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Objective: This study investigated the effect of lullabies and classical music on preterm neonates' cerebral oxygenation, vital signs, and comfort during orogastric (OG) tube feeding. Methods: This was a parallel-group pretest-posttest randomized controlled study. The research was conducted between December 2020 and May 2022. The sample consisted of 51 preterm neonates hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital in Konya, Türkiye. Participants were randomized into three groups (17 preterm infants in each group). The first group listened to lullabies sung by their mothers and the second group listened to classical music during OG tube feeding. The control group received routine care with no music. Data were collected using a Neonatal Identification Information Form, Physiological Parameters and rSO2 Monitoring Form, and the Newborn Comfort Behavior Scale (Comfort-Neo). The study was registered on the ClinicalTrials database (NCT05333575). Results: The lullaby group had stable peak heart rates and oxygen saturation levels (p =.002). Both lullaby and classical music groups had significantly higher cerebral oxygenation levels than the control group. The classical music group had the highest cerebral oxygenation level (p =.001). Both lullaby and classical music groups had significantly higher mean Comfort-Neo scores than the control group. The classical music group had the highest mean Comfort-Neo score (p =.040). Conclusion: Preterm neonates who listen to lullabies and classical music are likely to have higher cerebral oxygen and comfort levels. Listening to lullabies helps stabilize vital signs. These results suggest that healthcare professionals should encourage parents to get their preterm neonates to listen to lullabies and classical music. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The present study was conducted to determine the effect of odor stimulation with breast milk (BM) applied to premature newborns before and during enteral feeding on feeding cues, transition time to oral feeding and abdominal perfusion. Design: This study was a parallel group pretest-post test randomised controlled trial (RCT). Methods: The study was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Türkiye. Study data were collected from 32 premature newborns between October 2020 and December 2021. Newborns were randomly assigned to either intervention (n = 16) or control (n = 16) groups. Odor stimulation with BM was applied to newborns in the intervention group (IG) before and during enteral feeding for 3 days. Data were collected with the Newborn Information Form, Abdominal Perfusion Follow-up Form, and Feeding Cues Follow-up Form. Yates corrected and Fisher chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U test, Cohen Kappa statistics, Permanova analysis, and Wilcoxon test were used in the analysis. The study was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04843293). Results: The frequency of feeding cues in newborns who were exposed to the odor of BM, was higher than in the control group (CG) (p <.05). The transition times to oral feeding were similar in newborns in the IG and CG (p >.05). Abdominal perfusion level of newborns in the IG was higher than the CG (p <.05), and the level of abdominal perfusion showed a significant difference in terms of group*time interaction (p <.05). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that odor stimulation with BM will be beneficial in improving the digestive functions of premature newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: High rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been observed in earthquake survivors many years after the event. However, its prevalence among patients with schizophrenia is largely unknown. This study, which was conducted two years after the 2020 Elazığ earthquake, sought to identify risk factors for earthquake-related PTSD among patients with schizophrenia and healthy subjects. Methods: Adult patients with schizophrenia (N = 103) and healthy subjects (N = 103) who had survived the earthquake were recruited from affected areas in the Eastern Anatolian Region of Turkey, Elazığ. A detailed questionnaire of earthquake-related risk factors, the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief COPE), the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the Clinician-Administered PTSD scale for DSM-V (CAPS-5) scale were administered to participants. Results: Twelve percent of the patients with schizophrenia and 25% of the healthy subjects had earthquake-related PTSD diagnoses two years after the 2020 Elazığ earthquake. Healthy subjects had a significantly higher rate of earthquake-related PTSD when compared to patients with schizophrenia. Religious coping, self-blaming, less emotional support seeking, and going to a safer place on the night of the earthquake were found to be associated with PTSD in patients with schizophrenia. History of traumatic events, self-blaming, and less social support from family were found to be associated with a PTSD diagnosis in healthy subjects. Conclusions: The earthquake in Turkey created a situation such that significant symptoms of PTSD remained present at two years following the event in both patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and healthy subjects. Patients with schizophrenia have different risk factors for the development of PTSD when compared with healthy subjects. Clinical interventions should consider risk factors, coping strategies, and perceived social support when seeking to prevent earthquake-related PTSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Many of the studies on learning have focused on face-to-face or online learning, and information on hybrid learning is limited. The aim of this study is to examine the predictors of perceived learning in occupational therapy students in terms of different variables in the hybrid education process. Method: This study, which was planned in descriptive cross-sectional design, was carried out online using Google Forms. Attentional Control Scale, Academic Motivation Scale, and Perceived Learning Scale were used in this study. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed with the stepwise variable selection method. Findings: The coefficient of the Academic Motivation Scale Amotivation variable, which made the greatest contribution to the variance rate explained by the regression model, was −0.407. A one-unit increase in the Academic Motivation Scale Intrinsic Motivation and Academic Motivation Scale Extrinsic Motivation variables caused an increase in the Perceived Learning Scale total score of 0.198 and 0.364 standard deviations (SDs), and a one-unit increase in the Academic Motivation Scale_Amotivation variable caused a decrease in the Perceived Learning Scale total score of 0.407 SD. Conclusion: The most important predictor of perceived learning is amotivation. We suggest that improving the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and reducing amotivation in students studying at universities offering hybrid learning can be used as a strategy that increases attentional control and perceived learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practices that strengthen nurse work environments and enable them to have control over nursing practices have gained importance in recent years as they increase nurses' retention and patient care quality. This study aimed to examine the relationships between structural empowerment and nurse and patient-reported outcomes and the mediating role of control over nursing practices in these relationships. This correlational and cross-sectional study was carried out from September 2018 to May 2019 at two public hospitals in Turkey. We recruited staff nurses (n = 319) working in the inpatient units of these hospitals and their patients (n = 319). Data were collected using self-report measures from staff nurses and patients. It was determined that structural empowerment and control over nursing practices had a positive relationship with job satisfaction and nursing care quality, as well as a negative relationship with intention to turnover; however, there was no relationship with patient-reported outcomes. Control over nursing practices partially mediated the relationship between structural empowerment and outcomes of job satisfaction and nursing care quality. This study indicates that promoting the structural empowerment of nurses and ensuring that they have control over practice will increase job satisfaction and quality of care. Nurse managers can increase nurses' job satisfaction and quality of care by creating supportive work environments and ensuring they have control over nursing practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this descriptive study is to determine the relationship between nurses' compassion level and emotional intelligence during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used to collect data from a sample of 218 nurses who volunteered to participate. Data were collected using the descriptive information form, the compassion scale (CS), and the revised Schutte emotional intelligence scale (RSEIS). Findings: The nurses' total CS score was 97.51 ± 1, and their total RSEIS score was 152.1 ± 14.8. In our study, a moderate, positive, and significant relationship was found between nurses' compassion level and emotional intelligence levels. Conclusions: It was determined that nurses within the scope of the study had a high level of compassion and a medium–high level of emotional intelligence during the COVID-19 pandemic process. Initiatives should be planned to develop emotional intelligence, which helps to minimize the negative effects of the pandemic on nurses and prevent negative emotions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Even under normal circumstances, anxiety is quite common among nursing students. Therefore, this study compared nursing students' health and coronavirus anxiety in two European countries. Method: The sample of the descriptive, cross-sectional study consisted of 685 undergraduate students studying at two different nursing schools in Turkey and Portugal. The study data were collected with the Personnel Data Collection Form, Coronavirus Anxiety Scale, and Short Health Anxiety Inventory. Results: While there was no difference between the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale scores of Turkish and Portuguese nursing students (p >.05), a statistically significant difference was found between the Short Health Anxiety Inventory total scores and negative consequences scores (p <.05). Discussion: Against the pandemic that the whole world is experiencing, it is recommended to compare nursing students in a cultural context and take precautions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of intimate partner violence against women training program based on the theory of planned behavior on nurses' and midwives' approaches of violence. A randomized controlled trial was performed at nurses and midwives in Turkey, between December 2016 and August 2017. The participants were separated into an intervention group (n = 50) and control group (n = 49). According to the result of study, training given to the intervention group was more effective in increasing the intimate partner violence attitudes, practices, and reporting compared to the control group. These results show that this training program effectively developed the nurses' and midwives' approaches about intimate partner violence against women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Occurrence and underreporting of needlesticks and other sharps injuries (NSIs) are still immediate concerns among nursing students. This study examined the relationship between occupational health and safety (OHS) awareness and empowerment levels of nursing students and the occurrence and reporting of NSIs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 840 students in a nursing school in 2018–2019. A self-report questionnaire was used to collect data about students' sociodemographic characteristics, OHS awareness and empowerment levels, and NSIs characteristics. After bivariate analyses, multivariate logistic regression was used. Results: The number of evaluated questionnaires was 469, for a response rate of 55.8%. Participants, 21.2% (n = 99), had suffered NSIs, and 47.8% had reported their injuries. The NSIs were statistically related to age, academic year, working night shift, OHS awareness level of students, and the number of clinical placements completed by students. The odds of experiencing NSIs was 2.3 (95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.0, 5.3]) times higher in male students, 4.3 (95% CI = [2.4, 7.4]) times higher in those beyond the second academic year, and 2.5 (95% CI = [1.4, 4.4]) times higher in those who had received OHS training for a shorter period than the average duration. Conclusion/Application to practice: The levels of awareness and empowerment were higher in students who received OHS and NSIs prevention training and those who received OHS training for the above-average duration. Increasing awareness and empowerment levels of nursing students through training can reduce the occurrence and the underreporting of NSIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of breathing exercises given by telemedicine in post-Covid-19 dyspneic individuals. Individuals in the intervention group (n : 26) were asked to perform breathing exercise three times a day for 5 weeks (one session performed via telemedicine each week). Individuals in the control group (n : 26) were given a brochure explaining the exercises. The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire, Pulmonary function tests, and six-minute-walk-tests were administered to all individuals at the beginning and end of the study. The posttest FEV1, FVC, MVV values were significantly higher than the pretest values in the intervention group (p2 <.001) whereas no significant differences were found in the control group. Six-minute-walk-distance increased by 54.27 m in the intervention group and 4.69 m in the control group. With breathing exercise training applied through telemedicine, improvements were observed in the pulmonary functions, quality of life, and exercise capacities of dyspneic post-Covid-19 individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of ShotBlocker and local vibration on the perceived pain and satisfaction during intramuscular antibiotic injection. The sample of the randomized controlled experimental study consisted of 100 patients (32 in vibration group, 35 in ShotBlocker group, 33 in control group) who applied to the adult emergency clinic for antibiotic (amoxicillin/cefuroxime sodium) injection between April and May 2021. The study data were collected using the Structured Information Form, VAS for Pain and VAS for Satisfaction. CONSORT statement was followed for reporting. After the intramuscular antibiotic injection, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the mean scores of VAS for Pain and VAS for Injection Satisfaction (p <.001). It was determined that local vibration application was more effective in reducing the pain and in increasing satisfaction that occurs during intramuscular antibiotic injection according to ShotBlocker and control groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This randomized controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effects of progressive relaxation exercises on vital signs and fatigue level. Ninety patients with liver transplantation (experimental group = 45, control group = 45) were included in the study. The patients in the experimental group performed progressive relaxation exercises for 25 to 30 minutes every day for 4 weeks. Before the progressive relaxation exercises, the vital signs and fatigue level of the patients were recorded. Vital signs were recorded again immediately after the progressive relaxation exercises and at the end of the second week. At the end of the fourth week, the final measurement of vital signs was performed along with the second fatigue level assessment. In the experimental group, pulse and respiratory rates, systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, and fatigue severity mean scores were found to be lower and oxygen saturation level was higher than those of the control group. The improvement in vital signs in the experimental group was evident at week 3 (p < .05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study was planned to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the COVID-19 Literacy Scale. The sample of the study was taken from 473 individuals. In this study, language validity, content validity and construct validity were examined to determine the validity of the scale. Its reliability was evaluated by internal consistency, split-half reliability, and test-retest reliability method. It was defined that the scale has a two-factor structure as a result of EFA and its factor loadings are in the appropriate range (0.852-0.324). According to the CFA result, it was determined that the model-data fit was at a good level. The Cronbach values for the whole scale and subscales were .92, .90, and .87, respectively. It was observed that the test-retest value was .95. It was concluded that the Turkish form of the COVID-19 Literacy Scale is a reliable and valid tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenging perceptions of violence is crucial to prevent dating violence (DV), because such perceptions intervene in the organization and interpretation of violent events. However, these perceptions have received limited attention. This likely reflects the lack of a psychometric tool to do so. The current study had two purposes: to develop a measure of perceptions of psychological, sexual, and physical DV, and to explore how vertical collectivism, through hostile sexism and violence myth acceptance, shapes perceptions of DV. A total of 491 college students (55.3% women; M = 20.76 years, SD = 1.77 years) completed measures of the vertical collectivism, hostile sexism, domestic violence myth acceptance, and perceptions of DV. The results of exploratory factor analyses revealed a 15-item single-factor measure of perceptions of DV as initial construct validity, which had satisfactory internal consistency. A gender difference emerged in perceptions of DV; college women perceived psychological, sexual, and physical DV as more serious compared with college men. Moreover, the association between vertical collectivism and perceptions of DV was serially mediated via hostile sexism and violence myth acceptance. The findings are discussed in terms of previous research and the need to address the role of vertical collectivism in sexism, myth acceptance, and perceptions of violence in prevention/intervention efforts to reduce vulnerability to DV perpetration and victimization. Several recommendations are outlined to facilitate future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study aimed to assess the impact of a holistic combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training on occupational performance, social participation, and clinical symptoms in people with schizophrenia. Method: 60 people with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to two groups. One group received standardized Social Skills Training once a week for a total of 10 sessions, while the other group received a combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training once a week for a total of 16 sessions. Results: A greater increase was determined in the scores of COPM total performance/satisfaction and the Community Integration Questionnaire in the Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training group. Furthermore, these achievements were sustained in the Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training group compared to the Social Skills Training group at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: The clients received the combination of Occupational Therapy and Social Skills Training showed a better improvement compared to the Social Skills Training group in terms of occupational performance, social participation, and severity of clinical symptoms. The use of Occupational Therapy in a holistic approach in psychosocial rehabilitation of people with schizophrenia can increase their functionality and social participation. Further studies are needed to assess long-term effects of Occupational Therapy in schizophrenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used Hypnofertility-based interventions to determine whether these interventions would lead to increased fertility preparedness and pregnancy outcomes and decreased cortisol levels in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) treatment. This randomized, controlled, prospective study was conducted from November 2017 through March 2019 in 61 Turkish women with unexplained infertility (intervention group: 30, control group: 31). Hypnofertility-based nursing care included affirmations, visualization, imagination, and relaxation from the first day of treatment until the day of the pregnancy test. The Fertility Preparedness Scale, a saliva sample for cortisol level, and the pregnancy test results were used for data collection. Hypnofertility-based nursing care decreased the cortisol levels of women in the intervention group compared to that in the control group (p = 0.00). Though fertility preparedness was higher in the intervention group, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.13). Although interventions relieved the women during the treatment process, there was no anticipated effect on pregnancy outcomes (p = 0.75). Hypnofertility-based nursing care significantly reduce the cortisol levels, suggesting that the intervention helped women relax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between dialysis adequacy and the incidence of symptoms in subjects treated with HD. This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted at two HD centers. The data were collected with the 'Descriptive Characteristics Form of the Participants' and the 'Dialysis Symptom Index (DSI)'. The study was reported according to the STROBE Declaration. The study was completed with 120 patients. The most common symptom reported was feeling tired or decreased energy and the least common was difficulty concentrating. No statistically significant relationship was found between DSI results and the Kt/V or urea reduction rate levels used to evaluate dialysis adequacy. Dialysis-related symptoms can also be seen in patients with adequate dialysis levels. It is therefore necessary to query the symptoms experienced by the patients at regular intervals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current literature contains few studies conducted on the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on pregnancy symptoms. Does being subjected to IPV during pregnancy increase the incidence of pregnancy-related symptoms? The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of IPV on pregnancy-related symptoms. The study was conducted as comparative, descriptive, and cross-sectional research with a total of 370 participants. Data were collected using the Domestic Violence Against Women Screening Form, the Pregnancy Symptoms Inventory (PSI), and a descriptive questionnaire. The types of IPV the women in the study had experienced during pregnancy were, in order of frequency, verbal abuse (31.1 %; n = 115), economic abuse (25.9 %; n = 96), physical violence (8.4 %; n = 31), and sexual abuse (5.9%; n = 22). The PSI scores for the pregnant women subjected to physical violence related to gastrointestinal system symptoms (p <.05), cardiovascular system symptoms (p <.05), mental health symptoms (p = 0), neurological system symptoms (p <.05), urinary system symptoms (p <.01), and tiredness or fatigue (p = 0); their total PSI scores (p = 0) were significantly higher statistically than those of women who did not experience physical violence during pregnancy. The scores of the pregnant women subjected to sexual abuse related to mental health symptoms (p <.05), and their total PSI scores (p <.05) were significantly higher than those of women who did not experience sexual abuse. The scores of the pregnant women subjected to economic abuse related to tiredness or fatigue (p <.01) and their mental health symptom scores (p <.05) were significantly higher than those of women who did not experience economic abuse. Our results showed that women subjected to IPV during pregnancy experienced a higher incidence of pregnancy symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The older population has reached to 8.5%, and the prevalence of frailty is reported as 39.2% in Turkey. The purpose of the study was to assess caregiver burden in families who care for frail older adults in Turkish culture. Method: This descriptive study was conducted in Turkey between June and October 2017. Frail older adults who had no severe cognitive impairment were included. Data were measured using the Older Adult Information Form, Edmonton Frailty Scale, Caregiver Information Form, and Zarit Burden Interview. Results: In total, 131 older person/caregiver dyads were analyzed; the Zarit Burden Interview mean score was 37.59 ± 18.20. Caregivers with less education and providing care more than 8 hours experienced a higher burden (p < .05). The severity of frailty significantly correlated with the caregiver scores (R = .36, p < .01). Conclusion: The caregiver burden in Turkish family caregivers was found mild to moderate and correlated with the degree of frailty. Policymakers should focus on culture-specific formal caregiver services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep problems may have negative effects on work–life balance, overall health, and safety. We aimed to investigate the association between sleep disorders and absenteeism and delay to work (being late or tardy) among the working adult population. The study was conducted by using data from a large survey of working adults who participated in the Turkish Adult Population Epidemiology of Sleep Study (TAPES) managed by Turkish Sleep Medicine Society (TSMS). Secondary analyses was employed to examine absenteeism and delay to work and their associations with sleep problems, including sleepiness by Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), parasomnias, sleep apnea (by Berlin Questionnaire), sleep quality (by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and restless leg. History of any absenteeism and delay to work was observed in 276 (18%) and 443 (29%) out of 1,533 working adults, respectively. In the multivariate analyses, absenteeism was associated with younger age, female gender and poor sleep quality, while delay to work was associated with younger age, poor sleep quality, parasomnia, and sleepiness. In the presence of absenteeism and delay to work, sleep disorders including sleepiness, poor sleep quality, and parasomnia should be considered. Such evaluation may improve worker well-being and provide some additional benefits in terms of increasing productivity and lowering work-related costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to examine the impact of childbirth education in Turkey on the adaptation to pregnancy process, concerns about birth, rate of vaginal birth, and adaptation to maternity. This quasi-experimental study with control group was conducted from December 2013 to December 2014. The sample size was 132 primiparous pregnant women (nexperimental = 66, ncontrol = 66). The average age of the pregnant women in the experimental and control groups was 24.41 ± 3.92 and 23.68 ± 4.19, respectively. The study showed that experimental group participants had lower concerns about birth, higher levels of knowledge, and faster adaptation to pregnancy and postpartum process; they could also give positive feedback about labor pain and action and could start breastfeeding at an earlier stage when compared with those in the control group (p < .05). Childbirth education classes increase the knowledge of pregnant women and positively contribute in pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose:To evaluate self-rated health (SRH) and determine its associations with participant characteristics, glycemic control, family support, and health-related quality of life in older Turkish adults with type 2 diabetes. Method: This cross-sectional study included 113 adults aged 60 years or older with type 2 diabetes. Data were collected by using an information form, the Perceived Social Support From Family Scale, and the Nottingham Health Profile. SRH was assessed by a single-item question. Glycemic control was measured by glycosylated hemoglobin levels. Results: Ninety-seven patients (85.8%) evaluated their health as fair or poor. The glycemic target level (glycosylated hemoglobin <7.5%) was achieved in 47.8% of the patients. Female gender, a low or moderate family income, and lower levels of family support were associated with poorer SRH. Conclusions/Implications: The majority of the participants considered their health to be fair or poor. Better understanding of risk factors associated with SRH may provide more effective interventions to improve health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). The underlying pathophysiology of CAE is not fully understood. α1-antitrypsin (A1AT) plays a role in the tissue protease system, and AAT-1 deficiency (A1ATD) has been shown to be related to CAD. We compared A1AT serum levels in patients with and without CAE to determine the association between A1AT levels and the extent of ectasia using the Markis score. We included 50 patients (38 males) with isolated CAE and 46 patients (28 males) with normal coronary arteries after coronary angiography. The levels of A1AT were measured by nephelometry. The median A1AT levels were lower in patients with isolated CAE than in the control group (1.27 ng/mL [range: 1.07-1.37 ng/mL] vs 1.43 ng/mL [range: 1.27-1.59 ng/mL]; P < .001). According to the Markis classification, the extent of CAE was not correlated with A1AT levels (P = .41). Our results demonstrate an inverse relationship between serum A1AT levels and CAE. α1-antitrypsin is fundamental for the stability and integrity of the arterial wall. Lack of elastase inhibition in cases of A1ATD may contribute to ectasia formation by facilitating proteolysis and weakening the arterial wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the effects of individualized sensory integration interventions on the sensory processing functions of preterm infants. Thirty-four preterm infants (intervention group) at a corrected age of seven months and 34 term infants (control group) were included. The preterm infants underwent an eight-week sensory integration intervention. Before and after the intervention, the preterm infants' sensory processing functions were evaluated using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants and compared with those of term infants. Preterm infants had significantly poorer sensory processing function preintervention when compared with term infants. There was a significant improvement in preterm infants' sensory processing functions after the sensory integration intervention. In conclusion, preterm infants should be evaluated for sensory processing disorders and individualized sensory integration interventions should be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SYNTAX score II (SS II) uses 2 anatomical and 6 clinical variables for the prediction of mortality after coronary artery bypass graft and percutaneous coronary intervention. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial glucose (PPG), and SYNTAX Score (SS) and SS II in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease (CAD). We enrolled 215 consecutive diabetic patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent coronary angiography. The SS II was calculated using a nomogram that was based on the findings of a previous study. There was a moderate correlation between HbA1c and SS (r = .396, P < .001), but there was a good correlation between HbA1c and SS II (r = .535, P < .001). There was also a weak correlation between FBG (r = .270, P = .001), PPG (r = .177, P = .027), and SS, but there was a weak–moderate correlation between FBG (r = .341, P < .001), PPG (r = .256, P = .001), and SS II. A better correlation has been detected between HbA1c and SS II compared to the correlation between HbA1c and SS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We assessed the prognostic value of the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) on in-hospital and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in a large prospective study. Patients (n = 1938) admitted with acute STEMI within 12 hours of symptom onset and who underwent pPCI between January 2010 and January 2015 were followed up for 31.6 ± 16.2 months. During the in-hospital and long-term follow-up period, MACE, the prevalence of stent thrombosis, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and mortality were higher in the third PLR tertile group. A PLR in the third tertile had 2.4-fold increased risk of in-hospital MACE and 2.8-fold risk of long-term MACE. The PLR was significantly and positively correlated with peak creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) levels (r = 0.562, P < .001) and Gensini score (r = 0.408, P < .001). Kaplan-Meier analysis of long-term MACE-free survival revealed a higher occurrence of MACE in the third PLR tertile group compared to the other tertiles. In conclusion, the PLR may be a marker of inflammatory and prothrombotic status and predicted in-hospital and long-term MACE in a population with STEMI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Endocan is a surrogate endothelial dysfunction marker that may be associated with CV risk factors. In this study, we tested whether serum endocan is a biomarker for OSA. Serum endocan levels were measured at baseline in 40 patients with OSA and 40 healthy controls and after 3 months of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment in the patients with OSA. All participants were evaluated by full polysomnography. Flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) were measured in all participants. Endocan levels were significantly higher in patients with OSA than in healthy controls. After adjusting confounders, endocan was a good predictor of OSA. Endocan levels correlated with OSA severity (measured by the apnea–hypopnea index [AHI]). After 3 months of CPAP treatment, endocan levels significantly decreased. Endocan levels were significantly and independently correlated with cIMT and FMD after multiple adjustments. The cIMT and FMD also had significant and independent correlation with AHI. Endocan might be a useful marker for the predisposition of patients with OSA to premature vascular disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how a physical activity course based on the Trans-Contextual Model affected the variables of perceived autonomy support, autonomous motivation, determinants of leisure-time physical activity behavior, basic psychological needs satisfaction, and leisure-time physical activity behaviors. The participants were 70 Turkish university students (M age = 23.3 yr., SD = 3.2). A pre-test-post-test control group design was constructed. Initially, the participants were randomly assigned into an Experimental (n = 35) and a Control (n = 35) group. The Experimental group followed a 12 wk. trans-contextual model-based intervention. The participants were pre- and post-tested in terms of Trans-Contextual Model constructs and of self-reported leisure-time physical activity behaviors. Multivariate analyses showed significant increases over the 12wk. period for perceived autonomy support from instructor and peers, autonomous motivation in leisure-time physical activity setting, positive intention and perceived behavioral control over leisure-time physical activity behavior, more fulfillment of psychological needs, and more engagement in leisure-time physical activity behavior in the Experimental group. These results indicated that the intervention was effective in developing leisure-time physical activity and indicated that the Trans-Contextual Model is a useful way to conceptualize these relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relationship between baseline neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Consecutive patients diagnosed with STEMI (n = 691) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (p-PCI) were included in the study. The CIN was defined as an increase in serum creatinine concentration ≥25% over baseline at 48 hours. Both NLR and C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in the CIN group. There was a stronger correlation in patients with a known history of chronic kidney disease and in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Advanced age, DM, low baseline glomerular filtration rate, reduced postprocedural ST resolution, high amount of contrast media, high NLR, and low left ventricular ejection fraction were independent predictors of CIN. The NLR may be used as a simple and reliable indicator of CIN in patients with STEMI who underwent p-PCI. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Background:Rotator cuff tendinopathy (RCT) is a significant source of disability and loss of work. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has been suggested to be beneficial in the treatment of RCT.Purpose:To investigate the effect of PRP injections on pain and shoulder functions in patients with chronic RCT.Study Design:Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.Methods:A total of 40 patients, 18 to 70 years of age, with (1) a history of shoulder pain for >3 months during overhead-throwing activities, (2) MRI findings of RCT or partial tendon ruptures, and (3) a minimum 50% reduction in shoulder pain with subacromial injections of an anesthetic were included in this placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial. Patients were randomized into a PRP group (n = 20) or placebo group (n = 20). Patients received an ultrasound-guided injection into the subacromial space that contained either 5 mL of PRP prepared from autologous venous blood or 5 mL of saline solution. All patients underwent a 6-week standard exercise program. Outcome measures (Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index [WORC], Shoulder Pain and Disability Index [SPADI], 100-mm visual analog scale [VAS] of shoulder pain with the Neer test, and shoulder range of motion) were assessed at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 weeks and 1 year after injection.Results:Comparison of the patients revealed no significant difference between the groups in WORC, SPADI, and VAS scores at 1-year follow-up (P = .174, P = .314, and P = .904, respectively). Similar results were found at other assessment points. Within each group, the WORC, SPADI, and VAS scores showed significant improvements compared with baseline at all time points (P < .001). In the range of motion measures, there were no significant group × time interactions.Conclusion:At 1-year follow-up, a PRP injection was found to be no more effective in improving quality of life, pain, disability, and shoulder range of motion than placebo in patients with chronic RCT who were treated with an exercise program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated whether an increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and brachial artery IMT (bIMT) are related to diffuse coronary involvement rather than focal lesions. Patients (n = 88) with at least 1 significant lesion of the main epicardial coronary arteries (≥50%) were included in the present study. We used a novel score based on length and mean narrowing of all lesions in order to predict diffuse coronary involvement. Both cIMT and bIMT were higher in patients with long coronary lesion than focal lesion (P < .001). The patients with long coronary lesion had a higher rate of total coronary involvement than patients with focal lesion (P < .001). The cIMT had a higher correlation with total atherosclerotic burden in the coronary vasculature (r = .495, P < .001) and the longest lesion length (r = .489, P < .001) than cardiovascular risk factor score (r = .453, P < .001 and r = .324, P = .012, respectively). These findings may be valuable for clarifying the prognostic value of IMT measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article presents a study to identify the intermediate-term results of medial meniscal tears repaired with single or double vertical sutures meniscal tissue is essential for load transmission, shock absorption, joint stability, and joint lubrication of the knee. The results indicated that single or double vertical sutures using the inside-out technique provide a high rate of healing in longitudinal medial meniscal tears.

The purpose of this study was to compare the levels of physical activity, exercise stages of change, and perceptions of neighborhood walkability among Turkish women who were living in low and high socio-economic (SES) environments. The participants included 188 women in low SES and 206 in high SES environments, between the ages of 18 and 65 years. The Low SES group had a higher rate of inactivity, and relative to the High SES group, was less likely to rate the neighborhood environment as promoting and supportive of physical activity. Intervention programs for women living in low SES areas should be developed and administered while taking the level of physical activity, exercise stages of change, and perceptions of neighborhood walkability into consideration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]