Browsing by Author "Akcay, Sule"

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Analysis of the relationship between tuberculosis-related mortality and nitrous oxide emission levels in the world with the environmental Kuznets curve method
(2022) Torun, Serife; Yilmaz, Kadir; Ozkaya, Sevket; Yosunkaya, Sebnem; Akcay, Sule; 36326361
Background/aim: It was aimed to analyze the relationship between tuberculosis-related mortality and nitrous oxide emission levels in the world with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Method. Materials and methods: WHO ICD-10 mortality list data and the World Bank Country Data (WBCD) were used between 1997 and 2017 for 12 countries. Cubic regression analysis was used for EKC Analysis. Results: The difference between male and female deaths between 1996 and 1998 has increased sharply since 1999. Male deaths consistently occurred significantly more than female deaths. There was a significant and negative correlation between Nitrous oxide emissions (% change from 1990) and tuberculosis-related deaths, whereas there were significant and positive correlations between Nitrous oxide emissions in the energy sector (% of total) and tuberculosis-related deaths (p < 0.01). EKC analysis results showed that there is a U shaped between tuberculosis-related mortality and nitrous oxide emission levels in the world. Conclusion: Research results show that the relationship between nitrous oxide change and mortality is negative in the short term and positive in the long term. Therefore, although nitrous oxide gases cause respiratory diseases and mortality, it may be possible to transform a harmful environmental factor into a positive by developing devices or methods that will convert these gases into free radicals.
Anxiety and Depression Levels of Healthcare Workers During COVID-19 Pandemic
(2021) Turan, Muzaffer Onur; Demirci, Nilgun Yilmaz; Ak, Guntulu; Akcay, Sule; Akturk, Ulku Aka; Bilaceroglu, Semra; Coskun, Funda; Kokturk, Oguz; Mirici, Arzu; Cengiz, Ozdemi. R.; Sen, Nazan; Yilmaz, Ulku
Association between pulmonologists' tobacco use and their effort in promoting smoking cessation in Turkey: a cross-sectional study
(2015) Bostan, Pinar Pazarli; Demir, Canan Karaman; Elbek, Osman; Akcay, Sule; 26558993
Background: A strategy to reduce the number of smoking-related deaths is to encourage the involvement of health-care professionals in tobacco-use prevention activities and cessation counseling. Previous studies have shown that physicians' smoking status affects their efforts to provide smoking cessation counseling. This study investigates the association between pulmonologists' tobacco use and their efforts in promoting smoking cessation during their routine clinical practices in Turkey. Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed among active members of the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) between June 2010 and February 2011 using an Internet-based self-administered questionnaire. Participants gave their written informed consent. The survey included questions about responders' sociodemographics, smoking status, and their routine clinical practice for smoking cessation counseling using the basic 5A's (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) of smoking cessation counseling. According to the total score for the 5A's protocol, smoking cessation counseling was dichotomized into low-and high-effort groups in promoting smoking cessation. Pearson's chi-square test and t-test were used to compare groups and logistic regression models for the research question, which was approved by the TTS Scientific Ethical Committee. Results: The response rate was 41 % (N = 699/1701); 9.9 % were current smokers, and 72.7 % indicated that they provided high effort in promoting smoking cessation. A univariate analysis showed that noncurrent smokers were more likely to make a high effort than current smokers (odds ratio [OR], 1.82; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 1.09-3.05; P = 0.02). However, there was no association between tobacco use (current smoking) and making high effort in promoting smoking cessation after controlling for the two confounders, sex and practicing in smoking cessation outpatient clinic (OR, 1.47; 95 % CI: 0.86-2.50; P = 0.1). Conclusions: Despite low response rate in our study and suspicions of underreporting, the smoking rate among the pulmonologists in our study was high. Non-current smokers were more likely to provide high effort in promoting smoking cessation compared to current smokers in univariate analysis. However, after controlling for the two confounders, sex and practising in SCOC, there was no association between tobacco use and providing high effort in promoting smoking cessation. Thus, improving medical school education, specialty training and post-graduate training on smoking cessation counseling may positively affect physician' effort in promoting smoking cessation.
Can the Use of Smokeless Tobacco Products Be Accepted as a Harm Reduction Method in Tobacco Addiction?
(2014) Oztuna, Funda; Aytemur, Zeynep Ayfer; Elbek, Osman; Kilinc, Oguz; Kucuk, Cagla Uyanusta; Akcay, Sule; Dagli, Elif; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8360-6459; AAB-5175-2021
The goal of smoking cessation treatment is to keep the patient completely away from tobacco and tobacco products. The aim of harm reduction strategies in tobacco control is to reduce the risks associated with tobacco use. In order to turn it into an opportunity, tobacco companies have developed smokeless tobacco products. Some epidemiological studies have reported that smokeless tobacco products are safer than tobacco smoke. However, this method is not completely harmless. In this review, we will discuss all aspects of tobacco harm reduction methods.
Characteristics of hospitalised COVID-19 patients and parameters associated with severe pneumonia
(2021) Turan, Onur; Mirici, Arzu; Akcali, Serap Duru; Turan, Pakize Ayse; Batum, Ozgur; Sengul, Aysun; Unsal, Zuhal Ekici; Kabakoglu, Nalan Isik; Ogan, Nalan; Torun, Serife; Ak, Guntulu; Akcay, Sule; Komurcuoglu, Berna; Sen, Nazan; Mutlu, Pinar; Yilmaz, Ulku; 34480831
Background After the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported in China in December 2019, it caused a global pandemic, including Turkey. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyse the characteristics of hospitalised COVID-19 patients and assess the parameters related to severe pneumonia. Methods Included in the study were hospitalised COVID-19 patients with positive naso-oropharyngeal swabs. Patients' demographics, admission symptoms, laboratory and radiological findings were recorded retrospectively. Results Of 1013 patients, 583 were males (57.6%) and 430 were females (42.4%), with a mean age of 53.7 +/- 17.9. More than half of the patients had at least one comorbidities, the most common of which were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Cough (59.8%), fatigue (49.5%) and fever (41.2%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Of the hospitalised COVID-19 patients, 84.9% had pneumonia and 83.5% had typical radiological COVID-19 appearances (94.5%: ground-glass areas). The most common laboratory findings were high C-reactive protein (CRP) (73.6%) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (46.2%) levels, as well as lymphopenia (30.1%). Severe pneumonia was present in 28.1% of COVID-19 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that advanced age, hypotension, anaemia and elevated CRP and LDH serum levels were independent risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia (P = .011, .006, .017, .003 and .001, respectively). Conclusion This study, as one of the first multicentre studies about characteristics of COVID-19 in Turkey, may guide about disease-related parameters and severity of pneumonia. Age, blood pressure, complete blood count and routine biochemical tests (including CRP and LDH) would appear to be important parameters for the evaluation of the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Characteristics of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and parameters associated with severe pneumonia
(2021) Turan, Muzaffer Onur; Mirici, Arzu; Akcali, Serap Duru; Turan, Pakize Ayse; Batum, Ozgur; Sengul, Aysun; Unsal, Zuhal Ekici; Kabakoglu, Nalan Isik; Ogan, Nalan; Torun, Serife; Ak, Guntulu; Akcay, Sule; Komurcuoglu, Berna; Sen, Nazan; Mutlu, Pinar; Yilmaz, Ulku
Clinical Characteristics of Acinetobacter baumannii Infection in Solid-Organ Transplant Recipients
(2018) Serifoglu, Irem; Dedekarginoglu, Balam Er; Bozbas, Serife Savas; Akcay, Sule; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-7230-202X; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 0000-0002-7230-202X; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 29528021; AAS-6628-2021; AAI-8064-2021; AAB-5175-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii, depending on the immune status of the host, may result in one of the most serious hospital infections. Infections involving A. baumannii infection have been recently rising. However, little is known about the clinical features of A. baumannii infection in solid-organ transplant recipients. We aimed to share our clinical experiences with A. baumannii infection in our transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: Between 2011 and 2017, 41 solid-organ transplant patients developed A. baumannii infection at Baskent University Hospital. Medical records were reviewed, and patient demographics, microbiology results, and overall outcome data were noted. Results: Of 41 solid-organ transplant patients with A. baumannii infection, 29 were male and 12 were female patients with mean age of 47.15 +/- 13.24 years. Our infection rate with A. baumannii infection was 6.1%. The most common sites of infection were deep tracheal aspirate (48.8%)and bloodstream (36.6%). Onset of infection 1 year post-transplant was identified in 58.5% of recipients. Risk factors included presence of invasive procedures (56.1%) and administration of high-dose corticosteroids for rejection 1 year before infection (68.3%). Thirty-day mortality rate was 41.5% (17/41 patients)and was not associated with the infection site, microbiological cure, clinical cure, and drug resistance in our study group. Conclusions: Acinetobacter baumannii is an important cause of hospital-acquired infection and mortality worldwide. A major problem with A. baumannii infection is delayed initiation of appropriate antibiotic treatment and the rising numbers of extensively drugresistant organisms. Predicting the potential risk factors, especially in the already at-risk solid-organ transplant population, has an important role in patient outcomes.
The Clinical Outcomes of Covid-19 Disease in Patients with Solid Organ Transplantation
(2021) Yuce, Gulbahar Darilmaz; Ulubay, Gaye; Karakaya, Emre; Tek, Korhan; Akdur, Aydincan; Bozbas, Serife Savas; Gedik, Ender; Kupeli, Elif; Erol, Cigdem; Arslan, Hande; Akcay, Sule; Haberal, Mehmet; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4879-7974; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8726-3369; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2535-2534; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5708-7915; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3462-7632; JBS-4193-2023; AAD-5466-2021; AAA-3068-2021; AAJ-1219-2021; ABG-7034-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
The Clinical Outcomes Of Covid-19 Disease In Patients With Solıid Organ Transplantation
(2021) Yuce, Gulbahar Darilmaz; Ulubay, Gaye; Karakaya, Emre; Tek, Korhan; Akdur, Aydincan; Bozbas, Serife Savas; Gedik, Ender; Kupeli, Elif; Erol, Cigdem; Arslan, Hande; Akcay, Sule; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-8726-3369; 0000-0002-2535-2534; 0000-0002-5708-7915; 0000-0002-3462-7632; AAA-3068-2021; AAJ-1219-2021; ABG-7034-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Diagnostic importance of maximum intensity projection technique in the identification of small pulmonary nodules with computed tomography
(2020) Guleryuz Kizil, Pinar; Hekimoglu, Koray; Coskun, Mehmet; Akcay, Sule; 0000-0001-5630-022X; 0000-0002-0805-0841; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 32718138; AAM-4120-2021; AAD-9097-2021; AAB-5175-2021
Introduction: In this retrospective study, the aim is to determine the sensitivity of maximum intensity projection (MIP) technique to 3 mm-thick axial sections in patients with small pulmonary nodules identified via examination using computed tomography (CT), and to identify whether this technique provides significant reduction in duration of nodule evaluation. Materials and Methods: A total of 69 patients (339 nodules) who underwent thoracic tomography due to various complaints and in whom pulmonary nodules were identified as a result of the examination were included in the study. Their axial sections that are 3 mm-thick and MIP sections obtained in the axial plane were evaluated by two different radiologists at different times by keeping time. the dimensions and evaluation times of the nodules were recorded separately for each method. Results: Evaluation compatibility between the radiologists was found to be 86.8% and it was considered to be perfectly compatible. Sensitivity of the 1st radiologist in the detection of nodules with MIP was 81.4%, whereas the sensitivity of the 2nd radiologist was 83.4%. In the evaluation for the reporting periods, when the duration of evaluation of MIP images were compared with the gold standard, a statistically significant reduction was found in the reporting times of both radiologists (p< 0.01). Conclusion: It was found that utilization of MIP images as an alternative method to detect pulmonary modules reduces the duration of evaluation significantly and provides the ability to detect nodules with high sensitivity. According to these data, MIP imaging may be preferred as an adjunct method in the evaluation of lung nodules as it provides fast and reliable information besides classical axial sections.
Diagnostic importance of maximum intensity projection technique in the identification of small pulmonary nodules with computed tomography
(2020) Guleryuz Kizil, Pinar; Hekimoglu, Koray; Coskun, Mehmet; Akcay, Sule; 0000-0002-0805-0841; 0000-0001-5630-022X; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 32755123; AAD-9097-2021; AAM-4120-2021; AAB-5175-2021
Early Pulmonary Complications of Liver Transplant
(2014) Dogrul, Mustafa Ilgaz; Akcay, Sule; Bozbas, Serife Savas; Dedekarginoglu, Balam Er; Eyuboglu, Fusun Oner; Moray, Gokhan; Haberal, Mehmet; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7230-202X; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5525-8207; https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2498-7287; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3462-7632; 24635815; AAI-8064-2021; AAR-4338-2020; AAE-1041-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Objectives: Pulmonary complications are a leading problem after a liver transplant. This study sought to predict postoperative early complications by a chest radiograph performed after a transplant among adult orthotopic liver transplant recipients. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty-five patients (43 women, 92 men; mean age, 40 y; range, 16-66 y) were included and their medical data reviewed retrospectively. A postoperative chest radiograph of each patient was evaluated to check for pulmonary complications. Results: Smoking history was noted in 61 patients (45.2%). Postoperative first chest radiograph evaluation showed normal findings in 56 patients (41.5%). Right pleural effusion was found in 25 patients (18.5%), and atelectasis was found in 25 (18.5%). Bilateral pleural effusion was the second most-frequent finding on postoperative radiograph (14.8%). Effusion accompanied by atelectasis was found in 3 patients (2.2%). Other postoperative chest radiograph findings were consolidation (n=2, 1.5%), left pleural effusion (n=2, 1.5%), and bronchiectasis (n=2, 1.5%). Conclusions: We investigated the reflection of the first chest radiograph after liver transplant on postoperative early complications. Postoperative first chest radiograph can be an inexpensive and accessible diagnostic tool for predicting postoperative problems.
Effect of Smoking on Peripheral Blood Lymphocyte Subsets of Patients With Chronic Renal Failure
(2016) Birben, Ozlem Duvenci; Akcay, Sule; Sezer, Siren; Sirvan, Sale; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 27805522; AAB-5175-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Objectives: Smoking is known to suppress the immune system. It is also known that chronic renal failure affects the immune system. However, the number of studies investigating the effects of chronic renal failure and smoking together is limited. In our study, we examined whether smoking affects the diminished response of the immune system in patients with chronic renal failure. Materials and Methods: We compared peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets in smoking and nonsmoking patients with chronic renal failure. We also used the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence to evaluate its correlation with the lymphocyte subset count in patients who are current smokers. Results: Our study included 126 patients with chronic renal failure. According to their smoking habits, patients were divided into 2 groups: smokers and nonsmokers. The average age of patients who were smokers was 53.2 +/- 1.5 years, with average age of nonsmokers being 59.2 +/- 2.2 years. The average duration of smoking in smokers was 30.7 +/- 2.7 pack-years. We found that the percentage of cluster of differentiation 16-56 cells (natural killer cells) and lymphocyte percentage were significantly lower among smokers in our study (P < .05). We compared the lymphocyte subset panel to pack-years and found that the rate of cluster of differentiation 16-56 cells decreased as smoking duration increased. Conclusions: Our study revealed that smoking suppresses the immune system, as measured by lymphocyte subsets, in patients with chronic renal failure, similar to that shown in healthy smokers. According to our findings, patients with chronic renal failure, where infection is the primary reason for mortality and morbidity, must be questioned for smoking and referred to smoking cessation clinics. Because of its immunosuppressive effects, smoking behaviors must be solved preoperatively in transplant candidates.
Evaluation of Subclinical Atherosclerosis with Carotid Intima-Media and Epicardial Fat Thickness in Patients with Sarcoidosis
(2020) Yilmaz, Hatice Eylul Bozkurt; Yilmaz, Mustafa; Erol, Tansel; Sen, Nazan; Unsal, Zuhal Ekici; Kara, Sibel; Habesoglu, Mehmet Ali; Akcay, Sule; 0000-0002-3628-4661; 0000-0002-2557-9579; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 0000-0003-3225-2686; 0000-0002-4171-7484; 32584234; AAN-5153-2021; S-6973-2016; AAI-8069-2021; AAB-5175-2021; AAD-5602-2021; AAI-8947-2021
OBJECTIVES: Since many similar mechanisms may play a role in the pathophysiology of sarcoidosis and atherosclerosis, the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis may be increased in patients with sarcoidosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate known markers of subclinical atherosclerosis, namely epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in patients with sarcoidosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study included a total of 183 subjects, including 94 patients with sarcoidosis (patient group) and a control group of 89 healthy individuals. Measurements of EFT and CIMT were taken from all subjects and recorded. The groups were compared, and differences were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: EFT was higher in patients than in control subjects (6.42 +/- 1.12 mm vs 7.13 +/- 1.41 mm, p<0.001). CIMT was higher in patients than in control subjects (0.51 +/- 0.02 mm vs 0.52 +/- 0.02 mm, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: EFT and CIMT were found to be higher in patients with sarcoidosis than in healthy people. These results indicate that the risk of subclinical atherosclerosis might be increased in these patients.
Frequency and duration of smoking scenes in Turkish movies
(2018) Bilir, Nazmi; Ozcebe, Hilal; Akcay, Sule; Babaoglu, Elif; Canbakan, Sema; Cirit, Burcu; Diken, Ozlem Ercen; Sengezer, Tijen
BACKGROUND: Comprehensive tobacco control law in Turkey bans advertisement, promotion of tobacco products and sponsorship by the tobacco industry. Advertisement of tobacco products was banned on television, billboards and press media, but not on movie films. METHODS: To evaluate the frequency and duration of smoking in the movies, 60 most watched Turkish films which were on the vision during the second half of 2016 were determined for this descriptive study. Two young males having a university degree were trained on the aim and methodology of the study. Then the two observers viewed the films independently and recorded smoking scenes or direct appearance of tobacco products on a standard form. RESULTS: There were tobacco products or smoking views in 36 (60%) out of total 60 movies. In these movies there were 4.75 times tobacco occurrences as an average (median 3). Average duration of smoking occurrences was almost 3.5 min (198 s). Smokers were mostly main characters and smoking occurrences were mostly in exciting or romantic atmosphere, which are attractive for young people. DISCUSSION: In the light of Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (Article 13), smoking scenes in movies are considered as kind of tobacco advertisement and promotion, which influences smoking behavior particularly the young people. Therefore, control and prevention of smoking occurrences in movies are important for the protection of children and young people to start smoking. Some health warnings and anti-tobacco messages may be placed in the movies, to reduce tobacco views in the movies.
Incidence and Immunologic Analysis of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in Hemodialysis Patients: A Single-Center Experience
(2020) Arslan, Hande; Musabak, Ugur; Soy, Ebru H. Ayvazoglu; Azap, Ozlem Kurt; Sayin, Burak; Akcay, Sule; Haberal, K. Murat; Akdur, Aydincan; Yildirim, Sedat; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0001-8287-6572; 0000-0003-1511-7634; 0000-0002-5735-4315; 0000-0002-0993-9917; 0000-0002-8726-3369; 0000-0002-3171-8926; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 0000-0002-8211-4065; 32519618; J-3707-2015; AAU-1810-2020; AAF-4610-2019; AAC-5566-2019; AAA-3068-2021; AAK-4089-2021; AAB-5175-2021; AAJ-8097-2021; R-9398-2019
Objectives: COVID-19 is a great threat to the modern world and significant threat to immunocompromised patients, including patients with chronic renal failure. We evaluated COVID-19 incidence among our hemodialysis patients and investigated the most probable immune mechanisms against COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Baskent University has 21 dialysis centers across Turkey, with 2420 patients on hemodialysis and 30 on peritoneal dialysis. Among these, we retrospectively evaluated 602 patients (257 female/345 male) with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis as renal replacement therapy; 7 patients (1.1%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2. We retrospectively collected patient demographic characteristics, clinical data, and immunological factors affecting the clinical course of the disease. We divided patients into groups and included 2 control groups ( individuals with normal renal functions): group I included COVID-19-positive patients with normal renal function, group II included COVID-19-positive hemodialysis patients, group III included COVID-19-negative hemodialysis patients, and group IV included COVID-19-negative patients with normal renal function. Lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood and typing of human leukocyte antigens were analyzed in all groups, with killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes analyzed only in COVID-19-positive patients and healthy controls. Results: No deaths occurred among the 7 COVID-19-positive hemodialysis patients. Group I patients were significantly older than patients in groups II and III ( P = .039, P = .030, respectively) but not significantly different from group IV (P = .060). Absolute counts of natural killer cells in healthy controls were higher than in other groups (but not significantly). Activated T cells were significantly increased in both COVID-19-positive groups versus COVID-19-negative groups. Groups showed significant differences in C and DQ loci with respect to distribution of alleles in both HLA classes. Conclusions: Although immunocompromised patients are at greater risk for COVID-19, we found lower COVID-19 incidence in our hemodialysis patients, which should be further investigated in in vitro and molecular studies.
Influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 in adult: 'Similarities and differences'
(2021) Torun, Serife; Kesim, Cagri; Suner, Aynur; Botan Yildirim, Berna; Ozen, Ozgur; Akcay, Sule; 0000-0002-8964-291X; 0000-0001-7122-4130; 0000-0001-7730-1379; 34957739; AAD-5996-2021; AAN-1681-2021
Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), causing a global pandemic starting from December 2019, showed a course that resulted in serious mortality in the world. In order to understand SARSCoV-2 better, here we aimed to compare the similar and different characteristics of Influenza viruses occurring in the same season with SARS-CoV-2. Materials and Methods: A total of 144 patients (31 patients with COVID-19, 62 patients with H1N1 influenza, and 51 patients with influenza B) were included in the study. Demographic findings, chronic diseases, laboratory values, chest x-ray, and chest CT findings of the patients were evaluated retrospectively. Results: Median age of the COVID-19 patients and rate of male patients were higher than other patient groups (55 years; p< 0.001) (61% male; p< 0.001). The most common chronic medical conditions were hypertension and diabetes. Platelet numbers and alanine aminotransferase values were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients. Radiologically, bilateral (74.2%) and nonspecific distribution (58.1%), ground-glass opacities with consolidation (51.6%), patchy image (25.8%), ground-glass opacities with interstitial changes (22.6%) and halo sign (22.6%) were quite evident than other groups in COVID-19 patients (p< 0.05). Conclusion: We suggest that due to the higher PLT values observed in COVID-19 patients, initiation of anticoagulant therapy should be considered in the early stage and routine follow-up with d-dimer and fibrinogen should be applied for suspected patients. Moreover, attention should be paid in terms of possible liver toxicity of the drugs to be used in treatment due the higher ALT values observed in COVID-19 patients. Since we did not detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses concurrently in the same patient, it may be helpful to focus on only one virus in a patient with symptoms, and radiographic differences can be used to differentiate COVID-19 from influenza.
Investigation of the Relationship between Asthma and Visceral Obesity by Epicardial Fat Thickness Measurement
(2019) Yilmaz, Hatice Eylul Bozkurt; Yilmaz, Mustafa; Sen, Nazan; Unsal, Zuhal Ekici; Eyuboglu, Fusun Oner; Akcay, Sule; 0000-0003-3225-2686; 0000-0002-8360-6459; AAB-5175-2021; 30664419; AAR-4338-2020; AAD-5602-2021
OBJECTIVES: Obesity is a risk factor defined in recent years for asthma. It is associated not only with asthma but also with many cardiovascular diseases. Visceral obesity is a more significant risk factor than general obesity in cardiovascular diseases. Although the association of visceral obesity with cardiovascular diseases is well known, the relationship in patients with asthma is not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether there is a relationship between asthma and visceral fat by using epicardial fat thickness (EFT) measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 401 subjects (229 patients with persistent asthma and 172 controls) were enrolled in the study. In our study, EFT was measured, recorded by echocardiography, and was evaluated whether there was a statistical significant difference between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean EFT was 5.84 +/- 0.79 mm in the patient group and 5.71 +/- 0.93 mm in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p=0.145). Similarly, when we compared control and asthma severity subgroups, we did not find statistically significant differences (control group mean 5.71 +/- 0.93 mm, mild group mean 5.86 +/- 0.81 mm, moderate group mean 5.8 +/- 0.84 mm, and severe group mean 5.83 +/- 0.67 mm, p=0.505). CONCLUSION: In the present study, we observed that the EFT did not increase in patients with asthma compared with the normal population. Based on our results, we suggest that visceral obesity may not be a significant risk factor for asthma.
Liver Transplant and Reexpansion Pulmonary Edema: A Case Report
(2018) Kara, Sibel; Sen, Nazan; Akcay, Sule; Moray, Gokhan; Kus, Murat; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-4171-7484; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 0000-0003-2498-7287; 0000-0001-6529-7579; 0000-0002-3462-7632; 29528016; AAI-8069-2021; AAI-8947-2021; AAB-5175-2021; AAE-1041-2021; AAJ-7870-2021; AAJ-8097-2021
Hydrothorax occurs frequently in patients with end-stage liver disease and usually requires drainage of pulmonary effusion during the hepatectomy phase of liver transplant. Reexpansion pulmonary edema is a rare but potentially fatal complication seen after rapid reexpansion of the collapsed lung following thoracentesis of pleural fluid or tube drainage of pneumothorax. This condition, which manifests with various degrees of clinical severity, is rarely reported following liver transplantation. Herein, we present a 62-year-old male patient who developed reexpansion pulmonary edema after drainage of massive pleural effusion, which caused a total collapse in the right hemithorax during liver transplant. Six hours after pleural fluid drainage, the patient developed a nonproductive cough, mild tachypnea, shortness of breath, and low oxygen saturation (88%). His chest radiograph showed diffuse heterogeneous opacities in the right hemithorax. Computed tomography of the thorax revealed consolidations containing air bronchograms and ground glass opacities in the parenchyma of the right lung; these findings did not extend to the periphery and were observed less frequently in the inferoposterior left lung. These symptoms and radiologic findings were diagnosed as reexpansion pulmonary edema. Complete clinical and radiologic improvements were achieved within 72 hours of mechanical ventilatory support.
Lung Malignancy in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: ACase Series
(2018) Esendagli, Donna; Kupeli, Elif; Bozbas, Serife Savas; Tepeoglu, Merih; Ozdemir, B. Handan; Akcay, Sule; Haberal, Mehmet; 0000-0002-5826-1997; 0000-0002-7230-202X; 0000-0002-9894-8005; 0000-0002-7528-3557; 0000-0002-8360-6459; 0000-0002-3462-7632; AAB-5345-2021; AAI-8064-2021; AAK-5222-2021; X-8540-2019; AAB-5175-2021; AAJ-8097-2021