COVID-19 in hospitalized infants aged under 3 months: multi-center experiences across Turkey

To investigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in infants aged 0 to 3 months because there is currently a significant gap in the literature on the subject. A cross-sectional study was conducted with the involvement of 19 medical centers across Turkey and 570 infants. The majority of the patients were male (58.2%), and the three most common symptoms were fever (78.2%), cough (44.6%), and feeding intolerance (39.9%). The results showed that a small percentage of infants had positive blood (0.9%) or urine cultures (10.2%). Most infants presented with fever (78.2%). Children without underlying conditions (UCs) had mostly a complicated respiratory course and a normal chest radiography. Significant more positive urine culture rates were observed in infants with fever. A higher incidence of respiratory support requirements and abnormal chest findings were seen in infants with chronic conditions. These infants also had a longer hospital stay than those without chronic conditions.  Conclusions: Our study discloses the clinical observations and accompanying bacterial infections found in infants aged under 3 months with COVID-19. These findings can shed light on COVID-19 in infancy for physicians because there is limited clinical evidence available. What is Known: • COVID-19 in infants and older children has been seen more mildly than in adults. • The most common symptoms of COVID-19 in infants are fever and cough, as in older children and adults. COVID-19 should be one of the differential diagnoses in infants with fever. What is New: • Although most infants under three months had fever, the clinical course was uneventful and respiratory complications were rarely observed in healthy children. • Infants with underlying conditions had more frequent respiratory support and abnormal chest radiography and stayed longer in the hospital.

Clinical Reflections of Acinetobacter Infections in Children in a Quaternary-Care Hospital: A Five-Year Single-Center Experience

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of Acinetobacter species in the last 5 years, the clinical diseases caused by the pathogen, the possible risk factors for infection, and the resistance pattern of the microorganism in our quaternary-care hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 67 pediatric cases infected with Acinetobacter species in our hospital between January 2017 and December 2021 were analyzed. Demographic characteristics and clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed.

RESULTS

In pediatric patients infected with Acinetobacter spp., the median age was 36 (7-114) months, and 64.2% (n = 43) were female. Acinetobacter baumannii was grown in the cultures of 31 (46.3%) cases. When the type of infection was examined, 31 (46.3%) cases were urinary tract infections, and 29 (43.3%) cases were bloodstream infections. Extensively drug-resistant, pandrug-resistant, and multidrug-resistant A. baumannii were found in 10 (14.9%), 3 (4.5%), and 2 (3%) cases, respectively. Health-care-associated infections were found to have a significant rate of Acinetobacter resistance (P = .002). Significant antimicrobial resistance was detected in Acinetobacter-infected cases with intensive care hospitalization within the last month and carbapenem use in the previous 3 months (P < .001, both).

CONCLUSION

It is necessary to act in accordance with the infection prevention and control program to reduce the incidence of health-care-associated infections with Acinetobacter species and to prevent infection with highly resistant strains. Due to health-care-associated infections and factors contributing to the increase in Acinetobacter resistance, we believe this study will help clinicians to be more cautious in the use of carbapenems. Cite this article as: Elvan-Tüz A, Tekin D, Ekemen-Keleş Y, et al. Clinical reflections of acinetobacter infections in children in a quaternary-care hospital: A five-year single-center experience. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2024;59(1):38-42.

A Comprehensive Review of Artificial Intelligence Based Algorithms Regarding Temporomandibular Joint Related Diseases

Today, with rapid advances in technology, computer-based studies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) approaches are finding their place in every field, especially in the medical sector, where they attract great attention. The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) stands as the most intricate joint within the human body, and diseases related to this joint are quite common. In this paper, we reviewed studies that utilize AI-based algorithms and computer-aided programs for investigating TMJ and TMJ-related diseases. We conducted a literature search on Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed without any time constraints and exclusively selected English articles. Moreover, we examined the references to papers directly related to the topic matter. As a consequence of the survey, a total of 66 articles within the defined scope were assessed. These selected papers were distributed across various areas, with 11 focusing on segmentation, 3 on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), 10 on TMJ Osteoarthritis (OA), 21 on Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD), 6 on decision support systems, 10 reviews, and 5 on sound studies. The observed trend indicates a growing interest in artificial intelligence algorithms, suggesting that the number of studies in this field will likely continue to expand in the future.

Analysis of the prevalence and risk factors of pressure injuries in the hospitalized pediatric population: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Pressure injury (PI) is an essential indicator of the quality of nursing care and affects hospitalized newborns and children. However, studies on the prevalence of PI and associated risk factors in children are limited.

AIMS

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of PI and risk factors affecting the development of PI in the hospitalized pediatric population.

METHODS

This was a descriptive, retrospective study. Data were obtained via electronic medical records of 6350 pediatric patients admitted to a university hospital between January 2019 and April 2022. Ethics committee approval was obtained. Patient medical records and data associated with PI and medical treatment were collected through the 'Information Form,' 'Braden Scale,' 'Braden Q Scale,' 'Pressure Ulcer Staging Form,' and 'Pediatric Nutrition Risk Score (PNRS).' Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Multilinear Regression analysis.

RESULTS

More patients (66.2%) were males, and 49.2% of the children were 0-12 months old. 2368 out of 6350 pediatric patients were treated in the PICU. It was determined that a total of 143 PI occurred in 59 patients from PICU. The PI prevalence was 2.25% for all patients and 6.04% for PICU patients. Twenty-one percent of the patients had medical device-related PI (MDRPIs), 35.7% of PI occurred in the occiput, 13.3% in the coccyx/sacrum, and 67.1% of PI was Deep Tissue Injury. In the multiple regression model, children's albumin level, hemoglobin level, PNRS scores, Body Mass Index, and length of hospital stay significantly affected BRADEN scores. They were explained 30.3% of their scores of Braden.

CONCLUSION

Despite the limitations of the retrospective study, the prevalence of PI in the pediatric population in this study was lower than that reported in previous studies, but the prevalence of MDRPIs was higher. Based on the study results, it is recommended to implement preventive interventions for MDRPIs and plan prospective studies.

[An Infant with Zoonotic Pulmonary Tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis]

Bovine tuberculosis might be seen in low-income countries, especially in children fed with raw milk. The most common transmission route is fecal-oral way, and it is most likely through unpasteurized dairy products. Although clinical and radiological findings are like non-zoonotic tuberculosis, treatment approaches may differ in individuals with zoonotic tuberculosis. Prevention of zoonotic diseases requires multidisciplinary approaches. These approaches include the development of veterinary and surveillance studies for the detection of communicable diseases in farm animals, as well as informing the public about raw milk consumption. In this case report, a patient with zoonotic pulmonary tuberculosis related to Mycobacterium bovis because of consumption of raw milk was presented. A five-month-old male was admitted to the hospital due to a persistent, feverless, non-productive cough since birth. Empirical antibiotic treatment was started with a preliminary diagnosis of pneumonia because of left upper lobe and right pericardial infiltration on chest X-ray. However, after two weeks of antimicrobial therapy, the patient's clinical and laboratory findings did not improve. This led to the referral for a computed tomography imaging, which revealed tracheomalacia, consolidation on the right upper lobe, an indistinguishable mass or consolidation on the left middle lobe of the lung, peribronchial thickening on the basal segment of the lower lobe, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Three consecutive days of fasting gastric lavage fluid was sent to the reference laboratory for acid-resistant bacillus examination, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture studies. As the clinical findings were compatible and PCR was positive, the patient was started on quadruple antituberculous therapy. After initiation of anti-tuberculosis drugs, the patient's findings radiologically and clinically were improved. Mycobacterium bovis was grown in the culture. In the meantime, it was discovered that the patient was fed with raw milk. Due to the patient's clinical symptoms and the growth of Mycobacterium bovis in the gastric lavage fluid culture, the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis was made. The culprit was that the milk of the cow belonging to the patient's family, which was later found to be infected with M.bovis, was milked and given to the patient without boiling. Today, unpasteurized dairy products continue to be consumed, especially in rural areas. One of the most important steps to prevent zoonotic diseases is to raise awareness about not consuming raw milk and undercooked meat. To elucidate the epidemiological link in childhood, taking a good anamnesis, including questioning raw milk consumption, is essential in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Temporal relationship between thromboembolic events and myeloproliferative neoplasm diagnosis: is it associated with mortality risk?

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal relationship between the first occurrence of thromboembolic events (TEE) and the timing of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) diagnosis and to determine risk factors for TEE-related mortality in MPN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 138 BCR-ABL-negative MPN patients with TEE, diagnosed from January 2010 to December 2019, were included in this retrospective cohort. Patients were compared according to mortality and subjects were classified into three groups with respect to having suffered index TEE before, during, or after MPN diagnosis.

RESULTS

The mean age of surviving patients was 57.5±13.8, while those who had died had a mean age of 72.0±9.0 (p<0.001). Males represented 56.5% of patients with mortality and 60.9% of those without mortality (p=0.876). TEE was detected in 26.0% of MPN patients, and TEE-related mortality rate was 16.7%. There was no relationship between mortality and the classification of patients according to index TEE (p =0.884). High age (p<0.001) and danazol use (p=0.014) were independently associated with TEE-related mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The temporal relationship between TEE and MPN diagnosis was not found to influence mortality. Older patients and danazol recipients should be considered to have a higher risk of TEE-related mortality.

Effect of the coughing technique during subcutaneous heparin injection on pain severity and individual satisfaction

to examine the effect of the medium intensity coughing technique during subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin injection on pain severity and individual satisfaction in general surgery patients. the prospective, quasi-experimental study included 100 patients who had been prescribed a subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin injection once in 24 hours. Each patient received two injections by the same researcher, one using the standard injection technique with medium intensity coughing technique and the other only the standard injection technique. there was a statistically significant difference between patients' mean scores on pain severity and satisfaction levels after injections administered by the two techniques (p= 0.000). Also, it was found that gender affected pain severity relating to the injection but did not affect the level of individual satisfaction. the medium intensity coughing technique was found to reduce pain severity and increase patient satisfaction in general surgery patients receiving subcutaneous low molecular weight heparin injections. Trial registration: NCT05681338.

A snapshot of pediatric inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19: a point prevalence study from Turkey

This multi-center point prevalence study evaluated children who were diagnosed as having coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). On February 2nd, 2022, inpatients and outpatients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were included in the study from 12 cities and 24 centers in Turkey. Of 8605 patients on February 2nd, 2022, in participating centers, 706 (8.2%) had COVID-19. The median age of the 706 patients was 92.50 months, 53.4% were female, and 76.7% were inpatients. The three most common symptoms of the patients with COVID-19 were fever (56.6%), cough (41.3%), and fatigue (27.5%). The three most common underlying chronic diseases (UCDs) were asthma (3.4%), neurologic disorders (3.3%), and obesity (2.6%). The SARS-CoV-2-related pneumoniae rate was 10.7%. The COVID-19 vaccination rate was 12.5% in all patients. Among patients aged over 12 years with access to the vaccine given by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health, the vaccination rate was 38.7%. Patients with UCDs presented with dyspnea and pneumoniae more frequently than those without UCDs (p < 0.001 for both). The rates of fever, diarrhea, and pneumoniae were higher in patients without COVID-19 vaccinations (p = 0.001, p = 0.012, and p = 0.027).  Conclusion: To lessen the effects of the disease, all eligible children should receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The illness may specifically endanger children with UCDs. What is Known: • Children with COVID-19 mainly present with fever and cough, as in adults. • COVID-19 may specifically threaten children with underlying chronic diseases. What is New: • Children with obesity have a higher vaccination rate against COVID-19 than children without obesity. • Among unvaccinated children, fever and pneumoniae might be seen at a higher ratio than among vaccinated children.

A comparison of the effect on pain management of two non-pharmacological methods used during administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (BNT162b2): A randomized controlled study

AIMS

This study was conducted with the aim of examining the effect on pain intensity of the vibration technique applied at the injection site and squeezing a stress ball during the administration of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination.

METHODS

This was a randomized controlled single-blind experimental study. The study included 120 adults who were randomly selected between July and November 2022. One experimental group (n = 40) received local vibration by means of a Buzzy® device, and the other (n = 40) were given a stress ball to squeeze. Routine vaccination procedure was performed with the control group (n = 40). The level of pain felt during the vaccination procedure was assessed on a visual analog scale.

RESULTS

The pain score of individuals during the vaccination procedure was found to be significantly lower in the vibration group than in the control group (P = .005) and the stress ball group (P = .036), but there was no significant difference between the control and stress ball groups (P = .851). Also, it was found that the variables of gender, age and body mass index did not affect the average pain intensity of individuals during the vaccination procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

It was found that local vibration applied by means of the Buzzy® device was effective in reducing the levels of pain relating to administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination. Nurses should think of the application of vibration as a choice in the management of pain relating to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination.

Response to `Attitudes of parents with children aged 12-18 to COVID-19 vaccines for themselves and their children: vaccine hesitancy in Türkiye`

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Attitudes of parents with children aged 12-18 to COVID-19 vaccines for themselves and their children

BACKGROUND

The incidence of vaccine hesitancy is increasing in many countries. This study aims to determine parents` attitudes and related factors regarding COVID-19 vaccine acceptance for themselves and their children aged 12-18.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on parents between 16th November and 31st December 2021, after COVID-19 vaccines were initiated for children in Türkiye. In the survey, the sociodemographic characteristics of the parents, whether they and their children were vaccinated against COVID-19, and if not, the reasons for this were asked. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the factors affecting parents` refusal to vaccinate their children for COVID-19.

RESULTS

Three hundred and ninety-six mothers and fathers were included in the final analysis. Overall, 41.7% of parents reported vaccine refusal for their children. COVID-19 vaccine refusal was higher in mothers younger than 35 (β = 6.5, p = 0.002, 95% CI: 2.0-23.1), children aged 15 and younger (β = 2.3, p = 0.001, 95% CI: 1.4-3.7). Concerns about the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine (29.7%) and their children not wanting to be vaccinated (29.0%) were the most common causes of COVID-19 vaccine refusal.

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, the rate of children not vaccinated due to COVID-19 vaccine refusal was relatively high. Parents` concerns about vaccine side effects, as well as their children`s unwillingness to be vaccinated, suggest that both parents and adolescents should be informed about the importance of COVID-19 vaccines.

Evaluation of ischemia-modified albumin in the diagnosis and the clinical severity of COVID-19 in children

BACKGROUND

There is no specific biomarker used in the diagnosis of COVID-19 and predicting its clinical severity. This study aimed to investigate the utility of ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in diagnosing and predicting clinical severity in children with COVID-19.

METHODS

Between October 2020 and March 2021, 41 cases constituted the COVID-19 group and 41 cases constituted the healthy control group. IMA levels were measured at admission (IMA-1) and 48-72 hours (IMA- 2) in the COVID-19 group. In the control group, it was measured at admission. COVID-19 clinical severity was classified as asymptomatic infection, mild, moderate, severe, or critical disease. Patients were divided into two groups (asymptomatic/mild and moderate/severe) to evaluate IMA levels in terms of clinical severity.

RESULTS

In the COVID-19 group, the mean IMA-1 level was 0.901±0.099, and the mean IMA-2 level was 0.866±0.090. The mean level of IMA-1 in the control group was 0.787±0.051. When IMA-1 levels of COVID-19 and control cases were compared, the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). When clinical severity and laboratory data are compared, C-reactive protein, ferritin and ischemia-modified albumin ratio (IMAR) were statistically significantly higher in moderate-severe clinical cases (p=0.034, p=0.034, p=0.037 respectively). However, IMA-1 and IMA-2 levels were similar between the groups (p=0.134, p=0.922, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

To date, no study has been conducted on IMA levels in children with COVID-19. The IMA level may be a new marker for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children. Studies with a larger number of cases are needed to predict clinical severity.

Are Thyroid Functions Affected in Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children?

OBJECTIVE

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C), associated with Coronavirus disease-2019, is defined as the presence of documented fever, inflammation, and at least two signs of multisystem involvement and lack of an alternative microbial diagnosis in children who have recent or current Severe acute respiratory syndrome-Coronavirus-2 infection or exposure. In this study, we evaluated thyroid function tests in pediatric cases with MIS-C in order to understand how the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis was affected and to examine the relationship between disease severity and thyroid function.

METHODS

This case-control study was conducted between January 2021 and September 2021. The patient group consisted of 36 MIS-C cases, the control group included 72 healthy children. Demographic features, clinical findings, inflammatory markers, thyroid function tests, and thyroid antibody levels in cases of MIS-C were recorded. Thyroid function tests were recorded in the healthy control group.

RESULTS

When MIS-C and healthy control groups were compared, free triiodothyronine (fT3) level was lower in MIS-C cases, while free thyroxine (fT4) level was found to be lower in the healthy group (p<0.001, p=0.001, respectively). Although the fT4 level was significantly lower in controls, no significant difference was found compared with the age-appropriate reference intervals (p=0.318). When MIS-C cases were stratified by intensive care requirement, fT3 levels were also lower in those admitted to intensive care and also in those who received steroid treatment (p=0.043, p<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Since the endocrine system critically coordinates and regulates important metabolic and biochemical pathways, investigation of endocrine function in MIS-C may be beneficial. These results show an association between low fT3 levels and both diagnosis of MIS-C and requirement for intensive care. Further studies are needed to predict the prognosis and develop a long-term follow-up management plan.

Quantitative volume and area assessment of masticatory muscles through magnetic resonance imaging in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

OBJECTIVE

To compare volume and surface area measurements of the lateral pterygoid (LPM), medial pterygoid (MPM), and masseter muscles (MM) as calculated on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on the position of the temporomandibular joint disk, mouth position, and patient sex, and to calculate the correlations of the measurements among the muscles.

STUDY DESIGN

Measurements of muscle volume and area were performed on the MRIs of 51 patients. Wilcoxon, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to calculate the significance of differences in measurements. The Spearman correlation coefficient calculated the correlation of measurements among the muscles. The significance of difference was established at P < .05.

RESULTS

Volume and area of the left MPM in patients with disk displacement without reduction (DDWOR) were larger than in patients with normal disk position (P ≤ .040). MM volumes were smaller with DDWOR than with DD with reduction bilaterally (P ≤ .031). The volume and area of LPM and MM were significantly different between closed and open mouth positions (P < .001). Differences in volume and area between females and males were significant for all muscles in volume (P ≤ .021) and for MPM and MM in area (P ≤ .021). Significant positive correlations were found among all muscles for volume and area.

CONCLUSION

Volume and area measurements of the masticatory muscles varied according to disk and mouth position and patient sex and exhibited significant positive correlations.

Engineering Learning Experiences: A Scale Adaptation and Validation into Turkish

Undergraduate students' learning experiences are thought to have a significant impact on their future career choices. The Engineering Learning Experience Scale (ELES) was created within the framework of Social Cognitive Career Theory to accurately evaluate learning experiences arising from direct or indirect learning activities in or out of school. The purpose of this research is to adapt and validate the ELES in Turkish. The scale was given to two groups of engineering students from a large public university in Turkey. In order to provide evidence of the reliability and validity of the scale, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were employed to analyze the psychometric properties of the instrument. According to the confirmatory factor analyses, the correlated four-factor model suited the data well. This study strengthens the standing of the ELES as a useful measurement tool in the field of engineering.

The Effect of Aromatherapy on Blood Pressure and Stress Responses by Inhalation and Foot Massage in Patients With Essential Hypertension: Randomized Clinical Trial

A 3-arm, parallel group, randomized clinical trial examines the effect of aromatherapy through inhalation and foot massage on blood pressure and stress response in patients with essential hypertension. Lavender oil reduced blood pressure, heart rate, serum cortisol, and subjective anxiety in hypertensive patients.

Nursing Care Satisfaction among Patients Infected with Covid-19: A Turkish Perspective

The aim of this study was to determine the satisfaction with nursing care among patients diagnosed with Covid-19 and related factors. Materials and Methods. The study was conducted between June and July 2020. The population of the study consisted of 102 patients treated in the Covid-19 clinics of the University Teaching and Research Hospital. The data were collected using the Newcastle Satisfaction with Nursing Care Scale with a total of 19 items, and the Patient Description Form designed to record the sociodemographic characteristics and medical histories. The data were evaluated using the program package IBM SPSS 20.0. To test the significance of the difference between two independent groups, the Student’s t-test was used, and the one-way ANOVA was used to test the significance of the difference between more than two groups. Results. The results showed that most patients were satisfied with nursing care. A higher level of satisfaction was seen in patients treated in the Covid-19 intensive care units, those with chronic conditions, and those who received information about their health state from nurses. Patients’ family type, sharing fears and worries with nurses, getting information from nurses and the quality of nursing care were the variables significantly associated with patient satisfaction with nursing care. Conclusions. Satisfaction with nursing care among Covid-19 patients was moderate. When nurses use effective communication skills to meet patients’ care needs, provide patients with adequate information, allow them to express their feelings, and keep them safe, this will further enhance patient satisfaction.

Predictors of poor kidney outcome in children with C3 glomerulopathy

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.

Cultural Viewpoints of Nursing Students on Patient Privacy: A Qualitative Study

The purpose of this study was to determine the feelings, thoughts, perceptions and cultural standpoint of nursing students concerning patient privacy. This study was conducted as a qualitative descriptive design. The homogeneous sampling method, purposive sampling method for qualitative research samples, was used to determine the study group. Data were collected from 17 nursing students at a state university in Turkey. Individual semi-structured interviews were conducted, and content analysis was used to analyze data. Three main themes emerged from the data: perception of privacy, factors affecting patient privacy and suggested solutions. Four sub-categories emerged: religion, gender, culture and reassuring communication. The perceptions of many of the students relating to the concept of privacy coincided with the concepts of confidentiality and all kinds of information concerning the patient. It was seen that the most effective intervention among the students' solution proposals to ensure privacy was the necessity to make physical improvements in hospitals.

Evaluation of non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis in children: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is the most common kidney replacement therapy in children. Complications associated with PD affect treatment success and sustainability. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of PD-related non-infectious complications and the predisposing factors.

METHODS

Retrospective data from 11 centers in Turkey between 1998 and 2018 was collected. Non-infectious complications of peritoneal dialysis (NICPD), except metabolic ones, in pediatric patients with regular follow-up of at least 3 months were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 275 patients were included. The median age at onset of PD and median duration of PD were 9.1 (IQR, 2.5-13.2) and 7.6 (IQR, 2.8-11.9) years, respectively. A total of 159 (57.8%) patients encountered 302 NICPD within the observation period of 862 patient-years. The most common NIPCD was catheter dysfunction (n = 71, 23.5%). At least one catheter revision was performed in 77 patients (28.0%). Longer PD duration and presence of swan neck tunnel were associated with the development of NICPD (OR 1.191; 95% CI 1.079-1.315, p = 0.001 and OR 1.580; 95% CI 0.660-0.883, p = 0.048, respectively). Peritoneal dialysis was discontinued in 145 patients; 46 of whom (16.7%) switched to hemodialysis. The frequency of patients who were transferred to hemodialysis due to NICPD was 15.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

Peritoneal dialysis-related non-infectious complications may lead to discontinuation of therapy. Presence of swan neck tunnel and long duration of PD increased the rate of NICPD. Careful monitoring of patients is necessary to ensure that PD treatment can be maintained safely.

Evaluation of Mandibular Third Molar Region in a Turkish Population Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate impacted mandibular third molar tooth region and obtain linear measurements using CBCT images and to assess the relationship between the impacted third molar and the mandibular canal.

METHODS

CBCT scans of 351 patients (208 females, 143 males) were assessed. Age, gender, and impaction site were recorded for each patient. The relationship of third molars with the vertical axis of second molars, 2nd molar resorption and the relationship between third molar apices and the mandibular canal were assessed. In addition, the distance between ramus and second molar, mesiodistal width of the third molar, the angle between third molar and second molar, and width of the third molar capsule were measured. Binary Logistic Regression, Chi-Square Test, and General Linear Model were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The highest percentage of impaction was found for mesioangular followed by transversal and vertical. The transversal impacted third molars revealed a significant association with adjacent second molar root resorption (p<0.001). There was a statistical significance between the second molar resorption and distance between ramus and second molar (p<0.001). The mesioangular impacted third molars revealed significant relation with the mandibular canal (p<0.05). The most frequent variation found was the dental canal followed by the retromolar canal. In general, higher measurement values were obtained for men when compared to women (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

CBCT assessment of the third molar region provided useful information regarding impacted mandibular third molar surgery operations.

Efficacy of Buzzy® on pain and anxiety during catheterization in children

BACKGROUND

The use of a peripheral intravenous cannula is a common clinical practice, and it is known to be a major source of pain and anxiety in children. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of the use of the Buzzy^® on pain and anxiety in children during peripheral cannula application.

METHODS

The research sample consisted of 60 children between the ages of 8 and 16. For children in the experimental group, external cold and vibration were applied by means of the Buzzy^® device. Before and during the peripheral intravenous cannula procedure, the levels of fear and anxiety relating to the procedure of the child patients in both the experimental and control groups were assessed by the children themselves and by an independent observer. Immediately after the vein entry procedure had been carried out, the level of pain felt by the children was determined.

RESULTS

The results of the statistical analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the anxiety levels of the groups before and after the procedure (P > 0.05). The results of the statistical analysis also showed no statistically significant difference between the postprocedural mean pain scores of the children as reported by the children themselves and by the observer (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, unlike most studies in the literature, the conclusion was reached that the use of the Buzzy^® to reduce pain and anxiety during the application of a peripheral intravenous cannula in children was not effective.

Determination of the Personal Values of the University Students in Different Departments

This research aims to examine the personal values of the first-year university students studying in different departments. This is a descriptive cross-sectional survey study. Research population is composed of first-grade students approving to participate and studying in the Nursing Department in the School of Health, Biology Department in the Faculty of Science and Letters and the Department of Early Childhood Education in the Faculty of Education of Uludağ University. "Student Information Form" and "Schwartz Values Inventory" were used for data collection. When the values inventory is examined, it is seen that the point averages of the students are the highest in safety sub-dimension and the lowest in power sub-dimension. Power, achievement, and hedonism and tradition point averages of the students in the Nursing Department of Health Sciences are higher than those of the students in the departments of science and educational sciences, and the difference in between was found out to be statistically significant. Point average in the achievement sub-dimension was found out to be high among male students (p < 0.01). It was found out that the point averages of female students for hedonism, universalism, benevolence and conformity are higher than those of male students, while the achievement point averages were higher among male students.

The effect of duration of pressure on bruising and pain in the subcutaneous heparin injection site

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the effect on pain and bruising of pressure applied for different durations after subcutaneous heparin injection.

METHODS

This research was a quasi-experimental study. The research was performed with 60 patients. Two different injection techniques were applied at an interval of 24 hr to each patient taking part in the study. Method A: after the low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) injection, pressure was applied with dry cotton for 10 s directly after the needle was withdrawn. Method B: after the LMWH injection, pressure was applied with dry cotton for 60 s directly after the needle was withdrawn. After the injection process was completed, the dimension of the bruising formed were evaluated. Also, after the injection process was completed, the patients were asked to show on a visual analog scale the severity of pain felt during the injection. Statistical analysis of the research data was performed with the statistics package IBM SPSS 22.0. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used in the analysis of the data.

RESULTS

The results of the statistical analysis showed no statistically significant difference between the mean size of bruising and pain level according to the duration of pressure applied to the injection area (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

It was concluded in this study that the duration of pressure applied to the injection site after subcutaneous LMWH injection did not affect the size of bruising or the severity of pain, and, unlike in the literature, that 60 s of applied pressure did not have a positive effect. Also, it was found that gender had an effect on the formation of bruising and the severity of pain, and body mass index had an effect on pain severity. Ten seconds of pressure applied to the injection site after subcutaneous LMWH injection may be enough to reduce complications.

Determination of Compassion Levels of Nurses Working at a University Hospital

This study was conducted to determine the compassion levels of nurses working in a university hospital. The study sample consists of 227 nurses who were available and participated in the research voluntarily during the study. The study data were collected by using "Nurse Description Form" and "Compassion Scale (CS)." In the analysis of the study data, number, percentage, mean and independent T test and ANOVA test were used. The total mean score of CS of the nurses was found as 97.02 ± 10.67. There was no statistically significant difference between gender, marital status and weekly work hours of the nurses and their total CS score means and total sub-scale score means. On the other hand, there was a statistically significant difference between the age variable of the nurses and the sub-scale of "separation," between the education level of the nurses and their total CS score means. As a result, it was found that the level of compassion of the nurses was moderate and the level of education affected the compassion levels of the nurses.

Evaluation of Bachelor's Degree Nursing Program Assessment by Nurses Working at A University Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study from Turkey

The aim of this study was to examine the evaluation of integrated program, traditional and problem based programs in nursing by nurses working in a university hospital. The population of the study consisted of the 288 nurses. In the collection of research data, use was made of a Nurses' Description Form and the Bachelor's Degree Nursing Program Assessment Scale (BNPAS). It was found that the total mean BNPAS scores of nurses graduating from the integrated educational program were higher than those of nurses graduating from traditional and problem-based learning educational programs (p < 0.05). The total mean BNPAS scores of nurses who followed professional scientific publications after graduation were higher than the scores of those who did not, and the difference was found to be significant (p < 0.05). It was concluded that nurses had positive assessment of the bachelor's degree programs from which they graduated.

Investigation of the effect of the virtual reality application on experimental pain severity in healthy

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of virtual reality application on experimental ischemic pain created with a blood pressure instrument in healthy volunteers.

METHODS

The research sample consisted of 172 volunteer adult students who conformed to the inclusion criteria. These individuals were assigned into an experimental (n=86) and a control group (n=86) by a simple randomization method. All individuals in the experimental and control groups wereexperimentally subjected to pain for two minutes by applying 260 mmHg of pressure 3-4 cm above the antecubital region of the left arm with an aneroid adult-type blood pressure instrument. During the procedure, the volunteers in the experimental group watched virtual reality images, while those in the control group received no intervention. Immediately after the procedure, the pain levels of the individuals in both groups were assessed with a Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

RESULTS

We found that the mean pain score of the individuals in the experimental group was 2.62±1.82, and that of individuals in the control group was 5.75±1.65. Results of the statistical analysis showed a statistically significant difference between the mean pain scores of the individuals in the experimental and control groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

This study found that the use of virtual reality was effective in reducing the level of pain in healthy individuals. This method used a smartphone with widespread availability and ease of transportation, which can be used by health professionals as a non-pharmacological method in the management of pain.

Evaluation of the relationship between stylohyoid complex morphology and maxillary/mandibular position using cone beam computed tomography

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to examine the morphologic features of the stylohyoid complex (SHC) and its relation to maxillomandibular position using three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CBCT images from 157 individuals (74 females, 83 males) were analysed in this study. SHC length, width, and sagittal and transverse angles were measured. The subjects were grouped as skeletal class I, II, and III in order to determine the relative positions of the maxilla and mandible in the sagittal plane and as hypodivergent, normodivergent, and hyperdivergent according to the vertical rotation of the mandible in relation to the skull base. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis H tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Mean SHC length was 23.56 ± 8.05 mm on the right side and 22.0 ± 6.51 mm on the left; mean SHC width was 3.31 ± 1.40 mm on the right and 2.93 ± 1.30 mm on the left. Mean sagittal angle was 27.43 ± 6.75° on the right side, 27.70 ± 6.51° on the left; mean transverse angle was 70.39 ± 4.59° on the right side and 71.79 ± 4.99° on the left. The only significant difference based on skeletal classification was greater SHC length among males compared to females in the class III group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No significant relationship was observed between SHC morphology and position of the maxilla or mandible. However, the gender difference observed among class III subjects suggests that SHC morphology may be affected by craniofacial morphology. Maxillofacial surgeons should investigate this anatomical landmark variation before surgical interventions involving this region, such as temporomandibular joint procedures.

Comparison of the effectiveness of high resolution ultrasound with MRI in patients with temporomandibular joint dısorders

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of a high resolution ultrasound for temporomandibular joint (TMJ) evaluation in comparison to MRI in patients with TMJ disorders.

METHODS

Our study comprised 50 patients (35 female and 15 male) with a mean age of 30.61. Clinical examination was performed. Bilateral imaging of TMJ was conducted by using a high-resolution ultrasound and 1.5 Tesla MR. Diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound was assessed for disc displacement and joint effusion in comparison to MRI. Sensitivity (Se), specificity (Sp), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy (Ac) were calculated for ultrasound. Measurements were compared by Bland & Altman and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Significance level was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

Most frequent complaints were noise 42 (84%) and 34 (68%) pain. For disc position assessment with ultrasound for both sides and closed-open mouth, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy ranged between, 0.88 - 1, 0.60 - 0.87, 0.70 - 0.97, 0.75 - 1, and 0.84 - 0.98, respectively. For the diagnosis of effusion with ultrasound for both sides, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and accuracy ranged between 0.65 - 0.81, 0.91 - 1, 0.96 - 1, 0.45 - 0.46 and 0.72 - 0.84, respectively. ICC values calculated for intraobserver agreement for right and left TMJ for all measurements were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). ICC values ranged between 0.964 and 0.995 suggesting excellent correlation among ultrasound and MRI. In general, for ultrasound measurements we found a mean difference ranging between -0.182 and +0.130 mm in comparison to MRI.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound can be suggested as an adjunct to common imaging modalities in the assessment of TMJ.

The effect on pain of three different nonpharmacological methods in peripheral intravenous catheterisation in adults

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To compare the effectiveness in reducing pain during peripheral intravenous catheterisation of coughing, blowing into a spirometer and squeezing a stress ball.

BACKGROUND

Peripheral intravenous catheterisation is widely performed by nurses; it causes pain and discomfort to patients.

DESIGN

This was a single-blind randomized controlled study.

METHODS

The sample of the study consisted of 120 males who came to donate blood. Before the peripheral intravenous catheterisation, the individuals were divided by a simple randomisation method into four groups: a coughing group, a blowing into a spirometer group, a stress ball squeezing group and a control group. During the procedure, the pain levels felt by the individuals were assessed using the visual analog scale by a nurse who was blinded to the procedure.

FINDINGS

The mean pain of the individuals in the coughing group was found to be 19.5 mm (SD: 13.6), that of the spirometer group was 28.3 mm (SD: 20.2), that of the stress ball group was 32.1 mm (SD: 23.8) and that of the control group was 45.5 mm (SD: 19.5). Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between the mean pain scores of individuals in the control group and those of individuals in the coughing, spirometer and stress ball groups.

CONCLUSION

The techniques of squeezing a stress ball, blowing into a spirometer and in particular coughing, depending on the potential mechanism of the Valsalva manoeuvre and diverting attention, are effective techniques in reducing the pain of peripheral catheterisation procedures.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

It is important that nurses should be aware of pain and stress experienced by patients during invasive procedures. For this reason, nurses should have knowledge of proven nonpharmacological methods which can reduce pain to a minimum.

Evaluation of students' knowledge about paediatric dosage calculations

Medication errors are common and may jeopardize the patient safety. As paediatric dosages are calculated based on the child's age and weight, risk of error in dosage calculations is increasing. In paediatric patients, overdose drug prescribed regardless of the child's weight, age and clinical picture may lead to excessive toxicity and mortalities while low doses may delay the treatment. This study was carried out to evaluate the knowledge of nursing students about paediatric dosage calculations. This research, which is of retrospective type, covers a population consisting of all the 3rd grade students at the bachelor's degree in May, 2015 (148 students). Drug dose calculation questions in exam papers including 3 open ended questions on dosage calculation problems, addressing 5 variables were distributed to the students and their responses were evaluated by the researchers. In the evaluation of the data, figures and percentage distribution were calculated and Spearman correlation analysis was applied. Exam question on the dosage calculation based on child's age, which is the most common method in paediatrics, and which ensures right dosages and drug dilution was answered correctly by 87.1% of the students while 9.5% answered it wrong and 3.4% left it blank. 69.6% of the students was successful in finding the safe dose range, and 79.1% in finding the right ratio/proportion. 65.5% of the answers with regard to Ml/dzy calculation were correct. Moreover, student's four operation skills were assessed and 68.2% of the students were determined to have found the correct answer. When the relation among the questions on medication was examined, a significant relation (correlation) was determined between them. It is seen that in dosage calculations, the students failed mostly in calculating ml/dzy (decimal). This result means that as dosage calculations are based on decimal values, calculations may be ten times erroneous when the decimal point is placed wrongly. Moreover, it is also seen that students lack maths knowledge in respect of four operations and calculating safe dose range. Relations among the medications suggest that a student wrongly calculating a dosage may also make other errors. Additional courses, exercises or utilisation of different teaching techniques may be suggested to eliminate the deficiencies in terms of basic maths knowledge, problem solving skills and correct dosage calculation of the students.

Evaluation of Nutritional Status in Children during Predialysis, or Treated By Peritoneal Dialysis or Hemodialysis

OBJECTIVE

Malnutrition is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The objective of this study was to evaluate nutritional status of children with stage 3-4 CKD and treated by peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis using anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters and bioelectrical impedance analysis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included a total of 52 patients and 46 healthy children.

RESULTS

In anthropometric evaluation, the children with CKD had lower values for standard deviation score for weight, height, body mass index, skinfold thickness and mid-arm circumference than those of healthy children (p < 0.05). The fat mass (%) and the body cell mass (%) measurements performed by bioelectrical impedance analysis were lower compared with the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

It is considered that bioelectrical impedance analysis measurement should be used with anthropometric measurements, which are easy to perform, to achieve more accurate nutritional evaluation in children.

Binary and ternary new water soluble copper(II) complexes of l-tyrosine and substituted 1,10-phenanthrolines: effect of substitution on DNA interactions and cytotoxicities

Binary and ternary water soluble copper(II) complexes - [Cu(nphen)2(H2O)](NO3)2·H2O (1), [Cu(phen)2(H2O)](NO3)2 (2), [Cu(nphen)(l-tyr)(H2O)]NO3·2H2O (3), [Cu(phen)(tyr)(H2O)] NO3·2H2O (4) - and diquarternary salts of nphen and phen (nphen=5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline, phen=1,10-phenanthroline and tyr=l-tyrosine) have been synthesized and characterized by CHN analysis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The CT-DNA binding properties of these compounds have been investigated by thermal denaturation measurements, absorption and emission spectroscopy. The supercoiled pUC19 plasmid DNA cleavage activity of these compounds has been explored by agarose gel electrophoresis. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against MCF-7, Caco-2, A549 cancer cells and BEAS-2B healthy cells was also studied by using XTT method. The complexes 1-4 exhibit significant high cytotoxicity with low IC50 values in compared with cisplatin. The effect of the substituents of phen and coordinated amino acid in the above complexes are presented and discussed.

New water-soluble copper (II) complexes including 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and L-tyrosine: synthesis, characterization, DNA interactions and cytotoxicities

Two new water-soluble copper(II) complexes, [Cu(dmphen)2(NO3)]NO3 (1), [Cu(dmphen)(tyr)(H2O)]NO3·H2O (2) and the diquarternary salt of dmphen (dmphen = 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and tyr = L-tyrosine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The CT-DNA binding properties of these compounds have been investigated by absorption, emission spectroscopy and thermal denaturation measurements. The supercoiled pBR322 plasmid DNA cleavage activity of these compounds has been explored by agarose gel electrophoresis. The cytotoxicity of these compounds against MCF-7, Caco-2, A549 cancer cells and BEAS-2B healthy cells was also studied by the XTT method. Complexes 1 and 2 exhibit significant cytotoxicity, with lower IC50 values than those of cisplatin.

Evaluation of children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in terms of allergies

BACKGROUND

The etiology of minimal-change disease is not fully known, it is believed to be mediated by the immune system. Minimal-change disease also reported as having association with atopy. In this study, atopy history, the levels of serum IgE, and skin prick test in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome were investigated.

METHODS

A group of 30 children (mean age 7.7 ± 2.2 years, 56.6% male) diagnosed with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome were included in the study. Serum immunoglobulin E levels and eosinophil counts were evaluated in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome both in relapse and remission. Skin prick test was performed in remission.

RESULTS

Of the 30 children investigated, 11 (36.7%) had a history of atopy. The median serum total IgE levels in nephrotic children in relapse, with (445 IU/mL) and without atopy (310 IU/mL) were significantly higher than those in remission (respectively, 200 IU/mL, p = 0.021, and 42 IU/mL, p = 0.001). The skin prick tests for all the allergens were evaluated as negative in all the patients.

CONCLUSION

It was thought that increased IgE may reflect the activation of immune mechanism following various stimuli rather than a direct association with atopy in children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome.