Mental health problems and help-seeking behaviours of Syrian refugee adolescents: mediating role of self-stigma.

BACKGROUND: Although common mental health problems have been widely studied with self-stigma, few studies have focused on the mediating effect of self-stigma in the relationship between mental health problems and help-seeking behaviours of refugee adolescents. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine whether self-stigma mitigates the adverse effects of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms on the help-seeking behaviours of Syrian adolescents living in Turkey. METHODS: The participants of this study included 488 Syrian refugee adolescents (boys, 63.73%; girls, 3627%) living in Turkey. Participants completed the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale and General Help-Seeking Scale and Self-Stigma of Seeking Psychology Help Scale. RESULTS: The findings revealed that stress (ß = 0.19, p < 0.01), anxiety (ß = 0.12, p < 0.05), and depression (ß = 0.17, p < 0.01) had significant and positive predictive effects on self-stigma, but not on help-seeking behaviours. Also, self-stigma (ß = -0.12, p < 0.01) had a significant negative predictive effect on help-seeking behaviours. With regard to the indirect effects, the findings showed that self-stigma fully mediated the associations between stress - help-seeking [effect = -0.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.11 to -0.01], anxiety - help-seeking (effect = -0.04, 95% CI -0.09 to -0.01)], and depression - help-seeking (effect = -0.05, 95% CI -0.12 to -0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight the potential negative effects of self-stigma on the help-seeking behaviours of Syrian refugee adolescents, both directly and indirectly. These results can be used to develop and implement effective and efficient interventions to address the unmet mental health needs of refugee adolescents.

Is diagnostic performance of SARS-CoV-2 detection dogs reduced -due to virus variation- over the time?

Medical detection dogs have a high potential for use as alternative diagnostic tools not only for organic diseases, but also for infectious diseases. However, new variants emerging over time may affect the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnostic methods including medical detection dogs in case of viral pandemics. To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneer study aimed to investigate diagnostic performances and generalization ability of SARS-CoV-2 detection dogs against the new variant after being trained with the original virus. Two SARS-CoV-2 detection dogs were used in this study. In total, 1002 samples including the Omicron variant were introduced to the dogs using a double-blinded design. Two different refresher training sessions were conducted to train the dogs to identify the scent of the Omicron variant. In the first refreshment training, mixed samples (original virus and Omicron variant) were used. The diagnostic performances of the dogs were significantly increased only after the second refreshment training where only the Omicron variant was introduced. This study illustrates that diagnostic performances of SARS-CoV-2 detection dogs were not consistent over time with the emerging new variants. Thus, refreshment training with new variant(s) should be conducted with every new variant which may affect the diagnostic performances of those dogs in such infectious outbreaks.

Organic pollutant exposure and health effects of cooking emissions on kitchen staff in food services.

This study was conducted to determine the exposure and health risk to cooking fumes of a total of 88 volunteer kitchen staff aged between 18 and 65 years working in five different kitchens in Ankara. Gas- and particle-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compound (VOCs) concentrations were evaluated in the indoor air of 5 kitchens. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were analyzed to determine the oxidative damage as a result of the exposure to cooking fumes among the cooks and waiters. Significant positive relationships were found between serum MDA levels of the hot kitchen workers and indoor chrysene (Chr), indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (Ind), and total VOC levels. Although the carcinogenic risks estimated for the exposed population were between the acceptable/tolerable levels, the hazard quotient (HQ) estimated for the exposure to indoor benzene exceeded the safe level. The results of the study revealed that exposure to organic pollutants in indoor air may be a risk factor for the development of oxidative stress, especially in hot kitchen workers. The importance of efficient ventilation in the kitchen has been pointed out to reduce health risks caused by cooking fumes.

Determination of epidemiological characteristics of addicts treated in drug addiction clinics in Kabul.

According to the Afghanistan Ministry of Health, 3.5 million people use drugs, 2.4 million of which are regular users. In this cross-sectional study, it was aimed to determine epidemiological characteristics of addicts in a treatment center in Kabul. Eight hundred people were included. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS 22.0. The average age was 30.74 years, 88.9% were male, and 50.6% were married. Further, 35.9% have never been trained, 60.5% of participants were living in urban areas, 62.8% were refugees, 17.5% were unemployed, and 30.3% of them had monthly income below 147.1 USD. The average age of starting substance use was 19.9 years. "Friendship environment" was the leading reason to start (36.6%), followed by "reduce troubles" with 22.3%. The most preferred substance was cannabis (46.0%), followed by opium (25.3%) and heroin (17.0%). Heroin was the most commonly used substance lifelong (87.1%), followed by cannabis (66.3%) and opium (65.5%). When compared to individuals younger than 18, heroin use rates were 3.52 times higher in the 18-to-30 age range, 5.49 times higher in the 31-to-45 age range, and 1.86 times higher in urban residents than rural. Cannabis use was 12.24 times more among men than women, 2.79 times higher among divorced or widowed individuals than singles, 1.68 times higher among refugees than non-refugees, and 2.26 times higher among drug traffickers than non-traffickers. Opium use was 1.63 times higher for refugees than non-refugees and 3.24 times higher in those who worked in drug fields than those who did not. Periodic assessment of prevalence of drug use and the establishment of drug use monitoring systems are recommended.

Sleep disturbances in children with cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia and typically developing children during COVID-19 pandemic.

AIM: We aimed to investigate sleep disturbances in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) and primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) and typically developing (TD) children during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Primary care givers of children with CF and PCD aged 3-16 years were asked to enrol in the study. Primary care givers of TD children were included as control group. The Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) was used, and questions related to sleep habits during the pandemic were asked. Results of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: Primary care givers of 33 children with CF, 16 children with PCD and 66 TD children were included in the study. There were no differences in terms of age and gender between the three groups. Changes in sleep patterns during the pandemic were more common among TD children and their families, with 75% of the children and 80% of their families sleeping later than before. The sleep initiation and maintenance disorder scores were higher in TD children (P = 0.001), whereas the sleep breathing disorder scores were higher in children with PCD (P = 0.001), and the sleep hyperhidrosis scores were higher in children with CF and PCD (P = 0.011). No relationships were found between sleep parameters and clinical findings of children with lung disease. CONCLUSIONS: Children's sleep habits have changed during the pandemic. Children with chronic lung diseases and even TD children may experience sleep disturbances during this period.

Nonpharmaceutical interventions in Turkey and worldwide during COVID-19 pandemic

Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are actions apart from getting vaccinated and medications, in order to promote deceleration of the spread of illness among people and communities during pandemic. In this article, we aim to examine NPIs applied in Turkey and worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of the NPIs such as isolation, quarantine, and contact tracing were maintained with updates of the Ministry of Health guidelines in Turkey. Some NPIs including travel and partial or full curfew mobilization restrictions were set in accordance with the various periods by the number of cases. Periods of restrictions at autumn 2021 to summer 2022 are national partial curfews, national extended curfews, local decision-making phase, revised local decision-making phase, partial lockdown, full lockdown and gradual normalization. Mitigation and suppression have been implemented in Turkey with restrictions of varying severity throughout the course of the epidemic. It is seen that the restrictions implemented in Turkey contributed to the flattening of the epidemic curve. Even some countries mainly applied the suppression method, and others applied the mitigation method, in general, it is seen that similar methods were applied with different weights. Examples of different countries demonstrated that NPIs are effective for flattening epidemic curve. NPI have been the main instrument for a year and a half from the beginning of the epidemic to mid-2021 in Turkey as well as worldwide.

Is cervical swab an efficient method for developing a new noninvasive prenatal diagnostic test for numerical and structural chromosome anomalies?

Background/aim: Prenatal diagnosis is vital to obtain healthy generation for risky pregnancies. There have been several approaches, some of which are routinely applied in clinics to evaluate the possible prenatal deficiencies and/or diseases. In the present study, we aimed to isolate the fetal cells from endocervical samples and try to identify possible anomalies which were proved by Amniocentesis (AS) and chorionic villus sampling (CVS) methods. Materials and methods: Endoservical specimens were collected from 100 pregnant women. Cells were separated in parallel by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) and magnetic-activated cell sorting (MACS) using human leukocyte antigen (HLA) G233 and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) antibodies. CMA (comprehensive meta-analysis) were carried out and male fetuses were confirmed with Sex determining region Y (SRY) amplification. Results: The percent of HLA G233 and placental and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) positive cells were 4.55% and 84.59%, respectively. The percent of cells positive for both markers was 14.75%. CMA analyses were not informative. (SRY) was amplified in 67% of the samples. Conclusion: However, the success rate of the both cell sorting and scanning of DNA anomalies by aCGH and/or RT-PCR was limited, preventing the applicability of this proposal in the clinics. Still, the success of the proposed method depends on the development of the novel fetal cell-specific antibodies and the improvements in the sorting systems.

Alcohol consumption and alcohol policy

Alcohol is a unique addictive substance used by many people for different reasons. Alcohol use affects not only the users but also the family and the whole society in a negative way. Alcohol is one of the most commonly used substances for entertainment purposes in the world and 1 in 3 people is a current drinker. 2348 billion people (43% of the population) aged 15 and over are current drinkers and males drink about 2 times more frequently than females (53.6%/32.3%). According to the Global Alcohol and Health Report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2018), total alcohol per capita consumption (APC) worldwide aged 15 and over increased from 5.7 liters in 2000 to 6.4 liters in 2016. Harmful alcohol consumption is a major public health problem and it is known to be associated with more than 200 diseases and injuries. Policies and measures to prevent alcohol use are not implemented adequately and the burden of alcohol-related illnesses continues to increase tremendously. In order to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol, alcohol policies should be formulated based on the best evidence from a public health perspective.

Fundamental Characteristics, Attitudes and Behaviors Regarding Substance Use Focusing on Cannabis: Findings from the General Population Survey in Turkey, 2011.

Cannabis is the most prevalent illicit drug used in the world. We aimed to determine prevalence and some characteristics of cannabis use in Turkey. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey conducted with a nationally representative sample of 8045 individuals with in-house interviews. The life-time prevalence of substance use was found as 2.8%. Cannabis with 0.7% life-time prevalence, was the most commonly used substance. Cannabis users were concerned about some adverse outcomes such as anxiety with withdrawal (14%), losing control about using the drug (14%), daily performance problems (10.9%) and problems about interpersonal violence (6.9%). 35.1% of them wanted to quit and 18% regretted using cannabis. Prevalence of cannabis use is lower in Turkey compared with most of the other countries in the world. Nevertheless, it is a significant health concern. Identifying characteristics and attitudes related with cannabis use may help to improve policies about protective measures.

Gastric Cancer Regional Detection System.

In this study, a novel system was created to localize cancerous regions for stomach images which were taken with computed tomography(CT). The aim was to determine the coordinates of cancerous regions which spread in the stomach area in the color space with using this system. Also, to limit these areas with a high accuracy ratio and to feedback to the user of this system were the other objectives. This integration was performed with using energy mapping, analysis methods and multiple image processing methods and the system which was consisted from these advanced algorithms was appeared. For this work, in the range of 25-40 years and when gender discrimination was insignificant, 30 volunteer patients were chosen. During the formation of the system, to exalt the accuracy to the maximum level, 2 main stages were followed up. First, in the system, advanced image processing methods were processed between each other and obtained data were studied. Second, in the system, FFT and Log transformations were used respectively for the first two cases, then these transformations were used together for the third case. For totally three cases, energy distribution and DC energy intensity analysis were done and the performance of this system was investigated. Finally, with using the system's unique algorithms, a non-invasive method was achieved to detect the gastric cancer and when FFT and Log transformation were used together, the maximum success rate was obtained and this rate was calculated as 83,3119 %.

IMPACT OF COMORBIDITY AND SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC DISEASES WHO ATTEND PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRES.

AIM: The aim of the study was to analyse the impact of chronic disease on the quality of life (QoL) and how QoL changes with comorbidity and socioeconomic status in persons who attend primary health care centres. METHODS: The group of participants comprised 2,560 people who contacted six primary health care centres in Ankara. The level of QoL was determined by the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF). RESULTS: Mental disorders and diabetes-hypertension comorbidity had the most negative effect on the QoL. In the physical domain of the WHOQOL-BREF, the effect of diabetes-hypertension comorbidity is greater than the additive effect of hypertension and diabetes individually. The co-occurrence of any disease with cardiovascular disease does not change QoL within any domain, except for the co-occurrence of any disease with musculoskeletal diseases which deteriorated QoL in the physical domain. The higher income and socioeconomic status corresponded to higher QoL. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of comorbidity on QoL can be different from the additive effects of the co-occurring diseases. Socioeconomic factors undoubtedly affect the relationship between chronic diseases and QoL, and this relationship points to health inequities among socioeconomic groups.

Neck Pain, Mental Status, and Associated Factors Among Hospital Secretaries: A Cross-Sectional Study From Turkey.

Introduction: Neck disorders occur in the presence of various risk factors. Determining the cause-effect relationship is highly important in treating existing health problems. Our study aimed to determine the relationship between neck pain and mental status and the factors affecting them in hospital secretaries. Materials and Methods: The study was cross-sectional. A total of 427 people who had been working as hospital secretaries at Gazi University Medical Faculty Hospital for at least one year were included in the study. Sociodemographic characteristics, working conditions, psychopathology levels, and the presence of neck pain were questioned. The study was conducted with 354 (82.9%) people. Results: 34.3% of the hospital secretaries had neck pain, and 26.3% required psychiatric evaluation. There was a statistically significant (p<0.001) difference in neck pain according to gender, adjustability of the chair, accessibility of the tools, and the need for psychiatric evaluation. Data was collected during November 2022. Those who did neck exercises during the study period had lower mean scores on the General Health Questionnaire-12 than those who did not, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). According to the General Health Questionnaire-12 scores and the Bournemouth Neck Pain Questionnaire Scale, there is a significant (p<0.001), positive, and moderate (r=0.481) correlation between the frequency of mental problems and neck pain disability levels. Conclusion: The relationship between the need for psychiatric status evaluation and neck pain is striking. A significant proportion of hospital secretaries complain of neck pain, work in non-ergonomic conditions, and need psychiatric evaluation. The study's results underline the necessity of targeted workplace interventions and wellness procedures, highlighting the need to implement ergonomic improvements, promote regular exercise regimes, and provide psychosocial support services to improve the general well-being of hospital secretaries and develop a better working environment.

Low back pain, work overload, and associated factors among hospital caregivers.

BACKGROUND: Caregivers assist patients in treatment based on their care needs and living activities. Very few studies have been conducted specifically on the occupational health and safety of hospital caregivers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of excessive workload and low back pain among hospital caregivers and to identify potential associated factors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included caregivers working at Gazi University Hospital. Socio-demographic and working-life characteristics were assessed. The Role Overload Scale was used to determine excessive workload and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire was used to evaluate low back pain. RESULTS: The study included 528 participants. A total of 18.7% had work accidents in their department. 49.0% had sharp injuries. 68.9% of the participants performed tasks such as positioning, turning, lifting, or helping patients to walk. 72.2% stood for a long time during the workday. 52.8% thought that they worked under stress. 57.6% had low back pain in the last year and 38.6% in the last month, Significant differences exist in low back pain according to gender, body-mass index, standing for a long time and working under stress. Those who worked at night, had a work accident, positioned patients, stood for a long time, and worked under stress had higher mean scores on the Role Overload Scale. CONCLUSION: Tools should be used to lift and transport patients. In addition to occupational health and safety training, awareness of musculoskeletal risks should be increased. Employee well-being can be improved through exercise and stress reduction techniques.

Assessing neutrophil-derived ROS production at the bedside: a potential prognostic tool in severe COVID-19 cases.

PURPOSE: A prompt and effective immune response is required for clearance of pathogens but exaggerated states of inflammation can cause extensive collateral damage to the host. We have previously used a rapid near-patient assay that measures the functional capacity of neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to show that values are elevated in patients with severe COVID-19 or sepsis. Here, we assess the utility of longitudinal ROS measurements to monitor and predict mortality outcome for patients with COVID-19 infection being treated in an ICU setting. METHODS: We used the Leukocyte ImmunoTest™ (LIT™) to quantify neutrophil ROS release using a small volume (10 µL) of capillary blood in a portable, rapid (10-min) format. RESULTS: ROS values (LIT score) and ROS levels assessed in relation to neutrophil count (LIT/N) were both markedly elevated in the patient group. Furthermore, these correlated strongly with peripheral neutrophil count and CRP value. Serial measurement of neutrophil or CRP values were not able to reliably predict mortality within the study. In contrast, LIT and LIT/N values started to decline at 7 and 5 days, respectively, in patients who survived ICU admission and this increment increased further thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: This study raises the possibility of LIT and LIT/N to be used as a predictive clinical tool for patients with severe COVID-19 and argues for its assessment to inform on prognosis, and potentially guide treatment pathways, in other disorders associated with neutrophil activation. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: A longitudinal study of 44 severe COVID-19 patients in the ICU of a leading teaching hospital has demonstrated the prognostic potential of a rapid bedside assay of neutrophil-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). Assessment of changes in ROS production, as measured using the Leukocyte ImmunoTest™, shows that ROS production generally declined back to normal levels for patients who survived, but remained elevated for those patients who did not survive.

Socioeconomic Factors Related to Prevalence, Severity, and Contact Coverage of Depression in Primary Health Care.

Background: We determine factors related to the prevalence, severity, and contact coverage of depression using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1059 individuals who applied to primary health care in Ankara before the onset of pandemic restrictions. Contact coverage was evaluated to include mental health care users. Results: The prevalence of depression was 22.9%. Individuals who were unemployed (OR: 3.832; 95% CI: 2.053-7.151), women (OR: 1.646; 95% CI: 1.158-2.340), those without social support (OR: 1.933; 95% CI: 1.219-3.065), those who did not receive formal education (OR: 2.631; 95 % CI: 1.312-5.275), lower-income group (OR: 1.528; 95% CI: 1.071-2.180), and unmarried or divorced (OR: 2.644; 95% CI: 1.324-5.281) were found to be at risk of developing depression. Based on the linear regression model including patients diagnosed with depression, individuals who were unemployed (standardized ß: 0.190), women (standardized ß: 0.075), those without social support (standardized ß: 0.096), and those who were unmarried or single (standardized ß: 0.147) had the highest scale scores. Contact coverage for depression was 31.0%. Contact coverage was more likely in the upper-income group (OR: 2.239, 95% CI: 1.173-4.273). Conclusion: Although depression is common among primary health care applicants, contact coverage is low. Developing screening programs for depression in primary health care may help improve community mental health. Socioeconomic factors that contribute to the emergence, severity, and contact coverage of depression indicate health inequalities. The development and severity of depression are mostly due to unemployment, which suggests the importance of employment-enhancing policies.

Anxiety Levels of Primary Caregivers of Children With Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aim to evaluate the anxiety levels of caregivers of children with tracheostomy during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic. Caregivers of 31 children with tracheostomy and 105 healthy children (control group) were included. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was administered via teleconference in order to investigate how participants describe how they feel at a particular moment (State) and how they generally feel (Trait). The trait anxiety levels of caregivers of children with tracheostomy were significantly higher (P = .02). Their state anxiety levels were similar. The state and trait anxiety levels of caregivers of children with tracheostomy correlated (r = 0.70, P < .001). At the end of the teleconference, caregivers of children with tracheostomy experienced greater anxiety relief than controls (P < .001). Trait anxiety scores were higher among caregivers of children with tracheostomy, but their state anxiety levels were comparable to those of controls. Caregivers with high trait anxiety also exhibited high state anxiety. Informing caregivers of children with tracheostomy about COVID-19 via teleconference can reduce their anxiety during such stressful times.

Substance Use in Refugee Camps and Local Community: Sanliurfa Sample.

INTRODUCTION: Although substance use has increased in recent years in Turkey, it is still lower than in other European countries. Turkey is home to the largest Syrian refugee population. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and substance use among local people living in city centers and refugees living in refugee camps in Sanliurfa. METHODS: The study was based on a cross-sectional epidemiologic survey conducted with a total of 6041 people, 4040 (67%) from camps and 2001 (33%) from districts. Face-to-face interviews were accompanied by local interviewers or interpreters who spoke Arabic, and a survey form used in our country for drug addiction screening was used. According to the number of samples selected, households with proportional distribution were chosen from the districts, which were selected from the address based from Turkish Statistical Institute. In the refugee camps, interviews were conducted in tents selected using a random numbers table according to the number of samples. RESULTS: The lifetime prevalence of tobacco use was 22.3% (n=902) in the camps, whereas in the districts this rate was 33.5% (n=670). The lifetime prevalence of alcohol use was found as 0.2% in the camps and 3.5% in the districts. The lifetime prevalence of substance use was found as 2.6% in the camps and 4.3% in the districts. The most commonly used substance type was cannabis. Some 45.7% of the people who used a substance in the camps were male and 54.3% were female. In districts, these rates were 64.4% and 35.6%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Alcohol and substance use rates are low in Turkey compared with most countries in the world. Substance use in the city center is higher than in refugee camps in Sanliurfa. Substance use is a significant mental health problem that concerns every community including refugees. Identifying characteristics and attitudes related to substance use may help to improve policies regarding protective measures.

Reliability and Validity Study of Turkish Version of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Scores® (Tr-PEESS v2.0) Led to Development of a New Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Scale: GaziESAS.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: There has been no valid and reliable Turkish scale that measures symptoms in children with eosinohilic esophagitis (EoE). The aim of the study is test the validity and reliability of Turkish version of Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Scores® (Tr-PEESS v2.0) Materials and Methods: Relevant forms of Tr-PEESS v2.0 were applied to 2-18 years old children with EoE and to their parents. KINDL QoL patient and parent questionnaires and GaziESAS scale which was developed in this study were used to test convergent validity of Tr-PEESS v2.0. Discriminant validity was evaluated among three EoE treatment groups: under treatment, off treatment due to remission and uncompliant with treatment. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and item analysis. RESULTS: Fiftytwo children/teens (mean age 130.2±60.3 months) and 84 parents were interviewed twice one week apart. Mean duration of EoE was 47.2±35.6 months. Tr-PEESS v2.0 reports correlated with GaziESAS (range,0.361-0.855) and KINDL QoL questionnaires (range,-0.316-0.413). Parent report of Tr-PESS v2.0 discriminated children uncompliant with treatment from the ones off treatment and undertreatment. Cronbach's α values and intraclass correlation coeffcients (ICC) values of Tr-PEESS v2.0 ranged from 0.614 to 0. 895 and 0.646 to 0.910, respectively. CONCLUSION: Tr-PEESS v2.0 is a valid and reliable tool to use in Turkish children. GaziESAS is a new parent-proxy pediatric EoE scale with additional adaptive behaviour domain that passed scale developmental stages successfully for Turkish children with EoE.

Comparison of Efficacy and Safety of Two Tea Tree Oil-Based Formulations in Patients with Chronic Blepharitis: A Double-Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: It was aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two tea tree oil (TTO)-based cleansing gels in chronic blepharitis patients. METHODS: Group-1 (basic gel containing 3%(w/w)-TTO) included 50 eyes of 25 patients and group-2 (advanced gel containing 3%(w/w)-TTO plus essential oils and vitamins) included 48 eyes of 24 patients. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface staining pattern, Schirmer's test, impression cytology, Demodex presence and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß levels were evaluated at the first visit and 1 month after treatment. RESULTS: In both groups, the mean OSDI score decreased (p1:0.001, p2:0.001), TBUT increased (p1:0.002, p2:0.004). In group-1, Demodex presence decreased from 42% to 27.8%; in group-2 from 54.2% to 20.6% (p1:0.302, p2:0.004). IL-1ß and IL-6 decreased in group-2 (p1:0.002, p2:0.050). TNF-α decreased in both groups (p1:0.001, p2:0.001). CONCLUSION: Both formulations improved ocular surface parameters. Group 2 showed more reduction in tear cytokines and Demodex count.

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus seroprevalence in the elderly living in nursing homes.

BACKGROUND: : Communal living situations such as nursing homes create a risk for the spread of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus and HCV in the elderly living in 2 nursing homes in Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: : A total of 227 persons (mean age, 76.11 +/- 8.55 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. All individuals were investigated seroprevalence for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-HBs immunoglobulin G (IgG), anti-hepatitis B core IgG, and anti-HCV IgG. RESULTS: : Positive seroprevalence was 11.9% for HBsAg, 48.0% for anti-HBs IgG, 25.1% for anti-hepatitis B core IgG, and 2.5% for anti-HCV IgG. Hepatitis B surface antigen positivity was 12.4% in males and 11.5% in females (P > 0.05); and the seroprevalence was 10.4% for those living in nursing homes for 1 year or less and 13.0% for those living in nursing homes for more than 1 year (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: : The fact that nearly half of those living in nursing homes had not encountered hepatitis B infection or had not received hepatitis B vaccination indicates the need for administering hepatitis B vaccines in this group.