Effect of Tea Tree Oil and Coconut Oil on Nipple Crack Formation in the Early Postpartum Period.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the effect of tea tree oil and coconut oil applied to the nipples during the early postpartum period on nipple crack formation. Methods: This randomized controlled experimental research included a total of 90 women in the research sample abiding by the research criteria, with 30 each in the intervention groups (coconut oil or tea tree oil application) and 30 in the control group. Women in the intervention groups applied coconut oil or tea tree oil to the nipples on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum, whereas the control group did not have any intervention. Data in the research were collected with the Descriptive Information Form for Mothers, Early Postpartum Period Breast Problem Assessment Form, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Analysis of data used the chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Friedman's test. Results: Mean age of women participating in the research was 28.23 ± 5.21 years. The differences between the groups applying coconut oil and tea tree oil on the 3rd, 7th, and 10th days postpartum and the control group were significant in terms of incidence of nipple cracks. In addition, the difference in mean VAS points for nipple pain in the groups using coconut oil and tea tree oil and the control group was found to be statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the research findings, coconut oil and tea tree oil were determined to reduce nipple crack formation and nipple pain. It is recommended to increase the use of coconut oil and tea tree oil related to breast problems in nursing care during the postpartum period. Clinical Trials Registration Number: NCT05456438.

Recovery of anthocyanins from sour cherry (Prunus cerasus L.) peels via microwave assisted extraction: monitoring the storage stability.

Utilization of economical and environmental methods as an alternative process to recover the industrial crops and food products into high-added value compounds is of great significant. In the current study, microwave assisted extraction (MAE) was optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) in order to evaluate the waste of sour cherry as a source of phenolic compounds rich in anthocyanins. The process parameters (microwave power, irradiation time and ethanol solvent concentration) of MAE method were optimized by face centered composite design of RSM. Responses such as total phenolic componds (TPC), total anthocyanin (TA) contents and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) of extracts were measured spectrophotometrically after extractions of samples. The optimized result of MAE was 500 W of microwave power, 90 s of irradation time and 80% ethanol solvent concentration. Antioxidant capacity was tested using by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical. Chromatographic analysis (HPLC) was also used to measure the concentration of major anthocyanin (cyanidin-3-glucoside) of the samples. Maximum predicted TPC, TA and DPPH yields on optimized conditions were 44.15 mg-GAE/g-FM (mg- gallic acid equivalent per g- fresh matter), 12.47 mg-cyanidin-3-glucoside/g-FM and 69.90 (%, inhibition), respectively. A stability assay under different conditions (light, dark, ambient condition, refrigerator and deep freezer) has been also performed in order to display the stability of bioactivity profile. All of the process parameters were significant at the level of p < 0.0001.

Ultrasonographic and clinical evaluation of additional contribution of kinesiotaping to tendon and nerve gliding exercises in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Background and aim: This study aims to ultrasonographically and clinically evaluate the additive contribution of kinesiotaping to tendon and nerve gliding exercises in the treatment of mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Materials and methods: Thirty-eight wrists of patients (n = 21) with CTS were randomized into two groups as the intervention group (n = 19) and the control group (n = 19). Tendon and nerve gliding exercises were given to both groups. In the intervention group, additional kinesiotaping was performed three times with 5-day intervals. Functional assessments were performed with the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire and the Moberg pick-up test. Hand grip and pinch strength were evaluated. Cross-section area (CSA) of the median nerve was measured by ultrasonography. All assessments were performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 weeks after treatment. Results: In the intervention group, there was a significant improvement in all clinical assessments and in the CSA of the median nerve at the level of proximal carpal bones. In the control group, a significant improvement was detected in all clinical parameters except grip strength and ultrasonographic measurements. There was no significant difference in the clinical and ultrasonographic findings between the groups at 6 weeks. Conclusion: Kinesiotaping may provide a positive contribution to ultrasonographic and clinical outcomes in the treatment of mild or moderate CTS in the short term.

Vitamin B12 and folate statuses are associated with diet in pregnant women, but not with anthropometric measurements in term newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequencies of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies in pregnant women in low socioeconomic group, the relation between the animal-source foods consumption and maternal vitamin B12-folate statuses, and their impacts on anthropometric measurements of the infants. METHODS: A total of 208 pregnant women in the last trimester were included in the study. A questionnaire about socio-demographic status, consumption of meat, egg, milk-dairy products, multivitamin supplementation was used. Vitamin B(12) and folate concentrations were studied by chemiluminescence method. The babies of Vitamin B(12) deficient mothers were evaluated after birth. RESULTS: The rate of vitamin B(12) deficiency was 47.6% and folate deficiency was 17.3% of pregnant women. Animal food consumption was inadequate about half of pregnant women and vitamin B(12) levels in these women were significantly low. There were no statistically significant relationships between the birth weight, birth length and head circumference measurements, and maternal vitamin B(12) and folate concentrations. CONCLUSION: The rate of vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant women in low socioeconomic population is high. Although there were no significant effects of the vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies on birth size, additional studies are required to elucidate the subsequent effects.

Efficacy of EMG-biofeedback in knee osteoarthritis.

This study was designed to investigate the additive effect of EMG-biofeedback in rehabilitation of knee osteoarthritis. Forty patients, aged 45-70, with the diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis according to American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were taken into the study. The patients were randomly assigned in two groups. One group (n = 20) received strengthening exercise program with EMG-biofeedback while the other group (n = 20) had the same exercise program without biofeedback for 3 weeks. The clinical outcome was assessed on the basis of pain with visual analog scale (VAS), function with Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and quality of life with Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Quadriceps strength was measured with Cybex isokinetic dynamometer, isokinetically at the angular velocities of 60 and 180 degrees /s and isometric strength at 65 degrees of knee flexion. Pain, WOMAC scores and muscle strength improved in both groups but there was no statistically significant differences between two groups (p > 0.05). In both groups physical mobility, pain scores of NHP improved significantly (p < 0.001) while in EMG-biofeedback group energy and sleep scores also improved after treatment (p < 0.05). As reported in the literature, in our study, strengthening exercises improved pain, function, muscle strength and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis. But it seems that there is no significant additive effect of EMG-biofeedback to regular strengthening exercise program in these patients.