Istanbul University Research Articles

Assessing nursing students’ e[formula omitted]health literacy and foresights to global health challenges during COVID[formula omitted]19 restrictions: A cross-sectional study with a machine learning approach

AimThis study aims to assess the e-health literacy and foresights to global health challenges of nursing students during the COVID19 restrictions. BackgroundAs the healthcare environment becomes more digitalized, understanding how nursing students perceive and prepare for global health challenges during the COVID19 restrictions and e-health literacy is crucial for customizing educational strategies to enhance their capabilities. DesignA descriptive and correlational study design was employed. MethodsThe study included 310 nursing students from six universities in Istanbul, Turkey, encompassing both state and foundation institutions. Data were collected via online surveys, including an Information Form, a Foresight Form for Global Health Challenges and an E−Health Literacy Scale. The study extended beyond conventional statistical analysis by incorporating a tree-based ML model, specifically a Random Forest classifier, to identify complex patterns and relationships affecting e−health literacy and global health perceptions. ResultsThe analysis indicated that e−health literacy levels among nursing students are significantly shaped by their academic year, participation in global health courses and engagement with international health organizations. ML techniques pinpointed the ability to discern high−quality online health resources as a pivotal skill, emphasizing the need for nursing curricula to focus on advanced critical evaluation skills. ConclusionsThe findings stress the necessity of integrating critical evaluation and information−seeking skills into nursing education to equip students for the complexities of a globalized health landscape.

EXAMINING THE INSTITUTIONS PREFERRED BY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS WHILE RECEIVING HEALTH SERVICES

People who want to receive health services choose the institution or organization from which they will receive service based on different reasons, not the type of disease. This study was conducted to determine which institution students studying in the field of health prefer while receiving health care and for what reason. A survey consisting of 21 questions was applied to associate degree students studying at the health services vocational school of a private university in Istanbul. When the answers to the questions and statements in the survey were examined, the statement 'Indicate the health institution you would prefer to go to first in case of an illness or illness' was answered by 'State Hospital (56.3%)', 'In case of an illness, state your reason for choosing the health institution you prefer to go to first.' 'Because it is close/easy to reach' (39.2%), 'Where did you last apply for health care?', 'Public Hospital (53.2%)', 'For what reason did you apply for health care before this application? 'For My New Complaint (46%)', 'What health institution would you definitely not consider applying to in case of illness/illness?', 'Family Health Center (29%)', 'Indicate the reason for not applying to this institution that you would definitely not consider applying to in case of illness.' to 'I Cannot Have Every Test Done (24%)', 'Are there times when you need health care but you do not apply?' The answers to the question were 'Yes (76.8%)', to the statement 'Indicate the reason for not seeking health care.', 'Not caring about the disease (29%)' and 'Not being able to access health care (29%)'. Within the framework of the findings obtained, other health institutions should also be made attractive in order to alleviate the high demand for public hospitals.

Exile and fieldwork as liminal conditions: Leonore Kosswig’s life and research in Turkey, 1937–1973

ABSTRACT This paper looks into the life and ethnographic work of Leonore Kosswig (1904–1973), who lived in Turkey as a German exile from 1937 until her death in 1973. While her husband, Curt Kosswig was invited to Istanbul University as a full professor, Leonore had no institutional affiliation. However, she traveled with her husband around Anatolia and joined his fieldwork, during which she developed an interest in local customs and the daily life of villagers and nomadic tribes. Leonore decided to stay in Turkey after Curt’s return to Germany in 1955. Her excellent command of Turkish and former experience in fieldwork allowed her to become one of the first women to conduct ethnographic research in Turkey. Until her death, she pursued several pioneering research projects on wedding customs, tablet weaving, nomadic life, and ownership signs. Relying on her research publications and ego-documents, we employ a biographical approach to articulate upon her liminal existence in exile. In dialogue with research on twentieth century forced migrations that engage with the concepts of in-betweenness and liminality, we address Leonore’s liminal existences on the edge of two worlds on numerous planes. In particular, we argue that Kosswig’s liminality was reflected on her exilic existence in Istanbul as a foreign woman; her ethnographic research agenda into liminal geographic locations, marginalized communities, and disappearing cultural artifacts; and her gendered navigation of foreignness and nativeness.

Professional Development Activities of Lecturers: An Action Research

This action research was designed to examine the professional development program (PDP) of lecturers and the effects of the program’s processes on educational administrators and lecturers. The study involved 2 administrators and 10 lecturers from an English preparatory school at a private university in Istanbul. During the program, to gather insights into the achievements, challenges, and suggestions related to the program, semi-structured one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with administrators and lecturers, alongside the use of reflective journals and observation forms. Content analysis was employed to analyze the data. Education administrators believe that the PDP enhanced internal communication within the organization, provided insights into organizational functioning, fostered the adoption of student-centered teaching methods, and contributed to the personal development of lecturers through self-criticism and increased self-confidence. Lecturers highlighted benefits such as experience sharing, critical thinking enhancement, student-centered teaching integration, and improved teaching skills. Time management is a common challenge for both administrators and lecturers, with the added concern among lecturers about being perceived as ineffective by students during teaching observations. In light of the findings, it is recommended to tailor activities to lecturers’ needs, offer a flexible program structure, and provide support mechanisms to help lecturers cope. Future research might involve larger samples and explore emotional states and challenges independently.

Determining the Care Burden and Burnout Levels of Family Members Providing Care for Cancer Patients

Objectives: Caregivers’ care burden and burnout levels are projected to increase as the physical independence of their patients decreases. This study aimed to determine the care burden and burnout perception of caregivers of cancer patients. Methods: The study was conducted with 143 patient relatives who were providing primary care for patients treated between March 1 and June 1, 2017, in the clinics of the Institute of Oncology of Istanbul University. The data were collected using the “ Personal information form “, “Zarit Caregiver Burden Scale” and “Maslach Burnout Inventory”. Data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical program. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, minimum, maximum, standard deviation) student t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Pearson correlation coefficient were used for data analysis. Results: The mean score from the burden interview was found 27.38±17.04. In the burnout inventory results, the mean of emotional exhaustion is 19.61±9.08, the mean of depersonalization is 8.78±5.38, and the mean of decrease in personal accomplishment is 29.66±5.91. Individuals’ perceptions of emotional exhaustion and depersonalization increase as their perception of care burden increases (p<.001). There was, however, no relationship between care burden and personal accomplishment (p>.05). The study demonstrated that caregivers’ care burden and burnout perceptions increased as cancer patients’ self-care ability worsened (p=.001). Conclusion: It has been found that the perceived care burden level is low and burnout level is middle among the caregivers of cancer patients. The patients’ level of dependency increases perceptions of caregiver burden and burnout increases too.

Interpersonal conflicts in nursing through the lens of senior nursing students: A qualitative study

BackgroundUnmanaged interpersonal conflicts emerge as significant obstacles for the nursing team during daily duties. Observations and discussions with nursing undergraduate students determined the need to explore their perspectives on conflict management in greater depth. ObjectiveTo investigate the perspectives of senior undergraduate nursing students on conflicts experienced by nurses during clinical practice, as well as the strategies employed to manage these conflicts. DesignThis is a qualitative descriptive study. ParticipantsThe study involved written interviews with 31 senior undergraduate nursing students from a university in Istanbul, Türkiye. MethodsData were collected between November 23, 2023, and December 4, 2023. Thematic analysis was used. ResultsFour themes emerged: (1) Causes of conflicts, (2) Methods for resolving conflicts, (3) Nurse managers' approaches, and (4) Student learning through observation. The themes were organized under 13 sub-themes: ineffective communication, absence of a singular goal, misunderstanding in role boundaries, and lack of professionalism (first theme); transparent communication, absolute loss, integration, and softening (second theme); autonomy in conflict resolution and seeking other professionals to manage conflicts (third theme); positive side of the conflict, negative side of the conflict, and how I would act if I were the nurse manager (fourth theme). ConclusionsNursing students know that staff nurses and nurse managers play crucial roles in conflict management. Communication issues were identified as significant causes of conflicts. Open communication and the active involvement of nurse managers were determined as essential for effective conflict resolution. Positive outcomes of conflicts included changes in attitudes; however, conflicts were also acknowledged as contributors to workplace stress. The study underscores the importance of equipping nurses with conflict resolution skills through practical educational approaches.

Morphometric and anatomic characteristics of pronator quadratus muscle

PurposeIn surgical procedures commonly employed for the management of scaphoid and distal radial fractures, the incision and dissection of the pronator quadratus muscle play a pivotal role. Nevertheless, comprehensive investigations into the anatomical intricacies of the pronator quadratus muscle have been relatively scarce within the clinical community. In light of this, our study endeavors to make a substantive contribution to the medical literature by conducting a meticulous examination of the morphology and morphometry of this muscle. MethodsThis study is a cross-sectional observational study conducted on 22 cadaveric upper extremities (44 sides) preserved between January 2005 and December 2018 at Istanbul University. The study included specimens with intact dissection areas and no prior surgical intervention. Observations focused on the morphometry of the pronator quadratus muscle and related anatomical structures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v23.0, employing Student's t-test and paired t-test, with significance set at p < 0.05. ResultsSignificant differences were found in the morphometric measurements of the pronator quadratus muscle between the right and left upper extremities, particularly in the vertical distance between the proximal and distal attachment points of the pronator quadratus to the radius (p = 0.008). Additionally, significant differences were observed between male and female samples for radius length (p < 0.001), ulna length (p < 0.001), pronator quadratus width (p < 0.001), and the vertical distance between pronator quadratus attachment points on both the radius (p = 0.001) and ulna (p = 0.001). Furthermore, significant correlations were identified between radius length and parameters such as the vertical distance between pronator quadratus attachment points on both the radius (p = 0.002) and pronator quadratus width (p = 0.03), and between ulna length and parameters including the vertical distances on the radius (p = 0.001) and ulna (p = 0.024). ConclusionIn light of our comprehensive analysis, which encompasses not only the anatomical features of the pronator quadratus muscle but also its vascular supply and the organization of its neurovascular structures, we posit that our study holds significant implications for the field of orthopedic surgery. We anticipate that this research will furnish valuable insights that can inform and enhance orthopedic procedures.

Current Geography Studies in Turkey

The main purpose of the study is to evaluate the master and doctoral theses completed in the field of geography in the National Thesis Center of Turkey YOK between 2020-2024 from a holistic perspective and to bring a new perspective to the studies to be conducted. In this context, a database consisting of thesis such as the year, subject, type, method, university of the author and the geographical region where the university is located was created. The database created was examined by subjecting it to a detailed analysis process. Within the scope of the study, a total of 876 graduate thesis were analysed. Of these thesis, 680 master programme and 196 belong to doctoral programme. Master thesis are more than doctoral thesis. The highest number of master thesis were produced in 2022, with 199 thesis. In contrast, a noticeable increasing trend is observed in doctoral thesis over the years. In both master (333) and doctoral (111) programmes, most thesis on human and economic geography were produced. This is followed by thesis on (master (262), doctoral (69)) physical geography. In human and economic geography, tourism geography (76) was studied the most compared to other subjects, while in physical geography, geomorphology (98) was studied the most. In terms of the methods used in the thesis, qualitative methods (298) are preferred more in master studies, while quantitative methods (102) are used more in doctoral thesis. Among the universities that produced the highest number of thesis, Atatürk University (59) stands out in master programme and Istanbul University (34) in doctoral programme. In the evaluation according to the geographical region of the university where the author is located, the Marmara Region ranks first in both master and doctoral programmes. These results will allow a better understanding of academic developments and trends in the field of geography and will be a direction for future research. In this context, the results of this study provide important findings on current geography theses in Turkey. According to the results of this study, it is thought that increasing the number of postgraduate thesis in the field of geography and improving the quantity and quality of students who want to do postgraduate education in the field can give a positive impetus to Turkey's development.

Investigating the Effect of Preschool Teacher Candidates' Attitudes Towards Children's Rights on Their Pedagogical Views

The main purpose of this study is to examine the attitudes and pedagogical conceptualizations of preschool teacher candidates towards children's rights. To achieve this aim, mixed methods research design was used. 72 preschool teacher candidates studying at a foundation university in Istanbul participated in the study. Of the participants selected according to criterion sampling, one of the purposeful sampling methods, 30 were third grade students and 42 were fourth grade students. During the data collection process, all participants were first administered the attitude scale towards children's rights. Low and high groups of five people were formed according to the level of the participants' scores from this scale. Then, three case scenarios about children's rights were directed to preschool teacher candidates in the low and high groups, which included questions on which they could reflect their pedagogical views. The groups first read each case scenario, then answered the questions about the relevant case scenario and discussed it. While the collected quantitative data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, the qualitative data were evaluated with the help of inductive content analysis. As a result of the data analysis, it was determined that the attitudes of the preschool teacher candidates who participated in the study towards children's rights were at a high level. However, it has been revealed that the pedagogical views of preschool teacher candidates regarding children's rights are shaped around the developmental characteristics of the child, family-based processes, management-based barriers and the roles of the teacher. On the other hand, preschool teacher candidates with higher attitudes are more aware of children's rights in the UNCRC. Necessary suggestions were given as a result of discussing the results obtained within the scope of the study based on the existing literature.

Okul Yönetici Rolleri ile Öğrenci İyi Olma İlişkisinin Çeşitli Değişkenlere Göre Yöntem Analizinin İncelenmesi

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between school administrator roles and student well-being according to various variables. The research was carried out with a mixed approach in which quantitative and qualitative patterns were used together. In this research, explanatory pattern, one of the mixed method patterns, was used. The study group of the research consists of Teachers working in Secondary Schools of Istanbul province and students aged 12 in the 2021-2022 academic year. The schools participating in the research were determined by stratified sampling method. In the study, the proportional stratified sampling method was used by selecting samples from each layer in equal proportion. In order to make stratification, the data of the ‘Mahallem Istanbul’ (2017) project conducted by the Faculty of Economics of Istanbul University were used. Accordingly, the application was made in a total of 6 schools located in the lower and upper socioeconomic level neighborhoods of Ataşehir, Beyoğlu and Beykoz Districts, where the socioeconomic difference is highest in Istanbul. A total of 589 people, including 38 teachers and 551 students, participated in the research. The ‘School Administrator Roles Scale’ was applied to the teachers in the schools determined in the research, and the ‘International Child Well-Being Scale’ was applied to the students of the same school. The study data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA and regression analysis for independent groups using SPSS 21. According to the results of the study, the scores obtained by school administrators vary according to the socioeconomic level of the region where the school is located. The average school administrators in the upper socioeconomic level neighborhood are higher than the average school administrators in the lower socioeconomic level neighborhood. When the average scores of school administrators‘ roles are examined, it is seen that the highest score is ’providing information‘, then ’Decisional‘ and ’interpersonal role' scores, respectively. When student well-being scores are examined, there is a meaningful relationship between the school where the student is studying and the scores of your home and family, the things you have, the environment you live Decently, your life and the future. When the relationship between the ’School Administrator Roles scale’ and the ’International Child Well-Being scale' was examined, Dec.; There are statistically significant and negative relationships between the ’School Administrator Roles scale‘ ’interpersonal‘ sub-dimension and the ’International Child Well-being scale‘ ’self-feelings' dimension. Dec.1. There is a statistically significant and negative relationship between the 'School Administrator Roles scale' and the 'self-feelings' sub-dimension. Dec. 1. As the interpersonal role scores of school administrators increase, the scores of the students' feelings about themselves decelerate. Keywords: School Administrator Roles, Child Well-Being

Long-term safety profile and secondary effectiveness of canakinumab in pediatric rheumatic diseases: a single-center experience

ABSTRACT Background To demonstrate the long-term safety profile of canakinumab over a nine-year period by documenting adverse events in patients with various pediatric rheumatic diseases. Research design and methods This retrospective observational study was conducted at the Pediatric Rheumatology Department of Istanbul University Cerrahpasa between 2015 and 2023. The analysis concerned individuals who had been administered canakinumab treatment for at least six months. The exposure-adjusted event rates were calculated as adverse events per 100 patient days and were compared among three groups based on the cumulative canakinumab dose of <35 mg/kg, 35–70 mg/kg, and >70 mg/kg. Results Among 189 patients, the median exposure time to canakinumab was 2.9 (1.5–4.1) years, corresponding to 573.4 patient years. The median cumulative dose of canakinumab was 2205 (1312–3600) mg. The most common adverse event was upper respiratory tract infection (0.76), followed by urinary tract infection (0.02), pneumonia (0.009), latent tuberculosis (0.009) and lymphadenitis (0.004). A total of 55 serious adverse events (0.025) were reported, 12 (0.006) of which led to drug discontinuation. The event rate of macrophage activation syndrome and disease exacerbation was statistically higher in patients receiving <35 mg/kg cumulative canakinumab dose (p < 0.05). Conclusions An increase in side effect was not observed with the increasing cumulative doses of canakinumab. Canakinumab demonstrated long-term safety with appropriate indication and monitoring.

Video-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery Is a Safe and Feasible Technique for Mediastinal Parathyroid Lesions.

Introduction: Hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum pose a challenge to diagnosis and require optimal surgical management. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) has emerged as a promising minimally invasive approach, offering potential benefits in terms of both patient comfort and oncological principles. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of VATS for the treatment of hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum. Methods: Among the 538 patients with mediastinal tumors who underwent thoracoscopic surgery at Istanbul University (2008-2021), 11 exhibited hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands. The localization of the glands was performed using various diagnostic techniques, including neck ultrasound, sestamibi scan, CT (computerized tomography), and SPECT (Single-photon emission computed tomography). VATS (Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery) was used to remove ectopic parathyroid glands in all 11 patients, with no need for conversion to open surgery. Results: The pathological results showed that VATS successfully removed the ectopic glands in all 11 patients. Serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were monitored intraoperatively, and frozen sections were used to confirm the presence of parathyroid adenomas in all cases. Postoperative analysis showed that PTH levels dropped by at least 50% within 10-15 minutes after adenoma removal. Conclusion: VATS is a safe and effective method for the treatment of hyperfunctional ectopic parathyroid glands in the mediastinum with a low risk of complications.

Okul Yönetici Rolleri ile Öğrenci İyi Olma İlişkisinin Çeşitli Değişkenlere Göre Araştırma Bulgularının Değerlendirilmesi

The aim of this research is to examine the relationship between school administrator roles and student well-being according to various variables. The research was carried out with a mixed approach in which quantitative and qualitative patterns were used together. In this research, explanatory pattern, one of the mixed method patterns, was used. The study group of the research consists of Teachers working in Secondary Schools of Istanbul province and students aged 12 in the 2021-2022 academic year. The schools participating in the research were determined by stratified sampling method. In the study, the proportional stratified sampling method was used by selecting samples from each layer in equal proportion. In order to make stratification, the data of the ‘Mahallem Istanbul’ (2017) project conducted by the Faculty of Economics of Istanbul University were used. Accordingly, the application was made in a total of 6 schools located in the lower and upper socioeconomic level neighborhoods of Ataşehir, Beyoğlu and Beykoz Districts, where the socioeconomic difference is highest in Istanbul. A total of 589 people, including 38 teachers and 551 students, participated in the research. The ‘School Administrator Roles Scale’ was applied to the teachers in the schools determined in the research, and the ‘International Child Well-Being Scale’ was applied to the students of the same school. The study data were analyzed by t-test, ANOVA and regression analysis for independent groups using SPSS 21. According to the results of the study, the scores obtained by school administrators vary according to the socioeconomic level of the region where the school is located. The average school administrators in the upper socioeconomic level neighborhood are higher than the average school administrators in the lower socioeconomic level neighborhood. When the average scores of school administrators‘ roles are examined, it is seen that the highest score is ’providing information‘, then ’Decisional‘ and ’interpersonal role' scores, respectively. When student well-being scores are examined, there is a meaningful relationship between the school where the student is studying and the scores of your home and family, the things you have, the environment you live Decently, your life and the future. When the relationship between the ’School Administrator Roles scale’ and the ’International Child Well-Being scale' was examined, Dec.; There are statistically significant and negative relationships between the ’School Administrator Roles scale‘ ’interpersonal‘ sub-dimension and the ’International Child Well-being scale‘ ’self-feelings' dimension. Dec.1. There is a statistically significant and negative relationship between the 'School Administrator Roles scale' and the 'self-feelings' sub-dimension. Dec. 1. As the interpersonal role scores of school administrators increase, the scores of the students' feelings about themselves decelerate. Keywords: School Administrator Roles, Child Well-Being

Times of Minima of Selected Eclipsing Binaries Obtained in 2023-2024

We present 65 times of minima of 33 eclipsing binaries obtained with the IST40 telescope of the Istanbul University Observatory between May 2023 - May 2024.

Maxima Times of Pulsating Variables Obtained in 2023-2024

We present 17 times of maxima of 10 delta Scuti type pulsating variables obtained with the IST40 telescope of the Istanbul University Observatory between May 2023 - May 2024.

Is awareness of climate change a predictor of eco-anxiety? Research within the scope of nursing students

BackgroundUnderstanding nursing students' awareness of climate change and its impact on their anxiety levels is crucial in representing a significant research area for the sustainability of healthcare services and the development of strategies to address climate change. ObjectivesThis study aims to determine nursing students' awareness of global climate change and eco-anxiety levels. Additionally, it seeks to uncover the relationship between these two factors. DesignDuring the academic year 2022–2023, this research was conducted with nursing students at a university in Istanbul, utilizing a cross-sectional and exploratory correlational design. The study involved 390 nursing students at the same university, aiming to reach the entire population without using any sampling method. Valid data were obtained from 374 students. The Student Information Form, University Students' Climate Change Awareness Scale and the Eco-anxiety Scale used as instruments for data collection. Subsequently, the data underwent analysis in a computational environment utilizing descriptive statistical methods and Pearson correlation analysis. ResultsMost of the participants were female and single. The mean “total global climate change awareness” of the students was 75.072 ± 15.094, and the mean “general eco-anxiety” of the students was 1.158 ± 0.629. A weak positive relationship was found between the total global climate change awareness and general environmental concerns of the students participating in the study at r = 0.233 (p = 0.000 < 0.05). The level of awareness of climate change explains 5 % of nursing students' eco-anxiety levels. ConclusionThis study emphasizes a significant relationship between climate change awareness and increased ecological anxiety. Filling a gap in the field due to the lack of specific research focusing on nursing students highlights the importance of maintaining awareness to prevent ecological anxiety from reaching undesirable levels. This approach is crucial in actively encouraging nurses to contribute to developing educational curricula and environmentally friendly health policies.

Rare and Complicated Granulomatous Lobular Mastitis (2000-2023): A Bibliometrics Study and Visualization Analysis.

Granulomatous mastitis (GLM) is a rare and complex chronic inflammatory disease of the breast with an unknown cause and a tendency to recur. As medical science advances, the cause, treatment strategies, and comprehensive management of GLM have increasingly attracted widespread attention. The aim of this study is to assess the development trends and research focal points in the GLM field over the past 24 years using bibliometric analysis. Using GLM, Granulomatous mastitis (GM), Idiopathic granulomatous lobular mastitis (IGLM), and Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis (IGM) as keywords, we retrieved publications related to GLM from 2000 to 2023 from the Web of Science, excluding articles irrelevant to this study. Citespace and VOSviewer were employed for data analysis and visualization. A total of 347 publications were included in this analysis. Over the past 24 years, the number of publications has steadily increased, with Turkey being the leading contributor in terms of publications and citations. The University of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, and Istanbul University Cerrahpasa were the most influential institutions. The Breast Journal, Breast Care, and Journal of Investigative Surgery were the journals that published the most on this topic. The research primarily focused on the cause, differential diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive management of GLM. Issues related to recurrence, hyperprolactinemia, and Corynebacterium emerged as current research hotspots. Our bibliometric study outlines the historical development of the GLM field and identifies recent research focuses and trends, which may aid researchers in identifying research hotspots and directions, thereby advancing the study of GLM.

Diffuse midline gliomas in children: Does changing strategies change results?

10045 Background: The prognosis of children with diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG)/diffuse midline glioma (DMG) is dismal. Radiotherapy (RT) is considered the standard of treatment. We previously published results of our center, where patients receiving temozolomide or other chemotherapy after radiotherapy (RT) had a better survival than those receiving RT alone (1). This study aims to evaluate a larger cohort of children with DMG in a single center. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed demographic, clinical characteristics and treatment outcome of children with DMG diagnosed and treated at Istanbul University, Oncology Institute between Feb1999-Feb 2023. We compared the groups that received only radiotherapy (Group 1, only RT, n=19), the ones that received RT with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide po (Group 2-n= 38 TMZ 75 mg/m2/day for 6 weeks concomitant (c.) with RT, followed by TMZ (200 mg/m2/day) for 5 days every 28 days until progression or for 12 cycles), and the ones that received RT with c. TMZ, followed by other systemic agents (Group 3 n= 18 RT c.TMZ, followed by nimotuzumab containing regimens; Group 4 the rest 26 received other agents such as bevacizumab, CCNU, ONC201 and other). The ones that progressed on group 2, received nimotuzumab containing or other regimens. Results: 114 children (49 female, 65 male) with a mean age of 7± 4 years (6 months-16 years) were analyzed. The most frequent clinical findings were ataxia, strabismus and motor weakness. 108 had diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG). In total 106 patients received RT, 54-60 Gy to the tumor site. The overall survival (OS) in all patients at 2 years, 3 years and 5 years were 25.6%,15% and 11.5% respectively. The 2 years, 3 years and 5 years OS in group1 were 0.79%, 0% ,0% respectively; in group 2 they were 38.4%, 27.9%, 16%respectively ; in group 3 they were 17.6% , 0 % ,0% respectively, in Group 4 they were 10.3%, 0.34%, 0% respectively, The OS in Group 2 or3 or 4 were significantly higher than group 1 (only RT) (P =0.002, p=0.004, p&lt;0.001,respectively). There was no major side effect due to TMZ, nor nimotuzumab. Seven patients were re-irradiated at progression. The number of patients undergoing biopsies and molecular testing increased to 50% of the patients after 2016 versus only in two patients previously. Conclusions: In our series, the overall survival was significantly superior in patients who received RT with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide and/or adjuvant nimotuzumab containing regimens or other adjuvant systemic treatment in comparison to patients that received RT alone, suggesting that adding systemic treatment after RT (poTMZ or iv nimotuzumab containing regimens or other) may help extend survival. Oral temozolomide may be easier to use as first line treatment after radiotherapy especially in resource limited settings, switching to nimotuzumab containing or other chemotherapy and/or re-radiotherapy at progression. 1. Kebudi R, 2013.

INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PRESSURE-PAIN THRESHOLD OF MASTICATORY MUSCLES AND NECK MUSCLES IN WOMEN WITH TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS

Purpose: The aim of our study is to determine the relationship between the pain pressure threshold (PPT) of masticatory and the neck muscles in women with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Methods: Twenty women diagnosed with myofascial TMD who were followed up at Istanbul University, Capa Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Total-Partial Prosthesis, between August 2019- November 2019, were included and data analysis of the cases was performed retrospectively. PPT values of the anterior temporal and masseter muscles as masticatory muscles, and the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscles as neck muscles were included in the study. Pearson correlation coefficient was used to provide statistical analysis of the data. Results: A statistically significant and positive correlation was found between the some PPT values of the masticatory and neck muscles (p

Data mining approach for prediction of academic success in open and distance education

Predicting and improving the academic achievement of university students is a multifactorial problem. Considering the low success rates and high dropout rates, particularly in open education programs characterized by mass enrollment, academic success is an important research area with its causes and consequences. This study aimed to solve a classification problem (successful or unsuccessful), predict students’ academic success, and identify those at risk. The primary objective was to predict the academic success status with 26,708 students enrolled in Istanbul University open and distance education programs between 2011 and 2017. Predictions were based demographic data and success grades in Turkish, Atatürk's Principles and History of Revolution, English, and Disaster Culture courses. The study utilized classification models from supervised learning algorithms and was conducted using the SPSS Modeler 18 program. Initially, the data was divided into 70% training and 30% test data. Then, models were constructed by using Random Forest, Tree-AS, C&amp;RT, C5.0, CHAID, QUEST, Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, NeuralNet, and SVM algorithms. Model performances were compared according to accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and Matthews Correlation Coefficient criteria. The C&amp;RT model demonstrated the best performance, achieving the highest specificity value of 0.915.