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.     

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.     

Diagnostic reliability of the Tzanck smear in dermatologic diseases

Background The Tzanck smear is a simple, easily applicable, rapid, and inexpensive test for the diagnosis of erosive vesiculobullous, tumoral, and granulomatous diseases. The diagnostic accuracy of the Tzanck smear is known, but its diagnostic reliability has been evaluated only in herpetic infections and basal cell carcinoma. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic reliability of the Tzanck smear in erosive vesiculobullous, tumoral, and granulomatous diseases. Methods Patients evaluated by Tzanck smear at Ba?kent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, between February 2009 and July 2010, were included. Three dermatologists were involved in the study. Dermatologist A performed a clinical dermatologic examination, took the smear material, made a clinical diagnosis, and compared the clinical and cytological diagnoses. Dermatologists B and C evaluated the smears. Agreement between the latter two dermatologists on the cytological diagnoses was determined. Results In 500 patients, a total of 272 (54%) erosive vesiculobullous, 190 (38%) tumoral, and 38 (8%) granulomatous lesions were diagnosed. The diagnostic reliability of the Tzanck smear was reasonably substantial (κ = 0.59) for all types of lesions, substantial for erosive vesiculobullous (κ = 0.79) and granulomatous (κ = 0.68) lesions, and moderate (κ = 0.50) for tumoral lesions. Conclusions The Tzanck smear may be used for the evaluation of erosive vesiculobullous and granulomatous lesions with brief training. However, the evaluation of tumoral lesions by Tzanck smear requires more experience.     

Effect of low level laser therapy and zoledronate on the viability and ALP activity of Saos-2 cells

A limited number of clinical studies indicate the supportive role of low level laser therapy (LLLT) on medical and/or surgical approaches carried out in treatment modalities for bisphosphonate related necrosis of jaws (BRONJ), the most common side effect of bisphosphonates used to inhibit bone resorption. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of LLLT on cell proliferation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of human osteoblast-like cells (Saos-2) treated with different doses of zoledronate, the most potent bisphosphonate. Saos-2 cells were treated with different concentrations of zoledronate and were irradiated with diode laser (wavelength 808 nm, 10 s, 0.25 or 0.50 W). Cell numbers and ALP activity of the cells were determined. LLLT mildly increased the proliferation rate or ALP activity, while zoledronate reduced both. When applied together, LLLT lessened the detrimental effects of zoledronate and improved cell function and/or proliferation. Based on the results of this study, it was concluded that LLLT has biostimulative effects on Saos-2 cells, even after treatment with zoledronate. LLLT may serve as a useful supportive method for BRONJ treatment through enhancement of healing by osteoblasts.