The protective effects of red ginseng and amifostine against renal damage caused by ionizing radiation

This study aimed to elucidate the effects of amifostine (ethyol) (AM), a synthetic radioprotector, and red ginseng (RG), a natural radioprotective agent, against the toxic effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on kidney tissues through changes in biochemical and histopathological parameters in addition to contributions to the use of amifostine and RG in clinical studies. Five groups were established: Group I (control, receiving only saline by gavage), Group II (IR only), and Group III (IR+AM, 200 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.). Group IV (IR + RG, 200 mg/kg orally once a day for 4 weeks), and Group V (IR+RG+AM, 200 mg/kg orally once/day for 4 weeks before IR and 200 mg/kg AM administered (i.p.) 30 min before IR). All groups, except for the control group, were subject to 6-Gy whole-body IR in a single fraction. 24 h after irradiation, all animals were sacrificed under anesthesia. IR enhanced MDA, 8-OHdG, and caspase-3 expression while decreasing renal tissue GSH levels (p < .05). Significant numbers of necrotic tubules together with diffuse vacuolization in proximal and distal tubule epithelial cells were also observed. The examination also revealed substantial brush boundary loss in proximal tubules as well as relatively unusual glomerular structures. While GSH levels significantly increased in the AM, RG, and AM+RG groups, a decrease in KHDS, MDA, 8-OHdG, and caspase-3 expression was observed, compared to the group subject to IR only (p < .05). Therefore, reactive oxygen species-scavenging antioxidants may represent a promising treatment for avoiding kidney damage in patients receiving radiation

Determination of physiological workloads of the harvesting workers: a case study from Artvin

In this study, physiological workloads were determined based upon heart beatings values measured for harvesting workers and body composition and isometrical force values of the workers were measured. The study was conducted on 31 harvesting workers who all are males at 7 study areas which belongs to the Artvin Forest Enterprise. In conclusion, Physiological Workloads (%HRR) of the harvesting workers were determined and it was specified that these workers were working in "Medium-level work" according to average heart beating values (HRw) measured during the work. Furthermore, knee strength value of these workers was determined averagely as 82.8 kg, back strength value of these workers was determined averagely as 70.5 kg, and body fat of these people was determined as %16,33. When average age of the workers is taken in consideration, we conclude that body fat percentage values of the workers is within “medium” group, and when Body Mass Index values are taken in consideration we conclude that workers are in the “fat” group

Ischemia modified albumin is an indicator of oxidative stress in multiple sclerosis

Introduction: Oligodendrocytes need iron in processes of energy generation and myelination. However, excessive levels of iron may exert iron induced oxidative stress and thus lead to tissue degeneration. Monitoring oxidative stress will be of paramount importance in follow-up of patients with many diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of this study was to measure total anti-oxidative status (TAS), total oxidative status (TOS) and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) in stable relapse remitting MS (RRMS) patients. Materials and methods: Thirty-five RRMS patients (15 males and 20 females; median age 42 (20-55) years) and thirty-five age-sex matched healthy controls (13 males and 22 females; median age 37 (21-60) years) were included in this study. All patients were diagnosed with MS according to the criteria of McDonald. Results: IMA levels were significantly higher in RRMS patients (P < 0.001), while TAS and TOS did not show any significant difference between groups (P = 0.870 and P = 0.460, respectively). Conclusions: Our results suggest IMA as a more efficient serum marker than TAS and TOS in detecting the oxidative stress in MS patients. Serum oxidative stress markers should be included in future study protocols besides clinical and radiological parameter

Management of a T-Tube Migration Into the Syrinx Cavity: a Case Report

DergiPark: 889380tmsjAims: To present a rare syringomyelia case that necessitated a revision surgery because of a T-tube migration into the syrinx cavity. Case Report: A 53-year-old female patient was presented with progressive pain in the right arm and numbness in the neck. She had undergone decompression and stabilization surgery at the T6-T9 levels four years ago. One year later, she underwent a T-tube placement operation for syringomyelia. She remained relatively stable until the latest admission. A detailed neurological examination revealed no difference compared to her previous neurological condition. Computerized Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging scans demonstrated that the syrinx had expended and the T-tube had migrated into the syrinx cavity. A revision was carried out, the migrated T-tube was removed through fenestration, and a new T-tube was placed. Her condition had significantly improved at follow-up, and the syrinx had markedly regressed. Conclusion: Syringosubarachnoid shunting operations might lead to rare complications such as T-tube migration, which necessitate revision surgery. Nearly complete relief of symptoms can be achieved with successful revision surgery

Ormancılıkta fidanlık-ağaçlandırma işçilerinin fizyolojik iş yüklerinin belirlenmesi üzerine bir araştırma

Bu çalışmada fidanlık-ağaçlandırma işlerinde çalışan orman işçilerinin çalışma sırasındaki kalp atım değerlerinden yola çıkılarak fiziksel iş yükleri belirlenmiş ve işçilerin izometrik kuvvet ile vücut kompozisyon değerleri ölçülmüştür. Çalışma Artvin Orman İşletme Müdürlüğüne ait ikisi fidanlık olmak üzere 3 adet çalışma alanında tamamı erkek bireylerden oluşan toplam 30 fidanlık-ağaçlandırma işçisi üzerinde gerçekleştirimiştir. Çalışma neticesinde Artvin yöresinde çalışan fidanlık-ağaçlandırma işçilerinin Fizyolojik İş Yükü (%HRR) ve çalışma sırasında ortalama kalp atım (KAiş) değerlerine göre “hafif iş” olarak nitelendirilen grupta yer aldıkları belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca bu işçilerinin bacak kuvveti değerleri ortalama 70 kg, sırt kuvveti değerleri ortalama 64,8 kg ve vücutlarındaki yağ oranları ortalama %19,1 olarak tespit edilmiştir. Vücut yağ yüzdesi değerlerinin işçilerin yaş ortalamaları dikkate alındığında “orta” grupta, Vücut Kitle İndeksi (VKİ) değerlerine bakıldığında ise işçilerin “şişman” sınıfında yer aldığı belirlenmiştir.In this study, physical workloads of the workers who work at seeding-afforestation jobs were determined by setting out from the heart beating during the work and isometrical force and body composition values were measured. The study was coneducted on 30 seeding-afforestation workers in 3 working areas of Artvin Forestry Operation Directorate (2 of which were plantation areas) all of whom were males. As a result of the study, it was determined that seeding-afforestation workers who work in Artvin locality rank among the group qualified as “light work” according to the average heart beating values (KAiş) and Physiological Workload (%HRR) values. In addition, knee strength value of these workers is 70 kilograms on average, back strength value are 64,8 kilograms on average and body fat rate is %19.1 on average. Taking into consideration the average age of the workers, it can be said that body fat rates are in the “medium” group and when we examine the Body Mass Index values it can be said that the workers are in the “fat” group

Podwyższony poziom greliny w stanie przedrzucawkowym: czy grelina jest przyjacielem czy wrogiem?

Objectives: To investigate maternal serum ghrelin levels in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia and to explore the relationship between ghrelin level and disease severity. Materials and methods: This case-control study included 40 healthy pregnant women, 42 women with mild preeclampsia, and 40 women with severe preeclampsia. The groups were matched in terms of maternal and gestational age and body mass index. Serum ghrelin levels were measured via enzyme immunoassay. Results: Serum ghrelin levels were significantly higher in women with mild and severe preeclampsia than in healthy controls (p &lt; 0.001). Although serum ghrelin levels were somewhat higher in the severe compared to the mild preeclampsia group, the difference was not statistically significant (p &gt; 0.05). In the control group, no significant correlation was observed between ghrelin level and any other parameter, but in the preeclampsia group, serum ghrelin levels were negatively correlated with uterine artery Doppler index values and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (all p-values &lt; 0.05). Multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure (β = 0.493, p = 0.023) was independently associated with serum ghrelin level. Conclusion: Elevated blood ghrelin levels were correlated with disease severity in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia.Cel pracy: Ocena poziomu greliny w surowicy kobiet w ciąży powikłanej stanem przedrzucawkowym i określenie związku między poziomem greliny a ciężkością choroby. Materiał i metoda: Do badania włączono 40 zdrowych kobiet w ciąży, 42 z łagodnym stanem przedrzucawkowym i 40 z ciężkim stanem przedrzucawkowym. Grupy były dobrane pod względem wieku ciążowego, wieku matek i wskaźnika masy ciała. Poziom greliny w surowicy był mierzony metodą immunoenzymatyczną. Wyniki: Poziom greliny w surowicy był istotnie wyższy u kobiet z łagodnym i ciężkim stanem przedrzucawkowym niż w grupie kontrolnej (p &lt; 0,001). Chociaż poziom greliny w surowicy był wyższy w grupie z ciężkim stanem przedrzucawkowym niż w grupie z łagodnym stanem przedrzucawkowym, to ta różnica nie była istotna statystycznie (p &gt; 0,05). W grupie kontrolnej nie obserwowano żadnych istotnych związków pomiędzy poziomem greliny a jakimkolwiek innym parametrem, ale w grupie ze stanem przedrzucawkowym poziom greliny w surowicy był ujemnie skorelowany z indeksami przepływów Dopplera w tętnicy macicznej oraz ciśnieniem krwi skurczowym i rozkurczowym (all p-values &lt; 0,05). Wieloczynnikowa analiza regresji liniowej wykazała, że skurczowe ciśnienie krwi było niezależnym czynnikiem związanym z poziomem greliny w surowicy (β = 0,493, p = 0,023). Wnioski: Podwyższony poziom greliny we krwi był związany z ciężkością choroby w ciążach powikłanych stanem przedrzucawkowym

Patterns of active and passive smoking, and associated factors, in the South-east Anatolian Project (SEAP) region in Turkey

BACKGROUND: Smoking is an important health threat in Turkey. This study aimed to determine the frequency of and main factors associated with smoking in persons of 15 years and over, and the frequency of passive smoking in homes in the South-east Anatolian Project (SEAP) Region in Turkey. METHODS: A cross sectional design was employed. The sample waschosen by the State Institute of Statistics using a stratified cluster probability sampling method. 1126 houses representing the SEAP Region were visited. Questionnaires about tobacco smoking and related factors were applied to 2166 women and 1906 men (of 15 years old and above) in their homes. Face-to-face interview methods were employed. Participants were classified as current, ex, and non-smokers. The presence of a regular daily smoker in a house was used as an indication of passive smoking. The chi-square andlogistic regressionanalysis methods were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of smoking, in those of 15 years and over, was 11.8% in women and 49.7% in men. The prevalence of current smokers was higher in urban (34.5 %) than in rural (22.8 %) regions. The mean of total cigarette consumption was 6.5 packs/year in women and 17.9 packs/year in men. There was at least one current smoker in 70.1% of the houses. CONCLUSION: Smoking is a serious problem in the South-eastern Anatolian Region. Male gender, middle age, a high level of education and urban residency were most strongly associated with smoking

A new dynamical model of brainstorming: Linear, nonlinear, continuous (simultaneous) and impulsive (sequential) cases

In this paper, we extended the linear dynamical model of [Brown, V., Paulus, P. B. (1996). A simple dynamic model of social factors in group brainstorming. Small Group Research, 27, 91-114] on two accounts. First, we modelled the sequential type brainstorming using impulsive differential equations by treating each category as an impulse and tested its validity in the two experiments that investigated and demonstrated the beneficial effects of sequential priming and memory in individual brainstorming. Finally, we considered the nonlinear case of brainstorming in writing or brainwriting where dyads exchanged their ideas in a written format and that eliminated negative factors occurring in oral brainstorming (e.g., evaluation apprehension, free-riding, production blocking) and enhanced the upward performance matching, and conducted the second experiment in order to test its validity in this paradigm with the effects of sequential priming and memory. Comparisons showed good agreement between results of experiments and those of the mathematical model