The effects of pregnancy-related changes in eating attitudes and behaviours on nutritional status.

BACKGROUND: During pregnancy, the requirements of essential nutrients for the mother and foetus increase. The changes in pregnant women's eating behaviours may vary according to their sociodemographic characteristics. It is important to meet these increased requirements and understand the factors influencing eating habits during pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the effects of changes in pregnant women's eating attitudes and behaviours and their sociodemographic characteristics on their meeting status for nutrient recommendations. METHODS: Sociodemographic information, eating behaviours, and attitudes of 656 pregnant women were obtained in face-to-face interviews between February and June 2020. Food consumption records were taken with a 24-hour recall method and evaluated according to the estimated average requirement value. RESULTS: The average age of pregnant women was 29.0 ±â€…5.2 years, 28.0% were high school graduates, and 69.2% were non-working. The frequency of intakes below the estimated mean requirement value were iron, folic acid, vitamin B6, niacin, and calcium. It was demonstrated that there was a significant difference in snack consumption based on the working status and nutrition information obtained (P < .05). Getting nutrition information, age, education level, working status, and pre-pregnancy body mass index significantly increased food consumption (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Inadequate nutrient intake is a common public health problem in pregnant women. It is necessary to identify the sociodemographic characteristics that negatively impact pregnant women's nutritional status and to develop nutrition and health education programs based on these features.

Evaluation of pre- and postoperative nutrition and oral health-related quality of life in orthognathic surgery patients.

OBJECTIVE: Orthognathic surgery is a complex orofacial surgery that can significantly impact occlusal function and effect nutritional and quality of life parameters. This study aimed to evaluate alterations in dietary intake, chewing function, physical activity, and oral health-related quality of life of patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. RESEARCH METHODS AND PROCEDURES: In this prospective longitudinal study, the assessments were conducted at: preoperatively (T0) and postoperative first week (T1), second week (T2), first month (T3), and third month (T4) between May 2021 and March 2023. Sociodemographic questionnaire, 24-h dietary recall record, chewing ability form, International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) was applied at face-to-face interviews. RESULTS: Seventy eligible orthognathic surgery patients were evaluated, and 37 patients (52.8%) completed this study. Energy and fat intake significantly decreased from T0 to T1 (P < 0.001) and returned to basis by T4 (P = 0.015). Fiber intake was found to be lowest at T1 and T2 compared with other time points (P < 0.001). Chewing ability showed a deterioration and then improvement; however, patients still had difficulties chewing hard foods at T4. The OHIP-14 increased at T2 and T3 from T0 (P < 0.001 and P = 0.021, respectively) and showed a significant improvement at T4 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a temporary decline in nutritional intake and chewing ability with subsequent recovery by the third month postsurgery. These changes, along with the trends in oral health-related quality of life, underscore the need for tailored nutritional and functional rehabilitation programs following orthognathic surgery.

Assessment of Impact of Dietary Patterns on Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients.

Objective Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by episodic cessations of breathing due to upper airway obstruction during sleep, which may cause disturbances in dietary patterns resulting from appetite-related hormonal changes. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between OSAS and nutritional and dietary patterns. Materials and Methods A total of 20 female and 53 male OSAS patients aged > 30 years were enrolled. Demographic data, as well as data on smoking and alcohol habits, were noted, anthropometric measures were made, and a questionnaire regarding chronic diseases including OSAS and four questionnaires on recent food intake frequency and content of nutrition were filled out. The content of nutrition was noted under seven categories: meat, legumes, milk and dairy products, fruits and vegetables, bread and cereals, fat and carbohydrates, and beverages. Results The severity of OSAS (assessed by the apnea-hypopnea index. AHI) was positively correlated with the body mass index (BMI), the circumferences of the waist, chest, and buttocks, and, in males, with the circumference of the neck as well. There was no correlation between the AHI and nutritional habits in terms of the frequency of meals or snacks, the scores on the Snoring, Tiredness, Observed Apnea, and High Blood Pressure-Body Mass Index, Age, Neck Circumference, and Gender (STOP-BANG) Questionnaire and the corresponding macro- and micronutrients. Worsening apnea scores led to increased intake of macronutrients of carbohydrate and protein and micronutrients of niacin and pyridoxine ( p < 0.05), and decreased intake of fat ( p < 0.05). Conclusion The present study demonstrated an association between OSAS severity and recent food intake, manifested in increased intake of carbohydrates, niacin, and pyridoxine, and decreased fat intake.

Chewing difficulties, oral health, and nutritional status in adults with intellectual disabilities: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Chewing difficulty, poor oral health, inadequate and imbalanced nutrition are serious health problems in individuals with intellectual disabilities. The participants' chewing abilities, oral health and nutritional status were analysed in this study. METHODS: Forty-five adult participants with intellectual disabilities were included. Anthropometric measurements, oral health assessments, chewing ability evaluations and dietary intake analyses were conducted. RESULTS: A 56.8% of the participants were classified as overweight or obese. Teeth grinding was reported in 33.3% of the participants, while 40.0% experienced drooling. All participants with Down syndrome and 58.6% of the participants with developmental delay had chewing difficulties. Inadequate nutrient intake was observed and the fibre, vitamins B1, B3, B9, sodium, phosphorus and iron intakes were significantly lower than reference values in those with chewing difficulty (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Chewing difficulties were associated with lower intake of certain nutrients, highlighting the importance of addressing oral health and dietary counselling in this population.

Anthropometric and laboratory parameter alterations following bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of bimaxillary orthognathic surgery on patients' anthropometric measures and laboratory parameters. This study was conducted on patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery. Anthropometric measurements were collected before surgery (T0) and at intervals of one week (T1), two weeks (T2), one month (T3), and three months (T4) postoperatively, and laboratory parameters at T0 and T4. Data analysis included repeated-measures ANOVA for assessing weight changes, body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage changes, the Friedman test for muscle mass changes, and independent t tests to understand gender-based differences. Significant reductions were observed in weight (mean differences ranging from 2.26 kg to 3.84 kg, 95.00% CI: 1.29 to 4.62, p < 0.01) and BMI (mean differences ranging from 0.76 to 1.32, 95.00% CI: 0.38 to 1.58, p < 0.01) postoperatively at all follow-up points. Fat percentage changes were significant between T0 - T3 (MD = 1.17, 95.00% CI: 0.26 to 2.08, p < 0.05) and T0 - T4 (MD = 1.28, 95.00% CI: 0.14 to 2.43, p < 0.05). Changes in muscle mass were significant until T3 (MD ranging from 71.00 to 107.0, p < 0.01). Also, haemoglobin levels were significantly higher at T0 than T4 (MD = 0.35, 95% CI: 0 to 0.7). These changes showed no significant gender-based differences (p > 0.05). Our study showed that orthognathic surgery prompts temporary changes in body weight, Body Mass Index, and haemoglobin levels. Future research should explore interventions to mitigate these changes and enhance postoperative recovery.

The effect of lyophilized dried cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) intake on anthropometric and biochemical parameters in women with insulin resistance: A randomized controlled trial.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect on the anthropometric and biochemical parameters for women with insulin resistance when lyophilized dried cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L., CM) was added to medical nutrition therapy (MNT). The study was conducted with 84 women aged 18-45, who had been diagnosed with insulin resistance. Participants were randomized into four groups: MNT + 20 g lyophilized dried CM group (DCm, n = 22), MNT group (D, n = 21), only 20 g lyophilized dried CM group (Cm, n = 21), and the control group (C, n = 20). All participants were followed for 12 weeks. While pre- and post-intervention biochemical parameters were recorded from patient files, anthropometric measurements and food consumption records were taken every 15 days. Pre-intervention groups were homogeneously distributed. Post-intervention, among the groups, all anthropometric measurements were similar between the DCm and D, while the percentage of decrease in insulin resistance-related parameters was approximately two times greater in DCm than in D (p < .05). When the Cm and C were compared, it was found that all post-intervention anthropometric measurements were similar, but the percentage of decrease in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, and HOMA-IR (Homeostasis Model Assessment-Insulin Resistance) values were greater in C (p < .05). In this study, it was concluded that CM consumption resulted with a decrease in insulin resistance-related biochemical parameters independent of body weight change. Nevertheless, MNT has positive effects on women with insulin resistance, and adding lyophilized dried CM to MNT improves insulin resistance-related parameters and may be beneficial for preventing the development of diabetes.

Analysis of microbiota profile and nutritional status in male professional football players.

BACKGROUND: The interest in the effect of gut microbiota on athlete health has increased in recent years. Available data indicate a relationship between gut microbiota composition and physical activity, suggesting that changes in the microbiota may contribute to the host's physical performance. Studies show that leaky gut syndrome is highly correlated with upper respiratory infections and gastrointestinal disorders in endurance sports. This study aims to reveal the relationship between microbiota profiles, and the nutritional status of football players who perform endurance exercises. METHODS: Twenty male professional football players playing in one of the Turkish Football Federation Second League clubs participated in the study. Fecal samples were collected and stored at -86 °C, and the fecal microbiota was analyzed through 16s rRNA gene sequencing. The body composition of the football players was measured using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. In addition, the 3-day food intake of the participants was recorded with the help of a dietitian. RESULTS: In the microbiota of football players, four phyla, 10 genera, and four species with densities above 1% were found. Body fat percentage was observed to be negatively correlated with the species of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Bacteroides vulgatus and the genus of Faecalibacterium (P<0.05). Considering the nutritional status, the fat intake was found to be positively correlated with Actinobacteria and Blautia coccoides; energy and fiber intake with Prevotella and Prevotella copri (P<0.05). In addition, there was a negative correlation between carbohydrate intake and Faecalibacterium (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to reveal the microbiota profile of professional Turkish football players. It was found that football players' nutritional status and anthropometric measurements of are significantly related to phylum, genus and species ranks in the microbiota. These results support the bidirectional interaction between microbiota and sports. The relationship between microbiota and sports health/performance is thought to be further clarified with future studies.

Acetone extracts of Berberis vulgaris and Cornus mas L. induce apoptosis in MCF-7 breast cancer cells.

Background/aim: This study aimed to determine the proliferation and apoptotic effects of extracts from Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). Materials and methods: The Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which constitute the herbal material of the study, were turned into 80% acetone extract after washing. The total phenolic content in Berberis vulgaris fruit extracts was determined calorimetrically using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine the total flavonoid amount of the extracts. In order to measure the antioxidant capacity of Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits and extracts, DPPH Radical Scavenging Power test and Cu (II) ion reducing antioxidant capacity method were applied. Cell viability rates were determined by the XTT method. Flow cytometric measurement was performed to examine the apoptotic role of the extracts in the cell by using the Annexin-V/7-AAD commercial kit. Results: According to the data, Berberis vulgaris fruit extract appeared more effective on MCF-7 breast cancer cells in both 24 and 48 hours of exposure. Analyses made to examine the phenolic component and antioxidant capacity properties of the fruits used in the study and the results we encountered when we exposed the cell were found to be compatible with each other. Annexin-V/7-AAD method showed that the apoptotic effects of the extracts in 48 hour exposures were more effective. Conclusion: It has been determined that Cornus mas L. and Berberis vulgaris fruits, which are rich in phenolic components with high flavonoid content and high antioxidant capacities, support the apoptosis of cancer cells.

The Investigation of Nutritional Status, Intestinal Permeability, and Quality of Life in People with Celiac Disease.

BACKGROUND: Celiac disease is associated with impaired intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Its consequences affect the nutritional status and quality of life of patients. This study aimed to determine nutritional status, intestinal permeability, and quality of life in people with celiac disease. It was researched whether patients who are non-compliant to gluten-free diet have higher serum zonulin levels and intestinal permeability. METHODS: The study was completed with 44 celiac patients. Dietary records and a questionnaire were used to evaluate patients' compli ance to the gluten-free diet. Dietary records were analyzed by using a nutrition analysis program. Anthropometric measurements were taken. Body compositions were analyzed to assess the nutritional status of patients. Blood samples were collected and then zonulin levels and total serum proteins were measured to evaluate intestinal permeability. Celiac Disease Questionnaire was used to assess the quality of life scores. RESULTS: Patients were divided into 2 groups considering compliance to the gluten-free diet and it was found that 17 patients were com pliant to the gluten-free diet, and 27 patients were non-compliant to the gluten-free diet. Serum zonulin, zonulin/total protein ratio, and intestinal permeability were higher in non-compliant to the gluten-free diet group (P < .05). There was no significant difference between anthropometric measurements, Celiac Disease Questionnaire scores, daily energy, and nutrient intakes of groups (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The content of a gluten-free diet has a decisive role in the nutritional status and quality of life of celiac patients. Additionally, zonulin levels and intestinal permeability were higher in people with celiac disease who are non-compliant to gluten-free diet.

Investigation of Eating Habits in Patients with Functional Dyspepsia.

BACKGROUND: Nutritional habits of patients with functional dyspepsia can affect the progression of functional dyspepsia. We aimed to determine the foods and dietary habits that may cause symptoms of postprandial fullness, early satiety, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning in functional dyspepsia patients. METHODS: Sixty functional dyspepsia patients, who were diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria in the endoscopy unit of a gastroenterology institute, were included in the study. Data on the demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements, nutritional habits, and food consumption frequency questionnaire of functional dyspepsia patients were collected. RESULTS: Postprandial fullness was found more common in those who preferred roasting as a cooking method. There was no significant difference between symptoms and meal frequency. Epigastric burning and pain were found to be more pronounced in women, and alcohol consumption was less in patients who experienced more epigastric pain. In non-smoker participants, the complaint of early satiety was lower. It was found that broccoli, radish, celery, green olives, and olive oil consumption was less in participants who experienced excessive postprandial fullness. Patients with stomach pain consumed less dry fruits, green olives, butter, alcohol, and fast food. It was found that patients with stomach burning consumed less alcohol and fast food. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, functional dyspepsia patients should avoid or reduce consuming broccoli, radish, celery, green olives, olive oil, dry fruits, and butter which may trigger symptoms. Reducing consumption of these foods, abandoning unhealthy cooking methods such as roasting, reducing smoking, and reducing consumption of alcohol and fast food might be beneficial for relieving symptoms.

Validation of a food frequency questionnaire for assessing total antioxidant status.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) developed as a tool for assessing antioxidant intake and to investigate whether dietary total antioxidant status predicted plasma antioxidant status. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This research was conducted at Saglik Bilimleri University Faculty of Medicine Immunology. Dietary intake of total antioxidants was assessed using an FFQ (82 food items), which was adopted from Satia et al. and translated into Turkish. Total antioxidant status (TAS) in plasma was assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in overnight-fasting blood. The validation of the questionnaire against plasma TAS was examined using Spearman's correlation test, Bland-Altman plots, and kappa statistics. RESULTS: The mean age of the 45 study participants (19 women and 26 men) was 45.9 ± 11.0 years. The mean plasma TAS level was 13.8 ± 6.1 mg/L, and the mean intake of total antioxidants was 114.0 ± 134.6 mg/day. There was a positive correlation between plasma TAS and the intake of total antioxidants calculated using the FFQ (r = 0.73; p < 0.001). Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was 0.949. CONCLUSION: The FFQ adapted to the Turkish population and tested here was a good predictor for dietary intake of total antioxidant status.

SAHA induce hippo pathway in CCA cells without increasing cell proliferation.

BACKGROUND: Cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor originating from bile duct epithelial cells. Since tumor metastasis is associated with poor prognosis and short-term survival of patients, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic approaches for CCA. Because of that reason, we aimed to investigate effect of SAHA which is known as HDAC inhibitor on extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma cell line (TFK-1). METHODS: Cell cycle was measured by Muse Cell Analyzer. YAP, TAZ, TGF-ß protein levels were determined by western-blotting method. TEAD (1-3), TIMP2 and TIMP3 genes level were determined by real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS: We have seen the positive effects of SAHA on the TFK-1 cell line as it reduces cell viability and arresting cells in the G0/G1 phase. We also observed the negative effects of SAHA, as it increases the expression levels of YAP, TAZ, TGF-ß protein and TEAD (1-3) gene. We also found that SAHA reduced the expression levels of TIMP2 and TIMP3 in TFK-1 cells, but was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Although observing its antiproliferative effects, these negative effects may be related to the cells being resistant to the drug or the remaining cells having a more aggressive phenotype. Therefore, we think that caution should be exercised in the use of this drug for CCA treatment.

The effects of dietary intervention on fibrosis and biochemical parameters in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects nearly one quarter of the world's adult population creating large health loads and economic loads in society with no approved pharmacotherapy found yet. The number of studies showing the effect of nutrition on fibrosis accompanying MAFLD are insufficient. This study was planned with the aim of investigating the effect of nutritional treatment on liver injury. METHODS: This research is a prospective, non-medication interventional study completed with 39 participants chosen from MAFLD patients with fibrosis. Post-treatment lasted three months, patients had liver stiffness measurements (LSM), anthropometric measurements and biochemical tests repeated. RESULTS: In pre- and post-treatment, there were statistically significant correlations found between LSM with serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) values, and between controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) with Body Mass Index (BMI) and fat mass (P<0.05). Post-treatment, statistically significant improvements were determined in the anthropometric measurements and biochemical findings. Moreover, post-treatment LSM and CAP values showed significant positive correlation compared to pretreatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study found dietary interventions have an important place within the scope of fibrosis treatment. Preparation and application of medical nutrition treatment suitable for the clinical features of patients and completing correct lifestyle changes has an ameliorating effect on disease prognosis. There is a need for advanced studies with larger sample groups to further enlighten this topic.

Effect of atrial fibrillation on quality of life (AFEQT) questionnaire: A Turkish validity and reliability study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the atrial fibrillation effect on quality of life (AFEQT) questionnaire and evaluate the quality of life of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). METHODS: This was a methodological study that included 204 patients with AF over the age of 18 who participated voluntarily in the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, the AFEQT questionnaire, and the University of Toronto atrial fibrillation severity scale (AFSS). The AFEQT questionnaire was translated into Turkish and presented to an expert panel, after which a pilot study was carried out with 20 patients for linguistic equivalence and cultural adaptation. The reliability of the AFEQT questionnaire was determined using Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation coefficient analyses. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha value was found to be 0.91, and the scale and subscale item-total correlation values ranged from 0.36 to 0.91. The validity of the AFEQT questionnaire was determined by construct, concurrent, and discriminant validity analyses. The factor loads of the AFEQT questionnaire ranged from 0.37 to 0.94 and the ratio was χ2/df=2.43 in the confirmatory factor analysis. A negative and highly significant relationship was found in concurrent validity between the AFEQT questionnaire and the AFSS. When AF risk factors were compared with the AFEQT questionnaire, it showed that AF-related risk factors negatively affected patients' quality of life. The AFEQT questionnaire was suitable in terms of discriminant validity. CONCLUSION: The Turkish AFEQT questionnaire was found to be reliable and valid; therefore, we recommend its use to evaluate the quality of life of patients with AF.

Evaluation of malnutrition risk of inpatients in a research and training hospital: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Malnutrition is one of the most important factors affecting the prognosis of inpatients. The aim of this study is to determine the malnutrition risk of hospitalized patients and to examine the relationship between the presence of malnutrition and other parameters. METHODS: The study included 162 inpatients over the age of 25 who were staying in the hospital's internal medicine service for 7 days or more and who volunteered to participate in the study. A demographic-information questionnaire, consisting of 5 sections, a 24-h food recall record, NRS-2002, NRI and Beck Depression Inventory was given to patients during bedside interviews. After obtaining the necessary permission, the anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameter values of the patients were taken from their files. All statistical analyzes were performed by researchers with the SPSS package program. RESULTS: Of 162 patients (48.8% female, 51.2% male), 24.7% were at risk for malnutrition according to NRS-2002 and 66.7% of the patients were not depressive, based on the Beck Depression Inventory scale. The malnutrition risk was higher (60.0%) in patients who had been hospitalized for more than 15 days (p = 0.010). The majority of those with malnutrition had no problems preventing them from eating (32.5%), were found to be not depressive (52.5%) and were in the normal range of body mass index (57.5%) (p = 0.002, p = 0.034, p = 0.001; respectively). Nutrient intake was lower in patients with a higher malnutrition risk, but the difference was insignificant (p > 0.05). Albumin levels (p = 0.028) and total protein levels (p = 0.015) were significantly lower in patients who were at risk of malnutrition. While overweight patients showed higher levels of serum albumin (p < 0.001), CRP levels were found to be lower in overweight patients (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the majority of patients with malnutrition were in the normal range for BMI. Nutritional intake and biochemical parameters should be followed closely in patients who are at risk of malnutrition. Depression can be a cause for insufficient nutrition and should be evaluated, particularly in patients whose length of hospital stay is greater than 7 days.

The relationship between polyphenols and miRNAs: A novel therapeutic strategy for metabolic associated fatty liver disease.

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a public health problem that is increasingly recognized, currently affecting up to a quarter of the world's adult population. Although a biopsy is the current gold standard to diagnose MAFLD, there are potentially serious complications, making it inadequate. Thus far, noninvasive methods have not been able to determine the stage and the subtype of MAFLD. The development and prognosis of MAFLD are modulated by epigenetic factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs), which may be potential biomarkers for MAFLD. Polyphenols, found in many fruits and vegetables, may be useful, as they alter gene expression with epigenetic factors, such as miRNAs. This review presents an overview of the relationship between polyphenols and miRNAs in MAFLD. The literature suggests that miRNAs could be used as a diagnostic method for MAFLD, especially miRNA-122 and miRNA-34a. However, though it has been demonstrated that polyphenols may contribute to improving MAFLD, to our knowledge, no study to date has shown the relationship between polyphenols and miRNAs in MAFLD. The exact mechanisms of polyphenols on miRNAs in MAFLD remain unclear. Future studies may provide hope for diet therapy for MAFLD patients as well as the development of polyphenol-related foods or drugs that target miRNAs to treat MAFLD.

Recipe Development for the Kidney Patient.

Kidney patients are restricted from sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein. In thisstudy, new recipes have been developed in order to prevent the decrease in appetite, to control the loss of liquid electrolytes due to vomiting, to help patients feel better by improving their morale, to facilitate their adaptation to the diet. Eight selected foods were prepared by modified for reducing sodium, potassium, and phosphorus (repeating 2 times) and by standard recipes (repeating two times). Eight foods and 16 recipes were obtained. Sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein contents were measured after the process. Sodium, potassium, and phosphorus contents were analyzed with the ICP-MS method. Protein content was analyzed with the Kjeldahl nitrogen determination method. Applied cooking methods led to a decrease in sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein levels in the modified foods. The highest loss rate (65.3%) was observed in proteins in apple halva. The lowest loss (21.5%) was determined in the potassium in the banana cake. These cooking methods can be useful for enriching the meals of kidney patients.

Evaluation of Nutrition Knowledge of Pregnant Women before and after Nutrition Education according to Sociodemographic Characteristics.

The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate the effect of nutrition education on nutritional knowledge levels of pregnant women. The study was undertaken on a sample of pregnant women (i = 743) attending health centers in Istanbul for prenatal care. Nutrition knowledge scores were significantly higher in posttest (23.0) than pretest (16.0) after receiving nutrition education (p < .001). Significant differences in pretest (p < .05) but not posttest (p > .05) scores were found for factors, such as education level, work status, and the number of pregnancies; significant differences in both test scores were found for age and nutrition information (p < .05). In conclusion, pregnant women need to be given adequate and appropriate nutrition education for maternal and child health according to sociodemographic characteristics.

Cytotoxic Activities of Certain Medicinal Plants on Different Cancer Cell Lines.

OBJECTIVES: In recent years, the use of plants for the prevention and treatment of cancer is gaining more attention due to their diverse range of phytochemical constituents and fewer adverse effects. In this study, four medicinal plant species from the Kars province of Turkey were investigated for their cytotoxic potential against six different cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-dipenyltetrazolium bromide] assay was performed to assess cytotoxic activity and apoptotic effect was determined using flow cytometry and caspase-3 analyses. RESULTS: Significant cytotoxicity (≥70%) was observed with the leaf extract of Artemisia absinthium on A-549, CCC-221, K-562, MCF-7, PC-3 cells, whereas seed extracts caused significant cytotoxicity (≥70%) on CCC-221, K-562, MCF-7, PC-3 cells. Selective cytotoxicity was obtained with leaf extract on A-549 and K-562 cells; and with seed extract on K-562, MCF-7 and PC-3 cells compared with normal Beas-2B cells. The levels of cytotoxicity for both extracts were time- and dose-dependent at lower concentrations. Moreover, selective cytotoxicity (78%) was detected on A-549 cells with the seed extract of Plantago major. Cytotoxicity of extracts from Hyoscyamus niger and Amaranthus retrosa ranged between 10% and 30%. CONCLUSION: A. absinthium extracts and P. major seed extract have potential for development as therapeutic agents for cytotoxicity on certain cancer cells following further investigation.

Development and validation of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire to assess dietary intake in Turkish adults.

OBJECTIVE: To validate the original food frequency questionnaire in Turkish adult population. METHODS: The cross-sectional study was conducted in June and December 2008 and 2009, and comprised adults of either gender aged 30-70 years. All subjects were Caucasians and were native Turkish speakers. The food frequency questionnaire containing 229 most frequently consumed foods under 7 topics was used for data collection. It was completed twice and the 24-hour dietary recall four times in a year. In order to assess the validity of the questionnaire, Pearson correlation, attenuation coefficient, measures of agreement between the two methods, weighted kappa statistics and Bland-Altman plots were employed. SPSS 16 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 120 subjects in the study, 71(59%) were males and 49(41%) were females with an overall mean age of 50.16±9.76 years. The correlation of estimated nutrient intake between the food frequency questionnaire and 24-hour dietary recall varied between 0.200 and 0.468, energy-adjusted regression was between 0.044 and 0.611 and attenuation coefficients of regression were between 0.339 and 0.658 for the selected macro and micro nutrients. Bland-Altman plots showed an acceptable agreement between the two methods. When nutrient intake was categorised in quartiles, proportions of the same or adjacent quartiles were 98.3%, 98.4%, 98.3%, 96.7% and 95% for energy, fat, protein, carbohydrates and fibre, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The first food frequency questionnaire developed in Turkish language was an adequate and valid tool to assess the nutritional habits of the local population.