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In this study, the effects of Sideritis trojana essential oil on memory, anxiety, and depression were investigated in rats subjected to AlCl3-induced dementia. The major constituents of S. trojana essential oil were analyzed as carvacrol (42.32%), carvone (18.69%), and α-pinene (4.54%). Rats were divided into five groups: Control, positive control (donepezil), AlCl3-only applicated, AlCl3 with 40% S. trojana essential oil applicated, and AlCl3 with 80% S. trojana essential oil applicated groups. The essential oil was administered for 30 days, after that, the rats were subjected to behavioral tests. In the forced swimming test, S. trojana essential oil application demonstrated antidepressant-like effects. In the elevated plus maze and open field tests, S. trojana essential oil application exhibited anxiolytic-like effects. Furthermore, the application of S. trojana essential oil ameliorated memory impairment induced by AlCl3 by increasing spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze test. Furthermore, S. trojana essential oil application reduced the level of malondialdehyde and increased catalase activity, demonstrating antioxidant activity. Molecular docking analyses were performed between the major compounds of S. trojana essential oil and the AMPA receptor to evaluate possible mechanisms of action leading to neuroprotection. Carvacrol, carvone, and α-pinene were shown to possess strong binding abilities to the AMPA receptor, which may result in allosteric modulation of the receptor. This study demonstrated the neuroprotective effects of S. trojana essential oil in an animal model induced by AlCl3 application, suggesting its potential protective role against central nervous system disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to determine the serum sclerostin levels in kidney transplant recipients, dialysis patients, and patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD), and evaluate their associations with carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and carotid artery plaque presence. Methods: The study groups included kidney transplant recipients (n = 61), dialysis patients (n = 43), non-dialysis CKD patients (n = 43), and healthy controls (n = 19). Serum sclerostin levels were measured by the ELISA method. All participants underwent imaging tests for the evaluations of CIMT and carotid plaque presence. Results: Serum sclerostin levels were highest in dialysis patients, followed by the non-dialysis CKD group. Kidney transplant patients and healthy controls had the lowest sclerostin levels. There was a positive correlation between CIMT and sclerostin levels in the CKD group. Sclerostin levels were significantly high in individuals with calcified plaques. Conclusion: The CIMT and serum sclerostin levels of kidney transplant recipients compared to those of CKD patients with and without dialysis may suggest that transplantation may prevent further atherosclerosis, with sclerostin levels promising a predictive role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista Cientifica de la Facultade de Veterinaria is the property of Universidad del Zulia, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper examines the nature of "asceticism" (rīyāḍat) in Sufism, revolving around the works of the 13th century Persian Sufi Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī Balkī and exploring two critical inquiries: Firstly, it seeks to determine whether Rūmī's mystical perspective on asceticism is world-rejecting or world-affirming. Secondly, it investigates potential parallels and divergences between Rūmī and Meister Eckhart's stances—specifically, through the Dominican's Sermons and Treatises—and assesses the implications for the two figures. In examining Rūmī's works, the current research primarily relies on secondary sources within the Persian intellectual tradition to provide an intracultural context. Utilizing horizontal and vertical interpretations, this study examines critical themes in Rūmī's works, such as love, detachment (zuhd), the world's deceptive nature, and seclusion. The findings reveal that Rūmī's asceticism is not "monastic" (ruhbānī); instead, it balances moderate abstinence and worldly engagement, underpinned by the Quran and the ḥadīth teachings. Rūmī and Eckhart underscore asceticism as an inner transformation rather than mere physical austerity, emphasizing inner purification, self-transcendence, and spiritual detachment as routes to divine unity. The two thinkers' teachings are catalysts for profound personal transformation and a more fulfilling life in today's world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the research was to investigate the effects of different stocking densities on fattening performance, slaughter, carcass, meat quality characteristics, and fatty acid composition in New Zealand rabbits raised in cage conditions and also determine the ideal housing frequency so that yields were not adversely affected. In the study, 36 New Zealand rabbits were used. After weaning, the fattening was started and rabbits were put into cages at different stocking densities as 1 rabbit/cage, 2 rabbits/cage, and 3 rabbits/cage. The live weight of rabbits and feed consumption data were taken every week. At the end of 8 weeks of fattening, slaughtering was carried out and slaughter weights of the rabbits were recorded. The internal organ weights and hot carcass weights were determined. After 24 h, chilled carcass weight and reference carcass weight were defined. As quality parameters of meat; pH, color, cooking loss, water holding capacity, drip loss, and fatty acid composition were determined. In the results of the study, 3 rabbits/cage group had the lowest final live weight (2353.60 g) and daily live weight gain (25.62 g) but 1 rabbit/cage group had the lowest feed conservation ratio (3.56) (p = 0.05). There were no significant differences in dressing out percentage, hot, chilled, and reference carcass weight. Head and hind part percentages were higher for 2 rabbits/cage and 3 rabbits/cage groups (p = 0.05). Stocking density had no relationship between meat quality and fatty acid composition data except b* value for the longissimus dorsi muscle measured at the 24th h and for the biceps femoris muscle measured at the 0th h (p = 0.05). In conclusion, 1 rabbit/cage and 2 rabbits/cage groups had better fattening performance values comparing the 3 rabbits/cage group because of movement area, social and hierarchical behavior between rabbits and advised for laboratory and commercial rabbit breeding for uniformity and profitability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ilahiyat Researches / Ilahiyat Tetkikleri Dergisi is the property of Ataturk University Coordinatorship of Scientific Journals and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This study investigated the relationship between psychological resilience, forgiveness, and the perception of God and their correlation. The research was conducted using the relational survey model, one of the quantitative research methods. The sample of the study consisted of adult individuals. A total of 549 people—316 women and 233 men—participated in the research. “Tendency to Forgive Scale”, “Heartland Forgiveness Scale (Self Forgiveness)”, “Brief Resilience Scale”, and “God Perception Scale” were used as data collection tools in the research. The data obtained within the scope of the research was analyzed using the SPSS (Version 25) program. The findings of the research provide evidence that the love and fear of God among women are reported to be higher than among men. The study also shows there is a positive correlation between income and love and fear of God, which means the lower the income is, the lower the fear and love of God. Marital status and age have also been reported to influence the level of forgiveness. The study demonstrates that religiosity is another factor that is positively correlated with forgiveness. The level of forgiveness is comparatively higher in individuals who identify themselves as religious; it has been found that love of God and fear of God are associated with forgiveness. It has been revealed that there is a significant relationship between psychological resilience, self-forgiveness, and God perception. In other words, self-forgiveness and positive God perception contribute to psychological resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important side effect of gentamicin (GM) is nephrotoxicity. p-Coumaric acid (PCA) is a phenolic compound that scavenges free radicals, reduces fibrosis, and tissue damage. This study investigates the protective effect of PCA on tissue damage and kidney function in gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity (GIN). Thirty-five rats were separated into five groups and each group contained seven animals: control group, ethanol group, GM group, PCA group, and GM + PCA group. At the end of the seven-day treatment, the rats were sacrificed after blood and kidney tissue samples were taken. While serum urea, creatinine, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels increased significantly in the GM group compared to the control, they showed a significant decrease in the GM + PCA group compared to the GM. Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were significantly increased in the GM group compared to the control. While the tissue total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) values of the GM group were significantly higher than the control, they showed a significant decrease in the GM + PCA group compared to the GM. In the histopathological examination, significant tubular necrosis and tubulointerstitial inflammation were detected in the proximal tubules in the GM group compared to the control, while a significant decrease was observed in the severity of these findings in the GM + PCA group compared to the GM. This study shows that PCA has biochemical and histopathological ameliorating effects on GIN in the rat model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Near East University Islamic Research Center / Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi İslam Tetkikleri Merkezi Dergisi is the property of Journal of Near East University Islamic Research Center and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease. The exact pathogenesis of NAFLD has not been fully elucidated. Tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) is a member of TNF superfamily and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases including liver inflammation and fibrosis. Current study was conducted to evaluate serum sTWEAK levels in patients with NAFLD. Material and Methods: Seventeen patients with biopsy proven non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 22 patients with simple hepatosteatosis and 30 healthy controls were included in the study and serum sTWEAK concentrations were measured using commercial ELISA kits. Results: Mean serum sTWEAK concentration was significantly lower in the NASH group when compared to the simple hepatosteatosis group and healthy controls (199.6±101.2 pg/mL, 246.1±65.7 pg/mL and 277.6±117.6 pg/mL respectively, p=0.029). ROC analyses for sTWEAK to differentiate NASH patients from healthy controls and from simple hepatosteatosis revealed that AUC for sTWEAK was 0.712 (%95 CI, 0.543-0.880). For the specified cut off value, 171.1 pg/mL positive and negative predictive values calculated were 64.3% and 85.5% respectively. Conclusion: Serum sTWEAK concentration is decreasedin patients with NASH when compared to patients with simple hepatosteatosis and healthy controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Albumin is the most important protein synthesized by the liver. Posttranscriptional changes occur in the molecular structure of albumin due to various factors and isoforms arise. Ischemic modified albumin (IMA) is one such isoform. This study was conducted to evaluate serum IMA concentrations in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related chronic liver diseases. Materials and methods: This study included 74 treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients, 25 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis, and 49 healthy controls. Serum IMA concentration was measured spectrophotometrically using the albumin cobalt binding test. Results: The mean IMA concentrations in the chronic hepatitis B group and healthy controls were 0.33 ± 0.11 ABSU and 0.27 ± 0.70 ABSU, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Mean IMA/albumin ratios (IMAR) in the chronic hepatitis B and control groups were 0.08 ± 0.04 and 0.06 ± 0.17, respectively, and the difference was also statistically significant (P < 0.001). Higher serum IMA concentrations and IMAR were detected in patients with advanced fibrosis. Conclusion: Serum IMA concentration and IMAR are increased in patients with HBV-related chronic liver diseases and IMA and IMAR are associated with the degree of liver fibrosis. IMA and IMAR may have potential use as noninvasive markers of fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Vasopressin exerts robust influences on social communication and behavior in humans. Apelin is a relatively novel neuropeptide that could counteract vasopressin's actions and has been shown to be closely related with a broad range of physiological functions. Abnormalities in vasopressin and apelin have been detected in a variety of psychiatric disorders, but their relation to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD) is unknown. In the present study, we explored the plasma levels of vasopressin and apelin-13 in children with ADHD. Methods Thirty-four children with ADHD and 36 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The severity of ADHD symptoms was assessed via Conners' Parent Rating Scale and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale. Plasma levels of vasopressin and apelin-13 were measured using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results The mean plasma apelin-13 levels were significantly higher in male children with ADHD than in male control subjects; no significant difference was found between the groups for plasma apelin-13 levels in girls or in the entire subject cohort. Plasma vasopressin levels did not show any significant differences between groups. There were no significant correlations between plasma levels of these neuropeptides and scores for Conners' Parent Rating Scale and Conners' Teacher Rating Scale. Conclusion Our results suggest a sex-specific association between plasma apelin-13 levels and ADHD. Apelin-13 may play a role in the etiopathogenesis of ADHD either with a direct impact on the apelin receptor or via its opposing effect on the vasopressinergic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The constriction of vessels due to atherosclerotic lesions causes hypoxia/ischemia and oxidative changes resulting in transformation of free albumin to ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) in the circulation and increased carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT). We investigated the reliability of IMA increase in evaluating atherosclerosis in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) compared with cIMT. Patients with FMF (n = 58) diagnosed by the Tel-Hashomer criteria in attack-free period and 38 healthy people were included in the study. Patient demographics as well as the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the healthy controls and patients with FMF were noted. The IMA levels and cIMT in patients with FMF were 0.30 ± 0.09 absorbance units (ABSUs) and 1.12 ± 0.27 mm, respectively, and in the control group, IMA levels and cIMT were 0.25 ± 0.07 ABSU and 0.74 ± 0.26 mm, respectively. The IMA levels and cIMT were significantly higher in patients with FMF than in controls (P = .020 and P < .0001, respectively). The IMA values showed positive correlation with cIMT in patients with FMF(r = .302, P = .041). Our results reveal that IMA—an oxidative stress marker—may be an indicator of atherosclerosis in patients with FMF. This finding deserves further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]