Generalizability of the effectiveness of a preschool mathematics intervention for low-socioeconomic status Turkish children

A socioeconomic status (SES)-related achievement gap in mathematics emerges in children from many countries before school entry, persists in primary school, and imposes challenges for education systems worldwide. In response, the United Nations' sustainable development goals include universal access to quality preschool education to support universal numeracy. A generalizability study of the effectiveness of an early mathematics intervention was conducted for low-SES Turkish preschool children (33 boys, 27 girls; Mage = 4.32). Classrooms were randomly assigned to treatment (Pre-K Mathematics) or control conditions. Children's early mathematical knowledge was assessed by the Child Math Assessment. A statistically significant positive impact was found (ES = 1.32). This indicates some generalizability of the intervention and supports the feasibility of using early intervention to achieve UN goals.

Transition to preschool for children with Autism spectrum disorder: expectations of Turkish parents and teachers

Autism spectrum disorder is common among disability. Difficulties experienced by the child with autism in developmental areas may cause negative situations during transition to preschool. This study aims to determine the opinions of parents and teachers about expectations and whether these expectations have been fulfilled during transition to preschool. As a result of the content analysis, the perspectives of parents who participated in the study from the teachers for children with autism were collected in six categories: social acceptance, developmental expectations, social skills, communicative skills, stereotypical behaviors, and teachers expectations. Teacher perspectives from the parents of children with autism were gathered in four categories: special needs of the child, attitude and approach, acceptance, and developmental expectations. Findings are discussed in light of the related literature.

Importance of screw position in intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated by dynamic hip screw

BACKGROUND

Tip-apex distance greater than 25 mm is accepted as a strong predictor of screw cut-out in patients with intertrochanteric femoral fracture treated by dynamic hip screw. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the position of the screw in the femoral head and its effect on cut-out failure especially in patients with inconvenient tip-apex distance.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-five patients (42 males, 23 females; mean age of 57.6 years) operated by dynamic hip screw for intertrochanteric femoral fractures were divided in two groups taking into consideration the tip-apex distance less (group A; 14 patients) or more (group B; 51 patients) than 25 mm. Patient's age and gender, follow-up period, fracture type, degree of osteoporosis, reduction quality of the fracture, position of the screw in the femoral head, number of patients with cut-out failure and Harris hip score were compared.

RESULTS

The average follow-up time was 41.7 months. The mean tip-apex distance was 17.14 mm in group A and 36.67 mm in group B. One (7.1%) patient in group A and three (5.8%) patients in group B had screw cut-out. Except the screw position, no statistical differences were observed between the two groups with regards to study data. The screw was placed in femoral head more inferiorly (p=0.045) on frontal and more posteriorly (p=0.013) on sagital planes in group B, while central placement of the screw was present in group A. The common characteristics of three patients with screw cut-out in group B was the position of the screw which was located in femoral head more superiorly and anteriorly after an acceptable fracture reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral placement of the screw in femoral head increases tip-apex distance. However posterior and inferior locations may help to support posteromedial cortex and calcar femoral in unstable intertrochanteric fractures and reduce the risk of cut-out failure.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective series.

Lipid Profile During Azathioprine or Mycophenolate Mofetil Combinations With Cyclosporine and Steroids

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppressive therapy is the major cause of hyperlipidemia after renal transplantation. We sought to compare the effects of an azathioprine (AZA) combination (n = 26) with corticosteroid and cyclosporine (CyA; group 1) with a mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) combination (n = 71; group 2) in the first year following renal transplantation.

METHODS

Ninety-seven renal transplant patients (71 men, 26 women; aged 34.7 +/- 13.1 years; renal transplantation duration, 44.9 +/- 12.9 months) underwent serum lipid profiles--total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL); low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) at the initiation of as well as 3-month intervals after grafting for 1 year retrospectively. Serum creatinine for each patient was recorded at 12 months. We evaluated possible risk factors for hyperlipidemia.

RESULTS

For all patients, the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (>200 mg/dL) was 36.1% during the pretransplant period, 60.8% at month 3, 50.5% at month 6, and 38.1% at month 12 after renal transplantation. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels significantly increased in both groups in the first year (P = .001 and P = .02, respectively). Three-month values for total cholesterol were higher in group 2 than group 1 (P = .001). No significant difference was observed between the groups with respect to total cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P > .05). In both groups, HDL, LDL, and VLDL levels did not change during the 12-month study (P > .05 for all).

CONCLUSIONS

Independent of hyperlipidemia risk factors, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels tended to increase during CyA and steroid therapy among patients undergoing renal transplantation. Combination with MMF or AZA showed no advantage over one another regarding their effects on the lipid profile.

Factors Affecting Exercise Capacity in Renal Transplantation Candidates on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis Therapy

It is well known that reduced peak oxygen uptake (peak VO2) is a predictor for mortality in several chronic diseases and during the preoperative period. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that influence peak VO2 in renal transplant candidates receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) therapy. We included 22 chronic renal failure patients (12 men, 10 women; ages 29.64 +/- 8.29 years; CAPD duration, 37.35 +/- 7.15 months) in this study. Pulmonary function tests and symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise tests were administered to all patients. Cardiopulmonary exercise tests were performed on a cycle ergometry at the same time of day for all patients. We analyzed the exercise duration, maximum work rate, and peak VO2 level during cycle ergometry. Serum hemoglobin, hematocrit, total cholesterol, triglyceride, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, albumin, prealbumin, C-reactive protein, sedimentation rate, ferritin, sodium, potassium, parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphorus levels were analyzed from samples. Mean values of exercise duration (6.86 +/- 1.56 minutes), peak VO2 (17.20 +/- 4.91 mL/min/kg), and maximum work rate (77.09 +/- 26.09 watts) were lower when we compared them with predicted values for a healthy population. Peak VO2 was well correlated with serum phosphorus levels (4.51 +/- 1.28 mg/dL, r = .592, P = .004). Test duration was correlated with peak VO2 (r = .489, P = .025) and serum phosphorus levels (r = .530, P = .024). There were no significant correlations with other factors. As a component of ATP, phosphorus is at the hub of the energy-related mechanisms operative in muscles of the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems. Therefore, we suggest that low exercise capacity might be related to low serum phosphorus levels, and that optimal control of serum phosphorus therapy would increase exercise capacity, exercise duration, and oxygen consumption resulting in a decrease of postoperative mortality in renal transplantation candidates.

Predictors of Vascular Access Thrombosis Among Patients on the Cadaveric Renal Transplantation Waiting List

Acute thrombotic complications remain a constant, proportionally increasing complication before and after renal transplantation. We sought to investigate predictors for a prothrombotic state that increased the risk of vascular access thrombosis, among chronic renal failure patients during the waiting period prior to cadaveric renal transplantation. Chronic renal failure patients awaiting cadaveric renal transplantation and followed between January 2002 and January 2005 were included in this study. The 109 subjects including, 61 females and 48 males of mean age: 47.4 +/- 12.9 years; There were 36 continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and 73 hemodialysis patients. Serum albumin, prealbumin, CRP, d-dimer, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, anticardiolipin antibodies (immunoglobulins G and M), homocystein, vitamin B12, folic acid, total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total platelet count were measured in each patient. Factor V Leiden, prothrombin 20210, ACE and MTHFR gene mutations were studied in all patients. Vascular Access thrombosis was detected in 62 patients. During follow-up 31 of 109 patients died. Vascular access thrombosis occurred in 78 patients who survived and 31 who died. The patients who died showed a significantly higher rate of thrombosis than those who survived (P = .003, OR: 4.61, CI: 1.70 to 12.50). Among the above biochemical risk factors, multiple regression analysis and backward logistic analysis revealed that d-dimer was the strongest biochemical predictor of thrombosis (P = .013, RR: 17.8). Upon evaluation of genetic risk factors, only factor V Leiden mutation was related to vascular access thrombosis (P = .001). In conclusion, the presence of vascular access thrombosis is a risk factor for mortality during the waiting period for cadaveric renal transplantation. As patients with factor V Leiden mutation or high serum d-dimer levels are at high risk for vascular access thrombosis, we recommend close monitorizing of these patients and use of anticoagulant therapy during the waiting period prior to renal transplantation.

Depression levels before and after renal transplantation

Depression is a frequent problem among end-stage renal disease patients and is closely associated with their physical well-being. We sought to compare the depression levels and confounding parameters in renal patients. The 88 patients (62 men, 26 women) included: renal transplant recipients (n = 27); renal transplant waiting list patients (n = 30); and chronic allograft rejection patients on dialysis therapy (n = 31). Their mean age was 31.05 +/- 11.78 years. Age, gender, marital status, presence of chronic rejection, duration of functional graft, and hemodialysis were retrieved from patient records. Depression levels were evaluated by the Beck Depression Inventory. The depression stage of the renal transplant recipients was significantly lower than that of hemodialysis patients with chronic allograft rejection (P =.003). The presence of depression was not related to age or gender. Married patients showed a lower percentage of depression (P <.03). There was an inverse correlation between depression and functional graft duration among patients with transplant failure (r = -.370, P =.04). In conclusion, the return to hemodialysis, especially after a short duration of graft function, is associated with depression. The lower depression percentage among married patients may be due to the psychosocial support of the spouses. Therefore, single persons and transplant failure patients who return to dialysis therapy need greater social and psychologic support. Placing greater numbers of patients on transplant waiting lists decreases depression and may provide a higher quality of life with a better outcome during dialysis therapy.

Predictors of serum albumin level in patients receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Hypoalbuminemia is the strongest predictor of death in patients with renal failure. We planned to investigate the factors influencing serum albumin levels in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. We prospectively followed 100 CAPD patients for 18.6 +/- 12.8 months. The parameters searched for a correlation with serum albumin levels were: peritoneal transport kinetics; presence of nephrotic syndrome; biochemical parameters; anthropometric measurements; and subjective global assessment (SGA). Older patients (age > or = 60 years), patients with diabetes mellitus or amyloidosis, high and high-average transporters, and those with nephrotic syndrome had significantly lower albumin levels throughout the follow-up. In addition, significantly lower albumin levels were found in patients who were in the SGA "malnourished" categories and those who had iPTH levels < or = 65 pg/mL. Albumin level was negatively correlated with age, C-reactive protein (CRP), and fibrinogen level; it was positively correlated with total cholesterol, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level, and triceps skin-fold thickness. By regression analysis, age [risk ratio (RR): 0.2437], presence of diabetes mellitus (RR: 0.1421) and high or high-average transport status (RR: 0.1156) were independent predictors of hypoalbuminemia (< or = 3.5 g/dL). In conclusion, development of hypoalbuminemia is multifactorial in CAPD patients. Older age, cause of renal failure, transport status, chronic inflammation, presence of nephrotic syndrome, and nutrition status are important determinants of hypoalbuminemia.

Amyloid goiter in Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF): a clinicopathologic study of 10 cases

FMF Amyloidosis is an important etiological factor of end stage renal disease (ESRD) in Mediterranean Countries. Apart from major target organs as cardiovascular, respiratory and gastrointestinal system, endocrine organs can also be involved. We planned to investigate the thyroid involvement in our amyloidosis group. The aim of this study was to determine clinical characteristics of amyloid goiter in FMF patients and the abnormalities of thyroid function, as well as to identify pathologic characteristics. Twenty-two hemodialysis patients (mean age 34.1 +/- 14 years, range 17-68) whose ESRD secondary to FMF amyloidosis were evaluated with physical examination, serum levels of thyroid hormones, ultrasound examination of thyroid glands, thyroid syntigraphic studies. Goiter was found in 10 patients (4 male, 6 female) having enlarged neck mass (mean age 35 +/- 14 years, range 23-64). The serum levels of thyroid hormones and TSH were normal in 4 patients. Other four cases had euthyroid sick syndrome. Only one patient developed tender enlarged neck mass with subacute thyroiditis symptoms and one had primary hyperthyroidism. Ultrasound examination showed; hypoecoic nodules in 6 patients diffuse multinodular enlargement in 4 patients. Thyroid syntigraphic studies revealed hypoactive nodules in 7 patients and hyperactive nodules in 3 patients. After the laboratory tests were completed, in 10 patients diagnosis were made with fine needle aspiration biopsy. Of 10 patients 5 underwent subtotal thyroidectomy. Immunohistochemical evaluation demonstrated the presence of amyloid AA immunoreactivity in all cases. In conclusion fine needle aspiration from the thyroid when enlarged is useful in the diagnosis of suspected amyloidosis, especially since it is a safe, easily performed procedure. With the help of amyloid goiter diagnosis the patient's prognosis on hemodialysis and with renal transplantation can be predicted. Amyloid goiter must be searched in hemodialysis patients especially in Mediterranean Countries.

What happens after conversion of treatment to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis from hemodialysis?

A prospective study was planned to follow the clinical and laboratory data of hemodialysis (HD) patients after change of treatment to continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Patients who had been on the HD program for more than 6 months were selected and followed for at least 6 months under CAPD treatment. Measured parameters included hemoglobin, ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels; lipid profile; total protein and albumin; body mass index and triceps skin fold thickness; echocardiographic findings; and medications administered. We followed 34 patients (12 males, 22 females; mean age: 43.5 +/- 14.5 years; mean HD duration: 36.6 +/- 24.76 months) for a mean period of 19.8 +/- 11.9 months after change of treatment to CAPD. We saw a significant increase in mean hemoglobin, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)], phosphorus, and iPTH levels. We observed a decrease in erythropoietin dose, mean ferritin levels, systolic blood pressure (139.4 +/- 22.8 mmHg vs 114.4 +/- 21.0 mmHg, p = 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (85.7 +/- 12.6 mmHg vs 73.5 +/- 17.6 mmHg, p = 0.002), percentage of left ventricular hypertrophy, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and the number of hypertensive drugs received. A significant improvement in the nutritional status of the patients (total protein, body mass index and triceps skin fold thickness) was also seen. In conclusion, CAPD treatment has a short-term outcome superior to that of HD in terms of better nutritional status and better control of hypertension and anemia.