Search

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has mutated at a high rate since the beginning of the pandemic, leading to the formation of different variants. Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta and Omicron have emerged as concerning variants identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Omicron variant and its sublineages became dominant worldwide in 2022. EG.5, a sublineage of Omicron, was associated with increased cases recently. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 variants and the severity of the disease by using the whole genome sequence analysis method in patient samples diagnosed with coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) in our hospital and to contribute to SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in our country, in the period until the end of 2023, after the announcement of the EG.5 variant. The study included 68 patient samples that were found to be SARS-CoV-2 positive by polymerase chain reaction. Nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab samples obtained from the patients were analysed by syndromic multiplex viral polymerase chain reaction panel. Whole genome sequence analysis was performed on SARS-CoV-2 positive patient samples with high viral load. Barcoded sequencing library was prepared and extracted DNA was sequenced on the Illumina next generation sequencing platform using COVIDSeq test kits (Illumina, USA). The library was loaded into a NextSeq 500/550 high output reagent cartridge v2 75 cycle, NextSeq 500/550 high output flow cell on the NextSeq 550 instrument (Illumina, USA). The DRAGEN COVID lineage programme available in the core domain was used to analyse the sequence data. The resulting combined fasta files were loaded into Nexclade and Pangolin COVID-19 Lineage Assigner programmes and class assignment, mutation calls and sequence quality checks were performed. Statistical evaluation was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (Windows v20.0, Armonk, NY) programme. Sequence results of a total of 68 patients whose SARS-CoV-2 positivity was confirmed in our laboratory and whose samples were suitable for sequence study were analysed with clinical data. While EG.5 variant was detected in 15 (22.1%) of the samples included in the study, different sub-variants other than EG.5 were detected in 53 (77.9%) samples. The first three most frequently detected variants were XBB.1.16, EG.5.1 and FL.1.5.1, respectively. The subtypes of the EG.5 variant were determined as EG.5.1.1, EG.5.1.3, EG.5.1.6 and EG.5.1. Of the patients included in the study, 20 (29.4%) were hospitalised and followed up, 14 of whom had moderate to severe clinical conditions. Four hospitalised patients with comorbidities at an advanced age resulted in exitus. In the statistical evaluation, no significant difference was found between EG.5 and nonEG.5 Omicron variants in terms of age group, clinical symptoms and disease severity. It is recommended to continue genomic surveillance for the timely identification of SARS-CoV-2 and changes in the clinical spectrum and implementation of appropriate countermeasures.

Copyright of Archives of Neuropsychiatry / Nöropsikiyatri Arşivi is the property of Turkish Association of Neuropsychiatry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archives of Neuropsychiatry / Nöropsikiyatri Arşivi is the property of Turkish Association of Neuropsychiatry and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Medical Clinics / Tıp Fakültesi Klinikleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Medical Clinics / Tip Fakültesi Klinikleri Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Selçuk University Social Sciences Vocational School is the property of Journal of Selcuk University Social Sciences Vocational School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Farabi Medical Journal is the property of Farabi Medical Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Current Nursing Research / Güncel Hemşirelik Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of Journal of Current Nursing Research and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Klimik Journal / Klimik Dergisi is the property of DOC Design & Informatics Co. Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal / Balıkesir Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Balikesir Health Sciences Journal (BAUN Health Sci J) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Humanistic Perspective is the property of Fuat Aydogdu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between fear of COVID-19, perceived threat of COVID-19, anxiety, cognitive control/flexibility, and intolerance to uncertainty. In addition, the mediating role of cognitive control/flexibility and intolerance to uncertainty were investigated., Method: 224 volunteers aged between 18-55 years were included in the study. Cognitive Control and Felxibility Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, Fear of COVID-19 Scale, Perceived COVID-19 Threat Form and Beck Anxiety Scales were administered to all participants via an online environment. In this context, Pearson correlation, linear regression, and mediation analyzes were performed., Results: There were significant relationships among Cognitive Control and Flexibility, Intolerance of Uncertainty, Beck Anxiety, fear of COVID-19, perceived COVID-19 threat (p<0,01). Linear regression analysis showed that the Beck Anxiety Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty and Cognitive Control/ Flexibility Scale scores significantly predicted fear of COVID-19 and the perceived threat of COVID-19 (p<0,001). In addition, mediation analysis revealed that intolerance to uncertainty and cognitive control/flexibility are mediating factors between anxiety and the perceived threat of COVID-19 (p<0,01)., Conclusion: There is a relationship between fear of COVID-19 and perception of threat, anxiety, intolerance of uncertainty, and cognitive control mechanisms. In accordance with these findings, psychosocial support and therapy programs can be created based on cognitive control/flexibility and intolerance of uncertainty in order to increase the mental health well-being of individuals.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical conditions of the patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) in a community mental health center (CMHC)., Method: Symptom exacerbations, emergency service admissions, drug dose increases, additional medication prescriptions, and psychiatric hospitalizations of patients with BD and SSD in the CMHC were evaluated retrospectively. The data from the 1-year prior, 6-months prior, 6-months after the onset and 1-year after the onset of the pandemic were compared. Hospital and CMHC medical records were used for outcomes. Personal and Social Performance (PSP) Scale was used to assess the level of functioning., Results: 107 patients with the diagnosis of BD and 121 patients with the diagnosis of SSD were recruited. In the BD group, there was increase in the frequency of symptom exacerbations (p=0.001) and additional medication prescriptions or increased dose (p=0.007), with decrease in emergency service admissions (p=0.039) during the pandemic. In the patients with SSD, the number of patients with exacerbation of symptoms (p=0.001) and with increased dose or additional medication prescriptions (p=0.004) were higher during the pandemic. There was no increase in the rate of hospitalized patients in the period of first 6 months and first one year. Symptom exacerbations were more frequent in the SSD group with Covid (+) in family (p=0.016)., Conclusion: The fact that the hospitalization rates remained the same despite an increase in the acute exacerbations provides info on the role of CMHCs and how mental health system functioned during the pandemic.

Objective: Coronavirus Diseases-19 (COVID-19) pandemic that has caused the death of thousands of people affected negatively not only people's physical wellbeing but also their mental health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual function, depression, anxiety and stress, and fear of COVID-19 of individuals according to gender and sexual orientation during the COVID-19 pandemic., Method: The questionnaire form included sociodemographic data form, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX), the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-Short Form (DASS-21), and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S). The form was distributed on social media platforms., Results: 1593 sexually active participants were included in the study. 47.5% of the participants were females and 52.5% were males. 86.9% of them were heterosexuals and 13.1% were lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. ASEX, DASS-21 Depression, Anxiety, and Stress, and FCV-19S scores were significantly higher in females than males (p<0.001). When anxiety, depression, stress, and fear of COVID-19 were controlled, level of sexual dysfunction continued to be higher in women. We found that while the ASEX and FCV-19S scores were similar between the heterosexuals and LGBs (respectively p=0.66 and p=0.31), the DASS-21 Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scores were higher in LGBs (p<0.001)., Conclusion: Our results reveal the effect of the pandemic period on female sexual functions and the importance of addressing this topic in clinical practice and research.

Copyright of Journal of Health Academics / Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Health Academics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mersin University School of Medicine Lokman Hekim Journal of History of Medicine & Folk Medicine is the property of Mersin University School of Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which most often occurs after the use of antipsychotics, is a rare but life-threatening condition. In this article, a 56-year-old male patient with a diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder (BPD) who developed NMS after a COVID-19 infection will be presented. The patient had been brought to the emergency room with high fever, fatigue, and slowness of movements that had been going on for two days. The examination revealed tachycardia, tachypnea, lethargy and rigidity. Upon further investigation the COVID-19 test came out positive and the serum levels of creatine kinase were considerably high. He was admitted to the psychiatric ward with diagnoses of COVID-19 infection and NMS. COVID-19 infection might have been a risk factor for NMS in this patient. Especially in patients who are taking antipsychotic drugs, if COVID-19 is present, the risk of NMS should be taken into consideration. Keyword: COVID-19, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome, Risperidone, Antipsikotik, Enfeksiyon.

Copyright of Idealkent: Journal of Urban Studies is the property of Idealkent and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Gumushane Universty Electronic Journal of the Faculty of Communication / Gümüshane Üniversitesi Iletisim Fakültesi Elektronik Dergisi is the property of Gumushane Universitesi Iletisim Fakultesi Elektronik Dergisi (e-GIFDER) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Health Academics / Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Health Academics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal / İzmir Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Sağlık Bilimleri Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Izmir Katip Celebi University, Faculty of Health Sciene Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Health Academics / Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Health Academics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The formation rate, magnitude, and duration of the antibody-mediated humoral immune response that develops against different viral proteins of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are considered important in vaccine success. It is known that the response to vaccinations decreases due to immunosenescence in older adults. This study was aimed to investigate the levels of serum IgA response at 1st and 3rd month after vaccination of people over 60 years old who were immunized with CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech. A total of 35 people living in the North Cyprus who have not previously had COVID-19 infection were included in the study. After the 2nd dose of vaccination, serum IgA levels were measured after the 1st and 3rd month with the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgA (Euroimmun, Lubeck, Germany) kit. The statistical significance was determined as 0.05 in the whole study. SPSS and GraphPad Prism software were used for calculations, analyses and graphs. The possible effect of demographic variables on serum IgA level was compared between the vaccine groups and it was found that there was no statistically significant difference between them. For the IgA titer-positive individuals who had been vaccinated with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, for both 1st and 3rd months were observed to be higher than CoronaVac vaccinated IgA titer-positive individuals. In individuals who received the CoronaVac vaccine, there was a statistically significant change in serum IgA levels between 1st and 3rd months, but there was no statistically significant change in the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine administered group. When the Pfizer/BioNTech and CoronaVac vaccines were compared with each other in terms of serum IgA antibody titers, it was found that the mean serum IgA levels of the individuals in the Pfizer/BioNTech group were statistically higher at the 1st and 3rd months than the CoronaVac group. Serum IgA titers in both vaccine groups were statistically significantly decreased from 1st month to 3rd month. This study showed that the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine induced higher SARS-CoV-2 specific serum IgA antibodies than the CoronaVac vaccine and remained seropositive for a longer time in individuals aged 60 years and older. It is believed that the serum IgA levels that were determined may not reflect the serum IgA levels. However, these findings support the studies in other literature, showing that the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine induces higher SARS-CoV-2 specific serum IgA antibodies than the inactive CoronaVac vaccine and that it remains seropositive for a longer period of time. This study is important as it is the first study to compare the SARS-CoV-2 IgA antibody responses of individuals over 60 years of age in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus in two different vaccine groups.

Copyright of Turkish Bulletin of Hygiene & Experimental Biology / Türk Hijyen ve Deneysel Biyoloji is the property of Refik Saydam National Public Health Agency and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an urgent public health problem, is a biological disaster that had a global impact. This study aimed to examine the views of the nurses on the "superhero" discourse in the media in this disaster.Methods: The phenomenological research method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used in the study. The research was carried out between February – April 2022 with 23 nurses working in intensive care clinics.Results: In this study, the views of nurses who worked in the intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic on the "superhero" discourse in the media were investigated under the themes of rise of heroism (being noticed, heroic discourse for higher efficiency, forced hero) invisibility of heroism (invisibility before the pandemic, invisibility during the pandemic) and death of heroism (the applause, I'm real… not a toy) . The findings of the study revealed that the contribution of nursing to the health system is a little more visible in crisis conditions such as pandemic.Conclusion: The visibility that emerges as "heroism" or "superheroism", the vulnerability of nurses as human beings is ignored. This “professional invisibility and heroic visibility” emerges as a paradox, and nursing either becomes “invisible” as a profession or the needs of nurses for “material and moral support” as heroes can be ignored. During crisis periods such as pandemic, the vulnerability of nurses resulting from heavy working conditions should be taken into account and nurses should be supported physically, financially and morally.

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Nursing Sciences is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which first emerged in China at the end of 2019 and rapidly spread worldwide, have been seen both nationally and internationally. The research focuses on the COVID-19 pandemic, which has social, economic and political effects. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health regimes and the role of the World Health Organization (WHO) in fighting against the global crisis caused by the pandemic are examined. The findings show that the WHO was inadequate in the context of controlling the spread of the pandemic in question. The limited impact of WHO in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic process shows that the role the organization plays in crisis management must be enhanced especially with the involvement of epistemic communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Covid 19 epidemic has had negative effects in all areas of life. The repercussions of the pandemic continues to affect the economic, social and political areas of life. The housing sector, which is an important sector in the economy, was also negatively affected by the pandemic. Tenants have been among the most prominent victims of the housing crisis, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic. Like other countries, the USA struggled with the housing crisis in the pandemic environment. The subject of the study is the policies implemented by the USA, one of the important actors of the world economy, regarding the rental housing crisis and related eviction moratoriums during the Covid-19 pandemic and their consequences. In the study, findings in the literature and data from official institutions regarding the housing crisis experience of the USA during the pandemic were used. As a result of the study, direct aid policies such as rental support were implemented in the short term to solve the rental housing problem caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in the USA during the pandemic, and also it has been determined that policies such as increasing the supply of affordable rental housing stand out as a long-term solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Journal of Health Sciences / Türkiye Klinikleri Sağlık Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Islamic Research / İslâmi Araştırmalar Dergisi is the property of Turkey Economical & Cultural Solidarity (TEK-DAV) Foundation and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Uludag University Medical Faculty / Uludağ Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Journal of Uludag University Medical Faculty and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing severe lung disease and reducing hospitalization rates among patients with coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). In this study, researchers compared lung computed tomography (CT) scans of vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19, along with clinical and para-clinical findings. Methods: This study was conducted at Ayatollah Rouhani Hospital in Babol, Iran, between July and November 2021. The researchers selected 106 confirmed COVID-19 patients and divided them into two groups: 53 fully vaccinated individuals who received the Sinopharm vaccine and 53 unvaccinated individuals. Demographics, laboratory, and imaging data were collected. Results: The mean age of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 was 59.8±16.1 years. The most common CT finding in both groups was bilateral ground glass opacities, observed in 95 patients (89.6%). Significant associations were found between the vaccinated and unvaccinated groups regarding hospital stay duration, oxygen saturation, intensive care unit admission, lactate dehydrogenase levels, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate index. Conclusion: This study revealed no difference in the pattern of pulmonary involvement between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19, except for the peribronchovascular pattern, which was more commonly observed in unvaccinated patients. Other common patterns of pulmonary involvement were also more prevalent among unvaccinated individuals. These findings emphasize the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination, as the vaccinated group had a lower rate of pulmonary involvement. This highlights the need for widespread vaccination to effectively combat COVID-19.

Bu araştırmanın temel amacı, sağlık okuryazarlığı düzeyinin COVID-19 aşı okuryazarlığına olan etkisini tespit etmek ve bu etkilerden yola çıkarak path (yol) analizi ile model geliştirmektir. Bu çalışma, sağlık okuryazarlığının COVID-19 aşı okuryazarlığını nasıl etkilediğini, ilişkiyi modellemek için yol analizi kullanarak araştırmaktadır. Veriler, Türkiye'nin Bursa kentindeki bir Aile Sağlığı Merkezi'nde 18 yaş üstü 410 kişiden toplanmıştır (Şubat-Mart 2022). Bu araştırmada nicel analiz yöntemi kullanılmıştır ve veriler yüz yüze anket yöntemi ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmada kolayda örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada betimsel istatistiksel analizler, normallik testleri, açıklayıcı faktör analizi, farklılık analizi yöntemleri ve path (yol) analizleri uygulanmıştır. Toplamda 410 kişiden elde edilen veriler, IBM SPSS Statistic Base 23V ve AMOS paket programları ile değerlendirilmiştir. Araştırmanın değişkenlerini oluşturan “Türkiye Sağlık Okuryazarlığı” (32) ve “COVID-19 Aşı Okuryazarlığı” (12) ölçeklerinin Cronbach Alpha katsayıları sırasıyla 0,945 ve 0,833 olarak bulunmuştur. Analiz sonucunda elde edilen bulgulara dayanarak 7 hipotez kabul edilirken, 5 hipotez reddedilmiştir. Araştırmada Bursa Panayır Aile Sağlığı Merkezine başvuran katılımcıların sağlık okuryazarlığı düzeyi yüksek olan katılımcıların COVID-19 aşı okuryazarlığı düzeyine olan etkisi ortaya koyulmuştur. Path analizinden elde edilen bulgular, modelin yapı geçerliliğinin sağlandığını göstermektedir. Güvenilirlik katsayısı Alfa =0,936 olarak bulunduğundan modelin güvenilirlik derecesi de oldukça yüksektir.

Although COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease-2019) is observed to be milder in children, it has been observed that the symptoms continue for a long time in many people after the acute period of the disease, especially the multisystemic inflammatory syndrome (MISC) that developed after COVID-19 with the progression of the pandemic. Although it was first defined by different names such as long COVID and post COVID in adults, it has been observed in studies that similar complaints such as cough, fatigue and difficulty in concentrating continue for a long time in children, just as in adults. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the status of long COVID in childhood. Our study included patients aged from one month to 18 years with moderate and severe symptoms who were hospitalized and discharged for SARS-CoV-2 infection in İstanbul University Faculty of Medicine between November 1, 2020 and November 1, 2021. A questionnaire form was created to learn about the complaints of the patients and their ongoing complaints. The patients/parents were called by phone and their complaints were recorded in the questionnaire. The patients were classified according to the definitions in the guidelines published by NICE, RCGP and SIGN. In total, 116 patients were included; 57.8% (n= 64) male, 42.5% (n= 49) female; 53.4% (n= 62) 0-9, 46.6% (n= 54) 10-18 years old. Comorbid conditions were found in 64 (55.2%) patients. The mean follow-up period was 5.90 ± 3.61 [min-max (1-12)] months; longest symptom durations: decrease in effort loss/fatigue 19.25 ± 74.56 (0-365) days, concentration difficulties 11.12 ± 49.75 (0-365) days, fatigue 9.61 ± 34.96 (0-365) days and cough were 8.34 ± 35.37 (0-365) days. The percentage of the patients who met the definition of subacute/ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 was 37.9% (n= 44). The most common symptoms were the decrease of effort capacity/fatigue 12.1% (n= 14) and the concentration difficulties 10.3% (n= 12) in subacute symptomatic patients. The percentage of patients matching the definition of chronic/post COVID-19 was 11.2% (n= 13). In the first year of the disease, ongoing complaints such as fatigue and concentration difficulties were observed in eight patients. The rate of concentration difficulties in the 10-18 age group was statistically significantly higher than the 0-9 age group (p= 0.037). In terms of other symptoms, no significant difference was found according to age, gender and concomitant disease status. Out of these, one patient was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes mellitus during the acute illness, and two patients were diagnosed with allergic rhinitis after COVID-19. A statistically significant difference was found in the rates of concentration disorders according to age groups with subacute/ongoing symptoms. Although only the hospitalized patients were included, fatigue and difficulty in concentration were among the most common ongoing symptoms in our study, similar to the literature, and they were seen to be more common in older children. It is important both for early diagnosis and awareness to follow up children with COVID-19 in terms of symptoms, not only in terms of prolonged symptoms but also in terms of new diseases.

Copyright of Klimik Journal / Klimik Dergisi is the property of DOC Design & Informatics Co. Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Health Academics / Sağlık Akademisyenleri Dergisi is the property of Journal of Health Academics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: During the COVID-19 pandemic, several studies have reported increased suicidality. The widespread negative impacts of the pandemic, such as the economic downturn, isolation, and quarantine, have contributed to the complex interaction of factors influencing suicidal behavior. This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics of individuals with suicidal thoughts/attempts between the pandemic and the pre-pandemic period. Methods: This descriptive study retrospectively evaluated the data of patients between 2018 and 2022. The period from March 2020 to March 2022 was defined as the “pandemic period”, while the period from March 2018 to March 2020 was labeled as the “pre-pandemic period”. While 185 patients applied to the emergency department due to suicidal thoughts/attempts in the pre-pandemic period, the number of cases consulted during the pandemic was 150. Results: During the COVID-19 period, 21% of patients were evaluated due to suicidal thoughts/attempts. In the pre-pandemic period, this rate was approximately 20%. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of age, suicide method, or lifetime psychiatric diagnoses. The proportion of males who presented with suicidality during COVID-19 was significantly higher. Conclusion: Pandemics can create social trauma and increase suicide rates. Gender roles, such as men being more inclined to conceal their complaints and feeling more economically responsible, may have increased the rates of suicidality during the pandemic. The mental, physical, and social impacts of the pandemic should be assessed in this context, and necessary precautions and interventions should be planned.

Inflammation plays a key role in the progression of COVID-19 infection from acute viral disease to organ failure and death. Tocilizumab maintains its current place as a frequently preferred agent in hyperinflammatory syndrome in COVID-19 infection. This study was aimed to evaluate changes in oxygen parameters and inflammatory markers before and after treatment, to define survival rates and complications in the patients who have been followed up in the tertiary intensive care unit of our hospital with the diagnosis of COVID-19 and who have been administered tocilizumab for hyperinflammatory syndrome in the follow-up. This study was planned as a retrospective observational study. A total of 132 patients were included in the study. The patient's data; age, comorbidities, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and acute physiologic assessment and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II) scores, duration of stay on a mechanical ventilator, duration of stay in the intensive care unit, positivity of real-time polymerase chain reaction (Rt-PCR), the presence of lung tomography findings specific to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, survival data, laboratory parameters, lactate mmol/L, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), oxygen saturation % (SpO2) and partial pressure of oxygen/inspired oxygen (PaO2/FiO2) values on hospitalization date, tocilizumab administration date and post-administration days one, three, five, and seven; treatments administered and drug complications were recorded. IBM SPSS Version 25.0 statistical package program was used for statistical analysis. Of the 132 patients, 36 were female and 96 were male (p= 0.972). The mean age was 61.9 ± 1.07 years, the mean APACHE 2 score ± standard deviation (SD) was 14.89 ± 5.22 and mortality was 41.7%. The mean duration on a mechanical ventilator was 9.54 ± 15.63 days and the mean length of stay in the intensive care unit was 20.50 ± 15.48 days. A statistically significant difference was found between the PaO2, SpO2, and the PaO2/FiO2 values on the day of hospitalization and days one, three, five, and seven after tocilizumab administration, and also between the day of tocilizumab administration and days following the administration (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in ferritin, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein levels, and a significant increase in the lymphocyte count (p<0.05). Elevated transaminases (n= 36), acute renal injury (n= 25), atrial fibrillation (n= 10), pneumothorax (n= 10), and pneumomediastinum (n= 6) were the most common complications during the disease. In our study, a significant improvement was observed in inflammatory parameters and oxygen parameters from the first day after tocilizumab administration. In the first seven days patient mortality was zero with improvement in the P/F ratios. These data supported the opinion that tocilizumab might be an effective treatment option for COVID-19 infection. In addition to the potential benefits of tocilizumab in critical COVID-19 patients, it is essential that the side effects related to the use of the drug be closely monitored, and early identification of and intervention in thromboembolic events increases survival.

Respiratory tract infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality at all ages and are seen as a very important public health problem all over the world. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the pandemic on the epidemiological and seasonal characteristics of the agents by analyzing the respiratory viral infection agents, viral co-infections and associations with Coronavirus diseases-2019 (COVID-19) studied by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test in the molecular microbiology laboratory in a three-year period, including the one-year period before the pandemic. Between March 2019 and December 2021, 8825 respiratory tract specimens accepted to the molecular microbiology laboratory with respiratory tract multiplex PCR test requests were included in the study. In addition, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2) PCR test results of the patients with positive results with respiratory tract multiplex PCR test, which were studied within ± 3 days, were evaluated retrospectively. Respiratory viral pathogens were detected using FTD Respiratory Pathogens 21 kit (Fast Tract Diagnostics, Siemens Healthineers Company). Two different kits based on real-time reverse transcription PCR were used for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in different periods. According to our results, at least one viral agent was detected in 2156 (24.4%) of a total of 8825 samples and a single agent was detected in 1843 (85.5%) of these. The distribution of viruses in the samples with a single agent was determined as RV, RSV A/B, HCoVs, AdV, flu A virus, MPV A/B, PIV 1-4, flu B virus, EV, BoV and PeV, in order of frequency. Multiple agents were found in 313 (14.5%) of these 2156 samples. They were found to be two agents in 291 samples, three in 21 samples and four in one sample. When the SARS-CoV-2 PCR test results of the patients who had positive results with respiratory tract multiplex PCR and who were studied within ± 3 days were evaluated retrospectively, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in 45 (3.5%) of 1277 samples in which at least one agent was detected. In four of these patients, SARS-CoV-2 was found together with multiple agents. Consequently, there was a sharp decrease in the prevalence of all viral agents during the pandemic period. It was evaluated that besides the COVID-19 infection, the restrictions applied during the pandemic period were also effective in this situation.

Objective: The estimation of disease severity based on early biomarkers may facilitate treatment and reduce mortality in patients with COVID-19. The present retrospective, observational study evaluates the role of different inflammatory indices in predicting mortality in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: The prognostic value for the prediction of 30-day mortality of inflammatory parameters [C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, procalcitonin (PCT)] and [neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), derived NLR (dNLR), systemic inflammation index (SII), C-reactive protein-to-lymphocyte ratio (CRP/L), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, and neutrophi-lto-lymphocyte and platelet ratio (N/LP)] were evaluated upon the initial admission of 305 COVID-19 patients to the intensive care unit. Results: In this study, APACHE score, ferritin, PCT and CRP/L were significantly higher in the non-survivors than in survivors. No significant differences were found in the other inflammatory indices. High ferritin (p

Objective: The Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a critical need for optimal tracheostomy time. This study investigated the effects of early and late tracheostomy procedures performed in a tertiary center’s intensive care unit (ICU) on patient outcomes and mortality during the four years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study included patients who underwent percutaneous tracheostomy in the ICU between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were classified into Group 1 (early

Objective: Relevant studies have suggested that the administration of convalescent plasma (CP) collected from COVID-19 patients who have recovered from the infection and whose plasma contains antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 is safe and may be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. The present study aimed to investigate whether the number of CP doses administered, the power of the IgG ratio and the time of CP administration following positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR had an impact on the 30-day in-hospital mortality. Materials and Methods: This single-center retrospective study was conducted with patients who were hospitalized and met the severe/critical COVID-19 disease criteria and received CP. Demographics, comorbidities, co-medications, onset of symptoms, duration between SARSCoV- 2 PCR testing and hospitalization, the time of the first CP administration, laboratory results, respiratory support needs, O2 saturation, fever at the baseline, APACHE II scores and SOFA scores were recorded. Results: Of the 224 patients with the mean age of 64.2±14.5 (19-91) years, 143 were male. The most common comorbidities were hypertension and congestive heart failure. Chronic renal failure, mechanical ventilation needs, PO2/FiO2

Objective: It is known that coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19), patients continue to have symptoms, respiratory system insufficiency and loss of functional status in the post-COVID period after dischargefrom the hospital. Materials and Methods: A total of 101 patients who werehospitalized in the intensive care unit and who could be questioned for their post-COVID symptoms at the1st and 3rd months after discharge from the hospital were included in this study. Results: The most frequent symptom observed at the time of discharge was dyspnea (n=89), which has been found to be related to comorbidity, hypoxiaand hypertension. Moreover, it was observed thatat least 1 symptom persisted in 50 patients at the 3rd month of discharge, and the most frequentsymptom was fatigue and forgetfulness. Conclusion: Taking into account the patients’ risk factors, comorbidities and conditions during the hospitalization process, the process of transition to normal life after discharge can be accelerated with early discharge and more effective rehabilitation according to their functional status. Thus, labor loss can be prevented and costs can be reduced.

Purpose: The COVID-19 epidemic has affected the entire world. This article aims to investigate the relationship between daily COVID-19 cases, deaths and recoveries, and daily COVID-19 vaccines in Turkey, and the effectiveness of vaccine studies. Materials and Methods: Based on the data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Turkey, this study aims to investigate the relationship between vaccine doses and COVID-19 cases, deaths, and recoveries. The analysis covers the period from January 13, 2021, when the first dose of the vaccine was administered, to May 31, 2022, the most recent date for which daily data is available. The data were obtained from the Turkey COVID-19 Pandemic Monitoring Screen (TURCOVID19) platform, with a total of 504 days of data being analyzed. Results: The daily number of first-dose vaccinations was 1,458,245, and the daily number of second-dose vaccinations was 912,226, with high values observed for both the first and second doses. During periods of high vaccination rates, a decrease in daily death counts and an increase in daily recovery rates were observed. The number of recovered cases reached its peak after the administration of the third and fourth doses of the vaccine. It was also observed that the number of individuals infected after receiving two doses of the vaccine was significantly lower compared to the number of infected individuals who were unvaccinated. Conclusion: The results obtained from various studies conducted worldwide and in Turkey consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing the disease burden.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the global economy and financial markets, including a significant impact on the cryptocurrency markets. This study analyzes the impact of the COVID-19 process on bitcoin price movements. The study examines the daily price data of bitcoin between 01/03/2020 and 01/04/2022 and uses ARCH and GARCH models to estimate volatility. The results show that there was a significant increase in bitcoin volatility during the initial period of the pandemic. This reflects a period when the pandemic increased uncertainty in financial markets and spurred investor interest in cryptocurrencies. While the ARCH model showed limited success in analyzing the short-term dynamics of volatility, the GARCH model captured the long-term trends in volatility more effectively. However, both models were insufficient to fully predict the sudden and extreme increases in volatility observed during crisis periods such as the pandemic. In addition to analyzing the impact of the pandemic on cryptocurrency markets, the study provides important implications for investor behavior and volatility management. In this context, it highlights the importance of developing risk management and regulatory frameworks in cryptocurrency markets.

Aim: Today, vaccine hesitancy is one of the top 10 global health threats, which hinders adequate immunization coverage and herd immunity. The most recent global event that has led to a surge in vaccine hesitancy is the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 vaccines have been studied extensively, but a sizable number of people continue to have misgivings towards COVID-19 vaccines. Materials and Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey among adults across Tamil Nadu, India, to measure the frequency of vaccine hesitancy and to understand the factors contributing to it. Results: In our study population (n=1622), 49% were unwilling to get vaccinated. Hesitancy was higher among males when compared to females (54% vs. 41%) and among the older population when compared to the younger population (58% vs. 43%). The most preferred information sources regarding COVID-19 vaccines were television (38%), social media (25%), and newspapers (16%). Among the various social media platforms, WhatsApp was the most popular (33%), and Twitter was the least popular (2%). Half the population (52%) felt that herbal supplements were sufficient to provide immunity against COVID-19. The most common reason for hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccination was the perception that the vaccine was not safe enough (52%). Conclusion: Our study shows that even after sufficient time had passed since the start of the pandemic, vaccine hesitancy in a progressive state such as Tamil Nadu was disturbingly high. This warrants the need for more efforts to educate the public about the necessity of vaccines.

Introduction: This study addressed the difficulties and advantages experienced by the mothers of pediatric oncology patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional study, the sample consisted of 300 mothers of children treated in the pediatric oncology and hematology clinic of a university hospital in Türkiye. The study was approved by an ethics committee. Permission was obtained from the hospital. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Data were collected using a questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test. Results: Most participants regarded COVID-19 as a risk factor for their children with cancer (96.7%). More than a quarter of the participants worried that their children with cancer would not survive COVID-19 (38.7%). More than half of the participants experienced extra stress during the COVID-19 pandemic (68%). Only one in ten participants stated that they needed psychological support during the COVID-19 pandemic (12.3%). The diagnosis, gender (child), and economic status did not significantly affect the participants’ extra stress during the COVID-19 pandemic (p>0.05). Most participants noted that the COVID-19 pandemic helped them isolate their children with cancer (84.3%), wear masks (94%), understand the importance of masks during cancer treatment (90.7%), and relieve disease management (83.0%) Conclusion: Although the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the current situation for mothers of pediatric oncology patients, it contributed to the isolation process and disease management.