Authors:Enver Alper SİNANOĞLU; Feyza AKALIN KUNUK, Seval BAYRAK, Handan ANKARALI Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the potential of Demirjian method in estimation of age groups with limits of 12, 15, and 18 years, according to ages of legal responsibilities.Methods: The panoramic radiographs of the study population aged between 6 to 22 were assessed for third molar (3M) mineralization with Demirjian method with four subgroups. Group 1 consisted of individuals aged between 6 to and 12 years of age, Group 2 were aged between 12 to 15 (Group 2, ≥12, PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Elif SARICA DAROL; Ayşe KARSON, Sibel KÖKTÜRK, Pervin İŞERİ Abstract: Objective: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease having a spectrum of non-motor to motor symptoms. Unrelated to motor symptoms of sensory, autonomic, and neuropsychiatric symptoms often appear early in the course of the disease. It is a remarkable observation that patients in the premotor phase can easily quit smoking without help. This study was intended to investigate the interrelation between nicotine and the partial loss of dopaminergic innervation in the ventrolateral striatum induced by 6-OHDA. Methods: We used an experimental premotor parkinsonism model. The oral nicotine preference of rats was investigated with the two-bottle free choice method. The behaviors related to locomotor activity and emotional state were evaluated with a locomotor activity test, elevated plus maze, and forced swimming test. Histopathological evaluation was performed in the striatum by staining techniques using hematoxylin+eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry markers (caspase-3, and MAP-2).Results: Bilateral 6-OHDA lesions did not lead to a significant alteration in the total locomotor activity or nicotine preference. Nicotine increased horizontal but decreased vertical movements in addition to increasing anxiolytic but also depressive effects in the OHDA lesion group. The number of apoptotic cells was significantly lower in the lesion group receiving nicotine compared to those not receiving nicotine.Conclusion: Our experimental study points to the role of oral nicotine in male rats with bilateral striatal 6-OHDA lesions in the ventrolateral striatum. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between loss of dopaminergic innervation in the striatum and nicotine consumption. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Hacer Akgül CEYHUN; Handan BİLEN Abstract: Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare psoriasis patients with healthy controls in terms of impaired eating attitudes and to investigate the relationship of eating attitudes with cardiometabolic and clinical parameters, anxiety, depression, and quality of life. Methods: 45 psoriasis patients and 45 healthy controls were included in the study. Personal and clinical information form, eating attitude test (EAT-40), body mass index (BMI) and MetS criteria were used for all participants. Psoriasis patients were evaluated with clinical information form, hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), dermatological quality of life index (DQLI), psoriasis area and severity index (PASI).Results: The data of the patient and control groups differed in terms of doing sports, impaired EAT, BMI groups, and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Abnormal eating attitudes such as negative body image, inability to control oneself in eating, overeating, and some restrictive attitudes were significantly higher in the psoriasis group. Overeating, overeating or stress-induced emotional eating, presence of MetS, weight dissatisfaction, frequent dieting to lose weight, some compensatory behaviours, and loss of self-control were significantly higher in patients with BMI>25. EAT points; showed a positive moderate correlation with BMI and HAD-Anxiety. DQLI results; showed a moderate positive correlation with HADAnxiety and PASI scores.Conclusion: Our study is the first to reveal what kind of disordered eating attitudes are at risk for cardiometabolic diseases in psoriasis patients. In psoriasis patients, the rate of not being able to control their eating behaviour is high. Our results primarily highlight the relationship that can be explained by autonomic reactivity between anxiety and difficulty resisting food cravings. Professional support including psychoeducational, cognitive behavioural therapy, and acceptance-based therapies should be provided to reduce maladaptive reactions and anxiety by improving self-regulation skills. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:İçim GÖKKAYA; Gülin RENDA, Tuğba SUBAŞ, Ufuk ÖZGEN Abstract: Objective: Plants have been used to treat ailments since the dawn of humanity. The use of medicinal plants for various purposes such as preventing diseases, treating diseases and supporting medical treatment is increasing day by day. On the other hand, medicinal plants are important sources of raw materials for the pharmaceutical industry. It has been demonstrated that Peganum harmala L. and the phytochemicals it contains have a wide variety of pharmacological activities. P. harmala and its active ingredients can be an important resource for the pharmaceutical industry. In this review, the phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, clinical studies, and toxicity of P. harmala are discussed under the current information. Methods: Studies on P. harmala were searched using Pubmed, Scopus, Science Direct databases, and Google Scholar search engine. As a result of the searches, 96 articles were included in the study. Results: The main group of secondary metabolites responsible for the biological activities of P. harmala is alkaloids. The plant and its isolated secondary plant compounds have been shown to have many pharmacological actions, counting antiamnestic, anticancer, antidepressant, antiinflammatory, cardiovascular, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, and vasodilator activities. Studies evaluating the plant's clinical effects have been carried out in recent years. However, it has been recorded in the literature that the use of P. harmala causes poisoning with symptoms such as neurosensory symptoms, visual hallucination, bradycardia, hypotension, agitation, tremor, ataxia, and vomiting. Conclusion: Considering the pharmacological effects, the number of studies on the efficacy and safety of P. harmala and its secondary metabolites should be increased. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Lütfiye Nur UZUN; Birgül CERİT Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of digitalization on nursing practices using the lean approach. Method: This is a descriptive observational study. The data were collected using an activity chart to record nurses’ direct and indirect care practices and personal work and the Value Stream Map to compare and analyze work processes and determine both waste and value areas in the clinics. The study included a total of 15 nurses from two different internal medicine units of a hospital, including one digital clinic that uses digital applications for nurse work processes, and one partial digital clinic that has limited digital applications. The data were analyzed using current state value stream mapping, lean seven waste areas, and future state value stream mapping. Results: In the digital clinic, 748.5 minutes were allocated for direct care, 129.1 minutes for indirect care, and 562.1 minutes for personal work. Total value-added time and non-value-added time was calculated as 1137.1 and 302.9 minutes, respectively. In the partial digital clinic, 623.9 minutes were allocated for direct care, 404.4 minutes for indirect care, and 411.1 minutes for personal work. Total value-added time and non-value-added time was calculated as 1006 and 433.4 minutes, respectively. According to the future state value stream map prepared in line with the improvement suggestions to eliminate unnecessary production, process, movement, transportation, waiting, and error waste in the current state of both clinics, it is predicted that 1354.3 minutes of value-added time will be obtained and non-value-added time will decrease to 85.7 minutes, by spending 910.9 minutes less on direct care, 190.2 minutes less on indirect care, and 259.2 minutes less on personal work.Conclusion: The lean approach creates a repeated opportunity to review and improve processes. Analyzing nursing processes using the lean approach before and after digitalization and reviewing sources of both waste and value will contribute to implementing higher quality nursing care practices more effectively and safely and to using time and staff more efficiently. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ezgi GÜRSOY; Handan YILMAZ Abstract: In recent years, nanoparticles produced with nanotechnology have been widely used in many fields of medicine and dentistry such as prosthetic dental treatment. The advanced properties of nanoparticles such as biocompatibility, durability, solubility, large surface area, high stability, and thermal conductivity facilitate the development of dental materials. Compared to the traditional materials used, they can offer useful features, such as better diagnosis, treatment plans, improvement, and protection of oral health. Therefore, a better understanding of nanotechnology and nanoparticles is essential to appreciate how these materials can be utilised in our daily practice. This review provides an overview of nanoparticles and their applications in dentistry. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Tülin YILDIZ; Cagla AVCU Abstract: With this review, it was aimed to discuss the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the process before, during and after surgery. Studies that were accessed using the keywords “COVID-19”, “perioperative” and “surgery” in Pubmed and Science Direct and Turkish databases were discussed. The measures taken with the declaration of the pandemic also affected surgical practices, and postponing elective cases otherthan emergency and cancer surgery was one of the common measures implemented in many countries. In addition to all these measures and recommendations, the fact that the operating room environment has some unique risk factors draws attention to the process before, during and after the surgery. Guidelines for the measures to be taken in the national and international arena are published in order to plan the workforce of health professionals and to use limited health care resources effectively, as well as to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These measures and recommendations are shaped according to the statistical fluctuation in the number of infected cases and health care resources in countries, and policies and procedures regarding the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative period are updated. It is extremely important to follow the current literature in order to protect both patients and healthcare professionals involved in the surgical process and to prevent cross-contamination against the COVID-19 virus. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ziba MOKHBERİOSKOUEİ; Gökhan BİÇİM, Ayse YİLMAZ, A. Suha YALÇIN Abstract: Objective: Curcumin (CUR) was modified with hyaluronic acid (HA) to increase its water solubility and bioavailability. Our aim was to increase the uptake of CUR into the cells that express CD44 receptors and to compare the cellular effects in two different human breast carcinoma cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Methods: Hyaluronic acid-curcumin complex (HA-CUR) was synthesized and characterized. MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were grown under appropriate conditions and the effect of CUR and HA-CUR on cell viability was determined. Apoptosis levels of cells after treatment with CUR and HA-CUR were also measured. CD44 receptor levels of both cells were compared and then apoptosis levels were measured in MDA-MB-231 cells after saturation of CD 44 receptors with HA. In both cells expression of caspase-9 and PARP was analyzed to confirm apoptosis. Results: In MCF-7 cells, the percentage apoptosis level of the CUR group was slightly lower than the HA-CUR group. In MDA-MB-231 cells, no statistically significant difference was found in the CUR group compared to the control group, but the apoptosis level of the HA-CUR group was higher than the control group. CD44 receptor levels were higher in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to MCF-7 cells. Blocking the CD44 receptors reversed the apoptotic effect of HA-CUR in MDA-MB-231 cells. Both CUR and HA-CUR had apoptotic effects in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: Conjugation of CUR with HA, which is specific for CD44 receptors aids, in its entry to target cells making it a powerful agent for targeted cancer therapy. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Funda ÇETİNKAYA; Kevser Sevgi ÜNAL ASLAN Abstract: Objective: Postoperative fatigue is an undesired and discouraging symptom that many patients experience after the surgery operation. Good assessment is essential to detect and manage this symptom. There is no specific Turkish validity and reliability measurement tool to assess postoperative fatigue. In this study, it was conducted to adapt the Postoperative Fatigue Scale (PO-FS) to Turkish in order to evaluate postoperative fatigue.Methods: Methodological study method was applied. This study was conducted with a total of 276 patients. The data of the study were collected using the personal information form, PO-FS and Visual Analog Scale-Fatigue in April-July 2019.Results: PO-FS sub-scales fatigue, vigor, and daily life activities have Cronbach’s α coefficient of 0.873, 0.898, and 0.815, respectively. The factorial analysis revealed that three factors explain 76.344% of the total variance. These findings suggest that Turkish version of PO-FS is a valid and reliable scale.Conclusion: PO-FS’s Turkish translation is valid and can be reliably used for determining the postoperative fatigue of patients. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Hatice Banu UYSAL ÖZEL; Yılmaz Umut ASLAN, Erkan SANCAKLI Abstract: Objective: With the widespread use of CAD/CAM (computer aided design and manufacture) systems in dentistry, many restorative materials have been produced. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the change in optical properties of newly developed translucent monolithic zirconia (TMZ) (Cercon HT Dentsply, Sirona, USA), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (ZLS) (Celtra Duo, Dentsply, Germany) and lithium disilicate (LS2) (IPS e.max CAD, Ivoclar Vivadent, Liechtenstein) materials with aging. Methods:10 discs of 12mm diameter and 1.2 mm thickness were produced from high translucent A2 color of each material. The aging process was applied in an autoclave under 134ºC, 0.2MPa pressure. For optical evaluation, L*, a*, b* values of the samples were measured by spectrophotometry before aging, after 3 hours and 6 hours aging. ΔE00 values and translucency parameters (TP) were calculated. The data were evaluated statistically.Results: In the present study, all the materials had undergone color change as a result of aging, but this change was within acceptable limits (ΔE00 0.8). There was a decrease in the translucency of all materials used in the study, but this decrease was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In the light of the findings obtained from this in vitro study, aging did not cause color and translucency changes in TMZ, ZLS, LS2 monolithic CAD/CAM materials. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Gülten OKUROĞLU; Dilek COŞKUNER POTUR, Füsun AFŞAR Abstract: Objective: This study aims to adapt the Patient-Nurse Trust Scale to Turkish and perform validity and reliability analyses.Methods: This study has been conducted as methodological. It was conducted between February 2021 and June 2021 in a training and research hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The study was completed with 311 participants. Introductory Information Form, Patient-Nurse Trust Scale, and Trust in Nurses Scale were used for data collection. In addition to descriptive statistics, language validity, content validity, construct validity, criterionrelated validity, discrimination, internal consistency reliability, two-half test reliability, and item analysis methods were used to determine the scale’s psychometric properties.Results: As a result of factor analysis, it was determined that the scale showed a single factor structure, and explained 66.63% of the total variance. Item factor load values were found to vary between .74 and .88. The ratio of the chi-square value to the degrees of freedom (397.496/112) was found to be 3.549. It was found that RMSEA= .09, GFI= .86, IFI= .93, NFI= .91, CFI= .93, and RFI= .87. It was found that the correlations of all items varied between .71 and .87. The Chronbach’s alpha value for the whole scale was calculated as .97. As a result of parallel test analysis, it was determined that there was a significant positive correlation between both scales (r= .301; p= .000).Conclusion: The exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis results of the Turkish version of the scale are acceptable, and their reliability indexes are high. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Çiğdem BİLGE; Ergül ASLAN Abstract: Objective: This study aims to determine the effect of sexual counseling on the sexual functions and sexual satisfaction of women who underwent surgical treatment due to gynecologic cancer. Methods: The study sample consisted of 60 women (experimental group n = 30, control group n = 30) with ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancer. The women in the experimental group received sexual counseling according to PLISSIT, while the women in the control group were not given sexual counseling but were monitored through routine follow-up. The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the Sexual Satisfaction Scale for Women (SSS-W) were used for the first and last evaluations of the groups.Results: The mean age of the women in the experimental group was 51.87 ± 8.89, while it was 50.47 ± 9.43 in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of sexual function and sexual satisfaction levels in the first evaluation (p>.05), whereas there was a significant difference between the two groups in the final evaluation after the sexual counseling provided to the experimental group (p < .001). When the first and final evaluations of the women were considered, it was observed that 33.3% of the women in the experimental group had adequate sexual functioning in the final evaluation.Conclusion: The sexual counseling carried out using the PLISSIT model for women who were treated for gynecologic cancer positively affected their sexual function and sexual satisfaction levels. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Nursel ALP DAL; Kerime Derya BEYDAĞ Abstract: Purpose: This study was carried out in order to develop a measurement tool that determines the factors that may be effective in women's fear of getting pregnant and to bring it into the literature. Methods: The sample of the study, which was carried out in methodological and analytical type, consisted of 240 sexually active women who applied to the obstetrics clinic of a hospital in the Anatolian side of Istanbul between February 1 and June 1, 2021. The study data were obtained with the "Personal Information Form" and the "Fear of Getting Pregnant Scale" created by the researchers. The draft scale, which consisted of 22 items when it was first developed, took its final form with 18 items as a result of the necessary validity and reliability studies. The scale consisted of three sub-dimensions: “physical reasons” (5 items), “psychological reasons” (6 items), and “social reasons” (7 items). Explanatory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, Barlett test, Cronbach alpha test, Shapiro-Wilk test were used in the development of the scale. After evaluating the content validity of the scale, test-retest reliability, internal consistency and construct validity were examined.Results: In the validity and reliability study of the Fear of Getting Pregnant Scale, the Content Validity Index (CVI) was found to be “0.837”. The total cronbach alpha value of the scale was determined as 0.951, and the cronbach alpha value for the "physical reasons" sub-dimension was 0.910, the cronbach alpha value for the "psychological reasons" sub-dimension was 0.898, and the cronbach alpha value for the "social reasons" sub-dimension was 0.904. Conclusion: In line with these data, it was determined that the “Fear of Getting Pregnant Scale” is a valid and reliable scale. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Tugce SÖNMEZ; Serap EJDER APAY Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of different birth balls used at the first stage of labor on fetal head descent, pain intensity, and maternal satisfaction.Methods: This study used a single-blind, randomized controlled experimental design. It was conducted with 180 primipara women in a maternity hospital in Erzurum, Turkey between October 2018 and December 2019. Women were randomized into 3 groups: A=Control group (n=60), B=Spherical birth ball group (n=60), and C=Peanut ball group (n=60). Birth balls were initiated in the active phase in the first stage of labor when cervical dilatation was 4 cm. Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Verbal Rating Scale (VRS), Partograph, and the Scale for Measuring Maternal Satisfaction in Birth (SMMSB).Results: In the active and transitional phases of labor, the VAS and VRS scores for labor pain perception of Group B were statistically significantly lower than the scores of Group A and C (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Abdullah BEYHAN; Ayşe ERGÜN Abstract: Objective: For healthy sexuality and effective sexual health education, it is important to know the sexual health perception of individuals, their sexual education needs, and the affecting factors. The purpose of this research is to learn in-depth the perceptions of young men about sexual health and sexual education.Methods: This study was carried out in a health vocational school of a foundation university. The study was constituted using an in-depth interview method, and interviews were conducted with 16 students, 2 of whom were pilots. Content analysis was used to assess the obtained data.Results: Sexual education with sexual behavior and health were determined as the main themes. The male students indicated level of sexual knowledge was insufficient, and they needed to receive comprehensive sexual education from a qualified specialist. In addition, they stated that education should be given to men and women separately, and in small groups. It was also found that friends,religious and cultural values were important factors in sexual knowledge and behavior.Conclusion: As a result, it has been revealed that male university students need sexual education, and the correct information can only be learned through a comprehensive and socio-cultural norms-sensitive education. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Taşkın ÖZKAN; Arzu GÜÇLÜ GÜNDÜZ, Fatih SOKE, Çağla ÖZKUL, Yasemin APAYDIN, Kader ELDEMİR, Ceyla İRKEÇ Abstract: Objective: The trunk is known to be the most important key point where sensory inputs are received and motor responses occur, necessary for the maintenance of balance and postural control. The aims of the present study were to investigate the relationship between balance with core stability and position sense of trunk in patients with Multiple Sclerosis (PwMS) and to compare core stability, position sense of trunk and balance in PwMS and healthy controls. Methods: The study was completed with 45 PwMS and 29 healthy controls with matching age and gender. Balance was assessed with Postural Stability Test (PST) and Modified Sensory Organization Test (MSOT) by using Biodex Balance System®. Core stability was evaluated with core endurance tests according to McGill procedure. Position sense of trunk was evaluated with the lumbosacral (LS) reposition tests by using Dualer IQTM digital inclinometer. Results: PST, MSOT and LS repositioning tests scores were higher (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Nurşen TURAN YURTSEVER; Süheyla EKEMEN, Hüseyin Çetin KETENCİ Abstract: Objective: Atherosclerosis is a generalized, chronic disease of large and medium-sized muscular elastic arteries. Relation between intensity of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease, and risk factors of atherosclerosis could not been revealed completely by autopsy studies. We aimed to renew this shortage of knowledge with our autopsy study prospectively. Methods: One hundred cases were autopsied within 48 h after death. Atherosclerotic risk factor data were collected including age, gender, height, weight, smoking and any chronic coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis severity was evaluated macroscopically by examining the inner surfaces of the vascular lumens and revealed with postmortem pathological findings of coronary artery disease.Results: The mean age was 42 ± 22 years. Seventy-four percent of cases were male, while 26% were female. Smoking duration ranged from 1 to 50 years with a mean duration of 17 ± 12 years. Existence of atherosclerosis in main vessels were also in correlation with age, duration of smoking and BMI (Body Mass Index) (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Amr ABDEL-AZİEM; Ibrahim DEWİR, Mosab ALOTİBİ, Hamzh MORSHED, Ziyad ALKHAMMASH, Muqren ALSHAHRANİ Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smartphones addiction, and to investigate the relationship between smartphones addiction and functional neck disability among the students of Taif University during a Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A 1060 students from Taif University participated in this study. The smartphones addiction was evaluated by using the short version of the smartphone’s addiction scale (SAS-SV) and functional neck disability was measured by the neck disability index (NDI). Results: About 83 % of the students reported smartphones addiction, 50% were suffering from mild neck disability, and 84% used their smartphones for more than 4 hours/day. Female students represented one and half times more than male to develop a smartphones addiction (p< 0.05). There was a significant association between smartphones addition and neck disability (p< 0.05). Moreover, female students had a functional neck disability significantly greater than male students (p= 0.001). Students with smartphones addiction represented three times more than students without addiction to develop functional neck disability (p= 0.001), and female students represented two times more than male students to develop functional neck disability (p= 0.001). Conclusion: During a COVID-19 pandemic, more than four-fifth of the students showed smartphones addiction. The female students are more predictive to smartphones addiction than male. The smartphones addiction and female students were found to be the predictors for functional neck disability. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Canan ÇULHA; Zeynep Ülkü GÜN, Aysu SELÇUK, Şule APİKOĞLU-RABUŞ Abstract: Objective: People have used traditional herbal medicines for wound care since the dawn of time. This study aimed to assess the cutaneous wound healing effects of wheat germ oil (WGO) and quince seed mucilage (QSM) in rats.Methods: Adult female Wistar albino rats were allocated to one of the three groups: rats treated with topical WGO (n=6); topical QSM (n=6); and topical saline (n=6) as the control group. Two circular, full-thickness wounds of 0.6 mm diameter were created on the dorsal thoracic region of each rat. Test and control solutions were applied twice daily for 14 days. Wound healing was assessed by measuring the wound contraction rate and the time needed for complete epithelialization.Results: When compared with the control group, rats in the WGO group had reduced wound closure rates in the first four days, but considerably greater rates in the 8th, 10th, and 12th days, as well as a shorter duration of time needed to complete epithelialization (11 days vs. 13 days). The wound closure rates of the rats in the QSM group were not substantially different from the control rats and the duration of time needed for complete epithelialization was not significantly different from the control group. Conclusion: WGO use has been shown to improve wound healing. It may be used as an alternative or complementary approach for wound treatment depending on the severity of the wounds. On the other hand, QSM was not found to improve wound healing. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ali CEYLAN; Ertuğrul DEMİRDEL Abstract: Objective: Our study was planned to examine the academic achievement, physical activity, smart phone use and sleep quality of university students. Methods: Young individuals between the ages of 18-25 studying at a vocational school were included in the study. While recording the demographic information of the participants, individuals were classified as "heavy users" and "light users", taking into account the duration of smartphone use during the day. In addition, the physical activity levels of the individuals were evaluated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF), the smartphone usage level with the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Form (SAS-SF), and the sleep quality with the Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: A total of 424 people, 326 of whom were women, with a mean age of 20.30±1.34 years, participated in the study. It was determined that 70.3% of the participants used smartphones for more than 4 hours a day. It was determined that there was a weak negative correlation between the academic success of the students and their physical activity levels, and that their academic success was not affected by smart phone use and sleep quality. However, it was determined that there was a weak positive correlation between the sleep quality of the students and their smartphone use. It was observed that the physical activity levels of male students were higher, while the academic success and sleep quality of normal education students were better. Conclusion: We think that active life, adequate and conscious smartphone use and quality sleep habits can affect academic success in university students. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Betül ŞEN YAVUZ; Betul KARGUL Abstract: Objective: The Hall Technique is one biological strategy for sealing carious lesions with preformed metal crowns in primary molars. This study aimed to compare the Hall Technique's survival rate with conventional compomer restorations in caries management in primary molars for 60 months.Methods: Children with preformed metal crowns placed with Hall Technique and conventional compomer restorations were invited to Pediatric Dentistry Clinics for a 60-month follow-up. The restorations of these children were evaluated clinically and radiographically. Dental health records of 12 and 24-month follow-up appointments were obtained from the electronic archive. The survival rate of the restorations was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the success/failure of the restorations by the Chi-Square test. Restorations with finding such as secondary caries, pulpitis, restoration wear/fracture/loss, crown perforation, inter-radicular radiolucency, and internal root resorption were scored according to major and/or minor failure criteria, while satisfactory ones were scored as successful.Results: Twenty-six primary molars were included in the study. There was no significant difference in the survival rates of preformed metal crowns placed with the Hall Technique (92.3%) and conventional compomer restorations (84.6%) at 60-month follow-up (2 = 2.455, p = .48). The Hall Technique (84.6%) was found significantly more successful clinically and radiographically compared to conventional compomer restorations (23.1%) according to the success or failure criteria in 60-month follow-up (p < .01).Conclusion: The Hall Technique was clinically and radiographically more successful than conventional compomer restorations according to the success or failure criteria at 60-month follow-up. The Hall Technique had a similar survival rate to the conventional compomer restorations as well as low failure findings in caries management in primary molars. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Zehra EKMEKÇİOĞLU; Zekiye İpek KATIRCI KIRMACI, Nevin ERGUN Abstract: Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between trunk control and lower extremity sense, balance and gait in stroke individuals.Methods: Thirty subacute and chronic stroke patients were included in the study (mean age 52. 2 14.4 years). Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Turkish version of Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS-T) was used for evaluating the body control, and Tinetti Balance Test (TBT) was used for evaluating balance. Tinetti Gait Test (TGT) and Ten Meter Walking Test (TMWT) were applied for evaluating walking. The light touch sense and proprioception, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Sensorimotor Function (FMASF) for lower extremity were used. Furthermore, neglect, plantar pressure sense and stereognosis for lower extremity were evaluated.Results: There was a significant positively strong correlation between TIS and TBT, TGT and FMSMFT, and negatively strong correlation between TIS and TMWT (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Murat ENÖZ; Mücahit ÖZDEMİR, Bahattin YALCİN Abstract: Objective: We aimed to emphasize the possible beneficial effects of intranasal sprays containing mometasone furoate, especially for preventive treatment or supportive treatment in patients with olfactory disorders due to damage to the olfactory area, or for regular use in healthcare workers with a high risk of close contact.Methods: Preventive and therapeutic scientific studies are continuing around the world for viral spread and viral damage associated with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. We investigated the attachment of the COVID-19 virus in the nose and entry into the body with the crystal structure of the spike and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) proteins, a molecular docking study. This scientific study is the first in-silico study to investigate the possible antiviral effects of Mometasone furoate molecules on spike protein and to show the antiviral effect of mometasone furoate on COVID-19.Results: We think that nasal sprays containing mometasone furoate can be used prophylactically in patients with COVID-19 infection due to its antiviral effect, and it may be beneficial to use sprays containing mometasone furoate before the symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection begin in patients.Conclusions: The role of these molecules in the treatment of acute smell disorders associated with COVID-19 infection and their antiviral effects on coronavirus should be investigated by conducting extensive scientific studies on the subject. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Emrah GÜLER; Ferdiye TANER, Erdal ŞANLIDAĞ, Pinar TULAY, Mahmut Cerkez ERGOREN, Buket BADDAL, Cenk Serhan ÖZVEREL, Gülten TUNCEL, Kaya SÜER, Tamer ŞANLIDAĞ Abstract: Objective: As an alternative to RT-qPCR assays used in the diagnosis SARS-CoV-2, antigen-detecting rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) are available for the qualitative detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swab samples. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of Ag-RDTs as a diagnostic method of detecting SARS-CoV-2 positive cases within a given population.Methods: In first phase of this investigation, 357 nasopharyngeal swab samples were screened for SARS-CoV-2 using Ag-RDTs. For the purposes of this study RT-qPCR was then applied to the same 357 nasopharyngeal swab samples in order to compare the reliability of the two detection methods. In the second phase of this investigation, Ag-RDTs were applied to an additional 75 nasopharyngeal swab samples that were already known to be RT-qPCR positive. Results: In the first phase of this investigation, of the 357 samples screened using Ag-RDTs 14 samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2, in contrast, when RT-qPCR analysis was applied to the same 357 samples no SARS-CoV-2 samples were detected. Therefore, the false antigen positivity was determined to be at 3.9%. In the second phase of this investigation 75 RT-qPCR positive samples were re-evaluated with a rapid antigen test. Twenty-four of the 75 RT-qPCR positive sample were undetected.Conclusion: Solely relying on rapid antigen tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 infections in the community could consequently result in infectious individuals remaining in the population. The impact of false negative rapid test results can be reduced by implementing confirmatory RT-qPCR analysis particularly in symptomatic patients. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Nuraniye ERUYGUR; Mehmet ATAŞ, Mehmet TEKİN, Ozge CEVİK Abstract: Objective: The Achillea species have been used to treat various ailments due to its anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, spasmolytic and cholagogue effects in the Turkish traditional medicine. However, there is no biological activity studies on some Achillea species except for the well-knowns. This work aimed to determine the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities of the crude ethanolic extracts and fractions of Achillea sintenisii using in vitro methods. Methods: The antioxidant activity was investigated by DPPH (1,1´-diphenyl- 2-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2´-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) radical scavenging, total phenol and total flavonoid content, and iron chelating methods. Antimicrobial activity evaluated by micro-plate dilution method against five test organisms. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT method using MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and PC-3 prostate cancer cell line. Apoptosis was also measured by AO/EB staining. Results: The n-Hexane fractions showed the highest antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities, respectively. Administration of the extracts on the cancer cells showed a concentration dependent inhibition on cell proliferation. The anti-proliferation effect could be via apoptosis and associated with the cell death. Conclusion: The results showed that the extracts demonstrated antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activity, also supports the claims of traditional usage. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ertan ŞAHİNOĞLU; Gülbin ERGİN, Serkan BAKIRHAN, Bayram ÜNVER Abstract: Objective: To assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability and concurrent validity, and to estimate minimal detectable change of a smartphone application for measuring thoracic kyphosis angle.Methods: A total of 80 healthy university students were evaluated. Two raters measured the thoracic kyphosis angle using a digital inclinometer and the smartphone application. Intra- and inter-rater reliability were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) with 95% confidence interval. The standard error of measurement (SEM) and the minimal detectable change at the 95% confidence level (MDC95) were also calculated. The concurrent validity between the digital inclinometer and the smartphone application was assessed by the linear regression analysis and Bland and Altman's 95% limits of agreement method.Results: The intra- and inter-rater reliability were excellent for the digital inclinometer and the smartphone application (ICC> 0.75). The SEM values for the digital inclinometer and the smartphone application were close together. The MDC95 values for the smartphone application were 5.11 and 6.30 degrees, and 9.02 degrees for intra- and inter-rater, respectively. The digital inclinometer and the smartphone application showed a positive correlation (R2 = 0.85). The Bland-Altman plot showed a good agreement between the instruments.Conclusion: The smartphone application used in this study is a cost-effective, practical, reliable, and valid instrument for measuring the thoracic kyphosis angle. More than 9 degrees in the value of the thoracic kyphosis angle measured by the smartphone application can be considered as a true change. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Tülin BAYRAK; Gülsen ŞENER, Emel SAĞLAM GÖKMEN, Ahmet BAYRAK Abstract: Objective: Abnormal immune inflammatory response and cytokine storm play an important role on the aspect of increasing mortality in Covid-19. We aimed to investigate whether the Platelet Activating Factor Acetylhydrolase activity (PAF-AH) and hematological parameters have prognostic and predictive value in determining the disease severity.Methods: A total of 84 Covid-19 patients, 52 of whom were hospitalized in the ward and 32 in the intensive care unit (ICU), and 38 control patients were included in this study. Results: Lymphocyte and serum albumin levels were significantly lower (p < .001) and age, neutrophils, CRP, procalcitonin, LDH, INR, D-dimer levels were significantly higher (p < .001) in Covid-19 patients compared to the control group. ICU patients had significantly lower (p < .001) lymphocyte, albumin values and significantly higher (p < .001) age, leukocyte, neutrophils, CRP, INR, aPTT, D-dimer levels compared to ward patients. PAF-AH activity was significantly increased in ICU patients compared to the control group (p < .05). A positive correlation was found between PAF-AH and D-Dimer in the ICU group.Conclusion: We found increased PAF-AH activity in patients with Covid-19. It’s important to spot the PAF-AH activity in cardiovascular events that develop due to coagulation problems, which are likely to be seen on these patients in the future. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Yağmur İRMAK ÇELİK; Meltem DEMİRGÖZ BAL Abstract: Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of perineal massage with vaseline on the episiotomy and perineal healing in nulliparous women. Method: The double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted on 90 nulliparous women. In the interventions group, perineal massage was performed with Vaseline and without Vaseline from the active phase of labor. Control group no interventions were performed. Results: Perineal massage with vaseline in the intervention group significant decreased the rate of episiotomies (40%) compared to other group (p< 0.01). In the control group, the mean labor time was 10 hours 5 min, while in the perineal massage group with vaseline, this duration was determined to be 9 hours. (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Elif BÜLBÜL; Selda ÇELİK, Asibe ÖZKAN, Gonca AKBAŞ Abstract: Objective: This research was conducted to identify the relationship between the chronotypes of nurses working in shifts and the quality of their lives.Methods: The research sample that was designed as a descriptive study comprised 267 nurses working in shifts. The research data were collected with the descriptive survey form, the Morningness–Eveningness Questionnaire, and the Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).Results: As per the breakdown of the nurses by chronotype, 68.9% of the nurses were intermediate-type (n=184), 15.7% of the nurses were morning-type (n=42), and 15.4% of the nurses were evening-type (n=41). The evening-type nurses had a higher number of night shifts than the morning-type nurses (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Vildan MANAV; Müge GÖRE KARAALİ Abstract: Objective: Sensitive skin is a dermatological condition that is frequently observed and causes discomfort in individuals. Therefore, individuals with sensitive skin must carefully choose skin care and makeup habits. Our aims in this study were to conduct the first sensitive skin prevalence study in Turkey and to identify skin care and makeup habits.Methods: An online prospective controlled survey study was conducted among 1037 women. Participants with and without sensitive skin aged>18 years were included in the 3-month study.Results: Of the participating women, 82.73% were found to have sensitive skin. The most sensitive part of the face was the cheek (p < 0.001). Therefore, blush was the least frequently used by individuals with sensitive skin (p = 0.008)Conclusion: Sensitive skin is an important social and medical problem. The skin care and makeup habits of individuals with sensitive skin should be examined in detail and more help should be provided by dermatologists to these individuals. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Ezgi DEMİRTÜRK SELÇUK; Birsel Canan DEMİRBAĞ Abstract: Objective: This research was carried out to determine the attitudes of individuals who applied to primary care during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and the factors affecting the COVID-19 vaccine.Methods: The descriptive study was conducted with individuals (n=190) who applied to five family health centers in Erzincan city center between March-June 2021. The data were collected using the "Personal Information Form" and the "Scale of Attitudes towards the COVID-19 Vaccine" by paying attention to the pandemic rules by face-to-face interview method. Results: It was determined that 75.3% of the individuals were women, 41.1% were primary school graduates, 59.5% lived in a nuclear family and 74.2% had no chronic disease. Individuals Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccine Scale mean score was 3.26±0.78 out of 5, positive attitude sub-dimension mean score was 3.32±0.99, and negative attitude sub-dimension mean score was 3.21±0.71. There is a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of the Attitudes Towards COVID-19 Vaccine Scale and the status of individuals thinking that COVID-19 vaccine is necessary for public health, worrying about getting COVID-19 infection, having COVID-19 vaccine, and following information about COVID-19 vaccine.Conclusions: It was determined that the attitudes of these individuals towards the COVID-19 vaccine were at a positive level. The reasons for participants' concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine are fear of side effects of the vaccine and the production of the vaccine in a very short period of time. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Durdane YILMAZ GÜVEN; Şenay ŞENER Abstract: Objective: This study aimed to descriptively determine the image of the nursing profession in the society during the Covid-19 pandemic process.Methods: The study was carried out in a district between November 2020 and February 2021. The sample of the study consisted of 1285 individuals. While collecting the data, a “Questionnaire Form” containing personal characteristics and “Image Scale for Nursing Profession” were used. Data were collected by snowball sampling method. The data were collected through an online survey.Results: The mean score of the participants’ Image Scale for Nursing Profession was found to be 150.68 ± 9.75. It was determined that the subdimensions of the scale, the professional qualification sub-dimension, had the highest mean score of 45.80 ± 4.45, and the other appearance sub-dimension had the lowest mean score of 11.10 ± 2.73. A significant difference was determined between the Image Scale for Nursing Profession and gender, profession, and the status of having the received care from nurses before (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Tuba AK; Nesrin İLHAN Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of mental health on health-related quality of life in adolescents.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1188 students studying in a public high school in Istanbul, Turkey. Data were collected using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and the Turkish Generic Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for adolescents (Kiddo-KINDL). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used in the analysis.Results: The mean age of the adolescents was 16.61±1.17; 56.6% were female. This study shows that mental health was a negatively significantly related to all subscales of health-related quality of life (physical wellbeing, emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, family, friends, school) of adolescents (p PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030
Authors:Kezban KORAŞ SÖZEN; Neziha KARABULUT Abstract: Objective: The present study was conducted to determine of the relationship between family and social support and anxiety-depression levels in liver transplant patients.Methods: The Introductory Characteristics Determination Form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale (MPSSS) and Perceived Family Support Scale (PFSS) were used to question the socio-demographic characteristics of the patients.Results: When the distribution of the mean anxiety and depression scores according to their introductory characteristics of the patients was examined, it was determined that the mean score of HADS was found to be high (HAD-A=19.71±3.29, HAD-D=15.90±1.99). The mean MPSSS of the patients was found to be at moderate level as 54.56±17.40; and the mean total score of the PFSS of the patients was found to be at high level as 35.77± 7.16. It was determined that family and social support was effective in reducing the depression levels after liver transplantation.Conclusions: It was found that family and social support was influential in reducing the depression levels after liver transplantation. PubDate: Mon, 11 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +030