Background: Taxifolin (TXF) is a flavonoid found abundantly in citrus/onion. Encouraging results on its renoprotective effect have been reported in a limited number of drug-induced nephrotoxicity animal models. The present study aimed to evaluate for the first time the potential renoprotective effects of TXF in a paracetamol (PAR)-induced nephrotoxicity rat model. Methods: Rats were divided into three equal groups (n = 6 animals per group). Group 1 (PAR group, PARG) received PAR diluted in normal saline by gavage (1000 mg/kg). Group 2 (TXF group, TXFG) received TXF diluted in normal saline by gavage (50 mg/kg) one hour after PAR administration. Group 3 (control group, CG) received normal saline. Twenty-four hours after PAR administration, all animals were sacrificed using high-dose anesthesia. Blood samples were collected and kidneys were removed. Results: The serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and serum malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased in the PARG. The serum glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and total glutathione levels were significantly higher in the TXFG. At the same time, the kidneys of the PARG animals demonstrated tubular epithelium swelling, distension and severe vacuolar degeneration. The kidneys of the TXFG animals showed mildly dilated/congested blood vessels. Conclusions: The TXF renoprotective effects are promising in preventing PAR-induced nephrotoxicity, mainly through antioxidant activity, and warrant further testing in future studies.

Objective: Baby Walkers (BWs) are used by many parents in the pre-walking period for various reasons. The aim of this study is to investigate the thoughts and usage practices of mothers about the baby walkers, walker-induced accidents and to determine the role of walkers in crawling and independent walking. Material and Methods: The research was conducted between February and April 2022 with 354 mothers who had infants aged 6-24 months-old and also agreed to participate. The mothers have been interviewed and so-obtained data documented on a pre-designed questionnaire. The data gathered from the baby walker users was compared with that of non-users. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire by face-to-face interview method. Results: 58.1% of all mothers were using baby walkers for their children. Baby Walker usage was first started at 7.3±0.98 months of age. There was no significant difference between baby walkers user and non-user groups in terms of crawling and independent walking ages (p>0.050). Among the baby walker user group, 47.5% stated that “it allowed them to do housework;” while 34.4% of the non-users stated that “it could harm their babies’ genitals”. Working mothers used baby walkers more than housewife mothers (p<0.006). 9.2% of infants have been exposed to baby walkers associated injuries. Conclusion: Although there are concerns that walkers may cause gait disturbances and walker-related accidents; it was observed that mothers used walkers for different reasons. It is important that health professionals raise awareness about the walkers in routine child health follow-ups.

Objective: The aim of this current study was to determine mothers’ infant sleep position practices and their awareness of a safe sleeping environment. Material and Methods: This descriptive survey was conducted with 418 mothers who had infants aged 0-6 months and who agreed to participate in pediatric outpatient polyclinics of two hospitals. Data were collected between January-December 2020 via-structured questionnaires by face-to-face interview. Results: Of the 418 mothers; 28% placed their babies in the supine sleeping position, 59.6% used a pillow when they put their babies in bed and 76.8% used a soft mattress. 42.3% of mothers covered their babies’ faces during sleep; primary school graduate mothers were more intended on covering their babies’ faces than high school and university graduates (p<0.001). 4.1% of mothers smoked during pregnancy, 9.8% during the lactation period and 15.3% were exposed to household smoke. All of the mothers shared a room with their babies without sharing a bed. There was also a positive correlation between the number of prenatal visits of mothers and their preference to put their babies to sleep in the supine position (p=0.010). Conclusion: Most of the mothers placed their babies in a side sleeping position. Mothers’ avoiding sharing beds and smoking cigarettes and prone positioning their children at a very low frequency were pleasing measures. Mothers who had more prenatal visits were found to place their babies more in the supine sleep position. Increasing the awareness of healthcare providers and other secondary caregivers about a safe sleeping environment and baby sleep position during pre and postnatal visits would make right practices become widespread.

Aim: The use of face masks, compliance with hygiene and distance rules were among the leading measures during pandemic. But some authorities didn’t recommend face masks to preschool children. In this study we aimed to evaluate the attitudes of preschool children and their families towards face masks. Materials and Methods: We performed a survey between February-March 2022 to 189 volunteer participants who have preschool children,in pediatric health and diseases outpatient clinics in two different centers. Survey was consisted of 40 questions and 4 parts: 1. Demographic characteristics 2. Covid 19 3. Use of face masks 4.Compliance with hygiene and distance rules Results: Fifty three percent of the children used face mask. It was observed that the presence of a family member obsessed with cleaning caused a statistically higher increase in the number of handwashing in children(p:0,019). Mothers who were university graduates taught the children more distance rules(p.0.014), the number of handwashing increased in their children (:0.001) and the rate of using face masks was higher (p:0.036). Having a family member who have had Covid 19 was inversely proportional to the use of face masks in children (p:0.001) and correct use (p:0.033). It was observed that the rate of wearing masks was higher in children who used glasses (92%, p:0.006). Discussion: Half of the preschool children used face masks regularly. Covid 19 rate was higher in the families whose children didn’t use face masks in community. Face masks can be recommended to preschool children who can use it, during the pandemic.