Adipobiology of obstructive sleep Apnea syndrome

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) syndrome has emerged as a major public health problem because of its high prevalence amongst middle-aged, obese men as well as in lean individuals and women. It has been suggested that obesity`s role in the genesis of sleep apnea is rather through its metabolic activity than a purely anatomic / mechanical impact. Recent studies demonstrate that circulating levels of adipocytes, adipose tissue-derived secretory proteins, are altered in patients with OSA syndrome. For in- stance, leptin level is increased, whereas that of adiponectin decreased in OSA, and these changes can be reversed by treatment of apnea/hypopnea episodes. Adipokine profile seems to change towards a pro inflammatory pattern that may also contribute to OSA-related cardio metabolic diseases. The mechanisms of adipose dysfunction in OSA includes hypoxia, oxidative stress and increased sympathetic nervous activity, including alterations in the circulating levels of the neurotrophins nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In effect, reversing hypoxia and attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation through adipokine and NGF/BDNF- targeted pharmacology may provide novel therapeutic opportunities in patients with OSA syndrome

The Tomb and Mosque of Şeyh Nusrettin in Tokat-Zile

Tokat İli, Zile İlçesi Şeyh Nusrettin/Tekke Köyü’nde bulunan Şeyh Nusrettin Türbe ve Camii günümüze kadar yöre halkının çabalarıyla gelebilmiştir. Minare, muhdes depo ve avlunun da bulunduğu bir yapı topluluğu içinde yer alan türbe ve cami, her yıl Nisan ayında yapılan dinî törenlerin yanı sıra yıl boyunca da sürekli ziyaret edilmektedir. 14. yüzyıl ortalarına tarihlendirilen kare planlı, kubbeli türbe ile daha geç dönemde inşa edilen dörtgen planlı caminin yapı malzemeleri tamamen farklıdır. Türbede bulunan 1855 yılına ait Zileli Emin tarafından yapılmış kalemişi süslemeler dikkat çekicidir. Türbe ile ilgili 1980’li yıllarda araştırmacı Halit Çal tarafından çalışmalar yapılmış, mimari ve süsleme özellikleri ortaya konulmuştur. Bu çalışmada yapı topluluğu, literatürde var olan türbe yapısı ile daha önce incelenmemiş olan cami ve diğer kısımlarla bir bütün olarak ele alınmıştır. Literatür ve alan çalışmalarıyla incelenen yapının rölövesi yapılarak dinî yapı topluluğunun mimarî ve süsleme özellikleri incelenmiştir.The tomb and mosque of Şeyh Nusrettin, located in Tekke / Şeyh Nusrettin village in Zile county, Tokat province, Turkey, have survived to our day by the efforts of locals. The tomb and mosque, which are part of a building complex, including the minaret, later-added depot and courtyard, are visited year round as well as every April when religious ceremonies take place. Construction materials of the domed-square planned tomb which is dated to the 14th century and the rectangular planned mosque of a later period are completely different. The kalemişi (colourful decoration done with a brush on a plastered surface) on the interior walls of the tomb draws attention, which were made by Zileli Emin in 1855. Halit Çal studied the architectural and ornamental aspects of the tomb in 1980s. In this study, the building complex has been studied as a whole together with the tomb, which already exists in the literature, and the mosque and other structures which were not previously studied. Architectural and ornamental characteristics of the religious complex have been examined with literature and field works

Experimentally induced puromycine aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN) in rats: evaluation of angiogenic protein platelet-derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF) expression in glomeruli

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>In experimentally induced puromycine aminonucleoside nephrosis (PAN) animal models, nephrotic syndrome with minimal change disease and focal and segmental sclerosis-like nephritis similar to that in human is demonstrated; however, the real mechanism of PAN is not yet elucidated. Platelet derived endothelial cell growth factor (PD-ECGF), an endothelial mitogen protein, is believed to take part in microvessel formation and in stimulation of angiogenesis and its expression has not been totally demonstrated in PAN rats yet. In this study, we aimed to examine PD-ECGF expression in acute and chronic PAN induced in rats and find out the association between its expression and the stages of angiogenesis in kidney.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>For the experiment, twenty-four Male Wistar Albino rats were used and divided into four groups; control group (n = 6), pre-proteinuria group (n = 6), acute group (n = 6) and chronic group (n = 6). We compared statistically all data by One-way ANOVA Test followed by Dunn Multiple Comparison Test.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Proteinurea levels in control and pre-proteinuria groups were not statistically different; however, it was remarkably higher in the acute nephrosis group and significantly greater in the chronic nephrosis group than control group (<it>p </it>< 0.0025). In pre-proteinuria group, the serum albumin and creatinine clearances also did not significantly differ from the control group. On the other hand, in the acute and chronic nephrosis groups, serum albumin and creatinine clearances progressively decreased (<it>p </it>< 0.05). In our immunohistochemical studies, we showed elevated PD-ECGF expression in glomeruli of acute and chronic PAN rats. Microscopic and ultrastructural appearances of the glomeruli of acute and chronic PAN showed various sequential steps of angiogenesis, macrophages and immature capillaries with primitive lumens and apoptotic endothelial cells in the increased mesangial matrix.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>It is reported that acute and chronic PAN progressively increase PD-ECGF expression and following induction of angiogenesis in the affected glomeruli.</p

Anti-inflammatory and ultrastructural effects of Turkish propolis in a rat model of endotoxin-induced uveitis

Introduction. Experimental animal models of acute uveitis, an inflammatory eye disease, can be established via endotoxin-induced inflammation. Propolis, a natural substance collected by honeybees from buds and tree exudates, has antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the effects of propolis, obtained from the Sakarya province of Turkey, on endotoxin-induced uveitis using immunohistochemical, ultrastructural, and biochemical approaches. Material and methods. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 6/group) received intraperitoneal (ip) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin (150 μg/kg) followed by aqueous extract of propolis (50 mg/kg ip) or vehicle; two additional groups received either saline (control) or propolis only. After 24 h, aqueous humor (AH) was collected from both eyes of each animal for analysis of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). Right eyeballs were paraffin-embedded for immunohistochemical staining of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB)/p65 and left eyeballs were araldite-embedded for ultrastructural analysis. Results. Treatment of LPS-induced uveitis with propolis significantly reduced ciliary body NF-κB/p65 immunoreactivity and AH levels of HIF-1α and TNF-α. Ultrastructural analysis showed fewer vacuoles and reduced mitochondrial degeneration in the retinal pigment epithelium, as compared to the uveitis group. The intercellular spaces of the inner nuclear layer and outer limiting membrane were comparable with those of the control group; no polymorphonuclear cells or stasis was observed in intravascular or extravascular spaces. Conclusions. This is the first report demonstrating an anti-inflammatory effect of Turkish propolis in a rat model of LPS-induced acute uveitis, suggesting a therapeutic potential of propolis for the treatment of inflammatory ophthalmic diseases

AWARENESS AND PERCEPTION OF FOOD LABELS: RESULTS OF AN EYE TRACKING EXPERIMENT IN DOKUZ EYLÜL UNIVERSITY

Avrupa Birliği, 2008-2011 yılları arasında, 27 Avrupa ülkesi ve Türkiye'de, Food\r\nLabelling to Advance Better Education for Life (FLABEL) isimli bir 7. Çerçeve Programı\r\nprojesi desteklemektedir. Bu projenin 2. İş paketi tüketiciler tarafından gıda etiketleri\r\nüzerindeki bilgilerin algılanması ve değerlendirilmesini kapsamaktadır. Bu iş paketi için\r\nTürkiye'de Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi İşletme Fakültesi'nde gerçekleştirilen çalışmada,\r\nöğrencilere daha önce gördükleri ya da görmedikleri ancak farklı Avrupa ülkelerinde\r\nsıklıkla kullanılan gıda etiketleri gösterilmiştir. Çalışmada deney ve anket yöntemlerinden\r\nyararlanmıştır. Deneysel çalışmanın verilerinin toplanması ve kaydedilmesi için göz\r\nhareketlerini izlemede uzmanlaşmış bir cihaz (eye-tracker) ve ilgili bilgisayar programları\r\nkullanılmıştır. Türkiye'de yapılan bu çalışmadan beklenen sonuç tüketicilerin gıda\r\netiketlerindeki besin değerlerini algılama ve değerlendirme konusunda yeterli bilgi ve\r\ndeneyime sahip olmadıkları yönündedir. Gıda etiketleri ve sağlıklı beslenme konusunda\r\nözellikle göz hareketleri izleme metodu kullanılarak yapılmış herhangi bir çalışmaya\r\nrastlanmamıştır. Bu açıdan bu çalışmanın literatüre önemli bir katkı sağlayacağı\r\ndüşünülmektedir.\r\n\r\nEuropean Union is funding a 7th Framework Program Project named Food\r\nLabeling to Advance Better Education for Life (FLABEL) in 27 European countries and\r\nTurkey for the years 2008-2011. The second work package of this project entails consumer\r\nperception and evaluation of information on food labels. For this work package, an\r\nexperiment was pursued in Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Business, Turkey. The\r\nrespondents were shown food labels that they have seen before or have never seen before\r\nwhich are frequently used in different European countries. The study uses experiment and\r\nquestionnaire methods. For the collection and storage of experimental work, an eye-tracker\r\ndevice connected to a special computer and relevant computer programs were used. The\r\nresults of the study in Turkey demonstrate that respondents do not have sufficient\r\ninformation and experience in the perception and evaluation of nutrition values on food\r\nlabels. There is no previous study on food labels and healthy nutrition in Turkey using eyetracking\r\ndevices. This study is a first attempt in applying the eye tracking experiment to\r\nexplore consumers' choice for healthy food

The relationship between Thiol/disulfide homeostasis and endometrial hyperplasia in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding/

Introduction: The role of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in the development of endometrial hyperplasia (EH) is controversial. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate Thiol/disulfide Homeostasis and ischemia modified albumin (IMA) levels in patients with EH without atypia. Materials and Methods: In this prospective case-control study, patients with EH without atypia (HP group) (n=28), patients with nonhyperplasia (proliferative/secretory/irregular proliferative/irregular secretory endometrium) (non-HP group) (n=28), and 28 healthy women (control group) were included. The patient's clinical characteristics, serum Thiol/disulfide parameters, and IMA levels were compared between groups. Results: A total of 84 patients were included in the study. Patients’ mean age, BMI, and mean native thiol (-SH-), total thiol (-SH-+-SS-), disulfide (-SS-), and IMA levels were similar among the three groups. The -SS- /-SH- ratio was higher in the HP group than the non-HP group. -SS- /-SH-+-SS- ratio was higher in the HP group vs. the other two groups. The -SS- /-SH-+-SS ratio was higher in the HP group vs. the non-HP group. -SH-/ -SH-+-SS- ratio was lower in the HP group than in the non-HP group. ET was greater in the HP group than in the non-HP and control groups. ET was also significantly greater in the non-HP group vs. in the control group. -SS-/-SH- ratio was found to be predictive with 64% sensitivity and 68% specificity for EH (area under curve = 0.672, p = 0.01). Conclusion and Suggestions: The dynamic thiol/disulfide balance shifted to the disulfide side in women with endometrial hyperplasia

The efficacy of cinacalcet in the treatment of hyperparathyroidism in Turkish hemodialysis patient population

WOS: 000393291900012OBJECTIVE: Cinacalcet reduces parathyroid hormone levels by increasing the sensitivity of the parathyroid gland to calcium. in this study, we firstly aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cinacalcet in Turkish hemodialysis patients. MATERIAL and METHODS: 4483 hemodialysis patients were screened and 469 patients who had used cinacalcet were included in the study. the patients were divided into 4 groups according to drug usage durations (Group 1: 3 months, Group 2: 6 months, Group 3: 9 months and Group 4: 12 months). the patients' Parathormone, Ca, P and CaxP levels at the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months were compared to the start of treatment and previous months. RESULTS: the levels of Parathormone, Ca, P and CaxP significantly decreased compared to their initial levels in all groups (from 1412 pg/ml to 1222 pg/mL for Parathormone, p< 0,001) in the 3rd month. However, this reduction was not continued in the subsequent months (Parathormone: 1381 pg/ml for the 12th month). CONCLUSION: Cinacalcet may not provide adequate benefit in control of hyperparathyroidism in Turkish hemodialysis patient population

Restoration proposal of Mustafa Yilmaz Residence

Bu tez çalışması, Tokat ili Merkez'de yer alan sivil mimari örneklerden Mustafa Yılmaz Evi'ni konu etmektedir. Tez kapsamında; Tokat ili tarihi ve kültürel değerleri araştırılmış, yapının çevresiyle ilişkisi incelenmiş, grafik ve yazılı belgelemesi yapılmıştır. Tokat geleneksel evleri araştırılıp karşılaştırmalı çalışma yapılmış, yapının mevcut durumu belgelenerek rölöveleri oluşturulmuş, özgün durumu araştırılarak ve yapının uğradığı değişiklikler tespit edilerek restitüsyonu yapılmış, restitüsyon verileri ışığında fiziksel müdahale ve uygun işlev önerileri verilerek, ev sahipleri tarafından sağlıklı bir şekilde kullanılmasını ve yapının gelecek nesillere aktarılmasını sağlayacak restorasyon projesi hazırlanmıştır.The thesis is issued on Mustafa Yılmaz House, one of the examples of the traditional houses in Tokat. Within the scope of the study, the historical and cultural values of Tokat are studied, the relationship of the building with its surrounding is examined, and the building is documented graphically and literary. Traditional houses of Tokat are investigated and comparative studies are conducted, the current situation of the building is surveyed and documented, the original condition of the house is investigated, the changes are detected and restitution study is prepared. Accordingly, physical interventions and appropriate functions are proposed in the restoration project in order to provide the owners with a better way of accommodation and to enable the transfer of the house to the next generations