Alterations in biochemical profiles of patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: Analysis of repeated laboratory tests

Objective: This study was initiated to show the changes in the biochemical profile and identify the mortality risk factors of patients with severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pneumonia. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as non-interventional and cohort research. Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively obtained from paper-based documents and electronic health records. Complete blood counts, inflammatory markers, liver, and kidney function tests, and coagulation profiles were recorded 3 times. Two-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used to analyze for continuous dependent variables. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to determine in-hospital mortality risk factors. Results: Two hundred and fifty-two adult patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia enrolled in our study – 15.8% of patients died during hospitalization. The mortality rate was 57.5% for those over 65 years of age. 61.9% of patients had at least one coexisting disease. We revealed hemoglobin, leukocyte, lymphocyte, platelet, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, d-dimer, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine, and ferritin were significantly changing within the time and also between survivors and non-survivors. Conclusion: The study showed that blood cell counts, coagulation profiles, liver and kidney function tests, and inflammatory markers deteriorated in non-survivor COVID-19 patients. Patients with shortness of breath, history of congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, dementia, chronic renal disease, higher Charlson comorbidity index score, the need for invasive mechanic ventilation, presence of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and intensive care unit admission are more vulnerable to death

Effect of a novel commercial potassium-oxalate containing tooth-desensitizing mouthrinse on the microhardness of resin composite restorative materials with different monomer compositions

The effects of mouthrinses on dental resin composites have been investigated extensively. However, there is little information available regarding the effects of ‘newly developed mouthrinse’ formulations on the microhardness of different monomer based composite systems. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel potassium-oxalate containing desensitizing mouthrinse on the microhardness of different monomer based composite materials. A hundred and twenty specimens (6mm in diameter and 2mm in height) were prepared for composite resin groups (methacrylate based, DX-511 monomer based and silorane monomer based) and for storage solution groups (artificial saliva and potassium oxalate-containing tooth-desensitizing mouthrinse). After allowing post-polimerization the baseline Knoop microhardness measurements for all specimens were recorded. The specimens were stored in 20 mL mouthwash and artificial saliva for 12 hours at 37ºC. The post-immersion microhardness values of all specimens were also recorded. Data were subjected to ANOVA/Scheffe’s test at a significance level of 0.05. The intra group (pre and post immersion values) comparison of the mean microhardness values of the specimens was done using Wilcoxon signed rank test. The microhardness of the silorane based composite was not affected significantly (p>0.05). The hardness values of the DX-511 monomer based composite and the methacrylate based composite exhibited a slight but not significant microhardness change compared to the baseline values (p>0.05). Studies reported that the effect of mouthrinses on microhardness changes of composite resins may be material dependent, and the hardness change susceptibility of a restorative material may be attributed to its resin matrix or filler type. However, dental monomers as well as the oral care products have an ever-evolving technology and future studies should consider newer products. Potassium oxalate containing mouthrinses, especially alcohol-free ones, may be used safely with dental composites with newly developed low-shrink monomer compositions

An Eample for the lifelong music education: Bolu Young Musicians FestivalHayat boyu müzik eğitimine bir örnek: Bolu Genç Müzisyenler Şenliği

In this study, the work of  The Association Supporting The Young Artist, one of the rare non-governmental organizations in the arts  in Bolu, has been introduced and the contributions of The Festivals Of Young Musicians which has been organised by the associatioan for six years,  to the artisitic life and Lifelog  Music Education of all individuals form seven to seventy in the city, have been described. ÖzetBu çalışmada,  Bolu ilinde il genelinde yer alan, sanat alanındaki nadir sivil toplum kuruluşlarından olan Genç Sanatçıları Destekleme Derneği’nin  çalışmaları tanıtılmış, dernek tarafından 6 yıldır düzenlenmekte olan Genç Müzisyenler Şenliğinin Bolu ilindeki sanat hayatına ve yediden yetmiş yediye tüm bireylerin Hayat Boyu Müzik Eğitimine olan katkıları betimlenmiştir

Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for Pediatric Forearm Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis of Thirty Four Cases

Aim: The purpose of this investigation was to present our institutional experience of 34 pediatric both bone forearm fractures treated with titanium elastic intramedullary nails. Methods: Thirty-four patients, who were treated with titanium elastic nail for both bone forearm fractures diagnosis between 2011 and 2016, were included in the study. Clinical and radiological evaluation of the patients was retrospectively analyzed. Results: Bone healing process was completed for all patients at a mean of 6.6 weeks. The implants were removed at a mean time of 9.7 months from the index operation. Complications, including skin infections at the entry side of the nail, were recorded in three (8.82%) patients. These three patients had type 1 open fracture according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification and were treated with first generation cephalosporins. In a subjective measure of outcome during follow-up, it was observed that 33 patients (97.06%) were very satisfied and one (2.94%) was satisfied; no patient reported being not satisfied. Conclusion: Since titanium elastic nailing is a safe and effective method of treatment with advantages of easy implantation and removal as well as excellent cosmetic and functional results, elastic stable intramedullary nailing is the first treatment option that should be considered in pediatric both bone forearm fractures

Relationship between hepatic and pancreatic steatosis and the COVID-19 pneumonia total severity score and prognosis with an emphasis on prognostic strength

PURPOSETo investigate the relationship between hepatic steatosis (HS), pancreatic steatosis (PS), and coexisting HS and PS and the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia total severity score (TSS) and prognosis, assessed through computed tomography (CT), and to evaluate the degree of effectiveness of the three steatosis conditions on TSS and prognosis.METHODSThis retrospective study involved 461 patients (255 male and 206 female, median age of 53 years) with COVID-19 who underwent unenhanced chest CT. HS, PS, and coexisting HS and PS, assessed through CT, were compared with patient demographics, comorbidities, TSS, hospitalization and intubation requirements, and mortality rates. The parameters were compared using Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests. The parameters of three groups of patients with only HS, only PS, and both HS and PS were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test.RESULTSResults revealed that TSS (P < 0.001 for all) and hospitalization rates (P < 0.001 for all except for HS [P = 0.004]) were higher in patients with HS, PS, and both than in those without. Intubation (P = 0.003) and mortality rates (P = 0.018) were significantly higher solely in patients with PS. However, TSS, hospitalization, and diabetes mellitus were significantly higher than in age-standardized analyses for PS. In a comparison between only HS, only PS, and coexisting HS and PS in 210 patients, the highest TSS was in the coexistence group (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThe TSS and hospitalization rates correlate with HS, PS, and coexisting HS and PS, whereas intubation and mortality rates only correlate with PS. However, TSS correlates with coexisting HS and PS at the highest rate

The initial part of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia as a clue for the sustainability of tachycardia and ablation success: A varying degree of purkinje–Myocardial complicity?

The cardiac Purkinje system is capable of very rapid burst activity suggestive of its potential role in being a driver of polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT) (PMVT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF). It plays a pivotal role, however, not only in the triggering of but also the perpetuation of ventricular arrhythmias. A varying degree of Purkinje–myocardial complicity has been blamed in determining not only the sustained or non-sustained nature of PMVT but also the pleomorphism of the non-sustained runs. The initial part of PMVT before cascading to the whole ventricle to establish disorganized VF can give important clues for ablation of PMVT and VF. We present a case of an electrical storm after acute myocardial infarction that was successfully ablated after identifying Purkinje potentials that triggered polymorphic, monomorphic, and pleiomorphic VTs and VF

European Association of Urology and European Society for Paediatric Urology Guidelines on Paediatric Urinary Stone Disease

Context: Paediatric stone disease is an important clinically entity and management is often challenging. Although it is known that the condition is endemic in some geographic regions of the world, the global incidence is also increasing. Patient age and sex; the number, size, location, and composition of the stone; and the anatomy of the urinary tract are factors that need to be taken into consideration when choosing a treatment modality. Objective: To provide a general insight into the evaluation and management of urolithiasis in the paediatric population in the era of minimally invasive surgery. Evidence acquisition: A nonsystematic review of the literature on management of paediatric urolithiasis was conducted with the aim of presenting the most suitable treatment modality for different scenarios. Evidence synthesis: Because of high recurrence rates, open surgical intervention is not the first option for paediatric stone disease, except for very young patients with very large stones in association with congenital abnormalities. Minimally invasive surgeries have become the first option with the availability of appropriately sized instruments and accumulating experience. Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is noninvasive and can be carried out as an outpatient procedure under sedation, and is the initial choice for management of smaller stones. However, for larger stones, SWL has lower stone-free rates and higher retreatment rates, so minimally invasive endourology procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy and retrograde intrarenal surgery are preferred treatment options. Conclusions: Contemporary surgical treatment for paediatric urolithiasis typically uses minimally invasive modalities. Open surgery is very rarely indicated. Patient summary: Cases of urinary stones in children are increasing. Minimally invasive surgery can achieve high stone-free rates with low complication rates. After stone removal, metabolic evaluation is strongly recommended so that medical treatment for any underlying metabolic abnormality can be given. Regular follow-up with imaging such as ultrasound is required because of the high recurrence rates

Meme kanserinin tanısı ve izlenmesi için mikrodalga uyarımlı termoakustik görüntüleme

Termoakustik görüntüleme, iyonize etkisi olmayan, noktasal ve kontrast çözünürlüğü yüksek yeni bir hibrit görüntüleme modalitesi olup kanserinin erken tanısı ve izlenmesi için uygun bir tekniktir. Bu teknik bilimsel, teknolojik ve ticari potansiyeli olan henüz klinik bir araç haline gelmemiş bir güncel bir konudur. ‘’Meme Kanserinin Tanısı ve İzlenmesi İçin Mikrodalga Uyarımlı Termoakustik Görüntüleme’’ adlı bu projede mikrodalga uyarımlı termoakustik görüntüleme (MUTAG) sisteminin gelişmiş yerli alt yapısı oluşturulmuştur. MUTAG sisteminde görüntülenmek istenen ortamı aydınlatması için mikrodalga darbe üreteci-kuvvetlendirici ünitesi tamamlanmış ve karakterizasyon ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Standart mikrodalga antenin hava-su arasındaki empadans uyumsuzluğu problemi, literatürden farklı olarak tamamen su içinde çalışan mikrodalga anten tasarlanıp gerçekleştirilerek çözülmüştür. Bilgisayar kontrollü deneysel xyz-yönlü konumlandırma-tarama ünitesi tamamlanmış test edilmiştir. Alt üniteler birlikte kullanılarak, deneysel termoakustik işaret toplanmış ve böylece mikrodalga uyarımlı termoakustik görüntü elde edilmiştir. Termoakustik görüntüleme için yüksek görüntü çözünürlüğü veren, maliyeti düşük, katmanlı doku yapısı için yeni kuramsal ve sayısal çözümleme teknikleri geliştirilmiştir. Bu amaçla, termoakustik dalga denkleminin çözümünde, meme dokusu katmanlı olarak modellenmiştir. Yansımasız ideal sınır koşulları yerine daha gerçekçi olan katmanlar üzerinde süreklilik sınır koşulları kullanılmıştır. Termoakustik dalga denkleminin çok katmanlı silindirik ve düzlemsel doku yapısı için ileri ve ters analitik çözümleri elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca, çok katmanlı yapılar için sayısal olarak benzetimi yapılmıştır. Meme dokusunun kesit taramasında termoakustik sinyali alacak olan transduser geliştirmede ön empadans uyumlama ve arka yansıma sönümlendirme katmanları tasarım ve uygulama çalışmaları yürütülmüştür. Bunun sonucunda %60oransal bant genişliğine sahip 1MHz’lik bir biyomedikal transduser elemanı yapılarak, deneysel testleri tamamlanmıştır. Daha sonra laboratuvar ortamında mevcut bilgisayar kontrollü deneysel konumlandırma-kesit tarama ünitesine ek olarak memenin içine sığabileceği silindirik hazne (açısal ve dikey) kullanılarak tarama sistemi tamamlanmıştır. Kesit tarama yapabilecek çokelemanlı halka transduser dizisi ve tarama sisteminin entegre edileceği platform ulusal kaynaklarla üretilmiştir.Thermoacoustic imaging is a new hybrid imaging modality with no ionization effect, high point and contrast resolution and is a suitable technique for early detection and monitoring of cancer. This technique is an up-to-date issue that has not yet become a clinical tool with scientific, technological and commercial potential. ‘’Microwave Induced Thermoacoustic Imaging for Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Follow-up ''This project has developed a developed localinfra-structure of microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (MUTAG) system.The microwave pulse generator-amplifier unit was completed and characterization measurements were made to illuminate the desired environment in the MUTAG system. The problem of incompatibility of the standard microwave antenna between air and water has been solved by designing and realizing a microwave antenna completely working in water different from the literature. The computer-controlled experimental xyz-directional positioning-scanning unit has been tested for completeness. Using the sub units together, the experimental thermoacoustic signalswas collected and thus a thermoacoustic image with microwaveexcitation was obtained. New theoretical and numerical analysis techniques have been developed for low-cost,multi-layered tissuestructure, which gives high image resolution for thermoacoustic imaging. For this purpose, in the solution of the thermoacoustic wave equation, the breast tissue is modeled as multi-layered. More realistic continuity boundary conditionson layers are used instead of ideal non-reflective boundary conditions. Forward and inverse analytical solutions have been obtained of the thermoacoustic wave equationfor the multi-layered cylindrical and planar tissue structures. In addition, it is simulated numerically for multi-layer structures. The transducer, which will receive the thermoacoustic signal during the cross-section scan of the breast tissue, has been carried out to design and implement pre-empadance alignment and backingreflection damping layers. This resulted in a 1 MHz biomedical transduser with a 60% proportional bandwidth, and the experimental tests were completed. Then, in addition to the computer-controlled experimental positioning-section scanning unit available in the laboratory environment, the scanning system is completed using a cylindrical chamber (angular and vertical) in which breast can fit. The multi-componentring transducer array, which can scan cross-sections, and the platform to integrate the scanning system are manufactured with national resources.TÜBİTA