Effect of vitamin D3 and a stinging nettle extract on the gastric tissue of rats administered with trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid.

In this study, the effects of vitamin D3 (Vit. D) and a stinging nettle [Urtica dioica L. (UD)] extract were examined using histopathological and immunohistochemical methods in the stomach tissues of an experimentally created rat model of Crohn's disease (CD). The CD model was created using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). The animals in the study were divided into control, TNBS, TNBS+Vit. D, and TNBS+UD groups. At the end of the experiment, the animals were euthanised and their stomach tissues were evaluated for necrosis, degeneration, apoptosis, and inflammation. Additionally, an immunohistochemical method was applied to determine the somatostatin (SSTR), aquaporin-1 (AQP-1), caspase-3, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) immunoreactivity in the gastric tissues. In the evaluations, degenerative and necrotic changes and mononuclear cell infiltration areas were observed in the TNBS group, but such changes could be improved with Vit. D and UD applications. The results suggest that the combination of the Vit. D and UD extract may have a protective and therapeutic role in mitigating TNBS-induced damage to the gastric tissues, potentially through the regulation of SSTR, AQP-1, caspase-3, and TNF-α expression. This indicates a promising avenue for further research and the exploration of these compounds in the context of gastrointestinal health.

The Effect of Progressive Muscle Relaxation Exercises on Sleep Quality in Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on sleep quality in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment and experiencing disturbed sleep. METHODS: The prospective randomized controlled study was conducted between March and September 2022 with 69 patients (intervention group: 34 patients, control group: 35 patients) in a hospital chemotherapy unit. During the data collection process, the "Personal Information Form" and "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)" were utilized. Patients in the intervention group performed PMRE twice a day for 8 weeks. Patients in the control group received routine care at the clinic without additional intervention. For data analysis, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test were used. RESULTS: The sociodemographic attributes of patients within both the intervention and control groups exhibited comparability. However, notable distinctions emerged in the PSQI Global sleep score and PSQI subdimension scores, encompassing sleep latency and duration, subjective sleep quality, habitual sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance, and daytime dysfunction between the two groups. The study found a notable difference in scores between the patients in the intervention group and those in the control group. The patients who received the intervention had significantly lower scores (P < .001). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that PMRE was beneficial in improving sleep quality in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who had poor sleep quality. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Oncology nurses may consider using PMRE to improve the sleep quality of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

The effect of nurse-led motivational interviewing based on the trans-theoretical model on promoting physical activity in healthy older adults: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of motivational interviewing based on the trans-theoretical model promoting physical activity in older adults. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 117 older adults (intervention group: 58, and control group: 59) between April and November 2019. The data were collected via a questionnaire, trans-theoretical model scales, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, the Katz Activities of Daily Living scale and a pedometer. The 24-week intervention consisted of regular motivational interviewing. The control group received usual care at the family health centre. RESULTS: Following the intervention, the Intervention Group showed significant improvements Exercise Processes of Change Scale, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale and Perceived Benefits of the Decisional Balance Scale for Exercise. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of stages of change. In the Intervention Group, 81.5% were in the contemplation stage in the pre-test, while in the post-test, 70.4% had transitioned to the action stage. In contrast, in the control group, 62.5% were in the contemplation stage initially, but in the post-test, only 9.3% had reached the action stage. The mean number of step counts increased significantly in favour of the Intervention Group, as did the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly total score. CONCLUSION: The trial indicated that after the trans-theoretical model-based motivational interviewing, the stages of change among the older adults improved, as did their exercise behaviours. It is recommended that the trans-theoretical model and motivational interviewing be used by nurses to improve healthy lifestyle stage behaviours in older adults.

Hypoglycaemic confidence levels and experiences related to the hypoglycaemia of patients with diabetes: A mixed methods study.

AIMS: This study had three aims: to determine the hypoglycaemic confidence levels of participants, to identify factors affecting hypoglycaemic confidence levels of participants and to assess experiences related to hypoglycaemia of participants. DESIGN: The explanatory-sequential-mixed method was used in this study. METHODS: The quantitative stage included a sample of 177 people, and the qualitative stage included a sample of 18 people. Data of the study were collected between April and June 2023 with the Hypoglycemic Confidence Level Scale, Personal Information Form and Semi-Structured Interview Form. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis were used for quantitative data analysis. For the qualitative data analysis, content analysis was performed in the MaxQda program. RESULTS: The scale items are scored between 1 and 4, and an increase in the score obtained from the scale indicates an increase in confidence levels. The mean hypoglycaemic confidence level score of the participants was 3. The data obtained in the qualitative stage were grouped under three main themes: Experiences Related to Hypoglycaemia, Reasons for Experiencing Hypoglycaemia and Managing Hypoglycaemia. CONCLUSION: Identifying hypoglycaemic confidence levels and hypoglycaemia experiences of patients with diabetes can guide health professionals, especially nurses, in promoting person-centred care interventions. IMPACT: The study discussed the hypoglycaemic confidence levels of diabetic patients and their experiences related to hypoglycaemia. The factors affecting the hypoglycaemic confidence level of the participants were educational status, income status, fear of experiencing hypoglycaemia, ability to self-administer insulin, receiving hypoglycaemia training and frequency of experiencing hypoglycaemia. The results of this study may provide guidance for the development of appropriate prevention and coping strategies for hypoglycaemia. Identifying the experiences of patients with diabetes with hypoglycaemia can guide health professionals, especially nurses, in promoting person-centred care interventions. REPORTING METHOD: The Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist was used for reporting. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

The effect of hydrogen-rich water on letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in rats.

RESEARCH QUESTION: What is the effect of hydrogen-rich water on rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? DESIGN: Female rats were divided into four groups, each consisting of eight animals. The control group received a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solution, the molecular hydrogen (H2) group was given hydrogen-rich water and a CMC solution, the PCOS group was administered letrozole dissolved in a CMC solution and the PCOS + H2 group was given hydrogen-rich water and letrozole dissolved in a CMC solution. Blood and tissue samples were then collected, and biochemical and histopathological analyses were conducted on the samples. RESULTS: The histopathological analysis showed a reduction in the number of cysts in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P < 0.0001). Additionally, the malondialdehyde, cortisol and testosterone data revealed a significant decrease in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P = 0.0458, P = 0.0003, P = 0.0041, respectively). The glutathione also showed a statistically significant increase in the PCOS + H2 group compared with the PCOS group (P = 0.0012). CONCLUSION: The study findings demonstrate that hydrogen-rich water reduces the number of cysts and oxidative damage in rats with PCOS.

Development of the diabulimia knowledge level scale.

The aim of this study was to develop the Diabulimia Knowledge Level Scale. The nurses voluntarily participated in the research (n = 384). The Diabulimia Knowledge Level Scale consists of 19 items and four factors. The four factors that make up the scale according to the results of Exploratory Factor Analysis explain 68.53 % of the total variance. The total Cronbach alpha coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.92. The Diabulimia Knowledge Level Scale is the first scale developed to determine the level of diabulimia knowledge among nurses. The scale is valid and reliable.

Immunohistochemical determination of somatostatin release in gastric tissue of rats fed with a high-fat and cholesterol diet.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a high-fat and cholesterol diet (HFCD) on rats' gastric mucosa. In the study, a total of 16 (40-day-old Sprague Dawley) male rats were used and randomly divided into two groups (each consisted of eight rats). The rats in control group had no implementations other than normal feeding. For 10 weeks, rats in a high-fat with cholesterol diet group had daily energy amounts provided by pellet feed mixed with 65.00% butter and 2.00% cholesterol. Before beginning the study and at the end, rats live weight was recorded and their blood samples were taken for biochemical analyses. Hematoxylin and Eosin and Crossman's triple staining techniques were used to investigate the general structure of gastric tissue. The rats fed with HFCD had statistically significant increases in live weight and total cholesterol values, and were identified to have gastric tissue degeneration. The rats' gastric tissue in control group had more intense somatostatin (SST) immunoreactivity in parietal and chief cells than the HFCD group. It was determined that feeding with the HFCD has a negative effect on SST secretion in rats and hence, this may have important areas of use such as in gastric cancer treatment and preventing complications linked to gastric diseases.

Investigation of apoptotic and autophagic effects of chronic roflumilast use on testicular tissue in rats by immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence methods.

Objectives: The present study aims to determine how various dosages of chronic roflumilast affect testicular tissue and testosterone levels in healthy rats. Materials and Methods: Biochemical tests, along with histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescence studies, were carried out. Results: Loss of tissue in the seminiferous epithelium, degeneration in the interstitial area, a separation between cells, desquamation, interstitial edema, and degenerative alterations in testicular tissue were observed in roflumilast groups when compared with the other groups. While apoptosis and autophagy were statistically negligible in the control and sham groups, the roflumilast groups had significantly higher apoptotic and autophagic alterations, as well as immunopositivity. Serum testosterone levels in the 1 mg/kg roflumilast group were lower than those in the control, sham, and 0.5 mg/kg roflumilast groups. Conclusion: Analyses of the research findings revealed that continuous usage of the broad-spectrum active component roflumilast exerted unfavorable effects on the testicular tissue and testosterone levels of rats.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Death Literacy Index.

Death literacy is defined as a set of knowledge and skills that make it possible to gain access to, understand, and act upon end-of-life and death care options. This study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the 29-item original version of the Death Literacy Index (DLI) in Turkish society. The scale was applied on a sample of 436 Turkish adults determined using the snowball sampling method. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. The scale consisted of 6 subscales. The test-retest analysis of this study showed a strong and highly significant positive correlation between overall DLI (.98) and its subscales (.73-.98). The total Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient of DLI was found to be .90. It was observed that the Turkish version of DLI was a valid and reliable tool and suitable for use in Turkish society.

The structure of spleen in the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus): Histological and immunohistochemical study.

The aim of this study was to examine the structure of the spleen in the long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus) by histologically and the distribution of the catalase in the spleen by immunohistochemically. The tissue materials were taken from three healthy long-legged buzzards provided by permission of the General Directorate of Nature Protection and National Parks (Ankara, Turkey). The long-legged buzzard spleen is surrounded by smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. In addition, trabecular structures are not found in the capsule. The separation of white and red pulp areas could not be precisely determined. Plasma cells were detected especially around the lymphoid follicles and lymphatic follicles and Schweigger-Seidel cells were formed by reticulum strands. Alcian blue positive reaction was determined in Schweigger-Seidel cells and endothelial cells of the long-legged buzzard spleen. The intense cytoplasmic catalase immunoreactivity was observed in the Schweigger-Seidel cells and nuclear in some red pulp cells of the long-legged buzzard spleen. Consequently, determination of the histological structure and catalase immunoreactivity of the spleen on the long-legged buzzard by this study could be support for the future researches.

The role of amifostine in preventing radiotherapy induced testicular tissue damage in rats.

The germinal epithelium of the adult testis is susceptible to radiation induced damage. Amifostine is a drug used to prevent the side effects of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy. We investigated the protective role of amifostine against RT induced damage to rat testis using the TUNEL assay. We used adult male rats divided equally into four groups: untreated control group; amifostine group, 200 mg/kg amifostine/day for 3 days; RT-saline group, 2 Gy/day local irradiation of testes for 3 days; RT-amifostine group, 2 Gy/day local irradiation of testes for 3 days plus 200 mg/kg amifostine 30 min before each irradiation. Four weeks after treatment, rats were sacrificed for histological examination and apoptosis was assessed using the TUNEL method. The TUNEL staining density was obtained by evaluating separate seminiferous tubules selected randomly from each section using the stereological fractionator method. Apoptosis in the seminiferous tubules in the control group and amifostine groups were evaluated as spontaneous. Frequent apoptosis was observed in the RT-saline group; a statistically significant difference was observed between the RT treated and untreated groups. Administration of amifostine 30 min before RT protected the testicular germ cells against apoptosis.

An immunohistochemical examination of cinnamon extract administration on distribution of NGF (nerve growth factor) and Trk-A (tyrosine kinase-A) receptor for diabetic rats with pancreatic tissue.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the administration of cinnamon extract that is known to be effective in decreasing the high blood glucose and the distribution of NGF and Trk-A receptor in pancreas with immunohistochemistry way. METHODS: The experimental groups were defined as control, sham, cinnamon, diabetes, and diabetes-cinnamon. At the end of the experiment, the pancreatic tissue samples were obtained for the rats. The hematoxylin-eosin and triple staining were used to examine histology. The immunohistochemical methods were performed on the sections of pancreatic tissue. In all groups, the body weight and fasting blood glucose obtained from the male and female rats and the values were statistically evaluated. RESULTS: The NGF immunoreactivity was observed in acinus, excretory pars, excretorius ducts, and islets of Langerhans for the pancreatic tissues of female and male rats in all groups. The Trk-A immunoreactivity was observed in acinus and islets of Langerhans for the pancreatic tissues of female and male rats in the control, sham, and cinnamon groups. DISCUSSION: As a result, it was determined that the cinnamon, which is effective on blood glucose levels, has a positive effect on the NGF production in pancreas.

Stem cell-related markers in primary breast cancers and associated metastatic lesions.

It has been reported previously that: (1) normal-breast epithelial cells that are CD24-/44+ express higher levels of stem/progenitor cell-associated genes; (2) cancer cells that have undergone epithelial to mesenchymal transition display CD24-/44+ cell-surface expression, a marker for breast cancer stem cells; (3) loss of E-cadherin is a preliminary step in epithelial to mesenchymal transition; and (4) vimentin is a marker of mesenchymal phenotype. We hypothesized that stem cell subpopulations would be more frequent in metastatic than in primary tumors. Therefore we assessed by immunohistochemical analysis, tissue microarrays containing tissue from primary and associated metastatic breast cancers for expression of CD24, CD44, E-cadherin and vimentin to evaluate candidate cancer-initiating cell populations in breast cancer subtypes and metastatic lesions. The occurrence of CD24-/44+ and CD24+/44- cells did not differ in primary vs matched lymph node or distant and locoregional metastatic lesions; E-cadherin expression was decreased in primary vs lymph node metastases (P=0.018) but not decreased in distant and locoregional metastases relative to primary tumor, whereas vimentin, was more frequently expressed in lymph node and distant and locoregional metastases (P=0.013, P=0.004) than in matched primary cancers. Thus, the frequency of CD24-/44+ cells does not differ in metastases relative to the primary breast cancer but differs by tumor stage and subtype.

A comparative study on the histological structure of the spleen in the ostrich (Struthio camelus), the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the osprey (Pandion haliaetus).

The spleen structurally and functionally belongs to the hematopoietic organs and is also an important component of the reticuloendothelial system, which is known to play a major role in host defense. The histological structure of the spleen was investigated in the ostrich, a non-flying bird, the kestrel, a raptor, and the osprey, a fish-eating bird of prey (fish eagle). For this purpose, Mallory's modified triple stain, methyl green-pyronin and silver stain were used. Germinal centers were not present in the spleen of the osprey. In the spleen of the kestrel, penicillar arterioles and the surrounding lymphoid tissue were markedly dense. Compared to the other two birds, the red and white pulps were clearly distinguishable in the spleen of the ostrich.

Variation in hormone receptor and HER-2 status between primary and metastatic breast cancer: review of the literature.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Hormone and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) receptors are two important pharmaceutical targets that affect the survival of patients with metastatic breast cancer. Discordance of hormone and HER-2 receptors were reported in a series of studies. Receptor status was reported to change in both directions, yet alteration occurs mostly in the loss of positivity for both receptors. We do not know both the exact mechanism of this process or the contribution rate of technical mistakes; a number of mechanisms might be responsible. Factors suggested include: tumor heterogeneity, clonal selection of tumor cell subpopulations, genetic instability of tumor cells, local or systemic treatments, the time interval between primary tumor and metastasis, receptor status determination techniques, and the site of metastasis. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: Studies of estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptor discordance between primary and metastasis of breast cancer are summarized. Laboratory evaluation of estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptors, and possible causes of receptor discordance, are summarized. Literature data are reviewed; the major shortcoming of these studies is that they are mostly retrospective. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: The reader will read a concise literature review about the studies on estrogen, progesterone and HER-2 receptor discordances between primary and metastasis of breast cancer. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: We do not know whether the changes in receptor expression account for a true biological phenomenon or may result from inconsistent measurement. However, in light of current data, for the treatment plans that target the receptors, biopsy specimen from the metastatis of breast cancer must also be evaulated for alterations in the receptor status.

Comparative study of the immunohistochemical detection of hormone receptor status and HER-2 expression in primary and paired recurrent/metastatic lesions of patients with breast cancer.

Recent studies have shown some degrees of discordance in ER, PR and HER-2 immunohistochemical expression between primary and recurrent/metastatic lesions (RML). Analysis was made on 78 patients with MBC whose ER, PR and/or HER-2 status were known both on the tissue samples of primary and RML. Among the RML sites, 29.5% were locoregional, 70.5% were distant metastatic sites. Among 75 patients with known ER expression on both primary and RML, 36% (n = 27) showed discordance on ER expression. Among 72 patients with known PR expression on both primary and RML, 54.2% (n = 39) showed discordance on PR expression. Among 61 patients with known HER-2 expression on both primary and RML, 14.7% (n = 9) showed discordance on HER-2 expression. No differences were observed when we compared patients who have discordant ER and HER-2 status with patients who have concordant results between the primary tumor and paired RML with respect to site of biopsy (locoregional vs distant metastasis) and prior therapies (chemotherapy and endocrine therapy). As these discordant results make changes in treatment decision, a biopsy of the metastatic lesion could be recommended in patients with MBC when feasible. Larger series are needed to identify the potential effect of prior therapies and site of metastasis on discordant results.

Histologic structure of the uropygial gland of the osprey (Pandion haliaetus).

This study was performed to determine the histologic structure of the uropygial gland in an osprey. The gland was composed of two elongated lobes which were enclosed in a capsule of connective tissue. Each lobe of the gland had a large central cavity with one excretory duct. The secretory tubules consisted of four cell types: basal, intermediate, secretory, and degenerative. The intermediate cells in the osprey were few in number and did not form a layer, while secretory and degenerative cells consist of 2-3 strata, indicating a high level of lipogenesis. The membranes and peripheral cytoplasm of degenerative cells located in the base of the lobes revealed calcium (Ca2+) deposition and an intense acidophilic reaction.