Prospective interpretation of Covid vaccines. A cross sectional study, Ordu province experience.

During the pandemic period, many regulations were made to reduce the spread of the epidemic throughout the country and restrictions were applied. We aimed to interpret the effects of vaccination status, total number of vaccination doses and preferred vaccine type on the prognostic process of the patients we treated inpatients with the diagnosis of Covid-19 in our pandemic service. The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Ordu, Turkey. One hundred and fifty-two people participated. 80.9% (n = 123) of whom were vaccinated against SARS-Cov-2, and 19.1% (n = 29) were unvaccinated. When the treatment processes of the participants were analyzed in general, it was observed that the clinical condition of the individuals who received at least one dose of BNT162b2 vaccine did not worsen (χ2 = 40.080; p = .011). It was determined that BNT162b2 vaccine was not among the vaccine preferences of the cases who needed to be transferred to the intensive care unit in this process and whose clinical processes resulted in death during follow-up in intensive care or service after intensive care referral (χ2 = 64.417; p = .024). According to these results, our study proves once again the protective role of vaccines against epidemic diseases and their progression.

The effect of acute organophosphate intoxication on female rat hippocampus cornu ammonis region pyramidal neuron numbers, biochemistry and morphology.

BACKGROUND: The most commonly used insecticides and pesticides worldwide are organophosphate compounds, chemicals that irreversibly inhibit the cholinesterase enzyme. Acute intoxication with cholinesterase inhibitors is known to cause permanent effects on both the human and rat brains. AIM: To investigate the effect of acute organophosphate intoxication on hippocampus morphology, biochemistry, and pyramidal neuron numbers in female rats. METHODS: Twenty-one rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group received normal nutrition and underwent no procedures. The sham group received intraperitoneal physiological serum, while the experimental group received intraperitoneal 0.8 g/kg fenthion. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after these procedures. The brains were removed and divided in two halves medially, with one side being kept in 10% neutral formalin. After fixation procedures, tissues were embedded in blocks, sliced, and stained. A neuron count was then performed for the hippocampus. The other hippocampus was homogenized and used for biochemical procedures. RESULTS: Hippocampus sections from rats in the experimental group exhibited swelling and loss of shape in pyramidal cells, while no changes were observed in the control or sham groups. The number of neurons in the experimental group was lower than in the control and sham groups. Biochemical analysis revealed higher MDA and GSH values in the experimental group compared to the control and sham groups. CONCLUSION: Our results show increased apoptotic neurodegeneration of cells in the cornu ammonis region of the hippocampus and changes in biochemical values in rats with acute organophosphate exposure.

[Effects of Music Therapy on the Care Burden of In-Home Caregivers and Physiological Parameters of Their In-Home Dementia Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial].

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to explore the effects of classical Turkish music therapy on both the caregiver burden and physiological parameters of patients with dementia. METHODS: The study was a randomized controlled trial. It was conducted with dementia patients (n = 75) and their caregivers who were registered at in-home care services of the General Secretariat of the Association of Public Hospitals in Ordu. The study sample consisted of 30 control and 30 music group patients and their caregivers who satisfied the inclusion criteria for the study conducted between April 2015 and April 2016. The primary outcome of the study was to measure the care burden of in-home caregivers, and the secondary outcome was to measure physiological parameters, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration rate in patients with dementia. RESULTS: The mean scores of the post-test caregiver burden in the music group were found to be significantly lower than those of the control group (t = -4.478, p = 0.001). The differences in the post-test systolic and diastolic blood pressures between the patient groups were found to be statistically significant (t = -4.603, p = 0.001; t = -2.656, p = 0.010). CONCLUSIONS: Classical Turkish music intervention in in-home dementia patients decreased the care burden of caregivers and the patients' blood pressures were brought under control. In parallel with these results, it is recommended that more studies to reveal the effects of classical Turkish music on care burden should be conducted.

Assessment of mental health of carers according to patient stage of idiopathic Parkinson's disease.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In this study the aim was to collect data to assess the mental health of carers for patients with diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) according to disease stage and to examine precautions to reduce the patient and disease load on carers. METHODS: The study included 144 patients with staging according to modified Hoehn and Yahr criteria and 144 patient relatives who provided care support for patients every day, for some or all of the day, and who were over the age of 18 years and accepted participation in the research. Our prospective and cross-sectional study performed detailed neurological examination of patients, and after completing the 'Personal Information Form' with the interviewer every patient, with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) according to 'UK Brain Bank' diagnostic criteria, had the 'Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)' and 'Modified Hoehn and Yahr scale (HYS)' applied. Carers first completed the 'Personal Information Form' and then had the 'Short Symptom Inventory (SSI)' applied. RESULTS: As the stage of disease increased, the points for all sub-scales of the Short Symptom Inventory increased. CONCLUSION: With the parallel increase in disease scores and UPDRS stage scores, the points obtained by carers on the SSI sub-scales increased. This data shows that with progressing disease stage, the load on the carer increases and mental health begins to be disrupted.

Assessment of the mental health of carers according to the stage of patients with diagnosis of Alzheimer-type dementia.

In this study, the aims were to assess the mental health state of carers for patients with Alzheimer-type dementia (AD) according to stage of disease and to collect data with the aim of determining precautions to reduce the load of the patient and disease on the carer. The study included 120 patients with stages determined, according to the clinical dementia rating scale (CDR), and 120 patient relatives above the age of 18 who cared for these patients every day, for the whole day or part of the day, and who accepted participation in the research. This prospective and cross-sectional study performed a detailed neurological examination of patients, and after completing the "personal information form" with the interviewer, each patient had CDR and mini-mental test (MMSE) applied to determine stage of dementia and physical state. Carers first completed the "personal information form" and then had the short symptom inventory (SSI) applied. According to the stage of patients, there were significant differences determined in the points for all sub-scales belonging to the SSI of carers. As the disease stage increased, all sub-scale points for the SSI increased. With the transition of disease stages from 0.5-1 to stage 2, from stage 2 to 3, and with the inverse reduction in MMT scores, the points obtained by carers on the SSI sub-scales increased. This data shows that with progressing disease stage, the load on the carer increases and mental health begins to dysfunction.

Violence towards women is a public health problem.

BACKGROUND: Violence within the family is a significant health problem which threatens the health of the community. The global rates of domestic violence directed at women have been reported as 10%-69% and in Turkey as 25%-30%. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data of our study were obtained from the database of the official internet website of the Turkish Statistics Institute as the data related to violence between 2007 and 2012. In the evaluation of the data, SPSS 11.0 statistics software was used. RESULTS: Although it was determined that women from all groups experienced sexual, physical and emotional violence, higher rates were observed in those living in rural areas compared to those in urban areas, in the eastern region compared to all other regions, in the 45-59 years age group, those with low level of income and with a low level of education. CONCLUSION: When physicians encounter women who have experienced violence, by evaluating the violence in the context of a legal case, violence is identified and not allowed to become a cycle passed from generation to generation, and in addition to the medical intervention, without forgetting that violence is a public health problem, it is necessary to find a way to provide psychosocial and legal support for the victim.

PREVALENCE OF DEMODEX ECTOPARASITES AMONG HUMANS IN ORDU PROVINCE IN TURKEY.

Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis are common ectoparasites in humans. Demodex parasite infestations have not been determined in the province of Ordu. We determined the prevalence of Demodex species among humans in Ordu Provience, Turkey. Seven hundred ninety-nine subjects (438 males and 361 females) aged ≥ 18 years living in the central districts of Ordu Province, Turkey, were selected using the World Health Organization cluster sampling method. A superficial skin biopsy of the face was obtained from each subject. Six hundred sixty-nine subjects (83.7%) had a Demodex parasite. Factors significantly associated with the presence of Demodex infestation were: female gender, employment in the private sector, people who only occasionally wash their face and district of residence. Since Demodex ectoparasites were common in Ordu Province, it is suggested that the diagnosis and treatment of this ectoparasite should be carried out in the hospitals of this region.

Relationship between organisational commitment and burnout syndrome: a canonical correlation approach.

Objective Burnout syndrome can significantly reduce the performance of health workers. Although many factors have been identified as antecedents of burnout, few studies have investigated the role of organisational commitment in its development. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationships between subdimensions of burnout syndrome (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment) and subdimensions of organisational commitment (affective commitment, continuance commitment and normative commitment). Methods The present study was a cross-sectional survey of physicians and other healthcare employees working in the Ministry of Health Ordu University Education and Research Hospital. The sample consisted of 486 healthcare workers. Data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Organisation Commitment Scale, and were analysed using the canonical correlation approach. Results The first of three canonical correlation coefficients between pairs of canonical variables (Ui , burnout syndrome and Vi, organisational commitment) was found to be statistically significant. Emotional exhaustion was found to contribute most towards the explanatory capacity of canonical variables estimated from the subdimensions of burnout syndrome, whereas affective commitment provided the largest contribution towards the explanatory capacity of canonical variables estimated from the subdimensions of organisational commitment. Conclusions The results of the present study indicate that affective commitment is the primary determinant of burnout syndrome in healthcare professionals. What is known about the topic? Organisational commitment and burnout syndrome are the most important criteria in predicting health workforce performance. An increasing number of studies in recent years have clearly indicated the field's continued relevance and importance. Conversely, canonical correlation analysis (CCA) is a technique for describing the relationship between two variable sets simultaneously to produce both structural and spatial meaning. What does this paper add? To our knowledge, CCA has not been used to determine the relationships between burnout and organisational commitment of physicians and other healthcare staff. Accordingly, the present study adds information regarding the relationship between burnout and organisational commitment variables determined using CCA. This analysis is used to describe the relationship between two variable sets simultaneously and allows for an easy method of interpretation. What are the implications for practitioners? Burnout syndrome is a major threat to both the health workforce and its organisations. In addition, it affects the quality and effectiveness of health care. Thus, the findings of the present study offer a solid foundation from which actions to decrease burnout levels in healthcare professionals can be implemented by successfully increasing levels of organisational commitment.

The Prevalence of Demodex Species and Its Relationship With the Metabolic Syndrome in Women of Malatya Province, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Demodex species are ectoparasites living in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands in human. Only two species, Demodex folliculorum and D. brevis were identified in human. While the D. folliculorum is settling in infundibular part of the hair follicles mostly, D. brevis settles into the sebaceous glands and ducts, which are deeper. These parasites live preferentially in hair follicles on the face and in the sebaceous glands, although they have also been reported to reside in seborrheic parts of the human body. The Demodex species have the highest rate on the face which has thesignificant number of sebaceous glands and sebum production in the skin. However, the rate of infestation increases with age in healthy skin. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Demodex species in healthy women and the relationship between the incidence of Demodex and metabolic syndrome (MetS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study consisted of 151,498 women aged ≥ 20 years who reside in the central district of Malatya province, Turkey. In 5% confidence interval of sample size, while the design effect was 1.5 it was calculated as 552 individuals and while the design effect was 2 it was calculated as 736 individuals. The World Health Organization 30 cluster sampling method was used to select the samples. Women aged ≥ 20 years who were not pregnant or lactating were included in the study. From a total of 669 subjects included in this study, 90.89% of the largest sample was accessed. RESULTS: Parasites were detected in 263 (39.3%) of 669 subjects and 3 of them were D. brevis. In chi-square analysis, nosignificant relationship was found between the incidence of the parasite, age, education level, occupation, marital status, family type, and MetS. However, a significant relationship was found between the diastolic pressure and those who fed with fatty foods and the incidence of parasite's occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, MetS has no effect on the frequency of occurrence of the parasite; however, weight, fatty foods, and high diastolic pressure are effective in the frequency of occurrence of the parasite. The effects of these factors on the incidence of parasites should be supported by further study designs.

Epidemiology of Cyclospora Species in Humans in Malatya Province in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Cyclospora species are rare among other Coccidia parasites and can cause recurrent gastroenteritis. Cyclospora spp. can infect reptiles, insects, rodents, and mammals. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to determine the epidemiology of Cyclospora spp. in Malatya province and its neighboring provinces. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Totally, 2281 stool samples taken from patients with digestive system complaints who referred to the polyclinics affiliated with Inonu University, Faculty of Medicine in Malatya Province and its neighboring provinces, in 2006, and whose stool specimens were submitted to the parasitology department were examined. A questionnaire was developed to determine the epidemiology of Cyclospora spp. in the patients as the dependent variable of the study. All the participants signed an informed written consent. The samples were coated with Entellan™ after staining via acid-fast staining and were examined on an immersion microscope objective. The data are presented as mean, standard deviation, or number/percentage. The chi-square test was used for the statistical analyses. Statistically, a P value < 0.05 was accepted as meaningful. RESULTS: The stool samples were examined via direct microscopic examination and acid-fast staining. Positivity was determined in 129 (5.7%) cases. In the overall assessment of the patients with respect to general body itching, rectal itching, allergy, immunosuppression plus cancer, shortness of breath, ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, abdominal pain, salivation, constipation, nausea, vomiting, growth retardation, and anemia, there was no significant relationship. However, in the statistical evaluations among the positive cases, the difference was found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: The study was conducted in Malatya Province, but patients from the neighboring provinces were also included in the evaluation during the study. Of all the positive cases, 5.6% were those from Malatya Province and its surrounding areas. Additionally, Cyclospora spp. were observed among the patients referring to the polyclinics with digestive system complaints in 8.1% of those from the Adiyaman province and in 6.9% of those from the Kahramanmaras region. The incidence of Cyclospora cayetanensis may be higher in these regions if an epidemiological study is performed. Consequently, we suggest that Cyclospora spp. be investigated in digestive system disorders, especially in immunosuppressed patients.

Relationship between red cell distribution width and stroke in patients with stable chronic heart failure: a propensity score matching analysis.

AIM: We aimed to investigate the association between baseline red cell distribution width (RDW) level and the risk of stroke in patients with heart failure (HF). METHODS: A total of 153 consecutive patients with HF (New York Heart Association [NYHA] I-III and left ventricular ejection fraction of <40%) were included in this prospective study. All the patients were followed up for 1 year, and during this period the cerebrovascular disease was questioned. RESULTS: In matched population, using propensity score matching comparing patients with HF having stroke with patients without stroke, we found significantly increased basal RDW and serum uric acid. The receiver-operating characteristic curves of RDW for predicting stroke are performed. An RDW ≥ 15.2% measured on admission had 87% sensitivity and 74% specificity in predicting stroke in patients with HF (area under the curve: 0.923, 95% confidence interval: 0.852-0.994, P < .001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study demonstrated that RDW may be important hematological indices for stroke in patients with HF using propensity score analysis.

[The epidemiology of demodex mites at the college students living in dormitories in the city of Ordu]. / Ordu Ilinde Yurtlarda Kalan Üniversite Ögrencilerinde Demodex Türlerinin Epidomiyolojisi.

OBJECTIVE: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis can cause different skin and eye symptoms. There are indications showing that the prevalence of these parasites is higher in public places. In this direction, the study was aimed to determine the prevalence of demodex in university students, inhabiting in dormitories. METHODS: The study consisted of 300 men and women, college students who were staying in the dormitories in the city of Ordu. Random sampling method was used in the sample selection. Each participating student had to sign a patient's consent form, before samples were taken using standard superficial skin biopsies from the faces of the patients. The samples were embedded in Entellan mounting solution and examined under the light microscope. RESULTS: Samples were taken from 300 college students (170 males and 130 females) aged between 18-30 years, and in 110 (37%) of them, demodex mites were found. No significant differences were found between gender, age, type of skin or skin care, and Demodex incidence. CONCLUSION: Demodex mites are very prevalent in college students studying in Ordu.

Evaluation of social and demographic characteristics of incest cases in a university hospital in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Incest is defined as any sexual activity between close blood relatives including step relatives and family members who are forbidden by law to marry. It is a problem that can be seen in all the social classes in developed and undeveloped societies. The World Health Organization classifies this problem as a silent health emergency. Father-daughter incest is reported to be the most common incest type followed by the other types like brother-sister, sister-sister and mother-son incest. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects for this study were recruited from a sample of incest cases referred to Forensic Medicine Department of Gaziosmanpasa University Medical Faculty Hospital between 2008 and 2012. Data involved social and demographic characteristics and clinical features of victims, perpetrators and the families. The ethical committee of the faculty of medicine approved the study. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 43 incest cases (36 females and 7 males) with an age rage 4-40 years. Two third of the victims were under 18 years old. All perpetrators were males. Father - daughter incest (34.9%) was found to be most common incest type followed by brother - sister incest (14%). 75% of the perpetrators were family members and relatives with consanguinity while 25% of them were not consanguineous but faithful and intimate relatives to victims. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing awareness about incest and its damaging effects is so important and clinicians should keep in mind sexual abuse or incest when examining the risky population. Multidisciplinary approach is necessary for determining short term or long term results and preventing the negative consequences of incest.

Underage mothers in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: All individuals under the age of 18 are considered as children by the Convention on the Rights of Children. Underage mothers are a pediatric-age group of children that become pregnant and give birth. It may be unfamiliar in Western countries, but in Middle-Eastern countries ruled by religious laws and old-fashioned traditions, it is common for an older man to marry a girl. The aim of this study was to describe the status of underage mothers within the framework of children's rights and to draw attention to this issue. We presented this study to increase awareness and sensitivity, and to scrutinize and discuss these topics. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated cases of underaged pregnant girls who applied to Forensic Science Department outpatient clinics and Obstetrics and Gynecology Department outpatient clinics of Gaziosmanpasa University Faculty of Medicine between 2003 and 2013. Results We accessed records of 163 underage mothers (≤ 18 age). Mean age was 16.9 ± 0.83 (14-18 years). Gravida and parity rates increased proportionately with increasing age. Most of our cases were 16 and 17 years of age (n: 117, 71.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Underage motherhood is not only a medical issue; it is a multi-dimensional problem with social, economic, traditional, religious, and legal aspects.

Evaluation of suicide cases in Turkey, 2007-2012.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the demographic and sociocultural characteristics of suicide attempts by using data from the Turkish Statistical Institute. It is our intent that the work data may contribute to the national suicide data and the development of suicide prevention policies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We obtained our data, which cover the years 2007 to 2012, from the database accessible at the official website of the Turkish Statistical Institute, which permits the use of its data for research purposes. The data were evaluated by using the SPSS 10.0 program. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis, and the percentage distribution and odds ratios were calculated. RESULTS: According to data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, the total number of suicide deaths in Turkey between 2007 and 2012 changed yearly (χ2=42,035-59,209; P<0.001). While suicide deaths in 2007 made up 0.00396% of the total deaths for that year, that figure increased to 0.00426% in 2013. According to the data from the Turkish Statistical Institute, over 1.9 million people died due to all causes between 2007 and 2012 in Turkey. Over 17,000 deaths (0.9%) were due to suicide. CONCLUSIONS: Suicide is an important public health problem and is multidimensional in nature. Examining this subject from etiological, epidemiological, biological, psychological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives is important to improve the prevention of suicides.

Relationship between Serum Gamma-glutamyl Transferase Levels with Ascending Aortic Dilatation.

OBJECTIVE: Increased serum gamma-glutamyl transferase levels (GGT) have been shown to directly promote oxidative stress. Previous studies have shown the relationship between the dilatation of the ascending aorta and oxidative stress. This study was designed to examine the relationship between serum GGT concentrations with dilatation of the ascending aorta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety patients with ascending aortic dilatation and 90 age-sex-matched patients without aortic dilatation were included in the study. The patients were evaluated by a complete transthoracic echocardiographic examination including measurement of the aortic dimensions, where a diameter of 3.7 cm and above was accepted as ascending aortic dilatation. Serum GGT concentration was measured in all patients. RESULTS: In the group with aortic dilatation, HT frequency, serum uric acid, hs-CRP and GGT levels, the LV mass index, and the left atrial volume index were found to be higher than the control group. The logistic regression analysis showed that only HT frequency (OR:1.23, 95% CI 1.11-1.35, p value: 0.02), the LA volume index (OR: 1.34, 95% CI 1.21±1.4, p:0.005) and serum GGT levels (OR: 1.12, 95% CI 1.01±1.20, p:0.03) were found to be independent predictors. There was a significant correlation between serum GGT levels and ascending aortic diameter (r: 0.268, p<0.001). In the ROC curve analysis, AUC was 0.659 (0.580±0.738) for a 23.5 serum GGT cut-off value (64% sensitivity and 53% specificity). CONCLUSION: We found that serum GGT concentration was significantly associated with ascending aortic dilatation. Large epidemiological studies are required to correlate the findings from this study with clinical outcome.