Examining posttraumatic growth among Turkish family caregivers of cancer patients.

Cancer is a deadly disease that affects millions of people worldwide and is a source of great difficulty, stress, and trauma not only for patients but also for their caregivers. The physical and emotional suffering that patients experience by patients can lead their caregivers to cope with constant anxiety, sadness, and uncertainty. Moreover, during the cancer treatment process, caregivers must make a great effort to meet the needs of patients and support them. This situation may negatively affect the quality of life and psychological health of cancer patients' caregivers and may lead them to experience trauma. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to examine posttraumatic growth's relationship with age, the transformative power of suffering, and hope in family caregivers of cancer patients. Participants consisted of 314 Turkish family caregivers of cancer patients (73.2% women; Mage = 39.89 years) selected by using convenience sampling method. Participants answered a data collection tool consisting of a demographic information form, the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Trait Hope Scale, and Transformative Power of Suffering Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient analysis, simple mediation analysis, and moderated mediation analysis. The results of this study revealed that hope mediated the association between the transformative power of suffering and posttraumatic growth in family caregivers of cancer patients, whereas age moderated this relationship. Psychosocial support programs for cancer caregivers could benefit from incorporating interventions that explore the transformative potential of suffering and cultivate hope. Tailoring these interventions to address the specific needs of different age groups may enhance their effectiveness. Future researchers should investigate the factors associated with posttraumatic growth in caregivers across diverse cultures, age ranges, and cancer diagnoses.

Interdependent stigma of seeking mental health services: Examining a new scale across eight countries/regions.

Although the presence of mental health stigma associated with seeking help has been demonstrated in many parts of the world, this work has largely been from an independent perspective (i.e., "I will be perceived as crazy") rather than from an interdependent perspective (i.e., "My family will be viewed negatively"). Interdependent stigma of seeking help (i.e., the extent to which people believe their family would be devalued and shamed if they seek psychological help) may be an important type of stigma that has not been assessed. Based on self-construal theory, the present study sought to develop and evaluate the psychometric properties of an Interdependent Stigma of Seeking Help (ISSH) scale in eight different countries and regions (i.e., Australia, Brazil, Germany, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Türkiye, the UAE, the United States). Findings suggest that the psychometric properties of the eight-item ISSH are adequate for research purposes (a unidimensional scale with full invariance and internal consistency estimates from .84 to .94). The ISSH was moderately related to other measures of stigma and psychological distress. Some differences in the relationship with specific outcomes by country and region were found, and there were notable country differences in the latent mean levels of ISSH, with Hong Kong and Taiwan having the highest means, and Australia, the United States, and Brazil having the lowest levels. Results suggest that the ISSH could be used to help clarify the complex relationships between stigma and other variables of interest and might be useful in developing culturally relevant interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Predictors of Couple Burnout among Turkish Married Individuals.

Couple burnout has been linked to several negative consequences for both individuals and couples. Identifying the factors that predict couple burnout is essential for developing effective interventions to prevent or lessen its detrimental impact on marital relationships. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate sociodemographic factors, relationship self-efficacy, happiness, and self-compassion as predictors of couple burnout in Turkish married individuals. A convenient sample of 401 married individuals completed a questionnaire that comprised a Personal Information Form, Couple Burnout Measure-Short Version, Relationship Self-Efficacy Scale, Self-Compassion Scale, and Single-Item Happiness Scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's product-moment correlation analysis, linear multiple regression analysis, and relative importance analyses. The results of this study suggest that being women, having a higher number of offspring, and lower levels of relationship self-efficacy, self-compassion, and happiness were significant positive predictors of couple burnout among married individuals. The type of marriage, monthly income, and duration of marriage were not significant predictors of couple burnout. Moreover, the results of the relative importance analyses consistently demonstrated that happiness was the strongest predictor of couple burnout among married individuals. The research findings demonstrate the multidimensional nature of couple burnout and provide a more nuanced understanding of its predictive factors. These results have potential implications for the development of evidence-based and targeted interventions in relationship education programs.

The Relation Between Serum-based Systemic Inflammatory Biomarkers and Locoregional Lymph Node Metastasis in Clinical Stages I to II Right-sided Colon Cancers: The Role of Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio.

BACKGROUND: It aimed to evaluate the relationship between the systemic inflammatory markers and the lymph node metastasis in clinical stages I to II right-sided colon cancers. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 51 eligible clinical stages I to II right-side located colon cancer patients were included in the study. Complete mesocolic excision and central vascular ligation procedures were performed in all cases. All the patients were divided into 2 main groups, pN - (n = 22) and pN + (n = 29). Demographic parameters, preoperative serum-based inflammatory biomarkers, and histopathological findings were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean age was 61.0 (54 to 71) years. Of the patients, 51.0% (26/51) were females. The open surgical approach was performed on 54.9% (28/51) of the patients and 45.1% (23/51) was performed laparoscopy. The mean total number of retrieved lymph nodes was 29.1. The lympho-vascular invasion was significantly higher in the pN + group (89.7% vs 50.0%). There were no significant differences in neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio, mean platelet volume-to-platelet ratio, hemoglobine-albuminelymphocyte-platelet score, systemic inflammation index, lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio, lymphocyte-to-C-reactive protein ratio (LCR), neutrophil-to-albumin ratio, and prognostic nutritional index. However, the mean platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was significantly lower in the pN + group (pN - : 282.1 vs pN + : 218.7, P = 0.048). The cutoff value for PLR was determined as 220 according to receiver operating characteristic analysis, with a 63.6% sensitivity and 65.6% specificity. CONCLUSION: Although it has limited sensitivity and specificity, decreased preoperative PLR was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis in patients with clinical stages I to II right-sided colon cancer. It should be considered as a biomarker for nodal involvement when planning treatment strategies.

Adaptation of the Devaluation-Discrimination Scale Into Turkish: A Comprehensive Psychometric Analysis.

The Devaluation-Discrimination Scale (DDS) is among the most frequently used stigma scales for measuring the perception of social stigma related to mental illness. The DDS is also frequently employed to test predictions of modified labeling theory and is modified to use for specific disorders, such as depression, substance abuse, and alcohol use disorders. Although modified versions of the DDS have been subjected to psychometric analyses, the original has never undergone a full psychometric evaluation. Thus, the aim of this study was to comprehensively examine the psychometric properties of the Turkish adaptation of the original DDS, with all positively keyed items, across seven studies in Turkish student and community samples (N = 1,907). The results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated that a one-dimensional factor structure adequately explained the covariation among DDS items in a sample of college students. Moreover, the single-factor structure of the DDS was corroborated, and invariant across sex, age, educational level, mental health diagnosis status, and previous help-seeking experience among Turkish adults. The convergent and divergent validity of DDS scores also were supported by significant correlations in the hypothesized directions with self-stigma (r = .26), social stigma (r = .46), attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help (r = -.24), and intention to seek psychological help scores (r = -.24). The results of the reliability analyses suggested that the DDS has good temporal stability in a 1-month time interval (r = .83, intraclass correlation coefficient = .83) and possesses high to excellent internal consistency reliabilities ranging from .88 to .92 across five studies. The examination of the distribution of total DDS scores indicated that there were no floor and ceiling effects in DDS scores across five different samples. The Turkish adaptation of the original DDS may be used as a valid and reliable scale to measure the devaluation and discrimination perceptions of college students and adults against people with mental illness.

A Low-Cost Mobile Training Model for Biportal Endoscopic Spinal Surgery.

AIM: To design a practical, low-cost, and freely mobile training model for biportal endoscopic spine surgery to improve the surgeons? abilities in basic endoscopic skills, including triangulation, two-dimensional visualization, and one-handed control of the instruments. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The training model involved three stages: triangulation, drilling, and punching. It was composed of sawbones covered by solid and impenetrable materials (a cardboard box was used), monitor (laptop or mobile phone), and hand tools, including an ear endoscope cameras for mobile phone and laptop, Dremel® style + rotary tool at 22000 rpm, Dremel® 2.0-mm diamond wheel point burr, Kerrison punch, No.11 blade, 18 G spinal needle, and mobile phone holder. RESULTS: The model was set up with easily accessible materials and could be performed everywhere. It can also be used to perform laminotomy on sawbones using a high-speed diamond burr and Kerrison punch under a two-dimensional endoscopic view. CONCLUSION: The training model can be useful in improving the endoscopic skills of all spine surgeons, particularly neurosurgeons and those who have little to no experience in endoscopic procedures. Additionally, it can provide familiarity on two-dimensional endoscopic views and triangulation.

Effect of Local Tranexamic Acid on the Quality of Bone Healing in a Rat Spinal Fusion Model.

Introduction: The use of the antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid has positive effects on bleeding control, but our knowledge is still limited regarding how fibrinolysis suppression changes the process of bone formation and the quality of bone. Because of the several side effects of systemic tranexamic acid, topical usage has been established in several procedures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of local tranexamic acid on vertebral fusion by using macroscopic, radiologic, and microscopic techniques. We also attempted to determine the safe dose range in case some doses had negative effects on fusion. Methods: Twenty-eight Wistar albino rats underwent intertransverse fusion. All rats were randomized into four groups: groups treated with local tranexamic acid doses of 1 mg/kg (D1), 10 mg/kg (D10), and 100 mg/kg (D100) and the control group with no drug (D0). At the end of the eighth week, all rats were sacrificed for evaluation in terms of palpation, mammography, and histopathologic analysis. Results: The manual palpation results presented with lower fusion rates in D10 and D100 groups than in the control group. Radiological examination results were significantly higher in the control group. The histopathologic examination revealed no significant differences between groups in the percent of new bone formation. Conclusions: Our results showed that local administration of tranexamic acid reduced the quality and stability of fusion without a delay in bone formation. However, doses of 1 mg/kg did not reduce the stability in the palpation test. Our findings suggest that 1 mg/kg dose is a critical threshold above which tranexamic acid reduced the bone healing process of fusion and that surgeons should consider the doses of local tranexamic acid during surgery.

A new radiographic classification of fifth distal metacarpal fractures.

BACKGROUND: The fifth metacarpal fractures are the most common in all of hand fractures. To our knowledge, the classification of the fifth distal metacarpal bone fractures has not been studied. AIMS: The aim of this study was to describe a new classification system based on x-ray and to evaluate its reliability and reproducibility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 166 fifth distal metacarpal fractures were identified for classification and recorded. Two orthopedic surgeons reviewed and categorized them according to a newly designed classification. twice 1 month apart. Reliabilities of intra- and inter-observer were calculated with Spearman's rho correlation coefficient. RESULTS: Mean values of inter and intra-observer reliability were excellent (p = 0.85) and substantial (p = 0.70), respectively. In 166 patients (163 males and 3 females), concerning the percentage of the distribution of fracture types, the most common type was Type I accounted for 81 (48.8%) followed by Type II 70 (42.2%), Type III 11 (6.6%), and Type IV 4 (2.4%). Type Ia was the most prevalent among all groups. CONCLUSION: This study represented a unique classification system for fractures of the distal part of the fifth metacarpal bone. Categorization in radiographs might provide ideas regarding the prognosis and clinical outcomes of fracture patterns. Therefore, this study could guide future investigations to determine the first-line treatment of fifth distal metacarpal fracture patterns using this classification and help form a common language among surgeons concerning their treatment options.

Stigmatization of people with alcohol and drug addiction among Turkish undergraduate students.

INTRODUCTION: Stigmatization of people with substance use problems have been reported to be high among young adults in Western countries. It is not clear if this finding could be replicated among emerging adults in non-Western countries. Thus, the aim of this study was to firstly explore stigmatizing attitudes of undergraduate students in Turkey towards people with alcohol, marijuana and heroin addiction, and then test a mediation model to explain stigmatizing attitudes among college students. METHOD: A total of 513 undergraduate students participated in the study. They completed a set of questionnaires to measure perceived stigma towards substance use, perceived danger and feeling fearful towards people with substance addiction (i.e., alcohol, heroin, marijuana), and a willingness to engage in relationships with people who are addicted to these three substances. RESULTS: Females, compared to males, reported being more fearful of people who are addicted to alcohol, marijuana and heroin. Younger compared to older participants perceived people who are addicted to these substances as more dangerous. Younger participants also had higher social distance towards people who are addicted to alcohol and marijuana than older participants. Perceived dangerousness and fearfulness partially mediated the relationship between perceived stigma and social distance in alcohol, marijuana and heroin. CONCLUSION: Research findings may help determine potential correlates of stigmatizing attitudes as well as developing models to explain stigmatizing attitudes among Turkish college students.

CT-guided percutaneous aspiration of Tarlov cyst: a case report of 2-year follow up.

Tarlov cysts are a rare pathology characterized by sac formations at the nerve root in the sacrum. Although many options have been proposed, there is still no consensus regarding the optimal treatment strategy. The authors report a case involving a 43-year woman with a sacral perineural cyst causing buttock pain and anus discomfort for 4 years. The patient successfully underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided aspiration. She currently has no symptoms, and 2-year follow-up magnetic resonance imaging revealed a decrease in cyst size. CT-guided aspiration is a safe and effective treatment option, and leads to improvement in cyst-related symptoms with minimal risk.

Predictors of Academic Achievement among Physical Education and Sports Undergraduate Students.

Although a number of studies have attempted to determine the antecedents, correlates, and consequences of students' academic performance, there are few studies in the literature that examine the correlates of academic achievement for physical education and sports undergraduate students. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the academic achievement of first-year physical education and sports students and their sociodemographics, attitudes towards the teaching profession, personality traits, and achievement goal orientations. The participants of the study consisted of 127 (67% male) physical education and sports students, ranging in age from 16 to 30 years old when they began their studies. Participants responded to a questionnaire to determine their sociodemographic characteristics, their attitudes towards the teaching profession in their high school years, their core self-evaluations, and their achievement goal orientations. Pearson correlation analysis results showed that students' first year grade-point average (GPA) was associated with gender, high school GPA, core-self evaluations, and mastery-approach achievement goal orientation. Results of the regression analysis suggested that the three variables that predicted the students' first year GPA were their mastery-approach scores, attitudes towards the teaching profession in high school years, and high school GPA. In order to prevent academic failure in physical education and sports students, those who do not have a mastery-approach goal orientation and who had a low high school GPA should be identified at the beginning of the academic year, so that educational interventions can be directed at these students.