Quartz crystal microbalance-based aptasensor integrated with magnetic pre-concentration system for detection of Listeria monocytogenes in food samples.

A fast and accurate identification of Listeria monocytogenes. A new quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) aptasensor was designed for the specific and rapid detection of L. monocytogenes. Before detection of the target bacterium from samples in the QCM aptasensor, a magnetic pre-enrichment system was used to eliminate any contaminant in the samples. The prepared magnetic system was characterized using ATR-FTIR, SEM, VSM, BET, and analytical methods. The saturation magnetization values of the Fe3O4, Fe3O4@PDA, and Fe3O4@PDA@DAPEG particles were 57.2, 40.8, and 36.4 emu/g, respectively. The same aptamer was also immobilized on the QCM crystal integrated into QCM flow cell and utilized to quantitatively detect L. monocytogenes cells from the samples. It was found that a specific aptamer-magnetic pre-concentration system efficiently captured L. monocytogenes cells in a short time (approximately 10 min). The Fe3O4@PDA@DA-PEG-Apt particles provided selective isolation of L. monocytogenes from the bacteria-spiked media up to 91.8%. The immobilized aptamer content of the magnetic particles was 5834 µg/g using 500 ng Apt/mL. The QCM aptasensor showed a very high range of analytical performance to the target bacterium from 1.0 × 102 and 1.0 × 107 CFU/mL. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were 148 and 448 CFU/mL, respectively, from the feeding of the QCM aptasensor flow cell with the eluent of the magnetic pre-concentration system. The reproducibility of the aptasensor was more than 95%. The aptasensor was very specific to L. monocytogenes compared to the other Listeria species (i.e., L. ivanovii, L. innocua, and L. seeligeri) or other tested bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus subtilis. The QCM aptasensor was regenerated with NaOH solution, and the system was reused many times.

Successful treatment with eculizumab in a patient with pregnancy-associated atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome is a rare and potentially lethal complement-mediated disorder. It can mimic preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelets syndrome. Thus, it can be hard to distinguish pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome from other causes in peri/post-partum women presenting with features of microangiopathic haemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia and acute kidney injury. We present a case of a 35-year-old woman in her third pregnancy at 32 weeks' gestation who underwent caesarean section due to fetal distress. She developed severe renal impairment, thrombocytopenia and neurologic symptoms within 24 hours after delivery. A diagnosis of pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome was provided, and treatment with plasma therapy followed by eculizumab was initiated. A rapid improvement of both clinical and laboratory parameters was observed. This case demonstrates the significance of early initiation of anti-complement therapy to prevent irreversible renal damage and possible death in women with pregnancy-associated atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

Point-of-care Lung Ultrasound, Lung CT and NEWS to Predict Adverse Outcomes and Mortality in COVID-19 Associated Pneumonia.

Introduction: The appraisal of disease severity and prediction of adverse outcomes using risk stratification tools at early disease stages is crucial to diminish mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). While lung ultrasound (LUS) as an imaging technique for the diagnosis of lung diseases has recently gained a leading position, data demonstrating that it can predict adverse outcomes related to COVID-19 is scarce. The main aim of this study is therefore to assess the clinical significance of bedside LUS in COVID-19 patients who presented to the emergency department (ED). Methods: Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to the ED of our hospital between March 2021 and May 2021 and who underwent a 12-zone LUS and a lung computed tomography scan were included prospectively. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were used to predict adverse events, which was our primary outcome. The secondary outcome was to discover the association of LUS score and computed tomography severity score (CT-SS) with the composite endpoints. Results: We assessed 234 patients [median age 59.0 (46.8-68.0) years; 59.4% M), including 38 (16.2%) in-hospital deaths for any cause related to COVID-19. Higher LUS score and CT-SS was found to be associated with ICU admission, intubation, and mortality. The LUS score predicted mortality risk within each stratum of NEWS. Pairwise analysis demonstrated that after adjusting a base prediction model with LUS score, significantly higher accuracy was observed in predicting both ICU admission (DBA -0.067, P = .011) and in-hospital mortality (DBA -0.086, P = .017). Conclusion: Lung ultrasound can be a practical prediction tool during the course of COVID-19 and can quantify pulmonary involvement in ED settings. It is a powerful predictor of ICU admission, intubation, and mortality and can be used as an alternative for chest computed tomography while monitoring COVID-19-related adverse outcomes.

Effect of placenta previa on umbilical cord hematocrit value.

OBJECTIVE: Placenta previa is one of the causes of neonatal anemia. This condition is mainly explained by antenatal hemorrhage and incision of the anteriorly located placenta during cesarean section. However, the mechanism of neonatal anemia in placenta previa has not been extensively studied or well elucidated. This study investigates whether placenta previa is associated with lower hematocrit levels in newborns with no antenatal hemorrhage and placental incision. KEY FINDINGS: This prospective study investigated 47 patients with previa and 43 control patients who gave birth with a cesarean section at 34-38 weeks of gestation. Blood samples were obtained from the fetal end of the umbilical vein. The mean umbilical cord hematocrit value was 49.3% in the control patients and 46.7% in the patients with previa, and the difference was statistically significant (p = .029). No significant association was observed between hematocrit value and birth weight, gestational age, newborn gender, placenta position, or preoperative maternal hemoglobin level. CONCLUSION: The study findings reveal that even if not complicated by antepartum or intrapartum hemorrhage, placenta previa may be associated with lower hematocrit values in newborns. Although in none of the cases, the umbilical cord hematocrit value was not as low as to be defined as anemia, this effect of previa on newborns should be considered because of the importance of iron status.

The role of paraoxonase and myeloperoxidase as oxidative stress markers in pregnant women with hypothyroidism.

Objective: This study aims to measure paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels in patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism during pregnancy by spectrophotometric method and to compare the results with healthy controls. Methods: For the study, the blood samples of 45 hypothyroid pregnant patients and 45 healthy control pregnant individuals who were compatible with the patient group in terms of age were taken. PON 1 and MPO levels in both groups were measured using spectrophotometric methods and statistical analysis was performed. Results: Serum PON 1 activity levels were significantly lower in hypothyroid pregnant patients than in the control group (p=.020). The patients group had significantly higher serum MPO concentrations than in control group (p=.020). MPO/PON-1 ratio was higher in pregnant patients with hypothyroidism than in the control group (p=.030). Conclusion: Decreased levels of PON1 with increased levels of MPO in hypothyroid pregnant patients suggest the critical role of oxidative stress in hypothyroidism during pregnancy.

Serum spexin, adiponectin and leptin levels in polycystic ovarian syndrome in association with FTO gene polymorphism.

OBJECTIVES: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex reproductive endocrinopathy among reproductive-aged women and related with body mass and insulin resistance. Adipocytokines produced by adipose tissue seems to take part in the hormonal and metabolic alterations that arise in PCOS. Fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene is linked with body mass index (BMI) and diabetes. Aims - To investigate the association between fat mass related adipocytokines and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs9939609 T/A) in the FTO gene in women with PCOS. Study design - Cross-sectional study MATERIAL AND METHODS: FTO+rs9939609 gene polymorphism and serum spexin, adiponectin and leptin levels were determined in 91 PCOS women and 86 healthy controls. Study participants were subdivided according to BMI and comparisons were made within each group. RESULTS: Serum spexin levels were not differed between study groups. Serum levels of adiponectin were found to be decreased in PCOS women with BMI lower than 25 kg/m2 (10.1 ± 5.6 vs 14.1 ± 9.1, p = 0.015). Serum leptin levels were elevated in obese PCOS women compared to healthy control group (2197.9 ± 596.3 pg/mL vs 1535.9 ± 812.1 pg/mL, p = 0.001). The prevalence of A risk allele of SNP rs9939609 was more frequent in PCOS patients than in the control group. PCOS risk was found to increase 3 times more in AA genotype when compared with TT genotype (OR = 3.04 95% CI: 1.243-7.309; p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Serum adiponectin and leptin levels may serve as independent markers for PCOS diagnosis. Moreover, the FTO+rs9939609 gene polymorphism increase susceptibility to PCOS development independent from serum adipocytokine levels.

Predictive value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients with Vaginitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the diagnostic value of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in vaginitis patients. METHODS: This cross-sectional retrospective study was performed in Afyon Dinar State Hospital between July 2016 to August 2017. A total of 64 bacterial vaginosis (BV) patients, 66 vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) patients and 65 age-matched control subjects were enrolled. NLR, PLR, mean platelet volume (MPV), red cell distribution width (RDW) and other conventional inflammatory marker values were recorded for all patients before and after treatment. RESULTS: In the BV group, NLR values were found to be elevated compared to VVC and healthy controls [2.9 (1.2-14.7), 2.1 (1.1-11.7) and 2.1 (0.8-7.0), respectively] (p=0.008). Although not found to be statistically significant, the median NLR levels of BV patients decreased from 2.9 (1.2-14.7) to 2.4 (1.2-7.0) after treatment. PLR levels did not show a statistically significant difference between the three groups (p=0.970). The cut-off value of the NLR for BV was 2.19, with 67.2% sensitivity and 63.8% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that NLR levels are elevated in bacterial vaginosis and NLR levels can be used as a reflection of systemic inflammatory response in vaginosis patients.

Ankaferd hemostat (ABS) as a potential mucosal topical agent for the management of COVID-19 syndrome based on its PAR-1 inhibitory effect and oestrogen content.

COVID-19 due to the SARS-CoV-2 infection is a multi-systemic immune syndrome affecting mainly the lungs, oropharyngeal region, and other vascular endothelial beds. There are tremendous ongoing efforts for the aim of developing drugs against the COVID-19 syndrome-associated inflammation. However, currently no specific medicine is present for the absolute pharmacological cure of COVID-19 mucositis. The re-purposing/re-positioning of already existing drugs is a very important strategy for the management of ongoing pandemy since the development of a new drug needs decades. Apart from altering angiotensin signaling pathways, novel drug candidates for re-purposing comprise medications shall target COVID-19 pathobiology, including pharmaceutical formulations that antagonize proteinase-activated receptors (PARs), mainly PAR-1. Activation of the PAR-1, mediators and hormones impact on the hemostasis, endothelial activation, alveolar epithelial cells and mucosal inflammatory responses which are the essentials of the COVID-19 pathophysiology. In this context, Ankaferd hemostat (Ankaferd Blood Stopper, ABS) which is an already approved hemostatic agent affecting via vital erythroid aggregation and fibrinogen gamma could be a potential topical remedy for the mucosal management of COVID-19. ABS is a clinically safe and effective topical hemostatic agent of plant origin capable of exerting pleiotropic effects on the endothelial cells, angiogenesis, cell proliferation and vascular dynamics. ABS had been approved as a topically applied hemostatic agent for the management of post-surgical/dental bleedings and healing of infected inflammatory mucosal wounds. The anti-inflammatory and proteinase-activated receptor axis properties of ABS with a considerable amount of oestrogenic hormone presence highlight this unique topical hemostatic drug regarding the clinical re-positioning for COVID-19-associated mucositis. Topical ABS as a biological response modifier may lessen SARS-CoV-2 associated microthrombosis, endothelial dysfunction, oropharyngeal inflammation and mucosal lung damage. Moreover, PAR-1 inhibition ability of ABS might be helpful for reducing the initial virus propagation and mocasal spread of COVID-19.

Evaluation of thiol/disulfide homeostasis in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus.

This study aimed to study the dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Forty-five pregnant women with GDM and 45 age-matched healthy pregnancies were included in this study. Thiol/disulfide homeostasis was measured using a commercial kit (Rel Assay Diagnostics). The patients with GDM had significantly higher disulfide concentrations than healthy pregnant patients (p = .001). Besides, the GDM group had significantly higher disulfide/total thiol, disüplhide/native thiol, and native thiol/total thiol ratio than healthy pregnant patients (p = .001, p = .001 and p = .001, respectively). The significantly higher concentrations of disulfide, disulfide/total thiol, disüplhide/native thiol, and native thiol/total thiol ratio in women with GDM could be considered as the increased oxidative stress.

The efficacy of Ankaferd Blood Stopper® in an experimental Asherman syndrome model created in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Asherman syndrome (AS) is a progressive disease involving menstrual disorders, recurrent pregnancy losses, and infertility developing as a result of partial or full blockade of the uterine cavity with adhesions. AS generally develops after trauma to the basal layer of the endometrium. In spite of a variety of methods such as adhesiolysis, inserting intrauterine devices, and administering high doses of estrogen, treatments remain insufficient. This study aimed to assess the effects of local intrauterine Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) administration in inducing endometrial proliferation and building a normal endometrial layer in a rat model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: AS was induced in 30 female Wistar albino rats. The rats were randomized into three groups:Group 1: AS groupGroup 2: AS + serum physiologic (SP) groupGroup 3: AS + ABS groupAS model was induced in all animals. The uterine horns were harvested after 15 days of therapy and investigated for inflammation, fibrosis, and immunohistochemical (IHC) markers. RESULTS: Compared with the other groups, fibrosis, and inflammation were significantly reduced in group 3 (chi-square, p=19.000, 0.001 and 26.365, <0.001, respectively). The IHC assessment showed that the tumor necrosis factor-α receptor levels were not different (Kruskal-Wallis H=0.091, p=0.995), but the interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-6 expression was reduced significantly in group 3 (H, p=18.706, <0.001, and 22.114, <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The therapeutic effects of local administration of ABS in rats with AS model were demonstrated histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Based on these results, ABS administration in addition to the current treatments for AS may increase the treatment success and reduce the need for advanced treatment.

An immunohistochemistry and histopathological study of ankaferd blood stopper in a rat model of cervical inflammation.

OBJECTIVE: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a medicinal plant extract used topically as a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant agent. Its cytoprotective effect mainly depends on its pleiotropic properties by modulating inflammatory mediators such as IL-1ß, IL-6, and TNF-α. This study aims to test the possible therapeutic effect of ABS in the treatment of erosive and inflammatory conditions occurring in the uterine cervix. METHODS: Twenty-four female Wistar Albino rats were used in the present study. Trichloracetic acid was applied intravaginally to establish an experimental rat model of cervicitis. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I (injury), group II (injury+isotoinc saline), and group III (injury+ABS). After 3 estrous cycles of ABS and isotonic saline treatment, the amount of inflammation, vascular congestion and erosion were evaluated in the cervical tissues by using a modified semi-quantitative scale of 0-3. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against IL-1ß was also performed. RESULTS: Compared with group I and II, the ABS group showed the least inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular congestion and cervical erosion, compared with the ABS group prominent IL-1ß staining observed in group I and group II. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ABS is a highly effective alternative to induce normal cervical epithelium and can be used safely in the treatment of cervical inflammation with or without cervical erosion.

An immunohistochemistry and histopathological study of ankaferd blood stopper in a rat model of cervical inflammation

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a medicinal plant extract used topically as a hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant agent. Its cytoprotective effect mainly depends on its pleiotropic properties by modulating inflammatory mediators such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. This study aims to test the possible therapeutic effect of ABS in the treatment of erosive and inflammatory conditions occurring in the uterine cervix. METHODS: Twenty-four female Wistar Albino rats were used in the present study. Trichloracetic acid was applied intravaginally to establish an experimental rat model of cervicitis. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: group I (injury), group II (injury+isotoinc saline), and group III (injury+ABS). After 3 estrous cycles of ABS and isotonic saline treatment, the amount of inflammation, vascular congestion and erosion were evaluated in the cervical tissues by using a modified semi-quantitative scale of 0-3. Immunohistochemical staining with monoclonal antibodies against IL-1β was also performed. RESULTS: Compared with group I and II, the ABS group showed the least inflammatory cell infiltration, vascular congestion and cervical erosion, compared with the ABS group prominent IL-1β staining observed in group I and group II. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that ABS is a highly effective alternative to induce normal cervical epithelium and can be used safely in the treatment of cervical inflammation with or without cervical erosion.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) é um extrato de plantas medicinais utilizado topicamente como um agente hemostático, anti-inflamatório e antioxidante. O seu efeito citoproteico depende principalmente das suas propriedades pleiotrópicas por meio da modulação de mediadores inflamatórios tais como IL-1β, IL-6 e TNF-a. O objetivo deste estudo é testar o possível efeito terapêutico do ABS no tratamento de condições erosivas e inflamatórias que ocorrem no colo uterino. MÉTODOS: Vinte e quatro ratas Wistar Albino foram utilizadas no presente estudo. O ácido tricloroacético foi aplicado intravaginalmente para estabelecer um modelo experimental de cervicite em ratos. Os ratos foram divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos: grupo I (lesão), grupo II (lesão + fisiológico sérico) e grupo III (lesão + ABS). Após três ciclos estrais de ABS e tratamento fisiológico sérico, as quantidades de inflamação, congestionamento vascular e erosão foram avaliadas nos tecidos cervicais usando uma escala semiquantitativa modificada de 0-3. Coloração imuno-histoquímica com anticorpos monoclonais contra IL-1β também foi realizada. RESULTADOS: Em comparação com os grupos I e II, o grupo ABS mostrou menos infiltração de células inflamatórias, congestionamento vascular e erosão cervical. Além disso, em comparação com o grupo ABS, observou-se uma coloração proeminente de IL-1β no grupo I e no grupo II. CONCLUSÃO: Nossos dados sugerem que o ABS é uma alternativa altamente eficaz para induzir o epitélio cervical normal e pode ser utilizado com segurança no tratamento da inflamação cervical com ou sem erosão cervical.

Adalimumab mitigates ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis and resolution of inflammation.

AIM: Ovarian torsion is a rare but an important reason of acute lower abdominal pain in women and associated with serious morbidity and mortality, if not treated promptly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an antitumor necrosis factor-α antibody on ovarian torsion in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. METHODS: Forty female Wistar Albino rats were used in the present study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: group I (sham), group II (I/R), group III (I/R + isotonic saline) and group IV (I/R + adalimumab). The I/R model was induced by torsion of both ovaries. Immunohistochemical staining for interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and inducible nitric oxide synthase was performed. Tissue and serum oxidative stress markers in conjunction with apoptotic index (AI) with the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling method were also calculated. RESULTS: Tissue total oxidant status, oxidative stress index and nitric oxide values were significantly decreased, and tissue total antioxidant status was found to be increased in group IV. Inflammation, vascular congestion and hemorrhagia were significantly lower in adalimumab-treated group. Serum oxidative stress markers and tissue malondialdehyde levels did not differ in study groups. The AI was significantly increased in groups 2 and 3. Adalimumab treatment significantly decreased the AI. CONCLUSION: Adalimumab therapy in rats attenuated I/R induced ovarian injury, possibly suppressing inflammation, inhibiting oxidative stress, and altering apoptotic pathways.

Determining the factors influencing the intimate relationship between sexual satisfaction and dyadic adjustment in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Identifying and characterizing sexual dysfunction is crucial in order to improve the quality of the marital relationship in postmenopausal women. Regarding this, the present study aimed to determine the association of menopausal characteristics with sexual satisfaction and marital adjustment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 89 postmenopausal women chosen using an improbable randomized sampling method. A questionnaire that collects demographic characteristics, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and The Golombok Rust Inventory of Sexual Satisfaction (GRISS) index were used to collect relevant data during the survey. RESULTS: The mean age of postmenopausal women recruited to the present study was 54.6 ±6.7. The overall mean GRISS score and DAS score were 5.6 ±1.7 and 92.1 ±11.2 respectively. The mean GRISS scores were found to significantly increase as the ages of the women increased (p = 0.044). Mean DAS scores were lower in postmenopausal women that have menopause duration longer than 10 years (p = 0.035). Higher education level of the spouse is associated with lower GRISS scores (p = 0.024). No correlation was observed between marital adjustment and sexual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Although sexual satisfaction and marital adjustment levels are decreased in the postmenopausal period, these two parameters do not seem to be related to each other. Multidimensional factors must be taken into account when evaluating sexual and marital satisfaction in postmenopausal women.

Effects of vitamin B12, folate, uric acid, and serum biomarkers of inflammation on bone mineral density in postmenopausal women.

INTRODUCTION: Despite the accumulating evidence suggesting a possible relationship between femur and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) and serum uric acid (UA), it is unclear whether alterations in UA levels reflect any underlying subclinical inflammatory conditions in postmenopausal osteoporosis. In addition, the mechanistic link between osteoporosis and dietary factors including vitamin B12 and folate in postmenopausal women is still obscure. The aim of the present study is to investigate the association between serum vitamin B12, folate, UA, and subclinical inflammatory markers and BMD measurements in postmenopausal women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eighty-four postmenopausal women were recruited for the present study. Clinical data, as well as serum vitamin B12, folate, UA, conventional inflammatory markers, and other related biochemical markers, were assessed for each subject. Bone mineral density measurements of proximal femur and lumbar spine were taken using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Correlation analysis was performed between serum vitamin B12, folate, UA and other biochemical and metabolic parameters. RESULTS: Although no association was found between serum inflammatory markers, vitamin B12 and folate levels with femur neck and lumbar spine BMD measurements, elevated UA levels were observed in subjects with normal BMD values. Higher BMD values were obtained in higher UA tertiles. UA (p < 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.003) were found to be correlated with femur neck BMD measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The femoral and lumbar BMD measurements were associated with serum UA levels. Higher serum UA levels were found to have a protective effect on postmenopausal osteoporosis irrespective of inflammation and dietary factors.

Effect of Nausea and Vomiting on Anxiety and Depression Levels in Early Pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: Nausea and vomiting of pregnancy (NVP) have been reported to be associated with distinct physiological responses to psychosocial stress. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the impact of nausea and vomiting on anxiety and depression during pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-three pregnant women with nausea and vomiting and 83 healthy pregnant women were included. All participants completed the demography- and pregnancy-related questionnaire, including Rhodes Index of Nausea and Vomiting, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). RESULTS: The median BAI and EPDS levels were 13 (min-max: 0-43) and 7 (min-max: 0-20) for the study group and 4 (min-max: 0-26) and 4 (min-max: 0-16) for control group, respectively. A univariate analysis revealed a statistically significant increase in terms of BAI levels (p<0.001) between the groups, but no significant difference was observed in terms of EPDS. In a logistic regression analysis, both anxiety (p=0.018) and depression (p=0.022) were found to be affected by NVP. The BAI levels of the NVP group correlated with the severity of NVP. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the present study, women with severe NVP experienced a higher level of anxiety and depression, which necessitates an extra awareness from healthcare professionals in order to be able to contribute effectively.

The prevelance of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes detected by PCR in women with normal and abnormal cervico-vaginal cytology.

OBJECTIVES: Cervical cancer is the second most common type of cancer for women worldwide with a great proportion proved to be related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. As infection with HPV is the strongest risk factor for cervical neoplasia, detection of HPV genotypes in cervical and vaginal specimens of women with normal and abnormal cytology seems to be of paramount importance in cervical cancer screening. The objective of the study is to evaluate the prevalence and HPV genotypes among women with normal or abnormal Pap smear tests. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care university hospital in western Turkey. A total of 201 patients in whom both HPV typing and Pap test was performed between 2012 and 2016 in our obstetrics and gynecology department were enrolled in this study. Clinical and laboratory data were obtained for all participants. Cervical smears of the patients were classified by the Bethesda system and HPV analyses were done using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. RESULTS: This study included 201 women, 72 of whom had normal and 129 of whom had abnormal Pap smear results. HPV DNA was detected in 91 (45.2%) of the 201 investigated women. Out of 72 patients with normal cervico-vaginal cytology, HPV positivity was detected in 35 (49%) patients, whereas 33 (35%) patients out of 94 with ASCUS , 18 (62%) patients out of 29 with LSIL and 5 (83%) patients out of 6 with HSIL had HPV positivity. Out of 35 HPV positive women that had normal pap test results, 25 (75%) were found to have high risk HPV (HR-HPV) genotypes. In women with ASCUS, LSIL and HSIL, HR-HPV genotype rates were found to be 94%, 89% and 100% respectively. The most common identified HPV types were HPV58, HPV16, HPV31, HPV33, HPV11 and HPV35. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of HPV infection was found to be higher in our study compared to previous reports. Moreover, although HR-HPV genotypes were also detected in patients with normal cervical cytology, a majority of patients with HR-HPV genotypes were associated with abnormal cervical smear cytology including high rates of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, and high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion.