University Medicine Faculty Research Articles

Akdeniz Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nin COVID-19 Pandemisi Dönemindeki Tıp Eğitimi Deneyimi

Yeni koronavirus hastalığı (COVID-19) pandemisi (küresel salgını) dünya çapında tıp eğitimini etkiledi. COVID-19 küresel salgınını kontrol altına almak için uygulanan sosyal mesafenin korunması önlemi, tüm eğitim kurumlarında derslik eğitiminin askıya alınmasına neden oldu. Yükseköğretim Kurulu’nun 2019-2020 eğitim öğretim yılı bahar döneminde tüm yükseköğretim kurumlarında eğitimin uzaktan eğitim yolu ile yapılması kararı sonrası geleneksel yüz yüze yürütülen Mezuniyet Öncesi Tıp Eğitimi de askıya alındı. Bu makalede, COVID-19 küresel salgını döneminde Akdeniz Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi’nde tıp eğitim programında ve ölçme-değerlendirmede yapılan değişiklikleri özetlemeyi amaçladık.

COVİD-19 Pandemisinde Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesinin Eğitim Deneyimi

Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesinde COVID-19 pandemi sürecinde eğitim deneyimlerimizi paylaşmayı amaçladık. Fakültemizde YÖK’ün 13 Mart 2020’de eğitim ilgili kararı sonrası tüm dönemlerde eğitim online dijital platformlar üzerinden senkron ve asenkron olarak başladı. Tüm sınavlar dijital platform üzerinden yapıldı. Bu süreçte hem öğretim üyeleri, hem de öğrencilerle düzenli aralıklarla dijital platformlar üzerinden toplantılar yapıldı ve geri bildirimleri alındı. Her ne kadar bu süreç içinde bazı yetersizlikler yaşandıysa da öğrenci ve öğretim üyelerinin adaptasyonu hızlı oldu. Eğitime ara verilmemesiyle öğrenci mağduriyeti yaşanmadı. Bundan sonraki süreçte uzaktan eğitimin tıp eğitiminin ayrılmaz bir parçası olacağını düşünmekteyiz.

Examination of the relationship between the use of electronic devices with sleep and depression

Purpose:The university students, televisions, computers and mobile phones have investigated whether there is an effect of their lifetime to experience depression and sleep problems. Patients and Methods:The study is descriptive. The study was conducted between 01/05/2017-01/10/2017. The student\'s universe consists of a total of 548 first-year students studying at a university faculty of medicine (n: 61), health college (n: 236) and health vocational college (n: 251). The data were collected through a questionnaire prepared by literature search and the Beck Depression Scale. Results:There was no correlation between the duration of computer and television use and the sleep problems and Beck Depression Scale averages (p> 0.05). We determined that those who use mobile phone for more than 1 year and those who use 3 hours or more per day have a sleep problem (p <0.05). We found that those who use mobile phone more than 3 hours a day are higher than those who use less than 3 hours average of Beck Depression Scale (p <0.05). Conclusion:Excessive use of mobile phones increases radiation exposure. This situation leads to an increase in depressive symptoms and to a sleeping problem in university students.

Determination of the etiology of pediatric urinary stone disease by multigene panel and metabolic screening evaluation

Urinary tract stone disease (UTSD) is seen with increasing frequency in children, and genetic, metabolic and environmental factors are known to play a role in its etiology. Since it is a genetically heterogeneous disease, we investigated the multigene panel and metabolic evaluation together. Forty-eight pediatric patients that underwent surgery for UTSD and were followed up in the Department of Urology of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine between March 2016 and July 2019 were included in the study. Children with known metabolic diseases were excluded.A detailed history was taken from each patient, and presence of a positive family history was questioned. Blood and urine samples were obtained, and metabolic evaluation was performed. In addition, 2cc peripheral blood samples were collected from selected patients to perform DNA isolation at Çukurova University Adana Genetic Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment Center. The analysis of the obtained sequence data was performed. Of the 48 children included in the study, 29 (60.4%) were male and 19 (39.6%) were female. The mean age was 60±50 (12-192) months. It was observed that 28 (58.3%) of the patients included in the study had a positive family history.As a result of the next-generation sequencing studies conducted with the multigene panel, a total of 21 clinically significant variants in eight different genes were identified with the bioinformatics analysis on the data on which quality control was performed. The weighted distribution of the 21 variants according to the genes was as follows: five variants (23.8%) in the SLC3A1 gene, four (19%) in SLC6A20, and three (14.3%) in SLC7A9 and SLC26A1. The clinical reporting of the disease etiology and/or variants with prognostic significance determined as a result of the performed analyses was completed by field experts in accordance with international standards. The visuals of the detected variants are presented in Summary figure. In pediatric cases with UTSD, it is important to determine the underlying metabolic and genetic risk factors in order to prevent recurrence and apply the most effective treatment.

Evaluation of Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors and Related Factors in Medical Students

Objective: A healthy lifestyle can be defined as the adoption and implementation of behaviors that will reduce the risk of a serious illness or premature death, as well as protect and improve health levels. The aim of this study was to determine healthy lifestyle behaviors of students in a medical faculty and to investigate the relationships between healthy lifestyle behaviors and various factors. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine between October 2019 and March 2020. A total of 357 students attending the first and sixth grade of medical faculty were included in the study. The data were collected by a questionnaire included questions about the sociodemographic characteristics of the participants and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale II (HLBS-II). Results: Of the respondents, 54.3% (n=194) were women and 52.7% (n=188) were sixth-year graduates. Most of them were living apart from family (in a private house or dormitory) (n=258, 72.3%) and stated their health status as very good/good (n=286, 80.1%). Students, who were living with their families (p=0.039), who had very good/good level of health status perception (p<0.001), whose fathers’ educational level was high school or above (p=0.004), who were non-smokers (p=0.003), and who were not drinking alcohol (p=0.001) had significantly higher HLBS-II total scores. Furthermore, HLBS-II total score (p=0.003), physical activity (p<0.001), spiritual growth (p<0.001), and interpersonal relationships (p=0.039) subscale scores of first-year students were significantly higher than sixth-year students. Conclusions: It was observed that the healthy lifestyle behaviors of medical students did not develop in a positive way despite the education they received. Examining of students' health habits at regular intervals and developing multisectoral on-campus health programs should be considered as an opportunity to improve the health of both students and the community.

Fatigue: A forgotten symptom of asthma

Fatigue is a common symptom frequently reported in many disorders but little is known about the prevalence of fatigue in asthma. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of fatigue in asthmatic patients, the effect of fatigue on asthma quality of life and the relationship between fatigue and anxiety/depression MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Immunology and Allergic Diseases outpatient clinic from June 2019 to December 2019. Fatigue was assessed using the Checklist Individual Strength-Fatigue (CIS-Fatigue), psychological distress was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and quality of life were assessed using the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ). In the present study, a total of 168 patients are included with an average age of 43.8 ± 4.3 years. Nearly 64.8% of patients had controlled asthma and (35.2%) patients had uncontrolled asthma. Fatigue (CIS-Fatigue ≥ 27 points) was detected in 62.6% of patients and associated with asthma-related quality of life, asthma control, dyspnea, depression and anxiety (P <0.05). However, the degree of lung function impairment and asthma severity were not associated with fatigue. Fatigue as a symptom is common in asthmatic patients and correlates with asthma-related quality of life, asthma control, dyspnea, depression and anxiety. Future studies are needed to better understand the physical, psychological, behavioural and systemic factors that precipitate or perpetuate fatigue in asthma.

Social Responsibility Programs may Strengthen the Medical Students’ Role to Fight against COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: We aimed to explain the details of the “We, as well, are in the Fight Against Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)!” “online” Social Responsibility Project as a model to be used in medical education in the COVID-19 fight. The Project has been developed as a part of Phase 1 Medicine and Social Responsibility Program at Hacettepe University, Faculty of Medicine in Turkey, and aimed to increase the social responsibility, awareness and sensitivity of the students in COVID-19 pandemic days.&#x0D; Material and Methods: All project phases were developed in collaborative work with Faculty Dean’s Office, Project Coordination Team, facilitators, and project groups student representatives. The Project was conducted online in May 2020 in 33 student groups, each of which comprised 10-15 students and an academic staff of the Faculty. All materials were shared simultaneously via the official website of Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine.&#x0D; Results: Various types of materials like reminders, infographics, videos, and other visuals have been prepared for the Project. Students shared all these materials via social media such as Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp groups. International students translated some materials into different languages to share the materials in their home-countries. The materials were prepared by Project Coordination Team by having the opinions and suggestions of the faculty members and students.&#x0D; Conclusion: Social Responsibility Project is thought to facilitate improving the sensitivity of the students in COVID-19 crisis. The Project has also contributed to improve the students’ capacity in the management of infodemic and accessing to the community.

Evaluation of the Association between Paranasal Sinus Osteomas and Anatomic Variations Using Computed Tomography

Objective:The pathogenesis of paranasal sinus osteoma (PSO) has not been fully elucidated. It is thought that both embryological and developmental factors play a role in the etiology. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of frequency and localization of PSOs detected on computed tomography (CT) examination with osteoma presence.Methods:In this retrospective study conducted in December 2017 through March 2020 in Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Medicine, images of a total of 18,867 patients who underwent paranasal sinus, maxillofacial CT and brain CT angiography were reviewed for the presence of PSOs. Sizes of PSOs and accompanying mucosal pathologies were identified. Associations between PSOs and paranasal sinus variations were evaluated statistically compared to the control group (200 patients without PSO).Results:A total of 176 patients (0.92%) were found to have PSO. Average age of the patients with PSO was 59.9 years (range: 18–93). PSOs were unilateral in 152 patients while 24 patients had multiple osteomas. Female/male ratio was 1.1/1. PSOs were most commonly located in the frontal sinuses. Frequencies of vertical concha bullosa, secondary middle turbinate, twisted uncinate, supraorbital ethmoid cell, intersinus septal cell, ethmoidomaxillary cell, Haller’s cell, frontal sinus hypoplasia and sphenoid sinus hypoplasia were significantly higher in the patient group compared to the control group.Conclusion:Higher or lower incidence rates of some anatomic variations in the patients with PSO could be explained by the possible effects of genetic and/or environmental factor. Additional studies are needed to evaluate these possible associations.

Pneumococcal carriage in children with COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background: SARS-CoV-2 is the new virus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of the most important pathogens affecting humans. However, we do not yet know whether these microorganisms interact. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between Streptococcus pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric patients. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively by means of medical records of pediatric patients who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 between March 11 and June 04, 2020, in the University of Health Sciences, Ankara Educating and Training Hospital and Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine. Results: We evaluated 829 pediatric patients for S. pneumoniae and SARS-CoV-2 from their nasopharyngeal specimen. Of 115 children positive for SARS-CoV-2, 32.2% had a positive S. pneumoniae test, whereas of 714 children negative for SARS-CoV-2, 14.1% had a positive S. pneumoniae test (p < .01). We compared patients with positive vs. negative SARS-CoV-2 tests according to S. pneumoniae positivity There were no statistically significant differences in terms of gender, underlying disease, fever, cough, leukocytosis, lymphopenia, increased CRP, increased procalcitonin, findings of chest x-ray, severity of disease, and treatment. Conclusion: The nasopharyngeal S. pneumoniae carriage rate in patients with COVID-19 was higher than in non-infected children, while S. pneumoniae carriage did not affect the course of COVID-19 disease. Pneumococcal vaccination is significant, such that we do not know the outcomes of increased pneumococcal carriage for the upcoming months of pandemic.

Family medicine research assistants' experiences during COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study.

We aimed to learn about the experiences of family medicine research assistants during COVID-19 pandemic and to obtain information about improvement activities that can be done in similar situations. The study was conducted with the research assistants of X University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, who worked in the COVID-19 outpatient clinic during the pandemic period. The research was a qualitative research. Data were analysed using a thematic framework method. In all, 15 research assistants (11 females and 4 males) were included in the study. No remarkable difference was detected in the opinions with respect to their gender and their working period as a physician. The analysis revealed four main themes: emotions experienced during pandemic, working environment, gains and reasons to choose "family medicine." Family medicine research assistants have important roles during pandemic. However, in this period, it is very important to know their views to provide the most accurate management and to meet their training needs.

Research training program in a Turkish medical school: challenges, barriers and opportunities from the perspectives of the students and faculty members

BackgroundProviding medical students with opportunities for research experience is challenging for medical schools in developing countries. The Research Training Program (RTP), which is carried out in Ege University Faculty of Medicine (EUFM) parallel to the core curriculum, aims to improve the scientific competencies of the highly motivated students and to provide them with the opportunity to conduct a research. The purpose of this project is to evaluate RTP through the perspectives of students and faculty members.MethodsThis phenomenological study included two groups; students of RTP and faculty members who contributed to the program. Interviews were conducted with the research group whose selection was determined by maximum variation technique. Interviews with new individuals continued until data saturation was reached. Interpretative data analysis started with close reading of the transcripts and generating a list of codes. Coding by two independently, developing categories and themes were the following steps.ResultsTwenty-one RTP students and 14 faculty members were interviewed. The main motivation for students to participate was the desire to learn how to do research. The introduction course providing the students with the basic competencies needs to be improved in terms of practical activities. It was reported that during the project process students needed intensive guidance especially in finding a research topic and a mentor. The students’ lack of time, deficit of enough mentoring and the fact that conducting a research does not provide a competitive advantage for residency are important obstacles to the completion of the program. The most frequently mentioned achievement of the students is to learn all the stages of the research as well as getting acquainted with critical thinking.ConclusionsThis research showed that it was realistic to implement research programs for highly motivated students in medical schools with conditions like those in EUFM. The solution of mentor shortage emerged in this study is dependent on the adoption of student research as a national policy. Getting acquainted with the interrogative thinking style, conducting research, and making lifelong learning a core value are more important outcomes of research programs than the number of completed projects.

Cutaneous symptoms of patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 in one province: a cross‐sectional survey

The COVID-19 infection, which emerged in December 2019 in China and has spread all over the world,1 continues to be a serious health problem and many dermatological findings have been reported.2-6 This study patients who had at least one positive COVID-19-PCR sample in Kayseri province and were followed up and treated for COVID-19 were contacted via the Internet and telephone. Hence, patients who might have been misdiagnosed were excluded. This way, data of a more specific patient group could be evaluated.

Student Opinions on the Effect of Three Dimensional Digital Software Programs for Showing Human Anatomy on Anatomy Education

The aim of this article is to investigate the effect of three-dimensional digital images on anatomy education through student views. The data collection form prepared with a five-point Likert test was sent to the first and second year students of the Kafkas University Medicine Faculty on the web. 133 students in total answered the questions. When the answers given to the questions were examined, it was observed that there was a significant difference between the answers given by the first and second graders in the third (P=0.013) and ninth (P=0.002) questions (P&amp;lt;0.05). It is thought that the results and opinions obtained from the study will guide the future of anatomy education. Thanks to the student views, it is expected that the study will raise awareness among educators.

EEP QUALITY OF MEDICAL STUDENTS IN TURKEY DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The COVID-19 pandemic had physical, social, and psychological effects on individuals. In this process, the psychological effects of the pandemic led to the need to examine the pandemic spiritually. Many studies have reported sleep problems in individuals. Sleep is important for cognitive, psychomotor, and emotional functions as well as physical health. Sleep quality is an important subject that should not be neglected in medical school students. This study aims to evaluate the sleep quality of medical students in Turkey during the pandemic.&nbsp; 424 students studying at Dicle University Medicine Faculty participated in the study between September-December 2020. Sociodemographic data form prepared by us, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) were administered. PSQI scores of the students were 6.77±3.44, STAI-S scores were 40.69±4.84, STAI-T scores were 44.97±5.82, CAS scores were 2.80±4.17. The PSQI score of 72.4% of the students was five and above. 40.8% of the students reported worsening in their sleep. Female gender, having the COVID-19 test or relatives with COVID-19 infection, spending 1 hour or more in a day associated with COVID-19, smoking, using alcohol or sedative medication, and increasing caffeine habits found risk factors for poor sleep quality. PSQI scores were positively correlated with STAI-S and CAS scores. According to our study, medical students had poor sleep quality in the pandemic. We should give more importance to students during and outside the pandemic because they are a risky group for psychological stressors due to young age, student status. Sleep quality in medical students is an important issue that needs to be addressed. Students should be informed about sleep hygiene rules, be supported in giving smoking, alcohol, and other bad habits, and psychosocial support units should be established in universities.

The effect of Thyroid Autoimmunity on Dyslipidemia in patients with Euthyroid Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Background & Objective:The relationship between thyroid disorders and dyslipidemia has now been clearly demonstrated, but the relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and dyslipidemia in euthyroid patients is still controversial. Our aim in this study was to determine whether there is a risk of dyslipidemia in our patients with euthyroid hashimoto thyroiditis.Methods:Fifty-five autoantibody positive hashimoto patients and 55 antibody negative control groups who came to Sakarya University Medicine Faculty Endocrinology Outpatient Clinics between January 2018 and November 2019 were included in our case control study. The groups were similar in terms of age, cardiovascular risk factors and BMI. Both groups were compared according to the lipid profile results.Results:All type of lipids; including LDL (p = 0.008), HDL (p = 0.041), triglyceride (p = 0.045) and total cholesterol (p = 0.002), were higher in the patient group, and these differences were statistically significant. Anti-TPO and Anti-TG antibody titers and lipid levels were evaluated by separate correlation analysis. There was a significant positive correlation between Anti-TPO and LDL (r = 0.331, p <0.001), triglyceride (r = 0.267, p = 0.005) and total cholesterol (r = 0.316, p = 0.001), however no significant correlation was observed between Anti-TPO and HDL. Similarly, there was a significant positive correlation between Anti-TG and LDL (r = 0.318, p = 0.001), triglyceride (r = 0.218, p = 0.022), and total cholesterol (r = 0.301, p = 0.001), but HDL correlation relationship was not detected.Conclusion:The relationship between thyroid autoimmunity and dyslipidemia has been demonstrated in our study even in the euthyroid phase. Whether antibody positive patients should be followed more closely for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular events is still controversial. This question will be answered with larger randomized controlled trials.

Student Opinions on the Importance and Detail of the Accumulation of Anatomy Knowledge Integrating General Surgery

Objective: The aim of the study is to create an original study that guides the anatomy and surgical branches and supports education within the framework of their opinions by raising awareness on this issue in medical faculty students.Methods: The study was carried out on the fourth, fifth and sixth year medical students of Kafkas University Medicine Faculty in the 2019–2020 academic year. Data collection questions were prepared with a five-point Likert scale. The answers given by the students were automatically analyzed through the web system and the results were obtained through the softwareResults: The participation of the students to the opinions of the questions 1, 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 is quite high (73.2%, 74.6%, 56.3%, 67.6%, 52.1%, 62%). In general, the students want the integration of anatomy into clinical branches in a more up-to-date manner, apart from the traditional anatomy course.Conclusion: This study was conducted for the importance and awareness of the integration of clinical and anatomy branches with each other. Student opinions were taken to emphasize the importance of the study. Anatomy basis is very important for surgical branches. Apart from classical anatomy education, anatomy education should keep up with technological developments and should be more integrated with clinical branches.

Yeni Mezun Hekimlerin Mesleki Öz Yeterlik İnançlarının Değerlendirilmesi

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the professional self-efficacy beliefs of newly graduated physicians regarding diseases/clinical problems/symptoms/clinical conditions that cause the most disability adjusted to the life years (DALYs) loss in Turkey. Method: This descriptive study was carried out at Ondokuz Mayıs University Faculty of Medicine between 15-30.06.2019. 258 physicians who graduated on the specified date participated in the study. A questionnaire form created by the researchers was used in this study. 20 Diseases/clinical problems and five symptoms/clinical conditions that cause maximum loss of DALYs in Turkey were used to evaluate professional self-efficacy beliefs. Physicians were asked if they considered themselves competent in terms of emergency intervention, pre-diagnosis, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up process and prevention methods of the disease /clinical problems. Physicians answered these questions as yes/no. The given answers were evaluated based on the minimum learning levels specified in Pre-Graduate Medical Education UÇEP 2014. For the five symptoms/clinical conditions, the physicians were asked if they found themselves competent in “patient management”. Necessary permissions were obtained before the application. Physicians' responses are expressed as percentage and mean ± standard deviation. Results: 55.0% of the physicians are women and the average age is 25.12 ± 1.81 years. 63.9% of the physicians stated that they can perform emergency treatment of ischemic heart disease, 50.4% can diagnose diabetes, and 39.5% can treat lower respiratory diseases. 42.3% of the physicians stated that they can apply preventive measures (those suitable for primary, secondary, and tertiary protection) for ischemic heart disease. 72.9% of the physicians consider themselves as competent in the management of the patient with low back pain and 65.5% of the neck pain. The ratio of physicians who consider themselves competent in the management of the patient who has had a traffic accident is 46.5%. The participation of physicians in 12 of the propositions regarding competencies is below 70%. Those who voluntarily prefer to attend medical faculty responded to the proposals regarding competencies at a statistically significant rate at a higher rate than those who did not. Those who stated that they would prefer the Faculty of Medicine again if they had the chance to make a choice again, gave a statistically significantly more positive response to the propositions regarding competencies. Conclusion: It has been determined that self-efficacy beliefs are low in terms of learning levels related to the disease/clinical problem/symptom/clinical situations that new graduates will frequently encounter in their medical life. To strengthen the professional self-efficacy beliefs of new graduates, it is thought that the intern education program should be revised.

Patterns of Using Analgesics for Menstrual Pain in Female Students Sriwijaya University Faculty of Medicine

Dysmenorrhea is a condition than women often feel on their productive age and disrupttheir daily activity. A study that was condone in Palembang finds that 93,8% SMA femalestudent had dysmenorrhea. A study in India finds 42% in 654 respondent decided to healtheir dysmenorrhea without visiting physician and 35% is using wrong medications.Analgetics as pain reliever sold freely in markets. Dysmenorrhea effects life quality andeducations for the easiness in obtaining the medicine in markets, making the researchabout analgetics usage patterns in Faculty of Medicine, Srwijaya University 2016-2019students. The design of this study was cross-sectional descriptive observational on 25Desember 2019 until 6 Januari 2020. The population of this study is FK Unsri (2016-2019) students with 628 respondent. The respondent characteristics is found by usingquestionnaire. Dysmenorrhea prevalence on FK UNSRI student is 88%. Dysmenorrheaprevalence that distrupt activity is 64,7%. FK UNSRI student (2016-2019) that usedmefenamic acid is 48,3%, paracetamol is 33,8% and ibuprofen is 6,2% for theirdysmenorrhea.. FK UNSRI student (2016-2019) that consumed analgetics once per day is80,6%. FK UNSRI student (2016-2019) that picked tablet is 97,9%. FK UNSRI student(2016-2019) that chose to used it for a day is 76,5%. The analgetics that is mostly chosenfor FK UNSRI (2016-2019) students is mefenamic acid, tablet that was consumed once perday for a day.

Determination of PD-1 expression in peripheral blood cells in patients with endometriosis

In patients with endometriosis, ectopic endometrial tissues can escape from immune system control and survive in other tissues. The pathophysiology of endometriosis is still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to clarify the pathophysiology of endometriosis, which is thought to be a benign but infiltrative cancer type, which has many similarities with cancer biology by determining PD-1 expression in patients with endometriosis. In this study, n = 73 cases who underwent surgery or examination at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic of Sivas Cumhuriyet University Faculty of Medicine and diagnosed as endometriosis in the biopsy material taken with the pre-diagnosis of endometriosis constituted the patient group. The control group consisted of n = 64 healthy subjects without concomitant malignancy or chronic inflammatory disease. Venous whole blood samples were obtained from the study groups. PD-1 and PD-L1 levels were determined by the ELISA method from serum and plasma samples. PD-1 gene expression level was determined by RT-PCR. The PD-1 level was found to be approximately 350 ± 150 ng/L and 45 ± 17 ng/L in endometriosis and control group, respectively. While the PD-L1 level was approximately 760 ± 108 ng/L in the patients, this level was 140 ± 14 ng/L in the controls. According to the RT-PCR results, the expression of the PD-1 gene 10 times higher compared to the controls. Conclusion: The identified increase of PD-1 levels and gene expression in endometriosis groups show that immunotherapy may be used in the treatment of endometriosis.

THE EFFECT OF MEDIA LITERACY ON THE CHOICE OF PROFESSION IN HEALTH SCIENCES STUDENTS

In this study was aimed to determine affect the choice of profession, career selection qualifications and the effect of media literacy on the choice of profession in health sciences students. The descriptive and cross-sectional research was carried out on a University Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Nursing Department, Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Health Management Department undergraduate programs. The students who accepted to participate constituted the sample group. “Student Identification Form", “Media Literacy Scale” and “The Scale of Occupational Choice Capability” were applied. While 91.9% of the participants chose the section “willingly” and "interest" factor was the most important factor in. While 0.9% of the students stated they used the Internet "very rarely", 91% stated they used it “every day", and it was found they used the Internet 4.77±4.31 hours per day. A positive and significant relationship was found between the students' scores from " The Scale of Occupational Choice Capability” and “Media Literacy Scale" and this relationship was found to be weakly. These age groups should be provided with the necessary public and social support during the career selection periods and to improve media literacy.