The Effect of Sun Light Exposure to the Level of Vitamin D in Elderly People Living in Nursing Home

© 2021 The International Society for Clinical DensitometryBackground: Elderly people are considered to be in the risk group for vitamin D deficiency. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of nursing interventions and sunlight exposure to reach optimum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels by individuals living in nursing homes. Methodology: Randomized controlled experimental study was carried out in June-August 2018 period in the nursing home. The question form, standardized mini mental test, Fitzpatrick skin typing questionnaire and Katz Index of activities of daily living were applied. Individuals in the intervention group (n=20) was exposed to sunlight five days a week for four weeks in July with an average duration of 21 ± 5 minutes (min 15 - max 30 minutes). For the participants in the control group (n=20), sunbathing was not offered. 25(OH)D, calcium, parathormone, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase and albumin levels of all individuals were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Results: At the end of the study, the 25(OH)D was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (8.06 ng/ml and 0.96 ng/ml, respectively; p = 0.008). It was observed that in the intervention group, sunlight exposure increased the 25(OH)D regardless of gender and age. Increases were observed in intervention groups for calcium and albumin levels. At the beginning of the study, 25(OH)D was sufficient only in five elderly people in the intervention group, while at the end, 11 elderly people had sufficient levels of 25(OH)D. Conclusion: At the end of the study, it was concluded that sunlight exposure was a sufficient source to increase 25(OH)D in most elderly people living in the nursing home. Organizing sunbathing sessions as an independent nursing intervention is recommended for the elderly people living in nursing homes in order to prevent vitamin D deficiency and related consequences

Evaluation of The Total Quality Performance of Our Clinical Laboratory With Six-Sigma Method

Aim: In order to evaluate the performance of the clinical laboratories, a quality measurement method, The Six-Sigma Methodology, is used. We aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of our clinical laboratory by using the internal and external quality control data of 28 analytes, and by calculating their process sigma values. Methods: Sigma values of 28 analytes of our laboratory were determined from coefficient of variation (CV %) and bias for 3 subsequent months from December 2018 to January 2019. If the sigma values are >6, between 3 and 6, and <3, they are classified as »world-class«, »good« or »un-acceptable«, respectively. Results: 6 (21%) analytes; T Protein, Creatinin, Ca, Na, Cl, HbA1c; provided <3 sigma value, 1 (04%) analyte; lipase; provided between 3-6 value and 11 (39%) analytes; amylase, GGT, ALT, LDH, CRP, Lactate, BUN, Direct Bil., T Bil., CK and CK-MB; provided > 6 sigma value for both IQC1 and IQC2 levels for three consecutive months, respectively. Conclusions: In terms of Six-Sigma Metrics; our results were generally found as world-class or good. An appropriate quality control scheduling should be carried out for each test by using Six-Sigma Methodology in all clinical chemistry laboratories

Research on the effects of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone on endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress in high-fructose corn syrup-fed rats

Purpose: The debate on the metabolic effects of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) continues. The deterioration of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) homeostasis is called ER stress. Glucose-regulated protein-78 (GRP-78) and X-box binding protein-1 (XBP-1) are key markers of ER stress and the therapeutic targets of diseases. Sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is the most important transcription factor that regulates the expression of enzymes for fatty acid synthesis. The purpose of this paper is to research the effects of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone on ER stress and oxidative stress parameters, and to explore the therapeutic potential of L-carnitine and trans-chalcone molecules. Design/methodology/approach: Forty male wistar albino rats randomly selected were divided into five groups. All groups are fed with standard chow (ad libitum). While Group I was fed with drinking water, Group II, III, IV and V were fed with water containing 15% HFCS. L-carnitine was given to Group IV and trans-chalcone to Group V, and both were dissolved with DMSO and given intraperitoneally. Group III was not given anything additional. Findings: While the amount of water consumption of HFCS-fed rats has increased, the amount of feed consumption has decreased. The weights of rats in Group II and Group III have increased significantly compared to Group I (p = 0.001, p = 0.001 respectively). In Group III, GRP78, XBP-1; malondialdehyde level (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p = 0.041); total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL levels (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.009, p = 0.001, respectively) have increased significantly. Originality/value: To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first report to show that excessive HFCS consumption causes oxidative stress and ER stress. The antioxidant and antiobesity properties of trans chalcone have been demonstrated. Extensive experimental and clinical studies should be conducted.This study was supported by a grant from Gaziosmanpasa University, Tokat, Scientific Research Projects Commission Presidency (Project No: 2016/90)

Prevalence of insulin resistance and identifying HOMA1-IR and HOMA2-IR indexes in the Middle Black Sea region of Turkey

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is one of the most important etiological risk factors in the development of diabetes. However, there is no clear data regarding the prevalence of IR in the country

Psychiatric Epidemiology in Turkey: Main Advances in Recent Studies and Future Directions

Objective: To overview and evaluate the main findings, methodological shortcomings, and time trends of the recent psychiatric epidemiology studies in Turkey, as well as to provide areas prone for development in forthcoming research