We aimed to reveal the anti-convulsant effects sulfasalazine and its mechanism in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into two groups: 24 for electroencephalography (EEG) recording (group A) and 24 for behavioral studies (group B). About 70 mg/kg PTZ was used for behavioral studies after sulfasalazine administration and 35 mg/kg PTZ was used for EEG recording after sulfasalazine administration. Electrodes were implanted on the dura mater over the left frontal cortex and the reference electrode was implanted over the cerebellum for EEG recording. Racine’s convulsion scale, first myoclonic jerk onset time, spike percentages, brain malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels were evaluated between the groups. First myoclonic jerk onset time was significantly shorter in the saline group than both 250 and 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine groups (P<0.05). Racine's convulsion scores were significantly lower in the 250 and 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine groups than the saline group (P<0.05, P<0.001). The two sulfasalazine groups had lower spike percentages than the saline group (P<0.05). Significantly lower MDA and PGF2α levels were observed in the 250 and 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine groups compared with the saline group (P<0.05, P<0.001, respectively). SOD increased significantly in both sulfasalazine groups compared with the PTZ+saline group (P<0.05). Our study demonstrated that sulfasalazine had protective effects on PTZ-induced convulsions by protecting against oxidative and inflammatory damage associated with PTZ.

The aim of this study is to establish the value of PETCO2 in COVID-19 patients intubated in emergency department, and its effects on mortality. Objectives: Between May 15, 2020 and January 15, 2021, The patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed COVID-19, scheduled for urgent intubation in the emergency department were included. Single-center, prospective and observational study. Age, gender, vital signs, laboratory findings are recorded. Immediately after intubation as measured by the capnography, the initial PETCO2_1 and at post-ventilation 15 min, PETCO2_2 and first, second arterial blood gas analysis are recorded. The mean age of the 48 patients was 74 years. The PETCO2_1 and PETCO2_2 measurements were statistically significantly different between the patients who survived and those who died (p=0.014, p=0.015). The patients with a high first PETCO2_1 value and a decrease to the normal level survived, but those with a low PETCO2_1 value that could not increase to a normal value died (p=0.038, p=0.031). Increased levels of SpO2, PETCO2_1, PETCO2_2 and PaCO2_2 decreased the risk of mortality, while an increased level of PaO2_2 increased the risk of mortality. Capnography is non-invasive and provides continuous measurement. Assessment of changes in PETCO2 value would contribute to patient survival.

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the incidence and risk factors for contrast-associated acute kidney injury nephropathy (CA-AKI) in patients undergoing contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CCT) in the emergency department. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective single-center study, patients aged 18 and older who visited the emergency department and underwent CCT between January and February 2022 were included. The Mehran score, calculated from patient data, was used to assess risk. CA-AKI development was determined by measuring serum creatinine (SCr) levels 48–72 h post-contrast administration. Results: The study included 532 patients, with a mean age of 57 ± 19 years; 53.2% were male. CA-AKI developed in 16% of cases, 5.82% required hemodialysis, and 7.9% died. The Mehran score was the only significant predictor of CA-AKI development. Patients with a Mehran score of 16 or higher had a 161-fold increased risk of developing CA-AKI compared to those with a score of 5 or lower. The model achieved a 91.3% correct classification rate. Logistic regression analysis showed that CA-AKI significantly increased mortality risk by 15.7 times. Conclusion: The Mehran score, originally developed for predicting CA-AKI risk post-coronary intervention, is also effective for predicting CA-AKI risk after CCT. While CA-AKI is a significant factor affecting mortality, it is not the sole cause of death (Nagelkerke R2 value 0.310).

Aim: This study aims to evaluate work-related anxiety among sixth-year medical students in the emergency department (ED), identify associated factors, and analyze their relationship with anxiety levels. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional survey study was conducted following approval from the ethics committee. Data were collected via the Emergency Department Work Anxiety Questionnaire (EDWAQ) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI TX2) and the necessary analyses were performed. Results: A total of 151 sixth-year medical students participated in the study. The mean STAI TX-2 score was 44.7 ± 9.1, indicating moderate anxiety. Female students reported higher trait anxiety than males (p=0.002). The main anxiety triggers were fear of violence, managing multiple trauma patients, and handling pregnant patients with non-obstetric complaints. No significant anxiety difference was found between those who completed the ED internship and those who did not (p=0.87). However, internship experience improved confidence in specific clinical situations. Conclusion: Sixth-year students experience moderate anxiety, with females reporting higher levels. While ED internships do not reduce overall anxiety, they improve skills in certain clinical situations. Fear of violence remains the primary concern. Preinternship orientation, psychological support, and violence prevention policies could lower anxiety and enhance competence.