HEALTH SCIENCES QUARTERLY

The effect of the “Femininity Identity Improvement Program” based on cognitive behavioral and expressive techniques applied to gynecological cancer patients on prolonged grief reactions: Study protocol for randomized controlled trial

Kevser Pamuk, Aysel Karaca — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The research was designed to determine the impact of the Femininity Identity Improvement Program based on cognitive-behavioral and expressive techniques applied to gynecological cancer patients on their prolonged grief responses. The research is the study protocol created for a randomized controlled experimental study. The research protocol prepared in accordance with SPIRIT 2013 was registered in the Clinical Trials system (XXXX). The research was conducted with 80 patients (40 patients in the intervention group and 40 patients in the control group) who underwent surgery in the gynecology and obstetrics clinic of a university hospital within the last year. Among these patients, those who had a surgery at least three months ago were included in the study. The intervention group participated in the Femininity Identity Improvement Program for 10 weeks, with sessions once a week, each lasting 90-120 minutes. The control group received no intervention. Measurements were taken before the program (pretest), at the end of the program (posttest at the 10th week), and three months after the program (follow-up measurement) to determine the effect of the program. Data were collected using the Prolonged Grief Disorder Scale-Patient Form. The Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the data obtained at different times. The study integrates two psychotherapeutic interventions (cognitive-behavioral theory and art therapy) in an innovative way to structure the Femininity Identity Improvement Program for psychiatric nursing practice. Psychiatric nurses in oncology and other relevant clinical settings are recommended to apply this program to provide comprehensive care using current approaches.

The relationship of nurses’ best practice examples with organizational resilience in combating the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of a state hospital

Ersin Kocaman, Erman Gedikli, Bahriye Terlemez, Adnan Baç — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The purpose of this research, it is to determine the relationship between nurses’ best practice examples and organizational resilience in the COVID-19 process. This is a mixed methodology research (qualitative and quantitative). The sample of the study consists of 193 nurses. 3 themes, 6 categories and 27 codes representing best practice examples were identified in the qualitative phase of the research. In the quantitative phase of the research; while the nurses’ strategic awareness score is 3925, adaptability score is 5361 and integrity score is 4397, the total score is 13683. The research identified 27 examples of best practice. It was found that the level of organizational resilience of nurses was high and there was a significant relationship between the level of education of nurses and the level of strategic awareness and between time in the profession and the level of strategic awareness, adaptability and integrity. A similar relationship was found between nurses’ best practice examples and organizational resilience levels during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Protective properties of spectacle lenses used as ultraviolet blockers

Zeki Baysal, Gamze Yıldırım Biçer, Ömer Özer — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

In this study, we evaluated the UV transmittance of spectacle lenses in the Turkish market, which are reported to have UV blocking properties, and tested their suitability. Samples were obtained from patients who were admitted to the ophthalmology outpatient clinic of our hospital for refractive error and who wore glasses as UV block. No limitation was made regarding the spectacle size and duration of spectacle wear. Measurements were tested by the principal investigator using an ultraviolet detector. The right and left lens were measured separately. All measurements were performed at room temperature (22-25°C) in a humidity regulated (20-40%) room without direct light. UV protection level was measured for 120 spectacles used for refractive errors. Only 28 (23.3%) of 120 glasses had protection level up to 400 nm UV. Twenty-four (20%) of the glasses had a protection level of 0 even though they were labeled as having UV blocking properties. It is clear that strict regulations need to be implemented to improve the protection levels of glasses.

Pediatric COVID-19 diagnosis: The utility of hematological and inflammatory indices

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study aims to systematically assess the diagnostic utility of specific hematological parameters and indices in pediatric patients for the early and accurate diagnosis of COVID-19, thereby contributing to enhanced clinical management and diagnosis of children. The study evaluated the diagnostic potential of hematological and inflammatory markers in 90 pediatric patients, including 49 with COVID-19 and 41 without. It focused on complete blood counts, systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII, calculated as platelet count multiplied by neutrophil count divided by lymphocyte count), platelet to mean platelet volume ratio (PLT/MPV), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet to lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin, comparing these markers between patients with and without COVID-19. COVID-19 positive patients exhibited higher hemoglobin levels and immature granulocyte percentages, along with lower total leukocyte, neutrophil, platelet counts, and procalcitonin levels (p-values: 0.02, 0.006, 0.01, 0.002, 0.007, and 0.01, respectively). The SII and PLT/MPV ratio were significantly lower in the COVID-19 positive group (p=0.01 and p=0.006, respectively), suggesting their potential diagnostic relevance. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis revealed that procalcitonin, PLT/MPV, and SII had comparable diagnostic utility, with area under the curve (AUC) values indicating moderate diagnostic accuracy (procalcitonin AUC: 0.65, p=0.013; PLT/MPV AUC: 0.67, p=0.004; SII AUC: 0.65, p=0.01). Our research highlights the PLT/MPV ratio and SII as breakthrough markers for early detection of COVID-19 in children, providing a significant advance in pediatric diagnostics and enhancing our ability to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

Silymarin promotes wound healing through regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition in rat model: Histopathological and immunohistochemical evidences

Esra Aslan, Tuğçe Aladağ , Hasan Hüseyin Demirel, Mehmet Bilgehan Pektaş — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The wound is the disruption of the normal structure, integrity, and function of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is known that current wound management strategies applied in the treatment of acute and chronic wounds both cause an increase in health costs and do not achieve the desired level of success. Therefore, more effective and easily applicable treatment methods are needed. SM is an agent known to have hepatoprotective, anticancer, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. And it is also used in dermatological applications. However, the therapeutic effects of Silymarin (SM) on wound healing are still unknown. In this study, the effects of SM were investigated by comparing it with dexpanthenol (Dxp), whose favorable effects on wound healing are known. Sham, Dxp, and SM groups were formed. 18 animals were used for each group. Two circular full-thickness skin wounds were taken from the nape of the neck (1.5 cm) using a six-mm punch biopsy tool. SM and Dxp was applied once daily for 15 days, in sufficient amounts to cover the entire wound and the effects of the drugs were investigated immunohistochemically on the 5th, 10th, and 15th days in rats. Inflammation, collagenization and epithelialization were evaluated in histochemical H-E and Masson trichrome staining. E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Occludin, Vimentin, FGF-1 and MMP-9 expression levels were examined immunohistochemically. Based on histological and immunohistochemical results, SM and Dxp enhanced epithelialization and reduced inflammation more than the sham group. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the effects on the epithelialmesenchymal transition between SM and Dxp. Results indicated that SM is a useful therapeutic agent at least as much as Dxp in wound healing. The wound re-epithelization and anti-inflammatory effects of SM may be a new approach to the treatment of wound healing.

Apoptotic effects of Acorus calamus extract on prostate cancer LNCaP cells

Şeyma Öncü, Halit Buğra Koca, Tülay Köken, Tülay Akan — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Acorus calamus is a plant that is widely used in Far Eastern and Asian countries and has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti microbial, and anti-cancer effects. Prostate cancer is a sort of cancer that is frequently diagnosed and has a high mortality rate in men. Only a limited number of studies are available showing the effects of Acorus calamus on prostate cancer. To assess the effects of Acorus calamus extract on caspase and anti-apoptotic and proapoptotic markers that play a role in the apoptotic process of LNCaP cells in prostate cancer by conducting an in vitro study. LNCaP cells were incubated for 24 and 48 hours and treated with different concentrations of an ethanolic extract of Acorus calamus ranging from 250 to 700 µg/ml. Caspase-3, -8, and -9, Bcl-2, Bax, APAF-1, Bcl-XL, and p53 levels were measured using the ELISA method. Quantitative gene expression analyzes of Bcl-2 and Bax were performed using real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. The Mann-Whitney U and Tukey tests were used to analyse differences between groups. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Caspase-3 and -8 and APAF-1 levels were found to be significantly higher in the 48th-hour application of 700 µg/ml of Acorus calamus extract than in the control group (p<0.05, p<0.001, and p<0.001, respectively). Bcl-2 was significantly lower and Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio was significantly higher at all doses for 24 and 48 hours compared to the control group (p<0.001 for all). Although, caspase-9, Bcl-XL, and p53 were higher in experimental groups than controls, no significant difference was found. This study supported the time- and dose-dependent anti-cancer effects of Acorus calamus on LNCaP cells of the prostate cancer type. Further preclinical and clinical studies are requisite to support our findings.

Nursing profession during the pandemic: Perceptions, changes, and the role of media

Songül Güngör, Derya Atik, Esra Keşer, Ulviye Özcan Yüce — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically highlighted the critical role of nursing in healthcare, transforming the traditional image of nurses from "sisters" or "white angels" to a more esteemed and academic profession. This study aims to evaluate nurses' perspectives on how the media influences the perception of the nursing profession during the COVID-19 crisis and its impact on their professional image. The study seeks to assess nurses' views on the media's role in shaping public perception of nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic and its implications for professional identity. A total of 208 nurses employed in a hospital setting between January 2022 – March 2022 participated in this research, with institutional approval. Data were collected using a researcher-designed questionnaire and the Nursing Profession Image Scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and Student t-tests, with a significance level set at p<0.05. The average age of the nurses was 35.02±7.80 years, with 81.7% being female. Only 7.3% were affiliated with a professional association. A notable 26.0% believed there were positive shifts in the nursing profession's image during the pandemic, while 80.3% observed increased discourse around nursing due to the pandemic. Moreover, 41.8% felt the media adequately portrayed nurses and their professional challenges. The mean score on the Nurses' Image Scale was 112.00±9.67. According to gender, affiliation with a professional organization, and perceptions of media coverage, the perception of the nursing profession's image has varied. However, no significant correlations were found between age, education, professional experience, and perception of the nursing profession. Nurses' perceptions of their professional image are moderately positive. Efforts to enhance the profession's public perception, particularly through media representation, are deemed imperative.

Association of maladaptive daydreaming with behavioral addiction

Çağrı Öğüt — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:00:00 +0300

Maladaptive daydreaming (MD) is a proposed syndrome characterized by extensive, immersive daydreaming. Case reports have suggested an association of MD with behavioral addictions such as excessive internet use, online gaming, and compulsive sexual behaviors. The aim of this study was to investigate maladaptive daydreaming and behavioral addiction symptoms among young adults. An online questionnaire was administered to 293 volunteer medical students. Participants were assessed by applying the 16-item Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS-16), Addictive Behavior Burden Form, and Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Self-Report Scale (ASRS). Participants were divided into two groups: probable MD (MDers) and non-MDers, according to MDS-16. Age and gender did not significantly differ between the MD and non-MD groups. MDers had more severe symptoms associated with gaming addiction (p = 0.03; U = 4941), problematic social media use (p = 0.01; U = 4680), food addiction (p = 0.01; U = 4965), sex/pornography addiction (p = 0.01; U = 4787), and compulsive buying (p = 0.03; U = 4874) than non-MDers. Among the behavioral addiction dimensions assessed in the study, only gaming addiction was a significant statistical predictor of MD. These findings highlight a significant association between MD and behavioral addictions, particularly gaming addiction, in young adults. Furthermore, the findings of this study suggest a unique relationship between gaming addiction and MD.