Selected B vitamins and their possible link to the aetiology of age-related sarcopenia: relevance of UK dietary recommendations.

The possible roles of selected B vitamins in the development and progression of sarcopenia are reviewed. Age-related declines in muscle mass and function are associated with huge and increasing costs to healthcare providers. Falls and loss of mobility and independence due to declining muscle mass/function are associated with poor clinical outcomes and their prevention and management are attractive research targets. Nutritional status appears a key modifiable and affordable intervention. There is emerging evidence of sarcopenia being the result not only of diminished anabolic activity but also of declining neurological integrity in older age, which is emerging as an important aspect of the development of age-related decline in muscle mass/function. In this connection, several B vitamins can be viewed as not only cofactors in muscle synthetic processes, but also as neurotrophic agents with involvements in both bioenergetic and trophic pathways. The B vitamins thus selected are examined with respect to their relevance to multiple aspects of neuromuscular function and evidence is considered that requirements, intakes or absorption may be altered in the elderly. In addition, the evidence base for recommended intakes (UK recommended daily allowance) is examined with particular reference to original datasets and their relevance to older individuals. It is possible that inconsistencies in the literature with respect to the nutritional management of sarcopenia may, in part at least, be the result of compromised micronutrient status in some study participants. It is suggested that in order, for example, for intervention with amino acids to be successful, underlying micronutrient deficiencies must first be addressed/eliminated.

Lateral flow assay for rapid differentiation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex and 97 species of mycobacteria other than tuberculosis grown in Löwenstein-Jensen and TK-SLC medium.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterial antigen MPB64 is a secretory protein specific for Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. A lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (ICA) is a method used for the rapid differentiation of M. tuberculosis complex. AIM: We aimed to evaluate the performance of ICA in rapid differentiation of M. tuberculosis complex from 97 Mycobacterium species other than tuberculosis (MOTT), which are grown in Lφwenstein-Jensen and TK-selective (SLC) medium. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was performed in our laboratory between January 2009 and January 2010. A total of 394 isolates consisting of reference strains of 34 M. tuberculosis from World Health Organization (WHO) collection, 97 different MOTT bacilli, 7 Mycobacterium bovis BCG substrains and total 256 clinical Mycobacterium isolates were tested by ICA, which is based on anti-MPB64 monoclonal antibodies. All the strains were inoculated onto a TK-SLC (selective) medium and Lowenstein-Jensen medium. TK-SLC is a new rapid mycobacterial culture medium that indicates mycobacterial growth by colour change. RESULTS: The growth of mycobacterial strains was observed in 10-12 days on TK-SLC medium. ICA test was performed in 15 minutes. All strains belonging to M. tuberculosis complex group were found positive and all MOTT species were found negative on ICA slides. The results were confirmed with nucleic acid amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers specific for M. tuberculosis complex. CONCLUSION: With the additive effect of growth on TK-SLC medium in 10-12 days, the mycobacterial antigen MPB64 is a very useful and specific tool in rapid differentiation of M. tuberculosis and MOTT grown in culture.

Clinico-epidemiologic study of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Diyarbakir Turkey.

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic disease, endemic and notifiable in southeastern Turkey. We investigated clinical features, individual characteristics, and environmental factors of affected patients, and identified additional patients with CL in Diyarbakir. In 2002 we studied the epidemiology of CL in Dedeköy and Durabeyli towns in Diyarbakir Province. We evaluated patients with any skin lesions. A questionnaire including demographic details was completed by each patient. Clinical details of lesions and other dermatological findings were recorded. We walked around the town and surveyed it for environmental factors. CL was diagnosed in 78 individuals aged 1-85 years (mean age of 20). Although all age groups were affected, the majority of patients were under age 20. The lesions ranged from approximately 0.5 to 20 cm. They were located on the face (46.7 %), upper extremity (23.2 %), lower extremity (5.1 %), and other sites. Different types of lesions were observed such as nodule with crust, nodule with osseous crust, violaceous infiltrative plaque with vegetative nodule, erysipelas-like plaque verrucous annular plaque, and eczema-like plaques. The incidence of CL is increasing in Dicle and Durabeyli towns and the clinical appearance may vary greatly.

Enuresis and the effective factors--a case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: Enuresis is widespread and affects the child and the family both psychologically and socially. This research was performed between 1 February and 30 June 1998, in Gemlik district to investigate the effective factors on enuresis among 5-9 year-old children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A questionnaire containing 31 questions was answered by the mothers during the house visits. Two hundred and seventy-seven cases were determined in a previous study and randomly selected 277 controls were matched according to their ages, gender and residential districts. RESULTS: Younger mothers, mothers with less education and working mothers have more enuretic children. Enuresis is more prevalent within the first children. Odds ratio is 11.1 if his/her mother and/or father has had enuresis. The age of toilet training was earlier among controls than cases. CONCLUSIONS: As enuresis is rather widespread, the parents may consider this as a transient problem and therefore no effort might be given for the solution. Trained health personnel and physicians should enlighten the parents about enuresis in order to eliminate the negative effect on the child.

The comparison of reproductive health data in a rural district in Turkey (1981-2001).

OBJECTIVES: The main objective was to compare new reproductive and family planning data with data from the 1981 survey. METHODS: All 15-49-year-old married women living in seven villages of Gemlik were interviewed and the data were compared with the 1981 data of the same villages. RESULTS: In 1981, 66.8% used a family planning method, 6.8% used an intrauterine device, 10.2% used oral contraceptives and 10.0% used condoms. In 2001, these values were 93.0%, 36.5%, 6.0% and 14.8%, respectively. In 1981, 51.5% and in 2001 35.5% used coitus interruptus. CONCLUSION: In 20 years, users of both current family planning methods and modem methods have increased; users of traditional methods have decreased.

Family planning choices and some characteristics of coitus interruptus users in Gemlik, Turkey.

The objectives of this study were to gain information about some fertility issues, contraceptive method choices, and the reasons for coitus interruptus (CI) use among married women aged 15-49, in Gemlik, Turkey. One thousand nine hundred ten women were interviewed for this cross-sectional study. The pregnancy rate per woman was 2.9. 716 women (37.5%) had at least one unwanted pregnancy. Of the study population, 79.6% were using a contraceptive method (45.1% were using a modern method, 34.5% a traditional method). CI was the most preferred method (33.7%). Fertility measures of women who had used CI continuously were compared with other women. It was found that most CI users were content with the method.