Evaluation of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Pregnant Women Admitted to a University Hospital in Istanbul.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can cause serious complications in immunocompromised individuals and fetuses with congenital infections. These can include neurodevelopmental impairments and congenital abnormalities in newborns. This paper emphasizes the importance of concurrently evaluating ultrasonography findings and laboratory parameters in diagnosing congenital CMV infection. To examine the prenatal characteristics of CMV DNA-positive patients, we assessed serum and amniotic fluid from 141 pregnant women aged 19-45 years, each with fetal anomalies. ELISA and PCR tests, conducted in response to these amniocentesis findings, were performed at an average gestational age of 25 weeks. Serological tests revealed that all 141 women were CMV IgG-positive, and 2 (1.41%) had low-avidity CMV IgG, suggesting a recent infection. CMV DNA was detected in 17 (12.05%) amniotic fluid samples using quantitative PCR. Of these, 82% exhibited central nervous system abnormalities. Given that most infections in pregnant women are undetectable and indicators non-specific, diagnosing primary CMV in pregnant women using clinical findings alone is challenging. We contend that serological tests should not be the sole means of diagnosing congenital CMV infection during pregnancy.

Fabrication of a Microfluidic Test Device with a 3D Printer and Its Combination with the Loop Mediated Isothermal Amplification Method to Detect Streptococcus pyogenes.

New rapid, reliable, and cost-effective alternative systems are needed for the rapid diagnosis of Streptococcus pyogenes. The aim of this study was to fabricate a microfluidic test device to detect Streptococcus pyogenes by combining the Loop-mediated isothermal amplification method via a 3D printer. Microfluidic test devices were designed in CATIA V5 Release 16 software, and data were directly transferred to a 3D printer and produced using the FDM method with biocompatible PLA filament. The S. pyogenes ATCC 19615 and different ATCC strains was used. Following identification by classical culture methods, a 0.5 McFarland suspension was prepared from the colonies, and DNA isolation was performed from this liquid by a boiling method. S. pyogenes specific speB gene was used to desing LAMP primer sets in PrimerExplorer V5 software and tested on a microfluidic device. LAMP reactions were performed on microfluidic device and on a microcentrifuge tube separately. Both results were analyzed using the culture method as the standard method to diagnostic values. Melting curve analysis of the amplicons of the LAMP reactions performed on a LightCycler 480 system to detect amplification. Among the 50 positive and 100 negative samples, only four samples were found to be false negative by LAMP reaction in a microcentrifuge tube, while eight samples were found to be false negative by LAMP reaction on a microfluidic device. Six samples were found to be false positive by the LAMP reaction in the microcentrifuge tube, while ten samples were found to be false positive by the LAMP reaction on a microfluidic chip. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the LAMP reactions performed in the microcentrifuge tube and on the microfluidic device were 92-84%, 94-90%, 88.46-80.77%, and 95.92-91.84%, respectively. The limit of detection (LOD) was found to be the same as 1.5 × 102 CFU/mL and the limit of quantification (LOQ) values of the LAMP reactions were performed on the microcentrifuge tube and on the microfluidic device were 2.46 × 102-7.4 × 102 CFU/mL, respectively. Cohen's kappa (κ) values of the LAMP reactions were performed on the microcentrifuge tube and on the microfluidic device were 0.620-0.705, respectively. In conclusion, our data showed that the LAMP method can be combined with microfluidic test device to detect S. pyogenes, this microfluidic device can be manufactured using 3D printers and results are close to gold standard methods. These devices can be combined with LAMP reactions to detect different pathogens where resources are limited and rapid results are required.

The Role of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the Pathogenesis of Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases with uncertain etiology. We aimed to determine the amounts of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii in the intestinal microbiota of these patients and to correlate their amounts with blood IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 cytokine levels. METHODS: Thirty UC, 30 CDs, and 46 healthy controls were included. IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12 levels of blood samples were analyzed by ELISA. The amounts of Akkermansia muciniphila and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were determined by the LightCycler 480 qPCR system. RESULTS: F. prausnitzii, A. muciniphila, IL-10, and IL-12 decreased in patient groups, while IL-8 decreased in UC but increased in CD. A significant difference was detected between the patient and control groups in terms of F. prausnitzii, A. muciniphila, and IL-8, but not for others. The amount of F. prausnitzii was correlated with IL-8 and IL-10 in UC and with IL-10 in CD patients. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in the amount of F. prausnitzii was associated with the increase in UC disease severity. A. muciniphila and F. prausnitzii were detected in lower amounts in both diseases. F. prausnitzii decreased more with the severity of UC, suggesting that these bacteria may have complex roles in their etiopathogenesis.

Factors affecting medical students' satisfaction with online learning: a regression analysis of a survey.

BACKGROUND: Medical education requires the implementation of different teaching methods and strategies for future doctors to achieve broad learning objectives. This wide range of methods and strategies includes the use of Information Technologies. For a long time, there was a call for a change in medical education for blending new teaching approaches to lessen medical students' class time. The COVID-19 pandemic then sped up the transition to the new way of medical education and classroom lectures were quickly moved to a virtual environment. We expect that these changes will continue, and online learning will be one of the main teaching strategies in medical education. Therefore, educational experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic will improve our understanding of online learning and will help to develop blended medical school curricula in the future. For this reason, we aimed to determine students' overall satisfaction with their online learning experience and to define the main factors affecting students' satisfaction with their online learning program at Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to determine medical students' overall satisfaction with online learning methods and to identify factors associated with positive and negative satisfaction levels. A questionnaire, consisting of 24 questions to collect demographic characteristics, factors associated with online education experience and overall satisfaction levels was developed and distributed to 1600 medical students. Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with positive and negative satisfaction levels. RESULTS: Regression analysis showed that being familiar with online teaching techniques (ß = 0.19, 95% CI [0.07, 0.30], faculty members' higher online teaching skill levels (ß = 0.42, 95% CI [0.32, 0.51], interactive online teaching approaches (ß = 0.54, 95% CI [0.41, 0.67], having a personal workspace (ß = 0.43, 95% CI [0.19, 0.67], and a self-reported longer attention span (ß = 0.75, 95% CI [0.57, 0.92] were associated with higher overall satisfaction with online learning. The occurrence of technical problems (ß = -0.19, 95% CI [-0.26, -0.12] was associated with lower overall satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Higher online teaching skills of faculty members, use of interactive approaches, students' familiarity with online teaching techniques, provision of a personal workspace, and self-reported longer attention spans positively contributed to higher levels of student satisfaction with online learning. Considering the increasing significance of online educational methods, our study identified key components that affect students' level of satisfaction. This information might contribute to the development of online educational programs in the future.

Cerebrolysin provides effective protection on high glucose-induced neuropathy in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion neurons.

Cerebrolysin, an endogenous peptide with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties, indicated to be beneficial on diabetic neuropathy by preliminary clinical and experimental studies but without evidence on central or peripheral action. Dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, based on involvement of pain sensation in both health and disease as first relay centers for transmission and processing of peripheral nociceptive sensory signals, was used to investigate possible effects of Cerebrolysin on high glucose-induced neuropathy, as model. DRG's were obtained from adult rats and the isolated neurons were seeded on E-Plate®'s equipped with gold microelectrodes, and incubated in culture media in a CO2 incubator at 37 C. DRGs were exposed to high glucose (50 mM) in the absence and presence of different concentrations of Cerebrolysin ® (2-40 mg/ml). Cell index (derived from cell viability and neurite outgrowth) was recorded with Real-Time Cell Analyzer and was used as primary outcome measure. High glucose-induced cellular neuropathy and neuroprotective effects of Cerebrolysin was evaluated from area under the curve (AUC) of cell index-time graphs. Exposure of DRG neurons to high glucose caused a rapid and persistent decrease in the mean AUC values compared to normoglycemic controls. Co-treatment with Cerebrolysin (40 mg/ml) attenuated this high glucose-induced effect in a concentration-dependent manner. In normoglycemic conditions, treatment with Cerebrolysin caused a dose-dependent increase in the mean AUC values. Cerebrolysin treatment resulted in maintenance of the functional integrity, survival, and promotion of neurite outgrowth of the cultured DRG neurons exposed to high glucose, indicating involvement of peripheral sensory neurons.

COVID-19 studies involving machine learning methods: A bibliometric study.

BACKGROUND: Machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) techniques are gaining popularity as effective tools for coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) research. These strategies can be used in diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and public health management. Bibliometric analysis quantifies the quality and impact of scholarly publications. ML in COVID-19 research is the focus of this bibliometric analysis. METHODS: A comprehensive literature study found ML-based COVID-19 research. Web of Science (WoS) was used for the study. The searches included "machine learning," "artificial intelligence," and COVID-19. To find all relevant studies, 2 reviewers searched independently. The network visualization was analyzed using VOSviewer 1.6.19. RESULTS: In the WoS Core, the average citation count was 13.6 ±â€…41.3. The main research areas were computer science, engineering, and science and technology. According to document count, Tao Huang wrote 14 studies, Fadi Al-Turjman wrote 11, and Imran Ashraf wrote 11. The US, China, and India produced the most studies and citations. The most prolific research institutions were Harvard Medical School, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and King Abdulaziz University. In contrast, Nankai University, Oxford, and Imperial College London were the most mentioned organizations, reflecting their significant research contributions. First, "Covid-19" appeared 1983 times, followed by "machine learning" and "deep learning." The US Department of Health and Human Services funded this topic most heavily. Huang Tao, Feng Kaiyan, and Ashraf Imran pioneered bibliographic coupling. CONCLUSION: This study provides useful insights for academics and clinicians studying COVID-19 using ML. Through bibliometric data analysis, scholars can learn about highly recognized and productive authors and countries, as well as the publications with the most citations and keywords. New data and methodologies from the pandemic are expected to advance ML and AI modeling. It is crucial to recognize that these studies will pioneer this subject.

Distribution of Opportunistic Pathogens in People Living with HIV at a University Hospital in Istanbul over a One-Year Treatment Period and Its Association with CD4 T Cell Counts.

Among sexually transmitted diseases, HIV causes very serious clinical manifestations that can lead to death. As a result, millions of people have to live with this problem that threatens their health. The virus attacks the immune system of the host, especially CD4+ T lymphocytes, causing the suppression of the immune system. CD4, CD8 counts, and HIV RNA viral loads are monitored in HIV-infected patients with antiretroviral treatment, and CD4 counts play an important role in determining the effectiveness of the treatment. Despite the advances in treatment in the present day, opportunistic infections are the main cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients, and the evaluation of immunological parameters is valuable for the prognosis of the disease in this process. In the present study, the purpose was to investigate the opportunistic infections faced by naive HIV-positive patients who applied to our laboratory and were diagnosed between 2019 and 2022 during their one-year treatment period, and the correlation of the immunological parameters was also evaluated retrospectively using the hospital automation system and laboratory data. A total of 107 opportunistic causative microorganisms were identified in 87 of the 230 HIV-positive patients over one year. T. pallidum was detected in 43 (18.6%) of these patients, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 32 (13.9%), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in 9 (3.9%), Hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 10 (4.3%), C. albicans in 7 (3%), M. tuberculosis in 3 (1.3%), Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in 2 (0.8%), and C. glabrata in 1 (0.4%) patient. Although mono-agent co-infections were determined in 69 of 87 people living with HIV, two-agent co-infections were detected in 16 HIV patients, and three-agent co-infections were identified in two HIV patients. Considering the correlation between the CD4/CD8 ratio and infection positivity, a moderate negative correlation was determined with HIV RNA viral load and CMV infection. The CD4/CD8 ratio had a low negative correlation with EBV and C. albicans infections. It was also found that the follow-up of HIV RNA load in the diagnosis of T. pallidum, CMV, EBV, and C. albicans may be meaningful. Opportunistic infections mainly affect immunosuppressed patients and can be prevented with effective treatment. Although it is already known that HIV patients may face different infections during their treatment, it was concluded that more attention should be paid to T. pallidum, CMV, EBV, and C. albicans agents. These infections should be routinely monitored with HIV viral load and the CD4/CD8 ratio.

The relationship between covid-19 burnout and the moral sensitivity of healthcare professionals

This study aimed to examine the relationship between the burnout of physicians and nurses and their moral sensitivity during the pandemic. This was a descriptive and correlational study. This study was carried out with physicians and nurses who were continuing to work actively during the pandemic. Snowboard sampling method was utilized. The total mean score of the participants on the MSQ was 90.78±19.10. The total mean score of the COVID-19 Burnout Scale was 34.52±9.65. A statistically weak and significant correlation was found between the COVID-19 Burnout Scale and the MSQ total score, as well as the "benefit" and "conflict" sub-dimensions. It was determined that as MSQ total scores, "benefit" and "conflict" scores decreased in healthcare workers, COVID-19 burnout scores increased. In our study, the moral sensitivity of the participants was found to be moderate, and their burnout levels were found to be high. Although there was a weak relationship, it was observed that burnout levels increased as moral sensitivity levels increased. It is crucial that we learn from pandemic experiences and transfer this knowledge to future generations. In particular, we must assimilate these important lessons into training in order to develop and protect the moral sensitivity of healthcare professionals.

Este estudio pretendía examinar la relación entre el burnout de médicos y enfermeras y su sensibilidad moral durante la pandemia. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo y correlacional, y se llevó a cabo con médicos y enfermeras que seguían trabajando activamente durante la pandemia. Se utilizó el método de muestreo de Snowboard. La puntuación media total de los participantes en el MSQ fue de 90,78±19,10. La puntuación media total de la Escala de Burnout COVID-19 fue de 34,52±9,65. Se encontró una correlación estadísticamente débil y significativa entre la Escala de Burnout COVID-19 y la puntuación total del MSQ, así como las subdimensiones "beneficio" y "conflicto". Se determinó que, a medida que disminuían las puntuaciones totales del MSQ y las puntuaciones de "beneficio" y "conflicto" en los trabajadores sanitarios, aumentaban las puntuaciones de burnout de la COVID-19. En nuestro estudio, se observó que la sensibilidad moral de los participantes era moderada y que sus niveles de burnout eran elevados. Aunque existía una relación débil, se observó que los niveles de burnout aumentaban a medida que lo hacían los de sensibilidad moral. Es crucial que aprendamos de las experiencias pandémicas y transmitamos estos conocimientos a las generaciones futuras. En particular, debemos asimilar estas importantes lecciones en la formación para desarrollar y proteger la sensibilidad moral de los profesionales sanitarios.

Esse estudo objetivou examinar a relação entre o burnout de médicos e enfermeiras e sua sensibilidade moral durante a pandemia. Esse era um estudo descritivo e correlacional. Esse estudo foi realizado com médicos e enfermeiras que continuaram trabalhando ativamente durante a pandemia. O método da amostragem em snowboard foi utilizado. A média total dos participantes no MSQ foi 90,78±19,10. A média total na Escala de Burnout pela COVID-19 foi 34,52±9,65. Uma correlação fraca e significante foi encontrada entre os escores totais na Escalas de Burnout pela COVID-19 e MSQ, assim como nas subdimensões "benefício" e "conflito". Determinou-se que como os escores totais na MSQ e os escores "benefício" e "conflito" diminuiram em trabalhadores de cuidados à saúde, os escores de burnout pela COVID-19 aumentaram. Em nosso estudo, a sensibilidade moral dos participantes foi considerada ser moderada e seus níveis de burnout considerados serem altos. Embora tenha havido uma correlação fraca, foi observado que os níveis de burnout aumentaram quando os níveis de sensibilidade moral aumentaram. É essencial que aprendamos das experiências com a pandemia e passemos esse conhecimento para as futuras gerações. Em particular, nós devemos assimilar essas importantes lições em treinamentos, de forma a desenvolver e proteger a sensibilidade moral de profissionais de cuidados à saúde.

Assessment of Epstein-Barr virus, Candida albicans, and some periodontal pathogens in rheumatoid arthritis patients with periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively investigate the periodontal results and microbial load in subgingival biofilm samples (SBS) in rheumatoid arthritis subjects and healthy volunteers. METHODS: One hundred twenty subjects were classified into different cohorts: healthy (H-C); periodontitis with good systemic health (H-P); rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and good periodontal health (RA-C); and periodontitis with RA (RA-P). The periodontal parameters were recorded, and SBS were collected to determine periodontal pathogens including Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and Candida albicans using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Subjects that had greater disease course, determined by moderate or high disease activity scores 28 (DAS28), suffered from worse oral health conditions (higher plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing depth, and excessive clinical attachment loss) than those with low DAS28 scores. A higher prevalence of Treponema denticola (T. denticola) was observed in the RA-P group. Cyclic citrullinated peptide was associated with the occurrence of T. denticola and Campylobacter rectus. DAS28 using C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) had a significant association with Capnocytophaga gingivalis and EBV. The duration of the RA disease was associated with the presence of T. denticola. CONCLUSION: Subgingival microbial difference could reliably discriminate RA from healthy individuals. Especially, T. denticola and EBV may play a key role in periodontitis associated with RA.

[The Relationship of Enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis and Fusobacterium nucleatum Intestinal Colonization with Colorectal Cancer: A Case-Control Study Performed with Colon Biopsies]. / Enterotoksijenik Bacteroides fragilis ve Fusobacterium nucleatum Bagirsak Kolonizasyonunun Kolorektal Kanser ile Iliskisi: Kolon Biyopsileri ile Yapilan Bir Olgu Kontrol Çalismasi.

In recent years, it has been shown that some bacteria may be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). In this study, it was aimed to investigate the role of Fusobacterium nucleatum and enterotoxigenic Bacteroides fragilis (ETBF) in the etiology of CRC by comparing the amounts of these bacteria in colon biopsy tissues of patients with CRC and healthy individuals. The amounts of F.nucleatum and ETBF were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in colon biopsy samples taken from 35 CRC and 35 healthy individuals, and the results were compared in the patient and control groups. The detection rate and amounts of F.nucleatum were found to be statistically significantly higher in tissues of female patients with CRC compared to male patients (p= 0.003, p= 0.013, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the tissues of female and male patients with CRC in terms of detection rate and amount of ETBF (p= 0.521, p= 0.515, respectively). It was found that in the 50-74 age group, the amount of ETBF was statistically significantly higher in women and men with CRC compared to the controls (p= 0.005, p= 0.047, respectively), while the amount of F.nucleatum was statistically significantly higher in female patients compared to controls. However, no difference was found between male patients and controls (p= 0.009, p= 0.083). It was determined that the detection rate and amount of F.nucleatum in the tissues of patients with CRC, regardless of age and gender, were not statistically different from the controls (p= 0.473, p= 0.995, respectively), however, the detection rate of ETBF and the amount of ETBF were found to be statistically significantly higher (p= 0.002, p= 0.004, respectively). It has been determined that ETBF can play a role in the etiology of CRC in both men and women, and F.nucleatum only in women, in the age range of 50-74 years, when routine screenings for CRC are performed.

Type 1C Multiple Symmetrical Lipomatosis: A Cause of Misdiagnosis in Females.

Multiple symmetrical lipomatosis (MSL) is a disease that causes symmetrical fat deposits in the neck, shoulders, and upper trunk. It is more common in the neck area in men who consume alcohol. The male-to-female ratio varies from 15:1 to 30:1. Madelung's disease has been reported in a small number of female patients who do not consume alcohol. Pseudoathletic appearance (MSL type 1C) is rare and causes misdiagnosis. We would like to present a 50-year-old woman with an athletic appearance who had fat deposits on her shoulders and upper chest. After excluding obesity and Cushing's syndrome, which were initially considered, we aimed to remind people of this entity that causes symmetrical fat deposits in the upper trunk in females.

Sclerostin and TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis: can they be important in the patients with glomerulonephritis?

OBJECTIVE: Sclerostin is a protein produced by osteocytes, kidneys, and vascular cells and has many effects on kidney and vascular structures. Soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis is a proinflammatory cytokine that may cause glomerular and tubular injury and increase sclerostin expression. This study aimed to investigate serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels in patients with glomerulonephritis and the effects they may be associated with. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 93 patients, 63 of whom were glomerulonephritis and 30 were healthy controls. Serum sclerostin, soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis, and 24-h urinary protein excretion were measured, and pulse wave velocity was calculated for arterial stiffness. RESULTS: Serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis were higher in glomerulonephritis patients than in the control group, and serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were correlated with both proteinuria and pulse wave velocity. In addition, in the regression analysis, serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis levels were found to be independent predictors of proteinuria in patients with glomerulonephritis. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that serum sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis are elevated in glomerulonephritis patients, and these two markers correlate with arterial stiffness and proteinuria in these patients. Considering the effects of sclerostin and soluble TNF-related weak inducer of apoptosis in patients with glomerulonephritis, we think these mechanisms will be the target of both diagnosis and new therapies.

Oral Microbiota Signatures in the Pathogenesis of Euthyroid Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

One of the most prevalent autoimmune illnesses in the world is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, whose pathogenesis is still unknown. The gut-thyroid axis is frequently examined, and although oral health affects thyroid functions, there are limited data on how oral microbiota is linked to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The study aims to identify the oral microbiota from saliva samples taken from treated (with levothyroxine) and untreated female euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients as well as healthy controls who were age- and sex-matched to compare the oral microbiota across the groups and to contribute preliminary data to the literature. This study was designed as a single-center cross-sectional observational study. Sixty (60) female patients with euthyroid Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and eighteen (18) age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected. After DNA isolation, sequencing was performed by targeting the V3-V4 gene regions of the 16S rRNA on the MiSeq instrument. R scripts and SPSS were used for bioinformatic and statistical analysis. No significant differences were found in the diversity indices. However, Patescibacteria phylum showed a significantly higher abundance (3.59 vs. 1.12; p = 0.022) in the oral microbiota of HT patients compared to HC. In the oral microbiota, the euthyroid HT group had approximately 7, 9, and 10-fold higher levels of the Gemella, Enterococcus, and Bacillus genera levels than healthy controls, respectively. In conclusion, the results of our study demonstrated that Hashimoto's thyroiditis causes changes in the oral microbiota, whereas the medicine used to treat the condition had no such effects. Therefore, revealing the core oral microbiota and long-term follow-up of the HT process by conducting extensive and multicenter studies might provide some important data for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease.

Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium among Patients with Urogenital Symptoms in Istanbul.

Chlamydia trachomatis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Mycoplasma genitalium are the three most commonly reported sexually transmitted bacteria. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium in urogenital samples collected from 18-68-year-old Turkish patients who were admitted to the hospital with various urogenital symptoms. A total of 360 patients with symptoms of STD were included in the study. Following DNA extraction by QIAamp Mini Kit, the presence of C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium were investigated using multiplex real-time PCR. Causative organisms were identified in 68 (18.9%) of 360 patients. C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium were detected in 40 (11.1%), 14 (3.9%), and 28 (7.8%) of the patients, respectively. Patients 21-30 years of age represented more than one-third (37.8%) of positive patients. Of all patients, dual infections of C. trachomatis-M. genitalium, N. gonorrhoeae-C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae-M. genitalium, and triple infection of C. trachomatis-N. gonorrhoeae-M. genitalium were determined in 1.6% (6/360), 1.3% (5/360), 0.2% (1/360), and 0.2% (1/360) of the patients, respectively. In CT-, NG-, and MG-positive patients, different STI agents were also found such as HIV, HBV, HPV, HSV2, T. pallidum, and T. vaginalis. In conclusion, among C. trachomatis, N. gonorrhoeae, and M. genitalium, CT was the most frequently detected bacterial cause of STDs in our hospital at Istanbul. Co-infections, which comprise more than one-fifth of the cases, should not be underestimated. Regular screening and following up of STD agents using multiplex real-time PCR-based diagnostic methods enabling the immediate detection of co-infections are essential for the treatment and primary prevention of STDs.

A Longitudinal Study in Turkiye of Host Ability to Produce Antibodies following a Third Homologous BNT162b2 Vaccination.

Obesity is a multifaceted, complex condition that has negative impacts on one's health. There are conflicting reports regarding the COVID-19 vaccine's ability to induce antibody formation in obese people. Our study aimed to determine anti-S-RBD IgG and surrogate neutralizing antibody (snAb) levels before and after the third Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2) vaccination (at 15, 60, 90, and 120 days) in normal-weight adults, overweight, and obese individuals without any comorbidity or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection history, but it did not evaluate the response to the first two doses. In this longitudinal prospective study in Istanbul, Turkey, a total of 323 consecutive adult individuals (141 normal weight, 108 overweight, and 74 patients with obesity) were included. Peripheral blood samples were collected. Anti-S-RBD IgG and surrogate neutralizing antibody levels were detected using the ELISA method. After the third dose of BNT162b2 vaccination, obese patients had significantly lower levels of snAb against SARS-CoV-2 compared with normal-weight controls, but the levels otherwise did not differ between the study groups. Across all individuals in our cohort, titers peaked about a month after this third vaccination and then gradually faded. Anti-S-RBD IgG and snAb IH% levels against SARS-CoV-2 were not correlated with IL-6 and TNF-α levels. In conclusion, anti-S-RBD IgG titers and snAb IH% levels against SARS-CoV-2 were determined longitudinally for 120 days after the third homologous BNT162b2 vaccination. Although there were no significant differences in anti-S-RBD IgG, we found significant differences in the snAb IH% levels against SARS-CoV-2 between obese and healthy control subjects.

Could Prior COVID-19 Affect the Neutralizing Antibody after the Third BNT162b2 Booster Dose: A Longitudinal Study.

Vaccination is an essential public health measure for preventing the spread of illness during this continuing COVID-19 epidemic. The immune response developed by the host or the continuation of the immunological response caused by vaccination is crucial since it might alter the epidemic's prognosis. In our study, we aimed to determine the titers of anti-S-RBD antibody and surrogate neutralizing antibody (snAb) formed before and after the third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccination (on the 15th, 60th, and 90th days) in healthy adults who did not have any comorbidity either with or without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this longitudinal prospective study, 300 healthy persons were randomly included between January and February 2022, following two doses of BNT162b2 immunization and before a third dosage. Blood was drawn from the peripheral veins. SARS-CoV-2 NCP IgG and anti-S-RBD IgG levels were detected by the CMIA method, and a surrogate neutralizing antibody was seen by the ELISA method. Our study included 154 (51.3%) female and 146 (48.7%) male (total 300) participants. The participants' median age was 32.5 (IQR:24-38). It was discovered that 208 individuals (69.3%) had never been infected with SARS-CoV-2, whereas 92 participants (30.7%) had SARS-CoV-2 infections in the past. Anti-S-RBD IgG and nAb IH% levels increased 5.94- and 1.26-fold on day 15, 3.63- and 1.22-fold on day 60, and 2.33- and 1.26-fold on day 90 after the third BNT162b2 vaccine dosage compared to pre-vaccination values (Day 0). In addition, the decrease in anti-S-RBD IgG levels on the 60th and 90th days was significantly different in the group without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to the group with past SARS-CoV-2 infection (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it was observed that prior SARS-CoV-2 infection and the third BNT162b2 vaccine dose led to a lower decrease in both nAb and anti-S-RBD IgG levels. To evaluate the vaccine's effectiveness and update immunization programs, however, it is necessary to perform multicenter, longer-term, and comprehensive investigations on healthy individuals without immune response issues, as there are still circulating variants.

Could Long Non-Coding RNA MEG3 and PTENP1 Interact with miR-21 in the Pathogenesis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

NAFLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The miRNAs and lncRNAs are important endogenous ncRNAs families that can regulate molecular mechanisms. The aim of this study was to analyze the miRNA and lncRNA expression profiles in serum samples of NAFLD patients with different types of hepatosteatosis compared to healthy controls by the qPCR method. A total of180 NAFLD patients and 60 healthy controls were included. miRCURY LNA miRNA miRNome PCR human panel I + II kit and LncProfiler qPCR Array Kit were used to detect miRNA and lncRNA expression, respectively. DIANA miRPath and DIANA-lncBase web servers were used for interaction analysis. As a result, 75 miRNA and 24 lncRNA expression changes were determined. For miRNAs and lncRNAs, 30 and 5 were downregulated and 45 and 19 were upregulated, respectively. hsa-miR-21 was upregulated 2-fold whereas miR-197 was downregulated 0.25-fold. Among lncRNAs, NEAT1 was upregulated 2.9-fold while lncRNA MEG3 was downregulated 0.41-fold. A weak correlation was found between hsa-miR-122 and lncRNA MALAT1. As a conclusion, it is clear that lncRNA-miRNA interaction is involved in the molecular mechanisms of the emergence of NAFLD. The lncRNAs MEG3 and PTENP1 interacted with hsa-miR-21. It was thought that this interaction should be investigated as a biomarker for the development of NAFLD.

The Relationship between Gastroduodenal Pathologies and Helicobacter pylori cagL (Cytotoxin-Associated Gene L) Polymorphism.

BACKGROUND: The polymorphisms in the region between 58 and 62 amino acids of the 194-amino acid CagL protein (CagL hypervariable motif) affect the binding affinity of CagL to integrin α5ß1 (ITGA5B1) receptor in host epithelial cells and have an effect on the development of various gastrointestinal diseases. We aimed to evaluate the associations of gastroduodenal pathologies, with the polymorphisms of cagL gene of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and also associations between vacA genotypes and cagL polymorphisms. METHODS: A total of 19 gastric cancer, 16 duodenal ulcer, and 26 non-ulcer dyspepsia patients were included in this case-control study. All cases had H. pylori. A fragment of 651 bp from gene cagL (hp0539) and cagA, vacA genes was amplified by polymerase chain reaction. Purified polymerase chain reaction products were sequenced by Sanger sequencing, and nucleotide sequences were translated into amino acid sequences. RESULTS: All of the H. pylori strains had cagL and cagA genes. In the 16 (84%) gastric cancer cases, the D58 amino acid polymorphism was significant than the 4 (15.4%) duodenal ulcer cases (P = .029), and the D58/K59 amino acid polymorphism was significant in 12 (63.1%) of the gastric cancer cases than 1 (3.85%) duodenal ulcer case (P = .008). D58/K59 and DKIGQ (n = 10; 52.63%) were the most common polymorphisms in the gastric cancer and were associated with the vacA genotype s1/m2, respectively (P = .022 and P = .008). The D58/K59 amino acid polymorphism was found to have a significant Odds Ratio (OR) value of 8.9 (P = .0017) in multivariate logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of gastric cancer development is 8.9 times higher with D58/K59 polymorphism.

Quality of MALDI-TOF mass spectra in routine diagnostics: results from an international external quality assessment including 36 laboratories from 12 countries using 47 challenging bacterial strains.

OBJECTIVES: Matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) is a widely used method for bacterial species identification. Incomplete databases and mass spectral quality (MSQ) still represent major challenges. Important proxies for MSQ are the number of detected marker masses, reproducibility, and measurement precision. We aimed to assess MSQs across diagnostic laboratories and the potential of simple workflow adaptations to improve it. METHODS: For baseline MSQ assessment, 47 diverse bacterial strains, which are challenging to identify by MALDI-TOF MS, were routinely measured in 36 laboratories from 12 countries, and well-defined MSQ features were used. After an intervention consisting of detailed reported feedback and instructions on how to acquire MALDI-TOF mass spectra, measurements were repeated and MSQs were compared. RESULTS: At baseline, we observed heterogeneous MSQ between the devices, considering the median number of marker masses detected (range = [2-25]), reproducibility between technical replicates (range = [55%-86%]), and measurement error (range = [147 parts per million (ppm)-588 ppm]). As a general trend, the spectral quality was improved after the intervention for devices, which yielded low MSQs in the baseline assessment as follows: for four out of five devices with a high measurement error, the measurement precision was improved (p-values <0.001, paired Wilcoxon test); for six out of ten devices, which detected a low number of marker masses, the number of detected marker masses increased (p-values <0.001, paired Wilcoxon test). DISCUSSION: We have identified simple workflow adaptations, which, to some extent, improve MSQ of poorly performing devices and should be considered by laboratories yielding a low MSQ. Improving MALDI-TOF MSQ in routine diagnostics is essential for increasing the resolution of bacterial identification by MALDI-TOF MS, which is dependent on the reproducible detection of marker masses. The heterogeneity identified in this external quality assessment (EQA) requires further study.