The validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) questionnaire.

Quality of recovery (QoR) is a significant component of peri-operative health status and is influenced by patients' characteristics and surgical and anesthetic methods. The QoR-15 scale is a patient-reported outcome questionnaire that measures postoperative QoR. The validity of the QoR-15 scale has been proven in many languages. In this study, we aimed to translate the QoR-15 questionnaire into Turkish and evaluate its validity in the Turkish population. After being translated into Turkish, the questionnaire was administered to 190 patients who underwent obstetric, gynecological, orthopedic, or thoracic surgery under general or regional anesthesia. The Turkish version of QoR-15 (QoR-15T) was administered 2 times: before surgery and 24 hour after surgery. The feasibility, reliability, validity and responsiveness of the QoR-15T were evaluated. Because 13 patients were discharged within 24 hour postoperatively, the study was completed with 177 patients. The recruitment and completion rates of questionnaire were 95% and 93.1% respectively. The completing time of the questionnaire was 2.5 minutes preoperatively and 3.5 minutes postoperatively. The scale yielded a Cronbach α value of 0.75, a Cohen effect size of 1.42, and a standardized response mean of 1.39. There was a significant positive correlation (95% confidence interval; R = 0.68, P < .001) between QoR-15T and visual analog scale postoperatively. The correlation of the items with the total QoR-15T score ranged from 0.19 to 0.60. The total scores of preoperative and postoperative QoR-15T were mean: 130.67, standard deviation: 15.78 and mean: 108.23, standard deviation: 13.06, respectively, with a significant difference between them (P < .01). The QoR-15T is feasible, reliable, valid, and responsive among patients undergoing surgery under general and regional anesthesia.

Investigation of infant deaths associated with critical congenital heart diseases; 2018-2021, Türkiye.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics of infant mortality associated with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, data for the study were obtained through Death Notification System, Birth Notification System and Turkish Statistical Institute birth statistics. RESULTS: Of all infant deaths, 9.8% (4083) were associated with CCHD, and the infant mortality rate specific to CCHD was 8.8 per 10,000 live births. CCHD-related infant deaths accounted for 8.0% of all neonatal deaths, while the CCHD specific neonatal death rate was 4.6 per 10,000 live births. Of the deaths 21.7% occurred in the early neonatal, 30.3% in the late neonatal and 48.0% in the post neonatal period. Group 1 diseases accounted for 59.1% (n = 2415) of CCHD related infant deaths, 40.5% (n = 1652) were in Group 2 and 0.4% (n = 16) were in the unspecified group. Hypoplastic left heart syndrome was the most common CCHD among infant deaths (n = 1012; 24.8%). The highest CCHD related mortality rate was found in infants with preterm birth and low birth-weight while multiparity, maternal age ≥ 35 years, twin/triplet pregnancy, male gender, maternal education in secondary school and below, and cesarean delivery were also associated with higher CCHD related infant mortality rate. There was at least one non-cardiac congenital anomaly/genetic disorder in 26.1% of all cases. CONCLUSION: CCHD holds a significant role in neonatal and infant mortality in Türkiye. To mitigate CCHD-related mortality rates, it is crucial to enhance prenatal diagnosis rates and promote widespread screening for neonatal CCHD.

Evaluation of critical congenital heart disease from 2018 to 2020 in Turkey: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to examine the features of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD). METHODS: The study was planned as a retrospective cohort study. Data for the study were obtained through national data collection systems and 2018-2020 CCHD cohort was established. In this study, we divided the patients into two groups: Group 1 included seven primary target diseases of the newborn CCHD screening program and Group 2 included secondary target diseases. RESULTS: There were 9884 CCHD cases, with a prevalence of 27.8 per 10,000 live births. Of the cases 44.4% were in Group 1 (12.3 per 10,000) and 54.8% were in Group 2 (15.2 per 10,000). Of all cases 55.5% were male and the female/male ratio was 1/1.2. While 21.8% of the cases were premature, 23.0% were babies with low birth weight (LBW), 4.8% were born from multiple pregnancies. The highest prevalence of CCHD was found in LBW (84.8 per 10,000), premature infants (57.8 per 10,000) (p < 0.001). The fatality rate in the cohort was 16.6% in the neonatal period, 31.6% in the first year of life respectively. The mean estimated survival time in the birth cohort was 40.0 months (95% CI: 39.5-40.6). The mean survival time for Group 1 diseases was 33.4 months (95% CI: 32.5-34.2), while it was 45.4 months (95% CI: 44.7-46.0) for Group 2 diseases (p < 0.001). Preterm birth, LBW, maternal age and region were evaluated as factors associated with mortality risk. CONCLUSION: This study showed that CCHDs are common in Turkey and mortality rates are high. There are regional differences in CCHD both prevalence and survival. Improving prenatal diagnosis rates and expanding neonatal CCHD screening are of key importance.

Evaluation of colposcopy after the addition of human papillomavirus testing to the Turkish cervical cancer screening program.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate colposcopy performance following the human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA screening program in Turkey. METHODS: Women aged 30-65 years are screened for cervical cancer every 5 years, with individuals positive for HPV 16 and/or 18 or other high-risk HPV types with abnormal cytology referred for colposcopy. Both HPV test and cytology are obtained at the same visit. If HPV is negative, cytology will not be assessed. However, if HPV is positive, both cytology and HPV genotyping will be performed. Colposcopy-require was defined as HPV 16/18 positivity or abnormal smear results with any hrHPV positivity, and the remaining patients (normal smear with hrHPV positivity other than HPV 16/18) were grouped as colposcopy non-required. National data on colposcopy outcomes and unnecessary performance rates in February 2018-2019 were evaluated via a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 9808 patients were included, divided based on colposcopy requirement: 5751 (58.6%) patients required colposcopy and 4057 (41.4%) did not. Unnecessary colposcopy was performed on 90.1% of the non-required group (3657 of 4057 patients). In the colposcopy-required group, 4455 patients (79.9%) underwent punch biopsy; 3194 (57.1%), endocervical curettage (ECC); and 421 (7.5%), "see and treat" in the non-required group, the results were 2790 (76.3%), 1957 (53.2%), and 211 (5.7%), respectively. A total of 746 cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)-3 isolates were detected, including 702 using existing screening and triage with 94.1% sensitivity (702/746). Multiple biopsies were taken in 69.8% (n = 3110) of patients from the colposcopy-required group and 63.7% (n = 1777) from the non-required group. The ECC samples included 19 cervical cancers and 212 ≥CIN-3 lesions in the colposcopy-required group, and four cancers and 41 ≥CIN-3 lesions in the non-required group. The proportion of ≥CIN-3 lesions detected by ECC only was 4.7% (35 of 746 ≥CIN-3 lesions). CONCLUSION: Our results showed high rates of unnecessary colposcopies, and a high percentage of multiple and random punch biopsies and ECC.

ESBL production and carbapenem resistance increased the secondary bloodstream infection rates in intensive care units in Turkey, 2014-2019.

Aim: Secondary bloodstream infections (SBSIs) are caused by another infection and differ from primary bloodstream infections (PBSIs) in terms of prevention and treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for bloodstream infections which were secondary to the most common healthcare-associated infections caused by the most common microorganisms in intensive care units (ICUs) and to examine whether extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production and carbapenem resistance is related to the higher risk or not. Methods: The study population consisted of patients in ICUs with ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilator-associated event (VAE) or catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) caused by E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa or A. baumannii between 2014 and 2019. The data were obtained through the National Healthcare-associated Infections Surveillance Network. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed separately for VAP/VAE and CAUTI to determine the risk factors for the development of SBSI. Results: Microorganism, ICU type, bed capasity and carbapenem resistance were found to be risk factors for SBSI for both types of infection. For VAPs/VAEs, female gender and hospital type were also identified as risk factors. The highest risk was in K.pneumoniae and in emergency ICUs. Among the hospitals, the highest risk in VAPs/VAEs was found in government education and research hospitals. ESBL production for K. pneumoniae and E. coli increased the risk in patients with VAP/VAE; however, it did not increase in patients with CAUTI. Discussion: By using the risk factors, it may be possible to recognize SBSIs earlier, especially in patients with CAUTIs or VAPs/VAEs caused by carbapenem-resistant or ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae.

Baby-friendly hospitals in Turkey: evaluation of adherence to the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.

Background: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund joint global programme to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Sustainability of the BFHI standards is important for health facilities and country-level implementation. Aims: To analyse the 2018-2019 external reassessment results of baby-friendly hospitals (BFHs) in Turkey. Methods: We included 414 BFHs. The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding were divided into 2 groups: critical management procedures (Steps 1 and 2) and key clinical practices (Steps 3-10). Results: All 10 steps were fulfilled by 60.1% of the hospitals. Steps 3 and 2 had the lowest compliance rates (81.6% and 85.7%), and Steps 7 and 8 had the highest rates (97.1% and 98.1%). Caesarean section rates in the fourth quartile were associated with significantly lower adherence to Steps 3 and 10. The presence of another external reassessment within 5 years was associated with a significantly higher adherence rate to Step 3, and a significantly higher full implementation rate for the clinical practices. Hospitals that fully implemented management procedures had a significantly higher fulfilment percentage for all clinical practices. The western region had higher adherence rates for all the clinical practices than other regions. Conclusion: Reassessments seem useful for sustainability. Full compliance with Steps 1 and 2 is important for higher adherence to the clinical steps. Regional variations should be taken into account in the implementation of the programme.

Evaluation of neural tube defects from 2014 to 2019 in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of neural tube defects (NTDs) and to examine the epidemiological characteristics of NTD related deaths in Turkey. METHODS: This nationwide descriptive study was included NTD related infant deaths, termination of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (ToPFA) and stillbirth cases registered in Death Notification System between 2014 and 2019, and patients diagnosed with NTD in the 2018 birth cohort. FINDINGS: In the 2018 birth cohort, there were 3475 cases of NTD at birth (27.5 per 10,000). The fatality rates for live-born babies with NTD in this cohort were 13.5% at first year, and 15.6% at the end of March, 2022. NTDs were associated with 11.7% of ToPFA cases, 2.5% of stillbirths and 2.8% of infant deaths in 2014-2019. NTD related stillbirth rate was 1.74 per 10,000 births, while NTD related ToPFA rate and infant mortality rate were 0.61 and 2.70 per 10,000 live births respectively. NTD-related stillbirth and infant mortality rate were highest in the Eastern region (3.64 per 10,000 births; 4.65 per 10,000 live births respectively), while ToPFA rate was highest in the North and West regions (1.17 and 0.79 per 10,000 live births respectively) (p < 0.05). Prematurity and low birth weight were the variables with the highest NTD related rates for stillbirths (11.26 and 16.80 per 10,000 birth), ToPFA (9.25 and 12.74) per 10,000 live birth), and infant deaths (13.91 and 20.11 per 10,000 live birth) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: NTDs are common and have an important place among the mortality causes in Turkey. Primary prevention through mandatory folic acid fortification should be considered both to reduce the frequency of NTD and related mortality rates.

Effect of Maternal Subclinical Hypothyroidism on Congenital Hypothyroidism Screening Results: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the results of congenital hypothyroidism screening (CHS) in neonates born to women with subclinical hypothyroidism (SHT) during pregnancy and to identify maternal and neonatal characteristics associated with recall rate in CHS. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included nonrefugee pregnant women and newborn pairs who underwent thyroid function tests during prenatal follow-up between 2014 and 2017 and had neonatal CHS records. The women were evaluated overall and divided into euthyroidism (ET) and SHT groups according to their thyroid function tests. The groups were compared in terms of CHS results. Neonates with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels <5.5 mIU/L were considered "normal," while those with values ≥5.5 mIU/L were "recall." RESULTS: The antenatal thyroid function data of a total of 22,383 pregnant women were analyzed. Of these, 71.6% were ET and 16.3% were diagnosed as SHT. Overall, the recall rate accounted for 5.34% of all CHS results and the recall rate was higher in the SHT group (7.10%) compared with the ET group (5.54%; p = 0.001). Being low birth weight (LBW) or large for gestation age (LGA), maternal TSH above the 97.5th percentile, and cesarean delivery increased the risk of recall in CHS (p ˂ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The recall rate was higher among the neonates of mothers with SHT. Being LBW or LGA, maternal TSH above the 97.5th percentile and cesarean delivery increased the risk of recall in CHS. KEY POINTS: · SHT is the most common form of hypothyroidism in pregnancy.. · TSH elevation is higher among the neonates of mothers with SHT.. · Being LBW or LGA, and cesarean delivery also increase the risk of TSH elevation in infants..

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on perinatal outcomes: a retrospective cohort study from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Lockdowns, pregnant women's fear from hospitalization in addition to uncertainties about appropriate birthing practices at the beginning of the pandemic may have affected the health outcomes of mother-infant couples. We aimed to explore whether pregnancy outcomes including the rates of cesarean delivery (CS), preterm, and low birth weight (LBW) births have changed during the pandemic period compared with the pre-pandemic period. METHODS: We applied a population-based retrospective cohort, before-after approach in 2020 vs. similar calendar months in 2019 for five periods [Jan-Feb (pre-pandemic); March-May (1st wave and lockdown); June-August; September-October; November-December (2nd wave and lockdown)]. The data was modelled through multiple logistic regressions using key outcomes; CS, preterm, and LBW births as the dependent variables, and adjustments were made for independent variables in SPSS software. We evaluated the modification of years by periods by adding interaction term (yearXperiod) to the model. RESULTS: The rate of CS in hospital births increased from 57.7% in 2019 to 60.2% in 2020. CS rates were significantly increased during the 3rd and 4th periods. The overall preterm rate was 11%. When singleton pregnancies were considered, adjusted multivariable analyses showed a decrease in preterm proportions during all time periods with respect to the pre-pandemic period. The percentage of LBW was 7.7% during the pandemic period and was found to be significantly reduced compared to the pre-pandemic period. There was a significant reduction in LBW rates in all periods except the second lockdown period. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggested significant reductions in preterm and LBW births possibly due to the indirect effects of the pandemic. Moreover, strategies need to be considered to address the increased CS rates and shifting of maternity service utilization to private facilities.

Endocervical polyps in high risk human papillomavirus infections.

OBJECTIVES: Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive patients with and without endocervical polyps is compared with respect to HPV genotypes and presence of pre-invasive diseases. To our knowledge, this is the first and largest report in the literature examining the endocervical polyps in HPV positive cases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Clinicopathological data for the first one million screening patients (n = 1060 992) from around the entire country during 2015 and 2016 were targeted for this research. Colposcopy, colposcopic surgical diagnostic procedures and final pathology results of 3499 patients with high-risk (HR) HPV-positive were obtained from reference colposcopy centers. Patients with endocervical polyps (n = 243 [6.9 %]) were accepted as experimental arm while patients without any endocervical polyp (n = 3256 [93.1%]) were regarded as the control group. Age, HPV genotype, Pap smear abnormality, and final pathological results were compared between two groups using Student's t-test and cross-tabulation chi-square test. RESULTS: The incidence of endocervical polyp was found to be 6.9 % in HR HPV-positive women. The most common HPV genotypes observed in both groups were HPV 16 or 18. Abnormal cytology reports (≥ ASC-US) were not significantly different between both groups. However, with respect to final pathological diagnosis, patients with endocervical polyp had significantly lower numbers of pre-invasive diseases (31.3% vs 44.2%; p < 0.10). CONCLUSIONS: Endocervical polyps may be more common in patients with HR HPV infections. HPV 18 is observed significantly more, in the HR HPV positive endocervical polyp group. Patients with endocervical polyps do not have increased risk for preinvasive cervical diseases.

Maternal mortality due to valvular heart disease: a population-based study in Turkey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To assess the clinical and demographic features of maternal mortality cases among patients with cardiac valvular diseases between 2012 and 2019. METHODS: Maternal mortality due to valvular heart disease between January 2012 and December 2019 in Turkey was retrospectively analyzed. The cases were classified according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification based on the severity of the heart disease. NYHA classification groups were divided into two; as class I-II (n = 34) and class III-IV (n = 31). Two groups were compared in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Valvular heart disease was diagnosed in 41 (63.1%) of the cases before pregnancy. It was found that 100% (n = 21) of the warfarin users had switched to low molecular weight heparin treatment due to concerns about warfarin embryopathy after the diagnosis of pregnancy, and only 14.2% (n = 3) of them had been monitorized with Antifactor Xa activity to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication. Two NYHA groups had similar clinical characteristics. Intensive care unit admission rate, frequency of prosthetic valve, rate of thromboprophylaxis, type of valvular disease and reasons of maternal death were similar between the NYHA groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Maternal mortality may be observed in cases with NYHA class I-II in almost similar rates with NYHA class III-IV. Therefore, it is crucial to adequately assess the mortality risk of pregnant women with cardiac valvular pathologies and to achieve early diagnosis and appropriate treatment in order to reduce maternal mortality.

Immigration and screening programs for hemoglobinopathies in Italy, Spain and Turkey.

Sickle cell disease (SCD) and thalassemias are the most common monogenic diseases in the world. The number of migrants and refugees in Europe and Turkey, in the past decade, has increased dramatically due to war, violence or prosecutions in their homeland. Prevention and management of haemoglobin disorders is well established and managed in countries where these conditions were traditionally endemic or in countries that have a longstanding tradition of receiving migrants. Therefore, preventive and diagnostic programmes regarding hemoglobinopathies in immigrant populations have been implemented. The purpose of this paper it to report a summary of the experience gained in Italy, Spain and Turkey in migrants, asylum seekers and refugees.

Detection of non-polio and polio enteroviruses in Acute Flaccid Paralysis surveillance in Turkey.

Poliomyelitis was a disease feared worldwide, striking suddenly and paralysing mainly children for life. Monitoring of suspected cases of poliomyelitis is carried out with Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) surveillance in Turkey. This study examines national data of AFP surveillance and the epidemiology of enteroviruses (EV) in Turkey from 2000 to 2019 and gives an overview of the detected serotypes of EVs. A total of 13,640 samples collected from patients with 5216 AFP pre-diagnosed cases (2 samples from each patient) and 3,208 contacts, during a 20-year period (2000-2019) were investigated. All isolated polioviruses were tested for their wild or vaccine origin according to the WHO recommended protocol by PCR and sequencing analysis were performed. Enterovirus positivity was detected in a total of 915 cases, which were identified as 204 Sabin-like polio virus (SLPV) and 711 non-polio enterovirus (NPEV). Of the 204 SLPV, 141 (69.1%) AFP were detected in patients and 63 (30.9%) were detected in samples taken from their contacts. Of the 711 NPEVs, 516 (72.5%) were from AFP cases and 195 (27.5%) were detected in samples taken from their contacts. It is concluded that the reason for the higher detection rate of NPEV in samples from AFP pre-diagnosed cases is attributed to the polio vaccination rates reaching 97% between 2008 and 2019 in Turkey. The most frequently detected NPEV serotypes were Coxackie A24, B3, and Echo 30. This retrospective study is the first comprehensive study in Turkey to evaluate the results of the AFP surveillance in the last 20 years.

Maternal deaths with epilepsy: A population-based study in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics of maternal deaths with epilepsy in Turkey. STUDY DESIGN: This epidemiological population-based study was conducted on all consecutive early maternal deaths with epilepsy in Turkey from 2012 to 2019. Maternal deaths accompanied by epilepsy as a comorbidity (n = 13) were evaluated separately. Epilepsy related maternal deaths were divided into two groups: 1) status epilepticus (n = 19) and 2) Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (n = 19). Two groups were compared in terms of demographic features and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Maternal deaths with epilepsy ranged between 2.5 % and 5.3 % among total maternal deaths. Pulmonary embolism (32 %), cerebrovascular event (23 %), and cerebral vein thrombosis (15.4 %) were the leading mortality reasons in maternal deaths accompanied by epilepsy. Epilepsy duration, the time interval between pregnancy and the last epileptic seizure, compatibility with medication, rates of preconceptional counseling, and regular antenatal follow-up were all significantly higher in the sudden unexpected death in epilepsy group. The perinatal complication rate was significantly higher in the status epilepticus group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Physicians who deal with pregnant women with epilepsy should be attentive for severe complications and the increased risk of maternal mortality in these cases should be kept in mind.

Human anthrax in Turkey: A ten years' experience (2009-2018).

Anthrax is a notifiable disease in Turkey. In order to control the human disease, animal foci are being monitored and prevention and control activities are being implemented by the Ministry of Health in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The objective of our study was to evaluate the national surveillance data and control activities in the last decade. A total of 1174 anthrax cases and 9 deaths have been reported. Anthrax was frequent in eastern provinces and in big cities where large animal movements were significant. The incidence rate was 1.5 times higher in males than in females. The disease was more common in the 30-64 age group. The number of cases increased in the summer and autumn seasons. Human anthrax is still being reported though in decreasing numbers in Turkey. A collaborative control programme continues to be needed.

Effects of immunization program on morbidity and mortality rates ofvaccine-preventable diseases in Turkey

Background/aim: This study aims to serve as a unique consolidated source in Turkey's vaccination history and as an example for other countries by objectively revealing the change in mortality and morbidity rates in Turkey following the beginning of vaccination without asserting any claim on the benefits or risks of vaccines. This unbiased research will also help health professionals identify the challenges more easily when they face with the people who hesitate to vaccinate their children. Materials and methods: Descriptive research design is adopted in this study. The coverages of vaccinations, mortality, and morbidity rates were identified through a retrospective analysis of the data provided from the Ministry of Health of Turkey. The data provided by the Turkish Statistical Institute were used for the identification of the population by the year. Mortality and morbidity rates were calculated based on these data Results: Morbidity rates, mortality rates, and vaccine coverages are all presented in years. Successful interventions have been observed in the eradication of polio, the elimination of maternal neonatal tetanus, and also in combating with other diseases. A decline in pertussis mortality from 0.59 to 0.06 along with a decline in diphtheria morbidity under to 0.0001 were recognized; additionally the last death due to poliomyelitis was observed in 1998. Only 4 deaths occurred in the measles epidemic in 2013. With the initiation of vaccination, both the morbidity of the rubella with the ratio of 3.12/100,000 and the mortality of pumps with the ratio of 25/100,000 fell to zero. Also, no death due to neonatal tetanus has been recorded since 2014. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that many possible diseases and deaths have been prevented through vaccination studies. In this regard, this study demonstrating the importance of vaccination presents that all individuals in the society have a responsibility in this scope when the communicable diseases and wars are taken into consideration. The main responsibility is to ensure that they and their children are vaccinated against communicable diseases that are risky for society's health.

How to triage HPV positive cases: Results of four million females.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the Turkey's nationwide HPV DNA screening program on the basis of first 4 million screened women. METHODS: Women over age 30 were invited for screening via HPV DNA and conventional cytology. Single visit screen strategy was used to collect for both screening and triage (extended genotyping and conventional pap-smear). RESULTS: A total of 4,099,230 patients had attended to HPV DNA cancer screening. 4.39% were found to be HPV DNA positive. The most common HPV type was 16, followed by 51, 31, 52, 56 and 18 at all age intervals and geographic regions. Cytology results were reported as "normal" in (69.2%), "inadequate sampling" in (16.6%) and as "abnormal (≥ASC-US)" in the remaining. Current Turkish screening with HPV DNA (referral to colposcopy with HPV 16 or 18 or any smear abnormality ≥ASC-US) gives overall PPV of 24.3% for ≥CIN2. Only Pap-Smear triage revealed PPV of 26.4% for ≥ASC-US thresholds. Comparison of different triage methods for ≥CIN2+ according to different HPV genotype revealed a PPV of 32,6% for HPV 16; 15,3% for HPV 18. This figure was 34.4%, 19.3%, 15.3% and 14.0% for HPV 33, 31, 45 and 35; respectively. CONCLUSION: This study involves the largest series in the world summarizing a real-world experience with primary HPV DNA screening and triage with a single visit. The results show the feasibility and applicability of such screening method in developing countries with acceptable colposcopy referral rates. Among triage tests, only pap-smear seems to be effective without a need for extended genotyping.

[Investigation of Antibiotic Resistance and Virulence Factors of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis Strains Isolated from Clinical Samples]. / Klinik Örneklerden Izole Edilen Enterococcus faecium ve Enterococcus faecalis Izolatlarinin Antibiyotik Direnci ve Virülans Faktörlerinin Arastirilmasi.

Enterococci, which are commonly found in the environment, cause serious infections despite the absence of well-defined virulence factors and toxins. Knowing the virulence properties of enterococci is important to understand the complex pathogenic structures. In this study, we aimed to investigate the virulence factors (asa1, hyl, cylA, efa, ebp, ace, esp, gelE, sprE, fsrA, fsrB, fsrC genes, gelatinase activity, hemolysin, hydrogen peroxide and biofilm production) and antibiotic resistance of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis strains isolated from clinical specimens. A total of 110 enterococcus isolates which were accepted as infectious agents were included in the study. The polymerase chain reaction method was used to identify the isolates and to detect virulence genes. Characteristics of hemolysis, biofilm formation, hydrogen peroxide production and gelatinase activity were investigated by phenotypic methods. The antibiotic susceptibility test was performed with VITEK 2 automated system. E.faecalis ATCC 29212 standard strain was used as a quality control in all tests. Of the 110 enterococci isolates included in the study, 61 were identified as E.faecium and 49 as E.faecalis. The efa gene was the most frequently detected virulence gene (92.7%), followed by ace (83.6%), esp (66.4%), ebp (60.0%), cylA (50.9%), hyl (46.4%), asa1 (45.5%), gelE, sprE, fsrC (33.6%), fsrA (12.7%) and fsrB (11.8%). All genes except hyl were higher in E.faecalis isolates and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Twenty-five (51%) E.faecalis and 1 (1.6%) E.faecium isolates had beta-hemolysis and the difference was statistically significant (p= 0.000). Seven (11.5%) E.faecium and 4 (8.2%) E.faecalis isolates formed biofilm, but the difference was not statistically significant (p> 0.05). Two (3.3%) E.faecium and 14 (28.6%) E.faecalis isolates exhibited gelatinase activity and the difference between the two species was statistically significant (p= 0.000). Hydrogen peroxide production was not detected in any of the isolates. The highest resistance rate was determined against ciprofloxacin (70.9%). The resistance to ampicillin was 69.1%, high level streptomycin 65.1%, high level gentamicin 39.4%, vancomycin and teicoplanin 4.5%, and linezolid 1.8%. In conclusion, our data indicated that virulence factors except hyl gene and biofilm production were higher in E.faecalis isolates but E.faecium isolates were more resistant to antibiotics. In order to prevent infection of such virulent or resistant isolates in the hospital setting, infection control measures must be followed. In vivo studies are needed for the better understanding of the virulence of enterococci.

Determining the prevalence of depression among older adults living in Burdur, Turkey, and their associated factors.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of depression among older adults living in Burdur, Turkey, and their associated factors. METHODS: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between May 1, 2015 and August 20, 2015 comprising 35 339 subjects aged ≥65 years living in Burdur; the sample was 770 subjects identified using a population-weighted cluster sampling method. Data were collected by using personal information forms, Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Older People's Quality of Life Scale of the World Health Organization. The statistical analysis was performed by using t-test for independent samples, one-way analysis of variance and post hoc multiple comparison tests, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Of the study population, 51.8% had a score of ≥14 (definite depression). According to the regression model, the prevalence of depression was higher in older adults aged ≥85 years than in older adults aged 65-74 years (P < 0.01), in females than in males (P < 0.01), in individuals who never consumed alcohol than in those who consumed alcohol (P = 0.04), and in older adults who perceived their health as poor than in those who were unsure about their health and perceived their health as good (P < 0.01). Correlation analysis showed a poor, negative, and significant correlation (r = -0.38; P < 0.01) between the total scores of Older People's Quality of Life Scale of the World Health Organization and Geriatric Depression Scale. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of depression is high among older adults aged ≥65 years. Age, gender, alcohol consumption, health perception, and quality of life are important predictors of depression.