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Psoriasis is a chronic and non-transient disease with increased epidermal proliferation in the skin. Dysregulation of the immune system is an important factor in this pathology. Inflammation markers, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and immune cells are reported to be changed in psoriasis.

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of life kinetic exercises on the performance of floor curling athletes. A total of 40 volunteer women, 20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group, residing in the city center of Gaziantep, aged between 14 and 16 and doing floor curling, participated in the study. Life kinetic exercise was applied to the experimental group for 8 weeks along with floor curling training. On the other hand, only floor curling training was applied to the control group. The data were analyzed in the SPSS package program. The normality analysis of the obtained data was done with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Paired Sample T-Test was used for the comparison of normally distributed data within groups. At the end of the study, statistically significant differences were found in the comparison of the pre-test and post-test values of the experimental group. No significant difference was found in the comparison of the pretest and posttest values of the control group. As a result, it can be said that life kinetic exercises have positive effects on individuals' quick decision making and also on sportive performance depending on this decision.

The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between pelvic floor functions and sexual functions in women with fibromyalgia. The study included 204 women with fibromyalgia, mean aged 43.43 ± 8.61 years. All patients who met the inclusion criteria and applied to the rheumatology outpatient clinic were included in the study. The study was conducted between September 2020 and June 2022. The Female Sexual Function Scale (FSFI) was used to evaluate sexual function, Pelvic Floor Distress Scale-20 (PFDI-20), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse/Incontinence Sexual Function Assessment (PSIQ-12) were used to evaluate pelvic floor problems. The relationship between sexual dysfunction and other parameters was analyzed using Spearman correlation analysis. There was a weak negative correlation between many sub-parameters of FSFI and scores of PFDI-20, PFIQ-7, PSIQ-12 (r:−0.165–−0.377 p: 0.02–0.00). According to the results of this study, sexual dysfunction was negatively affected by pelvic floor dysfunction and symptoms related to bladder, bowel, and pelvic organs in women with fibromyalgia. These results may suggest that sexual function and pelvic floor problems in women with fibromyalgia should be considered together and an approach should be planned for such problems in treatment programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: It is known that the decrease in estrogen level in women's life has negative effects on the cardiovascular system. In this study, it was aimed to elucidate the changes in the clinical status and treatment requirement of patients with heart failure (HF) during the menopausal transition period. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients followed up in the HF outpatient clinic between 2015-2020 were included in this retrospective, single-center study. Demographic data of the patients, New York Heart Association class, echocardiographic findings, routine biochemical parameters and HF signs, symptoms and therapies were examined. Data at the beginning of the menopause period and after 12 months were compared. Results: At the end of the 12-month follow-up, a statistically significant increase was found in the daily dose of furosemide (50.5 mg/day vs. 72.4 mg/day). While the mean heart rate of the patients was 80.4±20.1 beats/min at the beginning, it was 69.3±10.1 beats/min in the control visit. Echocardiographically measured left ventricular (LV) systolic diameters of the patients were significantly increased compared to baseline in the control visit (41.2±7.4 mm vs 45.8±7.0 mm,). Conclusion: The menopausal period caused an increase in the need for treatment in patients followed up with HF. Therefore, in evaluation of the patients with HF, it would be a useful approach to question the menopausal status in detail and to follow the patients more closely during the menopausal transition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the anti-HAV IgG and Anti-HAV IgM seropositivity in children aged 0-18 in Erzurum with studies in our country and other countries, and also to evaluate the effect of seasons on hepatitis A infection. Material and Methods: The study was conducted on the serum samples of 5086 patients aged 0-18 years, who were considered to have Hepatitis A or who applied with different complaints as a result of the examination of family physicians in Erzurum between 2015 and 2018. The results of these patients, obtained from Anti-HAV IgM and Anti-HAV IgG analysis by ELISA method in the Public Health Microbiology Laboratory, were evaluated retrospectively. Pearson chi-square test was used to analyze the categorical data such as gender, age and seasonal differences in anti-HAV IgM and Anti-HAV IgG positivity rates and p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Anti-HAV IgG seropositivity was 69.0% (3510/5086) and Anti-HAV IgM positivity was 0.7% (33/5063). Anti-HAV IgM was positive in 1.1% of girls and 0.1% of boys. Anti-HAV IgG positivity was 89.9%, 83.3%, 62.5% 61.9% and 74.5% in the 0-3 age group, 4-7 age group, 8-11 age group, 12-15 age group and 16-18 age groups, respectively. Anti-HAV IgM positivity was 0, 0.2%, 0.2%, 1.0%, 0.9% in the 0-3 age group, 4-7 age group, 8-11 age group, 12-15 age group and 16-18 age groups, respectively. The highest anti-HAV IgM positivity was found in November (1.7%). Conclusion: Total anti-HAV IgG seropositivity rate in our province showed many similarities with studies in Turkey and developing countries. The prevalence of anti-HAV IgM was the highest in November. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Over the past 15 years, 300 out of 6000 breeds of all farm animal species identified by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have gone extinct. Among cattle, many Podolian breeds are seriously endangered in various European areas. Podolian cattle include a group of very ancient European breeds, phenotypically close to the aurochs ancestors (Bos primigenius). The aim of the present study was to assess the genetic diversity of Podolian breeds and to reconstruct their origin. Methodology: The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control-regions of 18 Podolian breeds have been phylogenetically assessed. Nine non-Podolian breeds have been also included for comparison. Conclusion: The overall analysis clearly highlights some peculiarities in the mtDNA gene pool of some Podolian breeds. In particular, a principal component analysis point to a genetic proximity between five breeds (Chianina, Marchigiana, Maremmana, Podolica Italiana and Romagnola) reared in Central Italy and the Turkish Grey. We here propose the suggestive hypothesis of a dual ancestral contribution to the present gene pool of Podolian breeds, one deriving from Eastern European cattle; the other arising from the arrival of Middle Eastern cattle into Central Italy through a different route, perhaps by sea, ferried by Etruscan boats. The historical migration of Podolian cattle from North Eastern Europe towards Italy has not cancelled the mtDNA footprints of this previous ancient migration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PI3K signaling cascade in APCs has been recognized as an essential pathway to initiate, maintain, and resolve immune responses. In this study, we demonstrate that a cell type-specific loss of the PI3K antagonist phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) in myeloid cells renders APCs toward a regulatory phenotype. APCs deficient for PTEN exhibit reduced activation of p38 MAPK and reduced expression of T cell-polarizing cytokines. Furthermore, PTEN deficiency leads to upregulation of markers for alternative activation, such as Arginase 1, with concomitant downregulation of inducible NO synthase in APCs in vitro and in vivo. As a result, T cell polarization was dysfunctional in PTEN-/- APCs, in particular affecting the Th17 cell subset. Intriguingly, mice with cell type-specific deletions of PTEN-targeting APCs were protected from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which was accompanied by a pronounced reduction of IL-17- and IL-22-producing autoreactive T cells and reduced CNS influx of classically activated monocytes/macrophages. These observations support the notion that activation of the PI3K signaling cascade promotes regulatory APC properties and suppresses pathogenic T cell polarization, thereby reducing the clinical symptoms and pathology of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The companies, in International markets, are required to examine the attitudes and the behaviours to recognize the consumer to be able to make their products preferable under constantly growing competitive conditions. Therefore, it is of great importance to know cultural values of the customers in the country's where global brands compete and to shape ads which is one of the marketing communication tools in this direction. In this respect, knowing the cultural similarities or differences of the countries where the ads are used (such as that country's religion, language, norms and cultural values) gains importance. The consumer attitudes towards the ads change in accordance with their cultural similarities or dissimilarities and this attitude change determines the tendency of shopping. According to Geert Hofstede, social anthropologist who analyzes the cultural levels and the relationships among them the basic elements of the culture consists of symbols, heroes, rituals and values underlying them. Thorough symbols, a number of cultural values are conveyed to ads. The problem of this study which was carried out in order to determine attitude change towards the ads including cultural differences is "Is there a difference in the attitudes towards the ads including different cultural symbols? How it is distributed according to gender differences?" In this study, a qualitative research method was applied and interviewed with 20 test subject. 20 students studying in one of the universities in Turkey were selected with formal sampling, they were asked questions, and it was tried to determine the difference between the ad of Doğuş Çay-a tea brand which uses the symbols and local accent of Black sea region in Turkey in its ads- and the ad of Lipton which is an international British tea brand. At the end of the study, it was found out that sample's the attitude was positive towards ad of Doğuş Çay, not Lipton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sepsis still remains a major cause for morbidity and mortality in patients. The molecular mechanisms underlying the disease are still enigmatic. A great number of therapeutic approaches have failed and treatment strategies are limited to date. Among those few admitted for clinical intervention, intensive insulin treatment has proven to be effective in the reduction of disease related complications in critically ill patients. Insulin effectively reduces glucose levels and thereby contributes to protection. On the other hand insulin is a potent signaling pathway activator. One of those is the PI3K signaling axis. Activation of PI3K is known to limit pro-inflammatory gene expression. Here we can show that in a mouse model of insulin hypersensitivity induced by the deletion of the PI3K antagonist PTEN, specifically in hepatic tissue, significant protection is conferred in murine models of lethal endotoxemia and sepsis. Acute inflammatory responses are diminished, glucose metabolism normalized and vascular activation is reduced. Furthermore we investigated the hepatic gene expression profile of relevant anti-inflammatory genes in PTEN deficient mice and found marked upregulation of PPARγ and HO-1. We conclude from our data that insulin hypersensitivity via sustained activation of the PI3K signaling pathway exerts protective effects in acute inflammatory processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acyclovir is a synthetic guanosine analog, which is a potent and highly selective inhibitor of the DNA polymerases of several herpes viruses. Acyclovir is known as a relatively safe drug with few significant adverse effects, of which nephrotoxicity seems to be the most dreaded one. On the other hand, inflammation and phlebitis at the injection site have been reported to be the most frequent side effects of intravenous acyclovir administration. Although exceptionally rare, there have been case reports of bullous eruption occurring after intravenous acyclovir therapy, a similar of which we have also observed. Here, we present a case of localized bullous eruption and phlebitis associated with intravenous acyclovir treatment in a patient with metastatic breast cancer. Our case distinctively demonstrated two consequential juxtaposing vesiculobullous lesions and phlebitis manifesting as erythema along the course of a vein after intravenous acyclovir injection. We emphasize this hardly known side effect and importance of early recognition and appropriate management of unpredictable side effects of widely used medications. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Crude enzyme extracts were prepared from Armillaria mellea (A. mellea), Lepista nuda (L. nuda) and Hypholoma fasciculare (H. fasciculare), which were harvested from the Lişer High Plateau-Maçka (Trabzon, Turkey). The crude polyphenol oxidase (PPO) extracts from each mushroom were highly active against 4-methylcatechol. Native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, stained by L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine, showed the polyphenol oxidase potentials. The optimum pH value, for each enzyme, was 7.0. When enzyme extracts were incubated at pH 7.0 for 24h at 4°C, it was observed that L. nuda and H. fasciculare enzyme activities decreased by about 26% and 18%, respectively, but, A. mellea enzyme activity increased by about 11%. The temperature optima of A. mellea, L. nuda and H. fasciculare were, respectively, 30, 30 and 20°C. Cr3+ and Cu2+ ions inhibited each activity. Also, sodium metabisulphite and ascorbic acid were strong inhibitors of the enzyme activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of upper extremity home exercises on grip strength, range of motion, activity performance, and functionality in individuals with systemic sclerosis and to compare with patient education., Methods: A total of 46 individuals with systemic sclerosis (55.52±11.54 years) were included. Individuals were randomly assigned into intervention (n=23) and control (n=23) groups. Dynamometer, goniometer, Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Score for Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatic Affections of the Hands, and Duruoz Hand Index were used for evaluation., Results: Post-treatment, in terms of delta (Δ) values, hand grip and pinch strengths (p: 0.000-0.016), active (p: 0.000-0.032) and passive (p: 0.000-0.043) total range of motions, Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement performance and satisfaction, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Score for Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatic Affections of the Hands, and Duruoz Hand Index (p: 0.000) were in favor of the intervention group., Conclusion: Upper extremity home exercises increase grip strength, range of motion, activity performance, and functionality in patients with systemic sclerosis. We recommend that rehabilitation programs include not only hand exercises but also upper extremity exercises.

EGFR is one of the important mediators of the signaling cascade that determines key roles in various biological processes such as growth, differentiation, metabolism and apoptosis in the cell in response to external and internal stimuli. In recent years, it has been proven that although this enzyme activity is tightly regulated in normal cells, if the enzyme activity cannot be controlled, it can lead to malignancy. EGFR is also considered a prominent macromolecule in targeted cancer chemotherapy. For this purpose, a comprehensive modeling studies were conducted against EGFR protein and novel molecules containing 5-[(1 H -1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)methyl]-3 H -1,2,4-triazole-3-thione structure were suggested to be synthesized. Among the synthesized molecules, compounds 7c , 8c , 8f and 8g were determined to have significant IC 50 values. Compound 8g was found to have the IC 50 value closest to the very well-known EGFR inhibitor Gefitinib with its noncompetitive inhibition form. K i value of compound 8g was calculated as 0.00232 µM.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic was recognized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 2020. There have been significant changes in our lives due to the measures used to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dementia patients are one of the most vulnerable groups who have difficulties in adapting to this situation. Our study aimed to compare the admission rate to the hospital and dementia characteristics of dementia patients in the COVID-19 pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Methods Dementia patients admitted to the neurology outpatient clinic during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods were included in the study. In these two periods, age, gender, dementia type, stage, age of onset, mini-mental state examination, reason for admission, vitamin B12, vitamin D, folic acid levels, brain imaging, electroencephalogram results were analysed retrospectively. Dementia characteristics and vitamin levels were compared. Results Two hundred and two dementia patients were included in the study. When the reasons for admission to the hospital were examined, the number of applications with the complaint of forgetfulness was highest in the pre-COVID period (53.1%); this rate was 37.8% in the COVID period. Also, 9.5% of patients were admitted for a drug prescription or medication report during the COVID period, while this rate was 1.6% in the pre-COVID period. Brain imaging was performed on 91 patients in the pre-COVID period, while 42 patients underwent imaging in the COVID period. Conclusions Although this study was performed with a limited population, it indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic indirectly affects the clinical conditions of people living with dementia., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Morkavuk et al.)

Although FGF5 mRNA was previously found expressed in some melanoma cell lines in contrast to normal human melanocytes, neither its contribution to melanoma growth nor its expression in melanoma tissue has been investigated. Here we demonstrate that ectopic overexpression of FGF5 in human melanoma cells with low endogenous FGF5 expression increased clonogenicity and invasion but not short-term growth in vitro . Silencing of FGF5 in melanoma cells with high endogenous FGF5 expression had the opposite effect on clonogenicity. FGF overexpression led to increased signaling along the MAPK and NFAT axis but had no effect on STAT3 signaling. In an in vivo experiment in immunocompromised mice, human melanoma xenografts overexpressing FGF5 showed enhanced tumor growth, a higher Ki-67 proliferation index, decreased apoptosis and enhanced angiogenesis. Immunohistochemistry performed on a tissue microarray demonstrated FGF5 protein expression in more than 50% of samples of melanoma and benign nevi. These data suggest that FGF5 has oncogenic potential in melanoma cells and contributes to melanoma growth in a subset of patients. This highlights the importance of further evaluating FGF5 as potential biomarker and therapy target in melanoma., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Dendritic cell (DC)-mediated inflammation induced via TLRs is promoted by MAPK-activated protein kinase (MK)-2, a substrate of p38 MAPK. In this study we show an opposing role of MK2, by which it consolidates immune regulatory functions in DCs through modulation of p38, ERK1/2-MAPK, and STAT3 signaling. During primary TLR/p38 signaling, MK2 mediates the inhibition of p38 activation and positively cross-regulates ERK1/2 activity, leading to a reduction of IL-12 and IL-1α/β secretion. Consequently, MK2 impairs secondary autocrine IL-1α signaling in DCs, which further decreases the IL-1α/p38 but increases the anti-inflammatory IL-10/STAT3 signaling route. Therefore, the blockade of MK2 activity enables human and murine DCs to strengthen proinflammatory effector mechanisms by promoting IL-1α-mediated Th1 effector functions in vitro. Furthermore, MK2-deficient DCs trigger Th1 differentiation and Ag-specific cytotoxicity in vivo. Finally, wild-type mice immunized with LPS in the presence of an MK2 inhibitor strongly accumulate Th1 cells in their lymph nodes. These observations correlate with a severe clinical course in DC-specific MK2 knockout mice compared with wild-type littermates upon induction of experimental autoimmune encephalitis. Our data suggest that MK2 exerts a profound anti-inflammatory effect that prevents DCs from prolonging excessive Th1 effector T cell functions and autoimmunity., (Copyright © 2015 by The American Association of Immunologists, Inc.)

The present study investigates extracts of Neuolaena lobata, an anti-protozoan ethnomedicinal plant of the Maya, regarding its anti-neoplastic properties. Firstly, extracts of increasing polarity were tested in HL-60 cells analyzing inhibition of cell proliferation and apoptosis induction. Secondly, the most active extract was further tested in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) cell lines of human and mouse origin. The dichloromethane extract inhibited proliferation of HL-60, human and mouse ALCL cells with an IC50 of ~2.5, 3.7 and 2.4 µg/ml, respectively and arrested cells in the G2/M phase. The extract induced the checkpoint kinases Chk1 and Chk2 and perturbed the orchestrated expression of the Cdc25 family of cell cycle phosphatases which was paralleled by the activation of p53, p21 and downregulation of c-Myc. Importantly, the expression of NPM/ALK and its effector JunB were drastically decreased, which correlated with the activation of caspase 3. Subsequently also platelet derived growth factor receptor β was downregulated, which was recently shown to be transcriptionally controlled by JunB synergizing with ALK in ALCL development. We show that a traditional healing plant extract downregulates various oncogenes, induces tumor suppressors, inhibits cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis of malignant cells. The discovery of the 'Active Principle(s)' is warranted.