Reliability and validity of the Suicide Cognitions Scale-Revised (SCS-R) in emerging adulthood in Turkey.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) are a significant public health problem. This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Suicide Cognitions Scale-Revised (SCS-R). Participants (N = 442, age range: 18-29 years) completed the SCS-R, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Inventory of Statements About Self-injury, the Suicide Probability Scale, and the Suicide Rumination Scale. Principal component analysis showed that the SCS-R consisted of a single factor and that the SCS-R could differentiate between participants at high risk and low risk of suicide. High-to-moderate positive associations were found between the measures of depression, suicide probability, suicide rumination, and non-suicidal self-injury and suicide cognition. The Turkish version of the SCS-R has good psychometric properties. This scale can be used to screen for cognitive patterns that are most prone to suicide and to manage such cognitive characteristics, which are important steps for preventive interventions.

Does Gender Really Matter: Childhood Trauma, Trait Anger, and Suicide Risk in Early Adulthood.

Background: Previous studies have reported mixed findings regarding gender differences in suicidal behavior. This discrepancy may be partly attributable to common predictors of suicide risk, such as childhood trauma and anger, and may also be independent of gender. Objectives: The present study investigated gender differences in the impact of childhood trauma and current trait anger on suicide risk, in a group of young Turkish adults. We hypothesized that trait anger would mediate the association between childhood trauma and suicide risk, independently of gender. Participants and Setting: Participants were 589 university students (84.3% women) aged 18-34 years (M = 21.43, SD = 1.82). Methods: Gender group differences in suicide risk, history of childhood trauma, and trait anger as well as possible covariates (i.e., self-rated socio-economic status and academic performance) were assessed. Possible predictors of suicide risk in gender groups were examined. The role of trait anger as a mediator of the relationship between childhood trauma and suicide risk was also examined. Results: Results showed that men reported a higher suicide risk, history of childhood trauma, and trait anger than women. Early childhood trauma and current trait anger scores were significant predictors of suicide risk in both gender groups. Trait anger significantly mediated the relationship between early trauma history and risk for suicide, independently of gender. Conclusions: Study findings support early reports of the effects of childhood trauma and trait anger on suicide risk. It was suggested that preventive interventions for suicidal behavior and monitoring risk groups with aggressive tendencies and childhood trauma history may be important.

Evaluation of the Effect of Ethyl Acrylate-Methyl Methacrylate Copolymer in Racecadotril Dispersible Tablet.

Objectives: Racecadotril is an anti-diarrheal drug that has the indication to reduce the secretion of water and electrolytes into the intestine. It has an unpleasant taste, when administered orally. The presenting study developed a pharmaceutical racecadotril dispersible tablet, which masked the unpleasent taste using wet granulation method. For this reason, the effect of the number of ethylacrylate-methylmethacrylate copolymers (Eudragit® NE 30D) in taste masking and in vitro dissolution of the finished product was investigated. Materials and Methods: Taste-masked racecadotril granules were prepared using Eudragit® NE 30D and the ratio between the amounts of racecadotril and Eudragit® NE 30D involved in the formulation was optimized. The products obtained in the dispersible tablet dosage form were evaluated in terms of taste and in vitro dissolution studies. In vitro dissolution profiles of the products obtained in this study were compared with reference product Tiorfan® granules for oral suspension manufactured by Bioprojet Pharma (Paris, France). A method of apparatus II (paddle), 900 mL, pH 4.5 acetate buffer + 1% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and 100 rpm at 37.0 ± 0.5°C was adopted. Results: Results of the studies have shown that the formulation should have Eudragit® NE 30D higher than 1% by weight of racecadotril to satisfy the taste-masking ability and the formulation should have Eudragit® NE 30D equal or lower than 10% by weight of racecadotril to have better release characteristic to be compatible with reference product. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that a chemically long-term stable racecadotril dispersible tablet product, whose taste is efficiently masked using wet granulation method with an acceptable release profile was obtained with Eudragit® NE 30D ratio higher than 1% and equal or lower than 10% by weight of racecadotril. The developed formulation can increase patient compliance.

Neurogenic stunned myocardium in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Neurogenic myocardial injury occurs as a result of dysregulation of autonomic nervous system. The aim of this study was to explore the frequency of elevated troponin and dynamic ST segment/T wave changes and their relation with left ventricular (LV) systolic functions in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five patients (mean age: 65.1±15.2years, 76 male) presenting with acute ischemic stroke were consecutively included. 12-lead electrocardiogram was taken to assess dynamic ST segment/T wave changes, conventional transthoracic echocardiography to determine LV ejection fraction (LVEF). High-sensitive cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) level>0.04ng/mL was accepted as elevated. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients (21.6%) had elevated hs-cTnI and 60 patients (48%) had dynamic ST segment/T wave changes. The stroke patients with elevated hs-cTnI had significantly higher NT-proBNP values (2302±3450pg/mL vs 799±2075pg/mL p<0.001) and higher frequency of ST segment/T wave changes (85.2% vs 37.8% p<0.001), and lower LVEF (52.2±13.6% vs 61.0±8.5% p=0.002) compared to patients with normal troponin levels. The patients with ST segment/T wave changes had significantly higher frequencies of hyper-lipidemia (31.7% vs 15.4% p=0.031) and coronary artery disease (CAD) (43.3% vs 13.8% p<0.001), hs-cTnI (0.19±0.55ng/mL vs 0.02±0.01ng/mL p<0.001) and NT-proBNP levels (1430±2564pg/mL vs 842±2425pg/mL p=0.016), and lower LVEF (56.1±11.7% vs 61.9±8.3% p=0.009). Linear regression analysis revealed presence of CAD, but not ST segment/T wave changes as an independent predictor of hs-cTnI (p=0.034). LVEF was independently associated with hs-cTnI (p=0.003) and presence of CAD (p=0.009) when adjusted by age, sex and presence of ST segment/T wave changes. CONCLUSION: Troponin elevation and ST segment/T wave changes occurring in patients suffering acute ischemic stroke, especially in those with CAD, may be a sign of neurogenic stunned myocardium.

Health anxiety During COVID-19: Predictive Roles of Health Promoting Behaviors and Sensory Processing Sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE: The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in major changes in daily life and economic conditions while heightening physical and mental health problems, including health anxiety. Health authorities and elected officials have encouraged individuals to engage in health behaviors. Perceptions of and reactions to these changes could be subject to individual differences. In this line, the current study investigated the predictive roles of health promoting behaviors, sensory processing sensitivity, and their interactions with health anxiety.Design and measures: In this cross-sectional study, 355 participants (73% female, 25.9% male) whose ages range from 19 to 72 (M = 25.91, SD = 9.80) filled out self-reported measures on health promoting behaviors, sensory processing sensitivity, and health anxiety via an online platform between April and May 2020. RESULTS: It was revealed that caring for a healthy diet, taking responsibility for health and sensory processing sensitivity, but not physical activity and stress management, were associated with health anxiety. Diagnoses and perceptions of physical and mental health problems also contributed to health anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Individuals with higher levels of sensory processing sensitivity and health responsibility were more likely to experience higher levels of health anxiety, while typical physical activities and stress management behaviors were less likely to have an impact during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results highlight the importance of having a healthy diet and the need for pandemic-specific interventions for stress management and sport activities.

Predictors of Concomitant Coronary Artery Disease and Major Cardiovascular Events in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke share the same risk factors. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore the prevalence and predictors of concomitant CAD in acute ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: One hundred and five patients (64.3 ± 15.0 years, 61 male) presenting with acute ischemic stroke documented by neuroimaging were consecutively included. All patients were carefully evaluated to determine their cardiovascular disease risk scores. The patients who had been previously shown to have ≥50% stenosis in at least one of the major coronary arteries by coronary angiography were grouped as CAD patients. RESULTS: Of the 105 stroke patients, 27 patients had documented concomitant CAD. The stroke patients with CAD had higher cardiovascular risk scores and troponin I levels and carotid plaques were more prevalent. ROC analysis determined cut-off values as ≥22% for Framingham Heart Study Risk Score, ≥0.05 ng/mL for Troponin I, and ≥0.80 mm for carotid artery intima-media thickness to predict concomitant CAD. During 6 months of follow-up, among the 78 stroke patients without documented CAD, 16 patients had experienced major cardiovascular events including myocardial infarction, recurrent stroke, or cardiovascular death. These patients had higher Framingham Heart Study Risk Score and high-sensitive C reactive protein levels. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests stroke patients with higher Framingham Heart Study Risk Score and troponin I levels and carotid plaques be further investigated for the presence of concomitant CAD.

Posterior Wall Defect of Sacrum: An Anatomical Study of Sacral Spina Bifida.

AIM: To investigate the incidence, types, morphological and morphometric properties of spina bifida on dry sacral bones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 110 dry adult sacrums gathered from the bone collections of the Laboratory of the Anatomy Department of Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine were examined. The parameters analysed were: 1) results of parameters related to the posterior sacral wall; 2) classification and rate of the closure defects; 3) classification of the top sacral vertebrae according to the shape of its superior surface; 4) presence of sacralisation and lumbalisation among sacrums with dorsal wall defects; 5) vertebral levels of apex of the sacral hiatus; and 6) vertebral levels of closure defects of the sacrums. RESULTS: We determined 22/110 (20%) sacrums demonstrated spina bifida. Of these 22 sacrums, 4 (18.18%) showed complete and 18 (81.82%) showed incomplete spina bifida. We noted the coexistence of spina bifida with sacralisation (6/22 [27.27%]) and lumbalisation (5/22 [22.73%]). The types of defects were described and grouped as ?V? (Type 1), inverse ?V? (Type 2), window (Type 3), foramen (hole) (Type 4), sand watch (Type 5), narrow linear (Type 6), wide linear (Type 7), and bridged (Type 8). The shape of upper surfaces of the sacrums with spina bifida was grouped as: cavity (20/22, 90.9%), hump (1/22, 4.5%), and flat (1/22, 4.5%). CONCLUSION: A precise definition of the anatomical variations of sacrums is essential for surgeons, particularly when operating using endoscopic techniques and for anaesthesiologists applying caudal epidural block.

Anatomical and Radiological Investigation of Dry Bone Adult Mandibles Having Impacted Third Molar Teeth.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of the impacted mandibular third molars in dry bones adult mandibles. METHODS: The 198 dry bones adult mandibles gathered from the bone collections in Laboratory of the Anatomy Department of Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine were macroscopically examined for the presence of impacted mandibular third molars. The genders of the adult bones were unknown. The adult mandibles having impacted third molars were photographed with Canon 400B (55 mm objective). The mandibles having impacted third molars were also radiographically examined with orthopantomography (a dental radiographic technique, kV 60, mA 2.0) in radiology unit of Faculty of Dentistry, Ege University. The impacted teeth were grouped according to their position and degree of impaction. RESULTS: The each of 2 of 198 adult mandibles (2/198; 1.01%) was having an impacted 3rd molar teeth. These 2 molar teeth were belonged to class 1, B and partially buried, vertically oriented. The first impacted 3rd molar teeth was located on the left side of the one mandible and the second one on the right side of the other mandible. CONCLUSION: The present study provides information about impacted mandibular 3rd molar in dry bones.