Nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels in plasma and tissue of psoriasis patients

Background The pathogenesis of psoriasis has not been known exactly yet. Recently, it has been suggested that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) may play a part in the pathogenesis of various skin diseases, including psoriasis. Objectives In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of ROS in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods A convenience sample of 23 patients with psoriasis and 23 healthy subjects consented to participate in the study. Plasma NO and MDA levels were measured in all participants. Psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and tissue levels of MDA on lesional and non‐lesional skin regions of psoriasis patients were measured. In addition, the correlation between age, gender with plasma NO, plasma MDA and tissue MDA was assessed. Results Plasma levels of NO and MDA in psoriasis patients (135.8 μmol/L, 4.33 μmol/L, respectively) were statistically significantly higher than those in controls (33.6 μmol/L, 2.03 μmol/L, respectively). Tissue levels of MDA in lesional tissues (49.18 nmol/gr) were significantly higher than those in non‐lesional tissues (28.41 nmol/gr). A significant correlation was not found between the PASI and levels of NO and MDA. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between the plasma NO levels and age. Conclusion NO and MDA levels are elevated in psoriasis patients, which may indicate that oxidative stress plays an important role in the aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis.     

A rare cause of retinal artery embolism: Accessory mitral valve tissue

A 42‐year‐old female patient was referred our clinic for investigation of a history of acute retinal artery occlusion. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a cyst‐like, mobile formation on posterior mitral valve leaflet. 2D and real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography showed a flexible circular mobile structure which was attached to posterior mitral valve leaflet. Echocardiographic appearance and morphological characteristics were suggestive of accessory mitral valve tissue.     

Life experiences of women with breast cancer in south western Turkey: A qualitative study

PurposeThis qualitative study explores the experience of women living with breast cancer.MethodsThe study was conducted among eight women with ongoing breast cancer chemotherapy treatment, which occurred in an ambulatory unit. The data were collected using semi-structured and in-depth individual interviews. All interviews were tape-recorded, and the results were obtained by analysing the content of the recorded data.ResultsThree major themes related to the experiences of women living with breast cancer were identified. They are as follows: (1) needs (the need for spouse and family support, the need to worship, and the need to receive and share information), (2) living with losses (loss of the breast and of one’s hair), and (3) changes (changes in one’s normal life, change in self-perception, changes in the perception of the value of health, and a greater appreciation for life).ConclusionsThis study was conducted to increase awareness concerning women’s perceptions of their care and various needs during breast cancer treatment. The results of this study challenge health care providers and educators to be more aware of the difficulties that women face when living with breast cancer.     

Echocardiographic diagnosis of double-chambered left ventricle

Double-chambered left ventricle (DCLV) is a rare congenital abnormality in which the left ventricle is divided into two separate chambers by a septum or anomalous muscular structure. The chambers are observed mostly parallel to each other without stenosis, and less frequently in a superior-inferior arrangement. An asymptomatic girl is presented here who was diagnosed with DCLV on echocardiographic examination that was performed for the evaluation of cardiac murmur detected by a pediatrician. She has been followed up without treatment.