The effect of the training provided to primiparous pregnant women based on the model on pregnancy risk perception and health literacy.

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of health education based on the health belief model (HBM) on the perception of risk in pregnancy and health literacy in primiparous pregnant women to maintain and improve their health. The study was carried out with 82 pregnant women who were in the second trimester. The number of samples was calculated using the G-Power program version 3.1.7. The number of samples was found 44 for the education group and 44 for the control group with a confidence interval of 95 percent, a margin of error of 5 percent, a large Cohen d effect size value (0.5), and a power of 80 percent. Randomization was performed using the envelope method to determine the interventional and control groups. The training prepared in line with the SIM was presented to the participants in the education group. 2 sessions per week, a total of 4 times. "Personal Information Form," Health Literacy Scale (HLS), and Perception of Pregnancy Risk Questionnaire (PPRQ) were used as data collection tools. The mean of the risk perception of the pregnant toward the baby posttest score was 9.95 ± 13.30 in the education group, and 23.35 ± 21.41 in the control group (p = .001). The mean health literacy scale posttest score was 103.52 ± 19.77 in the education group and 93.5 ± 19.02 in the control group, and it was found to be statistically significantly higher in the health literacy education group than in the control group (p = .027). This study found that educating pregnant women using the health belief model reduces their risk perception and boosts their degree of health literacy.

The attitude towards Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries Questionnaire: a Turkish validity and reliability study.

BACKGROUND: The attitudes of nurses should be measured using valid and reliable tools to develop effective nursing care strategies for the prevention of medical device-related pressure injuries and to organize necessary training programs. PURPOSE: This study was planned to conduct the Turkish validity and reliability study of the Attitude towards Medical Device-Related Pressure Ulcers/Injuries Questionnaire (MDRPU/I Questionnaire (the English-language version)) in nurses. METHODS: This methodological study included 134 nurses working in hospitals of different sizes and characteristics (public hospitals, training and research hospitals, and university hospitals) in Turkey. The validity and reliability of the Attitude Towards Medical Device-Related Pressure Injuries (MDRPI Questionnaire (the Turkish-language version)) Questionnaire were tested using language validity, content validity, face validity, construct validity, and reliability analyses. RESULTS: The final version of the questionnaire had a content validity index of 98.03%, sufficient construct validity, and a Cronbach α value of 0.92 for the total questionnaire. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the MDRPI Questionnaire is valid, reliable, and suitable for measuring the attitudes of nurses in Turkey toward the prevention and care of medical device-related pressure injuries.

Adaptation of the Prenatal Comfort Scale into Turkish: A Validity and Reliability Study.

AIM: This study aims to test the validity and the reliability of the Turkish version of the Prenatal Comfort Scale. METHOD: The sample of this methodological study included 260 pregnant women presenting to a prenatal screening outpatient clinic. The Prenatal Comfort Scale included 15 items and 5 subscales. Internal consistency analysis, item-total score correlations, and confirmatory factor analysis with Lisrel (8.51) were used to test the reliability of the scale. RESULTS: The internal consistency Cronbach's alpha value was .86 for the Prenatal Comfort Scale and .78, .79, .82, .69, and .60 for the subscales. The item-total score correlation coefficients ranged from .32 to .66 (r = .32-.66). A factor analysis was made to evaluate consistency between the Turkish version of the scale and the original scale. The second item loaded on interacting with fetal movements in the original scale was found to load on recognizing changes during pregnancy in the Turkish version of the scale. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the Prenatal Comfort Scale was found to have sufficient compatibility. It is also a valid and reliable scale.

The adaptation of the Postpartum-Specific Anxiety Scale into the Turkish language.

Background: The Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS) is used as a descriptive instrument to measure anxiety. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the PSAS. Study Design: The study is of methodological design. Methods: The study was conducted with 360 women who had given birth four months ago and presented at a Family Health Center. The validity analysis of the data was performed using the content validity index, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, reliability analysis, Pearson's Moments Multiplication Correlation and Cronbach's Alpha Coefficient of Reliability. Correlation analysis, Cronbach's alpha analysis, and exploratory/confirmatory factor analysis were used in the evaluation of the data. Results: To assess the consistency of the scale over time, test-retest measurements were taken in a two-week interval. In the analysis of the internal consistency of the PSAS, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of reliability was .90 for maternal competence and attachment anxieties, .89 for infant safety and welfare anxieties, .83 for practical infant care anxieties, .83 for psychosocial adjustment to motherhood, and .94 for the overall scale. Conclusion: Our study has demonstrated that the Turkish version of the scale is a valid and reliable tool to use.

The effectiveness of an exercise intervention in reducing the severity of postpartum depression: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: This study aims to identify the effectiveness of an exercise program in reducing the severity of postnatal depression in women who had a spontaneous vaginal delivery. DESIGN AND METHODS: This randomized control trial was conducted with 65 postpartum women residing in a city located in south-eastern Turkey. In the first postpartum month, following random assignment of subjects, the experimental group (n = 40) performed exercises for 4 weeks, and the control group (n = 40) received standard care. The participating women were administered the Edinburgh postpartum depression scale. FINDINGS: The average age of the participants was 28.90 ± 4.83 (min:19, max:40). Pretest mean depression scores of the exercises (16.41 ± 1.61) and control group (15.74 ± 2.35) were found to be similar, and there were no statistically significant differences (P > .05). After the 4-week exercise program, a statistically significant difference was found between the posttest mean scores of the exercises (7.29 ± 1.67) and control (12.54 ± 2.65) group participants. Pretest mean scores were found to be similar, and there were no statistically significant differences (Z = -6.501, P = .001). CONCLUSION: The 4-week exercise program was found to be an effective method in decreasing the severity of depressive symptoms experienced in the postpartum period. Nurses and midwives providing care in the postpartum period are recommended to provide women in this period with exercise training. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Postpartum depression is a specific psychological disorder in which preventive interventions might lead to dramatic benefits. Exercises done in the postpartum period are reported to enable psychosocial well-being, less anxiety, and depression.

The effects of psychoeducation based on the cognitive-behavioral approach on premenstrual syndrome symptoms: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the effects of psychoeducation based on a cognitive-behavioral approach on premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms in young adult women. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was performed as a randomized controlled trial. The sample size was identified as 90 (45 intervention group/45 control group) students. The psychoeducation intervention consisted of five sessions performed over a 4-week period. FINDINGS: There was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest total mean scores of the intervention group that received psychoeducation (P < .05). There was also a significant difference in depressive thoughts, irritability, and fatigue mean scores between the two groups (P < .05). PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The use of this approach and its inclusion in nursing care interventions is recommended to reduce PMS symptoms in young adult women.

The effects of acupressure and foot massage on pain during heel lancing in neonates: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of foot massage and acupressure on pain during heel lancing in neonates. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was performed in a university hospital in Turkey between February and December 2018. The neonates were randomized into three groups as acupressure, massage, and control groups. Acupressure was applied to the neonates in the acupressure group, and massage was given to the neonates in the massage group for 2 min before the heel lancing procedure. Pain responses of the neonates in the groups was evaluated with the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale during and 1 min after the heel lancing procedure. RESULTS: The study was completed with 139 neonates including 46 neonates in the acupressure group, 47 neonates in the foot massage group, and 46 neonates in the control group. There were statistically significant differences between the acupressure, massage and control groups in terms of their mean NIPS scores during (4.30 ±â€¯2.25, 3.95 ±â€¯2.63, 6.04 ±â€¯1.26; respectively) and 1 min after the heel lancing procedure (1.46 ±â€¯1.46, 1.66 ±â€¯1.66, 3.85 ±â€¯1.37; respectively). There was a significant difference in NIPS scores between the intervention groups and the control groups (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Acupressure and massage were effective in reducing pain in neonates during the heel lancing procedure. However, there was no statistically significant difference between acupressure and massage. Acupressure and massage techniques can be applied for procedural pain management in the newborn.

Do university students' personality traits affect their attitudes towards gender roles?

PURPOSE: Attitudes of individuals towards gender roles may be affected by their experiences such as personality traits. This study is to identify the relationship between university students' personality traits and their attitudes towards gender roles. DESIGN AND METHODS: This cross-sectional was conducted with 301 university students between November 2018 and January 2019. FINDINGS: The students who had introverted personality traits had traditional attitudes according to the egalitarian gender role subscale (P < 0.05). Students who had neurotic personality trait had more traditional attitudes according to the female, marriage, traditional, and male gender role subscales (P < 0.05). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It may be advisable to enable students with an introverted and neurotic personality to develop an egalitarian attitude towards gender roles through women health nursing and psychiatric nursing studies.

The effect of relaxation exercises on sleep quality in pregnant women in the third trimester: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of relaxation exercises on subjective sleep quality of in third-trimester pregnant women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The pretest posttest randomized controlled trial recruited 84 pregnant women in the third trimester. Following random assignment of subjects, the treatment group (n = 46) performed relaxation exercises for four weeks and the control group (n = 46) received standart cares. At baseline and after the intervention sleep quality was assessed. Data obtained were analyzed in SPSS. RESULTS: The mean score of the global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was 7.12 ±â€¯3.66. It was determined that relaxation exercises improved some sleep quality subscales including subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration and habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbances, daytime dysfunction and global sleep quality. The difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: A four -week compact disc guide relaxation exercises program can be effective in improving sleep quality.

Attitudes of midwifery and nursing students in a Turkish university toward lesbians and gay men and opinions about healthcare approaches.

Lesbians and gay men are subjected to negative attitudes and poor quality health care by midwives in the process of having children and by nurses in the process of receiving general health care services. Our aim was to investigate midwifery and nursing students' attitudes towards lesbians and gay men and their opinions about health care approaches displayed towards them. The study was designed as a cross-sectional and descriptive one and conducted in one midwifery and two nursing schools in a city in Turkey and comprised 1321 students. To assess the participants' attitudes, the Attitudes toward Lesbians and Gays (ATLG) Scale was used. To assess opinions about health care approaches, the students were asked open-ended questions. All the participating students' attitude scores were below the average and they exhibited negative attitudes towards lesbians and gays. While very few of the participants had positive views about health care given to, most of them either had negative views or did not have any opinions. The midwifery students' attitudes were more positive than were those of the nursing students. Students' health care approaches towards lesbians and gay men were insufficient and negative. Educators need to develop training programs, which can help students gain cultural awareness of the health care needs of lesbians and gay men in different cultures before they graduate.

Development of topical hydrogels of terbinafine hydrochloride and evaluation of their antifungal activity.

The purpose of this study was to prepare hydrogels and microemulsion (ME)-based gel formulations containing 1% terbinafine hydrochloride (TER-HCL) and to evaluate the use of these formulations for the antifungal treatment of fungal infections. Three different hydrogel formulations were prepared using chitosan, Carbopol® 974 and Natrosol® 250 polymers. A pseudo-ternary phase diagram was constructed, and starting from ME formulation, a ME gel form containing 1% Carbopol 974 was prepared. We also examined the characteristic properties of the prepared hyrogels. The physical stability of hydrogels and the ME -based gels were evaluated after storage at different temperatures for a period of 3 months. The release of TER-HCL from the gels and the commercial product (Lamisil®) was carried out by using a standard dialysis membrane in phosphate buffer (pH 5.2) at 32 °C. The results of the in vitro release study showed that the Natrosol gel released the highest amount of drug, followed by Carbopol gel, chitosan gel, commercial product, and the microoemulsion-based gel in that order. In vitro examination of antifungal activity revealed that all the prepared and commercial products were effective against Candida parapsilosis, Penicillium, Aspergillus niger and Microsporum. These results indicate that the Natrosol®-based hydrogel is a good candidate for the topical delivery of TER-HCL.

Candida albicans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion on soft contact lenses.

BACKGROUND: In this study it was aimed to determine the adherence of Pseudomonas and Candida to contact lens surfaces, and to determine the difference in adherence between five contact lens types. Biofilm-negative control strains were also used to emphasize the difference between biofilm-positive and biofilm-negative strains in adherence. METHODS: Five different soft contact lenses were used to investigate the adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans strains. P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, P. aeruginosa ATCC 10145, C.albicans ATCC 10231 standard strains and C. albicans clinical isolate were included in the study. Slime formation was investigated by two methods; modified Christensen macrotube method, and a modified microtiter plate test. P. aeruginosa and C. albicans slime formation on soft contact lenses was studied in adherence and separation phases. Pseudomonas and Candida suspensions were serially diluted and inoculated to blood agar and sabouraud dextrose agar surfaces respectively. After overnight incubation, the colonies were counted. Sterile unworn contact lenses were used as negative controls, and bacterial and fungal culture suspensions were used as positive controls. The experiments were conducted in three parallel series. RESULTS: The number of adherent Pseudomonas was as follows from high to low in polymacon, etafilcon A, hilafilcon, ocufilcon and lotrafilcon contact lenses respectively. However, the number of adherent yeast were determined higher in lotrafilcon and ocufilcon contact lenses, followed by hilafilcon, etafilcon A and polymacon contact lenses. Biofilm-negative Pseudomonas ATCC standard strain and Candida clinical isolate were used to confirm that the number of adherent cells were lower than the biofilm-positive ones. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that in addition to the contact lens properties, the microorganisms themselves and their interactions with the lens material also play an important role in adherence.

Effect of different finishing techniques for restorative materials on surface roughness and bacterial adhesion.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The formation of biofilm and bacterial accumulation on dental materials may lead to the development of gingival inflammation and secondary caries. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different surface finishing and polishing methods on surface roughness and the adhesion of S. mutans bacteria to 2 new-generation indirect composite resins, 1 direct composite resin, and 1 ceramic material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty specimens (10 x 10 x 2 mm) of each material, indirect composite resins (SR Adoro, Estenia), direct composite resin (Tetric), and a ceramic material (VITABLOCS Mark II), were fabricated. Specimens were divided into 4 groups (n=10) that were treated with 1 of the following 4 surface finishing techniques: diamond rotary cutting instrument, sandpaper discs (Sof-Lex), silicone-carbide rubber points (Shofu), or a felt wheel with diamond paste. Surface roughness was measured with a profilometer. Test specimens were covered with artificial saliva and mucin to produce pellicle. Bacterial suspension (10(9) CFU/ml) was then added to the pellicle-coated specimens, and bacterial adhesion was determined using a confocal laser microscope and image analyzing program. Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey HSD test, Pearson correlation, and regression analysis (alpha=.05). RESULTS: The highest surface roughness values were recorded in SR Adoro and diamond rotary cutting instrument groups. The lowest vital S. mutans adhesion was seen in the ceramic group and in SR Adoro indirect composite resin (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial adhesion to indirect composite resin materials differed from that to ceramic material after surface treatments. A positive correlation was observed between surface roughness and the vital S. mutans adhesion.

Comparison of olive oil and dry-clean keeping methods in umbilical cord care as microbiological.

The application of olive oil is one of the traditional practices used in umbilical cord care in Turkey. The study was conducted experimentally, so as to compare microbiologically the efficacy of olive oil use and keeping the stump dry. Data were obtained using a personal information form and an omphalitis follow-up form, as well as from cultures taken from the infants' umbilical cords. Cultures were taken from the neonates' umbilical cords at three different times. The Pearson chi-square test, student t test, percentages, and averages were used for statistical data analysis. The average time for separation is 9.46 days. For the control group, this period is 9.8 days, while for the study group, it is 9.1, lacking a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). However, when the cut-off point for umbilical cord detachment is set at 10 days, the cords of 71.6% of the neonates in the study group, compared with 55.6% of the control group, are observed to have separated before 10 days, representing a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.05). In all of the cultures collected, growth was noted in 35.9% of the study group and 33.3% of the control group. The correlation between the method used for the care of the cord and the total culture results was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Olive oil can be used in the umbilical cord care of neonates under appropriate conditions; we recommended that this investigation be repeated on expanded sample groups.

A study of 3-substituted benzylidene-1,3-dihydro-indoline derivatives as antimicrobial and antiviral agents.

3-Substituted benzylidene-1,3-dihydro-indoline derivatives were tested for their in vitro antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and the Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and for their their in vitro antifungal activity against Candida krusei and Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined by the 2-fold serial dilution technique in Mueller Hinton broth and Sabouraud dextrose agar using antibacterial and antifungal assays, respectively. For comparison of the antimicrobial activity, rifampicin, ampicillin trihydrate, gentamicin sulfate, and ofloxacin were used as reference antibacterial agents, and fluconazole and amphotericin B were employed as reference antifungal agents. The most active compound 10 showed notable inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida krusei. Compounds 1 and 6 were found slightly effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. In addition, compounds 13 and 14 showed inhibition against Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. Indole derivatives were also tested in vitro for replication of the HepAD38 cell line and compared with lamivudine (3TC, L-2',3'-dideoxy-3'-thiacytidine). The IC50 values of the compounds were found to be >1000 microM against HBV except for compound 13 which exhibited activity with an IC50 value of 500 microM.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and 2D-QSAR analysis of benzoxazoles as antimicrobial agents.

A new series of 5(or 6)-nitro/amino-2-(substituted phenyl/benzyl)benzoxazole derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial and antifungal activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans and their drug-resistant isolate. Microbiological results indicated that the synthesized compounds possessed a broad spectrum of activity against the tested microorganisms at MIC values between > 400 and 12.5 microg/ml. The results against B. subtilis, P. aeruginosa, drug-resistant B. subtilis, drug-resistant E. coli, and C. albicans isolate for these kinds of structures are quite encouraging. The 2D-QSAR analysis of a set of newly and previously synthesized benzoxazoles tested for growth inhibitory activity against B. subtilis ATCC 6633 was performed by using the multivariable regression analysis. The activity contributions for substituent effects of these compounds were determined from the correlation equation for predictions of the lead optimization.

The efficiency of Viscum album ssp. album and Hypericum perforatum on human immune cells in vitro.

Viscum album L. ssp. album and Hypericum perforatum L. are used for the treatment of different diseases. In this study, the effects of these herbals on immune cells were assessed in vitro. The phagocytosis, candidacidal activity of neutrophils and adhesion function of epithelial cells were investigated. Also, the expression of the surface markers of lymphocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. It was observed that V. album ssp. album increased phagocytic activity and candidacidal activity of neutrophils and decreased adhesion function of epithelial cells. We also observed that in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated by Viscum album L. ssp. album the levels of CD4(+)CD25(+) and CD8(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD69 expressions in the activated T lymphocytes and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) NK cells increased compared to the cells that were not stimulated by this herbal. Whereas CD4(+)CD25(+), CD8(+)CD25(+) T cells, CD 69 expression and CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) Natural killer cells did not show any significant differences with the presence of Hypericum perforatum L. compared to the control group. Hypericum perforatum L. increased candidacidal activity of neutrophils and decreased adhesion function of epithelial cells. In the light of these findings, it is considered that these extracts may be used as an adjuvant treatment option for immune activation in immunosuppressed patients.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of new 1,2,4-triazole and 1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives.

In this study, new 3-[(1(2H)-phthalazinone-2-yl(methyl/ethyl]-4-aryl-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione and 2-[[1(2H)-phthalazinone-2-yl]methyl/ethyl]-5-arylamino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivatives were synthesized. Antimicrobial properties of the title compounds were investigated against two Gram (+) bacteria (S. aureus, B. subtilis), two Gram ( - ) bacteria (P. aeruginosa, E. coli) and two yeast-like fungi (C. albicans and C. parapsilosis) using the broth microdilution method. Generally the compounds were found to be active against B. subtilis and the fungi. Derivatives carrying a 1,3,4-thiadiazole ring generally showed higher antimicrobial activity against B. subtilis and the fungi when compared to other synthesized compounds.

Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, pharmacophore analysis of some new 2-(substitutedphenyl/benzyl)-5-[(2-benzofuryl)carboxamido]benzoxazoles.

The synthesis and antimicrobial activity of a new series of 2-(substitutedphenyl/benzyl)-5-[(2-benzofuryl)carboxamido]benzoxazole derivatives 3-12 were described. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the compounds was determined against some Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and fungi and their drug-resistant isolates in comparison with standard drugs. Antimicrobial results indicated that the synthesized compounds possessed a broad spectrum of activity with MIC values 500-15.625 microg/ml. In the series, the most active compound against Candida krusei and Candida albicans isolate is 8 with MIC value 31.25 microg/ml. However, it is one dilution less potent than the compared fluconazole. Some of the screened compounds exhibit significant activity, having MIC value as 31.25 microg/ml in Pseudomonas aeruginosa having same activity as Rifampicin. Furthermore, considering the worth of developing new antibacterial agents against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa the present study explores the structure-activity relationship analysis of 2-(substitutedphenyl/benzyl)-5-[(2-benzofuryl)carboxamido]benzoxazoles using 3D-common features pharmacophore hypotheses approach.

Synthesis and biological activity of some new benzoxazoles.

The synthesis and antimicrobial activity of a new series of 5-ethylsulphonyl-2-(substituted-phenyl/substituted-benzyl and/or phenylethyl)benzoxazole derivatives (3a-3t) except 3a, 3g, 3h, 3k [R.S. Pottorf, N.K. Chadha, M. Katkevies, V. Ozola, E. Suna, H. Ghane, T. Regberg, M.R. Player, Tetrahedron Lett. 44 (1) (2003) 175] were described. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the compounds was determined against some Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria, a fungi Candida albicans and their drug-resistant isolates in comparison with standard drugs. Antimicrobial results indicated that the synthesized compounds possessed a broad spectrum of activity with MIC values 250-7.81 microg/ml. While all compounds are less potent than fluconazole against C. albicans, most of them are more potent than fluconazole against C. albicans isolate.