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Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) associated hemolytic anemia is an under-recognized complication of IVIG therapy. The incidence of this adverse event is not clear. Patients at high risk for IVIG-associated hemolytic anemia include non-O blood group recipients and those undergoing high-dose administration for inflammatory or autoimmune disorders. Here, two different cases of IVIG-associated hemolytic anemia are demonstrated. The first patient, a 66 year-old male with Guillain-Barré syndrome, had a severe attack for which erythrocyte replacement was required. Mild hemolysis was detected during IVIG administration in the second patient, a 57 year-old female with chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Following IVIG termination, the hemolysis diminished gradually. Although it is rare and often manageable, clinicians should be aware of and monitor patients for hemolytic anemia following IVIG therapy.

Nowadays, it has become more important to follow the latest developments concerning the clothing sector as staying up to date is likely to help us eliminate unnecessary expenditures and increase productivity. In order for companies to continue and expand their activities in ever-changing market conditions compared to their competitors, they need to make their own enterprises compatible with this emerging technology as much as possible by following the developing technology. In this study, the embroidery department of an exporting company was examined. More specifically, the embroidered products were carefully checked and faulty pieces were separated and classified according to the types of defects. The most critical defects were determined by means of Pareto analysis according to defect types and frequencies and an auxiliary apparatus was placed on the embroidery machine to prevent the defect in question. After the placement of the apparatus, the products were checked again. As a result of the calculations, the percentage of the defects in question decreased from 42.41% to 4.6%, and an improvement of 37.81% was achieved with the apparatus developed within the scope of this study.

This study aimed to investigate the influence of teaching materials that can enrich the views of middle school students about the role of imagination and creativity in scientific research. The study was conducted in a village middle school in Rize Turkey. It used a case study method within the scope of the qualitative research approach, seven activities were designed by the researchers toward the imaginative and creative nature of science (NoS). They were applied to the study group by the first researcher for twelve weeks. Data were collected with four open-ended questions and semi-structured interviews as also reflective writings and worksheets during the intervention. The NoS questionnaire and subsequent interviews were administered to participants twice, at the beginning and the end of the teaching. By using qualitative data, pre-post profiles of the students regarding the NoS were created. Each profile was classified using three-stage categories informed, transitional and naïve. It was concluded that students’ naive views on the imaginary and creative NoS changed towards transitional and/or informed.

Introduction: There are many differences between hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD) treatments, including their impact on the psychological status of the patients. In this study, our aim was to compare the psychological statuses of HD and PD patients during the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: We conducted this cross-sectional study on adult HD and PD patients when the curfew measures were in effect. We used an electronic form composed of 3 sections to collect data. In the first section, we collected data on the demographics and clinical and laboratory parameters of the patients. The second and third sections consisted of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) questionnaires, respectively. Results: The HD (n = 116) and PD (n = 130) groups were similar regarding age and sex, and they had similar HADS anxiety scores. HADS depression scores were higher in PD patients (p = 0.052). IES-R scores were significantly higher in PD patients in comparison to HD patients (p = 0.001). Frequencies of abnormal HADS-anxiety (p = 0.035) and severe psychological impact (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in PD patients. Discussion/Conclusion: During the social isolation period due to the COVID-19 pandemic, HD patients had better mood profiles than PD patients. A more stable daily routine, an uninterrupted face-to-face contact with health-care workers, and social support among patients in the in-center dialysis environment might be the cause of the favorable mood status. PD patients might need additional psychological support during those periods.

Objective: Fabry disease (FD) is a progressive, X-linked inherited disorder of glycosphingolipid metabolism which arises due to deficient or absent activity of lysosomal α-galactosidase A (α-Gal A). This may be associated with increased left ventricular (LV) wall thickness and may mimic the morphological features of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to define the ratio of occurrence of FD to the manifestation of unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). Methods: We studied a prospectively assembled a consecutive cohort of 190 patients with unexplained LVH on echocardiography. The criterion for LVH diagnosis was a maximum LV wall thickness of 13 mm or greater. All patients were tested for mutations in the GLA gene. Results: The majority of patients were male (n=119, 63%) and the mean patient age was 47.2+-15 years. In 190 patients diagnosed with LVH, we identified 2 patients (1.05%) with documented GLA mutations [c.427G>A (p.A143T)(p.Ala143Thr)] and [c.937G>T (p.D313Y)(p.Asp313Tyr)]. After the family screening, 3 additional patients with FD were identified in 2 families, including 5 individuals who are now receiving enzyme replacement therapy. Conclusion: We identified 2 index patients with FD and unexplained LVH. Cardiologists should, therefore, be aware of FD in cases of unexplained LVH. Family screening is crucial for the earlier identification of unaffected new patients who may benefit from enzyme replacement therapy.

© 2022 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (The Royal Australasian College of Physicians).Aim: Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) may cause shock and even death in children. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical features, laboratory characteristics and outcome of children diagnosed with MIS-C in 25 different hospitals in Turkey. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted between 8 April and 28 October 2020 in 25 different hospitals from 17 cities. Data were collected from patients' medical records using a standardised form. Clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes according to different age groups, gender and body mass index percentiles were compared using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results: The study comprised 101 patients, median age 7 years (interquartile range (IQR) 4.6–9.3); 51 (50.5%) were boys. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was positive in 21/100 (21%) patients; 62/83 (74.6%) patients had positive serology for SARS-CoV-2. The predominant complaints were fever (100%), fatigue (n = 90, 89.1%), and gastrointestinal symptoms (n = 81, 80.2%). Serum C-reactive protein (in 101 patients, median 165 mg/L; range 112–228), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (73/84, median 53 mm/s; IQR 30–84) and procalcitonin levels (86/89, median 5 μg/L; IQR 0.58–20.2) were elevated. Thirty-eight patients (37.6%) required admission to intensive care. Kawasaki disease (KD) was diagnosed in 70 (69.3%) patients, 40 of whom had classical KD. Most patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin (n = 92, 91%) and glucocorticoids (n = 59, 58.4%). Seven patients (6.9%) died. Conclusion: The clinical spectrum of MIS-C is broad, but clinicians should consider MIS-C in the differential diagnosis when persistent fever, fatigue and gastrointestinal symptoms are prominent. Most patients diagnosed with MIS-C were previously healthy. Immunomodulatory treatment and supportive intensive care are important in the management of cases with MIS-C. Glucocorticoids and intravenous immunoglobulins are the most common immunomodulatory treatment options for MIS-C. Prompt diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for optimal management.

This study aimed to examine the curious kids' magazine prepared, published, and sold by TUBITAK, a scientific and technological research institution of Turkey, in terms of the images of scientists it reflects. The data were collected by document analysis method within the scope of qualitative research approach and a total of 80 issues published between 2015-2021 were analyzed. In this process, the data containing text and visuals about scientists were evaluated using Newton and Newton's (1992) classification. It was examined separately by the researchers, taking into account each criterion in the evaluation list, possible differences were also compared. The results revealed that the images of scientists extracted from the magazine have begun to change positively in recent years. Children who follow this magazine can structure predominantly in minds of the scientist as regardless of gender, who dresses comfortably and appropriately for the nature of his work, uses interesting tools and equipment suitable for the nature of his work, although part of it is indoors, it is a person who mostly works outside, works as a team rather than individually, and most importantly, is happy with his work. Article visualizations

The research aimed to investigate what Turkish experts say sustainable development goals and teaching about achieving these goals. The research has a qualitative design, and the analysis of the interviews consisting of ten questions was made by document and content analysis. Interviews were held with ten academicians, who are experts in their field and have included the topic of sustainable development in their studies. Interview questions consisted of two parts in terms of content, in the upper part only for scientific purposes and for information purposes in consideration of ethical rules, as well as demographic information and the main questions. The main questions are based on determining whether the curriculum is sufficient in terms of the education of sustainable development, as well as identifying students who have gained awareness about this issue and the behaviors that can be expected from students. The interviews lasted an average of twenty-five minutes. The data were analyzed by transcribing the sound recordings. After the analyzes were completed, the codes, categories, and themes related to the questions were determined. As a result, with this study, a needs analysis, which is the first stage of the sustainable development teaching material to be developed within the scope of a large project study, has been made. In line with the results, new acquisitions about sustainable development were developed.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important pathogen responsible for serious diseases like chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and liver cancer. Turkey is located in the intermediate endemic region based on the average HBV surface antigen positivity. The high replication capacity of HBV and the lack of proofreading activity of the reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme makes the virus prone to mutations. In this study, S gene mutation which is detected in a chronic HBV case without any follow-up and treatment is presented. Although patient was HBsAg negative and anti-HBs positive in the examinations, the mutation analysis was performed upon the high level of HBV DNA load and sG145R (vaccine escape) mutation in S gene region and rtI169F, rtV173L, rtA181G and rtT184R mutations in pol gene region were detected. S gene region mutations may cause false negatives in diagnostic assays that detect HBsAg. At the same time, it is a public health problem because these HBV variants can also be transmitted by vertical and horizontal routes. Therefore, when atypical serological profiles are encountered, it is of utmost importance to remember S gene mutations and perform necessary analyses.

Background and Aims Anemia is one of the most important complications in chronic renal disease and inadequate erythropoietin production is the most important reason for anemia. Fibrosis of renal interstitium may be associated with inadequate synthesis of erythropoietin and anemia. In our study, we investigated the relationship between the severity of interstitial fibrosis (IF) in patients with primary glomerulonephritis (PGN) and anemia parameters. Method A total of 2794 patients who were recorded to the database of the Turkish Society of Nephrology, Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group between May 2009 and June 2019 were included in our national multicenter (44 centers) study. Patients aged 16 years or more with documented biopsy were included in the study. Patients were divided into four groups according to IF severity. IF was not detected in the interstitial area, was defined as none, if fibrosis was present in less than 25% of the area, defined as mild, if fibrosis was present in 25-50%, defined as moderate and if more than 50%, defined as severe. Anemia was defined as hemoglobin Results In the study, 57% of the patients were male and their mean age was 41.0 ± 14.3 years. The mean eGFR was 82.7 ± 36.9 ml / min / 1.73 m2 and the hemoglobin level was 13.1 ± 1.9 g/dl. General characteristics of patients with and without anemia are given in Table 1. While 41.1% of patients had no IF, 41.2% had mild, 14.1% had moderate and 3.5% had severe IF. When the patients were divided into four groups according to the severity of IF, the mean hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were significantly different between the groups (Figure 1). Anemia was present in 960 patients (34.4%) (Figure 2). Anemia rate was significantly higher in the patients with IF than patients without IF (36.8% vs 30.9%, p = 0.001). Anemia rate was %25.1 in patients with eGFH≥60 ml/min/1.73m2 and 56% in patients with eGFR Conclusion Approximately one-third of PGN patients had anemia at the time of biopsy and the frequency of anemia increases in patients with IF. The presence of IF is an independent risk factor associated with the development of anemia in PGN. The elucidation of the etiopathogenesis of anemia in PGN patients may play an important role in the follow-up and treatment of patients. Studies on IF can play a critical role.

Background and Aims Several glomerular disease registries in Europe, and they shared their data; however, there was a lack of current data on trends of primary glomerulopathy in Turkey. Glomerular disease patterns can change geographical areas and populations decade by decade. Our aim is to present Turkey's primary glomerular disease pattern from 2009 to 2017. Method 3878 native kidney biopsy records were assessed in the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerulopathy (TSN-GOLD) Working Group Registry. Secondary disease (lupus, etc.) and transplant biopsies do not enroll in the registry. These records divided into four periods, before 2009, 2009 to 2013, 2013 to 2017, and 2017 to current. Results A total of 3858 patients (M = 2173, K = 1685) were examined. There was no difference in the distribution of number of patients according to periods (Q1 = 968, Q2 = 960, Q3 = 968, Q4 = 962). Nephrotic syndrome was the most common biopsy indication in all quarters (58.6%, 53%, 44.1%, 51.6%, respectively). Glomerulopathy types; Membranous GN (29.9%, n = 290) was the first in Q1 and IgA nephropathy (17.7%, n = 172) was the second. IgA nephropathy (28.5%, n = 274) was the most common glomerulopathy in Q2, while Membranous GN (25.5%, n = 245) was the second most common. IgA nephropathy (29.9%, n = 285) was the most common glomerulopathy in Q3, followed by FSGS (22.9%, n = 222) and Membranous GN. In Q4, FSGS (26.8, n = 258) was the most common glomerulopathy, followed by IgA nephropathy (26.7%, n = 257) and Membranous GN (24.5%, n = 236) (Figure 1). Conclusion While biopsy indications did not change over the years, the incidence of FSGS and IgA nephropathy gradually increased.

Background and Aims The largest data on the epidemiology of primary glomerular diseases (PGD) are obtained from the databases of countries or centers. Here, we presented the extended results of the Primary Glomerular Diseases Study of the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD)Working Group. Method The data of patients who underwent renal biopsy and diagnosed as primary glomerular disease were recorded in the database prepared for the study. Between May 2009 and May 2019, a total of 4399 patients from 47 centers were evaluated. Basal data of 3875 patients were analyzed after exclusion of those lacking light microscopy and immunofluorescence findings. Results The mean age was 41.5 ± 14.9 years. Of the patients, 1690 were female (43.6%) and 2180 (56.3%) were male. Nephrotic syndrome was the most common biopsy indication (51.7%). This was followed by asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (18.3%) and nephritic syndrome (17.8%). The most common PGH was IgA nephropathy (25.7%), followed by membranous nephropathy (25.6%) and FSGS (21.9%). The mean total number of glomeruli per biopsy was 17 ± 10. Mean baseline systolic blood pressure was 130 ± 20 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was 81 ± 12 mmHg. Median proteinuria was 3300 (IQR: 1467-6307) mg / day, mean serum creatinine, estimated GFR and albumin values were 1.4 ± 1.5 mg / dl, 80.7 ± 39.1 ml / min and 3.2 ± 0.9 g / dl, respectively. Conclusion In Turkey, the incidence of IgA nephropathy patients have become more common than membranous nephropathy among PGD patients diagnosed with renal biopsy.

Background The largest data on the epidemiology of primary glomerular diseases (PGDs) are obtained from the databases of countries or centers. Here, we present the extended results of the Primary Glomerular Diseases Study of the Turkish Society of Nephrology Glomerular Diseases (TSN-GOLD) Working Group. Methods Data of patients who underwent renal biopsy and received the diagnosis of PGD were recorded in the database prepared for the study. A total of 4399 patients from 47 centers were evaluated between May 2009 and May 2019. The data obtained at the time of kidney biopsy were analyzed. After the exclusion of patients without light microscopy and immunofluorescence microscopy findings, a total of 3875 patients were included in the study. Results The mean age was 41.5 ± 14.9 years. 1690 patients were female (43.6%) and 2185 (56.3%) were male. Nephrotic syndrome was the most common biopsy indication (51.7%). This was followed by asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (18.3%) and nephritic syndrome (17.8%). The most common PGD was IgA nephropathy (25.7%) followed by membranous nephropathy (25.6%) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (21.9%). The mean total number of glomeruli per biopsy was 17 ± 10. The mean baseline systolic blood pressure was 130 ± 20 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure was 81 ± 12 mmHg. The median proteinuria, serum creatinine, estimated GFR, and mean albumin values were 3300 (IQR: 1467–6307) mg/day, 1.0 (IQR: 0.7–1.6) mg/dL, 82.9 (IQR: 47.0–113.0) mL/min and 3.2 ± 0.9 g/dL, respectively. Conclusions The distribution of PGDs in Turkey has become similar to that in other European countries. IgA nephropathy diagnosed via renal biopsy has become more prevalent compared to membranous nephropathy.

When total correction is not possible in infants who have a cyanotic congenital heart disease, creation of a palliative aortopulmonary shunt is essential. A central aortopulmonary shunt is preferable, because of its technical and hemodynamic advantages. Overcirculation, thrombosis, and stenosis of the shunt are the main postoperative sequelae that necessitate urgent reintervention. Percutaneous transcatheter closure of aortopulmonary shunts can eliminate the need for reoperation and substantially decrease postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. We report our successful transcatheter closures of central aortopulmonary shunts in a 3-month-old infant and a 15-year-old girl, with use of an Amplatzer Duct Occluder II and an Amplatzer Vascular Plug I, respectively. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the transcatheter closure of central aortopulmonary shunts with these 2 devices.

WOS: 000429628000003 PubMed ID: 29578201 Objective: To report clinical and procedural characteristics of twelve patients who received a covered stent for the treatment of aortic coarctation and concurrent patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Methods: A single center database was retrospectively evaluated to obtain data of patients with combined aortic coarctation and PDA. We selected patients in whom a covered stent was used for the treatment of both pathologies. The stent length was chosen so as to cover the entire length of the lesion from healthy to healthy tissue and also cover the ampulla of PDA. Results: The median age of the patients was 15 (range, 6.5-35) years. The diameter of the coarctated segment increased from a median of 8.4 (range, 2.6-10.8) mm to 16 (range, 9-24) mm (p

To determine the short- and medium-term outcomes of ductal stenting (DS) in patients with functionally univentricular hearts (FUHs) and ductal-dependent pulmonary blood flow.Several studies have evaluated the outcomes of DS in a limited number of patients with FUHs. Nonetheless, there is still no consensus regarding the indications for this procedure, and no appropriate patient selection criteria have been devised.From 2005 to 2015, cardiac catheterization for DS was performed in 68 patients with FUHs. Of these patients, 49 had single source pulmonary blood flow from ductus arteriosus. Procedural and follow-up data were evaluated.The median weight of the patients was 3.6 kg (2.3-6.8 kg), and the median age was 26 days (3 days-8 months). The technical success rate of the procedure was 95% (65 of 68 patients). Mean oxygen saturation increased from 70% ± 7.6% to 87% ± 4.6% (P 0.0001). Among patients in whom DS was successful, 55 (84.6%) were bridged to a Glenn procedure after a median of 9.1 months (6.4-14 months), and 41 (63%) were successfully bridged to a Glenn procedure without additional interventions. Of the 16 patients with preexisting mild pulmonary artery stenosis, five required a surgical shunt due to progressive branch pulmonary artery stenosis, while nine were bridged to a Glenn operation without shunt placement. Five (7.3%) patients died, including patients who were sent to surgery.DS is a reasonable and effective alternative to surgical shunt placement as a first-stage palliative procedure in patients with FUHs. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Background: One of the most important side effects of contrast pharmaceutical agents, which are used very common in routine radiology practice, is contrast induced nephropathy. Even ischemia, oxidative stress and osmolality related cytotoxic effects are considered, the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathology have not been identified completely yet. Objectives: The aim of the current study was to reveal the role of oxidative stress and antioxidant enzymatic defence mechanisms in the aetiopathogenesis of contrast-induced nephropathy. We also studied possible alleviating effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant, to obtain extra information regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying this pathology. Materials and Methods: This is an clinical-experimental study, This study was conducted of Istanbul/Turkey between September 15, 2012 and April 15, 2013. Three groups of male rats were randomly set up as a control group (C), a 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal NAC + 7 mL/kg contrast agent group (N + CIN) and a 7 mL/kg intraperitoneal contrast agent group (CIN). They were placed in individual metabolic cages 48 hours after agent administration to obtain 24-hour urine samples. Renal function tests (albumin, urea, creatinine, total protein) were conducted, oxidative stress parameters (Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase activity - Cu, Zn-SOD; advanced oxidation protein products - AOPP; protein carbonyls - PCO; total thiol groups - T-SH; and lipid hydroperoxides -LHP) were measured and tissues were analysed histopathologically. Results: Compared with the control group, groups CIN and N + CIN had significantly higher urea and LHP levels (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001, respectively) and significantly lower Cu, Zn-SOD activity and creatinine clearance (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in PCO or AOPP levels despite differences in descriptive statistics. Conclusions: Contrast-agent-induced nephropathic changes are more closely related to the magnitude of lipid peroxidation than protein oxidation.

This descriptive and correlation-seeking study was designed to determine sexual problems in female renal transplant patients and determine whether there is a difference between the pre- and post-transplantation period in terms of sexual function. This research was completed in the Transplantation Outpatient Clinic of Istanbul School of Medicine and included 100 female patients who met the research criteria between September 2010 and June 2011. In line with the literature, the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale and an information form prepared by researchers were used to evaluate sociodemographic features and sexual function. The sexual function of the patients in the post-transplantation period was observed to be significantly good compared with those of patients in the dialysis period (r = 0.693, p = 0.000) according to the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale average score, although 79 % of the patients were diagnosed with sexual dysfunction. Significant correlations were found between score and patient age, spouse age, economic situation, educational background, sexual intercourse frequency, and type of treatment. According to these study results, transplantation is the best treatment option for a healthy sexual life in patients with end-stage renal disease.

This descriptive study investigated the relationship between depression and perceptions of sexuality in people with type II diabetes. The study population comprised all patients who came for check-ups at the polyclinic for diabetes at Istanbul Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital between November 2010 and February 2011. One hundred patients were willing to participate in the study and met the participant criteria. Socio-demographic characteristics, perceptions of sexuality, and other factors related to diabetes were evaluated from information provided by participants. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) was used to evaluate depression. Results revealed an average depression score of 16.34 ± 8.06. The average level of depression was higher in women, those whose level of education was low, and the unemployed. Of the participants, 53% reported that diabetes has affected their sex life adversely. There was no relationship between level of depression and aspects of the illness. However, level of depression was related to sexual satisfaction. Findings suggest that depression and sexually related problems should be addressed when providing care for people diagnosed with type II diabetes.

WOS: 000345626000016, PubMed ID: 25269407, The aim of our study was to delineate the demographic and clinical properties of primary glomerular diseases of adult population in our country in the light of global knowledge. All over the country, a total of 25 centers entered data between May 2009 and July 2012 to the database created by 'Glomerulonephritis Study Group' of Turkish Society of Nephrology. Demographic and clinical characteristics, specific diagnoses of glomerular diseases and biopsy findings recorded to the database were analyzed. Among the 1,274 patients, who had renal biopsy within the defined time period, 55 % were male and 45 % were female. The mean age was 40.8 +/- A 14.6 years. The most frequent indication for biopsy was nephrotic syndrome (57.8 %), followed by nephritic syndrome including rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (16.6 %) and asymptomatic urinary abnormalities (10.8 %). The most frequent primary glomerular disease was membranous nephropathy (28.8 %), followed by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (19.3 %) and IgA nephropathy (17.2 %). The presented study displayed important data about the epidemiology of primary glomerular diseases among adults in our country. The predominance of membranous nephropathy in contrast to other countries, in which the most frequent etiology is IgA nephropathy, seems to be due to differences in the indications for renal biopsy., Turkish Society of Nephrology, Financial supports have been obtained from Turkish Society of Nephrology and logistic support from the authors' affiliation departments. None of authors have conflict of interest.

OBJecTIVe: Residual renal function (RRF) is an important predictor of patient and dialysis technique survival in both hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Although there have been some studies conducted recently about the relationship between RRF and standard or biocompatible PD solutions; results are conflicting. Therefore, we aimed to conduct a prospective observational study comparing patients using standard PD solutions with those using biocompatible ones in terms of RRF. MATerIAl and MeTHOdS: Adult PD patients treated for more than three months with daily four times two-liter dwells were included. Patients using standard lactate-based PD solution (Dianeal 1.36%) were called Group-1; and those using biocompatible PD solution (Physioneal 1.36%) Group2. The patients’ body weight, total ultrafiltration, residual urine volume, blood count, biochemical parameters and standard PET results were recorded every three months for a year. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS for Windows ver.13.0. rEsULts: The groups were similar regarding demographic and biochemical parameters except gender. Serum urea levels at 9th and 12th months were lower in Group-2. Residual urine output decreased in both groups with the decrease more prominent in Group-1 although not statistically significant. cOncluSIOn: Biocompatible PD solutions may protect RRF more than standard solutions. However, there is need for randomized prospective controlled studies with larger population of patients about the morbidity and mortality. key WOrdS: Peritoneal dialysis, Residual renal function, Biocompatible solutions, Peritoneal dialysis solutions doi: 10.5262/tndt.2011.1001.05

Tuberculosis has been paid more attention in recent years because of the increase in the number of patients with immune suppression-such as those with renal failure. In the present study, we analyzed patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) in our city to determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of tuberculosis in those patients. Patients who had been on a PD program for more than 3 months were reviewed. Demographic characteristics, primary renal disease, comorbidities, and duration of PD were recorded. With regard to tuberculosis, the timing of the diagnosis, any previous history of antituberculosis treatment, family history, site of presentation, drugs used, drug side effects, and disease outcome were recorded. Among 322 patients from 5 PD units who were reviewed, 4 (1.240%) were found to have tuberculosis. Pulmonary involvement was noted in 2 (50%). The diagnosis was made through microbiology in 1 patient, through pathology in 1, and through clinical and radiologic assessment in the remaining 2. Mild transaminitis was recorded in 2 patients as a side effect of treatment. Of the 4 patients, 2 were cured, 1 died, and 1 was taking ongoing treatment. The prevalence of tuberculosis was significantly higher in the study population than in the general population. In a dialysis population, a diagnosis of tuberculosis is often difficult, and extrapulmonary involvement is more common, as observed in our study. The diagnosis of tuberculosis may be made through non-microbiologic approaches, and temporary transaminase elevations may be seen during therapy.

Fire is an important tool in the management of forest ecosystems. Although both prescribed and wildland fires are common in Turkey, few studies have addressed the influence of such disturbances on soil properties and root biomass dynamics. In this study, soil properties and root biomass responses to prescribed fire were investigated in 25-year-old corsican pine (Pinus nigra Arn.) stands in Kastamonu, Turkey. The stands were established by planting and were subjected to prescribed burning in July 2003. Soil respiration rates were determined every two months using soda-lime method over a two-year period. Fine (0-2 mm diameter) and small root (2-5 mm diameter) biomass were sampled approximately bimonthly using sequential coring method. Mean daily soil respiration ranged from 0.65 to 2.19 g Cm(-2) d(-1) among all sites. Soil respiration rates were significantly higher in burned sites than in controls. Soil respiration rates were correlated significantly with soil moisture and soil temperature. Fine root biomass was significantly lower in burned sites than in control sites. Mean fine root biomass values were 4940 kg ha(-1) for burned and 5450 kg ha(-1) for control sites. Soil pH was significantly higher in burned sites than in control sites in 15-35 cm soil depth. Soil organic matter content did not differ significantly between control and burned sites. Our results indicate that, depending on site conditions, fire could be used successfully as a tool in the management of forest stands in the study area.

In this study soil properties and root biomass responses to prescribed fire were investigated in 25-30 year-old calabrian pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) stands in Edirne, Turkey. The stands were established by planting and were subjected to prescribed burning in July 2005. Soil respiration rates were determined every two months using the soda-lime method over a two-year period. Fine (or = 2 mm diameter) and small root (2-5 mm diameter) biomass were sampled approximately bimonthly using the sequential coring method. Soil respiration rates in burned sites were significantly higher than in control sites during the summer season but there was no significant difference in the other seasons. Soil respiration rates were correlated significantly with soil moisture and soil temperature. Fine and small root biomass were significantly lower in burned sites than in control sites. Mean fine root biomass values were 3204 kg ha(-1) for burned and 3772 kg ha(-1) for control sites. Annual soil CO2 releases totaled 515 g Cm(-2) for burned and 418 g C m(-2) for control sites. Our results indicate that, depending on site conditions, fire could be used successfully as a tool in the management of calabrian pine stands in the study area.

In this study, influence of slope position (south-facing vs. north-facing), species type and sampling time on fine (0-2 mm), small (2-5 mm) and coarse (5-10 mm) root biomass and carbon storage of oriental spruce (Picea orientalis) and oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) were investigated. Mean total root biomass of oriental spruce was 20160 kg ha(-1) in south-facing slopes and 17140 kg ha(-1) in north-facing slopes. Mean total belowground C storage of oriental spruce was 7861 kg ha(-1) in south-facing slopes and 6840 kg ha(-1) in north-facing slopes. Similarly, biomass and C storage of oriental beech were 17190 and 6690 kg ha(-1) in south-facing slopes, and 13260 and 5200 kg ha(-1) in north-facing slopes, respectively. Oriental spruce had significantly higher fine root biomass than did oriental beech in south-facing slopes. Fine root biomass was significantly higher in fall than in spring in south-facing slopes.