Effects of apple consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters in elderly subjects

The effects of apple consumption on plasma and erythrocyte antioxidant parameters of elderly subjects were investigated in this study. Fifteen elderly subjects (mean age 71.86 +/- 4.17) participated in the study. They consumed an apple a day for 1 month. Before and after this period, fasting blood samples were obtained, and oxidant (malondialdehyde [MDA]) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], catalase [CAT], and antioxidant potential [AOP]) parameters were studied. MDA and AOP levels were studied in plasma, and SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT activities and MDA levels were measured in the erythrocytes. In the erythrocytes, GSH-Px and SOD activities were found to be higher (p < .001 and p < .01), but MDA levels were lower in the second samples relative to the first ones. In the plasma, AOP value was found to be higher in the second samples relative to first ones (p < .001). No differences were found, however, between the routine blood parameters such as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. The results show that consumption of apple leads to significant increases in the activities of some antioxidant enzymes and in the antioxidant potential values of the blood, and that decreases oxidation reactions in the body in significant amount. It is quite possible that reduced peroxidation processes owing to consumption of this fruit may play a part in some of their beneficial effects in the elderly subjects.     

Metals (Ag+, Cd2+, Cr6+) affect ATPase activity in the gill,kidney, and muscle of freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus following acute and chronic exposures

Freshwater fish Oreochromis niloticus were individually acutely exposed to different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg/mL) of Cd²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, and Ag⁺ for 96 h and 0.05 μg/mL concentration of the same metals for different periods (0, 5, 10, 20, and 30 days) chronically. Following each experimental protocol, Na⁺/K⁺‐ATPase, Mg²⁺‐ATPase, and Ca²⁺‐ATPase activities were measured in the gill, kidney, and muscle of O. niloticus. In vitro experiments were also performed to determine the direct effects of metal ions (0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 μg/mL) on ATPases. Except Ag⁺, none of the metals caused fish mortality within 30 days. Silver killed all the fishes within 16 days. Metal exposures generally decreased Na⁺/K⁺‐ATPase and Ca²⁺‐ATPase activities in the tissues of O. niloticus, although there were some fluctuations in Mg²⁺‐ATPase activity. Ag⁺ and Cd²⁺ were found to be more toxic to ATPase activities than Cr⁶⁺. It was also observed that metal efficiency was higher in the gill than in the other tissues. Results indicated that the response of ATPases varied depending on metals, exposure types, and tissues. Because ATPases are sensitive to metal toxicity, their activity can give valuable data about fish physiology. Therefore, they may be used as a sensitive biomarker in environmental monitoring in contaminated waters. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 28: 707–717, 2013.     

A randomized prospective study of comparison of reservoir ports versus conventional vascular access in advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma cases treated with chemotherapy

Vascular access ports were developed to overcome many of the problems associated with limited peripheral access, combined with the need for frequent venipuncture, in oncology patients receiving long-term intensive therapy. In this study, we compared the effectivity and acceptability of vascular access port with conventional needle application together with complication rates in ovarian cancer patients. Advanced-stage ovarian carcinoma cases under chemotherapy treatment were equally randomized into two groups, implantable vascular access ports applied to one group (22 cases) and conventional vascular access applied to the other (38 cases) as a control group. Anteroposterior thoracic X-rays of implantable port-applied cases were taken before and after the application. Vortex reservoir ports (Horizon Medical Products, Inc., Manchester, GA) were used in the application to the subclavian vein. Classic peripheral venipuncture method (Medikit), Mediflon(trade mark) IV cannula with PTFE radiopaque catheter and injection valve, Eastern Medikit Ltd, Gurgaon, Haryana, India) was used in the control group. Vascular accesses of all cases were controlled just after the application, 12 h after the application, and during each drug or intravenous fluid application. Mean port insertion time was 26.3 min. Total port occlusion was observed in two of the port-applied cases (11.7%) and partial port occlusion was observed in five of the port-applied cases (29%). Heparin and saline combination was used in order to open the port tip, in five cases, two with total occlusion and three with partial occlusion. Infection was observed in only one case (5%) to whom appropriate therapy was given, and the port was taken out. Ports of two cases were also taken out because of skin dehiscence. No change in port tip position was observed in any of the cases. Total occlusion was observed in 16 of the 38 cases (42.1%) with conventional vascular access. In 12 cases (31.5%), a need arose to change the conventional vascular access. No vascular access was found in 13 of the 38 cases (34.2%). Application of reservoir ports especially to cases with advanced-stage carcinomas, under chemotherapeutic drug treatment, leads to minimal anxiety for the patient and his/her family and minimal risk of physical trauma to the patient with only one vascular access. Reservoir ports occlude or cause infection to a lesser extent than classic vascular access methods. Occlusion or infection rates of reservoir ports are statistically significant, lower than those of classic venipuncture.     

Unusual cause of fatal anthrax meningitis

We report the case of fatal anthrax meningoencephalitis in the province of Mu? located in eastern Anatolia, Turkey. The organism isolated from cerebrospinal fluid was identified as Bacillus anthracis. The patient was treated with crystallized penicillin G (24 MU/day IV) and ciprofloxacin (2?×?400/day IV), but died 5 days after hospitalization. Although it is a rare case, we consider that the patients who have skin, respiratory and neurological systems might also have hemorrhagic meningitis.     

Bilateral fused os intermetatarseum presenting as dorsal foot pain: a case report

Purpose

Os intermetatarseum is a rare accessory bone of the forefoot and usually situated between the base of the first and second metatarsals. Most of the cases are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally. Here, we report a rare form of os intermetatarseum presented with bilateral dorsal foot pain and to the authors’ knowledge, it is the first case which includes computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Methods

A 23-year-old male complained of localized bump at the dorsum of the both feet underwent bilateral anteroposterior foot radiograms which was unremarkable and then CT and MRI were performed.

Results

MRI of both feet demonstrated osseous structures in relation with medial os cuneiforme. Computerized tomography demonstrated bilateral os intermetatarsea fused with medial os cuneiforme.

Conclusions

It is important for radiologist to know that os intermetatarseum can be presented as dorsal foot pain. Due to its position, it is difficult to demonstrate os intermetatarseum in plain radiographs, CT and MRI should be performed in clinically suggestive cases.     

A prognostic score for colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Scoring systems are generally used for predicting prognosis in critically ill patients, but not frequently for predicting prognosis in cancer. Our aim was to develop a prognostic score for colorectal cancer. METHODOLOGY: Demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiologic, histopathologic and operative data of 112 patients who had resection for colorectal cancer, were analyzed for their effect on survival. Eight variables (invasion depth of tumor, nodal status, presence of metastasis, CEA level, differentiation, resectability, tumor location, presence of blood transfusion), which have the most significant effect on survival in univariate analysis and multivariate analysis, were chosen. Coefficients were calculated and the Prognostic Score for Colorectal Cancer (PSCRC) was designed. All patients were scored using this system and staged according to TNM, Dukes and Astler-Coller systems. RESULTS: The score range is between -49 and 80. Patients were grouped as Group 1 (score < -30), Group 2 (score -30 to -6), Group 3 (score -5 to 19), Group 4 (score > 19). Survival rates decreased and recurrence rates increased significantly with increasing scores. The associations of PSCRC and staging systems with survival and recurrence rates were determined by logistic and Cox regression analyses. PSCRC was proved to have the most significant association with survival and recurrence rates. Furthermore, PSCRC had better correlation with survival and recurrence rates when compared with staging systems according to Pearson correlation analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusion of more variables in PSCRC seems to make it superior to the staging systems. PSCRC may be a practical and useful scoring system in clinical practice and is easily adapted to different patient populations.     

Decreased Serum Sulphydryl Levels as a Sign of Increased Oxidative Stress in Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Objective

In recent years, many published studies have focused on the relationship between oxidative stress and psychiatric disorders. However, studies in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are few despite relatively high prevalence rates. In an attempt to fill this gap in the literature we aimed to measure serum levels of free sulphydryl, an important member of antioxidant defense mechanisms, of the patients with GAD.

Methods

A total of 35 (23 female, 12 male) GAD patients without any other co-morbid medical or psychiatric disorder and 35 (23 female, 12 male) healthy controls have been included in the study. Disease severity of the patients were quantified by using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A). Serum free sulphydryl group levels of patients and healthy controls were measured in an appropriate way.

Results

Mean level of serum sulphydryl groups was significantly lower in the patient group. There was a negative correlation between their level and the disease duration. However, they did not show any significant correlation with the disease severity.

Conclusion

Decreased serum sulphydryl level observed in pure GAD patients suggests an increased oxidative stress in these patients. Well designed future researches are needed to replicate our findings and to test the implications of the present study.     

Latent class analysis of obsessive–compulsive symptoms in a clinical sample

Objective

Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is probably a heterogeneous condition. To date, research investigating the symptom structure of OCD has generally focused on variable-classification approaches, primarily factor analysis. Our aim was to use the latent class analysis, an advanced individual-classification method, in order to define homogeneous sub-groups based on the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale Check List (Y-BOCS CL) assessments within 193 outpatients with OCD.

Method

Latent class analysis of 13 obsessive–compulsive symptom-clusters measured by the Yale–Brown Obsessive–Compulsive Scale Check List was performed. Associations of demographic and clinical features with latent class membership were tested by using logistic regression models. Differences in severity of obsessive–compulsive symptoms, obsessive beliefs, and depressive symptomotology between latent classes were evaluated with the chi-square likelihood test.

Results

Latent class analysis models of best fit yielded 3 latent classes: “autogenous obsessions”, “reactive obsessive–compulsive”, and “reactive obsessions”. Outpatients in reactive obsessive–compulsive group reported significantly higher scores on the Y-BOCS global, obsessions, and compulsions scales than outpatients in other two sub-groups. Participants in reactive obsessive–compulsive group were predominantly female, single, and had a history of family psychopathology; whereas autogenous and reactive obsessions groups were predominantly male. There were no differences in severity of depression and obsessive belief domains.

Conclusions

The results provide support for the validity of autogenous/reactive distinction for OCD. These three classes may have important implications for research and clinical purposes.     

Utilisation of dental services in Turkey: a cross-sectional survey

AIM: To assess the factors affecting the utilisation of dental service in Turkey. METHOD: A cross-sectional study using a sample of 866 adults randomly selected from nine provinces, collecting data on socio-demographic characteristics, frequency of dental visits and attitudes toward dental services in face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: 40.4% of adults had visited a dentist within the previous year. Logistic regression analysis showed that gender and educational level were significant factors affecting the utilisation of dental services, with women using dental services significantly more than men and those having higher education compared to those having low education. Satisfaction from the services of the private dental offices and private hospitals was higher than from state hospitals. Age, reasons for dental visit and the place of the last visit were found to be the most significant predictors of satisfaction. CONCLUSION: Utilisation of dental services is low amongst Turkish adults. Women and individuals with higher levels of education use dental services more than others. The majority of the people prefer private dental offices, where the patient satisfaction is high.     

Prevalence of common and atypical melanocytic nevi in Turkish children

The incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing rapidly in the white population of the world. Therefore, it is necessary to know the etiological factors of malignant melanoma and to take preventive measures in high-risk groups in different populations. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of common melanocytic nevi (CMN) and atypical melanocytic nevi (AMN) and to identify some phenotypic factors (eye and hair color, skin type), gender, and age associated with CMN and AMN presence in primary school children in a Turkish population. In this study, 1491 children aged from 7-15 were examined. Brown-black discrete lesions of two millimeters or larger, with the exceptions of solar lentigo and ephelides, were counted as CMN. The CMN prevalence was 73.85%, and the AMN prevalence was 3.45%. The numbers of CMN and AMN were found to be higher in boys than in girls. While more CMN were present in the head and neck areas than in other anatomic regions, the number of AMN was higher on the ventral and dorsal trunk. Our study provides evidence for a significant relationship between specific characteristics, including skin type, age, gender and the number of CMN in our population. However, CMN is more frequent in children having a lighter skin type, and its number increases with age. The results of our study and further studies which take sun-exposure characteristics and pigmentary factors into account, may facilitate the determination of the other factors affecting nevus production and the development of further strategies for following and preventing cutaneous melanoma in our geographical area.