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Background: Intensive care units (ICU) are multidisciplinary departments where patients with life-threatening diseases, major surgical interventions, respiratory failure, coma condition, hemodynamic insufficiency, and ≥1 organ failure are admitted for relevant diagnoses and treatment. The present study sought to investigate pathogens causing infections in patients admitted to our respiratory ICU and their antibiotic resistance patterns. Materials and Methods: The antibiogram results and clinical data of all patient samples submitted between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2010, were retrospectively reviewed. Ethics committee approval was obtained from Dicle University Faculty of Medicine. Results: In total, 248 patients with 561 culture results were included in the study. Microbial growth was detected in the following samples: blood, 336 (59.9%); deep tracheal aspirate, 104 (18.6%); urine, 89 (15.9%); wound drain, 12 (2.1%); central venous catheter liquid, 7 (1.3%); phlegm, 10 (1.8%); Foley tip liquid, 1 (0.2%); and pleural effusion, and 1 (0.2%). Rapid growth was most frequently noted in the cultures of coagulase-negative staphylococci (25.3%), Acinetobacter spp. (23.1%), and Escherichia coli (12.6%). Conclusions: the present study revealed microorganisms' resistance profiles similar to those of other relevant studies. The study provides important insights into the selection of empiric antibiotic therapy for patients admitted in intensive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acarapis woodi (Rennie 1921) (Acari: Tarsonemidae) is one of the mites that settles in the respiratory system of honeybees (Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera, Apidae)) and distributed throughout the world. It causes significant economic losses on honey production. In Türkiye, studies on the existence of A. woodi are very limited and so far, no studies on the molecular diagnosis and phylogenetic of it have been reported in Türkiye. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of A. woodi in Türkiye, especially in areas where beekeeping is intense. Diagnosis of A. woodi was performed using both microscopic and molecular methods using specific PCR primers. Adult honeybee samples were collected from 1.193 hives in 40 provinces of Türkiye between 2018 and 2019. Based on identification studies, the presence of A. woodi was detected in a total of 3 hives (0.5%) in 2018 and 4 hives (0.7%) in 2019. This is the first report for determination of A. woodi in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Did the Greeks learn the alphabet directly from the Phoenicians or did they learn it from non-Semitic intermediaries? Were these intermediaries the Phrygians or did the Phrygians learn it from the Greeks or some other people? Discussing the form taken by certain Phoenician letters in the Greek and Phrygian alphabets, this article raises the hypothesis that the current forms of these two alphabets emerged for the first time in Cilicia Pedias towards the end of the 9th century BC at the chancery of the Achaean kingdom that had settled there. They were the first "Westerners" to master the Phoenician alphabet. From there, the alphabet, which by then had become consonantal and vocalic, would have spread to Phrygia through Cappadocia, and then to the peoples of the Mediterranean coast of Anatolia through Cilicia Trachea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of the rigorous endotracheal tube cuff pressure (ETTCP) management is to maintain cuff pressures within the recommended values during the mechanical ventilation period. However, hyperinflation or hypoinflation of cuff has been reported because of inconsistent clinical practices in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. Furthermore, there is no available best evidence for clinical decision-making regarding the ETTCP management provided by international institutes. Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the ETTCP management work system in ICU settings in urban hospitals of Turkey and the United States using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model. Methods : This was a direct observational, prospective field study, in which the COREQ (Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research) tool was used. The direct observations and follow-up interviews were conducted, and the results were reported using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety model. Results : We identified important characteristics of the ETTCP management work system in each of the 4 ICU and differences across the settings. Conclusion : Common use of the evidence-based and internationally used protocols may standardize the management of ETTCP, improve communication among ICU staff, and promote desired patient outcomes. Relevance to Clinical Practice : There is a need for developing strategies to provide standardized ETTCP management and to improve patient's quality of care. To improve the patient outcomes and quality of care, ICU managers should consider clear expectations for ETTCP management in each job description, structured and evidence-based protocols, and effective communication among disciplines and provide teaching opportunities to encourage physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists to meet their educational needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the values of tracheobronchial angles on computed tomography (CT) and to investigate the relationship between angles and CT severity scores (CT-SS) of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. There is no available literature measuring tracheobronchial angles of adult COVID-19 patients and investigating the relationship of angles with pneumonia severity. Material and Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective analysis of 92 RT-PCR positive patients, aged between 18-40 years, who underwent CT between May and October 2020. The right bronchial angles (RBA), left bronchial angles (LBA), subcarinal angles (SCA), and interbronchial angles (IBA) were measured by a radiologist on coronal CT images with the measurement model used in past. CT-SS was calculated by using a visual scoring system with a global score of 0-25. Results: Thirty-seven (40.2%) patients had normal CT imaging and 55 (59.8%) patients had pulmonary involvement. The CT-SS were ranged from 0 to 24, with a median value of 2.5. The mean IBA was calculated as 81.67±15.20°, mean SCA 77.65±15.78°, mean RBA 39.26±7.51°, and mean LBA 43.35±8.43°. No statistically significant difference was found in SCA, IBA, RBA, and LBA between the groups with and without COVID-19 pneumonia (p=0.277, p=0.389, p=0.218, and p=0.227, respectively). Also, no significant correlation was found between tracheobronchial angles and pneumonia CT-SS of the patients. Conclusion: We calculated the distribution range of tracheobronchial angle values in the adult Turkish COVID-19 patients. According to our study, tracheobronchial angles don't affect the disease severity and clinical outcome of COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arkhaia Anatolika: The Journal of Anatolian Archaeological Studies is the property of Arkhaia Anatolika 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: There are various anatomic variations in the tracheobronchial system. The frequency in studies with bronchoscopy was contradictory. This study aimed to investigate the tracheobronchial tree of the deceased patients with anatomical dissection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We made anatomical dissections on 204 cases in the Council of Forensic Medicine, Ministry of Justice. The deceased patients who were older than 12 years of age and of Turkish origin were included in this study consecutively. RESULTS: Of the 204 cases, 161 (78.9%) were males and 43 (21.1%) were females. The mean age was 44.15±19.23 years. Anatomical variations were found to be present in 200 cases (98% of total). The highest degree of variation of the right upper lobe was noted to be 16.6% (34/204). An anomalous arrangement (with three segments or different placement) of the middle lobe was noted in 16.1% of cases. For the basal lower lobe, b8+(b9+b10) pattern and basal orifice with four segments were noted to be the most frequent anatomical variant in the right and left lungs, respectively. The most frequent tracheobronchial variations were as follows: apical basal lobe with two subsegments in the right and left (39.7%), left lower lobe basal orifice with four segments (34.8%), left upper lobe with three segments (25.5%), and right lower lobe basal orifice with three main segmental bronchi (21.1%). CONCLUSION: The tracheobronchial tree exhibits highly individualistic features. The knowledge of the frequency of different variations obtained in different studies and normal anatomic variants in return makes doing therapeutic or diagnostic interventions easier and more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Numismática Hécate is the property of Revista Numismatica Hecate 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: To determine an optimal cuff inflation volume to achieve safe cuff pressure (20-25 cmH2O) in cuffed endotracheal tubes (ETTs) with an inner diameter of 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5 mm, which are commonly used in pediatric anaesthesia clinical practice and to create a formula to determine the optimal cuff volume., Methods: This study was carried out between February and June 2021 in Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. A total of 127 pediatric patients who were intubated with 4.5, 5.0 and 5.5 numbered cuffed ETTs were included in this study. The same brand of cuffed ETT was used for each patient. The diameter of the subglottic transverse airway was measured by ultrasound for selecting the appropriate tube. Cuff pressure was measured with a cuff manometer to ensure optimum cuff pressure (20-25 cmH2O)., Results: We found out that the mean ideal cuff volume inflated for 4.5 size tube was 1.7±0.3 ml, 1.9±0.3 ml for 5.0 size tube, and 2.1±0.3 ml for 5.5 size tube. Additionally we developed the "endotracheal cuff volume (ml) = 1,027 x height (m) + 0,104 x subglottic transverse diameter (mm) - 0,0191" formula to predict the most suitable inflation volume for ETT cuffs., Conclusion: In this study, we suggested the optimal cuff volume to inflate the cuffs of ETTs 4.5, 5.0, and 5.5, which are frequently used in pediatric anaesthesia practice, in the appropriate cuff pressure range. ClinicalTrials.gov ref. no.: NCT04948359 ., (Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal.)

The present study deals with macrozoobenthic species on soft substrates in İğneada (Turkish coast of the Black Sea). Benthic samples were collected seasonally at three stations between 2012 and 2013. A total of 155 species belonging to seven taxa (Turbellaria, Nemertea, Nematoda, Oligochaeta, Polychaeta, Crustacea, Phoronida, Mollusca, Hemichordata) were identified. Of these, four species are new records for the Black Sea fauna, 15 species are new to the Turkish coast of the Black Sea; and two species are new to the Turkish Seas. Polychaeta was the most representative taxon in the study area -- it was represented by 58 species (39% of the total number of species). In terms of the number of individuals, Mollusca were the dominant taxon in all seasons (82% of the total number of individuals). The most dominant species were Bittium reticulatum and Caecum trachea and the most frequent species were Micronephtys stammeri, B. reticulatum and Chamelea gallina. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims This study was carried out to determine the effects of open and closed suction systems on haemodynamic parameters of the patients who underwent open heart surgery. Background Nurses should work meticulously and carefully as many complications may develop if the method used to perform suctioning is not appropriate. Design The quasi-experimental study design was used. Method The study sample comprised 120 patients who underwent open heart surgery in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit of a state hospital in Turkey. Haemodynamic parameters were determined just before, right after, at the 5th and 15th minute after suctioning. The data were evaluated with the One-Way Analysis of Variance ( ANOVA) for Repeated Measures, independent t-test and Bonferroni's test for further analysis (post hoc). Results The difference between heart rate ( HR) and mean blood pressure, mean PaO2 and PaCO2, SaO2 and pH values measured before, right after and at the 5th and 15th minute after suctioning was found to be significant in patients who underwent the open suctioning procedure. It was determined that the difference between mean PaO2 values was not significant and that SaO2 versus SpO2 values increased in patients who underwent the closed suctioning procedure. When the open and closed suction systems were compared, statistically significant difference was determined in terms of MAP, SpO2. Conclusion It was determined that HR, arterial blood pressure and arterial blood gases of the patients who underwent open heart surgery were negatively affected by the open suction system but did not increase significantly as soon as suctioning was over during the closed suctioning procedure. The data obtained indicate that closed system suctioning, compared with open system suctioning, can be used safely on this patient group. Relevance to clinical practice The closed suction system is recommended since it contributes to the enhancement of patient safety and the quality of nursing care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims. This study was carried out to determine the knowledge and practice of nurses before and after training and the development of standard practice guidelines for open and closed system suctioning methods in patients with endotracheal tubes. Background. Many life-threatening complications can occur when a suctioning procedure is not performed with the correct technique. It has been reported that standard practice guidelines for suctioning are insufficient in clinical practice. Design. Non-participant structured observational study. Methods. We assessed a total of 48 nurses who were employed in the cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit of a state hospital in Turkey. We used a questionnaire and nurse observation forms to assess the use of the open and closed system suctioning. Results. There was a significant difference between the mean scores of the answers ('true', 'wrong' and 'I do not know') for the use of open and closed system suctioning before and after training. In addition, all steps of both suctioning procedures were carried out correctly during the third observation. Conclusions. The compliance of the nurses to the standard practice guidelines for open and closed suctioning and their knowledge levels on the subject were increased after training, while the implementation of standards was satisfactory. Relevance to clinical practice. The development of open and closed system suctioning standard practice guidelines directly contributed to the enhancement of patient safety and the quality of nursing care. It is suggested that, as in other nursing care practices, suctioning should be carried out in accordance with standard practice guidelines, and health institutions should develop their standard practice guidelines and work in accordance with them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Preoperative evaluation is important in the detection of patients at risk for difficult airway management. It is still unclear whether true prediction is possible and which variables should be chosen for evaluation. The aim of this prospective, multi-centre study was to investigate the incidence of difficult intubation, the sensitivity and positive predictive values of clinical screening tests and whether combining two or more of these tests will improve the prediction of difficult intubation in Turkish patients. Methods: Seven study sites from six regions in Turkey participated in this study. One thousand six hundred and seventy-four ASA physical status I-Ill patients, scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anaesthesia, were included. Results: The incidence of difficult intubation was 4.8% and increased with age (P < 0.05). The incidence of difficult intubation was significantly higher in patients who had a Mallampati III or IV score, a decreased average thyromental and sternomental distance, decreased mouth opening, or decreased protrusion of the mandible (P < 0.05). Mouth opening and Mallampati III-IV were found to be the most sensitive criteria when used alone (43% and 35%, respectively). Combination of tests did not improve these results. Conclusions: There is still no individual test or a combination of tests that predict difficult intubations accurately. Tests with higher specificity despite low positive predictive value are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foreign body aspirations are a serious respiratory condition that can threaten life, particularly in childhood, in the first three years of life. In our article, the approach observed in physicians who face foreign body aspirations in the pediatric age group are analyzed and the approach proposed in these cases are discussed under the current literature and relevant legal regulations.

Right sided arcus aorta anomaly is usually asymptomatic. Rarely, this anomaly is symptomatic due to external compression of the trachea and esophagus. A 17 year-old man presented with exertional dyspnea. Pulmonary function tests indicated intrathoracic upper airway obstruction. Thoracic MR imaging revealed external compression of the trachea from right sided arcus aorta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrocarbon aspiration causes acute lung injury, which may lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Surfactant has been shown to be beneficial in experimentally-induced hydrocarbon-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, there has not been a clinical study evaluating the effect of surfactant application on hydrocarbon aspiration in humans. We report a 17-month-old boy with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to hydrocarbon aspiration and was successfully treated with surfactant application.

Our objective was to determine the significance of hazelnuts as the causative agent in pediatric foreign body aspirations in the main hazelnut production region of the world. We conducted a 10-year retrospective review of patients admitted to the pediatric surgery department in a 900-bed university hospital. Of 135 children with foreign body aspiration, hazelnut aspiration was identified in 35 (26%). All patients were younger than 5 years of age, and 32% of the hazelnut aspirations occurred during late summer, coinciding with the hazelnut harvest. We conclude that hazelnut aspiration is a public health problem in our region in children younger than 5 years of age, particularly during harvest-time. Hazelnut aspiration can be prevented by a well-defined public education program and precautionary measures taken by government and civil organizations.