Bezmialem Vakif University Research Articles

The effect of role play prepared with video support on ethical decision-making and motivation levels of nursing students: A quasi-experimental study.

Background: Since the increasingly complex structure of health care services brings many ethical problems, it is important to use different instructional technologies in the ethical education of future nurses.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of role play prepared with video support on ethical decision-making and motivation levels of nursing students.Research design: A quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest design.Participants and research context: The research was conducted in the Nursing Department of a University located in Istanbul, Turkey between October 15 and November 15, 2024. The sample of the research consisted of 3rd year nursing students. Data were collected using the Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Nursing Dilemma Test, and the Instructional Material Motivation Scale for Single-Use.Ethical considerations: Permission was obtained from Bezmialem Vakif University Non-Interventional Ethical Research Committee and the institution where the study was conducted for the implementation of the research. Written and verbal consent was obtained from all participants in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration.Findings: While there was no difference between the students' Ethical Dilemma Test Principled Thinking pre-test and post-test scores, their Practical Consideration (p = .005) and motivation levels (p = .037) post-test scores were found to be higher. There was a weak but significant negative correlation between academic achievement and pre-test teaching material motivation levels (r = -0.375, p = .041).Discussion: The use of different teaching methods and techniques in ethics education in nursing is important for future nurses to find more practical solutions to the ethical problems they will encounter during patient care.Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the use of video-supported role play can be effective in teaching ethics courses in nursing education.

Tranexamic Acid and Rhinoplasty: How Do Different Administration Routes Affect Effectiveness?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the intravenous, oral and local application of tranexamic acid in operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty. This was a randomized, double-blinded, prospective study. We included 146 patients who underwent rhinoplasty at the Bezmialem Vakif University Medical Faculty Otorhinolaryngology Clinic between April 2021 and April 2022. The patients were divided into four groups: Group 1 (intravenous TXA), Group 2 (oral TXA), Group 3 (topical TXA), and Group 4 (control). Operation time was recorded. Bleeding volume was measured in the suction chamber and nasopharyngeal pack. Postoperative edema and ecchymosis were evaluated using a scale at the end of the operation, on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in terms of mean operation time (p = 0.894). There was a statistically significant lower mean intraoperative bleeding level in Group 2 from the other groups (p = 0.020). Group 3 had significantly lower scores for postoperative edema than the other groups at the end of the operation, on the 1st, 3rd, and 7th days (p < 0.05), and significantly lower scores for postoperative ecchymosis at the end of the operation (p = 0.013) and on the 3rd day (p = 0.024). Although group 3 had a lower score than the other groups in the ecchymosis measurements on the 1st, and 7th days, no statistically significant results were obtained. Local application of tranexamic acid is founded more beneficial for reducing postoperative edema and ecchymosis in rhinoplasty than intravenous and/or oral applications in this study. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

The role of oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers in pre- and postoperative monitoring of prostate cancer patients

Introduction Prostate Cancer (PC) is a global health concern affecting men worldwide. Oxidative stress is believed to contribute to the initiation of early-stage PC lesions. Additionally, inflammation has long been acknowledged as a factor in the development of PC. We aimed to examine the biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in PC patients before and after surgery. Patients and methods A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Urology Outpatient Clinic of Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital. A total of 150 individuals were included in the study, divided into five groups: 50 Healthy controls, 25 patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), 25 patients with Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (LRPC), 25 patients with Medium-Risk Prostate Cancer (MRPC), and 25 patients with High-Risk Prostate Cancer (HRPC). Measurements of Total Oxidant Status (TOS), Total Antioxidant Status (TAS), Total Thiol (TT), and Native Thiol (NT) were performed using photometric methods. Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) and Disulfide (DIS) levels were calculated mathematically. Levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), and Presepsin were determined using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Results Compared to the healthy control group, the results indicated a statistically significant increase in both oxidative stress and inflammation levels. In the groups receiving both pharmaceutical therapy and surgical treatment (PC), a significant decrease in oxidative stress and inflammation levels was observed. Conclusion Consequently, it is suggested that the assessment of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers should be incorporated in the pre- and postoperative monitoring of patients with PC.

The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Respiratory Functions, and Postural Control in Children With Hearing Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate the effects of core stabilization training on respiratory muscle strength, respiratory functions, and postural control in children with hearing loss. We conducted a randomized controlled trial at Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Health Sciences, Division of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation. Thirty children with hearing loss who were diagnosed with prelingual sensorineural hearing loss were randomly allocated to the study (n = 15, 12.20 ± 1.69 years) and control (n = 15, 11.87 ± 2.20 years) groups. Core stabilization training protocol was performed by the study group for 8 weeks, 5 days/week, whereas the control group received no training. The primary outcome measure was respiratory muscle strength. The secondary outcome measures were: spirometry, postural control tests on Biodex Balance System, and Balance Error Scoring System (BESS). Exercise adherence was recorded via a diary for home sessions. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and the end of the 8 weeks. In the study group, a significant improvement was observed in force vital capacity, peak expiratory flow of the spirometry test, maximum inspiratory pressure/expiratory pressure (MEP) of the respiratory muscle strength test; postural stability test except "anterior/posterior stability index", limits of stability test except "backward" and "forward/right", all parameters of the Modified Clinical Test for Sensory Interaction and Balance (mCTSIB) test except "eyes closed firm surface" of the Biodex Balance System, and total score of BESS. Group × time interaction was found in MEP, "overall" stability index in postural stability test, "overall," "left," and "backward left" of limits of stability test, all parameters of the mCTSIB, and BESS total. Core stabilization exercises were effective in improving respiratory muscle strength, spirometry, and postural control in children with hearing loss.

Comparison of Survival and Retention Rates between Infliximab and Adalimumab for Psoriasis: 10-Year Experience at a Single Tertiary Center

Background: Ten-year survival and retention rate data on biologics are extremely limited, and there is a need to evaluate these metrics based on real-world data as well as on the results of clinical studies. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the long-term survival rates of adalimumab and infliximab in real-life practice. Methods: This study is based on data from the Turkish Psoriasis Registry and the digital records of the Medical School of Bezmialem Vakif University. Baseline data including demographic characteristics, duration of treatment, use of combination treatments, modified regimens, and reasons for treatment termination were extracted. Results: In total, 404 patients (228 on adalimumab and 176 on infliximab) treated between July 1, 2005, and December 31, 2020, were identified. The retention rate was 7.4% for infliximab and 3.5% for adalimumab after 10 years (p = 0.85). Conclusions: The efficacy of infliximab and adalimumab diminishes over time. There were no significant differences in the retention rate between the two drugs, but the survival time was longer for infliximab according to Kaplan-Meier analysis.

The efficacy of three regimes of uterotonic agents for prevention of postpartum blood loss at undergoing cesarean section: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

To compare the efficacy of three regimes of uterotonic agents on PPH in women undergoing cesarean section in our RCT. This study was a randomized controlled study (NCT05083910) performed at the Bezmialem Vakif University between July 2021 and January 2022. All women were randomly allocated into three groups: Group I (n = 52) - oxytocin only; Group II (n = 52) - the combination of oxytocin plus intrauterine misoprostol; Group III (n = 52) - carbetocin only. The primary outcome measures were: PPH to evaluate with the change between the concentrations of preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin, hematocrit and intraoperative blood loss. The blood loss characteristics, including the change in hemoglobin and the change in hematocrit concentration, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative additional hemostatic uterine sutures and the need for additional uterotonics, were lowest in group III, although all groups were comparable in terms of blood loss parameters. Group III had the highest blood loss ratio, exceeding 1000 mL. For the combination of oxytocin and intrauterine misoprostol, the ARR was 3.8% (95% CI 20.02-12.33), with a RR of 1.18 (95% CI 0.58-2.39) and a NNT of 26 (95% CI 8.1-4.9); for carbetocin, the ARR was 5.8% (95% CI 22.15-10.61), with a RR of 1.27 (95% CI 0.63-2.53) and a NNT of 17 (95% CI 9.41-4.51). Our results demonstrate that carbetocin shows no superiority in the prevention of PPH in women undergoing cesarean section. Oxytocin still seems to be a highly effective alternative to prevent PPH.

Evaluation of adult patients with atopic dermatitis treated with dupilumab: A single-center real-life experience.

Adult atopic dermatitis (AD), especially adult-onset type appears to have different clinical manifestations. Dupilumab is an IL-4 receptor antagonist used in patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, aged 12years and older and it works by inhibiting the IL-4 and IL-13signaling pathway. The purpose of our study is to retrospectively investigate the side effect profile and drug efficacy of thirteen adult patients who received dupilumab treatment and to evaluate the drug use status and the results during the COVID-19 pandemicour stuAdult atopic dermatitis (AD), especially adult-onset type appears to have different clinical manifestations. Dupilumab is an IL-4 receptor antagonist used in patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, aged 12years and older and it works by inhibiting the IL-4 and IL-13signaling pathway. The purpose of our study is to retrospectively investigate the side effect profile and drug efficacy of thirteen adult patients who received dupilumab treatment and to evaluate the drug use status and the results during the COVID-19 pandemicAdult atopic dermatitis (AD), especially adult-onset type appears to have different clinical manifestations. Dupilumab is an IL-4 receptor antagonist used in patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, aged 12years and older and it works by inhibiting the IL-4 and IL-13signaling pathway. The purpose of dy is to retrospectively investigate the side effect profile and drug efficacy of thirteen adult patients who received dupilumab treatment and to evaluate the drug use status and the results during the COVID-19 pandemicAdult atopic dermatitis (AD), especially adult-onset type appears to have different clinical manifestations. Dupilumab is an IL-4 receptor antagonist used in patients with moderate and severe atopic dermatitis, aged 12years and older and it works by inhibiting the IL-4 and IL-13signaling pathway. The purpose of our study is to retrospectively investigate the side effect profile and drug efficacy of thirteen adult patients who received dupilumab treatment and to evaluate the drug use status and the results during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirteen patients with clinical and/or histopathological diagnoses of atopic dermatitis who received dupilumab treatment and were subsequently followed up in Bezmialem Vakif University dermatology outpatient clinic between April 2019 and October 2021 were included in our study.Patient files were reviewed, and patients were interviewed in-person or by phone to learn about the COVID-19 contagion.Descriptive statistical analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel, and the data obtained were calculated as mean and percentage. All of our patients responded to the treatment after one course of dupilumab injection and also CRP and LDH levels decreased. Conjunctivitis side effect was found at a slightly higher rate than in previous clinical studies. The treatment was continued during the COVID-19 pandemic in most patients. Meanwhile, four patients had COVID-19 infection, but one of them was not using dupixent at that time. We can conclude that dupilumab is an effective and safe therapy for patients with severe AD also in cases of severe infections.

Evaluation of executive functions in children with rheumatic heart diseases.

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is a multisystemic inflammatory disease in children and young adults. The most notable complications of ARF are rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and Sydenham's chorea (SC). There have been many reports about executive dysfunctions with children who have SC. "Executive function" is an umbrella term that is used to describe higher level cognitive functions. The aim of this study is to determine the executive functions of children with RHD. We evaluated executive functions in healthy children with the same sociodemographic characteristics as children with RHD. Our study was designed as a cross-sectional randomized study, including children with RHD aged between 12 and 18, and healthy controls. The difference between the patient and control group participants in terms of age, gender, education level, education level of the parents, family income level, and executive functions were investigated. Executive functions composed of Digit Sequence Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Trail-Making Test, Stroop Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. In our study, a total of 30 children with RHD were followed up at the pediatric cardiology outpatient clinic of Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital composed the patient group. The control group was made up of 30 healthy children of the same sex and age group as the patient group. The mean age of the case group was 14.73 ± 1.84 years. The Digit Span Test, Verbal Fluency Test, Trail-Making Test, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Stroop Test produced no statistically significant differences between the RHD patients and the controls. No statistically significant difference was found between the RHD patients and control patients in any executive function test. It was suggested that executive dysfunction might not develop in RHD patients before developing SC.

Scabies increase during the COVID-19 pandemic: should we change our treatment strategy during the pandemic?

Scabies is a highly contagious, parasitic infestation caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis. There are some reports which claim the incidence of scabies has increased during COVID-19 lockdown. In this study, we aimed to compare the prevalence of scabies between March to September 2020 - the first six months of the COVID-19 outbreak in Turkey - and March to September 2019 - the same period in the previous year. Case number percentages were compared month-over-month and by total numbers for each specified period. Pearson's chi-squared test was the comparison tool used. We checked the records of 36,469 patients who were admitted to Bezmialem Vakif University, Faculty of Medicine, Dermatology Department, a tertiary healthcare center, between March and September 2019, and out of this number, 258 patients had been diagnosed with scabies. The overall scabies case percentage was 0.71% and the range of monthly prevalence was 0.57%-0.83%. During the corresponding period in 2020, 26,219 dermatology patients were admitted, and 465 of those patients were diagnosed with scabies. The overall scabies case percentage was 1.77% and the range of monthly prevalence was 1.37%-3.46%. Scabies prevalence percentages were statistically significantly higher in all months and in the overall total in 2020 (P<0.001). Our nine patients, who admitted in 2020, did not respond to permethrin treatment but responded well to an ivermectin and permethrin combination. Scabies incidence has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic according to our study. We believe there may be an underreported resistance to permethrin and that starting treatment with oral ivermectin in combination with topical permethrin in extraordinary times, such as a pandemic, may help to control outbreaks.

The Motivation of Preclinical Students to be A Doctor: A Turkish Perspective in the Private Educational Sector

Global estimates confirm the future need for more health cadres, including doctors. The study aims to investigate reasons to choose medicine as a career among students at a Turkish private medical school. A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the first-, second-and third-class medical students receiving education in the second semester of the 2017-2018 academic year at the BezmialemVakif University, Istanbul, Turkey. The universal sampling technique using a semi-structured questionnaire was recruited to collect the data. The SPSS 16.0 package used to analyze the data, and the statistically significant was considered at less than 0.05. The mean age of students was 20.3 + 4.3 years (range 18-23 years). More than half (57.3%) were females, and most of them (76.5%) lived with their parents. The majority (87.5%) of them inquired about medical college, and 85.1% of them won the medical school in the first trial. The main reasons to study medicine were personal preference(75.7%), studying medicine is appealing(52.4%),humanitarian profession(52.2%), the ready availability of work for physicians(42.2%), challenging carrier providing an opportunity to solve mysteries(40.8%), childhood dream(39.2%), profiting profession(35.7%), my parents’ vision and choice(31.8%), respectively. Almost the motives behind choosing to study medicine are similar across societies but different in the priorities.

The impact of Technetium-99m dimercapto-succinic acid scintigraphy on DNA damage and oxidative stress in children.

Technetium-99m-dimercapto succinic acid (Tc-99m DMSA) scintigraphy is a commonly used imaging modality in children with urological abnormalities. The radiopharmaceuticals, which have the effects of ionising radiation, are used in this method. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Tc-99m DMSA scan on renal oxidative stress and mononuclear leukocyte (MNL) DNA damage. Children, who were followed up by paediatric nephrology at Bezmialem Vakif University and underwent Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy between April 2015 and January 2016 with the indication of detection of renal scars, were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were nephrolithiasis, history of premature birth and recent urinary tract infection 3months prior to scintigraphy or antibiotic use in the last 1month. 3mL heparinised blood samples were obtained just before, immediately after and 1week after the scintigraphy. MNL DNA damage, total antioxidant status (TAS) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in the blood samples. The oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Spot urine samples were obtained from each patient before and within 3days after performing the scintigraphy. TAS/Creatinine (TAS/Cr), TOS/Creatinine (TOS/Cr) and N-acetyl-glucosaminidase/creatinine (NAG/Cr) levels were measured in the urine samples. Twenty-seven children were evaluated. The values between TAS, TOS and OSI levels in serum samples at baseline, immediately after and 1week after the scintigraphy (P=.105, P=.913, and P=.721, respectively) showed no statistically significant difference. The levels of TAS/Cr, TOS/Cr, NAG/Cr ratios and OSI, which were evaluated from urine samples before and within 3days after the scintigraphy scan were also similar (P=.391, P=.543, P=.819 and P=.179, respectively). The levels of DNA damage only increased following scintigraphy scan and decreased a week later (P<.05). The effect of Tc-99m DMSA scintigraphy is insufficient to create oxidative damage, but it can cause DNA damage via the direct impact of ionising radiation which can be repaired again in a short time.

A Treatment-Response Comparison Study of Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Between Standard Treatment of SSRI and Standard Treatment of SSRI Plus Non-dominant Hand-Writing Task in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder.

Background: Researches have recently shifted from functional/structural imaging studies to functional connectivity (FC) studies in major depressive disorder (MDD). We aimed to compare treatment response of two treatment groups before and after treatment, in terms of both with psychiatric evaluation scales and resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) changes in order to objectively demonstrate the possible contribution of the non-dominant hand-writing exercise (NHE) effect on depression treatment.Methods: A total of 26 patients who were right-handed women with similar sociodemographic characteristics were enrolled. Their pre-treatment resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) and neuropsychiatric tests were recorded, and then, patients were divided into two groups randomly. A standard treatment (ST) (fix sertraline 50 mg/day) was given to both groups. One randomly selected group was given the NHE in addition to the ST. After 8 weeks of treatment, all patients were reevaluated with rs-fMRI and neuropsychiatric tests. Pre- and post-treatment FC changes within the groups and post-treatment connectivity changes between groups were evaluated.Results: Post-treatment neuropsychiatric tests were significantly different in both groups. Post-treatment, two brain regions' connectivity changed in the ST group, whereas 10 brain regions' connectivity changed significantly in the ST + NHE group. When treatment groups were compared with each other after the treatment, the FC of 13 regions changed in the ST + NHE group compared to the ST group (p-unc/p-PFD <0.05). The density of connectivity changes in the frontal and limbic regions, especially connectivities shown to change in depression treatment, in the ST + NHE group indicates a positive contribution to depression treatment, which is also supported by neuropsychiatric scale changes.Conclusion: NHE, which we developed with inspiration from the Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) method, showed significantly more connecitivity changes related with MDD treatment. Beyond offering a new additional treatment method, our study will also contribute to the current literature with our efforts to evaluate all brain regions and networks that may be related to MDD and its treatment together, without being limited to a few regions.Trial Registration: The rs-fMRI and treatment registers were recorded in the BizMed system, which is the patient registration system of Bezmialem Vakif University Medicine Faculty, under the BAP support project approval code and the registration number 3.2018/8.

Is the Duration of Temozolomide Predictive for Sequential Bevacizumab Treatment Responses in the Glioblastoma Multiforme Cancer Setting?

To evaluate the predictive significance of the duration of temozolomide (TMZ) in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) who were treated with bevacizumab (Beva) as second-line setting. Descriptive study. Bezmialem Vakif University School of Medicine Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from January 2014 to September 2020. A total of 109 patients, 47 (43.1%) females and 62 (56.9%) males, were retrospectively included in the study. All patients received TMZ as first-line and Beva as second-line treatment. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model were performed for survival and univariate/multivariate analyses, respectively. Patients treated with first-line TMZ were divided into two groups according to the PFS. Group 1 is <9 months and group 2 is ≥9 months. Overall survival (OS) of group 1 and group 2 patients was evaluated after the initiation of second-line bevacizumab treatment. The OS in group 1 was 7.8 months (6.9-8.6, 95% CI), and group 2 was eight months (6.4-9.5, 95% CI), but it was statistically non-significant (p = 0.837). Duration of first-line TMZ treatment was not a predictor for OS of the GBM patients, who were treated with Beva as second-line setting. Key Words: Bevacizumab, Duration of treatment, Glioblastoma multiforme, Predictive score, Temozolomide.

The Relationship between The Learning Styles and Academic Performance of Medical Faculty Students

Objective: Medical students have with different learning styles and different educational backgrounds. While the curriculum is being prepared, the success of students this situation should be considered. This study is designed to reveal the learning styles of the second-year medical students and to compare their academic performance with their learning style.Methods: One hundred and four students of 2nd-year Bezmialem Vakif University Medical School are included in the study. To reveal the learning styles, Kolb’s Learning Styles Inventory applied to all students. Also, the academic performance of each student was listed. We compared the statistical relationship between gender and academic performance with students’ learning styles.Results: Of the 104 students’ there was 59 female, 45 male in gender. According to the questionnaire, most of the female and male students were assimilators (abstract-passive learners) (%58.5) and divergers (concrete –passive) (%28.8). Students’ academic performance results were between 75-80. We did not find a statistically significant difference between gender and students’learning styles and academic performance results ( p&amp;gt;0.05).Conclusion: Identifiying and monitoring of students’ learning styles in the universities especially in medical schools is neglected. However, we should know students’ learning style in order to recognize their learning habits shaped by previous learning experiences and to improve their success. Moreover, it is important to improve students’ performance by using learning strategies and methods suitable for different learning styles.

A Rare Entity in Cushing’s Disease: Severe Hypokalemia and Metabolic Alkalosis

Introduction: This case report aimed to highlight the prominence of considering Cushing's disease in the differential diagnosis of severe hypokalemia and metabolic alkalosis.&#x0D; Case Report: A 63-year-old woman who admitted to the emergency room of Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital, Istanbul with fatigue and severe weakness of extremities. Biochemistry results indicated severe hypokalemia (potassium=1.2 mmol/L) and metabolic alkalosis (pH= 7.83) and based on further endocrinological investigations, the final diagnosis of Cushing’s disease was confirmed, and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a macroadenoma in the right lobe of the pituitary. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed and Cushing’s disease was cured without any treatment.&#x0D; Conclusions: Although hypokalemia can be present in Cushing’s disease, none of the previous studies have reported hypokalemia as severe as in this case.

Knowledge and Hygiene Practices of Pregnant Women Regarding CMV Infection

Aim: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpes virus and a common pathogen responsible for congenital infection in 4-23% of all newborns. The objective of this study was to assess the pregnant women’s knowledge of CMV infection and to investigate their hygienic practices when attending to their young children. Material and Method: This study was carried out at Bezmialem Vakif University Medical Faculty obstetric outpatient clinic. Inclusion criteria were pregnant women 1) who were able to communicate in Turkish, 2) who had at least one child &lt; 5 years of age. We excluded pregnant participants who were health workers. Participants were approached by a medical college student and informed about the study. After giving consent they were asked to fill out a questionnaire which included demographic questions, knowledge questions regarding CMV infection and questions regarding hygienic practices when giving care to their young children. The questionnaires were collected and a total behavioral score was calculated taking into account positive and negative hygienic practices. Results: A total of two hundred and twenty five participants were involved in the survey. Only 86 (38.2%) of the participants in our study had heard of congenital CMV infection. CMV awareness was correlated with having higher education (p:0.02) and employment status (p=0.03). The behavioral score was not correlated with age (p=0.98), educational attainment ( p=0.11), employment status (p=0.9) or number of children, (p=0.87). Conclusion: In this cross sectional study we have shown that CMV infection knowledge of mothers is low and that they do not adhere to adequate sanitation measures. Strategies to raise awareness and initiating education programs are necessary as further action.

The Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak on Medical Students.

Introduction: The coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic has influenced the whole world, where after the first case was diagnosed in Turkey, educational activities were suspended and partial curfews were implemented. This study was conducted to assess the concerns faced by the medical students about their professional life due to the disrupted educational activities and related psychological effects.Methods: This is a cross-sectional survey study, conducted with self-administered questionnaires on Bezmialem Vakif University medical students, during the pandemic. The questionnaire consists of queries about demographics, environmental factors, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales.Results: A total of 178 students participated in the study, with a female-to-male ratio of 5:2. Of the total respondents, 19.7% were experiencing severe anxiety, 17.4% moderate anxiety, and 37.1% mild anxiety, according to the GAD-7; and 13.5% of the respondents were experiencing severe depression, 21.9% moderate–severe depression, and 23% mild depression according to the PHQ-9. There was no statistically significant difference between the grades in terms of GAD-7 or PHQ-9 scores. Male participants were more likely to have suicidal thoughts (p = 0.013). According to our study, the factors with the highest influence on students were as follows: “Major changes in personal life,” “Disruption in educational activities,” and “Covid-19 related anxiety of loss of relatives and contamination or infection.” On average, women voted higher points for “Covid-19 related anxiety of loss of relatives and contamination.”Conclusions: We found that a significant portion of students regardless of their year in medical school were profoundly affected by the pandemic process as is shown by their anxiety and depression scores. The disruption in educational activities is one of the main factors of these effects, and we believe that these should not be ignored, as they could in the future lead to a series of problems for medical education and students alike.

Prognostic significance of ferritin, D-dimer, lymphocyte / monocyte ratio and some biochemical markers in patients with SARS-CoV-2

Objective: The disease caused by Covid-19 that progress with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (SARS) and can result in death, spread all over the world emerging from China. It is important to know the cases that expected to show a fatal course beforehand due to the cases resulting in death. In this study we analyzed the changes observed in ferritin, D-dimer, lymphocyte and monocyte levels, which are easily measured in patients, and evaluated how these determinants can be used as prognostic factors of the disease.&#x0D; Materials and methods: One hundred patients who applied to Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital between April 2020 – May 2020, who were Covid-19 PCR positive, and had infiltration in their pulmonary computerised tomography scan, were included in the study. These patients were divided into two groups as normal service patients and intensive care unit patients. Ferritin, D-dimer, lymphocyte and monocyte levels, ALT, AST, LDH, and CRP levels were recorded at the time of diagnosis. Lymphocyte/monocyte ratio (LMR) was calculated.&#x0D; Results: Ferritin and D-dimer levels, ALT, AST, LDH, and CRP levels were found to be statistically and significantly higher in the mortality group compared to non-mortality (p&lt;0.05). LMR, on the other hand, was found to be statistically and significantly lower in the mortality group (p&lt;0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: Ferritin, D-dimer levels and LMR can be determinant laboratory findings in the prognosis of the disease that are detected in the Covid-19 patients at the dime of diagnosis. More studies should be conducted to objectively evaluate disease-related prognostic factors.

PARATİROİT NAKLİ BEKLEYEN HİPOPARATİROİDİ HASTALARININ NAKİL BEKLEME SÜRELERİNİN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ

Objective: Our aim is to define the current state of awareness about parathyroid transplantation, which is a serious public health problem in our country. The only curative treatment option for hypoparathyroidism is parathyroid transplantation. Our aim is to evaluate the waiting duration of hypoparathyroidism patients (due to iatrogenic, idiopathic, or autoimmune causes) for a suitable donor. Methods: The evaluated data were collected retrospectively from the patients who presented in the Endocrinology, Nephrology, and General Surgery outpatient clinics at Bezmialem Vakif University Hospital between December 2013 and June 2021. Results: Retrospective assessment of 319 hypoparathyroidism patients showed that the average donor waiting duration for parathyroid transplantation is 3 years, 6 months, and 12 days. Currently, 70.9% of the individuals on the waiting list have not been transplanted yet. The time spent by patients after being diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism and without being aware of parathyroid transplantation as a treatment option was determined as 5 years, 1 month, and 2 days. Conclusions: The duration of parathyroid transplantation waiting lists for hypoparathyroidism patients were reported for the first time. It has been observed that there is a particular waiting duration of almost 8 years after the diagnosis. It is psycho-sociologically important, for both patients and related health professionals, to raise awareness about this public health problem of the donor waiting process.

Systemic Inflammatory Markers for Prediction of Bevacizumab Benefit in Glioblastoma Multiforme.

To evaluate the predictive significance of systemic inflammation markers (SIMs) in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), who were treated with bevacizumab (Beva). Descriptive study. The study was conducted at the Bezmialem Vakif University School of Medicine Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from January 2014 to September 2019. A total of 107 patients, 49 (45.8%) female and 58 (54.2%) male, were retrospectively included in the study. The cut-off values for the SIMs-C-reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR), neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SIII))-were defined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Overall survival (OS) was plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Cox regression analysis was performed for univariate and multivariate analyses. ROC analysis was performed to determine the optimal prognostic value of each parameter. CAR: 1.32, NLR: 2.9, PLR: 159, and SIII: 785 were determined as cut-off values for predicting OS based on the areas under the curve (AUC) in the ROC analysis. CAR at 0.626, had sensitivity of 67%, and specificity of 71% (p=0.129); NLR at 0.725 had sensitivity of 67%, and specificity of 79% (p=0.007); PLR at 0.675 had sensitivity of 67%, and specificity of 64% (p=0.036); and SIII at 0.685, had sensitivity of 56%, and specificity of 71% (p=0.026). A multivariate analysis demonstrated that CAR (p=0.006) and PLR (p=0.024) were independent prognostic factors for OS in patients with GBM, treated by Beva. The present study's findings suggest that pretreatment CAR and PLR might be an independent predictive marker for patients with GBM, who are treated by Beva. Key Words: C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (AR), Glioblastoma multiforme, Neutrophil-to-lymphocyteratio (NLR), Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), Predictive score.