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38th Congress of the Federation-of-European-Biochemical-Societies (FEBS) -- JUL 06-11, 2013 -- Saint Petersburg, RUSSIA WOS: 000325919202043 … Federat European Biochemical Soc

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effects of neural therapy, and physical therapy on level of pain, disability, quality of life, and psychological status in patients with chronic low back pain. Patients admitted to the physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic with the complaint of low back pain of at least 3 months duration. Group 1 (n=27), physical therapy (PT, hotpack, ultrasound, TENS 15 sessions), group 2 (n=33), neural therapy (NT, 1: 1 mixture of 20 mg/mL Lidocaine HCl (Jetokain simplex (R)) and saline for 5 sessions. For pain, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), for disability Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), for quality-of-life Nottingham-Health-Profile (NHP), for depression, and anxiety, Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale (HADS) were used before and after the treatment. Mean age was 47.3+/-11.32 years, symptom time was 13.78+/-11.98 months. There were no differences for demographic variables between groups. Significant improvements were detected for VAS, RMDQ, NHP-Pain, NHP-Physical activity, HADS for both of two groups after treatment. In addition to these findings, significant improvements were found for NHP-Energy, NHP-Social isolation in NT group. The differences of pre- and post-treatment values of parameters were evaluated for each group. Although there were no differences for VAS, NHP-sleep, NHP-Emotional reaction, HADS between groups, RMDQ, NHP-Pain, NHP-Physical activity, NHP-Social isolation were higher in NT than PT before treatment, the improvements for these parameters were better in NT than PT. In conclusion both of NT and PT are effective on pain, function, quality of life, anxiety, and depression in patients with chronic low back pain.

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) and assess its reliability and validity. MethodsTwo hundred and forty patients who were diagnosed by expert pain physicians in daily clinical practice and classified as having either neuropathic, nociceptive, or mixed pain for at least 3 months were enrolled in this study. After the usual translation process, the Turkish version of the PD-Q was administered to each participant twice with an interval of 48 hours. The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) and a pain visual analog scale were assessed along with the PD-Q. Chronbach's was calculated to evaluate internal consistency of the PD-Q. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to examine test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the scale with LANSS and DN4. Discriminant statisticssensitivity, specificity, Youden index, positive predictive value, negative predictive valuewere also assessed. ResultsA total of 240 patients with chronic pain, 80 patients in each neuropathic, nociceptive, and mixed pain group, were included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 54.1 years, and majority of the patients were female (52.9%). Chronbach's of the Turkish version of the PD-Q was 0.81. The test-retest reliability of the Turkish version of the PD-Q was determined as 0.98 for the total score and ranged from 0.86 to 0.99 for individual items. The Turkish version of the PD-Q was possitively and significantly corralated with LANSS (r 0.89, P

OBJECTIVES: To compare responsiveness for the two region specific questionnaires Shoulder Disability Questionnaire (SDQ) and Shoulder Pain Disability Index (SPADI) and the disease specific Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index in subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) receiving physical therapy or subacromial corticosteroid injection.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of postural stability and sleep disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Frequency of falls in the last 6 months in 48 fibromyalgia and 32 control subjects were recorded. Postural stability was assessed by static posturography device (Tetrax, Sunlight Medical Ltd., Israel). Functional assessment consisted of lower-body strength; one-leg stance test were applied to all subjects. Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), sleep quality numeric rating scale (NRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were inquired. The number of falls in the last 6 months was significantly higher in the fibromyalgia group. Mean total value of stability indexes was 201.7 ± 70.9 vs. 162.6 ± 29.6 in fibromyalgia and control subjects (p < 0.05). NRS and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were significantly higher in fibromyalgia patients. It was detected that there were significant relationships between fall risk and NRS scores (r = 0.565), and FIQ fatigue subscores (r = 0.560) (both p < 0.05). Worse postural performance and fall risk found in the fibromyalgia patients compared to controls were related with the sleep quality in the last 24 h and level of fatigue.

Bilateral injuries of the sensory branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) usually occur as a result of tight-handcuff neuropathy. In this case we aimed to present bilateral isolated cut of SBRN resulting an injury mechanism that has not been reported in the literature previously. A male twenty-four years old, a worker in a glass factory, presented to our clinic. The dorsolateral skin of his wrists were cut by breaking of the glass as a result of occupational accident and was primarily sutured in a healthcare center. The patient sought additional care after a month because of lingering numbness and pain, and surgery was planned. During surgery, scar tissue and neuroma at the cut ends of SBRN were excised, and bilateral SBRN cuts were repaired. Four weeks after operation, mild sensory deficit on the dorsal side of bilateral thumbs, and left first web space and flexion limitation on the right wrist were detected. At the 3rd month postoperative, right wrist joint range of motion was full, and sensory deficits, and hyperesthesia were decreased. The SBRN elicits the sensory innervation of the thumb dorsum and its injury does not cause important functional deficit. However because of susceptibility of SBRN to develop painful neuroma, diagnosis, treatment and follow up of isolated SBRN injury would be worthwhile for prevention of possible painful neuropathy disturbing quality of life.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the painDETECT questionnaire (PD-Q) and assess its reliability and validity. METHODS: Two hundred and forty patients who were diagnosed by expert pain physicians in daily clinical practice and classified as having either neuropathic, nociceptive, or mixed pain for at least 3 months were enrolled in this study. After the usual translation process, the Turkish version of the PD-Q was administered to each participant twice with an interval of 48 hours. The Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (LANSS), Douleur Neuropathique en 4 questions (DN4) and a pain visual analog scale were assessed along with the PD-Q. Chronbach's α was calculated to evaluate internal consistency of the PD-Q. Intraclass correlation coefficient was calculated to examine test-retest reliability. Convergent validity was assessed by correlating the scale with LANSS and DN4. Discriminant statistics-sensitivity, specificity, Youden index, positive predictive value, negative predictive value-were also assessed. RESULTS: A total of 240 patients with chronic pain, 80 patients in each neuropathic, nociceptive, and mixed pain group, were included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 54.1 years, and majority of the patients were female (52.9%). Chronbach's α of the Turkish version of the PD-Q was 0.81. The test-retest reliability of the Turkish version of the PD-Q was determined as 0.98 for the total score and ranged from 0.86 to 0.99 for individual items. The Turkish version of the PD-Q was possitively and significantly corralated with LANSS (r 0.89, P < 0.001) and DN4 (r 0.82, P < 0.001). When the two cutoff values in the original version were used, sensitivity was found 77.5% for a cutoff value ≤19, and specificity was 82.5%. Sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 67.5%, respectively, for the other cutoff value ≤12. Scores ≤12 represents a negative predictive value = 87%, and scores 19≤ represents a positive predictive value = 82%. When mixed pain patients were included in the neuropathic pain group, discriminant values were reduced as expected. CONCLUSIONS: The Turkish version of the PD-Q is a reliable and valid scale to be used to determine neuropathic component of chronic pain in Turkish patients.

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of postural stability and sleep disorders in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. Frequency of falls in the last 6 months in 48 fibromyalgia and 32 control subjects were recorded. Postural stability was assessed by static posturography device (Tetrax, Sunlight Medical Ltd., Israel). Functional assessment consisted of lower-body strength; one-leg stance test were applied to all subjects. Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), sleep quality numeric rating scale (NRS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were inquired. The number of falls in the last 6 months was significantly higher in the fibromyalgia group. Mean total value of stability indexes was 201.7 +/- 70.9 vs. 162.6 +/- 29.6 in fibromyalgia and control subjects (p < 0.05). NRS and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were significantly higher in fibromyalgia patients. It was detected that there were significant relationships between fall risk and NRS scores (r = 0.565), and FIQ fatigue subscores (r = 0.560) (both p < 0.05). Worse postural performance and fall risk found in the fibromyalgia patients compared to controls were related with the sleep quality in the last 24 h and level of fatigue.

PubMed ID: 22753752, Background: In this study, we aimed at evaluating the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of enalapril on human HL60 acute promyelocytic leukaemia cells and at clarifying the roles of signal transducers and activator of transcription proteins (STATs) on enalapril-induced cell death. Materials and Methods: Cell viability and cytotoxicity tests were conducted by Trypan blue dye exclusion and 2,3-Bis[2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulphophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium-5- carboxanilide inner salt (XTT) assays, respectively. Apoptotic analyses were performed by the AnnexinV-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) staining method and by fluorescence microscopy. Expression levels of STAT3, -5A and -5B genes were analysed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results: The results showed that enalapril reduced viability and proliferation, and induced apoptosis in HL60 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner as compared to untreated controls. The expression levels of STAT5A gene were significantly reduced in enalapril-treated HL60 cells as compared to untreated controls. Conclusion: Taken together, all data showed for the first time that enalapril has significant anticancer potential for the treatment of acute premyelocytic leukaemia.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to develop a Turkish version of the mini Osteoporosis Quality of Life Questionnaire (mini-OQLQ), and assess its reliability and validity. Material and method: Sixty-four women with postmenopausal osteoporosis were included in the study. Patients who were diagnosed with secondary osteoporosis through clinical and laboratory examinations were excluded from the study. After translation process, the Turkish version of the scale was applied to each participant twice with an interval of 2 weeks. For reliability study, internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) of mini-OQLQ total score and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. Validation study was assessed by correlating the scale with QUALEFFO 41. Results: The mean age at menopause and age of patients were 45.61 +/- 6.04 and 59.91 +/- 8.69 years, respectively. Cronbach's a of the Turkish version of the mini-OQLQ was 0.898. The test-retest reliability (ICC) of the Turkish version of the mini-OQLQ was determined as 0.81 for the total score, and ranged between 0.71 and 0.84 for individual items. In terms of validity, the Turkish version of mini-OQLQ showed significant negative correlation with QUALEFFO 41 (r = -0.756; p < 0.0001). Conclusion: The Turkish version of the mini-OQLQ was found to be reliable and valid in the evaluation of life quality of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback training and electrical stimulation therapy for rehabilitation following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. DESIGN: Randomized, prospective, controlled single-blind trial. SETTING: Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, university hospital. SUBJECTS: Forty-five patients who had undergone surgery for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were randomly divided into three groups with 15 patients in each group. INTERVENTIONS: The control group had home exercise, the second and third groups received electromyographic biofeedback training or electrical stimulation therapy to quadriceps muscle in addition to home exercise. MAIN MEASURES: The patients were evaluated for: visual analogue scale, gait velocity (m/s), time using a walking aid after surgery, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score, knee flexion-extension angle, maximum and average contraction powers of vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis muscles on the day before the operation and two and six weeks after. RESULTS: The time using a walking aid was 8.3 ± 8.0, 1.5 ± 2.5 and 4.5 ± 5.5 days, respectively, for the home exercise, electromyographic biofeedback training and electrical stimulation groups, and significantly shorter in the electromyographic biofeedback training than in the home exercise group (P < 0.017). While significant progress was detected in Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score in the second and sixth postoperative weeks compared to the preoperative within-group evaluation for each of the three groups (P < 0.017), there was significant difference in Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale in the second postoperative week in favour of electromyographic biofeedback training compared to home exercise (P < 0.017). There were significant differences in vastus medialis obliquus average and vastus lateralis maximum and average contractions in favour of electromyographic biofeedback compared to home exercise and electrical stimulation in the second postoperative week (P < 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: The addition of electromyographic biofeedback training to a conventional exercise programme following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy helps to speed up the rehabilitation process.

The Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment (POMA)-I is widely used assessment tool for evaluation of balance and gait properties. The aim of this study was to translate POMA-I to Turkish and to assess its reliability and validity. People with amputated lower extremities using prosthetics, those who underwent orthopedic surgery within the last 6 months, those dependent on wheel chairs and also bed-ridden patients, subjects with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, and illiterate people were excluded. After translation into Turkish, the Turkish version of the scale was applied on the participants at 2-week intervals. Volunteers a parts per thousand yen65 years of age were enrolled in the study. Internal consistencies of POMA subscale scores of postural balance and gait, and total score were calculated using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The Turkish version was evaluated with respect to inter- and intrarater reliability and test-retest reliability intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). For validation, Pearson's correlation coefficient between POMA and Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) was estimated. Eighty participants enrolled in the study with a mean age of 76.5 +/- 6.75 years. In the reliability evaluation of the scale, considering postural balance, gait, and total score, Cronbach's alpha coefficients were found to be 0.72, 0.83, and 0.88, respectively. ICCs were detected above 0.70 for test-retest reliability and also for interrater and intrarater reliability. In validation study POMA total score had a strong positive correlation with BBS total score (r = 0.86, p < 0.0001), and also a negative correlation with TUGT (r = -0.75, p < 0.0001). According to the results of this study, the Turkish version of the POMA-I scale has been found to be a reliable and a valid scale for elderly Turkish people.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess pain, functional status, patient satisfaction, and quality of life in patients with proximal row carpectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2007 and November 2011, demographic, clinical, and operational data, and physical therapy program of 16 patients (11 males, 5 females; mean age 41.4±16.6 years; range 19 to 77 years) with proximal row carpectomy were recorded. Pain (0-no pain, 10-severe pain), and patient satisfaction (0-not satisfied, 10-very satisfied) were assessed with visual analog scale (VAS). Wrist range of motion, and hand grip strength were evaluated. The quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Q-DASH), and Mayo wrist score were used for functional evaluation of the upper limb. Short form-36 (SF-36) was used for the evaluation of quality of life. RESULTS: Postsurgical duration was 20.6±16.4 (range; 6-56) months. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) was detected in two patients (%12.5). The mean session numbers of physical therapy were 16.7±9.4 (range; 0-30), satisfaction VAS was 8.4±2.1, rest VAS 0.8±0.9, activity VAS was 2.3±2.2, grip strength of operated side 82% of nonoperated side, Q-DASH score was 13.4±16.5 (substantially good), and Mayo wrist score was 80.0±19.4 (good). Significant improvement was detected in postoperative flexion-extension arc compared to preoperative status (p=0.001). A correlation was detected between hand grip strength percentage and session numbers of physical therapy (p=0.025, r=0.558). Relationships between quality of life-pain subscore and activity pain (p=0.001, r= -0.819), Q-DASH (p=0.003, r= -0.698), and Mayo wrist score (p=0.037, r=0.525) were detected. The presence of complication was the only independent variable for prediction of functional status in multivariate linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Increased number of physical therapy session results in improved hand grip strength following the proximal row carpectomy, while CRPS complication which can be seen after surgery affects the functional status adversely.

/0000-0003-3636-6082; kaymaz, burcin tezcanli/0000-0003-1832-1454; Avci, Cigir Biray/0000-0001-8251-4520, [No abstract available]

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of electromyographic biofeedback training and electrical stimulation therapy for rehabilitation following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy. Design: Randomized, prospective, controlled single-blind trial. Setting: Department of physical medicine and rehabilitation, university hospital. Subjects: Forty-five patients who had undergone surgery for arthroscopic partial meniscectomy were randomly divided into three groups with 15 patients in each group. Interventions: The control group had home exercise, the second and third groups received electromyographic biofeedback training or electrical stimulation therapy to quadriceps muscle in addition to home exercise. Main measures: The patients were evaluated for: visual analogue scale, gait velocity (m/s), time using a walking aid after surgery, Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score, knee flexion-extension angle, maximum and average contraction powers of vastus medialis obliquus and vastus lateralis muscles on the day before the operation and two and six weeks after. Results: The time using a walking aid was 8.38.0, 1.5 +/- 2.5 and 4.5 +/- 5.5 days, respectively, for the home exercise, electromyographic biofeedback training and electrical stimulation groups, and significantly shorter in the electromyographic biofeedback training than in the home exercise group (P < 0.017). While significant progress was detected in Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale score in the second and sixth postoperative weeks compared to the preoperative within-group evaluation for each of the three groups (P < 0.017), there was significant difference in Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale in the second postoperative week in favour of electromyographic biofeedback training compared to home exercise (P < 0.017). There were significant differences in vastus medialis obliquus average and vastus lateralis maximum and average contractions in favour of electromyographic biofeedback compared to home exercise and electrical stimulation in the second postoperative week (P < 0.017). Conclusions: The addition of electromyographic biofeedback training to a conventional exercise programme following arthroscopic partial meniscectomy helps to speed up the rehabilitation process.

The aims were to investigate how the body image is affected in fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in comparison to healthy people, as well as to explore the relationship of the body image with the level of pain, functional status, severity of depression, and quality of life (QoL). Demographic variables, symptoms of fibromyalgia, and number of fibromyalgia tender points for 51 patients with FMS and 41 control subjects were recorded. All patients were asked to mark the level of pain on visual analogue scale (VAS). Six-minute walking test was recorded for functional assessment. The impact of the disease was evaluated by fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ). All patients were asked to complete body image scale (BIS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), and short form-36 (SF-36). There were no differences between groups with regard to demographic variables (p>0.05). Mean VAS was 7.5±1.4 for the patients with FMS and 0.3±0.4 for control subjects (p

Objectives: This study aims to assess pain, functional status, patient satisfaction, and quality of life in patients with proximal row carpectomy. Patients and methods: Between December 2007 and November 2011, demographic, clinical, and operational data, and physical therapy program of 16 patients (11 males, 5 females; mean age 41.4 +/- 16.6 years; range 19 to 77 years) with proximal row carpectomy were recorded. Pain (0-no pain, 10-severe pain), and patient satisfaction (0-not satisfied, 10-very satisfied) were assessed with visual analog scale (VAS). Wrist range of motion, and hand grip strength were evaluated. The quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Q-DASH), and Mayo wrist score were used for functional evaluation of the upper limb. Short form-36 (SF-36) was used for the evaluation of quality of life. Results: Postsurgical duration was 20.6 +/- 16.4 (range; 6-56) months. Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) was detected in two patients (%12.5). The mean session numbers of physical therapy were 16.7 +/- 9.4 (range; 0-30), satisfaction VAS was 8.4 +/- 2.1, rest VAS 0.8 +/- 0.9, activity VAS was 2.3 +/- 2.2, grip strength of operated side 82% of nonoperated side, Q-DASH score was 13.4 +/- 16.5 (substantially good), and Mayo wrist score was 80.0 +/- 19.4 (good). Significant improvement was detected in postoperative flexion-extension arc compared to preoperative status (p=0.001). A correlation was detected between hand grip strength percentage and session numbers of physical therapy (p=0.025, r=0.558). Relationships between quality of life-pain subscore and activity pain (p=0.001, r = -0.819), Q-DASH (p=0.003, r = -0.698), and Mayo wrist score (p=0.037, r=0.525) were detected. The presence of complication was the only independent variable for prediction of functional status in multivariate linear regression analysis. Conclusion: Increased number of physical therapy session results in improved hand grip strength following the proximal row carpectomy, while CRPS complication which can be seen after surgery affects the functional status adversely.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) of the breast can be either primary or secondary. Both are rare diseases accounting less than 0.6% of all breast malignancies. In this study we report our experience with five cases of breast lymphoma, 3 of them being primary and 2 of them being secondary breast lymphoma, retrospectively. All patients were female with a median age of 47 years and presented with breast masses (3 in the right breast and 2 in the left). The histologic subtype showed broad spectrum, one patient had peripheral T-cell lymphoma and 4 patients had B-cell lymphomas; 2 were diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, 1 was a diffuse small B-cell lymphoma, and the last patient was a marginal zone lymphoma. Partial mastectomy was performed in 2 patients to carry out diagnosis. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy regimens were employed in 4 patients. Radiotherapy was added to other treatment modalities in 3 cases. At a median follow-up of 5 years, all patients were alive other than one who had been diagnosed with peripheral T-cell lymphoma just after pregnancy and showed resistance to the applied treatment. The treatment and the prognosis of breast lymphomas were not different from the currently indicated for nodal NHL with the same stage and histological subtype.

HASTURK SAHIN, F., T. AKTAS, H. ORAK and P. ULGER, 2011. Influence of pretreatments and different drying methods on color parameters and lycopene content of dried tomato. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci.,17: 867-881

We aimed to examine the growth suppressive effects of quercetin on acute promyelocytic and lymphoblastic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia, and to find out whether the growth suppression is related to the blocking of telomerase enzyme activity. Cytotoxic effects of quercetin were shown by trypan blue analyses. Apoptotic effects of quercetin were examined by acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining by fluorescence microscopy. The effects of quercetin on telomerase enzyme activity were shown by hTERT Quantification Kit. Our results demonstrated that quercetin has antiproliferative and apoptotic effects on T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute promyelocytic leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells. We also showed for the first time by this study that quercetin suppresses the activity of telomerase in ALL and CML cells. The results of this study show the importance of quercetin for its therapeutic potential in treatment of leukemias.

Introduction. The aim of the study was to assess reliability, validity and responsiveness of Duruoz Hand Index (DHI), which has been developed for evaluation of activity limitation in rheumatoid arthritis in patients with traumatic hand flexor tendon injuries. Material and method. Sixty-five patients older than 16 years who underwent surgical intervention after flexor tendon injuries were enrolled. Reliability was assessed by internal consistency (with Cronbach's-alpha) and test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was estimated correlating the scale with the DASH and VAS-hd. Also responsiveness was estimated using standardised response mean (SRM) and effect size (ES). Result. Mean age of the patients was 30.25 +/- 11.07 years and totally 140 fingers were evaluated. Cronbach's-alpha and ICC values of DHI were found to be 0.87 and 0.99, respectively. In validation study, highly significant correlation was detected between DHI with DASH and VAS-hd (r = 0.86, r = 0.54, p < 0.0001, respectively). SRM values and ES values (excepting workplaces subgroup score) were higher than 0.80 for total and all subgroup scores. Conclusion. DHI is a reliable, valid questionnaire to assess hand-related activity limitation in patients with traumatic hand flexor tendon injuries. Also, due to its high level responsiveness DHI can be used for assessing the clinical course of the traumatic hand flexor tendon injured patient.

Current therapy of a number of neuropsychiatric maladies has only symptomatic modality. Effective treatment of these neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), may benefit from combined gene/stem-cell approaches. In this report, mononuclear fraction of human umbilical cord blood cells (hUCBCs) were transfected by electroporation with dual plasmid constructs, simultaneously expressing vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF165) and human fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) (pBud-VEGF-FGF2). These genetically modified hUCBCs were injected retro-orbitally into presymptomatic ALS transgenic animal models ( G93A mice). Lumbar spinal cords of rodents were processed for immunofluoresent staining with antibodies against human nuclear antigen (HNA), oligodendrocyte-specific protein, S100, iba1, neuronal β3-tubulin and CD34. Co-localization of HNA and S100 was found in the spinal cord of mice after transplantation of genetically modified hUCBCs over-expressing VEGF-FGF2. Double staining in control animals treated with unmodified hUCBCs, however, revealed HNA+ cells expressing iba1 and CD34. Neuron-specific β3-tubulin or oligodendrocyte-specific protein were not expressed in hUCBCs in either control or experimental mice. These results demonstrate that genetically naïve hUCBCs may differentiate into endothelial (CD34+) and microglial (iba1+) cells; however when over-expressing VEGF-FGF2, hUCBCs transform into astrocytes (S100+). Autocrine regulation of VEGF and FGF2 on hUCBCs, signal molecules from dying motor neurons in spinal cord, as well as self-differentiating potential may provide a unique microenvironment for the transformation of hUCBCs into astrocytes that eventually serve as a source of growth factors to enhance the survive potential of surrounding cells in the diseased regions. Copyright © 2011 by the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine.

Introduction: Biocompatibility of pulp capping materials is important for successful use in dentistry. These materials should be nontoxic and permissive for proliferation and induction of odontogenic differentiation of pulp cells. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effects of enamel matrix derivative (EMD), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and calcium hydroxide-containing cement (DYCAL) on proliferation and odontogenic differentiation of human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) in which cells belonging to both pulp tissue and dental follicle exist. Methods: The 96-well plates, 24-well plates, and special chamber slides were coated with biomaterials for cell proliferation, differentiation, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Odontogenic differentiation of hTGSCs was evaluated by analyzing mRNA expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) by real-time polymerase chain reaction expression analysis, measurement of alkaline phosphatase activity, and visualization of calcium depositions by von Kossa staining. Results: Our results demonstrate that EMD is the best material in terms of inducing differentiation and proliferation of hTGSCs. DYCAL was found to be toxic to hTGSCs; however, EMD-coated DYCAL showed less toxicity. EMD-coated MTA was not efficient at inducing proliferation and differentiation. Conclusions: Pulp capping materials come in direct contact with dental pulp cells; thus, they require comprehensive evaluation of interactions between cells and biomaterials. Therefore, we cultured hTGSCs, capable of odontogenic differentiation, on pulp capping materials directly. Our results suggest that combination of capping materials with EMD would increase the quality of capping by increasing biocompatibility of capping materials. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Endodontists.

Stem cells are considered to be promising therapeutic options in many neuro-degenerative diseases and injuries to the central nervous system, including brain ischemia and spinal cord trauma. Apart from the gold standard embryonic and mesenchymal origin, human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) have also been shown to enjoy the characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and the ability to differentiate into adipo-, chondro-, osteo- and neuro-genic cells, suggesting that they might serve as potential alternatives in the cellular therapy of various maladies. Immortalization of stem cells may be useful to avoid senescence of stem cells and to increase their proliferation potential without altering their natural characteristics. This study evaluated the expression of stem cell markers, surface antigens, differentiation capacity, and karyotype of hTGSCs that have been immortalized by human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) or simian vacuolating virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen. These undying cells were also evaluated for their neuro-protective potential using an in vitro SH-SY5Y neuro-blastoma model treated with hydrogen-peroxide or doxo-rubicin. Although hTGSC-SV40 showed abnormal karyotypes, our results suggest that hTGSC-hTERT preserve their MSC characteristics, differentiation capacity and normal karyotype, and they also possess high proliferation rate and neuro-protective effects even at great passage numbers. These peculiars indicate that hTGSC-hTERT could be used as a viable model for studying adipo-, osteo-, odonto- and neuro-genesis, as well as neuro-protection of MSCs, which may serve as a springboard for potentially utilizing dental waste material in cellular therapy. © 2011 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of upper extremity problems in patients who had undergone breast cancer surgery, to compare the risk factors associated with these problems and to investigate their effects on quality of life. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty-two patients who had undergone either modified radical mastectomy or breast conserving surgery (lumpectomy) were enrolled to the study. Lymphedema, shoulder pain and restriction of shoulder motion were considered as upper extremity problems. Type of surgery, body mass index (BMI), radiotherapy, chemotherapy, disease stage and dominant hand involvement were recorded. The World Health Organisation (WHO) Quality of Life-BREF Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF-TR) was used for the assessment of quality of life. Results: Shoulder pain was the most common symptom (45.5%), followed by lymphedema (34.8%) and shoulder motion restriction (22%). No significant relation was found between lymphedema and age, type of surgery, restriction of shoulder motion, pain and dominant hand involvement. Increased BMI, treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, advanced-disease stage and lymph node involvement were associated with lymphedema (p

WOS: 000279286000003, Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a chronic myeloproliferative disease almost always caused by a genetic defect known as the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. Ph chromosome is associated with a BCR/ABL fusion gene expressed as an oncoprotein, which is generally considered as the initiator for the chronic phase of CML. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) are target-specific therapeutic agents that has successful results for obtaining complete responses for the majority of patients with this disease. Imatinib mesylate has been accepted as standard of care for the newly diagnosed chronic phase patients with CML. Although imatinib mesylate has been successful in most of patients by providing complete hematological and cytogenetical response and also major molecular response, imatinib resistance could be seen in some of the patients detected as loss of the response or never obtained optimal response. The response criteria for CML patients treated with imatinib, definition of the optimal response, suboptimal response and failure were defined and published as ELN recommendations. Dasatinib is approved for imatinib resistant and intolerant CML patients. In this report, we have presented a case with chronic phase CML who lost hematological and cytogenetical response and successfully treated with dasatinib.

The use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been shown to be promising in chronic disorders such as diabetes, Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury and brain ischemia. Recent studies revealed that human tooth germs (hTG) contain MSCs which can be easily isolated, expanded and cryo-preserved. In this report, we isolated human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) with MSC characteristics from third molar tooth germs, cryo-preserved them at -80°C for 6 months, and evaluated for their surface antigens, expression of pluri-potency associated genes, differentiation capacity, karyotype, and proliferation rate. These characteristics were compared to their non-frozen counterparts. In addition, neuro-protective effects of cryo-preserved cells on neuro-blastoma SH-SY5Y cells were also assessed after exposure to stress conditions induced by hydrogen-peroxide (oxidative stress) and paclitaxel (microtubule stabilizing mitotic inhibitor). After long term cryo-preservation hTGSCs expressed surface antigens CD29, CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD166, but not CD34, CD45 or CD133, which was typical for non-frozen hTGSCs. Cryo-preserved hTGSCs were able to differentiate into osteo-, adipo- and neuro-genic cells. They also showed normal karyotype after high number of population doublings and unchanged proliferation rate. On the other hand, cryo-preserved cells demonstrated a tendency for lower level of pluri-potency associated gene expression (nanog, oct4, sox2, klf4, c-myc) than non-frozen hTGSCs. hTGSCs conditioned media increased survival of SH-SY5Y cells exposed to oxidative stress or paclitaxel. These findings confirm that hTGSCs preserve their major characteristics and exert neuro-protection after long-term cryopreservation, suggesting that hTGSCs, harvested from young individuals and stored for possible use later as they grow old, might be employed in cellular therapy of age-related degenerative disorders. © Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

15th Annual Meeting of the European-Hematology-Association -- JUN 10-13, 2010 -- Barcelona, SPAIN, WOS: 000279051302398, European Hematol Assoc

The common drawback of many in vitro cell culture systems is the absence of appropriate micro-environment, which is formed by the combination of factors such as cell-cell contacts, extracellular matrix and paracrine regulation. Micro-environmental factors in a tumor tissue can influence physiological status of the cancer cells and their susceptibility to anticancer therapies. Interaction of cancer cells with their micro-environment and regional stem cells, therefore, is of particular interest. Development of in vitro systems which allow more accurate modeling of complex relations occurring in real tumor environments can increase efficiency of preclinical assays for screening anticancer drugs. The aim of this work was to study interactions between human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neuro-blastoma cancer SH-SY5Y cells under co-culture conditions on different coated surfaces to determine the effect of co-existence of cancer and stem cells on each cellular population under various stress conditions. We developed an efficient in vitro system for studying individual cancer and stem cell populations during co-culture using differential live fluorescent membrane labeling, and demonstrated self-organization of cancer and stem cells during co-culture on various coated surfaces. Our findings support the evidence that cancer and stem cell interactions play important roles in cellular behavior of cancer cells. These properties can be used in different fields of cancer research, tissue engineering and biotechnology. © 2010 Elsevier B.V.

Objectives This study aimed to investigate compliance with Calcium + vitamin D (CaD) therapy by patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and osteopenia Patients and methods Two hundred and thirty seven female patients who were treated for osteoporosis or osteopenia one year ago and enrolled in our clinic for management were investigated for demographic features and risk factors for osteoporosis The patients were divided Into two groups an osteoporosis group (Opo group n=171, mean age 65 0 8 4 years, range 42 to 80 years) and osteopenia group (Ope group, n=66, mean age 58 9 9 5 years, range 45 to 79 years) Their compliance with medical treatment was evaluated by asking how many days in a week they took the drugs regularly Results All patients were postmenopausal period The education level of the Opo group was significantly lower than the Ope group (p=0 016) While 90% of the Opo group was taking CaD preparation regularly and compliantly, the compliance of Ope group was 29% indicating a significant difference between the groups (p=0 001) The mean number of days of CaD intake in a year was significantly higher in the Opo group than the Ope group (339 days/year and 137 days/year respectively, p=0 001) Conclusion Although the Ope group consisted of patients i who were much younger and had higher education level compared to the Opo group, the amount of CaD preparation they took on a yearly basis was significantly lower than that of the Opo group, suggesting that the Ope group had poor compliance to the treatment The results of this study showed that patients with osteopenia, even when they have better education level, I should be enlightened about their disease and informed as sufficiently as the osteoporotic patient group about osteopenia as a disease that requires medical treatment and regular doctor control when planning medical therapy to maintain compliance with CaD therapy

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Fatty acid (FA) and RAPD profiles were used to examine phenotypic and genotypic relationships, respectively among Astragalus atrocarpus, A. campylosema subsp. campylosema, A. fumosus, A. galegiformes, A. lineatus var. jildisianus and A. trichostigma. All the taxa were separated based on the presence and composition of 33 different FAs. A set of nine FAs (14 : 0, 16 : 0, 18 : 0, 18 N alcohol, 17 : 1 iso G, 18: 1 : ?8c, C18 : 1 : ?9t alcohol, 18:2: ?6c, 19:1: ?6c) were found in all Astragalus taxa. Six of the ten decamer primers examined were selected to explore the genetic variation among the taxa tested. The RAPD results suggested that A. fumosus, A. lineatus and A. trichostigma are closely related and completely different from the rest of the taxa. Four genetically distinct groups were found among the species. High genetic variations were present among species growing wildly in eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, which may imply differences in their origin. It appears that both RAPD and FA analyses are useful for differentiation of Astragalus species.

15th Annual Meeting of the European-Hematology-Association -- JUN 10-13, 2010 -- Barcelona, SPAIN, WOS: 000279051302338, European Hematol Assoc

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate compliance with Calcium + vitamin D (CaD) therapy by patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and osteopenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty seven female patients who were treated for osteoporosis or osteopenia one year ago and enrolled in our clinic for management were investigated for demographic features and risk factors for osteoporosis. The patients were divided into two groups, an osteoporosis group (Opo group; n=171; mean age 65.0±8.4 years; range 42 to 80 years) and osteopenia group (Ope group; n=66; mean age 58.9±9.5 years; range 45 to 79 years). Their compliance with medical treatment was evaluated by asking how many days in a week they took the drugs regularly. RESULTS: All patients were postmenopausal period. The education level of the Opo group was significantly lower than the Ope group (p=0.016). While 90% of the Opo group was taking CaD preparation regularly and compliantly, the compliance of Ope group was 29%, indicating a significant difference between the groups (p=0.001). The mean number of days of CaD intake in a year was significantly higher in the Opo group than the Ope group (339 days/year and 137 days/year respectively; p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Although the Ope group consisted of patients who were much younger and had higher education level compared to the Opo group, the amount of CaD preparation they took on a yearly basis was significantly lower than that of the Opo group, suggesting that the Ope group had poor compliance to the treatment. The results of this study showed that patients with osteopenia, even when they have better education level, should be enlightened about their disease and informed as sufficiently as the osteoporotic patient group about osteopenia as a disease that requires medical treatment and regular doctor control, when planning medical therapy to maintain compliance with CaD therapy.

A number of studies have reported in the last decade that human tooth germs contain multipotent cells that give rise to dental and peri-odontal structures. The dental pulp, third molars in particular, have been shown to be a significant stem cell source. In this study, we isolated and characterized human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs) from third molars and assessed the expression of developmentally important transcription factors, such as oct4, sox2, klf4, nanog and c-myc, to determine their pluri-potency. Flow-cytometry analysis revealed that hTGSCs were positive for CD73, CD90, CD105 and CD166, but negative for CD34, CD45 and CD133, suggesting that these cells are mesenchymal-like stem cells. Under specific culture conditions, hTGSCs differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic and neurogenic cells, as well as formed tube-like structures in Matrigel assay. hTGSCs showed significant levels of expression of sox2 and c-myc messenger RNA (mRNA), and a very high level of expression of klf4 mRNA when compared with human embryonic stem cells. This study reports for the first time that hTGSCs express developmentally important transcription factors that could render hTGSCs an attractive candidate for future somatic cell re-programming studies to differentiate germs into various tissue types, such as neurons and vascular structures. In addition, these multipotential hTGSCs could be important stem cell sources for autologous transplantation. © 2010 Nature Publishing Group All rights reserved.

15th Annual Meeting of the European-Hematology-Association -- JUN 10-13, 2010 -- Barcelona, SPAIN, WOS: 000279051301540, European Hematol Assoc

14th Annual Meeting of the European-Hematology-Association, Saydam, Guray/0000-0001-8646-1673; Sahin, Fahri/0000-0001-9315-8891, [No abstract available], European Hematol Assoc

14th Annual Meeting of the European-Hematology-Association, Saydam, Guray/0000-0001-8646-1673; Sahin, Fahri/0000-0001-9315-8891, [No abstract available], European Hematol Assoc

Stem cell based therapies for cerebral ischemia (CI) utilize different cell sources including embryonic stem cells (ESCs), neural stem cells (NSCs), umbilical cord blood cells (UCBCs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and some immortalized cell lines. To date, experimental studies showed that all of these cell sources have been successful to some extent in attenuating the ischemic damage and improving functional recovery after brain injury. Bone marrow derived MSCs seem to be the most widely used and well characterized cell source, which can be also employed for autologous transplantation. Currently, there are two main theories behind the therapeutic effect of stem cell transplantation for treating CIs. The first concept is cell replacement theory in which transplanted stem cells differentiate into progenitor and specialized somatic cells to supersede dying cells. The other hypothesis is based on immuno-modulatory, neuro-protective and neuro-trophic abilities of stem cells which help reducing stroke size and increasing the recovery of behavioral functions. Recent studies focusing on alternative stem cell sources have revealed that dental stem cells (DSCs), including dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) and dental follicle cells (DFCs) possess properties of MSCs and NSCs. They differentiate into neural linage cells and some other cell types such as osteocytes, adipocytes, chondrocytes, muscle cells and hepatocytes. This review is intended to examine stem cell therapy approaches for CI and emphasize potential use of DSCs as an alternative cell source for the treatment of brain ischemia. © 2009 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.

Introduction Human dental follicle cells (HDFCs) derived from human impacted third molars (wisdom teeth) have been shown to be a significant source of adult stem cells. Generation of mesenchymal stem cell-like cells from dental follicles causes minimal surgical stress. In vitro and in vivo reports showed that HDFCs can be utilized in gene and cell therapy applications which make them an attractive alternative source for different gene-cell therapy applications. However, there are currently no systematic comparative studies on transfection potential of HDFC cells using different chemical and electro-poration techniques. Methods Stem cells from impacted third tooth molars were isolated, and analyzed for expression of surface markers. Transfection efficiencies of four commercially available transfection reagents (Transfast, Escort V, Superfect and FuGene HD) and electro-poration on isolated stem cells were compared. Results Isolated HDFCs were stained positive for CD105, CD90, CD73, CD166, and negative for CD34, CD45, and CD133. Among the chemical transfection reagents used in this study, FuGene HD was the most efficient in transfecting HDFCs, even in the presence of 10% serum. Conclusion Electro-poration of HDFCs yield relatively high transfection rates and cell viability when compared to chemical transfection techniques. Our observations might be useful for developing gene and cell therapy applications using dental follicle stem cells. © 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

WOS: 000262561000019 In order to assess the potential use of fatty acids and their derivatives as alternatives to the regionally banned antibiotics, the bacteriocidal and cytotoxic effects of caproic (hexanoic) and caprylic (octanoic) acids were investigated. Fatty acids at various concentrations were added to media containing Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and murine fibroblast cells. At 0.5% (w/v) concentration of hexanoic acid, both S. aureus and E. coli growth occurred, however, octanoic acid was effective on inhibition of growth of both bacteria above 1% level. At the same time octanoic acid above 0.5%, hexanoic acid above 0.25% levels inhibited mammalian cell growth. Both acids decreased the medium pH linearly with increasing concentration. Further investigation is needed to prove that they may be usable for in vivo applications.

This study was planned to investigate leptin levels under different models of nutrition and their relation with anthropometric parameters in early infancy. Sixty four infants (28 exclusively breast-fed, 15 exclusively formula-fed and 21 mixed-fed), aged 4 months were included and their leptin, insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-1), and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels were measured. Leptin, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels of the three groups here not statistically different (P>0.05). The results of our study questions the role of leptin as a link between nutritional pattern and adiposity-growth in early infancy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of 'baby-friendly hospital initiative' (BFHI) on breast feeding.In the four consecutive months after BFHI in Gazi University Hospital (November 2002-February 2003), breast feeding status until the second year of life in 297 babies, born in the same hospital was compared with the values of 258 babies born before BFHI (November 2001-February 2002).The exclusive breast feeding rate in the first 6 months was higher in the babies born after BFHI. Cox regression analysis revealed that BFHI increases the duration of breast feeding 1.5 times. At the end of the second year, cumulative rate of breast feeding was higher in the group after-BFHI (p = 0.0036).The rate of breast feeding was increased by BFHI implementation.

12th Congress of the European-Hematology-Association -- JUN 07-10, 2007 -- Vienna, AUSTRIA, WOS: 000247176901592, European Hematol Assoc