1. | Cover Pages I - III |
ORIGINAL ARTICLE | |
2. | Circadian Preferences and Coping Styles for Stressful Life Events in Major Depressive Disorder Pınar Güzel Özdemir, Tuba Ülkevan, Mesut Işık, Elif Sütçü doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 33169 Pages 151 - 158 INTRODUCTION: Depressive disorder is a common public health problem that significantly impairs quality of life and has a high risk of mortality and morbidity. The aim of this study was to investigate circadian rhythm differences, stressful life events and coping styles in patients with depression. METHODS: The study involved 100 participants, including 50 patients with depression and 50 healthy controls, recruited from the psychiatric clinic of one-university hospital. The participants completed a sociodemographic information form, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Life Events Checklist (LEC-5), Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations-Short Form (CISS-21) and Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). RESULTS: The mean age of the patients with depression was 31.88±10.6 years, and the control group was 29.84±8.02 years. Emotional coping was significantly higher in patients with depression compared to the control group, whereas task-oriented coping was significantly lower than the control group (p<0.05). The majority of both depression and the control group consisted of intermediate type. Natural disasters, severe suffering, and other stressful events or experiences were more frequent stressful life events in the depression group. Task-oriented coping scores and emotional coping scores showed significant discrimination with sensitivity and specificity values. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Recognizing stressful life events and the coping strategies used to deal with them is important for identifying major depression and developing treatment and follow-up plans. Longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand how coping methods interacts with depression in recovery from traumatic events. |
3. | The Relationship Between Early Onset Bipolar I Disorder with Clinical Features and Alexithymia Uğur Takım, Hasan Gökçay, Tarık Saglam doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 70299 Pages 159 - 165 INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the early onset (EO) of Bipolar I Disorder (BD-I) and alexithymia, as well as the association between alexithymia and the clinical features of BD. METHODS: A total of 83 individuals diagnosed with BD-I under remission were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. Among them, 39 were diagnosed before (EO) and 44 were diagnosed after 18 years of age. The participants were assessed with the Socio-demographic Data Form, Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). RESULTS: In the EO group, the TAS total score, difficulty describing feelings subscale score, difficulty identifying feeling score, and externally oriented thinking score were significantly higher compared to the group diagnosed after age 18. Furthermore, the EO group exhibited a higher number of hospitalizations, a greater total number of attacks, an increased number of depressive attacks, manic attacks, extended disease duration, along with a higher incidence of suicide attempts and self-harm. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that early-onset in BD-I is correlated with elevated alexithymia levels, and is associated with prolonged disease duration, increased episode frequency, and a heightened incidence of suicide attempts among the affected individuals. |
4. | Frequency and Morphometry of the Sternal Foramen Suleyman Emre Akin, Ahmet Dursun, Alper Kiziloglu, Hasan Ekrem Camas, Veysel Atilla Ayyildiz doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 35744 Pages 166 - 171 INTRODUCTION: The sternal foramen is a defect associated with incomplete fusion of neonatal sternal cartilage. These variations are frequently observed and usually asymptomatic. The clinical importance of sternal foramen is that if its existence is unknown, can complicate invasive procedures and be confused with pathologies. METHODS: Computed Tomography images of 500 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The sternal foramen's diameters were measured and adjacent organs were recognized. The foramen's distance from the sternum's upper and lower edges, midline, xiphoid's lowest point, and incisura jugularis were measured. RESULTS: 54 foramen sternales were detected in 48(9.6%) patients. When the organs adjacent to foramen sternale were examined, 36(67%) heart, 7(13%) lungs, 5(9%) liver, 2(4%) diaphragm, 1(2%) stomach, 3(5%) were both heart and lung. The mean distance of the highest point of foramen from the midsagittal line to incisura jugularis was 157.6±23.9 mm in men and 119.9±15.51 mm in women. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The position of 38 male patients’ foramen with respect to the line connecting nipples was investigated, and it was determined that the highest point of foramen was on the line in 1 patient and below in 37 patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although the sternal foramen is an asymptomatic defect, it can confused with pathologies and may cause life-threatening complications during invasive procedures. Relevant physicians and specialists should keep in mind the presence of sternal foramen. |
5. | Associations of Raynaud's Phenomenon in Juvenile Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Özge Baba, Hakan Kısaoğlu, Mukaddes Kalyoncu doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024.66375 Pages 172 - 178 INTRODUCTION: Raynaud’s phenomenon (RP) is associated with mild disease in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although RP is more frequently reported in juvenile onset SLE (jSLE) clinical associations were not studied. We aimed to investigate whether the presence of RP is associated with clinical and serological features at onset and outcomes in children with SLE. METHODS: Medical charts of children diagnosed with jSLE were reviewed. The presence of RP was evaluated by the presence of patients reporting symptoms, and patients were compared according to the presence of RP. RESULTS: Among the 52 included patients, 13 (25.0%) displayed RP. The clinical and laboratory features did not significantly differ according to the presence of RP. However, positive anti-dsDNA (76.9% vs. 35.8%, p = 0.02), anti-RNP (53.8% vs. 17.9%, p = 0.02), and anti-centromere (23.0% vs. 2.5% p = 0.04) antibodies were more frequently observed in patients with RP than in those without. RP was not found to be associated with initial disease severity, flare rate, remission, or damage accrual. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: RP was associated with certain serological features. However, RP was not strongly associated with clinical features. Moreover, neither disease severity nor disease outcomes differed according to the presence of RP in children with SLE. |
6. | Obstructive Uterovaginal Anomalies In Children Burhan Beger, Cihan Etgül, Bülent Sönmez, Metin Şimşek, Baran Serdar Kızılyıldız doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 63935 Pages 179 - 185 INTRODUCTION: A complete consensus has not been achieved in the diagnosis and management of uterovaginal canal obstructions in children and adolescents. In this study, our uterovaginal canal obstruction experiences were evaluated with the literature. METHODS: Data of patients with uterovaginal obstruction were evaluated, between 2015 and 2018. Values were expressed as counts and percentages. RESULTS: Twenty-one female patients with uterovaginal obstruction were detected. The mean age was 13 (Min-max: 3 days-17 years). The most common anomalies detected were labial synechia and imperforate hymen.. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Most of the uterovaginal obstructions can be treated with simple surgical intervention when differential diagnosis is kept in mind. However, complex cases require a multidisciplinary approach. |
7. | Fetal Birth Weight Estimation with Machine Learning Techniques in 15-40 Weeks of Pregnancy Özlem Dülger, Ahmet Dursun, Usame Ömer Osmanoğlu doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 09797 Pages 186 - 191 INTRODUCTION: Accurate prediction of birth weight is crucial for both fetuses and mothers. Low birth weight (birth weight < 2500g) and high birth weight (birth weight > 4000g) can lead to high perinatal mortality rates, various complications, and both short-term and long-term health outcomes such as chronic diseases. This article aims to propose a machine-learning solution to enhance the accuracy of birth weight prediction and assist clinicians in identifying potential risks before birth. METHODS: Seven hundred thirty different fetuses between weeks 15-40 were analyzed using clinical data. Nine different regression models from supervised machine learning methods, including logistic regression, support vector machine, decision tree, elastic net regressor, lasso regressor, ridge regressor, artificial neural network, random forest, and k-nearest neighbors algorithms, were employed to predict fetal birth weights based on gestational week, maternal age, gender, and ultrasound measurements, including biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length. RESULTS: Our study revealed that abdominal circumference was the most influential parameter, while gender had the least impact. The performance of the nine different algorithms in birth weight prediction was compared, and the elastic net regressor algorithm exhibited the best predictive performance. The proposed model yielded a prediction result with an average absolute error percentage of 8.87% and an average error of ±284g. A new formula for the newborn weight prediction model was developed using the elastic net regressor machine learning method. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that the model created with the elastic net regressor algorithm can predict birth weight at any gestational age between weeks 15-40. |
8. | Relationship Between Laboratory Parameters and Balthazar Severity Score in Acute Pancreatitis Mustafa Yorgancıoğlu, Adnan Bilge, Ekim Saglam Gurmen, Hasan Demirbaş, Abdurrahman Oral doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 70288 Pages 192 - 197 INTRODUCTION: Several criteria have been established to assess the severity and prognosis of the disease in patients diagnosed with acute Pancreatitis(AP)in addition to the scoring and classifications developed for this purpose.Our study aims to assess the correlation between the clinical picture and laboratory parameters of patients diagnosed with AP in the emergency department, with a focus on using the Balthazar Severity Scoring to identify the severe cases at an earlier stage. METHODS: 250patients over the age of 18 who were admitted to the emergency room due to abdominal pain and were later diagnosed with acute pancreatitis were included in this retrospective study. RESULTS: According to the Balthazar Severity Score calculated,194 patients were classified as mild,while56 as moderate. While there was no significant difference in terms of immature granulocytes percentage between the two groups, LDH and Lipase/Amilase ratio yielded a statistically significant result(P=0.001 and 0.001, respectively).The findings with regard to CRP can be considered borderline significant(P=0.051).Sensitivity was46.4%,specificity was 85%, PPV was47.2%and NPV was 84.6%when the NLR cutoff was14.90.At a lipase/amylase ratio threshold of 2.27,the corresponding NPV was 86.7%, PPV was26.3%,specificity was 57.2%and sensitivity 69.6%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Unlike previous studies towards diagnosing severe cases of AP at an early stage, our study found that the percentage of immature granulocyte(IG%)parameter did not show any statistically significant results.The lipase/amylase ratio stands out as a potential distinctive parameter for distinguishing severe cases.Furthermore, while diagnosing severe cases, there were statistically significant differences observed across the groups in relation to WBC,neutrophil,lymphocyte,NLR,PLR,andLDH ratio |
9. | Vaccination Hesitancy in Parents with Children Aged under Five Years who Apply to a Family Health Centre Aliye Bulut, Erhan Atıcı doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 03522 Pages 198 - 205 INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the factors that cause vaccine hesitancy in parents with children under five years of age who applied to a family health center, to examine parents’ behaviors and their motives for vaccine hesitancy. METHODS: The researcher collected the data from parents who applied to two Family Health Centers in the city center of Elazığ for several reasons: were over 18 years of age, agreed to participate in the study, and had children under the age of five (n= 123). An Individual Information Form prepared by the researchers based on the literature and the Vaccine Hesitancy Questionnaire, and the Vaccine Hesitancy Scale (VHS) developed by the World Health Organization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts Working Group on Vaccine Hesitancy. RESULTS: Despite no statistically significant difference in this study, it was found that those who were aged between 19 and 25 years, had a son, were fathers, were married, had employed mothers, and had unemployed fathers had higher mean ranks of VHS. The VHS scores of those with low educational levels in mothers (p= 0.001) and fathers (p= 0.001) who had low educational levels were unaware of how their spouses felt about vaccination (p= 0.001) and reported that they had been informed negatively about vaccination (p= 0.024) differed from each other. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The parents are hesitant about the vaccination of their children for several reasons. Families who hesitate to vaccinate their children should be fought socially, and their awareness should be raised. |
10. | The Relation Between Type D Personality Features and Social Anxiety among Individuals with Alcohol and Substance Use Disorders Mehmet Cihad Aktas, Cemile Hurrem Ayhan, Sakine Aktaş, Azad Salman Ali Tarakçı doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 44153 Pages 206 - 214 INTRODUCTION: Type D personality is characterised by the presence of social inhibition (SI) and negative affectivity (NA). Individuals high in social inhibition (SI) often experience feelings of discomfort, anxiety, stress, and lack of confidence. In contrast, individuals high in negative affectivity (NA) tend to experience unpleasant feelings. The aim of the present study was to determine the relationship between type D personality traits and social anxiety in individuals with alcohol and drug use disorders. METHODS: A cross-sectional was conducted with 140 individuals who were admitted to the XXX Health Sciences University Training and Research Hospital at the unit of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment and Research Center between July and September in 2023. The Type D personality (DS-14) and Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) were applied to participants. A linear regression model is used to test the predictive effect of D Type Personality on social anxiety. RESULTS: It was seen that there was a positive and significant relationship between social anxiety and social inhibition among participants (r=0.392, p<0.01). Similarly, a positive and significant relationship was seen between social anxiety and NA (r=0.318, p<0.01). The linear regression model was revealed that SI was seen significant predictors in social anxiety, but NA was not seen as a predictor in this relation. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the relationship between Type D personality features and social anxiety among individuals with substance use disorders is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by various psychological, emotional, and personality factors. |
11. | Rethinking the Risk: Evaluation of The Malignant Potential of Non-16 and 18 HPV Types via Colposcopic Results Serife Ozlem Genc, Begum Kurt, Tulay Koc, Huseyin Erdal doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 36035 Pages 215 - 219 INTRODUCTION: The malignancy risks of high-risk HPV types like 16 and 18 are well-known. The oncogenic potential of other HPV types, however, remains unclear. This study reevaluates malignancy risks across HPV types, stressing comprehensive colposcopic evaluations in cervical cancer screening. METHODS: Conducted at a tertiary care center (January 2021 - July 2023), this retrospective study included 138 women divided into two groups: those infected with HPV 16/18 and those with other HPV types. We analyzed and compared colposcopic and histopathological outcomes, correlating colposcopic results with biopsy outcomes to assess cervical neoplasia. RESULTS: Significant differences were noted between groups. While HPV 16 and 18 are linked to higher cervical neoplasia incidences, non-16/18 HPV types were also frequently associated with smear abnormalities. The average age of first sexual intercourse was 20.49 ± 4.2 years. Forty-nine percent of the women were smokers, 8% had only primary school education, and 78% were homemakers. High rates of known risk factors like low educational and socioeconomic status, and smoking were also significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that non-16/18 HPV types might have a higher malignancy potential than HPV 16-18, highlighting their importance in cervical cancer screenings and colposcopic evaluations. The study's small sample size limits its conclusions, pointing to the need for larger studies to refine cervical cancer screening strategies globally. |
12. | Wheelchair Compliance in Stroke Patients: A Single Center Experience Sıdıka Büyükvural Şen, Meryem Kösehasanoğulları doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 91300 Pages 220 - 226 INTRODUCTION: Introduction: To define wheelchair suitability in patients with stroke due to a cerebrovascular event (CVE). METHODS: Materials and Methods: The study included 40 patients with a diagnosis of stroke. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were noted. All wheelchair parts were evaluated by the same rehabilitation physician. In general, a wheelchair was considered inappropriate if at least three parts were inappropriate. The dependence and satisfaction of the patients in wheelchair use were evaluated. RESULTS: Results: The mean age of the patients was 68.07±7.24 years. Seat height (n=24, 60%), seat depth (n=16, 40%), footrest (n=24, 60%), cushion (n=26, 65%) and belt (n=30, 75%) were the most common inappropriate factors. It was determined that 85% of the patients were using an inappropriate wheelchair, 60% of the wheelchairs were purchased on prescription, 90% of the patients were completely wheelchair dependent, and only 2.5% were using a powered-wheelchair. Wheelchair-related falls were reported by 13 (32.5%) patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Conclusıon: The results of this study showed that 85% of patients with stroke due to CVE were using inappropriate wheelchairs. These patients require the use of a wheelchair designed specifically for the patient. |
13. | Results of Abdominal Sacrocolpopexy and Le Fort Colpocleisis: Our Experiences at Urology Clinic Kürşat Küçüker, Salih Bütün, Alper Şimşek, Yunus Yaz, Mesut Berkan Duran, Sinan Çelen, Yusuf Özlülerden doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 33042 Pages 227 - 231 INTRODUCTION: Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) can be the source of discomfort for women, leading to issues such as urinary incontinence, discomfort from herniated organs, and sexual dysfunction. In this study, our aim is to share our experiences with abdominal sacrocolpopexy and colpocleisis. METHODS: In the study, 28 patients who underwent POP surgery between January 1, 2011 and November 1, 2022 were included. All patients had POP-Q stage 3 and above. Age, comorbidities, previous gynecological operations, history of prolapse and urinary incontinence surgery, and quality of life were recorded. In the postoperative period, the patients were followed up in terms of complications, incontinence and recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 28 patients underwent surgical treatment for POP, with 22 undergoing abdominal sacrocolpopexy and 6 undergoing Le Fort colpocleisis.Since 17 of the patients undergoing sacrocolpopexy had stress urinary incontinence, additional Burch colposuspension was applied. Two patients who underwent sacrocolpopexy developed de novo urge incontinence. These patients benefited from medical treatment. No cases of incontinence developed in the colpocleisis group. There were no recurrences observed in any of the cases. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Abdominal sacrocolpopexy and colpocleisis are methods with high success and satisfaction rates. Colpocleisis surgery stands out with shorter hospital stay. These patients should be well informed in terms of sexual life, and if there is concomitant stress urinary incontinence, it is recommended to perform the necessary surgery before colpocleisis. For sacrocolpopexy, the patient should be well informed about mesh and related complications beforehand. |
14. | Electrocardiographic Findings in Sepsis Hatice Aslan Sirakaya, Kaniye Aydin, Ali Cetinkaya doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 92486 Pages 232 - 238 INTRODUCTION: Sepsis continues to be among the important causes of death in the world. This study aimed to determine the electrocardiography (ECG) findings observed in patients with sepsis and to reveal their relationship with survival. METHODS: This single-center, observational and descriptive study included 45 patients aged 18 and over who were followed up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of XXXX Hospital in the last year and were diagnosed with sepsis. Demographic characteristics, laboratory results, clinical course and ECG findings of the patients were documented. Mortality status of the patients was recorded. Patients were divided into two groups (survivors and non-survivors) according to 28-day mortality results. Demographic characteristics, laboratory data and ECG findings were compared between these groups. RESULTS: Among the patients included in the study, 60% were female and 40% were male. Comparing patients in terms of survival, the median APACHE II score, median SOFA score, and the presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) were significantly higher in the non-surviving group (p=0.001; p=0.034; p=0.001; p=0.034; p=0.047). Multivariate analysis revealed that factors influencing survival were the APACHE II score and the presence of AF (p= 0.001 and p = 0.048). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Cardiac effects can be seen in patients with sepsis. AF may be a sign indicating mortality in patients with sepsis. |
15. | The Association of Cigarette Smoking With Septorhinoplasty Satisfaction Canser Yılmaz Demir doi: 10.5505/vmj.2024. 98752 Pages 239 - 244 INTRODUCTION: It has been reported in the literature that cigarette smoking is associated with otorhinolaryngological diseases. However, literature about the connection of smoking with septorhinoplasty satisfaction is limited. Considering its negative effects on health, I hypothesized that smoking may also negatively affect septorhinoplasty satisfaction. This study aimed to investigate if smoking is associated with septorhinoplasty satisfaction. METHODS: In the present study, 53 cases with septorhinoplasty were divided into two groups: smokers and non-smokers. The groups were compared for individual and clinical features and septorhinoplasty satisfaction scores. A linear correlation between septorhinoplasty satisfaction and smoking was evaluated. In the assessment of septorhinoplasty satisfaction, the Turkish version of the Rhinoplasty Outcomes Evaluation Questionnaire (ROE-T) was used. RESULTS: The findings showed that two groups in the present study were similar in age (p=0.886), weight (p=0.099), height (p=0.433), BMI (p=0.257), working status (p=0.511), education levels (p=0.064), single/married (p=1.0), urban/rural (p=1.0), postoperative duration (p=0.985), and also septorhinoplasty satisfaction (p=0.432). The satisfaction scores had no significant correlations with age (p=0.832), weight (p=0.337), height (p=0.652), BMI (p=0.696), smoking intensity (p=0.435), and smoking duration (p=0.551) scores considering all cases with septorhinoplasty. Only, a significant positive correlation was found between septorhinoplasty satisfaction and postoperative duration (r: 0.361; p=0.008). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between smoking on septorhinoplasty satisfaction. However, related literature is limited and inconsistent. Therefore, the association of smoking with septorhinoplasty results is worth further investigating. |