Use and Effectiveness of Innovative Virtual Reality Application in Teaching Fetal Development: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Virtual reality-based training is effective. It is increasingly used by multiple disciplines to develop observation and critical skills, including engineering, education, arts, and health. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the application created with Fetal Development Application Created by Virtual Reality Technology, which was developed to teach fetal development. The study was conducted in a single-blind, randomized fashion. Undergraduate midwifery students who took normal pregnancy lessons and learned fetal development were included. Eighty-four students were included in the experimental (n = 42) and control (n = 42) groups. Before the training, a personal information form and a pretest were applied to both groups. After the pretest, the experimental group received Fetal Development Application Created by Virtual Reality Technology, and the control group received 2 hours of theory training. Posttest was applied to both groups 6 weeks after the application. Preintervention scores were similar for the two groups. The posttest score of the experimental group was statistically significant compared with that of the control group ( P < .05). The mean cognitive load score of the experimental group was 1.09 ± 0.29, and the application did not create a cognitive load. The innovative application of Fetal Development Application Created by Virtual Reality Technology is an effective and applicable method in teaching fetal development in midwifery education.

Effects of oxytocin induction on early postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding: a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the postpartum hemorrhage, perineal integrity, and breastfeeding results of mothers who underwent oxytocin induction in the first stage of labor in the early postpartum period. METHODS: This single-center observational case-control study was conducted in the obstetric unit of a public hospital in Istanbul. The study sampling included 44 pregnant women who received oxytocin induction (case group) and 44 pregnant women who did not receive oxytocin (control group). The Personal Information Form, LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale, and Postpartum Hemorrhage Collection Bag were used in data collection, and pad follow-up was carried out. RESULTS: The amount of hemorrhage in the first 24 h of the postpartum period and the mean Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation Scale score were significantly higher in the case group. While 47.7% of the oxytocin-induced women had 1st or 2nd, and 11.4% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations, 20.5% of the control group had 1st or 2nd, and 2.3% had 3rd or 4th degrees of lacerations. There was no significant difference between the mean scores of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale and LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool in both groups. CONCLUSION: According to the study findings, it was determined that oxytocin induction administered in the first stage of labor increased hemorrhage and perineal trauma in the early postpartum period but did not affect the results of breastfeeding. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04441125.

Effect of Acupressure at PC6 on Nausea and Vomiting During Pregnancy: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Nausea and vomiting are among the most common medical problems during pregnancy, affecting 80% of mothers. Objectives: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study to determine the effect of acupressure applied by a wristband to the pericardium 6 (PC6) point on nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Methods: The study population consisted of 74 pregnant women between 6-14 weeks of gestation who were experiencing nausea and vomiting. The study data was collected with personal information from the Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis Scale (PUQE). Experimental and control groups were selected by a simple random method. The experimental group wore acupressure wristbands for one week, while the control group did not use any method to alleviate nausea and vomiting. One week later, the PUQE scale was applied to both groups. Results: The acupressure wristbands decreased the nausea and vomiting scores of the pregnant women in the experimental group without statistical significance but did not change the nausea and vomiting scores of the pregnant women in the control group. Conclusion: Acupressure wristbands can be used to prevent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.

Compassion fatigue and moral sensitivity in midwives in COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted compassion fatigue and the mental health of health care providers, particularly midwives and nurses. Although there are studies involving health workers such as nurses and physicians affected by the pandemic's compassion fatigue, few studies include midwives. RESEARCH OBJECTIVE: The present study seeks to investigate the effects of compassion fatigue experienced by midwives working under intense stress during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on the level of moral sensitivity. RESEARCH DESIGN: This is a descriptive-correlation study. PARTICIPANTS: The statistical population consisted of all the midwives in Türkiye hospitals in 2021. This cross-sectional study was collected through a questionnaire using convenience sampling. Three hundred and ten midwives working in different units of the country participated in the study. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Approval from the researcher's university Institutional Review Board for ethical review was obtained with the code of IRB 20/510. FINDINGS: The average age of the midwives is 34.29 ± 8.39. It has been noticed that 43.5% of the midwives work in public hospitals and 38.1% in family health and community health centers. Midwives' mean MR-CS score is 67.11 ± 25.13, secondary trauma sub-dimension average 15.77 ± 6.23, and occupational burnout sub-dimension 40.69 ± 16.35. The mean moral sensitivity questionnaire score is determined as 93.86 ± 19.51. It has been observed that the working style and working time are effective on compassion fatigue. In the linear regression model, 98% of compassion fatigue was explained. Age, secondary trauma, and occupational burnout sub-dimensions affect the model. DISCUSSION: Working year, working style, second trauma, age, and occupational burnout parameters may help explain some of the links between midwives' symptoms of compassion fatigue. CONCLUSION: The pandemic affects the compassion fatigue of midwives. It is crucial to provide social support to midwives and health workers to prevent compassion fatigue and examine and control groups at risk in mental health.

Effects of skin-to-skin contact on afterpain and postpartum hemorrhage: A randomized controlled trial.

This study determined the effects of skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the infant during the third stage of labor on postpartum hemorrhage and pain. This assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with primiparous women. Skin-to-skin contact interventions between the infants and their mothers occurred for 30 min after birth (n = 34), whereas the infants in the control group were provided routine care (n = 34). Data were gathered using a Personal Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale-Pain, postpartum bleeding follow-up bags, and records of blood oxytocin and beta endorphin levels. There was no significant difference in beta-endorphin levels in both groups (p = 0.771), whereas it was determined that the 30th min oxytocin level was significantly higher in the intervention group (The Visual Analog Scale-Pain score at the postpartum sixth hour was significantly lower in the intervention group. It was found that skin-to-skin contact made at the third stage of labor reduced the amount of postpartum hemorrhage. The results of this study suggested that skin-to-skin contact intervention may have beneficial effects on postpartum pain and postpartum hemorrhage in the early postpartum period.

Outcomes of Cessation of Antiviral Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: Data on the efficacy and duration of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapies to prevent the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are scarce and heterogeneous. This study aimed to summarize the clinical and laboratory results of the patients with CHB infection who discontinued oral antiviral therapy. Methods: A single-centered cohort study was conducted with CHB infection. NUCs were discontinued in patients who were under viral suppression for at least two years with undetectable HBV DNA levels for 18 months. Risk factors for clinical relapse (CR) were evaluated. Results: A total of 77 patients were recruited. HBeAg status showed that 9.4% of the patients underwent HBeAg seroconversion with NUCs. HBeAg reversion was noted in four (31%) of these patients. Severe hepatitis, which resolved after antiviral therapy was restored, was reported in two out of 77 patients (4%). None of the patients with CR had clinical or biological signs of hepatic decompensation or died during the study period. Conclusions: We found no benefits of the discontinuation of antiviral therapy after viral suppression in patients with initially severe fibrotic HBV infection. In patients with mild to moderate fibrosis, cessation of antiviral treatment is not associated with adverse outcomes.

Female genital mutilation: Experiences, attitudes and perceptions of Somali female students living in Turkey.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions of Somali female students regarding female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred seventeen Somali female students participated in this qualitative study. The data were collected in semi-structured focus group interviews. FINDINGS: It was determined that most (49.9%) of these girls were exposed to type-2 FGM/C. Eighty-eight percent of the girls participating in the study stated that they support the continuation of this practice in future generations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: For risk groups in Turkey, organizing health education programs, training healthcare professionals in Turkey about FGM/C, and creating awareness are recommended.

Molecular Identification of HIV-1 in the Presence of Hepatitis B Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Co-infections

Background: Because of their similar modes of transmission, the simultaneous infection of viral hepatitis and human immunodeficiency virus are increasingly seen as a big problem related to human health. Aims: To determine the drug mutations in hepatitis B virus and/or hepatitis C virus co-infected human immunodeficiency virus-1 patients in Turkey. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: The present study was conducted between 2010 and 2017. HBsAg, anti-hepatitis C virus, and anti-human immunodeficiency virus were tested with ELISA. All anti-human immunodeficiency virus positive results by ELISA were verified for anti-human immunodeficiency virus positivity by a Western blot test, and Anti-human immunodeficiency virus positive patients with HBsAg and/or anti-hepatitis C virus positivity were included in the study. Subtyping and genotypic resistance analyses were performed by population sequencing of the viral protease and reverse transcriptase regions of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 pol gene. Results: We detected 3896 human immunodeficiency virus-1 positive patients whose sera were sent from numerous hospitals across the country to our polymerase chain reaction unit for detection of drug resistance mutations and whose molecular laboratory tests were completed. Viral hepatitis co-infections were detected in 4.3% (n=170) of patients. Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus co-infection were observed in 3.2% and 0.5% of all human immunodeficiency virus-1 infected patients, respectively. The major human immunodeficiency virus-1 subtype detected was group M, subtype B (62.9%). However, 13.5% of drug resistance mutation motifs were found in human immunodeficiency virus-1 genomes of patients included in the study. Conclusion: Due to similar transmission routes, HIV1 patients are at risk of hepatitis B and C virus co-infection. However, antiretroviral drug resistance mutation model is similar to patients with hepatitis negative.

Factors associated with infertility distress of infertile women: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Women undergoing infertility treatment may suffer infertility distress. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with infertility distress in women with infertility problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women (N = 368) who received infertility treatment and agreed to participate in the study constituted the sample of this cross-sectional descriptive study. The participants filled out the "Descriptive Information Form on Women with Infertility" and the "Infertility Distress Scale (IDS)". The data analysis of the study was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-20.0). The statistical significance was accepted to be p < .05. RESULTS: It was found out that the mean IDS score of women was 37.4 ± 9.96 (min: 21-max: 80). A significant difference was found between women's educational level, employment status, difficulty in taking time off work, economic situation, the person who paid for treatment expenses and cause of infertility and mean IDS scores (p < .05). No significant relationship was found between women's social security, family type, having children and previous infertility treatment and mean IDS scores (p > .05). A positive and statistically significant linear relationship was found between the IDS score and marriage duration, desiring time for a baby and duration of infertility treatment (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed that the infertility distress level increased as the marriage duration, desiring time for a baby and the duration of infertility treatment of women admitted to the infertility clinic increased. Infertile women should be provided with care and support by considering these variables.

Attitudes, beliefs and comfort levels of midwifery students regarding sexual counselling in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: this aim of this study was to determine midwifery students' attitudes and beliefs regarding sexual counselling, the factors preventing effective sexual counselling and comfort levels towards sexual counselling. PARTICIPANTS: the study was conducted with 650 students studying in the midwifery departments of eight universities in Turkey (response rate 59.1%). DESIGN: the data were obtained through a self-administered questionnaire in early 2016, which collected sociodemographic characteristics and comfort levels, and used the Sexuality Attitudes and Beliefs Survey. FINDINGS: just over half (52.4%) of the students had been confronted in clinical practice with caring for a woman who reported having sexual problems and 74.9% reported that the women they were caring for requested sexual counselling from them. Just under a half (48.8%), stated that midwives talk about these issues during care and a similar proportion (48.3%) reported that issues about sexual counselling were part of their midwifery education. Just over half (53.5%) of the midwifery students stated that sexuality is a very special subject to discuss with women but that insufficient time created a barrier to being able to discuss sexual problems. The students did not feel comfortable counselling all women, including homosexual women or sex workers who may be potentially carrying HIV. CONCLUSIONS: even though the attitudes of midwifery students toward sexual counselling were good, students were not always comfortable to provide counselling, especially to particular groups of women. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: attitudes, beliefs and comfort levels of midwifery students about sexuality and sexual counselling can be improved. Students are an important group to target as they are specialised in women's health, Different groups should be supported through training concerning sexual counselling.

The Effect of Acupressure Applied to Point LI4 on Perceived Labor Pains.

Controlling labor pain is one of the basic goals for caregivers during the birthing process. There are many pharmacological and nonpharmacological methods that are used for controlling pain and helping the mother to cope with pain and have a favorable labor. The study was planned as a randomized, controlled experimental study to detect the effect of acupressure applied to Point LI4 on perceived labor pains. The study sample comprised 88 pregnant women (44 acupressure group, 44 control group), who complied with the study guidelines, agreed with the conditions of the study, and signed the informed consent. Acupressure was applied to the study group when cervical dilatation reached 4 to 5 cm and again when cervical dilation was 7 to 8 cm. Acupressure was applied to Point LI4 on both the hands at the same time from the beginning to the end of the contraction (16 times). Evaluation with the visual analog scale was made 6 times: when the pregnant woman was first admitted to the hospital, before and after acupressure, and within 2 hours after delivery. The control group received routine care. There were statistically significant differences between the groups in subjective labor pain scores (P < .0001). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of total duration of labor. As shown from our study, applying acupressure to Point LI4 was found to be effective in decreasing the perception of labor pains and shortening the labor (P < .05). Mothers were pleased with this treatment, but they found it insufficient to control their pain.

Protease Inhibitors Drug Resistance Mutations in Turkish Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND: Drug resistance development is an expected problem during treatment with protease inhibitors (PIs), this is largely due to the fact that Pls are low-genetic barrier drugs. Resistance-associated variants (RAVs) however may also occur naturally, and prior to treatment with Pls, the clinical impact of this basal resistance remains unknown. In Turkey, there is yet to be an investigation into the hepatitis C (HCV) drug associated resistance to oral antivirals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 178 antiviral-naïve patients infected with HCV genotype 1 were selected from 27 clinical centers of various geographical regions in Turkey and included in the current study. The basal NS3 Pls resistance mutations of these patients were analyzed. RESULTS: In 33 (18.5%) of the patients included in the study, at least one mutation pattern that can cause drug resistance was identified. The most frequently detected mutation pattern was T54S while R109K was the second most frequently detected. Following a more general examination of the patients studied, telaprevir (TVR) resistance in 27 patients (15.2%), boceprevir (BOC) resistance in 26 (14.6%) patients, simeprevir (SMV) resistance in 11 (6.2%) patients and faldaprevir resistance in 13 (7.3%) patients were detected. Our investigation also revealed that rebound developed in the presence of a Q80K mutation and amongst two V55A mutations following treatment with TVR, while no response to treatment was detected in a patient with a R55K mutation. CONCLUSION: We are of the opinion that drug resistance analyses can be beneficial and necessary in revealing which variants are responsible for pre-treatment natural resistance and which mutations are responsible for the viral breakthrough that may develop during the treatment.

Changes in HIV demographic patterns in a low prevalence population: no evidence of a shift towards men who have sex with men.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the changes in HIV demographics over time in an exceptionally low prevalence population, with particular emphasis on men who have sex with men (MSM). METHODS: A total of 1292 newly diagnosed HIV-positive patients registered in the ACTHIV-IST Study Group database between 2000 and 2014 were included. The changes occurring over time in the characteristics of patients at the time of initial admission were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: A gradual increase in the total number of newly diagnosed patients was evident during the study period; however, it was not possible to show an increase in the proportion of MSM within the study population (p=0.63). There was a male predominance throughout the study (85% vs. 15%), with further increases in the proportion of males in recent years. The mean age was lower at the end of the study (p<0.05) and there was an increase in the number of unmarried patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual preference patterns of HIV patients in extremely low prevalence populations may be different, possibly due to an early phase of the epidemic. Nevertheless, MSM still represent a target subgroup for interventions, since they account for a substantial proportion of cases and a resurgent epidemic may be expected among this group in later phases of the epidemic.

Predictors of fatality in pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus infection among adults.

BACKGROUND: The fatality attributed to pandemic influenza A H1N1 was not clear in the literature. We described the predictors for fatality related to pandemic influenza A H1N1 infection among hospitalized adult patients. METHODS: This is a multicenter study performed during the pandemic influenza A H1N1 [A(H1N1)pdm09] outbreak which occurred in 2009 and 2010. Analysis was performed among laboratory confirmed patients. Multivariate analysis was performed for the predictors of fatality. RESULTS: In the second wave of the pandemic, 848 adult patients were hospitalized because of suspected influenza, 45 out of 848 (5.3%) died, with 75% of fatalities occurring within the first 2 weeks of hospitalization. Among the 241 laboratory confirmed A(H1N1)pdm09 patients, the case fatality rate was 9%. In a multivariate logistic regression model that was performed for the fatalities within 14 days after admission, early use of neuraminidase inhibitors was found to be protective (Odds ratio: 0.17, confidence interval: 0.03-0.77, p=0.022), nosocomial infections (OR: 5.7, CI: 1.84-18, p=0.013), presence of malignant disease (OR: 3.8, CI: 0.66-22.01, p=0.133) significantly increased the likelihood of fatality. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of the infection, allowing opportunity for the early use of neuraminidase inhibitors, was found to be important for prevention of fatality. Nosocomial bacterial infections and underlying malignant diseases increased the rate of fatality.

Prevalence of nocturnal enuresis and related factors in children aged 5-13 in istanbul.

OBJECTIVE: Enuresis is a health problem frequently encountered in childhood. This study was carried out in two socio-demographically different districts of the province of Istanbul, for the purpose of determining the relationship between the prevalence of primary nocturnal enuresis and certain demographic characteristics. METHODS: The study design is a cross-sectional carried out on 420 children (5 to 13 yr old) through random sampling. The research was conducted at two health centers in two different districts in the province of Istanbul. Data was collected with a questionnaire created by the researchers. Diagnosis of enuresis considered nocturnal voiding twice a week for at least three consecutive months. FINDINGS: Enuresis was a complaint expressed by 16.2% of the cases in the study group; 8.3% reported intermittent bedwetting. The data collected in the two districts pointed to a significant difference in terms of the frequency of enuresis in favor of the district where socio-demographic features were inferior (P<0.005). When family histories were explored in cases of children with enuresis, it was found that the mothers of 76.2% had the problem of enuresis while 14.9% had enuretic fathers. Thus statistically, the presence of enuresis in the family history was seen to have had a markedly significant impact on the occurrence of enuresis in the child (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that familial predisposition to the condition constituted a more significant risk factor for enuresis compared to socio-demographic or economic characteristics.

The Level of Knowledge and Behavior of Adolescent Male and Female Students in Turkey on the Matter of Reproductive Health.

In this research, the objective is to determine the level of knowledge, the sources of information and the behavior of adolescent male and female students in Turkey on the matter of reproductive health. The sample is comprised of 600 students randomly chosen from four different elementary schools. The survey form was used for data collection. In analyzing the data, we calculated averages and performed Chi-square tests. We determined that 82.3% of the students are aware of the changes in their own bodies, and 69.2% of them have knowledge about the place and the functions of their reproductive organs. We found established that 55.2% of the students have knowledge about puberty prior to this phase, and girls attain this knowledge mostly (78.2%) through their mothers, whereas boys (25.4%) attain it from the media. We found significant differences between boys and girls, including the following: the level of disturbance caused by puberty symptoms, the individuals informed about the symptoms, the feelings and the style of dress in puberty, and situations such as being happy or unhappy about the symptoms differ according to the sex of the student. These findings are statistically significant (p < 0.00). It is observed that the perception of puberty symptoms is different for boys and girls, and the girls are more open to communicate with their mothers, while the boys are more open to communicate with their friends.

A cluster of acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis over a 1-month period: investigation of an outbreak caused by uncommon species.

AIM: To report the clinical course, treatment response and prognosis of eight cases which developed acute-onset postoperative endophthalmitis over a 1-month period. METHODS: 8 patients who were operated on over a period of 1 month and developed acute postoperative endophthalmitis were evaluated. Five of the patients had cataract surgery, one had cataract surgery combined with silicone extraction, and two patients had pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Clinical patterns were observed, intraocular cultures were obtained, and the source of the organisms causing the epidemic was investigated. All patients had intravitreal antibiotic injections, three had PPV, and in two patients anterior chamber irrigation was performed. RESULTS: Vitreous cultures showed Cellulosimicrobium cellulans in three cases and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in one case. Four of the cases were culture negative. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia were also isolated from unused bottles of irrigating solutions. The final visual acuity of the patients ranged between HM and 7/10. All three patients with Cellulosimicrobium cellulans had a final visual acuity of ≥ 5/10. The available irrigating solutions were changed, and the endophthalmitis did not recur. CONCLUSIONS: The authors are unaware of any previous reports of postoperative endophthalmitis associated with Cellulosimicrobium cellulans. Prompt management with microbiological support, intravitreal antibiotics and PPV when needed were the key to good visual outcomes in this endophthalmitis outbreak.

Midwifery students' demographic characteristics and the effect of clinical education on preparation for professional life in Turkey.

This descriptive study was planned for the purpose of evaluating the effect of clinical education at Istanbul University Bakirköy School of Health, Midwifery Division, on the preparation of senior midwifery students for their professional lives. The sample comprised a total of 230 students in the final year of midwifery school who agreed to participate in the research during the academic years 2003-2004, 2004-2005, 2005-2006, and 2006-2007. Data was collected with a 27-item questionnaire prepared by the researcher. Percentages, Fischer and Chi-square tests were used in the data analysis. According to the research findings, the majority of the students had graduated from high school (78.7%) and lived together with their families (52.2%). The majority of the students thought that the choices for clinical areas were appropriate (51/3%), wanted the internship in their last year to continue (92.2%) and thought that having clinical education on night shifts was beneficial (77.4%). There were statistically significant differences in students' opinions about internship according to the Fisher and Chi-square tests. In addition, the students had positive opinions about the integrated clinical practice that was a significant part of their clinical education. Statistically significant differences were determined in their positive opinions according to the Chi square test (X(2) = 70; p < 0.001, DF = 6). The students stated that after graduation, they felt they were most prepared to be a ward midwife (80.9%), a ward head midwife (64.3%), and teacher (56.5%). Statistically significant differences were seen in the statements of the students about what they felt prepared to do after graduation according to the Chi square test (X(2) =227; p < 0.001, DF = 5). It was determined that the students included in the sample had positive opinions and experiences associated with clinical education and that they stated that they were prepared for the profession of midwifery.

[Investigation of the relationship between hepatitis c virus (HCV) genotypes with HCV-RNA and alanine aminotransferase levels in chronic hepatitis c patients]. / Kronik hepatit c'li hastalarda hepatit c virusu (HCV) genotipleri ile alanin aminotransferaz ve HCV-RNA düzeyleri arasindaki iliskinin arastirilmasi.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are of particular importance owing to its high frequency of chronicity, leading to hepatic failure, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the distribution of HCV genotypes in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection at our region and to investigate the relation between genotypes and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HCV-RNA levels. Serum samples from 52 patients (26 females, 26 males; mean age: 51.07 +/- 13.13 years) with chronic HCV infection were analyzed in this study. Viral genotypes were determined by using the Versant HCV genotype assay (LiPA) 2.0 system (Bayer HealthCare LLC, USA) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Quantitative HCV-RNA assay was performed by a commercial real-time PCR method (Abbott Molecular Inc., USA). Genotype 1b was observed in 76.9% (n = 40), genotype 3a in 9.6% (n = 5), genotype 4e in 5.7% (n = 3), genotype 2a/2c in 3.8% (n = 2), genotype 1a in 1.9% (n = 1) and genotype 4 in 1.9% (n = 1) of the 52 patients. No statistically significant difference was detected between HCV genotypes and HCV-RNA quantities (p = 0.840; p > 0.05) and serum ALT levels (p = 0.512; p > 0.05). The mean age of the patients infected with genotype 1 (51.4 +/- 12.6 years) we e statistically significantly higher than the mean age of the patients infected with type 2 and 3 (37.8 +/- 12.3 years), (p = 0.023). However, no statistically significant difference was detected for the mean age of genotype 4 infected patients (41.7 +/- 4.5 years), (p > 0.05). These results indicated that the HCV genotype distribution observed in this study was similar to the other results obtained in Turkey and there were no association between HCV genotypes and serum ALT and HCV-RNA quantities.

Evaluation of the birthweight values of newborns presenting at the Mother-Child Health and Family Planning Center in Yenibosna, Istanbul, Turkey.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of a number of variables related to the mother (age, educational level, employment status, cigarette smoking during pregnancy) and to the baby (sex and birth order) on newborns' birthweight. The research was carried out in the province of Istanbul, one of Turkey's large metropolises, at the Mother-Child Health and Family Planning Center in the district of Yenibosna, where 0-1 month old infants had been brought in for phenylketonuria screening and vaccinations. The mean age of the mothers was 26.1 +/- 4.8 years and the mean birthweight of the newborns was 3236.7 +/- 542.2 g. Of the infants, 6.3% were classified as having a low birthweight and 8.3% were large infants. The mean birthweight showed a statistical significance depending upon the infants' sex and birth order. The mean birthweight of the infants of the working mothers, as opposed to the unemployed mothers and the mothers in nuclear families, as opposed to the mothers in extended families, was higher.