Purpose: Microplastics have emerged as a significant concern amid the rise in environmental pollution. Nevertheless, the potential impacts of microplastics present in drinking water on human health remain inadequately understood. This study aims to explore the exposure to microplastics in drinking water among men who consume water from plastic bottles and carboys compared to those who consume tap water. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 patients were included in the study, 50 of whom used only tap water and 50 of whom used plastic bottles and carboys. In addition, this study evaluated the effects of exposure on sperm parameters and potential effects on the expression levels of the sperm nuclear protein genes transition protein 1 gene (TNP1) and TNP2. Results: According to the findings, it was observed that the incidence of amorphous headache anomalies among individuals using plastic bottled water was significantly higher compared to those using tap water. In addition, the coiled tail anomaly and the terminal droplet anomaly in the tail were also observed to be significantly higher in people using plastic bottles compared to those using tap water. The results show that exposure to microplastics in drinking water can affect male sperm parameters and alter the expression of TNP1 and TNP2 genes. Conclusion: It was found that there were differences in exposure levels between those who consumed plastic bottles and carboy water, and those who consumed municipal water.

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the type and use of digital healthcare services by the healthcare professionals and determine the satisfaction level of outpatients with the services they received during their visit to hospital. The study was carried out in the City Training and Research Hospital located in the South of Turkey between March 13-23, 2021 when the Covid -19 Pandemic was the most intense. The hospital received a level of 6 digital certificate in 2019. Material and Method: In addition to socio-demographic questionnaires developed for healthcare professionals and patients, specific questionnaires were developed for the both groups. Total 308 respondents participated in this research. The questionnaire for healthcare professionals was administered via online. The patient satisfaction questionnaire using a 5-likert scale was conducted with outpatients thru face-to-face by using pen and pencil. For the data analysis SPSS 21 package was employed. Results: Among the existing digital healthcare services at the hospital, the majority of the healthcare professionals reported “electronic digital health care records” (66.7%), “nursing information system” (61.1%) and “patient imaging system” (50.9%). Others were mentioned by the less than half of the respondents. Patients reported satisfaction with the services they received during their visit to hospital.