Perceived social support and quality of life of parents of children with Autism.

BACKGROUND: When examining the incidence of autism, however, children should not be considered independent of their parents, as this collection of disorders also affects the life of their family members. Having a disabled child affects the relationships with the family and friends, and the social and work life of families. The quality of life of these families is discussed in terms of financial aspects, health, support of family members, values, occupation, family relations, and individual support dimensions of developmental disabilities. However, there are very limited studies on the relationship between perceived social support and quality of life of parents of children with autism, and none of these has been conducted in Turkey. AIM: This study aimed to identify the perceived social support and quality of life of the parents of children with autism and to investigate the related factors. STUDY DESIGN: The sample of the study consists of 90 parents who accepted to join the research studies. The participants enrolled in the study included 90 biological parents (31 mothers; 59 fathers). Eighteen children had both mother and father participate (all participants subsequently will be referred to as "parents"). METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A socio-demographic form, the EUROHIS Quality of Life Scale (EUROHIS QOL-8) and the Multi-Dimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used for data collection. RESULTS: The mean score on the EUROHIS QOL-8 was 26.17 ± 4.91 and that on the MSPSS was 51.06 ± 20.6. A statistically significant relationship was found between the EUROHIS QOL-8 and MSPSS scores (r = 0.524, P = 0.000). There were significant differences on the average score on the EUROHIS QOL-8 and MSPSS based on fathers' job status. CONCLUSION: Our results provide important insights into the family experiences of parents of children with autism, and may aid the development of appropriate interventions to further support them. Providing support and understanding families of children with autism and their experiences, nurses, doctors and health professionals can positively affect their health outcomes. Healthcare professionals should focus on determining the needs of families to accordingly plan and implement appropriate programs.

Some lectin binding properties of the tongue of the mole rat, Nannospalax xanthodon.

We investigated carbohydrate residues on the epithelial surface, in the epithelial cells and in gland cells of the tongue of the mole rat using histochemical methods. We used horseradish peroxidase-conjugated lectins from Helix pomatia (HPA), Arachishypogaea (PNA), Ulexeuropaeus (UEA I), Canavaliaensiformis (Con A). The most intense reactivity was observed in the keratin layer with HPA, UEA I and Con A, and in the epithelial cells with UEA I and Con A. In the glands, we found strong reactivity in serous cells with HPA and Con A, and in mucous cells with HPA and UEA I. PNA did not bind to epithelial or gland cells. Consequently, GlcNAc, fucose and α-D-mannose terminal glycoconjugates are distributed widely; GalNAc terminal glycoconjugates appeared in small amounts.

Macroscopic anatomy of the lower respiratory system in mole rats (Spalax leucodon).

The morphologic and morphometric features of the lower respiratory system in mole rats were examined. It was seen that the low respiratory system of this species leading a special life under highly hypoxic/hypercapnic conditions underground is structurally similar to other mammals living on land in terms of the parts examined; trachea was formed by 29.5 ± 4 oval-formed cartilaginous tracheals arranged backwards and became gradually more stenotic diameter from cranial to the caudal of the neck. The trachea was separated in two principal bronchus at the fourth thoracal intercostal spatium level. The angle between the two main principal bronchi was 60.5 ± 2.35°. The lung constituted 1.29 ± 0.03% of the body weight and the right lung was heavier than the left lung. Fissura inter-lobaris was deep and separated the lung lobes wholly, and the right lung was separated in four lobes, whereas the left lung was not separated into the lobes. Also, the medial lobe of the left lung was the lightest lobe.

The distribution of taste buds in Garra rufa.

The distribution and relative frequency of external taste buds (TB) of Garra rufa were studied. TB of Garra rufa were observed on different body location (lips, lateral and ventral areas, forehead, operculum and dorsal-pelvic-pectoral-anal fins). TB are at the highest frequency in lips, forehead, pectoral and anal fins. These structures are moderate as a number in operculum, La2 (between pelvic and anal fins) areas, and then decreased a few in other areas.

Reversed seromuscular gastrocystoplasty for bladder augmentation.

The aim of this study was to prevent the complications of gastrocystoplasty by using reversed seromuscular gastrocystoplasty for bladder augmentation. Healthy mongrel dogs were used in the study. A diamond shaped segment was separated from the remainder of the stomach preserving the right gastroepiploic artery in 11 dogs. The gastric mucosa was removed. A reversed seromuscular gastrocystoplasty was performed. The animals were observed for a mean of 7.7 months. Thereafter, relaparotomy was performed in all animals. A bladder stone was found in 1 dog. In the histopathological evaluation of the urinary bladder, it was seen that the gastric serosal surface was covered with the urothelium in all dogs. Transitional epithelial hyperplasia in 1 dog (12.5%) and squamous metaplasia in 2 dogs (25%) were identified. There were no statistical differences between preoperative and postoperative values of urine and blood pH and serum sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate levels. Complications of gastrocystoplasty such as hypochloremic metabolic alkalosis and hematuria and dysuria syndrome, are prevented by this procedure. The shrinkage of the gastric patch surface may also be prevented by facing the smooth gastric serosa to the internal surface of the urinary bladder.

Postoperative patient-controlled epidural analgesia with opioid bupivacaine mixtures.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of patient-controlled epidural analgesia of morphine or fentanyl in combination with bupivacaine for postoperative pain relief. METHODS: Forty ASA I-II patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were studied. After insertion of a lumbar epidural catheter, patients were given a non-opioid general anaesthetic. After surgery patients complaining of pain, received a loading dose of 2 mg morphine (Group I) or 50 micrograms fentanyl (Group II). For continuing pain, 1 mg morphine in 4 ml bupivacaine 0.125% (0.25 mg.ml-1 morphine and 1 mg.ml-1 bupivacaine, Group I) or 20 micrograms fentanyl in 4 ml bupivacaine 0.125% (5 micrograms.ml-1 fentanyl and 1 mg.ml-1 bupivacaine Group II) were administered. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and SpO2 were monitored. Assessments of pain (VAS), nausea-vomiting, motor block, pruritus and sedation were recorded for 24 hr. RESULTS: No difference in pain or sedation was observed between groups. The 24 hr postoperative opioid consumption was 15.50 +/- 7.53 mg morphine and 555.10 +/- 183.85 micrograms fentanyl. Total bupivacaine 0.125% consumption was 58.00 +/- 30.14 ml in Group I and 101.05 +/- 36.77 ml in Group II. One patient in Group II complained of motor weakness in one leg. The incidence of nausea (Group I 45%, Group II 10% P < 0.05) and pruritus (Group I 30%, Group II 5% P < 0.05) was less in patients receiving fentanyl. CONCLUSION: Both methods were effective in the prevention of pain but, because of fewer side effects, fentanyl may be preferable to morphine.

Laparoscopic-assisted pneumatic reduction of intussusception.

The nonoperative treatment of intussusception is done by fluoroscopy, however, false-positive and negative images may lead to unnecessary operations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of laparoscopy in pneumatic reduction. Surgical ileoileocolic intussusception was performed in 27 dogs. Sixteen dogs were observed for 3 days (group A), and 11 were observed for 5 days (group B). Laparoscopy was performed in the intussuscepted dogs during pneumatic reduction. Under general anesthesia, a 10-mm trocar was inserted supraumblically in the midline, and the laparoscope was introduced. The intussuscepted bowel was observed on the video monitor. A 5-mm trocar was inserted in the right upper quadrant. The mesentery of the terminal ileum was manipulated using grasping forceps to assist reduction. CO2 was insufflated into the rectum using a Foley catheter, and the reduction was observed on the video monitor. The success rate was 94% (mean reduction time, 2.5 minutes +/- 1.0) for group A and 100% (mean reduction time, 3.7 minutes +/- 0.8) for group B. Bowel perforation was observed in one dog, and recurrence of intussusception in another. The authors claim that observing the bowel on the video monitor may help in the differential diagnosis and reduction of difficult cases such as ileoileocolic and delayed intussusceptions. Therefore, unnecessary open surgery may be prevented.

Prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in pregnant Turkish women and their families.

A total of 5,366 pregnant Turkish women were screened for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and 225 (4.2%) of them were found to be positive. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was detected in 6.2% of HBsAg-positive pregnant women. the overall prevalence of HBsAg and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) among the spouses, previous children, mothers and first degree relatives of the HBsAg-positive pregnant women was 56%, 49%, 79% and 74% respectively. The prevalence of HBsAg is thus high in pregnant Turkish women with familial clustering of hepatitis B virus infection.

Age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus infection.

In this study, we have tried to determine the age-specific seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and to make some conclusions about the mode of transmission and vaccination strategy which should be chosen in Turkey. Eight hundred and one patients between the ages of six months and 60 years of age were included in this study. According to the HBV serologic markers, (HBsAg, Anti-HBc and Anti-HBs), HBsAg positivity and HBV exposure rates were 6.5% and 32.8%, respectively. HBsAg positivity was 6.6% under one year of age. The highest rate of HBsAg positivity was in the 6-10 year age-group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of total hepatitis B virus seropositivity increased with age (p < 0.05). The HBV exposure rate was higher in males than in females (p < 0.05). It was concluded that HBV infection is an important infection in Turkey and is acquired very early in life. A mass hepatitis B vaccination strategy should be thus chosen in Turkey.

Results of vaccinated infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers with different hepatitis B vaccines and doses.

Seventy-eight infants born to HBsAg-positive women were randomly assigned to receive either the plasma-derived vaccine or 0.5 ml (10 micrograms HBsAg) yeast-derived recombinant hepatitis B vaccine within 24 hours of birth, simultaneously with hepatitis B hyperimmunoglobulin. In 67 infants who received the plasma-derived vaccine, one of the doses of 0.5 ml (25 micrograms HBsAg) was used randomly. In all of the infants, the second and third doses of both vaccines were given at one and two months of age, respectively. The booster doses were given at 12 month of age in all of the infants. These vaccinated infants were followed up until 13 months of age. There were differences in the seroconversion rates with different vaccines and doses. The recipients of the half-dose of plasma-derived vaccine showed lower seroconversion rates than the others, and the newborns in this group showed more seronegativity (13.2%) than the others (p < 0.05). The lowest anti-HBs geometric mean titers (GMTs) were obtained in newborns vaccinated with Hevac B 0.5 ml. Sixty percent of the anti-HBs GMTs in this group were under 100 mlU/ml. There were statistically significant differences between males and females in anti-HBs seronegativity rates, with males having lower anti-HBs GMTs than females. The difference was particularly significant among male newborns vaccinated with a half-dose of plasma-derived vaccine.