Browsing by Author "Sahin, A"

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    Dehydration kinetics of howlite, ulexite, and tunellite using thermogravimetric data
    Erdogan, Y; Zeybek, A; Sahin, A; Demirbas, A
    In this study, some boron mineral samples (howlite, ulexite and tunellite) have been analysed by DTA and TG methods. The thermochemical reactions of these boron compounds have been studied. The dehydration kinetic parameters for howlite, ulexite and tunellite were activation energies: 65.0, 39.5 and 50.4 kJ mol(-1); the pre-exponential factors: 50.8 x 10(5), 6.60 x 10(5), 32.4 x 10(5) s(-1) and rate constants: 70.1, 113.1 and 82.3 s(-1), respectively, at a constant heating rate of 10 K min(-1). The average particle size was 200 mu m for all samples. The order of dehydration reactions (n) was accepted as first order. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
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    The effect of mad honey on testosterone levels of male rats
    Tatli, O; Karaca, Y; Turkmen, S; Gulgen, GS; Sahin, A; Eryigit, U; Fazli, O; Karaguzel, E; Mentese, A; Orem, A; Cansu, A; Turedi, S; Gunduz, A
    OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the effect of mad honey on sexual performance. BACKGROUND: In traditional medicine in Turkey, mad honey is used to improve appetite, to heighten mental alertness, to reduce joint pain, to eliminate gastrointestinal system pains and to increase sexual performance. METHODS: In this experimental animal study eighteen Sprague Dawley male rats were randomized into three groups, a control group, a normal honey group and a mad honey group. Rats in the treatment groups were given a daily dose of 80 mg/kg normal honey or mad honey throughout the 30-day study period. Total testosterone, free testosterone, FSH, LH, estradiol, and progesterone levels were subsequently investigated from blood sera on day 30. RESULTS: Comparison of blood total testosterone levels among the groups revealed significantly higher levels in the mad honey group compared to the normal honey and control groups (p = 0.006, p = 0.00). Free testosterone levels were also significantly higher in the mad honey group than in the normal honey and control groups (p = 0.023, p = 0.01). No statistically significant differences were determined for other hormonal measurements. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a significant increase in both total and free testosterone levels in mad-honey group (Tab. 1, Fig. 2, Ref. 16). Text in PDF www.elis.sk.
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    A review of suspected cases of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) involved in traffic accidents in Istanbul (Turkey)
    Acar, F; Asirdizer, M; Aker, RG; Kucukibrahimbglu, EE; Ates, I; Erol, Y; Sahin, A
    Nowadays traffic accidents, which have high mortality and morbidity, are an important public health problem. The association between the use of alcohol and/or drugs by drivers and the increased risk of traffic accidents with a high risk of death and injury has been well described in the literature. This study aimed to review the incidence of cases of driving under the influence of drugs (DUID) among all cases of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or other drugs involved in traffic accidents and to evaluate the type of the psychoactive drugs (with or without alcohol) detected in blood samples in Istanbul and its surrounding area. This study is the first investigation on the subject of DUID cases in Turkey. The reports of the Istanbul Toxicology Department of the Council of Forensic Medicine (Turkey) on suspected DUID cases involved in traffic accidents between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011 were retrospectively reviewed for alcohol and/or drug use. Alcohol analysis was requested in 4274 suspected DUI cases, whereas drug along with alcohol analysis was requested in only 91. The rate of suspected DUID cases (n = 91) among the suspected DUI cases (n = 4274) was only 2.1% and in this study, we evaluated only the DUID cases in detail. Alcohol was present in 44% of suspected DUID cases. Psychoactive drugs were present in 15.4% of cases. The incidence among 46 confirmed DUID cases was found to be 17.4% for cannabis, 8.7% for benzodiazepines, 4.3% for barbiturates, 4.3% for antidepressants, 2.2% for cocaine and 2.2% for amphetamines. Although there is a zero-tolerance approach for DUID in the Turkish regulations, it is not well recognised and not inspected by police and legal authorities who are responsible for taking measures in traffic accidents and for routine traffic controls in Turkey. It is concluded that psychoactive drugs should be checked as well as alcohol in all traffic accident cases and roadside controls. (c) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.
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    Predictors of enhancing human physical attractiveness: Data from 93 countries
    Kowal, M; Sorokowski, P; Pisanski, K; Valentova, JV; Varella, MAC; Frederick, DA; Al-Shawaf, L; García, FE; Giammusso, I; Gjoneska, B; Kozma, L; Otterbring, T; Papadatou-Pastou, M; Pfuhl, G; Stöckli, S; Studzinska, A; Toplu-Demirtas, E; Touloumakos, AK; Bakos, BE; Batres, C; Bonneterre, S; Czamanski-Cohen, J; Dacanay, JC; Deschrijver, E; Fisher, ML; Grano, C; Grigoryev, D; Kacmár, P; Kozlov, M; Manunta, E; Massar, K; McFall, JP; Mebarak, M; Miccoli, MR; Milfont, TL; Prokop, P; Aavik, T; Arriaga, P; Baiocco, R; Cenek, J; Çetinkaya, H; Duyar, I; Guemaz, F; Ishii, T; Kamburidis, JA; Khun-Inkeeree, H; Lidborg, LH; Manor, H; Nussinson, R; Omar-Fauzee, MSB; Pazhoohi, F; Ponnet, K; Santos, AC; Senyk, O; Spasovski, O; Vintila, M; Wang, AH; Yoo, G; Zerhouni, O; Amin, R; Aquino, S; Boga, M; Boussena, M; Can, AR; Can, SD; Castro, R; Chirumbolo, A; Çoker, O; Cornec, C; Dural, S; Eder, SJ; Moharrampour, NG; Grassini, S; Hristova, E; Ikizer, G; Kervyn, N; Koyuncu, M; Kunisato, Y; Lins, S; Mandzyk, T; Mari, S; Mattiassi, ADA; Memisoglu-Sanli, A; Morelli, M; Novaes, FC; Parise, M; Banai, IP; Perun, M; Plohl, N; Sahli, FZ; Sakan, D; Smojver-Azic, S; Solak, Ç; Söylemez, S; Toyama, A; Wlodarczyk, A; Yamada, Y; Abad-Villaverde, B; Afhami, R; Akello, G; Alami, NH; Alma, L; Argyrides, M; Atamtürk, D; Burduli, N; Cardona, S; Carneiro, J; Castaneda, A; Chalatkiewicz, I; Chopik, WJ; Chubinidze, D; Conroy-Beam, D; Contreras-Garduño, J; da Silva, DR; Don, YB; Donato, S; Dubrov, D; Duracková, M; Dutt, S; Ebimgbo, SO; Estevan, I; Etchezahar, E; Fedor, P; Fekih-Romdhane, F; Frackowiak, T; Galasinska, K; Gargula, L; Gelbart, B; Yepes, TG; Hamdaoui, B; Hromatko, I; Itibi, SN; Jaforte, L; Janssen, SMJ; Jovic, M; Kertechian, KS; Khan, F; Kobylarek, A; Koso-Drljevic, M; Krasnodebska, A; Krizanic, V; Landa-Blanco, M; Mailhos, A; Marot, T; Dorcic, TM; Martinez-Banfi, M; Yusof, MR; Mayorga-Lascano, M; Mikuliciute, V; Misetic, K; Musil, B; Najmussaqib, A; Muthu, KN; Natividade, JC; Ndukaihe, ILG; Nyhus, EK; Oberzaucher, E; Omar, SS; Ostaszewski, F; Pacquing, MCT; Pagani, AF; Park, JH; Pirtskhalava, E; Reips, UD; Reyes, MES; Röer, JP; Sahin, A; Samekin, A; Sargautyte, R; Semenovskikh, T; Siepelmeyer, H; Singh, S; Soltys, A; Sorokowska, A; Soto-López, R; Sultanova, L; Tamayo-Agudelo, W; Tan, CS; Topanova, GT; Bulut, MT; Trémolière, B; Tulyakul, S; Türkan, BN; Urbanek, A; Volkodav, T; Walter, K; Yaakob, MFM; Zumárraga-Espinosa, M
    People across the world and throughout history have gone to great lengths to enhance their physical appearance. Evolutionary psychologists and ethologists have largely attempted to explain this phenomenon via mating preferences and strategies. Here, we test one of the most popular evolutionary hypotheses for beauty-enhancing behaviors, drawn from mating market and parasite stress perspectives, in a large cross-cultural sample. We also test hypotheses drawn from other influential and non-mutually exclusive theoretical frameworks, from biosocial role theory to a cultural media perspective. Survey data from 93,158 human participants across 93 countries provide evidence that behaviors such as applying makeup or using other cosmetics, hair grooming, clothing style, caring for body hygiene, and exercising or following a specific diet for the specific purpose of improving ones physical attractiveness, are universal. Indeed, 99% of participants reported spending >10 min a day performing beauty-enhancing behaviors. The results largely support evolutionary hypotheses: more time was spent enhancing beauty by women (almost 4 h a day, on average) than by men (3.6 h a day), by the youngest participants (and contrary to predictions, also the oldest), by those with a relatively more severe history of infectious diseases, and by participants currently dating compared to those in established relationships. The strongest predictor of attractiveness-enhancing behaviors was social media usage. Other predictors, in order of effect size, included adhering to traditional gender roles, residing in countries with less gender equality, considering oneself as highly attractive or, conversely, highly unattractive, TV watching time, higher socioeconomic status, right-wing political beliefs, a lower level of education, and personal individualistic attitudes. This study provides novel insight into universal beauty-enhancing behaviors by unifying evolutionary theory with several other complementary perspectives.
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    Validation of the Short Version (TLS-15) of the Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45) across 37 Languages
    Kowal, M; Sorokowski, P; Dinic, BM; Pisanski, K; Gjoneska, B; Frederick, DA; Pfuhl, G; Milfont, TL; Bode, A; Aguilar, L; García, FE; Roberts, SC; Abad-Villaverde, B; Kavcic, T; Miroshnik, KG; Ndukaihe, ILG; Safárová, K; Valentova, JV; Aavik, T; Blackburn, AM; Çetinkaya, H; Duyar, I; Guemaz, F; Ishii, T; Kacmár, P; Natividade, JC; Nussinson, R; Omar-Fauzee, MSB; Pacquing, MCT; Ponnet, K; Wang, AH; Yoo, G; Amin, R; Pirtskhalava, E; Afhami, R; Arvanitis, A; Duyar, DA; Besson, T; Boussena, M; Can, S; Can, AR; Carneiro, J; Castro, R; Chubinidze, D; Cunichina, K; Don, Y; Dural, S; Etchezahar, E; Fekih-Romdhane, F; Frackowiak, T; Moharrampour, NG; Yepes, TG; Grassini, S; Jovic, M; Kertechian, KS; Khan, F; Kobylarek, A; Krizanic, V; Lins, S; Mandzyk, T; Manunta, E; Dorcic, TM; Muthu, KN; Najmussaqib, A; Otterbring, T; Park, JH; Banai, IP; Perun, M; Reyes, MES; Röer, J; Sahin, A; Sahli, FZ; Sakan, D; Singh, S; Smojver-Azic, S; Söylemez, S; Spasovski, O; Studzinska, A; Toplu-Demirtas, E; Urbanek, A; Volkodav, T; Wlodarczyk, A; Yaakob, MFMY; Yusof, MR; Zumárraga-Espinosa, M; Zupancic, M; Sternberg, RJ
    Love is a phenomenon that occurs across the world and affects many aspects of human life, including the choice of, and process of bonding with, a romantic partner. Thus, developing a reliable and valid measure of love experiences is crucial. One of the most popular tools to quantify love is Sternberg's 45-item Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45), which measures three love components: intimacy, passion, and commitment. However, our literature review reveals that most studies (64%) use a broad variety of shortened versions of the TLS-45. Here, aiming to achieve scientific consensus and improve the reliability, comparability, and generalizability of results across studies, we developed a short version of the scale-the TLS-15-comprised of 15 items with 5-point, rather than 9-point, response scales. In Study 1 (N = 7,332), we re-analyzed secondary data from a large-scale multinational study that validated the original TLS-45 to establish whether the scale could be truncated. In Study 2 (N = 307), we provided evidence for the three-factor structure of the TLS-15 and its reliability. Study 3 (N = 413) confirmed convergent validity and test-retest stability of the TLS-15. Study 4 (N = 60,311) presented a large-scale validation across 37 linguistic versions of the TLS-15 on a cross-cultural sample spanning every continent of the globe. The overall results provide support for the reliability, validity, and cross-cultural invariance of the TLS-15, which can be used as a measure of love components-either separately or jointly as a three-factor measure.
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    Musculoskeletal manifestations in children with Behcet's syndrome: data from the AIDA Network Behcet's Syndrome Registry
    Gaggiano, C; Maselli, A; Sfikakis, PP; Laskari, K; Ragab, G; Hegazy, MT; Laymouna, AH; Lopalco, G; Almaghlouth, IA; Asfina, KN; Alahmed, O; Mayrink, HAG; Antonelli, IPD; Cattalini, M; Piga, M; Sota, J; Gentileschi, S; Maggio, MC; Opris-Belinski, D; Hatemi, G; Insalaco, A; Olivieri, AN; Tufan, A; Karadeniz, H; Kardas, RC; La Torre, F; Cardinale, F; Marino, A; Guerriero, S; Ruscitti, P; Tarsia, M; Vitale, A; Caggiano, V; Telesca, S; Iannone, F; Parretti, V; Frassi, M; Aragona, E; Ciccia, F; Wiesik-Szewczyk, E; Ionescu, R; Sahin, A; Akkoç, N; Hinojosa-Azaola, A; Tharwat, S; Hernández-Rodríguez, J; Espinosa, G; Conti, G; Del Giudice, E; Govoni, M; Emmi, G; Fabiani, C; Balistreri, A; Frediani, B; Rigante, D; Cantarini, L
    This study aims to describe musculoskeletal manifestations (MSM) in children with Behcet's syndrome (BS), their association with other disease manifestations, response to therapy, and long-term prognosis. Data were retrieved from the AIDA Network Behcet's Syndrome Registry. Out of a total of 141 patients with juvenile BS, 37 had MSM at disease onset (26.2%). The median age at onset was 10.0 years (IQR 7.7). The median follow-up duration was 21.8 years (IQR 23.3). Recurrent oral (100%) and genital ulcers (67.6%) and pseudofolliculitis (56.8%) were the most common symptoms associated with MSM. At disease onset, 31 subjects had arthritis (83.8%), 33 arthralgia (89.2%), and 14 myalgia (37.8%). Arthritis was monoarticular in 9/31 cases (29%), oligoarticular in 10 (32.3%), polyarticular in 5 (16.1%), axial in 7 (22.6%). Over time, arthritis became chronic-recurrent in 67.7% of cases and 7/31 patients had joint erosions (22.6%). The median Behcet's Syndrome Overall Damage Index was 0 (range 0-4). Colchicine was inefficacious for MSM in 4/14 cases (28.6%), independently from the type of MSM (p = 0.46) or the concomitant therapy (p = 0.30 for cDMARDs, p = 1.00 for glucocorticoids); cDMARDs and bDMARDs were inefficacious for MSM in 6/19 (31.4%) and 5/12 (41.7%) cases. The presence of myalgia was associated with bDMARDs inefficacy (p = 0.014). To conclude, MSM in children with BS are frequently associated with recurrent ulcers and pseudofolliculitis. Arthritis is mostly mono- or oligoarticular, but sacroiliitis is not unusual. Prognosis of this subset of BS is overall favorable, though the presence of myalgia negatively affects response to biologic therapies. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05200715 (registered on December 18, 2021).
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    Development and Implementation of the AIDA International Registry for Patients With VEXAS Syndrome
    Vitale, A; Caggiano, V; Della Casa, F; Hernandez-Rodriguez, J; Frassi, M; Monti, S; Tufan, A; Telesca, S; Conticini, E; Ragab, G; Lopalco, G; Almaghlouth, I; Pereira, RMR; Yildirim, D; Cattalini, M; Marino, A; Giani, T; La Torre, F; Ruscitti, P; Aragona, E; Wiesik-Szewczyk, E; Del Giudice, E; Sfikakis, PP; Govoni, M; Emmi, G; Maggio, MC; Giacomelli, R; Ciccia, F; Conti, G; Ait-Idir, D; Lomater, C; Sabato, V; Piga, M; Sahin, A; Opris-Belinski, D; Ionescu, R; Bartoloni, E; Franceschini, F; Parronchi, P; de Paulis, A; Espinosa, G; Maier, A; Sebastiani, GD; Insalaco, A; Shahram, F; Sfriso, P; Minoia, F; Alessio, M; Makowska, J; Hatemi, G; Akkoc, N; Li Gobbi, F; Gidaro, A; Olivieri, AN; Al-Mayouf, SM; Erten, S; Gentileschi, S; Vasi, I; Tarsia, M; Mahmoud, AAMA; Frediani, B; Alzahrani, MF; Laymouna, AH; Ricci, F; Cardinale, F; Jahnz-Rozyk, K; Tosi, GM; Crisafulli, F; Balistreri, A; Dagostin, MA; Ghanema, M; Gaggiano, C; Sota, J; Di Cola, I; Fabiani, C; Giardini, HAM; Renieri, A; Fabbiani, A; Carrer, A; Bocchia, M; Caroni, F; Rigante, D; Cantarini, L
    Objective: The aim of this paper is to present the AutoInflammatory Disease Alliance (AIDA) international Registry dedicated to Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, Autoinflammatory, Somatic (VEXAS) syndrome, describing its design, construction, and modalities of dissemination. Methods: This Registry is a clinical, physician-driven, population- and electronic-based instrument designed for the retrospective and prospective collection of real-life data. Data gathering is based on the Research Electronic Data Capture (REDCap) tool and is intended to obtain real-world evidence for daily patients' management. The Registry may potentially communicate with other on-line tools dedicated to VEXAS syndrome, thus enhancing international collaboration and data sharing for research purposes. The Registry is practical enough to be easily modified to meet future needs regarding VEXAS syndrome. Results: To date (April 22(nd), 2022), 113 Centers from 23 Countries in 4 continents have been involved; 324 users (114 Principal Investigators, 205 Site Investigators, 2 Lead Investigators, and 3 data managers) are currently able to access the registry for data entry (or data sharing) and collection. The Registry includes 4,952 fields organized into 18 instruments designed to fully describe patient's details about demographics, clinical manifestations, symptoms, histologic details about skin and bone marrow biopsies and aspirate, laboratory features, complications, comorbidities, therapies, and healthcare access. Conclusion: This international Registry for patients with VEXAS syndrome will allow the achievement of a comprehensive knowledge about this new disease, with the final goal to obtain real-world evidence for daily clinical practice, especially in relation to the comprehension of this disease about the natural history and the possible therapeutic approaches.
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    Impact of HLA-B51 on Uveitis and Retinal Vasculitis: Data from the AIDA International Network Registries on Ocular Inflammatory Disorders
    Sota, J; Guerriero, S; Lopalco, G; Tufan, A; Ragab, G; Almaglouth, I; Govoni, M; Sfikakis, PP; Frassi, M; Vitale, A; Kardas, RC; Triggianese, P; Chimenti, MS; Aboabat, AA; Piga, M; Monti, S; Sebastiani, GD; Yildirim, D; Conforti, A; Gentileschi, S; Dammacco, R; Hinojosa-Azaola, A; Kawakami-Campos, PA; Ruffilli, F; Torres-Ruiz, J; Thabet, M; Atig, A; Ruscitti, P; Cataldi, G; Viapiana, O; Hatemi, G; Karakoç, A; Costi, S; Iagnocco, A; Crisafulli, F; Fragoulis, G; Del Giudice, E; Hegazy, MT; Paroli, MP; Sahin, A; Morrone, M; Iannone, F; Opris-Belinski, D; Asfina, KN; Barone, P; Gaggiano, C; Kucuk, H; Gicchino, MF; Carubbi, F; Caggiano, V; Laskari, K; Tharwat, S; Direskeneli, H; Alibaz-Oner, F; Sevik, G; Maier, A; Laymouna, AH; Emmi, G; Akkoç, N; Tarsia, M; Sbalchiero, J; Conti, G; Spinella, R; La Torre, F; Tombetti, E; Amin, RH; Mauro, A; Karamanakos, A; Carreño, E; Fonollosa, A; Cattalini, M; Breda, L; de-la-Torre, A; Wiesik-Szewczyk, E; Cifuentes-González, C; Ozen, S; Mazzei, MA; Tosi, GM; Frediani, B; Balistreri, A; Batu, ED; Gupta, V; Cantarini, L; Fabiani, C
    PurposeThe clinical relevance of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) subtypes such as HLA-B51 on Beh & ccedil;et's disease (BD)-related uveitis and non-infectious uveitis (NIU) unrelated to BD remains largely unknown.MethodsData were prospectively collected from the International AIDA Network Registry for BD and for NIU. We assessed differences between groups (NIU unrelated to BD and positive for HLA-B51, BD-related uveitis positive for HLA-B51 and BD-related uveitis negative for HLA-B51) in terms of long-term ocular complications, visual acuity (VA) measured by best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anatomical pattern, occurrence of retinal vasculitis (RV) and macular edema over time.ResultsRecords of 213 patients (341 eyes) were analyzed. No differences in complications were observed (p = 0.465). With regard to VA, a significant difference was detected in median BCVA (p = 0.046), which was not maintained after Bonferroni correction (p = 0.060). RV was significantly more prevalent in NIU-affected patients who tested positive for HLA-B51, irrespective of the systemic diagnosis of BD (p = 0.025). No differences emerged in the occurrence of macular edema (p = 0.99).ConclusionsPatients with NIU testing positive for HLA-B51 exhibit an increased likelihood of RV throughout disease course, irrespective of a systemic diagnosis of BD. The rate of complications as well as VA are comparable between NIU cases unrelated to BD testing positive for HLA-B51 and uveitis associated with BD. Therefore, it is advisable to perform the HLA-B typing in patients with NIU or retinal vasculitis, even in the absence of typical BD features.
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    A patient-driven registry on Behcet's disease: the AIDA for patients pilot project
    Gaggiano, C; Del Bianco, A; Sota, J; Gentileschi, S; Ruscitti, P; Giacomelli, R; Piga, M; Crisafulli, F; Monti, S; Emmi, G; De Paulis, A; Vitale, A; Tarsia, M; Caggiano, V; Nuzzolese, R; Parretti, V; Fabiani, C; Lopalco, G; Maier, A; Cattalini, M; Rigante, D; Govoni, M; Li Gobbi, F; Guiducci, S; Parronchi, P; Marino, A; Ciccia, F; Maggio, MC; Aragona, E; Bartoloni, E; Iagnocco, A; Viapiana, O; Sebastiani, GD; Guerriero, S; Insalaco, A; Del Giudice, E; Conti, G; Barone, P; Olivieri, AN; Brucato, A; Carubbi, F; Triggianese, P; Mauro, A; Tosi, GM; Fonollosa, A; Giardini, HAM; Ragab, G; Tharwat, S; Hernández-Rodríguez, J; Sfikakis, PP; Laskari, K; Karamanakos, A; Espinosa, G; Shahram, F; Direskeneli, H; Hinojosa-Azaola, A; Opris-Belinski, D; AlMaghlouth, IA; Hatemi, G; Eksin, MA; Önen, F; Wiesik-Szewczyk, E; Akkoç, N; Tufan, A; Sahin, A; Erten, S; Ozen, S; Batu, ED; Frediani, B; Balistreri, A; Cantarini, L
    IntroductionThis paper describes the creation and preliminary results of a patient-driven registry for the collection of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and patient-reported experiences (PREs) in Behcet's disease (BD). MethodsThe project was coordinated by the University of Siena and the Italian patient advocacy organization SIMBA (Associazione Italiana Sindrome e Malattia di Behcet), in the context of the AIDA (AutoInflammatory Diseases Alliance) Network programme. Quality of life, fatigue, socioeconomic impact of the disease and therapeutic adherence were selected as core domains to include in the registry. ResultsRespondents were reached via SIMBA communication channels in 167 cases (83.5%) and the AIDA Network affiliated clinical centers in 33 cases (16.5%). The median value of the Behcet's Disease Quality of Life (BDQoL) score was 14 (IQR 11, range 0-30), indicating a medium quality of life, and the median Global Fatigue Index (GFI) was 38.7 (IQR 10.9, range 1-50), expressing a significant level of fatigue. The mean Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) necessity-concern differential was 0.9 & PLUSMN; 1.1 (range - 1.8-4), showing that the registry participants prioritized necessity belief over concerns to a limited extent. As for the socioeconomic impact of BD, in 104 out of 187 cases (55.6%), patients had to pay from their own pocket for medical exams required to reach the diagnosis. The low family socioeconomic status (p < 0.001), the presence of any major organ involvement (p < 0.031), the presence of gastro-intestinal (p < 0.001), neurological (p = 0.012) and musculoskeletal (p = 0.022) symptoms, recurrent fever (p = 0.002), and headache (p < 0.001) were associated to a higher number of accesses to the healthcare system. Multiple linear regression showed that the BDQoL score could significantly predict the global socioeconomic impact of BD (F = 14.519, OR 1.162 [CI 0.557-1.766], p < 0.001). DiscussionPreliminary results from the AIDA for Patients BD registry were consistent with data available in the literature, confirming that PROs and PREs could be easily provided by the patient remotely to integrate physician-driven registries with complementary and reliable information.
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    Influence of gender on Behcet's disease phenotype and irreversible organ damage: Data from the International AIDA Network Behcet's Disease Registry
    Sota, J; Ragab, G; AlMaglouth, I; Lopalco, G; Tufan, A; Direskeneli, H; Hinojosa-Azaola, A; Giardini, HAM; Guerriero, S; Triggianese, P; Sfikakis, PP; Piga, M; Ruscitti, P; Govoni, M; Iagnocco, A; Carubbi, F; Hernández-Rodríguez, J; Laymouna, AH; Mahmoud, AAMA; Ghanema, M; Aboabat, AA; Asfina, KN; Alanazi, F; Morrone, M; Spedicato, V; Kucuk, H; Kardas, R; Öner, FA; Sevik, G; Torres-Ruiz, J; Kawakami-Campos, PA; Antonelli, IPDB; Dammacco, R; Chimenti, MS; Arida, K; Floris, A; Gentile, M; Ruffilli, F; Bellis, E; Alunno, A; Espinosa, G; Gentileschi, S; Gaggiano, C; Vitale, A; Caggiano, V; Lopez, R; Tarsia, M; Montis, S; Hatemi, G; Karakoc, A; Frassi, M; Giacomelli, R; Tharwat, S; Thabet, M; Ciccia, F; Emmi, G; Viapiana, O; Sahin, A; Sebastiani, GD; Batu, ED; Ozen, S; Sener, S; Opris-Belinski, D; Costi, S; Conforti, A; Cattalini, M; Bartoloni, E; Akkoç, N; Gunduz, OS; Conti, G; Maier, A; Giardina, A; Li Gobbi, F; Parronchi, P; Puttini, PS; Breda, L; De Paulis, A; Carreño, E; La Torre, F; Wiesik-Scewczyk, E; de-la Torre, A; Mejía-Salgado, G; Shahram, F; Guiducci, S; Maggio, MC; Aragona, E; Rigante, D; Ciavarro, A; Önen, F; Erten, U; Insalaco, A; Del Giudice, E; Barone, P; Gicchino, F; Brucato, A; Lo Gullo, A; Mauro, A; Karamanakos, A; Balistreri, A; Mazzei, MA; Frediani, B; Fabiani, C; Cantarini, L
    Objectives. - Gender impact on phenotypical expression of Behcet's disease (BD) has been specifically investigated only in a few large-scale studies. The main goal of the study was to examine gender differences in a large cohort of patients affected by BD. Methods. - Data were retrieved from the International AIDA Network Registry for BD. We assessed differences between males and females in terms of Behcet's syndrome Overall Damage Index (BODI), differences in the disease manifestations at onset and in the cumulative manifestations throughout diseasecourse, as well as differences in the cardiovascular risk. Finally, predictive factors leading to major organ involvement were investigated. Results. - In total, 1024 BD patients (567 males, 457 females) were enrolled in the study, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.24/1. Males displayed a significantly higher mean +/- SD BODI (1.92 +/- 2.09) at the last follow-up, compared to female patients (1.25 +/- 1.87) (P < 0.0001). Uveitis (P < 0.0001) and vascular involvement (P = 0.0076) were significantly more frequent among males whereas female patients were significantly over-represented in arthralgia (P < 0.0001), arthritis (P = 0.00025), isolated headache (P < 0.0001), central nervous system (CNS) involvement (P = 0.040), and gastrointestinal involvement (P = 0.00046). Regarding cardiovascular risk, no differences between the two groups emerged (P = 0.617). Four variables were associated with the development of major organ involvement: male gender (OR = 2.104, P = 0.001), current treatment with biologic agents (OR = 2.257, P = 0.0003), origin from endemic countries (OR = 2.661, P = 0.0009), and disease duration (OR = 1.002, P = 0.024). Conclusion. - BD displays a more severe course among males. This subgroup develops more irreversible damage and presents more frequently ocular and vascular involvement during disease course. On the other hand, female patients are prone to experience articular involvement, headache, CNS and gastrointestinal involvement. These data suggest the existence of a gender-driven disease expression. (c) 2024 Les Auteurs. Publie par Elsevier Masson SAS au nom de Socioto Franoaise de Rhumatologie. Cet article est publie en Open Access sous licence CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
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    Validation of the Short Version (TLS-15) of the Triangular Love Scale (TLS-45) Across 37 Languages (OCT, 10.1007/s10508-023-02702-7, 2023)
    Kowal, M; Sorokowski, P; Dinic, BM; Pisanski, K; Gjoneska, B; Frederick, DA; Pfuhl, G; Milfont, TL; Bode, A; Aguilar, L; García, FE; Roberts, SC; Abad-Villaverde, B; Kavcic, T; Miroshnik, KG; Ndukaihe, ILG; Safárová, K; Valentova, JV; Aavik, T; Blackburn, AM; Çetinkaya, H; Duyar, I; Guemaz, F; Ishii, T; Kacmár, P; Natividade, JC; Nussinson, R; Omar-Fauzee, MSB; Pacquing, MCT; Ponnet, K; Wang, AH; Yoo, G; Amin, R; Pirtskhalava, E; Afhami, R; Arvanitis, A; Duyar, DA; Besson, T; Boussena, M; Can, S; Can, AR; Carneiro, J; Castro, R; Chubinidze, D; Cunichina, K; Don, Y; Dural, S; Etchezahar, E; Fekih-Romdhane, F; Frackowiak, T; Moharrampour, NG; Yepes, TG; Grassini, S; Jovic, M; Kertechian, KS; Khan, F; Kobylarek, A; Krizanic, V; Lins, S; Mandzyk, T; Manunta, E; Dorcic, TM; Muthu, KN; Najmussaqib, A; Otterbring, T; Park, JH; Banai, IP; Perun, M; Reyes, MES; Röer, JP; Sahin, A; Sahli, FZ; Sakan, D; Singh, S; Smojver-Azic, S; Söylemez, S; Spasovski, O; Studzinska, A; Toplu-Demirtas, E; Urbanek, A; Volkodav, T; Wlodarczyk, A; Yaakob, MFMY; Yusof, MR; Zumárraga-Espinosa, M; Zupancic, M; Sternberg, RJ
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    Investigation of hematologic findings related to brucellosis in Anatolian region
    Çelik, M; Arslan, Y; Topcu, E; Sahinoglu, MS; Altindag, D; Gürbüz, E; Atalay, E; Demircan, SK; Emre, S; Kirik, Y; Atasoy, PY; Özer, D; Ipek, D; Dogan, E; Atli, SB; Kusçu, EG; Alkan, S; Çiçek, Y; Yüksekkaya, E; Aldemir,Ö; Sahin, A; Ürkmez, EY; Al, SÖ; Boran, R; Mizrakçi, SO; Demiray, EKD; Ceylan, MR; Erdogdu, H; Tekin, S
    Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of hematologic findings and the relationship between hemogram parameters and brucellosis stages in patients. Methods: This multi-center study included patients older than 16 years of age who were followed up with a diagnosis of brucellosis. Patients' results, including white blood cell, hemoglobin, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, mean platelet volume, platelet and eosinophil counts were analyzed at the initial diagnosis. Results: In this study 51.3% of the patients diagnosed with brucellosis were male. The age median was 45 years for female and 41 years for male. A total of 55.1% of the patients had acute brucellosis, 28.2% had subacute, 7.4% had chronic and 9% had relapse. The most common hematologic findings in brucellosis patients were anemia (25.9%), monocytosis (15.9%), eosinopenia (10.3%), and leukocytosis (7.1%). Pancytopenia occurred in 0.8% of patients and was more prominent in the acute phase. The acute brucellosis group had lower white blood cell, hemoglobin, neutrophil, eosinophil, and platelet counts and mean platelet volume, and higher monocyte counts compared to subacute and chronic subgroups. Conclusion: It was noteworthy that in addition to anemia and monocytosis, eosinopenia was third most prominent laboratory findings in the study. Pancytopenia and thrombocytopenia rates were low.
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    An Observational Study from the Perspective of Rheumatology in the Management of Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis in Turkey - LOOP Study
    Dalkilic, E; Solmaz, D; Kucuksahin, O; Capkin, E; Derin, ME; Arslan, D; Noyan, F; Coskun, NB; Murat, S; Sendur, OF; Melikoglu, MA; Gursoy, S; Kaya, T; Sahin, A; Karkucak, M; Pirildar, T; Terzioglu, ME; Bes, C; Akar, S
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    The REM-sleep-related characteristics of narcolepsy: a nation-wide multicenter study in Turkey, the REMCON study
    Akyildiz, UO; Tezer, FI; Koc, G; Ismailogullari, S; Demir, AB; Ak, AK; Sunter, G; Kara, KA; Berktas, DT; Sahin, A; Azman, F; Akcay, BD; Gok, DK; Yilmaz, H; Agan, K; Bekmezci, Y; Yetkin, S; Aksu, M; Karadeniz, D; Senel, GB
    Introduction: Narcolepsy type 1 (NT1) is caused by hypocretin deficiency, the pathophysiology of narcolepsy type 2 (NT2) has not been delineated. Except for the hypocretin deficiency and cataplexy, all clinical and laboratory features used in the diagnosis of NT2 are identical to those used for NT1. The aim of this study was to assess the rapid eye movement (REM) sleep-related characteristics in the patients with narcolepsy; the characteristics of REM sleep in polysomnography (PSG) and multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) recordings, the quantification of REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) and atonia index, and the analysis of rapid eye movements (REMs) during REM sleep. Materials and methods: This study was planned by the Sleep Medicine Study Group of the Turkish Neurology Society, and conducted in 11 centers in eight cities in Turkey. The analysis of RSWA was analyzed by reviewing all REM sleep periods on nocturnal PSG and MSLT recordings per standard criteria. The total duration of the increased muscle tone during REM sleep in the chin and bilateral leg electromyography (EMG) recordings was calculated as RSWA index. The REMs index was also investigated the relation to the RSWA. Results: A total of 274 patients were involved; 147 patients (53.6%) were males and 127 patients (46.4%) were females; the mean age was 29.1 +/- 12.0 years. The diagnosis of NT1 was made in 166 patients (60.6%), and 108 patients (39.4%) were diagnosed as having NT2. The mean Epworth sleepiness scale score was significantly higher in patients with NT1 than the patients with NT2 (P = 0.001). The diagnosis of REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) was made in 19.3% of the patients with NT1 versus in 2.8% of the patients with NT2 (P < 0.001). The percentage of SOREMP in PSG recordings was significantly higher in patients with NT1 (37.1%) than those with NT2 (18.9%, P = 0.001). MSLT showed that the mean sleep latency was shorter in patients with NT1 compared to those with NT2 (P < 0.001). The total duration of REMs on electrooculography recordings was also significantly higher in patients with RSWA in comparison with the patients without RSWA (P = 0.002). Total duration of REMs was significantly and positively correlated with the duration of RSWA on chin-EMG and leg-EMG recordings (P = 0.001). ROC analyses showed an RSWA index of >= 2% for the RSWA on chin-EMG with a sensitivity of 86.7% and a specificity of 71.3% (P < 0.001). The REMs index >= 20% was associated with the presence of RSWA with a sensitivity of 70.0% and a specificity of 57.1% (P = 0.008). Conclusions: In this nation-wide study, we identified for the first time that the increase in REMs density during REM sleep may be a major correlate of the RSWA. Significant positive correlations were demonstrated between the total duration of REMs on electrooculography recordings and the mean durations of RSWA in both chin and leg EMG recordings. A REMs index of >20% was demonstrated to have a moderate sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of RSWA. As observed in chin RSWA index, REMs index also showed a significantly high association with RBD, in comparison to RSWA per standard criteria. (C) 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
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    Erectile function and late-onset hypogonadism symptoms related to lower urinary tract symptom severity in elderly men
    Bozkurt, O; Bolat, D; Demir, O; Ucer, O; Sahin, A; Ozcift, B; Pektas, A; Turan, T; Gümüs, BH; Can, E; Bolukbasi, A; Erol, H; Esen, A
    The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs), erectile dysfunction (ED) and symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism (SLOH) in ageing men in the Aegean region of Turkey. Five hundred consecutive patients >40 years old who had been in a steady sexual relationship for the past 6 months and were admitted to one of six urology clinics were included in the study. Serum prostate-specific antigen and testosterone levels and urinary flow rates were measured. All patients filled out the International Prostate Symptom Score and Quality of Life (IPSS-QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and Aging Males' Symptoms (AMS) scale forms. Of the patients, 23.9% had mild LUTSs, 53.3% had moderate LUTSs and 22.8% had severe LUTSs. The total testosterone level did not differ between groups. Additionally, 69.6% had ED. The presence of impotence increased with increasing LUTS severity. Symptomatic late-onset hypogonadism (AMS>27) was observed in 71.2% of the patients. The prevalence of severe hypogonadism symptoms increased with the IPSS scores. A correlation analysis revealed that all three questionnaire scores were significantly correlated. In conclusion, LUTS severity is an age-independent risk factor for ED and SLOH. LUTS severity and SLOH symptoms appear to have a strong link that requires etiological and biological clarification in future studies.
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    THE REM-SLEEP RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF NARCOLEPSY: A NATION-WIDE MULTI-CENTER STUDY IN TURKEY, THE REMCON STUDY
    Akyildiz, UO; Tezer, I; Koç, G; Ismailogullari, S; Demir, AB; Kisabay, A; Sünter, G; Kara, KA; Berktas, DT; Sahin, A; Azman, F; Akçay, BD; Gök, DK; Yilmaz, H; Agan, K; Bekmezci, Y; Yetkin, S; Aksu, M; Karadeniz, D; Senel, GB
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    Clinical Characteristics of the Premature Ejaculation Sufferers in Aegean Region of the Turkey: A Multicentre, Observational Study
    Cihan, A; Demir, Ö; Sahin, A; Zeren, F; Bolat, D; Özçift, B; Pektas, A; Can, E; Gümüs, B; Turan, T; Bölükbasi, A; Erol, H; Esen, AA
    Objective Demonstration of the intra-vaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) distribution in male subjects and its clinical expressions among couples in the Aegean region of the Turkey. Materials and Methods Subjects were recruited to the study from six different urologic centers in the Aegean region. During the enrollment period subjects were recruited in to two group according to presence of premature ejaculation (PE). PE diagnosis was made according to DSM-4 definition. Subjects and their partners were evaluated with patient reported outcome measures (PRO) related to the ejaculation-based questionnaire (Premature ejaculation patient profile questionnaire -PEPQ). Stopwatch measurements were also asked from each couple to record intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT). Couples who completed two clinical visits with 4 wk interval were recruited to the data analysis. Results Among 141 eligible subjects, mean age was 36.5 +/- 9.7 years and mean partner age was 32.9 +/- 9.8 years. Following the initial evaluation 80 subjects recruited to group 1(PE) and 41 subjects recruited to the group 2 (non-PE). Geometric mean IELT of the subjects was significantly differed between PE and non-PE group (64.7 +/- 66.8 vs. 521.5 +/- 414.7 seconds, p<0.001). All of the PEPQ domain scores were also differed between groups. Subjects in the PE group gave poor ratings than non-PE subjects. Partner responses were similar pattern. Correlation analyses of the PEPQ scores demonstrated significant positive correlations between perceived control over ejaculation and satisfaction with sexual intercourse domains of the PEPQ and with IELT. Conclusion Geographic distribution of IELT and its impacts among couples by the several subjective aspects of PRO measures should be assessed during PE investigations.
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    Karyological studies on eight species of Onobrychis genus in Turkey
    Sepet, H; Emre, I; Kiran, Y; Kursat, M; Sahin, A
    This study used karyological techniques to determine the chromosome numbers and morphology of eight species of Onobrychis L. (O. caput-galli (L.) Lam, O. aequidentata (Sibth. & Sm.) d' Urv, O. fallax Freyn & Sint. var. fallax, O. lasiostachya Boiss, O. viciifolia Scop., O. oxyodonta Boiss. subsp. armena (Bois. & Huet) Aktoklu, O. hypargyrea Boiss. and O. cappadocica Boiss.). The results of this study determined the chromosome numbers of O. cappadocica as 2n = 16; O. viciifolia as 2n = 28 and the other species as 2n = 14. The karyotypes of species consisted of median-centromeric (m) or submedian-centromeric (sm) chromosomes. However, O. oxyodonta Boiss. subsp. armena (Bois. & Huet) Aktoklu was found to have only the median-centromeric (m) chromosomes. According to the results of the present study, of the eight Onobrychis taxa, only O. hypargyrea has a pair of satellite chromosomes (sat-chromosome). Furthermore, this study detected karyotype asymmetry.
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    Education of Healthcare Personnel Working with Pediatric Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic within the Framework of Infection Control
    Oygar, PD; Büyükçam, A; Bal, ZS; Dalgiç, N; Bozdemir, SE; Karbuz, A; Çetin, BS; Kara, Y; Çetin, C; Hatipoglu, N; Uygun, H; Aygün, FD; Törün, SH; Okur, DS; Çiftdogan, DY; Kara, TT; Yahsi, A; Özer, A; Demir, SÖ; Akkoç, G; Turan, C; Sali, E; Sen, S; Erdeniz, EH; Kara, SS; Emiroglu, M; Erat, T; Aktürk, H; Gürlevik, SL; Sütçü, M; Aydin, ZGG; Atikan, BY; Yesil, E; Güner, G; Çelebi, E; Efe, K; Isançli, DK; Durmus, HS; Tekeli, S; Karaarslan, A; Bülbül, L; Almis, H; Kaba, Ö; Keles, YE; Yazicioglu, B; Oguz, SB; Ovali, HF; Dogan, HH; Çelebi, S; Çakir, D; Karasulu, B; Alkan, G; Yenidogan, I; Gül, D; Küçükalioglu, BP; Avcu, G; Kukul, MG; Bilen, M; Yasar, B; Üstün, T; Kiliç, Ö; Akin, Y; Cebeci, SO; Turgut, M; Yanartas, MS; Sahin, A; Arslanoglu, S; Elevli, M; Öz, SKT; Hatipoglu, H; Erkum, IT; Demirbuga, A; Özçelik, T; Sari, EE; Akkus, G; Hatipoglu, SS; Dinleyici, EÇ; Hacimustafaoglu, M; Özkinay, F; Kurugöl, Z; Cengiz, AB; Somer, A; Tezer, H; Kara, A
    Objective: In the early stages of any epidemic caused by new emerging pathogens healthcare personnel is subject to a great risk. Pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, proved to be no exception. Many healthcare workers died in the early stages of pandemic due to inadequate precautions and insufficient protection. It is essential to protect and maintain the safety of healthcare personnel for the confinement of pandemic as well as continuity of qualified healthcare services which is already under strain. Educating healthcare personnel on appropiate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is as essential as procuring them. Material and Methods: A survey is conducted on 4927 healthcare personnel working solely with pediatric patients from 32 different centers. Education given on PPE usage were questioned and analyzed depending on age, sex, occupation and region. Results: Among four thousand nine hundred twelve healthcare personnel from 32 different centers 91% (n=4457) received education on PPE usage. Of those who received education only 36% was given both theoretical and applied education. Although there was no differences among different occupation groups, receiving education depended on regions. Conclusion: It is essential to educate healthcare personnel appropiately nationwidely for the continuity of qualified healthcare services during the pandemic.
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    Surgical Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Compliance in Turkey: Data from the Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Survey Including 7,978 Surgical Patients
    Ekinci, SÇ; Yenilmez, E; Öcal, GA; Sönmezer, MC; Tarakçi, A; Aygün, C; Akdag, D; Seyman, D; Asik, C; Zerdali, E; Karadag, FY; Kaya, S; Çelik, M; Çifci, S; Yildiz, IE; Çölkesen, F; Akgül, F; Aldemir,Ö; Bozdag, M; Özer, D; Hizmali, L; Ünlü, EC; Altunay, DG; Sahin, A; Ünlue, G; Gencalioglu, AE; Sahin, ST; Özdemir, Y; Ünlü, S; Singil, S; Altintas, J; Isik, SA; Gül,Ö; Tuna, N; Simsek, S; Özgüler, M; Kiliç, PE; Isik, ME; Karakus, A; Kiratli, K; Yardimci, AC; Volkan, S; Olçar, Y; Çakir, Y; Yilmaz, NÖ; Karaayvaz, S; Batirel, A; Duran, ZC; Rasa, HK; Köse, S
    Background: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis (SAP) is the peri-operative administration of antimicrobial agents. Compliance rates vary worldwide from 15% to 84.3%, with studies in Turkey not exceeding 35%. The aim of this multicenter study was to determine the rate of appropriate antibiotic class, timing, and duration as well as discharge prescriptions in Turkey. Thus, we aimed to determine the rate of full compliance with SAP procedures in our country Patients and Methods: This multicenter, prospective, observational, descriptive study was conducted in 47 hospitals from 28 provinces in seven different regions of Turkey. Patients over 18 years of age in all surgical units between June 6, 2022, and June 10, 2022, were included in the study. Results: Of the 7,978 patients included in the study, 332 were excluded from further analyses because of pre-existing infection, and SAP compliance analyses were performed on the remaining 7,646 cases. The antibiotic most commonly used for SAP was cefazolin (n = 4,701; 61.5%), followed by third-generation cephalosporins (n = 596; 7.8%). The most common time to start SAP was within 30 minutes before surgery (n = 2,252; 32.5%), followed by 30 to 60 minutes before surgery (n = 1,638; 23.6%). Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis duration was <24 hours in 3,516 (50.7%) patients and prolonged until discharge in 1,505 (21.7%) patients. Finally, the actual proportion of patients compliant with SAP was 19% (n = 1,452) after omitting 4,458 (58.3%) patients who were prescribed oral antibiotic agents at discharge as part of a prolonged SAP. Conclusions: Surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis compliance rates are still very low in Turkey. Prolonged duration of SAP and especially high rate of antibiotic prescription at discharge are the main reasons for non-compliance with SAP.