Effectiveness of Booster Measles-Mumps-Rubella Vaccination in Lower COVID-19 Infection Rates: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Turkish Adults.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of booster vaccination of adults with measles-mumps-rubella in the COVID-19 infection rates. METHODS: In order to investigate this hypothesis, we tested COVID-19 positivity rate through PCR assay on the participants (n=245; male), who had to share the same student accommodation together with the same dining hall to provide governmental service. Participants were divided into two groups based on their booster vaccination status with measles-mumps-rubella: the non-vaccinated group (n=207) and the vaccinated group (n=38). The rate of COVID-19 seropositivity, age, body mass index (BMI), active smoking and presence of comorbidity were also measured and recorded. RESULTS: All of the participants were healthy, and age distribution, comorbidity rates, active smoking status and BMI did not vary significantly among the two groups (p=0.305, p=0.594, p=0.280, and p=0.922, respectively). About 36.7% (n=90) of the participants were found to be COVID-19 positive by PCR among which the non-vaccinated cases had higher rates of COVID-19 seropositivity than the vaccinated cases (40.6% vs 15.8%) (OR=3.6, 95%CI: 1.5-9.0, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we cautiously predict that immunity produced by MMR vaccination boosters may provide some degree of protection against COVID-19 in the adult population.

The Syrian civil war: The experience of the Surgical Intensive Care Units.

OBJECTIVE: Since the civilian war in Syria began, thousands of seriously injured trauma patients from Syria were brought to Turkey for emergency operations and/or postoperative intensive care. The aim of this study was to present the demographics and clinical features of the wounded patients in Syrian civil war admitted to the surgical intensive care units in a tertiary care centre. METHODS: The records of 80 trauma patients admitted to the Anaesthesia, General Surgery and Neurosurgery ICUs between June 1, 2012 and July 15, 2014 were included in the study. The data were reviewed regarding the demographics, time of presentation, place of reference, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score and Injury Severity Score (ISS), surgical procedures, complications, length of stay and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 80 wounded patients (70 males and 10 females) with a mean age of 28.7 years were admitted to surgical ICUs. The most frequent cause of injury was gunshot injury. The mean time interval between the occurrence of injury and time of admission was 2.87 days. Mean ISS score on admission was 21, and mean APACHE II score was 15.7. APACHE II scores of non-survivors were significantly increased compared with those of survivors (P=0.001). No significant differences was found in the age, ISS, time interval before admission, length of stay in ICU, rate of surgery before or after admission. CONCLUSION: The most important factor affecting mortality in this particular trauma-ICU patient population from Syrian civil war was the physiological condition of patients on admission. Rapid transport and effective initial and on-road resuscitation are critical in decreasing the mortality rate in civil wars and military conflicts.

Nonlinear Dynamic Behavior of a Bi-Axial Torsional MEMS Mirror with Sidewall Electrodes.

Nonlinear dynamic responses of a Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) mirror with sidewall electrodes are presented that are in close agreement with previously-reported experimental data. An analysis of frequency responses reveals softening behavior, and secondary resonances originated from the dominant quadratic nonlinearity. The quadratic nonlinearity is an electromechanical coupling effect caused by the electrostatic force. This effect is reflected in our mathematical model used to simulate the dynamic response of the micro-mirror. The effects of increased forcing and decreased damping on the frequency response are investigated as the mirrors are mostly used in vacuum packages. The results can predict MEMS mirror behaviors in optical devices better than previously-reported models.

Widespread exploitation of the honeybee by early Neolithic farmers.

The pressures on honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations, resulting from threats by modern pesticides, parasites, predators and diseases, have raised awareness of the economic importance and critical role this insect plays in agricultural societies across the globe. However, the association of humans with A. mellifera predates post-industrial-revolution agriculture, as evidenced by the widespread presence of ancient Egyptian bee iconography dating to the Old Kingdom (approximately 2400 BC). There are also indications of Stone Age people harvesting bee products; for example, honey hunting is interpreted from rock art in a prehistoric Holocene context and a beeswax find in a pre-agriculturalist site. However, when and where the regular association of A. mellifera with agriculturalists emerged is unknown. One of the major products of A. mellifera is beeswax, which is composed of a complex suite of lipids including n-alkanes, n-alkanoic acids and fatty acyl wax esters. The composition is highly constant as it is determined genetically through the insect's biochemistry. Thus, the chemical 'fingerprint' of beeswax provides a reliable basis for detecting this commodity in organic residues preserved at archaeological sites, which we now use to trace the exploitation by humans of A. mellifera temporally and spatially. Here we present secure identifications of beeswax in lipid residues preserved in pottery vessels of Neolithic Old World farmers. The geographical range of bee product exploitation is traced in Neolithic Europe, the Near East and North Africa, providing the palaeoecological range of honeybees during prehistory. Temporally, we demonstrate that bee products were exploited continuously, and probably extensively in some regions, at least from the seventh millennium cal BC, likely fulfilling a variety of technological and cultural functions. The close association of A. mellifera with Neolithic farming communities dates to the early onset of agriculture and may provide evidence for the beginnings of a domestication process.

The predictive value of red cell distribution width levels on mortality in intensive care patients with community-acquired intra-abdominal sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a part of the complete blood count (CBC) panel reflecting quantitative measure of variability in the size of circulating red blood cells. It has been known that higher RDW is associated with increased mortality in several diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between RDW and hospital mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with community-acquired intra-abdominal sepsis (C-IAS). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of the patients with C-IAS was performed between January 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013. Patients' demographics, co-morbidities, laboratory measures including RDW on admission to the ICU, and Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of one hundred and three patients with C-IAS were included into the study with a mean age of 64±14 years. Overall mortality was 50.5%. RDW day 1 (RDW1) values and APACHE II scores were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors. In multivariate analysis, only RDW1 and APACHE II predicted mortality. The area under the receiver operating curves (AUC) of RDW1 and APACHE II were 0.867 (95% CI, 0.791-0.942) and 0.943 (95% CI, 0.902-0.984), respectively. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that increased RDW is associated with mortality in ICU patients with C-IAS.

Comparison of intracorporeal knotting and endoloop for stump closure in laparoscopic appendectomy.

BACKGROUND: Several appendiceal stump closure tecniques such as intracorporoeal-knotting, endoloop, stapler and clips are used during laparoscopic appendectomy. This study aimed to compare intracorporoeal-knotting and endoloop tecniques used to close appendiceal stump in laparoscopic appendectomy. METHODS: This study included patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy with preliminary diagnosis of acute appendicitis in General Surgery Department of Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital between June 2009 and July 2013. The demographics, appendiceal stump closure tecniques, operation time, complications, and length of hospital stays of the patients were compared. RESULTS: A total of one hundred and twenty-six patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy (Female: 81, Male: 45). Intracorporeal-knotting (Group 1) was performed in sixty-five patients; whereas, endoloop (Group 2) was performed in sixty-one patients in order to close appendiceal stump. The operation time was longer in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (62.0±10.67 min., 56.80±11.94 min., p=0.01). The length of hospital stays were nonsignificant between the groups. Four patients were complicated by superficial surgical site infection in both groups. CONCLUSION: In the present study, the operation time was found to be longer for intracorporeal knotting tecnique compared to endoloop tecnique; however, there was no significant difference regarding the length of hospital stay and complications. Performing intracorporeal-knotting technique is suggested since it is cheaper than endoloops and it may also improve hand manipulations of the surgeons who intend to advanced laparoscopy.

Rhomboid Flap Technique in Breast-conserving Surgery: An Alternative Method for the Reconstruction of Lumpectomy Defects.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to present our experience with rhomboid flap reconstruction, which is a simple technique, in breast cancer patients who underwent breast-conserving surgery. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of 13 patients with breast cancer who underwent rhomboid flap reconstruction. The patients were evaluated for tumor size, safe surgical margin, and other clinical and pathological features. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 43.1 years (range: 28-69 years). The mean tumor diameter was 30.8 mm (range: 15-60 mm). The mean of the safe margin of resection was evaluated to be 17.8 mm (range: 5-30 mm). Re-excision was required for one patient in the same session. CONCLUSION: Rhomboid flap reconstruction can facilitate the applicability of breast-conserving surgery in early breast cancer patients with large tumor-to-breast-size ratio or tumors close to the skin.

Intravenous Versus Oral Antibiotic Prophylaxis Efficacy for Elective Laparoscopic Cholecystectomies: a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

The aim of the present prospective randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of intravenous and oral antibiotic prophylaxis for cost and surgical site infection in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Three hundred twenty patients were split into two groups as to include 160 patients in each, and they were evaluated in a prospective and randomized fashion. While one group was subjected to 1 g cefazolin via intravenous route during anesthesia induction, other group received 1 g cephalexin monohydrate via oral route 1 h prior to the operation. Demographic findings and operation results of the patients were compared by analyses. Our 320 patients (278 females and 42 males) received elective cholecystectomy and were followed up for a period of 6-26 months. Each group had 160 patients. Both groups were similar with regard to demographic characteristics and inclusion criteria. Among all, only five (1.5 %) cases demonstrated postoperative surgical site infection. Surgical site infection at postoperative period was determined in three (1.8 %) cases of intravenous prophylaxis group and two (1.2 %) cases of oral prophylaxis group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of surgical site infection. Oral antibiotic prophylaxis can be used in elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy prophylaxis due to its cost-effective, reliable nature, and low surgical site infection rate.

Changes in the frequencies of abdominal wall hernias and the preferences for their repair: a multicenter national study from Turkey.

Abdominal wall hernias are a common problem in the general population. A Western estimate reveals that the lifetime risk of developing a hernia is about 2%. As a result, hernia repairs likely comprise the most frequent general surgery operations. More than 20 million hernias are estimated to be repaired every year around the world. Numerous repair techniques have been described to date however tension-free mesh repairs are widely used today because of their low hernia recurrence rates. Nevertheless, there are some ongoing debates regarding the ideal approach (open or laparoscopic), the ideal anesthesia (general, local, or regional), and the ideal mesh (standard polypropylene or newer meshes).

ULTRAPRO Hernia System versus lichtenstein repair in treatment of primary inguinal hernias: a prospective randomized controlled study.

The Lichtenstein repair has been recommended as the gold standard for inguinal hernia repair. However, postoperative discomfort still constitutes a concern and an area for improvement. New mesh materials have been continuously introduced to achieve this goal. The goal of the present study was to investigate the outcomes of ULTRAPRO Hernia System (UHS) compared with Lichtenstein mesh repair. A total of 99 male patients with primary unilateral inguinal hernia were included in the study during the period of September 2010-January 2012. Patients with body mass index>30, comorbid diseases, and anesthetic risk of ASA-III and ASA-IV were excluded. The patients were randomly allocated to operation with the Lichtenstein technique (group L) or UHS. Demographics, operative and postoperative/recovery data, and short- and medium-term outcomes of the patients were recorded. A total of 50 patients in group L and 49 patients in group UHS were analyzed. The median follow-up time for the study was 33 months. There were no significant differences regarding demographics, complications, and rehabilitation between the groups. Overall, there was a prolonged operation time in the UHS group compared with the L group (UHS: 53.7±5.7 minutes; L: 44.5±5.5 minutes; P<0.001). UHS may provide results similar to those for the Lichtenstein technique in open repair of inguinal hernias regarding perioperative course, complications, recovery, and recurrence rates. However, because of reduced costs and the lack of need for the exploration of the preperitoneal space, we conclude that the Lichtenstein technique should be recommended as the first choice.

Diathermy versus scalpel in Limberg flap in pilonidal sinus surgery. A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Rhomboid excision with Limberg flap repair (RELIF) is an effective surgical procedure in pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) treatment. This study aimed to compare outcome of diathermy and scalpel in RELIF procedure in PSD surgery. METHODS: Patients undergoing RELIF procedure due to PSD at Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital between January 2012 and September 2012 were randomly assigned to diathermy (n=30) or scalpel (n=30) groups. The primary outcomes measured were duration of operation, drainage volume, postoperative numerical pain intensity scale (NPIS) scores, complications, duration of hospitalization length and time to return to daily activity. RESULTS: The mean age was 26.2 years (17-44 years). The mean operation duration was significantly lower in diathermy group (p=0.0001). Postoperative total NPIS score within the first 24 h was significantly lower in diathermy group (p=0.001). However, there were not any significant differences in term of NPIS scores in day 3 and day 7. There were no significant differences in terms of total drain output, drain removal time and length of hospital stay. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of duration to sit comfortably, return to daily activity and work. Recurrence of PSD was emerged in one patient in the diathermy group. CONCLUSION: Diathermy dissection in RELIF procedure in pilonidal sinus surgery is a safe technique and decreased operation time and postoperative pain.

Laparoscopic rectopexy for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome without overt rectal prolapse. A case report and review of the literature.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare clinical entity. Several treatment options has been described. However, there is no consensus yet on treatment algorithm and standard surgical procedure. Rectopexy is one of the surgical options and it is generally performed in patients with solitary rectal ulcer accompanied with overt prolapse. Various outcomes have been reported for rectopexy in the patients with occult prolapse or rectal intussusception. In the literature; outcomes of laparoscopic non-resection rectopexy procedure have been reported in the limited number of case or case series. No study has emphasized the outcomes of laparoscopic non-resection rectopexy procedure in the patients with solitary rectal ulcer without overt prolapse. In this report we aimed to present clinical outcomes of laparoscopic non-resection posterior suture rectopexy procedure in a 21-year-old female patient with solitary rectal ulcer without overt prolapse.

Laparoscopic rectopexy for solitary rectal ulcer syndrome without overt rectal prolapse: a case report and review of the literature.

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is a rare clinical entity. Several treatment options has been described. However, there is no consensus yet on treatment algorithm and standard surgical procedure. Rectopexy is one of the surgical options and it is generally performed in patients with solitary rectal ulcer accompanied with overt prolapse. Various outcomes have been reported for rectopexy in the patients with occult prolapse or rectal intussusception. In the literature; outcomes of laparoscopic non-resection rectopexy procedure have been reported in the limited number of case or case series. No study has emphasized the outcomes of laparoscopic non-resection rectopexy procedure in the patients with solitary rectal ulcer without overt prolapse. In this report we aimed to present clinical outcomes of laparoscopic non-resection posterior suture rectopexy procedure in a 21-year-old female patient with solitary rectal ulcer without overt prolapse.

Comparison of APACHE II, P-POSSUM and SAPS II scoring systems in patients underwent planned laparotomies due to secondary peritonitis.

BACKGROUND: The first aim of this study was to discuss the factors affecting mortality rate in patients with severe intraabdominal sepsis treated with planned relaparotomy. The second aim was to compare APACHEE II, P-POSSUM and SAPS II scoring systems to allow identification of high-risk patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A series of 34 patients who had intra-abdominal sepsis and treated with planned relaparotomy between January 2009 and January 2012 were included the study. The source of the peritonitis, type and number of surgical procedures, number of planned relaparatomies, microbiology surveillance, total intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stay duration, number of intubated days, morbidity and mortality were analyzed. APACHEE II, SAPS II, P-POSSUM scores and estimated mortality ranges at admission were compared. RESULTS: The mean age was 46 (16-76 years) and 73.5 % (n=25) were male. A total of 119 operations and 50 surgical procedures were performed. The overall mortality rate was 20.6% (n=7). Complications developed in %53 (n=18) of the patients. Mortality was higher in upper GIS leaks (6/20 versus 1/14 patients). Areas under the curve calculated by ROC curve analysis for APACHE II, SAPS II and P-POSSUM were 0.958, 0.955 and 0.931, respectively. The highest values for sensitivity (100%) and specivity (85.2%) together were reached in APACHE II, when cut off value for it was set to 20.5. The SAPS II and P-POSSUM physiology scores were correlated with overall hospital stay (p=0.022 r=0.438 and p=0.001 r=0.609 respectively), but this correlation was not found for APACHEE II score (p=0.085 r=0.337). However, all three scoring systems provided clear estimation of ICU stay duration. CONCLUSION: We suggest that, in secondary peritonitis patients reserved for planned relaparotomy, APACHE II is more reliable for prediction of mortality and P-POSSUM scoring system is more reliable for prediction of overall hospital stay duration.

Virginal Breast Hypertrophy and Symptomatic Treatment: A Case Report.

Virginal breast hypertrophy is a rare benign disease. It is characterized by rapid and excessive growth of one or two breasts during peripubertal period. There is no specific treatment algorithm, subcutaneous mastectomy and prosthesis replacement, reduction mammoplasty, medical treatment with particularly tamoxifen are all recommended in the literature. Unfortunately, all treatment methods have some disadvantages in this patient group who have not completed their sexual and physical maturation. Although these treatments are usually required, it should be noted that spontaneous remission could rarely be seen in virginal hypertrophy. We aimed to present a case of virginal hypertrophy, in whom symptomatic treatment has been used and breast growth regressed spontaneously.

[General approach to penetrating abdominal traumas of Turkish general surgeons: survey of practice]. / Türkiye'deki genel cerrahlarin penetran karin travmalarina yaklasimi: Uygulama anketi.

BACKGROUND: In patients with penetrating abdominal traumas (PATs), selective non-operative management (SNOM) has been widely accepted. This study was designed to investigate the practice trends among Turkish surgeons regarding SNOM. MEHTOHDS: The study was conducted as an online survey. Participants' demographic characteristics and their management trends and opinions regarding patients with PATs and SNOM were studied. Data were recorded using MS Excel® and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 180 surgeons participated in the survey. SNOM approach rate in patients with stab injuries (SI) was 64%, whereas in patients with gunshot injuries (GSI), this rate was 52%. However, more than 90% of the surgeons declared that additional diagnostic studies were required before selecting SNOM approach in both SI and GSI. In addition, most of the surgeons who did not use SNOM in practice reported that they did not want to risk the patients' lives or their careers. DISCUSSION: Although our surgeons have constructive opinions and tendencies regarding contemporary approaches in the management of PATs, it is seen that nearly half of them prefer not to perform SNOM in practice for various reasons. We believe that approval of trauma and emergency surgery disciplines as subspecialties and funding- centralized trauma centers might correct this deficiency.

The management of penetrating abdominal trauma by diagnostic laparoscopy: a prospective non-randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Penetrating abdominal trauma (PAT) has been traditionally treated by exploratory laparotomy (EL). The aim of our study was to examine the use of diagnostic laparoscopy (DL) in the management of hemodynamically stable patients with PAT. METHODS: A prospective study was performed to compare the outcomes of hemodynamically stable patients with suspected intra-abdominal injuries due to abdominal stab wounds who underwent either EL or DL. Data extracted for analysis included demographic information, operative findings, rates of non-therapeutic laparotomy, operation time, length of hospital stay, mortality, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Fifty-two hemodynamically stable patients were admitted to the trauma service. There were 45 male (86.5%) and 7 female (13.5%) patients. The average age was 34.5 years-old (18-60). 26 (50%) patients underwent EL, and 26 (50%) patients underwent DL. Re-exploration by laparotomy was required in 9 of the 26 cases (34.6%). Patients who underwent DL had significantly shorter hospital stays (1.82±0.63 days vs. 5.4±2.1 days, p<0.05) and shorter operation time (17.9±6.38 vs. 68.4±33.2 min, p<0.05) than patients who underwent EL. CONCLUSION: Selective use of DL in the hemodinamically stable penetrating trauma patients effectively decreased the rate of negative laparotomies, minimized morbidity, and decreased hospital stay.

Metastasis from prostatic carcinoma causing acute appendicitis: Report of a case.

INTRODUCTION: Metastasis induced acute appendicitis is extremely rare. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We present a 72-year-old man who presented with typical signs of acute appendicitis. He underwent appendectomy and was successfully discharged without any complication. Histopathological examination diagnosed the metastasis to appendix from prostatic cancer. DISCUSSION: Cancers of the appendix are rare and usually diagnosed incidentally in approximately 1% of all appendectomies. The rate of perforation was found to be higher in metastasis induced acute appendicitis in comparison with simple acute appendicitis in the literature. Tumors other than primary appendix tumors when present in the appendix are easily recognized as metastatic, requiring immunohistochemical studies. CONCLUSION: Metastasis induced acute appendicitis should be considered as part of the differential diagnosis when a oncologic patient presents with signs of acute appendicitis.

Effect of preserving the hepatic vagal nerve during laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on postoperative biliary functions.

BACKGROUND: Cutting the hepatic branch of the anterior vagus nerve (HB-AVn) technically facilitates the laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of preserving or sacrificing this branch on postoperative gallbladder functions. METHODS: The patients (n = 40) were prospectively randomized into two groups. The HB-AVn was preserved during the dissection of the lesser omentum in the first group. The nerve was cut in the second group. Postoperative fasting gallbladder volumes were calculated by ultrasonography. Postoperative gallbladder ejection fraction (GEF) and gallbladder emptying time (GET) were determined by calculating intestinal transit time scintigraphically. RESULTS: Fasting gallbladder volumes and GEF values were not different between the groups. On the other hand, in patients with HB-AVn preserved, GET measurements were found to be significantly shorter than those with HB-AVn sacrificed. CONCLUSIONS: Sacrificing the hepatic branch causes prolongation in the GET. This change in the motor functions of the gallbladder does not cause any symptomatic effect during the early postoperative period. However, the delay in the GET may increase the risk of gallbladder stone formation in the long term.