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Background The participation of fathers in childbirth contributes primarily to the improvement of maternal and infant health and, consequently, to public health. To increase the participation of expectant fathers in childbirth, an appropriate screening tool is needed. This study was conducted to evaluate the psychometric properties of the “Birth Participation Scale” developed for expectant fathers. Methods The research involved a total of 250 expectant fathers who submitted applications to the Gynecology and Obstetrics Polyclinic of a university hospital. After translating the scale into a methodological and cross-sectional investigation, psychometric properties were evaluated. The validity of the scale was assessed by evaluating the content, construct, and face validity. Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s Omega, Spearman-Brown split-half and test-retest reliability coefficients were calculated to determine the item’s reliability. Results The average content validity index (CVI) values for relevance, clarity, and simplicity were found to be 0.99 for each. The impact score of the items was 1.5 and above. A factor structure with 17 items, and 3 sub-dimensions was obtained through Exploratory Factor Analysis. The factor loadings of the items ranged between 0.55 and 0.85. The validity of this structure was assessed by Confirmatory Factor Analysis and the model fit indices were “acceptable” or “good fit”. The reliability coefficients for Cronbach’s alpha, McDonald’s Omega, and Spearman-Brown split half were 0.89, 0.92, and 0.81, respectively. Moreover, the test-retest correlation was 0.96. Conclusions The Birth Participation Scale for Fathers has a suitable validity and reliability for assessing fathers’ participation in birth. It is a simple reporting tool that healthcare professionals in Turkey can easily implement.

Background and Objectives: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a lifelong autoinflammatory disease characterized by episodes of fever and aseptic polyserositis. Commonly associated with vasculitis, FMF’s impact on microcirculation was investigated by examining nailfold capillaries using capillaroscopy. Materials and Methods: This study included 32 female and 28 male FMF patients diagnosed according to the Tel Hashomer and Yalçınkaya criteria and a control group of 20 female and 10 male age-matched cases. Demographic characteristics, medical history (abdominal pain, fever, chest pain, and joint pain), and physical examination findings of the cases were assessed. FMF gene mutations, acute-phase reactants, urine analysis, and spot urine protein/creatinine ratios were evaluated. Nailfold capillaries were examined via capillaroscopy by the same dermatology specialist. Results: There was no significant age or gender difference between groups. The most common symptoms in the case group were abdominal pain (81.7%) and joint pain (65%). Pathological findings in capillaroscopy, such as microhemorrhages and avascular areas, were significantly more frequent in the FMF case group (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). Physiological findings, including hairpin-shaped capillaries and shortened loops, were significantly more common in the control group (p = 0.001; p = 0.034). No significant relationships were found between kidney involvement, subclinical inflammation, presence of microhemorrhages and avascular areas in capillaroscopy, and disease duration. Additionally, no significant differences were observed in capillaroscopic findings between those with exon-10 mutations in the MEFV gene and those with non-exon-10 mutations. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study demonstrated secondary microvascular findings due to inflammation in FMF patients using capillaroscopy, a cost-effective and safe tool.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to examine the factors affecting the daily functioning of patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Materials and Methods: In addition to the polysomnography records of 361 patients, participants completed the Turkish FOSQ-10 (Functional Outcomes of Sleep-10), Medical Outcome Survey Short Form-12, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). First, the psychometrics properties of the Turkish FOSQ-10 were evaluated. Then, factors affecting daily functioning were examined through univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: Of all participants, 68.7% (n = 248) were male, and the average age was 47.94 ± 11.08. According to the OSA category, 23% (n = 83) were mild, 22.7% (n = 82) were moderate, 45.2% (n = 163) were severe, and 9.1% (n = 33) were OSA negative. The Turkish FOSQ-10 was found to be a valid and reliable scale through validity and reliability analyses. The moderate and severe OSA patients had different FOSQ-10 Total scores compared to the negative OSA group. Daily functioning was positively associated with overall quality of life while inversely associated with depression, being anxious, and daytime sleepiness in OSA patients. In a multiple regression model, BDI, mental component summary-12, physical component summary-12, and ESS scores were significantly related to the FOSQ-10 Total score in OSA patients (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The daily functioning of moderate and severe OSA patients was worse than that of the negative OSA group. Depression, quality of life, and daytime sleepiness were simultaneously important variables associated with daily functioning in OSA patients.

Background and objectives: Cryotherapy is a method of treatment using cold application. This study aimed to evaluate postoperative clinical and hematological parameters and pain associated with total knee arthroplasty in patients and compared cryotherapy to the conventional method of cold ice pack compressions. Materials and Methods: Between January 2015 and January 2016, 90 patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty for grade 4 gonarthrosis were prospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into three groups (n = 30, each): Group 1, cryotherapy was applied in the pre- and postoperative periods; Group 2, cryotherapy was applied only in the postoperative period; and Group 3 (control group), only a cold pack (gel ice) was applied postoperatively. In all groups, pre- and postoperative evaluations at 6, 24, and 48 h, hemorrhage follow-up, knee circumference measurement, visual analog scale pain score, knee circumference, and temperature measured by thermal camera were recorded. Results: Of the 90 patients, 10% were men and 90% were women. The mean age was 64.3 ± 8.1 (range: 46–83) years. The patella upper end diameter values were significantly lower in the postoperative period in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (p = 0.003). Hemoglobin levels at 24 and 48 h postoperatively were significantly lower in Group 3 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001, each) and Group 2 (p = 0.038, p < 0.001). At 6, 24, and 48 h follow-ups, pain values were significantly lower in Group 2 than in Group 3 (p < 0.001). Preoperative 6, 24, and 48 h temperature values were significantly lower in Group 1 than in Group 3 (p < 0.001 for each). It was found that the difference between preoperative and postoperative knee flexion measurements was significantly different in both groups or the difference between the groups was changed in each period (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Postoperative cryotherapy is a potentially simple, noninvasive option and beneficial for the reduction of reducing pain, bleeding, length of stay, analgesic requirement and swelling after total knee arthroplasty. Moreover, there was no early or late prosthesis infection in cryotherapy groups, which may be considered as an additional measure to prevent prosthesis infection.

ObjectiveTo investigate the factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and establish the relationship between compliance and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with OSA.Material and methodsIn this prospective study, patients with OSA using PAP devices were questioned about the complaints related to the device. Depression and anxiety scales along with PFT parameters were also assessed.ResultsOf 98 participants, 63% were men. The mean age was 52.0 ± 9.6 years. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were compliant with their devices. A significant difference was observed between the proportion of the participants compliant or non-compliant with the device, based on OSA severity (p < 0.05). Beck depression inventory (BDI) and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) scores of the compliant patients were significantly lower than those of the non-compliant patients (p < 0.001, p = 0.044, respectively). No statistically significant difference was detected between the groups regarding individual pulmonary function tests (p > 0.05). The rates of nasal mask use, not having difficulty in tolerating CPAP, falling asleep, absence of abdominal distension, no facial sores, no air leakage, patients benefiting from the device, reduction in daytime sleepiness, and the belief that they are receiving appropriate therapy in participants compliant with the device were higher than those in non-compliant participants (p < 0.05). The rates of claustrophobia and discomfort due to pressure were significantly lower in patients compliant with the device than in the non-compliant patients (p < 0.05).ConclusionWhile no relationship was detected between PFT parameters and PAP therapy compliance, significant factors affecting the device compliance were detected.

Background and objectives: Hallux valgus is a complex deformity of the first metatarsophalangeal joint characterized by varus deformity of the first metatarsal bone, valgus deformity of the big toe, and lateral deviation of the extensor tendons and sesamoid bones. Several surgical methods have been described for correction of the deformity. Different materials have been used for the fixation of osteotomy. We compared the functional, radiological, and pain results of intramedullary self-locked plates and Herbert screws for the treatment of a hallux valgus deformity. Materials and Methods: Distal metatarsals were treated with self-locking intramedullary plate–screw systems in 18 feet from 12 patients (Group 1) and with Herbert screws in 18 feet from 12 patients (Group 2). The hallux valgus angle (HVA) and intermetatarsal angle (IMA) in patients of Group 1 and 2 were examined radiologically during the pre- and postoperative periods. We also determined the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), EQ-5D General Life Quality Scale, and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores during the pre- and postoperative periods and compared the scores between groups. Results: Post hoc test results of HVA and IMA angles measured after the operation were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1. In each group, the AOFAS scores during the preoperation period were significantly lower than those during the postoperation period (p < 0.001). According to the post hoc test results, the VAS scores after the operation were significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: For the surgical treatment of hallux valgus, operations using self-locked plates compared to a single screw are superior in terms of providing rigid stability and for functional, radiological, and pain scores.

This study aims at mentioning briefly multiple comparison methods such as Bonferroni, Holm–Bonferroni, Hochberg, Hommel, Marascuilo, Tukey, Benjamini–Hochberg and Gavrilov–Benjamini–Sarkar for contingency tables, through the data obtained from a medical research and examining their performances by simulation study which was constructed as the total 36 scenarios to 2 × 4 contingency table. As results of simulation, it was observed that when the sample size is more than 100, the methods which can preserve the nominal alpha level are Gavrilov–Benjamini–Sarkar, Holm–Bonferroni and Bonferroni. Marascuilo method was found to be a more conservative than Bonferroni. It was found that Type I error rate for Hommel method is around 2 % in all scenarios. Moreover, when the proportions of the three populations are equal and the proportion value of the fourth population is far at a level of ±3 standard deviation from the other populations, the power value for Unadjusted All-Pairwise Comparison approach is at least a bit higher than the ones obtained by Gavrilov–Benjamini–Sarkar, Holm–Bonferroni and Bonferroni. Consequently, Gavrilov–Benjamini–Sarkar and Holm–Bonferroni methods have the best performance according to simulation. Hommel and Marascuilo methods are not recommended to be used because they have medium or lower performance. In addition, we have written a Minitab macro about multiple comparisons for use in scientific research.

In this study, when the assumptions of linearity and homogeneity of regression slopes of conventional ANCOVA are not met, a new approach named as SEYHAN has been suggested to use conventional ANCOVA instead of robust or nonlinear ANCOVA. The proposed SEYHAN’s approach involves transformation of continuous covariate into categorical structure when the relationship between covariate and dependent variable is nonlinear and the regression slopes are not homogenous. A simulated data set was used to explain SEYHAN’s approach. In this approach, we performed conventional ANCOVA in each subgroup which is constituted according to knot values and analysis of variance with two-factor model after MARS method was used for categorization of covariate. The first model is a simpler model than the second model that includes interaction term. Since the model with interaction effect has more subjects, the power of test also increases and the existing significant difference is revealed better. We can say that linearity and homogeneity of regression slopes are not problem for data analysis by conventional linear ANCOVA model by helping this approach. It can be used fast and efficiently for the presence of one or more covariates.

Background: It is important to check the skin of neonates on a daily basis so that abnormal conditions and skin problems are identified. Objectives: This study aimed at testing the validity and reliability of a revised Northampton Neonatal skin assessment tool in Turkish; a review to determine whether it is valid and reliable in the care of neonates. Methods: The research had a cross-sectional and methodological design. The data for the study was collected between 1st of January 2015, and 20th of June 2015, at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a major training and research hospital in Istanbul/Turkey; 362 neonatal skin assessments were executed. The revised tool's language, face, content, construct validity, and reliability were evaluated. Results: The intra-class correlation coefficient, which indicates interrater reliability, was 1.00 in the study, representing 100% agreement. The Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient revealed that the tool’s general reliability was at an acceptable level (Cα = 0.71). Although the model was not found to be significant (Chi-square = 46.22, df = 17, and P < 0.001), the other model fit indices found RMSEA < 0.07, χ2/df < 3, and SRMR<0.06, which meant that the data had an acceptable fit for the model. The model exhibited a good fit because the CFI, NFI, GFI, and AGFI indices were close to 1. When the model fit indices were evaluated in combination, the CFA model generally had a good fit. The most significant and most prominent effect on the tool was the impact of NNS9 (level of care) indicator (b9 = 0.86, t value = 17.46 > 1.96). Conclusions: The Turkish version of the revised northampton neonatal skin assessment tool is an appropriate, valid, and reliable instrument to be used in the assessment of neonatal skin, especially of infants at the NICU. The tool may be recommended for use in the care of neonates.

Background: The use of postoperative bracing after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction remains a topic of debate. Although braces are widely prescribed to enhance joint stability and provide psychological support, their actual impact on functional outcomes, muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, and return-to-sport (RTS) rates is unclear—particularly in recreational athletes. Purpose: To evaluate the effects of postoperative knee brace use on knee function, muscle strength, pain, kinesiophobia, quality of life, and RTS rates over a 12-month period in recreational soccer players who underwent ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 50 male recreational soccer players who underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction between 2020 and 2023 were included. Postoperative brace use depended on the clinical routines of 2 orthopaedic teams: one routinely prescribed a knee brace, while the other did not. Thus, patients were categorized into brace (n = 25) and no-brace (n = 25) groups accordingly. All patients followed the same standardized rehabilitation program. Assessments were performed preoperatively and at 15 days and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Outcome measures included the visual analog scale for pain, Tampa Kinesiophobia Scale, International Knee Documentation Committee score, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale, isokinetic muscle strength testing at 60 deg/s and 180 deg/s, the 36-item Short Form Health Survey quality of life assessment, and RTS rates. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between the groups regarding pain, knee function, kinesiophobia, quality of life, or RTS rates at any time point (P > .05). However, baseline isokinetic extension torque at 180 deg/s was significantly higher in the brace group compared with the no-brace group (314.7 ± 66.1 Nm vs. 279.7 ± 59.6 Nm; P = .03). At the 12-month follow-up, this relationship was reversed, with the no-brace group demonstrating significantly greater extension torque at 180 deg/s than the brace group (340.8 ± 62.2 Nm vs. 301.2 ± 57.5 Nm; P = .02). Within-group improvements were observed over time in several parameters, but most did not reach statistical significance (P > .05). Brace use did not provide additional benefit in any of the evaluated outcomes. Conclusion: Postoperative bracing did not lead to improved clinical outcomes, including function, strength, pain, psychological readiness, or RTS success, in recreational soccer players following ACL reconstruction. These findings suggest that routine bracing may not be necessary in this population. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these retrospective observations.