The Edinburgh feeding evaluation in dementia (EdFED) scale: A Turkish validity and reliability study.

AIM: The present study aimed to adapt the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia (EdFED) Scale to Turkish. METHOD: This methodological study was reported using STARD (The STAndards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy). The sample included 200 people with dementia. The data were obtained using the Personal Information Form, the Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale, and the Mini Nutritional Assessment Test. For the Turkish adaptation of the scale, construct validity (confirmatory factor analysis), criterion validity (concurrent scale validity) and reliability analysis (Cronbach's α coefficient, item-total score correlation) were performed, respectively. RESULTS: The three-factor model in the original scale was verified. The content validity index was 0.95. The Cronbach's α coefficient factors were as follows: 'Indicators of Patient Difficulty' α = 0.81, 'Patient's Need for Assistance' α = 0.79 and 'Indicators of Feeding Difficulty' α = 0.64, respectively. When the CFA fit indexes were examined, the model fit values were good. The three-factor structure was verified, compared with the original model and was compatible. No modification was needed in the model. CONCLUSIONS: The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale Turkish version provides reliable and valid measures of feeding difficulties in people with dementia. It has satisfactory psychometric properties and is suitable to use in clinical practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Feeding is one of the most neglected subjects in caring for people with dementia. Screening is recommended to evaluate feeding and malnutrition, but, to our knowledge, there is no tool/scale to evaluate the feeding of the dementia patient in Turkish. The EdFED scale can serve healthcare professionals and caregivers as a practical tool for feeding difficulties in people with dementia.

Allergenic components, biocides, and analysis techniques of some essential oils used in food products.

Nowadays, almost 300 essential oils (EOs) are commonly traded in the world market, with a prediction to be worth over $14 billion in 2024. EOs are natural preservatives for food products in order to reduce the activity of pathogenic microorganisms, therefore their use as an antioxidant or a preservative in foods has been encouraged. They are not only considered as antimicrobial or flavoring agents, but are also incorporated into food packaging materials. There are several types of EOs which have been approved as food additives by the Food and Drug Administration. Hence, it is important to use safe EO products to minimize possible adverse effect risks such as nausea, vomiting, necrosis, nephropathy, mucous membrane, and skin irritation. This review article gives information about some EOs that are used in the food industries and the types of some allergenic compounds and biocides which could make the EOs hazardous or may cause allergenic reactions in the human body. Besides, some analysis techniques of possible allergenic compounds or biocides in EOs were introduced and supported with the most relevant studies. The overall conclusion from the study is that pregnant women, patients taking drugs (e.g., diabetics) or the having a history of allergy are the most prone to be affected from EO allergenic components. As regards to biocides, organochlorine and organophosphorus types of pesticides that are carried over from the plant may be found mostly in EOs. The most common allergic reaction is skin sensitization and irritation if the EO components are oxidized during storage or transportation. Moreover, drug interactions are one of the other possible adverse effect. Hence, determination of biocides and possible allergenic component concentrations is an essential factor when they are used as a preservative or flavoring agent. The most prominent analysis techniques are gas and liquid chromatography because most of the allergens and biocides are mainly composed of volatile components. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Determining of the essential oil's content will be crucial if oils are used for food preservation or flavoring because they may have some hazardous effects, such as nausea, vomiting, necrosis and nephropathy. Therefore, after applying them to the food products, consumers (especially pregnant women) should be informed about their concentration levels and their possible adverse effects are taken into account when they are consumed over toxic limit. For this reason, we reviewed in our study that some allergenic components, biocides and toxic limits of EOs to be used in food products. In addition to this, recent analytical techniques have been explained and discussed which methods are suitable for analysis.

The relationship between emotional labour and job satisfaction in nursing.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between emotional labour strategies and job satisfaction among nurses in Turkey. BACKGROUND: Nursing is one of the professions in which emotional labour is heavily used. The relationship between emotional labour strategies and job satisfaction has many different consequences in nursing. INTRODUCTION: Although studies have focused on the relationship between emotional labour and job satisfaction among nurses abroad, no studies on the subject have been found in Turkey. METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed. The study was conducted with 281 nurses working in a university hospital and three public hospitals in Manisa, Turkey. Research data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Emotional Labour Scale and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis were used in data evaluation. RESULTS: Analyses showed that the type of emotional labour strategy most frequently exhibited by nurses was surface acting. In surface acting, behaviours do not reflect employees' true feelings. Job satisfaction of nurses was higher than the medium level. A negative correlation was found between deep acting and job satisfaction. In deep acting, employees try to feel the emotions appropriate to the behaviour expected of them. DISCUSSION: Nurses' emotional labour may cause some undesirable consequences. CONCLUSION: Nurses' emotional labour strategies are related to their job satisfaction levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING POLICY: Managers should be aware of the emotional labour of nurses and its possible negative consequences. Management strategies that target the negative consequences of emotional labour are important not only for the well-being of nurses but also for the quality of patient care.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Individual-Level Abortion Stigma Scale: a methodological study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Individual-Level Abortion Stigma Scale. SETTING: Three hospitals affiliated to Public Hospitals Union General Secretariat in Manisa, a city located in Western Turkey. DESIGN: This was a methodological study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 230 women aged 22-49 years who previously underwent abortion and volunteered to participate in the study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Data analysis was performed using the SPSS and LISREL software. The Content Validity Index was calculated based on the values obtained from expert opinions. In the reliability analysis, Cronbach's alpha values were calculated for the overall scale and its subscales. To test the stability of the scale over time, the scale was readministered to 30 women in the study 15 days later and the test-retest values (Pearson's correlation coefficients) were determined. In the validity analysis, the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed. In the exploratory factor analysis, the principal component analysis was performed using the varimax rotation and the factor loading of the scale was examined. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to investigate the item-factor construct of the scale. RESULTS: The Content Validity Index was calculated as 0.86. The Cronbach's alpha values ranged between 0.83 and 0.94. The item-total correlation coefficients ranged between 0.36 and 0.72, and the test-retest reliability was 0.96 for the overall scale and its subscales (p<0.05). The total variance revealed by five factors was 75%. Confirmatory factor analysis of the scale revealed an acceptable compliance level (root mean square error of approximation=0.092, χ2/df=2.91, Goodness of Fit Index=0.831, Comparative Fit Index=0.928, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that this scale has the potential for use in research and clinical settings to measure abortion stigma among women.

Prevalence of urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms in school-age children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and urinary incontinence (UI) in elementary school aged children in Manisa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dysfunctional Voiding and Incontinence Scoring System (DVIS) which was developed in Turkey is used. A total of 416 children, 216 (51.9%) male and 200 (48.1%) female were recruited in this study. RESULTS: Mean age of children was 10.35 ± 2.44 years (median10 years). Daytime UI frequency was 6.7% (28 child), nocturnal incontinence 16.6% (69 child) and combined daytime and nocturnal incontinence 4.1% (17 child). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of nocturnal and or daytime UI between male and female gender. Mean DVIS score was 2.65 ± 3.95 and gender did not affect total DVIS points. The mean ages of achieving daytime bowel and bladder control were all significantly correlated with DVIS points. DVIS points were positively correlated with the history of UI of the family. Total points were increased when the father was unemployed. CONCLUSION: UI negatively influences health related quality of life of the family and child, so it is important that awareness of the UI and symptoms of lower urinary tract dysfunction.

Prognostic utility of serum neopterin in obstructive jaundice secondary to malignant lesions treated by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.

PURPOSE: To perform biochemical profiles before and after percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and investigate the potential utility of measuring C-reactive protein (CRP), circulating cytokines, and neopterin, a marker of cell-mediated immunity, to predict outcomes of patients with obstructive jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 47 patients with obstructive jaundice secondary to malignant lesions were evaluated before, at the fifth hour after, and on the fifth day after PTBD for neopterin, nitrate, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, CRP levels, and liver function. RESULTS: Neopterin levels on day 5 after PTBD were significantly higher than the levels before treatment and at the fifth hour. However, nitrate, cytokine, white blood cell, albumin, and creatinine levels were not significantly different. On the fifth day after PTBD, CRP levels were significantly higher and total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, and alanine transaminase values were lower than the before-treatment values. Seven patients (15%) died within 30 days after drainage. On the fifth day after PTBD, neopterin, IL-6, IL-10, and creatinine levels were significantly higher and albumin levels were lower in the early mortality group. The performance characteristics of neopterin and creatinine were statistically significant in predicting mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Neopterin levels increased after PTBD, indicating cellular immune activation. The nonsignificant change in cytokine levels may be related to low enduring release in malignancy. The extremely elevated levels of neopterin and creatinine after PTBD might serve as harbingers of early death in patients with cholestasis secondary to malignant lesions.

Do cardiac risk factors affect the homocysteine and asymmetric dimethylarginine relationship in patients with coronary artery diseases?

OBJECTIVES: Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) concentrations have been shown to be a risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease and thrombosis. Increased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels have been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. In this study, the influence of cardiovascular risk factors and other variables on Hcy and ADMA relationship in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) was investigated. DESIGN AND METHODS: Seventy-five patients with CAD were divided into three tertiles according to their Hcy levels. The effect of age, gender, blood pressure, lipid profile, renal function, and the presence of diabetes, insulin resistance, heart failure, inflammation, overweight, smoking and severity of coronary atherosclerosis on Hcy and ADMA relationship was evaluated. RESULTS: ADMA concentrations of patients in the middle and highest Hcy tertiles were significantly higher than the patients in the lowest tertile. When ADMA concentrations were adjusted for demographic, clinical and laboratory variables, the significant differences in ADMA concentrations between the tertiles were preserved. ADMA levels positively correlated with Hcy. Homocysteine levels positively correlated with serum creatinine and NT-proBNP concentrations and negatively correlated with glomerular filtration rates. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed Hcy as the unique predictor of ADMA levels. CONCLUSION: Homocysteine concentration has an effect on ADMA levels. There is a strong correlation between Hcy and ADMA. Cardiovascular risk factors do not have an influence on this relationship.

Fibroblast growth factor-19 levels in type 2 diabetic patients with metabolic syndrome.

This study aimed to examine fibroblast growth factor-19 (FGF-19) in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and to evaluate the relationship between FGF-19 and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and hsCRP. 26 T2DM patients with MetS and 12 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum FGF-19 levels were measured by sandwich ELISA, and compared with other cardiovascular risk factors; lipid profile, AIP, glucose, HbA1c, and hsCRP. AIP was calculated as log (TG/HDL-c). The median (1-3.quartile) FGF-19 levels in T2DM patients with MetS and healthy controls were 122.90 (108.63-237.60) pg/ml and 293.45 (153.64-370.31) pg/ml, respectively (P=0.003). Patients were also grouped by body mass index (BMI) <30 kg/m(2) (n=13) and ≥30 kg/m(2) (n=13) with median (1-3.quartile) FGF-19 values 168.70 (113.54-275.77) pg/mL and 115.89 (97.94-200.40) pg/mL, respectively (P=0.007). Significant negative correlations were found between FGF-19 and BMI, triglyceride, log (TG/HDL-c), hsCRP, and HbA1c (r=-0.526, P=0.001; r=-0.327, P=0.05; r=-0.312, P=0.05; r=-0.435, P=0.006; r=-0.357, P=0.028, respectively). We showed that FGF-19 levels are low in T2DM patients with MetS. The negative relationship between FGF-19 and several known cardiovascular risk factors such as TG, log (TG/HDL-c), hsCRP and HbA1c in diabetic patients with MetS suggests that FGF-19 can be used as a contributing marker.

Awareness of breast cancer risk factors and practice of breast self examination among high school students in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Young breast cancer patients have a lower rate of survival than old breast cancer patients due to being diagnosed at advanced stages. Breast self-examination makes women more "breast aware", which in turn may lead to an earlier diagnosis of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate knowledge and practice of breast self-examination and to determine knowledge of risk factors for breast cancer among high school students. METHODS: This is a descriptive and cross-sectional study. It was conducted in a high school in Manisa, Turkey. The study sample included 718 female high school students. A socio-demographic characteristics data form, knowledge of breast self examination and risk factors for breast cancer form and breast self examination practice form were used to collect data. RESULTS: The female high school students had insufficient knowledge about breast self-examination and a low percentage of students reported that they had performed breast self examination monthly. The most common reason for not doing breast self- examination was "not knowing how to perform breast self-examination" (98.5%). Most of the students had little knowledge of the risk factors for breast cancer. The most widely known risk factor by the students was personal history of breast cancer (68.7%). There was a significant relation between breast self-examination practice and age, school grade, knowledge about breast cancer and knowledge about breast self- examination. CONCLUSION: There is a need to increase knowledge of adolescent females about the risks of breast cancer and benefits of early detection. In fact, health care professionals can develop effective breast health care programs and help young women to acquire good health habits.

The association of self-esteem, depression and body satisfaction with obesity among Turkish adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and to examine the effects of actual weight status, perceived weight status and body satisfaction on self-esteem and depression in a high school population in Turkey. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 2101 tenth-grade Turkish adolescents aged 15-18 was conducted. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using weight and height measures. The overweight and obesity were based on the age- and gender-specific BMI cut-off points of the International Obesity Task Force values. Self-esteem was measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and depression was measured using Children's Depression Inventory. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine relationships among the variables. RESULTS: Based on BMI cut-off points, 9.0% of the students were overweight and 1.1% were obese. Logistic regression analysis indicated that (1) being male and being from a higher socio-economical level were important in the prediction of overweight based on BMI; (2) being female and being from a higher socio-economical level were important in the prediction of perceived overweight; (3) being female was important in the prediction of body dissatisfaction; (4) body dissatisfaction was related to low self-esteem and depression, perceived overweight was related only to low self-esteem but actual overweight was not related to low self-esteem and depression in adolescents. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that school-based adolescents in urban Turkey have a lower risk of overweight and obesity than adolescents in developed countries. The findings of this study suggest that psychological well-being of adolescents is more related to body satisfaction than actual and perceived weight status is.

Reliability and validity of the colorectal cancer screening belief scale in Turkey.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Turkey. The emphasis of the healthcare services in Turkey is on curative rather than preventive and rehabilitative approaches. Although the Ministry of Health provides many healthcare services for prevention and early detection, their availability and accessibility are very low. The purpose of this study was to test the reliability and validity of the Turkish language version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scales in measuring Turkish women's and men's beliefs about colorectal cancer. This study was carried out in Izmir, the third most populous city in Turkey. The Champion's Health Belief Model Scales was translated using a back-translation technique. A convenience sample of 470 individuals was recruited from January 2004 through March 2004. Descriptive statistics were computed for the demographic characteristics. Reliability was assessed by interpreting the item-total subscale score correlation, test-retest reliability, and Cronbach alpha coefficients. For testing the relationship between item performance and scale performance, corrected item-total correlations ranged from 0.41 to 0.79 for all 5 subscales. Cronbach alpha coefficients for the 5 subscales ranged between .54 and .88, and test-retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0.72 to 0.91. The study showed that the Turkish version of the Champion's Health Belief Model Scales has good structural characteristics and is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used for measuring beliefs related to colorectal cancer.

Serum N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) levels in hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

E Natriuretic peptides represent a novel diagnostic tool in the assessment of heart failure. N-terminal-pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a member of the natriuretic peptid family, is produced and released from cardiac ventricles. Changes in cardiac functions are observed in thyroid dysfunctions. The aim of this study was to assess the changes in serum NT-proBNP levels and to evaluate impact of thyroid hormones on serum NT-proBNP in patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured in 21 patients with hyperthyroidism and in 24 patients with hypothyroidism and compared with 20 healthy control subjects. Patients without cardiac disease were included into the study as well. Serum NT-proBNP levels were measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum NT-proBNP levels were higher in hyperthyroid patients than in hypothyroid patients and in control subjects, with mean values of 239.03 +/- 47.33, 45.97 +/- 13.48, 55.57 +/- 13.01 pg/ml, respectively (p < 0.0001). Serum NT-proBNP and thyroid hormones were correlated in all patients. Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between serum NT-proBNP and serum free T4 (FT4) levels (r = 0.549, p = 0.012) in hyperthyroidic patients. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated that increasing FT4 was independently associated with a high serum NT-proBNP levels, whereas heart rate was not in hyperthyroid patients. Serum NT-proBNP levels are higher in the hyperthyroid state as compared with the hypothyroid and euthyroid state. Thyroid dysfunction affects serum NT-proBNP levels, possibly influencing the secretion of the peptide. Therefore, thyroid function has to be considered when evaluating high serum NT-proBNP levels in patients without cardiac dysfunction.

Increased serum neopterin levels in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 5-10% of premenopausal women. Studies suggest that PCOS is associated with increased risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). To investigate this relationship, 15 PCOS women (group 1) and 10 healthy women (group 2) were studied. Blood leukocyte counts (white blood cells, WBC) and serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, sensitive C-reactive protein (sCRP), and neopterin were measured in the 2 groups. There were no significant differences in serum total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, or LDL-cholesterol concentrations between groups 1 and 2. Blood WBC counts and serum levels of neopterin and sCRP were significantly higher in group 1 than group 2. The median (min-max) levels were: WBC, group 1: 8.05 (5.10-9.70) cells x 10(9)/L, group 2: 6.25 (4.70-9.70) cells x 10(9)/L (p <0.01); neopterin, group 1: 10.6 (7.5-49.5) nmol/L, group 2: 9.6 (6.5-12.9) nmol/L (p < 0.05); and sCRP, group 1: 7.0 (1.2-12.0) mg/L, group 2: 2.0 (0.1-12.0) mg/L (p <0.01). This study shows that blood WBC counts and serum sCRP and neopterin levels are significantly elevated in women with PCOS. These findings support an increased risk for early-onset cardiovascular disease in women with PCOS. This is the first report that women with PCOS have higher serum neopterin levels than healthy women with regular menstrual cycles.

Impact of renal function or folate status on altered plasma homocysteine levels in hypothyroidism.

Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for coronary, peripheral and cerebrovascular diseases. Moderately elevated total homocysteine (tHcy) levels have been reported in patients with overt hypothyroidism. Plasma tHcy concentration is affected by several physiological factors and is elevated under conditions of impaired folate and cobalamin status and in renal failure. The aim of this study was to assess plasma tHcy concentrations and to evaluate the role of potential determinants of plasma tHcy levels in hypothyroid patients. Fasting plasma tHcy, serum homocysteine-related vitamins folate and vitamin B(12), serum cystatin C (CysC) and creatinine, were determined in 22 hypothyroid patients and compared with 25 healthy control subjects. Creatinine clearance (CCr) was calculated using the Cockroft-Gault formula. Plasma tHcy levels were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection and serum CysC by automated particle enhanced immunoturbidimetry. Plasma tHcy, creatinine levels were significantly higher, and serum CysC levels, and creatinine clearance values were lower in hypothyroid patients than in control subjects. Folate levels were lower in hypothyroidic group compared to the control group. There were no differences in vitamin B(12) levels between hypothyroid and control groups. Positive correlation was noted between tHcy and creatinine levels in hypothyroid patients (r = 0.596); however, an inverse correlation was found between tHcy and folate levels (r = -0.705) in hypothyroid patients. In conclusion, tHcy was increased in hypothyroidism, and this increase was more strongly associated with changes in serum folate than in serum creatinine and CysC, suggesting an altered folate status.

The knowledge and attitudes of breast self-examination and mammography in a group of women in a rural area in western Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer appears to be a disease of both the developing and developed worlds. Among Turkish women, breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to determine levels of knowledge about breast cancer and to evaluate health beliefs concerning the model that promotes breast self- examination (BSE) and mammography in a group of women aged 20-64 in a rural area of western Turkey. METHODS: 244 women were recruited by means of cluster sampling in this study. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic variables, a risk factors and signs of breast cancer form and the adapted version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS). Bivariate correlation analysis, Chi square test, Mann-Whitney U test and logistic regression analysis were performed throughout the data analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the women was 37.7 +/- 13.7. 49.2% of women were primary school graduates, 67.6% were married. Although 76.6% of the women in this study reported that they had heard or read about breast cancer, our study revealed that only 56.1% of them had sufficient knowledge of breast cancer, half of whom had acquired the information from health professionals. Level of breast cancer knowledge was the only variable significantly associated with the BSE and mammography practice (p = 0.011, p = 0.007). BSE performers among the study group were more likely to be women who exhibited higher confidence and perceived greater benefits from BSE practice, and those who perceived fewer barriers to BSE performance and possessed knowledge of breast cancer. CONCLUSION: By using the CHBMS constructs for assessment, primary health care providers can more easily understand the beliefs that influence women's BSE and mammography practice.

[The prevalence of low back pain and its relationship with household jobs and other factors in a group of women in a rural area in Manisa]. / Manisa'da kirsal bir bölgede kadinlarda bel agrisi sikligi; ev isleri ve diger faktörlerle iliskisi.

The aims of this cross-sectional study were to determine the prevalence of low back pain and to evaluate the effects of household jobs on low back pain in women living in a rural setting in Manisa. Study population is consisted of 302 women and cluster sampling is performed according to percentage of health center district populations. Participation ratio of this study was 89.1%. Univariete and multivariete risk approach in 95% confidence interval and t test were performed in data analysis. Brief Disability Questionnaire was applied to the study group. Life time and point prevalence of low back pain were determined 79.2% and 34.9% of the study group. Low back pain risk in 95 % CI was higher in wrong posture during ironing, heavy load lifting, overweight/obesity and disability 2.2 (1.1- 4.5), 4.5 (2.1-9.2), 3.8 (1.7-8.3) and 9.2 (4.3-19.7) times respectively. For preventive health measures it is necessary to apply ergonomic working conditions and to give appropriate postural habits to women.

Effects of L-arginine and L-carnitine in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced intestinal injury.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to show the role of oxidative stress, nitric oxide and glutathione-related antioxidant enzymes in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced intestinal injury model in mice and to evaluate the potential benefits of arginine and carnitine supplementation. METHODS: A total of 28 young Balb/c mice were divided into four groups: Group 1 (untreated) was given physiological saline before the experiment; group 2 H/R mice were supplemented with L-arginine; group 3 H/R mice were given L-carnitine for 7 days; and group 4 mice served as controls. At the end of day 7, H/R injury was induced and intestinal tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitrate levels and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were measured. RESULTS: MDA levels were higher in the untreated animals than in the other three groups. MDA levels were higher in the L-arginine-treated animals than in the L-carnitine-treated animals. Nitrate levels were found to be increased in the L-arginine-treated group when compared to the controls. GSH-Px and GR activities were increased in the untreated, the L-arginine and the L-carnitine-treated H/R groups when compared to the control group. GST activities were indifferent between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of H/R-induced intestinal injury. The glutathione redox cycle may have a crucial role in the H/R-induced intestinal injury. L-arginine and L-carnitine supplementations ameliorate the histological evidence of H/R-induced intestinal injury and decrease lipid peroxidation but do not alter the glutathione-related antioxidant enzyme activities.

Amlodipine and glutathione cycle in hypercholesterolaemia.

OBJECTIVE: Effects of amlodipine on lipid peroxidation and alterations in glutathione and related enzymes in blood and aortic tissue were investigated in a cholesterol-induced atherosclerotic rabbit model. METHODS AND RESULTS: New Zealand white male rabbits were fed with regular chow (group I), chow supplemented with I% cholesterol (group II), regular chow plus amlodipine 5 mg/kg/day p.o. (group III) and I% cholesterol diet supplemented with amlodipine (group IV) for 8 weeks. Cholesterol, malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) were determined in blood samples drawn before and after the experimental period. Aortic tissue was examined morphologically for atherosclerotic changes and tissue cholesterol, MDA, GSSG, GSH-PX, GSH-Rd and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were measured. After 8 weeks, blood cholesterol, MDA, GSSG and GSH-PX were elevated in groups II and IV; GSH was reduced in group IV; MDA levels were higher in group II than in group IV. Aortic tissue investigations revealed higher cholesterol and MDA concentrations in group II than in group IV. Morphological examination of aortic tissues exhibited endothelial disarrangement and lipid deposition in group II. Histopathological alterations related to atherogenesis were less in group IV than in group II. CONCLUSIONS: Amlodipine reduced the increase in oxidative stress by inhibiting excessive MDA production. Accelerated glutathione redox cycle activity of erythrocytes from animals supplemented with amlodipine suggests that this drug may reduce oxidative stress by enhancing the glutathione system. However, this drug does not seem to affect the glutathione redox cycle in the aortic tissue.

[Which psychiatric label is more stigmatizating? "ruhsal hastalik" or "akil hastaligi"]. / Hangi etiket daha damgalayici: ruhsal hastalik mi? Akil hastaligi mi?

OBJECTIVE: To determine which of the two different labels, "ruhsal hastalik" or "akil hastaligi", used for psychiatric disorders by the public in Turkey is more stigmatizing. METHOD: This study was carried out at Celal Bayar University School of Health in Turkey. The questionnaire was designed by the researchers and applied to all students (n=272) present at the school on the day of application. The attitudes and opinions of students were investigated using case vignettes describing sczhizophrenia and major depression. RESULTS: It was seen that 0.8% of the students described the depression vignette as "akil hastaligi" while 78% described it as "ruhsal hastalik" with the schizophrenia vignette, 26% of students described it as "akil hastaligi" while 65% described it as "ruhsal hastalik". The participants who described the schizophrenia vignette as "akil hastaligi" stated that persons with symptoms like those of the schizophrenia vignette should not be free in the community (p<0.0001), they would not rent their house to a person with schizophrenia (p=0.013) and persons with schizophrenia are aggressive (p<0.0001); they had more negative attitudes than the participants who described it as "ruhsal hastalik" CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the concepts "akil hastaligi" and "ruhsal hastalik" are used in different ways and the concept "akil hastaligi" has a more stigmatizing meaning. Therefore "akil hastaligi" should be avoided by health professionals when dealing with patients.

Association between serum paraoxonase activity and oxidative stress in acute coronary syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: The oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is believed to have a central role in atherogenesis. Under oxidative stress not only LDL, but all other serum lipids are exposed to oxidation. High-density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated paraoxonase (PON1) was shown to inhibit LDL and HDL oxidation. We investigated the relationship between PON1 and oxidative stress in acute myocardial infarction and unstable angina in a comparative fashion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Activities of PON1, concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA), lipids and lipoproteins were measured in patients (38 subjects with acute myocardial infarction and 33 subjects with unstable angina pectoris) and in age- and sex-matched controls (32 subjects). Serum PONI activity was significantly lower in patients than in controls (p < 0.001). Patients had significantly increased serum MDA concentrations (p < 0.001) and there were strong negative correlations (p < 0.001) between serum PON1 and MDA levels in the acute myocardial infarction group (r = -0.673), in the unstable angina pectoris group (r = -0.868) and in healthy controls (r = -0.778). Serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations were lower in patients than controls (p < 0.05). No correlation was observed between PON1 and HDL-C levels in patients or controls. Apo A I concentrations were significantly lower in the patient groups (p < 0.01), but were insignificant between patients with AMI and UAP. Apo A-I and PON1 levels did not show any correlation. Apo B concentrations were lowest in the healthy controls, higher in the UAPgroup and highest in the AMI group (p < 0.001). In the acute myocardial infarction group LDL/apo B ratio was lower than in healthy controls and in the UAP group, suggesting smaller LDL particle size. CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that lower serum PON1 activity is associated with oxidative stress and the activity of PON1 is not related to HDL-cholesterol.