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Are Vitamin D Levels Related to Sarcopenia in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Background: Data on the impacts of vitamin D deficiency on sarcopenia in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are lacking. We aimed to investigate the relationships between vitamin D levels and sarcopenia in patients with newly diagnosed IBD. Methods: A cross-sectional, retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care children’s hospital. Pediatric IBD patients who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) enteroclysis at the time of initial diagnosis were included. Total psoas muscle area (tPMA) at the L4/L5 intervertebral level was demonstrated on MR by scanning the right and left psoas muscle areas. Sarcopenia was defined as a measurement under the 10th percentile according to MR-derived reference values of tPMA percentile charts for healthy children aged 1–18 years. Vitamin D insufficiency was defined as a serum 25-OH-D level below 30 ng/mL and deficiency as that below 20 ng/mL. Collected data from demographic evaluation, clinic, and laboratory tests were statistically assessed. Results: According to the MR-derived reference values of tPMA, 85% (n = 33) of UC and 81% (n = 21) of CD patients had sarcopenia. The severe vitamin D deficiency ratio was 35.9% (n = 14) in UC and 38.5% (n = 10) in CD. We found that vitamin D levels were similar in patients with UC and CD, while they were significantly lower in the group below the 3rd percentile of tPMA (n = 41, median 9.8) than in the group between the 3rd and 10th percentiles (n = 13, median 16.9; p = 0.038). Conclusions: Formulating strategies to recognize and prevent sarcopenia, including the prevention and—if necessary—the treatment of vitamin D deficiency, could bring multi-faceted benefits
Dual high expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transcription factors ZEB1 and ELF3 was inversely correlated with survival of liver cancer patients
Liver cancer represents the sixth most prevalent form of cancer globally, with a markedly elevated mortality rate. Despite advancements in molecular diagnostics and therapies, only a few molecular markers are currently utilized in liver cancer diagnosis and treatment. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a pivotal process during embryonic development and is also observed in pathological contexts such as cancer progression. Mesenchymal- epithelial transition (MET) represents the reverse process of EMT. Recent studies have demonstrated that cancer cells exhibit heightened aggressiveness when they acquire a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Major transcription factors regulate EMT and MET processes. This study examined the expression of EMT-inducing transcription factors (ZEB1, TWIST, SNAI1) and MET-inducing transcription factors (GRHL2, ELF3, OVOL1) to gain insight into hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal states in liver cancer. A strong positive correlation was observed between ZEB1 and ELF3, as well as SNAI1 and GRHL2 gene expressions. Protein analyses revealed the highest correlation between ZEB1 and ELF3. Furthermore, high- expression groups of ZEB1 and ELF3 were associated with significantly lower survival rates compared to low-expression groups. These findings suggest that dual expression of ZEB1 and ELF3 could serve as a potential diagnostic marker in liver cancer
The Effect of Different Delay Intervals on the Attenuation of Blast-Induced Ground Vibration
As it is known, blast excavation works are often needed inboth mining and construction projects in our country. Considering theircontribution to the country's economy, it is important that such projects arecarried out effectively and without harming the environment. In this context,vibration control of blasting has become inevitable. Most of the blastexcavations are carried out with Non-Electric (Nonel) Systems. During thecontrol of ground vibrations caused by blast excavation works with largediameters and high production speeds, the sensitivity rates of Nonel Systemsare low due to the possibility of deviation in the delay values and theinability to go beyond certain standard delay values during production. In thisstudy, the results of vibration velocity measurements were evaluated at threedifferent distances in the same direction during experimental blasts with single,2, 3, and 4 holes, using eight different delay alternatives. By employingelectronic capsule technology with higher sensitivity, the delay intervals havebeen precisely determined as 13 ms, 17 ms, 21 ms, 24 ms, 28 ms, 32 ms, 36 ms,and 40 ms. In conclusion, the effect of delay intervals on vibration levels hasbeen determined. Another outcome of this study is that the number of holes androws in the blast groups may have an effect on vibration levels, as much as thedelay intervals.</p
Case Report: Metastatic involvement of the acromioclavicular joint in a patient with papillary carcinoma of the ureter
Ureteral papillary carcinoma is a rare subtype of urothelial carcinoma, ranking fourth among cancers following prostate (or breast) cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Although previous studies have documented bone metastases mainly in the pelvis, spine, ribs, and femur, this case report presents the first recorded instance of metastasis occurring in the acromioclavicular joint. A 62-year-old woman with a history of left flank pain and macroscopic hematuria underwent a left nephroureterectomy, which revealed ureteral papillary carcinoma. Three years later, she reported left shoulder pain, leading to the discovery of a metastatic lesion in the distal clavicle. Approximately 9 cm of metastatic bone was resected while preserving nearby nerve and vascular structures. The resulting bone defect was grafted with a 9-cm bone graft removed from the middle third of the fibula. This case report underscores the importance of considering distant metastases, even in atypical locations, in patients with ureteral papillary carcinoma and aims to share the entire treatment journey and insights gained
Süstaşı kalitesindeki kuvars mineral türlerinin birbirlerinden ayırt edilmesinde alternatif bir yöntem; Farklılaşmaya bağlı termal analiz (DTA) termografikleri [An alternative method for distinguishing each other of gem-quality varieties of the mineral quartz; Differential thermal analyzing (DTA) thermographs]
The effect of Daucus carota L. var atrorubens on the treatment of experimental sepsis models
Background: Sepsis secondary to infections is a critical health issue with limited preventive treatments. Various studies have shown that Daucus carota L. ssp. Atrorubens (black carrot) possesses antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and hepatoprotective effects. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of black carrot, focusing on its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in an experimental sepsis model. Methods: Thirty two Wistar Albino rats were divided equally into four groups. Group I served as the control without any treatment. The caecal ligation and perforation (CLP) procedure was performed on Groups II, III and IV. Group II underwent only the CLP procedure. Group III received 3 mL intraperitoneal isotonic sodium chloride, and Group IV was administered 3 mL black carrot solution every 24 h for 7 days post-CLP. On day 7, all rats were sacrificed, and blood, kidney, and liver samples were collected for analysis. Data were evaluated using GraphPad Prism 6.0 software and analysed by one-way analysis of variance and Tukey multiple comparison tests. Results: Biochemical analysis showed similar Aspartate Transaminase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) values between the control and black carrot groups. Histopathological examination revealed minimal polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in the CLP + black carrot group, and normal-appearing arteria hepaticus interlobularis, vena interlobularis and ductus biliferi, similar to the control group. Despite no significant decrease in serum urea levels, histopathological findings indicated a nephroprotective effect. The CLP + black carrot group showed reduced tubular dilatation and brush border loss and appeared similar to the control group. Conclusions: Overall, black carrot showedhepatoprotective, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, as supported by both biochemical and histological data. These findings suggest that black carrot may offer therapeutic benefits in managing sepsis- induced organ damage
The impact of undernutrition on the association between hypomagnesemia and dynapenia in older women
The prevalence of hypomagnesemia increases with worsening of nutritional status. The relationship between hypomagnesemia and dynapenia varies according to nutritional status; hypomagnesemia is associated with an increased risk of dynapenia in undernourished patients but not in their well-nourished counterparts. In the presence of malnutrition, the level of magnesium should also be assessed, and both malnutrition and hypomagnesemia should be treated. Objectives: To determine the association between hypomagnesemia and dynapenia in older women with different nutritional status. Methods: This cross-sectional study included older women who attended one outpatient geriatric clinic. Undernutrition was defined according to the Mini Nutritional Assessment score (MNA) (< 23,5), and handgrip strength of < 16 kg on dynamometer was defined as dynapenia. The association between hypomagnesemia (serum magnesium < 1.7 mg/dL) and dynapenia was determined by logistic regression analysis. Results: Among the 933 older women (mean age 81 ± 8), the prevalences of undernutrition and hypomagnesemia were 61% and 15%, respectively. The risk of hypomagnesemia increased with each step of decline in nutritional status, and undernutrition was associated with hypomagnesemia (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.11–2.43, p = 0.013) In the entire cohort, hypomagnesemia was associated with dynapenia (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.35-3.00, p = 0.001). In well-nourished patients, hypomagnesemia was not associated with dynapenia, even when unadjusted. However, in the undernourished group, hypomagnesemia was associated with dynapenia after adjusting for age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary heart disease, Barthel and Lawton scores, polypharmacy, glomerular filtration rate, serum albumin, hemoglobin, and MNA score (OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.04–8.32, p = 0.040). The coexistence of hypomagnesemia and undernutrition (versus neither of them) was significantly associated with dynapenia (OR 4.44, 95% CI 2.67–7.41, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The prevalence of hypomagnesemia increases with worsening nutritional status. Hypomagnesemia is associated with dynapenia in older women who are undernourished, even after adjusting for nutritional status, but not in those who are well nourished. The coexistence of undernutrition and hypomagnesemia increase the risk of dynapenia substantially
Factors Influencing Self-Perceived Nursing Competence in Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study
Aim; This study aimed to investigate self-assessment of nurses’ perceived nursing competence and determinehow personality traits and ethical climate affect competence when demographic factors, perceived job satisfaction,job-related stress, and coping skills were controlled.Method; The sample of the descriptive, correlational study consisted of 316 nurses working in a universityhospital between March and June 2021. The Personal Characteristic Form, Holistic Nursing Competence Scale,Ten-Item Personality Traits, and the Hospital Ethical Climate Survey were used to collect data. Job satisfaction,job-related stress, and coping skills were assessed on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) ranked from zero to ten.Pearson’s correlation and hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted.Results; The mean scores of nurses’ perceived competence were moderate. Ethical climate perceptions andpersonality traits (extraversion and openness to experience) significantly correlated with the nurse's selfperception of competence. The statistically significant factors influencing perceived nursing competence were ethical climate perceptions, openness to experience, and perceived coping skills based on the results of thehierarchical linear analysis.Conclusion; Having better ethical climate perceptions, the personality trait of openness to experience, andincreased coping skills were associated with the increased self-perception of nursing competence.</p