Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Venous thromboembolism is a condition of great interest to public health, as it is potentially preventable and has a high morbidity and mortality potential. Knowing the real-world data in a country of continental dimensions such as Brazil is essential to help define health policies that enable proper diagnosis and treatment of this disease. The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and in-hospital mortality rates of venous thromboembolism in public hospitals under Brazil's public health system. METHODS: This is a population-based, cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of all hospitalizations for venous thromboembolism in the Brazilian public health system between 2008 and 2022. Using a public database, all hospital admissions for thromboembolic events were selected, defining the incidence, in-hospital mortality, and differences between Brazilian macro-regions. RESULTS: A total of 700,315 admissions for venous thromboembolism were documented in the Brazilian public health system between 2008 and 2022, which represents 3.02 admissions per 10,000 inhabitants per year. The Southeast region accounted for more than half (54.5%) of the hospitalizations. The highest incidence of hospitalizations occurred in the wealthiest regions (Southeast and South), while the lowest incidence was observed in the poorest regions (North and Northeast). On the other hand, a higher proportion of in-hospital mortality was observed in the North and Northeast regions. CONCLUSION: The highest admission rates were registered in wealthier regions, while a higher proportion of deaths was found in the poorer ones. This may reveal the difficulty in accessing healthcare services in the North and Northeast regions, which is reflected in the potential underdiagnosis of thromboembolic events in these regions.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of systemic inflammatory response index in predicting the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: The study was conducted at Nevşehir State Hospital, a secondary healthcare center. Patients who underwent elective isolated CABG between October 2018, when the first open-heart surgery was performed at our center, and December 2022 were included. The patients’ data were retrospectively reviewed and recorded. RESULTS: A total of 66 patients were included in the study (mean age: 64.14±8.59 years). Of these patients, 44 (66.7%) were male and 22 (33.3%) were female. Postoperative atrial fibrillation was present in 22 (33.3%) patients. Although the systemic inflammatory response index and systemic immune-inflammatory index values were higher in the patient group that developed postoperative atrial fibrillation, no significant difference was noted (p>0.050). Additionally, age and a family history of coronary artery disease were identified as important factors that significantly affected the development of postoperative atrial fibrillation (p=0.048 and p=0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, no study has investigated the relationship between postoperative atrial fibrillation and the systemic inflammatory response index. Although the present study did not find a statistically significant difference, our findings support the role of inflammation in predicting postoperative atrial fibrillation.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of the perception of spousal support in sexual satisfaction and sexual quality of life of primigravidas. METHODS: This study used a descriptive and correlational design and consisted of 412 primigravidas. The target population of the study was pregnant women who presented to an obstetrics and gynecology clinic of a hospital located in a province on the Anatolian side of Turkey. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using the "Personal Information Form," "Perception of Spousal Support in Pregnancy Scale," "New Sexual Satisfaction Scale," and "Sexual Quality of Life Scale-Female" between December 05, 2022 and March 31, 2023. The study included primigravida women, being above the age of 18 years, being in the last trimester of pregnancy, being married and living with their spouses, being literate, pregnant women and their spouses not having been previously diagnosed with sexual dysfunction, not having become pregnant with infertility treatment, and not diagnosed with a high-risk pregnancy..". The data obtained from the study were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27.0 program. Data analysis included numbers, percentage distributions, interquartile range, Pearson correlation analysis, and linear regression analysis. Statistical significance was accepted at p<0.05. RESULTS: A good level of positive correlation was found between the Perception of Spousal Support in Pregnancy Scale and New Sexual Satisfaction Scale (r=0.972; p<0.001) mean scores, between the Perception of Spousal Support in Pregnancy Scale and Sexual Quality of Life Scale-Female (r=0.967; p<0.001) mean scores, and between the New Sexual Satisfaction Scale and Sexual Quality of Life Scale-Female (r=0.947; p<0.001) mean scores of primigravida women. The perception of spousal support was found to explain 97% of sexual quality of life and sexual satisfaction during pregnancy (F=6628.666; R2=0.970). CONCLUSION: The increase in the perception of spousal support during pregnancy also increases primigravida women's sexual satisfaction and sexual quality of life.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Advanced maternal age is defined as the mother being ≥35 years of age at the time of birth. Gestational weight gain is the difference between the weight measurements of the pregnant woman at prenatal follow-up just before birth and at pre-conception or at the beginning of the first trimester. In our study, we examined the effects of maternal age and gestational weight gain on neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This study was conducted, in the Rize province between April 2022 and January 2023, on pregnant women registered in seven Family Health Centers in the last 5 years and their resulting newborns. In total, this study analyzed the data of 642 pregnant women and their 642 newborns. Data records in the study are pregnant-puerperal follow-up form, newborn-child follow-up form, and family medicine information system. RESULTS: The probability of newborns of mothers with excessive gestational weight gain being large-for-gestational-age was found to be 1.81 times higher in univariate analysis and 1.72 times higher in multivariate analysis. While the effect of gestational weight gain status on birth weight Z-score was significant, gestational age had no significant effect (p=0.001 and p=0.136, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this period, when obesity, which is a disease of our age, is widespread and the gestational age has moved to older ages, there is a need for more extensive research on this subject in future studies.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate the relationship between genital self-image and sexual quality of life in obese women. METHODS: This is a descriptive and correlational study. A personal information form, the Female Genital Self-Image Scale, and the Sexual Quality of Life—Female Questionnaire were used to collect the data. RESULTS: The mean total Genital Self-Image Scale score of the participants was 20.73±4.53, and their mean total Sexual Quality of Life Questionnaire score was 87.22±16.75. A strong positive relationship was determined between genital self-image and sexual quality of life. CONCLUSION: Healthcare professionals should evaluate the sexual quality of life of obese women, along with their genital self-image, so that appropriate sexual counseling and holistic care can be provided to them.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between vitamin D serum concentrations and thyroid hormones of pregnant women living in a sunny region of Northeast Brazil. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional secondary analysis of a study that evaluated the iodine status of pregnant women attending prenatal consultations in a tertiary hospital. Consecutive patients (>18 years) were conveniently sampled. Blood samples were collected for the study, including measurements of vitamin D, anti-TPO, and anti-Tg antibodies, thyroid-stimulating hormone, total and free thyroxine (TT4, FT4), and total and free triiodothyronine (TT3, FT3). Vitamin D levels <20 ng/mL were considered deficient. Between 20 and 30 ng/mL were classified as insufficient, and >30 ng/mL were sufficient. Additional data on urinary iodine concentrations, anthropometry, sociodemographic, and gestational features were also collected. RESULTS: A total of 562 pregnant women were included, with a median age of 29 years. Most of them (47.9%) were in the first gestational semesters. Only 3.9% of subjects presented with vitamin D deficiency, while 81% had insufficient values and 15.1% had sufficient levels. Vitamin D levels were not significantly correlated or associated with thyroid hormones or body mass index (all p-values >0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of assessing the status of both vitamin D and thyroid hormones in population- and region-specific contexts, as it may vary accordingly.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY BACKGROUND: The formal caregiver is the professional who provides healthcare to the elderly person in carrying out tasks that they are unable to carry out independently with personal care, daily activities, and general well-being. These professionals are exposed to a variety of factors that can contribute to the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiology of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in formal caregivers of rest homes of the elderly in the central-southern regions of Portugal and the associated risk factors. METHODS: The sample consisted of 251 formal caregivers from Santas Casas da Misericórdia, of which 228 (90.8%) were female, aged between 21 and 65 years old. The measuring instrument consisted of a digital questionnaire. RESULTS: The majority of caregivers (186, or 74%) reported experiencing work-related musculoskeletal disorders over the past 12 months, accounting for 374 reported cases. Specifically, 143 (71.9%) caregivers encountered 255 work-related musculoskeletal disorders in this period. The overall injury proportion was 0.72, and the injury rate was 0.12 injuries/1,000 h of work. The most common types of work-related musculoskeletal disorders included low back pain (64 cases, 26.8%), non-specific pain (52 cases, 21.8%), and tendinopathy (51 cases, 21.3%). The primary locations of these disorders were lumbar spine (82 cases, 34.3%), shoulder (42 cases, 17.6%), and cervical spine (26 cases, 10.9%). The leading mechanisms of injury were transfers (164 cases, 35.6%) and repetitive movements (139 cases, 30.2%). Additionally, the female formal caregiver had 3.8 times (95%CI 1.1–12.3; p=0.029) the likelihood of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders compared to their male counterparts. CONCLUSION: Data from this study revealed a high work-related musculoskeletal disorders presence in formal caregivers, with women presenting a higher risk of developing injuries. The development of prevention programs is necessary to improve work performance and the health of these professionals.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this research was to examine the relationship between risky sexual behaviors and sexual health literacy and self-esteem in young women. METHODS: The research is descriptive and cross-sectional type. In total, 705 young women were included in the research. The study data were collected online using an online survey system through Google Forms. The data were collected between April and July 2023. RESULTS: The factors affecting premarital risky sexual behavior were determined to be the educational level of the woman and her mother, where the women lived the longest, current residence, family status, father's educational level, employment status of the woman and her mother, and smoking and alcohol use status. Using alcohol (13 times), smoking (4 times), and mother's employment status (3 times) have the highest effect on the mean Premarital Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women score. There is a significant negative correlation between Premarital Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women and Sexual Health Literacy Scale. There is no significant relationship between Premarital Sexual Behavior Assessment Scale for Young Women and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. CONCLUSION: Increasing sexual health literacy levels, quitting smoking and alcohol, and engaging in self-esteem-enhancing activities in women are essential for reducing risky sexual behaviors.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: There are no guidelines regarding intraoperative or preoperative catheter removal in patients eligible for surgery following percutaneous drainage in acute cholecystitis. In this study, we evaluated the factors affecting the conversion to open surgery after percutaneous drainage and analyzed the relationship between catheter presence and time to operation in interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy. METHODS: In total, 50 patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy after percutaneous drainage were retrospectively evaluated and grouped according to conversion to open surgery (Group 1) and non (Group 2). Factors that may be associated with conversion to open surgery and the presence of an intraoperative catheter were evaluated, and the time to surgery was calculated. RESULTS: There were 28 (56%) men and 22 (44%) women, and the mean age was 64 (±13) years. The severity of acute cholecystitis was moderate in 37 (74%) patients and severe in 13 (26%). When the groups were compared, no statistically significant difference was found between the presence of a catheter, the time of surgery 8 weeks before and after, and the conversion to open surgery. Postoperative hospitalization days were significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.014). CONCLUSION: In patients who underwent interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy after insertion of a percutaneous drainage catheter in acute cholecystitis, the presence of a catheter and the waiting time for surgery after catheter insertion do not affect the rates of conversion to open surgery and complications.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: In some diseases associated with inflammation, the C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio can be used as a biomarker of inflammation. Since lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disease, our study aimed to investigate the relationship between C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and disease activity and whether it plays a role in determining disease prognosis, and compare them with those in subjects without lichen planus. METHODS: This is a case–control study. Demographic data, clinical features, and laboratory measures, including neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, platelet counts, neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, albumin, and C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio were statistically compared between patients with lichen planus (n=61) and controls (n=64). RESULTS: Albumin and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p<0.001), C-reactive protein (p=0.017), C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (p=0.016), and neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (p=0.02) were significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio (p=0.003, OR 1.2), neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio (p=0.02, OR 1.4), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p=0.003, OR 1.1) were effective in differentiating patients from the healthy group. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate>4.5 mm/h, C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio>0.6, and neutrophile-to-lymphocyte ratio>1 were useful in showing disease activity, of which C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio has the best value with 92% sensitivity. C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio has a sensitivity of 100% and is more effective and sensitive than other markers in distinguishing between mild and severe groups and between single and multiple involvement. CONCLUSION: Elevated C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio levels may be considered a potential marker for lichen planus. It may be highly sensitive to follow-up of systemic inflammation and disease activity in patients with lichen planus. However, further prospective studies may confirm the association between C-reactive protein-to-albumin ratio and lichen planus.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare eating attitudes and body satisfaction between adolescent and nonadolescent pregnant women. METHODS: A descriptive and comparative study was conducted with 169 pregnant women, comprising 85 adolescents and 84 nonadolescents, who presented to the obstetrics outpatient clinic of a hospital in western Turkey. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, and the Eating Attitudes Test-40. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean scores of the Eating Attitudes Test-40 were higher for adolescent pregnant women compared with nonadolescent pregnant women (p=0.040). It was determined that 15.3% of adolescent pregnant women and 4.8% of nonadolescent pregnant women were predisposed to eating disorders (p=0.038). The study found that the mean total score of the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire was lower for adolescent pregnant women compared with nonadolescent pregnant women, and the difference was statistically significant (p=0.000). Additionally, there was a statistically significant weak negative correlation between the scores of the Eating Attitudes Test-40 and the Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire among adolescent pregnant women (r=-0.33, p<0.002). CONCLUSION: Adolescent pregnant women exhibit lower levels of body satisfaction and higher susceptibility to eating disorders compared with nonadolescent pregnant women.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is the most common cancer type among women. One of the most important parameters in the prognosis of patients is the response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The most important parameter for neoadjuvant chemotherapy success is appropriate patient selection. We investigated the effect of tumor-stroma type and tumor-stroma ratio on neoadjuvant chemotherapy response, using the Residual Cancer Burden scoring systems. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with breast carcinoma in core needle biopsy materials between 2010 and 2023 and whose neoadjuvant treatments and surgeries were performed in our institution were scanned from the database. A total of 158 patients who met the study criteria were included in the study. RESULTS: Tumor-stroma ratio and collagen-dominant tumor-stroma type were associated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy resistance, and tumor-stroma ratio was found to be an independent risk factor in treatment response. The probability of response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment was higher in luminal molecular subtype breast cancer patients with low tumor stroma. CONCLUSION: An effective risk analysis for neoadjuvant chemotherapy treatment is not always possible with current clinicopathological parameters. Tumor-stroma ratio and tumor-stroma type seem useful in predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapy response as a reproducible practical marker and do not require additional cost and time.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Deep pelvic endometriosis is the most common cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Guidelines proposed standardized approaches for the diagnosis of deep pelvic endometriosis with ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging; however, knowing the reasons for discrepancy is crucial. We aimed to analyze the agreement between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for deep pelvic endometriosis findings and provide potential pitfalls and reasons for discordant findings. METHODS: The study group consists of consecutive patients with deep pelvic endometriosis diagnosed on pelvic (n=1) or transvaginal ultrasonography (n=34) who underwent noncontrast pelvic magnetic resonance imaging. The agreement between the ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging was assessed using the prevalence and bias-adjusted kappa statistics. Potential pitfalls and reasons for discordant findings were presented. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 35 patients with deep pelvic endometriosis. The mean age was 39.5±6.2 years. The most common site of involvement was the rectosigmoid colon (n=34, 97.1%), followed by endometrioma/hemorrhagic cyst (n=32, 91.4%). There was a perfect agreement for endometrioma/hemorrhagic cyst (100%), almost perfect agreement for bladder involvement (PABAK=0.886), and moderate agreement for other sites. The number of uterosacral ligament involvement was lower with ultrasonography than with magnetic resonance imaging. However, due to the impact of gas signals on magnetic resonance imaging imaging, the number and boundaries of rectosigmoid deep pelvic endometriosis were better defined with ultrasonography. CONCLUSION: The agreement between ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for deep pelvic endometriosis findings varies according to the sites of involvement. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging are not standalone diagnostic techniques but are complementary to each other. We provided potential diagnostic pitfalls.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Predicting the prognosis of sepsis, a major health problem worldwide, is vital to guide the treatment process accordingly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of presepsin levels to predict mortality in patients with sepsis. METHODS: The study included 87 intensive care unit patients with sepsis, 30 of whom survived. Complete blood count, blood gas, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, albumin, and presepsin levels were analyzed. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed for presepsin levels. RESULTS: Presepsin levels were higher in non-survivors than in survivors. There was no significant difference in other laboratory parameters. The predictive value of presepsin level on mortality was found to be 78.20%. The cutoff value in the receiver operating characteristic curve graph for presepsin levels is 612.70 pg/mL. The positive predictive value of presepsin levels in terms of mortality is 0.5735, and the negative predictive value is 0.8512. The sensitivity of presepsin levels in terms of mortality is 73.70%, and the specificity is 73.30%. The area under the curve value in the receiver operating characteristic curve plot for mortality for presepsin levels is 0.819. CONCLUSION: Presepsin levels may predict mortality in patients with sepsis. Presepsin levels above the cutoff value of 612.70 pg/mL may be considered a risk factor for mortality in patients with sepsis.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the relationship between spexin levels and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. METHODS: The study included 90 participants, comprising 44 patients diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome and 46 age- and body mass index-matched controls. Participants’ spexin, glucose, urea, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were measured. The liver steatosis grading was done using the ultrasound-guided attenuation parameter from General Electric Healthcare. The parameters were evaluated between the groups. RESULTS: Spexin levels in polycystic ovary syndrome patients were significantly lower compared to the control group (p<0.001). Glucose, triglycerides, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels were found to be significantly higher in polycystic ovary syndrome patients compared to the control group (p<0.001). High-density lipoprotein levels in polycystic ovary syndrome patients were significantly lower compared to the control group (p<0.001). The prevalence of liver steatosis was notably higher among the polycystic ovary syndrome patients compared to the control group (p<0.001). In patients with polycystic ovary syndrome, spexin levels demonstrated significant negative correlations with body mass index, glucose, triglycerides, luteinizing hormone, total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (all p<0.001). A strong negative correlation was observed between spexin levels and liver steatosis grading (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Spexin is a coordinator in the metabolic relationship between polycystic ovary syndrome and liver health, suggesting its utility as a biomarker for detecting liver steatosis and related metabolic disturbances in this population.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy requiring ongoing treatment advancements. Radiotherapy is vital for reducing recurrence and improving survival. This study evaluates unintended doses to internal mammary lymph nodes and influencing factors in patients at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital's Radiation Oncology Clinic. METHODS: We analyzed 44 right-sided breast cancer patients treated with radiotherapy between November 2019 and April 2023. Data on demographics, treatment, and dose–volume histograms were reviewed using various statistical tests. RESULTS: Median age was 54 years; 88.6% had invasive ductal carcinoma, and 11.4% had ductal carcinoma in situ. Patients received conventional (54.5%) or hypofractionated radiotherapy (45.5%) using intensity-modulated radiotherapy or three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. Median internal mammary lymph node volume was 7.3 cc with dose variability. Internal mammary lymph nodes V45 dose showed no correlation with internal mammary lymph nodes volume, radiotherapy field, pT stage, or pN stage. However, the nodal stage significantly impacted the internal mammary lymph nodes D95 dose, with higher doses in N1 patients. Wider radiotherapy fields led to increased D95 doses. DISCUSSION: The findings highlight the variability in internal mammary lymph nodes doses and the impact of nodal stage and radiotherapy field on dose distribution. Advanced techniques like intensity-modulated radiotherapy can reduce risks, but careful planning is essential. CONCLUSION: Understanding internal mammary lymph nodes dose factors can enhance treatment planning and outcomes. Future research should focus on refining guidelines and leveraging technology to improve radiotherapy efficacy.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to determine the relationship of out-of-pocket expenses to quality of life and disease coping in breast cancer patients receiving outpatient treatment in a chemotherapy unit. METHODS: This was a descriptive and correlational survey study. The sample of the study consisted of 322 breast cancer patients. An embedded mixed design, in which quantitative and qualitative research methods are employed together, was used in the research. Quantitative data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast and the Coping and Adaptation Processing Scale. RESULTS: After the qualitative interviews held with the patients, it was determined that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer affected the patients physically, mentally, socially, and economically, they spent out-of-pocket, and these expenses affected their quality of life. CONCLUSION: It can be said that the out-of-pocket expenses of breast cancer patients during the chemotherapy treatment affected their quality of life, disease coping, and adaptation.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body image, depression, and breastfeeding attitudes in women who had infants aged 0–24 months. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional and correlational in nature, conducted in Turkey between November 2023 and July 2024, with 282 women who had infants aged 0–24 months (n=282). RESULTS: Of the women who participated in the study, 46.1% received breastfeeding training during the postpartum period, and 46.2% received breastfeeding training between 7 and 12 months. It was determined that women stopped breastfeeding between months, with the main reason being the perception of insufficient milk (51.2%). The total mean score of the Women's Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale was found to be 99.53±13.48, the Body Perception Scale was 132.19±28.84, and the Beck Depression Scale was 16.19±10.97. Additionally, if there was a high-level, positive linear relationship between the Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale and the Body Image Scale total scores (r=0.340, p<0.01), then there was a high-level, negative relationship between the Breastfeeding Attitude Evaluation Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory total score (r=-0.503, p<0.01), and a highly negative relationship was found between the Body Image Scale and the Beck Depression Scale (r=-0.526, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: It has been concluded that low body image and depression in women who had infants aged 0–24 months negatively affect breastfeeding attitudes. It is recommended to investigate the factors affecting breastfeeding attitudes in postpartum women and to provide support and training that can positively affect breastfeeding attitudes.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between cancer information burden, attitudes, and behaviors toward cancer screening in women aged 30–70 years who applied to family health centers. METHODS: The data were collected with Personal Information Form, Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening, and Cancer Information Overload Scale from 398 women. RESULTS: The mean score of the participants was 16.22±4.66 on the Cancer Information Overload Scale and 93.05±13.80 on the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening. A statistically significant difference was found between the mean scores of the women according to their educational level, occupational status, knowledge about cancer screening, and the presence of cancer in themselves or their families (p<0.05). In addition, a strong positive but statistically insignificant correlation (r=0.061, p=0.223) was found between the Cancer Information Overload Scale and the scores of the Attitude Scale for Cancer Screening. CONCLUSION: Women had low rates of knowing the timing of colon, cervical, and breast cancer screenings, having been screened, and thinking of participating in screenings in the following year. In order to improve women's attitudes toward early diagnosis of cancer in a positive way, informative public education activities should be continued.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to determine the relationship between the timing of pregnancy discovery and prenatal attachment and distress. METHODS: An analytical, case-control research design was used. The study was conducted between April 2023 and March 2024. The population of the study consisted of pregnant women who presented to a training and research hospital in the north of Turkey for antenatal follow-up, and the sample consisted of 152 women from this population (case group 76 and control group 76). Data were collected using a Pregnant Descriptive Information Form, the Prenatal Attachment Inventory, and the Prenatal Distress Scale-Revised Version. The chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation analysis were utilized to analyze the data. RESULTS: The prenatal attachment scores of participants who discovered their pregnancies late were significantly lower than the scores of those whose pregnancies were discovered early (p<0.05). The prenatal distress scores of participants whose pregnancies were discovered late were significantly higher than the scores of those with early discovery (p<0.05). While a statistically positive, low-level relationship was detected between the prenatal attachment and prenatal distress scores of pregnant women whose pregnancies were discovered early (p<0.05), there was no statistically significant relationship between the scores of those who discovered their pregnancies late (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a difference between the timing of pregnancy discovery and prenatal attachment and prenatal distress.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease with significant cardiac manifestations, including right ventricular dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. This study aims to explore the relationship between endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 and ghrelin levels with right ventricular function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and assess their potential as biomarkers for cardiac involvement. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted involving 34 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and 35 healthy controls. Echocardiographic parameters were recorded. Serum levels of endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 and ghrelin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Statistical analyses included comparisons between groups and correlations between biomarkers and echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus had significantly higher levels of endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 and ghrelin compared with healthy controls (p<0.001). Endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 showed a moderate positive correlation with right ventricular systolic motion (p=0.007). Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and a higher disease activity had elevated endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 levels, particularly those with positive antiphospholipid antibodies (p<0.001). No significant correlation was found between ghrelin levels and right ventricular function. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified cutoff values for endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 (≥1.871) and ghrelin (≥360.50) with moderate sensitivity and specificity for predicting systemic lupus erythematosus. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that endothelial PAS domain-containing protein 1 and ghrelin may play important roles in the pathophysiology of right ventricular dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of postpartum depression in the relationship between mother-infant contact barriers and maternal attachment in mothers of premature infants. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 113 mothers who applied to the pediatric outpatient clinic of a hospital between April and November 2022 and whose premature babies were discharged at least 1 month ago. The data were collected using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Mother-Infant Contact Barriers Scale, and the Maternal Attachment Scale. RESULTS: The mothers’ mean Maternal Attachment Scale score was 82.25±10.57, the mean Mother-Infant Contact Barriers Scale score was 60.65±17.87, and the mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score was 18.41±8.38. The mean Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score of 78.8% (n=89) of the mothers was 14 and above. There was a statistically significant positive effect of the Mother-Infant Contact Barriers Scale on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (B=0.95, p<0.001) and a statistically significant negative effect of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale on the Maternal Attachment Scale (B=-0.29, p<0.001). Hence, it was found that the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (B=-0.27, p<0.001) played a mediating role in the impact of the Mother-Infant Contact Barriers Scale on the Maternal Attachment Scale. CONCLUSION: Accordingly, it can be stated that maternal attachment decreases and postpartum depression increases as mother-infant contact barriers increase.

Abstract in English:

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Ischemic heart disease and acute myocardial infarction are the main causes of death and morbidity worldwide. It has been proposed that knowledge of the profile of patients treated allows the development of more effective strategies to improve adherence to treatment and consequently the best clinical results. The aim of this study was to develop a descriptive and observational study to identify and describe the sociodemographic profile of patients treated by the medical complex of Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Service of Hospital São Paulo from Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo. METHODS: This study was performed on 3,593 patients from the Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Service/Hospital São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo complex between July 1, 2020, and October 30, 2022. Using data collected on the REDCap platform, variables, such as gender, age group, ethnicity, education level, and origin of the patients, were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the total patients (3,593), 60.1% were male, 59.18% were older adults, 66.34% belonged to White race, and 33.69% had incomplete primary education. Geographically, most patients were from the capital of São Paulo State (76.46%), with a smaller proportion coming from the greater São Paulo area (16.77%) and other regions. CONCLUSION: Understanding the sociodemographic profile of patients treated by the medical complex of Hemodynamics and Interventional Cardiology Service/Hospital São Paulo/Escola Paulista de Medicina/Universidade Federal de São Paulo will be fundamental for developing more effective and personalized medical intervention strategies, aiming to increase treatment adherence and improve the quality of care provided. These data may also be useful for other medical centers in Brazil and other parts of the world.