Effects of fermentation and alkalisation on the formation of endocannabinoid-like compounds in olives.

The increasing interest in endocannabinoid-like compounds (ECL) in food stems from their important physiological roles, including energy metabolism and satiety. In this study, the effect of fermentation or alkalisation on the formation of ECL compounds in table olives was investigated. N-acylethanolamines, monoacylglycerols, N-acylamino acids, and N-acylneurotransmitters were monitored. Results revealed that alkaline treatment led to a significant increase in the concentrations of N-oleoylethanolamide (80%), N-palmitoylethanolamide (93%), N-linoleoylethanolamide (51%), and 1-oleoylglycerol (679%) compared to control. While N-oleoylethanolamide, N-palmitoylethanolamide, N-linoleoylethanolamide, 1- and 2-oleoylglycerol, 1- and 2-linoleoylglycerol, and oleoylphenylalanine were initially absent or present in trace amounts, their levels significantly rose during fermentation. The formation rate of these compounds was higher in olives fermented in water than those in brine. The study provides detailed information on how specific ECL compounds respond to different processing methods, offering valuable information for optimising table olive production to enhance its nutritional benefits.

The Effect of Distant Reiki Applied to Individuals with Extremity Amputation on Pain Level and Holistic Well-Being: A Quasi-experimental Study.

BACKGROUND: Pain felt in an amputated limb is quite common. Phantom pain affects the lives of individuals in many ways and can negatively affect the holistic well-being of individuals. Distant Reiki can be used in the management of these problems. AIM: This study was conducted to examine the effect of distant Reiki applied to individuals with extremity amputation on pain level and holistic well-being. METHOD: This a quasi-experimental single group pre-test. Post-test design research was conducted between September 2022 and April 2023 and included 25 individuals with extremity amputation. Then, according to Classical Usui Reiki, distant Reiki application has been performed for 20 minutes every day for 10 days. Data were collected at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 10th day. The data were obtained using an Introductory Information Form, the Visual Analog Scale for Pain, and Holistic Well-Being Scale. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 51.32 ± 16.65 years. There was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test pain levels of the participants (p < .05) and HWBS subscale scores (p < .05). Accordingly, it was determined that after 20-minute distant Reiki sessions for 10 consecutive days, the pain levels of the individuals were significantly reduced and their holistic well-being improved. CONCLUSION: Distant Reiki has been found to be easy to administer, inexpensive, non-pharmacological, and appropriate for independent nursing practice to be effective in reducing phantom pain levels and increasing holistic well-being in people with limb amputation.

Nursing students' metaphorical perceptions of sexuality in older people: An example of metaphor analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aims to describe the metaphorical perceptions of nursing students towards sexuality in older people through metaphor. BACKGROUND: Age-related changes and health problems can adversely affect sexual functions. Sexuality is a basic physiological need that continues throughout life and it is important to eliminate the problems related to sexual life that occur in old age. Determining the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students, who will be health professionals of the future, towards sexuality in older people can make a significant contribution to providing holistic health care to older individuals. Therefore, it is important to determine the knowledge and attitudes of nursing students about the sexuality of older people to improve their professional competence. DESIGN: This study was conducted with metaphor analysis technique based on phenomenological method. METHOD: This study was conducted in a total of 222 nursing students. The study data were collected between January and February 2022 with a questionnaire form prepared by the researchers. In the first part of the questionnaire, questions about socio-demographic characteristics were included, and in the second part, the sentence "sexuality in older people is like., because." was included to determine the metaphors developed by the students about sexuality in older people. These handwritten writings of the students were used as the main data source in this study. Content analysis was used to evaluate the metaphors. RESULTS: In this study, students produced a total of 222 valid metaphors related to the concept of sexuality in older people. The metaphors revealing the students' perceptions of the concept of sexuality in older people were grouped under 5 categories; "Category related to slowing down and regression", "Category related to need or normal", "Category related to not possible", "Category related to the feeling of love, compassion and friendship" and "Unnecessary, unimportant or should not be category". In the study, it was determined that the category in which the most metaphors were generated was "related to slowing down and regression". CONCLUSION: In the study, nursing students provided metaphors containing both positive and negative concepts related to sexuality in older people. However, most the metaphors generated contain negative concepts. To support nursing students' positive attitudes towards sexuality in older people, to change their negative attitudes, and to increase their knowledge and awareness, it is proposed to incorporate courses on sexuality in older people into the nursing curriculum and to include sexuality in older people in courses on sexuality.

Evaluation of the attitude and knowledge level of dentistry undergraduate and specialist students towards epilepsy patients.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research, which was carried out at a faculty of Dentistry situated in Turkey, was to assess the differences in awareness, knowledge, and attitudes about epilepsy among preclinical and clinical undergraduate students as well as speciality students. Moreover, this study seeks to ascertain the adequacy of the curriculum and clinical training provided to dental students in the context of managing patients with epilepsy. The aim is to ensure a full grasp of the subject matter and the development of practical skills. MATERIAL-METHOD: At order to facilitate the research done at the Faculty of Dentistry at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, Turkey, a comprehensive questionnaire including eight sections and a total of 60 questions was distributed to students at various stages of their dental education, including preclinical, clinical, and speciality students. RESULT: The present study used a descriptive, cross-sectional methodology, including a total of 477 participants from various sections (preclinical, clinical, and speciality) within the Faculty of Dentistry at Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University. When examining the overall understanding of epilepsy, a statistically significant difference was discovered across the various groups. It is noteworthy that a substantial proportion (68.4 %) of students specializing in a particular field displayed a high level of knowledge, which is in stark contrast to the percentages of clinical (40.5 %) and preclinical (29.4 %) students who exhibited similar levels of understanding. CONCLUSION: This study conducted at a dental college in Turkey revealed a discernible gradient of knowledge, with speciality students exhibiting the greatest degree of knowledge, followed by clinical students, and subsequently preclinical students. In clinical settings, it was observed that students generally had a favorable disposition while interacting with individuals afflicted with epilepsy. Nevertheless, there was a prevailing sentiment of insufficient preparation and instruction. Hence, it is feasible to augment instructional lectures via the use of problem-based or simulation-based learning frameworks.

Determination of endocannabinoids in fermented foods of animal and plant origin by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

An analytical method was developed for the determination of endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds using ultra high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in fermented food products. Extraction optimization and method validation were carried out to detect 36 endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds including N-acylethanolamines, N-acylamino acids, N-acylneurotransmitters, monoacylglycerols and primary fatty acid amides using 7 isotope labelled internal standards in foods. The method was able to detect precisely these compounds with good linearity (R2 > 0.982), reproducibility (0.1-14.4%), repeatability (0.3-18.4%), recovery (>67%) and high sensitivity. The limit of detection ranged between 0.01 and 4.30 ng/mL, and of quantitation between 0.02 and 14.2 ng/mL. Fermented sausage and cheese as animal-origin fermented foods and cocoa powder as plant-origin fermented foods were found to be rich in endocannabinoids and endocannabinoid-like compounds. N-Acylamino acids and N-acylneurotransmitters detected for the first time in fermented foods will provide important preliminary information for future studies.

The effect of model-based telephone counseling on HbA1c and self-management for individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: This study was conducted to examine the effect of telephone counseling based on the Information, Motivation, Behavioral Skills (IMB) Model on HbA1c and self-management in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: This study was conducted between January 2019 and September 2019 with a total of 63 (31 interventions, 32 controls) T2DM patients. The intervention group was followed-up for a total of 12 weeks, after 45-60 min of patient training based on IMB, a weekly reminder message and a phone call every two weeks. No intervention was made to the control group. Data were collected at the beginning of the study and at the end of the 12th week. The data were obtained using a Patient Information Form, the Type 2 Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale, the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ), the Perceived Diabetes Self Management Scale (PDSMS) and glycemic control (HbA1c). RESULTS: Participants were on average 54 years old and the majority were female (58.1%). According to the results of the covariance analysis (ANCOVA), there was a statistically significant difference between the pre-post-test HbA1c (F:13.589; p < 0.001), weight (F:32.176; p < 0.001) and systolic blood pressure (F:7.109; p = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in diastolic blood pressure between the intervention and control groups (F:2.686; p = 0.106). Also, after three months of follow-up, self-efficacy (F:26.632; p < 0.001), self-management (F:44.487; p < 0.001) and self-management perceptions (F:71.132; p < 0.001) were significantly higher in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: The researchers concluded that telephone counseling based on the IMB model could be a suitable method to improve glycemic control and self-care behaviors in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Investigation of surface roughness values of various restorative materials after brushing with blue covarine containing whitening toothpaste by two different methods: AFM and profilometer.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of whitening toothpaste on the surface roughness of resin-based restorative materials by different measurement methods. Twenty four specimens from each of human enamel, a microhybrid composite and two nanohybrid composites discs (8.0 diameter × 4.0 mm thick) were divided into two groups (n = 12) according to toothbrushing solution and subjected to simulation toothbrushing (30,000 cycles) with both distilled water and whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine. Surface roughness was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), profilometer, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the data obtained were subjected to analysis. Ra values of Tescera (TES) were significantly higher than Sonicfill 2 (SF2) when brushing both toothbrushing solutions for initial or 30,000 cycles. Roughness increased for SF2 and TES when brushed for 30,000 cycles and was higher than enamel and Herculite XRV Ultra (HXU). Human enamel was obtained lower surface roughness values brushed with toothpaste compared with distilled water. Evaluation of the surface roughness of control groups using the AFM revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups, but significant differences were found using a profilometer. The use of abrasive whitening toothpaste containing blue covarine and the number of brushing cycles affect the surface properties of human enamel and the restorative material, and also, the clinical success of the restoration. Toothbrushing for 30,000 cycles increased the surface roughness of all materials. The type of toothbrushing solution partially has affected surface roughness.

Perspective on the Formation, Analysis, and Health Effects of Neuroactive Compounds in Foods.

Foods contain neuroactive compounds, such as γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, kynurenic acid, and catecholamines. Neuroactive compounds synthesized by humans have various behavioral and physiological roles. It is thus significant for future studies to investigate how diet-derived neuroactive compounds can impact human health and mood. In this perspective, we provide a background for the brief formation mechanisms of neuroactive compounds in plants and microorganisms, their concentrations in foods, and their potential health effects. Liquid chromatography approaches for the analysis of neuroactive compounds are highlighted, together with the extraction procedures. The possibilities for the design of novel foods containing neuroactive compounds are also discussed.

Investigation of the effects of interventions made according to the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold Model on the care outcomes of Alzheimer patients and their families: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the non-pharmacological methods used to reduce behavioural problems of Alzheimer's patients and the negative emotions accordingly experienced by caregivers consists of interventions performed according to the Progressively Lowered Stress Threshold (PLST) model. METHODS: This randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effect of interventions performed according to PLST on the care burden, care satisfaction, and life satisfaction of caregivers of middle and advanced stage Alzheimer's disease patients, and on the neuropsychiatric symptoms and agitation levels of these patients. The research was conducted with a total of 29 caregivers divided into intervention (15) and control (14) groups. Data were collected using an Introductory Information Form, plus the Standardised Mini-Mental State Examination, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory, Carer's Assessment of Satisfaction Index, and Life Satisfaction Scale. Three home visits were made to the caregivers by the researchers in the first, second, and twelfth weeks of the intervention. During the home visits, face-to-face training was given as necessary to the individual caring for problems identified in the nursing care plan according to PLST. RESULTS: As a result of the PLST training, there was a decrease in the behavioural problems of Alzheimer's patients, along with a decrease in the care burden of the caregivers and an increase in their care satisfaction. When the scale total scores of the individuals in the intervention and control groups were compared, it was found that only caregivers' care satisfaction increased at a statistically significant level (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: At the end of the training given according to PLST, it was found that behavioural problems of Alzheimer's patients and the care burden of caregivers had decreased, and the care satisfaction of caregivers increased. It is recommended that Alzheimer's patients and their caregivers be given training and interventions according to PLST.

Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on adaptation to old age and quality of life among older people in a nursing home: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Changes occurring in the aging process, the presence of decline in physical and cognitive functions, and the limitations of participation in activities affect adaptation to old age and the quality of life. This study aimed to examine the effect of progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) exercises on adaptation to old age and the quality of life of older people. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial design was used. The sample consisted of 45 older residents (21 intervention subjects, 24 controls) from a nursing home in a city of Turkey. The intervention group received progressive muscle-relaxation sessions twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the control group received routine care. All PMR exercises were led by the researcher. All participants were evaluated at baseline and after 8 weeks using the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly and the Nottingham Health Profile. RESULTS: As a result of PMR exercises performed for 8 weeks, the Assessment Scale of Adaptation Difficulty for the Elderly and Nottingham Health Profile total mean scores of the intervention group improved significantly (P < 0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed, however, when comparing the intervention and control groups in terms of the level of adjustment to old age and health-related quality of life, either at baseline or following the intervention (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that progressive muscle relaxation can increase adaptation to old age and the quality of life and of older people in a nursing home.

The Effect of Doll Therapy on Agitation and Cognitive State in Institutionalized Patients With Moderate-to-Severe Dementia: A Randomized Controlled Study.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT04120103 Retrospectively registered on 8 April 2019.

Formation of amino acid derivatives in white and red wines during fermentation: Effects of non-Saccharomyces yeasts and Oenococcus oeni.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of commercial non-Saccharomyces yeasts and Oenococcus oeni on the formation of amino acid derivatives, some of which have neuroactive properties, during fermentation in laboratory-scale processing of white and red wines. Changes in the content of amino acid derivatives during fermentation of large-scale white and red wines were also evaluated. The highest kynurenic, picolinic, and quinolinic acid concentrations were observed in white wine fermented with Torulaspora delbrueckii, Kluyveromyces thermotolerans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae simultaneously. No changes in the content of picolinic and kynurenic acid were observed during large-scale white wine fermentation. Tryptophan ethyl ester concentration in all wines increased significantly during alcoholic fermentation. Natural and O. oeni malolactic fermentation did not alter the content of picolinic acid, a neuroprotective compound, in red wine. The decrease in the content of tyramine, phenylethylamine, and dopamine in laboratory-scale white wines was observed during alcoholic fermentation.

The effect of back massage on physiological parameters, dyspnoea, and anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the intensive care unit: A randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the effect of back massage on physiological parameters, dyspnoea and anxiety in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving noninvasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit. DESIGN AND METHODS: This study was a randomised controlled trial. Patients in the intervention group received back massage (15 minutes) between 16.00 and 20.00 every day for four days in the intensive care unit. The control group received no intervention. The data was collected using a personal information form, Baseline Dyspnoea Index, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Physiological Parameters Chart. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant change between systolic-diastolic blood pressures, heart rates and respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and dyspnoea level of the intervention and control groups (p > .05), while there was a significant reduction in the anxiety scores of patients in the intervention group (p < .05). CONCLUSION: This study found that back massage applied in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving noninvasive mechanical ventilation was effective in decreasing anxiety. Back massage is a low-cost intervention with benefits for patients, and it may be a useful intervention in the anxiety management of intensive care patients.

The effect of spiritual well-being on adaptation to chronic illness among people with chronic illnesses.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the effect of spiritual well-being on the adaptation to chronic illness, among people with chronic illnesses. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study comprised of 466 patients hospitalized in the internal medicine clinics of internal diseases, cardiology, neurology, and chest diseases, at the training and research hospital of a university. FINDINGS: There was a significant positive relationship between spiritual well-being and adaptation and how spiritual well-being affected patients' adaptation to chronic illness. PRACTICE IMPLICATION: Study results indicated that adaptation to chronic illness increased in direct relation to an increased level of spiritual well-being, among people with chronic illnesses.

Usage of complementary and alternative medicine in women with urinary incontinence at a hospital in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a health problem that is common in women of all ages. Besides pharmacological and surgical treatments, there are lifestyle changes and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to relieve UI symptoms. This study aimed to examine lifestyle arrangements and CAM use by women with UI. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from 352 women with UI. The study sample consisted of female patients that were aged 18 and above. We asked patients whether they experienced urine leakage, and included all patients with UI in the sample regardless of UI type or severity. We collected the study data by using the personal information form and Incontinence Severity Index (ISI). RESULTS: In this study, 7.1% of women with UI used CAM while 92.9% did not. We found that only the women with mixed incontinence used CAM more (p < 0.05). The CAM techniques commonly preferred by women included prayer (48.0%), hot application (36.0%) and herbal teas (24%). While 52.2% of women stated that they benefited from CAM use, all of them (100%) stated that they experienced no side effects of CAM. The most common lifestyle changes was losing weight. CONCLUSION: Turkish women with UI had a low rate of CAM use in this study. The use of CAM was related to age and education, and women with mixed UI used CAM more.

Relationship between the nursing students' attitudes towards spiritual care and the principles of a good death.

PURPOSE: This descriptive study aims to identify the relationship between the nursing students' attitudes towards spiritual care and the principles of a good death. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 224 nursing students took part in this study. A personal data from, the "assessment scale of attitudes towards principles about dying with dignity" and the "spiritual support perception scale" were used in the data collection. FINDINGS: This study found that the nursing students' attitudes towards spiritual care and the principles of a good death were positive. As the students' attitudes towards the principles of a good death increased, their attitudes towards spiritual care also increased. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: It is recommended that the principles of a good death and spiritual care should be included in the nursing curriculum.

Neuroactive compounds in foods: Occurrence, mechanism and potential health effects.

Neuroactive compounds are synthesized by certain plants and microorganisms by undertaking different tasks, especially as a stress response. Most common neuroactive compounds in foods are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, melatonin, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, dopamine, norepinephrine, histamine, tryptamine, tyramine and ß-phenylethylamine. Fermented foods contain some of these compounds, which can affect human health and mood. Moreover, food processing such as roasting and malting alter amount and profile of neuroactive compounds in foods. In addition to plant-origin and microbially-formed neuroactive compounds in foods, these substances are also formed by gut microbiota, which is the most attractive subject to assess the interaction between gut microbiota and mental health. The discovery of microbiota-gut-brain axis calls for the investigation of the effects of diet on the formation of neuroactive compounds in the gut. Furthermore, probiotics and prebiotics are indispensable elements for the understanding of the food-mood relationship. The focus of this comprehensive review is to investigate the neuroactive compounds found naturally in foods or formed during fermentation. Their formation pathways in humans, plants and microorganisms, potential health effects, effects of diet on the formation of microbial metabolites including neuroactive compounds in the gut are discussed throughout this review. Furthermore, the importance of gut-brain axis, probiotics and prebiotics are discussed.

Kinetic evaluation of the formation of tryptophan derivatives in the kynurenine pathway during wort fermentation using Saccharomyces pastorianus and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

This study aimed to evaluate the formation of tryptophan derivatives in the kynurenine pathway during wort fermentation using a multi-response kinetic model and an empirical modified logistic model. Saccharomyces cerevisiae NCYC 88 (ale yeast) and S. pastorianus NCYC 203 (lager yeast) were used to understand the effect of fermentation type on tryptophan derivatives. According to the modified logistic model, tryptophan concentration was critical for the maximum production rate of kynurenic acid, a neuroprotective compound. The results indicated that utilization of tryptophan and kynurenic acid formation were faster in wort fermented with S. cerevisiae than with S. pastorianus. The reaction rate constants implied that the kynurenic acid formation stage was minor compared to other enzymatic reactions leading to NAD+ synthesis. Multi-response kinetic modeling of kynurenine pathway provided insights into tryptophan derivative formation, which can facilitate improved beer fermentation processing.

Investigation of serotonin, free and protein-bound tryptophan in Turkish hazelnut varieties and effect of roasting on serotonin content.

Hazelnuts and their skins are important sources of health-promoting compounds. In this study, serotonin, a neuroactive compound, and its precursor tryptophan in 14 hazelnuts, almost all hazelnut varieties in Turkey, in two consecutive harvest years were investigated. Serotonin content of hazelnut skins and the effect of roasting on the serotonin content of hazelnuts were also revealed for the first time. Serotonin and free tryptophan concentrations were determined after water extraction while an alkaline hydrolysis was performed for bound tryptophan before UPLC-MS/MS analysis. Free tryptophan ranged from 42 to 127 µg/g and bound tryptophan was between 3670 and 8904 µg/g in hazelnut varieties. Serotonin content of hazelnut varieties was ranged from 0.1 µg/g (Kalinkara) to 2.0 µg/g (Palaz). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in free, bound tryptophan, and serotonin contents of most of the hazelnut varieties depending on the harvest year. Mean serotonin content of hazelnut skins was 4 times higher than hazelnuts. Moreover, it was found that roasted hazelnuts were as valuable as raw hazelnuts in terms of their serotonin content as no significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed after roasting at 150 °C for 30 min.

Determination of serotonin in nuts and nut containing products by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

An ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of serotonin in raw and roasted nuts (almond, Brazil nut, cashew, chestnut, coconut, hazelnut, Macadamia nut, pecan, peanut, pine nut, pistachio and walnut) as well as nut products (nut containing snack bars, chocolate and spreads) for the first time. Water extraction without prior defatting was performed to leach serotonin from complex matrices of nuts. Mean recoveries ranged from 64.2 ±â€¯9.6 to 94.7 ±â€¯20.1%. Limit of detection and limit of quantification were between 0.4 and 2.3 and 1.0-7.4 ng/g, respectively. Repeatability and reproducibility values were below 2%. Serotonin content of nuts ranged from 0.05 ±â€¯0.01 (pine nut) to 155 ±â€¯57.0 µg/g (walnut) in raw nuts while it was between 0.03 ±â€¯0.00 (Macadamia nut) and 15.3 ±â€¯1.27 µg/g (pecan) in roasted nuts. Serotonin in nut products was found to range from 0.09 ±â€¯0.00 to 8.99 ±â€¯0.92 µg/g, depending on the nuts they contain.