Is vitamin D level associated with the natural course of atopic dermatitis?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin. Apart from its well-known role on calcium metabolism, vitamin D is reported to affect skin functions. The study aims were to: compare the vitamin D levels of children with AD and healthy children; investigate the relationship between the severity of AD and vitamin D levels; and investigate the effect of vitamin D on the natural course of AD. PATIENTS OR MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with AD were enrolled. Seventy healthy children were assigned as control group. Clinical and demographic features of groups were recorded. The skin prick test, eosinophil counts, immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels and serum 25 OH cholecalciferol (25OHD3) levels were measured. After at least 4 years of follow-up, patients were re-evaluated for natural course of AD. RESULTS: Mean 25OHD3 level was lower in patient group vs. control group; 19.86±6.7ng/mL (min-max: 6.8-40) vs. 24.07±9.08ng/mL, respectively, (p=0.002). Mean 25OHD3 levels, and vitamin D status were significantly different between AD severity groups. (p<0.05). In terms of vitamin D status in the pairwise comparison, vitamin D deficiency was greater in children with severe and moderate AD groups (respectively, p=0.005, p=0.018). In Tukey's post hoc analysis for 25OHD3 level, the 25OHD3 levels of severe AD are significantly lower than mild or moderate AD (respectively, p=0.001, p=0.026). There was a negative correlation between 25OHD3 levels and severity of AD (r=-0.480; p=0.001). In patients reassessed after 4 years: age, the age of AD onset, vitamin D deficiency, SCORAD level and severe AD were higher in the persistent group vs. remission group, 25OHD3 levels were higher in the remission group vs. persistent group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mean vitamin D levels were lower in patients with AD. A negative correlation between vitamin D levels and disease severity was documented. Vitamin D may affect the natural course of atopic dermatitis. There is a need for more comprehensive studies in this regard.

The effect of nebulised magnesium sulphate in the management of childhood moderate asthma exacerbations as adjuvant treatment.

BACKGROUND: After the bronchodilator effect of magnesium was shown, the use of magnesium in treatment of asthma exacerbations became common. With the results of recent studies, the use of intravenous magnesium in severe asthma exacerbations took its place. We aimed to examine the effects of adding isotonic magnesium sulphate instead of isotonic saline into nebulised salbutamol on the Modified Pulmonary Index Score (MPIS) and the hospitalisation rate in moderate asthma exacerbations. METHODS: Our study population included 100 children age between 3 and 15 years with asthma admitted to emergency department due to moderate asthma exacerbations. The patients were randomised to placebo or magnesium, with 50 patients in each arm. All patients received 1mg/kg of systemic methylprednisolone at the beginning of treatment and thereafter received either nebulised salbutamol (0.15mg/kg/dose) and 1ml magnesium sulphate (15%)+1.5ml isotonic saline on three occasions at roughly 20min intervals (Magnesium group) or nebulised salbutamol (0.15mg/kg/dose) and 2.5ml isotonic saline mixture on three occasions at roughly 20min intervals (Placebo group). The MPIS of patients on 0th min, 20th min, 40th and 120th min were calculated and compared. The primary outcome was to compare MPIS values at the end of 120th min. RESULTS: Both groups have similar demographic, allergic characteristics and baseline MPIS scores. When the MPIS scores in the 120th min and admission rates in the 200th min, there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The use of nebulised magnesium sulphate in moderate asthma exacerbation as adjuvant treatment showed no benefit to standard treatment in our study.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in children with recurrent wheezing and relation to the phenotypes and frequency of wheezing.

SUMMARY: Background. Recurrent wheezing may be related to various reasons. There is a lack of knowledge about the effect of vitamin D status in the children with recurrent wheezing. The aim of this study is to compare the level of vitamin D between recurrent wheezing children and healthy controls, and to investigate the relationship between vitamin D status and the clinical parameters of recurrent wheezing in preschool children. Methods. One hundred-ten children followed up in our hospital with recurrent wheezing were included in the study. The control group included fifty children without wheezing episodes. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) level was measured. The patients with recurrent wheezing were grouped according to their vitamin D status as "deficient group" and "non-deficient group (Vitamin D level is insufficient and normal)". We investigated the relationship between vitamin D status and the clinical and laboratory parameters of children with recurrent wheezing. Results. Mean 25OHD level was 21.66 ± 8.13 ng/mL (5.6-53) in the study group and 25.36 ± 10.17 ng/mL (6-59) in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.015). When the patients with recurrent wheezing were compared according to their vitamin D status, number of hospitalizations, number of positive sensitivity, percentage of eosinophil, serum IgE levels, Asthma Predictive Index positivity and wheezing phenotypes were not found to be different between groups. However, the duration of wheezing, the number of wheezing episodes and systemic glucocorticoid need in the previous year, and the total number of wheezing episodes were significantly higher in the deficient group (p < 0.05). The serum 25OHD level was negatively correlated with the duration of wheezing (r: -0.238; p: 0.012), total number of wheezing episodes (r: -0.436; p: 0.001), number of wheezing episodes in the previous year (r: -0.395; p: 0.001), and systemic glucocorticoid need in the previous year (r: -0.324; p: 0.001). Conclusions. Mean 25OHD levels were lower in patients with recurrent wheezing than in healthy controls. The duration of illness and number of wheezing episodes were correlated with vitamin D levels. An evaluation of the serum levels of vitamin D and supplementation if needed should be recommended in patients with recurrent wheezing, especially in those with long-term and frequent wheezing episodes.

The evaluation of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a test used to evaluate the systemic inflammation. There is little knowledge about the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in asthmatics. In our study, we aimed to evaluate NLR and to assess its relationship with clinical parameters in children with asthma. METHODS: Four hundred and sixty-nine children diagnosed with asthma and followed in our hospital were included in the study. The control group included 170 children with no evidence of allergic disease (i.e. asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema) or infection. Skin prick tests were performed using the same antigens for all patients. The immunoglobulin E levels and complete blood count were measured. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups with regard to gender and age. Mean NLR was 2.07±1.41 in the study group and 1.77±1.71 in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.043). There was no statistically significant difference between NLR and gender, familial atopy, exposure to smoke, sensitivity to allergens (p>0.05). While mean NLR was weakly positively correlated with number of hospitalisations (r: 0.216; p: 0.012), the percentage of eosinophils was weakly negatively correlated with NLR (r: -0.195; p: 0.001). CONCLUSION: Mean NLR is higher in asthmatic children compared to control group. We think that NLR could be used for the evaluation of systemic inflammation in asthmatic patients. However, further studies are needed to assess airway and systemic inflammation as well as NLR in patients with asthma.

Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase gene polymorphism in children with allergic rhinitis.

BACKGROUND: Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) polymorphisms by impairing folate metabolism may influence the development of allergic diseases. The results of studies evaluating the relationship between MTHFR polymorphisms and atopic disease are controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the polymorphisms of C677T and A1298C for MTHFR gene and allergic rhinitis (AR) in children. METHODS: Ninety patients followed up with diagnosis of allergic rhinitis in our clinic and 30 children with no allergic diseases were included in the study. All participants were genotyped for the MTHFR (C677T) and (A1298C) polymorphisms. Vitamin b12, folate and homocysteine levels were measured. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 9.2±2.9 years; 66.7% of the patients were male. There was no significant difference between patient and control groups regarding gender, age and atopy history of the family (p>0.05). The frequency of homozygotes for MTHFR C677T polymorphism in the patient and control groups was 3.3% and 10%, respectively. The frequency of homozygotes for MTHFR A1298C polymorphism among groups was 26.7% and 16.7%, respectively. The association between allergic rhinitis and polymorphisms of C677T and A1298C for MTHFR gene was not statistically significant in patients compared with controls (p>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the patients and the control group in terms of serum vitamin b12, folate and homocysteine levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: We found no evidence for an association between allergic rhinitis and polymorphisms of C677T and A1298C for MTHFR gene in children. Further studies investigating the relationship between MTHFR polymorphism and AR are required.

Novel clues for ultrasonographic diagnosis of reflux in pregnant women: a pilot study.

The aim of the present study was to define some novel radiological clues that may aid in the ultrasonographic diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in pregnant women. A total of 84 pregnant women, consisting of 42 reflux patients and 42 controls were included in the study. Reflux and control groups were compared in terms of age and our novel ultrasonographic landmarks related to oesophageal structure. While the two groups did not differ in terms of age, they were significantly different from each other with respect to: single layer, single wall oesophageal thickness; double layer, double wall oesophageal thickness; oesophageal hiatal diameter; perioesophageal fat pad thickness; hypoechogenic single wall muscularis mucosa and lamina propria thickness. Owing to our newly defined radiological clues, ultrasonography may have a 'greater than expected' role in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux in pregnant women. However, further studies must be performed to document the actual diagnostic potential of these radiological tips.

The role of Staphylococcal enterotoxin in atopic keratoconjunctivitis and corneal ulceration.

BACKGROUND: Patients with atopic eczema frequently experience colonization with Staphylococcus aureus that is directly correlated with the eczema severity. We hypothesized that S. aureus-secreted enterotoxins (SE) are involved in the pathophysiology of atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). METHODS: A total of 45 subjects (18 with AKC, nine vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), eight seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), and ten healthy volunteers) were enrolled. Slit lamp examinations, including fluorescein staining, were performed. Scraped samples were collected from the upper tarsal conjunctiva, lower conjunctival sacs, and the skin around the eyelid margins. Superantigen (SAg) genes were detected using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: Among 45 cases, S. aureus was detected significantly more in AKC patients than VKC patients (P = 0.026), SAC patients (P = 0.0003), and healthy volunteers (P = 0.0001). SAg genes were detected in 11 patients. SEB (2/11), SEG (8/11), and SEI (8/11) were detected, but no other SE. There was a significant difference in SE detection between AKC and SAC patients (P = 0.03). In severe types of ocular allergic disease such as AKC and VKC (N = 27), SE was detected in six of ten patients with corneal ulcers and two of 17 patients without corneal ulcers. SE was detected in significantly more patients with corneal ulcers (P = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with AKC, S. aureus and SE were detected more frequently compared with other patients and healthy volunteers, especially in association with corneal ulceration suggesting a role of SE. So far, it is unknown whether SE leads to tissue damage of the cornea by initiating an immune response or has direct toxic effects.

Single high dose atorvastatin does not ameliorate endothelial function and large arterial stiffness in dyslipidemic patients without atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Many studies show that statins have beneficial effects on atherosclerotic risk factors and markers such as flow mediated dilatation (FMD). However, studies on early effects of statins on endothelial function of non atherosclerotic humans are limited. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a single high dose of atorvastatin could improve endothelial function and large arterial stiffness in statin naive dyslipidemic non-atherosclerotic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty statin naïve dyslipidemic non-atherosclerotic patients from Cardiology Outpatient Clinic were enrolled. Arterial stiffness and endothelial function of patients were evaluated by assessing the finger photoplethysmography and the flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery before and 24 hour after oral administration of 80 mg atorvastatin. RESULTS: Stiffness indices and FMD 24 hours after administration of 80mg atorvastatin did not differ from baseline measurements (6.89 +/- 1.90 vs. 7.06 +/- 2.37 p : NS and 9.13 +/- 6.07 vs. 9.80 +/- 6.34 p : NS). CONCLUSIONS: Although it is widely accepted that statins improve endothelial function, evidences of early effect might largely be associated with endothelial injury. Our study suggests that beneficial early effects of statins might not be applicable to patients without atherosclerosis.

Protective role of silibinin over nickel sulfate-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats.

Nickel damages the male reproductive system. We investigated the beneficial effects of silibinin which has metal-chelating and antioxidant properties over nickel toxicity. Both antioxidative effects in testes and overall effects related to sperm motility, membrane and acrosome integrity of orally administered Silibinin were evaluated against the harmful effects of 30 day of intraperitoneal nickel sulfate (5 mg/kg/day) administration in rats. Male rats were randomized into control (Group1; n=6) and three experimental groups (n=6, each): Group2 Nickel sulfate (5 mg/kg/day), Group3 Silibinin (150 mg/kg/day), and Group 4 Nickel sulfate (5 mg/kg/day) + Silibinin (150 mg/kg/day). We found higher sperm motility, viable sperm and total sperm count in Groups 3 and 4 than the Group 2 treatment groups and the percentage of abnormal spermatozoa was similar in both groups (Groups 2 and 4). Increased apoptosis, activation of caspase3, 8, 9 and TUNEL were detected in Group 2. However, activation of caspase3, 8, 9 and TUNEL was reduced in Group 4. The protective effects of silibinin were demonstrated on histopathologic findings and some sperm parameters (sperm motility percentage, viable spermatozoa, sperm count, and abnormal spermatozoa percentage) in rats exposed to nickel.

The difference of heart rate recovery between males with and without erectile dysfunction.

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between heart rate recovery (HRR) time and Chronotropic Index (CHIND) parameters, which also reflect autonomic function, after exercise stress test (EST) in males with or without erectile dysfunction (ED), and we investigated the relationship between HRR and CHIND and serum steroid hormone levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 135 participants (mean age: 45.0 +/- 11.8 years) were enrolled into the study. Detailed biochemical and hormonal analyses, 12-lead electrocardiography and EST (Treadmill) were performed in all participants. Erectile function was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire form. Patients were categorized into two groups according to their IIEF scores as ED (+) (IIEF < 26) and ED (-) (IIEF > or = 26). Afterward, statistical analyses were performed to evaluate the correlations between ED and HRR and CHIND. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients were ED (+) (mean age 44.9 +/- 6.4 years), while 70 patients (mean age 43.7 +/- 7.7 years) had normal erectile status. There were statistically significant differences in CHIND (P = 0.015) and HRR time (P = 0.037) between ED (+) and ED (-) patients. In correlation analysis, IIEF score was found positively correlated with HRR and metabolic equivalent (MET) values (r(HRR)= 0.293, P = 0.037; r(METs)= 0.388, P = 0.011, respectively). Linear regression analysis revealed that METs value and total exercise time had a more linear relationship with IIEF score compared to the other EST parameters (p(METs)= 0.002 and p(TET)= 0.015, respectively). CONCLUSION: Chronotropic incompetence and dynamic postexercise autonomic dysfunction are present in ED patients. This condition may reflect decreased functional capacity and exercise intolerance in these patients.

Differences in autonomic activity in individuals with optimal, normal, and high-normal blood pressure levels.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated differences in autonomic activity in normotensive individuals having optimal, normal and high-normal blood pressure (BP) levels according to the guidelines of the European Society of Hypertension and European Society of Cardiology (ESH/ESC). STUDY DESIGN: The study included 294 normotensive subjects (135 males, 159 females; age range 16 to 75 years) with similar clinical, morphometric, biochemical, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic features. The subjects were classified into the following BP groups: group 1 (n=113) with optimal BP (<120/80 mmHg); group 2 (n=104) with normal BP (120-129/80-84 mmHg), and group 3 (n=77) with high-normal BP (130-139/85-89 mmHg). All the subjects underwent 24-hour Holter monitoring to obtain heart rate variability (HRV) parameters of 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime periods. Normalized low (LFn) and high (HFn) frequency powers, and logarithmic (Log) values of HRV parameters were also calculated. RESULTS: On 24-hour Holter monitoring, heart rates were similar in three groups. Compared to group 1 and 2, group 3 exhibited significantly higher LF/HF (p<0.001) and LFn (p=0.001) values, and significantly lower HFn (p=0.001), pNN50 (p=0.001), and rMSSD (p=0.005) values. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to daytime HRV parameters; however, nighttime LF/HF, LFn, and HFn values were significantly different between the groups. Log LF/HF values obtained during the 24-hour and nighttime periods showed significant differences between group 1 and group 3 (for 24 hours, p<0.001; for night, p=0.001) and between group 2 and group 3 (for 24 hours, p<0.001; for night, p=0.009), but group 1 and group 2 did not differ significantly in this respect (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that subjects with high-normal BP have increased sympathetic activity and decreased parasympathetic activity, possibly making them more liable to hypertension.

The relationship between serum sex steroid levels and heart rate variability parameters in males and the effect of age.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the relationships between sex steroid levels and heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. STUDY DESIGN: The study included 114 male subjects (mean age 46.6±11.3 years) presenting to our department for cardiologic evaluation. Hormonal analysis included serum levels of luteinizing hormone, prolactin, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone, estradiol (E2), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). Parameters of HRV were derived from 24-hour Holter monitoring. The associations between serum sex steroid levels and HRV parameters were investigated in three age groups (20-39 years; 40-59 years; >60 years). RESULTS: All the participants had normal biochemical results. The three age groups were similar in terms of anthropometric measurements. Among sex steroids analyzed, only serum DHEA-S level was significantly different among the groups (p=0.026), showing a decreasing trend with age. In the evaluation of HRV, all parasympathetic activities decreased (for HFn, pNN50, and rMSDD: p=0.001, p=0.000, and p=0.000, respectively), while only LF/HF among sympathetic activities increased (p=0.000) with age. Partial correlation analysis with control of age and waist circumference showed that TT and DHEA-S were positively correlated with HFn (parasympathetic parameter), and were in negative correlation with LF/HF24 hours and global sympathetic index (GSI) (sympathetic parameters). Serum E2 level was negatively correlated with the parasympathetic parameter of rMSSD, and positively correlated with LF/HF24 hours and GSI. Among serum sex steroids, DHEA-S was the most correlated parameter with autonomic functions. CONCLUSION: Our results showed positive correlations between androgens and parasympathetic activity and between estradiol and sympathetic activity in men, independent from anthropometric factors.

Adrenomedullin reduces antioxidant defense system and enhances kidney tissue damage in cadmium and lead exposed rats.

Adrenomedullin (AdM) is synthesized and secreted by a number of cells and tissue. AdM is a potent vasodilator but it is also considered a neuromodulator, an angiogenic factor, and a hormone regulator. AdM possess antiapoptotic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. Heavy metals such as cadmium and lead are found widely in the environment and they have important biological functions. Lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) can accumulate in the lungs, liver, bone, and kidneys and cause serious organ damage. In the present study, we investigated the effect of AdM, Pb + AdM, and Cd + AdM treatments on superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities as well as the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the kidney. Heavy metal accumulation was determined in kidney with and without AdM infusion and kidney damage was evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Increased heavy metal accumulation was observed in the heavy metal and AdM treated groups. SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities, and MDA levels were significantly different in the treatment groups when compared with the control group. Tubular degeneration, necrosis, cell swelling, mononuclear cell infiltration, and degenerated organelles were observed in the kidney following treatment. Therefore, AdM infusion has no beneficial and/or compensatory role in cadmium and lead toxicity in the kidney. We conclude that heavy metal accumulation in the kidney in conjunction with AdM infusion is cytotoxic despite the known beneficial effects of adrenomedullin.

Alterations of the ocular surface epithelial MUC16 and goblet cell MUC5AC in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis.

BACKGROUND: An increased understanding of the ocular surface at cellular level in the conjunctiva and the cornea may help explain the pathogenesis and the subsequent clinical appearance of atopic ocular allergies, which may be potentially blinding. PURPOSE: To investigate the MUC16 and MUC5AC alterations, tear function and the ocular surface disorder in patients with atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC). METHODS: Thirty-six eyes of 18 AKC patients as well as 28 eyes of 14 age- and sex-matched normal subjects were studied. The subjects underwent corneal sensitivity measurements, Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (BUT), fluorescein and Rose-Bengal staining of the ocular surface, conjunctival impression cytology and brush cytology. Impression cytology samples underwent periodic acid schiff and immunohistochemical staining with MUC16 and MUC5AC antibodies. Brush cytology specimens underwent evaluation for inflammatory cell numbers and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for MUC16 and MUC5AC mRNA expression. RESULTS: The mean corneal sensitivity and BUT values were significantly lower in patients with AKC, compared with controls (P < 0.001). Brush cytology specimens from AKC patients revealed significantly higher numbers of inflammatory cells (P < 0.001). Specimens from patient eyes showed positive staining for MUC5AC and MUC16. MUC16 mRNA expression was significantly upregulated with significant downregulation of MUC5AC mRNA expression in eyes with AKC compared with the eyes of control subjects. CONCLUSION: Ocular surface inflammation, decline in corneal sensitivity, tear film instability, changes in conjunctival epithelial MUC5AC and MUC16 mRNA expressions were thought to be important in the pathogenesis of atopic ocular surface disease.

Ocular surface and tear functions after topical cyclosporine treatment in dry eye patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease.

We investigated the effect of 0.05% topical cyclosporine (Cys) on the ocular surface and tear functions in dry eye patients with chronic GVHD (cGVHD) in a prospective comparative study. Thirty eyes of 15 patients refractory to baseline treatment were recruited and the patients assigned for topical Cys treatment group (14 eyes of 7 patients) and control group (12 eyes of 6 patients) respectively. Two patients dropped out because of intolerable irritation while using topical Cys eye drops. Visual analog scale symptom scores, corneal sensitivity, Schirmer I test value, tear film break-up time (TBUT), tear evaporation rate and ocular surface vital staining scores were recorded at baseline and at the end of the following one month. Conjunctival impression and brush cytology were performed before and after the treatment. After topical Cys treatment, significant improvements were found in symptom scores, corneal sensitivity, tear evaporation rate, TBUT, vital staining scores, goblet cells density, conjunctival squamous metaplasia grade, inflammatory cell numbers and the MUC5AC expression. Our study suggests that 0.05% topical Cys may be an effective treatment for dry eye patients with cGVHD. The improvements in the ocular surface and tear functions resulted presumably from the decreased inflammation, increased goblet cell density and MUC5AC mRNA expression. Bone Marrow Transplantation (2008) 41, 293-302; doi:10.1038/sj.bmt.1705900; published online 5 November 2007.

Results of the simultaneous measurements of radon around the Black Sea for seismological applications.

Results of measurements of radon around of the Black Sea are shown. Radon stations in zones of active faults were placed. Simultaneous hourly measurements of soil radon in 2005 were carried out in the Sivrice Fault Zone that is a segment of East Anatolian Fault System, in the town of Tbilisi (Georgia) and in the South Russia. In 2008 simultaneously hourly measurements of soil radon were carried out in the Western Caucasus (Russia) and in the Mytilene Island (Greece). In 2013 radon in underground waters simultaneously in midday was measuring in Crete (Greece), in the Pamukkale geothermal region (Southwest Turkey) and in the Western Caucasus. Measurements of radon concentration in the points located around of the Black Sea have shown identical regularities in changes of the data. Influence of meteorological, tidal and solar factors on changes of water radon concentrations and soil radon concentrations was observed in all researches points. But this influence was insignificant. Seismological application of observed results also was considered. Various mathematical methods of definition of anomaly in the radon data during earthquakes were considered. During researches in the Black Sea region basically earthquakes with M from 2.0 up to 5.0 and in a depth about 10 km were occurred. For these earthquakes method of daily subtraction of the data of the next and previous day was used. This method has allowed solving a problem with a choice of average value. Probability up to 0.69 (number of earthquakes with radon anomalies/total number of earthquakes) of detection of radon anomalies before earthquakes was achieved applying this method. Changes of radon maps before regional earthquakes were also observed. The frequency analysis of variations of the radon data on the basis of the Wavelet analysis was carried out. Occurrence of the short periods (about 2 days) was observed during regional earthquakes.

The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in children with atopic dermatitis: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) is a novel marker for the evaluation of inflammation and has not been evaluated previously in patients with AD. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between NLR and the clinical findings of AD. METHODS: Sixty-six children with AD were included in the study.The control group was included 66 children who have no allergic and chronic diseases.The immunoglobulin(Ig)E levels and complete blood count were measured. Skin prick tests were performed using the same antigens for all patients. RESULTS: NLR was not significant between the patient and control groups (p>0.05).The patients with AD were divided into 3 groups according to their SCORAD score as mild, moderate and severe AD.No statistically significant difference was present between groups in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics,eosinohil-lymphocyte ratio,eosinophil-neutrophil ratio,the percentage of eosinophil, IgE,the sensitivity of skin tests(p>0.05). However,NLR and sensitivity to house dust mite were significantly different among groups(respectively,p=0.037,p:0.043).SCORAD scores were weak positively correlated with NLR levels,eosinophil-lymphocyte ratio and the sensitivity of house dust mite (respectively,r:0.329;p:0.007,r:0.264;p:00035,r:0.325;p:0.008). CONCLUSIONS: We didn't found significant difference in term of mean NLR betweeen patients with AD and control group. NLR was found significantly higher in severe AD patients than mild AD patients.The house dust mite sensitivity, eosinohil-lymphocyte ratio and NLR were correlated with AD severity.

Protective role of caffeic acid phenethyl ester in the liver of rats exposed to cold stress.

Cold exposure can induce a form of environmental stress. Cold stress (CS) alters homeostasis, results in the creation of reactive oxygen species and leads to alterations in the antioxidant defense system. The caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis, has an antioxidant capacity. We investigated the effect of CS on oxidative stress and antioxidant defense system and the possible protective effect of CAPE in rat liver tissue. Twenty-four female Wistar Albino rats were divided into four groups: Control, CAPE-treated, CS, and CAPE-treated CS (CS + CAPE) group. Catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and total glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. In addition, histological changes in liver tissue were examined by light microscopy. SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities and total GSH level were significantly declined in the CS group. In the CS + CAPE group, the activities of these three enzymes and GSH level significantly raised with regard to the CS group. MDA levels increased in the CS group and decreased in the CS + CAPE group. The tissues of the CS group showed some histopathological changes such as necrosis, hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal dilatation, hemorrhage and vascular congestion and dilatation. In the CS + CAPE group, the histopathological evidence of hepatic damage was markedly reduced. Histological parameters were consistent with biochemical parameters. In this study, CS increased oxidative stress in liver tissue. CAPE regulated antioxidant enzymes, inhibited lipid peroxidation and reduced hepatic damage.

Using a clinical linac to determine the energy levels of (92m)Nb via the photonuclear reaction.

The bremsstrahlung photons of 18MeV end-point energy produced by a clinical linear accelerator were used to irradiate (93)Nb, producing (92m)Nb via the photonuclear reaction. The gamma-ray spectrum emitted by the excited nucleus was measured with high purity germanium detector. For analysis of the energy transitions, both gf3 and ROOT spectrum analysis programs were applied. The results were shown to be comparable with the literature values, demonstrating the ability to use a clinical liner accelerator in nuclear physics measurements.