Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the perioperative and postoperative follow-up results of patients operated for a parotid mass.

Materials and Methods: A total of 66 patients who were operated between 2000 and 2011, were evaluated retrospectively.

Results: The mean age of the patients was 48,6. On the basis of post-operative histopathologic assessement, 61 of the cases were found to be primary benign, 3 of the cases  primary malignant and 2 of the cases secondary malignant. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common in primary benign tumors group with 29 cases, Warthin tumors were in the second place with 14 cases. Adenoid cystic carcinoma, adenocarcinoma and expleomorphic adenoma were observed as primary malignant tumors. Both of the seconder malignant tumors were metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma. Sensitivity and specifity of the preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy in the benign-malignant differentiation were found as 60 % and 96 %, respectively. Superfacial parotidectomy, total parotidectomy and radical parotidectomy were used as surgical procedures. In addition to this procedure, neck dissection was performed in several cases. The most frequent complication was temporary facial nerve paresis.

Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration biopsy is an effective diagnostic procedure for the benign-malignant differentiation of the parotid tumors. Superfacial parotidectomy is an adequate and efficient surgical procedure for the benign parotid tumors and complication risk is considerably low when applied carefully. For malignant tumors, superfacial, total or radical parotidectomy should be performed and when necessary, neck dissection and postoperative radiotherapy should be added to the treatment.

Introduction: Patients with neurological diseases may require intensive care support as a result of respiratory failure due to various reasons. Some of them benefit from intensive care supportive treatment while others continue to live as caregivers or need rehabilitation programs. It is important for the rational use of intensive care beds that the routing process to the palliative care, rehabilitation centers or discharge of patients with prolonged treatment in the intensive care unit should be managed well

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the data of our patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of primary neurological diseases in the intensive care unit and terminated with exitus or referred to home / palliative care between January 2017 and May 2018 with the permission (17073117-050.06 decision no) of XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX scientific studies committee. Patients who transferred to other clinics were excluded from the study. APACHE II/SAPS II scores, hospitalization day, mechanical ventilation time, tracheostomy and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy requirement, home ventilator supply and the situation of discharge from intensive care unit of patients were recorded

Results: A total of 942 patient files were reviewed retrospectively and 74 (7.8%) of our patients were neurological patients who were died or discharged to directly home\palliative care. Most of the patients in the study had severe dementia (30 patients, 40.5%) and fewer number of patients had ischemic stroke (21 patients, 28.3%). Sixty of the 74 patients (81.1%) died in the intensive care unit. Only 5 patients were transferred to palliative care (6.8%).

Conclusion: Increasing transfer from intensive care to palliative care is important for the effective use of intensive care beds. Therefore, it is suggested that intensive care patients should be evaluated periodically to be directed to palliative care

Aim: Accelerated Ponseti technique is aplication of manipulation and casting the clubfoot patients more frequent than the weekly technique. The aim of this study is to compare two different accelerated ponseti techniques applied to clubfoot patients.

Patients and techniques: Twelve patients (19 feet) treated with the accelerated Ponseti technique for severe clubfoot between September 2018 and April 2020 were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups as group A and group B. Group A had casting twice a week  and Group B had 1st casting in first day of the treatment, with the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th castings in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th day post-manipulation

Results: 6 patients ( 9 feet) were in group A, 6 patients ( 10 feet) were in group B. There was no significant difference regarding ages of patients’ between groups (P=0.206). There were no significant difference between groups regarding Pirani score after final cast removal (P=0.856) and after 6 weeks (P=0.930).

Conclusions: Although there is no definite interval determined for the accelerated Ponseti technique, successful results were obtained as a result of the techniques applied in the present study.

Aim: JAK2 V617F mutation is determined in 95% of polycythemia vera (PV) patients. However, this test is a high-cost and time-consuming examination. In this study, a rapid, inexpensive and easily available test that can be used in addition to JAK2 V617F mutation is planned to exclude secondary polycythemia (SP).

Patients and Methods: A total of 39 PV patients and 51 SP patients, who were diagnosed according to 2016 diagnostic criteria of World Health Organization, have been included in this study. Demographics, physical examination findings and laboratory results of patients have been determined. A statistical analysis was performed between these two groups.

Results: In PV group, serum vitamin B12 level, erythrocyte count, leukocyte count, neutrophil count, platelet count and lactate dehydrogenase levels were determined to be statistically significantly higher than SP group. Serum vitamin B12 level above 343 pg/mL has been determined as the threshold value for the differentiation of PV from SP.

Conclusion: High serum vitamin B12 level was determined to be associated with PV. However, there is a need for prospective studies performed with larger patient series supporting the data obtained in this study in order for serum vitamin B12 level to be used in the differential diagnosis of primary and secondary polycythemia.

Aim: It was aimed to investigate  the relationship of disease clinical stage between the maximum diameter of primer lesion (LEGÇ), maximum of standardized uptake value (SUVmax), mean of standardized uptake value (SUVmean), tumor volüme (TV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG) values derived from positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images.

Method: The information of 130 lung cancer patients diagnosed histopathologically between 01.01.2012 and 31.12.2014 in Necmettin Erbakan University Nuclear Medicine Department of Meram Medical Faculty scanned for PET-CT for lung cancer diagnosis and staging,  were included in this study. The values of the maximum diameter of primer lesion, SUVmax, SUVmean, TLG and MTV derived from PET-CT scanning and their histopathological subtypes, other clinical and radyological information of patients were noted. The non-small cell lung cancer patients were graded according to tumor diameter, nodal and involvement metastasis (TNM) staging system using clinical information, PET-CT and other radyological test results if any. On the other hand, the small cell carcinoma diagnosed were categorised as limited or extensive stage.

Findings: In this study, the mean age of 118 men and 12 women,  totally 130 patients, was evaluated  63,46 ±9,96 ( range 40-87 age ). The patients were classified as 106 non-small cell lung Cancer (NSCLC) (81.5%) ve 24 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) (18.5%).  The  histopathologically diagnosed NSCLC patients were consists of  62 squamous cell cancers, 39 adeno cancers, and 5  other types (3 carcinoid tumors, 1 large cell cancer and 1 sarcomatoid tumor). 

Results: In our study, it was observed that there was no significant relationship between the maximum diameter of the lesion, SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV and TLG values among SCLC and NSCLC patients. Additionally, it was also found that there was no correlation between these parameters and the SCLC stage.  The maximum diameter of the lesion, SUVmax, SUVmean, MTV and TLG parameters were related with stage.

Conclusion: Higher SUVmax, SUVmean, TV, and TLG values of the primary tumor were determined to predict the more advanced clinical stage in NSCLC. This relationship between metabolic parameters and the clinical stage suggest that PET / CT may be valuable in terms of providing prognostic information in NSCLC.

Aim: Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is associated with an aggressive course and short survival. Conventional chemotherapy (CT) is the mainstay of SCLC treatment. However, the majority of information on chemotherapy (CT), as well as information on demographic data of patients, is based on studies from several decades ago. In this study, we aimed to determine the current demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with SCLC and to determine their responses to the treatments.

Patients and methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, cohort study. Definitions of survival were overall survival (TOS) and survival after metastasis (MOS). TOS was calculated as the time from the diagnosis to the date of death or last visit. MOS was calculated as the time from the diagnosis of metastasis to the date of death or last visit.

Results: The data of 161 patients were analyzed. Response rates obtained with 1st line CT, 2nd line CT, and 3rd line CT were 72.2%, 43.3%, and 40.4%, respectively. The median TOS and median MOS were calculated as 15.7 months (0.03-106.97) and 13.79 months (0.03-79.54), respectively. Although they were metastatic, ten patients had never received first-line CT, and the median MOS was 1.88 months and 14.62 months, respectively, in those who did not receive CT and received CT. Twenty-one (18.9%) of the 111 patients who needed second-line treatment did not receive CT, and the median MOS was 8.39 months and 18.45 months, respectively, in those who did not receive CT and received CT. Eighteen of the 65 patients (27.7%) who required the third-line treatment did not receive CT, and the median MOS was found to be 15.36 months and 23.86 months, respectively, in those who did not receive CT and received CT. The presence of metastatic disease at the time of diagnosis and refusal of treatment were statistically significant parameters affecting the median TOS. And, poor performance status and refusal of treatment were statistically significant parameters parameters affecting the median MOS.

Conclusions: In this study, it was confirmed that early diagnosis of SCLC was associated with a survival advantage. It was shown that the patients who received and were able to tolerate the treatment had obtained a survival advantage, regardless of the disease phase.

Objective: The aim was to review the hormonal status, treatment and histopathological diagnosis of patients admitted to our endocrinology outpatient clinic with the diagnosis of adrenal incidentaloma.

Material and Methods:Between 2015-2018, 217 patients with adrenal incidentaloma who were admitted to the endocrinology outpatient clinic were included in the study. 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (DST), 24 hour urine free cortisol, 24-hour urine methanephrine and normetanephrine levels were evaluated in all patients.Patients who also have hypertension or hypokalemiawere screened for the plasma aldosterone/renin activity ratio. CT or MRI imaging properties of adrenal incidentalomas were screened.

Results: In the evaluation of cases; 180 (83%) of the masses were evaluated as non-functional and 37 (17%) as functional. Of the 37 patients evaluated as having functional adrenal mass; 10 (4.6%) pheochromocytoma, 5 (2.3%) Cushing's syndrome, 9 (4.1%) subclinical Cushing’s syndrome and 13 (6%) primary hyperaldesteronism were detected. In 180 patients who were evaluated as having non-functional adrenal mass; metastatic disease in 7 (3 non-small cell lung cancer, 1 breast cancer, 1 prostate carcinoma and 2 unknown primary cancer), myelolipoma in 4, ganglioneuroma in 1, hydatid cyst in 1, adrenocortical carcinoma in 2 patients were detected.

Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it is not uncommon for adrenal incidentalomas to be functional. It may be malignant in some cases. For this reason, adrenal incidentaloma is a condition that should be examined both in terms of
functionality and malignancy potential.

Aim: Nearly 30% of the patients with cleft palate need another surgery for velopharyngeal insufficiency. While
preoperative radiologic evaluation is necessary for planning, postoperative evaluation is also so important. In
this study, we plan to share our experience about evaluation of the velopharynx with dynamic MRI at patients
who were operated oving for velopharyngeal insuf ficiency.
Patients and Methods: The study included seventeen patients who were presented with velopharyngeal
insufficieny and we applied dynamic MRI for postoperative evaluation between April 2014 and May 2020.
Pharyngeal flap was applied for 7, posterior augmentation was performed for 7 (2 costal cartilaginous, 5 fat
graft) and myomucosal repair was done for 3 patients with submucosal cleft. Dynamic MRI were obtained
preoperatively and postoperatively at 3rd month. Postoperative results were evaluated with dynamic MRI.
Results: The study included seventeen patients, with an age range of 9-29 (mean 13± 2.5), 11 women (65%),
and 6 men (35%). Posterior wall located grafts were found at the second cervical vertebra and viable. While
there was no nasal air escape in superior pharyngeal flap applied patients at sagittal plane, in axial dynamic
images, gap was detected which is all essential for airway and must be obtained. The levator muscle direction
was observe normal postoperatively at patients with submucous clef. Nasal air escape area was decreased
in both methods significantly comparing with preoperative measu rement (p<0.05)
Conclusion: Because of the three-dimensional and dynamic structure of the velopharynx, it must be evaluated
in both planes and dynamic. Although there are many techniques for this purpose, none of them is ideal or
objective. Dynamic MRI can be used for postoperative follow-up as it is used for preoperative planning.
Evaluation of the pharyngeal flap atrophy , grafts and also gap size are provided with qualitative values .

\r\n Gastric cancer is among the common cancers and chemotherapy is among the treatment plan. Chemotherapy affects many systems, it is important for the individual and her environment to adapt to this process. In order to improve this adaptation, the nursing care process given to the patient with gastric cancer who was receiving the first chemotherapy treatment according to the Roy Adaptation Model was described. According to the data obtained by the permission of the patient,  impaired physical mobility, anxiety, deficient knowledge about chemotherapy treatment process, defensive coping, readiness for enhanced family coping, nursing diagnoses were made and appropriate nursing interventions were applied. The model is thought to be available to patients receiving chemotherapy treatment.

Aim: In this study, examination of the index of cardiac-electrophysiological balance (iCEB) and of other
risk markers for cardiac arrhythmia in electrocardiography of children with acute rheumatic carditis was
aimed.
Patients and Methods: Forty pediatric patients with acute rheumatic carditis and 40 healthy children
matched in terms of gender and age were retrospectively enrolled in the study between January 2016
and August 2018. Demographic data of all cases were obtained from records. By electrocardiography, P
dispersion (Pd), dispersion durations of QT (QTd) and corrected QT (QTcd), Tpeak-to-end interval (Tpe),
ratios of Tp-e/QT and Tp-e/QTc, and measurements of iCEB and corrected iCEB (iCEBc) were all
compared between the groups. Statistically significant dif ference was accepted as p< 0.05.
Results: In the patient and control groups, mean ages were 11.40±3.48 years and 11.41±3.31 years,
respectively. Both groups had 16 female (40%) and 24 male (60%) children. In the patient group, heart
rate, PR interval, Pd, QTd, QTcd, Tp-e, Tp-e/QT ratio and iCEBc were found to be significantly increased.
Though iCEB level was higher in the patient group, there was no statistically significant difference with
healthy controls.
Conclusion: In children with acute rheumatic carditis, repolarization-depolarization balance may be
impaired. Therefore, in addition to other electrocardiographic risk parameters for arrhythmia, use of
iCEB(c) may also be beneficial. However , further studies on this issue are needed.

yok

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of quantitative
corneal subbasal nerve plexus (CSNP) analyses using semi-automa ted software.
Patients and Methods: Forty volunteers who applied to the Ophthalmology Department of the Necmettin
Erbakan University Meram Medical Faculty between 20 December 2021 and 20 January 2022 were
enrolled in the study. Images showing CSNP were obtained from the right eyes of the participants by using
Heidelberg Retina Tomograph III with Rostock Cornea Module. Three best quality images were selected
from each case. NeuronJ plugin for ImageJ software was used to trace nerve fibers and calculate nerve
fiber length (NFL), nerve fiber density (NFD), and nerve branch density (NBD). All these measurements
were performed by two different observers, and repeated for the second time by one of the observers
with an interval of one week, and interobserver and intraobserver reliability were determined using the
intraclass correlation coef ficient (ICC).
Results: The mean age of 40 participants (12 female and 28 male) was 34.70±5.86 years. The ICCs
for interobserver reproducibility were 0.967 (95% CI 0.939-0.982) for NFL, 0.826 (95% CI 0.696-0.904)
for NFD, and 0.949 (95% CI 0.906-0.973) for NBD indicating good to excellent reliability. The ICCs for
intraobserver repeatibility were 0.964 (95% CI 0.932-0.981) for NFL, 0.803 (95% CI 0.657-0.891) for NFD,
and 0.890 (95% CI 0.802-0.941) for NBD indicating good to excel lent reliability.
Conclusion: Quantitative CSNP analyzes using semi-automated software have high interobserver and
intraobserver reliability and can therefore be used in both clinical practice and clinical studies for detection
and follow-up of corneal nerves’ well-being, damage, and evaluation of response to treatment.

Objective: Dermoscopic features of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) have been well described in the literature, however, blue white variant of BCC has recently been described as a mimicker of melanoma. When reviewing the literature, it seems that there is just one original research about this special type of BCC. Here we aimed to evaluate this special and challenging variant of BCC cases of two dermatology departments from different regions of Turkey. 

Material and methods: Dermoscopic images of the histopathologically approved BCC cases  from two centers between the years 2015-2018 were reviewed. The cases showing diffuse blue white areas on dermoscopy were included in the study. The clinical and histopathological features, dermoscopic images and demographic data of all the cases were evaluated

Results: We detected 15 (9.74 %) lesions of BCC with diffuse blue-white dermoscopic pattern from 15 different patients among 154 cases of histopathologically confirmed basal cell carcinomas. All of the cases were located on the head region. All of the cases were excised with two main differantials: melanoma and BCC. The most common findings after blue white diffuse areas were irregular serpentine vessels (60.0 %), peripheral maple leaf like areas (46.6%) and ulceration (46.6%). The histopathological examination of all the cases were in keeping with nodular or noduloulcerative subtypes.

Conclusion: The present study, to the best of our knowledge, is the most comprehensive study regarding this rare and challenging presentation of BCC. The main differential diagnosis is melanoma. We suggest that it would be logical to consider blue white BCC in the lesions showing diffuse blue-white color. A careful dermoscopic examination regarding the presence of specific dermoscopic clues to basal cell carcinoma can provide a well-directed preliminary diagnostic evaluation. 

Keywords: Basal cell carcinoma, blue white, dermoscopy

Abstract

Aim: Respiratory infections caused by PIV are related to major morbidity and hospitalization rates in infants and young children. The aim of the present retrospective study is to investigate the rate and seasonal distribution of PIV infections in pediatric patients with lower respiratory tract infections.

Patients and Methods: Nasopharyngeal swab specimens of pediatric in- and outpatients with the diagnosis of lower respiratory infection were collected from various pediatric clinics between January 2014 and December 2016. PIV types 1, 2, 3 and 4 were identified by multiplex real time PCR method.

Results: One of the four PIV types was identified in 224 of 1983 nasopharyngeal swab specimens of patients aged less than 18 years (11.3%). PIV-3 was the most common agent among the subtypes (75%) followed by PIV- 4 (15.2%). The rate of PIV-1 and PIV-2 were 5.8% and 4%, respectively. Of all pediatric patients, 75.9% were under 5 years of age. When the seasonal distribution was examined, it was determined that PIV-3 was frequently observed in summer (53.6%), whereas PIV-1 and PIV-2 were observed in autumn and winter months.

Conclusion: PIV-3 was the most common subtype. Prompt identification of PIV by multiplex real time PCR method would be very helpful for clinicians in the treatment and prevention of the respiratory infections caused by viral pathogens.

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common peripheral mononeuropathy caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist inside the carpal tunnel.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between EMG data and surgical success in patients with CTS who showed a decrease in conduction velocity and prolonged latency in EMG. Thus, it was aimed to link the surgical indications to objective criteria.

Patients and Methods: The patients who were diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and  underwent surgery between 2013-2018 were evaluated prospectively. In the postoperative  12th month, changes in the median nerve velocity were observed by the EMG controls. Post-operative drowsiness was accepted as a surgical failure.

Results: 266 patients (62 males, 204 females) were included in the study. Complaints of 23 patients were continuing. The median motor latency average of the patients who complained was 6,63 msec (min 3,04 - max 11,04), and the message speed was 42,91 m / s (min 36,88 - max 51,8). Median nerve sensory potential was not found in 16 patients,  sensory and motor potential was not achieved in 2 patients. Median nerve sensory conduction could not be obtained in 70 of the patients without any complaint, but motor potential was obtained in all of patients. When median motor nerve latency was higher than 4.63 ms, it was found that the patient complaint of drowsiness continued after surgical treatment of CTS.

Conclusion: When the motor nerve Latans is above 4.63, the chance of success in the surgical treatment of CTS decreases. Performing CTS surgical treatment before these limits may prevent the occurrence of irreversible changes.

\r\n Purpose: Mesh erosions that necessitates excision can develop in Trans Obturator Tape (TOT) surgeries which are widely used in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence.

\r\n

\r\n In our study, we described a method of vaginal flap placed under suburethral sling to prevent urethral mesh erosion related with TOT surgery and evaluated the patients for postoperative complications.

\r\n

\r\n Materials and methods: In our study, 22 patients who had TOT and cystocele operations simultaneously and to whom flaps composed of vaginal tissue were placed in front of the urethra under the mesh between December 2014 and May 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients were evaluated for urethral mesh erosion, vaginal mesh erosion, complaints of urgency and dyspareunia, urinary retention, and need for secondary surgery.

\r\n

\r\n Results: The mean postoperative follow-up of the patients were 8,95±8,45 months. 20 patients had simultaneous TOT and cystocele operations (%90,9), 2 patient had vaginal hysterectomy, TOT and cystocele operations simultaneously (%9,1). Urethral mesh erosion developed in none of the patients during the follow-up period. Vaginal mesh erosion and dyspareunia was observed in only one menopausal patient. Urinary retention and overflow incontinence developed in another patient. Vaginal hysterectomy, TOT and cystocele operations were made simultaneously in this patient. Mesh of this patient was cut later on.

\r\n

\r\n Coclusion: The surgical technique we used in our cases kept urgency and vaginal mesh erosion in a minimal level besides totally preventing urethral mesh erosion in a mean short-term follow-up period of 9 months.

\r\n

Aim

The decision to start treatment in sarcoidosis is made based on clinical and radiological findings and changes in pulmonary function test findings during follow-up, and more useful tools are needed in treatment management. F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron required important tomography / computed tomography (PET/CT) contains important information about the extent of sarcoidosis. On the other hand, the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) opens as a good prognostic marker for tissue-related inflammation. This study evaluated the relationship between the 18F-FDG PET/CT findings of sarcoidosis and NLR and other clinical findings.

Material and methods

The data of the patient who was diagnosed with sarcoidosis after 18F-FDG PET/CT examination in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' age, gender, NLR values, smoking status, extrathoracic involvement and symptoms, and 18F-FDG PET/CT findings were compared.

Results

This study consisted of 41 patients. There was a strong correlation between NLR and whole body total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and moderate correlation between  MAIA and NLR (r values: 0.852, 0.660, both of them p value: <0.001, respectively). There was a significant difference between the groups showing only thoracic involvement and additional extrathoracic involvement with MAIA, TLG and NLR values (p values,: 0.002, 0.001 and, 0.003, respectively). In the classification made according to the symptoms of the patients, there was no significant difference between the groups with SUVmax, MAIA, TLG and NLR values. Median values were found to be significantly higher in the elderly group (p values: 0.037 and 0.040, respectively). In the classification made according to gender; there was no significant difference in both PET/CT parameters and NLR values.

Conclusion

The close relationship between the NLR value, which is accepted as a prognostic indicator in sarcoidosis, and the 18F-FDG PET / CT findings which show the involvement of the disease in the whole body, may provide the clinician with significant benefits in treatment management.

Objective: Most of the renal neoplasms are the epithelial and malign ones. The renal cell carcinoma (RCC), which is the most frequently seen malign renal tumor, consists of 2-4% of all the malign tumors seen among adult individuals and 80-90% of all the malign renal tumors. RCCs peak at sixties and seventies and its prevalence among males is two folds of its prevalence among females. RCCs have bad prognosis. The recurrence is seen in 40% of the cases, and the metastasis despite the early diagnosis was detected in 50% of cases. In present study, it was aimed to distribution of renal tumors in our hospital, discuss the prognostic factors such as the, pathological stage, nuclear grade and tumor diameter accompanied by literature information.

Patients and Method: By retrospectively scanning the records of Pathology Department of Medical Faculty, Fırat University, for the period between 1988 and 2009, 140 renal tumor cases were determined and the previous diagnoses, histological degrees, pathological stages of these cases were evaluated and the final diagnoses were taken as base in the present study. In pathologically staging (pT) of RCCs, TNM classification was used, whereas Fuhrman nuclear grading (FNG) was used in nuclear grading procedure. The patients were divided into different groups based on their genders and ages. The statistical analyses were performed in SPSS-12.0 software by using Chi-Square and Correlation tests.

Results: When compared to the literature in terms of the mean age, the present study involves relatively young population (mean age 57), and the majority was male (male/ female:1.1). The distributions of renal tumours, malign and benign subtypes, and RCC subtypes show similarities with the general literature. When examining the RCCs statistically, no significant relationship was found between diagnosis and age, and between nuclear grade and tumor diameter (p>0.05). In the present study, the RCCs with largest diameter were papillary type (9,78cm) ones, whereas the RCCs with lowest diameter values were classic type. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the benign, borderline and malign tumor diagnoses and diameters (p= 0.023). It was determined that approximately one-four of RCC cases were in highly pathological stage (21,6%, pT3a-3b). A direct proportional and statistically significant relationship was found between nuclear grade and diameter (p=0,002).

Conclusion: RCCs have poor prognosis and their frequency is increasing. Pathological stage, nuclear grade and diameter are the leading factors affecting the prognosis. As in our study, in retrospective studies involving old ages and not enough sampling, tumor diameter may be used as an alternative prognostic factor for pathological staging in tumors with a stage above pT2.

Objective: Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an autosomal dominant inherited genetic disorder that causes a significant increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and leads to early coronary heart disease and cardiac mortality. Although this disease has a heterozygous (HeFH) and homozygous (HoFH) form, the incidence of HeFH is reported to be 1: 500, while HoFH is reported to be 1: 1 000 000. This disease is often caused by LDL receptor (most common), apolipoprotein B (Apo B), Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9), and LDL receptor adaptor protein (LDLRAP) gene mutations. Patients with FH do not respond well to lipid-lowering therapies such as a statin, and so lipoprotein apheresis is the treatment of choice.

Material and Methods: We compared the results of lipoprotein apheresis in a 20-year-old female patient diagnosed with HoFH with two different methods [double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) and dextran sulfate column (DSC) methods]. 40 lipoprotein apheresis procedures including 20 sessions of DFPP and 20 sessions of DSC were evaluated.

Results: When the two methods were compared the changes in high-density lipoprotein, white blood cells, platelets, potassium, calcium, prothrombin time (INR) and activated partial thromboplastin time values were statistically significant.

Conclusions: In conclusion, our study suggests that it would be more appropriate to choose the apheresis method according to the clinical and laboratory findings of the patient since it shows that two different methods have different effects on serum electrolyte values, hemostasis criteria and leukocyte and platelet counts.

Abstract

Aim: Since clinical and prognostic heterogeneity is observed in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (‎DLBCL) patients, it is vital to determine its prognostic and predictive factors. The frequency of these factors varies geographically and ethnically. We aimed to reevaluate and discuss the prognostic and predictive ‎factors of DLBCL patients who have been treated with R-CHOP in our ‎center based on the WHO 2017 revised 4^th edition.‎ We also investigated the incidence of EBV in DLBCL-NOS.

Patients and Methods: Patients with DLBCL-NOS diagnosed previously in our hospital between 2007-2017 and treated with ‎R-CHOP were included in the study. We evaluated the expressions of CD10, CD5, CD30, BCL-2, BCL-6, MUM-1, MYC, LMP-1, EBNA-2, Ki-67, and p53, by immunohistochemistry, and EBV encoded RNA by in situ hybridization in 104 cases of DLBCL-NOS. The Revised International Prognostic Index (R-IPI) score and the overall survival time ‎was ‎calculated.

Results: The study included 56 men (53.8%) and 48 women (46.2%). The median age was 64.5 years. In 59.6% of the patients, the disease had a nodal beginning, whereas in 40.4% of the patients it had an ‎extranodal presentation. High ‎stage (III-IV) was present in 26.5% of the GCB subtype and 43.6% of non-GCB subtype (p=0.049). A high ‎R-IPI score was observed in 40% of GCB subtype and 54.5% of non-GCB subtype (p=0.028). Survival was significantly lower in the non-GCB subtype (log-rank test p=0.003).‎ The EBV frequency was about 3% as it is reported in Western populations. The frequency of DEL status was 8.7%, indicating that it was associated with inferior survival (p=0.045). De novo CD5⁺ DLBCL ratio as 13% and it was also associated with inferior survival (p=0.013).  We also found CD30⁺ DLBCL ratio as 11.5%, but we could not establish a significant relationship with prognosis.

Conclusion: DLBCL-NOS requires detailed subtyping and elaboration of prognostic factors. ‎The frequency of DEL status and De novo CD5⁺ DLBCL indicated that it was associated with inferior survival. However, we could not establish ‎a meaningful relationship of CD30⁺ DLBCL with prognosis.‎ Three EBV positive cases were identified and two of them were classified as ‘EBV positive large B cell lymphoma’ according to the WHO 2017 revised 4^th edition.

Keywords: Diffuse Large-Cell Lymphoma; Prognostic Factors; Survival

Aim: Chest radiography and thoracic computed tomography (CT) play an important role in the diagnosis and
prognosis of sarcoidosis, a systemic granulomatous disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas.
Pulmonary hypertension, a rare complication of the disease, can be seen in all stages. There is a strong
correlation between pulmonary hypertension (PH) and an increase in the diameter of the main pulmonary
artery (MPAD). In this study, we aimed to evaluate MPAD with multislice computed tomography (CT)
examination for the early diagnosis of PH in patients with stag e II sarcoidosis.
Patients and Methods: We measured the diameter of the main pulmonary artery on thorax CT in patients
with stage II sarcoidosis, who were followed up in our hospital with a diagnosis of sarcoidosis between
January-2018 and December-2021, with hilar lymphadenopathy and parenchymal changes in their imaging,
and compared them with the control group, whose chest X-ray was normal and thorax CT scan was performed
with nonspecific symptoms. We evaluated the relationship between the pulmonary artery pressures obtained
by echocardiography and the diameter of the main pulmonary arte ry in patients with stage II sarcoidosis
Results: We found a significant correlation between the increase in MPAD and pulmonary artery pressure
measured by ECHO in patients with sarcoidosis compared to the control group, and the pulmonary artery
diameter measured by CT in this patient group.
Conclusion: We think that CT evaluation of pulmonary artery diameter in patients with sarcoidosis can guide
the development of PH and therefore of fer an opportunity for early intervention.

Aim: In the present study, the aim is to determine whether centromere protein H (CENPH) gene expression levels change in prostate carcinoma (PCa).
Materials and Methods: Prostate tissue sample of 40 patients with primary prostate cancer was used in the study. Hence, transcriptional analysis of the CENPH gene was conducted in the total paraffin embedded prostate tissues extracted from patients diagnosed with prostate cancer. The expression analyses were obtained from the comparison of the expressions within the tumoral and non-tumoral areas in the prostate tissue of the same patient.
Results: Separate RNA isolation was performed. Subsequent qRT-PCR analyzes were repeated three times and quality controls of the Ct values were performed on the obtained data. The Ct values of the expression of the housekeeping gene GAPDH and the target gene CENPH gene were compared in tissue (tumor and normal) and technical repeat groups. There was no statistically significant difference in CENPH gene expression between tumor and normal tissue specimens in prostate cancer. Moreover, on investigating the causes of death, in none of the patients PCa related death was determined. 
Conclusion: In our study, we could not find any relationship with prostate cancer tumorogenesis in CENPH gene expression anomalies. However, some cancers (non-small cell lung cancer, colon cancer, etc) with high CENPH gene expression are associated with tumor aggressiveness, poor prognosis and drugresistance. More studies are needed on CENPH gene expression and its effect on prostate cancer.

Myotonic dystrophy is the most common muscular dystrophy of adulthood. Neurological manifestation of the disease is typical, however diagnosis could be challenge in patients presentig with predominant cardiac or systemic symptoms. 46 year old male was suffering from presyncope attacks for 16 years, and first examined by a cardiologist. Because of the recent complaints including walking difficulty, he was referred to neurology department. Following a detailed neurological examination and electrodiagnostic workup, he was finally diagnosed myotonic dystrophy type 1. The case highlights the necessitiy of neurological consultation in patients who present with conduction defects, arythmias or cardiomyopathies of unknown origin, accompanied by overt or subtle neurological symptoms. In such patients, neuromuscular disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis; and in order to provide thorough diagnostic evaluation, multidisciplinary approach is essential.

Objective: Pap smear test is a commonly used and effective screening method in detection of cervical cancer and its precursor lesions. There is a very limited number of studies on use of Pap smears in diagnosis of the endometrial carcinomas. We have aimed to investigate the incidence rate of atypical endometrial cells in Pap smears of the patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma and the correlation between these cells and clinicopathological parameters.

Material and methods: In this study, patients who were diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma and who had smear sampling between January 2015 and September 2017 were examined retrospectively. Histological type, nuclear grade and Pap smear results of endometrial carcinoma cases were evaluated.

Results: Pap smear sampling was concurrently performed in 59 of the 97 patients diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma. The ages of the patients who underwent smear sampling ranged between 42 and 82 years (mean 57.43±9.08 years). The menopausal status evaluation of the women revealed that 12 (20.3%) and 47 (79.7%) patients were premenopausal and postmenopausal, respectively. Endometrioid type carcinoma was encountered in 51 (86.4%) patients as the most commonly found histological type. Serous, clear cell and mucinous carcinomas were determined in 6 (10%), 1 (1.8%) and 1 (1.8%) patients, respectively. The results of Pap smear tests were atypical in 24 (40.7%) patients whereas normal results were obtained in 35 (59.3%) patients. Nuclear grade assessment of the carcinomas showed that grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 carcinomas were discovered in 24 (40.7%), 25 (42.3%) and 10 (17%) patients, respectively. The rate of the atypical endometrial cells encountered by Pap smears has increased as grade of the tumors increased.

Conclusion: We have concluded that the detection rate of atypical cells by Pap smear in endometrial carcinomas is considerably high. The incidence of atypical cells is higher in nonendometrioid and high-grade carcinomas.

Aim: The aim of this study was to primarily investigate the effects of selected anesthesia method on anxiety, patient satisfaction and pain level in elective caesarean section, and secondarily obtain information about quality of service.

Materials and Methods: The study was carried out as a prospective questionnaire in the Department of Anaesthesiology and Reanimation the Meram Medical Faculty Hospital of Necmettin Erbakan University between June 2017 and August 2017, on 160 volunteers aged between 18 and 45 years for whom elective cesarean section under General Anesthesia (GA) or Spinal Anesthesia (SA) was planned. Demographic data of the patients such as age, place of residence, education level, number of children, and cesarean experiences were recorded. In the preoperative and postoperative period, anxiety levels were measured by State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-D), pain levels were measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores and satisfaction levels were evaluated at postoperative 6th and 24th hours by (Quality of Recovery: QoR 40 T) questionnaire.

Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the patients' preoperative and postoperative anxiety scores and demographic data (p> 0.05). Patients with previous cesarean experience had lower preoperative anxiety levels (p <0.05). The STAI-D scores and the numbers of patients with anxiety in the GA and SA groups were similar (p> 0.05).Postoperative anxiety levels were significantly lower in both groups than in the preoperative period (p <0.05). VAS values of the SA group at the 6th and 24th hours were significantly higher than the group treated with GA.(p<0.05). The 24th hour VAS values of the SA group were higher than the VAS values at the 6th hour (p <0.05). In the GA group, VAS values at 24th hour were lower than the VAS values at 6th hour (p <0.05). The satisfaction levels of general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia were similar in the postoperative period (p> 0.05). Complaint of headache was high in SA group while complaint of sore throat was high in GA group(p<0.05). While there was no correlation between anxiety level, VAS values and satisfaction level (p> 0.05), there was a negative correlation between VAS values and pain parameters, which are the subgroup of satisfaction questionnaire, in both groups (p <0.05).

Conclusion: It is concluded that the preferred anesthesia method in elective cesarean section has no effect on anxiety and satisfaction, and the patient satisfaction level and service quality will be improved by providing effective analgesia by reviewing our postoperative pain algorithm.

Aim: Forearm supination deformity is a serious sequela of brachial plexus birth palsy(BPBP) that affects
both functionality and apperance. In the early phase, soft tissue procedures are preferred whereas bone
procedures are preferred in the late phase. In this study, the techniques of forearm supination deformity
restoration and their results were evaluated.
Patients and Methods: Forty three children (mean age of 8.2 years) were included in the study. Eighteen
patients had soft tissue procedures and 25 patients had bone procedures. For soft tissue procedures, 14
patients had bracioradialis re-routing pronatorplasty and 4 patients had biceps re-routing procedures. For
bone procedures, 10 patients had radius rotation osteotomies, 11 patients had radial head excisions and
9 patients had distal radio-ulnar synostosis. Preoperative and postoperative active and passive forearm
supination and pronation degrees were measured goniometrically .
Results: The mean preoperative and postoperative active pronation degrees for brachioradialis re-routing
pronatorplasty and biceps re-routing changed from -32.8° to 30.7° and from -40° to 42.5° respectively.
The mean preoperative and postoperative active pronation degrees for radius rotation osteotomy, radial
head excision and distal radio-ulnar synostosis changed from -70° to -4° and from -53° to 43° and -80°
to -19° respectively .
Conclusion: Satisfactory functional and postural improvements may be obtained with palliative surgeries
that involve either the soft tissue or the bone in the setting of forearm supination deformities that are late
sequelae of BPBP.

STUDY AIM: In this study, it was aimed to identify the accurate and inaccurate conceptions among the society on COVID-19 disease, which is considered as a public health problem and has a high risk of transmission. 

METHODS: The research was performed online at https://docs.google.com/forms in May 2020. The questionnaire form was composed of 40 queries, which were on sociodemographic characteristics and COVID-19. Following the study, the answers obtained from the questionnaire were analyzed by inserting related data to the software of SPSS. 

RESULTS: Of 580 participants involved in the study, 363 (62.6%) were female. The median age of the participants was 34.0 (18.0-77.0). Of the individuals who completed the questionnaire, 342 (59.0%) were married and 438 (75.5%) were university graduated and / or postgraduated. Of the individuals included in the study, 497 (85.6%) stated that they watched television / news channels to be informed about COVID-19. Most of the questions related to COVID-19 were answered accurately by the participants. The percentage of the premise, which was answered most accurately, was 577 (99.5%), whereas the lowest percentage of the accurately answered premise was 137 (23.6%). It was found that there was a statistically significant difference among the genders in terms of the percentage of accurate responses to the conceptions (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION: It was determined that the vast majority of the participants utilized from at least one news resource on COVID-19. Participants typically have accurate knowledge about COVID-19. Educational programs can be planned to enhance the awareness of the society about the conceptions, which were answered mostly inaccurately.

Aim: The aim of this study was to map the skin thickness by determining the epidermis, dermis and total skin thickness of six dif ferent regions of the face.

Patients and Methods: Samples containing 9-10 mm of healthy tissue from the facial skin, scalp, forehead, cheek, ear, nose and lip regions of 90 female and 90 male patients aged between 30 and 80 years were retrospectively included in the study, and epidermis and dermis thicknesses examined with a micrometer under a light microscope.

Results: Epidermis thicknesses of 6 facial regions of 90 female participants included in the study were between 65.91±14.44 μm and 120.91±44.74 μm, dermis thicknesses were between 1150±217.43 μm and 1498.33±388.56 μm, and total skin thicknesses were between 1234.83±217.6 μm and 1599.33±492.2 μm. Epidermis thicknesses of 6 facial regions of 90 male participants included in the study were between 79.08±13.88 μm and 122.75±32.5 μm, dermis thicknesses were between 1106.66±389.82 μm and 1942.5±464.06 μm, and total skin thicknesses were between 1756± 503.75 μm and 2022.5±460.24 μm.

Conclusion: In the female patients, the thinnest epidermis was measured on the scalp and the thinnest epidermis in the male patients was measured on the cheek. The thickest epidermis was on the upper lip in the male and female patients. However, the regions with the thinnest and thickest dermis thicknesses differed according to gender. In further studies, a full map of facial skin thickness can be obtained by dividing the face into more subunits using more multicentre, multiethnic materials.

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine pressure ulcer prevention knowledge and attitudes among nurses who cared for surgical patients that were exposed to pressure ulcer risk factors such as immobilization and nutritional problems.

Materials and Method: This descriptive study was carried out with 150 nurses who were working in the surgical clinics and surgical intensive care units of a medical faculty hospital in XXXX and who had at least one year’s professional experience. Necessary permissions were obtained from the ethics committee and the institution prior to the research. Data were collected with a patient information form, the Pressure Ulcer Prevention Knowledge Assessment Instrument (PUPKAI) and the Attitude towards Pressure ulcer Prevention instrument (APuP) between October 1, 2018 and February 1, 2019.  Data were analyzed with the independent-samples t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, the Kruskal-Wallis test, the correlation analysis and the multiple regression analysis.

Results: The mean age of the nurses was 29.91±6.48 years, 65.3% were female and half of them had undergraduate degrees. According to the PUPKAI total mean score (<60%), the pressure ulcer prevention knowledge of the nurses was inadequate and only 24% had a knowledge score ≥60%. Regression analysis results showed that, nurses' professional experience duration, working style, number of patients per shift and the experiences of giving care to patients with pressure ulcers were found to have a significant effect on the PUPKAI total mean score (p<0.05). According to the APuP total mean score (≥75%), the nurses had positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention. It was also determined that the descriptive characteristics of the nurses did not significantly affect the APuP total mean score (p>0.05). There was no significant relationship between the total mean scores of the PUPKAI and APuP (p>0.05).

Conclusion: This study revealed that the surgical nurses had positive attitudes towards pressure ulcer prevention but they had inadequate knowledge about it. These findings highlight the need for institutional arrangements to ensure that nurses have access to evidence-based knowledge about pressure ulcer prevention.

Aim: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the kidney function, hypertension development and
proteinuria in individuals with only one kidney .
Patients and Methods: The study included 96 patients who had previously undergone nephrectomy with
the causes of nephrolithiasis and chronic pyelonephritis-induced nonfunctional kidney, RCC (Renal Cell
carcinoma), trauma, and donor nephrectomy among 17800 patients who applied to the Siirt State Hospital
Nephrology and Urology outpatient clinics between January 2016 and December 2019. The data of the
patients were obtained from patient files database retrospectiv ely.
Results: A total of 96 patients, 45 female and 51 male, were included in the study. 23 (24%) of the
patients had donor nephrectomy (DN), and 73 (76%) had nephrectomy (DE) due to nephrolithiasis, chronic
pyelonephritis, trauma, and renal cell cancer (RCC). The patients were divided into two groups as those
who underwent DN and DE due to other etiologies. Between DN and DE group, there was no statistically
significant difference in terms of mean age, distribution of gender, presence of HT before nephrectomy,
DM, presence of hematuria and new onset proteinuria (P> 0.05). Compared to the DN group, the frequency
of new onset in CKD and HT development was significantly higher DE group.
Conclusion: Nephrectomy is a risk factor for the development of CKD, proteinuria and hypertension.
Therefore, preventive measures should be taken in a timely manner to reduce the prevalence of
nephrectomies due to benign diseases.

Aim: Psychological dependence and smoking desire are as important as physical dependence on smoking.
The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of the addiction levels and smoking urge of people who want
to quit smoking on their success.
Patients and Methods: This study, which is a cross-sectional analytical study, was conducted people who
applied to a smoking cessation clinic between 10 January 2020 - 30 April 2020. Sociodemographic information
form, the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test (FNDT) and the Test for the Assessment of the Psychological
Addiction of Smoking (APAS) were applied and CO levels were measured. Motivational interviews were made
and treatments were arranged if necessary. The Carbon monoxide (CO) levels of the patients who were called
for control one month later were measured and the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU) was applied.
Those with a CO level of 5 ppm and above were considered to be unable to quit smoking.
Results: The average age of 176 patients participating in the study was 37.68±11.89 years and 81.3% were
male. The mean of cigarette consumption per pack was 23.42±16.06, the average FNDT was 6.13±2.39
and the CO was 13.33±6.31 ppm. APAS scale mean score was 15.19±2.63 points. According to the FNDT
score, 41.5% of the patients were highly dependent, and 6.8% according to the APAS score were severely
dependent. Control CO level of the patients who came for control one month later was found to be 5.03±3.03
ppm. Accordingly, 67.6% of the patients could not quit smoking, and the mean QSU score was 33.56±15.71.
FNDT, APAS and QSU scale mean scores of those who quit smoking were statistically significantly lower than
those who did not quit smoking (p=0.015, p<0.001 and p=0.025, respectively).
Conclusion: Those who are high psychological dependence to smoking have low success to quitting smoking.
Psychological addiction such as nicotine addiction of those who apply to smoking cessation clinics should be
evaluated and ways of coping with smoking desire should be expl ained during motivational interviews.

Objective: Brain death is defined as the complete and irreversible loss of all brain functions including the brain stem. Three major findings used for the diagnosis of brain death are coma, absence of the brain stem reflexes and apnea. The diagnosis of brain death has become more important with the increasing number of patients waiting for transplantation. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of computed tomography angiography in confirming brain death.

Material & Methods: Clinical brain death was reported in total 21 patients hospitalized in critical care unit of our hospital between October 2015 and June 2018. One of these patients was excluded since he underwent magnetic resonance angiography. CTA findings of the remaining patients were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were aged between 25 and 75 years with a mean age of 45 ± 1 years. CTA evaluations were performed using a 64 detector device. 100 mL contrast agent was delivered with a double head automated pump at a rate of 3.5 – 4 cc/sec as 350-375 mg/mL. When the region of interest reached to 90-100 HU cut off value, the images were acquired at 15-20 sec intervals on the axial plan. CTA findings were interpreted using 10- point scale.

Results: Causes of death were reported as intracranial hemorrhage in eight patients, ischemic cerebrovascular events in four patients, hemorrhage after craniotomy in three patients, cardiac arrest in two patients, post-traumatic contusio cerebri in one patient, and metabolic reasons in two patients.

Contrast filling was “0” in the ACA, PCA, MCA distal, and ICA supraclinoid branches of all 20 patients. Suspected contrast filling was found in MCA proximal in eight patients and unilateral ACA proximal in two patients. Each loss of opacification in the intracranial brancges was scored as 1 point. Accordingly, all patients were scored as 10 points.

Conclusion: According to our results, CTA is an effective and sensitive method for the diagnosis of brain death which is obligated by regulations.

OBJECTIVE: Studies have demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise improves several aspects of cognition such as attention, executive functions, memory and processing speed.  However, it is not clear how elite-level strength training affects cognitive function during adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine how a single session of strength training affects cognition in highly trained adolescents.

METHODS: Motor functions, ability of sustaining attention and executive functions of 25 elite female weightlifters were evaluated through finger tapping performance, simple visual reaction time (S- VRT), complex visual reaction time (C-VRT), simple recognition visual reaction time (SR-VRT) and complex recognition visual reaction time (CR-VRT) tests. Weightlifters were tested before and after a training session. 

RESULTS: There was a significant increase in mean CR-VRT of weightlifters after training (p<.01). In SR-VRT and CR-VRT tests, rate of false answers increased significantly after training (p<.05). Total number of taps and mean inter-tap intervals did not show any difference among weightlifters before and after training (p>.05). 

CONCLUSION: Adolescent weightlifters’ executive functions are deteriorated following a training session. In future studies, the duration of this deteriorating effect of strength training can be investigated.