End Of The Study Research Articles

COST ANALYSIS OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY AND SUPERVISED EXERCISE TRAINING IN TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Amaç: Bu araştırmanın amacı, Tip-2 Diabetes Mellituslu (T2DM) kişilerin gözetimli egzersiz, akıllı telefon uygulaması ve akıllı saat kullanarak yaptıkları 12 haftalık egzersiz takibinin yapıldığı randomize kontrollü klinik çalışmanın maliyet analizinin yapılmasıdır.
 Yöntem: Denetimli egzersiz, akıllı telefon uygulaması ve akıllı saat yoluyla 12 hafta boyunca egzersiz uygulanan üç farklı T2DM grubu için Sosyal Sigortalar Kurumu tarafından yapılan ödemeler belirlenerek bütçe etkisi hesaplanmış ve maliyet etkinliği toplumsal bakış açısıyla hesaplanmıştır.
 Sonuç: Türk Lirası (TL) başına Kaliteye Ayarlanmış Yaşam Yıl (KAYY) değerleri denetimli egzersiz grubunda 14.863 TL; akıllı telefon uygulama grubunda 6056 TL, akıllı saat grubunda 7379 TL olarak bulundu. Maliyet etkinliği en yüksek olan yöntemin akıllı telefonla egzersiz uygulama yöntemi olduğu belirlendi. Maliyet analizinde KAYY değerlerindeki değişim denetimli egzersiz grubunda 0,11; akıllı telefon uygulama grubunda 0,12 ve akıllı saat grubunda 0,11 olarak hesaplandı.
 Tartışma: Maliyet etkinliği akıllı telefon uygulama grubunda yüksek, mobil uygulamalar grubunda orta ve denetimli egzersiz grubunda en düşük olup çalışmanın sonuçları literatür ile benzerlik göstermektedir.

Anxiety and Perception of Disease Control in Multiple Sclerosis Subjects Treated with Natalizumab.

Multiple sclerosis subjects treated with natalizumab face anxiety about developing progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), besides the psychological distress caused by the disease. The aim of this study is to investigate whether increasing the frequency of neurological and nuclear magnetic resonance screening may affect anxiety and the perception of disease control in patients treated with natalizumab. A total of 62 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients were recruited from 2019 to 2020. All patients received conventional infusion treatments with natalizumab, along with a screening protocol for PML. Three clinical assessments were considered: at the beginning of the study (T0), after 3 months (T1) and after 6 months (T2). Patients were classified into three levels of risk, where level 1 represented a low risk of PML and level 3 a high risk. This classification determined treatment and screening protocol, i.e., the frequency of performing the Stratify test and the brain 3T NMR exam, as well as the frequency of infusion treatments. Anxiety and perception of disease control were assessed at T0, T1, and T2 by a skilled psychologist. The Friedman test and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to compare outcomes at baseline with the two follow-ups. Statistical test results showed that the risk of PML (per 1000 patients) was significantly lower in women than in men (W = 198.5; p = 0.01). Moreover, significant differences between baseline and the two follow-ups were found, both for anxiety (F(2) = 122.6, p < 0.001) and for perception of disease control (F(2) = 123.5, p < 0.001). In both cases, there was significant improvement between baseline (T0) and the end of the study (T2) in any risk level (p < 0.001). An increase in the number of follow-ups, as well as an increase in instrumental investigations, might have a positive effect on both anxiety and the perception of disease control. However, there are many variables involved in the disease process that have an impact on patients' psychological well-being. Therefore, further and more extensive studies are necessary to evaluate how, and how much, each variable impacts the disease course.

The Effect of Curcuma and Garcinia Peel on Rat PPARα Gene Expression Induced by High-Fat Diet

High levels of fat in the blood are a risk factor for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis liver disease. Indonesian medicinal plants that can decrease blood fat levels are turmeric and mangosteen peel. One of the mechanisms of blood fat-lowering drugs is to increase the expression of the PPARα gene. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of turmeric and mangosteen peel on the expression of the PPARα gene in the rat liver induced by a high-fat diet. This research was conducted at Maranatha Biomedical Research Laboratory in February–October 2021, using male Wistar rats that were divided into 5 groups (n=5): negative control groups (no treatment), positive control groups (high-fat diet), turmeric, mangosteen, and fenofibrate groups, that was given high-fat diet continued by ethanol extract of turmeric, ethanol extract of mangosteen peel, and fenofibrate. At the end of the study, the animals were terminated, and the liver was extracted for RNA extraction and semi-quantitative PCR. The results showed that there was an increase in PPARα gene expression in the turmeric group and fenofibrate group, which were significantly different from the positive control group that received a high-fat diet (p&lt;0.05) and between the fenofibrate group compared to negative controls that received standard chow diet (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, turmeric and fenofibrate are suggested to increase the expression of the PPARα gene in the liver induced by a high-fat diet.

The Effectiveness of Amantadine in Improving Consciousness in Patients with Acute Brain Injury

Background: The improved consciousness level reflects the patient’s recovery following acute brain injury. The medications that can regulate neurotransmitter levels, neural synaptic plasticity, and functional connectivity of consciousness networks might play a crucial role in improving the consciousness status of the patients. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of amantadine in improving consciousness in acute brain injury patients.&#x0D; Methods: The present quasi-experimental study was performed from 2021 to 2022 after obtaining the necessary permissions from Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Eighty patients with acute brain injury who met the study inclusion criteria were recruited and randomized into amantadine and placebo groups. The amantadine group was given a daily dose of 100 mg amantadine tablets, while the placebo group received a gavage of amantadine-like placebo tablets twice daily for 14 days. The consciousness level of patients was measured daily until the outcome (ICU discharge or expiration) was established. Eventually, a comparative data analysis was conducted to determine amantadine's efficacy in enhancing consciousness, reducing mechanical ventilation time, and improving patient outcomes.&#x0D; Results: The mean GCS score in the amantadine group was 5.5±1.4 on admission and 11.9±3.7 at the end of the study, compared to 6.6±1.5 on admission and 11.8±3 at the end of the study, for the placebo group (p=0.154 and p=0.211, respectively). The mean duration of mechanical was 28.87±11.34 days in the amantadine group and 24.13±14.93 days in the placebo group (P=0.329). Twenty-four patients in the amantadine group were discharged from ICU, and 16 were expired. For the placebo group, 21 patients were discharged from ICU, while 16 were expired (p=0.221). No statistically significant difference was found in any of the measured variables between the two groups.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results demonstrate that amantadine administration had no statistically significant impact on improving consciousness status and clinical outcomes and reducing mechanical ventilation time in acute brain injury patients.

Farklı Dikim Sıklıklarının Yalancı İğde (Hippophae rhamnoides) Çeşitlerinde Vejetatif, Pomololik Ve Kimyasal Özelliklerine Etkisi

This study was carried out in the conditions of Okenov farm, Issyk-Kul region, Cety-Oghuz district. As materials, Athena, Inya, Etna, Dwarf (male) Elizabeth (K) and False oleaster varieties developed by the Scientific Research Institute of Horticulture of Siberia were used. The varieties were evaluated in terms of yield, fruit weight, biochemical contents, morphological and phenological characteristics. At the end of the study, the data obtained from the varieties were evaluated and an economic analysis was made. As a result of the study, Athena and Inya varieties were found to be superior to the control variety in terms of yield (26%) and dry matter (24%). In the experiment, the largest fruits were detected in the Athena variety, which produced 14% larger fruits than the control variety, and the smallest fruits were determined in the Etna variety, which produced 10.2% smaller fruits than the control variety. It was determined that the Etna variety had the highest value in terms of biochemical contents such as Vitamin C, carotene and pectin compared to the other varieties included in the study. Considering all evaluations, Athena and Inya' varieties have been determined as promising varieties for this region.

Effect of denosumab on glucose metabolism in postmenopausal osteoporotic women with prediabetes: a study protocol for a 12-month multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial

BackgroundParticipants with prediabetes are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent studies have suggested that blocking the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) may improve glucose metabolism and delay the development of T2D. However, the effect of denosumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that inhibits RANKL, on glycemic parameters in the prediabetes population is uncertain. We aim to examine the effect of denosumab on glucose metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and prediabetes.MethodsThis is a 12-month multicenter, open-label, randomized controlled trial involving postmenopausal women who have been diagnosed with both osteoporosis and prediabetes. Osteoporosis is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a bone mineral density T score of ≤ − 2.5, as measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Prediabetes is defined as (i) a fasting plasma glucose level of 100–125 mg/dL, (ii) a 2-hour plasma glucose level of 140–199 mg/dL, or (iii) a glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) level of 5.7–6.4%. A total of 346 eligible subjects will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either subcutaneous denosumab 60 mg every 6 months or oral alendronate 70 mg every week for 12 months. The primary outcome is the change in HbA1c levels from baseline to 12 months. Secondary outcomes include changes in fasting and 2-hour blood glucose levels, serum insulin levels, C-peptide levels, and insulin sensitivity from baseline to 12 months, and the incidence of T2D at the end of the study. Follow-up visits will be scheduled at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.DiscussionThis study aims to provide evidence on the efficacy of denosumab on glucose metabolism in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and prediabetes. The results derived from this clinical trial may provide insight into the potential of denosumab in preventing T2D in high-risk populations.Trial registrationThis study had been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry. Registration number: ChiCTR2300070789 on April 23, 2023. https://www.chictr.org.cn.

Use of bee venom in preventive medicine: An experimental hepatic encephalopathy study in rats.

Bee venom is used for medicinal purposes, including the treatment of neurological and liver diseases, but its use as a primary health care approach for preventive purposes requires further exploration. The aim of this study was to provide the first investigation into the possible protective effects of bee venom against hepatic encephalopathy, a serious neurodegenerative disease. An experimental animal study was conducted in which healthy albino Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three groups: healthy, control and bee venom groups. All rats were tested for locomotor activity at the beginning and end of the study. No intervention was made in the healthy group, whereas hepatic encephalopathy was induced in the control and bee venom groups by the administration of thioacetamide (TAA) (200mg/kg/day). The bee venom group also received bee venom (5mg/kg/day) subcutaneously every day for 14 days prior to the TAA administration. The results for the final locomotor activity tests were statistically better in the bee venom group than in the control group, supporting a beneficial effect of prophylactic bee venom application. Blood ammonia levels and liver weights, determined as indicators of inflammation, were lower in the bee venom group than in the control group and were close to levels in the healthy group, but not statistically significant. Bee venom administration has protective effects against the development of hepatic encephalopathy and offers a promising therapeutic opportunity in preventive medicine.

The effects of curcumin on hepatic T2*MRI and liver enzymes in patients with β-thalassemia major: a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: Curcumin present in turmeric has been considered due to its cancer-preventive features, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial with a reasonable sample size and longer intervention period was conducted to investigate how oral curcumin affected cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI and liver enzymes in patients with β-thalassemia major. Method: This clinical trial study was conducted on 171 patients over 5 years old. The subjects were randomly divided into a curcumin-treatment group and a placebo group to receive either curcumin capsules twice daily or placebo for 6 months. Patients were examined once a month for 6 months to receive capsules and measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), direct and total bilirubin, ferritin and cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI. Result: There was a significant decrease in levels of AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin (direct and total) in the curcumin group compared with the placebo group by the end of the study (p < 0.05). The levels of serum ferritin remained unchanged in both groups at the end of the follow-up period (p > 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the curcumin and placebo groups at baseline values or at the end of the study of cardiac and hepatic T2*MRI and serum magnesium. Conclusion: Administration of curcumin has some beneficial effects on liver function by reducing liver enzymes in patients with beta-thalassemia major.

A new clinical and prognostic characterization of the patterns of decompensation of cirrhosis

The prognostic impact of acute decompensation (AD), i.e. the development of complications that require hospitalization, has recently been assessed. However, complications of cirrhosis do not necessarily require hospitalization and can develop progressively, as in the recently defined non-acute decompensation (NAD). Nevertheless, there is no data regarding the incidence and prognostic impact of NAD. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence and the prognostic impact of NAD and AD in outpatients with cirrhosis. A total of 617 outpatients with cirrhosis from two Italian tertiary centers (Padua and Milan) were enrolled from January 2003 to June 2021 and followed prospectively until the end of the study, death or liver transplantation. The complications registered during follow-up were considered as AD if they required hospitalization, or NAD if managed at the outpatient clinic. During follow-up, 154 patients (25.0% of total patients) developed complications, 69 patients (44.8%) developed NAD and 85 (55.2%) developed AD, while 29 patients with NAD (42.0%) developed a further episode of AD during follow-up. Sixty-month survival was significantly higher in patients with no decompensation than in patients with NAD or AD. On multivariable analysis, AD (hazard ratio [HR] 21.07, p <0.001), NAD (HR 7.13, p <0.001), the etiological cure of cirrhosis (HR 0.38, p <0.001) and model for end-stage liver disease score (HR 1.12, p= 0.003) were found to be independent predictors of mortality. The first decompensation is non-acute in almost 50% of outpatients, though such events are still associated with decreased survival compared to no decompensation. Patients who develop NAD must be treated with extreme care and monitored closely to prevent the development of AD. This multicenter study is the first to investigate the role of non-acute decompensation (NAD) in patients with cirrhosis. In fact, while the unfavorable impact of acute decompensation is well known, there is currently a dearth of evidence on NAD, despite it being a common occurrence in clinical practice. Our data show that almost half of decompensations in patients with cirrhosis can be considered NAD and that such events are associated with a higher risk of mortality than no decompensation. This study has important clinical implications because it highlights the need to carefully consider patients who develop NAD, in order to prevent further decompensation and reduce mortality.

The Protective Role of Prenatal Administration of Ascorbic Acid on Autistic-like Behavior in a Rat Model of Autism

BackgroundAutism is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by several behavioral impairments. The pathology of autism is complex and not fully known. Several recent studies have shown alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in autism. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is present in high concentrations in the brain and acts as a neuromodulator. Prefrontal abnormality has been hypothesized to underlie autistic symptoms. The present study investigated the protective effect of prenatally Vitamin C on autistic-like behaviors, oxidative stress status, and histopathological change of prefrontal in valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. MethodThe model of autism was induced by subcutaneous administration of Valproic acid (600mg/kg) to pregnant rats at gestational day 12.5. Vitamin C was administered 600mg/L in drinking water from the 5th day of gestaion (GD5) up to postnatal day 23 (PND23). Thirty-two rat offspring were divided into four groups: Control, Vitamin C, VPA, and Vitamin C + VPA. The offspring were tested for repetitive behaviors and cognitive ability with a Y-maze task and social interaction with a play behavior task on 31st of Postnatal days. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the histological change in the prefrontal lobe were assessed at the end of the study. The number of neurons from the left prefrontal lobe was counted in duplicate from slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin. ResultsIn the Y-maze apparatus, spontaneous alteration significantly decreased in the prenatal VPA treated rats compared to control rats showing autistic-like behavior; pre and postnatal Vitamin C treatment increased the alternation indicated benefit effect of Vitamin C. Prenatal VPA treatment impaired play behavior such as sniffing, grooming and darting. Vitamin C treatment attenuated the problems in male offspring social behavior. Histological examination showed an increase in the number of cells in the prefrontal cortex of valproic acid offspring rats compared to other groups. Moreover, prenatal VPA decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in the cortex (PFC) attenuated by Vitamin C administration. ConclusionThe present study showed that valproic acid induced oxidative stress and neural changes in the prefrontal lobe when administered prenatally which in turn may cause the development of some autistic-like behaviors, and vitamin C may reduce this symptom with its antioxidant effects

How Supplementation with SOD-Rich Plant Extract, Combined with Gliadin, Can Affect Oxidative Stress Markers and Zonulin Levels in Exercise-Induced Oxidative Stress.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to investigate the influence of supplementation with a superoxide dismutase (SOD)-rich plant extract on markers of oxidative stress, zonulin levels and the performance of elite athletes. Participants were 30 international-level rowers, divided into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The rowers performed a maximal effort incremental test on a rowing ergometer at the beginning and at the end of the study. Markers of oxidative stress (total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), malondialdehyde (MDA), sulfhydryl (SH) groups, bilirubin, uric acid, albumin and zonulin) were determined in serum. A lower TOS (p = 0.010) and OSI (p = 0.004), a lower MDA (p = 0.001) and a higher level of SH groups (p = 0.031) were observed in the experimental group after supplementation. Physical performance was evaluated through metabolic efficiency, taking lactate levels and power output on the ergometer into account. After 6 weeks of supplementation, the relative increase in metabolic efficiency at a 4 mmol/L lactate concentration and maximal effort was significantly higher in the experimental group (p = 0.004 and p = 0.015, respectively). These results suggest that supplementation with a SOD-rich extract promotes lower oxidative stress, better antioxidant protection and, consequently, the better work performance of athletes.

Increasing the number and intensity of shock tube generated blast waves leads to earlier retinal ganglion cell dysfunction and regional cell death

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a blast exposure generated from a shock tube on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function and structure. Mice were exposed to one of three blast conditions using a shock tube; a single blast wave of 20 PSI, a single blast wave of 30 PSI, or three blast waves of 30 PSI given on three consecutive days with a one-day inter-blast interval. The structure and function of the retina were analyzed using the pattern electroretinogram (PERG), the optomotor reflex (OMR), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The in vivo parameters were examined at baseline, and then again 1-week, 4-weeks, and 16-weeks following blast exposure. The number of surviving RGCs was quantified at the end of the study. Analysis of mice receiving a 20 PSI injury showed decreased PERG and OMR responses 16-weeks post blast, without evidence of changed retinal thickness or RGC death. Mice subjected to a 30 PSI injury showed decreased PERG responses 4 weeks and 16 weeks after injury, without changes in the retinal thickness or RGC density. Mice subjected to 30 PSI X 3 blast exposures had PERG deficits 1-week and 4-weeks post exposure. There was also significant change in retinal thickness 1-week and 16-weeks post blast exposure. Mice receiving 30 PSI X 3 blast injuries had regional loss of RGCs in the central retina, but not in the mid-peripheral or peripheral retina. Overall, this study has shown that increasing the number of blast exposures and the intensity leads to earlier functional loss of RGCs. We have also shown regional RGC loss only when using the highest blast intensity and number of blast injuries.

Effects of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor on Experimental Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease in the United States and worldwide. Proteinuria is a major marker of the severity of injury. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP-4I) increases incretin-related insulin production and is, therefore, used to treat diabetes. We investigated whether DPP4I could have direct effect on kidney independent of its hypoglycemic activity. We, therefore, tested the effects of DPP4I with or without angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) on the progression of diabetic nephropathy and albuminuria in a murine model of DKD. eNOS−/−db/db mice were randomized to the following groups at age 10 weeks and treated until sacrifice: baseline (sacrificed at week 10), untreated control, ACEI, DPP4I, and combination of DPP4I and ACEI (Combo, sacrificed at week 18). Systemic parameters and urine albumin–creatinine ratio were assessed at baseline, weeks 14, and 18. Kidney morphology, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), WT-1, a marker for differentiated podocytes, podoplanin, a marker of foot process integrity, glomerular collagen IV, and alpha-smooth muscle actin were assessed at the end of the study. All mice had hyperglycemia and proteinuria at study entry at week 10. Untreated control mice had increased albuminuria, progression of glomerular injury, and reduced GFR at week 18 compared with baseline. DPP4I alone reduced blood glucose and kidney DPP-4 activity but failed to protect against kidney injury compared with untreated control. ACEI alone and combination groups showed significantly reduced albuminuria and glomerular injury, and maintained GFR and WT-1+ cells. Only the combination group had significantly less glomerular collagen IV deposition and more podoplanin preservation than the untreated control. DPP-4I alone does not decrease the progression of kidney injury in the eNOS−/−db/db mouse model, suggesting that targeting only hyperglycemia is not an optimal treatment strategy for DKD. Combined DPP-4I with ACEI added more benefit to reducing the glomerular matrix.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Children (5 to 14 Years) in Relation to Predisposing Factors and Prevention of Soil-transmitted Helminth Infections in South West Region, Cameroon

Soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) diseases are among the group of Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD). STHs infections are a significant public health problem globally with children being the most affected group. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice in relation to predisposing factors and preventive measures for STHs among children 4 to 15 years in Mutegene community.&#x0D; It was a cross-sectional study, involving 250 school children of both sexes. A systematic random sampling method was used to collect data. Basic demographic data was obtained from the class registers. A structured questionnaire was used to collect information on personal bio-data, characteristics of their home and school environment in relation to helminthes transmission and prevention. Data was analysed using SPSS version 21 and Chi-square test. &#x0D; The results showed that 44.4 % (n=109) of the participants had good knowledge of parasitic worms, and 62.0 % (n=155) of the participants knew how to avoid getting infected with worms. Soil-transmitted helminth infection was present in Mutengene community with an overall prevalence of 3.6% and the species present included A. lumbricoides, T. trichiura, and hookworms. Participants who indicated that they played out-doors had the highest prevalence (2.8%, n=7) closely followed by those who usually played in water (2.4%, n=6) and thirdly, by those who always put dirt in their mouth (2.0%, n=5).&#x0D; At the end of the study, the researchers ecommended that health education should be given through community radios and televisions as a means of making the people understand the mode of transmission and methods of prevention of STH infection in order to eliminate STHs.

Effects of Hardaliye, a Fermented Grape Drink, on Oxidative Stress, Lipid Profile, and Blood Pressure in Young Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective Hardaliye, a traditional fermented grape juice, can prevent imbalances in the antioxidant defense systems of soccer players. Hardaliye is mainly produced through the fermentation of grapes, sour cherry leaves, and mustard seeds and is consumed as a drink. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of hardaliye consumption on oxidative stress parameters, lipid profile, and blood pressure in young elite soccer players. Methods In this single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-design study, while the participants in one of the groups consumed 250 mL/d of hardaliye drink (Hardaliye Group), the participants in the other group consumed placebo drink (Placebo Group) for 28 days. Three-day food record and blood samples were taken from the soccer players and their blood pressure was measured. Results Nutrient intakes in both groups were similar at the beginning and end of the study (p > 0.05). Dietary carbohydrates and vitamin A, E, and C intakes were below the recommended levels in both groups. Hardaliye consumption significantly increased the serum total antioxidant capacity level but significantly decreased serum total oxidation status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels compared to the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Lipid parameters and diastolic blood pressure levels were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). Hardaliye consumption significantly decreased systolic blood pressure compared to that in the Placebo Group (p < 0.05). Conclusion Hardaliye consumption in young elite soccer players showed antioxidative effects and decreased systolic blood pressure but did not affect their lipid profiles.

Potent efficiency of the novel nitazoxanide-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers against experimental cyclosporiasis.

Cyclosporiasis is a ubiquitous infection caused by an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite known as Cyclospora cayetanensis (C. cayetanensis). The disease is characterized by severe diarrhea which may be regrettably fatal in immunosuppressed patients. The commercially available treatment options have either severe side effects or low efficiency. In the present study, the novel formula of nitazoxanide (NTZ)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) was assessed for the first time for C. cayetanensis treatment in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice in comparison to commercially available drugs (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) and NTZ). Swiss Albino mice were orally infected by 104 sporulated oocysts. The experimental groups were treated with the gold standard TMP-SMX, NTZ, blank NLCs and NTZ-loaded NLCs. The results demonstrated that NTZ-loaded NLCs represented the highest significant parasite percent reduction of (>98% reduction) in both immunocompetent and immunosuppressed mice designating successful tissue penetration and avoiding recurrence of infection at the end of the study. Oocysts treated with NTZ-loaded NLCs demonstrated the most mutilated rapturing morphology via scanning electron microscope examination as well as representing the most profound improvement of the histopathological picture. In conclusion, NTZ-loaded NLCs exhibited the uppermost efficacy in the treatment of cyclosporiasis. The safe nature and the anti-parasitic effect of the novel formulation encourage its use as a powerful treatment for human cyclosporiasis.

PERANCANGAN DAN MODIFIKASI MOLD INSERT UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KAPASITAS PRODUKSI LIGHT GUIDE

The use of plastic is often found in human life. Therefore, many manufacturing companies are competing to increase the production and quality of their plastic products. One way to increase production is to redesign a Mold base so that the Mold has a larger production capacity than before. The increase in product demand from consumers, which was initially 65,000 pcs/month to 95,000 pcs/month, is also the background for conducting this research. The purpose of this study is to redesign the soft tool using the old Mold base. The design uses Siemens UG NX 5 software. The Mold used is a two-plate Mold. The manufacture of the core cavity uses NAK 80 steel and plastic raw material in the form of Polycarbonate (PC). At the end of the study, a simulation was carried out using the Moldex 3D Flow Mold software to see the cycle time of the old and new Mold injection processes. From the results of this study, production capacity increased from 67,804 pcs/month to 118,536 pcs/month resulting in twice as many products as the old Mold design, with an increase in cycle time of 14.37% longer than the old Mold design also ensuring the quality of the product is maintained.

Some remarks on the lexicographical entry for ierodiacon

In the present study, we aim to provide a critical analysis of the treatment of the word ierodiacon (hierodeacon) in several Romanian dictionaries. Following the investigation of a substantial number of documents, we also intend to show that there was a period in the history of the Romanian language in which a neutralization of the semantic opposition “married deacon (diacon de mir)” / ”monk deacon (diacon călugăr)” took place in some contexts, the term ierodiacon being used for both meanings. This phenomenon was not recorded in the historical dictionary of the Romanian language (relevant for the example under discussion being the old series, DA, coordinated by S. Pușcariu) nor in any other Romanian dictionary that we are aware of. At the end of the study we intend to add some theoretical reflections on the semantic evolution of ierodiacon, also referring to the way in which the entry for this term could be structured in the historical dictionary of the Romanian language.

Kök Yüzdürme Yöntemi ile yüzeysel su kalitesinin iyileştirilmesinde Japon şemsiyesi ve Vetiverin fitoremediasyon kapasitesi

Surface water is polluted due to many reasons, mainly wastewater and irrigation discharges, and loses its value for potential uses. In this study, phytoremediation was applied to improve the surface water provided from a branch of the Gediz River, which meets the freshwater needs of Izmir Bird Paradise but is not qualified as a quality water source in terms of ecosystem. For this purpose, the removal efficiencies of Cyperus alternifolius L. (umbrella palm) and Vetiveria zizanioides (L.) Nash (vetiver) for total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and total organic carbon (TOC) were tested in the tanks, which were set with the floating treatment wetland (FTW) with a control group. TP, TN and TOC were measured in water on the 1st, 3rd, 7th and 14th days, while macro and micronutrients were measured in the plants at the beginning and end of the study. TP removal was 92%, 82%, and 45%; TN removal was 62%, 52%, and 24%; and TOC removal was 79%, 66%, and 13% in umbrella palm, vetiver and control tanks, respectively. The translocation factors (TF) that were expected to be &amp;gt;1 in plants were determined as Cd (1.55), Pb (1.27), B (1.19), and Cr (1.11) in vetiver, and B (1.33) and Pb (1.14) in umbrella palm. Considering the increase in biomass, it can be said that the umbrella palm accumulates metal at a higher rate. This study demonstrates that with the usage of umbrella palm and vetiver, FTW has the potential to be used as a green treatment method.

Do optimum dietary protein and early mild stress events prepare oscar (Astronotus ocellatus) for a stressful future?

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary protein (380 vs 510 g/kg) and duration of early mild stress (0, 2 and 4 weeks) on growth, haematology, serum biochemistry, immunological response, antioxidant system, liver enzymes, and stress responsiveness of oscar (Astronotus ocellatus; 4.7 ± 0.6 g). After the nine-week feeding trial, all fish were exposed to final acute AC stress (acute confinement stress) and sampled for serum and haematological parameters. Fish fed dietary 510 g/kg protein grew faster (gain 54.21 g vs 42.98 g) and had a higher condition factor (2.22 vs 1.81) than those fed diets containing 380 g/kg protein after ten weeks feeding ad libitum. After AC stress, oscars subjected to four-time stress (4EMS) had a higher survival rate than the 0EMS group (77.08% vs 64.59%). Additionally, white blood cells, blood performance, total protein, high-density lipoproteins, immunoglobulin M, complement component 4, complement component 3, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase were significantly greater in the two-time stress (2EMS) group than the 0EMS treatments. Although fish welfare must be considered, mild stress during the trial can reduce glucocorticoid feedback sensitivity in fish, resulting in greater survival after the acute stress reaction at the end of the study.