Evaluation of natural radioactivity in soils of Konya (Turkey) and estimation of radiological health hazards.

Surface soil samples were collected from Konya, Turkey and natural activity concentrations were determined using the ɤ-ray spectroscopy system with HPGe detector. The activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were found to vary from 14.07 ± 0.71 Bq kg-1 dw to 67.27 ± 1.62 Bq kg-1 dw, 10.19 ± 2.60 Bq kg-1 dw to 46.09 ± 0.76 Bq kg-1 dw and 107.87 ± 13.32 Bq kg-1 dw to 605.95 ± 11.34 Bq kg-1 dry weight (dw), respectively. The radiological hazard parameters such as Raeq, D, AEDE, ELCR, AGDE, Hex, Hin, and Iɤ evaluated the radiological risk for the public and environment. The mean values of D, AEDE and ELCR are lower than the world average value of 57 nGy h-1, 70 µSv y-1, 0.29 × 10-3 respectively. The activity concentration distribution maps of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K and the radiological maps of the radiological hazard parameters were plotted using the Surfer programme. Cluster analysis was carried out to indicate the similarity between the variables.

Consumption of energy drinks among Turkish University students and its health hazards.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the awareness, consumption patterns of energy drinks (ED) and health hazards among students at a Turkish University. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted by questionnaire method between in 2017 among Erciyes University students. Total 1257 students from the Faculties of Medicine, Communication and Physical Education and Sports College participated in the study. Pearson chi-square test, binary logistic regressions were used for statistical analysis. p <0.05 values were considered significant. RESULTS: Students who tried at least once and consumed regularly ED were 52.5% and 15.7% respectively. Consuming regularly and trying ED were more common among students who were studying at Physical Education and Sports High school, male, smoking, alcohol consumer, doing regular physical activity. Mean age of students to start drinking ED was 15.1 years. Most common reason for ED consumption was; staying awake. Alcohol mixed energy drinks consumption rate was 37.6% among regular ED consumers. Most declared harmful effect was palpitation. CONCLUSION: ED consumption among Erciyes University students was widespread. Students should be informed about EDs' hazards for health. Legal regulations regarding production, marketing and advertising of EDs must be reconsidered.

The job satisfaction and burnout levels of primary care health workers in the province of Malatya in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to determine the job satisfaction and burnout levels of primary care health workers in Malatya in Turkey. METHODS: The sample of the study included 186 physicians, 126 midwives and 106 nurses working in primary health care. The Minnesota Job Satisfaction Scale and the Maslach Burnout Scale were used in the study. RESULTS: The general, internal and external job satisfaction score medians of the study group were 3.35, 3.50 and 3.12 respectively, while the median of the Maslach Personal accomplishment score was 23.00, the Emotional Burnout score median was 15.00, and the Depersonalisation score median was found to be 3.00. CONCLUSIONS: The manner of their employment in the departments where they work, their perception of their economic circumstances and their satisfaction of the department where they work have an impact on the job satisfaction and burnout levels of workers.

Hepatopulmonary Shunt Ratio Verification Model for Transarterial Radioembolization.

INTRODUCTION: The most important toxicity of transarterial radioembolization therapy applied in liver malignancies is radiation pneumonitis and fibrosis due to hepatopulmonary shunt of Yttrium-90 (90Y) microspheres. Currently, Technetium-99m macroaggregated albumin (99mTc-MAA) scintigraphic images are used to estimate lung shunt fraction (LSF) before treatment. The aim of this study was to create a phantom to calculate exact LFS rates according to 99mTc activities in the phantom and to compare these rates with LSF values calculated from scintigraphic images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3D-printed lung and liver phantom containing two liver tumors was developed from Polylactic Acid (PLA) material, which is similar to the normal-sized human body in terms of texture and density. Actual %LSFs were calculated by filling phantoms and tumors with 99mTc radionuclide. After the phantoms were placed in the water tank made of plexiglass material, planar, SPECT, and SPECT/CT images were obtained. The actual LSF ratio calculated from the activity amounts filled into the phantom was used for the verification of the quantification of scintigraphic images and the results obtained by the Simplicity90YTM method. RESULTS: In our experimental model, LSFs calculated from 99mTc activities filled into the lungs, normal liver, small tumor, and large tumor were found to be 0%, 6.2%, 10.8%, and 16.9%. According to these actual LSF values, LSF values were calculated from planar, SPECT/CT (without attenuation correction), and SPECT/CT (with both attenuation and scatter correction) scintigraphic images of the phantom. In each scintigraphy, doses were calculated for lung, small tumor, large tumor, normal liver, and Simplicity90YTM. The doses calculated from planar and SPECT/CT (NoAC+NoSC) images were found to be higher than the actual doses. The doses calculated from SPECT/CT (with AC+with SC) images and Simplicity90YTM were found to be closer to the real dose values. CONCLUSION: LSF is critical in dosimetry calculations of 90Y microsphere therapy. The newly introduced hepatopulmonary shunt phantom in this study is suitable for LSF verification for all models/brands of SPECT and SPECT/CT devices.

In-depth exploration of the radiation exposure to staff performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures (ERCP) through RANDO phantom and TLDs.

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the occupational radiation exposure faced by healthcare professionals during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Utilizing an anthropomorphic RANDO phantom equipped with Thermoluminescent Dosimeters (TLDs), we replicated ERCP scenarios to measure radiation doses received by medical staff. The study meticulously assessed radiation exposure in various corresponding body regions typically occupied by medical staff during ERCP, with a focus on eyes, thyroid, hands, and reproductive corresponding organ regions. The findings revealed significant variations in radiation doses across different body parts, highlighting areas of higher exposure and underscoring the need for improved protective measures and procedural adjustments. The effective radiation doses were calculated using standard protocols, considering the varying levels of protection offered by lead aprons and thyroid shields. The results demonstrate the substantial radiation exposure experienced by healthcare staff, particularly in regions not adequately shielded. This study emphasizes the necessity for enhanced radiation safety protocols in clinical settings, advocating for advanced protective equipment, training in radiation safety, and the exploration of alternative imaging modalities. The findings have crucial implications for both patient and staff safety, ensuring the continued efficacy and safety of ERCP and similar interventional procedures. This research contributes significantly to the field of occupational health and safety in interventional radiology, providing vital data for the development of safer medical practices.

Radiation exposure to patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography: an advanced phantom study.

Fluoroscopic examinations like Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography (PTC) are fundamental in diagnosing and treating hepatobiliary diseases. However, these procedures expose patients to significant radiation, highlighting the need for a detailed assessment of the radiation doses received by critical organs. The study's primary objective is to determine the experimental doses received by critical organs in patients undergoing these procedures. This study utilized an Alderson RANDO phantom outfitted with Thermoluminescent Dosemeters (TLDs) to experimentally measure the radiation doses received by various organs during ERCP and PTC procedures. This method provided direct and accurate data on organ-specific radiation exposure, contrasting with the traditional approach of relying on theoretical simulations. The analysis revealed that PTC generally results in higher radiation doses to organs compared to ERCP. Critical organs, such as the thyroid, spleen, liver, pancreas, ovaries, and uterus, were exposed to varying levels of radiation, with the thyroid and spleen receiving particularly high doses in PTC. The study also demonstrated that the per-minute radiation exposure was consistently higher in PTC across all examined organs. The study's findings underscore the significant radiation exposure associated with ERCP and PTC, with PTC posing a greater risk. Understanding these exposure levels is crucial for clinical decision-making, particularly when considering patients' pre-existing conditions and sensitivity to radiation. The study highlights the need for clinicians to carefully weigh the benefits of ERCP and PTC against the potential radiological risks. It suggests a preference for ERCP in situations where radiation exposure needs to be minimized. Furthermore, the findings advocate for ongoing advancements in medical imaging techniques to reduce radiation exposure, emphasizing the importance of patient safety in fluoroscopic examinations. This research contributes significantly to informed clinical decision-making, ensuring that the selection of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures aligns with the best interest of patient health and safety.

Still an unknown topic: child abuse and "shaken baby syndrome".

BACKGROUND: Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a severe form of physical child abuse, and can even cause death. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether or not the primary healthcare workers had received any education regarding child abuse and neglect, whether they could diagnose the cases, whether they had sufficient knowledge about SBS as a part of child abuse, and whether they were in need of education on the topic. METHODS: Health workers in the primary healthcare centers in the province of Kayseri were enrolled. A questionnaire was applied. RESULTS: In this study, 35.0% of the study group were physicians. 43.7% of the study group stated that they had not recieved any education regarding child abuse and neglect, and 52.1% stated that they believed that physical abuse was the most prominent form of abuse in society. While 64.1% of the participants stated that they had heard about SBS, 10.4% of these stated that they had heard about it, but did not have adequate knowledge on the topic. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of knowledge and a need for education regarding child abuse and neglect among the personnel working in primary healthcare, especially on the subject of SBS. Undergraduate and postgraduate education regarding child abuse and SBS will help to increase the number of people well-informed and sensitive to this important issue.

Determination of restless legs syndrome prevalence in children aged 13-16years in the provincial center of Kayseri.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence rate of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and associated factors in adolescents aged 13-16years in the provincial center of Kayseri. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 5720 adolescents who were selected from among 74,421 grade 7-10 students aged 13-16years in the provincial center of Kayseri. Overall, datas from 4792 subjects were included into analysis. Data were collected by using a self reported questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). The prevalence rate of RLS was determined by questionnaire datas and phone interviews. The effects of age, gender, economical status and body weight on RLS prevalence rate were analyzed. Mean ESS score was calculated. The effect of RLS on academic success, as measured by grade point average, was also assessed. The subjects were stratified as underweight, normal, overweight and obese according to the body mass index and the RLS prevalence rate was compared among groups. RESULTS: The RLS prevalence rate was determined to be 2.9% among adolescents aged 13-16years in the study group. It was found that gender and economical status had no significant effect on RLS prevalence. Mean age at symptom onset was 11.4years of age. There was a positive family history in 11.3% of subjects. Mean body mass index (BMI) was found to be significantly higher in subjects with RLS (21.5±3.8 vs. 20.5±3.2). Academic success (72.0±11.2 vs. 77.0±12.0) was found to be poorer and daytime sleepiness level, as measured by ESS (11.4±3.9 vs. 6.3±4.0), was found to be higher in subjects with RLS. CONCLUSION: The RLS prevalence rate was 2.9% in the study sample while gender and economical status had no significant effect on prevalence rate. The RLS, which results in decreased sleep quality and academic success, is an important disorder with a considerable prevalence in the population.

Health-related behaviors and nutritional status of adolescents who study asboarders and day-students.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Boarders and day-students study together in regional boarding schools. This study was carried out to compare the health and nutritional status of boarders and day-students who study at regional boarding schools in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 634 boarders and 492 day-students in the 4th-8th years of nine boarding schools in Giresun Province of Turkey were included. A questionnaire including 49 questions about sociodemographic characteristics and health and nutritional status was completed by the students. Height and weight measurements of the students were also taken. The chi-square test was used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The boarders evaluated their health status as worse than the day-students. The proportion of the students having three meals a day was higher among the boarders than the day-students. According to BMI values, 11% of the boarders were evaluated as underweight, 77% as normal, 9.5% as overweight, and 2.5% as obese. These proportions were respectively 15.5%, 67.3%, 12.8%. and 4.5% for the day-students. CONCLUSION: The boarders have more regular diets and the proportion of normal-weighed boarders was higher than that of the day-students. However, they perceived their health as worse than the day-tudents.

Knowledge and Attitudes of Medical and Non-Medical Turkish University Students about Cervical Cancer and HPV Vaccination.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination of students studying in various faculties of Erciyes University. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed among the first and fourth grade students of Medicine, Theology, Education and Economics and Administrative Sciences (FEAS) faculties of Erciyes University. It was aimed to reach 1,073 students and 718 were evaluated. A questionnaire consisting of 48 questions related to the socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge, attitude and practices about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was administered to the students. The chi-square test and logistic regression were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: Of the students, 78.3% were aware of cervical cancer, while 36.1% of them were aware of the HPV vaccine. The percentage hearing about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination was significantly higher among the students of the medical faculty than the others and among fourth grade students comparing with the first grade. The marital status and the presence of a health worker in the family had no significant impact on the knowledge level of the students. The acceptability of the HPV vaccination was low among all students. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge levels of the university students about cervical cancer and HPV vaccination are inadequate. This deficiency is more pronounced among the non-medical students and there is no significant increase during the faculty years. Non-medical students must be provided with information about important public health issues by elective courses. HPV vaccination could provide many benefits for men and women by decreasing the morbidity and mortality of cervical, anal, and penile cancers.

Breast and Cervical Cancer Related Practices of Female Doctors and Nurses Working at a University Hospital in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Breast and cervical cancers are among the most frequent and most fatal cancers in women. Life span of patients may be increased and quality of life improved through early diagnosis and treatment. This investigation was performed in order to determine knowledge and practices of female health personnel working at a university hospital regarding breast and cervical cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive investigation was performed in Erciyes University Hospitals in 2014. A total of 524 female health personnel were included in the study. Data were collected through a questionnaire of 36 questions prepared by the researchers. The Chi square test and logistic regression were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 32.8±6.9 years, 18.3% being doctors and 81.7% nurses. Of the study group, 60.5% stated that they performed self breast-examination, 4.4% underwent HPV testing, 26.3% thought about taking an HPV test, 34.7% of those who are 40 years and over had mammography regularly and 19.5% of those who were married had a Pap smear conducted regularly. Most important causes of not performing the methods for early diagnosis of breast and cervical cancers are "forget and neglect". CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that female doctors and nurses do not pay sufficient attention to screening programs for breast and cervical cancers. The importance of early diagnosis and treatment should be emphasized during the undergraduate education and in-service training programs. Health condition of personnel and their utilization of preventive health care should be followed by occupational physicians.

Association between some educational indicators and dental caries experience of 12-year-old children in developing countries: an ecological approach.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between some educational indicators and dental caries experience of 12-year-old children in developing countries. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN: The ecological association between DMFT levels amongst 12 year olds (DMFT-12 index) with six educational indicators (adult literacy rate, mean years of schooling, pupil-teacher ratio for primary level, educational expenditure as a percentage of gross national product, primary enrollment ratio and percent completing primary level) has been studied using developing countries as the unit of analysis. Pearson's correlation analysis and stepwise linear multiple regression technique were used to identify the significantly associated educational indicators with the DMFT-12 index. RESULTS: A negative association between DMFT-12 index and percent completing primary education level has been observed (r = -0.509; p < 0.01). Also, stepwise regression analysis results have shown that only percent completing primary level education is significantly associated with DMFT-12 index scores (partial regression coefficient = -0.042; 95% confidence intervals: -0.064, -0.021). CONCLUSION: Dental caries experience of 12-year-old children appears to be highest in countries with low percent of primary level completion. Percent completing primary level education may be considered a good predictor of DMFT-12 index in developing countries.

Entropy-functional-based online adaptive decision fusion framework with application to wildfire detection in video.

In this paper, an entropy-functional-based online adaptive decision fusion (EADF) framework is developed for image analysis and computer vision applications. In this framework, it is assumed that the compound algorithm consists of several subalgorithms, each of which yields its own decision as a real number centered around zero, representing the confidence level of that particular subalgorithm. Decision values are linearly combined with weights that are updated online according to an active fusion method based on performing entropic projections onto convex sets describing subalgorithms. It is assumed that there is an oracle, who is usually a human operator, providing feedback to the decision fusion method. A video-based wildfire detection system was developed to evaluate the performance of the decision fusion algorithm. In this case, image data arrive sequentially, and the oracle is the security guard of the forest lookout tower, verifying the decision of the combined algorithm. The simulation results are presented.

Comparison of life quality of pregnant adolescents with that of pregnant adults in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the quality of life of pregnant adolescents aged < 20 years and pregnant adults aged between 20-29 years, to evaluate the effects of gestational periods on the quality of life, and to compare the quality of life scores of pregnant adolescents and adults. METHODS: This study was performed in Turkey in 2007. Totally, 147 pregnant adolescents aged < 20 years and 156 pregnant adults aged between 20 and 29 years were included. A questionnaire on socio-demographic and obstetric characteristics was administered by face-to-face interviewing method, and Short Form-36 scale was applied. RESULTS: The mean quality of life scores ranged between 44.2 and 56.1 points for the adolescents and between 44.6 and 59.9 points for the adults. All quality of life scores, except bodily pain, were lower for adolescents than for adults. It was determined that the quality of life scores in pregnancy were generally lower in the first trimester, significantly increased in the second trimester, and decreased to the lowest level in the third trimester. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life scores of the pregnant adolescents were significantly lower than the pregnant adults. Physical care, support, and education programs may be beneficial to increase the quality of life levels in pregnancy.

Waterpipe (narghile) smoking among medical and non-medical university students in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: This investigation was performed in order to determine the prevalence rate of waterpipe smoking in students of Erciyes University and the effects of some socio-demographic factors. METHODS: A total of 645 students who study the first three grades of the medical faculty and the engineering faculty of Erciyes University were enrolled in the study. A questionnaire including 48 questions was applied. Chi-square test and logistic regression method were performed for the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The total prevalence rate of waterpipe smoking was found to be 32.7%. The prevalence rate of waterpipe smoking was 28.6% in the medical and 37.5% in the non-medical students. It was determined that 41.6% of the males and 20.2% of the females currently smoke waterpipe. Gender, cigarette smoking, and the presence of waterpipe smokers among family members and friends have significant effects on the prevalence of waterpipe smoking. Residence and economical status of the family and with whom the students live have no significant effect on the prevalence rate. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-third of the students currently smoke waterpipe. Smoking of both cigarette and waterpipe was frequently found. The measures against all tobacco products should be combined.

State and trait anxiety levels of childless women in Kayseri, Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence rate of primary infertility in the provincial centre of Kayseri, the state-trait anxiety levels of childless women and the impact of some factors on the anxiety levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The investigation was carried out in the Kayseri province of Turkey. A sample group of 2400 married women aged 15-49 was visited at home and couples with primary infertility were identified. The female partners of these couples were included in the study group and were called 'childless women'. A control group was made up of women, with at least one child, who were of similar ages and resided in similar conditions as the study group. The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory was applied to the study group of 150 childless women, and the age and residence matched control group. RESULTS: The prevalence of primary infertility in the area was found to be 6.3%. Of the childless women, 89.3% had consulted a physician for diagnosis or treatment of infertility and 66.6% had applied traditional remedies in order to conceive. State anxiety scores had mean values of 43.3 and 31.4 in the study and control groups, respectively. The trait anxiety scores were higher with values of 49.5 and 45.1, respectively. The impact of childlessness on the state and trait anxiety levels was statistically significant. The duration of marriage was a significant predictor of the trait anxiety score. The impact of the educational level of the women and that of the husband's support on the trait anxiety score were also found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The state and trait anxiety scores among childless women were higher than in controls. The trait anxiety scores among childless women increased with the duration of their marriage. The educational level of the childless women and the husband's support may affect anxiety levels.