656, 95% CI [0.542-0.769], P=0.012). CONCLUSION: COPD, PWV, and PP are predictors of POAF. PP and PWV, easily measured in office conditions, might be useful for detecting patients with a higher risk of POAF.

Association among COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and oral health status.

The pathophysiology of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and associated oral symptoms have not been clarified yet. The aim of the present study was to compare the oral health status of children with MIS-C-associated Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19. A total of 54 children with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 23 with MIS-C-associated COVID-19 and 31 with asymptomatic, mild, and moderate COVID-19 were recruited for the present cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic variables, medical examinations, oral hygiene habits, and extraoral and intraoral findings (DMFT/dmft index, OHI scores, and oral mucosal changes) were recorded. The t-test for independent samples and the Mann-Whitney U test were used (p < 0.05). MIS-C was found to be associated with chapped lips (all patients) and oral mucosal changes, including erythema, white lesion, strawberry tongue, and swelling of the gingiva as compared to the COVID-19 group (frequency of more than one mucosal change: 100% vs. 35%) (p < 0.001). Children with MIS-C presented higher DMFT/dmft scores (DMFT/dmft 5.52 ± 3.16 for the MIS-C group vs. 2.26 ± 1.80 for the COVID-19 group) (p < 0.01). Elevated OHI scores were also associated with MIS-C (mean ± SD: 3.06 ± 1.02 (MIS-C) vs. 2.41 ± 0.97 (COVID-19) (p < 0.05). Oral manifestations, mainly strawberry and erythematous tongue, were characteristic features of MIS-C. Prevalence of oral/dental symptoms was elevated in children with MIS-C when compared to COVID-19. Therefore, dental professionals should be aware of the oral manifestations associated with MIS-C, which may have high mortality and morbidity rates.

Vitamin D levels in patients with seborrheic dermatitis.

OBJECTIVE: Seborrheic dermatitis is a common papulosquamous skin disease with unknown pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to determine the serum level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D in patients with seborrheic dermatitis SD. METHODS: A total of 53 patients and 60 healthy controls were included in the study. Serum vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, and parathormone levels were measured in the patient and control groups, and a comparison was made between the two groups regarding these parameters. RESULTS: Severe vitamin D deficiency was more frequent among patients with seborrheic dermatitisSD compared to controls (52.8 vs. 25.8%, p=0.003). In patients with severe vitamin D deficiency, seborrheic dermatitis SD was detected more frequently at an early age (p=0048) and in women (p=0.015). No correlation was found between the seborrheic dermatitis skin involvement site and vitamin D level. CONCLUSION: The fact that vitamin D levels decreased in patients with seborrheic dermatitis SD and patients with severe vitamin D deficiency develop seborrheic dermatitis SD earlier suggests that the low levels of vitamin D are related to seborrheic dermatitis.

Effectiveness of laser hemorrhoidoplasty in the treatment of hemorrhoidal disease.

INTRODUCTION: Minimally invasive techniques still continue to maintain their popularity in hemorrhoidal disease. In this study, we aimed to present the symptomatic recovery and recurrence rates, post-operative pain levels, and complication rates of patients treated with the laser hemorrhoidoplasty (LHP) method in our clinic. METHODS: The data of patients who underwent LHP due to Grades 2, 3, and 4 internal hemorrhoidal disease in our clinic were reviewed retrospectively. The patients enrolled in the study were followed for at least 6 months (6 months, 1 year, and 2 years) and their results were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 103 patients were included in the study. Seventy-five (72.8%) of them were male and the mean age was 41.6 ± 13.6 years. The mean operation time was 17.9 ± 5.2 min and minor complications developed in 3 (2.9%) patients postoperatively. Mean time to return to normal daily life was 2.17 (1-11) days. Recurrence developed in 16 (17.6%) patients with Grades 2 and 3 disease and in 6 (50%) of 12 patients with Grade 4 disease (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: LHP is a popular procedure which is effective in selected patient groups with acceptable recurrence rates.

OBJETIVO: Presentar las tasas de recurrencia y recuperación sintomática, los niveles de dolor posoperatorio y las tasas de complicaciones de los pacientes tratados con hemorroidoplastia láser en nuestra clínica. MÉTODO: Los datos de los pacientes que se sometieron a hemorroidoplastia láser debido a enfermedad hemorroidal interna de grados 2, 3 y 4 en nuestra clínica se revisaron retrospectivamente. Los pacientes incluidos en el estudio fueron seguidos durante al menos 6 meses (6 meses, 1 año y 2 años) y se analizaron sus desenlaces. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 103 pacientes, de los cuales 75 (72.8%) eran de sexo masculino. La edad media fue de 41.6 ± 13.6 años. El tiempo operatorio medio fue de 17.9 ± 5.2 minutos. Se desarrollaron complicaciones menores en 3 (2.9%) pacientes en el posoperatorio. El tiempo medio de reincorporación a la vida diaria normal fue de 2.17 (1-11) días. La recurrencia se observó en 16 (17.6 %) pacientes con enfermedad de grados 2 y 3, y en 6 (50%) de 12 pacientes con enfermedad de grado 4 (p = 0.019). CONCLUSIONES: La hemorroidoplastia láser es un procedimiento popular que es efectivo en grupos de pacientes seleccionados, con tasas de recurrencia aceptables.

Evaluation of fluid leakage at the coverall and glove interface in single and double glove conditions.

BACKGROUND: Fluid leakage through the glove-protective clothing interface is an area of concern for many health care personnel, including emergency medical service providers, who may wear coveralls to protect themselves from multiple types of hazards. There is currently no established standard test method to specifically evaluate the barrier performance of the glove-protective clothing interface region for any personal protective equipment ensemble. OBJECTIVE: This study quantifies the fluid leakage at the coverall and glove interface using single and double gloving. METHODS: A robotic arm, which can simulate upper extremity movements of health care personnel, was used to test 5 coverall models and an extended examination glove model in single and double glove conditions. RESULTS: The results show that there was a significant difference in fluid leakage amounts between some of the coverall models and the number of glove layers studied. Findings also highlight that there is a high correlation between basis weight and stiffness of the coverall fabrics and the fluid leakage amounts. CONCLUSIONS: These results underline that coverall constructed from thin and less stiff fabrics can result in lower fluid leakage levels. Also, there was no significant difference in fluid leakage amounts between single and double gloves when tested with each of the coverall models, with the exception of the coveralls with the highest basis weight and stiffness.

Effect of skeletal muscle area and prognostic nutritional index in periampullary tumors.

INTRODUCTION: The skeletal muscle area (SMA) and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) are both considered as predictive parameters for mortality and morbidity for various type of cancer. In this study, we aimed to identify the effects of pre-operative SMA and PNI values on post-operative mortality and morbidity in patients with periampullary region tumors (PRT). METHODS: Patients between 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into two groups according to SMA and PNI cutoff values. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to find potential risk factors. RESULTS: The mean age was 65.94 ± 11.242 and 54 (60.6%) of the patients were male. Hypertension was found a reducing factor for morbidity in both univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.039; p = 0.045). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and low PNI were found as factors affecting mortality in univariate analysis (p = 0.046; p = 0.014). However, only low PNI was found as an enhancing factor for mortality in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Although SMA is not a risk factor for post-operative morbidity and mortality, PNI can be considered as a risk factor for mortality in patients with PRT.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El área del músculo esquelético (SMA) y el índice nutricional pronóstico (PNI) se consideran parámetros predictivos de mortalidad y morbilidad para varios tipos de cáncer. En este estudio, nuestro objetivo fue identificar los efectos de los valores preoperatorios de SMA y PNI sobre la mortalidad postoperatoria. y morbilidad en pacientes con tumores de la región periampular (PRT). MÉTODOS: Los pacientes entre 2010-2020 fueron analizados retrospectivamente y divididos en dos grupos según los valores de corte de SMA y PNI. Se realizaron análisis univariados y multivariados para encontrar posibles factores de riesgo. RESULTADOS: La edad media fue de 65.94 ± 11.242 y 54 (60.6%) de los pacientes eran varones. Se encontró que la hipertensión es un factor reductor de la morbilidad tanto en el análisis univariado como en el multivariado (p = 0.039; p = 0.045). La EPOC y el PNI bajo se encontraron como factores que influyen en la mortalidad en el análisis univariante (p = 0.046; p = 0.014). Sin embargo, solo el PNI bajo se encontró como un factor potenciador de la mortalidad en el análisis multivariado. CONCLUSIÓN: Aunque la SMA no se consideró un factor de riesgo de morbilidad y mortalidad posoperatorias; La PNI puede considerarse un factor de riesgo de mortalidad en pacientes con PRT.

Could We Predict POAF With a Simple Ambulatory Oscillometry Evaluating Aortic Stiffness?

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the relationship between aortic stiffness and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This study included 110 patients undergoing elective isolated CABG. Aortic stiffness was measured using a noninvasive oscillometric sphygmomanometer before surgery. Characteristics of patients with and without POAF were compared. Results: POAF developed in 32 (29.1%) patients. Patients with POAF were older (63.7±8.6 vs. 58.3±8.4; P=0.014). Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was more common in patients with POAF (11.5% vs. 37.5%; P=0.024), whereas the frequency of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and previous coronary artery disease did not differ. C-reactive protein and cholesterol levels were similar between patients with and without POAF. Left atrial diameter was greater in patients with POAF (35.9±1.6 vs. 36.7±1.7; P<0.039). Peripheral (p) and central (c) systolic and diastolic blood pressures were also similar between the groups, whereas both p and c pulse pressures (PP) were greater in patients with POAF (pPP: 44.3±11.9 vs. 50.3±11.6; P=0.018, cPP: 31.4±8.1 vs. 36.2±8.9; P=0.008). Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was significantly higher in POAF (8.6+1.3 vs. 9.4+1.3; P=0.006). PWV, pPR and COPD were independent predictors of POAF in multivariate regression analysis. In receiver operating characteristic analysis, PWV and pPP have similar accuracy for predicting POAF (PWV, area under the curve [AUC]: 0.661, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.547-0.775], P=0.009) (pPP, AUC: 0.656, 95% CI [0.542-0.769], P=0.012). Conclusion: COPD, PWV, and PP are predictors of POAF. PP and PWV, easily measured in office conditions, might be useful for detecting patients with a higher risk of POAF.

Cryptosporidium spp. in dogs - prevalence and genotype distribution

Background: Cryptosporidium spp. is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that affects the gastrointestinal tract of humans and animals. The disease can cause acute and chronic diarrhoea and even death in both humans and animals. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence and genotype distribution of Cryptosporidiosis in shelter dogs in Diyarbakir province located in the Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Materials, Methods & Results: The animal material of the study consisted of 100 dogs of different breeds and sexes. Faecal samples were collected from the rectum with disposable latex gloves and placed in individual sample containers. All of the samples were examined for Cryptosporidium spp. by Kinyoun Acid Fast and Nested PCR methods. In the Kinyoun Acid Fast staining method, firstly, smear preparations were prepared from fresh faecal samples, fixed in pure methanol for 1 min and allowed to dry. The slides were kept in Kinyoun Carbol-Fuxin for 5 min, dipped in 50% ethyl alcohol, shaken, washed in tap water, kept in 1% sulphuric acid for 2 min and washed in tap water. The slides were kept in methylene blue for 1 min, washed in tap water and allowed to dry. After drying, immersion oil was dripped and examined under a microscope at 100 magnification. DNA extraction was performed from all samples using GeneMATRIX Stool DNA Purification Kit according to the manufacturer's protocol. After Nested PCR analysis was performed. In the PCR step, primers 5'-TTCTAGAGCTAATACATGCG-3' and 5'- CCCATTTCCTTCCTTCGAAACAGGA-3' were used to amplify the 1325 bp gene region. In the nested PCR step, primers 5'- GGAAGGGTTGTATTTATTTATTAGATAAAG-3' and 5'-AAGGAGTAAGGAACAACCTCCA-3' were used to amplify the 826-864 bp gene region. As a result of both methods, a prevalence of 3% was determined. The infection rate was higher in males (3.57%) than females (2.27%) and in younger than 1 year (5.56%) than in older than 1 year (1.56%). The DNA sequences obtained from the sequence analysis of 3 positive PCR samples were analysed in BioEdit software. A phylogenetic tree was constructed with the data set created by using the 18s rRNA gene sequences obtained from the NCBI genbank database and the DNA sequences obtained as a result of the study, and it was shown which Cryptosporidium species the study samples were related to. Today, many Cryptosporidium species have been identified and most of these species have host adaptation. Although C. canis is the most common species in dogs, C. muris, C. meleagridis, and C. parvum have also been detected. Among these species, C. parvum is recognized as a zoonotic species infecting a wide range of mammals. In this study, DNA sequencing of nested PCR positive samples revealed that 3 samples were zoonotic C. parvum. Discussion: This suggests that dogs may be a reservoir for zoonotic transmission of Cryptosporidium. Consequently, it is recommended that people should be informed about the potential for transmission of this protozoan to humans and animals and that control programmes should be implemented, including the prevention of free entry of stray dogs into public places and homes.

Association among COVID-19, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and oral health status

Abstract The pathophysiology of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) and associated oral symptoms have not been clarified yet. The aim of the present study was to compare the oral health status of children with MIS-C-associated Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19. A total of 54 children with SARS-CoV-2 infection, 23 with MIS-C-associated COVID-19 and 31 with asymptomatic, mild, and moderate COVID-19 were recruited for the present cross-sectional study. Sociodemographic variables, medical examinations, oral hygiene habits, and extraoral and intraoral findings (DMFT/dmft index, OHI scores, and oral mucosal changes) were recorded. The t-test for independent samples and the Mann-Whitney U test were used (p < 0.05). MIS-C was found to be associated with chapped lips (all patients) and oral mucosal changes, including erythema, white lesion, strawberry tongue, and swelling of the gingiva as compared to the COVID-19 group (frequency of more than one mucosal change: 100% vs. 35%) (p < 0.001). Children with MIS-C presented higher DMFT/dmft scores (DMFT/dmft 5.52 ± 3.16 for the MIS-C group vs. 2.26 ± 1.80 for the COVID-19 group) (p < 0.01). Elevated OHI scores were also associated with MIS-C (mean ± SD: 3.06 ± 1.02 (MIS-C) vs. 2.41 ± 0.97 (COVID-19) (p < 0.05). Oral manifestations, mainly strawberry and erythematous tongue, were characteristic features of MIS-C. Prevalence of oral/dental symptoms was elevated in children with MIS-C when compared to COVID-19. Therefore, dental professionals should be aware of the oral manifestations associated with MIS-C, which may have high mortality and morbidity rates.

The course of COVID-19 in patients with hematological malignancies and risk factors affecting mortality: A cross-sectional study.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the clinical outcomes and risk factors affecting mortality in patients with COVID-19 following hematological malignancy (HM). Methods: Patients diagnosed with HM and hospitalized for COVID-19 were included in this retrospective study. The age, demographic and clinical characteristics, prognosis and treatment of surviving and non-surviving patients were compared. Results: A total of 49 patients were included in this study, 17 (34.6%) of whom died within 28 days of being diagnosed with COVID-19. Older age (p = 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p = 0.002), secondary infection (p < 0.001) and secondary bacterial infection (p = 0.005) were statistically significantly higher in non-survivors. The remission status of HM was higher in surviving patients (p < 0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, age (OR: 1.102, p = 0.035) and secondary infection (OR: 16.677, p = 0.024) were risk factors increasing mortality, the remission status of HM (OR: 0.093, p = 0.047) was a protective factor from mortality. Conclusion: The older age, the remission status of HM and secondary infection due to COVID-19 were determined as prognostic factors predicting mortality in HM patients with following COVID-19.

Evaluation and follow-up of antibody formation after CoronaVac vaccine.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to monitor the time-dependent change by evaluating the antibody levels at the 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, and 16th weeks after the second dose of the CoronaVac vaccine. METHODS: The study group (n=65) were between 21 and 60 years old and received two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine. Blood samples were collected after 4th, 7th, 10th, 13th, and 16th weeks of the second dose of the vaccine administration. There was a coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group (n=29) who were SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR test result positive before the vaccination period, and no coronavirus disease 2019 history group (n=36). Age, BMI, gender, smoking, comorbidity, coronavirus disease 2019 contact history, and working in the coronavirus disease 2019 service history of the individuals were recorded. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in the descriptive findings of the individuals according to coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group and no coronavirus disease 2019 history group. It was observed that antibody levels in the coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group were found to be higher for each period of serum collection compared to the no coronavirus disease 2019 history group, which were statistically significant. The distribution curves of the antibody levels according to the timing of blood collection in coronavirus disease 2019 recovered group, no coronavirus disease 2019 history group, and total subjects were extrapolated, and it was observed that the estimated time for the antibodies to reach the threshold value of the test was 214, 145, and 166 days after vaccination. CONCLUSION: It is important to make booster doses, as the CoronaVac vaccine will lose its effect after the fifth month due to the decrease in Ab levels. In addition, since the antibody levels decrease later in those who have a history of coronavirus disease 2019 infection and are vaccinated, individuals who have no previous history of coronavirus disease 2019 should be given priority for vaccination.

Effect of patellar resurfacing surgery on bleeding in total knee arthroplasty.

OBJECTIVE: Postoperative bleeding is one of the most important factors affecting clinical and functional results in total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, many studies have been conducted on bleeding in arthroplasty patients. However, there are very few reports investigating the effect of patellar surface replacement on bleeding in knee arthroplasty. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of patellar surface replacement on postoperative bleeding. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 30 with patellar resurfacing were compared with 39 without patellar resurfacing among patients who had undergone total knee replacement due to primary osteoarthritis. Demographic data, amount of transfusion, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values, and total, visible, and hidden blood loss values were recorded. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of demographic values. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the amount of blood in the drain, total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and blood transfusion in patients who had and had not undergone patellar resurfacing. A positive significant correlation was found between postoperative drainage volume and total blood loss. CONCLUSION: Patellar component application in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty does not change the blood loss of the patients.

Effect of patellar resurfacing surgery on bleeding in total knee arthroplasty

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Postoperative bleeding is one of the most important factors affecting clinical and functional results in total knee arthroplasty. Therefore, many studies have been conducted on bleeding in arthroplasty patients. However, there are very few reports investigating the effect of patellar surface replacement on bleeding in knee arthroplasty. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the effect of patellar surface replacement on postoperative bleeding. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 30 with patellar resurfacing were compared with 39 without patellar resurfacing among patients who had undergone total knee replacement due to primary osteoarthritis. Demographic data, amount of transfusion, preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin and hematocrit values, and total, visible, and hidden blood loss values were recorded. RESULTS: No statistical difference was found between the two groups in terms of demographic values. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the amount of blood in the drain, total blood loss, hidden blood loss, and blood transfusion in patients who had and had not undergone patellar resurfacing. A positive significant correlation was found between postoperative drainage volume and total blood loss. CONCLUSION: Patellar component application in patients who had undergone total knee arthroplasty does not change the blood loss of the patients.

Ansiedad y depresión posparto a largo plazo de las madres con COVID-19 durante el embarazo

La pandemia de COVID-19 se asocia con resultados mentales negativos en el período posparto temprano. Objetivo. Evaluar la salud mental posparto a largo plazo de las mujeres infectadas con COVID-19 durante el embarazo. Métodos. Estudio transversal en 101 gestantes que dieron a luz en un centro terciario durante la pandemia de COVID-19, entre el 31 de marzo de 2020 y el 30 de noviembre de 2021. Se clasificó a las gestantes en 2 grupos como COVID-19 positivo (grupo de estudio, n=52) y COVID-19 negativo (grupo control, n=49). Se recogieron datos sociodemográficos y obstétricos mediante un cuestionario en los períodos posparto temprano (≤6 meses) y tardío (6 a 18 meses). Se calculó la puntuación del Inventario de Depresión de Beck (IDB) y del Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck (IAB) mediante el análisis de los datos de las participantes. Resultados. La puntuación media del IDB y la tasa de depresión (puntuación del IDB >13) en las pacientes con COVID-19 positivo fueron mayores en el período posparto temprano que en el tardío. Según el análisis de regresión lineal multivariante, existió una correlación significativa entre la puntuación IDB de las pacientes con COVID-19 y el nivel educativo y la situación laboral. Según el mismo análisis, existió una correlación significativa entre la puntuación del IAB de los pacientes con COVID-19 y el apoyo del cónyuge, la relación marital y las enfermedades relacionadas con el nacimiento. Se encontró que las pacientes con COVID-19 positivo y COVID-19 negativo tenían puntuaciones IDB e IAB similares en los periodos postparto temprano (≤6 meses) y tardío (6-18 meses). Además, las tasas de ansiedad y depresión fueron similares en ambos grupos en los mismos períodos posparto. Conclusión. En nuestro estudio, la infección por COVID-19 en el embarazo no tuvo un impacto adicional significativo en la salud mental materna en el posparto a largo plazo.

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with negative mental outcomes in the early postpartum period. Objective: To assess the long-term postpartum mental health of women infected with COVID-19 during pregnancy. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 101 pregnant women who gave birth in a tertiary center during the COVID-19 pandemic, between March 31, 2020, and November 30, 2021. The pregnant women were classified into 2 groups as COVID-19 positive (study group, n=52) and COVID-19 negative (control group, n=49). Sociodemographic and obstetric data were collected by questionnaire in the early (≤6 months) and late (6-18 months) postpartum periods. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores were calculated by analysis of the participants' data. Results: The mean BDI score and the rate of depression (BDI score >13) in COVID-19 positive patients were higher in the early postpartum period than in the late postpartum period. According to multivariate linear regression analysis, there was a significant correlation between the BDI score of COVID-19 patients and educational level and employment status. According to the same analysis, there was a significant correlation between the BAI score of COVID-19 patients and spousal support, marital relationship, and birthrelated diseases. We found that COVID-19 positive and COVID-19 negative patients had similar BDI and BAI scores in the early (≤6 months) and late (6-18 months) postpartum periods. In addition, rates of anxiety and depression were similar in both groups at the same postpartum periods. Conclusion: In our study, COVID-19 infection in pregnancy had no significant additional impact on long-term postpartum maternal mental health.

COMPARISON OF CHANGES IN THE ANKLE AFTER UNICONDYLAR KNEE ARTHROPLASTY AND HIGH TIBIAL OSTEOTOMY.

Objectives: We aimed to compare the changes in the coronal alignment of the ankle joints and their clinical effects after high tibial osteotomy (HTO) and unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods: 50 HTO and 54 UKA patients who were operated on for medial knee osteoarthritis between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively evaluated. The hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), the tibial plafond inclination (TPI) and the talar inclination (TI) angles were measured before and after operation. Visual analog scale (VAS), short form 36 (SF-36), and ankle-hindfoot scale (AHS) scores of both groups were evaluated and recorded. Results: Angular changes in the HKA, MPTA, TPI and TI values showed significantly greater values in the HTO group (p<0.001). When asymptomatic and symptomatic cases were compared, it was found that changes in the HKA, TPI and TI values were significantly greater in symptomatic cases in the HTO group (p<0.05). A significant decline was observed in the VAS, SF-36 and AHS scores in the HTO group in the postoperative period (p<0.05). In intergroup evaluations, a significant decline was detected in pain and functional scores of the HTO group when compared to the UKA group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Unicondylar knee arthroplasty can be a good alternative to HTO in selected cases for postoperative ankle complaints. Level of Evidence III; Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Objetivos: Nosso objetivo foi comparar as alterações noalinhamento coronal das articulações do tornozelo e seus efeitos clínicos após osteotomia tibial alta (OTA) e artroplastia unicondilar do joelho (AUJ). Métodos: 50 pacientes de HTO e 54 de AUJ operados de osteoartrite medial do joelho entre 2013 e 2018 foram avaliados retrospectivamente. O ângulo quadril-joelho-tornozelo (QJT), o ângulo tibial proximal medial (ATPM), a inclinação do platô tibial (IPT) e os ângulos de inclinação talar (IT) foram medidos no pré- e pós-operatório. A escala visual analógica (VAS), forma curta 36 (SF-36), e a escala tornozelo-retropé (ETR) de ambos os grupos foram avaliadas e registradas. Resultados: Alterações angulares nos valores de QJT, ATPM, IPT e IT mostraram valores significativamente maiores no grupo OTA (p<0,001). Quando os casos assintomáticos e sintomáticos foram comparados, verificou-se que as alterações nos valores de QJT, IPT e IT foram significativamente maiores nos casos sintomáticos no grupo OTA (p<0,05). Observou-se declínio significativo nos escores VAS, SF-36 e ETR no grupo HTO no pós-operatório (p<0,05). Nas avaliações intergrupos, foi detectado declínio significativo na dor e nos escores funcionais do grupo OTA quando comparado ao grupo AUJ (p<0,05). Conclusão: Em casos de queixas pós-operatórias quanto ao tornozelo, a artroplastia unicondilar do joelho pode ser uma boa alternativa para OTA. Nível de evidência III; Estudos Terapêuticos Investigando Resultados de Tratamento.

Genetic, haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Ligula intestinalis by using mt-CO1 gene marker: ecological implications, climate change and eco-genetic diversity.

Ligula intestinalis is a cestode parasite that affects freshwater fish in different countries of the world. The current study aims to reveal the phylogenetic, genetic and haplotype diversity of mt-CO1 gene sequences sent to the NCBI database from different countries by using in-silico analysis. The 105 mt-CO1 (371 bp) gene sequences of L. intestinalis obtained from NCBI were used for bioinformatics analyses. Sequences were subjected to phylogenetic and haplotype analysis. As a result of the haplotype analysis of L. intestinalis, 38 haplotypes were obtained from 13 different countries. Hap24 constituted 44.76% of the obtained haplotype network. Changes in nucleotides between haplotypes occurred at 1-84 different points. China and Turkey have highest fixation index (Fst) values of 0.59761, while the lowest (-0.10526) was found between Russia and Turkey. This study provides a baseline for future studies on extensive scale on the epidemiology, ecological aspects, distribution pattern, transmission dynamics and population dispersion of L. intestinalis worldwide.