Tropical Health and Medical Research (E-Journal)
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Evaluation of the Relationship Between Internet Addiction and Communication Competence Levels of Nurses
Get PDFThe purpose is to determine the evaluation of the relationship between internet addiction and the communication competence levels of nurses. This descriptive study was conducted with 347 nurses in a Training and Research Hospital in Turkey. Data were collected with the Communication Competence Scale and the Internet Addiction Scale. In the evaluation of the data, the IBM SPSS statistics 22.0 program was used for statistical analysis in the study. At the same time, they were evaluating the study data in addition to descriptive statistical methods. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between variables. Internet addiction and communication competence are, respectively, found to be 45.22±14.16 and 98.64±18.98. A negative and weak significant relationship (r=-.270; p?.05) was found between internet addiction and communication competence levels. The study determined that as the level of internet addiction among nurses increased, their communication competence decreased. Therefore, awareness of the effect of internet addiction on occupational functions is essential
Effects of Homemade Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Olive Oil Paste on Remineralization of Early Caries Lesions
Get PDFNano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) particles are a new generation of materials reported to remineralize enamel lesions. The purpose we aimed was to compare the in vitro effects of fluoride gel, sodium fluoride toothpaste, and homemade nHAP paste on remineralizing artificial early enamel caries. Methods: Incipient caries were induced in 21 extracted, sound premolar teeth by storing each specimen in a demineralization solution for 72 hours, followed by pH cycling. The samples (n= 7, each) were then treated with 2% neutral fluoride gel, 0.25% sodium fluoride toothpaste, or homemade nHAP paste, comprising a mixture of nHAP powder and olive oil. After demineralization and remineralization, the results were compared using the DIAGNOdent pen (KaVo, Germany). The data were statistically analyzed using paired t-tests and a one-way ANOVA test. Outcomes: The degree of demineralization in each of the three groups (fluoride gel group, 15.71; sodium fluoride dentifrice group, 15.28; nHAP paste group, 16.71) was significantly elevated compared to baseline (3, 2.5, 2.28, respectively); however, no significant difference was observed between the remineralization readings in each of the three groups (6, 7, 5.5, respectively) (p > 0.05). In conclusion, we concluded that the homemade nHAP paste had a beneficial effect on the remineralization of initial enamel caries lesions
Fungicidal Effects of Chloroform Extract of Red Galangal (Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Sch) on the Growth of Trichophyton rubrum
Get PDFTrichophyton rubrum is the most common causative agent of anthropophilic dermatophytosis worldwide. Treatment of dermatophytosis can use natural ingredients. In Indonesia, several medicinal plants have been used, one of which is red galangal (Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Sch). This study aims to determine the effectiveness of red galangal rhizome chloroform extract on the growth of Trichophyton rubrum. This study is a True Experiment study with Posttest Only With Control Group Design consisting of 8 treatments namely positive control, extract control, 0 mg/mL (negative control), 20 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL, 40 mg/mL, 50 mg/ml, and 60 mg/mL extract of red galangal rhizome chloroform with 3 repetitions. The antifungal activity test was carried out using the determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), and Bioautography Test. The results showed that the red galangal rhizome chloroform extract in the Agar Overlay Bioautography Test contained an inhibition zone on the growth of Trichophyton rubrum. The determination of MIC and MFC were 20 mg/mL and 40 mg/mL, respectively. The study concludes that the red galangal rhizome chloroform extract affects the growth of the fungus Trichophyton rubrum. Research can be continued by knowing more specifics about the bioactive compounds from the red galangal rhizome, which have antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum
Anti-Fungal Activity Test of Sengkuang (Dracontomelon dao) Leaf Ethanol Extract on The Growth of Candida albicans
Get PDFCandida albicans is an important opportunistic fungal pathogen that is responsible for the majority of fungal infections in humans. In healthy individuals, Candida colonizes mainly on the mucosal surfaces of the oral cavity, digestive tract, skin and genitals. Dracontomelon dao or known as Sengkuang has been used as a traditional medicine for various diseases. Based on various studies, Dracontomelon dao extract is reported to exhibit antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to analyze the antifungal activity of the ethanol extract of sengkuang (Dracontomelon dao) leaves on the growth of Candida albicans. The study used 96% ethanol extract by macerating the simplicia leaves of Dracontomelon dao originating from South Kalimantan, Indonesia. The antifungal activity was tested by well diffusion method at various concentrations of the test extract (10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%). The results showed that the average diameter of the inhibition zones at concentrations of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% 50% were 19.2 mm, 21.8 mm, 23.2 mm, 24.8 mm, 27 mm, respectively. Based on the results of the study, it was found that the ethanolic extract of sengkuang (Dracontomelon dao) leaves had antifungal properties against the growth of Candida albicans with the most effective concentration at a concentration of 50% with an average zone diameter of 27 mm. The content of phytochemical compounds from sengkuang leaf extract (Dracontomelon dao) are flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and triterpenoids. This secondary metabolite is thought to be able to inhibit the growth of the fungus Candida albicans. The ethanol extract of sengkuang leaves (Dracontomelon dao) has been shown to have antifungal activity in vitro so that it has the potential to be developed as an antifungal agent and can be a new solution in handling cases of Candida albicans infection
Utilization of Natural Dyes Solutions and Glycerol for the Quality and Durability of Direct Wet Mount Preparations Storage in Educational Laboratories
Get PDFEducational laboratories require the availability of direct wet mount preparations that can last a long time with good quality. Various studies have mentioned techniques so that preparations can last a long time. This study aims to analyze the composition of dyes and glycerol in wet preparations of worm eggs on the quality and shelf life of the preparations. The solvent variations used for the wet preparations were Angkak 2%, and eosin 2%, with the addition of variations in the concentration of glycerol 20%-45%. The number of treatments and repetitions in the study was 70 samples, which were observed in the first, second, third, and fourth weeks. Based on the ANOVA test, the results showed a significant effect on the parameters measured, namely the type of dye, the type of slide, and the shelf life of the preparation (storage) in natural dye solution (2% ethanol extract of Angkak solution) and synthetic dye solution (2% eosin solution). The correlation test results of storage time treatment on the clarity of the preparations showed that the longer the storage, the lower the clarity of the preparations (r=-0.46246). The correlation test results of storage time treatment on the contrast of the preparations showed that the longer the storage, the less the contrast was not so strong (r=-0.26375). The correlation test results of storage time treatment on the quality of the preparations showed that the longer the storage, the lower the quality of the preparations (r=-0.51346). The conclusion is that the best quality of wet preparations is preparations that are stored for four weeks using a flat object-glass with a mixture of 1:1 dye solution of 2%-glycerol solution of 35% and 1:1 mixture of a 2%-glycerol solution of 1:1 solution. Further research is needed on the concentration of the dye solution mixture to find the best formulation for improving the quality and resistance of wet preparations
Factors Affecting Clinical Course and Mortality among COVID-19 Patients Receiving Convalescent Plasma Treatment
Get PDFIn this study, our research objectives are; to evaluate death risk covariates and the clinical course of the COVID-19 patients who had received convalescent plasma treatment. This study was performed between April 2020 -April 2021, retrospectively. The study was conducted at two centers in Izmir, Turkey. Demographic characteristics, number of plasma given, the time between the onset of the symptoms and the first plasma treatment, and laboratory results(C-reactive protein, white blood cell, thrombocyte, lymphocyte counts, D-dimer, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and procalcitonin) are recorded. Biochemical parameters and the necessity of oxygen support for the patients were evaluated on days 0, 3, and 7 of the first plasma treatment. Death risk covariates were analyzed. Described as moderate, severe, and critical, 199 patients were included in this study. The patients' mean age of the patients was63.7±14.2 (min:24-max:93). Most patients were in the severe group (41.7%). The frequency of necessity of non-invasive mechanical ventilation/mechanical ventilation (NIMV/MV) support on day three and day seven was lower than on day 0 (p:0.004). C-reactive protein and procalcitonin levels were progressively decreased on day three and day 7 (p<0.001, p<0.001).Multivariate analysis showed that; ?65 years of age (HR:1.62 [1.06–2.49]),critical disease severity(HR:2.64 [1.10–6.30]), necessity of corticosteroid treatment (HR:2.22 [1.29–3.82]), leukocyte counts of ?4.23x103/UL (HR:2.10 [1.19–3.69]), lymphocyte levels of ?0.80 x103/UL (HR:1.74 [1.06–2.86]), AST levels of ? 50 U/L (HR:2.18[1.42–3.34]), and procalcitonin levels of ?0.5 ng/ml (HR:1.91 [1.26–2.91]) on day 3 were found independently associated with mortality. As a result, being older than 65 years old, having acute disease, receiving corticosteroids, having low lymphocyte-leucocyte counts, and having high ALT and procalcitonin levels are associated with mortality. Considering our findings, we think that more studies are needed in the patient groups
Another Reason for Vaccine Hesitancy in Turkey: Siblings with Autism Spectrum Disorder
No full textDespite studies showing no link between the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the belief that the vaccine causes autism can still affect parents' attitudes towards vaccines. This study aimed to investigate the vaccination status, vaccine information source, and the factors related to vaccine hesitancy diagnosed with ASD and their younger siblings based on interviews and questionnaires. A questionnaire was performed on 37 ASD groups (parents of children with ASD and their younger siblings) and 65 control groups (families with healthy children and healthy younger siblings). The research was conducted between 1st January 2019 and 31st December 2019. Incomplete vaccination was found higher in both children with ASD(n=37) and their younger siblings compared to the healthy control group(n=65) (p=0.045; p=0.016). The four children (10.8%) diagnosed with ASD had five siblings with incomplete or missing vaccinations. Families with children with ASD stated that their knowledge of vaccines was sufficient compared to the control group (p=0.021). All parents stated the autism vaccination relationship as the reason for incomplete vaccination. Parents of children with ASD may delay or reject vaccination for their children and their younger siblings
Seroprevalence of Leptospirosis in Suspected High-Risk Sudanese Patients; A Pilot Exploratory Study
Get PDFThe extent of leptospirosis is unknown in Sudan, and it might be mistaken for other more common febrile infectious diseases. Leptospirosis might also be associated with renal diseases that are common in Sudan. We intended to explore the existence of human leptospirosis in suspected high-risk patients in Khartoum, Sudan, via sero-screening random febrile patients and those undergoing renal dialysis. This pilot exploratory study was conducted over six months, from April to September 2013. Four hospitals were selected conveniently following a non-random sampling approach. One hundred nineteen febrile patients (with or without definitive diagnosis) and patients under renal dialysis were included, and their serum specimens and clinical and demographic data were collected. Sera were screened qualitatively for the existence of anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies using a rapid lateral flow immune-sorbent assay. Ethical clearance and official permissions were obtained. Of the 119 patients, 57 (47.9%) had end-stage renal disease. They were under dialysis at Renal Dialysis Unit in Asbab Charity Hospital in Bahri, 47 (39.5%) were febrile with unknown origin attending the Tropical Medicine Hospital in Omdurman, and 15 (12.6%) were febrile and were diagnosed as having malaria or typhoid and attended Yastabshiron Medical Centre and Bashauer Teaching Hospital. The prevalence of anti-leptospiral IgM antibodies among all 119 screened patients was 7%. The prevalence among the 57 with the end-stage renal disease was 9%, and among the 47 with a fever of unknown origin was 6%. The prevalence among the 15 with a fever of known origin (diagnosed as malaria or typhoid) was 0%. Almost all positive patients had recurring episodes of fever, were in close contact with livestock, were farmers, and had an untreated natural source for drinking water. Human leptospirosis does exist in this targeted population. It is probably a common febrile condition and can be easily considered one of the major causes of chronic kidney disease affecting people in Sudan. A national sero-screening for leptospirosis among those living in high-risk geographical areas and those at occupational risk is highly recommended
Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health in Patients with Kidney Transplantation
Get PDFSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is the cause of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The most effective method in controlling the disease is maintaining the distance between people and, if necessary, quarantine. Recent evidence suggests that people kept in isolation and quarantine experience significant anxiety, confusion, and stress levels. This study aims to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on mental health in kidney transplant recipients. In this cross-sectional study, all renal transplant patients who followed up in our transplantation clinic were evaluated to be included in the study. The Turkish version of the fear of COVID-19 scale, depression anxiety stress scale (DASS-21), and satisfaction with life scale (SWLS) were administered to the patients. Patients were interviewed face-to-face by the same physician. A total of 68 patients were included in the study: 29 (42.6 percent) women and 39 (57.4 percent) men. In the present study, we detected that DASS-21 anxiety, depression, stress, and total scores were higher in patients with a family history of psychiatric disease than without (p<0.05). We did not find any statistical differences between patients’ demographic characteristics and fear of COVID-19 scale, DASS-21 anxiety, depression, stress, and total scores except for family history of psychiatric disease. More extensive and multi-center studies are needed to determine these patients' anxiety and depression states in the future
Intrauterine Insemination Success Rates Between Patients TSH Level of 2.5 mIU/L and 2.5-4.5 mIU/L
Get PDFThe aim of this study to assess whether there is a need to decrease the TSH level below 2.5 mIU/L in unexplainable infertility patients who were undergoing intrauterine insemination and determining the difference between patients with a TSH level of 2.5 mIU / L and patients with a TSH level of 2.5-4.5 mIU/L in terms of the success of intrauterine insemination. This study conduct via cross-sectional examinations of the 272 patients who applied to Ümraniye Training and Research Hospital infertility outpatient clinic between 01.06.2017-01.10.2019, who underwent intrauterine insemination with the diagnosis of unexplained infertility. Results research the mean age of the cases participating in our study is 31.65 ± 5.28, and the mean BMI measured as 24.17 ± 4.30 kg / m2. TSH values range from 0.3 to 5.2, with an average of 1.84 ± 0.93; while TSH value of 174 cases (77.3%) is below 2.5 mIU/L, TSH value of 51 cases (22.7%) is between 2.5-4.5mIU/L. Within the control group with TSH <2.5 mIU/L, the cycle was canceled in 13 cases (7.5%), pregnancy did not occur in 143 cases (82.2%). While ongoing pregnancy was achieved in 17 cases (9.8%), clinical pregnancy was achieved in 1 case (0,6%). Also, within the study group with a TSH value of 2.5-4.5 mIU/L, cycles were canceled in 7 cases (13.7%), pregnancy did not occur in 40 cases (78.4%), and ongoing pregnancy was achieved in 4 patients (7.8%). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of intrauterine insemination success between the control group with TSH <2.5 mIU / L and the study group with TSH 2.5-4.5 mIU/L. Widespread randomized controlled prospective studies need to determine the optimal TSH threshold value before TSH treatment of the women receiving infertility treatment