Sex Differences under Vitamin D Supplementation in an Animal Model of Progressive Multiple Sclerosis.

A central role for vitamin D (VD) in immune modulation has recently been recognized linking VD insufficiency to autoimmune disorders that commonly exhibit sex-associated differences. Similar to other autoimmune diseases, there is a higher incidence of multiple sclerosis (MS) in women, but a poorer prognosis in men, often characterized by a more rapid progression. Although sex hormones are most likely involved, this phenomenon is still poorly understood. Oxidative stress, modulated by VD serum levels as well as sex hormones, may act as a contributing factor to demyelination and axonal damage in both MS and the corresponding preclinical models. In this study, we analyzed sex-associated differences and VD effects utilizing an animal model that recapitulates histopathological features of the progressive MS phase (PMS). In contrast to relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS), PMS has been poorly investigated in this context. Male (n = 50) and female (n = 46) Dark Agouti rats received either VD (400 IU per week; VD+) or standard rodent food without extra VD (VD-) from weaning onwards. Myelination, microglial activation, apoptotic cell death and neuronal viability were assessed using immunohistochemical markers in brain tissue. Additionally, we also used two different histological markers against oxidized lipids along with colorimetric methods to measure protective polyphenols (PP) and total antioxidative capacity (TAC) in serum. Neurofilament light chain serum levels (sNfL) were analyzed using single-molecule array (SIMOA) analysis. We found significant differences between female and male animals. Female rats exhibited a better TAC and higher amounts of PP. Additionally, females showed higher myelin preservation, lower microglial activation and better neuronal survival while showing more apoptotic cells than male rats. We even found a delay in reaching the peak of the disease in females. Overall, both sexes benefitted from VD supplementation, represented by significantly less cortical, neuroaxonal and oxidative damage. Unexpectedly, male rats had an even higher overall benefit, most likely due to differences in oxidative capacity and defense systems.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Digital Game-Based Learning Given to Nursing Students for the Developmental Care of Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Although simulation laboratories are widely used in today's nursing education programs, it is becoming more and more difficult to find adequate physical space, equipment, and instructors for laboratory practices in schools. With increasing access to quality technology, schools prefer Web-based education or virtual games as another way of learning through simulation laboratories. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of digital game-supported teaching activity given to nursing students for the developmental care of infants in neonatal ICU on learning. This study is a quasi-experimental study with a control group. Within the scope of the study, the researchers, together with the technical team, developed a digital game in accordance with the purpose of the study. The study was conducted in a health sciences faculty, nursing department, between September 2019 and March 2020. Sixty-two students were included in the study, which were divided into two groups, with 31 students in the experimental group and 31 students in the control group. The study data were collected using a personal information tool and a developmental care information tool. Whereas the digital game learning method was used for the students in the experimental group, the traditional teaching method was used for the students in the control group. No significant difference has been found between the pretest knowledge scores of the students in the experimental and control groups (P > .05). A statistically significant difference has been found in the rates of giving correct answers between the groups in the posttest and retention test (P < .05). The students in the experimental group gave more correct answers in the posttest and retention test than the students in the control group. In line with these results, the learning method with digital games is effective in increasing the knowledge level of nursing undergraduate students. Therefore, it is recommended to integrate digital games into education.

The Effects of COVID-19 Phobia on Abuse of Children by Parents.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine the effect of parents' levels of COVID-19 phobia on the risk of abuse and neglect towards their children. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 472 parents, who have children between the ages of 0-18, who use social media and volunteer to participate in the research, were included in the study. The sociodemographic information form, Corona Virus 19 Phobia Scale (C19P-S), and Abuse Awareness Scale-Parent Form were used to collect the study's data. RESULTS: 57.9% of the parents participating in the study were female, and the mean age was 42.08±10.33. It was found that 55.9% of the participants continued to go to the workplace during the COVID-19 pandemic. While 12% of the parents were treated for COVID-19, 21.4% were quarantined. The average C19P-S score of the parents was found to be 50.2. The mean score of the sub-dimensions of the scale varies between 8.4 and 18.5. The average score of the parents from the Abuse Awareness Scale-Parent Form was 55.4. A positive correlation was found between the Abuse Awareness Scale-Parent Form and the C19P-S score averages. CONCLUSION: The findings have shown that the family's risk of children being exposed to abuse and neglect increases due to the negativities experienced during the pandemic period.

The Effects of Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Taste or Smell on Mitigating Painful Procedures in Newborns: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Background: Newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit are exposed to an average of 10 painful procedures per day. The pain-related experiences of babies can be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders that may affect them throughout their lives. Aim/Objective: The purpose of this study was to summarize and analyze the analgesic effects of breastfeeding alone, expressed breast milk, and breast milk smell on newborns and present stronger evidence that would guide clinical practice and future studies. Methods: We searched articles published between 2000 and 2021 on the CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Eric, and OVID databases. Nine full texts that met the inclusion criteria (Population: Newborn term or preterm babies, Intervention: Implementing breastfeeding, expressed breast milk, breast milk taste, or breast milk smell alone or in combinations in the intervention groups, Comparison: Making comparisons to the standard care of the clinic where the study was conducted, Outcomes: Including at least one pain-related criterion, Study design: Randomized-controlled trials) were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The nine randomized controlled studies in total that were included in this study were carried out between 2004 and 2021 with 33-130 newborns in their samples. The total number of newborns was 720. The effects of these interventions on pain scale scores, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were also analyzed. Results: According to the results of this systematic review and meta-analysis, the breastfeeding, breast milk smell, or breast milk taste interventions had large effect sizes in terms of pain management during and after the procedures. These interventions had medium effect sizes in terms of heart rate during the procedures and large effect sizes after the procedures. In terms of oxygen saturation, they had large effect sizes during the procedures and medium effect sizes after the procedures. Conclusion: Breastfeeding and breast milk interventions are significantly effective nonpharmacological alternatives for painful procedures.

The Impact of Breast Milk Taste and Smell in Reducing Pain in Infants Undergoing Blood Drawing Procedure: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Background: Infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are exposed to numerous procedures that cause pain. In the literature, pain management methods in infants are evaluated by using breast milk in various ways. However, no study was found on whether the smell of breast milk, its taste, or both are more effective in pain management. Aim: The purpose of this study is to comparatively investigate the efficacy of breast milk taste and/or smell in reducing pain responses in infants undergoing a blood drawing procedure. Methods: The population of this study, which has a randomized controlled prospective design, consisted of infants who were treated in a NICU and met the inclusion criteria. The heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and pain of the infants were evaluated before, during, and after the blood drawing procedure in all groups. Results: During and after the procedure, there were significant differences in terms of pain levels, SpO2 levels, and HR between the groups (p = 0.000). The lowest pain score during the procedure was found in the infants to whom breast milk taste and smell were administered together. The group with the second-lowest pain score was exposed to the taste of breast milk. The group with the highest pain score was the control group. Conclusion: Breast milk smell and taste are recommended for use as a nursing intervention to reduce pain, decrease the HR, and increase SpO2 in the NICU during painful procedures. Future research needs to explore different interventional practices.

Investigation of the Effects of Restrictions Applied on Children During COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to determine the effects of restrictions that have been imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and contact with a COVID-19 positive individual on children and the practices adopted by parents to help their children cope with these effects. DESIGN AND METHODS: The data for this descriptive study were collected through social media platforms. The study included 464 parents who have children between the ages of 3 and 18, use social media, and are willing to participate in the study. The Parent and Child Descriptive Characteristics Form, Assessment Form for Pandemic Effects, and Form of Parent's Practices for Children during the Pandemic were used to collect the study data. RESULTS: It was determined that the screen time of the children increased and their physical activity decreased during the restrictions. Following the restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the children's body weight increased by an average of 3.87 ± 2.28 kg, and according to parents, most of the children were more tense, stressed, and angrier. A statistically significant relationship was found between having had contact with an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 and compliance with regular, balanced nutrition and hygiene rules in children (p < 0.05), as well as between having been quarantined and compliance with hygiene rules in children (p < 0.05). PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Despite the relatively low case and mortality rates in children, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant health problem for children. From the study, it was determined that the COVID-19 pandemic affects the physical and psychological health of children.

Comparison of the Effects of Antidepressants with Different Mechanisms of Action on Efficacy, Cognitive Functions and Side Effects. / Farkli Etki Mekanizmasina Sahip Antidepresanlarin Etkinlik, Bilissel Islevler ve Yan Etki Açisindan Karsilastirilmasi.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of the agomelatine and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) on symptoms of depression, cognitive functions, impulsiveness, suicidal tendency, sleep pattern and side effects. METHOD: This study enrolled patients with depression started on SSRIs (n=30) or agomelatine (n=30) on an outpatient basis. All patients were evaluated with SCID-I and the Sociodemographic Questionnaire on the first day of the treatment. In order to assess the side effects of the treatments, the patients were assessed at the first and the fourth weeks with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), the Suicide Probability Scale (SPS), the UPSS Impulsive Behaviour Scale, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the UKU Side Effect Rating Scale, and the Stroop Test and the Trail Making Test for cognitive functions. . RESULTS: Patients on SSRIs showed better treatment response and remission rates at the end of the first month. Improvement in cognitive functions correlated with the decrease in depressive symptoms, but no difference was observed between the groups with respect to the improvement of the cognitive functions. SSRIs caused more autonomic and sexual side effects compared to agomelatine. Differences were not observed between the effects of the two medications on impulsivity, sleep pattern and suicidal tendency. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, treatment with SSRIs was significantly more associated with improvement in the clinical symptoms. Sexual side effects were more prevalent with SSRIs, but the effect on cognitive functions did not differ from agomelatine Despite the distinct, promising mechanism of action, agomelatine was not as effective as the SSRIs for the treatment of depression.

The effect of maternal voice for procedural pain in paediatric intensive care unit: A randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the maternal voice in reducing pain during painful procedures in children between one and three years old receiving treatment in paediatric intensive care unit. DESIGN AND METHODS: This research was designed as a randomised controlled experimental study. Sixty children were randomised into two groups, the maternal-voice group and the controls. The children in the maternal-voice group listened to the maternal voice during the procedure. Although questionnaire forms were used to determine the descriptive characteristics of infants, the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability (FLACC) pain assessment scale was used to evaluate pain level. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were also measured. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the pain, heart rate and oxygen saturation levels between the maternal-voice and control groups. Pain levels and heart rates of the children in the experimental group during and after the painful procedures were much lower, and their oxygen saturations were higher than those of the children in the control group. PRACTIC IMPLICATIONS: Distraction methods, such as listening to the maternal voice, should be used as a nursing intervention to reduce pain and decrease heart rate and increaseoxygen saturation in children during painful procedures in the paediatric intensive care unit. The maternal voice is recommended as a helpful option in cases when a pain control method is required. Future research needs to explore different interventional practices.

The validity and reliability study of Turkish version of the fathers' support scale: Neonatal intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND: Fathers whose infants are cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit have negative experiences and thus require support. AIM: This study was carried out with the aim of performing a validity and reliability study of the Turkish version of the "Father's Support Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit" (FSS: NICU). METHOD: The study included 165 fathers whose infants were hospitalised in the neonatal intensive care units of a university hospital and a state hospital in the west of Turkey. FINDINGS: The item-total score correlation values of the scale were between 0.26 and 0.73 and the Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.91. It was found out that the test-retest reliability coefficients were between 0.78 and 0.92. The scale accounted for 48.38% of the total variance in three factors, as in the original version of the scale. CONCLUSION: It was found that the Turkish version of the FSS: NICU was a valid and reliable measurement tool.

Risky Behaviors of Mothers with Infants on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Turkey.

PURPOSE: Sudden infant death syndrome is the most common cause of death during the post-neonatal period. Factors such as sleeping position, bed sharing, pillow use, smoking during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period constitute risk factors for sudden infant death syndrome. This study aims to identify the risky behaviors of mothers with infants that may put their children at risk for sudden infant death syndrome. DESIGN AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Data were collected using a questionnaire that was developed by the researchers. The questionnaire was filled out by 456 mothers who applied to the family health center between October 2014 and January 2015. RESULTS: The greatest risk factor is the infant's sleeping position. A total of 77.9% of the mothers put their babies in bed in a non-supine position; 65.8% used a pillow when they put their babies in bed, 52.9% used a soft mattress, and 28.5% shared their beds with their babies. Prone sleeping was more likely to occur when smoke was present in the home or a pillow was used. CONCLUSION: Nurses should notify families of the risky behaviors that can cause sudden infant death syndrome and plan appropriate nursing care.