Search

Gynecological examination has an very place among to maintain women's health. Negative attitudes and anxiety about gynecological examination may affect coming to the examination. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of online training and counseling on women's attitudes and anxiety toward the gynecological examination. We randomized 100 women participating in the study into experimental and control groups. We concluded that online training and counseling had a positive effect on the attitudes of women in the experimental group toward gynecological examination. Also we determined that online training and counseling reduced women's state anxiety toward gynecological examinations. In this study, we determined that online training and counseling positively improved women's attitudes toward gynecological examination. We also found that online training and counseling reduced women's state anxiety about gynecological examinations. In the literature, most of the studies on gynecological examination have a descriptive design. This study is important since it contributes to scientific knowledge in determining the attitudes and anxiety levels of women that may affect their status of undergoing gynecological examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between toxoplasmosis and cryptogenic epilepsy (CE) by comparing the rate of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity identified in CE patients with those without any neurological disorder. Methods: The study included 200 cryptogenic patients and 164 individuals without neurological disorders. T. gondii seropositivity was studied in individuals included in the study using the T. gondii-IgG ELISA kit. Results: The study found T. gondii IgG in 15.50% of CE patients and 28.66% of individuals without any neurological disorder. The difference between the two groups was determined to be statistically significant. Conclusion: Toxoplasmosis did not increase the risk of epilepsy in the region where this study was conducted. However, for a better understanding of the CE-T. gondii relationship, we believe that seroprevalence studies should be conducted in larger populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent cancer among women. Many BC patients suffer from sleep problems, which have a negative impact on their quality of life (QoL). Our study aims to investigate sleep problems in BC patients treated with active chemotherapy or in remission in comparison with a healthy control group (HCG), given the importance of sleep disorders and QoL. Materials and Methods: A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted. Four different surveys including sociodemographic characteristics questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), hospital anxiety and depression scale and The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer core quality of life questionnaire (QLQ-C30) were used to collect study parameters. Results: Of 164 participants, the mean age was 42.0±11.7 years. Overall PSQI median score for all participants was 6 points (range, 3-9 points). PSQI median value was higher in cancer patients compared to the control group, which were 6 points (range, 4-9 points), and 4 points (range, 3-7 points), respectively (p=0.004). The mean depression score was 5 points (range, 3-8 points) in BC patients, and 4 points (range, 2-6 points) in HCGs, respectively (p=0.025). Having BC diagnosis was an independent factor increasing the risk of bad sleep quality in compared to healthy controls (odds ratio: 2.568, 95% confidence interval: 1.169-5.645; p=0.019). Conclusion: There was a close association between poor sleep quality, depression and QoL scores in patients with BC. In patients with breast cancer, appropriate management of associated comorbidities will aid a better quality of life in these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children with disabilities and their families should receive education appropriate for the needs of children with disabilities in order for them to lead a more independent life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the sexual health education given to the parents of children with disabilities aged 10–19. This study, which used an experimental design with a pre-test and post-test control group, was conducted with the parents of children with disabilities enrolled at the Kozlu Disabled Association in Kozlu, district of Zonguldak province. The sample of the study consisted of 47 parents who met the inclusion criteria. Parents were assigned to the experimental (n = 23) and control (n = 24) groups with the randomization method. The data of the study were collected using "Introductory Information Form", "Parental Self-Efficacy Scale" and "Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire". Sexual health education including 8 modules and lasting for 8 weeks was given to the parents in the experimental group once a week for 30–45 min. While the mean score of the Parental Self-Efficacy Scale of the experimental group was 55.50 ± 23.16 before the education, it increased to 97.17 ± 7.88 after the education, and a statistically significant relationship was found between the two measurements (p < 0.05). When the scores of the Knowledge Assessment Questionnaire of the experimental group were evaluated after the education, the sub-dimension scores of the Self-care Knowledge, Sexual Behavior Control Knowledge, Sexual Abuse Knowledge and Communication Knowledge were determined to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). It was concluded in the study that the sexual health education given to parents of children with disabilities was effective in increasing the level of parental self-efficacy and sexual health knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercises by mechanical hippotherapy devices on postural control, balance, mobility, and Quality of Life in patients with stroke. This was a randomized controlled clinical trial with a total of 30 which were randomly divided into two groups. The participants in the mechanical hippotherapy group (MHG) (n = 15) were given exercises with a mechanical hippotherapy device for 15 min in addition to intensive conventional treatments (45 min), while the control group (CG) (n = 15) received additional 15 min of postural control and balance exercises for five days per week for four consecutive weeks. The primary outcome was The Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Secondary outcomes were the Fugl–Meyer (FM) Rating Scale, Biodex Balance Measurement (BBM), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) and quality of Life Short Form (SF-36). In the MHG, FM-Lower extremity score (−6.4, p = 0.024), FM-Upper extremity score (−12.87, p = 0.013), TIS (−5.87, p = 0.04) and TUG (5.73, p = 0.027) improved statistically significant compared to CG. Exercises using mechanical hippotherapy devices could improve postural control, functional mobility and balance in patients with stroke. It may also improve the quality of life. NCT03528993 NCT03528993 It was concluded from our results that mechanical hippotherapy could be included in the treatment programs of stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Helicobacter pylori (HP) is the most common bacterial infection in humans. Helicobacter pylori infection, which frequently increases with age, is seen in 30%-56.6% of children in Türkiye, although it varies by region. In this study, we aimed to determine the frequency of HP in children and adolescents who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and gastric biopsy in our region and to compare the changes over the years. Materials and Methods: Cases who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for various indications between 2007 and 2022 in our pediatric gastroenterology unit were included in the study. The clinical and endoscopic characteristics of 1737 cases whose histopathologic specimens were obtained, have been retrospectively analyzed from their records. The diagnosis of HP infection was based on the presence of HP on histopathologic examination of gastric biopsy specimens. Results: Of 1737 cases, 504 (29%) were HP positive. The HP positive case rates were 14.5%, 26.9%, and 33.6% in the 0-6, 7-12, and 13-18 age groups, respectively. H. pylori positivity was detected in 65.7% of patients with duodenal ulcers, and the relationship between duodenal ulcers and HP positivity was significant (P < .001). The average HP positivity rates were 44%, 28.6%, and 24.2% in 2007-2012 (group 1), 2013-2017 (group 2), and 2018-2022 (group 3). H. pylori positivity rates significantly decreased in years (P = .001/P = .056/P < .001). Conclusion: We found that the frequency of HP infection in children decreased in our region over the years. Helicobacter pylori positivity was higher in older than younger children. A decrease in HP frequency prevalence may be possible in parallel with awareness and socioeconomic development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) screening is strongly recommended in the pre-transplant evaluation of solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, although it remains inadequate in many transplant centers. We decided to investigate pre-transplant TB risk assessment, LTBI treatment, and registry rates in Türkiye. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Adult SOT recipients who underwent tuberculin skin test (TST) and/or interferon-gamma release test (IGRA) from 14 centers between 2015 and 2019 were included in the study. An induration of ≥5 mm on TST and/or probable/positive IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB) was considered positive for LTBI. Demographic features, LTBI screening and treatment, and pre-/post-transplant TB history were recorded from the electronic database of transplantation units across the country and pooled at a single center for a unified database. RESULTS: TST and/or IGRA were performed in 766 (33.8%) of 2266 screened patients most of whom were kidney transplant recipients (n = 485, 63.4%). LTBI screening test was positive in 359 (46.9%) patients, and isoniazid was given to 203 (56.5%) patients. Of the patients treated for LTBI, 112 (55.2%) were registered in the national registry, and 82 (73.2%) completed the treatment. Tuberculosis developed in 6 (1.06%) of 563 patients who were not offered LTBI treatment. CONCLUSION: We determined that overall, only one-third of SOT recipients in our country were evaluated in terms of TB risk, only 1 of the 2 SOT recipients with LTBI received treatment, and half were registered. Therefore, we want to emphasize the critical importance of pretransplant TB risk stratification and registration, guided by revised national guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most studies on nursing students' awareness and knowledge of child abuse and neglect (CAN) report insufficient knowledge. However, there are limited studies evaluating the effectiveness of educational interventions. This study aimed to examine the effect of the Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Program (CANAP) on nursing students on their CAN knowledge and awareness levels. A randomized controlled study was conducted between 21 May and 29 June 29, with 75 students, 40 in the experimental group and 35 in the control group, studying nursing at a foundation university in Turkey. While CANAP was applied to the participants in the experimental group, no intervention was applied to those in the control group. The data were collected in three stages (before the intervention, immediately after the intervention and 1 month after the intervention) using the Personal Information Form, Diagnosis Scale of the Risks and Symptoms of Child Abuse and Neglect (DSRSCAN) and Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Scale (CANA‐S). Data were analysed using Chi‐square and Fisher exact tests, independent samples t test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. The groups were homogeneous regarding the students' sociodemographic characteristics (p > 0.05). In the study, the mean DSRSCAN and CANA‐S scores of the groups were similar in the pre‐test before CANAP but increased significantly in the post‐test and re‐test (p < 0.05). All CANA‐S re‐test sub‐dimension mean scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). The mean scores of the experimental group in the DSRSCAN physical symptoms of abuse on the child, characteristics of parents prone to abuse and neglect, characteristics of children at risk of abuse and neglect and familial characteristics in child abuse and neglect sub‐dimensions were significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). CANAP effectively increases nursing students' CAN knowledge and awareness levels. It was observed that the experimental group students maintained their increased knowledge and awareness 1 month after the intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pancreatin-derived medications and the treatability of gastrointestinal complaints after cholecystectomy. Patients and Methods: The relationship between postoperative symptomatic status and the use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and pancreatin-derivated medications in patients admitted to our hepatobiliary surgery service who underwent cholecystectomy was retrospectively analyzed. IBM SPSS Statistics 23 (IBM SPSS,Turkey) was used for statistical analysis. Descriptive statistical methods (mean, standard deviation, median, frequency, ratio, minimum, maximum) were used to evaluate the study data. Pearson Chi-Square Test and Fisher's Exact test were used to compare qualitative data. Significance was evaluated at the p<0.05 level. Results: Proton pump inhibitors and pancreatin-derivatives were prescribed to all patients in the postoperative period. Although, the rate of postoperative asymptomatic course was higher in all patients, the rate of postoperative symptoms was found to be higher in patients who received PPI and pancreatin therapy (p=0.001, p=0.022; p<0.01). Conclusions: Although, the high rate of asymptomatic postoperative course in all patients indicates that cholecystectomy alone is curative, some symptoms may persist in the postoperative period and it was found to be more frequent in patients who used PPI and pancreatin-derived medications in the postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nurses have a key role in the recognition, reporting, and channelization of child abuse and neglect. Nurses should have sufficient knowledge about the presentation of child abuse and neglect. They also need to understand their role in reporting any instance where they detect cases of abuse and neglect. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effect of a structured Child Neglect and Abuse Educational Program (CNaA‐EP) on the level of knowledge and awareness of nursing students about child neglect and abuse. Methods: This study conducted with nursing students used a pretest−post‐test quasi‐experimental design. The third‐year nursing students were divided into two groups: experimental (n = 25) and control groups (n = 30). The intervention group received CNaA‐EP. In both groups, pretests were performed using the "Child Abuse and Neglect Awareness Scale," and "Child Abuse and Neglect Knowledge Test" The posttest was conducted 1 week after the 14‐week CNaA‐EP course was completed. Numbers, percentages, chi‐square test, t‐test, Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, Fisher's exact test were conducted using SPSS 22.00 software. Results: The education group's scores of child abuse/neglect awareness (t = −2.768 p < 0.05) and child abuse/neglect knowledge (t = −12.416 p < 0.01) were significantly higher than those of the control group. After the education program, a significant difference was found between the education and control groups on the core measures. Conclusion: A child neglect and abuse education program was an effective method of educating nursing students on knowledge and awareness of child abuse and neglect. For this reason, education programs should be planned and implemented to increase awareness about abuse and neglect problems that threaten children's health and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The novel coronavirus caused a disease that mainly affected the respiratory system. The effect of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on the hypot halam ic–pi tuita ry–ad renal axis is unknown. This study assesses the prognostic accuracy of serum cortisol levels and prediction tools in predicting mortality rates in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: We prospectively analyzed 106 inpatients (53 COVID-19 positive, 53 non-COVID-19; mean 59.9 ± 17.3 years; 38 males and 68 females) with serum cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels compared with prognostic scores. Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores determined the disease’s severity. The predictive value of serum cortisol, APACHE, and SOFA on mortality was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC). Results: No significant age or sex differences were found between groups. Serum cortisol levels were similar. The APACHE-II scores in the COVID-19 group were higher than in the other group, while SOFA scores showed no significant difference. The AUC for the APACHE-II score in predicting mortality was 0.765 (95% CI 0.672-0.842), with an optimal cutoff (>9) demonstrating 62.5% sensitivity and 86.7% specificity for overall participants. No correlation was found between serum cortisol levels and prediction tools such as APACHE-II and SOFA. Conclusion: The measurement of serum cortisol did not provide additional prognostic information beyond that established by the APACH-II score. This study highlights the significance of assessing novel prognostic tools for predicting outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated the effect of lullabies and classical music on preterm neonates' cerebral oxygenation, vital signs, and comfort during orogastric (OG) tube feeding. Methods: This was a parallel-group pretest-posttest randomized controlled study. The research was conducted between December 2020 and May 2022. The sample consisted of 51 preterm neonates hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital in Konya, Türkiye. Participants were randomized into three groups (17 preterm infants in each group). The first group listened to lullabies sung by their mothers and the second group listened to classical music during OG tube feeding. The control group received routine care with no music. Data were collected using a Neonatal Identification Information Form, Physiological Parameters and rSO2 Monitoring Form, and the Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale (Comfort-Neo). The study was registered on the ClinicalTrials database (NCT05333575). Results: The lullaby group had stable peak heart rates and oxygen saturation levels (p =.002). Both lullaby and classical music groups had significantly higher cerebral oxygenation levels than the control group. The classical music group had the highest cerebral oxygenation level (p =.001). Both lullaby and classical music groups had significantly higher mean Comfort-Neo scores than the control group. The classical music group had the highest mean Comfort-Neo score (p =.040). Conclusion: Preterm neonates who listen to lullabies and classical music are likely to have higher cerebral oxygen and comfort levels. Listening to lullabies helps stabilize vital signs. These results suggest that healthcare professionals should encourage parents to get their preterm neonates to listen to lullabies and classical music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of motivational interviewing based on the trans‐theoretical model promoting physical activity in older adults. Methods: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 117 older adults (intervention group: 58, and control group: 59) between April and November 2019. The data were collected via a questionnaire, trans‐theoretical model scales, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, the Katz Activities of Daily Living scale and a pedometer. The 24‐week intervention consisted of regular motivational interviewing. The control group received usual care at the family health centre. Results: Following the intervention, the Intervention Group showed significant improvements Exercise Processes of Change Scale, Exercise Self‐Efficacy Scale and Perceived Benefits of the Decisional Balance Scale for Exercise. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of stages of change. In the Intervention Group, 81.5% were in the contemplation stage in the pre‐test, while in the post‐test, 70.4% had transitioned to the action stage. In contrast, in the control group, 62.5% were in the contemplation stage initially, but in the post‐test, only 9.3% had reached the action stage. The mean number of step counts increased significantly in favour of the Intervention Group, as did the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly total score. Conclusion: The trial indicated that after the trans‐theoretical model‐based motivational interviewing, the stages of change among the older adults improved, as did their exercise behaviours. It is recommended that the trans‐theoretical model and motivational interviewing be used by nurses to improve healthy lifestyle stage behaviours in older adults. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? Physical immobility ranks fourth among the leading risk factors for mortality globally.Older adults constitute the age group which leads the most sedentary life in society and is most affected by physical inactivity.In Turkey, one out of every two people undertakes insufficient physical activity, and this rate increases with advancing age. What this paper adds? Nurse‐led motivational interviewing based on the trans‐theoretical model was effective in increasing the physical activity levels of the older adults. The implications of this paper: It is recommended that the trans‐theoretical model and motivational interviewing should be used by nurses to improve healthy lifestyle behaviours in older adults.It is recommended that studies be conducted to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at promoting physical activity in older adults via both qualitative and quantitative methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Uric acid (UA) to albumin ratio (UAR) is an emerging marker to predict coronary artery disease (CAD)-related events. There is limited data on the relationship between UAR and the severity of the disease in chronic CAD patients. We aimed to evaluate UAR as an indicator for CAD severity using the Syntax score (SS). We retrospectively enrolled 558 patients with stable angina pectoris and underwent coronary angiography (CAG). Patients were divided into 2 groups, according to CAD severity: low SS (≤22) and intermediate-high SS (>22) groups. UA levels were higher and albumin levels were lower in the intermediate-high SS score group (P <.001). UAR levels were significantly higher in the intermediate-high SS group (P <.001). Also, there was a significant correlation between UAR levels and SS (r =.55, 95% confidence interval (CI):.49–.60, P <.001). In multivariable analysis, UAR >1.34 (Odds ratio, 3.8 [2.3–6.2]; P <.001) was an independent predictor of intermediate-high SS while albumin and UA levels were not. In conclusion, UAR predicted disease burden in chronic CAD patients. It may prove useful as a simple and readily available marker to select patients for further evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Primary repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has some potential advantages over the reconstruction technique, which include but are not limited to better knee sensation due to preservation of the natural ACL tissue in patients compared with tendon graft. Proprioception is impaired after ACL injuries and the sense of the joint position is lost. Purpose/Hypothesis: The purpose of this study was to compare arthroscopic ACL primary repair and ACL reconstruction techniques clinically and functionally and analyze the differences in proprioception. It was hypothesized that primary repair would restore knee joint proprioception more successfully because the original tissue of the ACL is preserved. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 63 patients (34 underwent reconstruction and 29 underwent primary repair between 2017 and 2020) and 33 healthy controls, as well as the healthy knees of the operated groups, were evaluated between 24 and 48 months (mean, 29 months) postoperatively. Patients with proximal femoral avulsion tears and stump quality suitable for repair underwent primary repair, and those with tears outside these criteria underwent reconstruction using hamstring tendon autograft. Proprioception was evaluated using the active joint position sensation method during weightbearing, with a digital inclinometer used to measure differences between the target and achieved flexion angles of 15°, 30°, and 60°. Results: At 15° of knee flexion, the deviation angles for the healthy knee of the reconstruction and primary repair groups were significantly smaller than those of the control group (P <.001), but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of deviation angle at 30° and 60° of flexion. The deviation angle of the operated knees was statistically significantly larger in the reconstruction group than in the primary repair group at all angles. The deviation angles at 15°, 30°, and 60° were 2.83°, 2.66°, and 2.66° in the reconstruction group and 1.00°, 1.00°, and 1.33° in the primary repair group, respectively (P <.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the reconstruction and primary repair groups in terms of clinical scores. Conclusion: Primary ACL repair can preserve proprioception in a well-selected patient group. In short-term follow-up, primary repair of the ACL in patients with proximal femoral avulsion tears and stump quality suitable for repair appears to be proprioceptively protective. Future studies are needed to clarify the long-term consequences of primary repair on proprioception in a larger population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to compare high-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy (nc-HFOT) and non-invasive nasal cannula ventilation (nc-NIV) in terms of intubation requirements. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively on cases followed up in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) between October 2019 and December 2021. Results: Of all cases, 43 (55.8%) were male, and the median age was 16 months. The median PRISM-3 score for all cases was 2.5 (range: 0-3). Among the cases 45 cases (58.4%) received nc-HFOT treatment, and 32 cases (41.6%) received nc-NIV treatment. The median duration of respiratory support for all cases was 2 days, and 14 cases (18.2%) needed intubation. The median PICU stay day for all cases was 7 days, and the median hospital stay day was 11 days. The median age, PICU, and hospital stay days of the nc-NIV group were significantly higher (P < .05). In the logistic regression analysis, the probability of requiring intubation in cases initially nc-NIV was performed was found to be 4.95 times higher than those using nc-HFOT (OR: 4.95, 95% CI: 1.3-18.8, P = 0.01). Additionally, cases with underlying chronic diseases were found to have a 5.9 times increased likelihood of requiring intubation compared to those without (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 1.41-24.5, P = .01). Five cases (6.5%) were lost during intensive care stay. Conclusion: The application of nc-NIV increases intubation by 4.95 times compared to the application of nc-HFOT. The intubation rate in cases with underlying chronic diseases is also 5.9 times higher than those without. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The increase in the prevalence of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and related comorbidities in children creates a social and financial burden. In our study, we aimed to evaluate liver findings together with anthropometric and laboratory data with twodimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), one of the SWE types, which is a noninvasive method for assessing tissue stiffness in children with obesity, and to obtain quantitative data that can be used in early diagnosis and follow-up. Materials and Methods: In our single-center, observational cross-sectional study, liver gray scale findings, 2D-SWE findings, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory values of 48 children with obesity and 50 healthy children aged between 5 and 18 years, both between groups and in prepubertal and pubertal subgroups, are compared. Results: A significant difference was found in the liver stiffness indicator kilopascal (kPA) values and between aspartate aminotransferase values in the prepubertal period and alanine aminotransferase values in the pubertal period (P < .001). No significant difference was found between insulin, HOMA-IR, waist circumference, waist/height ratio, and kPA. Conclusion: Two-dimensional shear wave elastography can be easily applied in the pediatric population as a practical, noninvasive, reproducible, and highly compatible technique. In this regard, 2D-SWE may be useful in the early diagnosis and follow-up of hepatosteatosis and fibrosis in children with obesity and NAFLD-risky cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The number of admissions for severe diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes (T1D) increased during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We aimed to investigate whether there has been a change in this situation in recent years. Materials and Methods: All children with T1D who were diagnosed in our tertiary hospital between 2019 and 2023 were included. Plasma insulin, C-peptide, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and antibodies against thyroid peroxidase, thyroglobulin, insulin, islet cell, glutamic acid decarboxylase, tissue transglutaminase IgA, and endomysium IgA were measured. Results: The frequency of moderate–severe acidosis at admission, which increased after pandemic period compared to the pre-pandemic period, returns to its previous levels over time but still shows a statistical difference compared to the pre-pandemic period (P = .012). Age, blood gas pH and HCO3 level, C-peptide, HbA1c, and length of stay of children at the time of admission were compared year by year (years 2019-2023). No statistical differences were observed (P = .509, P = .181, P = .069, P = .469, P = .346, P = .946), respectively. A significant difference was observed in venous glucose (P < .001) and insulin (P = .001) according to years. Also, no significant difference was found about the degree of acidosis according to age (P = .334). Conclusion: Although the frequency of DKA in children with newly-diagnosed T1D increased in the first years of the pandemic, it has been decreasing over the years toward pre-pandemic levels. The frequency of DKA is still higher than the pre-pandemic period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine oncology nurses' practices about the diagnosis, prevention, and management of delirium. Background: Delirium can occur at any stage of the disease process of patients with cancer, or it can develop when the first diagnosis is learned. Study Design and Methods: A cross-sectional design was used. The study was conducted between May 10 and July 16, 2021 in Turkey with 181 nurses who worked in the oncology units of public and private hospitals and were reached by using the snowball sampling method. Data were statically analysed. Results: Of the nurses, 48.6% have a bachelor's degree and the average working years in oncology is 6.61 ± 5.47, 38.1% had been making routine delirium assessments, and only 5.5% of these nurses had prior experience using a screening tool. Also, 38.1% of the nurses had difficulty diagnosing delirium, with the patient group they had difficulty diagnosing most often being patients with dementia, hypoactive delirium, and those who were sedated, respectively. The rate of nurses who worked with a patient with delirium in the last month was 31.5%, and 40.3% could not determine the type of delirium. While the nurses' definition of hyperactive delirium findings was high, their definition of hypoactive delirium findings such as lethargy (48.8%), decreased psychomotor activity (47.7%) and withdrawal (56.1%) was low. In the study, it was found that being male, having an undergraduate degree in nursing, having professional work experience, having a lower patient-to-nurse ratio, using a screening tool, having experience working with patients diagnosed with delirium, and having positive views on delirium treatment had a significant impact on nurses' routine follow-up of delirium (p<0.05). In addition, it was determined that those who had experience working with patients diagnosed with delirium had less difficulty diagnosing delirium (p<0.05). Also, 82.4% of the nurses stated that they first applied pharmacological treatment after the diagnosis of delirium and that they most frequently used haloperidol (35%), benzodiazepine (29.8%) and dexmedetomidine (22.8%). Although nurses were self-confident about the management of delirium, they thought that it was difficult to prevent and treat delirium in patients with cancer. Conclusions: Although approximately one-third of the nurses had cared for patients diagnosed with delirium in the last month, the rate of using a measurement tool for routine delirium screening and diagnosis was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the tear and conjunctival secretions of laboratory-confirmed coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients. Methods: A total of 152 consecutive COVID-19 patients, confirmed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test in nasopharyngeal swabs, were included. The conjunctival swabs were taken from both eyes by the same ophthalmologist in the first 24-36 hours after positive test results for COVID-19 in the nasopharyngeal swabs were detected. Results: Of the 152 patients, 96 (63.15%) were male and 56 (36.85%) were female. The mean age was 39.36±13.15 years. Sixteen (10.5%) patients had symptoms or findings such as tearing, stinging, redness, pain, and burning in their eyes. RT-PCR tests for SARS-CoV-2 RNA in conjunctival swabs were positive in 13 (8.55%) of 152 COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: This study showed that SARS-CoV-2 may be found in the conjunctival swabs of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients, and ocular secretions may be a possible route for virus transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients can often access the internet and social media for health information but it is not clear how much they trust and use the information retrieved. Objective: To investigate the social media and internet use rates and preferences of orthopaedic patients, to reveal to what extent they self‐treat, and to probe the affecting factors. Methods: Two thousand fifty‐eight patients admitted to an orthopaedic polyclinic were asked to fill out a survey (voluntarily) consisting of 15 items, to collect demographic data, preference for platforms and sources used, trusted sources, and the extent to which information obtained was used for self‐care. Results: The most preferred and most trusted sources of information were Google and other search engines, and physicians' personal websites (p < 0.001). Discussion: Variables such as age, gender, educational level and occupation affect the research preferences. Reliance on social media decreases with increasing educational levels (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Health information and knowledge services should work with health professionals to improve aspects of health literacy among orthopaedic patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Acute bronchiolitis (AB) is one of the most common respiratory diseases in early childhood and is still an important health problem worldwide. The systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) is thought to have potential to be a new-generation inflammatory biomarker. We sought to investigate the value of SII for severity assessment in children with AB. Methods A total of 74 AB patients were included in a prospective observational study. Patients were classified into 3 AB groups according to this classification: mild (1-5 points), moderate (6-10 points), and severe (11-12 points). Complete blood count, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin tests were carried out. Modified Tal score was evaluated to determine severity. The performance of parameters to predict the severity of AB was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). Results Whereas neutrophil count (P =.037), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P =.030), and SII (P =.030) values increased significantly with disease severity, red cell distribution width (P =.048) values were higher in the moderate AB group. The SII was found to have the highest area under the curve in the comparison of the mild-moderate groups combination and the high group on ROC analysis (P =.009). Conclusion The SII values of pediatric patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of AB were significantly higher in the high-severity group. The SII may offer additional severity stratification in children with AB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of online functional exercises and posture exercises on lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity in office workers working at home and in office alternately during the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: Forty individuals were included in the study and were randomized into two groups: group I (functional exercise group, 20 participants) and group II (posture exercise group, 20 participants). The exercises programs were performed online for 2 days/in a week/ 8 wk. Lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity were evaluated before and after the exercise program. Result: Significant improvement was obtained in lower limb functions (muscular endurance, balance, and functional capacity), posture, and physical activity in group I, while significant improvement was obtained in balance and functional capacity in group II after treatment. The change in scores of lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity after treatment was statistically superior in group I compared with group II ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: It was found that both online exercise programs provided effective results in office workers working at home and in office alternately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but the functional exercise program had superior effects on lower limb functions, posture, and physical activity compared with the posture exercise program [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: We compared the survival outcomes of surgery within multimodality treatment regimens with the outcomes of definitive chemoradiation treatments in patients diagnosed with clinical (c) IIIB/N2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We investigated whether surgery within multimodality treatment provides a survival advantage at this stage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from 79 patients with cIIIB/N2 between 2009 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. While the surgery was performed after neoadjuvant therapy in 51 cases (IIIB/Surgery Group), definitive chemotherapy ± radiotherapy was applied in 28 cases (IIIB/Definitive Group). RESULTS: In cIIIB/N2 cases, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 27.4%, with a median OS of 24.6 months. The 5-year OS of the IIIB/ Surgery Group was 27.3% (median survival 22.5 months), while it was 28.6% (median survival 29.1 months) in the IIIB/Definitive Group (P = .387, HR = 0.798, 95% CI, 0.485-1.313). Although there was a survival advantage in the group with a pathological complete response (PCR) after surgery (n = 14) compared to the group that did not (n = 37), the observed difference was not statistically significant. (5-year OS; 42.9% vs. 18.5%, P = .104). Additionally, there was no statistically significant difference between the survival of PCR patients and the IIIB/Definitive Group in terms of OS (P = .488). CONCLUSION: Surgery performed within multimodality treatment regimens in selected cIIIB/N2 cases did not provide a survival advantage over definitive chemoradiation treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause hypoxic respiratory failure; long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) duration is unknown. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The aim was to investigate which patients would need LTOT after COVID-19 pneumonia. This single-center, prospective study was conducted at the Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, between May 2021 and December 2021. The 70 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia and discharged with LTOT due to hypoxemic respiratory failure were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups as group I (LTOT requirement <3 months) and group II (LTOT requirement continued =3 months). RESULTS: The mean age was 64.4 ± 13.5 years, and 44 (62.9%) of them were male. The most frequently encountered comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (57.1%) and lung disease (22.9%). While PaO2 levels increased in both groups during the follow-up period, this increment was significantly higher in group I (PaO2: 66.6 ± 9.9 mm Hg, P < .001). The factors affecting the LTOT requirement were evaluated using binary logistic regression. On multivariate analyses of lymphocytes, ferritin, C-reactive protein, PaO2, SaO2, subpleural reticulation, and number of lobes affected (=3 lobes), the SaO2 level and presence of subpleural reticulation were significantly different between the 2 groups [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 0.853 (0.749-0.971), P = .016] and [OR (95% CI): 0.171 (0.042-0.733), P = .017], respectively. CONCLUSION: A significant proportion of patients who develop respiratory failure due to COVID-19 recover within the first 3 months. Factors determining the LTOT requirement for more than 3 months were SaO2 and the presence of subpleural reticulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of odor stimulation with breast milk (BM) applied to premature newborns before and during enteral feeding on feeding cues, transition time to oral feeding and abdominal perfusion. Design: This study was a parallel group pretest-post test randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods: The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Türkiye. Study data were collected from 32 premature newborns between October 2020 and December 2021. Newborns were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 16) or control (n = 16) groups. Odor stimulation with BM was applied to newborns in the intervention group (IG) before and during enteral feeding for 3 days. Data were collected with the Newborn Information Form, Abdominal Perfusion Follow-up Form, and Feeding Cues Follow-up Form. Yates corrected and Fisher chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen Kappa statistics, Permanova analysis, and Wilcoxon test were used in the analysis. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04843293). Results: The frequency of feeding cues in newborns who were exposed to the odor of BM, was higher than in the control group (CG) (p <.05). The transition times to oral feeding were similar in newborns in the IG and CG (p >.05). Abdominal perfusion level of newborns in the IG was higher than the CG (p <.05), and the level of abdominal perfusion showed a significant difference in terms of group*time interaction (p <.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that odor stimulation with BM will be beneficial in improving the digestive functions of premature newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethyl chloride (EC) spray is a vapocoolant which is used in interventional procedures as a topical local anesthetic. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether or not EC spray can facilitate radial coronary angiography. The study was conducted on a study group EC of 106 (age: 58.1 ± 12.4) patients and a control group (placebo) of 104 (age: 59.1 ± 10.8) patients. Visual analogue scale scores (VAS), radial cannulation failure (RCF), the rates of clinical and anatomical radial artery spasm (RAS), pain lasting >2 day and >1 week, and radial artery occlusion (RAO) at first week and first month were evaluated in both groups. VAS scores, the rates of RCF, clinical and anatomical RAS and pain lasting >1 week were found significantly lower in the study group than the control group (p <.001, p =.024, p =.009, p =.028 and p =.042, respectively). But the rates of RAO were similar in both groups. Topical spray including EC, which has low-cost and rapid efficacy, may be preferred in transradial coronary angiography as it reduces the risk of RCF and RAS, and increases patient comfort with its analgesic effect, without significant side-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]