Application of non-destructive analysis methods in TENMAK-PAF

Development of non-destructive analysis systems at the R&D beamline of the Proton Accelerator Facility of the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Minerals Research Agency (TENMAK-PAF) is described in this work. The proton beam from the cyclotron with energy between 15-30 MeV and current between 0.1 μA-1.2 mA is modified with several components and subsystems to be suitable for the application of non-destructive analysis methods. Certified reference materials (CRM) and samples with different properties were irradiated under vacuum in the irradiation chamber with the new system. Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Particle Induced Gamma ray Emission (PIGE) spectra of these samples were obtained with appropriate radiation detectors and measurement systems. The results of PIXE analyses and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry were compared. PIXE and PIGE results are in good agreement with the certified values for the CRMs. This work constitutes the first reported application of non-destructive ion beam analysis methods in TENMAK-PAF and in Türkiye.

Effects of adenosine triphosphate, Lacidipine, and Benidipine on 5-fluorouracil-induced kidney damage in rats

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, the protective effects of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Benidipine, and Lacidipine on potential kidney damage induced by 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) were investigated in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Totally 48 rats were divided into 8 groups: healthy (HG), 5-FU (FUG), ATP+5-FU (AFU), Benidipine+5-FU (BFU), Lacidipine+5-FU (LFU), ATP+Benidipine+5-FU (ABFU), ATP+Lacidipine+5-FU (ALFU) and Benidipine+Lacidipine+5-FU (BLFU). In a 10-day period, ATP (4 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally, and Benidipine (4 mg/kg) and Lacidipine (4 mg/kg) were administered orally once a day. On days 1, 3, and 5, 5-FU (100 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally one hour after the drug was administered. Afterward, the rats were euthanized, and kidney tissues were removed. An analysis of malondialdehyde, total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase was performed on tissues, as well as a histopathological examination. A creatinine and blood urea nitrogen analysis were performed on blood samples.

RESULTS

It was revealed that 5-FU decreased the amount of total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities in rat kidney tissues and increased malondialdehyde. Further, increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, as well as histopathological examination of kidney tissues, were found in the 5-FU group. ATP+Benidipine and ATP treatments were the most effective in preventing both biochemical and histopathological changes induced by 5-FU. A treatment with Benidipine improved biochemical and histopathologic data, but not to the same extent as a treatment with ATP+Benidipine and ATP. As a result of Lacidipine+ATP combination, 5-FU-induced biochemical changes in kidney tissue were partially inhibited, but the degree of histopathologic damage remained unchanged. Neither Benidipine+Lacidipine nor Lacidipine showed a protective effect on both biochemical changes and histopathologic damage.

CONCLUSIONS

It may be possible to prevent nephrotoxicity by adding ATP + Benidipine or ATP to 5-FU treatment.

Effects of benidipine, paracetamol, and their combination on postoperative and normal tissue pain thresholds

Introduction: In clinical practice, inadequate pain inhibition leads to increased morbidity and mortality. Increased intracellular calcium, oxidants, and proinflammatory cytokines are known to play a role in the pathogenesis of postoperative pain. Therefore, we investigated the analgesic effects of benidipine, paracetamol, and benidipine-paracetamol combination (BPC) on postoperative and normal pain thresholds in rats. Material and methods: Sixty-four male albino Wistar rats weighing 285-295 g were used. The without-incision rats were divided into 4 subgroups: healthy control, benidipine alone, paracetamol alone, and BPC. The scalpel-incision rats were divided into 4 subgroups: scalpel incision, scalpel incision + benidipine, scalpel incision + paracetamol, and scalpel incision + BPC. Paw pain thresholds of rats were measured using a Basile algesimeter. Biochemical analyses were performed on the paw tissues of 6 rats randomly taken from the experimental groups, each containing 8 rats. Rats were sacrificed immediately after the measurements. After the pain threshold tests were finished, the paw tissues were removed and malondialdehyde (MDA), total glutathione (tGSH), cyclooxygenase (COX), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in paw pain threshold and measured biochemical parameters in rats without incision. The decrease in the pain threshold of the incised paw was also best prevented by BPC, followed by benidipine and then paracetamol. Furthermore, increases in scalpel-incised paw tissue MDA, COX-2, and IL-6 levels and the decrease in tGSH were significantly suppressed by benidipine and BPC, while paracetamol could only significantly inhibit the increase in IL-6 production. Conclusion: The combination of the L-type Ca2+ channel blocker benidipine and paracetamol (BPC) may provide potent analgesia. Our experimental results support that BPC may be useful in the treatment of severe pain that cannot be adequately inhibited by paracetamol.

Protective Effect of Ramipril Against Oxidant and Proinflammatory Cytokine Damage Induced by Ischemia-Reperfusion in Ovarian Tissue in Rats

BACKGROUND

It is known that the increase in oxidants and proinflammatory cytokines, as well as the decrease in antioxidants, play a role in ovarian ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ramipril have been studied in various diseases. This study aims to investigate the effect of ramipril on I/R-induced ovarian damage in rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into healthy (HG), sham (SG), ovary I/R (OIR), and ramipril + ovary I/R (ROIR) groups (n = 6/each group). One hour before the surgical procedures, ROIR was given 2 mg/kg ramipril. The lower abdomen of the SG, OIR, and ROIR was surgically opened. Right ovarian tissues of OIR and ROIR were subjected to 2 hours of ischemia and 6 hours of reperfusion. Then, all animals were euthanized, and their right ovaries were removed. Ovarian tissues were examined for oxidants (malondialdehyde), antioxidants (total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase), and proinflammatory cytokines (nuclear factor kappa-B, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, and interleukin-6) analysis was performed. Tissues were examined histopathologically.

RESULTS

The ovarian tissue of the OIR, which underwent the I/R procedure, exhibited a significant increase in oxidant and proinflammatory cytokine levels, along with a decrease in antioxidant levels (P < .001). Ramipril suppressed the I/R-induced increase in oxidants and pro-inflammatory cytokines and the decrease in antioxidants (P < .001). Ramipril also attenuated I/R-induced histopathological damage in ovarian tissue (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

Ramipril treatment may be a treatment strategy to protect ovarian tissue against oxidative and inflammatory damage of I/R.

Taxifolin as a novel therapeutic agent for epileptic seizures induced by caffeine-induced oxidative stress in rats

BACKGROUND

Epilepsy is a severe neurological disease that results from excessive and/or synchronized neuronal activity in the brain, and oxidative stress plays a role in its pathogenesis. Taxifolin is a flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant activity.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of taxifolin on caffeine-induced epileptic seizures in rats and reveal the role of antioxidant activity in antiepileptic therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty rats were divided into 4 groups (n = 6/group): caffeine 300 mg/kg group (CG), taxifolin 50 mg/kg + caffeine 300 mg/kg group (TCG), 2 mg/kg diazepam + 300 mg/kg caffeine group (DCG), and a healthy group (HG). Taxifolin was given to the TCG, and diazepam was given to the DCG orally. One hour later, caffeine was injected intraperitoneally into the CG, TCG and DCG rats. The time between the caffeine injection and the contractions (the latency period) was determined. Animals were euthanized 1 h after caffeine injection, and brain tissues were biochemically examined for oxidants and antioxidants.

RESULTS

Taxifolin and diazepam prolonged the latency period to a similar extent (p = 0.549), while taxifolin was more successful in preventing mortality. Taxifolin suppressed the caffeine-induced increase in myeloperoxidase, total oxidant status and oxidative stress index, and decreased total glutathione, superoxide dismutase and total antioxidant status more effectively than diazepam (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We showed the relationship between antioxidant activity and epilepsy treatment, and demonstrated that taxifolin may be useful for treating epilepsy.

Effects of taxifolin on aspirin-induced gastric damage in rats: macroscopic and biochemical evaluation

Taxifolin (dihydroquercetin) is a flavanonol isolated from various plants and has antioxidant effects. The aim of our study was to macroscopically and biochemically investigate the effects of taxifolin on aspirin-induced oxidative gastric damage in rats and to evaluate them by comparison with those of famotidine. Rats were divided into four drug administration groups: a healthy control group, an aspirin-only group (ASG), a taxifolin + aspirin group (TASG), and a famotidine + aspirin group (FASG). The results revealed that in light of the results that we obtained, 50 mg/kg taxifolin had anti-ulcer effects. At this dose, taxifolin was able to bring COX-1 activities to a level close to those seen in healthy rats with appropriate macroscopic, oxidant/antioxidant, and biochemical parameters. Based on these results, it can be said that taxifolin may be successfully used as a more potent alternative to famotidine, which is the currently accepted treatment for aspirin-induced ulcers.

The Role of Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, and Cortisol in the Pathogenesis of the Analgesic Potency, Duration, and Neurotoxic Effect of Meperidine

Background and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to investigate the role of adrenaline (ADR), noradrenaline (NDR), and cortisol in the pathogenesis of the analgesic potency, duration, and epilepsy-like toxic effect of meperidine. Materials and Methods: The experimental animals were separated into 11 groups of six rats. In the meperidine (MPD) and metyrosine + meperidine (MMPD) groups, paw pain thresholds were measured before and after the treatment between the first and sixth hours (one hour apart). In addition, ADR and NDR analyses were performed before and after the treatment, between the first and fourth hours (one hour apart). For the epilepsy experiment, caffeine, caffeine + meperidine, and caffeine + meperidine + metyrapone groups were created, and the treatment was applied for 1 day or 7 days. Groups were created in which caffeine was used at both 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg. Epileptic seizures were observed in epilepsy groups, latent periods were determined, and serum cortisol levels were measured. Results: In the MPD group, pain thresholds increased only at the first and second hours compared to pre-treatment, while ADR increased at the third hour, leading to a decrease in pain thresholds. In the MMPD group, the increase in paw pain thresholds at 1 and 6 h was accompanied by a decrease in ADR and NDR. In the caffeine (150 mg/kg) + meperidine group, 1-day treatment did not cause epileptic seizures, while seizures were observed and cortisol levels increased in the group in which treatment continued for 7 days. When cortisol levels were compared between the group in which caffeine (300 mg/kg) + meperidine + metyrapone was used for 7 days and the animals receiving caffeine (300 mg/kg) + metyrapone for 7 days, it was found that cortisol levels decreased and the latent period decreased. Conclusions: The current study showed that if serum ADR and cortisol levels are kept at normal levels, a longer-lasting and stronger analgesic effect can be achieved with meperidine, and epileptic seizures can be prevented.

Favipiravir-induced inflammatory and hydropic degenerative liver injury in rats

BACKGROUND

Favipiravir is very effective in the treatment of many viral infections, especially at high doses. It was used at such doses to treat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) during the pandemic. However, liver damage was reported in patients undergoing such treatment.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to investigate the effects of low and high doses of favipiravir on the liver of rats, using biochemical and histopathological methods.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Wistar albino rats were allocated to one of 3 groups, namely a healthy group (HG), a 100 mg/kg favipiravir (FAV-100) group and a 400 mg/kg favipiravir (FAV-400) group. Favipiravir was administered orally at 100 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg doses to the FAV-100 (n = 6) and FAV-400 (n = 6) groups, respectively. Distilled water was administered orally (1 mL) using the same method to the HG (n = 6). This procedure was repeated twice a day for 1 week. At the end of this period, the animals were euthanized with a high dose of thiopental anesthesia (50 mg/kg) and their liver tissues were removed.

RESULTS

Favipiravir caused an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels in the liver tissue, as well as elevated alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in the blood. Moreover, favipiravir caused a decrease in total glutathione (tGSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels. In addition, severe edema, lymphocyte infiltration and hydropic degeneration were observed in the liver tissue of the FAV-400.

CONCLUSIONS

High-dose favipiravir caused more significant oxidative and inflammatory damage in the liver tissue of rats than low-dose favipiravir.

The effect of carvacrol upon experımentally ınduced dıabetıc neuropathy and neuropathıc paın ın rats

Diabetic neuropathies are the most frequent complication of diabetes. While numerous metabolic pathways are disrupted in diabetic neuropathy, oxidative stress has been indicated as a significant reason for this condition. In this study, the effect of carvacrol, which has antioxidant effects, on experimental diabetic neuropathy and neuropathic pain was investigated. Alloxan was used to induce diabetes in the experiment. Diabetes was created by administering 120mg/kg of alloxan intraperitoneally (i.p) once a day for 3 days. Rats with a blood glucose concentration above 250mg/kg in the blood taken from the tail veins at the end of three days were considered diabetic. Rats were categorized under healthy control (HG), alloxan-induced hyperglycemia (AG), and alloxan-induced hyperglycemia + carvacrol-treated (ACG) groups. Carvacrol was i.p injected at 50 mg/kg dose to the ACG (n=6) group of rats with hyperglycemia. The same volume of distilled water as the solvent was applied in the same way to AG (n=6) and HG (n=6) rat groups. This procedure was repeated once a day for three months.Carvacrol showed anti-hyperglycemic effect in diabetic rats, protective effect against lowering pain threshold and analgesic activity in rat paws in rats. Carvacrol prevented the oxidant/antioxidant balance from changing in favor of oxidants. The results supported that carvacrol is an agent against alloxan-induced peripheral diabetic neuropathic pain.

Effects of FSH Administered in Different ways on Superovulation Response and Blood FSH Levels in Cows

Bu çalışmada adjuvan kullanılarak tek doz Subkutan (SC) FSH uygulamasının ve adjuvan kullanılmadan tek doz epidural FSH uygulamasının kan FSH düzeyleri ve süperovülasyon yanıtı üzerine etkilerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Holştayn inekler (n:18) süperovülasyon prosedürü için üç gruba ayrıldı (n = 6). Gruptaki (İM) hayvanlara 4 gün süreyle 12 saat arayla İntramusculer (IM) azaltıcı FSH (Stimufol, 500 μg domuz FSH ve 100 μg domuz LH, Ulg FMV, Liège, Belçika) dozları verildi. (E) grubundaki hayvanlara epidural aralığa FSH (500 µg) verildi. (SC) grubundaki hayvanlara, 10 mL Montanide ISA 206 adjuvanı içinde FSH eklenerek hazırlanan bir karışım Subkutan (SC) ile uygulandı. Overdeki CL sayısı ultrasonografik yöntemle ölçüldü ve 4 CL varlığına göre süperovülasyon belirlendi. FSH ölçümü için tüm hayvanlardan V. jugularis'ten kan örnekleri alındı. Serum FSH (pFSH) seviyeleri ELISA ile belirlendi. Grup 1'deki tüm hayvanlar, süperovülasyon prosedüründen sonra süperovülasyon tepkisine (4>CL) sahipti. 2. grupta sadece bir hayvan yanıt verdi. Grup 3'te, altı hayvandan dördü yanıt verdi. Kan örneklerinin FSH analizinden sonra, IM ve SC uygulamaları arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak önemsiz iken, IM ve epidural uygulamalar arasındaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlıydı. SC ve epidural uygulamalar arasındaki fark önemsizdi.

Carvacrol prevents acrylamide-induced oxidative and inflammatory liver damage and dysfunction in rats

Background: Acrylamide causes hepatotoxicity with the effect of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Carvacrol is a monoterpenic phenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aims: To determine the effects of carvacrol on oxidative liver injury induced by acrylamide administration in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into three groups of six animals each: healthy group acrylamide group (ACR), and acrylamide + carvacrol group (TACR). First, carvacrol (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to the CACR group. One hour later, acrylamide (20 mg/kg) was given orally to the ACR and CACR groups. This procedure was performed for 30 days, after which the animals were sacrificed. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (tGSH) levels, total oxidant (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) were measured in the excised liver tissues. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were determined in blood serum samples. Liver tissues were also examined histopathologically. Results: In the ACR group, malondialdehyde, TOS, ALT, AST levels, and NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were found to be high, and tGSH and total antioxidant status levels were low. In addition, diffuse degenerative changes and necrosis in hepatocytes, and moderate inflammation in the portal region were detected in the liver tissues of the ACR group. While carvacrol prevented the biochemical changes induced by acrylamide, it also alleviated the damage in the histological structure. Conclusion: Carvacrol may be used for liver damage caused by acrylamide.

Modeling leaf area index using time-series remote sensing and topographic data in pure Anatolian black pine stands

We aimed to map and analyze LAI by using Landsat 8 and Sentinel-2 time series and the corresponding ground measurements collected in pure Anatolian black pine [Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold ssp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe] stands within seven-month (from June to December) period. A total of 30 sample plots were selected and seven-month changes of LAI values were determined through hemispherical photography for each sample plot. Remote sensing (reflectance values and vegetation indices obtained from Landsat-8 and Sentinel-2) and topographic (elevation, aspect, and slope) data were used to model the LAI for each month using multiple linear regression (MLR) method. Additionally, the data for all months were combined and modeled. In this case, autoregressive modeling techniques were used to solve the temporal autocorrelation problem. Our study indicated that the models developed from Sentinel-2 give more successful results than Landsat 8 on monthly LAI models. The most successful models were obtained in June by using the reflectance values (R adj 2  = 0.39, RMSE = 0.3138 m2 m-2), reflectance values-topographic data (R adj 2  = 0.59, RMSE = 0.3174 m2 m-2), vegetation indices-topographic data (R adj 2  = 0.82, RMSE = 0.2126 m2 m-2), and reflectance values-vegetation indices-topographic data (R adj 2  = 0.93, RMSE = 0.1060 m2 m-2). Among the autoregressive modeling techniques, the highest success was obtained with the Landsat 8 OLI using the moving average (2) procedure (R2 = 0.56). This study is significant that it is the first to analyze the monthly effect on LAI modeling and mapping in pure Anatolian black pine stands using both reflectance values, vegetation indices, and topographic data.

Fertility protective effect of taxifolin in cisplatin-induced ovarian damage

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to investigate the protective effect of taxifolin on ovarian damage and reproductive dysfunction created by cisplatin administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 36 albino Wistar female adult rats were equally divided into 3 groups as cisplatin administered only (CIS), taxifolin+cisplatin (T+C) and healthy control group (HG). Taxifolin 50 mg/kg was administered orally by gavage in the T+C (n=12) group. In the HG (n=12) and CIS (n=12) groups, the same volume of distilled water as a solvent was orally administered. One hour after administration of taxifolin or distilled water, animals in the T+C and CIS groups were injected with cisplatin at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg intraperitoneally. This procedure was repeated once a day for 14 days. Six animals from each group were sacrificed on day 15, and their ovaries were removed for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Ovarian tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total Glutathione (tGSH), Nuclear Factor-Kappa B (NF-kB), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured. The remaining animals (n=6 in each group) were kept in the laboratory with mature male rats for two months to breed.

RESULTS

CIS administration led to an increase in inflammatory molecules and membrane lipid peroxidation products, and decreased the synthesis of antioxidant molecules. Compared to the CIS group, the ovarian tissue MDA, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels were found to be significantly decreased in the T+C group (p<0.001 for all comparisons). On the other hand, the tGSH levels of the T+C group were significantly higher than the CIS group (p<0.001). Milder ovarian necrosis, fibrosis and follicle damage were detected in animals which were given taxifolin. Four out of the six rats (67%) treated with taxifolin gave birth within 27 days.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated, for the first time, that taxifolin ameliorates cisplatin-induced ovarian injury by decreasing MDA and proinflammatory cytokines and increasing the antioxidant enzyme. The fact that more than half of the animals receiving taxifolin became pregnant suggests that the cytoprotective effect of taxifolin is strong enough to preserve fertility.

Effect of taxifolin on methotrexate-induced oxidative and inflammatory oral mucositis in rats: biochemical and histopathological evaluation

BACKGROUND

The role of oxidative stress, as well as inflammation in the pathogenesis of methotrexate (MTX)-induced oral mucositis, is a known fact. The anti-inflammatory, antitumor, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties of taxifolin-the effect we tested against MTX-induced oral mucosal damage-are well known.

OBJECTIVE

Evaluating biochemically and histopathologically the effects of taxifolin on methotrexate-induced oral mucosal damage in rats.

METHODOLOGY

In the taxifolin+MTX (TMTX) group, 50 mg/kg taxifolin was orally administered to rats by gavage. In the MTX and healthy (HG) groups, normal saline was applied to rats as solvent by the same method. One hour after administration of taxifolin and solvent, 5 mg/kg MTX was orally administered to rats in the MTX and TMTX groups. Taxifolin and methotrexate were administered once a day for 30 days. Macroscopic, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations were performed on the inner cheek and tongue tissues of rats. These parts were removed after rats were killed with a high-dose anesthesia.

RESULTS

Taxifolin with MTX prevented the increase in oxidant and pro-inflammatory parameters, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), on the inner cheek and tongue tissues of rats. Moreover, taxifolin antagonized the decrease in total glutathione (tGSH). Taxifolin decreased MTX-induced histopathological damage.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that taxifolin may be useful to treat MTX-associated oral mucositis.

Effect of thymoquinone on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative and inflammatory ovarian damage in rat

This study intends to investigate the effect of thymoquinone against possible ovarian damage and infertility caused by cyclophosphamide in female rats. The rats in the experiment (n=36) were separated into three groups; cyclophosphamide administered, thymoquinone plus cyclophosphamide administered and healthy control. At the end of 30 days of administration, 6 rats from each group were killed and the biochemical and histopathological examina-tions were performed on the ovarian tissues. The remaining animals were kept in the same cage with mature male rats for two months. Infertility developed in 83% of cyclophosphamide group animals. Thymoquinone attenuated cyclophosphamide-related oxidative and inflammatory ovarian damage and reduced the development of infertility. The outcomes suggest that thymoquinone may be useful in treating infertility due to oxidative and inflammatory ovarian damage.

Effect of tocilizumab on ischemia-reperfusion-induced oxido-inflammatory renal damage and dysfunction in rats

Ischemia-reperfusion-induced (I/R) renal damage is a pathogenic process that starts with ischemia, then progresses through oxidative stress and inflammation. Tocilizumab (TCZ), a recombinant human monoclonal antibody produced against the IL-6 receptor, will be tested against renal I/R injury. TCZ is known to lower the levels of proinflammatory cytokines and oxidant mediators while raising the amounts of antioxidant molecules. Our purpose is to evaluate the biochemical and histological effects of TCZ against I/R-induced oxido-inflammatory kidney damage and dysfunction in rats. Animals were divided into 3 groups as renal I/R (RIR), I/R+ TCZ (IRT), and healthy group (HG). TCZ was administered at a dose of 8 mg/kg to the IRT group (n=6) of the animals, and distilled water as a solvent was administered intraperitoneally (ip) to the RIR (n=6) and HG (n=6) groups. Then, two hours of ischemia and six hours of reperfusion were applied to the left kidneys of IRT and RIR animals. TCZ significantly inhibited the increase in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear kappa B (NF-κB), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1-β (IL-1β), IL-6, creatinine (Cr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and decrease in total glutathione (tGSH) with I/R in renal tissue. TCZ also attenuated severe histopathological damage due to I/R in renal tissue. TCZ protected renal tissue from I/R-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage. These results indicate that TCZ may be useful in the treatment of renal I/R injury.

Effect of taxifolin on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative and inflammatory bladder injury in rats

The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in the pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide-related side effects has been demonstrated in previous studies. This study aimed to investigate the effect of taxifolin, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative and inflammatory bladder injury in albino Wistar rats. The taxifolin+cyclophosphamide (TCYC) group was given 50 mg/kg of taxifolin orally by gavage. Normal saline was used as a solvent for the cyclophosphamide (CYC) group and the healthy control (HC) group. One hour after taxifolin administration, 75 mg/kg of cyclophosphamide was intraperitoneally injected in the TCYC and CYC groups. This procedure was repeated once a day for 30 days. At the end of this period, biochemical markers were studied in the excised bladder tissues and histopathological evaluations were conducted. In the histopathological evaluation of the CYC group, severe epithelial irregularity, dilatation, congestion, and polymorphonuclear leukocyte accumulation in the vascular structures were observed. Additionally, the malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, the total oxidant status (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly higher, and the total glutathione (tGSH) levels and total antioxidant status (TAS) were significantly lower in the CYC group in comparison to the HC group (P<0.001). Taxifolin reduced the cyclophosphamide-induced increases in the MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and the TOS and OSI values; it decreased the tGSH and TAS levels and reduced histopathological damage (P<0.001). Taxifolin may be useful in the treatment of cyclophosphamide-induced bladder damage.

The effects of taxifolin on neuropathy related with hyperglycemia and neuropathic pain in rats: A biochemical and histopathological evaluation

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia can be considered a determining factor in the development of diabetic neuropathy as well as neuropathic pain. There is a relationship between the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathic pain. Taxifolin, on the other hand, is a flavonoid that has been documented to inhibit ROS production.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of taxifolin, which has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, on alloxan-induced hyperglycemia-induced neuropathy and neuropathic pain, biochemically and histopathologically.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The albino Wistar male rats were divided into 3 groups: healthy group (HG), only alloxan group (AXG) and alloxan+taxifolin group (ATG). Hyperglycemia in animals was caused through intraperitoneal injection of alloxan at a dose of 120 mg/kg. Paw pain thresholds of animals were measured using Basile algesimeter. Sciatic nerve tissues were examined biochemically and histopathologically in order to evaluate neuropathy.

RESULTS

Our experimental results revealed that taxifolin significantly prevented the increase of plasma glucose concentration level with alloxan administration, the decrease of the paw pain threshold related to hyperglycemia, the change of oxidant-antioxidant balance in the sciatic nerve tissue in favor of oxidants, and the deterioration of tissue morphology in animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our experimental results indicate that taxifolin alleviates alloxan-induced hyperglycemia-related neuropathy and neuropathic pain.

Effect of Taxifolin on Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Injury of Sciatic Nerve in Rats

BACKGROUND

Ischemia is a condition in which blood flow to tissues is decreased or entirely stopped for various reasons. The reperfusion process exacerbates damage caused by ischemia in the organs and tissues. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are mainly responsible for ischemia-reperfusion (IR) damage. ROS increase results in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and oxidative stress. In the literature, taxifolin reportedly suppresses ROS production. This study aimed to determine the effect of taxifolin, which is a flavonoid, on IR injury of the sciatic nerve in rats.

METHODS

This study divided 30 albino Wistar rats into 3 groups: IR without medication (IR) group, taxifolin applied IR (TAX+IR) group, and only dissection made to the sciatic nerve sham group (SHAM). Sciatic nerve injury was induced by applying 2 hours of ischemia and 3 hours of reperfusion to the abdominal aorta and iliolumbar arteries. Biochemical and histopathologic investigations then were performed on sciatic nerve tissues. Malondialdehyde, total glutathione, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase were analyzed as oxidative stress markers, and tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β levels were evaluated as inflammatory stress markers in biochemical tests.

RESULTS

The IR group has statistically significantly high oxidant and cytokine levels and low antioxidant levels compared with the TAX+IR group. Taxifolin treatment was also shown to cause significant histopathologic improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that taxifolin may be effective in preventing IR injury of the sciatic nerve.

POS1071 DETERMINATION OF THE RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE BETY-BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL QUESTIONNAIRE IN PATIENTS WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

In the literature, there is a lack of questionnaires, which is evaluate patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) from a biopsychosocial perspective.

Objectives:

This study was planned to examine the reliability and validity of the BETY- Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BQ) in individuals diagnosed with PsA.

Methods:

Test-retest method was used to examine the reliability of the BETY-BQ. In comparing the reliability of test-retest results, intraclass coefficient (ICC) was checked. For the internal consistency analysis of the BETY-BQ, the total score of the responses given to the first filled scale was calculated and the Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was found. Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PsAQoL), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Short Form-36 (SF-36) were used in the validity study of 150 individuals with PsA included in the study.

Results:

Test-retest method and intraclass coefficient were examined for reliability analysis (for 30 patients). The correlation (r = 0.844, p <0.001) of the answers given to the BETY-BQ by individuals with 30 PsA after one week interval was very high. While the ICC coefficient (0.915, p <0.001) showed excellent reliability. The Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient (0.940) was examined for internal consistency and the internal consistency of the scale was also found to be excellent. As a result of statistical analysis, the correlation between the scales used and the BETY-BQ was found between r = -0.432 and 0.807 (p <0.001).

Conclusion:

With this study, it was concluded that the BETY-BQ is a reliable and valid assessment tool in individuals diagnosed with PsA, and is also a biopsychosocial tool that can be used to evaluate individuals with PsA.

References:

[1]Unal E, Arin G, Karaca Nb, Kiraz S, Akdoğan A, Kalyoncu U, et al. Romatizmali hastalar için bir yaşam kalitesi ölceginin gelistirilmesi: madde havuzunun olussturulmasi. Journal of Exercise Theraphy and Rehabilitation. 2017;4(2):67-75.

[2]Husni ME, Merola JF, Davin S. The psychosocial burden of psoriatic arthritis. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2017;47(3):351-60

Disclosure of Interests:

None declared.

FRI0619-HPR INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL STATUS AND QUALITY OF LIFE, EMOTION - STATUS AND FUNCTIONALITY IN INDIVIDUALS WITH PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Background:

Due to the chronic processes of rheumatological diseases, patients’ biopsychosocial effects are revealed.

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the biopsychosocial status of individuals diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis; to examine the relationship between quality of life, emotion - status and functionality.

Methods:

105 individuals were included in the study. To evaluate the biopsychosocial situation, BETY-BQ (Bilişsel Egzersiz Terapi Yaklaşimi – Biopsychosocial Questionnaire)(1); Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQoL) Scale to assess quality of life; For the emotion-status assessment; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-A, HADS-D); Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) was used for functionality. Pearson Correlation Analysis was used in statistical analysis.

Results:

Descriptive data of the individuals participating in the study were recorded (Table 1).While BETY-BQ was highly correlated with PSAQoL Scale(r = 0.826, p <0.001), moderate correlations were found with HADS-A and HADS-D (HADS-A (r = 0.618, p <0.001), HADS-D (r = 0.507, p <0.001)). Low correlation was found between BETY-BQ and HAQ (r = 286, p = 0.003) (Table 2).

Table 1.

Descriptive Statistics

MinimumMaximumMeanStandart DeviationAge (years)206044.9811.04Height (cm)145.00190.00165.618.88Weight (kg)4413875.5417.36VKI(kg/m2)17.8549.0027.546.02Table 2.PsAQoLHADS-AHADS-DHAQBETY-BQr 0.826**p<0.001r=0.618**p<0.001r=0.507**p<0.001r=286**p=0.003

** Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (2-tailed)

Conclusion:

In this study, it was found that BETY-BQ is a scale that can be used in total to evaluate the quality of life, emotion-status level and functionality of individuals diagnosed with PsA. It was thought that BETY-BQ could be considered and preferred by clinicians when individuals with PsA should be evaluated from a biopsychosocial point of view.

References:

[1] Unal E, Arin G, Karaca Nb, Kiraz S, Akdogan A, Kalyoncu U, et al. Development of a quality of life measurement for rheumatic patients: item pool construction Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation. 2017; 4 (2): 67-75.

Disclosure of Interests:

Senem Bulut: None declared, Edibe Ünal: None declared, Aykut Özçadirci: None declared, Umut Kalyoncu Consultant of: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, Lilly, Novartis, UCB

Comparison of the Effects of Amitriptyline and Flunarizine on Weight Gain and Serum Leptin, C Peptide and Insulin Levels when used as Migraine Preventive Treatment

The tricyclic antidepressant amitriptyline (AMT) and the calcium channel blocker flunarizine are frequently used in the preventive treatment of migraine, but the side-effect of prominent weight gain that frequently emerges during preventive treatment of migraine with these agents often leads to the discontinuation of therapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between the weight gain associated with the use of these agents and serum levels of leptin, C-peptide and insulin in patient with migraine. Forty-nine migraine patients with a body mass index (BMI) < 25 and without any endocrinological, immunological or chronic diseases were randomly divided into two groups, receiving AMT or flunarizine. There was a statistically significant increase in serum levels of leptin, C-peptide, insulin and measures of BMI in both groups when measured at the 12th week of therapy compared to their respective basal levels. To our knowledge this is the first study investigating the effects of AMT and flunarizine on serum leptin levels in preventive use of migraine treatment. A result from this study indicates that AMT and flunarizine may cause leptin resistance possibly by different mechanisms and thereby result in increase in serum leptin levels and BMI.

Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 reduces the duration of diarrhoea, length of emergency care and hospital stay in children with acute diarrhoea

Evidence from the literature has shown that Saccharomyces boulardii provides a clinically significant benefit in the treatment of acute infectious diarrhoea in children. In this multicentre, randomised, prospective, controlled, single blind clinical trial performed in children with acute watery diarrhoea, we aimed to evaluate the impact of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 in hospitalised children, in children requiring emergency care unit (ECU) stay and in outpatient settings. The primary endpoint was the duration of diarrhoea (in hours). Secondary outcome measures were duration of hospitalisation and diarrhoea at the 3rd day of intervention. In the whole study group (363 children), the duration of diarrhoea was approximately 24 h shorter in the S. boulardii group (75.4±33.1 vs 99.8±32.5 h, P<0.001). The effect of S. boulardii (diarrhoea-free children) was observed starting at 48 h. After 72 h, only 27.3% of the children receiving probiotic still had watery diarrhoea, in contrast to 48.5% in the control group (P<0.001). The duration of diarrhoea was significantly reduced in the probiotic group in hospital, ECU and outpatient settings (P<0.001, P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). The percentage of diarrhoea-free children was significantly larger after 48 and 72 h in all settings. The mean length of hospital stay was shorter with more than 36 h difference in the S. boulardii group (4.60±1.72 vs 6.12±1.71 days, P<0.001). The mean length of ECU stay was shorter with more than 19 h difference in the probiotic group (1.20±0.4 vs 2.0±0.3 days, P<0.001). No adverse effects related to the probiotic were noted. Because treatment can shorten the duration of diarrhoea and reduce the length of ECU and hospital stay, there is likely a social and economic benefit of S. boulardii CNCM I-745 in adjunction to oral rehydration solution in acute infectious gastroenteritis in children.

A cartridge based sensor array platform for multiple coagulation measurements from plasma

This paper proposes a MEMS-based sensor array enabling multiple clot-time tests for plasma in one disposable microfluidic cartridge. The versatile LoC (Lab-on-Chip) platform technology is demonstrated here for real-time coagulation tests (activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) and Prothrombin Time (PT)). The system has a reader unit and a disposable cartridge. The reader has no electrical connections to the cartridge. This enables simple and low-cost cartridge designs and avoids reliability problems associated with electrical connections. The cartridge consists of microfluidic channels and MEMS microcantilevers placed in each channel. The microcantilevers are made of electroplated nickel. They are actuated remotely using an external electro-coil and the read-out is also conducted remotely using a laser. The phase difference between the cantilever oscillation and the coil drive is monitored in real time. During coagulation, the viscosity of the blood plasma increases resulting in a change in the phase read-out. The proposed assay was tested on human and control plasma samples for PT and aPTT measurements. PT and aPTT measurements from control plasma samples are comparable with the manufacturer's datasheet and the commercial reference device. The measurement system has an overall 7.28% and 6.33% CV for PT and aPTT, respectively. For further implementation, the microfluidic channels of the cartridge were functionalized for PT and aPTT tests by drying specific reagents in each channel. Since simultaneous PT and aPTT measurements are needed in order to properly evaluate the coagulation system, one of the most prominent features of the proposed assay is enabling parallel measurement of different coagulation parameters. Additionally, the design of the cartridge and the read-out system as well as the obtained reproducible results with 10 μl of the plasma samples suggest an opportunity for a possible point-of-care application.

Evaluation of the effect of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on bone mineral density: an observational cross-sectional study

Sixty patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and treated with either paroxetine, sertraline, or citalopram for at least 12 months were enrolled in this study, and the bone mineral density (BMD) of the patients was compared with that of 40 healthy volunteers. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy in generalized anxiety disorder was found to be related with decreased BMD values.

INTRODUCTION

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of SSRI therapy on BMD in postmenopausal women diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and to identify the effects of the duration of disease and treatment on risk factors for osteoporosis.

METHODS

Sixty patients diagnosed with GAD and treated with paroxetine, sertraline, or citalopram from the SSRI group for at least 12 months were enrolled. Social demographic features, the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS) results, and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HDS) scores of all the patients were assessed. The BMD of the patients was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at the femoral and lumbar regions. The patients were divided into three groups which are the paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram groups. The BMD of the patients was compared with that of 40 healthy volunteers.

RESULTS

The L2-L4, total lumbar vertebrae, femoral intertrochanteric, total femoral Z-scores, and femoral Ward's region T-scores of the treatment group were lower than the median T- and Z-scores of the control group (p < 0.05). Of the treatment groups, the femoral neck, trochanteric and intertrochanteric T- and Z-scores, total femoral T- and Z-scores, and femoral Ward's T- and Z-scores of the sertraline group were significantly lower than the BMD values measured at the identical regions in the paroxetine and citalopram groups (p < 0.05).There was a significant negative correlation between the duration of treatment and the BMD values.

CONCLUSION

SSRI therapy in GAD was found to be related with decreased BMD values. Further randomized controlled studies are warranted to determine whether SSRI use is a risk factor for osteoporosis; such studies should investigate these factors by performing BMD assessments before treatment.

Installation and measurement capacity of 3 × 592 GBq 241Am–Be neutron irradiation cell

In this study, the installation and measurement capacity of the neutron irradiation system are investigated. First of all an irradiation geometry enabling optimum irradiation was designed for three 241Am–Be sources each of it having 592 GBq activity. Neutron irradiation system was installed after design and optimization of the system including the design of appropriate moderator and shielding were completed. Radiation safety standards of the Neutron Research Laboratory fulfilling the requirements of national regulation were achieved with unique configuration of the shielding materials. In this study the results of qualitative and quantitative detection limits obtained for Na, Al, Cl, K, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Ru, Ag, Cd, In, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Yb, Lu, Hf, W, Pt, Au, Th and U elements by using the neutron irradiation cell comprising 3 × 592 GBq 241Am–Be isotopic neutron source are presented and discussed.

The HN method for slab albedo problem for linearly anisotropic scattering

The HN method is used to calculate the reflection and transmission coefficients for a parallel plane media with linearly anisotropic scattering. The method depends on the use of the angular distributions of the method of elementary solutions. The ortogonality relations of the singular eigenfunctions together with the values of the angular distributions at the boundaries of the given medium lead to the solution of the problem. It is shown that the method leads to concise equations and to fast converging numerical results.

The effects of different expansions of the exit distribution on the extrapolation length for linearly anisotropic scattering

HN and singular eigenfunction methods are used to determine the neutron distribution everywhere in a source-free half space with zero incident flux for a linearly anisotropic scattering kernel. The singular eigenfunction expansion of the method of elementary solutions is used. The orthogonality relations of the discrete and continuous eigenfunctions for linearly anisotropic scattering provides the determination of the expansion coefficients. Different expansions of the exit distribution are used: the expansion in powers of μ, the expansion in terms of Legendre polynomials and the expansion in powers of 1/(1 + μ). The results are compared to each other. In the second part of our work, the transport equation and the infinite medium Green function are used. The numerical results of the extrapolation length obtained for the different expansions is discussed.

Application of the HN method to radiative heat transfer for a non-conservative slab

The HN method is used to calculate the partial fluxes relevant to radiative transfer in a plane parallel medium for linearly anisotropic scattering with specularly and diffusely reflecting boundaries. The solutions are obtained for the non-conservative case. The numerical values of the heat flux functions at the boundaries of the medium are calculated for the two source functions. The numerical results and the convergence of the HN method are compared with earlier results.

Effects of strong correlations on the disorder-induced zero-bias anomaly in the extended Anderson-Hubbard model

We study the effect of strong correlations on the zero-bias anomaly (ZBA) in disordered interacting systems. We focus on the two-dimensional extended Anderson-Hubbard model (EAHM) on a square lattice. The EAHM has both on-site and nearest-neighbour interactions and randomly chosen site energies. We use a mean-field theory that incorporates strong correlations and treats the disorder potential exactly. We use a simplified atomic-limit approximation for the diagonal inelastic self-energy that becomes exact in the large-disorder limit, and the off-diagonal self-energy is treated within the Hartree-Fock approximation. The validity of these approximations is discussed in detail. We find that strong correlations have a significant effect on the ZBA at half-filling, and enhance the ZBA gap when the interaction is finite ranged.

The effects of intrathecal levobupivacaine and bupivacaine in the elderly

The objective of this study was to compare the block durations and haemodynamic effects associated with intrathecal levobupivacaine or bupivacaine in elderly patients undergoing transurethral prostate surgery. Eighty patients were prospectively randomised to receive plain 1.5 ml levobupivacaine 0.5% (group levobupivacaine) or 1.5 ml plain bupivacaine 0.5% (group bupivacaine) in combination with fentanyl 0.3 ml (15 microg) for spinal anaesthesia. The time to reach T10 and peak sensory block level, and to maximum motor block were significantly shorter in group bupivacaine compared to group levobupivacaine (p < 0.05). Peak sensory block level was also significantly higher in group bupivacaine. In group bupivacaine, mean arterial pressure was significantly lower than group levobupivacaine, starting from 10 min until 30 min after injection (p < 0.05). Hypotension and nausea were less common in group levobupivacaine than group bupivacaine (p < 0.05). Because of the better haemodynamic stability and fewer side-effects associated with levobupivacaine, it may be preferred for spinal anaesthesia in elderly patients.

On the concentration-induced growth of nonionic wormlike micelles

We present a comprehensive study of the concentration-induced growth of nonionic wormlike micelles in dilute solutions, below the overlap concentration, where we combine static and dynamic light scattering and NMR self-diffusion. The data are analyzed in detail in terms of the number-averaged contour length, assuming an exponential size distribution, as predicted by theory, and that the micellar flexibility can be described by the wormlike chain model with a certain persistence length. A very good agreement between the different experimental methods is obtained. The number-averaged contour length increases with increasing micelle volume fraction. The data are consistent with a power law, where the power law exponent is in the range 0.5-0.8, depending on the system. The result is in reasonable agreement with the theory of living polymers.

A comparative ID migraine screener study in ophthalmology, ENT and neurology out-patient clinics

Migraine is more likely to be misdiagnosed in patients with comorbid diseases. Not only primary care physicians, but also specialists might misdiagnose it due to the lack of diagnostic criteria awareness. The ID migraine test is a reliable screening instrument that may facilitate and accelerate migraine recognition. This study aimed to compare the prevalence and characteristics of migraine in a large sample of patients admitted to clinics of ophthalmology (OC), ear, nose and throat diseases (ENTC) and neurology (NC), as well as to validate the use of the ID migraine test in OC and ENTC settings. This was a multicentre (11 cites) study of out-patients admitting either to NC, ENTC or OC of the study sites during five consecutive working days within 1 week. From each of the clinics, 100 patients were planned to be recruited. All recruited patients were interviewed and those having a headache complaint received an ID migraine test and were examined for headache diagnosis by a neurologist, blinded to the ID migraine test result. A total of 2625 subjects were recruited. Only 1.3% of OC patients and 5.4% of ENTC patients have been admitted with a primary complaint of headache, whereas the percentage of NC patients suffering from headache was 37.6%. Whereas 138 patients (19.3%) in OC, 154 (17.3%) in ENTC and 347 (34%) in NC were found to be ID migraine test positive, 149 patients (20.8%) in OC, 142 (16%) in ENTC and 338 (33.1%) in NC were diagnosed with migraine. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive ratios of the ID migraine test were found to be similar in all clinics. An important fraction of the patients admitted to NC, as well as to OC and ENTC, for headache and/or other complaints were found out to have migraine by means of a simple screening test. This study validated the ID migraine test as a sensitive and specific tool in OC and ENTC, encouraging its use as a screening instrument.

Sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary: a case report

A case of a rarely occurring ovarian tumor, sclerosing stromal tumor of the ovary, in an 11-year-old girl treated laparoscopically is described.