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Background: Antibody testing can complement molecular assays for detecting COVID-19. Aims: We evaluated the concurrence between lateral flow assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods: The study was conducted at Kocaeli University, Türkiye. We used a lateral flow assay and ELISA to test serum samples from COVID-19 cases, confirmed by polymerase chain reaction assays (study group) and pre-pandemic stored serum samples (control group). We used Deming regression to evaluate the antibody measurements. Results: The study group included 100 COVID-19 cases, and the control group included pre-pandemic samples from 156 individuals. The lateral flow assay detected immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies in 35 and 37 study group samples. ELISA detected IgM nucleocapsid (N) antibodies in 18 samples, and IgG (N) and IgG spike 1 (S1) antibodies in 31 and 29 samples, respectively. None of the techniques detected antibodies in the control samples. Strong correlations were found between lateral flow IgG (N+ receptor-binding domain + S1) and ELISA IgG (S) (r = 0.93, P < 0.01) and ELISA IgG (N) (r = 0.81, P < 0.01). Weaker correlations were seen between ELISA IgG S and IgG N (r = 0.79, P < 0.01) and lateral flow assay and ELISA IgM (N) (r = 0.70, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Lateral flow assay and ELISA techniques gave consistent results for IgG/IgM antibody measurements towards spike and nucleocapsid proteins, suggesting that both methods can be used to detect COVID-19 where access to molecular test kits is difficult.

At the end of 2019, there was an outbreak of coronavirus in Wuhan, China which killed more than 1800 people and more than 70,000 people were infected during the first 5 days. Chinese researchers named it as a novel coronavirus disease 2019. Up to now, 231 million cases and more than 4 million deaths have been reported worldwide. The total number of cases of COVID cases in Pakistan was 1,236,888 so far and the total death toll was 27,500 and is increasing rapidly. OmniPATHTM COVID-19 Total Antibody ELISA Test kit was used for serological analysis. We found that the highest number of patients with positive antibody test was Lahore with 48%. (n=442). Total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 was found to be higher in men (43%) compared to women (41%). 13% of the children were found to be positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. In age wise distribution, patients in age group 41-50 year were recorded highest seroprevalance. We took the mean of antibody titer according to different age groups and we found the highest mean of antibody titer which was 171 in age group (21-30).

Early detection and characterization of new variants and their impacts enable improved genomic surveillance. This study aims to evaluate the subvariant distribution of Omicron strains isolated from Turkish cases to determine the rate of antiviral resistance of RdRp and 3CLpro inhibitors. The Stanford University Coronavirus Antiviral & Resistance Database online tool was used for variant analyses of the strains uploaded to GISAID as Omicron (n = 20.959) between January 2021 and February,2023. Out of 288 different Omicron subvariants, B.1, BA.1, BA.2, BA.4, BE.1, BF.1, BM.1, BN.1, BQ.1, CK.1, CL.1, and XBB.1 were the main determined subvariants, and BA.1 (34.7%), BA.2 (30.8%), and BA.5 (23.6%) were reported most frequently. RdRp and 3CLPro-related resistance mutations were determined in n = 150, 0.72% sequences, while the rates of resistance against RdRp and 3CLpro inhibitors were reported at 0.1% and 0.6%, respectively. Mutations that were previously associated with a reduced susceptibility to remdesivir, nirmatrelvir/r, and ensitrelvir were most frequently detected in BA.2 (51.3%). The mutations detected at the highest rate were A449A/D/G/V (10.5%), T21I (10%), and L50L/F/I/V (6%). Our findings suggest that continuous monitoring of variants, due to the diversity of Omicron lineages, is necessary for global risk assessment. Although drug-resistant mutations do not pose a threat, the tracking of drug mutations will be necessary due to variant heterogenicity.

Background: Over the past 20 years, studies have indicated that the increasing spread of methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) demonstrates the need for adequate information about their epidemiology. This study was conducted in order to investigate the resistance rate of MRSA which were isolated from the Near East University (NEU) Hospital, North Cyprus. Methods: MRSA was isolated and identified by using selective media and the Phoenix BD 100 system (software version 6.01A) was used for antimicrobial susceptibility testing and identification. The antimicrobial susceptibility results were determined according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standarts Institute (CLSI) and the resistance rates of MRSA isolates to antibiotics were examined retrospectively. Results: The highest number of samples were from the departments of chest disease (24%) followed by dermatology (21.3%) and cardiology (18.7%). Out of 75 MRSA strains,; 29.7% from blood, 25.3% from wound, 14.7% from nasal swabs, 10.7% from aspiration fluids, 9.3% from sputum, 6.7% were from urine, 4.0% from IV catheters culture samples. All strains of MRSA were 94.7% sensitive to vancomycin and teicoplanin. Conclusions: The obtained results revealed that preventative measures should be implemented in order to minimize the bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 21(1) 2022 Page : 101-104

(1) Background: SARS-CoV-2 variants possess specific mutations throughout their genome; however, the effect of these mutations on pathogenesis is little known. The study aimed to identify SARS-CoV-2 variants and their susceptibility rate against monoclonal antibodies, convalescent, and vaccine plasma. (2) Methods: Strains isolated from COVID-19 cases in Turkey in April and September 2021 were involved. Illuma Nextera XT was processed for NGS, followed by virtual phenotyping (Coronavirus Antiviral and Resistance Database (CoV-RDB) by Stanford University). (3) Results: Among 211 strains, 79% were SARS-CoV-2 variants. B.1.1.7 (Alpha) was the most dominant, followed by B.1.617.2 (Delta), B.1.351 (Beta), and B.1.525 (Eta). Alpha and Delta were less susceptible to Etesevimab—Sotrovimab and Bamlanivimab—Etesevimab, respectively. Reduced efficacy was observed for convalescent plasma in Beta and Delta; AstraZeneca, Comirnaty plus AstraZeneca in Alpha; Comirnaty, Moderna, Novovax in Beta; Comirnaty in Delta. (4) Conclusion: CoV-RDB analysis is an efficient, rapid, and helpful web tool for SARS-CoV-2 variant detection and susceptibility analysis.

Introduction: Mobile phones are dynamic source of microorganisms in households and professional settings. The aim was to determine the prevalence of bacterial contamination of the mobile phones, identify bacterial isolates, assess their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns and define the efficiency of using disinfectant. Methodology: This study included 233 dental students from Near East University, Faculty of Dentistry. Swab samples taken from mobile phones before and after disinfection were inoculated onto 5% sheep blood medium and eosin methylene blue medium and incubated aerobically at 37°C for 24-48 hours. Mold-growing mix cultures were sub-cultured on the sabouraud dextrose medium and allowed to grow at room temperature. Conventional microbiological techniques and VITEK 2 automated identification system were used for bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were verified by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion technique according to the European Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Committee criteria. Mold colonies were identified macroscopic and microscopically according to their phenotypic properties using lacto-phenol cotton blue stain. Results: Microbial contamination of mobile phones was 81% (120.953 cfu/ml) in swab samples taken without using alcohol-based wipes however, microbial contamination in swab samples taken after one-time disinfection was determined to be 21% (201 cfu/ml). The most common microorganisms isolated were coagulase negative Staphylococci (69%) and Aspergillus niger (13%). All of the isolated bacteria were susceptible to all antibiotics used. Conclusions: This study represents the first data on the rate of microbial contamination on mobile phones in Northern Cyprus and the efficiency of the use of alcohol to disinfect the mobile phones.

Aims: This study determined SARS-CoV-2 variations by phylogenetic and virtual phenotyping analyses. Materials & methods: Strains isolated from 143 COVID-19 cases in Turkey in April 2021 were assessed. Illumina NexteraXT library preparation kits were processed for next-generation ]sequencing. Phylogenetic (neighbor-joining method) and virtual phenotyping analyses (Coronavirus Antiviral and Resistance Database [CoV-RDB] by Stanford University) were used for variant analysis. Results: B.1.1.7–1/2 (n = 103, 72%), B.1.351 (n = 5, 3%) and B.1.525 (n = 1, 1%) were identified among 109 SARS-CoV-2 variations by phylogenetic analysis and B.1.1.7 (n = 95, 66%), B.1.351 (n = 5, 4%), B.1.617 (n = 4, 3%), B.1.525 (n = 2, 1.4%), B.1.526-1 (n = 1, 0.6%) and missense mutations (n = 15, 10%) were reported by CoV-RDB. The two methods were 85% compatible and B.1.1.7 (alpha) was the most frequent SARS-CoV-2 variation in Turkey in April 2021. Conclusion: The Stanford CoV-RDB analysis method appears useful for SARS-CoV-2 lineage surveillance.

The diagnosis of new variants and monitoring their potential effects on diagnosis, therapeutics, and vaccines by genomic sequencing is essential to manage global public crises. In the current study, spike-genome next-generation sequencing was generated from 492 SARS-CoV-2 isolates to evaluate the mutations in Turkey from April 2021 to February 2022. The variant analysis was performed using (Coronavirus Antiviral and Resistance Database (CoV-RDB) by Stanford University). We revealed that the lineages Alpha (B.1.1.7), Beta (B.1.351), Delta (B.1.617.2), Eta (B.1.525), variant of interest (VOI), lota (B.1.526), Zeta (P.2), Omicron (B.1.1.529), and Omicron BA.1 (B.1.1.529.1) were in the circulation in Turkey during the given period. The most common lineages were B.1.1.7, B.1.617.2, B.1.1.529, and B.1.1.529.1 SARS-CoV-2 variant circulation in Turkey seems highly heterogenetic; however, quite similar to the global epidemiologic analysis. The existence of globally circulating variants in the same chronological order in Turkey can be a guide for precautions, treatment, and vaccine options to be taken in the future.

This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Detection for SARS-CoV-2 and Its Variants. Antibody tests, widely used as a complementary approach to reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction testing in identifying COVID-19 cases, are used to measure antibodies developed for COVID-19. This study aimed to evaluate the different parameters of the FDA-authorized SARS-CoV-2 IgM antibody tests and to rank them according to their performance levels. In the study, we involved 27 antibody tests, and the analyzes were performed using the fuzzy preference ranking organization method for the enrichment evaluation model, a multi-criteria decision-making model. While criteria such as analytical sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were evaluated in the study, the ranking was reported by determining the importance levels of the criteria. According to our evaluation, Innovita 2019-nCoV Ab Test (colloidal gold) was at the top of the ranking. While Cellex qSARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM Rapid Test and Assure COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Tester ranked second and third on the list, the InBios-SCoV 2 Detect Ig M ELISA Rapid Test Kit was determined as the least preferable. The fuzzy preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation, which has been applied to many fields, can help decision-makers choose the appropriate antibody test for managing COVID-19 in controlling the global pandemic.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major public health threat in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Phylogenetic analysis of HBV can be helpful to study the putative transmission links and patterns of inter-country spread of the virus. The objectives of the current study were to analyze the HBV genotype/sub-genotype (SGT) distribution, reverse transcriptase (RT), and surface (S) gene mutations and to investigate the domestic transmission of HBV in the MENA. All HBV molecular sequences collected in the MENA were retrieved from GenBank as of 30 April 2021. Determination of genotypes/SGT, RT, and S mutations were based on the Geno2pheno (hbv) 2.0 online tool. For the most prevalent HBV SGTs, maximum likelihood phylogenetic analysis was conducted to identify the putative phylogenetic clusters, with approximate Shimodaira–Hasegawa-like likelihood ratio test values ≥ 0.90, and genetic distance cut-off values ≤ 0.025 substitutions/site as implemented in Cluster Picker. The total number of HBV sequences used for genotype/SGT determination was 4352 that represented a total of 20 MENA countries, with a majority from Iran (n = 2103, 48.3%), Saudi Arabia (n = 503, 11.6%), Tunisia (n = 395, 9.1%), and Turkey (n = 267, 6.1%). Genotype D dominated infections in the MENA (86.6%), followed by genotype A (4.1%), with SGT D1 as the most common in 14 MENA countries and SGT D7 dominance in the Maghreb. The highest prevalence of antiviral drug resistance was observed against lamivudine (4.5%) and telbivudine (4.3%). The proportion of domestic phylogenetic clustering was the highest for SGT D7 (61.9%), followed by SGT D2 (28.2%) and genotype E (25.7%). The largest fraction of domestic clusters with evidence of inter-country spread within the MENA was seen in SGT D7 (81.3%). Small networks (containing 3-14 sequences) dominated among domestic phylogenetic clusters. Specific patterns of HBV genetic diversity were seen in the MENA with SGT D1 dominance in the Levant, Iran, and Turkey, SGT D7 dominance in the Maghreb, and extensive diversity in Saudi Arabia and Egypt. A low prevalence of lamivudine, telbivudine, and entecavir drug resistance was observed in the region, with almost an absence of resistance to tenofovir and adefovir. Variable proportions of phylogenetic clustering indicated prominent domestic transmission of SGT D7 (particularly in the Maghreb) and relatively high levels of virus mobility in SGT D1.

Introduction: Currently, several molecular assays are available to detect and quantify HBV DNA in clinical samples. We aimed to characterize and compare the clinical performance of newly designed NeuMoDx PCR to the existing artus PCR. Methodology: The plasma HBV DNA levels of 96 clinical and 5 external quality control samples were measured by NeuMoDx and artus assays simultaneously in Kocaeli University, Turkey. The linearity, agreement and the correlation between two assays were determined by Deming regression analysis, Bland-Altman plotting, the chi-square and the relative absolute error statistical analyzes. For all statistical analyzes, the XLSTAT statistical program was used. Results: The mean (standard deviation; SD) age was 45.07 ± 12.29. HBsAg S/Co median (range) was 4,273.4 ± 1,138.1 and ALT U/L median (range) was 27 ± 16. The mean (SD) of HBV DNA was 1.46+E6 ± 1.0+E4 for NeuMoDx and 1.54+E5 ± 4.7 + E4 for artus assays. The Deming regression indicates a linear correlation (95% confidence). The chi-square test indicates strong correlation (p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis confirms that the measurement difference is acceptable. The relative absolute error analysis for artus showed relatively less and more consistent error rate. With 5 external quality check samples, the statistical significance was low (p = 0.566). Conclusions: The NeuMoDx HBV assay showed an excellent analytical performance by providing a rapid, high throughput technology in a random-access testing system in clinical samples and may be a new solution for viral load quantification in the management of HBV infections.

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA) such as NS3 protease inhibitors is the first class of drugs used for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treatment. NS3 inhibitors (PI) with low genetic barrier have been approved to be used in the CHC genotype 1 infections, and in the treatment of compensated liver disease including cirrhosis together with pegile interferon and ribavirin. Consequently, the development of drug resistance during DAA treatment of CHC is a major problem. NS3 resistant variants can be detected before treatment as they can occurnaturally. The aim of this study was to investigate new and old generation NS3 inhibitors resistance mutations before DAA treatment in hepatitis C virus (HCV) that were isolated from CHC. The present study was conducted in 2015 and included 97 naive DAA patients infected with HCV genotype 1, who were diagnosed in Manisa and Kocaeli cities of Turkey. Magnetic particle based HCV RNA extraction and than RNA detection and quantification were performed using commercial real-time PCR assay QIASypmhony + Rotorgene Q/ArtusHCV QS-RGQ and COBAS Ampliprep/COBAS TaqMan HCV Tests. HCV NS3 viral protease genome region was amplified with PCR and mutation analysis was performed by Sanger dideoxy sequencing technique of NS3 protease codons (codon 32-185). HCV NS3 protease inhibitors; asunaprevir, boceprevir, faldaprevir, grazoprevir, pariteprevir, simeprevir and telaprevir were analysed for resistant mutations by Geno2pheno-HCV resistance tool. HCV was genotyped in all patients and 88 patients (n= 88/97, 91%) had genotype 1. Eight (n= 8/97, 8.2%) and 80 (n= 80/97, 82.4%) HCC patients were subgenotyped as 1a and 1b, respectively. Many aminoacid substitutions and resistance mutations were determined in 39/88 (44%) patients in the study group. Q80L, S122C/N, S138W were defined as potential substitutions (6/88 patients; 7%); R109K, R117C, S122G, I132V, I170V, N174S were described as potential resistance (34/88 patients; 39%); V36L, T54S, V55A, Q80H were characterized as resistance (7/88 patients; 8%) and Q80K, A156S were defined as high resistance (3/88 patients; 3%) mutations. Based on resistance and high resistance mutations, clinically significant mutations were defined in 10/88 (11%) of the patients. Our study shows that it is essential to analyse HCV NS3 protease inhibitors drug resistance before DAA treatment of CHC patients. On the other hand, our results pointed out that analysis of NS5A and NS5B genome region mutations may also be required in the near future.

Mutations associated with the pol and the S gene can emerge as a consequence of the high replication capacity and proofreading deficiencies of hepatitis B virus during replication. The current study was constructed to evaluate primary, partial, compensatory and the escape mutations in chronic hepatitis B patients in Northern Cyprus. The samples of HBsAg positive treatment naïve 100 patients were involved in this study. HBV pol gene region was sequenced, amplified and HBV pol/S gene mutations were determined. The samples of thirty-two patients were excluded because of their low viral load (HBV < 1000 ıu/ml). Among the sequenced 68 samples, there was a partial mutation (1.5%) and 36.7% displayed a resistance profile to lamivudine, adevofir, and telbivudine. Immune response escape, vaccine escape, HBIg and diagnosis escape mutations were determined in 24%, 10%, 6%, and 4% samples of the patients, respectively. Additionally, there were six different combined mutations. These data underscored that there is no concern for primary mutations in Northern Cyprus, however, we have identified a compensatory mutation (rtV173M) that may have primary mutation characteristics by combining with other mutation patterns. Additionally, HBsAg escape mutants demonstrated that detection of the S gene together with the pol gene mutations might be beneficial and important to monitor the surveillance of S variants.

Mutations associated with the pol and the S gene can emerge as a consequence of the high replication capacity and proofreading deficiencies of hepatitis B virus during replication. The current study was constructed to evaluate primary, partial, compensatory and the escape mutations in chronic hepatitis B patients in Northern Cyprus. The samples of HBsAg positive treatment naive 100 patients were involved in this study. HBV pol gene region was sequenced, amplified and HBV pol/S gene mutations were determined. The samples of thirty-two patients were excluded because of their low viral load (HBV < 1000 iu/ml). Among the sequenced 68 samples, there was a partial mutation (1.5%) and 36.7% displayed a resistance profile to lamivudine, adevofir, and telbivudine. Immune response escape, vaccine escape, HBIg and diagnosis escape mutations were determined in 24%, 10%, 6%, and 4% samples of the patients, respectively. Additionally, there were six different combined mutations. These data underscored that there is no concern for primary mutations in Northern Cyprus, however, we have identified a compensatory mutation (rtV173M) that may have primary mutation characteristics by combining with other mutation patterns. Additionally, HBsAg escape mutants demonstrated that detection of the S gene together with the pol gene mutations might be beneficial and important to monitor the surveillance of S variants. Mutations associated with the pol and the S gene can emerge as a consequence of the high replication capacity and proofreading deficiencies of hepatitis B virus during replication. The current study was constructed to evaluate primary, partial, compensatory and the escape mutations in chronic hepatitis B patients in Northern Cyprus. The samples of HBsAg positive treatment naive 100 patients were involved in this study. HBV pol gene region was sequenced, amplified and HBV pol/S gene mutations were determined. The samples of thirty-two patients were excluded because of their low viral load (HBV < 1000 iu/ml). Among the sequenced 68 samples, there was a partial mutation (1.5%) and 36.7% displayed a resistance profile to lamivudine, adevofir, and telbivudine. Immune response escape, vaccine escape, HBIg and diagnosis escape mutations were determined in 24%, 10%, 6%, and 4% samples of the patients, respectively. Additionally, there were six different combined mutations. These data underscored that there is no concern for primary mutations in Northern Cyprus, however, we have identified a compensatory mutation (rtV173M) that may have primary mutation characteristics by combining with other mutation patterns. Additionally, HBsAg escape mutants demonstrated that detection of the S gene together with the pol gene mutations might be beneficial and important to monitor the surveillance of S variants.

Gastric residual volume measurement is routinely used to evaluate the feeding tolerance and gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients receiving enteral feeding therapy in the intensive care unit. However, little supportive evidence for this intervention is available as the usefulness of gastric residual volume measurements in patients receiving enteral feeding therapy in the intensive care is controversial.The aim of this study was to assess the practice of intensive care unit nurses related to gastric residual volume measurement in patients receiving enteral nutrition.A survey was conducted among a sample of intensive care unit nurses (n = 832) from four hospitals in Turkey (n = 182) and attendees of the Annual Congress of the Flemish Society for Critical Care Nurses in Flanders, Belgium (n = 650). The survey instrument was developed by the researchers based on the related literature.A total of 480 nurses completed the questionnaire (response rate = 73%). Gastric residual volume is measured by 98·0% of respondents, with wide variations in the frequency of measuring. A 50-200 mL gastric residual volume is considered problematic by 45·5% (n = 183) of the participants, and only 18·4% (n = 81) reported their practice to be based on a current guideline. Strikingly, more experienced intensive care unit nurses appear to perform gastric residual volume measurements more commonly than their less experienced colleagues (p = 0·004), while the practice is more often reported to be performed in Belgium than in Turkey (p 0·001).Gastric residual volume management could be improved by applying current evidence to daily nursing practice.Our results show that increased awareness of these guidelines by nurses is needed to reduce inefficient use of working time and resources, streamline clinical practices and improve patient outcomes. Current gastric residual volume measurement guidelines and up-to-date, relevant training should be provided to nurses.

Identification of hepatitis B virus (HBV) strains and understanding of molecular epidemiological characteristics are important for the effective surveillance of HBV infections. Genotype D is dominant in studies performed in Turkey but it is known that cases infected with genotypes A, E, G and H also exists. In contrast, there are no data regarding the molecular epidemiologic characteristics of the HBV in Northern Cyprus. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of genotypes and subgenotypes of HBV among the people living, educating and working in Northern Cyprus. A total of 160 cases (1.2%) who were HBsAg seropositive out of 13.892 subjects admitted to Nicosia, Near East University Hospital microbiology laboratory for the routine control and to blood center for donor screening tests between November 2011 to September 2014, were included in the study. HBV-DNA levels in the HBsAg positive cases were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction and genotypes/subgenotypes were determined by sequence analysis of the viral pol gene (reverse transcriptase [rt] region, between 80-250. aminoacids). Sixty samples (60/160, 37.5%) were excluded from sequencing analysis due to negative and/or very low (< 30 IU/ml) HBV-DNA levels, so 100 samples were included in sequence analysis. Ninety-six of those cases (13 female, 87 male; mean age: 35.51 ± 12.88 years) were anti-HBc IgG, 95 were anti-HBe and five were HBeAg positive, with a mean HBV-DNA level of 5.36 x 10(6) ± 3.58 x 10(7) IU/ml. As 32 (32%) samples yielded HBV-DNA level below the threshold of 1000 IU/ml, sequence analyses were unsuccesful, eventually 68 (68/160, 42.5%) samples could be phylogenetically analyzed. The distribution of HBV genotypes/subgenotypes were found as follows: 48 were (70.6%) D/D1; four were (5.9%) D/D2; one was (1.5%) D/D3, five were (7.4%) A/A1, two were (2.9%) A/A2 and eight were (11.8%) genotype E. Among the most frequent D1 strains, 60.4% (29/48) cases were from Turkish; single D/D3 strain from Benguela (Angola) and all eight genotype E strains were from Nigerian national cases. According to the data of this first study performed in TRNC on this subject, genotype D is dominant (53/68, 78%) in Northern Cyprus and consistent with the subgenotype distribution that is similar to Turkey and mediterranean basin. The prevalences of genotype A (7/68, 10.3%) and E (8/68, 11.8%) were also remarkable. In conclusion, although Northern Cyprus is an island country the heterogeneous distribution of HBV genotype/subgenotype may be contributed to the cosmopolitan characteristics of various populations from different countries who have come here for education, work or touristic purposes.

Detection of borderline and/or low positive anti-HCV results by enzyme immunoassay (EIA) leads to severe problems in routine laboratories and needs confirmation with nucleic acid amplification tests which can increase the cost. In EIA tests, if the ratio of sample to cut-off (S/Co) is ≥ 1, the sample is accepted as positive according to the manufacturers' instructions. Although over the last decade the application of S/Co values have also applied to HCV-RNA readings, the current study aims to determine whether the S/Co value is adequate and applicable for the anti-HCV EIA test, and to determine whether a correlation exists between HCV-RNA and HCV infections. A total of 658 cases (402 female, 256 male; mean age: 49.4 ± 17.0 years) who were found anti-HCV positive between January 2011-July 2013 were included in the study. Anti-HCV tests were performed by chemiluminescent EIA (Architect i2000SR, Abbott, USA and LiaisonXL Murex, DiaSorin, Italy) and HCV-RNA by real-time PCR (Cobas Ampliprep/Cobas TaqMan HCV, Roche, USA). The mean S/Co value of the cases was 7.3 ± 4.8 (range: 1.00-17.59) and mean HCV-RNA value was 2.3x105 ± 2.1x106 copies/ml. When the anti-HCV S/Co value of varying ranges was compared with HCV-RNA readings a particular trend was noted. In the anti-HCV S/Co values of 1.0-4.0; 4.1-7.0; 7.1-10.0; 10.1-13.0; 13.1-16.0 and ³16.1, HCV-RNA positivity rates were detected as 1.9%, 24.7%,37.1%, 46.7%, 56.4% and 75%, respectively. Statistical analysis indicated an intermediate positive correlation (r= 0.454) between anti-HCV ve HCV-RNA readings (p= 0.000). An adequate S/Co value was accepted as 5.0 based on the ROC analysis, and this value gave a performance confidence level of 95.6% when determining whether a patient is HCV positive. Based on the data of this study it became evident that further EIA testing is not required if the S/Co value is ≥ 5.0, however if the S/Co value is less than 5.0, then further clinical analysis and revaluation of the patient is required.

Background: Gastric residual volume measurement is routinely used to evaluate the feeding tolerance and gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients receiving enteral feeding therapy in the intensive care unit. However, little supportive evidence for this intervention is available as the usefulness of gastric residual volume measurements in patients receiving enteral feeding therapy in the intensive care is controversial. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the practice of intensive care unit nurses related to gastric residual volume measurement in patients receiving enteral nutrition. Methods: A survey was conducted among a sample of intensive care unit nurses (n = 832) from four hospitals in Turkey (n = 182) and attendees of the Annual Congress of the Flemish Society for Critical Care Nurses in Flanders, Belgium (n = 650). The survey instrument was developed by the researchers based on the related literature. Results: A total of 480 nurses completed the questionnaire (response rate = 73%). Gastric residual volume is measured by 98.0% of respondents, with wide variations in the frequency of measuring. A 50-200 mL gastric residual volume is considered problematic by 45.5% (n = 183) of the participants, and only 18.4% (n = 81) reported their practice to be based on a current guideline. Strikingly, more experienced intensive care unit nurses appear to perform gastric residual volume measurements more commonly than their less experienced colleagues (p = 0.004), while the practice is more often reported to be performed in Belgium than in Turkey (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Gastric residual volume management could be improved by applying current evidence to daily nursing practice. WOS:000442347700008 30039544 Q2

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effects of aromatherapy massage on neuropathic pain severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy.

This study aimed to examine the effects of aromatherapy massage on neuropathic pain severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy.This open-label randomized controlled clinical study was conducted in a university hospital endocrine outpatient clinic in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 46 patients, randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 25). The intervention group received aromatherapy massage three times per week for a period of 4 weeks. The control group received only routine care. Data were collected from patients using the Douleur Neuropathique questionnaire, the visual analog scale, and the Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life questionnaire.Neuropathic pain scores significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group in the fourth week of the study. Similarly, QoL scores significantly improved in the intervention group in the fourth week of the study.Aromatherapy massage is a simple and effective nonpharmacological nursing intervention that can be used to manage neuropathic pain and improve QoL in patients with painful neuropathy.Aromatherapy massage is a well-tolerated, feasible, and safe nonpharmacological method that can be readily integrated into clinical settings by nursing staff. The essential oils rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile can be safely used by nurses in the clinical setting, if applicable. However, training and experience of nurses in aromatherapy massage is critical to achieving positive results.

WOS: 000346343700574, …

WOS: 000302959400012, PubMed ID: 22417402, This study was carried out to determine the fatigue and self-care levels of the elderly and the relation between these two conditions. One hundred forty-two individuals at the age of 65 or over were included in the descriptive-analytic study. Data were collected using Personal Information Forms to determine socio-demographic features and social relationships, and the Visual Analog Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F) to determine the fatigue status and Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale (ESCA) to measure the self-care agency. The mean age of the elders who participated in the survey was 76.15 +/- 8.61 and their fatigue and energy level scores from VAS-F were 5.08 +/- 2.20 and 3.70 +/- 1.51 respectively. The value obtained from ESCA was 82.68 +/- 16.39. There is, statistically, a weak negative correlation (r = -0.459; p = 0.00) between fatigue and energy levels, a weak positive correlation (r = 0.284; p = 0.01) between self-care agency and energy levels, a weak negative correlation (r = -0.258; p = 0.02) between self-care agency and fatigue levels. According to the survey findings, it can be hypothesized that as elders living in rest homes, their energy level falls down, they experience moderate fatigue and have self-care agency a little more than moderate level, and the lack of energy and fatigue they experience affect their self-care agency. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

WOS: 000312087300001, PubMed ID: 23113959, Within the envelope function approach and the effective-mass approximation, we have investigated theoretically the effect of an intense, high-frequency laser field on the bound states in a Ga (x) In1 - x N (y) As1 - y /GaAs double quantum well for different nitrogen and indium mole concentrations. The laser-dressed potential, bound states, and squared wave functions related to these bound states in Ga1 - x In (x) N (y) As1 - y /GaAs double quantum well are investigated as a function of the position and laser-dressing parameter. Our numerical results show that both intense laser field and nitrogen (indium) incorporation into the GaInNAs have strong influences on carrier localization., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [COST 109 T650]; Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University [F-360], This work was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for a research grant COST 109 T650 and was partially supported by the Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University under the project number F-360.