Browsing by Author "Gurbuz, Esra"

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Bibliometric Analysis of Neurocysticercosis Case Reports and Evaluation of Presented Cases
(Academic Press Ltd- Elsevier Science Ltd, 2025) Gurbuz, Esra; Aydemir, Selahattin; Barlik, Fethi; Saygin, Murat; Yildiz, Rahmi; Alkan, Sevil; Ekici, Abdurrahman
Neurocysticercosis (NCC) has been classified as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization (WHO), with the condition being regarded as the most significant parasitic disease affecting the nervous system. Hence, the aim of this study was to conduct a review of previously published case reports on this topic in order to ascertain whether there is an increasing trend of NCC worldwide and evaluate the cases that have been presented. After a comprehensive search of the Web of Science Core Collection using the keywords "neurocysticercosis" and "case reports", studies were selected by applying inclusion criteria. Important data attributes that were extracted in plain text format included the document titles, publication years, journal names, author(s) name(s), keywords, institutions, and countries. In addition, to evaluate the cases, the age and gender of the patients, complaints on admission, localization of the cyst, and treatment procedure used were recorded in an Excel file. The bibliometric analysis was conducted using Biblioshiny. Additionally, GraphPad and Excel were employed for the creation of graphical representations. The dataset analyzed included 297 documents, 162 from various sources, with an average age of 12.2 years and 6.3 citations per document. The number of case reports tended to increase over the years. India and the USA were the leading contributors to NCC case reports, with 78 (26.3 %) and 64 (21.5 %), respectively. This was followed by Brazil, France, and Spain with 31 (10.4 %), 14 (4.7 %) and 13 (4.4 %) case reports, respectively. Moreover 55.5 % of the patients in the cases presented in the articles were male and 12.9 % were in the 21-25 age group. In regard to the cysts, 81.2 % were located in the brain and 15.1 % were in the spine. The most common complaints were headache and seizures in brain localized NCC cases and back pain and numbness or weakness in extremities in spine localized NCC cases. Albendazole was used in 174 (54.5 %) cases, praziquantel in 22 (6.9 %) cases, and ivermectin in five (1.6 %) cases. In conclusion, NCC continues to be an increasingly serious public health problem in India as well as developed countries such as the USA and European countries. NCC can be seen in all age groups, males are more susceptible than females, cysts are more localized in the ventricular system, and albendazole and/or paraziquentel are used in treatment. In addition, more comprehensive studies on the use of ivermectin in the treatment of NCC should be conducted, as success was achieved in cases where ivermectin was used in treatment.
Effect of Toxoplasmosis on Melatonin and Cortisol in Smoking Addiction
(Brieflands, 2025) Halidi, Ahmed Galip; Atli, Siahmet; Gurbuz, Esra; Aydemir, Selahattin; Ekici, Abdurrahman
Background: Toxoplasma gondii infection can cause changes in neurotransmitter levels in the brain, which can affect anindividual's behavior. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between latent toxoplasmosis and cigarette addictionand its effect on cortisol and melatonin levels, which are known to be associated with nicotine addiction. Methods: The patient group consisted of 90 smokers who applied to the Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment andEducation Center Unit of the Health Sciences University Training and Research Hospital. Individuals with any substanceaddiction other than smoking were excluded from the study. The control group included 82 volunteers who had not used anysubstances in the last year. Toxoplasmagondii positivity, as well as cortisol and melatonin levels, were investigated via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of the serum samples taken from the study participants. The Z test and Fisher's exact test wereused to determine statistical significance at P < 0.05. The independent-samples Kruskal-Wallis t-test was used to determine therelationship between cortisol and melatonin levels and T.gondii positivity. Results:Toxoplasmagondii immunoglobulin G was detected in 52 (57.8%) of the smokers and 23 (28%) of those in the controlgroup. A statistically significant relationship was found between T.gondii positivity and smoking (P = 0.001). In the statisticalevaluation, no relationship was found between T.gondii positivity and cortisol and melatonin in smokers. Conclusions: There is an association between T.gondii infection and smoking addiction, but this association is independent ofmelatonin and cortisol levels.
Evaluation of Seroprevalence and Clinical and Laboratory Findings of Patients Admitted To Health Institutions in Gumushane With Suspicion of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2021) Gurbuz, Esra; EkIcI, Abdurrahman; Unlu, Ahmet Hakan; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background/aim: To determine the seroprevalence and evaluate clinical findings and laboratory results of patients prediagnosed with Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) in Gumushane. Materials and methods: Included in the cross-sectional study were 362 patients (162 female, 200 male) between 0 and 94 years of age, who were followed up after receiving a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF between January 2011 and December 2019. Anamnesis, age, sex, clinical findings, laboratory results, epidemiological and clinical evaluations, severity criteria, risk factor reviews, and a comparison of the suspected negative cases with positive cases were analyzed retrospectively. Patients included in the study were evaluated as RNA positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or IgM-positive by ELISA. Results: Of the 362 patients admitted to health institutions with a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF, 242 were diagnosed as CCHFpositive (66.9%). Moreover, 196 of those CCHF-positive patients (81%) were admitted to health institutions during the summer months. Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between the incidence of CCHF and patients who had been in contact with animals, lived in rural areas, and had engaged in farming and animal husbandry. In addition, fever, headache, diffuse bodily pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever of 38 degrees C or higher, tachycardia, elevated ALT/AST, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia were detected in the CCHF-positive patients. Significant relations were found between this disease and these symptoms. However, there was no significant relationship between the statistical evaluation of the disease and bloody diarrhea, bodily bruises, rash, unconsciousness, gingival bleeding, hypotension, epistaxis, petechiae, splenomegaly, ecchymosis, hematuria, maculopapular rash, gastrointestinal system complaints, anemia, or elevation of the international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time duration, separately. Conclusion: Of the 362 patients, 66.9% (242) of those who received a preliminary diagnosis of CCHF were indeed CCHF-positive in Gumushane. It was concluded that CCHF remains an important endemic disease in Gumushane. In addition, elevated ALT/AST, CK, and LDH levels, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia in patients presenting with headache, fever, fever of 38 degrees C or higher, generalized body pain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, and tachycardia will play a pivotal role in the preliminary diagnosis of CCHF.
Global Trends on Blastocystis Spp. Research: a Scientometric Study
(Egyptian Parasitologists United Soc - Epu, 2023) Bilden, Alican; Gurbuz, Esra; Aydemir, Selahattin; Unlu, Ahmet H.; Ekici, Abdurrahman; Alkan, Sevil; Cicek, Muttalip
Background: For many years, the classification and pathogenicity of Blastocystis was a subject of debate. The study rational is built on two hypotheses; whether this uncertainty affects the research on Blastocystis spp., and whether regional differences have an impact on diseases prevalence.Objective: The aim of this study is to guide researchers interested in blasticystosis by presenting a bibliometric review of the existing literature on blastocystosis.Material and Methods: The VOSviewer visualization methodology was used. Institutions, nations, international collaborations, journals, articles, authors, keywords, co-authors, co-citations, and citation rates from the WoS database formed the study data. A total of 1192 documents were found in the WoS database, of which 906 original articles were analyzed.Results: The articles were cited 24,065 times in total and the mean Hirsch (H) index was 74. The countries with the highest number of articles were as follows: USA (n = 93; 10.26%), Singapore (n = 79; 8.72%), China (n = 76; 8.39%), and Malaysia (n: 74; 8.17%). During the period from 2000-2013, there were a limited number of articles, while since 2014 there was a minimum of 34 publications per year. The highest number of articles was published in 2021 (n = 87) and the highest number of citations (n=3,485) was in 2021. The leading affiliation according to the number of published articles was the National University of Singapore (8.72%), University Malaya (6.62%), and Nara Women's University (4.64%). The USA, Singapore, China and Malaysia have led scientific production on Blastocystis spp.Conclusion: Due to development of recent molecular technology, the interest in Blastocystis spp. increased as recorded by ample publicatios and cited references. Development of interdisciplinary scientific research networks to include the most productive countries is crucial for Blastocystis related studies.
Investigation of the Impact of Antiparasitic Drug Moxidectin on the Rewarding Effects of Alcohol
(Aepress Sro, 2022) Ekici, Abdurrahman; Gurbuz, Esra; Berkoz, Mehmet; Turkmen, Omer; Basbugan, Yildiray; Yunusoglu, Oruc
Alcohol addiction or alcoholism constitutes a significant risk factor worldwide for morbidity and mortality. Moxidectin is a recently approved anthelmintic drug, which also activates the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors. The objective of the present study was to examine the impact of moxidectin on rewarding effects of ethanol in the conditioned place preference (CPP) model in mice. In separate experiments, mice were administered intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of moxidectin (5 or 10 mg/kg) before a) acquisition of alcohol-induced CPP, b) each extinction session, and c) alcohol-induced reinstatement of CPP. The present experiments provide consistent data about ethanol place preference in mice (2 g/kg, i.p.), with mice in all tests spending significantly more time on the ethanol-paired side. The acquisition of the CPP response to ethanol was prevented by the administration of moxidectin at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Additionally, moxidectin treatment accelerated the extinction of ethanol CPP when given repeatedly during the extinction phase. Ethanol-induced reinstatement of CPP following an extinction phase was inhibited by moxidectin. Ethanol alone and co-administration with moxidectin did not change locomotor activity and motor coordination. In conclusion, we suggest that moxidectin may be a promising therapeutic candidate for prevention of ethanol-induced addiction and relapse as well as detoxification.
Investigation of the Relationship Between Schizophrenia and Toxoplasmosis in Van Province, Turkey
(Ain Shams Univ, 2021) Ekici, Abdurrahman; Timucin, Damla K.; Gurbuz, Esra; Unlu, Ahmet; Aydemir, Selahattin; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background: Schizophrenia is a worldwide, serious neuropsychiatric disorder of unknown cause. Previous studies showed that infectious agents may play a role in its etiology. Among them, T. gondii was strongly hypothesized. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the IgG and IgM seroprevalence of T gondii in schizophrenia patients. Subjects and Methods: The study was conducted on 190 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Van province, Turkey. Also included as the control group were 100 healthy individuals. Anti-T gondii IgG and IgM antibody positivity was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in blood samples taken from both groups. Results: Anti-T gondii IgG antibody was detected in 120 schizophrenic patients (63.2%), and in 100 (29%) healthy controls. Anti-T gondii IgM antibody seropositivity was not detected in either group. Conclusion: In line with the data obtained in the study carried out in Van province, it was concluded that individuals infected with T gondii were more likely to develop schizophrenia. Further studies are recommended to prove the relationship between T. gondii and schizophrenia.
Molecular Characterization of Giardia Intestinalis and Cryptosporidium Spp. Detected in Humans in Ağrı, Türkiye
(Iranian Scientific Society Medical Entomology, 2024) Aydemir, Selahattin; Barlik, Fethi; Ekici, Abdurrahman; Barlik, Dilara Hande; Alkan, Sevil; Gurbuz, Esra; Yilmaz, Hasan
Background: We aimed to determine the prevalence of Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. in patients who admitted hospital with diarrhea and to gain information about the transmission of these parasites in Agri, Turkiye. Methods: This study included 184 patients who applied to Agri-Diyadin State Hospital, Turkiye in 2022. The immunochromatographic card test was used for detection of the G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. Nested PCR-RFLP analysis of the COWP gene and sequence analysis of the gp60 gene were used to genotype and subtype Cryptosporidium spp., whereas Nested PCR and sequence analyses of beta-giardin gene were used genotype G. intestinalis. Results: Of the 184 stool specimens examined, 12 (14.29%) and 7 (3.80%) were positive for G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. The Cryptosporidium species were identified as C. parvum belonging to the IId subtype family. The G. intestinalis were identified assemblages A. Conclusion: Assemblage A, which is associated with diarrhea, is responsible for giardiasis and C. parvum IId subtype, often found in sheep, goats and cattle, is responsible for cryptosporidiosis in Agri, Turkiye.
Radiological Finding Cholangiopathy S of Recurrent Pyogenic
(Emergency Medicine Physicians Assoc Turkey, 2024) Turkoglu, Saim; Gurbuz, Esra
Recurrent pyogenic cholangiopathy (RPC), formerly known as oriental cholangiopathy, is an entity characterized by stenosis of the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct, formation of pigmented intraductal Stones and dilation. Our objective was to discuss the presence of recurrent pyogenic cholangiopathy in our present presentation with radiological images. RPC is a destructive disease caused by the intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts, recurrent attacks of cholangitis, stasis in the bile ducts, formation of abscesses, strictures, and dilatations, as well as parasitic infections in etiology. Patients with RPC produce most commonly E. coli, pseudomonas, klebsiella, proteus species, and anaerobes in biliary cultures. Sonographic and CTfindings include intrahepatic or extrahepatic duct stones, extrahepatic duct dilatation, relatively intermediate or intrahepatic duct dilatation, focal or large area bile duct dilatation, increased periportal echogenicity, segmental hepaticatrophy, and existinggall stones. Stones in the intrahepatic biliary tract can be removed by interventional radiology or surgery.
Serum 25(Oh)d Deficiency and High D-Dimer Levels Are Associated With Covid-19 Pneumonia
(Clin Lab Publ, 2021) Sunnetcioglu, Aysel; Sunnetcioglu, Mahmut; Gurbuz, Esra; Bedirhanoglu, Serhat; Erginoguz, Adem; Celik, Sabahatin
Background: To identify the risk factors for COVID-19 pneumonia and to characterize the epidemiology of the disease. Methods: This was a prospective study of consecutive patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and respiratory symptoms, enrolled between April 12 and April 30 of 2020. Pneumonia was diagnosed on the basis of abnormal chest CT findings. At admission, we performed a complete blood count, as well as determining serum levels of CRP, procalcitonin, D-dimer, ferritin, LDH, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D). Comorbidities, body mass index (BMI), and smoking habits were noted. We also analyzed the risk factors for development of COVID-19 pneumonia. Results: We evaluated 124 patients (79 males) with a mean age of 38 +/- 16.6 years. Fever was observed in 67 patients (54.0%), fatigue, cough, and dyspnea being observed in 94 (75.8%), 86 (69.3%), and 37 (29.8%), respectively. Of the 124 patients, 77 (62.1%) developed pneumonia. Common comorbidities in the patients with pneumonia were hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. D-dimer > 0.5 mu g/dL (OR = 8.6; 95% CI: 3.32 - 22.26, p < 0.001); 25(OH)D < 20 mu g/dL (OR = 6.75; 95% CI: 2.81 - 16.21, p < 0.001); and age > 60 years (OR = 15.66; 95% CI: 2.02 - 121.40, p < 0.001) were variables showing significant correlation with COVID-19 pneumonia. Conclusions: Serum 25(OH)D deficiency, high D-dimer levels, and advanced age are associated with a greater risk of developing COVID-19 pneumonia.
Trends in Naegleria Fowleri Global Research: a Bibliometric Analysis Study
(Elsevier, 2022) Ekici, Abdurrahman; Alkan, Sevil; Aydemir, Selahattin; Gurbuz, Esra; Unlu, Ahmet Hakan
Naegleria fowleri is one of the most dangerous protozoan agents. This article describes a bibliometric review of the literature on N. fowleri research indexed in WoS during a 51-year period. The VOSviewer visualization meth-odology was used to conduct a bibliometric study. The data included articles from the Web of Science database, nations, institutions, journals, keywords, co-authorship, co-citations, international collaborations, and citation rates. A total of 1106 articles were retrieved from the Web of Science database. The articles were cited 21,904 times in total (cited 12,138 times without self-citations). The average citation per article was 19.82. The Hirsch index was 63. The leading country according to the number of published articles was the United States of America (USA) (n = 447; 40.416%), followed by Mexico (n = 80; 7.233%), and Australia (n = 63; 5.696%). Other than these top three countries, the publications were from 74 countries globally. Especially after the 2000s, both the number of citations and the number of publications exhibited an increasing trend. The Virginia Common-wealth University (USA) (9.584%), Centers for Disease Control Prevention (USA) (8.770%), and Instituto Poli-tecnico Nacional Mexico (4.069%) were the leading affiliations. Most of the leading affiliations were from the USA and Mexico. In conclusion, a bibliometric evaluation of N. fowleri was performed for the first time. Authors affiliated with institutions in the USA and Mexico have led scientific production on PAM. Efforts should be made to help developing countries with the highest prevalence of N. fowleri to develop scientific research networks with the USA and/or Mexico in order to increase research with interdisciplinary teams.