The Factors Affecting the Postnatal Bonding of Mothers Whose Babies were Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for sick preterm babies and their parents. This study aimed to explore the factors affecting the postnatal bonding of mothers who were not permitted to visit and touch their babies who were in the neonatal intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a cohort study conducted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Turkey. The participants consisted of mothers who were offered full rooming in with their baby (group 1, n = 32) and mothers whose newborns had been admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit immediately after delivery and were hospitalized for at least 7 days (group 2, n = 44). The Turkish versions of Beck Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Adjustment Disorder-New Module 8, and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire were applied to mothers. Tests were performed once in group 1 at the end of the first postpartum week (test1) and twice in group 2 before the baby was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (test1) and 2 weeks after the discharge (test2). RESULTS: None of the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Adjustment Disorder-New Module 8, and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire scores was abnormal. Although the scales were within normal ranges, Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire 1 and Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire 2 had statistically significant correlation with gestational week (r = -0.230, P = .046; r = -0.298, P = .009), Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale score (r = 0.256, P = .025; r = 0.331, P = .004), hospitalization (r = 0.280, P = .014; r = 0.501, P < .001), and neonatal intensive care unit anxiety (r = 0.266, P = .02; r = 0.54, P < .001). Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire 2 had statistically significant correlation with birth weight (r = -0.261, P = .023). CONCLUSION: Low gestational week and birth weight, increased maternal age, maternal anxiety, high Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale scores and hospitalization negatively affected maternal bonding. Although all self-reporting scale scores were low, being in the neonatal intensive care unit and not being able to visit (touch) the baby is a major stressor.

Factors Associated with 28-day Critical Illness Development During the First Wave of COVID-19.

Objective: This study aimed to define the predictors of critical illness development within 28 days postadmission during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study including 477 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Istanbul from March 12 to May 12, 2020. Results: The most common presenting symptoms were cough, dyspnea, and fatigue. Critical illness developed in 45 (9.4%; 95% CI=7.0%-12.4%) patients. In the multivariable analysis, age (hazard ratio (HR)=1.05, p<0.001), number of comorbidities (HR=1.33, p=0.02), procalcitonin ≥0.25 µg/L (HR=2.12, p=0.03) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥350 U/L (HR=2.04, p=0.03) were independently associated with critical illness development. The World Health Organization (WHO) ordinal scale for clinical improvement on admission was the strongest predictor of critical illness (HR=4.15, p<0.001). The patients hospitalized at the end of the study period had a much better prognosis compared to the patients hospitalized at the beginning (HR=0.14; p=0.02). The C-index of the model was 0.92. Conclusion: Age, comorbidity number, the WHO scale, LDH, and procalcitonin were independently associated with critical illness development. Mortality from COVID-19 seemed to be decreasing as the first wave of the pandemic advanced. Graphic Abstract: Graphic Abstract.

Mentalexo approach for diagnosis of psychiatric disorders.

INTRODUCTION: Psychiatric disorders cause a high burden of disease and disability for the society. Liquid biopsies provide potent opportunities for screening programs, diagnosis, prognostic stratification and treatment monitorization. Previously, the liquid biopsy studies were mainly focused on the several malignancies without proper screen methods, but this approach has also a strong potential for decreasing disease burden in CNS pathologies. The main restriction for the diagnosis of CNS diseases is the lack of the methods to receive biochemical/functional information form a tightly enveloped compartment. THE HYPOTHESIS/THEORY: In this proposal, we aim to develop a fast and cheap diagnostic platform based on the detection of exosomes originating from the central nervous system (CNS) cells. We intended to develop a sensor device with minimum maintenance costs, which is highly specific and sensitive for psychiatric diseases. EVALUATION OF THE HYPOTHESIS/IDEA: In order to give background information for our proposal; we began with reviewing the concept of liquid biopsies and adaptation of this concept for psychiatric disorders. Then we discussed the conventional and novel methods for the detection of extracellular vesicles (EV). Furthermore, we discussed the detection of exosomes originating from central nervous system and methods analyzing the content of the EVs. Additionally, we reviewed the imaging techniques for detection and visualization of EVs. EMPIRICAL DATA: We used in silico research tools (MetaCore™ version 6.37, Clarivate Analytics, and ExoCarta database) to detect appropriate disease specific exosomal markers. We proposed our design for the detection of EVs based on the immune-capture of EVs and detection of surface antigens via the antibody conjugated fluorophores. We also proposed a design to increase the channels for detection of exosomal antigens by using bioinformatics methods, including pathway networks, RDOC matrices and exosome databases which we called "Mentalexo" approach. We applied this approach on depression and addiction disorders in order to find appropriate exosomal markers. CONSEQUENCES OF THE HYPOTHESIS AND DISCUSSION: We believe that our proposal may contribute to the conception of new diagnostic devices focusing on the detection of exosomes in psychiatric conditions.

Association of prenatal attachment and early childhood emotional, behavioral, and developmental characteristics: A longitudinal study.

This study examines the associations between prenatal attachment and child development, socioemotional behavioral problems, and competence at early childhood. It also inquires whether maternal depression and anxiety at the prenatal period and at early childhood are associated with child outcomes. The study consisted of 83 mothers and their children. Data regarding the prenatal attachment, depression, and anxiety were collected during Weeks 28 to 40 of gestation. When the children were 21 to 31 months old, the Brief Infant and Toddler Social Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) and the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (ADSI) were applied to children along with Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) administered to mothers. Results showed that prenatal attachment scores significantly correlated with BITSEA-Competency subscale scores and ADSI total scores at early childhood, r(83) = 0.246, P = .025, and r(82) = 0.316, P = .004, respectively. Prenatal attachment levels were found to be the predictors of both behavioral and emotional competence and development at early childhood, b = 0.081, t(83) = 2.273, P = .014, and b = 0.281, t(83) = 3.225, P = .002, respectively. In addition, prenatal attachment was shown to be even a stronger predictor of development than was worsening maternal depression at early childhood, b = -0.319, t(83) = 2.140, P = .035. Our results indicate that fostering prenatal attachment may be beneficial for better infant outcomes at early childhood.

Este estudio examina la asociación entre la afectividad prenatal y el desarrollo del niño, los problemas socio-emocionales de conducta y la competencia en la temprana niñez. También se pregunta si la depresión y ansiedad maternas en el período prenatal y en la temprana niñez están asociadas con los resultados en el niño. El estudio incluyó a 83 madres y sus niños. La información sobre la afectividad prenatal, la depresión y la ansiedad se recogió durante las semanas 28-40 de gestación. Cuando los niños tenían entre 21-31 meses de edad, se les aplicó la Evaluación Socio-Emocional Breve para el Infante y Niños Pequeñitos (BITSEA) y el Inventario Ankara de Examinación del Desarrollo (ADSI), y a las madres se les administró el Inventario Beck sobre la Depresión (BDI) y el Inventario Beck sobre la Ansiedad (BAI). Los resultados mostraron que los puntajes de la afectividad prenatal se correlacionaron significativamente con los puntajes de competencia de BITSEA y los puntajes totales de ADSI al nivel de la temprana niñez, r(83) = 0.246, p = 0.025; r(82) = 0.316, p = 0.004, respectivamente. Se encontró que los niveles de afectividad prenatal eran factores de predicción tanto de la competencia y desarrollo de conducta como emocional en la temprana niñez; b = 0.081, t(83) = 2.273, p = 0.014, b = 0.281, t(83) = 3.225, p = 0.002, respectivamente. Además, se mostró que la afectividad prenatal era un factor de predicción del desarrollo aún más fuerte que la depresión materna desmejorada en la temprana niñez, b = −0.319, t(83) = 2.140, p = 0.035. Nuestros resultados indican que fomentando la afectividad prenatal pudiera ser beneficioso para mejorar los resultados en el niño en la temprana niñez.

Cette étude examine le lien entre l'attachement prénatal et le développement de l'enfant, les problèmes de comportement social et émotionnels et la compétence durant la petite enfance. Elle s'interroge aussi sur si la dépression maternelle et l'anxiété dans la période prénatale et durant la très petite enfance sont liés aux résultats de l'enfant. L'étude a consisté en 83 mères et enfants. Les données concernant l'attachement prénatal, la dépression et l'anxiété ont été recueillies à 28-40 mois de grossesse. Lorsque les enfants avaient 21-31 mois, l'Evaluation Emotionnelle Brève du Bébé et du Petit Enfants (en anglais Brief Infant and Toddler Social Emotional Assessment, BITSEA), l'Inventaire de Dépistage Développemental d'Ankara (en anglais Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory, ADSI) ont été appliqués aux enfants ainsi que l'Inventaire de Dépression de Beck (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI) et l'Inventaire d'Anxiété de Beck (Beck Anxiety Inventory, BAI) ont donnés aux mères. Les résultats montrent que les scores d'attachement prénatale étaient liés de manière importance aux scores de compétence BITSEA et aux Scores ADSI à la petite enfance, r(83) = 0.246, p = 0.025; r(82) = 0.316, p = 0.004, respectivement. Les niveaux d'attachement prénatal se sont révélé être des prédicteurs d'à la fois la compétence émotionnelle, la compétence comportementale et le développement à la petite enfance; b = 0.081, t(83) = 2.273, p = 0.014, b = 0.281, t(83) = 3.225, p = 0.002, respectivement. De plus, l'attachement prénatal s'est avéré être un prédicteur de développement encore plus fort que la dépression maternelle s'aggravant à la petite enfance, b = −0.319, t(83) = 2.140, p = 0.035. Nos résultats indiquent que le fait de cultiver l'attachement prénatal peut être bénéfique pour l'amélioration des résultats du bébé à la petite enfance.

Extracellular Vesicles in Psychiatry Research in the Context of RDoC Criteria.

The analysis of extracellular vesicles has been accelerated because of the technological advancements in omics methods in recent decades. Extracellular vesicles provide multifaceted information regarding the functional status of the cells. This information would be critical in case of central nervous system cells, which are confined in a relatively sealed biological compartment. This obstacle is more dramatic in psychiatric disorders since their diagnosis primarily depend on the symptoms and signs of the patients. In this paper, we reviewed this rapidly advancing field by discussing definition of extracellular vesicles, their biogenesis and potential use as clinical biomarkers. Then we focused on their potential use in psychiatric disorders in the context of diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Finally, we tried to combine the RDoC (Research Domain Criteria) with the use of extracellular vesicles in psychiatry research and practice. This review may offer new insights in both basic and translational research focusing on psychiatric disorders.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in treatment-naïve boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treated with methylphenidate: an 8-week, observational pretest-posttest study.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important neurotrophin in the brain that modulates dopaminergic neurons. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in serum BDNF levels of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in response to OROS methylphenidate treatment. We also aimed to determine whether there were any pre-post-differences between ADHD subtypes and comorbid psychiatric disorders in serum BDNF levels. Fifty male children with ADHD and 50 male healthy controls within the age range of 6-12 years were recruited to the study. The psychiatric diagnoses were determined by applying a structured interview with Kiddie schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children-present and lifetime version. The symptom severity of ADHD was measured using the Clinical Global Impression ADHD Severity Scale (CGI-S). Physicians completed Du Paul ADHD questionnaires. The levels of serum BDNF were assessed before and after 8 weeks of treatment with effective dosages of OROS methylphenidate. In the present study, the mean serum BDNF levels of boys with ADHD and of the healthy controls were 2626.33 ± 1528.05 and 2989.11 ± 1420.08 pg/mL, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant difference between the ADHD group and healthy controls at baseline (p = 0.22), the increase of serum BDNF was statistically significant from baseline to endpoint in the ADHD group (p = 0.04). The mean serum BDNF levels at baseline and endpoint of the ADHD group were 2626.33 ± 1528.05 and 3255.80 ± 1908.79 pg/mL, respectively. The serum BDNF levels of ADHD-inattentive subtype were significantly lower at baseline (p = 0.02), whereas BDNF levels post-treatment showed no significant difference. The increase of serum BDNF levels with methylphenidate treatment after 8 weeks was significantly higher in the inattentive group (p = 0.005). The increase of serum BDNF levels with methylphenidate treatment after 8 weeks in boys with ADHD may support the potential role of BDNF in the pathophysiology of ADHD. The role of BDNF in ADHD subtypes in particular should be evaluated with further, larger studies.

Impact of different antiseptics on umbilical cord colonization and cord separation time.

INTRODUCTION: There is still some uncertainty on cord care practices all around the world, especially in developing countries. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of six different umbilical cord care practices on the rate of colonization and cord separation time. METHODOLOGY: A total of 516 newborns were randomly allocated to the following six umbilical cord care groups: group 1 received dry care; groups 2-4 received a single application of 70% alcohol, 4% chlorhexidine, or povidon-iodine in the delivery room, respectively, which were discontinued thereafter; groups 5 and 6 received a single application of 70% alcohol or 4% chlorhexidine, respectively, starting in the delivery room and continuing every six hours until discharge. Umbilical cords were examined on the second and third days and between the fifth and seventh day for signs of omphalitis. Swab cultures were taken on the second or third day from all cases. RESULTS: Cord separation time (median [interquartile range]) was the shortest for group 1 (7 [6-7] days) and the longest for group 3 (10 [7-12] days) and group 6 (10 [8-12] days) (p < 0.001). The cord colonization in the swab cultures was significantly lower in groups 3 and 6 (p < 0.001). Omphalitis was detected in eight (1.5%) patients among the study population, and there was no significant difference between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that chlorhexidine application was the most effective agent in decreasing colonization, though it increased cord separation time significantly in both groups.

A study exploring the autism awareness of first grade nursing and medical students in Istanbul, Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of awareness about childhood autism among first-grade nursing and medical students. METHODS: The descriptive study was conducted at Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey, in December 2012, and comprised first-grade nursing and medical students. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. Association between categorical variables was determined and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 175 students, 138(78.9%) were aware of autism, 14(8%) of them being highly aware and 124(70.9%) moderately aware, whereas 37(21.1%) were not aware. There was a significant difference in the awareness level as far as gender was concerned as 102(82.9%) females and 36(69.2%) males were aware (p=0.043). Moreover, 104(59.4%) participants were aware that autism was a neurodevelopmental disorder, 62(67.4%) of them being nursing and 42(50.6%) being medical students (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: First-grade medical and nursing students could be considered relatively well aware of autism as their awareness level was in between that of the general public and healthcare professionals.

Is the Ultimate Treatment Response Predictable with Early Response in Major Depressive Episode?

INTRODUCTION: New evidence suggests that the efficacy of antidepressants occurs within the first weeks of treatment and this early response predicts the later response. The purpose of the present study was to investigate if the partial response in the first week predicts the response at the end of treatment in patients with major depressive disorder who are treated with either antidepressant medication or electroconvulsive therapy. METHODS: Inpatients from Dokuz Eylül University Hospital with a major depressive episode, treated with antidepressant medication (n=52) or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) (n=48), were recruited for the study. The data were retrospectively collected to decide whether a 25% decrease in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score at the first week of treatment predicts a 50% decrease at the third week using validity analysis. In addition, the effects of socio-demographic and clinical variables on the treatment response were assessed. RESULTS: A 25% decrease in the HDRS score in the first week of treatment predicted a 50% decrease in the HDRS score in the third week with a 78.3% positive predictive value, 62.1% negative predictive value, 62.1% sensitivity, and 78.3% specificity for antidepressant medications and an 88% positive predictive value, 52.2% negative predictive value, 66.7% sensitivity, and 80% specificity for ECT. The number of previous hospitalizations, comorbid medical illnesses, number of depressive episodes, duration of illness, and duration of the current episode were related to the treatment response. CONCLUSION: Treatment response in the first week predicted the response in the third week with a high specificity and a high positive predictive value. Close monitoring of the response from the first week of treatment may thus help the clinician to predict the subsequent response.

The epidemiology of major depressive disorder and subthreshold depression in Izmir, Turkey: Prevalence, socioeconomic differences, impairment and help-seeking.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical and clinical depression is common, widely distributed in the general population, and usually associated with role impairment and help-seeking. Reliable information at the population level is needed to estimate the disease burden of depression and associated care needs in Turkey. METHOD: The cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence of subthreshold (SubD) and clinical major depressive disorder (MDD) in Izmir, Turkey. In the 5242 eligible households, a total of 4011 individuals were successfully interviewed, yielding a response rate of 76.5%. Prevalence estimates of MDD and SubD depression were formed by using the responses to the questions of the CIDI section E. Short Form 36 (SF-36) to assess health status and functional impairments in eight scaled scores during the last four weeks. All respondents were questioned about receiving 12-month treatment for any psychological complaints, the route of help-seeking, as well as prescribed medicines and any hospitalization. RESULTS: The one year prevalence estimate for CIDI/DSM IV MDD was 8.2% (95% CI, 7.4-9.1). Less educated, low income, uninsured, low SES, unemployed/disabled and housewives, slum area residents had higher one year MDD prevalence. Determined prevalence of help seeking from mental health services of SubD and MDD cases were 23.6%, 30.6% respectively. Only 24.8% of clinically depressive patients received minimally adequate treatment. LIMITATIONS: Cross sectional design. CONCLUSION: Higher MDD prevalence correlates with younger ages, female gender, unemployment, less education, lower monthly income, lower SES and uninsurance. Help seeking from mental health services were low. There are treatment gap and impairment in depressive group.

Knowledge levels of and attitudes to organ donation and transplantation among university students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine knowledge levels and attitudes about organ donation and transplantation among university students. METHODS: This descriptive study was performed with third-grade students of medicine, pharmacy, and law at a university. Samples weren't selected in the study and it was executed with 145 students who had agreed to participate in the study. The data was collected using a questionnaire of 19 questions. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: 71.7% of students had positive views about transplantation of their own organs to a suitable recipient, with half of them giving being useful to others as a reason. Among students who had negative views about organ donation, the most important reason given was that it would mean a loss of bodily integrity. 44.1% of participants had positive views about transplantation of their relatives' organs to another person after death. 51.7% of participants had positive views about transplantation of the organs of a homeless person to another person after death. CONCLUSION: Students had generally positive views about organ donation. However; organ transplantation and donation should be included in the students' educational programs in order to increase positive attitudes and organ donations, and transform attitudes into behaviors.

Does transient hypothyroxinemia influence metabolic bone disease of prematurity?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and Transient Hypothyroxinemia of Prematurity (THOP). METHOD: One hundred twenty-four infants, born in Marmara University Hospital with a gestational age ≤34 weeks, were enrolled. Clinical features were recorded. Serum TSH, free T4, total T4, calcium, phosphorus and total Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) levels were determined in the first and third postnatal weeks. MBD was defined as a phosphorus level <4.5 mg/dl and/or ALP >900 IU/l. THOP was defined as a serum free and/or total thyroxine level lower than -1 SD for gestational age at the 7th postnatal day. RESULT: THOP was diagnosed in nineteen (15.3%) patients. MBD was diagnosed in 52 (41.9%) at the 3rd month. Low birth weight, low gestational age and prolonged parenteral nutrition were associated with MBD. Multivariate analysis documented a significant relationship solely between MBD and gestational age. CONCLUSION: The risk of MBD does not increase significantly in babies with THOP.

Clinical knowledge and attitudes of Turkish physicians toward rabies caused by animal bites.

Rabies is an endemic infectious disease and one of the most important causes of human mortality in both underdeveloped and developing countries. In Turkey, 167,000 individuals are believed to be victims of animal bites annually. In this study, we investigated Turkish physicians' knowledge and clinical awareness of rabies caused by animal bites. This was a cross-sectional, analytical study. We used questionnaires that collected demographic information and assessed the physicians' basic knowledge of rabies as well as the management of animal bites suspected of causing rabies. The questionnaires were completed in person with physicians who work in Istanbul. A total of 890 physicians responded to our cross-sectional questionnaires. The maximum possible scores for basic and clinical rabies- related knowledge was 100 points each. The average score for basic rabies knowledge was 64.5 ± 16, while the average score for clinical rabies knowledge was 62.8 ± 12. However, 68% of the physicians in the study were not aware of the proper method for cleaning wounds as a first-line treatment in postexposure prophylaxis. In addition, 38.4% of the physicians in the study did not understand the administration of vaccines together with immunoglobulin as part of postexposure prophylaxis. We also found that 79% of the physicians did not know the correct doses of vaccines, while 37.6% did not know the correct sites and routes of vaccine administration. Finally, 30% of the physicians were not aware of the correct vaccine schedules in postexposure prophylaxis. Our data indicate that Turkish physicians' basic and clinical knowledge of rabies was insufficient. Rabies prophylaxis educational programs should be designed to educate physicians on the guidelines provided by the World Health Organization and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices for the treatment of rabies caused by animal bites.

Association of sleep duration with socio-economic status and behavioural problems among schoolchildren.

AIM: In this population-based study, we aimed to determine the total sleep duration (TSD), its association with socio-economic status (SES) and behavioural symptoms among schoolchildren. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among schoolchildren in Istanbul. A structured questionnaire evaluating the sleep schedule variables was filled out by their parents. SES was determined according to the Turkish SES scale. RESULTS: The mean age of 2669 children was 8.2 ± 2.4 years, and 51% of the students were girls. The mean TSD was 10.20 ± 1.04, and the mean bedtime was 21.57 ± 0.56 (both in hours, minutes ± SD). Boys tended to go bed later (p = 0.004) and slept less than girls (p = 0.02). The duration of sleep disruptions increased (p < 0.001), whereas TSD decreased with age (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression revealed that waking time and TSD decreased significantly (p < 0.05) with higher SES among both girls and boys. Sleep fragmentation was associated with habitual snoring, parasomnias, daytime sleepiness and conduct symptoms. CONCLUSION: Decreased total sleep duration is more prominent in boys, older children and children among higher socio-economic status. Insufficient sleep attributed to shortened total sleep duration by age and higher socio-economic status might have a negative effect on both sleep hygiene and psychological well-being in schoolchildren.

A comparison of different methods for the determination of glomerular filtration rate in elderly patients with chronic renal failure.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to asses the accuracy of prediction equations in elderly patients with advanced renal disease (ARD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-three elderly patients (>60 years) with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stages 3-5 underwent technetium-99 m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Tc-99m-DTPA) radionuclide measurement of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). To predict GFR, estimation formulas [Cockcroft-Gault (CG), 6-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (6-var-MDRD) and the corrected 24-hour creatinine clearance (24-h CCL) method] were used. Estimates of bias and precision were obtained to compare prediction equations of GFR with standard radionuclide measurement. RESULTS: In the present study, all the prediction equations overestimated the GFR measured with the radionuclide method. Six-var-MDRD and 24-h CCL methods correlated better with standard radionuclide measurements compared to the CG formula (Rc of 0.53 and 0.50 vs. 0.41, respectively) as for GFR prediction, but they were still insufficiently accurate. CONCLUSION: Glomerular filtration rate prediction equations correlate poorly with standard radionuclide measurements and their use may lead to late initialization of renal replacement therapy in elderly patients with ARD. Therefore, measurement by standard radionuclide method (Tc-99m-DTPA) is recommended to accurately assess GFR in elderly patients with ARD.

Resistance to vaccination: the attitudes and practices of primary healthcare workers confronting the H1N1 pandemic.

During the H1N1 pandemic, most healthcare workers in Turkey were not willing to take up the vaccine. This qualitative study aims to explore the factors that lead to vaccination resistance among a group of primary healthcare workers in Istanbul. Data were collected through focus group discussions. Thematic content analysis was conducted. All participants considered themselves at risk for infection, yet most of them were not vaccinated. Only persons with a "poor" immune system were considered by the respondents at risk for severe disease and death. Health personnel mostly did not realize their potential role in the transmission of influenza to patients. The decision of vaccination was dependent on the information source. The personnel who depended mainly on the media either did not accept vaccination or was undecided. They believed that the vaccine went through an accelerated authorization procedure. Yet the ones who accepted vaccination relied mostly on evidence-based sources and accessed information from the guidelines of the Ministry of Health, Professional Medical Associations and the World Health Organization. Social networks were also influential factors in the decision-making process. It is important to empower healthcare workers through supporting the skills of acquiring and using evidence-based information. This is particularly important for physicians who also serve as opinion leaders.

Urinary levels of interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 in patients with vesicoureteral reflux and renal parenchymal scar.

The objective of this study was to assess the urine levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) as noninvasive markers of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) and renal parenchymal scarring (RPS) in children in the absence of a recent urinary tract infection (UTI) episode. Urine concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8 in 114 children aged 1 month to 16 years were evaluated. The children were divided into four groups: group 1, 26 children with VUR and RPS; group 2, 27 children with VUR without RPS; group 3, 34 children with RPS without VUR, group 4, 27 children without VUR and RPS, as the control group. After the first assessment, the children were divided into four larger groups for comparison purposes: group A (groups 1+2), 53 children with VUR; group B (groups 3+4), 61 children without VUR; group C (groups 1+3), 60 children with RPS; group D (groups 2+4), 54 children without RPS. Urinary IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations were determined. To avoid dilution effects and to the standardize samples, urinary levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were expressed as the ratio of cytokine to urinary creatinine (pg/mg). The median urine IL-6/creatinine was significantly higher in patients with VUR than in those without VUR (5.72 vs. 3.73). In patients with VUR, there was a significant but rather weak correlation between IL-6/creatinine concentrations and there flux grade (p<0.05, R=0.305). The median urine IL-8/creatinine was significantly higher in patients with RPS than in those without RPS (43.12 vs. 16.36). In patients with RPS, there was a significant but rather weak correlation between IL-8/creatinine concentrations and the renal scar grade (p<0.05, R=0.251). The results of this study provide preliminary evidence that children with VUR have a high urine IL-6 concentration, whereas children with RPS have a high urine IL-8 concentration.

End-of-life decisions in the newborn period: attitudes and practices of doctors and nurses.

The aim of our study was to assess the attitudes and practices of doctors and nurses about end-of-life decisions and compare our results with those observed in different European countries. The data was collected from nurses and doctors, using a standardized questionnaire adapted from the EURONIC study. A total of 250 structured questionnaires were delivered, and 135 (77%) of them were accepted for analysis. The end-of-life decision was taken in 39.4% of the hospitals and personal involvement was 40%. Although an ethical committee was present in the hospitals of 61.5% of responders, a written policy was present in only 3.1% of the units. The mean attitude score was 6.5. Seventy-five percent of the contributors agreed that everything possible should be done to ensure a neonate's survival regardless of the prognosis and 65.2% of responders believed that costs of health care should not affect nontreatment decisions. Most of the responders (65.2%) agreed that severe mental disability as an outcome was equal to or worse than death. In patients in whom medical intervention would be futile, or would not offer sufficient benefit to justify the burdens imposed, hospitals should set up a functional ethical committee in order to decide in matters of withholding or withdrawing intervention.

The influence of gender roles on health seeking behaviour during pregnancy in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of gender roles in relation to health seeking behaviour during pregnancy and childbirth. METHODS: The study was conducted in neighbourhoods with low antenatal care rates in three provinces of Turkey. The study population consisted of pregnant women who never got or discontinued antenatal care and their peers, families and community leaders. Sixteen focus group discussions and 125 in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 239 participants. RESULTS: Pregnancy and childbirth are interwoven strongly with gender roles. Since the patriarchal system acknowledges women through the means of childbirth, women are expected to have many children. Hence women experience pregnancy as a burden and are not motivated to seek antenatal care. During pregnancy, only 'serious' conditions are considered as legitimate reasons for accessing care. However, the decision regarding whether a pregnant woman is seriously sick or not belongs to the responsibilities of elder women, which delays service use. CONCLUSIONS: Providing information regarding the value of antenatal care also to elder women is essential in increasing the demand to the services. Incorporating gender perspectives into daily health practice and maintaining access to high quality reproductive care services are vital in reducing the gender based barriers to care.