Examination of Burnout Levels and Social Support Resources of Healthcare Workers in Filiation Teams During COVID-19 Pandemic in Turkey.

This study aims to examine the level of burnout and social support of healthcare workers in filiation teams during the period of COVID-19 in Turkey. A total of 1028 healthcare workers have been reached. The sociodemographic questionnaire, Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) have been used. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were created, and independent t-tests and Pearson correlation tests were performed. 69.5% of the participants were females. The participants consisted of midwives (21.2%), nurses (15.5%), doctors (14.1%), psychologists (10.8%), and dentists (10.7%). The MSPSS scale scores of the participants were 62.66 ± 16.96; family 22.87 ± 5.85, friends 21.14 ± 6.30, and significant other person 18.65 ± 7.95. MBI scale scores are 54.05 ± 10.77, emotional exhaustion 18.12 ± 8.36, depersonalization 4.53 ± 3.45, and personal achievement 31.40 ± 7.04. The study showed that females have higher levels of emotional exhaustion and, as education levels, the population of the region, daily working hours, patient burden, and death of coronavirus-infected colleagues increase, and burnout levels increase.

Biobank Education for Future Physicians: Training Medical Students Through Student Research Association Networks.

Research biobanks have become crucial collaborators in a variety of basic and clinical research projects with comprehensive biological sample collection and associated data storage. Medical students, who are the most important stakeholders of biobanks as future physicians, need to be trained in biobanking; however, there is no consensus on how to include it in formal education. This study aimed to determine and increase awareness among medical students regarding biobanks through peer training organized online by medical student research association networks. Volunteer medical or graduate students were trained by biobank professionals at the Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) biobank for 6-9 months. Then, a biobank event was planned by these trainees, the Ege Scientific Research Team (ESRT), and IBG-Biobank with the support of The Biobanking and BioMolecular Resources Research Infrastructure (BBMRI) Turkey. The study reached students of 46 different medical faculties. Before the event, students' level of knowledge about biobanks was identified using a pre-event questionnaire (n = 239). Following 2 days (4 main sessions) of online events, a post-event questionnaire was administered to event participants (n = 110) and 80.9% of them answered (n = 89). The pre-event survey revealed that only 34.3% of the medical students had heard of the term "Biobank" in Turkey. After the event, medical students were significantly more enthusiastic about putting effort into biobanking and using and sharing stored biobank samples of their patients compared with the pre-event (p < 0.0001). Moreover, 92% of the students stated that they would consider attending an advanced course in biobanking. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that extracurricular courses with peer learning methods coordinated with medical student associations can be valuable in increasing future physicians' awareness and knowledge of biobanking.

Thinking about God increases acceptance of artificial intelligence in decision-making.

Thinking about God promotes greater acceptance of Artificial intelligence (AI)-based recommendations. Eight preregistered experiments (n = 2,462) reveal that when God is salient, people are more willing to consider AI-based recommendations than when God is not salient. Studies 1 and 2a to 2d demonstrate across a wide variety of contexts, from choosing entertainment and food to mutual funds and dental procedures, that God salience reduces reliance on human recommenders and heightens willingness to consider AI recommendations. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrate that the reduced reliance on humans is driven by a heightened feeling of smallness when God is salient, followed by a recognition of human fallibility. Study 5 addresses the similarity in mysteriousness between God and AI as an alternative, but unsupported, explanation. Finally, study 6 (n = 53,563) corroborates the experimental results with data from 21 countries on the usage of robo-advisors in financial decision-making.

Seeking New Meaning in the Shadow of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Research of Spiritual Issues and Experiences among Students in Turkish Society.

Spirituality is one aspect to consider given the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the number of in-depth qualitative studies on spirituality-related issues and experiences is limited. The present study investigated the spiritual problems and experiences of students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study was carried out with 342 Muslim students undertaking a distance education program at a state university in Turkey. The study was carried out using the non-probability sampling method. The data was collected using Qualtrics through a questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions related to spirituality during COVID-19. The data was analyzed using MAXQDA. The findings consisted of three categories, including spirituality during the pandemic, attitudes and behaviors related to the pandemic with a focus on spirituality, and feelings and thoughts about spirituality during the pandemic. There were fourteen subcategories, including resilience, meaning of life, coping mechanisms, acceptance, doubts, cleanliness, solidarity, risky behaviors, digitalization, religious rituals, inner peace, death, emotions, and hope. To meet the spiritual needs of students, it can be recommended to provide a suitable place for worship, to maintain the relations of individuals with religious centers and to direct them to spiritual counseling services.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on LGBTQ+'s Sexual Behaviors in Turkey: "Everything about Sex Had Become A Black Box".

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced changes in the behavior patterns of many population groups due to restrictive measures all over the world. In this study, qualitative research method based on a phenomenological approach was used to determine the changes in the sexual behavior of a group of LGBTQ+ people living in Turkey. The COVID-19 pandemic has culminated in changes in the sexual life of LGBTQ+s. It has been determined that feelings such as the need of emotional support, loneliness, devaluation and helplessness were experienced, and quarantine and curfew restrictions were effective on sexuality and sexual behaviors. In addition, it has been determined that LGBTQ+s have changed in the standards of determining partners during the pandemic process. The use of sex toys has increased, the sensitivity toward self-care and hygiene rules has increased, the tendency to have sexual fantasies has changed, the sexual behavior of people in their social environment has changed, and the disruptions in health services have posed negative effects. It is recommended to carry out studies focusing on the sexual behavior of LGBTQ+s and to develop counseling services regarding the sexual behaviors of LGBTQ+s and the situations that occur in their sexual lives.

Apparently We Cannot Live, We are like Infectious Zombies: A Qualitative Research on Personal and Familial Experiences of Health Workers in the Filiation Teams in Turkey during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study aims to examine the experiences of health workers in filiation teams in Turkey. The qualitative research model has been used. 375 health workers have participated using a non-probability sampling method. The data were collected over the internet using the questionnaire. The data have been analyzed with the MAXQDA and various code-sub codes-segment maps and code matrices have been used. The results expressed in two dimensions: instrumental and emotional areas. It has been observed that issues such as burnout, loss of motivation, and future anxiety have often been coded due to poor working conditions of the filiation teams, lack of rewards, and other factors. They have been determined as experiencing social stigma along with fear of infecting their families, and therefore have problems with child care, visiting adult family members in the risk group. It is recommended to develop psychosocial support services and improve organizational conditions.

Removal of pharmaceuticals by advanced treatment methods.

The removal of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) remains a big challenge in water treatment in terms of public health. The aim of the study was evaluating the performance of nano TiO2, ozone, and UV system for removal of EDCs. In this study, the efficiency of the nano TiO2 to degrade target EDCs under catalytic and photocatalytic ozonation was examined at different operational conditions. The maximum removal of target pollutant was obtained with pH 6.8; ozone concentration 10 mg/L; catalyst dosage 0.050 g/L and the duration time of the photocatalytic performances was 10 min showing the most treatment conditions respectively. In addition, the surface reaction mechanism of endocrine disrupting compound removal by catalytic and photocatalytic ozonation was investigated. The results showed that the catalyst can significantly enhance the removal of target compound. The 99.0%, 88.3% and 51.8% removal rates were obtained at photocatalytic ozonation, catalytic ozonation and sole ozonation, respectively. These results indicated that the Ozone/TiO2/UV process was favorable for engineering applications for removal of endocrine disrupting compounds such as steroid hormone and likely similar micro pollutants.

Secondary bacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance in COVID-19: comparative evaluation of pre-pandemic and pandemic-era, a retrospective single center study.

PURPOSE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of bacterial pathogens in COVID-19 patients and to compare the results with control groups from the pre-pandemic and pandemic era. METHODS: Microbiological database records of all the COVID-19 diagnosed patients in the Ege University Hospital between March 15, 2020, and June 15, 2020, evaluated retrospectively. Patients who acquired secondary bacterial infections (SBIs) and bacterial co-infections were analyzed. Etiology and AMR data of the bacterial infections were collected. Results were also compared to control groups from pre-pandemic and pandemic era data. RESULTS: In total, 4859 positive culture results from 3532 patients were analyzed. Fifty-two (3.59%) patients had 78 SBIs and 38 (2.62%) patients had 45 bacterial co-infections among 1447 COVID-19 patients. 22/85 (25.88%) patients died who had bacterial infections. The respiratory culture-positive sample rate was 39.02% among all culture-positive samples in the COVID-19 group. There was a significant decrease in extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (8.94%) compared to samples from the pre-pandemic (20.76%) and pandemic era (20.74%) (p = 0.001 for both comparisons). Interestingly, Acinetobacter baumannii was the main pathogen in the respiratory infections of COVID-19 patients (9.76%) and the rate was significantly higher than pre-pandemic (3.49%, p < 0.002) and pandemic era control groups (3.11%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Due to the low frequency of SBIs reported during the ongoing pandemic, a more careful and targeted antimicrobial prescription should be taken. While patients with COVID-19 had lower levels of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales, the frequency of multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii is higher.

The association of laminin levels with insulin resistance and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis.

BACKGROUND: Laminin, one of the largest glycoproteins of the basement membrane, is an important component of the extracellular matrix. Functions of the basement membrane include regulation of cell signaling behaviors and structural support. Laminin plays a critical role in the regulation of insulin action in muscle, liver, and adipose tissue. The study mainly investigates an association between the change in serum laminin levels and insulin resistance and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis. METHODS: This prospective study included a total of 90 participants; 60 patients diagnosed with Grade 2-3 non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls between December 2019 and December 2020. Routine laboratory tests including glucose, insulin, homeostatic model of assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and C-reactive protein and laminin levels were measured in the serum of the patient and control groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for the measurement of laminin levels. RESULTS: The median serum laminin levels were lower in patients with hepatic steatosis, compared to the control group (72 ng/L vs. 82 ng/L, respectively; p = 0.003). In the patients with insulin resistance, median laminin levels were lower, regardless of the presence of non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis (67 ng/L vs. 85 ng/L, respectively; p = 0.007). There was a weak, negative correlation between the laminin levels and HOMA-IR. CONCLUSIONS: Our study results suggest that, although there is no exact link between laminin and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis, serum laminin levels are lower in patients with insulin resistance by regulating the insulin effect through integrins.

A Construal Level Account of the Impact of Religion and God on Prosociality.

This research shows that the two most prevalent religious constructs-God and religion-differentially impact cognition. Activating thoughts about God (vs. religion) induces a relatively more abstract (vs. concrete) mindset (Studies 1a-1c). Consequently, time donation intentions (Study 2) and actual monetary donations (Study 3) after a God (vs. religion) prime increase when people are presented an abstractly (vs. concretely) framed donation appeal. Similarly, people donate more money to distant (vs. close) donation targets, which are construed relatively abstractly (vs. concretely), when a religious speech activates predominantly God-specific (vs. religion-specific) thoughts (Study 4). These effects are mediated by "feeling right" under construal level fit (Study 3). Overall, this research significantly advances extant knowledge on religious cognition and past research on the link between religion and prosociality.

Advanced oxidation of Reactive Blue 181 solution: a comparison between Fenton and Sono-Fenton process.

In this work, the decolorization of C.I. Reactive Blue 181 (RB181), an anthraquinone dye, by Ultrasound and Fe(2+) H2O2 processes was investigated. The effects of operating parameters, such as Fe(2+) dosage, H2O2 dosage, pH value, reaction time and temperature were examined. Process optimisation [pH, ferrous ion (Fe(2+)), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and reaction time], kinetic studies and their comparison were carried out for both of the processes. The Sono-Fenton process was performed by indirect sonication in an ultrasonic water bath, which was operated at a fixed 35-kHz frequency. The optimum conditions were determined as [Fe(2+)]=30 mg/L, [H2O2]=50 mg/L and pH=3 for the Fenton process and [Fe(2+)]=10 mg/L, [H2O2]=40 mg/L and pH=3 for the Sono-Fenton process. The colour removals were 88% and 93.5% by the Fenton and Sono-Fenton processes, respectively. The highest decolorization was achieved by the Sono-Fenton process because of the production of some oxidising agents as a result of sonication. The paper also discussed kinetic parameters. The decolorization kinetic of RB181 followed pseudo-second-order reaction (Fenton study) and Behnajady kinetics (Sono-Fenton study).

Cu(II) removal from aqueous solution by ureolytic mixed culture (UMC).

The study describes the sorption of living ureolytic mixed culture (UMC) to remove Cu(II) from aqueous solution under various conditions. The effects of various parameters such as optimum biomass, contact time, and Cu(II) concentrations on Cu(II) removal efficiency were investigated. The process was investigated using concentrations of Cu(II) ions ranging from 1 to 200 mg/L in equilibrium batch tests for Langmiur, D-R, and Freundlich isotherm models. The maximum removal efficiency of 99% was obtained a 1 g/L solid-to-liquid ratio with 1-min contact time for 100 mg/L initial concentration of Cu(II).

Removal of Pb(II) from water by natural zeolitic tuff: kinetics and thermodynamics.

The present study was aimed at examining the ability of a natural zeolitic volcanic tuff to remove Pb(II) ions from aqueous solutions under various conditions. The effects of various parameters such as optimum adsorbent mass, contact time, pH of the medium, Pb(II) concentration, and temperature were investigated. In addition, different adsorption isotherms were obtained using concentrations of Pb(II) ions ranging from 1mg/L to 200mg/L. The adsorption process follows second-order reaction kinetics and follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The thermodynamic parameters are discussed in this article, including changes in Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy, for the adsorption of Pb(II) on tuff, and it is revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic under natural conditions. The maximum removal efficiency of 92% was obtained at a pH of 5 with a 25-min contact time for a 10 g/L solid-to-liquid ratio and an initial heavy metal concentration of 100mg/L.

A rare complication of idiopathic membranous nephropathy: crescentic transformation.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, the cause of rapidly deteriorating renal functions in a follow-up period of a 65-year-old female patient, who applied with nephrotic syndrome findings and diagnosed as membranous nephropathy, is presented. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old patient with findings of nephrotic syndrome had normal kidney size and serum complement level, and was negative for autoantibodies and viral serology. In histopathologic examination, 20 glomeruli were consistent with membranous glomerulonephritis. The patient, evaluated for idiopathic membranous nephropathy, was followed-up monthly with supportive treatment. In the second month of follow-up, a re-evaluation of the patient due to nausea and urine discoloration revealed 144 mg/dL urea, 6.3 mg/dL creatinine, and 2.5 g/dL albumin. Urine sediment revealed dysmorphic erythrocytes and granular silenders. Renal re-biopsy was done. Of 11 glomeruli, three global sclerosis and eight crescentic glomeruli with fibrosis and scarce cellular component were seen. The case was accepted as crescentic glomerulonephritis, a rare complication of idiopathic MN. Before the treatment, antiGBM, pANCA, cANCA, and ANA were negative. Pulse metil prednisolone and pulse cyclophosphamide treatment protocol was administered. Hemodialysis was needed nine times. At the end of first month of the treatment, hemodialysis was no longer needed. CONCLUSION: Due to a risk of spontaneous remission up to 30% of membranous nephropathy, there is no consensus on specific treatment applicable to all cases. However, crescentic GN should be investigated immediately when sudden and rapid deterioration of renal functions appeared.

Activation of pine cone using Fenton oxidation for Cd(II) and Pb(II) removal.

This paper describes activation of pine cone with Fenton reagent and determines the removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution. Changes of the surface properties of adsorbent materials were determined by the FT-IR and SEM analysis after activation of pine cone. The effect of Fe(2+)/H(2)O(2) ratio, ORP, pH and contact time were determined. Different adsorption isotherms were also obtained using concentrations of heavy metal ions ranging from 0.1 to 150mgL(-1). The adsorption process follows pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics and follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. The study discusses thermodynamic parameters, including changes in Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy, for the adsorption of Cd(II) and Pb(II) on activated cone, and revealed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic under natural conditions. The maximum removal efficiencies were obtained as 91% and 89% at pH 7 with 90 and 105-min contact time for Cd(II) and Pb(II), respectively.

Heavy metal adsorption by modified oak sawdust: thermodynamics and kinetics.

This paper describes the adsorption of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions by oak (Quercus coccifera) sawdust modified by means of HCl treatment. Our study tested the removal of three heavy metals: Cu, Ni, and Cr. The optimum shaking speed, adsorbent mass, contact time, and pH were determined, and adsorption isotherms were obtained using concentrations of the metal ions ranging from 0.1 to 100mgL(-1). The adsorption process follows pseudo-second-order reaction kinetics, as well as Langmuir and D-R adsorption isotherms. The paper discusses the thermodynamic parameters of the adsorption (the Gibbs free energy, entropy, and enthalpy). Our results demonstrate that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic under natural conditions. The maximum removal efficiencies were 93% for Cu(II) at pH 4, 82% for Ni(II) at pH 8, and 84% for Cr(VI) at pH 3.