Association of preoperative pain beliefs with postoperative pain levels in abdominal surgery patients.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the association of preoperative pain beliefs with postoperative pain levels in abdominal surgery patients. BACKGROUND: Postoperative pain is related to not only clinical and demographic characteristics but also pain beliefs. The perception, intensity and expression of pain as a subjective experience varies among individuals and cultures. Personal beliefs about pain play an important role in pain experiences and responses. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study consisted of 126 abdominal surgery patients admitted to the General Surgery and Gynecological Surgery Clinics between September 2018-January 2019. The STROBE (Strengthening The Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology) checklist was used as a guideline for this study. METHODS: Data were collected through descriptive information forms, pain characteristics questionnaires, Visual Analogue Scales and pain beliefs questionnaires. One-way variance analysis and Pearson's correlation and t tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 48.63 ± 14.27 years. A total of 37.3% of the participants experienced moderate pain and 35.7% experienced severe pain at the 8th postoperative hour. Pain intensity significantly decreased at 16, 24 and 32 h postoperatively. In the predischarge interviews, 92.1% of the patients expressed limitations in physical activities due to pain. There was a relationship between 8-16 h postoperatively and sex and pain expectancy. Mean scores obtained from the organic and psychological beliefs subscales of the Pain Belief Questionnaire were 3.12 ± 0.79, and 2.37 ± 1.11, respectively. The psychological beliefs score was negatively associated with the level of education, and the organic beliefs score was higher for those participants who had undergone gynaecological surgery. There was a weak and positive correlation between the organic beliefs and psychological beliefs subscales of the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire. CONCLUSION: Patients had moderate to severe postoperative pain, and sex and pain expectations affected the experienced level of pain. Most participants believed that the pain was organic in origin. The level of education exerted a significant impact on pain beliefs. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Characteristics and perception of pain and pain beliefs are important factors that should be determined to personalise pain relief care and maintain effective pain management.

The effects of different types of hair shaving on the body image and surgical site infection in elective cranial surgery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effects of different types of shaving on body image and surgical site infection in elective cranial surgery. BACKGROUND: Hair shaving before cranial surgery is commonly performed in many countries. However, the impact of shaving on the patients' body image and surgical site infection is not, as yet, well investigated. DESIGN: A randomised-controlled design was used in this study. METHODS: The sample comprised 200 patients who underwent elective cranial surgery between March 2013-August 2014. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria were applied for the preoperative preparation of patients and for the follow-up of surgical site infection. Wound swab cultures were obtained four times from all patients. The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale was used to assess changes in the body image of patients. FINDINGS: The rate of surgical site infection was 1% for each group and for all patients. There was no difference between the groups of surgical site infection. Coagulase-negative staphylococci and Staphylococcus epidermidis were mostly isolated in the swab cultures. The Social Appearance Anxiety Scale score decreased in patients who underwent strip shaving and increased in patients with regional shaving. CONCLUSION: There is no difference between strip shaving and regional shaving in the development of surgical site infection after cranial surgery. In addition, regional hair shaving negatively affects the patients' body image. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Findings of this study provide useful evidence-based information for healthcare professionals. The development and implementation of effective interventions result in the prevention of surgical site infection and improvement of the patients' body image in elective cranial surgery.

Dual effect of light and ultrasound for efficient singlet oxygen generation with novel diaxial silicon phthalocyanine sensitizer.

To treat a life-threatening disease like cancer, photodynamic therapy (PDT) and sonodynamic therapy (SDT) methods were combined into sono-photodynamic therapy (SPDT) as an effective therapeutic solution. Each day, the usage of phthalocyanine sensitizers increases in the therapeutic applications as they have the ability to produce more reactive oxygen species. In this context, a new diaxially silicon phthalocyanine sensitizer, containing triazole and tert-butyl groups, was synthesized. After elucidating the structure of the complex with elemental analysis, FT-IR, UV-Vis, MALDI-TOF MS and 1 H NMR, its photophysical, photochemical and sono-photochemical properties were examined. When singlet oxygen generation capacity of the new synthesized silicon phthalocyanine complex was determined and compared among photochemical (PDT; Ð¤Δ = 0.59 in DMSO, 0.44 in THF, 0.47 in toluene) and sonophotochemical (SPDT; Ð¤Δ = 0.88 in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), 0.60 in tetrahydrofuran (THF), 0.65 in toluene) methods, it can be said that the complex is a successful sono-photosensitizer that can be used as a good SPDT agent in vitro or in vivo future studies.

A Turkish Study to Identify the Discharge Learning Needs of Spinal Surgery Patients.

ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the learning needs of spinal surgery patients before hospital discharge. METHODS: This cross-sectional study consisted of 117 spinal surgery patients admitted to the neurosurgery department between October 2019 and March 2020. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, visual analog scale, and the Patient Learning Needs Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 54 years, 54.7% were male, and 59% underwent surgery because of spinal disc herniation. The mean Patient Learning Needs Scale score was 188.74. The primary learning needs of the patients were related to the dimensions of activities of living, medication, treatment, and complications, whereas the feelings related to condition were the least-demanded dimension of learning needs. Sex and occupation were the primary factors influencing learning needs. CONCLUSION: The level of learning needs in spinal surgery patients was relatively high. Therefore, discharge education may be planned in line with the learning needs and priorities of these patients, and sex and occupation may be considered while planning discharge education.

Effects of Pain Beliefs on Postoperative Pain and Analgesic Consumption in Spine Surgery Patients.

ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: This study evaluates the impact of pain belief on postoperative pain and analgesic consumption in patients undergoing spine surgery. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted on 71 patients undergoing spine surgery, who were admitted to the neurosurgery department of a university hospital between January 2021 and April 2022. Descriptive information form, Pain Beliefs Questionnaire, visual analog scale, pain evaluation form, and verbal category scale were used for data collection. RESULTS: Participant mean age was 53 years, and 40.8% underwent spinal disc surgery. A total of 60.2% of the participants experienced moderate postoperative pain, and severe pain was noted during the second postoperative hour, after rest and coughing, which decreased significantly during consecutive hours. Besides, 70.4% of the participants expressed that the level of pain decreased, 43.7% had pain as they expected, 69.0% had intermittent pain, and 53.5% experienced pain at the surgical site. The mean scores obtained from the Organic and Psychological Beliefs subscales of the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire were 4.25 and 4.21, respectively. There was a statistically significant relationship between the Psychological Beliefs and visual analog scale scores after coughing measured in the postoperative 24th and 36th hours. There was also a significant relationship between organic beliefs and working status. There was no statistically significant relationship between analgesic consumption and pain belief. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing spine surgery experienced moderate pain and had a relatively high level of pain beliefs. Regular evaluation of pain levels and beliefs is required for effective pain management.

DNA groove binder and significant cytotoxic activity on human colon cancer cells: Potential of a dimeric zinc (II) phthalocyanine derivative.

The interaction of a multi-component system consisting of benzene-1,4-diyldimethanimine-bridged dimeric zinc-phthalocyanine groups (4OMPCZ) with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was investigated using UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence emission spectroscopy methods, and viscosity measurements. The binding constant, Kb, which is an important parameter to gain information about the binding mode, was found as 9.7 × 107 M-1 from the UV-Vis absorption studies. Another important spectrophotometric tool is competitive displacement assays with Ethidium bromide and Hoechst 33342. Through this experiment, a higher KSV value was obtained with Hoechst for the phthalocyanine derivative, 4OMPCZ, and the ct-DNA complex than with ethidium bromide. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted to calculate the theoretical binding constant and visualize the interactions of 4OMPCZ with a model DNA. According to docking results, although the interactions are mainly located in the major groove of the DNA helix, due to the wrapping, these interactions can also be extended to the minor groove of the DNA. Spectrophotometric, molecular docking, and viscosity studies revealed that the interaction of 4OMPCZ with DNA is likely to be via the major and minor grooves. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of 4OMPCZ was evaluated by MTT assay on human colon cancer cells (HT29) after 72 h of treatment. 4OMPCZ indicated significant cytotoxic activity when stimulated with UV light compared to the standard chemotherapy drugs, fluorouracil (5-FU), and cisplatin on HT29 colon cancer cells. The IC50 value of 4OMPCZ displayed considerably lower concentrations compared to the standard drugs, 5-FU, and cisplatin.

Effect of head and body positioning on cerebral blood flow velocity in patients who underwent cranial surgery.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of head and neck positions on the cerebral blood flow velocity by transcranial Doppler ultrasound in patients who underwent cranial surgery. BACKGROUND: Inappropriate head elevation and body positioning in patients who undergo cranial surgery may affect cerebral blood flow and cerebral perfusion pressure. DESIGNED: Experimental clinical study. METHOD: Our sample consisted of 38 patients who underwent cranial surgery between October 2009 and May 2010. The measurments of mean cerebral blood flow velocity were taken by the transcranial Doppler ultrasound through the temporal window. The mean cerebral blood flow velocity of the patients was measured in supine position with 0° and 30° head elevations, right and left lateral positions, right and left lateral positions with head flexion and extension. The measurements were taken before surgery and within 72 hours after surgery. RESULTS: The mean cerebral blood flow velocity of the middle cerebral arteries was increased in head elevations from 0° to 30°, in right and lateral positions with 30° head elevations, but the velocity was decreased in head flexion and extension positions in preoperative and postoperative periods. DISCUSSION: Head and body positioning, which is one of the nursing care activities, may affect intracranial pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure. Our results are similar with those of previous studies, which showed that head elevation did not affect the cerebral blood flow velocity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: By the results of this study, the head elevation of the patients, who underwent cranial surgery, should be 30° during the nursing care to provide optimum cerebral blood flow. Right and left lateral positioning is safe and recommended for these patients if there is no medical contraindication.

Pituitary apoplexy: An emergent and potential life-threatening complication of pituitary adenomas.

BACKGROUND: Pituitary apoplexy is an emergent and potential life-threatening complication of pituitary adenomas if not managed properly. The aim of our study is to present our series of pituitary adenomas and to focus on the clinical, radiological, and surgical characteristics of this rare complication. METHODS: In this study, a total of 143 patients with pituitary adenoma underwent surgical treatment between 2016 and 2018. All patients were operated using endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal (EET) technique. The data of pituitary apoplexy cases were recorded. Resection rates, hormonal results, and visual outcomes of patients with pituitary apoplexy were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 143 patients, 8 (5.59%) were presented with the symptoms and radiological findings of pituitary apoplexy. The mean age was 26.75 years, and 4 (50%) of them were male and 4 were female. Pre-operative mean Knosp grading score was 2.1 All of eight patients underwent emergent surgical intervention and total resection was achieved in 75% of patients with apoplexy. Hormone levels were significantly decreased after surgery (p<0.05), except prolactin (p>0.05). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in one pa-tient. None of the patient with pituitary apoplexy died in our series. CONCLUSION: Pituitary apoplexy is an important complication of pituitary adenomas. Early diagnosis and surgical intervention provide excellent ophthalmological and hormonal outcomes. Emergent EET approach is crucial for patients with ophthalmological findings and macroadenomas.

Experiences of the relatives of patients undergoing cranial surgery for a brain tumor: a descriptive qualitative study.

The functional changes that develop because of neurological sequelae in patients with a brain tumor have a negative effect on daily activities and self-care. This situation in turn has a negative effect on the lives of the patients' relatives and increases their work load. We interviewed 10 relatives of patients who had undergone cranial surgery for a brain tumor as part of a descriptive qualitative study and asked them to describe their experiences during the perioperative period and home care. The data obtained from the patients' relatives were evaluated using Colaizzi's analysis method and divided into three categories and eight themes: (a) personal feelings (first reactions, decision for surgery, first meeting with the patient after surgery, ambiguity), (b) management of the changes (management of the side effects of the tumor, management of role and behavioral changes, management of care at home, social support), and (c) need for knowledge about managing the disease process. We found that brain tumor surgery can be more frightening for patients and their relatives than other surgical interventions. Also, because the patient requires prolonged postoperative care, the patient's family plays an important role at every stage of the patient's treatment and care.

Prevalence and Factors Affecting Postoperative Delirium in a Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit.

ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of, and factors affecting, postoperative delirium (POD) in patients in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 127 Turkish neurosurgical intensive care unit patients admitted between May 2018 and May 2019 was conducted. Patients were assessed for the development of POD using the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist. We collected other independent data variables daily. Data were analyzed using independent sample t test, χ2 test, and logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of POD on the first and second postoperative days were 18.9% and 8.7%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that the Glasgow Coma Scale score, albumin level, Spo2 level, hemoglobin values, undergoing cranial surgery, and having intra-arterial catheter were the independent risk factors for POD. CONCLUSION: These findings may contribute to identifying patients at risk for developing POD and developing strategies to improve patient outcomes.

Relationship between nursing students' smartphone addiction and interaction anxiety: A descriptive relation-seeker type study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nursing students' smartphone addiction and interaction anxiety. DESIGN AND METHODS: This descriptive relation-seeker type study was conducted with 333 students. The Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version and the Interaction Anxiousness Scale were used. FINDINGS: Of the students who participated in the study, 12% were at risk for smartphone addiction. A statistically significant correlation was determined between the scores for the two scales used. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: As students' smartphone addiction risks increased, their interaction anxiety also appeared to increase, pointing to a need for guidance to restrict smartphone use in this population.

Chemoresistance in Malignant Intracranial Tumors: Longer Survival with Negative MDR1 Expression.

AIM: To analyze the Glutathione S-transferase (GST)-P, GST-M, cytochrome p450 (CYP)1-A1, CYP1-B1, and multidrug resistance (MDR)-1 expressions in malignant intracranial tumor (ICT)s, and to elicit their role on patient survival. MATERIAL AND METHODS: GST-P, GST-M, CYP1-A1, CYP1-B1, and MDR-1 expressions were analyzed using immunostaining in 149 samples from 141 patients with preoperative ICT diagnosis. The case characteristics were reviewed, and the enzyme expressions were equated based on the age, gender, and tumor type. Then, 77 of 141 patients with malignant ICT and complete medical records postoperative were also investigated in detail for the relationship between the diagnosis, enzyme expression, and overall survival. RESULTS: The average age was 49.44 years, with 83 (58.45%) male patients. Among the 77 malignant ICTs, 38 (49.3%) and 29 were glial tumors and metastases, respectively, with a 13.35-month overall survival. Patients with metastatic tumor have approximately threefold higher GSTP level than those with glial tumors. MDR-1 expression was approximately twofold higher in > 60-year-old patients. No statistically significant association was found between patients? smoking behaviors, alcohol consumption, and overall survival. Only MDR-1 expression was correlated with overall survival. Better overall survival was observed in patients with a negative MDR-1 expression than those with a positive one. CONCLUSION: MDR-1 is an important indicator of survival in malignant intracranial tumor patients. Longer survival is associated with negative MDR-1 expression.

The Effect of Low Back Pain on Daily Activities and Sleep Quality in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Pilot Study.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of low back pain on the daily activities and sleep quality of patients with lumbar disc herniation. This cross-sectional study was performed between January and July 2015 in 77 patients. A visual analog scale (VAS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were used for patient assessment. The mean (SD) ODI score was 58.84 (9.51), and the mean (SD) VAS score of patients was 73.26 (24.37) mm. The VAS and ODI scores increased with age. This disability was mainly observed during weight lifting (67.6%), walking (48.1%), and standing (50.7%). A positive correlation was found between VAS score and ODI (r = 0.49, P < .001) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (r = 0.23, P = .039) scores. In patients with lumbar disc herniation, disability in activities of daily living and sleep quality are directly affected by low back pain and increase with pain intensity. Findings of this study provide useful information for healthcare professionals.

A Comparison Between the Effectiveness of Full Outline of Unresponsiveness and Glasgow Coma Score at Neurosurgical Intensive Care Unit Patients.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and the use of Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) and Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score by nurses in the follow-up and evaluation of patients admitted to the neurosurgical intensive care unit for cranial surgery or head trauma. MATERIAL and METHODS: The study was performed at a neurosurgical intensive care unit. Sample size was determined as 47 patients (a= 0.05, power= 0.95). The correlation coefficient less than 0.5 was accepted as weak. In the first 24 hours, Karnofsky Performance Scale was applied and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) Score calculated for patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit for cranial surgery or head trauma. Also FOUR and GCS were applied by two different nurses twice a day. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, Pearson Correlation and Cronbach?s Alpha Security Index analyses were used to evaluate the data. RESULTS: Concordance was above 0.810 and correlation was above 0.837 between GCS and FOUR score evaluation results of nurses. Correlation of two different evaluation at every shift for GCS was 0.887, and for FOUR was 0.827 and above. Karnofsky Performance Scale correlation with FOUR and GCS scores of patients at admission and discharge from the intensive care unit was 0.709 and above. The correlation between APACHE II and FOUR was 0.851; between APACHE II and GCS 0.853. There was no difference between the evaluations of two scores and two nurses statistically. CONCLUSION: Concordance between nurses was found high both for GCS and FOUR. The FOUR score is as effective as GCS on the follow-up of patients who are managed in the neurosurgical intensive care units.

Integrating simulation based learning into nursing education programs: Hybrid simulation.

BACKGROUND: Hybrid simulation can be developed with mannequins of any fidelity and tabletop simulators with a standardized patient to create a complex, high-level learning activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the effects of a hybrid simulation technique used with nursing students in a scenario about the emergency setting. METHODS: This one-group pre-test post-test model quasi-experimental study was carried out with 39 students in Ankara, Turkey, from October 2014 to July 2015. RESULTS: Nearly all participants reported that the simulation improved their critical thinking, decision-making skills, and self-confidence before the clinical activity and that they felt as though they were real nurses during the activity (94.7%, 97.3%, 84.2%, and 92.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this study support the integration of hybrid simulation experiences throughout the nursing curriculum, as evidenced by positive responses from students through the simulation evaluation questionnaire.

Analysis of the effects of high-fidelity simulation on nursing students' perceptions of their preparedness for disasters.

INTRODUCTION: As disasters may occur any time, health care staff and institutions should be prepared to manage these events. The aim of study is to analyze the effects of high-fidelity simulation on the perceptions of senior nursing students regarding their preparedness for disasters. METHODS: This study used a pretest-posttest design and was conducted as a quasi-experimental investigation. RESULTS: Slightly less than the half of the students (42.5%) expressed that they were prepared to face a disaster. There was a statistically significant difference in their scores on the Scale of Perception of Disaster Preparedness among Nurses between the pre-intervention and postdisaster stage (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Supporting simulation activities with drills positively affected nurses' perceptions of disasters.

A comparison of four disability scales for Turkish patients with neck pain.

OBJECTIVE: The Neck Disability Index, the Northwick Park Pain Questionnaire, the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale and the Neck Pain and Disability Scale are widely used scales for assessing neck pain or disability. The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable scale for Turkish patients with neck pain. METHODS: All scales were translated into Turkish, administered to 102 patients with neck pain, then compared with regard to their construct validity, reliability, responsiveness, acceptability and usefulness. RESULTS: The scales were similar in their high validity, reliability standards and sensitivity to change, but differed in their acceptability and usefulness. The item about driving in the Neck Disability Index and the Northwick Park Pain Questionnaire was omitted by 69.6% of patients for reasons other than a neck problem. CONCLUSION: All scales were reliable, valid and sensitive instruments, with similar psychometric properties. The scale that most adequately reflects the patient should be chosen.

Life Experiences of Patients With Glaucoma: A Phenomenological Study.

BACKGROUND: Studies that describe the experiences of patients with glaucoma from different cultures may help health professionals gain a broader perspective on this issue. Currently, few qualitative studies describe how patients with glaucoma in Turkey cope with daily life. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of patients with glaucoma. METHOD: This descriptive phenomenological study used purposive sampling to enroll 20 patients with glaucoma. A qualitative, in-depth, face-to-face interview technique was used to collect data during January and February 2014. The data were analyzed using to the Van Kaam method. RESULTS: Seven themes were identified, including confirming the diagnosis by acute symptoms or unrelated symptoms, grateful to God for having a non-life-threatening disease, feeling happy after receiving more accurate information, coping with the disease by using eye drops and attending follow-up examinations regularly, managing daily life to avoid further damage to eyesight, emotional reactions related to going blind, and urging family members or friends to attend regular glaucoma checkups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with glaucoma experience physiological and psychological problems throughout the course of their disease. Being informed and cultural practices such as "praising God" and "resignation" helped patients cope with the disease. Furthermore, because of the cultural characteristic of social collectivism, participants acted to protect the health of others by informing them about glaucoma. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Understanding the experiences of patients with glaucoma is important for nursing practice. Nurses should be encouraged to take a greater role in the care of patients with glaucoma by becoming the primary source of glaucoma disease, treatment, and care-related information.

The effects of music on the cardiac resuscitation education of nursing students.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of music on the appropriate performance of the rate and depth of chest compression for nursing students. METHODS: This randomized controlled study was conducted in the School of Nursing in Turkey between November 2014 and January 2015. The study's participants were second-year nursing school students with no previous formal cardiac resuscitation training (n=77). Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an intervention group with music and a control group without music. During practical training, the intervention group performed chest compressions with music. The outcomes of this study were collected twice. The first evaluation was conducted one day after CPR education, and the second evaluation was conducted six weeks after the initial training. RESULTS: The first evaluation shows that the participants in the intervention group had an average rate of 107.33±7.29 chest compressions per minute, whereas the rate for the control group was 121.47±12.91. The second evaluation shows that the rates of chest compression for the intervention and control groups were 106.24±8.72 and 100.71±9.54, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that a musical piece enables students to remember the ideal rhythm for chest compression. Performing chest compression with music can easily be integrated into CPR education because it does not require additional technology and is cheap.