Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery bypass graft surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgeries worldwide. Coronary artery bypass graft surgery induces an inflammatory response. Interleukin-8 is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a role in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. C1q/TNF-related protein-12 is implicated in mitigating inflammation and cardiomyocyte damage. This study aimed to compare interleukin-8 and C1q/TNF-related protein-12 levels before and 45 days after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. METHODS: A total of 43 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass graft surgery were studied. Serum concentrations of interleukin-8 and C1q/TNF-related protein-12 were evaluated using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method before and 45 days after the surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in interleukin-8 levels between pre- and post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery (p=0.077). However, serum levels of C1q/TNF-related protein-12 were found to be lower 45 days after coronary artery bypass graft surgery compared to pre-surgery levels (p<0.001). Moreover, changes in C1q/TNF-related protein-12 were not associated with diabetes, hypertension, and body mass index (p>0.05), but C1q/TNF-related protein-12 alterations were found to be associated with opium addiction. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the evaluation of C1q/TNF-related protein-12 can be beneficial for the late assessment of post-coronary artery bypass graft surgery inflammation. The reduction of C1q/TNF-related protein-12 levels might indicate increased levels of inflammation after surgery at this time point, which requires the assessment of further inflammatory factors to confirm this finding.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Calorie restriction and exercise are commonly used first interventions to prevent the progression of prediabetes and alleviate the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Our study was designed to determine the effect of the energy deficit caused by long-term (12-week) calorie restriction and exercise programs on appetite responses in obese individuals with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Calorie restriction and exercise programs appropriate for age, gender, and work environment were applied to 22 individuals with prediabetes and 22 with type 2 diabetes participating in the study for a period of 12 weeks. Ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, and peptide tyrosine tyrosine values of samples taken before and after treatment were determined by the enzyme-linked ιmmunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: Appetite hormone levels did not change after calorie restriction and exercise in the prediabetes group (p>0.05). In the diabetes group, calorie restriction and exercise significantly increased ghrelin and peptide tyrosine tyrosine concentrations (p<0.005). Additionally, when all patients were evaluated together, ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide tyrosine tyrosine levels differed significantly after the intervention (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The energy deficit created by long-term calorie restriction and exercise did not modulate the appetite hormones in prediabetic and obese individuals. However, increased ghrelin and peptide tyrosine tyrosine levels in individuals with diabetes support that the same treatment program is an effective method to regulate appetite hormones.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to examine whether the presence of mutation exists in the vitamin D-connector protein gene rs7041 variant of the pancreatitis table for patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019. METHODS: A total of 113 patients with normal pancreatic enzyme levels diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 and 120 patients with both coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis and high pancreatic enzyme levels were included in the study. The rs7041 genotyping of the 11th single nucleotide variation in the vitamin D-connector protein gene was determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. RESULTS: In the patient group with coronavirus disease 2019 diagnosis and high pancreatic enzyme levels, the vitamin D-connector protein gene rs7041 variance GG genotype ratio was determined to be higher than the normal coronavirus disease 2019 patients. As a result of comparisons between the two groups, the difference between the genotype ratios in the relationship was determined to be statistically significant (p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Coronavirus disease 2019 patients were determined that the rs7041 halves in the vitamin D-connector protein gene could be prone to pancreatitis formation. Different populations and work with more patient groups are needed to verify the results of the study.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare bioelectrical impedance analysis and skinfold measurements for the estimation of body fat in adults. METHODS: We analyzed data from 292 adult participants enrolled in a cross-sectional population-based study. Four skinfold measurements were performed, and body fat percentage was estimated using the Petroski formula. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed using a tetrapolar electrical bioimpedance device. The measurements were compared using Student's t-test, Robinson's coefficient of agreement, Cronbach's alpha, and linear regression models (slope and intercept). RESULTS: The mean percentage of body fat estimated by skinfold measurements was higher compared to bioelectrical impedance analysis (29.0 vs. 27.9; p<0.001), but the agreement between the methods is good (alpha=0.88; Robinson's coefficient of agreement=0.91). Linear regression models showed a good correlation (r2=0.69). Bland-Altman analysis showed a mean difference of −1.02 (−1.54 vs. −0.50) between the two techniques. The agreement was better in women, those aged 20-39 years, those with a body mass index<25, and those with a waist-to-height ratio<50. CONCLUSION: The two methods showed a good agreement between the mean values of body fat percentage and can be used in population studies. However, their results should be considered with caution in men, people aged 40 years and older, overweight people, and those with a waist-to-height ratio≥50.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find out the aging anxiety levels of menopausal women applying to primary healthcare facilities and identify the associated factors. METHODS: This research was conducted on a face-to-face basis with 527 menopausal women applying to family health centers in the district of Serik in Antalya province of Turkey from March 1, 2022, to July 1, 2022, and agreeing to participate in the study. After participant women's sociodemographic and menopausal data were recorded, the Aging Anxiety Scale for Menopausal Women was administered to all participant women. RESULTS: Of 527 participant women, 41.7% were aged 50–57 years, 71.7% were elementary school graduates, 76.5% were married, 63.0% were housewives, 54.6% were from nuclear families, 49.3% spent a large part (two-thirds) of their lives in the district, 52.8% had incomes equaling their expenses, 69.3% were living with their spouses and children, and 35.7% had their last period 4 years ago or earlier. The mean scores obtained by women from the Aging Anxiety Scale for Menopausal Women and its Fear of Old People, Fear of Loss, Physical Appearance, and Psychological Concerns sub-scales were successively 30.78 (8.00), 10.55 (5.75), 6.75 (3.56), 5.81 (3.42), and 7.63 (2.96). CONCLUSION: In the identification and management of areas of top priority for the delivery of health services, a significant role falls on midwives and nurses, who are supposed to approach an individual with a biopsychosocial perspective.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the epidemiological, sociodemographic, and clinical profile of women undergoing videolaparoscopic surgery for the treatment of pelvic endometriosis at the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. METHODS: A cross-sectional and descriptive study was conducted, including 110 patients who underwent surgery for endometriosis between January 2017 and December 2022. Sociodemographic information, personal history, symptomatology, radiological diagnosis, and surgical details were collected. RESULTS: The average age of the evaluated patients was 37.04 years. Most were white women (69.7%), married or in a stable union (57.8%), and had completed secondary or higher education (86.3%). Dysmenorrhea was the predominant complaint in 60% of cases, with symptom onset occurring mainly between 1 and 5 years (48.2% of the total). Postoperative complications were observed in 8.1% of participants (9 cases), while the main associated comorbidities were anxiety and depression, represented in 43.3% of cases (26 cases). CONCLUSION: Endometriosis presents as a condition that negatively impacts women's quality of life, generally diagnosed between the fourth and fifth decades of life. Hormonal treatment is sometimes insufficient to resolve symptoms, requiring surgical intervention for clinical improvement.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the level of hope and religious attitudes and the relationship between them in women experiencing pregnancy losses. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 249 women hospitalized in perinatology clinics. Data from the participants were collected using the "Pregnancy Diagnosis Form," "Dispositional Hope Scale," and "Religious Attitude Scale." RESULTS: The mean total Religious Attitude Scale and Dispositional Hope Scale scores of the women were 34.02±5.26 and 49.92±8.30, respectively. A significant, albeit weak, positive correlation was observed between the mean total Religious Attitude Scale and Dispositional Hope Scale scores (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: The Religious Attitude Scale and Dispositional Hope Scale scores of women who experienced a PL were relatively high and above the intermediate level, respectively. Therefore, in women who experienced pregnancy losses, an increase in religious attitudes was associated with an increase in hope for the future.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics of nonagenarian patients admitted for hip fracture and assess whether they present differences in complications and functional outcomes at discharge compared to younger patients. METHODS: Prospective longitudinal study in patients over 75 years of age admitted for hip fracture over a 1-year period. A total of 542 patients were included, of which 165 patients were aged over 90 years (30.9%). Demographic variables, pre-fracture functional status, medical history, type of fracture, functional evolution, discharge destination, and mortality were collected. Differences between the two population groups were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 542 patients over 75 years admitted for hip fracture, 165 were aged over 90 years (30.9%), 74.5% were women, 62% were independently ambulatory prior to the fracture, and 70% had a Barthel Index score >60. Cognitive impairment was absent in 49% of cases. Surgical treatment was performed in 91.5% of cases. There were no differences in the baseline status when compared to younger patients (aged 75–89 years) except for a higher likelihood of residing in a nursing home (OR 1.74; CI 1.18–2.55). Nonagenarian patients were at higher risk of not being able to walk at discharge (OR 2.00; CI 1.29–3.10). Discharge to a nursing home or functional recovery unit was more likely (OR 1.85; CI 1.22–2.81). CONCLUSION: Patients over 90 years of age are more susceptible to worsening their function during admission and have a higher risk of not being able to walk at discharge. Efforts should be made to reverse this decline in order to reduce the associated mortality.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to document the clinical and laboratory characteristics and maternal and delivery outcomes of pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed pregnant women who had been admitted either with symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 or for delivery from March 2020 to January 2023. The participants were evaluated in two cohorts: the initial cohort included all pregnant women hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019, and the final cohort included those who delivered under the circumstances of coronavirus disease 2019. RESULTS: The initial cohort included 295 pregnant women with symptomless (n=124, 42%), mild (n=122, 41.4%), moderate (n=18, 6.1%), and severe (n=31, 10.5%) coronavirus disease 2019. Among comorbidities, hypothyroidism (n=40, 13.6%) had the highest share. The most frequent laboratory abnormality was elevated D-dimer levels (94.6%). The final cohort included 193 women. Eight patients (4.1%) required intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Mortality occurred in five patients (2.6%). Out of 121 cesarean section (SC) deliveries, 61.2% were on an emergency basis. Rates of preterm, low birth weight, and stillbirth were 18.7%, 14.5%, and 3.1%, respectively. Moderate-severe coronavirus disease 2019 showed significant inverse correlations with delivery week, birth weight, and APGAR scores at 1 and 5 min (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: A considerable proportion of pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 experienced maternal and delivery complications, particularly preterm and low birth weight. Hypothyroidism had a notable share among comorbidities.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This research investigates the impact of kangaroo mother care restrictions on feeding and physiological parameters in preterm newborns during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: A retrospective cohort design was used, including 169 preterm neonates born at 30–34 weeks of gestation, recruited from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Denizli, Turkiye. The study compared a kangaroo mother care group (n=78) and a kangaroo mother care-restricted group (n=91). Data analysis was conducted using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test. RESULTS: The average duration until the initiation of full oral feeding was shorter in the kangaroo mother care group (mean difference=4.58, 95%CI 0.61–8.43, p=0.020). Newborns in the kangaroo mother care-restricted group had a higher likelihood of reverting to gavage feeding (OR 6.59, 95%CI 2.98–14.58, p=0.000), and higher withdrawal rates (OR 3.36, 95%CI 1.59–7.09, p=0.001). Newborns in the kangaroo mother care group experienced significantly lower rates of apnea attacks (OR 3.29, 95%CI 1.52–7.09, p=0.002), tachycardia (OR 4.43, 95%CI 1.54–12.76, p=0.004), and desaturation (OR 3.43, 95%CI 1.70–6.93, p=0.000). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the positive effects of kangaroo mother care on preterm newborns’ feeding and physiological parameters. It is recommended that kangaroo mother care be consistently provided to all newborns, even during exceptional circumstances such as pandemics.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between lipoprotein(a) and coronary heart disease risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and evaluate the effectiveness of statin therapy. METHODS: This retrospective analysis included 120 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of these, 90 patients diagnosed with coronary heart disease via coronary angiography received rosuvastatin treatment for over 6 months. The remaining 30 patients exhibited no coronary heart disease or other diabetic macrovascular complications and had not received any lipid-lowering treatment. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart disease were categorized into two groups based on the severity of coronary lesions. Baseline characteristics and blood lipid data were compared among groups. Logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the association between lipoprotein(a) and coronary heart disease risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves were utilized to evaluate the diagnostic value of lipoprotein(a) for coronary heart disease. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, lipoprotein(a) levers were higher in both the mild and severe groups. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that lipoprotein(a) is independently associated with the risk of coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for lipoprotein(a) was 0.729. When lipoprotein(a) was 97.5 mg/L, the diagnosis of coronary heart disease had high sensitivity and specificity. After statin therapy, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A levels increased, while other lipid parameters decreased. However, the lipoprotein(a) level decrease was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Lipoprotein(a) is an independent risk factor for coronary heart disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Lipid-lowering therapy with statins alone cannot reduce lipoprotein(a) levels.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the long-term efficacy of spinal fusion surgery versus non-surgical treatment for chronic radicular lumbar spondylopathy. METHODS: A total of 93 patients with chronic radicular lumbar spondylopathy admitted to our hospital from February 2020 to February 2021 were randomly divided into a non-surgical group (n=46, conservative treatment) and a surgical group (n=47, spinal fusion surgery). Efficacy, recurrence rate, pain index, lumbar function recovery, and quality of life were evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The surgical group had a higher total effective rate (97.87 vs. 86.96%, p<0.05) and a lower recurrence rate after 1 year (4.26 vs. 21.74%, p<0.05) compared to the non-surgical group. There was no significant difference in visual analog scale scores for lower back pain and lower limb pain between the groups before treatment and for the first 3 days (p>0.05). However, at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year after treatment, the visual analog scale scores were significantly lower in the surgical group (p<0.05). The Japanese Orthopedic Association score showed no significant difference before treatment (p>0.05) but increased significantly in the surgical group after 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year (p<0.05). Similarly, there was no significant difference in the Short Form 36-Item Health Survey score before treatment (p>0.05), but the surgical group had significantly higher scores after 1 year (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Spinal fusion surgery offers better long-term efficacy than non-surgical treatment for chronic radicular lumbar spondylopathy. It effectively alleviates lower back and limb pain, promotes lumbar function recovery, and improves quality of life, making it a recommended treatment option.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of aspartate aminotransferase level and platelet distribution width-to-platelet ratio as predictive factors for fetal macrosomia in the first trimester. METHODS: This retrospective case-control study was conducted between August 2017 and August 2020. The data of the study group as Group I (n=426) and the control group as Group II (n=426) were collected and compared by scanning the records. For each patient who was eligible for Group I, the first patient from the file review who met the criteria listed in the inclusion/exclusion section was selected for Group II. Aspartate aminotransferase levels and serum platelet distribution width-to-platelet ratio levels were determined in the first trimester using the participants’ medical records. The study parameters of the two groups were statistically compared. RESULTS: The median aspartate aminotransferase, platelet, platelet distribution width, and platelet distribution width-to-platelet ratio values of the laboratory test results in the first trimester were significantly different. The aspartate aminotransferase and platelet distribution width-to-platelet ratio values were higher in Group I. CONCLUSION: Higher aspartate aminotransferase and platelet distribution width-to-platelet ratio levels in the maternal blood sample in the first trimester indicate an unbalanced inflammatory process causing fetal macrosomia. The cutoff values for aspartate aminotransferase (>21 U/L) at 94% specificity and for platelet distribution width-to-platelet ratio (>0.19) at 51% specificity can be used as markers for a screening test. However, randomized controlled trials combining body mass index and the parameters in the present study are needed in future studies.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Human immunodeficiency virus is associated with an increased risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis through multiple complex mechanisms. With an increased awareness on this issue, patients can avoid the preventable causes of osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge regarding osteoporosis among people living with HIV (PLWH). METHODS: A total of 329 PLWH agreed to participate in the study. The patients completed a Google Forms questionnaire consisting of three sections. The first section included binary (yes/no) questions to assess participants’ awareness of osteoporosis, knowledge about the condition, perceived susceptibility, and understanding of potential complications. The second section employed the Osteoporosis Awareness Scale, while the third section employed the Revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Tool. RESULTS: The average age of the 329 patients was 40.21±12.4 years, and 89.4% were male. The mean scores were 66.97±20.68 on the Osteoporosis Awareness Scale and 16.34±6.37 on the Revised Osteoporosis Knowledge Tool. When asked whether they were familiar with osteoporosis, 53.2% of the participants responded yes. Notably, 40% of the participants had knowledge about osteoporosis and its complications, with 50.8% believing that osteoporosis is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. Osteoporosis awareness increased proportionally with the level of education (p<0.001). Patients with a pre-treatment CD4 count<200/mm³ had significantly lower levels of both osteoporosis awareness and knowledge (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that PLWH have insufficient knowledge and low awareness regarding osteoporosis. In particular, patients with a pre-treatment CD4 count<200/mm³ and those with lower education levels were found to have the lowest awareness level of osteoporosis.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The nuclear grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma directly relates to prognosis and is usually determined through invasive methods like biopsy or surgery. This study aimed to predict the nuclear grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma using a noninvasive method: multisequence magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics analysis. METHODS: A total of 42 clear cell renal cell carcinomas (29 low grade, 13 high grade) were included in the study. T2, fat-suppressed T2, noncontrast T1, corticomedullary phase, nephrographic phase, excretory phase, and apparent diffusion coefficient sequences of patients were used for radiomics analysis. Inter-observer agreement was assessed for these sequences, and following reproducibility analysis and feature selection, three new groups were formed: noncontrast enhancement, contrast enhancement, and combined groups, with different combinations of features extracted from these sequences. As a result, seven different sequences and three different groups constituted 10 classification groups. An extreme gradient boosting model was used for classification, employing 10-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: Radiomics features from corticomedullary phase and nephrographic phase sequences showed excellent inter-observer agreement, with Pearson correlation coefficient values of 0.88 for corticomedullary phase and 0.90 for nephrographic phase. The study included 42 clear cell renal cell carcinomas with a mean age of 60.8 years. Individually, the corticomedullary phase sequence achieved the highest area under the curve and accuracy values (0.88 and 0.85), followed by the apparent diffusion coefficient sequence (0.87 and 0.79). In the combined sequence group, the contrast enhancement group showed the highest area under the curve and accuracy (0.93 and 0.87), ranking highest across the entire study. CONCLUSION: Multisequence magnetic resonance imaging radiomics has great potential to predict the nuclear grade of clear cell renal cell carcinoma and guide the treatment plan noninvasively.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome is still clearly unknown. Research results indicate that polycystic ovary syndrome may be a multifactorial disease whose inheritance pattern is potentially autosomal dominant. INSR gene polymorphisms are frequently seen among polycystic ovary syndrome patients who also have insulin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between INSR gene polymorphisms rs2059806 and rs2252673 with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: A total of 48 polycystic ovary syndrome and 50 control subjects were recruited in this case-control study. A real-time polymerase chain reaction method (particularly the cycle threshold method) was used for polymorphism genotyping. Genotype and allele frequencies as well as the effects of the genotypes on having polycystic ovary syndrome were evaluated by appropriate statistical methods. Also, differences between genotypes in terms of clinical characteristics were tested. RESULTS: There was no difference in genotype and allele frequencies between the polycystic ovary syndrome and control groups when calculated under both additive and dominant models (p>0.05). The polycystic ovary syndrome group showed significantly higher mean testosterone levels (p<0.001) and significantly lower estradiol (p=0.006), follicle-stimulating hormone (p=0.021), and progesterone (p<0.001) levels compared to controls. The GG genotype (polymorphic) of the rs2252673 polymorphism in the polycystic ovary syndrome group showed significantly higher mean testosterone and progesterone levels compared to both GC and CC genotypes (p=0.004 and p=0.019, respectively). CONCLUSION: Being the first of its kind that investigates associations between polycystic ovary syndrome and INSR gene rs2059806 and rs2252673 polymorphisms in a population from Turkey, the present study detected no association.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of antenatal education and telephone counseling given to nulliparous women regarding their childbirth fear and attitudes toward childbirth. METHODS: The study design is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received antenatal education and telephone counseling between the 28th and 34th gestational weeks. Data were collected using the Personal Information Questionnaire, Wijma Delivery Expectancy/Experience Questionnaire (WDEQ) Version A, WDEQ Version B, and Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire. RESULTS: In terms of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, both groups were similar to each other. The mean WDEQ-A and Childbirth Attitudes Questionnaire scores of the intervention and control groups after receiving antenatal education and telephone counseling were 23.78±17.68 and 42.90±24.87 and 21.70±7.29 and 31.71±11.11, respectively. The childbirth fear and childbirth attitude of the intervention group that received antenatal education and counseling were statistically lower than the control group (p=0.001). The mean WDEQ-B scores were 22.82±24.09 and 97.18±32.57, respectively, in the intervention and control groups during the postpartum period. The postpartum childbirth fear of the intervention group was found to be extremely lower than the control group (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Imparting antenatal education and counseling on childbirth fear is an effective method to reduce childbirth fear and the negative attitudes toward childbirth in nulliparous women. Registration number of the clinical trial: The study was registered at the ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration and Results System (protocol ID number: NCT04173351).

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Venous thromboembolism could be manifested as deep venous thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of genetic risk factors including prothrombin 20210, Factor V Leiden, plasminogen activator inhibitor 4G/5G, and Factor XIII V34L on the occurrence of venous thromboembolism in patients. METHODS: This study was conducted on 128 patients with deep venous thrombosis and 84 patients with pulmonary embolism. The diagnosis of venous thromboembolism was based on the patient's history, clinical findings, and D-dimer and confirmed by Doppler ultrasonography or computed tomography angiography. After confirmation of venous thromboembolism diagnosis, both groups were assessed for the four abovementioned mutations. RESULTS: The majority of deep venous thrombosis patients were much younger than pulmonary embolism patients, with a median age of 51.7 years. It was observed that plasminogen activator inhibitor 4G/5G was most commonly represented in the deep venous thrombosis (44.5%) group, followed by the pulmonary embolism (44.0%) group. The second-highest frequency of Factor XIII V34L was observed in the deep venous thrombosis (28.1%) and pulmonary embolism (32.1%) groups. Factor V Leiden heterozygosity was also common in the deep venous thrombosis (18.0%) and pulmonary embolism (27.4%) groups. We found that coagulation factor II (FII) G20210A heterozygosity was the least in the deep venous thrombosis (10.9%) and pulmonary embolism (9.5%) groups. CONCLUSION: To date, only a few studies have been thrombophilia parameters associated with venous thromboembolism, particularly Factor XIII V34L, in Turkish population with venous thromboembolism patients. Our findings suggest that genetic risk factors play a role in the formation of venous thromboembolism.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In this study, it was aimed to examine the superstitions and practices of women about pregnancy, birth, puerperium, and baby care. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted on the online platform in May–June 2023 with 612 women across Turkey. The data were obtained through the "Data Collection Form" and the "Non-Functional Belief and Practices Scale." RESULTS: The study was completed with 612 women. Notably, 77.7% of the women participating in the study are single and 73.3% live in the city. Notably, 39.1% believed in traditional methods and 70.8% did not use a traditional practice. It was found that there was a significant difference between the total score of the scale and all its subdimensions, the place of living, and belief in traditional practices. The mean age of the women was 24.79±7.54 years, the NFBPS-P related to Pregnancy subdimension was 88.72±13.40, the NFBPS-CB related to Childbirth subdimension was 30.90±5.38, the NFBPS-P subdimension of Postpartum was 35.70±5.74, the NFBPS-IC related to Infant Care subdimension was 71.35±8.79, and the mean total score of the Non-Functional Belief and Practices Scale was 226.68±27.08. There was a positive correlation between the total score of the women and all subdimensions of the Non-Functional Belief and Practices Scale (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: It was found that women's nonfunctional beliefs and practices related to pregnancy, childbirth, puerperium, and baby care were high. It was determined that women living in the city and believing in traditional practices had higher beliefs and practices in nonfunctional practices.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Obesity is a global health problem. The aim is to analyze the effectiveness of machine learning models in predicting obesity classes and to determine which model performs best in obesity classification. METHODS: We used a dataset with 2,111 individuals categorized into seven groups based on their body mass index, ranging from average weight to class III obesity. Our classification models were trained and tested using demographic information like age, gender, and eating habits without including height and weight variables. RESULTS: The study demonstrated that when trained on demographic information, machine learning can classify body mass index. The random forest model provided the highest performance scores among all the classification models tested in this research. CONCLUSION: Machine learning methods have the potential to be used more extensively in the classification of obesity and in more effective efforts to combat obesity.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus has been associated with adverse outcomes due to persistent hyperglycemia and impaired maternal–fetal interactions. Regulatory T cells seem to exert a critical role in this process. Pregnancy can change the profile of Treg cells and affect the outcome of pregnancy; therefore, our purpose was to characterize the profile of regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of pregnant and nonpregnant (controls) women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This prospective case-control study recruited 36 women with type 1 diabetes mellitus, 16 pregnant and 20 nonpregnant. Peripheral blood samples were collected in the three trimesters of pregnancy and only once in the control group. Flow cytometry was used to assess peripheral blood T subpopulations: CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD4+ Treg (CD4+CD25+CD127-FOXP3+), and CD8+ Treg (CD8+CD25+FOXP3). In addition, the expression of CD4+CD25high and CD4+CD25low was analyzed. RESULTS: Compared to controls, the pregnant women (regardless of the trimester) presented a lower percentage of TCD4+CD25high, TCD4+CD25low, and CD8 Treg (CD8+CD25+FOXP3+). Moreover, a higher percentage of total TCD8+ lymphocytes was observed in pregnant women than in controls. CONCLUSION: This study reported changes in the circulating Treg cell profile that seem to be associated with pregnancy in type 1 diabetes mellitus patients and pregnancy outcomes.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, folic acid, and vitamin D in pregnant women with recurrent vaginitis and determine whether these parameters contribute to the etiology of the disease. METHODS: The study included 30 pregnant women diagnosed with recurrent vaginitis in their first trimester (group I), who presented at least twice between 1.5.2019 and 1.5.2022 at the obstetrics and gynecology clinic, and 30 healthy pregnant women in their first trimester without any complaints (group II). The vagititis group was compared with the control group for serum levels of vitamin B12, homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin D. RESULTS: A comparison of the results between the groups revealed the following: homocysteine levels (μmol/L) were 10.75 (6.38–24.90) in group I (vaginitis positive) and 9.32 (4.26–17.10) in group II (control); vitamin B12 levels (ng/L) were 149.00 (63.00–328.00) in group I and 261.00 (126.00–544.00) in group II; folate levels (μg/L) were 10.56 (3.93–23.33) in group I and 9.48 (3.53–24.10) in group II; vitamin D levels (ng/mL) were 36.54 (23.65–75.68) in group I and 52.45 (26.57–105.00) in group II. Statistically significant elevation in homocysteine levels was observed in the vaginitis group (group I) (p<0.05). Vitamin B12 and D levels were significantly lower in the vaginitis group (group I) (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In pregnant women with recurrent vaginitis, the levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and vitamin D may play a role in the etiology of the condition, and vitamins B12 and D may be considered for use in treatment.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an earthquake experienced during pregnancy on maternal stress, depression, and perinatal outcomes. METHODS: This descriptive–comparative study was conducted between April and May 2023 in four state hospitals affiliated to the Ministry of Health with 82 mothers (affected by the earthquake=41, not affected by the earthquake=41) who gave birth. Data were obtained with the Personal Information Form, Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, and Traumatic Stress Symptom Checklist. RESULTS: The mean age of the mothers who were earthquake affected in the study was 27.63±5.62. It was determined that earthquake-affected mothers gave birth prematurely and the birth weight of their infants was lower (p<0.05). It was determined that all of the earthquake-affected mothers experienced more stress according to the Traumatic Stress Symptom Checklist scale cut-off score (>25) and 73.2% of them showed more depressive symptoms according to the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale cut-off score (>13) (p<0.05). According to multivariate regression analysis, early gestational age and depressive symptoms were found to be risk factors for posttraumatic stress in mothers affected by the earthquake (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The study concluded that the earthquake-affected mothers showed depressive symptoms at least 6 weeks after giving birth, and all had increased levels of posttraumatic stress.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the relationship between stress and anxiety levels of parents of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and parent–child behaviors. METHODS: The study was conducted with parents (n=181) of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder who were followed up in the Child Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic of a tertiary hospital in Turkey. Ethics committee approval and institutional permissions were obtained, and data were collected using the Questionnaire Form, Conner's Parent Rating Scale, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, and State Anxiety Inventory. Descriptive statistics, correlation, and linear regression analyses were used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the parents who participated in the study, 86.2% were mothers of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The mean scores of the Conner's Parent Rating Scale, Alabama positive and negative parental attitudes, and the State Anxiety Inventory were 42.44±17.12, 69.92±7.27, ±37.22±9.23, and 38.29±8.33, respectively. There was a significant positive relationship at a moderate level between the mean scores of the parents’ State Anxiety Inventory, a significant positive relationship at a weak level between the mean scores of the parents’ negative parenting behaviors and Conner's Parent Rating Scale, and a significant negative relationship at a weak level with the mean scores of the parents’ positive parenting behaviors (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, it was found that anxiety of parents of children diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder was associated with perceived stress, negative parenting behaviors, and behavioral problems of children.