Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) approach adapted from the prokaryotic adaptive immune system against to pathogen attack is so valuable and promising tool for treatment of human malignant and non-malignant hematological disease and disorders through genome editing in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9 approach is not only useful for therapeutic purposes; it is considerably preferred for the generation of in vitro and in vivo animal disease models. CRISPR/Cas9 approach has been developed for highly efficient on-target cleavage, and low off-target effect via delivery systems and manipulation of CRISPR components including single guide RNA (sgRNA) and Cas enzymes. In this review, we focused on the CRISPR/Cas9 system applications on hematopoietic stem cells in basic research and clinical area with basic research and clinical perspectives.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the difference between neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet and RDW (red cell distribution width) counts and NLR (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio) and PLR (platelet/lymphocyte ratio) between patients who underwent total laryngectomy for advanced stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma and healthy control group. The study group consisted of 37 patients (36 male, 1 female) who underwent total laryngectomy and bilateral neck dissection for advanced stage laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma between January 2017 and December 2019. As a control group, complete blood count records of 35 healthy individuals who were routinely examined in 2019 within the scope of occupational health and safety were compiled. Blood was collected preoperatively from the patient in the study group. The data obtained from the whole blood counts of the two groups were analyzed statistically by comparing neutrophil, lymphocyte, platelet, RDW, NLR and PLR values. The age difference between the study and control groups was not significant (p>0.05). Neutrophil, platelet and RDW counts were higher in the study group compared to the control group and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.001, p=0.035, p=0.001, respectively). Although the lymphocyte count was high in the study group, the difference was not significant (p=0.061). The difference between NLR and PLR between the two groups was high in the study group and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.001, p=0.007, respectively). Neutrophil, platelet, RDW, NLR, PLR values were significantly higher in patients with advanced stage laryngeal cancer than in the control group. NLR, PLR and RDW values, which can be obtained cheap, simple and rapidly at the diagnosis stage of laryngeal cancers, may be biomarkers in determining prognosis. For this, multicenter, prospective studies are needed.
Our study aimed to examine the childhood traumas and psychiatric symptoms of prisoners and their relationship with crime types. Persons convicted in Elazig Penitentiary Institutions were included in the study. The Demographic and Clinical Evaluation Form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and Symptom Checklist (SCL-90) were administered to all participants. A total of 370 people were included in the study. For prisoners who have been imprisoned before, CTQ-physical abuse, BAI, SCL-90-somatization, anxiety, and hostility subscale scores were higher than those who entered the prison for the first time (p values: 0.020, 0.003, 0.016, 0.017, 0.047, respectively). Prisoners with a family history of prison entry had higher SCL-90 test all subscale scores, total scores and CTQ physical abuse subscale scores than the group without a family history of prison entry. Those exposed to violence in childhood and those who had attempted suicide before had higher scores on all scales. Those with a history of alcohol and substance use had higher total scores on the CTQ-emotional abuse and sexual abuse scale. According to the type of crime committed, only the CTQ-sexual abuse subscale scores differed. These subscale scores of the prisoners involved in more than one crime were higher than those involved in a single crime (p=0.030). The CTQ-sexual abuse subscale scores of those who were involved in the crime of willful homicide were calculated to be high (p=0.030). It was thought that preventing abuse, violence, and traumas in childhood may be necessary in reducing the tendency to crimes.
We aimed to evaluate the psychosexual impact of being diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV). A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the anxiety and depression levels and sexual functions in women with and without HPV between March and May 2021. Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), the Beck depression inventory (BDI), and the Libido scoring system scales (LSSS) were used as scales. A total of 575 respondents were included; 292 (50.2%) HPV-negative, and 283 (49.8%) HPV-positive, of whom 170 (60,1%) had high risk HPV genotypes 16/18 and 113 (39,9%) had non-16/18 high risk HPV-positive patients. There was no significant association between HPV-negative and HPV-positive patients in terms of sociodemographic characteristics. While 21.6% of the HPV-positive group experienced masturbation, it was 15.1% in the HPV-negative group (p=0.044). While severe depression was 4.9% in HPV-positive women, this rate was 1.4% in HPV-negative women (p=0.002). The present study showed that being diagnosed with HPV made a significant difference in sexual function, except for sexual interest, but increased anxiety and depression scores. Sexual dysfunction following an HPV diagnosis cannot be explained solely by depression and anxiety.
Oral health problems are often neglected due to other problems that are thought to be more vital in stroke patients. However, oral health is a significant quality of life determinant and needs to be protected in stroke patients as well as general population. Moreover, problems such as hemiparesis, hemiplegia, dysphagia, balance and coordination disorder and cognitive dysfunction due to strokes have a very negative impact on the self -care and/or care support of the caregivers. In this study, we aimed to search a large number of health databases and make a compilation on oral health problems, impact on quality of life and solutions in stroke patients. Keywords ‘oral, dental, health, care, hygiene, dental, prosthesis, denture, tooth brushing, stroke, cerebrovascular and cardiovascular’ and combinations of these words were searched in the literature. Studies involving at least one subject for oral health in stroke patients were included in the review. In the literature, it was seen that the oral health of the stroke patients was discussed more about mastication, swallowing, dysphagia, nutrition, hygiene, prosthesis and quality of life. It was concluded that there are no sufficient assessment and care guides that can be used by stroke patients or caregivers, and the information of dentists, patients and caregivers about special care for stroke patients was not sufficient.
The bispectral index is electroencephalography-based technology is used to monitor sedation. BIS is a processed EEG parameter, that was designed specifically to assess patient responses to sedation and anesthesia. In this case report, we aimed to discuss the bispectral index changes during resuscitation of a patient who presented with cardiopulmonary arrest in the light of the literature.
The aim of this study was to compare the anxiety, depression, and quality of life of husbands of women with breast cancer referred to the chemotherapy clinic with husbands of non-affected wives. This was a case-control study, with purposive-convenience sampling method. 190 husbands of patients with or without breast cancer participate in this study. Data collection tools included a four-part questionnaire, consisted of demographic characteristics, shortened form of quality of life questionnaire, Beck depression inventory, and Beck anxiety inventory. In the areas of social relations and living environment (QolD3, QolD4), a statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in quality of life (p-value < 0.001). Pearson correlation coefficient showed a statistically significant difference in the case group between the history of chemotherapy and mean anxiety score (p-value < 0.001), and quality of life with number of children (p-value < 0.002). The findings of this study showed that in addition to giving attention to the patients, attention to health needs and quality of life of their spouses is also a priority.
Lichen planus (LP) is a common chronic immunologic inflammatory epidermal and mucocutaneous disorder involving skin, oral mucosa and both sometimes, the main cause of which is still unknown. Due to the importance and its prevalence, this study was carried out in order to assess the association of oral and dermal lesions in patients referring to Dermatology Clinic and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Zahedan Dental School. In this descriptive study, a total of 99 patients with individual involvement of LP in skin or mucosa were selected among 6510 patients referring to Dermatology Clinic and Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Zahedan Dental School. The selected cases were subjected to further and exact clinical examination along with interview, while in suspected lesions, the conducted histopatologic tests obtained by biopsy were used for the evaluation. A questionnaire was completed for each patient after taking history and physical examination, including history of systemic diseases, interacting medication, smoking habits, presence of oral and dermal lesions, the onset of mucosal and skin lesions and the treatment period, oral lesions signs and the patients complaint, involvement location, form, manner of distribution, oral lesion history as well as existence of amalgam restorations alongside the lesion chi-square used to assess differences for variables. The study revealed 38 percent association of oral and dermal lesions in the study population, while individual oral lesion was observed in 60.6 percent of patients and individual dermal lesions in 39.3 percent. The most reported symptom of oral lichen planus in the study population was the Oral ulcer, while the buccal mucosa was the most common site of involvement and erosive form was the high prevalent. The most reported symptom of dermal lichen planus in the study population was the Itching, while the Simultaneous hand and foot conflict was the most common site of involvement and Papular form was the high prevalent. High incidence of dermal and oral lichen planus association revealed throughout the study calls the attention for complete systemic examinations of the patients. As this study was carried out in the dermatology clinic, it seems that other studies in dental schools as well as throughout the public will be of necessity and importance to verify the results. According to this study, there was not a significant statistical relationship between LP and other variables.
We read with great interest the article titled "Diagnostic Accuracy of Clinical Gestalt of Doctors with Different Experiences in COVID-19 Suspected Patients" prepared by Özkan and published in the third issue of your journal in 2022. Thanks to the author and editorial board for this interesting and informative article. In addition, we would like to briefly touch on the parameters used in the perception of triage and patient management during the pandemic process.
In this article, we presented the chronic neurological findings of an acute case of methanol intoxication due to the use of homemade alcohol. In the neurological examination performed 6 months after intoxication, bilateral vision loss, tremor, dysarthria, dysphagia, loss of taste sensation, and decrease in the Cognitive State Test score were detected. Peripheral polyneuropathy consistent with axonopathy was detected in the peripheral nerve conduction study, and optical neuropathy was detected in the examination of the pattern visual evoked potential. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings compatible with bilateral putaminal necrosis.
In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the NO2 levels in four key cities of Turkey (Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Bursa) over a three-year period and to examine the effect of NO2 on mortality. The research is of descriptive-ecological type. In the research, air quality (NO2), population and death data were needed for each city to cover the dates 01.01.2017-31.12-2019. In the research, 20 μg/m3 was accepted as the annual NO2 limit value. Numbers, percentages, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum values were used in summarizing data. Calculations related to mortality attributed to NO2-induced air pollution were made using the AirQ+ software’s own methodology. In 2019, 33 stations in Istanbul, 4 stations in Ankara, 5 stations in Izmir and 5 stations in Bursa were measuring NO2. In 2019, the weighted NO2 mean was 40.61 μg/m3 in Istanbul, 32.94 μg/m3 in Ankara, 7.87 μg/m3 in Izmir and 31.68 μg/m3 in Bursa. The estimated percentage of deaths attributed to NO2 in 2019 was 7.95 in Istanbul, 5.07 in Ankara and 4.58 in Bursa. Calculations for 2018 in Ankara and 2017, 2018 and 2019 in Izmir were not made because the NO2 levels in these cities were less than 20 μg/m3 in these years. As a result of the research, it was determined that the NO2 levels were higher than the limit value in three of the four key cities in Turkey and the mortality rates attributed to NO2 were found to be higher compared to similar studies in the literature.
SCUBE-1 is a newly identified, secreted cell surface protein that is determined during early embryogenesis. This protein consists of cascading EGF-like repeats following the N-terminal signal peptide sequence, a spacer region, cysteine-rich repeat motifs, and a CUB domain at the C-terminus. These molecules are stored in alpha granules in inactivated platelets, translocated to the platelet surface after activation by thrombin, secreted as small soluble fragments, and incorporated into the thrombus.
The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Chamomilla Recutita on nausea and vomiting after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Chamomilla Recutita (L.) fell into either chamomile or placebo groups randomly. The intervention was performed one hour before the operation. The severity of nausea and the frequency of vomiting was measured using a visual analog scale. Both groups were studied in three stages before the operation, after the operation in recovery, and 2 hours after the operation. Data were analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics (SPSS). The mean severity of nausea increased significantly over time in both groups; however, this increase was significantly slighter in the chamomile group than that in the placebo group. The frequency of preoperative nausea in the chamomile and placebo groups was 6.2% and 25%, respectively, before being discharged from the recovery. Two hours later, in the surgical ward, this frequency was estimated to be 31.2% in the chamomile group and 75% in the placebo group (P <0.05). The frequency of vomiting in the surgical ward was 15.6% and 56.2% in the chamomile and placebo groups, respectively. Thus, this frequency in the chamomile group was significantly lower than in the placebo group (P<0.001). It seems that in laparoscopic surgeries, the use of chamomile drops as a preventive drug reduces postoperative nausea and vomiting.
To evaluate the frequency of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) on MRI in patients with backpain and clinically suspected of sacroiliitis. Sacroiliac MRI of patients who had backpain and were clinically suspicious for sacroiliitis between November 2021-March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed from the hospital database by two different radiologists. LSTV cases were identified and subgrouped according to Castellvi classification. Presence of sacroiliitis, degeneration and /or herniation of cranial segment intervertebral disc, facet joint hypertrophy, coxarthrosis and psoas atrophy were recorded. In cases where radiologists were in conflict, consensus was made. Between November 2021-March 2022, 614 sacroiliac MRIs were obtained and 81 (13%) had LSTV. Fifty-nine patients were female (72.8%). Mean age was 43.4. The most common identified LSTV was type 1a (n=30, 10 right-sided, 20 left-sided). Sacroiliitis was significantly more common in younger patients (p=0.04) and in males (p=0.009). Disc degeneration, disc herniation, facet joint hypertrophy and psoas atrophy increased significantly with age (p=0.007, p=0.001, p=0.002 and p=0.013 respectively). No correlation was found between gender or presence of sacroiliitis and any type of LSTV.LSTV may present with backpain and should be considered in patients where sacroiliitis is clinically suspected. MRI is a useful tool to identify other accompanying pathologies in these cases.
This study assessed the protective effect of glutamine (GTN) against rifampicin/isoniazid/pyrazinamide/ethambutol (RIPE)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Thirty adult Wistar rats (200±20 g) of both sexes were grouped into 6 of 5 rats/group. The rats were treated daily for 30 days as follows: Group 1 (Vehicle control [normal saline 0.2mL]), group 2 (GTN 200 mg/kg), group 3 (RIPE 150, 75, 400 and 275 mg/kg in vehicle), group 4 (GTN 50 mg/kg +RIPE), group 5 (GTN 100 mg/kg +RIPE) and group 6 (GTN 200 mg/kg +RIPE). After treatment, blood samples were obtained and assessed for serum renal biomarkers. Kidneys were harvested, weighed and assessed for oxidative stress markers and histology. RIPE significantly (p<0.01) decreased body weight and significantly (p<0.01) increased kidney weight when compared to the control. Serum urea, creatinine, uric acid levels and kidney malondialdehyde levels were significantly (p<0.001) increased in RIPE-treated rats when compared to the control. Serum total protein, albumin, kidney glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels were significantly decreased (p<0.001) in RIPE-treated rats when compared to the control. RIPE caused tubular necrosis and collapsed glomeruli in the kidneys of rats. However, body and liver weights were significantly restored in GTN 100 mg/kg +RIPE and GTN 200 mg/kg +RIPE-treated rats at p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively when compared to RIPE. Serum and kidney oxidative stress markers were restored in GTN 50 mg/kg +RIPE, GTN 100 mg/kg +RIPE and GTN 200 mg/kg +RIPE-treated rats at p<0.05, p<0.01 and p<0.001 respectively, when compared to RIPE. GTN restored kidney histology. GTN protects against RIPE-induced nephrotoxicity in a dose-related fashion.
Healthcare workers and healthcare providers need sufficient knowledge and awareness about disease to provide high quality health services to pregnant and breastfeeding women during the Covid 19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate the knowledge of healthcare providers about Covid-19 disease in pregnancy and lactation in Ardabil.This descriptive study was conducted in 2020-2021. The study's statistical population consisted of all healthcare workers working in health centers in Ardabil who care for pregnant and lactating mothers. The census calculated the sample size. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire to assess health care providers' knowledge, which was designed using a review of texts, related articles, and instructions of the Ministry of Health, and the validity and reliability of the questionnaire have been confirmed. Data were analyzed using SPSS20 by descriptive statistics, chi-square, and ANOVA statistical tests. Mean age of the participants was 35.51±5.74. In this study, most participants scored more than 33 and had a good level of knowledge about Covid 19 disease in pregnancy and lactation. The study's results showed that participants had higher knowledge about Covid 19 during pregnancy and lactation. The knowledge gained about Covid 19 during pregnancy and lactation is not absolute and may get updated with the reporting of newer studies. Healthcare providers must be trained in person and online during the Covid 19 virus epidemic to receive up-to-date information regularly from the healthcare system.
In this study, the purpose was to investigate the demographic, laboratory, and clinical characteristics of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) cases that were treated in our hospital during the Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It was also investigated whether the patients hospitalized with a provisional diagnosis of CCHF who tested negative for CCHF PCR were infected with COVID-19. In our study, data (epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, prognosis) from 38 patients diagnosed with CCHF through reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and viral-RNA and/or Immunoglobulin M antibodies using ELISA between May 2020 and November 2022 were investigated retrospectively. Of all the patients, 23 were CCHF PCR (+) and 15 were CCHF PCR (-).15 (65.2%) of PCR (+) patients and 9 (60%) of PCR (-) patients were engaged in farming. 65.2% of PCR (+) and 26.7% of PCR (-) patients presented with a history of tick bites. 21 (91.3%) of PCR (+) and 12 (80%) of PCR (-) patients had a history of rural living. Among the PCR (+) patients, 65.2%, 17.4%, and 17.4% received treatment for CCHF in 2022, 2021, and 2020 respectively. 87% of PCR (+) and 60% of PCR (-) patients were discharged after full recovery. The most common symptoms were fever, diffuse body ache, weakness, and headache. Significant differences were found between PCR (+) and PCR (-) patients in terms of leukocytes, LDH, INR, NEU, PLT, fibrinogen, and NLR values. 3 patients hospitalized with a provisional diagnosis of CCHF tested negative for CCHF PCR and positive for COVID-19 PCR. Thoracic CT, clinical, and laboratory findings of these patients showed no differences from the other patients. The possibility of misdiagnosis should be considered in CCHF and COVID-19 infections due to their similar symptoms and indications. Extensive multicentric studies need to be conducted to investigate the causes of the increased number of CCHF cases during the pandemic.
The calcaneal spur is a common cause of heel pain, and there are various approaches to its treatment. Our aim in this study is to investigate the effectiveness of kinesio taping against Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) in the treatment of calcaneal spur. This study was designed as a randomized controlled, prospective and single-center clinical trial. A total of 93 patients with calcaneal spur (18 men, 75 women) were included. Patients were divided into two groups (based on gender, age, BMI, and pain duration) by stratified randomization (kinesio tape group=46, ESWT group=47 patients). 3 sessions of ESWT were applied to the heels of the patients in the 1st group with an interval of 1 week. Kinesio taping was applied to the 2nd group. It was applied once a week, for 3 weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Foot Function Index (FFI) scores of the patients in both groups before the treatment and 1 week after the end of the treatment were recorded. When we evaluated the pre-treatment and post-treatment parameters, we found a significant decrease in VAS, FFI-pain, FFI-disability and FFI-activity restriction scores in both groups (p=0.0001). We also found that kinesio taping was more effective than ESWT in reducing FFI-pain (for after treatment FFI-pain inter group p=0.005, for FFI-pain difference inter group p=0.002) and FFI-disability (for after treatment FFI-disability inter group p=0.023, for FFI-disability difference inter group p=0.0001) scores. To conclude, although both kinesio taping and ESWT treatments reduced patients' pain, disability and activity limitation, kinesio taping was found to be more effective in reducing pain and disability. Studies with longer follow-up are needed to clarify our results.
Intervertebral disc degeneration is a major health problem of close concern to both young and old. The problem is also growing as the global population ages. Intervertebral disc degeneration is defined as progressive changes affecting the spine as a component of natural aging under the effect of multiple factors (such as smoking, obesity, and incorrect exercise). For a solution to be found, experimental disc degeneration must first be induced, the causes of the disease must be identified, and early diagnostic and therapeutic methods must then be developed. Methods of inducing intervertebral disc degeneration with high applicability in rats were identified from the previous literature. This review discusses four methods of disc degeneration induction. It also discusses how to detect degeneration formation and development times. As a result of the literature review, information about four different and reliable intervertebral disc degeneration methods is presented.
In Iraq, breast cancer is considered one of the most widespread cancer types causing death in women due to changes in the genes that control cell growth and proliferation. KRAS gene plays a role in 30% of human cancers. This study aims to evaluate the expression of the KRAS gene and its role in women with breast tumours. A total of 120 women (60 women with breast tumours and 60 samples from apparently healthy women) were enrolled in this study to determine the expression of the KRAS gene. The RT-qPCR was used for this purpose. Fibroadenoma (FA) was the most common tumours, accounting for 53% of cases, followed by fibrocystic change (26%). Other benign tumours accounted for 20% of the cases; however, IDC is the most common type of invasive breast cancer, accounting for 70% of all breast cancers. Moreover, KRAS gene expression in women with breast tumours (benign and malignant) was not- significantly different from that seen in normal healthy women.
