Effects of thymoquinone on spinal cord injury in rats.

PURPOSE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition that causes disturbances in normal sensory, motor, and autonomic functions. During SCI, damages occur such as, contusion, compression, distraction. The aim of this study was to investigate effects of the antioxidative thymoquinone on neuron and glia cells in SCI biochemically, immunohistochemically and ultrastructurally. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into Control, SCI and SCI + Thymoquinone groups. After T10- T11 laminectomy was performed, a metal weight of 15 grams was left down the spinal tube for spinal damage. Immediately after the trauma, the muscles and skin incision were sutured. Thymoquinone was given to the rats by gavage as 30mg/kg/21days. Tissues fixed in 10% formaldehyde, embedded in paraffin wax and immunstained with Caspase-9 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT-3) antibodies. Remaining were stored at -80oC for biochemistry. Frozen spinal cord tissues were placed in a phosphate buffer solution and homogenized, centrifuged then used to measure malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and Myeloperoxidase (MPO). RESULTS: In the SCI group, MDA, MPO, neuronal degeneration, vascular dilatation, inflammation, apoptotic appearance in the nucleus, loss of membrane and cristae in mitochondria, and dilatation in the endoplasmic reticulum were observed due to degeneration in the neuron structure. In the electron microscopic examination of the trauma + thymoquinone group, the membranes of the nuclei of the glial cells were thick and euchromatin, and mitochondria were shortened in length. In the SCI group, pyknosis and apoptotic changes were observed in neuronal structures and nuclei of glia cells in the substantia grisea and substantia alba region, along with positive Caspase-9 activity. An increase in Caspase-9 activity was observed in endothelial cells in blood vessels. In the SCI + thymoquinone group, Caspase-9 expression was positive in some of the cells in the ependymal canal while the cuboidal cells showed a negative Caspase-9 reaction in the majority. A few degenerated neurons in the substantia grisea region showed a positive reaction with Caspase-9. In SCI group, pSTAT-3 expression was positive in degenerated ependymal cells, neuronal structures, and glia cells. pSTAT-3 expression was positive in the endothelium and surrounding aggregated cells of the enlarged blood vessels. In the SCI+ thymoquinone group, pSTAT-3 expression was negative in most of the bipolar and multipolar neuron structures and glial cells in ependymal cells, enlarged blood vessel endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: It has been thought that thymoquinone application in spinal cord injuries may be an antioxidant that can be recommended as an alternative treatment in suppressing the apoptosis of neural cells by significantly reducing the inflammation process.

Outcomes of the Surgical Treatment of Periprosthetic Fractures Around the Knee with Locking Plates: A Single Centre Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment options for periprosthetic fractures (PPF) include internal fixation with plate, intramedullary nailing and revision arthroplasty. We aimed at evaluating the surgical outcomes of patients who we had treated PPF with locking compression plates (LCP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with PPF after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between 2009 and 2016 were included in to the study. Knee Society Knee Scoring System (KSKSS) was used in the evaluation of radiologic and functional outcomes. There were periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures in 15 patients, and that of tibial fractures in 5 patients. For internal fixation, locking compression plate was preferred. RESULTS: The mean age was 69 (range 61 to 78) years and the mean follow-up period was 72.25 (range 24 to 110) months. Union was achieved by 15.8 weeks in all the cases. Superficial infection and implant fracture were each seen in two patients. Revision operations were done to those patients with implant fracture. Mean KSKSS was 81.4 (75-87) and the mean functional score was 78.75 (75-85). Degenerative osteoarthritis patients were found to have higher age values than post-traumatic osteoarthritis patients (p = 0.001). When the union times were compared, it was found that the degenerative osteoarthritis patient group had a significantly shorter union than the post-traumatic osteoarthritis patient group (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Internal fixation with LCP is an effective treatment method in managing of PPF for patients with good bone stock. Rigid fixation should be done with the right surgical technique and an early movement must be initiated so that a good function can be achieved.

Outcomes of the Surgical Treatment of Periprosthetic Fractures Around the Knee with Locking Plates: A Single Centre Experience

@#Introduction: Surgical treatment options for periprosthetic fractures (PPF) include internal fixation with plate, intramedullary nailing and revision arthroplasty. We aimed at evaluating the surgical outcomes of patients who we had treated PPF with locking compression plates (LCP). Materials and methods: Twenty patients with PPF after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between 2009 and 2016 were included in to the study. Knee Society Knee Scoring System (KSKSS) was used in the evaluation of radiologic and functional outcomes. There were periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fractures in 15 patients, and that of tibial fractures in 5 patients. For internal fixation, locking compression plate was preferred. Results: The mean age was 69 (range 61 to 78) years and the mean follow-up period was 72.25 (range 24 to 110) months. Union was achieved by 15.8 weeks in all the cases. Superficial infection and implant fracture were each seen in two patients. Revision operations were done to those patients with implant fracture. Mean KSKSS was 81.4 (75-87) and the mean functional score was 78.75 (75-85). Degenerative osteoarthritis patients were found to have higher age values than post-traumatic osteoarthritis patients (p = 0.001). When the union times were compared, it was found that the degenerative osteoarthritis patient group had a significantly shorter union than the post-traumatic osteoarthritis patient group (p = 0.036). Conclusion: Internal fixation with LCP is an effective treatment method in managing of PPF for patients with good bone stock. Rigid fixation should be done with the right surgical technique and an early movement must be initiated so that a good function can be achieved.

An investigation of the effects of the mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, platelet/lymphocyte ratio, and platelet counts on mortality in patents with sepsis who applied to the emergency department.

AIM: The aim of this study is to examine the role of the mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and platelet values for predicting mortality in patients with sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study, involving patients 18 years and above who were diagnosed with sepsis. Blood samples were analyzed for platelets characteristics (counts, MPV, PDW, and PLR). The patients were separated into two groups namely the survivors and deceased. The two groups' MPV, PDW, PLR, and platelet counts which were considered to have an effect on mortality, were compared. RESULTS: Three hundred and thirty patients who were diagnosed with sepsis in our emergency department and complying with the study participation criteria were studied retrospectively. Comparison of the MPV, PDW, PLR, and platelet counts of the deceased and survivors showed that the MPV, PDW, and PLR were higher in the deceased while the platelet counts were higher in the survivors. CONCLUSION: The low number of platelets in patients with sepsis at the moment of application and the high PDW and PLR values are valuable for predicting a high mortality.

How safe is the use of herbal weight-loss products sold over the internet?

BACKGROUND: In recent years, the use of herbal weight-loss products sold over the Internet has rapidly increased; however, the safety of these products has not been well documented yet. More importantly, the declared ingredients in these products could be different than the marketed contents. METHODS: Nine different herbal weight-loss products sold over the Internet were obtained. The ingredients of each product were analyzed in the Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and the Scientific and Technological Research Laboratory of Inonu University. RESULTS: Although all studied weight-loss products were presented as pure herbal, three of them contain sibutramine, three contain caffeine, and three contain caffeine + temazepam. The amount of sibutramine in each capsule was found to be over 10 mg. We analyzed toxic and trace element levels of nine herbal products and found that these herbal products, even in low amounts, contain Pb, Al, Ni, and Ba. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that herbal weight-loss products available without prescription and claimed to be purely herbal may contain pharmaceutical substances like sibutramine or temazepam in high doses. Moreover, they also may become contaminated with toxic metals. Since people commonly use these products unaware of its real constituents and without the suggestion or control of a physician, they might cause various health problems some of which might be harmful. Strict legal rules and control mechanisms must be established to minimize their possible harmful effects.

Effects of nucleoside analogues on liver regeneration 70% partially hepatectomized rats.

The alternatives for prophlaxis and treatment of recurrent hepatitis B virus infection have increased since new oral nucleoside analogues have become available. We conducted this experimental study to investigate the effect in the liver of these agents on the expression of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-alpha) and on proliferation index, estimated by Ki-67. Thirty male Wistar albino rats were randomized into three groups: group A (n = 10) received adefovir dipivoxil (40 mg/kg/d per gavage); group B (n = 10), lamivudine (L; 30 mg/kg/d per gavage); and group C (n = 10) did not receive any treatment and were the control group. Groups A and B were treated for 3 days. Animal treatment began on day -1. After performing 70% partial hepatectomy on day 0, all rats were sacrificed on postoperative day 2 to harvest liver tissues for histopathological examination. We stained and indexed Ki-67 and TGF-alpha immunohistochemically on the hepatectomy surface and in the parenchyma, Ki-67 and TGF-alpha indices were significantly higher in group A compared with group B (P = .001 and P = .004, respectively, and P = .003 and P = .001, respectively). When the L group was compared with the control group for results on the hepatectomy surface and the parenchyma, Ki-67 and TGF-alpha indexes were insignificantly different (P = .6 and P = .3, respectively, and P = .1 and P = .6, respectively). Based on the results of this experimental study, we concluded that Adefovir dipivoxil has greater proliferative effect on liver parenchyma and in the cut surface than does lamivudine.

Effects of training period on haemorheological variables in regularly trained footballers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of one football training period on haemorheological variables in regularly trained footballers. METHOD: Ten subjects were randomly selected from the reserve team of a football club in the Turkish Premier League. During the last week of the football season, one day before a standard training session and two days after the previous league match, venous blood samples were taken (pre-exercise). After 90 minutes of standard training, further blood samples were taken (post-exercise). Blood lactate, blood viscosity, plasma fibrinogen, blood clotting time, acid-base variables, and plasma Na+, K+, and Ca2+ were determined. RESULTS: Haemoglobin, packed cell volume, and mean corpuscular volume were all significantly decreased, whereas white blood cells and platelets were both increased after training. Blood viscosity decreased but the reduction was not significant. Blood lactate, plasma glucose, and Na+ content were significantly increased, but standard bicarbonate, actual bicarbonate, and Ca2+ were significantly decreased. Blood clotting time had shortened significantly after training. Blood viscosity was inversely correlated with plasma glucose concentration (r = -0.48 and p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: The results show that blood viscosity tends to decrease as the result of this type of training. This is due to a reduction in packed cell volume and mean corpuscular volume. The increased blood lactate does not have an adverse effect on the blood viscosity of these subjects because protective mechanisms develop with regular training throughout the season.

Clinical investigation of methotrexate in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and possible side effects of Methotrexate (MTX) treatment in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: A total of 51 patients with a diagnosis of AS according to NewYork criteria were randomly distributed into 2 groups. In Group I (n = 25) only Naproxen (1000 mg/day) and in Group II (n = 26) oral MTX (7.5 mg/week) combined with Naproxen were given for 12 months. The patients were evaluated at 3, 6, and 12 months after the start of the treatment according to a number of clinical parameters using objective and subjective variables. Data were analysed using ki-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of the values using the percent changes and difference scores with respect to pretreatment values showed significant improvement in the "global evaluation of the physician" in Group II compared to Group I while no other parameter was found to be significantly different between the two groups. Those results have led us to conclude that a combination of MTX with Naproxen did not prove to be superior to Naproxen-alone treatment in terms of statistical significance. Further trials with MTX employing larger doses and different patient populations, mainly comprised of peripheral arthritis are necessary for delineation of the role of MTX in AS treatment.

A Comparison of Safety and Efficacy of Sublingual Captopril with Sublingual Nifedipine in Hypertensive Crisis.

Sublingual nifedipine is commonly used in hypertensive crisis, however, it may result in several adverse effects such as reflex tachycardia, headache, and flushing. Research is continuing to find a new drug that has the same efficiency and fewer side effects. Sublingual captopril, a new preparation of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, lowers blood pressure. It is not known whether it is effective in these emergent clinical settings. Therefore we designed a randomized, double-blind study to compare the efficacy and safety of those two drugs in hypertensive crisis. Eighty patients (32 male and 48 female) with hypertensive crisis were included in the study; their mean age was 43.4 +/- 7.9 years. Nifedipine 10 mg was given sublingually to 34 and captopril 25 mg to 46 patients randomly. There was no difference between the two drugs with respect to their antihypertensive effect. Heart rate significantly dropped (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) in the patients taking captopril, but no changes were observed in the patients taking nifedipine. Twenty-three of 34 patients taking nifedipine encountered adverse effects. Adverse effects were observed in only three patients taking captopril (p < 0.001). Sublingual captopril is as effective as and has less side effects than sublingual nifedipine. Because sublingual captopril has fewer side effects, it may be safer than nifedipine in the treatment of hypertensive crisis.http://link.springer-ny.com/link/service/journals/00547/bibs/8n3p147.html

Comparison of tear lactate dehydrogenase activities of different types of contact lens wearers and normal control group.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities in the tears of patients wearing different types of contact lenses with each other and to individuals who have never worn contact lenses (controls). METHODS: Tear LDH activities were determined in 13 normal subjects who had never worn contact lenses, 12 daily wear and ten extended wear soft contact lens wearers, and 14 daily wear and eight extended wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lens wearers(Dk125). Tear samples were collected from all subjects at the same time of day from the inferior meniscus by using a microcapillary tube. The measurements were determined using a Sigma diagnostic LDH reagent and a spectrophotometer. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in the LDH activities between soft and RGP contact lenses--used either as daily or extended wear--when compared with each other. However, individuals wearing extended wear soft contact lenses had significantly higher tear LDH activities than the control group. CONCLUSION: Tear LDH activity may be a useful method in evaluating the physiologic response of extended soft contact lens wear.

Calcium, magnesium, and zinc status in experimental hypothyroidism.

In this study, experimental hypothyroidism was established and used to investigate possible alterations in the calcium, magnesium, and zinc homeostasis by assessing their concentration in plasma and erythrocytes. Hypothyroidism was induced by administration of methimazole an iodine blocker at a dose of 75 mg/100 g food for 3 wk. In the methimazole-induced hypothyroid state, the experimental animals showed a significant decrease in plasma zinc concentration, whereas a significant increase in plasma magnesium concentration occurred. No change was observed in plasma calcium concentration. The erythrocyte zinc and calcium concentrations were found to be increased, whereas magnesium concentration decreased. Erythrocyte magnesium concentration showed a significant positive correlation with T4 values. The study provides evidence for marked alterations in homeostatis of zinc, magnesium, and calcium.

The effects of antiepileptic drugs on serum zinc and copper levels in children.

The results of previous studies that examined serum trace metal status of epileptic patients receiving antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy were variable. We measured serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in 52 epileptic children who were treated with either carbamazepine (CBZ) or valproic acid (VPA) or with a combination of CBZ and VPA. Serum Zn levels were significantly lower in the epileptics than in the two control groups which consisted of 7 untreated epileptics and 12 normal children (p < 0.05). Combination therapy and monotherapy with CBZ increased serum Cu levels (p < 0.05). No significant alteration in serum Cu levels was observed with VPA monotherapy. Serum Zn and serum Cu concentrations of the untreated epileptics were not significantly different from those of normal controls. Our results indicate that serum trace metal homeostasis may be affected by AED therapy, but not by the convulsive disorder itself.

Effects of coronary artery diseases on haemorheological parameters and trace elements.

The effects of coronary artery diseases on haemorheological parameters (blood viscosity, erythrocyte deformability and haemoglobin level) and serum trace element (Cu,Zn) levels were investigated. Subjects were 16 male patients having coronary artery disease. Three blood samples were drawn pre-operation and at the 10th and 30th day after operation. To determine the effects of by-pass surgery on haemorheological parameters and serum trace elements, we used a centrifugal method for erythrocyte deformability, Harkness relative viscometer for blood viscosity, spectrophotometry for haemoglobin level, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry for trace elements. Parameters of coronary artery patients were compared with normal values.