PurposeTo evaluate the predictive role of the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet count (PLT) in the diagnosis of testicular torsion (TT) and testicular viability following TT.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed two study groups in this retrospective study: 75 patients with a diagnosis of TT (group 1) and 56 age-matched healthy subjects (group 2). We performed a complete blood count as a part of the diagnostic procedure, and NLR, PLR, MPV, and PLT values were recorded. We compared the patient and control groups in terms of these parameters. Then, TT patients were divided into two subgroups according to the time elapsed since the onset of symptoms. Subsequently, we evaluated the relationship between the duration of symptoms and these parameters.ResultsThere were significant differences between groups 1 and 2 in NLR, PLR, and PLT (p<0.001 for all). There was no predictive role of MPV in the diagnosis of TT (p=0.328). We determined significantly high sensitivity and specificity levels for NLR in the prediction of TT diagnosis (84% and 92%, respectively). Furthermore, NLR was significantly related to the duration of symptoms in TT patients (p=0.01).ConclusionsNLR may be a useful parameter in the diagnosis of TT. Furthermore, NLR may be used as a predictive factor for testicular viability following TT.

Background We aimed to explore the impact of the preventive measures and partial lockdown to the psychiatric emergency department (PED) visits during COVID-19 pandemic in a mental health epicenter in Istanbul. Methods A total of 5839 patients admitted to PED during the lockdown period (LP) between March 30 and May 31, 2020, were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Data of these patients were compared to those of patients in the same period in 2019 between April 1 and June 2, 2019 (non-LP). We also investigated the monthly number of PED visits and hospitalizations between March 1 and December 31, 2020, and compared it to the same period in 2019. Results The volume of PED visits and hospitalizations in LP decreased by 12% and 41.6%, respectively. The rates of patients presenting anxiety and depressive disorders and bipolar disorders were found to significantly increase in LP than non-LP ( p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.01, respectively). Depressive disorders, prior history of mental illness, and aggressive behavior were found to predict frequent PED visits while decrease in age and male gender found to predict hospitalizations. Regarding suicide attempt, younger patients and those with new-onset mental disorders were found to be at high risk in LP. Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in PED visits were mostly with psychotic and bipolar disorders. Conclusion Policy-makers should focus on studies on mental health services to reorganize and enhance such services, which are crucial to prevent and manage adverse mental health consequences of the pandemic and congestion in PEDs.

Objective:To report our experience with Fournier’s Gangrene (FG) over the past eight years and evaluate the predisposing factors which affect the mortality.Methods:Sixty-five patients who were admitted to emergency surgical unit of our institution presenting with FG between January 2006 and August 2014 were included. The anatomical site of infective gangrene, predisposing factors, etiological factors, and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed.Results:Our cases included 8 women and 57 men. The average age of men was 51±13.9 (range 19-75) and the average age of women was 63±10.5 (range 52-76). Average hospitalization time was 9.2±6.6 days (range 5-25) days. The most frequent comorbid disease was diabetes mellitus and the most frequent etiology was perianal abscess. Colostomy was performed in 11 patients, orchidectomy in two patients, cystostomy in two patients. Notably, all of the 8 (12.3%) patients who died from FG had diabetes and low socioeconomic status. A total of six patients who died required more than one surgical debridement.Conclusions:Fournier’s gangrene is a severe surgical emergency, with a high mortality rate. Low socioeconomic status, diabetes and more than one debridement play a major role in mortality and morbidity.

COVID-19 is a global threat with an increasing number of infections. Research on IgG seroprevalence among health care workers (HCWs) is needed to re-evaluate health policies. This study was performed in three pandemic hospitals in Istanbul and Kocaeli. Different clusters of HCWs were screened for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Seropositivity rate among participants was evaluated by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. We recruited 813 non-infected and 119 PCR-confirmed infected HCWs. Of the previously undiagnosed HCWs, 22 (2.7%) were seropositive. Seropositivity rates were highest for cleaning staff (6%), physicians (4%), nurses (2.2%) and radiology technicians (1%). Non-pandemic clinic (6.4%) and ICU (4.3%) had the highest prevalence. HCWs in “high risk” group had similar seropositivity rate with “no risk” group (2.9 vs 3.5 p = 0.7). These findings might lead to the re-evaluation of infection control and transmission dynamics in hospitals.

Laser acupuncture therapy, a noninvasive, painless, short-term therapy with a low cost, can be considered as an alternative therapy for patients with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis.