Izmir Katip Celebi University Research Articles

The effect of preoperative TSH levels on perioperative complications in patients undergoing pituitary surgery

IntroductionPituitary surgery involves special conditions for the anaesthetist due to the anatomical localisation and the role of the pituitary gland in hormonal balance. The aim of this study was to retrospectively investigate the effect of TSH levels on perioperative complication rates in patients undergoing pituitary surgery.MethodsIn this study, patients who underwent pituitary surgery at Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital between January 2017 and November 2022 were retrospectively screened. Two patients out of the 137 were excluded from the study as they underwent simultaneous aneurysm surgery along with pituitary tumor surgery. A total of 135 patients meeting the criteria were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups according to TSH levels. Perioperative complication rates and mortality rates were compared between the three groups.FindingsThe study included a total of 135 patients, with an age range of 16–76 years. Among the groups with low–normal–high TSH levels, there were no statistically significant difference observed, in postoperative complications, such as epistaxis, rhinorrhea, postoperative nausea/vomiting, seizures, hypertension, and hypotension. When looking at the incidence of postoperative diabetes insipidus, a significant difference was found between the groups. When examining the mortality rates on the 28th day, a significant difference was found between the groups, with a mortality rate of 25% in the high TSH group (p < 0.5).ConclusionsThe risk of perioperative mortality is higher in patients with TSH levels above normal.

Plant selection for rain gardens in temperate climates: The case of Izmir, Turkey

Rain gardens have gained importance in recent years as a green infrastructure strategy. These gardens, created to capture, filter, and absorb runoff from impervious surfaces, offer a sustainable method for addressing water-related challenges in urban areas. Incorporating rain gardens into urban areas not only addresses the challenges of heavy rainfall and flooding but also brings about ecological advantages by encouraging biodiversity, improving water quality, increasing resilience, and enhancing the aesthetic appeal of urban settings. Plant selection in rain gardens plays a crucial role in their effectiveness and sustainability. The research focused on exploring the importance of carefully choosing plants for rain gardens, aiming to help in selecting the most suitable flora and creating visually appealing, resilient, and ecologically important landscapes. For this purpose, Izmir Katip Celebi University was selected as a study area. The first step was to locate an appropriate space for a rain garden and evaluate its potential for a rain garden implementation. Next, plants suitable for a rain garden in a temperate climate were listed. Among these plants, those that can be found in Izmir were selected after contacting nurseries. Only fourteen of them were available. Utilizing the plants listed that align with the project requirements and the plant design criteria such as diverse color, high density, and proportion outlined in the literature review, a proposal for a rain garden design was recommended. Since the rain garden consists of three different zones (dry, wet, and moderate), the plants were arranged accordingly. This design was tailored to suit existing conditions, such as a temperate climate and proximity to the building. Factors like varying climate conditions or alternative rain garden placements were not accounted for in this design. Given the necessity for diverse plant selections in varying climates, research carried out across different regions holds significant value. This study, conducted in Izmir province, will enrich existing literature and provide municipalities with crucial guidance in plant selection in a rain garden project, offering valuable insights.

Visual Preferences of College Students for an Ecological Design Project in a Campus Environment

In the last few decades, the integration of ecological design in urban landscapes has gained significant attention from researchers, practitioners, and administrators because of its potential to address environmental challenges and enhance the quality of life. While there are many benefits of integrating ecological design in urban landscapes such as environmental conservation and awareness, its aesthetics have remained a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect. This paper examines the visual preferences of college students for ecological design through a rain garden project at Izmir Katip Celebi University. Ecological design includes green infrastructure strategies like rain gardens that play a major role in creating sustainable urban areas. In this study, we conducted surveys among students at Izmir Katip Celebi University regarding a rain garden project that would be implemented on campus. We provided six rain garden design images, each representing various visual attributes in the survey. The survey also included questions about aesthetic appeal, ecological significance, preferred design choice, and demographic information. We collected the data from 120 respondents and analyzed responses using descriptive statistics. The study findings presented that Image 6, featuring colorful plant selections, received the highest aesthetic rating, while Image 4, with canopy trees, stood out as the most ecologically significant design.

Evaluation of Thyroid Nodules in Patients With Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy.

The incidence of thyroid nodules has increased in the last 50 years due to the widespread use of imaging methods and incidental detection of small thyroid nodules. Thyroid fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is the most accurate, reliable, and cost-effective test to evaluate thyroid nodules. In this research, we aimed to elucidate thyroid fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) to understand how suspicious cases predict malignancy. Within this research's scope, 411 patients over 16 years old who were evaluated in IzmirKatipCelebi University, Ataturk Training and Research Hospital Internal Medicine (Izmir, Turkey) outpatient clinic for thyroid nodules between2018 and 2022and underwent thyroid FNAC followed by thyroid surgery were analyzed retrospectively. The age, gender, thyroid FNAC, operation type, and histopathology of all the patients were reviewed. Individuals with a history of head and neck cancer were excluded from the analysis. No statistically significant relationship between the pathology results and demographic characteristics was found. A statistically significant correlation existed between the pathology and FNAB results (p<0.05). Although 84.5% of the patients were diagnosed as benign, 14.7% as suspicious, and 0.8% as malignant in FNAC, all of these cases were diagnosed as benign in final histopathology results. Similarly, 21.9% of the patients were diagnosed asbenign, 58.8% as suspicious, and 19.4% as malignant in FNAC and all of these cases were diagnosed as malignant in final histopathology results. A correlation was determined between the two measurements (Cohen's kappa(κ)=0.557; p<0.001). The test's sensitivity was 47%, and the specificity was 99.1%. According to the FNAC results, the rate of being diagnosed with malignancy (positive predictive value (PPV)) was 93.9%, and the rate of being diagnosed as benign (negative predictive value (NPV)) was 85.8% for the individuals initially diagnosed as benign. Although FNAB remains the most important diagnostic tool to identify benigncases with a high accuracy rate, the operation decision is not clear in suspicious atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesions of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) cytology findings. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of FNA results andhelps in surgical decision-making by emphasizing that the possibility of malignancy in the post-operative final histopathology report is higher, especially in the presence of suspicious FNAC results.

Assessment of oxygen extraction rate changes following red blood cell transfusion in the intensive care unit: a protocol for a prospective observational non-interventional study

IntroductionHaemoglobin transfusion thresholds have been used in the intensive care unit (ICU) to guide red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) decisions. Recent research has also focused on physiological indicators of tissue...

Glutaric aciduria and L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria: Clinical and molecular findings of 35 patients from Turkey

BackgroundCerebral organic acid disorders are progressive neurometabolic diseases characterized by neurologic dysfunction. Glutaric aciduria type I (GA-I) and L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (L2HGA) are the main cerebral organic acid disorders. They are both classified as, and it is suggested that these two disorders may share a common metabolic pathway. Current treatment strategies are based on levocarnitine, vitamin B2, and diet. Recent guidelines recommend a lysine-restricted diet up to six years of age, but there is no consensus for patients over the age of six. Vitamin B2 is exists in the blood as riboflavin and its cofactors, flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). FAD, the cofactor of L2HGD, accelerates the conversion of L-2-hydoxy glutarate to alpha-ketoglutarate. Levocarnitine stimulates the formation and excretion of derivatives of glutaric acid. Also, lysine-associated organic acidurias some results provide principal proof for the beneficial effects of riboflavin in GA-I. It has been previously reported that combination therapy with riboflavin and levocarnitine is effective for L2HGA as well as GA-I. Riboflavin and levocarnitine have been reported to improve not only clinical symptoms but also urinary 2-HGA levels. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of the current treatment strategies and genotype on urinary metabolites and IQ scores in GA-I and L2HGA patients. MethodsThe presented retrospective multicenter study included patients followed up in Diyarbakir Children's Hospital and Izmir Katip Celebi University Faculty of Medicine, Division of Pediatric Metabolism. Between 2016 and 2021, we retrospectively evaluated 35 patients with confirmed diagnosis of GA-I and L-2HGA. We analyzed the clinical, biochemical, neuroradiological, molecular data and treatment of the patients. The follow-up period was every 2 months until 12 months old, every 3 months until 6 years of age, and every 6 months thereafter. Therapy monitoring was undertaken during follow-up visits that included evaluation of clinical parameters, laboratory parameters, and dietary consumption records. Denver II was applied in order to evaluate children aged 0–6 years in terms of development. Patients between 6 and 16 years of age were evaluated using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised. ResultsWe identified 25 with GA-I and 10 with L2HGA. The most common clinical symptoms were developmental delay, intellectual disability, and movement disorders. Behavioural problems were more common in L2HGA than in GA-I patients. In the same family, there were patients with severe developmental delay despite early diagnosis and treatment and individuals with normal IQ scores. In our study group, we used diet (lysine restricted or protein controlled), levocarnitine and vitamin B2 for GA-I patients. The mean urinary glutaric acid levels were decreased with treatment in GA-I patients. Group I consisted of 14/25 patients receiving lysine restricted diet and levocarnitine, Group II (8/25) received protein-controlled diet and levocarnitine. Group III (3/25) patients whom had p.Pro248Leu (P248L) variant, received riboflavin in combination with protein-controlled diet and levocarnitine. When we evaluated according to the treatment groups, a significant decrease was observed in urinary glutaric acid levels in group I. But there were no significant difference in Group II and III. The patients with c.1018C > T variant in GCDH gene had higher pre-treatment urinary metabolites and significant reduction in urinary metabolites with treatment was detected. In L2HGA patients, we used levocarnitine and vitamin B2. In all L2HGA patients, there was a significant decrease in the mean urinary 2- hydoxy glutarate with treatment. However, there was no significant difference between the c.164G > A and c.1115delT variants. The mean pre- and post-treatment IQ scores of GA-I patients, no significant difference was observed. Relative neurologic improvement was seen in three L2HGA patients. We found two novel variants, including the c.221A > G (p.Tyr74Cys) in the GCDH gene and the c.738 + 5A > G splice variant in the L2HGDH gene. ConclusionsGlutaric aciduria type I and L2HGA are the most common cerebral organic acidurias. Early and correct diagnosis is crucial. Poor prognosis based on metabolic crises and progressive deterioration still appears. In countries where newborn screening is not performed, a clinical suspicion index is required for cerebral organic aciduria. GA-I and L-2HGA are difficult to examine by medical evidence standards because of the small sample size, regional differences in newborn screening, and medical care limits. More clinical studies are needed to identify effective treatments. However, the significant decrease in urinary glutaric acid levels after treatment in patients on lysine-restricted diet raises the question of whether lysine-restricted diet should be continued after six years of age. We also reported our experience in order to contribute to the literature.

Experimental investigation of sediment movement as a result of homogeneous earth-fill dam overtopping break over a simplified urban area

When an earth-fill dam breaks, dam body sediment and water flow simultaneously move to downstream area causing devastation. Dam break studies in the literature have concentrated mostly on the water flow part while ignoring the sediment movement by designing the dam body as a movable metal gate. This study, however, is the first one experimentally investigating flow and sediment transport due to an earth-fill dam break by constructing the dam body from sediment. Sediment propagation as a result of homogenous earth-fill dam overtopping break was experimentally studied in a laboratory flume of 18.4 m long and 2.0 m wide, and 0.88 m in height in the Hydraulics Laboratory of Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey. Downstream section right after the dam body was designed as a smooth bed and rough bed. The rough bed, resembling a simplified urban area, was created by using thirteen 10 × 10 × 10 cm sized concrete blocks. The dam body was constructed as homogenous with uniform material having D50 = 0.441 mm. The earth-fill dam body was built using the standard compression methods; each layer of sediment with a thickness of 10 cm was laid in layers, and the body was prepared with a crest width of 10 cm, a transverse base width of 200 cm, a longitudinal base width of 202 cm and height of 60 cm with upstream and downstream slopes of 1:1.6. The water level behind the dam was gradually raised until it overtopped the crest level. A pre-breach was formed at the top of the dam to trigger the break. During each dam break event, water depths were measured by three ULS-40D level meter sensors at different locations, and the final sediment bathymetry map was generated using the ULS-40D Probes at 10 × 10 cm grids. The results showed that, in both smooth and rough downstream bed cases, the dam body eventually collapsed while a great portion of it was carried away by the flood flow. The sediment spreading occurred all over the downstream area, showing significant non-uniform variation in thickness both longitudinally and transversely, especially in the simulated urban area. All the residential areas, while breaking in motion, were submerged under the muddy flow. Some blocks were almost submerged while sediment heights reached half level of some blocks at the end of the experiment. Sediment heights were higher in the urban area.

3. Basamak Sağlık Hizmeti Veren Kuruma Başvuran Feokromasitoma Tanılı Hastaların Klinik, Biyokimyasal ve Radyolojik Bulgularının Retrospektif Olarak İncelenmesi

Objective: To bring the current data of pheochromocytoma, which has a poor clinical course when diagnosed late and incorrectly, to the literature. Material and Methods: According to the retrospectively evaluated data of patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma biochemically and pathologically, 32 patients were examined in the study, meeting the eligibility criteria. Exclusion criteria: being pregnant, being under the age of 18, only having a biochemical diagnosis and not having regular endocrinological records. The patient’s name-surname, gender, age, presence of an additional disease, clinical findings, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance (MR) images, normetanephrine and metanephrine values were recorded in detail, as stated in the ethics committee approval. The results were evaluated using the Wilcoxon - T test using SPSS Statistics 25.0. Results: According to the results of 32 patients, 28 women and 4 men, the most common finding was sweating (90.6%). Tachycardia (84.4%), hypertension (84.4%), skin rash (56.6%), fatigue (75%), shortness of breath (46.9%), headache (31.3%), anxiety (31.3%), fear of death (21.9%), tremor (18.8%), pale skin (18.8%), nausea (12.5%), vomiting (9.4%), visual impairment (6.3%) and weight loss (3.1%) were determined. Locally, 43.8% of the tumors were seen on the right and 36.3% on the left. A statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative metanephrine values (p&lt;0.05). Statistically significant difference was found between preoperative and postoperative normeta-nephrine values (p&lt;0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative basal cortisol values. (p=0,816). Conclusion: The current data of patients diagnosed with pheochromocytoma who applied to Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital were examined and it was seen that the symptoms of these patients were correlated with patients around the world. It was concluded that preoperative and postoperative metanephrine and normetanephrine decreased significantly (p&lt;0.05), but no significant change was observed in basal cortisol levels (p&gt;0.05).

Determinants of Coronary Angiography in Non-ST-elevation Myocardial Infarction with Low Ejection Fraction.

To investigate the clinical and demographic factors affecting the selection of angiography in patients with severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction (SLVSD, ejection fraction lower than 30%) developing non-ST-segment elevation (NSTEMI). Descriptive study. This study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey, between March 2018 and March 2021. Patients with SLVSD (Ejection fraction <30%) developing Clinical and demographic factors were compared between the patients who were or were not decided for angiography. Associated factors for the decision of angiography were evaluated. Overall, 68 (46%) out of 147 patients underwent coronary angiography. Angiography led to coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in 14 (21%), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in 30 (44%), and medical treatment in 24 (35%). Among the patients who decided for CABG, 10 (71%) underwent surgery. In multivariate analysis; Killip score ≥2 [Odds ratio (OR) :33.85, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 5.03-227.405 p<0.001], lower education level (OR: 17.66, 95% CI: 2.25-138.44, p=0.006), anaemia (OR: 10.60, 95% CI: 2.07-54.28, p=0.005), age ≥65 years (OR: 7.124, 95% CI: 1.33-38.12, p=0.02), and PCI history (OR: 0.132, 95% CI: 0.02-0.84, p=0.032) were associated factors with the decision of only medical treatments instead of angiography. Demographic factors such as age and education level and clinical factors such as decompensation, PCI history, and anaemia significantly affect the decision of angiography in the patients with SLVSD and NSTEMI. Heart failure, NSTEMI, Revascularisation, Severe left ventricular systolic dysfunction, Ejection fraction.

Machine Learning Based Classification Algorithm for AP Selection in Cell-Free MIMO Systems

With the rapid development of technology, cellular networks in wireless networks are insufficient to meet the demands. In order to provide a correct and good service to each user, communication systems must change. Although cell-free networks have many advantages over cellular networks, since there are too many users and access points (APs) in cell-free networks, AP selection is very important. In this thesis, the AP selection model has been studied and compared five different machine learning classification methods. The campus of Izmir Katip Celebi University has been chosen as the environment where the study will be carried out, and capacity values have been obtained from the users and APs that have been placed on the campus in the simulation environment. Numerical calculation results have been obtained from the Wireless Insite (WI) software. The AP selection to be created with the capacity values has been supported by artificial intelligence algorithm techniques. With two different data sets have been compared, better results have been tried to be obtained with different feature values. As a result of the comparisons made, the best machine learning classification technique used has been proposed.

Salt, from History to Consumption: An Evaluation of Izmir Katip Celebi University Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours About Salt Consumption

Salt, from History to Consumption: An Evaluation of Izmir Katip Celebi University Students' Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviours About Salt Consumption

Evaluation of the effects of different rapid maxillary expansion appliances on airway by acoustic rhinometry: A randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveThe purpose of this 3-arm parallel trial was to compare the effects of tooth tissue-borne (TTB), tooth-borne (TB) and bone-borne (BB) rapid maxillary expansion (RME) appliances on nasal airway with acoustic rhinometry (AR). Setting and sample populationForty-six 12- to 14-year-old patients with narrow maxilla were randomly allocated into 3 study groups accordingly the type of expander: TTB, TB and BB. The participants were recruited from the Department of Orthodontics, Izmir Katip Celebi University. Materials and methodsAll patients had RME with an initial activation of two-quarter turns a day (0.5 mm) for an average of 8 days followed by 1 quarter turns per day for an average of 10 days. Disguised group allocation using opaque sealed envelopes was made with a computer-generated randomization program. The primary outcome was changes on the minimal nasal cross-sectional area (MCA). Secondary outcome included the assessment of nasal cavity volume. AR measurements were obtained at baseline (T0), immediately after the expansion (T1), and at 3 months-follow-up (T2). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni test were used for inter-group comparison and two-way ANOVA was used for intra-group evaluation. ResultsThere were significant increases in MCA 1, 2 and nasal Vol in all groups after the treatment (95% [CI], P < 0.05) whereas in inter-group comparisons; MCA 1, 2 and nasal Vol, the changes were found to be similar (95% [CI], P > 0.05). HarmsNo serious harm was observed except for mild gingivitis due to plaque accumulation. ConclusionsRME treatment increased minimal nasal cross-sectional areas and nasal volume irrespective of appliance design. Trial registrationThis trial was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier NCT04529057). ProtocolThe protocol was not published. FundingThis trial was financed by Izmir Katip Celebi University, Scientific Research Projects Unit [grant number 2016-TDR-SABE-0024].

Nursing Students’ Performance and Satisfaction Regarding the Classification of Pressure Injuries Using Simulation With Moulage

Background: Simulation-based education is a widely utilized tool for experiential learning in nursing education. The aim of this study was to determine nursing students’ performance and satisfaction in the classification of pressure injuries using simulation with moulage. Methods: It is an evaluation study with a quasi-experimental, single-group, post-test design that was conducted in the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year in the Nursing Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences of Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, Turkey. In total, 66 final-year nursing students, voluntarily participated in the Assessment of Pressure Injury Course. A student characteristics form, a Pressure Injury Classification Form, and a Moulage Satisfaction and Evaluation Form were used as data collection tools. Data were entered into SPSS v. 21, and the results of the analysis were described using descriptive statistics. Results: It was found that 67.2% (n=45) of the students correctly assessed all the stages of pressure injury moulages on the standardized patients. Among the students, 62.1% (n=41) strongly agreed that their assessment skills of pressure injury improved after the simulation. The results related to students’ satisfaction indicated that 77.3% (n=51) of the students evaluated the moulages as realistic. The Mean±SD total score of students’ evaluation of moulage simulation sessions on standard patients was 4.56±0.59 (range=1-5). Conclusion: This moulage is a simple, easily accessible, low-cost, and effective tool for teaching pressure injury assessment to nursing students. It can be used in clinical skills training and clinical assessment in nursing education.

The Value of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness in the Detection of Atherosclerosis in HIV (+) Patients Subclinical Atherosclerosis in HIV (+).

To evaluate the role of the traditional risk scoring system (TRSS) in detecting subclinical atherosclerosis in HIV (+) patients. Cohort study. Infectious Diseases Clinic, Izmir Katip Çelebi University, Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, from March 2017 to January 2018. The patient group was formed with 52 HIV (+) patients, aged 18-60 years, and a control group was formed with 52 HIV (-) healthy volunteers. For all groups, there was no comorbid diseases or family history. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease were excluded from the two groups. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements were performed with high resolution B mode Doppler USG and patients with subclinical atherosclerosis were identified by the presence of atheroma plaque. The median right CIMT measurement was 0.91 (0.73-0.97) mm and the median left CIMT was 0.90 (0.73-0.98) mm in HIV (+) patients. The median values of CIMT on right and left sides in the control group were 0.77 (0.67-0.81) mm and 0.76 (0.70-0.81) mm. Atheroma plaque was detected in 13.5% of the HIV (+) patients and in none of the control group. Subclinical atherosclerosis was found in 51.9% of HIV (+) patients and this rate was 7.7% in the HIV (-) group (p<0.001). There was a weak correlation between CIMT and TRSS. In this study, the scoring systems (Framingham, ACC/AHA CVHRS) that determine the risk of cardiovascular disease recommended in current practice and the results of CIMT measurements were not found to be compatible. The development of new scoring systems including CIMT testing for the determination of this risk will open important new horizons. Key Words: AIDS, Cardiovascular disease, Subclinical atherosclerosis, CIMT.

Covid-19 Pandemic Process Experience of Izmir Kâtip Celebi University Library Through Key Statistics

Information centers aim at meeting the information requirements of the society they serve, while they become active parts of all kinds of experiences within the society in this process. However, it is more important for information centers (which can become social institutions of culture in that way) to show their adaptation skills in extraordinary times. Thus, they contribute to the normalization of life within the identity of a public institution. In their quality as active and integral contributors of formal education provided in our country, the university libraries are among the most important information centers that are expected to turn this responsibility into a priority reflex. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to cause severe trauma and chaos globally has introduced an atmosphere in which university libraries are expected to show such a reaction. The present study aims to show how the university libraries in our country have been affected by the pandemic and the new conditions, and to what extent their services will adapt to the new normal, as will be exemplified by the case study of Izmir Katip Celebi University (IKCU) Library. To that effect, a comparison has been made between 2019 (the former "normal" for the libraries) and 2020 (when the pandemic broke out in March also in Turkey). As a result, an analysis based on specific keywords and on the comparison of qualitative data related to these keywords was made to understand how the library was affected by COVID-19 outbreak and how this effect reflected on the services of the library and on the users. The findings obtained after the comparison has shown that the pandemic has caused a significant setback both for the IKCU Library, which is still in its infancy, and for its efforts to prove itself. The study was concluded by making suggestions for the IKCU Library with regard to its efficient service delivery during the ongoing pandemic period. At this point, successful practice examples throughout the world provided inspiration. Contributing to the reduction of the negative impact of the pandemic on the library on the hand, and attracting the attention of other university libraries in our country on the other, will be the main successes of this study.

Vitamin D Levels and Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) Gene Polymorphisms in Inactive Hepatitis B Virus Carriers.

To evaluate the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms and vitamin D levels in inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers. A cross-sectional analytical study. From March to September 2017 at the Izmir Katip Celebi University (İKCU) Ataturk Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. Eighty-six inactive hepatitis B carriers and 86 control individuals were included in the study. Individuals with diseases or under medication that could affect vitamin D levels were excluded from the study. Serum vitamin D concentration of >30 ng/mL was considered as sufficient, between 20-30 ng/mL as insufficient, <20 ng/mL as deficiency and <10 ng/mL as severe deficiency. VDR gene Bsm I, Fok I, Apa I and Taq I polymorphisms were identified by the polymerase chain reaction-fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. When vitamin D levels were examined, 52.3% (n = 45) of the inactive HBV carriers had severe deficiency, 38.4% (n = 33) deficiency, 7% (n = 6) insufficiency; 45.3% (n = 39) of the control group had severe deficiency, 43% (n = 37) deficiency, and 7% (n = 6) insufficiency. There was no statistically significant relationship between VDR gene and Bsm I, Fok I, Apa I, Taq I polymorphisms and vitamin D levels in inactive hepatitis B carriers and control group (p>0.05). Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent both among control population as well as in chronic hepatitis patients. Key Words: Inactive HBV carrier, Vitamin D, Polymorphism, Vitamin D receptor (VDR).

The Influence of Active Learning Provided By Distance Education on Academic Achievement, Self-Efficacy And Attitudes in Art Education

This research was carried out to examine the effects of active learning methods, which take the information away from memorization and make it applicable in daily life, on the achievement, attitude and self-efficacy of the ‘Contemporary Art Practices’ course taken by the undergraduate students. In the study, single group pretest-posttest experimental design, which is one of the quantitative research approaches, was used. The research was carried out on 15 students studying at the 1st and 2nd Grades of Izmir Katip Celebi University in the fall semester of 2019-2020 in Turkey on the pandemic process. Contemporary Art Practices course was conducted by using active learning methods 'brainstorming, demonstration, speech ring, story creation and Phillps 66'. In this study, 'Contemporary Art Practices Course Achievement Test', 'Attitude Scale' and 'Self-Efficacy Scale' developed by the researcher were used as data collection tools. In the study, it was examined whether the data obtained had a normal distribution. For this, Shapiro-Wilk test was used. Relationship sample t-test was used to compare the data obtained before and after active learning activities. Analyzes were made using statistical program. The results of the research are that active learning methods have a significant effect on the achievements, attitudes and self-efficacy of the ‘Contemporary Art Practices’ course that the undergraduate students take via distance education.

Behaviors of Turkish pregnant women towards gestational diabetes screening.

Objectives:Although gestational diabetes is the most common metabolic disease in pregnancy some pregnant women still refuse to undergo oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the behavior of pregnant women undergoing OGTT, and to compare perinatal results between women who undergo and refuse OGTT.Methods:This retrospective cohort study was performed by evaluating the data of Izmir Katip Celebi University Gynecology and Obstetrics outpatient clinic between 2012-2017. Data of 2079 pregnant were evaluated retrospectively. Among 373 women who refused OGTT were evaluated as the study group, while remaining 1706 women who underwent OGTT were considered as the control group. The groups were compared with regard to perinatal results.Results:Sixty-two point four percent of the group who refused OGTT had a C-section, while 56.3% of the control group had a C-section (p<0.05). Intrauterine growth retardation, fetal distress, amniotic fluid pathologies, macrosomia, gestational hypertension and perinatal death were slightly higher in pregnant women who did not undergo OGTT compared to the control group, however, the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion:Maternal complications and poor pregnancy results were found slightly higher in pregnant women who refused OGTT. These results might be explained by assuring glycemic control in pregnant women who refused OGTT by a series of fasting and postprandial blood sugar measurements in our center.

Kamu Binalarındaki Yağmur Suyu Hasat Potansiyeli: Katip Çelebi Üniversitesi Saha Çalışması

Due to environmental pollution, population growth, climate change, industry development and uncontrolled water consumption, the amount of usable water today is running out. So, Municapilities are forced to find alternative water sources. For this reason, rainwater harvesting again gains interest among researchers, engineers etc. In this study, determination of the rainwater harvesting potential in Izmir Katip Celebi University is studied. The data from the flowmeters, which are installed in the men-women toilets in the central classrooms are recorded and the catchment area is calculated. According to the data, the amount of rainwater to be collected can meet the use of water in the toilets flushing. The study shows that the implementation of the rainwater harvesting system in the public buildings will contribute to reducing bill costs, and therefore the drinking water resources will be used more efficiently.

Diagnostic Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Mean Platelet Volume on Early Onset Neonatal Sepsis on Term Neonate

By setting out from increased neutrophil count, decreased lymphocyte count, and increased mean platelet volume (MPV), which is a result of the effect of inflammation on blood cells, we aimed to investigate whether neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLP) and MPV can be used as an auxiliary parameter for the diagnosis of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS). This study was conducted by analyzing term neonates with EOS and physiological jaundice who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Izmir Katip Celebi University Ataturk Training and Research Hospital. A total of 63 neonate files were examined to include 30 term neonates with EOS, and 77 neonate files were examined to include 30 term neonates with physiological jaundice as a control group. NLR had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.891 for prediction of EOS. At a cut-off level of 1.42, NLR had a likelihood ratio (LR) of 5.5, sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 84%, a positive predictive value (PPV) of 84.6%, and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 87.5%. MPV had an AUC of 0.666 for the prediction of EOS and at a cut-off level of 9.3 fL, MPV had an LR of 1.23, sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 32%, a PPV of 55.2%, and an NPV of 66.6%. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that NLR and MPV can be used in addition to conventional parameters in the diagnosis of EOS.