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Background Previous studies investigating hospitalizations in dialysis patients have focused primarily on patient-centered factors. We analyzed the impact of hospital and dialysis unit characteristics on pediatric dialysis patients' hospitalizations for access-related complications (ARCs). Methods This cross-sectional study involved 102 hemodialysis (HD) and 163 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Data between July 2017 and July 2018 were analyzed. Results Children's hospitals (CHs) had more pediatric nephrologists and longer PD experience (years) than general hospitals (GHs) (p = 0.026 and p = 0.023, respectively). A total of 53% of automated PD (APD) and 6% of continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) patients were in CHs (p < 0.001). Ninety-three percent of APD and 69% of CAPD patients were treated in pediatric-specific PD units (p = 0.001). CHs had a higher prevalence in providing hemodiafiltration (HDF) than GHs (83% vs. 30%). Ninety-seven percent of HDF vs. 66% for conventional HD (cHD) patients, and 94% of patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) vs. 70% of those with central venous catheters (CVC), were dialyzed in pediatric-specific HD units (p = 0.001 and p = 0.016, respectively). Eighty patients (51 PD and 29 HD) had 135 (84 PD, 51 HD) hospitalizations. CAPD was an independent risk factor for hospitalizations for infectious ARCs (I-ARCs) (p = 0.009), and a health center's PD experience negatively correlated with CAPD patient hospitalizations for I-ARCs (p = 0.041). cHD and dialyzing in combined HD units significantly increased hospitalization risk for non-infectious (NI-)ARCs (p = 0.044 and p = 0.017, respectively). Conclusions CHs and pediatric-specific dialysis units have higher prevalence of APD and HDF use. Hospitalizations for I-ARCs in CAPD are lower in centers with longer PD experience, and pediatric HD units are associated with fewer hospitalizations due to NI-ARCs. Graphical abstract, Author(s): Yesim Özdemir Atikel [sup.1] [sup.2] , Claus Peter Schmitt [sup.3] , Eszter Lévai [sup.3] , Shazia Adalat [sup.4] , Rukshana Shroff [sup.5] , Nadine Goodman [sup.5] , Ismail Dursun [...]

Author(s): Neslihan Günay [sup.1] , Ayse Seda Pinarbasi [sup.1] , Muhammet Ensar Dogan [sup.2] , Sibel Yel [sup.1] , Aynur Gencer Balaban [sup.1] , Ismail Dursun [sup.1] , Ahmet Eken [...]

Background Having a low nephron number is a well-known risk factor for hypertension. There is an inverse relationship between the filtration surface area and systemic hypertension. A significant percentage of masked hypertension can be detected in children with nephron loss by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Methods We prospectively investigated ABPM results of children having reduced kidney mass with normal office blood pressures (BPs) and kidney function. Forty-three children with congenital solitary kidney (group 1), 11 children with acquired solitary kidney (group 2), and 76 children with hypofunctioning kidney (group 3) were compared with age, gender, and BMI-matched healthy control group (group 4). The dietary salt intake of 76 patients was evaluated as salt equivalent (g/day). The primary endpoint was change from baseline in mean 24-h ABPM variables and the proportion of patients with masked hypertension when assessed by ABPM. Results The masked hypertension ratio of all patients was 12.3% when assessed with ABPM. Night hypertension was significantly higher in all patient groups than in the control group (p = 0.01). Diastolic BP loads of groups 1 and 3 were higher than in controls (p = 0.024). Systolic BP loads were higher only in group 1 than in the control group (p = 0.003). The dietary salt equivalent of patients in group 1 correlated positively with 24-h SBP and mean arterial pressure (MAP) values. Patients with excessive dietary salt intake in group 1 had a significantly higher diastolic BP load than those without excessive salt intake in group 1 (p = 0.002). Conclusions Masked hypertension can be seen in children with a solitary kidney or when one of the kidneys is hypofunctioning. Systolic BP loads are higher in children with congenital solitary kidney, and salt intake correlates with systolic BP profiles especially in those. Our results suggest that being born with a congenital solitary kidney increases predisposition to hypertension and salt sensitivity. Graphical abstract, Author(s): Sibel Yel [sup.1] , Neslihan Günay [sup.1] , Ayse Seda Pinarbasi [sup.1] , Aynur Gencer Balaban [sup.1] , Zeynep Caferoglu [sup.2] , Ismail Dursun [sup.1] , Muammer Hakan Poyrazoglu [...]

Background C3 glomerulopathy (C3G) is characterized by heterogeneous clinical presentation, outcome, and predominant C3 accumulation in glomeruli without significant IgG. There is scarce outcome data regarding childhood C3G. We describe clinical and pathological features, treatment and outcomes, and risk factors for progression to chronic kidney disease stage 5 (CKD5) in the largest pediatric series with biopsy-proven C3G. Methods Sixty pediatric patients with C3G from 21 referral centers in Turkey were included in this retrospective study. Patients were categorized according to CKD stage at last visit as CKD5 or non-CKD5. Demographic data, clinicopathologic findings, treatment, and outcome data were compared and possible risk factors for CKD5 progression determined using Cox proportional hazards model. Results Mean age at diagnosis was 10.6 ± 3.0 years and follow-up time 48.3 ± 36.3 months. Almost half the patients had gross hematuria and hypertension at diagnosis. Nephritic-nephrotic syndrome was the commonest presenting feature (41.6%) and 1/5 of patients presented with nephrotic syndrome. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis was the leading injury pattern, while 40 patients had only C3 staining. Patients with DDD had significantly lower baseline serum albumin compared with C3GN. Eighteen patients received eculizumab. Clinical remission was achieved in 68.3%. At last follow-up, 10 patients (16.6%) developed CKD5: they had lower baseline eGFR and albumin and higher frequency of nephrotic syndrome and dialysis requirement than non-CKD5 patients. Lower serum albumin and eGFR at diagnosis were independent predictors for CKD5 development. Conclusions Children with C3G who have impaired kidney function and hypoalbuminemia at diagnosis should be carefully monitored for risk of progression to CKD5. Graphical abstract, Author(s): Ayse Seda Pinarbasi [sup.1] , Ismail Dursun [sup.1] , Ibrahim Gokce [sup.2] , Elif Çomak [sup.3] , Seha Saygili [sup.4] , Meral Torun Bayram [sup.5] , Osman Donmez [sup.6] [...]

Background/Objectives: Eculizumab is a first-line treatment for atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), and patients undergoing eculizumab therapy may become more susceptible to infection caused by Neisseria meningitidis (Nm). While meningococcal vaccination is required for patients undergoing eculizumab therapy, there is limited knowledge about meningococcal carriage in children with aHUS. We aimed to evaluate (1) the prevalence of Nm carriage, (2) serogroup distribution, and (3) the immunization status of children undergoing eculizumab treatment for aHUS. Methods: The Meningo-aHUS study is a prospective, multi-center study evaluating meningococcal carriage in children and adolescents in Türkiye receiving eculizumab for aHUS. We noted the age, gender, daycare, school, or university attendance, passive smoking status, previous infection and antibiotic use, and previous immunization history, including meningococcal vaccines, from the medical records of those children with aHUS. We collected nasopharyngeal samples, tested them for Nm using real-time polymerase chain reaction, and performed a serogroup analysis on the positive samples. Results: We collected nasopharyngeal samples from 62 children with aHUS. Out of 62 children, 61 (98.4%) had received at least one dose of the meningococcal vaccine. The median time since the last meningococcal vaccine dose was 15 months (1–59 months). We detected meningococcal carriage in three (4.8%, 95% CI 1.0–13.5) children, and all three strains were non-groupable (NG). No other serogroups were detected. Conclusions: Almost all the children received their risk-group meningococcal immunization, including booster doses. A 4.8% of children with aHUS carried NG meningococci and, no vaccine serogroups were detected. Patients treated with eculizumab remain profoundly susceptible to IMD due to these NG meningococcal strains. The occurrence of breakthrough cases and carriage of Nm, especially NG strains, highlights the significance of maintaining a state of constant alertness, promptly seeking medical attention, and swiftly treating any symptoms that align with IMD, regardless of their vaccination status or antibiotic prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Two earthquakes on 6 February 2023 destroyed 10 cities in Türkiye. We report our experience with pediatric victims during these catastrophes, with a focus on crush syndrome related–acute kidney injury (Crush-AKI) and death. Method Web-based software was prepared. Patient demographics, time under rubble (TUR), admission laboratory data, dialysis, and kidney and overall outcomes were recorded. Results A total of 903 injured children (median age 11.62 years) were evaluated. Mean TUR was 13 h (interquartile range 32.5, max 240 h). Thirty-one of 32 patients with a TUR of >120 h survived. The patient who was rescued after 10 days survived. Two-thirds of the patients were given 50 mEq/L sodium bicarbonate in 0.45% sodium chloride solution on admission day. Fifty-eight percent of patients were given intravenous fluid (IVF) at a volume of 2000–3000 mL/m2 body surface area (BSA), 40% at 3000–4000 mL/m2 BSA and only 2% at >4000 mL/m2 BSA. A total of 425 patients had surgeries, and 48 suffered from major bleeding. Amputations were recorded in 96 patients. Eighty-two and 66 patients required ventilator and inotropic support, respectively. Crush-AKI developed in 314 patients (36% of all patients). In all, 189 patients were dialyzed. Age >15 years, creatine phosphokinase (CK) ≥20 950 U/L, TUR ≥10 h and the first-day IVF volume <3000–4000 mL/m2 BSA were associated with Crush-AKI development. Twenty-two deaths were recorded, 20 of 22 occurring in patients with Crush-AKI and within the first 4 days of admission. All patients admitted after 7 days survived. Conclusions These are the most extensive pediatric kidney disaster data obtained after an earthquake. Serum CK level was significantly associated with Crush-AKI at the levels of >20 950 U/L, but not with death. Adolescent age and initial IVF of less than 3000–4000 mL/m2 BSA were also associated with Crush-AKI. Given that mildly injured victims can survive longer periods in the disaster field, we suggest uninterrupted rescue activity for at least 10 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart cities use technological solutions to reduce the drawbacks of urban living. The importance of BIM and GIS integration has increased with the popularity of smart city and 3D city concepts in recent years. In addition to 3D city models, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is an essential element of smart cities. The 3D city model web client in this study displays three-dimensional (3D) city models created using photogrammetric techniques, BIM, and campus infrastructure projects. The comparison and integration of the aforementioned systems were evaluated. A web-based 3D client framework and implementation for combined BIM and 3D city models are the goals of the submitted work. The Web is a very challenging platform for 3D data presentation. The Cesium engine based on HTML5 and WebGL is an open-source creation and the virtualcityMAP application using the Cesium infrastructure was used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Intra-articular corticosteroid injection (IACI) is a safe first-line or adjunct therapy used in any subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Limited studies evaluated the effect of IACI on cartilage. Our study aimed to examine the femoral cartilage thickness of patients with JIA who received IACI to the knee joint using ultrasound. Methods: We randomly selected JIA patients who performed IACI in the knee joint. Baseline bilateral joint cartilage and tendon thicknesses were measured. The articular fluid was aspirated, and applied IACI at the same period. Six months after injection, the exact measurements were repeated. Distal femoral cartilage, quadriceps tendon, and distal and proximal patellar tendon thicknesses were compared at the baseline (before IACI) and 6 months after IACI. Results: Thirty patients with JIA were included, and 23 (76.7%) were female. The median age was 11 years (interquartile range, 6 to 14), and the median disease duration was 3.3 years (interquartile range, 5 months to 5 years). The subtypes of JIA were oligoarticular in 25 (83.3%), polyarticular in 2 (6.7%), enthesitis-related arthritis in 2 (6.7%), and juvenile psoriatic arthritis in 1 (3.3%). Distal femoral cartilage thickness was 2.96 ± 0.79 mm at baseline and 2.85 ± 0.70 mm at 6 months after IACI (P = .35). The tendon thicknesses were similar at 6 months after baseline measurements. Conclusions: Our findings reveal that knee IACI in patients with JIA did not significantly change cartilage and tendon thicknesses. This observation could indicate that IACIs have no detrimental effects on the cartilage and the tendons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of RumeliDE Journal of Language & Literature Research / RumeliDE Dil ve Edebiyat Araştırmaları Dergisi is the property of RumeliDE Uluslararasi Hakemli Dil & Edebiyat Arastirmalari Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education is the property of Cumhuriyet University, Faculty of Education and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The imposter phenomenon (IP) may have a negative impact on the ability of healthcare providers to make difficult and accurate decisions. This study presents an empirical approach, segregating the real imposters based on a simulation, and aims to investigate the prevalence and severity of IP and evaluate the attitude in the decision-making process of pediatric residents with impostorism. Materials and Methods: A simulation-based case study with the 113 pediatric residents was performed with the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale to identify IP scores and appropriate management skills for the case. The collected data were divided and combined into different categories based on the IP scale scores and the success of case management to further detect how real imposters were affected. Results: Our study revealed that 24 (21.2%) of residents have moderate, 33 (25.7%) of residents have frequent, and 29 (29.2%) of residents have intense impostorism feelings. The imposter scores were found to be higher among female participants (P = .006). However, when considering the prevalence of significant impostorism (defined as both frequent and intense), there was no statistically significant difference between females and males (P = .088). The data indicated that an increase in IP scores was associated with a higher likelihood of delayed pressing the help button for both the overall and post-exclusion groups (P < .001). The analysis also revealed a significant correlation and a monotonic-linear trend between IP scores and the decision-making process, even after excluding the unsuccessful participants (P < .001). Conclusion: This is the first study to demonstrate the prevalence of IP among pediatric residents, potentially leading to challenges in patient care and resulting in delayed decisionmaking and self-doubt with feelings of inadequacy. The findings support the claim that higher imposter scores are associated with a greater tendency to seek help from more experienced individuals, even when fully capable of managing cases independently. This emphasizes the importance of awareness about the IP, as these factors can directly impact both the well-being of trainees and patient care outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and hypothesis Hospital admissions in pediatric dialysis patients need to be better studied, and most existing studies are retrospective and based on registry data. This study aimed to analyse and compare hospital admission rates, causes, length of stay (LOS), and outcomes in children treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Methods Data from 236 maintenance PD and 138 HD patients across 16 European dialysis centers were collected between 1 July 2017 and 30 June 2018. A total of 178 hospitalized patients (103 PD, 75 HD) were included for further analyses. Results There were 465 hospitalization events (268 PD, 197 HD) with a rate of 0.39 admissions per 100 patient-days at risk (PDAR) and 2.4 hospital days per 100 PDAR. The admission rates were not significantly different between HD and PD patients. The most common causes of hospitalization were access-related infections (ARI) (17%), non-infectious complications of access (NIAC) (14%), and infections unrelated to access (12%). ARI was the leading cause in PD patients (24%), while NIAC was more common in HD patients (19%). PD patients had more ARIs, diagnostic procedures, and treatment adjustments (P  < .05), while HD patients had more NIACs, infections unrelated to access, access placement procedures, and interventional/surgical procedures (P  < .001). LOS was longer with acute admissions than non-acute admissions (P  < .001). Overall LOS and LOS in the intensive care unit were similar between HD and PD patients. High serum uric acid and low albumin levels were significant predictors of longer LOS (P  = .022 and P  = .045, respectively). Young age, more significant height deficit, and older age at the start of dialysis were predictors of longer cumulative hospital days (P  = .002, P  = .001, and P  = .031, respectively). Conclusion Access-related complications are the main drivers of hospitalization in pediatric dialysis patients, and growth and nutrition parameters are significant predictors of more extended hospital stays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]