Coping Attitudes of Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers and Quality of Life of Caregivers.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIM: Cancer process is a traumatic period for both patients and their caregivers. Caregivers of the patients use various coping methods to minimize the effects of anxiety-creating negativities in their daily lives. The present study aimed to examine the coping attitudes adopted by the patients and caregivers and the effects of this process upon the quality of life (QoL) of caregivers. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted on three groups of (i) 74 patients consisting of those hospitalized in the department of medical oncology in tertiary care hospital or coming to the health center for chemotherapy treatment as cancer outpatients and (ii) 46 caregivers of patients; and control group 46 healthy individuals. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the study patients to administer a short sociodemographic questionnaire, coping attitudes assessment scale (COPE), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) QoL scale. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were recorded among patients, caregivers, and control groups in terms of "problem-focused coping" and "dysfunctional coping" the COPE scale (P = 0.001, P = 0.017). According to scores taken from the SF-36 scale, there was a statistically significant difference between caregivers and control groups in all parameters (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Patients and caregivers should be encouraged to use the coping methods related to the source of the problem rather than the dysfunctional coping methods. Evaluation of the QoL indicators of not only the patients but also their caregivers enables to formulate a more integrated approach and detection of the expectations of the caregivers.

Development of a medication adherence scale for familial Mediterranean fever (MASIF) in a cohort of Turkish children.

OBJECTIVES: To develop and assess the validity and reliability of an adherence scale concerning medical treatment in paediatric FMF patients. METHODS: The Medication Adherence Scale in FMF Patients (MASIF) is a 18-item questionnaire that evaluates adherence to medication in four domains. Validation of the instrument was accomplished in paediatric FMF patients (aged 2-18 years) under medication at least for 6 months. The first step was to build up the scale through qualitative approach (with interviews using semi-structured questions). Validation analyses included assessment of feasibility, face and content validity; construct validity, internal consistency and test-retest reliability. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty patients with FMF were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 11.11±4.02 years and 48.7% of them were male. The MASIF was found to be feasible and valid for both face and content. It correlated with the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale as a gold standard thereby demonstrating good construct validity (r=0.515, p<0.001). Assessment of content validity identified four subscales. The internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha was 0.728. There was a positive and significant correlation between test and retest scores (r=0.843; p<0.001). Also, a significant correlation between parents' and children's reports (r=0.781, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, the use of this scale to assess and follow up the adherence to treatment in paediatric FMF patients under medical treatment is recommended.

Comparison of efficacy of bromocriptine and cabergoline to GnRH agonist in a rat endometriosis model.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of dopamine agonists in a surgically induced endometriosis model on rats. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective randomized experimental study, surgical induction of endometriosis was performed by autotransplantation technique on 52 adult female Wistar-Albino rats. Endometriosis formation was confirmed by a second-look laparotomy (n:48) 1 month later. Four study groups were randomly generated according to their treatment regimens: group 1 (leuprolide acetate, n = 12), group 2 (bromocriptine, n = 12), group 3 (cabergoline, n = 12) and group 4 (control, n = 12). Endometriotic implants were excised for histopathological examination after treatment at the setting of laparotomy. The mean surface areas and histopathological glandular tissue (GT) and stromal tissue (ST) scores of endometriotic implants were studied and compared among groups. RESULTS: After 30 days of treatment, the mean surface area of the endometriotic implants of leuprolide acetate, bromocriptine and cabergoline groups was significantly decreased. The regression of endometriotic foci size in comparison to control was highest in group 1, followed by group 2, then group 3. In the histopathological evaluation both the ST and GT scores of group 1, 2 and 3 were significantly decreased in comparison to controls without a statistically significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Dopamine agonists are as effective as GnRH agonists in the regression of experimental endometriotic implants in rats. Further trials are needed to elucidate the pathways affected by dopamine agonists.

Serum Pentraxin-3 Level in Patients Who Underwent Coronary Angiography and Relationship with Coronary Atherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) in determining the presence and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Ninety-five patients (77 males and 18 females) who underwent elective coronary angiography were enrolled in this study. Patients with heart failure, renal failure, diabetes and thyroid disease were excluded. The study population was divided into 3 groups: individuals with normal coronary arteries, patients with critical CAD (n = 35) and patients with noncritical CAD (n = 36). The association of PTX-3 levels with the presence and severity of CAD and the number of involved vessels were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age was 53.40 ± 10.25 years. The PTX-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with CAD than without CAD (146.48 ± 48.52 vs. 109.83 ± 49.06 pg/ml, p < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found among the 3 groups regarding the severity of CAD (165.66 ± 49.10, 127.83 ± 40.51 and 109.83 ± 49.06 pg/ml, p < 0.001, respectively). The serum PTX-3 levels in normal arteries were 110.4 ± 48.11 pg/ml, in single-vessel disease 132.35 ± 32.96 pg/ml, in 2-vessel disease 142.57 ± 55.88 pg/ml, in 3-vessel disease 156.07 ± 50.53 pg/ml, and in 3-vessel disease 160.50 ± 30.41 pg/ml. After adjusting for baseline confounders, older age (OR = 1.107, 95% CI = 1.027-1.193, p = 0.008) and higher PTX-3 levels (OR = 1.017, 95% CI = 1.003-1.032, p = 0.021) were detected as significant predictors for the presence of CAD. CONCLUSIONS: Higher PTX-3 levels were associated with the presence of CAD and its increased severity in clinically stable patients. Higher PTX-3 levels may be regarded as a novel diagnostic predictor and may offer therapeutic options in the clinic.

Distribution of psychiatric symptoms among young Turkish males and the relationship between these symptoms and socio-demographic characteristics.

OBJECTIVE: Youth is a period during which individuals undergo rapid physical and psychological changes in their transition from childhood to adulthood. This study aimed to determine the psychological problems of young males from different socio-cultural backgrounds living in different cities of Turkey and to examine the socio-cultural factors possibly associated with these problems. METHODS: The study was conducted in six different cities in Turkey with the participation of 3655 young male adults. Participants were administered a questionnaire to collect socio-demographic data such as age, marital status, educational background, the history of smoking and alcohol use, income level, occupation, place of residence and the history of chronic disease and allergies. Psychological symptoms were detected via the Symptom Check List (SCL-90 R). The study data were transferred to the SPSS-15 database for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The median age of the participants was 20.49±1.48years (20-29 age range, median age=20). Based on the SCL-90 R scores, the mean General Symptom Index (GSI) score of the study participants was found to be 0.44±0.27 (0.00-2.61). 13.5% of the participants (n=493) were recorded to have above-the-average GSI scores (≥1.0). Occupation, smoking and alcohol use were found to effect depression. Factors effecting anxiety were occupation, smoking, alcohol use and place of residence. CONCLUSION: Psychological symptoms that young people suffer from can be diagnosed at early stages and the psychological problems that are triggered by these symptoms can be prevented with the help of such questionnaires. These questionnaires can easily be administered in primary care settings.

Increase in subcutaneous adipose tissue and fat free mass in women with polycystic ovary syndrome is related to impaired insulin sensitivity.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was performed to search whether subcutaneous and whole body adipose tissue increase and they relate to measures of insulin sensitivity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 52 women with PCOS and 53 healthy controls, all with similar age and body mass index participated in the study. A skinfold caliper device was used to measure biceps, triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfold thickness (SFT). Mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) was measured using a tape measure. Body fat distributions were determined by bioelectrical impedance analysis. Insulin resistance score was computed with the HOMA formula. Plasma adiponectin was measured by EIA. RESULTS: SFT in all defined areas, MUAC, total body and trunk fat free mass, and HOMA score were higher in women with PCOS compared with healthy women, while adiponectin level was significantly lower. SFT values correlated positively with HOMA score, and negatively with blood adiponectin level. Regression analysis indicated, SFT in triceps and supscapular areas, trunk fat mass, trunk fat ratio, fat free mass and trunk fat free mass values as the most powerful predictors of HOMA score. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that SFT in different body regions and fat-free tissue mass are increased in women with PCOS, with a significant relation to impaired insulin sensitivity.

Does negative affectivity have an association with achieving target values in hypertensive patients: primary care perspective.

OBJECTIVES: The current study aimed to seek the relationship between demographic characteristics, treatment compliance status, and type D personality characteristics to achieve target BP values. METHODS: This cross-sectional research was conducted on HT patients at three family medicine health-care services in Ankara, Turkey, between 1 February 2021, and 31 January 2022. The sociodemographic questionnaire survey, Hill-Bone Compliance to High Blood Pressure Therapy Scale (HBCHBPTS), and Type D Scale-14 (DS-14) were applied to 317 patients. HBCHBPTS consists of 14 items with three domains. DS-14 consists of 14 items assessing negative affectivity (NA) and social inhibition (SI). RESULTS: Patients with NA were less likely to achieve the SBP target values (62.20% vs 47.50, p = 0.011). NA scores were correlated with HBCHBPTS total scores and HBCHBPTS medication-taking domain scores. Living in a city center (ß = -0.157, p = 0.017), not smoking (ß = -0.114, p = 0.042), knowing the names of HT drugs (ß = - 0.152, p = 0.005), having a Mediterranean-style diet (ß = -0.182, p = 0.002), starting treatment immediately after diagnosis (ß = -0.121, p = 0.029), older age (ß = -0.164, p = 0.028), having less NA scores (ß = 0.171, p = 0.029) were effective on better treatment adherence. Variables affecting the failure to achieve the SBP target values were not being in the extended family (p = 0.022, OR: 0.337), anti-HT drug side effects (p = 0.029, OR: 2.566), higher HBCHBPTS total scores (p = 0.001, OR: 1.178), higher DBP values (p < 0.001, OR: 1.141). CONCLUSION: HBCHBPTS total and HBCHBPTS medication-taking domain indicators worsened as the NA and SI characteristics increased. Predictors, including those not living in an extended family, being affected by the side effects of anti-HT drugs, high HBCHBPTS total score, and high DBP values, were effective in failure to achieve the SBP target values.

Statin adherence in patients with high cardiovascular risk: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Statin adherence is an essential problem although lifetime medication is recommended especially in patients with high cardiovascular risk. The importance of perceived risk as a predictor of adherence among cardiology patients has not been fully explored. This study aimed to test the importance of perceived risk as a predictor of statin adherence amongst hypercholesterolemic patients to identify predictors associated with poor adherence. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at cardiology outpatient clinics of the University hospital in Ankara, Turkey. A total of 327 consecutive patients with high CV risk were recruited. Self-reported Morisky Green Levine Medication Adherence Scale was used to assess statin adherence. RESULTS: Of the patients studied, 34.5% had concerns about side effects. Also, the mean age was 63.85 ± 11.29 years, 66.1% were men, 32.4% applied non-drug alternative therapies, 53.2% had a Mediterranean-style diet and 20.8% checked their lipid values irregularly. Participants reported 50.2% high, 30% moderate, and 19.9% low statin medication adherence. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) control rates were 44.6%, 74.3%, 61.5% and 41.6%. On multiple logistic regression, concern about side effects was associated with a statistically significant quadruple elevation of odds of non-adherence. Also, being male, former smokers, not having complementary interventions, having regular visits, being educated for more than 5 years, having low depressive symptom scores, living in a rural, being never or former smokers, employee were significant predictors of high medication adherence scores. CONCLUSION: Approximately half of the patients reported high medication adherence. Proper strategies to improve adherence would include patient education efforts focused on patients with concerns about side effects and those who are female, less educated, current smokers, interested in complementary interventions, have irregular follow-up visits, and have depressive symptoms. Brief medication adherence scales may facilitate the assessment of patients' adherence.

Evaluation of sexual functional status and consistency of scales in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism before and after testosterone replacement therapy: a single-center experience.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction and the effect of short-term testosterone replacement therapy on sexual functions in congenital hypogonadism patients. Furthermore, we sought to reveal the consistency of the self-report scales used for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction and the relationship between biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 47 young male patients aged above 18 years who were diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Short (IIEF-5) and long (IIEF-15) forms of the International Index of Erectile Function and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were applied before treatment under the supervision of a physician. The patients' blood pressure, height, and weight were measured, and their luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH, and total testosterone levels were recorded. Patients who started their treatments were called for a follow-up checkup after 6 months. Their blood pressure, height, and weight were measured by reapplying the ASEX, IIEF-5, and IIEF-15. In addition, their LH, FSH, and total testosterone levels in the biochemical tests were rerecorded. Results: In this study, the sexual dysfunction status of patients diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism before and after treatment was evaluated using the ASEX, IIEF-15, and IIEF-5 scales. A decrease in sexual dysfunction was observed in all three scales after treatment compared with that before treatment. The IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scales were found to be uncorrelated in terms of the pretreatment values but were correlated in terms of the post-treatment values. Although a correlation was observed between ASEX and IIEF- 5 before treatment, no correlation was detected between ASEX and IIEF-15. After the treatment, ASEX was found to be correlated with both IIEF-5 and IIEF-15. The results of the scales indicated the correlation in all categories, except the pretreatment results of the IIEF-15 scale. Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated a significant improvement in the sexual function of hypogonadism patients undergoing short-term testosterone therapy. The ASEX, IIEF-5, and IIEF-15 scales used in the diagnosis and follow-up of sexual dysfunction were useful for evaluating sexual functions in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients.

Increased frequency of anxiety, depression, quality of life and sexual life in young hypogonadotropic hypogonadal males and impacts of testosterone replacement therapy on these conditions.

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is defined as the failure in production of gonadal hormones, thus resulting in lower amounts of testosterone. Depression, anxiety and decreased quality of life are the most common psychopathological conditions in young hypogonadal men. The aim of the present study was to assess the still debated relationship with testosterone levels and psychological symptoms in young male patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH). Thirty-nine young male patients with CHH and 40 age-matched healthy males were enrolled in the present study. The impact of testosterone replacement treatment (TRT) on the patients' anxiety and depression levels, sexual function and quality of life were assessed before and after 6 months of treatment using valid and reliable scales, including the Short Form-36 (SF-36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and Arizona Sexual Experiences (ASEX). Patients with CHH had significantly higher scores for BDI, BAI, and ASEX than the control subjects at baseline (p=0.011, p=0.036, p<0.001, respectively). The ASEX and BDI scores significantly improved after the TRT (p<0.001 for both), while the improvement in the BAI score was not statistically significant (p=0.135). When compared to the control group, treatment naïve hypogonadal patients had more severe symptoms of sexual dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and worse quality of life. After 6 months of TRT, we observed improvements in the above parameters, suggesting that low endogenous levels of testosterone might be related to the increased incidence of psychological symptoms.

Evaluation of the isokinetic muscle strength, balance and anaerobic performance in patients with young male hypogonadism.

Hypogonadism is a clinical condition that occurs due to infrequent abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in adolescence. Symptoms include weakening of muscle and bone strength. 30 young male patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (CHH) and 20 healthy young males were included in the present study. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength, balance and anaerobic performance capacities of the study group were measured both before and six months after Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The strength of the extensor and flexor muscles of both legs showed a statistically significant increase in the isokinetic test values at 60(0)/sec and 180(0)/sec angular velocity (p < 0.05). When the parameters related to balance were investigated, a statistically significant difference was found for stability indices of left and right between pre-TRT and post-TRT (p = 0.001 for both comparisons). According to the patients' anaerobic performance measurement results, a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) was also found between pre-TRT and post-TRT values for each parameter. It was shown that TRT significantly increases muscle strength, balance, and anaerobic performance of patients with male CHH. As a result, we absolutely recommend the use of TRT in patients with male CHH.

The relationship of epicardial adipose tissue thickness to clinical and biochemical features in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

The amount of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), a component of body visceral adiposity, has been linked to the presence and severity of cardiovascular disease through multiple mechanisms. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by insulin resistance and subclinical inflammation, which participate in the mechanism of atherosclerosis. We searched if the patients with PCOS have increased EAT thickness (EATT), along with its relation to the measures of adiposity and insulin sensitivity. A total of 41 subjects with PCOS and 46 age and body mass index (BMI) matched healthy controls were enrolled. EAT was measured by echocardiography above the free wall of the right ventricle. Insulin resistance was assessed by homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula, and plasma adiponectin level was measured by ELISA. Compared to healthy controls EATT and HOMA-IR score were significantly higher (p=0.0001 for both) while plasma adiponectin concentration was significantly lower (p=0.048) in women with PCOS. EATT correlated positively with total cholesterol, triglyceride, luteinizing hormone (LH) and negatively with sex hormon binding globuline (p<0.05 for all), whereas it displayed no correlation to plasma adiponectin level (p=0.924). Triglyceride level was the significant determinant of EATT in logistic regression analysis (p=0.035). Thickness of the EAT is increased in patients with PCOS in conjunction with hyperandrogenity. Prospective studies are required to identify the relation of EAT and cardiovascular risk in patients with PCOS.

High plasma level of long Pentraxin 3 is associated with insulin resistance in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is characterized by insulin resistance. Chronic low-grade inflammation has been anticipated to play role in the pathogenesis of both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis. Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an inflammatory mediator synthesized in a variety of cells and tissues including heart, vascular endothelial cells, macrophages and adipocytes. In the present study, serum PTX3 level and its relationship with insulin resistance were investigated in patients with PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with PCOS and 40 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. PTX3 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay (EIA). Insulin resistance was calculated by the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. RESULTS: Plasma levels of PTX3, hs-CRP and HOMA-IR scores were all significantly higher (p = 0.021, p = 0.002 and p = 0.0001, respectively) in women with PCOS compared with healthy controls. Blood PTX3 level correlated positively with hs-CRP, BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), HOMA-IR and negatively with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p < 0.05, for all). After adjustment for age and BMI, PTX3, total testosterone levels and BMI remained as independent predictors of HOMA-IR scores (p < 0.05, for all). CONCLUSION: PTX3 level is increased in patients with PCOS in concordance with insulin resistance.

Risk factors associated with breast arterial calcifications.

BACKGROUND: A number of studies have linked the presence of breast arterial calcifications (BACs) with an increased risk of diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease (CAD), and cardiovascular mortality. Because there is a well-established screening system for breast cancer, it has been proposed that the presence of BACs can be used as a warning sign indicating an increased risk of metabolic and vascular diseases. PURPOSE: To determine the relation between BAC and early renal dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 6118 mammograms identified 701 cases with BACs. Women with BACs were compared to a random selection of 362 women without BACs based on available laboratory data. Univariate analysis was conducted according to age groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of BACs was 11.5% in our study. Hyperglycemia increased the odds of BACs by 8.1 (95% CI 3.0-22.1, P < 0.001) in the 50-59-year age group. The presence of an elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine increased the odds of BACs by 2.6 (95% CI 1.2-6.0, P = 0.016) and 2.3 (95% CI 1.0-5.2, P = 0.045) in women ≥70 years of age. Hyperlipidemia was not a significant risk factor for BACs in any age group. CONCLUSION: Our results support the view that the presence of BACs on mammography may be indicative of diabetes in middle-aged women. On the other hand, BACs are not very useful for predicting early renal dysfunction in women <70 years of age.

Comparison of different preoperative sublingual misoprostol regimens for surgical termination of first trimester pregnancies: a prospective randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the appropriate dose of sublingual misoprostol administration before dilation and curettage (D&C) of the uterus in first trimester pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Ninety nulliparous women who underwent surgical termination of first trimester pregnancy were analyzed prospectively. The first group (n = 30) received a single 200-microg dose, and the second (n = 30) and third (n = 30) groups were administered 2x 200 microg (400 microg) and 3 x 200 microg (600 microg) doses of misoprostol sublingually, respectively, with 1-hour intervals. The main outcomes evaluated were the degree of difficulty of cervical dilation, adverse effects of misoprostol according to dose administered, and participant satisfaction rate with the procedure. RESULTS: The improvement in cervical dilation and the ease of the D&C procedure were more significant in the 600-microg misoprostol arm (p = 0.008). Because the prevalence and severity of the side effects of misoprostol were increased in a dose-dependent manner, the 400-microg arm was found to be the most efficient dose of the study with its high satisfaction rate (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Premedication with misoprostol makes the D&C procedure easier by leading to cervical ripening. By sublingual route 400 microg of misoprostol regimen seems to be appropriate for planned first trimester surgical pregnancy termination under local anesthesia. Misoprostol should be administered only to select and hospitalized patients.

The effect of levothyroxine replacement therapy on lipid profile and oxidative stress parameters in patients with subclinical hypothyroid.

The purpose of this present study is to investigate the levels of oxidative stress parameters in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) and the effects of levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy on these parameters and lipid profile. At the beginning of the study blood samples were collected from the patients in order to analyse oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile and biochemical markers. After replacement therapy with LT4, in the third month, same tests were performed again. At the baseline superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were found to be higher in SH patients, compared to the euthyroid group. After LT4 therapy, statistically significant decreases in SOD and catalase levels and increase in HDL-C levels were noticed. LT4 treatment was found to have positive effects on oxidative stress indicators and HDL-C levels.

Projection of new thresholds for hypertension to outpatient clinic patients and impact of risk factors: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The 2017 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines on hypertension management recommend new stage 1 hypertension thresholds (130-139/80-89 mmHg) for starting antihypertensive treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines on patients' diagnoses within daily practice, in comparison with management using the 2018 European hypertension guidelines, regarding the new thresholds. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted in a hypertension outpatient clinic at a tertiary-level public hospital. METHODS: The diagnosis of hypertension was defined separately using each guideline. The participants were patients who were attending the hypertension clinic, who were evaluated using the thresholds of two guidelines, based on cardiovascular risk factors, including age, gender, smoking status, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, obesity, osteoporosis, chronic renal failure and family history of hypertension. RESULTS: After adapting the guidelines to the blood pressure values of our sample, 74.5% (n = 277) of the patients were diagnosed as hypertensive according to the blood pressure classification of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines published in 2018, while 91.1% (n = 339) of the patients were hypertensive according to the new 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that the significant demographic and cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension, based on the 2018 European Society of Hypertension (ESH)/ESC guidelines, were age (odds ratio, OR: 1.027; 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.001-1.054; P = 0.042), obesity (OR: 4.534; 95% CI: 1.830-11.237; P = 0.001) and family history of hypertension (OR: 2.199; 95% CI: 1.252-3.862; P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The factors associated with the definition of hypertension may vary through changing the threshold values.

Evaluation of sexual functional status and consistency of scales in patients with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism before and after testosterone replacement therapy: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to investigate the frequency of sexual dysfunction and the effect of short-term testosterone replacement therapy on sexual functions in congenital hypogonadism patients. Furthermore, we sought to reveal the consistency of the self-report scales used for the diagnosis of sexual dysfunction and the relationship between biochemical parameters. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 47 young male patients aged above 18 years who were diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Short (IIEF-5) and long (IIEF-15) forms of the International Index of Erectile Function and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) were applied before treatment under the supervision of a physician. The patients' blood pressure, height, and weight were measured, and their luteinizing hormone (LH), FSH, and total testosterone levels were recorded. Patients who started their treatments were called for a follow-up checkup after 6 months. Their blood pressure, height, and weight were measured by reapplying the ASEX, IIEF-5, and IIEF-15. In addition, their LH, FSH, and total testosterone levels in the biochemical tests were rerecorded. Results: In this study, the sexual dysfunction status of patients diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism before and after treatment was evaluated using the ASEX, IIEF-15, and IIEF-5 scales. A decrease in sexual dysfunction was observed in all three scales after treatment compared with that before treatment. The IIEF-5 and IIEF-15 scales were found to be uncorrelated in terms of the pretreatment values but were correlated in terms of the post-treatment values. Although a correlation was observed between ASEX and IIEF-5 before treatment, no correlation was detected between ASEX and IIEF-15. After the treatment, ASEX was found to be correlated with both IIEF-5 and IIEF-15. The results of the scales indicated the correlation in all categories, except the pretreatment results of the IIEF-15 scale. Conclusion: The results of the current study demonstrated a significant improvement in the sexual function of hypogonadism patients undergoing short-term testosterone therapy. The ASEX, IIEF-5, and IIEF-15 scales used in the diagnosis and follow-up of sexual dysfunction were useful for evaluating sexual functions in hypogonadotropic hypogonadism patients.

General and Disease-specific Scales in Children with Asthma and their Parents.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the efficiency of general and disease-specific life quality scales in children with asthma. METHODS: Children with asthma, and their parents completed the Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT), Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and also underwent spirometry. RESULTS: 82 children (55 males) with a median (IQR) age of 10.1 (8.9-10.5) years were included. C-ACT, PAQLQ and PedsQL child scores were significantly higher in children with controlled asthma. CONCLUSION: Quality of life in children, assessed using disease- specific quality of life measures, is better for children with good asthma control.

Does the trait anxiety affect the dental fear?

The aims of the present study were to evaluate possible associations between trait anxiety, dental fear and the predictors of these interactions including demographic characteristics and dental history of patients applied to the dental care center in Ankara, Turkey. A sample of 607 participants (mean age: 21.02 ± 2.32) responded to a Turkish version of the Modified Dental Fear Survey (MDFS), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-T) and a questionnaire regarding previous negative dental experience. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between dental fear and the independent variables including trait anxiety, age groups, education level, dental visit frequency, experience and the source of dental knowledge. There was a trend for increasing in trait anxiety scores with greater levels of dental fear in a medium level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.055, 95%CI [1.025-1.086]; p < 0.001) and in a high level of the dental fear group (OR = 1.090 [1.057-1.124]; p < 0.001). Comparing to the low level of dental fear group; participants of medium dental fear level intended more likely to go to the dentist when they have a complaint instead of regularly going (odds ratio; OR = 3.177, 95%CI [1.304-7.741]; p = 0.011). Participants of high dental fear level tended to be less likely to have experienced no problem (OR = 0.476, 95%CI [0.284-0.795]; p = 0.005) than the low level of the dental fear group. We strongly indicate that higher dental fear scores have a predisposition of having high trait anxiety scores. Unpleasant dental experiences increased the risk for high dental fear levels. Patients with dental fear tended only to visit a dentist when necessary, avoiding regular visits.