Relationship between panic disorder and plasma neuropeptide-S level

Background: Panic disorder has long been associated with the changes in various neurotransmitters, such as Neuropeptide-S (NPS). Objective: In this study we aimed to determine whether there is a relationship between blood NPS levels and panic disorder. Methods: Twenty nine patients with panic disorder and thirty two healthy control subjects who were age and gender matched were enrolled to the study. Blood samples were taken from participants and plasma NPS levels were quantified by using an ELISA kit. Results: In the study group, median NPS blood level was 16.7 pg/mL and in the control group it was 32.5 pg/mL. There was a statistically significant difference (p = 0.021). Using receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, sensitivity and specificity of NPS blood level, for diagnosing panic disorder was calculated, and it was found 79.3% and 56.25% respectively (AUC:0.672, 95% CI: 0.540-0.787). Discussion: Malfunction at the NPS modulatory system in the cortical areas (which is causing excitations in brain areas, such as amygdala and hypothalamus) does not only increase anxiety symptoms and risk of panic disorder but also causes panic disorder patients to have lower plasma NPS levels than the control group. Therefore it can be argued that such malfunction can be treated with a systemic treatment

Phenomenal self and dream self

The concept of self is a complicated issue; however, a conceptualization of dream self even reflects a more complicated process. Various historical and contemporary approaches, which need reconciliation and refinement, exist toward the topic of the self; these approaches spread through a wide spectrum. On the one hand is the thought that self is fictional; on the other hand, self is considered a solid concept. Of these approaches, the phenomenological approach has its own unique place capturing the issue from a broader view. While this phenomenological view argues that self is the subject of the self’s experiences, it also emphasizes the accessibility of self through consciousness. A descriptive introspection might access the basic phenomenal characteristics of the self. The present article basically argues that there is a phenomenal self in dreams that can be accessed through consciousness and thus, dreams are basically personal experiences of the self. Research into the phenomenological similarities and differences between the awake and dreaming self might help to better understand subjectivity and consciousness. On the other hand, if there exists a phenomenal self in dreams, which can be accessed through consciousness psychological dream theories need a radical revision

The effect of vitamin D added to sunscreen on plasma vitamin D metabolites in rats

Çoğunluğu güneş ışınlarının etkisiyle deride sentezlenen D vitamini, eser miktarlarda doğal besinlerden alınabilir. Güneş ışınlarından faydalanmayı kısıtlayan faktörlerden dolayı D vitamini eksikliği küresel bir sağlık sorunu haline gelmiştir. D vitamini takviyesi için mevcut yaklaşımlar oral alımlarla sınırlıdır. Bu deneysel çalışmada ise D vitamini eklenmiş güneş koruyucu krem uygulamasının, serum D vitamini metabolitleri üzerine etkileri incelenmiştir. Çalışmada 40 adet 8 haftalık Wistar Albino ırkı erkek rat kullanıldı. Biyokimyasal parametrelerin başlangıç değerlerini saptamak için 8 adet hayvan (B Grubu) sakrifiye edildi. Geriye kalan 32 hayvan, sadece sırt kısımlarına tıraş işlemi uygulanan T grubu; tıraşlanan bölgeye sadece D3 vitamini uygulanan TD grubu; tıraşlanan bölgeye sadece güneş koruyucu krem uygulanan TG grubu; tıraşlanan bölgeye D3 vitamini eklenmiş güneş koruyucu krem uygulanan TDG grubu olarak randomize 4 gruba ayrıldı. 8 hafta süren uygulamalar sonunda serum 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3 ve 24,25(OH)2D3 seviyeleri saptandı. Tıraş edilen bölgelerden alınan deri örnekleri histopatolojik olarak incelendi. Tüm hayvanların serum 25(OH)D2 değerleri eser düzeyde bulunmuş ve değerlendirmeye alınmamıştır. B, T, TD, TG, TDG gruplarının serum 25(OH)D3 değerleri (ortalama±SS) ise sırasıyla 17,7±5,7; 13,5±3,1; 54,1±13,0; 19,6±2,7; 67,2±16,5 ng/mL olarak belirlenmiştir. Serum 25(OH)D3 değerleri açısından hem T grubu ile TD grubu arasında (p<0,001), hem de TG ile TDG grubu arasında (p=0,002) istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark saptanmıştır. Serum 25(OH)D3 ile 24,25(OH)2D3 parametreleri arasında pozitif korelasyon bulunmuştur (r=0,772; p<0,001). Gruplar arasında histopatolojik açıdan ise (vasküler proliferasyon, sabesöz gland hiperplazisi, inflamatuvar yanıt ve epitelyal kalınlık) istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark gözlenmemiştir. Bu çalışma ile güneş koruyucu kreme eklenen D vitaminin transdermal etkinlik göstererek serum D vitamini düzeylerini yükselttiği sonucuna varılmıştır.Vitamin D, most of which is synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight, can be obtained from natural foods in trace amounts. Vitamin D deficiency has become a global health problem due to factors that limit the use of sunlight. Current approaches for vitamin D supplementation are limited to oral intakes. In this experimental study, the effects of sunscreen cream with added vitamin D on serum vitamin D metabolites were investigated. In the study 8-weeks-old Wistar Albino male rats were used. Eight animals (Group B) were sacrificed to determine the initial values of biochemical parameters. Remaining 32 animals were randomly divided into 4 groups. T group with only dorsal shaving; TD group in which only vitamin D3 was applied to the shaved area; TG group, in which only sunscreen cream was applied to the shaved area; TDG group, in which sunscreen cream with added vitamin D3 was applied to the shaved area. After 8 weeks of applications, serum 25(OH)D2, 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 levels were determined. Skin samples taken from the shaved areas were examined histopathologically. Serum 25(OH)D2 values of all animals were found at trace levels and were not included in the evaluation. The mean serum 25(OH)D3 values of the B, T, TD, TG, and TDG groups were 17.66±5.70; 13.49±3.06; 54.06±13.03; 19.60±2.70; 67.21±16.49 ng/mL respectively. In terms of serum 25(OH)D3 values, a statistically significant difference was detected between the T group and the TD group (p<0.001), and between the TG and TDG groups (p=0.002). A positive correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D3 and 24,25(OH)2D3 parameters (r=0.772; p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of histopathology (vascular proliferation, sabeseous gland hyperplasia, inflammatory response and epithelial thickness). In conclusion, vitamin D added to sunscreen increased serum vitamin D levels by showing transdermal activity.EqC Laboratuvar Teknolojileri ve Ar-Ge A.Ş.BAUN DEHA

A new approach to dreams in psychotherapy: Phenomenological dream-self model

Whether it is in traditional or modern context, dreams have a special place in both psychology and psychotherapy studies. 'The Traditional Interpretive Dream Approach' model, which we had come across its first remains in Mesopotamia and is also the inspiration for psychoanalysis, is based on the interpretation of the symbols in the dream with the principle of reaching the hidden meaning. However, what is done with this interpretation is to move away frodm the phenomenal subjective reality of the client. Our psychotherapy practice has forced us to see this fact in time: Dreams are also experiences just like the waking experiences and a phenomenal self has its place in the center of these experiences as it has in the waking ones. We modeled the dream studies in which we take dream self in the center and we called this model as 'Phenomenological Dream Self Model '(PDSM). The PDSM proposes a self-centered view and takes its theoretical background from its deepened practice. This practice also brings PDSM closer to the phenomenological view, in principle not based on the unconsciousness but on the consciousness of the dream self. There are four stages of PDSM. In the first stage the dream self-experience and in the second stage the waking self- experience are examined. These two are compared in the third stage and in the fourth stage, the associations related to dream are examined on the basis of the phenomenology of the dream self

A self-based phenomenological approach to Gil-gamesh’s dreams

The epic of Gilgamesh is one of the world’s oldest known epics. The aim of this study is to interpret Gil-gamesh’s dreams using the phenomenological method and, through this, reveal Gilgamesh’s experiences and the intentionality of his self. The theoretical resources and stages of the Phenomenological Dream Self Model (PDSM) as well as imaginative variation, which is a phenomenological technique, were used for the interpretation of the dreams in the epic of Gilgamesh. While we examined Gilgamesh’s dream self and wakeful self experiences in the first two stages of our PDSM interpretation, we compared the experiences of both selves in the third stage. In the fourth stage, we revealed the existence and the process of change and development of the feeling of omnipotence at the core of our two chosen dreams of Gilgamesh with using the narrations in the epic. As a result, we contend that both the phenomenological method and PDSM can be utilized in addition to real persons’ dreams with respect to understanding the dreams of the characters in the literary text

A new technique of proximal anastomosis in aortic root replacements with composite grafts: Flanged-double sewing anastomosis

WOS: 000357842000008Background: This study aims to investigate the effect of flanged-double sewing proximal anastomosis technique, which is a modification of the flanged Bentall procedure, in preventing possible bleedings originating from anastomosis. Methods: The study included 13 patients (11 males, 2 females; mean age 53.54 +/- 16.09 years; range 22 to 75 years) with aortic aneurysm and aortic root enlargement who underwent aortic root replacement with flanged composite grafts between January 2010 and January 2014. Nine patients had aortic valve insufficiency, two patients had mix lesions, and two patients had normofunctional bicuspid valves. Double sewing proximal anastomosis technique was performed in all patients. Coronary ostiums were prepared as button style and anastomosed to opened holes on the graft. Ostial anastomoses were tested with antegrade blood cardioplegia infusion before distal anastomosis of the graft was performed. Results: There was no mortality. None of the patients required re-cross clamping due to bleeding. Two patients underwent revision due to bleeding; however, these bleedings were not related to proximal anastomosis or coronary button sites. Only one patient was discharged with mild neurological sequela while other 12 patients completely recovered. Conclusion: Flanged-double sewing proximal anastomosis technique may minimize the risk of bleeding from this line. Also, controlling ostial anastomoses with antegrade blood cardioplegia prior to cross clamp removal may effectively prevent challenging bleedings in aortic root replacements

Hematological and muscle damage values in amateurplayers during football season

Aim: Acute intensive physical exercise induce the hematological changes in circulation. However, the effect of football training onhematological and biochemical parameters during the football season is still limited. The present study aimed to investigate theeffects of routine football training on physiological parametrs namely: hematological, biochemical and iron levels during the pre andcompetitive match season.Materials and Methods: Amateur football players (n=15) participated in this study. The blood samples were collected and physicalperformance parameters assesses twice during pre and end of the first league between August and December. The players alsoperformed Cooper run test, 30 m sprint tests. In addition, the hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed by takingblood samples during pre and end of the first league.Results: Football training resulted in significant decreased erythrocyte (RBC) concentration (p0.001), hemoglobin level (Hb)(p0.01), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) (p0.01), lymphocyte (Lymph), (p0.05) unlike the level of neutrophil(Neut), (p0.001), mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p0.05), mean platelet volume MPV (p0.001) values were increased at the endof the league. The biochemistry parameters of the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (p0.001) and urea (p0.01) concentrations wereincreased whearas the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), (p0.05) was decreased at end of the season. The creatine kinase(CK) and paraoxonase (PON1) activity was unaltered during the football training season. The level of the unsaturated iron bindingcapacity (UIBC) increased (p0.05) and iron (Fe) level decreased end of the season (p0.001). The level of the Leukocyte (WBC),serum ferritin were unaltered during the pre and at the end of the season (p>0.05). Moreover, football training had no effect onphysical performance tests results (p>0.05).Conclusion: Football season mostly had effects on hematological and iron parameters with LDH, urea; this may be related thefootball training intensity

The lower extremity perfusing only from internal mammary artery with Winslow's pathway

WOS: 000357842000031