Living With a New Kidney From the Perspective of Adolescent Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Mandala-Supported Qualitative Study Protocol.

OBJECTIVES: This study will guide health services by identifying the mental, physical, and social conditions associated with children's quality of life to better understand the experiences of pediatric kidney transplant recipients and help them lead better lives in adulthood. Encouragement to express their experiences with their own words and drawings can help to improve care practices and better understand their perspectives. Our aim was to determine the experiences and problems of pediatric kidney transplant recipients through Mandala art therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this study, we adopted a descriptive phenomenological design and thematic analysis approach based on the philosophy of Edmund Husserl. The sample will consist of kidney transplant recipients aged 12 to 18 years admitted to the pediatric nephrology polyclinic of a university hospital in southern Turkey. Data will be collected using a semi-structured interview form. We will conduct each interview and Mandala drawing activity face-to-face. The study has been approved by the ethics committee of the university. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This study, to our knowledge, is the first to focus on Mandala art therapy and the experiences of pediatric kidney transplant recipients and what it feels like to grow up with a new kidney. Our results will contribute to the literature and will help researchers understand what pediatric kidney transplant recipients are going through and what it means for them to live with a new kidney. Mandala art therapy can help pediatric kidney transplant recipients express their feelings and thoughts that they cannot otherwise express.

Psychosocial Problems in Recipients of Kidney Transplant.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of kidney transplant is to improve the quality of life of recipients. Improving quality of life of transplant recipients is crucial for their treatment adherence and transplant success. However, it is known that psychosocial problems experienced by kidney transplant recipients after transplant can threaten quality of life and increase mortality and morbidity rates. Therefore, in this study, we examined up-to-date literature and recommendations on psychological problems experienced by recipients after kidney transplant. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Studies were identified by searching PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science databases for the past 5 years. The search terms used included "depression, anxiety," "kidney transplant recipients," "kidney transplantation," psychosocial problems," and "psychosocial issues." RESULTS: Our search of relevant databases resulted in 1663 articles imported into EndNote: 243 from PubMed, 1198 from ScienceDirect, and 222 from Web of Science. Twenty-one studies that met the inclusion criteria were included. CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies have indicated that kidney transplant recipients experience depression, anxiety, and stress during the posttransplant period. Support is recommended for recipients after kidney transplant, and interventions aimed at reducing depression, anxiety, and stress are needed.

Sleep Disorders in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: Kidney transplant is the primary treatment option for end-stage renal disease, owing to its favorable outcomes in terms of survival, healthcare expenses, and overall quality of life. However, sleep disturbances are common among patients with chronic kidney disease and may not always improve after kidney transplant. This review aims to summarize the available literature pertaining to sleep issues in kidney transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search by using PubMed and Ulakbim databases, without imposing any restrictions on publication dates. The primary objective of the search was to identify relevant studies involving the keywords "kidney transplantation," "sleep disorders," and "nursing care." RESULTS: Restful sleep is a key component in the recovery process after kidney transplant. Posttransplant physical conditions should be evaluated in terms of the side effects of surgery and drugs, as well as other factors that may have serious effects on the sleep cycle. The frequency of insufficient sleep before and after kidney transplant was shown to be 37.5% before transplant, 37.5% after 3 months, and 20.0% after 6 months. In addition, both kidney transplant recipients and hemodialysis patients had lower sleep quality than people with normal kidney function. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep disorders can have detrimental effects on kidney allograft function, emphasizing the crucial need for systematic screening and management to ensure the survival of both the graft and the recipient. In light of this, it is imperative for nurses to regularly assess the sleep health of transplant recipients and, when deemed necessary, employ specific nursing interventions to address sleep problems and enhance overall sleep quality during the provision of care.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma concurrent with COVID 19 infection; case report.

INTRODUCTION: To report three cases that developed acute angle-closure glaucoma on the background of hyponatremia due to COVID 19 infection. METHODS: Data of patients with positive PCR result for COVID 19 infection and concurrent findings of acute angle-closure glaucoma were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The common characteristic of all cases was positive PCR test for COVID 19 infection taken from the nasopharyngeal swab 4 or 5 days ago. Their serum sodium levels were lower than 135 mmol / L. At the initial ophthalmic examination, all cases had diffuse corneal edema with shallow anterior chambers and mid-dilated non-reacting pupils.The choroid was evaluated as normal by ocular ultrasonography. Intraocular pressures (IOP) of the first, second, and third cases were 35 mmHg, 44 mmHg, and 40 mm Hg, respectively. 5-10 cc/kg mannitol was given to all patients intravenously within 30 min. Simultaneously, they began to use oral acetazolamide, topical pilocarpine, beta-blocker, and prednisolone acetate drops.After stabilization of IOP, Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet;(ND: YAG) Laser iridotomy was performed on all patients. No additional fluid therapy was given to the patients other than mannitol, and it was determined that the blood sodium level remained at normal levels after diuresis. DISCUSSION: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in COVID 19 infection. Hyponatremia may cause an angle-closure attack in patients with shallow anterior chamber angles.Therefore, one should be aware of the possibility of angle-closure glaucoma in patients who develop hyponatremia due to COVID 19 disease. Suspected patients should be referred to the ophthalmology department.

Factors Affecting Anxiety of Kidney Transplant Recipients According to Donor Type: A Descriptive Study.

PURPOSE: High anxiety among kidney transplant recipients has negative psychosocial consequences for health quality. This study aims to determine the risk factors that affect levels of anxiety in recipients of kidney transplants according to living and deceased donor types. DESIGN: The study was conducted using a descriptive correlational research method. METHODS: The study conducted research with 330 kidney transplant recipients (from 261 live and 69 cadaver donors) who agreed to participate between February and July 2019. Participants completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, which assesses state and trait anxiety. FINDINGS: Participants had low state anxiety and moderate trait anxiety scores. A statistically significant, positive, moderate correlation was found between state anxiety scale and trait anxiety scale mean scores of recipients of kidney transplants from both living and deceased donors. According to a regression analysis of trait anxiety scores of transplant recipients from living donors, positive independent risk factors for anxiety include kidney transplant recipients with a low income, receiving kidneys from male donors, drug noncompliance, sleep disorders, and mental problems. CONCLUSIONS: Both kidney transplant recipients from living and deceased donors had low state anxiety and moderate trait anxiety. Nurses should develop effective intervention strategies that continue throughout life to reduce the anxiety of kidney transplant recipients.

Non-ocular risk factors in Turkish children with strabismus and amblyopia.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate non-ocular risk factors including family history, febrile seizure, history of trauma, neurological diseases, and prematurity in Turkish children with strabismus and amblyopia. METHODS: The records of patients diagnosed with strabismus and/or amblyopia below 18 years old, were recruited. The current mean age, sex, types and subtypes of strabismus and amblyopia, family history, history of trauma, and febrile seizure were investigated. The presence of neurological diseases and prematurity were noted. Family history was investigated whether the presence of strabismus or amblyopia was maternal or paternal. Blood relatives were divided into 3 groups including first, second, and third-degree relatives. The relationship between blood relative degrees and types of strabismus or amblyopia were assessed. RESULTS: There were 803 patients with a current median age of 8 years (1-29 years). Of these patients, 786 patients could be evaluated and 55% had esotropia (ET), 32.6% had exotropia (XT) and 12.5% had amblyopia as a primary diagnosis. Positive family history of strabismus or amblyopia was more common among all risk factors. There was a statistically significant rate of patients with a positive family history in the first-degree relatives, in the esotropic patient group (p= 0.002). Maternal positive family history was more common in patients with refractive ET (p= 0.024) and paternal positive family history was more common in patients with intermittent XT (p= 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of positive family history of amblyopia and strabismus were not statistically different. Family history of strabismus in first-degree relatives of patients with esotropia was markedly high. The family history of strabismus on the maternal or paternal side might be different in patients with different subtypes of strabismus.

The effect of pterygium surgery on intraocular lens power and ocular biometric parameters.

AIMS: To evaluate the effect of pterygium surgery on intraocular lens (IOL) power and ocular biometric parameters and to evaluate the factors affecting these parameters. METHODS: Twenty-eight eyes of 25 patients diagnosed with pterygium were evaluated. Axial length (AL), mean keratometry (Sim K), K1, K2, anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal astigmatism, and ocular biometry parameters were obtained with a dual Scheimpflug analyzer. Pterygium sizes (horizontal, vertical) were measured manually, and pterygium height was analyzed with anterior segment optic coherence tomography. IOL power was calculated according to SRK/T, SRK II, Hoffer Q, Haigis, and Holladay formulas. Limbal conjunctival autograft was performed in all patients after excisional pterygium surgery. Preoperative and postoperative 1st month measurements were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 51.5 ± 13.8 years. Mean horizontal pterygium length, vertical width, height, and percentage extension of the pterygium were 2.4 ± 0.9, 4.7 ± 1.0 mm, 297 ± 93µm, and 20.2 ± 7.2%, respectively. There was a significant increase in Sim K, K1, and K2 values postoperatively. Postoperative IOL power was significantly lower than preoperative values in all formulas. The change in IOL power after surgery was -0.3 ± 0.6D in the SRKT, -0.3 ± 0.5D in SRK II, -0.4 ± 0.7D in Hoffer Q, -0.5±0.7D in Haigis, and -0.3 ± 0.7D in Holladay 2 formulas. The change in IOL power has a moderate positive linear correlation with the horizontal and vertical sizes of the pterygium and a high positive linear correlation with the percentage extension of the pterygium. CONCLUSIONS: Pterygium surgery causes a significant decrease in calculated IOL power obtained with all formulas. It becomes more pronounced with the increase in the size of the pterygium.

The effect of amblyopia on clinical outcomes of children with astigmatism.

BACKGROUND: Amblyopia is more common in children with high astigmatism, but factors contributing to development of amblyopia and visual outcomes are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of amblyopia on the clinical outcomes in children with ⩾1.75 diopter (D) astigmatism. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of children with ⩾1.75 D astigmatism with and without amblyopia (amblyopes group and non-amblyopes group). The mean age, gender, amount and type of ocular deviation, presence of convergence insufficiency (CI), stereopsis, time of initial spectacle use and follow-up time, differences in best-corrected visual acuity (VoD) and spherical equivalent (SE) between eyes were assessed and compared between the groups. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean SE, astigmatism measurements were assessed and compared between amblyopic, fellow, and non-amblyopic eyes. RESULTS: The records included 68 eyes of 34 children with amblyopia and 56 eyes of 28 children without amblyopia. The mean age, gender, amount and type of ocular deviation, presence of CI, stereopsis, time of initial spectacle use, follow-up time, and the difference in SE did not differ between groups. In amblyopes, exodeviation was more common and statistically greater in near (33 cm) than at distance (6 m) (p = 0.005). The mean BCVA and astigmatism values were statistically different between amblyopic, fellow, and non-amblyopic eyes. CONCLUSION: A greater near than distance exodeviation and higher mean astigmatism value were found in amblyopic children with astigmatism.

The Relationship Between Organizational Stress Levels and Patient Safety Attitudes in Operating Room Staff.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between organizational stress levels and patient safety attitudes in operating room (OR) staff. DESIGN: The study was conducted using a descriptive correlational research method. METHODS: The study sample was made up of 164 OR staff (38 surgeons, 32 anesthetists, 46 nurses, and 48 anesthetic technicians/OR support staff) at a university hospital. The data were collected with a Personal Information Form, the Organizational Stress Scale, and the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire-Operating Room (SAQ-OR) version. FINDINGS: The most important factor affecting organizational stress was sources of stress related to financial means, whereas the most important factor affecting patient safety attitudes was teamwork climate. Sources of stress related to the nature of the work performed and to management were higher in surgeons; mean scores in the subdimension of stress sources related to financial means were higher in nurses; whereas, total scores in the SAQ-OR version and mean scores in the subdimensions of perceptions of management, working conditions, and stress recognition were higher in anesthetic technicians/OR support staff. A statistically significant weak negative correlation was found between the Organizational Stress Scale and the SAQ-OR version. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, as organizational stress levels of OR staff increased, patient safety attitudes were negatively affected. To improve patient safety attitudes of OR staff, it is recommended that work environments that reduce organizational stress are created.

Determining the Knowledge and Attitudes of Theological Students in Turkey about Brain Death and Organ Donation.

This descriptive study was performed to determine the knowledge and attitudes of 492 Faculty of Theology students in Turkey regarding organ donation and the determinants of organ donation intention according to the theory of planned behavior. The study used the Attitudes Toward Organ Donation Scale and the Organ-Tissue Donation and Transplantation Knowledge Scale. According to the results of the regression analysis, the factors affecting organ donation intention were attitude (OR 1.19, 95%CI 1.11-1.27), subjective norms (OR 1.10, 95%CI 1.01-1.20), and perceived behavioral control (OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.18-1.44). In this study, behavioral intention was significantly associated with attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.

Does pterygium morphology affect corneal astigmatism?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between corneal astigmatism and the morphology of pterygium with anterior segment optic coherence tomography (AS-OCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: The size of pterygium (horizontal length, vertical width) was measured manually; pterygium area and percentage extension of the pterygium onto the cornea were calculated. Anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism, Sim K, K1, K2 were measured using a dual Scheimpflug analyzer. Morphological patterns of the pterygium analyzed with AS-OCT were determined according to the extension of the pterygium apex below the corneal epithelium. Two tomographic patterns were identified: continuous and nodular. Correlation between anterior corneal astigmatism and pterygium size, percentage extension of the pterygium, and morphological pattern of the pterygium was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean ages of the 47 patients were 49.4 ± 16.6 (22-80) years. Mean horizontal pterygium length, vertical width, pterygium area, and percentage extension of the pterygium were 2.8 ± 1.2 mm, 4.8 ± 1.6 mm, 7.42 ± 5.6 mm2 and 24.5 ± 10.4%, respectively. Mean anterior corneal astigmatism was 2.3 ± 2.3 D and simulated keratometry was 43.4 ± 2.02 D. In terms of the morphological pattern of the pterygium, 24 eyes had continuous, 23 eyes had a nodular pattern and the median (interquartile range) anterior corneal astigmatism was 1.87 (1.01-3.80) and 1.22 D (0.58-2.35), respectively (p = 0.102). Other topographic and pterygium size parameters were similar between groups. Analyzing the correlations in groups separately, a positive moderate statistically significant correlation was present between vertical width, percentage extension, pterygium area, and anterior corneal astigmatism in both continuous and nodular groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although not statistically significant, anterior corneal astigmatism was higher in continuous group. Using AS-OCT to standardize the morphology of pterygium could provide additional clinical information.

Effects of glaucoma and central corneal thickness on optic nerve head biomechanics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of glaucoma and central corneal thickness (CCT) on optic nerve head biomechanics. METHODS: Four groups were formed according to CCT measurements and the presence of glaucoma. Glaucomatous patients with thin (< 510 µ) and thick (> 570 µ) corneas composed groups 1 and 3, respectively. Nonglaucomatous patients with thin and thick corneas composed groups 2 and 4, respectively. Real-time elastography (RTE) was performed on all groups, and optic nerve strain rate (ONSR), orbital fat strain rate (OFSR), and strain ratio of orbital fat to the optic nerve and medial and lateral parts of the optic nerve (SROFON, SROFMON, SROFLON, respectively) were obtained and compared between groups. The correlations between CCT and these parameters were also investigated. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was not found between groups in terms of strain rate of optic nerve and orbital fat, SRFON, SROFMON and SROFLON. There was a positive correlation between ONSR and OFSR and mean CCT in patients with CCT thinner than 510 µ (p: 0.03 r: 0.26, p: 0.01 r: 0.32 respectively). CONCLUSION: SROFON, SROFLON and SROFMON values did not differ between glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous patients with thin or thick CCTs. The correlations between CCT and OFSR and ONSR were found to be statistically significant in patients with thin CCT.

Clinical time course of the neglected giant sebaceous gland carcinoma.

In this report, we discussed the progression from the initial presentation until surgical intervention, clinical course, and devastating outcome of a neglected giant sebaceous gland carcinoma of the eyelid in a poorly compliant elderly patient. A 79-year-old woman was referred for treatment of a giant ulcero-nodular lesion in the right upper eyelid. Nine months before, an orange lesion arising from the tarsal conjunctiva in the upper eyelid was observed in her examination undergone in the healthcare center where she initially presented, and the cornea appeared transparent. Surgical excision was recommended, which she declined. The examination three months before in the same center revealed that the lesion invaded the globe and anterior segment architecture could not be visualized. She was then recommended surgical removal of the eyeball, which she also refused. Radiological imaging demonstrated a 33x35 mm mass lesion in the superior lateral of orbit with exophytic growth and invasion of the globe and no systemic metastases were found. Total orbital exenteration surgery was immediately planned and performed. Histopathological examination revealed sebaceous gland carcinoma. Elderly patients with poor compliance should discuss their condition with a psychiatrist and should be managed by a multidisciplinary approach. This way, patients with eyelid malignancies can be encouraged to undergo surgery and receive early treatment, decreasing the need for exenteration, improving clinical outcomes, and reducing the risk of morbidity and mortality.

Strong fixation preference in patients with manifest exotropia: Does it matter or not?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of strong fixation preference on clinical and surgical outcomes, in non-amblyopic patients with basic-type intermittent exotropia (IXT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients were retrospectively investigated. Non-amblyopic patients with the diagnosis of basic-type IXT were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the presence of strong fixation preference (SFP). Best-corrected visual acuity, refractive errors, deviations in near and distance, convergence patterns, motor fusion, stereopsis were evaluated and compared. Patients who underwent surgery in each group composed subgroups and postoperative deviations, convergence patterns, motor fusion, and stereopsis were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the presence of SFP: patients with SFP composed Group 1 and patients with alternating fixation composed Group 2. Statistically significant difference was seen between groups in terms of motor fusion (p: 0.02). Other parameters did not differ between groups. Data obtained from patients in subgroups of each group were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of basic-type exotropic patients according to their fixation preference revealed us that motor fusion might be affected by strong fixation preference. We also observed that SFP did not affect surgical success rates, convergence patterns, and stereopsis of exotropic patients.

Weight Gain, Energy Intake, Energy Expenditure, and Immunosuppressive Therapy in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Weight gain after kidney transplantation is a common health problem. The factors in weight gain after kidney transplant include many factors such as age, ethnicity, gender, change in lifestyle (eg, kilocalorie intake and physical activity level), and immunosuppressive therapy. RESEARCH QUESTIONS: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between weight gain and energy intake in dietary, energy expenditure in physical activity, and immunosuppressive therapy in kidney transplant recipients. DESIGN: This prospective, observational study included 51 participants who underwent kidney transplant, during 6 months from the start of the study. Anthropometric measurements were performed at first week, third- and sixth-month follow-ups of transplant recipients. Participants also completed 3-day "Dietary Record Form" and the "Physical Activity Record Form" at each follow-up. Simple frequency, analysis of variance analysis, and correlation analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Weight gain in sixth month follow-up compared to baseline value was positively related to energy intake in first week (r = 0.59), third month (r = 0.75), and sixth month (r = 0.67) follow-ups, and energy expenditure in first week (r = 0.35) and sixth month (r = 0.34) follow-ups. However, weight gain was negatively related to mycophenolate mofetil dose (mg/d) in sixth month (r = -0.31) follow-up (P < .05). DISCUSSION: The results of this study provide an opportunity to reflect and discuss on modifiable risk factors such as energy intake and energy expenditure that affect weight gain posttransplantation in participants. It also examines the relationship between immunosuppressive therapy. Additionally, these results can be effective in designing interventions and managing risk factors to achieve weight management goals.

Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercise on Postoperative Pain Level in Patients Undergoing Open Renal Surgery: A Nonrandomized Evaluation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercise on pain and vital signs in patients undergoing open renal surgery. DESIGN: Nonrandomized evaluation with intervention (n = 31) and control (n = 30) groups. METHODS: In the intervention group, PMR exercise was performed twice daily on postoperative days 0, 1, 2, and 3. Pain severity and vital signs were evaluated 15 minutes after each exercise application. FINDINGS: The study detected significant differences in the mean visual analog scale pain severity values in the intervention group, who received PMR exercise between 0 and 3 days. The repeated measurements 15 minutes after PMR exercise exhibited a statistically significant (P < .05) decrease in systolic blood pressure values as well as heart and respiratory rates. CONCLUSIONS: It was determined that PMR decreased the mean postoperative visual analog scale pain scores and vital signs in patients of the intervention group compared with the control group.

Corneal topography, anterior segment and high-order aberration assessments in children with ≥ 2 diopter astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To assess topographic findings, anterior segment parameters and high-order aberrations (HOAs) by using corneal tomography in children with 2 diopters (dp) or more astigmatism. METHODS: Children with 2 dp or more astigmatism (study group) and children with astigmatism less than 1 dp (control group) were recruited. Corneal astigmatism, mean, steep, flat keratometry (K) findings, anterior and posterior K results and anterior segment parameters including anterior chamber depth, kappa distance, horizontal corneal diameter, mean, central, middle, peripheral corneal thicknesses (CT), white-to-white (WTW) distance and pupil diameter were measured by Galilei G4 Dual Scheimpflug corneal tomography. HOAs were also assessed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes of 37 children in the study group and 37 eyes of 37 children in the control group were enrolled. The mean ages of groups were 9.7 ± 2.4 years and 9.3 ± 1.6 years in study and control groups, respectively. The mean astigmatism was 3.3 ± 1.1 dp and 0.5 ± 0.3 dp in study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Total corneal astigmatism was 3.3 ± 0.84 dp and 1.14 ± 0.47 dp in study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of posterior steep K and posterior astigmatism values. Among anterior segment parameters, mean CT and WTW values were statistically different between groups. HOAs were found to be statistically different between groups. CONCLUSION: Higher posterior corneal astigmatism, thinner mean CT and lower WTW distance were found in children with 2 dp or more astigmatism. Besides, HOAs were much more in these astigmatic children.

Effects of topical antiglaucomatous medications on central corneal epithelial thickness by anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of topical antiglaucomatous medications on central corneal epithelial thickness measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 153 eyes of 153 patients using topical antiglaucomatous medications and 110 eyes of 110 control subjects were enrolled. Glaucoma type, duration of therapy, the number of drugs, and drops/day were noted in the patient group. Patients and control subjects underwent ocular examinations including Schirmer test, slit lamp examination for tear film break-up time, and anterior segment optical coherence tomography for central corneal thickness and central corneal epithelial thickness. Central corneal epithelial thickness and other data were evaluated separately with regard to glaucoma type, duration of therapy, the number of drops, and drugs in the patient group. RESULTS: The mean ages of the patients and controls were 60.1 ± 10.8 and 58.7 ± 11.2 years, respectively. The groups were similar with regard to mean age and gender (p = 0.058, p = 0.734, respectively). The median (interquartile range) central corneal thickness was 536 (54) µm in patients and 552 (53) µm in controls (p = 0.011). The median (interquartile range) central corneal epithelial thickness of patients and controls were 56 (4) µm and 60 (8) µm, respectively (p < 0.001). The median (interquartile range) tear film break-up time and Schirmer were 12 (6) s and 10 (8) mm in patients and 16 (2) s and 18 (4) mm in controls, respectively (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). In patient group, there was no significant difference in the median central corneal thickness, central corneal epithelial thickness, and tear film break-up time in terms of glaucoma type, duration of therapy, the number of drugs, and the number of daily drops. Only the median Schirmer test was found to be statistically lower in terms of number of daily eye drops (p = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Using topical antiglaucomatous medications seems to affect the central corneal epithelial thickness in glaucoma patients. Central corneal epithelial thickness was thinner in glaucoma patients than controls. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography might be helpful to evaluate the effect of antiglaucomatous medications on central corneal epithelial thickness during treatment.

Investigation of the Causes and Risk Factors of Previous End-Stage Renal Disease in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a pathophysiological process with many etiologic causes, often leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The distribution of the causes that lead to ESRD varies by country, race, and sex. Renal failure may be prevented by determining these differences and reducing the risk factors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the causes and risk factors of previous ESRD in kidney transplant (KT) recipients. METHODS: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, 393 KT recipients fitting the study criteria gave written consent to participate. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews at the Transplant Center using survey forms prepared by the researchers. RESULTS: According to a multivariate logistic regression analysis of the dependent variable of ESRD diagnosis age of KT recipients, the factors affecting ESRD diagnosis age were found to be job (Odds ratio (OD) = 5.76; 95% CI [2.291-14.481]), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OD = 2.94; 95% CI [1.143-7.571]), polycystic kidney disease (PKD) (OD = 4.55; 95% CI [1.737-11.919]), hypertension (HT) (OD = 3.53; 95% CI [2.132-5.854]), family history of ESRD (OD = 0.57; 95% CI [0.341-0.963]), surgical procedure history (OD = 1.93; 95% CI [1.150-3.230]), and stress level (OD = 5.86, 95% CI [2.212-15.528]). CONCLUSION: It is important that we determine the changeable risk factors related to ESRD development in order to prepare strategies aimed at preventing ESRD, the frequency and prevalence of which is gradually increasing. Modifiable risk factors should be identified, particularly in KT recipients, to preserve the functions of the transplanted kidney.

Intercultural Sensitivity Levels and Cultural Difference Perceptions of Physicians and Nurses.

AIM: This study was conducted to determine the level of intercultural sensitivity of the physicians and nurses. METHOD: This research was a descriptive study. The sample group of the study were physicians (n=70) and nurses (n=87) working in the Public Hospital. 64.3% of physicians and 71.3% of nurses participated in the study. Data were collected between May, June and July 2017. Data of the study were collected by a questionnaire including personal information and Intercultural Sensitivity Scale. The questionnaire also includes an open-ended question of "What are cultural difference elements you describe in patients to whom you administer treatment and provide care". Descriptive statistics related to the variables were calculated and Parametric and non-parametric tests were performed. RESULTS: In the present study, Intercultural Sensitivity Scale mean scores were determined as 3.46±0.48 for the physicians and 3.48±0.47 for the nurses. There was no significant difference between the marital status of physicians and nurses and the total score of the scale (p>0.05). The interaction engagement scores of single physicians and nurses were higher than the married ones. Interaction enjoyment mean scores were higher in the participants speaking a foreign language than those not speaking a foreign language. There were significant difference between Intercultural Sensitivity Scale total scores and interaction engagement, respect for cultural differences and interaction confidence subscales of physicians and nurses who have previous interaction with individuals from different cultures. Mean scores of the participants not receiving the training on cultural sensitivity were higher in the subscales of interaction engagement and interaction attentiveness (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It is recommended for physicians and nurses to try to increase their cultural sensitivity by knowing more people from different cultures. It is also recommended to develop language competence of the institutions in which they work and make plans to provide opportunities for physicians and nurses to gain experience abroad and cultural sensitivity education.