Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC), a common genital tract infection, is known to affect millions of women worldwide. In this study, it was aimed to determine the prevalence, virulence, possible risk factors and antifungal susceptibility model of Candida species. Vaginal swab samples were taken from patients aged 18 years and older who presented to the gynecology outpatient clinic with signs and symptoms suggestive of vulvovaginitis. Demographic data were recorded using a questionnaire. Standard microbiological methods were used for the identification of the isolates. Broth microdilution method was used to determine the antifungal susceptibility of Candida isolates. Virulence factors of Candida strains were determined by performing proteinase, phospholipase, hemolytic and biofilm activity tests. Sequencing of the isolates identified as Candida were performed using ITS 1-4 primers. Vaginal discharge (OR: 3.365; 95% CI: 1.595-7.101), burning complaint (OR: 9.098; 95% CI: 2.284-36.232) and history of allergy (OR: 3.396; 95% CI: 0.968) were risk factors. The results showed that the most common isolated strain was Candida albicans (57%). It was found that the prevalence of C. glabrata remained at 26%, 44 of the C. albicans isolates presented proteinase, 35 had phospholipase, 47 had biofilm, and 47 had hemolytic activity. In this study, susceptible dose-dependent and resistant rates of all Candida strains were found for fluconazole as 9% and 16%, respectively. Host and organism-related factors should be considered in the clinical treatment of VVC, and continuous monitoring of changes in the prevalence of Candida species and susceptibility rates is required for effective antifungal therapy.

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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to create a simulation model in shoulder dystocia, breech delivery, and vacuum forceps applications, and to show the effect of education on the knowledge-skill level of the individuals involved. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort research was conducted among assistant doctors and midwives. The course was held in the simulation center by creating 4 different scenarios. The steps of each maneuver were determined separately. Performance was evaluated on a five-point Likert-type scale between 1-5 points before and after training. A higher score was considered higher proficiency in the subject. RESULTS: Of the participants in the study, 51.4% (n=19) of 37 were doctors. The post-training scores obtained from each step of the shoulder dystocia maneuvers, breech birth maneuver, forceps application, and vacuum application were statistically significantly higher than the pre-training scores (p<0.001). The change in the post-training skill scores of the physicians was significantly higher than that of the midwives (p<0.001). Post-training, 67.9% of the participants thought that the simulation training was a great help in transforming their theoretical knowledge into practice. CONCLUSION: Breech delivery, shoulder dystocia, forceps, and vacuum applications are difficult subjects to education in obstetrics. In these pieces of training, simulation should be used as a training method in obstetric education and integrated into the curriculum. We believe that giving and disseminating an effective and accessible simulation protocol to healthcare professionals can reduce birth complications.

Aim Sacroiliac joint (SIJ) dysfunction is an especially common cause of pain during pregnancy. Treatment options during pregnancy are very limited in order to reduce pain and increase the quality of life. We aimed to determine the efficacy of kinesiotaping (KT) in the treatment of SIJ pain in pregnant women. Methods A total of 50 pregnant women with SIJ pain were included in the study. Patients were randomised into two groups as KT and sham KT groups. Women in the KT group underwent a total of 5 weeks of KT once per week; the sham KT group also underwent 5 weeks of KT applications, but without tension in the kinesiotape. Patients were assessed before and 5 weeks after the treatment with a visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain and the Roland‐Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and Pelvic Girdle Questionnaire (PGQ) for disability and quality of life. Results The KT and sham KT groups were similar in terms of age, parity, gravidas, gestational week and body mass index. At the beginning of the study, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in their VAS, RMDQ or PGQ scores. Five weeks later, the KT group showed significant improvement in all parameters, but no significant differences were observed for the sham KT group in terms of VAS, RMDQ or PGQ. Conclusions KT treatment improved the pain levels, functioning and quality of life among pregnant women with SIJ pain.