Neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhages: the potential of quantitative brainstem MRI.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective study aimed to identify quantitative magnetic resonance imaging markers in the brainstem of preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhages. It delves into the intricate associations between quantitative brainstem magnetic resonance imaging metrics and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage, aiming to elucidate potential relationships and their clinical implications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Neuroimaging was performed on preterm neonates with intraventricular hemorrhage using a multi-dynamic multi-echo sequence to determine T1 relaxation time, T2 relaxation time, and proton density in specific brainstem regions. Neonatal outcome scores were collected using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development. Statistical analysis aimed to explore potential correlations between magnetic resonance imaging metrics and neurodevelopmental outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty preterm neonates (mean gestational age at birth 26.26 ± 2.69 wk; n = 24 [40%] females) were included. The T2 relaxation time of the midbrain exhibited significant positive correlations with cognitive (r = 0.538, P < 0.0001, Pearson's correlation), motor (r = 0.530, P < 0.0001), and language (r = 0.449, P = 0.0008) composite scores at 1 yr of age. CONCLUSION: Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging can provide valuable insights into neurodevelopmental outcomes after intraventricular hemorrhage, potentially aiding in identifying at-risk neonates. Multi-dynamic multi-echo sequence sequences hold promise as an adjunct to conventional sequences, enhancing the sensitivity of neonatal magnetic resonance neuroimaging and supporting clinical decision-making for these vulnerable patients.

Multi-Dynamic-Multi-Echo-based MRI for the Pre-Surgical Determination of Sellar Tumor Consistency: a Quantitative Approach for Predicting Lesion Resectability.

PURPOSE: Pre-surgical information about tumor consistency could facilitate neurosurgical planning. This study used multi-dynamic-multi-echo (MDME)-based relaxometry for the quantitative determination of pituitary tumor consistency, with the aim of predicting lesion resectability. METHODS: Seventy-two patients with suspected pituitary adenomas, who underwent preoperative 3 T MRI between January 2020 and January 2022, were included in this prospective study. Lesion-specific T1-/T2-relaxation times (T1R/T2R) and proton density (PD) metrics were determined. During surgery, data about tumor resectability were collected. A Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic performance (sensitivity/specificity) for discriminating between easy- and hard-to-remove by aspiration (eRAsp and hRAsp) lesions. A Mann-Whitney-U-test was done for group comparison. RESULTS: A total of 65 participants (mean age, 54 years ± 15, 33 women) were enrolled in the quantitative analysis. Twenty-four lesions were classified as hRAsp, while 41 lesions were assessed as eRAsp. There were significant differences in T1R (hRAsp: 1221.0 ms ± 211.9; eRAsp: 1500.2 ms ±â€¯496.4; p = 0.003) and T2R (hRAsp: 88.8 ms ± 14.5; eRAsp: 137.2 ms ± 166.6; p = 0.03) between both groups. The ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.60-0.85) at p = 0.003 for T1R (cutoff value: 1248 ms; sensitivity/specificity: 78%/58%) and 0.66 (95% CI: 0.53-0.79) at p = 0.03 for T2R (cutoff value: 110 ms; sensitivity/specificity: 39%/96%). CONCLUSION: MDME-based relaxometry enables a non-invasive, pre-surgical characterization of lesion consistency and, therefore, provides a modality with which to predict tumor resectability.

Investigation the relationship between xenophobic attitude and intercultural sensitivity level in nurses.

OBJECTIVE: The level of intercultural sensitivity is important for nurses to approach the individual's culture in care and treatment without prejudice. In this study, it was aimed to determine the effect of nurses' intercultural sensitivity level on xenophobic attitude. METHODS: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Van Training and Research Hospital between January and June 2022. The Introductory Information Form, the Xenophobia Scale, and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale were used to collect the research data. SPSS-25 package program and R programming language 4.1.3 are used. RESULTS: This study was conducted with 235 nurses. According to the findings obtained in our study, the regression model determine the effect of intercultural sensitivity on xenophobia level was found to be F(1,233) = 69.857, p = 0.001, and 23.1 % (R2 = 0.231) of the variance in the dependent variable was explained by the independent variable. Intercultural sensitivity has a negative and significant effect on the level of xenophobia (ß = -0.480; t (233) = -8.358, p = 0.001). When comparing the performance of all variables with machine learning algorithms for the prediction model, the best performing algorithm was found to be Random Forest (RF). The contributions of these variables to the model were calculated with Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) values. The most important variables that should be included in the model to predict the xenophobia variable are the respect for cultural differences sub-dimension and intercultural sensitivity variables. CONCLUSION: It was determined that as the level of intercultural sensitivity of the nurses increased, their xenophobic attitudes decreased. Longitudinal studies on xenophobic attitude in nurses are recommended. It is recommended to make predictions with different machine learning models.

Segmentation and classification of skin burn images with artificial intelligence: Development of a mobile application.

AIM: This study was conducted to determine the segmentation, classification, object detection, and accuracy of skin burn images using artificial intelligence and a mobile application. With this study, individuals were able to determine the degree of burns and see how to intervene through the mobile application. METHODS: This research was conducted between 26.10.2021-01.09.2023. In this study, the dataset was handled in two stages. In the first stage, the open-access dataset was taken from https://universe.roboflow.com/, and the burn images dataset was created. In the second stage, in order to determine the accuracy of the developed system and artificial intelligence model, the patients admitted to the hospital were identified with our own design Burn Wound Detection Android application. RESULTS: In our study, YOLO V7 architecture was used for segmentation, classification, and object detection. There are 21018 data in this study, and 80% of them are used as training data, and 20% of them are used as test data. The YOLO V7 model achieved a success rate of 75.12% on the test data. The Burn Wound Detection Android mobile application that we developed in the study was used to accurately detect images of individuals. CONCLUSION: In this study, skin burn images were segmented, classified, object detected, and a mobile application was developed using artificial intelligence. First aid is crucial in burn cases, and it is an important development for public health that people living in the periphery can quickly determine the degree of burn through the mobile application and provide first aid according to the instructions of the mobile application.

Investigation of the effect of Ramadan fasting on serum levels of melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin: the case of Turkey.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of Ramadan fasting on melatonin, cortisol, and serotonin levels. METHODS: In this study, the blood of 19 healthy male individuals between the ages of 26 and 51, registered in Agri (Turkey) Family Health Center and fasting during Ramadan, was studied. The study was carried out in 2021-2022. The SPSS-22 package program was used in the analysis of the data. Wilcoxon analysis was used in the study. RESULTS: It was determined that the pre-test-post-test melatonin and cortisol levels of the individuals were not statistically significant (p>0.05). It was determined that the pre-test-post-test serotonin difference of the individuals was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It has been determined that Ramadan fasting increases the serotonin level of individuals but does not change the levels of melatonin and cortisol. It was determined that the level of happiness of individuals increased after Ramadan fasting. Longitudinal studies on the effects of Ramadan fasting are recommended.

The effect of rumination and elder abuse level on successful aging in elderly individuals: Analysis with a machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effect of rumination and elder abuse levels on successful aging in elderly individuals. METHODS: This descriptive-correlational study was conducted with older individuals (n = 297) in Agri, Turkey, between October 2021 and May 2022. SPSS-22 and R v.4.1.3 were used in the study. Analysis was done with machine learning and artificial neural networks. RESULTS: In the study, the mean age of the older individuals was 67.49 ± 3.04. Statistical estimates showed the regression model to be significant and usable, F(2,294) = 116.659, P = 0.001. Elder abuse and ruminative thought levels together explained 43.9% of the total variance (R2 = 0.439) of successful aging. The regression model indicated that increases in both the elder abuse level (t = -3.672, P < 0.001) and the ruminative thought level (t = -12.771, P < 0.001) of participants caused a statistically significant decrease in the successful aging level. The combined elder abuse and ruminative thought levels had a greater effect on successful aging (Model 1: F = 45.321, Model 2: F = 116.659, R2 Change = 0.309). The R2 value of the Random Forest regression model was 0.529, showing that the independent variables could explain 52.92% of the variation in the dependent variable. According to the SHapley Additive exPlanation values, which show the contribution or importance of each variable in the estimation of the model, it was determined that the most important variables for estimating the Successful Aging Scale variable were ruminative thought style and elder abuse screening. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that a decrease in the levels of rumination and elder abuse could lead to improvement in successful aging. Longitudinal studies on successful aging in older individuals are recommended.

Determining the correlation between old age adaptation, aging in place and depression in older adults: A descriptive correlational study.

We conducted this study to determine the correlation between old age adaptation, aging in place, and depression in older adults. We carried out the descriptive correlational study with older adults (n:319) Agri Provincial Directorate of Health between October 2021 and April 2022. "SPSS 25 and Amos 23 programs" were used in the analysis of the data. Python 3.11.1, Microsoft Power BI programs were used for machine learning and graphical visualizations. In the study, it was determined that the model for the relationship between aging at a place level, adaptation difficulty in older adults level, and geriatric depression level was significant (F(2,316) = 37.002, p = 0.001). The aging in place level and the adaptation difficulty in older adults level explain 18.5% of the total variance of the level of geriatric depression. In the regression model, it was determined that the increase in the level of aging in place (t = -6.081, p < 0.001) and the decrease in the level of adaptation difficulty in older adults (t = 4.107, p < 0.001) of the participants caused a statistical decrease in the level of "Geriatric Depression." It has been determined that adaptation difficulty in older adults has a moderator role in the relationship between geriatric depression level and aging in place level. In our data set, while the estimate of the presence of depression was 40 % with logistic regression analysis, it was 97 % with Random Forest. The study determined that as the level of aging in -place increased and the adaptation difficulty in older adults decreased, and depression decreased.

Attitudes of Different Religions Toward Surrogacy: Analysis of 11 Countries' Situation Using Machine Learning Approach and Artificial Neural Networks.

Individuals may develop different attitudes on bioethics in general and reproductive ethics in particular, due to the effects of different sociocultural environments. Individuals' attitudes toward surrogacy are affected positively or negatively depending on religious and cultural environments. This study was conducted to determine and compare the attitudes of different religions toward surrogacy. This study is cross-sectional and collected from individuals living in Turkey, India, Iran, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Madagascar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Mexico, England, and Japan between May 2022 and December 2022. The study was conducted with individuals belonging to Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Atheism. The study was conducted with 1177 individuals from different religions who agreed to participate in the study by snowball sampling method. The introductory Information Form and "Attitude Questionnaire Toward Surrogacy" were used as data collection tools. R programming language 4.1.3 was used for regression analysis with machine learning approach and artificial neural networks, and SPSS-25 was used for other statistical analyses. There was a significant difference between the total mean score of the individuals' Attitudes toward Surrogacy Questionnaire and their religious beliefs (p < 0.05). When the results of the analysis of the regression model with the dummy variable, which was carried out with the aim of revealing the effects of religious belief on the attitude toward surrogacy, are examined, statistical estimates of the regression model show that the model is significant and usable F(4,1172) = 5.005, p = 0.001). It explains 1.7% of the total variance of the level of religious belief's attitude toward surrogacy. In the regression model, when the t-test results regarding the significance of the regression coefficient are examined, among the participants, it was determined that the mean score of those who believed in Islam (t = - 3.827, p < 0.001) and those who believed in Christianity (t = - 2.548, p < 0.001) was lower than the mean score of those who believed in Hinduism (Constant) (p < 0.05). Individuals' attitudes toward surrogacy differ according to their religion. The best performing algorithm for the prediction model was random forest (RF) regression. The contributions of the variables to the model were calculated with Shapley values (Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP)). The SHAP values of the variables in the best performing model were examined to avoid bias in terms of comparison in the performance criterion. SHAP values (Shapley Additive Explanations) show the contribution or importance of each variable in the estimation of the model. It is determined that the most important variable that should be in the model to predict the Attitude Toward Surrogacy Survey variable is the Nationality variable. It is recommended that studies on attitudes toward surrogacy should be conducted by taking religious and cultural values into consideration.

Investigation of the Relationship Between Xenophobic Attitude and Intercultural Sensitivity Level in Health Education Students.

INTRODUCTION: Intercultural sensitivity and xenophobia levels of health education students can affect the care they give to the patient. It is important to know the level of intercultural sensitivity and xenophobia of students receiving health education and to determine the relationship between them. The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between xenophobic attitudes and intercultural sensitivity among university students. METHODS: This quantitative cross-sectional research was conducted in between January and June 2022 with health education students. The study conducted with health education students at Gumushane University and Agri Ibrahim Cecen University. Child Development, Nursing, Emergency Management Services/Technicians, Nutrition and Dietetics, Elderly care, Social services, Medical Laboratory Techniques, and Disabled Care studying at these universities were included in the study. Students who received health education and wanted to participate voluntarily in the study were included. Students aged 18 and over, studying in the health education department of the university, studying in the 1, 2, 3, 4th classes and volunteering to participate in the study were included in the study. The Introductory Information Form, the Xenophobia Scale, and the Intercultural Sensitivity Scale were used to collect the research data. RESULTS: This study was conducted with 789 students. According to our study, a significant negative correlation was found between the students' xenophobia scale and the intercultural sensitivity scale total score means (p < .05). Intercultural sensitivity has a negative and significant effect on the level of xenophobia (ß = -0.116; t (787) = -3.283, p = .001). A significant difference was found between the students' Xenophobia Scale total score mean and gender, department, and grade (p < .05) as was the case between Intercultural Sensitivity Scale total score mean and gender, department, grade, immigrant acquaintance, and foreign language knowledge (English language) level (p < .05). DISCUSSION: Intercultural sensitivity has a negative and significant effect on the level of xenophobia. It can negatively affect the level of caregiving of students receiving health education. It is thought that intercultural sensitivity will be developed by including course content in the curriculum to increase students' intercultural effectiveness and awareness levels and to reduce xenophobic prejudices.

Visual outcomes after anterior temporal lobectomy and transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy: A quantitative comparison of clinical and diffusion data.

OBJECTIVE: Anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL) and transsylvian selective amygdalohippocampectomy (tsSAHE) are effective treatment strategies for intractable temporal lobe epilepsy but may cause visual field deficits (VFDs) by damaging the optic radiation (OpR). Due to the OpR's considerable variability and because it is indistinguishable from surrounding tissue without further technical guidance, it is highly vulnerable to iatrogenic injury. This imaging study uses a multimodal approach to assess visual outcomes after epilepsy surgery. METHODS: We studied 62 patients who underwent ATL (n = 32) or tsSAHE (n = 30). Analysis of visual outcomes was conducted in four steps, including the assessment of (1) perimetry outcome (VFD incidence/extent, n = 44/40), (2) volumetric OpR tractography damage (n = 55), and the (3) relation of volumetric OpR tractography damage and perimetry outcome (n = 35). Furthermore, (4) fixel-based analysis (FBA) was performed to assess micro- and macrostructural changes within the OpR following surgery (n = 36). RESULTS: Altogether, 56% of all patients had postoperative VFDs (78.9% after ATL, 36.36% after tsSAHE, p = .011). VFDs and OpR tractography damage tended to be more severe within the ATL group (ATL vs. tsSAHE, integrity of contralateral upper quadrant: 65% vs. 97%, p = .002; OpR tractography damage: 69.2 mm3 vs. 3.8 mm3 , p = .002). Volumetric OpR tractography damage could reliably predict VFD incidence (86% sensitivity, 78% specificity) and could significantly explain VFD extent (R2  = .47, p = .0001). FBA revealed a more widespread decline of fibre cross-section within the ATL group. SIGNIFICANCE: In the context of controversial visual outcomes following epilepsy surgery, this study provides clinical as well as neuroimaging evidence for a higher risk and greater severity of postoperative VFDs after ATL compared to tsSAHE. Volumetric OpR tractography damage is a feasible parameter to reliably predict this morbidity in both treatment groups and may ultimately support personalized planning of surgical candidates. Advanced diffusion analysis tools such as FBA offer a structural explanation of surgically induced visual pathway damage, allowing noninvasive quantification and visualization of micro- and macrostructural tract affection.

Imaging visuospatial memory in temporal lobe epilepsy-Results of an fMRI study.

PURPOSE: Impairment of cognitive functions is commonly observed in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). The aim of this study was to assess visuospatial memory functions and memory-related networks using an adapted version of Roland's Hometown Walking (RHWT) functional MRI (fMRI) task in patients with TLE. METHODS: We used fMRI to study activation patterns based on a visuospatial memory paradigm in 32 TLE patients (9 right; 23 left) and also within subgroups of lesional and non-lesional TLE. To test for performance, a correlational analysis of fMRI activation patterns and out-of-scanner neuropsychological visuospatial memory testing was performed. Additionally, we assessed memory-related networks using functional connectivity (FC). RESULTS: Greater contralateral than ipsilateral mesiotemporal (parahippocampal gyrus/hippocampus) activation was observed in left (n = 23)/right (n = 9) TLE. In lesional left TLE (n = 17), significant activations were seen in right more than left mesiotemporal areas (parahippocampal gyrus), while non-lesional left TLE patients (n = 6) showed significant bilateral (left>right) activations in mesiotemporal structures (parahippocampal gyrus). In left TLE, visuospatial cognitive testing correlated with fMRI activations in left (parahippocampal gyrus) and right mesiotemporal structures (hippocampus), characterized by greater fMRI activation being associated with better memory scores. In right TLE, higher scores in visuospatial memory testing were associated with greater fMRI activations in left and right insular regions. FC patterns of memory-related networks differ in right and left TLE. CONCLUSION: While TLE in general leads to asymmetrical mesiotemporal activation, lesion-induced and non-lesional TLE patients reveal different memory fMRI activation patterns. In right TLE, insular regions try to compensate for impaired right mesiotemporal structures during the performance of visuospatial tasks. Underlying functional visuospatial memory networks differ in right and left TLE.

Determination of self-efficacy of patients diagnosed with epilepsy.

This study was conducted to determine the self-efficacy of patients diagnosed with epilepsy. This descriptive-correlational study was conducted between November-December 2020 with individuals diagnosed with epilepsy and living in the eastern province of Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of individuals diagnosed with epilepsy (101 persons) who were living in this province and agreed to participate in the study. According to the findings obtained from the study, the Epilepsy Self-efficacy Scale Total Mean Score of the individuals was found to be 226.38 ± 45.23. The scale does not have a cut-off point, and the total score that can be obtained from the scale varies between 0 and 310. An increase in the score obtained indicates high self-efficacy. It can be said that the self-efficacy levels of the sampled individuals are also high. It was found that there was a negative correlation between the first diagnosis age and the seizure management sub-dimension, and a positive statistically significant correlation between the age of the individuals and the age of the first seizure. The Epilepsy Self-efficacy Scale Total Mean Score of the individuals was found to be statistically high in those who received information regarding the disorder and used their drug/drugs regularly. It is suggested to conduct the study in larger groups. It is recommended to carry out studies to increase epilepsy self-efficacy.

Family Planning Attitudes, Religious Orientation and Fatalistic Tendency Levels: A Descriptive-Correlational Study in Turkey.

This research was conducted to examine the relationship between family planning attitudes, religious orientation, and fatalistic tendency levels of individuals aged 15-49 in Igdir, Turkey. This descriptive-correlational research was conducted on individuals living in Igdir between March-July 2020. The sample size of our study is 384 participants. It was found that there was a significant negative correlation between family planning attitude scale scores and religious orientation scale behavior subscale scores, fatalistic tendency scale total scores and all subscale scores, age, and number of children (p < 0.05). It was found that there was a significant negative correlation between religious orientation scale total scores and the attitude toward family planning and attitude toward birth subscale scores of the family planning attitude scale (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was found between religious orientation scale total scores and all subscale scores, fatalistic tendency scale total scores, and predetermination and self-control subscales (p < 0.05). There was also a significant negative correlation between fatalistic tendency scale total scores and family planning attitude scale total scores and the attitude toward family planning and attitude toward family planning methods subscale scores (p < 0.05). We also found a significant positive correlation between fatalistic tendency scale total scores and all subscale scores, religious orientation scale total scores and all subscale scores, age, and number of children (p < 0.05). It is recommended to apply the study in larger groups.