Trigonella foenum‐graecum L. (TF) is known to the public as a chest emollient, mucous expectorant, laxative and is used to prevent maturation of boils and diabetes since ancient times. In this study, we aimed to determine the amebicidal effects against Acanthamoeba cysts. Plant extracts were prepared at concentrations of 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 mg/ml and were placed in a hemocytometer with cell counts 22 × 106 cell/ml. The fatty acid profiles of TF seeds were determined. Standard Acanthamoeba cysts were added and incubated at 25°C. The viability of the parasite was checked and recorded at hours 3, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 102. The values of lethal concentration doses (LD50 and LD90) were calculated using probit analysis. This study revealed that T. foenum‐graecum prevented proliferation of the parasite at certain times. However, further for in vivo and controlled experimental studies are needed in order to find out how to use this plant as medication.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) score and disease progression and mortality in COVID‐19 patients. The files of 4213 patients over the age of 18 who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID‐19 between March 20, 2020 and May 1, 2021 were retrospectively scanned. Sociodemographic characteristics, chronic diseases, hemogram and biochemical parameters at the time they were diagnosed with COVID‐19 of the patients, duration of hospitalization, duration of intensive care unit (ICU), duration of intubation, in‐hospital mortality from COVID‐19 and outside‐hospital mortality for another reason (within the last 1 year) and recurrent hospitalization (within the last 1 year) were recorded. The MELD scores of the patients were calculated. Two groups were formed as MELD score < 10 and MELD score ≥ 10. The rate of ICU, in‐hospital mortality from COVID‐19 and outside‐hospital mortality from other causes, intubation rate, and recurrent hospitalization were significantly higher in the MELD ≥ 10 group. The duration of ICU, hospitalization, intubation were significantly higher in the MELD ≥ 10 group ( p < 0.001). As a result of Univariate and Multivariate analysis, MELD score was found to be the independent predictors of ICU, in‐hospital mortality, intubation, and recurrent hospitalization ( p < 0.001). MELD score 18.5 predicted ICU with 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity (area under curve [AUC]: 0.740, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.717–0.763, p < 0.001) also MELD score 18.5 predicted in‐hospital mortality with 99% sensitivity and 100% specificity (AUC: 0.797, 95% CI: 0.775–0.818, p < 0.001). The MELD score was found to be the independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality, ICU admission, and intubation in COVID‐19 patients.

Objectives We aimed to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 disease on kidney functions and early prognosis. Materials and Methods All cases were divided into those discharged and exitus cases. The patients were diagnosed with acute kidney injury (AKI) according to the KDIGO criteria. Results As a result of the ROC analysis, the patients with a creatinine value above 1.05 for day 1 and 0.975 for creatinine value on day 7 would be mortal (AUC values of 0.641 (0.569–0.714) and 0.757 (0.689–0.825), respectively). As a result of Univariate analysis; D-Dimer, Procalcitonin, BUN and creatinine values are risk factors and a one-unit increase in these values is 1.184; 1.105; It was determined that it would increase 1.024 and 1.304 times (p values 0.008; 0.007; <0.001; 0.002), respectively. Decreased in e-GFR value would increase the risk of death 1.026 (1/0.975) times (p<0.001). Conclusions We observed the high creatinine, D-dimer, procalcitonin, ferritin, and low e-GFR levels were risk factors for severity and mortality for COVID-19 disease. While physicians and all stakeholders focus on the prognosis and mortality of the disease of COVID-19 disease, it is necessary to be thorough about kidney involvement as much as respiratory system involvement.

Objectives: Increased intestinal permeability (IP) and gut microbiota dysbiosis have been implicated in low-grade chronic inflammation, which is an important factor in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between the IP biomarker zonulin and DR in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted with a total of 89 T2DM patients, including 33 non-DR, 28 with nonproliferative DR (NPDR), and 28 with proliferative DR (PDR), and 32 healthy controls. Zonulin levels were determined from blood samples using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit. Results: There was no difference between the four groups in terms of age (p=0.236), gender (p=0.952), and body mass index (p=0.134) of the participants. Zonulin levels were significantly higher in the PDR group compared to the other three groups, as well as in the non-DR and NPDR groups compared to the control group. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, zonulin was found to be an independent predictor of DR (odds ratio: 1,781, 95% confidence interval: 1,122-2,829, p=0.014). Conclusion: Our study showed that elevated zonulin levels may play a significant role in the development of DR, particularly during the transition to the proliferative stage. This suggests that regulation of IP could be one of the targets of DR treatment. More studies are needed to determine whether a eubiotic gut microbiota and IP have a direct relationship with DR.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of H. pylori, risk factors, and co-infection with intestinal parasites in adult patients presenting gastrointestinal complaints. Material and Method: The working group of the study consisted of 385 patients with gastrointestinal complaints. A questionnaire including questions aiming to canvass the socio-demographic features, lifestyles, and complaints of the patients was administered to the study population. Cellophane band method, native-Lugol, sedimentation, and modified Kinyoun's acid-fast methods were used to diagnose fecal parasites. Stool samples were examined under a microscope. H. pylori antigen was examined in the stool sample taken within the diagnosis of H. pylori. Results: H. pylori positivity was 27.79%. Of those who were H. pylori-positive, 76.6% were women. The H. pylori positivity rate was higher (75.7%) in patients aged 40 and over. The majority of patients with H. pylori positivity expressed being married (73.8%), having middle / low-income (89.7%), having a low educational background (82.2%), living in a village (55.1%), and in a nuclear family (72.2%) (p