Search

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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.)

In this paper, we provide an update on autism spectrum disorder (ASD), including epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical presentation, instrumental investigations, early signs, onset patterns, neuropsychological hypotheses, treatments, and long-term outcome. The prevalence of this condition has increased enormously over the last few decades. This increase prompted a search for possible environmental factors whose effects would add up to a genetic predisposition leading to the development of autism. But the genetic and environmental variables involved are extremely numerous, and conclusive data regarding the etiopathogenesis are still far away. Assuming that a well-defined etiology is still found today only in a minority of cases, numerous pathogenetic mechanisms have been hypothesized. Among these, we mention oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, alteration of the intestinal microbiota, immune dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. These pathogenetic mechanisms could alter epigenetic status and gene expression, finally leading to ASD. Inherent in the term spectrum is the great clinical heterogeneity of this condition, mainly due to the frequent comorbidity that characterizes it. The earlier the diagnosis is made and the earlier psychoeducational treatment begins, the better the prognosis. In this sense, the role of pediatricians can be decisive in making children with signs suggestive of autism undergo a specialist diagnostic course. The development of increasingly advanced cognitive-behavioral educational techniques has considerably improved the prognosis of affected individuals, even though only a small minority of them come off the autistic spectrum. Pharmacological therapies are used to treat comorbidities. During childhood, the most important prognostic factor for long-term outcome seems to be intellectual functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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 Turkish Thoracic Journal / Turk Toraks Dergisi is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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 Turkish Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) 2017 revealed that 17.9% of students aged 13-15 used tobacco products and 7.7% smoked cigarettes. Given the high prevalence of smoking, it is important to evaluate the factors associated with quit attempts among adolescents. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with Turkish adolescents' attempts to quit smoking using Structural Equation Model (SEM) analyses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study utilized the data from GYTS 2017, which is a cross-sectional, nationally representative, schoolbased study carried out below 18-year-olds. The study population (n = 18 985) consisted of students who had smoked cigarettes within the past year. After excluding inconsistent responses, 9735 students remained for the analysis. The outcome was an attempt to quit smoking within the past year. Structural Equation Model (SEM) was used for data analysis. The model had good fit (CFI = 0.917, TLI = 0.900, RMSEA = 0.032). RESULTS: Of the 9735 students, 66.4% were male. In the past 12 months, 56.3% (95%CI: 55.3%-57.3%) of smokers attempted to quit. Exposure to anti-tobacco policies (β = 0.114. P < .001) had positive direct effects, whereas sociodemographic factors (β = -0.086. P < .001), nicotine dependency (β = -0.037. P = .008) and exposure to second-hand smoke (β = -0.051. P < .001) had negative direct effects on quit attempts. CONCLUSION: More than half of the smokers attempted to quit, and nicotine dependence predicted quit attempts. Exposure to secondhand smoke decreased cessation attempts. Anti-tobacco policies such as sale restrictions and warnings of the dangers of tobacco products should be given high priority and enforced fully since they are the strongest predictors of quit attempts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: This study aims to retrospectively evaluate the incidence and stage of oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS: A total of 102 patient records of patients hospitalized between 2014 and 2019 in the adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation clinic of a tertiary university hospital in Turkey were evaluated. Data were collected through a retrospective evaluation of patient records. Records made according to the WHO Oral Toxicity Scale included in the patient records during hospitalization in the adult hematopoietic stem cell transplantation clinic were evaluated. Oral mucositis data from recordings were analyzed at baseline, and on days 5, 10, 15, and 30). RESULTS: 96.1% (n = 98) of 102 patients developed oral mucositis; only 10.7% had Grade 3, and 2.7% had Grade 4. Oral mucositis development time was 8.28 ± 0.32 days, and recovery time was 14.25 ± 0.78 days. It was determined that smoking, diagnosis, transplantation type, and preparatory regimen affected the oral mucositis healing process. CONCLUSION: While the incidence of oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in our study was similar to be similar with the reported findings in the literature, the proportions of Grade 3 and 4 oral mucositis were lower in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: To determine the effect of kangaroo mother care (KMC) on perfusion index, heart rate, and oxygen saturation in premature infants who were discharged early and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the following days. METHODS: This study has a randomized controlled experimental design and uses a pretest--posttest control group model. This study included infants between December 2019 and December 2020 who were discharged early and subsequently admitted to the NICU. Experimental (n = 38) and control (n = 38) groups were assigned using the simple randomization technique at the NICU of a private university hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. Heart rate, perfusion index, and oxygen saturation levels of the experimental group in which KMC was applied and the control group in which KMC was not applied were compared. Measurements of these parameters were made at 15-minute intervals for 45 minutes (0--1, 15, 30, 45 minutes). Data were collected via the Mother and Infant Introductory Information Form, Kangaroo Mother Care Preparation Checklist, Kangaroo Mother Care Physiological Parameter Monitoring Form, and Noninvaziv Pulse Co-Oximetry. Statistics of these data were performed with the independent sample t-test, Pearson's Chi-square, Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In the experimental and control groups, infants' gestational age (31.11 ± 3.25 and 31.61 ± 3.04, respectively; p = .491) and weight (1778.29 ± 436.93 and 1953.29 ± 345.74, respectively; p = .057) were similar, and the differences were statistically insignificant. Before KMC, there was no difference between the heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index values of the experimental and control groups (p > .05). From the first 15 minutes after the application of KMC to 45 minutes post-KMC, there was a significant decrease in (p = 0.001) and stabilization of heart rate and oxygen saturation in the experimental group compared with the control group. The heart rates in the experimental group at 15th, 30th, and 45th minutes during KMC were lower than in the control group (147.63 ± 11.04; 142.47 ± 11.94; 136.82 ± 13.22 and 153.13 ± 8.73; 154.50 ± 7.27; 154.84 ± 7.05, respectively). Also, their oxygen saturation during KMC was higher than in the control group (96.68 ± 2.08; 97.24 ± 2.18; 97.87 ± 1.66 and 94.79 ± 1.27; 94.66 ± 1.45; 94.39 ± 1.38, respectively). This significant difference between KMC on heart rate and oxygen saturation in the experimental group compared to the control group continued for 45 minutes after KMC. The perfusion index was significantly higher at 30 minutes and 45 minutes during KMC. However, although it continued after KMC, this change in perfusion index was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Kangaroo mother care helps to regulate the heart rate, oxygen saturation, and perfusion index of premature infants who were discharged early and admitted to the NICU in the following days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Spices, because of their bioactive content, can cause irritation and allergic symptoms in the respiratory system and skin. Spice shop workers are constantly exposed to spices and dried herbs as part of their jobs. This study aimed to investigate the work-related symptoms of spice shop workers. Another aim was to assess the risk status of having an atopic nature for work-related symptoms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Our research team visited the spice shops and a questionnaire was administered to 112 workers to assess work-related symptoms. In order to determine atopy, 79 of them had skin prick tests with common aeroallergens. RESULTS: Workers had eye complaints (19.6%), runny noses (22.3%), skin symptoms (9.8%), shortness of breath (9.8%), and coughs (19.6%) at work. The prevalence of atopy was 18%. Atopy was associated with work-related eye complaints (odds ratio (OR): 4.12, 95% CI: 1.17-14.46), work-related runny nose, and work-related cough (OR: 4.85, 95% CI: 1.44-16.32, and OR: 4.41, 95% CI: 1.30-14.97). CONCLUSIONS: The workers in spice shops are adversely affected by spices and dried herbs in their working environment. Being sensitive to common aeroallergens poses a risk for occupational symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The management of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) has changed with the identification of molecular pathways. We aimed to reveal the 3-year epidermal growth factor (EGFR), anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), and ROS proto-oncogene 1 (ROS1) mutation profile in the Turkish population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The histopathological and molecular data of all NSCLC cases from our department between May 2019 and April 2022 were evaluated. RESULTS: Molecular testing was performed in 197 NSCLC cases, and results were obtained in 182 (92.4%) (M/F: 144/38, aged 39-86). Of these, 121 were diagnosed with adenocarcinoma, 36 with squamous cell carcinoma, and 25 with NSCLC-not otherwise specified. The EGFR mutation was seen in 21 (11.5%) cases (6 exon 19 deletions, 3 exon 18 [all codon 719], 2 exon 20, 8 exon 21 point mutations, 1 concurrent exon 19 deletion and exon 20 codon 790 M point mutation, and 1 concurrent exon 19 deletion and exon 21 point mutation). The double mutation rate of EGFR was 1.1%. The mean age of these patients was 63.4 (40-79), with 24% of all females (n = 9) and 8.3% of all males (n = 12). The ALK mutation was detected in 6 (3.3%) patients (M/F: 4/2, aged 45-82), whereas the ROS1 mutation was detected in 3 (1.7%) (M/F: 2/1, aged 40-64). CONCLUSION: It is well established in the literature that EGFR-activating mutation rates vary depending on regions and ethnic groups. We concluded that the EGFR-activating mutation rates of the Turkish population are similar to the European molecular data instead of the Asian. The ALK and ROS1 mutation rates also seem concordant with the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Tobacco use is an important risk factor for more than 20 types of cancer, especially cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, and many other health problems. Cigarettes are one of the most commonly used tobacco products in the world, and they can cause both physical and mental addiction. Adolescence is known to be the highest-risk period in terms of addiction among all age groups. As a result, smoke-free campus practices have become even more important in universities. This study investigates the prevalence of smoking among Pamukkale Medical School students and their views and behaviors regarding smoke-free campus practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 548 medical students at Pamukkale Universıty Faculty of Medicine during the academic year 2021-2022, between April 1-29, 2022. A face-to-face interview was conducted. Students' smoking status and their views about a smoke-free campus were assessed. In the questionnaire, the independent variables were socio-demographic characteristics, duration of staying in a smoke-free environment, smoking status in the place of residence, areas where smoking is most common, Fagerström nicotine dependence level, knowledge about smoke-free campus applications and campuses with the smokefree application. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.0 package program was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics are presented with numbers and percentages for categorical variables, while the arithmetic mean and standard deviation are used for continuous variables. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov analysis was used to test the compatibility of data to normal distribution. RESULTS: The student smoking rate increased significantly as the number of semesters increased (P = .021). The smoking rate of male students was higher than that of female students (P = .001). The smoking rate of students living with their family or relatives was lower (P = .020). Smokers (14.7%) were more likely to have heard about the introduction of smoke-free zones on campus than nonsmokers (11%) (P = .280). 81.4% of students affirmed the statement, "The number of smoke-free rooms should be increased," and 84.3% responded, "I support the existence of smoke-free spaces." Nonsmoking students (90.8%) are more likely to agree that smoke-free spaces should be increased than those who smoke (57.7%) (P < .001). Among the students, 17.6% of nonsmokers and 37.8% of smokers find the information about smoke-free spaces sufficient (P < .001). The rate of those who consider smoke-free space inspections to be sufficient is lower for nonsmoking students than for nonsmokers (P = .017). Nonsmokers (89.5%) support the existence of smoke-free spaces to a higher degree than smokers (71.2%) (P < .001). CONCLUSION: One-third of Pamukkale University Faculty of Medicine students smoke, and smoking rates are higher among men and those who do not live with family or relatives. All participants strongly support the existence of smoke-free zones (84.3%), while a proportion of tobacco users (31.4%) support the implementation of a smoke-free campus. Student opinions of the smoke-free zones and the smoke-free campus application are more positive among nonsmokers than smokers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The total annual count of reported tuberculosis (TB) cases continues to decline throughout Turkey. Recognizing the regions with high and low burdens and revealing the factors affecting TB notification rates may play a role in guiding national control programs. This study aimed to analyze the spatial distribution of TB notification rates from 2005 to 2018 and evaluate the factors contributing to TB rates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this ecological study, we used freely available open data from the Internet. We employed global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis to identify the spatial distribution and the clusters with low and high burdens. We conducted an ordinary least square regression model, spatial lag model, and spatial error model. The best-fitting model was selected via model parameters. RESULTS: Throughout the study period, the provinces in West Marmara Region (Edirne, Kırklareli, Tekirdağ, Çanakkale) were consistently in a high-burden cluster. In univariate ordinary least square regression, population density, the proportion of contacts screened for TB, the proportion of TB contacts who received prophylaxis, TB dispensary count, mean particulate matter 10 levels, and gross domestic product were found to be positively associated with TB notification rate. The best-fitting multivariate spatial lag model revealed that the proportion of contacts screened for TB (ß, z-value: 0.89, 2.21) positively affected TB notification rate. CONCLUSION: The high TB burden in West Marmara Region should warn policymakers to maintain a focused approach to controlling TB in this area. This study showed the importance of contact tracing efforts to prevent the underdetection of TB cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study conducted in Turkey that examines the relationship between nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) and COVID-19 cases and deaths. The study analyzes daily data from March 11, 2020, to March 8, 2022, and uses the Toda and Yamamoto causality analysis to determine the causal relationship between the stringency index (SI) and new cases and deaths. The results show that an increase in new cases and deaths leads to an increase in the stringency level, but the stringency level does not significantly affect new cases and deaths. However, increases in the stringency level do lead to a significant reduction in COVID-19 incidence in the subsequent 28 days. The findings suggest that there is a one-way causal relationship between NPIs and COVID-19 cases and deaths in Turkey, emphasizing the importance of considering the lagged effect of the stringency index on the number of cases and deaths. This research can help decision-makers understand the consequences of pandemic interventions and develop appropriate strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: Empty sella (ES) means an enlarged sella turcica that is not completely filled with pituitary tissue. Occasionally patients may have ES with the tumor situated within the normal pituitary tissue. In this paper we describe an ES case which presented with acromegaly clinical findings. Case Report: 52-year-old woman presented with enlarging of her hands and feet. Physical examination revealed typical acromegalic features and no visual field defects. Laboratory data showed elevated serum growth hormone [GH: 1.83 ng/ml. NR (0.06-5)] and insulin-like growth factor- 1 [IGF-1: 661ng/ml, NR (55-248)]. An oral glucosetolerance test(OGTT) showed no suppression of GH values. The other pituitary hormone profile was in normal range. Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) revealed an empty sella and no sellar mass (Figure 1). We considered this situation as MRI-occult adenoma. Somatostatin 30 mg/day was started and cabergolin 0.5 mg/week was added. There are no complications of acromegaly and the laboratory is stable (GH <1 ng/mL, IGF-1 normal) at the 5-years followup. Discussion: The acromegalic patients who present with empty sella are more likely to have small-sized tumors that are not detected on the MRI. Even though the most widely accepted recommendation in these patients is surgery as the primary treatment regardless of tumor size. it's reported that intraoperative cerebrospinal fluid leakage and noncurative resection is higher in these patients. At our case, as the patient didn't have hypopituitarism, we followed the patient with medical treatment and there was no mass growth or clinical deterioration. As our opinion, follow-up can be a choice at these patients to protect the patient from worse endocrinologic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, increasing the rate of green energy use in order to meet the increasing energy demand and combat global warming has become one of the important goals of the countries. For this reason, the integration of renewable energy sources as distributed generation has become increasingly popular. In this study, hybrid renewable energy systems were designed for the electrification of a 100-household area in the Sarayköy district of Denizli province, Turkey, and the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables program was used to optimize the required component outputs to to achieve the best economic and environmental results. A total of six hybrid renewable energy system designs, three grid-connected and three stand-alone, were created with different combinations of components such as photovoltaic panel, wind turbine, diesel generator, battery energy storage system, and converter. The most economical design was the grid-connected system with only solar energy with a unit energy cost of 0.0362 $/kWh, while the most cost-effective was the stand-alone system containing solar energy, wind energy, and batteries with 1.61 $/kWh. In terms of the environment, on the contrary, off-grid systems emit less carbon dioxide, while on-grid systems emit more carbon dioxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a study on the development and validation of the Turkish version of the Concerns About Pain Scale (UW-CAP) for individuals with chronic low back pain. The Turkish version of the scale demonstrated good internal consistency, excellent test-retest reliability, and strong positive correlations with other pain-related measures. The authors conclude that the Turkish version of the UW-CAP is a valid and reliable tool for assessing pain catastrophizing in Turkish individuals with chronic low back pain. However, the study had limitations, such as the inclusion of only individuals with chronic low back pain and the lack of investigation into responsiveness and minimal clinically important difference values. [Extracted from the article]

This document is a research study that examines the effects of coronavirus anxiety and intolerance of uncertainty on cyberchondria during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. The study collected data from 402 individuals through online surveys and found a positive correlation between cyberchondria severity, coronavirus anxiety, and intolerance of uncertainty. The study suggests that sharing accurate information and providing mental support can help prevent cyberchondria during a pandemic. However, the study has limitations, such as the online data collection method and the cross-sectional design. Ethical approval was obtained for the study, and the document includes a list of references related to cyberchondria and COVID-19. [Extracted from the article]

Copyright of Journal of Business Administration & Social Studies is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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 long- and short-term benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants are known, and the number of studies on this subject is increasing daily. This study aimed to reveal current research trends, hotspots, and future frontiers in research on breastfeeding in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The most productive institutions, influential authors, the journals with the most publications by the authors, core research teams, and keywords in Turkey in the field of breastfeeding were analyzed using bibliometric methods. Additionally, breastfeeding-related articles published in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1980 and 2022 were scanned. The collected data were analyzed with the R Bibliometrix package program and VOSviewer. Results: It was determined that research on breastfeeding has accelerated since 2004, and the number of citations has increased with the number of publications. The fields of most productive writers in the area were found as social pediatrics, and the most influential institutions were İstanbul University and Hacettepe University. It was determined that there was no specialization in research on breastfeeding among authors distributed based on their productivity. The results also revealed the most influential articles and journals. The word analysis revealed that the breastfeeding literature in Turkey is sensitive to current developments, whereas the current status of breastfeeding, the factors affecting breastfeeding, and the effects of breastfeeding are the top areas of research. It was observed that maternal attachment and coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related issues have been studied more in recent years. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis contributes to understanding the current status and development of breastfeeding research in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The sleep quality and physical activity levels of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome during the lockdown period have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sleep quality, physical activity level, and fear of movement in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (n = 33) and healthy individuals (n = 30) were included in the study. Physical activity levels, sleep quality, and fear of movement were evaluated. RESULTS: The total physical activity amount of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals was lower than the acceptable levels. The obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group had significantly lower leisure-time physical activity (P = .006) and higher sitting time (P = .008) than the healthy individuals. Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome had significantly more sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction, and daytime sleepiness than healthy people (P < .001). Fear of movement was negatively correlated with the amount of vigorous (r = -0.395, P = .023) and leisure activities (r = -0.557, P = .001) in the obstructive sleep apnea syndrome group. CONCLUSION: During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals had lower physical activity levels. Physical activity counseling is an important strategy for increasing the physical activity of patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and healthy individuals during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and anxiety levels of healthcare workers in Turkey and South Africa and to determine the possible factors associated with anxiety. Methods: A cross-sectional study with 864 healthcare workers in Turkey and South Africa was conducted during May 1-October 30, 2020. The questionnaire included sociodemographic, individual, work-related, and about coronavirus disease 2019 questions. Anxiety was measured with the Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: A total of 864 people answered the questionnaire, 527 from South Africa and 337 from Turkey. Healthcare workers in both countries have mild anxiety levels, and the median value of the Beck Anxiety Scale score was significantly higher in the participants from South Africa (10) than the participants in Turkey (8) (P = .004). Compared to Turkey, the risk of moderate/severe anxiety was 1.56 times higher in South Africa. Female gender, duties out of work definition, difficulties of chronic illness management, difficulties in accessing the treatment of mental health problem, living with a person who is older than 65 or has a comorbidity, and personal protective equipment support were found to be associated with moderate/severe anxiety (P < .05). Conclusion: In order to reduce the mental health impact on healthcare workers, pandemic readiness plans must take into account working hours and workload, adequate personal protective equipment supply, and measures to provide psychological support to healthcare workers, especially those with pre-existing mental health illnesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ventricular extrasystole is one of the most common rhythm disorders in children, and almost all of them are characterized by normal cardiac functions without structural cardiac abnormalities. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical course of ventricular extrasystole in children who did not have cardiac structural abnormalities. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 24-hour rhythm Holter recordings performed in our clinic in children. Patients diagnosed with isolated ventricular extrasystole in Holter records and without structural heart disease on echocardiography were included in the evaluation. Results: A total of 20 160 Holter results were evaluated in the study, and 226 patients (male; 66%) met the criteria. The mean follow-up time was 8.7 ± 3.2 years. While 81.8% of the patients were asymptomatic, the most common symptom was palpitation and 5 patients had syncope. Of the patients, 72 (31.8%) received medical therapy. Beta-blockers were the most often prescribed medication. Cardiomyopathy did not develop in any of the patients during the followup period. A partial reduction in the frequency of ventricular extrasystole was observed in 42% of the patients, while complete recovery was observed in 22%. Conclusion: Ventricular extrasystole in children generally has a good prognosis; most of them are asymptomatic, and the rates of spontaneous regression over time are quite high, regardless of the origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Brain tumors in childhood carry a high risk for endocrine disorders due to the direct effects of the tumor and/or surgery and radiotherapy. Somatotropes are vulnerable to pressure and radiotherapy; therefore, growth hormone deficiency is one of the most frequent abnormalities. This study aimed to evaluate endocrine disorders and recombinant growth hormone treatment outcomes in brain tumor survivors. Materials and Methods: In this study, 65 (27 female) patients were classified into 3 groups as craniopharyngioma (n = 29), medulloblastoma (n = 17), and others (n = 19). “Others” group included astrocytoma, ependymoma, germinoma, pineoblastoma, and meningioma patients. Anthropometric data and endocrine parameters of patients and their growth outcome with/without recombinant growth hormone therapy were collected from medical records, retrospectively. Results: Mean age at the first endocrinological evaluation was 8.7 ± 3.6 years (range: 1.0- 17.1 years). Height, weight, and body mass index standard deviation score, mean ± standard deviation (median) values were −1.7 ± 1.7 (−1.5), −0.8 ± 1.9 (−0.8), and 0.2 ± 1.5 (0.4), respectively. Hypothyroidism (central 86.9%, primary 13.1%) was detected during follow-up in 81.5% of patients. Primary hypothyroidism in medulloblastoma (29.4%) was significantly higher compared to other groups (P = .002). The frequency of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, central adrenal insufficiency, and diabetes insipidus was significantly high in the craniopharyngioma cases. Conclusion: In our study, endocrine disorders other than growth hormone deficiency were also frequently observed. In craniopharyngioma cases, the response to recombinant growth hormone therapy was satisfactory. However, there was no improvement in height prognosis during recombinant growth hormone therapy in medulloblastoma patients. A multidisciplinary approach to the care of these patients, referral for endocrine complications, and guidelines on when recombinant growth hormone therapy is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: An appreciation of the prevalence, correlates, and risk factors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Turkey may provide valuable knowledge for understanding the intersocietal variation of suicidal phenomena. In this report, we systematically reviewed the prevalence, correlates, and risk factors for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in Turkey. Methods: Relevant publications were identified by a literature search using Google Scholar, PubMed, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science. Results: Seventy-two studies were included. This review found evidence that variables such as poor problem-solving skills, coping strategies, hopelessness, childhood trauma, adverse life experiences, loneliness, lack of social support, family-related factors, anger, low self-esteem, attachment, substance use, and depression were associated with suicidal ideation and attempts. Despite this, reviewed studies showed incongruity in whether variables such as alexithymia, sleep quality, and obsessive symptoms were related to suicidal ideation and attempts. In addition, variables such as education, female gender, and reasons for living were only found to be associated with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: All the studies included in this review were from Turkey; therefore, the generalizability of the findings to other cultures or geographical contexts might be limited. This review did not include gray literature and studies on suicide death. The risk and correlated factors identified in this review can be included in comprehensive suicide screening and assessment administered by clinicians in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the increasing energy demand and the climate crisis in the world, the importance of alternative energy generation techniques, which are clean and cheap, is increasing. Since renewable energy sources are clean and sustainable, their integration into the grids at transmission or distribution levels as distributed generation sources provides significant benefits both economically and environmentally. Rooftop solar panels are also an application of small-power renewable distributed generation technologies. In this study, the economic and environmental analysis of the rooftop photovoltaic system designed to increase the green energy usage rate and reduce the greenhouse gases released to the environment has been made. Considering the electricity consumption data and roof area of an office building of a factory located in the north of Turkey, solar radiation data obtained from three different sources such as the General Directorate of Meteorology, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and Photovoltaic Geographical Information System were used during the analyses carried out in the Hybrid Optimization Models for Energy Resources program. By providing an annual average of 160 000 kWh (11%) clean energy generation, the annual release of pollutants such as 101.353 kg of carbon dioxide, 0.439 kg of sulfur dioxide, and 0.215 kg of nitrogen oxide to the environment has been prevented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pneumatization of paranasal sinuses varies greatly between patients, and certain pneumatization variants have been associated with specific clinical conditions. The present research aimed to evaluate the presence of coexistence smaller maxillary and frontal sinus volume and narrow internal nasal valve angle and whether this association is significant. Methods: Sixty patients aged above 18 years old who underwent surgery for caudal septal deviation at the ear nose throat department of a tertiary care hospital between 2018 and 2021 were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study. The internal nasal valve angle was measured from reformatted coronal computed tomography scans. The maxillary sinus volume and frontal sinus volume were calculated using a workstation. The maxillary sinus and frontal sinus volumes were classified as narrow side and wide side according to the internal nasal valve angle measurements. The narrow- and wide-side maxillary sinus and frontal sinus volumes were compared within each other. Results: There was a statistically significant difference between the maxillary sinus volumes of the narrow internal nasal valve angle side and wide internal nasal valve angle side (mean ± SD: 14.47 ± 5.45 and 15.21 ± 5.31 mL, respectively, P = .014). There was a statistically significant difference between the frontal sinus volumes of the narrow internal nasal valve angle side and wide internal nasal valve angle side (median: 2.85 and 3.08 mL, respectively, P < .001). Conclusion: The maxillary sinus and frontal sinus volumes ipsilateral to the narrow internal nasal valve angle sides were significantly decreased. This coexistence may be significant. Further studies are needed to explain the significance of this association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Health hazards of e-cigarettes including "e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury" are better understood today. Just as e-cigarettes, heated tobacco products release toxic emissions. We aimed to determine the knowledge and attitude about new generation tobacco products among physicians who were the members of an organization for health care professionals, the majority of whom are pulmonologists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, a self-administered online questionnaire-based survey was conducted among the physicians from April to October 2019. The survey included questions about demographics (gender, age, graduation date from medical institution, and academic title), their smoking status, their knowledge and attitudes toward new generation tobacco products, and additionally about whether new generation tobacco products can be used to aid in smoking cessation. RESULTS: Among the 506 members who responded to the survey, 56.7 % were female; the mean age was 42.4 ± 10.9 years (20-74). About 74.5% were pulmonologists, 5.5% were thoracic surgeons, and 20% were other physicians. Among the responders, the frequency of those who have not heard of new generation tobacco products before was determined as 9.5%, 24.5%, and 41.3%. At least 58.9% of participants lacked the knowledge necessary to discuss these products with their patients and the rate reached 76.7% for the heated tobacco product. To the question of whether new generation tobacco products can be used in smoking cessation, 68.4% responded "I never agree that they can be used." Non-current smokers (P = .003), elders (P = .001), those who had training on smoking cessation assistance (P = .001), and those who had experience in smoking cessation assistance (P = .009) were significantly more prevalent in the group who answered: "I never agree that they can be used." CONCLUSION: Physicians must become considerably more knowledgeable about the new generation tobacco products and hazards. Otherwise, these new tobacco products may pose new threats to national and global tobacco control efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tobacco addiction, which causes the death of more than 8.5 million people in the world every year, is a preventable global public health problem. There are 1.1 billion adult smokers worldwide and 60% of them desire or intend to quit but unfortunately, the tobacco industry continues to profit at the expense of people's lives by marketing electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products as a smoking cessation method and they continue to poison young people with new threat tobacco products, promising a "smoke-free future" Turkish Thoracic Society is actively involved in the implementation of the National Tobacco Control Program to protect public health and has warned and raised awareness of new threats to the youth, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The purpose of this report is to provide information about electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products and to present TTJ's position on the subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Atrial septal defect is a congenital heart disease usually diagnosed in childhood. This study aimed to evaluate the mid-term follow-up results of patients who underwent transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect by comparing the devices and methods used in the procedure and investigating the complications of this procedure in children. Materials and Methods: This study evaluated 232 patient files retrospectively. Of the 232 patients, 24 were excluded from the study due to missing files or data. Also, patients with multi-fenestrated atrial septal defect and aneurismatic septal tissue were excluded from the study. The following data were evaluated: follow-up time, patient complaints, symptoms, transthoracic echocardiography, and transesophageal echocardiography findings (if performed), the size of the defect as measured by balloon-sizing, the size of the device used in the procedure, and major and minor complications. Results: The study included 208 children who were diagnosed with atrial septal defect. The mean age of the patients was 88.0 ± 56.5 months. Of the patients, 170 (81.7%) had no complaints. The success rate of the procedure was found to be 95.7%. While device embolization was the most common major complication, arrhythmia was the most common minor complication. The complication rate was statistically different according to the device type used in the procedure. Conclusion: Transcatheter closure of atrial septal defect is a safe method for atrial septal defect closure in pediatric patients. The study found that defect diameters measured by different methods were not correlated with each other. The procedure complication rates differed according to device type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder diagnosed during adolescence. However, there are insufficient data about its prevalence among adolescents. This study aims to determine the prevalence of potential essential tremor cases in Turkish adolescents. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 5 high schools were visited. In the first step, the authors provided 5559 students (aged 14-18) with clinical information about tremors and essential tremors in their classrooms. After that, a 12-item questionnaire filled by adolescents and parental consent forms were collected. The response rate was 78% (n = 4330). According to the questionnaire answers, adolescents who complained of experiencing tremors in any part of their body were clinically evaluated in the second step of the study. Lastly, a neurological examination to classify essential tremors based on the Washington Heights Inwood Genetic Study of Essential Tremor (1998) diagnostic criteria was conducted by a specialist. Results: The prevalence of tremor in the respondents aged 14-18 (median = 15) years was 1.2 % (n = 52/4330), and the prevalence of essential tremor was 0.41% (n = 18/4330). Male to female ratio for essential tremor was 5 : 1 (male = 15 and female = 1). Essential tremor cases were sub-classified as following: 10 (55.5%) definite essential tremor, 3 (16.6%) probable essential tremor, and 5 (27.7%) possible essential tremor. Conclusion: The data support the claim that essential tremor is a prevalent movement disorder in Turkish adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: TURKBIO registry, established in 2011, is the first nationwide biological database in Turkey. This study aimed to provide an overview of TURKBIO data collected by June 2018. Methods: The registry included adult patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-AxSpA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Demographic and clinical features, disease activity markers, and other follow-up parameters, current and previous treatments, and adverse events were registered electronically at each visit using open-source software. The registration of patient-reported outcome measures was carried out electronically by the patients using touch screens. Results: TURKBIO registry included a total of 41,145 treatment series with biologicals. There were 2,588 patients with axSpA (2,459 AS and 129 nr-axSpA), 2,036 with RA, and 428 with PsA. The total number of patients, including those with other diagnoses, was 5,718. In the follow-up period, the number of patients and also visits steadily increased by years. The yearly mean number of visits per patient was found to be 2.3. Significant improvements in disease activity and health assessment parameters were observed following the biological treatments. Biologics were often given in combination with a conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug in patients with RA. Infections were the most commonly seen adverse events, followed by allergic reactions. Tuberculosis was observed in 12 patients, malignancy in 18, and treatment-related mortality in 31. Conclusion: TURKBIO provided a valuable real-life experience with the use of biologics in rheumatic diseases in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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: With this study, it was aimed to investigate whether the thoracic muscle mass of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 was related to disease severity and disease characteristics and to evaluate whether muscle mass measurement had a predictive effect on predicting disease severity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred twenty-three subjects (patient group = 161 and control = 62) who presented to our coronavirus disease 2019 outpatient clinic between May 2020 and September 2020 were included in the study. The medication, oxygen, and intubation requirements of the patients and their disease duration and hospital stay were also recorded. At the T4 level, thoracic and back (pectoralis, intercostalis, paraspinals, serratus, and latissimus dorsi) muscles and at the T12 level erector spinae muscles were measured in terms of area (cm²). RESULTS: T4-level muscle cross-sectional area results were found to be negatively correlated with the presence of pneumonia and the requirement of oxygen and intubation. In addition, both T4- and T12-level muscle cross-sectional area results were factors associated with oxygen and intubation requirements. T4-level muscle cross-sectional area results were also associated with the presence of pneumonia. CONCLUSION: We predict that there may be a relationship between the decrease in the mass of the accessory respiratory muscles and the severity of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, Early Career Task Force Group members of the Turkish Thoracic Society summarize the European Respiratory Society 2020 virtual congress. Current developments in the field of respiratory diseases were compiled with the addition of sessions specific to coronavirus disease 2019 this year. Almost all of the congress sessions were examined, and the important and striking results of the congress were highlighted. Congress sessions were attended by expert researchers, and the prominent messages of each session were highlighted in short summaries. They were then grouped under relevant titles and ranked in order of meaning and relation. It was finalized by a team of researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronavirus disease 2019 is a novel viral infection that has caused a pandemic globally. Many kinds of vaccine development studies were conducted to prevent the spread and deaths. The CoronaVac is the most commonly used vaccine in Turkey. Phase 3 trials from various countries revealed that CoronaVac efficacy ranged from 50.7% to 91.25% but increased in moderate or severe cases to 100%. Additionally, it was remarkable owing to high seroconversion rates achieving up to 100%. After the vaccine campaign began in Turkey, critically ill patients continued to admit to our center's intensive care unit though they had been vaccinated with 2 doses of CoronaVac. The clinical course of these patients revealed that they are still at high risk of severe disease and death. Therefore, we aimed to share these patients' clinical characteristics and disease course, laboratory, and radiologic data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review aimed to highlight some important points derived from the presentations of the European Respiratory Society 2021 Virtual International Congress by a committee formed by the Early Career Task Group of the Turkish Thoracic Society. We summarized a wide range of topics including current developments of respiratory diseases and provided an overview of important and striking topics of the congress. Our primary motivation was to give some up-to-date information and new developments discussed during congress especially for the pulmonologists who did not have a chance to follow the congress. This review also committed an opportunity to get an overview of the newest data in the diverse fields of respiratory medicine such as post-coronavirus disease 2019, some new interventional and technologic developments related to respiratory health, and new treatment strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The Impact of Weight on Quality of Life--Kids is a self-reported weight-related quality of life measure that has been validated for children and adolescents aged between 11 and 19. Impact of Weight on Quality of Life--Kids does not have a Turkish version. The aim of this study was to explore the reliability and validity of the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life--Kids in Turkish. Materials and Methods: The Impact of Weight on Quality of Life--Kids was translated into Turkish using Mapi Research Institute's suggested international translation technique. The psychometric evaluation included test--retest reliability, internal consistency, discriminant validity, concurrent validity, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. Results: For the total score, the internal consistency of the scale (Cronbach's alpha coefficient) was 0.93. The item-total score correlation coefficients ranged from 0.178 to 0.785. The testretest coefficients were found to be 0.94 for the total score and the subscales ranged from 0.66 to 0.89 after 2 weeks. Discriminant validity analysis demonstrated that the instrument differentiated well between the obese and non-obese samples. Five variables were discovered via factor analysis that explained 66.9% of the total variation. The chi-square/degree of freedom ratio value was 3.535, the comparative fit index value was 0.834, and the value of root mean square error of approximation was 0.10, as determined by confirmatory factor analysis. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated the adequate reliability and validity of the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life--Kids, suggesting that this scale is a useful tool for screening Turkish children and adolescents for weight-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study is to share our experience about clinical findings, natural course, and treatment response rates of a large cohort of patients with periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients who were diagnosed with PFAPA syndrome between January 2010 and May 2021 at Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty pediatric rheumatology department were reviewed retrospectively. Results: A total of 607 patients (females: 277, males: 330) with PFAPA syndrome were included. The median duration of episodes was 3 (1-15; interquartile range (IQR) 3-5) days, and the median interval between episodes was 20 days (5-120; IQR 15-30). The median age at the last attack and median disease duration were 66 (24-168; IQR 48-84) months and 40 (4-132; IQR 27.5-60) months, respectively. Fever (100%) was the most common clinical finding, followed by pharyngitis/exudative tonsillitis in 594 (97.9%), aphthous stomatitis in 308 (50.7%), cervical lymphadenopathy in 278 (45.8%), abdominal pain in 249 (41%), and arthralgia in 228 (37.6%) of the patients. Among the clinical findings, there was no statistical difference according to gender, except for cervical lymphadenitis being higher in males (P < .001). Of the patients who were given steroids during attacks, 94.6% were responsive. Colchicine was effective in 93 (63.7%) patients. The disease episodes ceased in 313 (95.4%) of patients who had tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy. Conclusions: Clinicians should be alert for additional symptoms such as abdominal pain, arthralgia, and headache apart from the cardinal signs. Although tonsillectomy is highly effective, its use is controversial. Colchicine may be a good alternative for prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Ambient air pollution is an important cause of morbidity and mortality for both individual and public health. The major contaminant that creates air pollution in Turkey is particulate matter. This study aims to demonstrate Turkey's air quality in terms of particulate matter in the last 4 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this descriptive study, the public data of the National Air Quality Monitoring Network between the years 2016 and 2019 were analyzed for particulate matter (PM10). Stations with less than 75% data throughout the year were excluded from the evaluation while calculating the annual average values. The averages of the years were compared statistically with each other. RESULTS: For 111 stations that made sufficient measurements for 4 years, the annual median value of particulate matter remained constant in 12 stations (10.8%), increased in 26 stations (23.4%), and decreased in 73 stations (65.7%). The level of air pollution at 18 stations has been sustained for 4 years. It has been observed that there is no significant improvement in the criterion that the daily average PM10 level should not be higher than 50 µg/m³ for more than 35 days, and pollution is detected above the limit value permitted by the World Health Organization in all provinces and stations except a few provinces every year. Finally, during the 4-year observation, the number of stations that did not make sufficient measurements throughout the year has been found to increase over the years. CONCLUSION: Our data reveal that the air pollution attributable to particulate matter in Turkey between the years 2016 and 2019 did not regress prominently. On the contrary, air pollution has been found to gain permanency in certain provinces, and air quality monitoring has been inadequate due to insufficient measurement activities of some of the stations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: In clinical practice, birth weight reference percentiles for singletons are used to evaluate twin births. The utilization of singleton reference percentiles for twins is not appropriate as they experience different growth trajectories. However, Turkey still lacks such references. Our aim was to create gestational age-specific birth weight references for female and male Turkish twins. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based, multi-centered, retrospective study. In total, 2544 live-born twins between 2010 and 2019 were included in the study. Gestational age, birth weight, mode of delivery, gender, birth order, chorionicity, maternal age, pregnancy resulting from assisted reproduction techniques, APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration) score at 5 minutes, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), length of stay in NICU, and death during the NICU stay were recorded. Results: Smoothed reference curves for birth weight by gestational age and separate tables for female and male twin neonates for the 3rd, 10th, 50th, 90th, and 97th percentiles from 26 to 39 weeks of gestational age were constructed. Overall neonatal and infant mortality rates during NICU stay in our twin cohort were 12/1000 and 16/1000, respectively. Conclusion: Twin-specific birth weight nomograms could be helpful as a reference for clinicians to identify high-risk neonates and fetuses who need specialized care. However, further studies with larger series are urgently needed for validation and use of these nomograms in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal emergencies in the newborn infant, and the incidence varies between 3% and 15% in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). It has a high risk of mortality and both short- and long-term morbidity which severely impacts the quality of life in the survivors. Lack of specific clinical and laboratory findings makes early diagnosis difficult for the clinician and sometimes results in overtreatment for feeding intolerance which is quite frequent in preterms and can easily be confused with NEC. The fact that there are many definitions and presentations of NEC even complicates the management. This review aims to summarize the guideline of the Turkish Neonatal Society for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of NEC for the clinician taking care of preterms. Etiopathogenesis and various clinical pictures of NEC, as well as diagnostic methods, are defined. Treatment and prognosis are discussed in detail with reference to current literature and preventive strategies are summarized based on evidence. Finally, the approach to baby presenting with suspected NEC is summarized in an algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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 aim of this study is to compare the screen time and digital gaming habits of Turkish children before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out in a university hospital between May 7, 2020 and June 27, 2020. Healthy children aged 3--10 years who applied to the pediatrics clinics for outpatient care were included in the study. A structured survey was applied to the parents who agreed to participate. Results: A total of 253 children were included in the study. It was found that the ratio of children with screen time of ≥1 hour during the pandemic was significantly higher than before the pandemic (p<0.001). It was determined that the ratio of children watching both adult and children's programs increased during the pandemic (p<0.001). The ratio of children playing digital games during the pandemic was also found to be increased significantly compared with that before the pandemic (p<0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that screen and digital gaming time increased independently of sociodemographic characteristics during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with before the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been more than 3 months now since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Turkey. Globally, the number of confirmed cases and deaths reached 9,653,048 and 491,128 respectively, as reported by 216 countries by June 27, 2020. Turkey had 1,396 new cases, 194,511 total cases, and 5,065 deaths by the same date. From the first case until today, the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) has been very proactive in educating doctors, increasing public awareness, undertaking academic studies, and assisting with public health policies. In the present report, social, academic, and management perspectives of the pandemic are presented under appropriate subtitles. During this critical public health crisis, TTS has once again demonstrated its readiness and constructive stance by supporting public health, healthcare workers, and the environment. This review summarizes the perspective of TTS on each aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic and casts light on its contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türk Pediatri Arşivi is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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.)

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to specify the reasons and extents of illicit Roll-Your-Own (RYO) and waterpipe tobacco (WPT) markets which broke out in Turkey and to determine the destruction of these markets over the effectiveness of main tobacco control measures, the effect of this destruction on increase in tobacco use and the measures that can be taken. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reliable data about illicit trade are quite limited. This study was prepared through using the recommended methods on illicit trade in "Methods for Evaluating Tobacco Control Policies" published by the International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC) and "Understand, Measure, and Combat Tobacco Smuggling" published by the World Bank. RESULTS: RYO and WPT markets are almost totally illicit in Turkey. These markets serve to tobacco outbreak by increasing total tobacco use far beyond the official data through its size surpassing 30% of total consumption and they have begun to invalidate all of the principle tobacco control measures by hindering and undermining them. CONCLUSION: In order to implement tobacco control measures effectively in Turkey, these illicit markets must be included in system by doing necessary regulations promptly. It is strongly needed that illicit RYO and WPT production and trade should be described as newly emerged threat areas in tobacco control literature, since other countries may suffer from similar problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Endocrinology & Metabolism is the property of Aves Yayincilik Ltd. STI 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 recommendation of conducting pulmonary function tests (PFTs) from different societies during and after the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was rated by the experts of the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) and presented as the TTS experts consensus report. Information about the topic has been provided. Globally, as of mid-May 2020, there have been over 4.4 million confirmed cases of COVID-19. There are two main routes of transmission of COVID-19: respiratory droplets and contact transmission. PFTs are non-invasive tests that are commonly performed in routine assessment and follow-up of patients in the pulmonology units. However, PFTs may generate aerosols and require sharing common surfaces. With regard to the high prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the community, PFTs should not be performed routinely in confirmed or suspected patients with COVID-19 during the pandemic. Because of the risk of human-to-human transmission of COVID-19, PFTs should be restricted to a small patient population with selected indications. Triage for COVID-19 should be performed prior to testing. Only essential PFTs such as spirometry, diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), arterial blood gas analysis, or pulse oximetry should be performed in the selected cases. Tests should be scheduled to allow sufficient time for donning and doffing of the technical personnel with the full personal protective equipment (PPE) (gown, a filtering respirator mask, goggles or full-face shield, and disposable gloves), ventilation of the room, and application of post-test cleaning and disinfection procedures of the equipment and the testing room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]