The relationship between satisfaction with life, dietary attitude, and comfort level in hemodialysis patients: Analysis with machine learning approach.

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis (HD) patients have become a serious public health problem, the number of which is increasing every year worldwide. This study aimed to determine the relationship between satisfaction with life, dietary attitude, and comfort level in patients receiving HD treatment. METHODS: This research was conducted in a relational cross-sectional descriptive design. The research was conducted with 174 patients (85% of the population) receiving HD treatment between March 20 and September 30, 2023. In the study, hierarchical regression analysis was performed with SPSS 25.0. Machine learning analysis and prediction were performed using R programming language, version 4.1.3. RESULTS: The model used to determine the factors affecting satisfaction with life was significant and usable (F(2,171) = 25.855, p = 0.001). Attitudes of HD patients toward dietary therapy and their HD comfort levels together explained 22.3% of the total variance of satisfaction with life. In the regression model, according to the results of the t-test regarding the significance of the regression coefficient, the increase in the HD comfort levels of the participants (t = 2.668, p = 0.008) and the increase in the attitude of the HD patients toward dietary therapy (t = 5.897, p = 0.001) caused a statistical increase in "satisfaction with life." According to Shapley values, the most important variable in the prediction of satisfaction with life variable is attitude for the dietary attitude. CONCLUSION: It was determined that the increase in the comfort levels of HD patients and their positive dietary attitudes increased satisfaction with life. It is recommended to provide education to increase patients' diet attitudes and comfort levels.

The relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults.

BACKGROUND: The increase in the number of elderly people in the world, individuals' perspectives on older adults, and false beliefs and ideas about old age negatively affect adults in terms of ageing. This study was conducted to determine the relationship between fear of old age, loneliness and death anxiety in adults. METHOD: This study, which was designed in a correlational cross-sectional descriptive model, was conducted with 1074 adult individuals living in one province in eastern Turkey. Data were collected using Personal Information Form, Fear of Old Age Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale and Turkish Death Anxiety Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0, AMOS 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs. RESULTS: In our study, it was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits as χ2/df = 4.737, root mean square error of approximation = 0.05, comparative fit index = 0.93, goodness-of-fit index = 0.92, adjusted goodness-of-fit index = 0.90, IFI = 0.93. There is a significant relationship between loneliness and death anxiety (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between loneliness and fear of old age (P < 0.05). There is a significant relationship between death anxiety and fear of old age (P < 0.05). It was determined that death anxiety has a mediating role in the effect of loneliness on fear of old age (95% confidence interval: 0.112-0.226; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: As the level of loneliness increases, the level of death anxiety and fear of old age increases. Fear of old age also increases in the mediating role of death anxiety. It is recommended to conduct intervention studies to reduce fear of old age. Longitudinal study on fear of old age is recommended.

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.

A Comparison of Laparoscopic Surgery and Open Surgery in Liver Resections: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: With the developments in patient management and the increase in surgical experience, the use of laparoscopy in liver resections has become widespread. However, with the consensus meetings and international recommendations, laparoscopic liver resections have been tried to be standardized. We aimed to present this laparoscopic liver resection experience by comparing open and laparoscopic techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent liver resections between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively screened and divided into 2 groups as laparoscopic liver resections and patients who underwent liver resection with open surgery. Indications, resection techniques, operative times, length of hospital stay, early hospital mortality, and complications were compared between both groups using statistical methods. RESULTS: Laparoscopic surgery was performed in 31 (14%) patients, and open surgery was performed in 189 (86%). The mean operation time was 316 ± 168.2 minutes in patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection. It was 329.4 ± 123.6 in the open surgery group. The length of hospital stay was 11.6 ± 4.9 days in patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection, while it was 19.7 ± 12.1 days in patients who underwent open surgery. The difference between the length of hospital stay was statistically significant (Mann-Whitney U-test, P=.00). There was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of complications and early mortality. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver resections are a safe method that can be applied in 3 or less segment resections. As the experience of the surgical team increases, it can be safely applied for major hepatectomies.

The effect of intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism on health tourism awareness level in nurses: Analysis with machine learning approach.

PURPOSE: In this study, the effects of intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism on health tourism awareness levels in nurses were examined. DESIGN AND METHODS: This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Turkey between November 2022 and March 2023. Intercultural sensitivity scale, ethnocentrism scale, and health tourism awareness scale were used to collect the data. R programming language 4.1.3, G*Power 3.1 and SPSS-22 program were used in the analysis of the study. RESULTS: This study was conducted with 386 nurses. Intercultural sensitivity has a positive and significant effect on health tourism awareness levels (ß = 0.141; t(384) = 2.784, p = 0.006). Ethnocentrism has a positive and significant effect on health tourism awareness levels (ß = 0.184; t(384) = 3.659, p = 0.001). Random Forest regression was found to be the best performing algorithm among the machine learning algorithms for predicting the Health Tourism Awareness variable. Looking at the contributions of the variables to the model, according to the SHAP value (Shapley Additive Explanations), it was seen that the most important variable that should be in the model to predict the health tourism awareness variable is the ethnocentrism variable. CONCLUSION: It was determined that as the level of intercultural sensitivity and ethnocentrism of nurses increased, their awareness of health tourism increased. Longitudinal studies on health tourism awareness in nurses are recommended.

The effect of web-based and face-to-face training given to office workers on health beliefs and physical activity levels regarding obesity.

AIM: This study compared the effects of web-based and face-to-face education given to office workers on health beliefs and physical activity levels towards obesity. METHODS: The research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. The study population consisted of 768 office workers between February 2020 and April 2021, and the sample of the research consisted of 90 individuals selected from the population using the nonprobability sampling method. Clinical trial number of the study is NCT05591846. RESULTS: A total of 90 people, including 30 people in each group, were included in the study. According to the obesity health belief model, a positive change was achieved in the beliefs of individuals about obesity; it was determined that there was a significant increase in the subdimensions of the importance of health, sensitivity, seriousness and perception of benefit and a decrease in the perception of obstacles (p < 0.05). After both education methods were given according to the health belief model, a positive change was achieved in the physical activity level of the individuals; it was determined that the physical activity level score increased significantly (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was determined that web-based and face-to-face education given to individuals had a positive effect on the obesity health belief model components and the levels of physical activity level.

The mediating role of social ostracism in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the mediating role of social ostracism in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness in adolescents. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 1225 adolescent students attending high school in a province in Eastern Turkey between 30 May 2023 and 01 August 2023. The study data were collected using the "Personal Information Form", "Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale", "UCLA Loneliness Scale-Short Form" and "Ostracism Experience Scale for Adolescents". The analysis of the study data was performed by using SPSS 22.0, AMOS V 24.0, and G*Power 3.1 Statistical package software. RESULTS: It was determined that the model created in line with the determining the mediating role of social ostracism in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness in adolescents was compatible and the model fit indices were within the desired limits x2/df = 4.481, RMSEA = 0.05, CFI = 0.96, GFI = 0.96, AGFI = 0.94, IFI = 0.96. Social media addiction has been found to affect loneliness and social ostracism (p < 0.05). It was found that social ostracism affected the level of loneliness (p < 0.05). It was determined that social ostracism had a mediating role in the effect of social media addiction on loneliness (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: As the level of social media addiction increases, the level of loneliness and social ostracism increases. As the level of social ostracism increases, the level of loneliness increases. Longitudinal studies on the factors affecting loneliness are recommended. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: In order to reduce the loneliness and social ostracism levels of adolescents, their access to social media should be controlled. Programs to reduce social ostracism should be designed.

Immunogenicity, safety and clinical outcomes of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine in adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

Introduction: The mRNA-based BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccine has been shown to elicit robust systemic immune response and confer substantial protection against the severe coronavirus disease (COVID-19), with a favorable safety profile in adolescents. However, no data exist regarding immunogenicity, reactogenicity and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 vaccines in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D). In this prospective observational cohort study, we examined the humoral immune responses and side effects induced by the BNT162b2 vaccine, as well as, the rate and symptomatology of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections after completion of dual-dose BNT162b2 vaccination in adolescents with T1D and compared their data with those of healthy control adolescents. The new data obtained after the vaccination of adolescents with T1D could guide their further COVID-19 vaccination schedule. Methods: A total of 132 adolescents with T1D and 71 controls were enrolled in the study, of whom 81 COVID-19 infection-naive adolescents with T1D (patient group) and 40 COVID-19 infection-naive controls (control group) were eligible for the final analysis. The response of participants to the BNT162b2 vaccine was assessed by measuring their serum IgG antibodies to the spike protein of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), 4-6 weeks after the receipt of first and second vaccine doses. Data about the adverse events of the vaccine was collected after the receipt of each vaccine dose. The rate of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections was evaluated in the 6-month period following second vaccination. Results: After vaccinations, adolescents with T1D and controls exhibited similar, highly robust increments in anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers. All the participants in the patient and control groups developed anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers over 1,050 AU/ml after the second vaccine dose which is associated with a neutralizing effect. None of the participants experienced severe adverse events. The rate of breakthrough infections in the patient group was similar to that in the control group. Clinical symptomatology was mild in all cases. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that two-dose BNT162b2 vaccine administered to adolescents with T1D elicits robust humoral immune response, with a favorable safety profile and can provide protection against severe SARS-CoV-2 infection similar to that in healthy adolescents.

The effect of health literacy and health empowerment on quality of life in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the effect of health literacy and health promotion on quality of life in the elderly. METHOD: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 981 elderly individuals aged 65 years and older in Turkey. 'Introductory Information Form', 'Health Literacy Scale', 'Elderly Health Empowerment Scale' and 'Quality of Life Scale for the Elderly' were used to collect data. The research data were analyzed by Structural Equation Modelling using SPSS 22.0, AMOS V 24.0, G*Power 3.1 statistical package programs. RESULTS: Health literacy level increased health empowerment level (t = 5.929 R2 = 0.035, P < 0.05). Health literacy level increased quality of life level (t = 13.439 R2 = 0.156, P < 0.05). Health empowerment level was found to affect quality of life level (t = 17.746 R2 = 0.243, P < 0.05). Health empowerment was found to have a mediating role in the effect of health literacy on quality of life (ß = 0.502, 95% confidence interval (lower bound-upper bound) = 0.013-1.038). It was determined that the model created in line with the hypotheses was compatible and the model fit indices x2 /SD = 4.919, root mean square error of approximation = 0.06, comparative fit index = 0.91, fit index = 0.95, adjusted fit index = 0.93, incremental fit index = 0.91 were within the desired limits. CONCLUSIONS: As the level of health literacy increases, so does the level of health empowerment and quality of life. As the level of health empowerment increases, so does the level of quality of life. It is recommended to design policies that will help to increase the health literacy and health empowerment levels of the elderly. Longitudinal studies on quality of life in the elderly 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.

The Effect of Religious Attitudes on Anxiety and Psychological Well-being in Risky Pregnancies: A Cross-Sectional Study from Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine how religious attitudes of risky pregnant women affect their anxiety and psychological well-being. This is a cross-sectional study. It was carried out on 137 women diagnosed with risky pregnancy between December 2021 and February 2022 in a state hospital in Osmaniye, located in the southern Turkey. The findings of the study revealed that the participants' religious attitudes affected their trait anxiety and psychological well-being. Being religious in fact, boosted psychological well-being of the participants and lowered their trait anxiety level. They had a moderate religious attitude and a moderate psychological well-being but they also suffered from high trait anxiety levels.

Common Polymorphisms of Growth Hormone: Growth Hormone Receptor Axis in Turkish Children with Short Stature.

OBJECTIVE: A single-nucleotide polymorphism of the growth hormone 1 gene, GH1IVS4+90A>T (rs2665802), associated with short stature and a polymorphism of the growth hormone receptor gene, exon 3 deleted variant, associated with increased responsiveness to growth hormone have been reported previously. We aimed to investigate the frequency of both polymorphisms and their correlation to height in Turkish short children. Also, we aimed to evaluate the effect of exon 3 deleted variant on response to 1-year growth hormone therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Children with idiopathic isolated growth hormone deficiency (n = 39) and with idiopathic short stature (n = 10) and 50 control subjects were evaluated for anthropometric parameters, annual growth velocity, and annual height gain. Growth hormone receptor gene polymorphisms were analyzed via multiplex polymerase chain reaction; growth hormone 1 gene polymorphism was analyzed via polymerase chain reaction and single-strand conformation polymorphism techniques. RESULTS: The frequency of genotypes carrying the "A" allele was not significantly higher in the idiopathic isolated growth hormone deficiency group than in the idiopathic short stature and control groups (P = .03 for each). The exon 3 deleted variant genotype was significantly lower in the idiopathic short stature group compared to the control group (P = .01). There was no effect of exon 3 deleted variant, on response to the first-year growth hormone therapy. CONCLUSION: In Turkish population, no correlation was found between the "A" allele of GH1IVS4+90A>T polymorphism and idiopathic isolated growth hormone deficiency and short stature, and a significant negative correlation was found between exon 3 deleted variant and idiopathic short stature and short stature. Exon 3 deleted variant has no effect on response to growth hormone treatment.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Pediatric Patients.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic technique used in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreaticobiliary system. ERCP is used less frequently in children than in adults due to the rarity of pancreaticobiliary diseases and technical difficulties. However, ERCP is a safe, effective diagnosis and treatment tool for children. Methods: All patients within the age range of 1-19 years, who underwent ERCP between 2010 and 2021 at our endoscopy unit, were retrospectively examined. Patient demographics, use of imaging methods, indications, type of sedation, interventions, success of ERCP, findings, and complications were evaluated. Results: Overall, 105 ERCPs were performed in 66 children (29 male and 37 female). The indications were choledocholithiasis, cyst hydatic, choledochal cyst, biliary atresia or anomaly, liver transplantation-related disorders, and pancreatic disorders, respectively. ERCP was finished as diagnostic ERCP in 20% and as therapeutic in 80%. Therapeutic procedures were sphincterotomy, stent placement or removal, stone or debris extraction, and balloon sweep or dilatation, respectively. The success rate in the procedures was 75.23%. The overall complication rate was 15.23%. Postprocedure pancreatitis occurred in 11.42%, hemorrhage occurred in 2.85%, and aggravation of cholangitis in 0.95%. All complications were managed conservatively. Conclusion: ERCP in pediatric patients is a safe procedure that can be performed by adult endoscopists with high success rates. Since our region is an endemic region for hydatid cyst disease, the most common ERCP indication after choledocholithiasis is procedures related to liver hydatid cyst disease. The most common complication was pancreatitis, and complications were treated medically.

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.

Cranial MRI Abnormalities and Long-term Follow-up of the Lesions in 770 Girls With Central Precocious Puberty.

CONTEXT: Central precocious puberty (CPP) may arise from central nervous system (CNS) lesions in a few affected girls. Recently, the incidence of girls with CPP has increased mostly in 6-8 year olds, in whom the necessity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is debated. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency, long-term outcome and potential predictors of CNS lesions in a large cohort of girls with CPP. METHODS: A multicenter cohort of 770 Turkish girls with CPP who had systematic cranial MRI between 2005 and 2017. Age at puberty onset was <6 years in 116 and 6-8 years in 654. CNS lesions were followed until final decision(6.2 ± 3.1 years). Potential predictors of CNS lesions were evaluated by univariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 104/770 (13.5%) girls had abnormal brain MRI. Of these, 2.8% were previously known CNS lesions, 3.8% had newly detected and causally related CNS lesions, 3.1 % were possibly, related and 3.8% were incidental. Only 2 (0.25%) neoplastic lesions (1 low grade glioma and 1 meningioma) were identified; neither required intervention over follow-up of 6 and 3.5 years respectively. Age at breast development <6 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.38; 95% CI 1.08-5.21) and the peak luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH) ratio >0.6 (OR 3.13; 95% CI 1.02-9.68) were significantly associated with CNS lesions. However, both patients with neoplastic lesions were >6 years old. CONCLUSION: Although age and LH/FSH ratio are significant predictors of CNS lesions, their predictive power is weak. Thus, systematic MRI seems to be the most efficient current approach to avoid missing an occult CNS lesion in girls with CPP, despite the low likelihood of finding a lesion requiring intervention.