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Background and Aims: Cuscuta sp. (Dodder), known as “Ikşut”, is a parasitic herbaceous plant that negatively affects the yield and quality of cultivated crops; however, it has been used as an ancient medicinal plant for curing liver problems for centuries in the southeastern part of Turkey. The aim of this study was to investigate the total phenolic and flavonoid contents and mineral compositions of Cuscuta monogyna Vahl. subsp. monogyna Vahl. (CMM) grown on different host plants, along with their antioxidant activity, and to compare the host plant parts and their collected dodders. Methods: In this study, dodders were collected from host plants, including vineyardolive, pomegranate, green pepper, and liquorice in Turkey. The dodders were removed from their hosts before the drying process. Mineral contents were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Optical Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and phytochemical contents were identified by chromatography. The total polyphenolic compositions and antioxidant activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Results: Because of the phenolic contents in the host plants and dodders, a significant variation was observed, with values ranging from 5.175% to 35.238%.. Different plant extracts and their varied dilutions had radical scavenging activity on 2.2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl in the ranges of 57.78 - 95.87%. Variations in mineral compositions were also determined in the dodders and their host plants. Conclusion: Mutualist or semi-parasitic plant communities share many phytochemical compounds and thus have the potential to exhibit similar activities. With regard to the obtained results, the chemical composition and pharmacological activities of dodder plants are closely related to their host plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) has a typical electroencephalography (EEG) pattern of generalized 3 Hz spike and wave discharges (SWD). Focal interictal discharges were also documented in a small number of documents. The aim was to investigate the amplitudes of interictal 3 Hz SWD within the 1st second in drug-naïve CAE patients. In this way, areas with maximal electronegativity at the beginning of clinically generalized discharges will be documented. The EEG records of children with drug-naïve CAE were evaluated retrospectively by two child neurologists first for 3 Hz SWD. Then, a machine-learning model evaluated the amplitudes of 3 Hz in the 1st second of SWD. Maximum electronegativity areas were documented and classified as focal, bilateral, and generalized. One hundred and twelve 3 Hz SWD were evaluated in 11 patients. Among discharges within the 1st second, maximum electronegativity areas were documented as focal for 44 (39.2%), bilateral for 8 (7.1%), generalized for 60 (53.5%). Among focal electronegativity areas, mostly right central, left occipital and midline parietal areas were documented in 12 (10.7%), 7 (6.2%), and 6 (5.3%), respectively. Eight (7.1%) of the maximum electronegativity areas were detected bilaterally, of which 7 (6.2%) originated from the frontopolar areas. Focal maximal electronegativity areas were frequently observed in drug-naïve CAE patients, comprising approximately half of non-generalized discharges. Focal discharges might be misleading in diagnosis. Focal areas within the brain may be responsible for and contribute to absence seizures that appear bilaterally symmetrical and generalized clinically. Although its clinical implication is unknown, this warrants further study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the possibilities of pumice (light stones) as litter material in broiler production. Experimental treatments included wood shavings (WS), acidic pumice (AP), and basic pumice (BP) alone, and in combination; wood shaving + acidic pumice (WSAP) and wood shaving + basic pumice (WSBP) in a ratio of 1:1. Two trials were performed, one in summer, and the other in winter. Each trial involved 750 mixed-sex Ross (308) broilers. Also, there were 15 replicate pens with 50 broilers and a stocking density of 12.5 birds/m2 for each pen at the beginning of each trial. Performance, litter quality, carcass parameters, body and leg abnormalities, body temperature, fear and stress responses, proportional asymmetry, and some behavior expressions were investigated. The litter treatment influenced the final live body weight, litter moisture, ammonia concentration, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, breast blister, hot carcass yield, heart, liver, spleen, abdominal fat, wing and neck ratio, breast and back cleanliness, and the expression of dust bathing and foraging behaviors (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a seasonal effect on live body weight, feed conversion ratio, livability, litter pH, 42-day litter moisture, hot carcass yield, back cleanliness, footpad dermatitis, hock burn, footpad temperature, heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and expression of pecking behavior (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). It is suggested that acidic pumice stone alone or in a mixture with wood shavings could be used as a reliable litter material, alternative to wood shavings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The physiology and performance of individuals in a bee colony are directly related to the quality of nutrients available in the colony. A diet enriched with high-quality protein increases the immunity of the colony and the individual bees. In this study, we examined the effect of diets with different protein sources on dietary consumption, vitellogenin (Vg), abdominal lipid content, and hypopharyngeal gland development in adult worker bees. Our results indicate that the use of certain protein sources in bee diets can improve the parameters investigated. Honey bees play an important role in the pollination of flowering plants. When honey bee colonies are deficient in pollen, one of their main nutrients, protein supplements are required. In this study, the effects of diets with six different protein sources on the physiological characteristics of worker bees (vitellogenin (Vg), abdominal lipid content (ALC), hypopharyngeal gland (HPG)) and consumption were investigated. The protein sources of the diets (diet I, ..., diet VI) included pollen, spirulina dust (Arthrospira platensis Gomont), fresh egg yolk, lyophilized lactose-free skimmed milk powder, active fresh yeast, and ApiProtein. It was identified that consumption by worker bees was highest in the diet group supplemented with spirulina (diet II). Although there was no statistical difference regarding the Vg content in the hemolymph, numerically, the highest content was found in diet group IV (lyophilized lactose-free skimmed milk powder) (4.73 ± 0.03 ng/mL). ALC and HPG were highest in the group fed diet II. These results suggest that offering honey bees diets with certain protein sources can support their physiological traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE Osteoporosis is the systematic degeneration of the human skeleton, with consequences ranging from a reduced quality of life to mortality. Therefore, the prediction of osteoporosis reduces risks and supports patients in taking precautions. Deep-learning and specific models achieve highly accurate results using different imaging modalities. The primary purpose of this research was to develop unimodal and multimodal deep-learning-based diagnostic models to predict bone mineral loss of the lumbar vertebrae using magnetic resonance (MR) and computed tomography (CT) imaging. METHODS Patients who received both lumbar dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and MRI (n = 120) or CT (n = 100) examinations were included in this study. Unimodal and multimodal convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with dual blocks were proposed to predict osteoporosis using lumbar vertebrae MR and CT examinations in separate and combined datasets. Bone mineral density values obtained by DEXA were used as reference data. The proposed models were compared with a CNN model and six benchmark pre-trained deep-learning models. RESULTS The proposed unimodal model obtained 96.54%, 98.84%, and 96.76% balanced accuracy for MRI, CT, and combined datasets, respectively, while the multimodal model achieved 98.90% balanced accuracy in 5-fold cross-validation experiments. Furthermore, the models obtained 95.68%-97.91% accuracy with a hold-out validation dataset. In addition, comparative experiments demonstrated that the proposed models yielded superior results by providing more effective feature extraction in dual blocks to predict osteoporosis. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that osteoporosis was accurately predicted by the proposed models using both MR and CT images, and a multimodal approach improved the prediction of osteoporosis. With further research involving prospective studies with a larger number of patients, there may be an opportunity to implement these technologies into clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative peritoneal adhesions that form after abdominal surgery still continue to exist as an unresolved health problem. Aim: The aim of the study is to examine whether omega-3 fish oil has a preventive effect on postoperative peritoneal adhesions. Material and methods: Twenty-one female Wistar albino rats were separated into 3 groups (sham, control and experimental), each consisting of 7 rats. In the sham group, only laparotomy was performed. In both the control and experimental group rats, the right parietal peritoneum and cecum were traumatised to form petechiae. Following this procedure, the abdomen was irrigated with omega-3 fish oil in the experimental group. The rats were re-explored on the 14th postoperative day and any adhesions were scored. Tissue samples and blood samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical analysis. Results: None of the rats that were administered omega-3 fish oil developed macroscopic postoperative peritoneal adhesions (P = 0.005). The omega-3 fish oil formed an anti-adhesive lipid barrier on the injured tissue surfaces. Microscopic evaluation revealed diffuse inflammation with excessive connective tissue and fibroblastic activity in the control group rats, while foreign body reactions were common in the omega-3 rats. The mean amount of hydroxyproline in samples from injured tissues was significantly lower in the omega-3 rats than in the control rats (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Intraperitoneal application of omega-3 fish oil prevents postoperative peritoneal adhesions by forming an anti-adhesive lipid barrier on injured tissue surfaces. However, further studies are needed to determine whether this adipose layer is permanent or will be resorbed over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the housing environment and hen strain on the welfare and behavior of laying hens was the focus of this study. Lohmann LSL Classic (W) and Lohmann Sandy (S) were assessed under deep litter without outdoor access (DL), deep litter with access to outdoor pens covered with either Mentha piperita (MP), Petroselinum crispum (PC) or Medicago sativa (MS). Duration of tonic immobility, feather condition, footpad dermatitis, and temperatures (comb, breast region, footpad surface, and rectal) were determined at 31, 42, and 52 weeks of age. Hen's behaviors were observed at 32, 42, and 52 weeks of age. Blood parameters were assessed at 52 weeks of hen age. Duration of tonic immobility was similar between hen strains and across ages of hens (p > 0.05) but nearly reached significant levels due to the housing environment (p = 0.070). There was a significant effect of age (p < 0.001), housing environment (p < 0.001), and hen strain (p < 0.05) on total feather score. Age-related effects were observed for all the body region temperatures (p < 0.001), and only the comb and rectal temperatures differed between hen strains (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). The housing environment did not affect the body surface temperatures (p > 0.05). Blood parameters did not differ between hen strains and housing environments (p > 0.05). There was a significant effect of age, housing environment, and hen strain on the proportion of hens expressing some behaviors (p < 0.001; p < 0.05). Time of the day influenced the proportion of birds expressing wing flapping and dust bathing behaviors (p < 0.05). It was concluded that feather condition varies with the housing environment and hen strain, duration of tonic immobility may differ across housing environments, but other welfare traits remain to be refined. Also, housing environment but not strain modulates the expression of most behaviors of hens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1970s, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have gained increasing recognition in the literature, drawing the attention of numerous scientific disciplines, particularly within technical and environmental sciences. What initially began as computerized map production in the 1970s has evolved with advancements in computer processing power and capacity, supported by various software packages. This study aims to reveal the general tendencies in research studies conducted in the fields of urban planning, spatial planning, and landscape planning. To identify these trends, a bibliometric analysis was conducted by examining literature on studies published worldwide, including Türkiye. For this purpose, 2,354 research and review articles published between 1990 and 2022 and indexed in the Web of Science database were analyzed using VOSviewer software, which is suitable for scientific mapping and bibliometric analysis. The analysis focused on the most frequently published journals, highly-cited authors and countries, collaborative authorship relationships, and the most cited authors, journals, and research topics in Türkiye. As a result, it has been observed that, considering the emergence of modern GIS concepts in the late 1970s and subsequent development based on spatial data from the 1980s, studies in the fields of Urban and Regional Planning, Urban Design, and Landscape Architecture have gained momentum since the 1990s. Research establishing the relationship between GIS and planning in Türkiye has been increasing since 2004, with the primary focus of these studies being categorized into three clusters: site selection, spatial mapping, and mathematical modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) displayed cytotoxic properties against some cancer cells. However, there is very limited data about the possible antitumoral potential of them in breast cancer cells when used alone and/or together with a chemotherapeutic drug. We investigated the effects of CeONPs alone or in combination with paclitaxel (PAC) on healthy or carcinoma breast cells. After human breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) treated with CeONPs alone or together with PAC for 24, 48, and 72 h, the effects of CeONPs on cell viability, apoptosis, migration, and adhesion were investigated. All cell viability and IC50 values of CeONPs and PAC treatments in healthy breast cells (HTERT‐HME1) were higher than MCF‐7 cells. They showed higher cytotoxicity against MCF‐7 cells. CeONPs (10, 20, and 30 mM) and/or abraxane (AB) (2 μM) significantly decreased cell viability values in MCF‐7 cells. All CeONPs concentrations increased the number of apoptotic MCF‐7 cells. CeONPs (20 and 30 mM) alone or in combination with AB for 72 h treatment also significantly increased the apoptosis in compared to AB alone. CeONPs and/or AB can significantly inhibit the migratory ability of breast cancer cells. The migration rates in co‐treated groups with CeONPs and AB were lower than CeONPs treatments. Higher concentrations of CeONPs alone or together with AB inhibited cell adhesion. Our results showed CeONPs can increase cytotoxicity and apoptosis and decrease cell migration and cell adhesion when used alone or together with AB. Therefore, combination of chemotherapeutics with CeONPs may provide a good strategy against cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Duane syndrome (DS) is typically characterized by abduction and/or adduction deficiency accompanied by eyelid and ocular motility disturbances. Maldevelopment or absence of the sixth nerve has been shown to be the causative factor. The aim of the present study was to investigate static and dynamic pupillary characteristics in patients with DS and compare the results with those of healthy eyes. Materials and. Methods: Patients with unilateral isolated DS and no history of ocular surgery were enrolled in the study. Healthy subjects with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 1.0 or higher were assigned to the control group. All subjects underwent complete ophthalmological examination and pupillometry measurements (MonPack One, Vision Monitor System, Metrovision, Perenchies, France) including static and dynamic pupil evaluation. Results: A total of 74 patients (22 with DS and 52 healthy subjects) were included in the study. The mean age of the DS patients and healthy subjects was 11.05±5.19 and 12.54±4.05 years, respectively (p = 0.188). There was no difference in sex distribution (p = 0.502). Mean BCVA differed significantly between eyes with DS and healthy eyes, and between healthy eyes and the fellow eyes of DS patients (p<0.05). No significant difference was found in any static or dynamic pupillometry parameters (p>0.05 for all). Conclusion: In the light of the results of the present study, the pupil seems to be not involved in DS. Larger studies including more patients with different types of DS in different age groups or comprising patients with non-isolated DS may reveal different findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synchysis scintillans, also known as cholesterolosis bulbi, is a degenerative eye pathology characterized by the accumulation of cholesterol crystals in the vitreous. It is typically observed bilaterally but can rarely be unilateral. It can be triggered by severe trauma, chronic inflammation, chronic retinal detachment, hyphema, vitreous hemorrhage, Coats' disease, and retinoblastoma. In this report, we present a case with an uncommon association of anterior chamber synchysis scintillans and neovascular glaucoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trimetazidine, an anti-ischemic agent, can increase the use of glucose for ATP production in the cells by shifting energy metabolism from fatty acid oxidation to glucose oxidation. There is very limited research investigating the possible antitumoral potential of trimetazidine in breast cancer cells when used alone and/or together with different chemotherapeutic drugs. We investigated the effects of trimetazidine alone or in combination with abraxane on cell viability, apoptosis, and ATP levels in human breast cancer cells. The cells treated with trimetazidine (50, 100 and 250 µM) separately or together with abraxane (1 µM) for 24, 48 and 72 h. Greater cytotoxicity was observed in the combined treatment of trimetazidine + abraxane than that of abraxane used alone for 48 and 72 h. Trimetazidine alone or together with abraxane increased apoptosis rates for all treatment times but trimetazidine + abraxane induced apoptosis more than abraxane alone for 72 h. While trimetazidine increased the level of ATP at low concentration, the level of ATP decreased depending on the concentration increase. When 100 µM or 250 µM trimetazidine used with abraxane, significant decreases were found in ATP levels for longer treatments. These results indicated that co-treatment of abraxane with especially high trimetazidine concentrations and long treatment times can induce the death of breast cancer cells. A combination strategy based on trimetazidine and anticancer drugs may be more effective in the treatment of breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Van Tip Dergisi is the property of Yuzuncu Yil University, Faculty of Medicine 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.)

Copyright of Archives of Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology / Arhiv za Higijenu Rada I Toksikologiju is the property of Sciendo 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 effect of various pasture species on the welfare and behavior of slow-growing broiler chickens in the free-range production system. After 21 days completely indoors, the birds were permitted access to outdoor pens cultivated with one of the following pasture treatments: Medicago sativa (A), Trifolium repens (WC), Lolium perenne (PR), and a mixture (Mix, A + WC + PR). The range availability was restricted between 08:30 and 16:30 daily. It was found that pasture type had a significant effect on the fluctuating asymmetry of the face and radius length (P < 0.01). Duration of tonic immobility and blood parameters did not differ among the pasture species and between sexes at 11 weeks of broiler age (P > 0.05). Pasture treatment had no significant effect on broiler behaviors (P > 0.05). However, the age of broilers had a significant effect on pecking, dustbathing, and scratching (P < 0.01). Pecking behavior was affected by the time of the day; morning and afternoon (P < 0.01). Location had a significant effect on pecking and stretching behaviors (P < 0.01). In the study, dustbathing behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and age (P < 0.01), age and time of the day (P < 0.01), and location, age, and time of the day (P < 0.05). Scratching behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and time of the day (P < 0.05) and location, age and time of the day (P < 0.01). Stretching behavior was significantly affected by the interaction between location and age (P < 0.05) and location, age and time of the day (P < 0.05). It was concluded that access to the studied pasture species does not affect the evaluated welfare traits and observed behaviors. Therefore, it is suggested that other pasture species should be investigated to identify their effect on slow-growing strains in the free-range production system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the effect of Medicago sativa (A), Trifolium repens (WC), Lolium perenne (PR), and their mixture (Mix) on growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organ weights, and meat quality of slower-growing broiler chickens in a free-range production system. The animal materials comprised of mixed-sex Hubbard ISA Red JA, which were reared in the deep litter system for the first 3 weeks, and thereafter, the pop hole in each of the indoor pens was opened to allow birds access to the range containing one of the above pasture treatments. The range availability was ensured from 08:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The results indicated no significant difference in broiler live body weight, feed conversion ratio, and livability between 28 and 77 days among the pasture treatments (P > 0.05). No significant variations were observed in the carcass and internal organ weights among pasture types (P > 0.05). Additionally, while the dry matter content (P < 0.01), TBA value (P < 0.05), and fatty acid profiles differed (P < 0.01), the protein, ash, water holding capacity, and oxidation stability of broiler breast meat did not differ among pasture groups (P > 0.05). Moreover, while the values of breast meat lightness (L*) and brightness (b*) differed (P < 0.05), redness and pH did not differ between the sexes (P > 0.05). Furthermore, sex significantly affected ash, protein content (P < 0.05), and TBA value (P < 0.01) of breast meat but did not affect dry matter, water holding capacity, and peroxide value of breast meat. Also, there was a significant difference in the weight of the neck, breast, thigh, live weight, hot carcass yield, heart, liver, abdominal fat, and digestive system between sexes (P < 0.05). However, breast meat fat content and fatty acid profiles were not influenced by the sex of the broilers (P > 0.05). It was concluded that access to the studied pasture species has no effect on the growth performance traits but results in notable variations in the fatty acid profiles in broiler breast meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of quality welfare assessment protocols is a necessary step towards achieving high broiler welfare standards. Rapid growth rate and highly intensive commercial production systems have been highly associated with poor welfare indicated by mainly leg deformities, high stress levels and increased fear responses. Stress response in broilers is characterised by increased corticosterone and heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio especially under heat stress, high light intensity, high stocking density, and an unenriched environment. Rearing environment, genotypes, high light intensity and human handling highly influence fear responses as proved during tonic immobility, open field, novel enrichment, and avoidance distance tests. Lameness which is usually visually assessed by a gait score scale remains an undisputable indicator of poor welfare in broiler production due to its effects on mobility and association with pain. Other leg problems including footpad dermatitis and hock burn also remain significant and they are highly associated with fast growth, high stocking density, poor litter quality, and poor or non-enriched production systems. Litter management and good ventilation are necessary to ensure good plumage conditions, reduction in ammonia emissions thereby promoting the well-being of broilers. Generally, broilers should be motivated and able to exhibit natural behaviours without straining including feeding, drinking, walking, and stretching thereby enhancing bird health, performance, production, and consumer satisfaction. Using a systematic approach, the important welfare parameters including stress, fear response, leg problems, plumage condition, environment, and behaviour are intensively discussed to explore the latest insights of broiler chickens' welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türkiye Klinikleri Journal of Ophthalmology is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri 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.)

Copyright of Omer Halisdemir Universitesi Iktisadi ve Idari Bilimler Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Omer Halisdemir University, Faculty of Economics & Admistrative Sciene 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.)

Prostate cancer with an increased incidence in the world is one of the public health-threatening malignancy. Metastatic prostate cancer is an important cause of death in men despite of the combined use of more than one chemotherapeutic drug as well as radiotherapy and supportive treatments. Therefore, there is a need to de velop novel treatment strategies in metastatic prostate cancer patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential therapeutic effects of Rutaecarpine (RUT) on metastatic prostate cancer cells. RUT induced cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death were evaluated by WST-1, Annexin V, AO staining and ELISA assays in PC-3 human metastatic prostate cancer cell line. The viability percentage of PC-3 cells after exposing to different concentrations of RUT treatment signif icantly decreased in a time and dose dependent manner and the most effective concentrations of RUT was determined as 20 and 40 μM for 48 hours (p<0.05). Annexin V and AO staining revealed that the early and late apoptosis rate significantly increased compared to the control group (p <0.05). Additionally, the caspase -3 levels significantly increased after RUT treatment in PC-3 cells in a dose dependent manner (p<0.05). In this study, RUT exhibited a cytotoxic and apoptotic effects on PC-3 cells and therefore RUT could be a potential new therapeutic agent for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. However, the underlying mechanism of the apoptotic death caused by RUT in PC-3 cells should be further investigated through advanced analysis at molecular level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of MN Opthalmology / MN Oftalmoloji is the property of Medical Network 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.)

The quality of queen bees plays a crucial role in colony losses and overall productivity. However, there is a lack of studies utilizing commercially available queen bees with a substantial sample size. This study aims to address this research gap by assessing the quality attributes of queens sold in Türkiye and investigating the influence of season and breeds on these attributes. Anonymously obtained from 15 different queen producers across five regions in three different seasons, queens were evaluated, based on reproductive criteria. In addition to these queen producers, we also included queens from Apiculture Research Institute, in which this study was conducted. Weight features and dissection characteristics were found to be influenced by the time period and ecotypes. This study examined the average diameter of the spermatheca, with measurements of 1.148 mm in April-May, 1.109 mm in July, and 1.115 mm in September. The average overall sperm count recorded was approximately 4.086 million. It is considered that this number is adequate and could be further improved by applying elements such as optimal location selection, drone cultivation, and correct and thorough implementation of the production method. While this study revealed multiple advantages of Yığılca Ecotype queen bees, the findings did not establish a substantial advantage over other breeds to recommend their widespread usage in beekeeping enterprises. To make definitive suggestions, it is crucial to conduct similar research over multiple years and assess colony growth in regions favored by migratory beekeepers during winter. The findings of this study provide valuable information about the quality of available queens from different regions and ecotypes in different seasons, aiding beekeepers in making informed decisions when purchasing queen bees. Additionally, the research offers valuable insights for queen bee producers, assisting in the timing of queen bee rearing operations based on specific regions and ecotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to determine the effects of R&D and marketing expenditures of companies that force marketing and finance to act together on stock return, return on assets, and return on equity. To this end, the quarterly frequency data of nine companies that were continuously traded in the BIST Technology Index between March 2009 and December 2020 were examined with panel-data analysis. In line with the purpose of the research, analyzes were carried out in three different models. First of all, we determined which tests should be performed on the models based on the cross-sectional dependence, homogeneity/heterogeneity, and panel unit root test results obtained for the established models. The results of panel least squares test carried out to determine the effect of R&D and marketing expenditures on stock return showed that the effect of R&D expenditures on stock return was not statistically significant while marketing expenditures had a positive and significant effect on stock return. Analyzes should be continued with cointegration tests according to the characteristics of the two models established to determine the effect of R&D and marketing expenditures on return on assets and return on equity. The results implied a positive and significant relationship between R&D expenditures and return on both assets and equity. While no statistically significant relationship was found between marketing expenditures and return on assets, there was a positive and significant relationship between marketing expenditures and return on equity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrolein (AC) is a toxic substance that can have a neurotoxic effect. It can cause oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a dietary supplement, has many biological functions. Limited information is available about the effect of CLA on AC-induced brain toxicity. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of CLA on mitochondrial oxidative stress, respiratory enzymes, krebs cycle enzymes and ATP levels in AC treated rat brain. Sprague Dawley male rats were given AC (5 mg/kg i.p.), CLA (200 mg/kg orally) and CLA with AC for six days per week for 30 days. Some oxidative stress parameters and mitochondrial enzymes such as manganese super oxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, NADP+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), malate dehydrogenase, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LP), protein carbonyl (PC), oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) enzymes, and ATP levels were determined. AC significantly decreased the activities of GSH, antioxidant enzymes, OXPHOS enzymes (complex I and IV), TCA enzymes (ICDH and α-KGDH) and ATP levels. Significant increases were also observed in mitochondrial LP and PC levels in AC group. Co-treatment with AC + CLA improved oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction caused by AC. As a result of our findings, it was observed that CLA was effective in improving oxidative stress and impaired mitochondrial functions in brain tissue by the effect of AC. Considering the association between neurodegenerative diseases and mitochondrial dysfunction, CLA can play a role in the prevention and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a previous study, 3-amino-4-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]-4,5-dihydro-1,2,5-thiadiazole 1,1-dioxide (DPTD), which is five-membered cyclosulfamide, was synthesized and structurally characterized. The aim of this study was to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of DPTD on cultured human lymphocytes in the presence and absence of a metabolic activation system (S9 mix). The cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of DPTD in human peripheral blood lymphocytes were examined in vitro by using chromosomal aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests. Mitomycin-C (MMC) for cultures without S9 mix and cyclophosphamide monohydrate (CP) for cultures with S9 mix were used as positive controls. The cultures were treated with DPTD (45, 90, and 180 µg/mL) in the absence and presence of S9 mix. The cells were also co-treated with DPTD together with MMC or CP. DPTD showed cytotoxic activity due to decreases in mitotic index (MI) and nuclear division index (NDI) in the absence and presence of S9 mix. DPTD also increased the CAs, aberrant cells with CAs and MN values in cultures with and without S9 mix. When DPTD and MMC or CP were used together, lower MI and NDI values and higher CA and MN values were found than those DPTD treated alone. Both DPTD and its metabolites have cytotoxic, cytostatic and genotoxic potential on human peripheral blood lymphocyte cultures under the experimental conditions. Furthermore, co-treatment of DPTD and MMC or CP can cause more cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Our results indicated that the use of DPTD with other chemotherapeutic drugs may display more effective results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study investigated effect of zaprinast and avanafil on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), bone morphogenic protein (BMP) 4 and 7, and vitamin D3 levels against the negative effect of dexamethazone. Method: Rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 6). Control: Empty a syringe was immersed and removed subcutaneously. Dexamethasone (DEX): 120 µg/kg DEX was injected subcutaneously once a day for 28 days. DEX + zaprinast and DEX + avanafil groups: 10 mg/kg zaprinast and avanafil were administrated to rats in addition to the same procedure in the DEX, respectively. VitaminD3, VEGF, BMP4 and 7 levels by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and angiogenesis by histopathological/immunohistochemical were evaluated. Results: BMP4 values in the DEX were lower than the other groups (p <.05). DEX + zaprinast and DEX + avanafil exhibited an increase in all the parameters compared to the control and DEX (p <.05). However, these were not significant for the DEX + zaprinast (p >.05). Also, there was a significant increase in angiogenesis in the DEX + zaprinast and DEX + avanafil. Conclusion: Zaprinast and significantly avanafil induced vitamin D3, BMP4 and 7 levels by increasing angiogenesis in renal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of vardenafil, tadalafil, and udenafil from phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5Is) on bone morphogenic-protein (BMP)2 and 4 levels, along with angiogenesis in ovariectomized rat's kidney. Rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10). Sham: abdomen was opened, and closed. OVX: ovaries were removed. OVX + vardenafil, OVX + tadalafil, and OVX + udenafil groups: ovaries were removed and closed, and after 6 months from postoperative, 10 mg/kg of vardenafil, tadalafil, and udenafil were administrated as daily a single-dose for 60 days, respectively. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical examinations were performed for angiogenesis, and biochemical analysis for vascular endothelial growth-factor (VEGF), VitaminD3, BMP2 and 4 levels in rat's kidney. VEGF, BMP2 and 4, VitaminD3, and angiogenesis were high in the all inhibitor groups compared with the sham and OVX (p <.05). However, BMP4 levels were only high in the OVX + tadalafil group (p <.05). The results indicated that vardenafil, udenafil, and especially tadalafil increased VEGF, BMP2, and VitaminD3 levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of serous macular detachment (SMD) accompanying recurrent cystoid macular edema (CME) in patients initially treated for CME secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) with accompanying SMD, and discuss the factors that affect the prevalence. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 71 patients with RVO-associated CME and SMD who achieved complete anatomical resolution after treatment with either a single dexamethasone implant or three loading doses of ranibizumab and developed recurrent CME during follow-up. Results: Initial treatment was a single intravitreal dexamethasone implant in 45 patients (63.4%) (Group 1) and three loading doses of intravitreal ranibizumab in 26 patients (36.6%) (Group 2). The mean time to CME recurrence was 4.7±0.8 months (range, 4-7 months) and was similar in both groups (p=0.984). At the time of CME recurrence, SMD was present in 41 patients (57.7%) and absent in 30 patients (42.3%). SMD was present in 27 (60.0%) of the 45 Group 1 patients and 14 (53.8%) of the 26 Group 2 patients (p=0.613). SMD was present in 48.8% of branch RVO and 71.4% of central RVO patients at the time of recurrence (p<0.001). Conclusion: SMD accompanied recurrent CME in only 57.7% of patients previously treated for CME and SMD and seems to be more frequent in patients with central RVO. Initial intravitreal treatment choice of either ranibizumab or dexamethasone implant did not affect the prevalence of concurrent SMD in patients with recurrent CME. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pioglitazone (PIO), an oral hypoglycemic agent, is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Some studies have suggested that an increased risk of bladder cancer with PIO exposure, while the others reported there is no such relationship. Therefore, it is doubtful whether PIO can increase the risk of bladder cancer. The effects of PIO on DNA damage and/or transformation of human bladder cells are not fully known. We investigated the effects of PIO on cytotoxicity, DNA single and double strand breaks and repair and neoplastic transformation in human bladder cells (hTU1) treated with 10, 20, and 40 μM PIO for 24, 48 and 72 hr. PIO decreased cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner. Increased levels of comet parameters showed that PIO and its metabolites can significantly induce DNA double strand breaks at all concentrations tested. PIO also significantly induced the formation of phosphorylated H2AX and p53 binding protein 1 foci. DNA damage was not repaired in a 24 hr recovery period. PIO can also induce malignant transformation of human bladder cells exhibiting loss of contact inhibition and anchorage independent growth. This is the first study to indicate that PIO can induce DNA damage and malignant transformation, reduce or alter the DNA repair capacity in human bladder cells. From these results, we suggest that patients with diabetes treated with PIO may have an increased risk of bladder cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High telomerase activity in human breast cancer is associated with aggressive tumors resulting in decreased survival. Recent studies have shown that telomerase inhibitors may display anticancer properties in some human cancer cell lines. In the present study, we examined the effects of 4 reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), used for the treatment of HIV; Abacavir (AC), Lamivudine (LV), Stavudine (SV), and Tenofovir (TF) on proliferation, apoptosis, and migration in the normal human mammary epithelial cell line, hTERT-HME1, and the human breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. Cells were treated with AC, LV, SV, or TF alone or in combination with paclitaxel (PAC), a known drug used to treat breast cancer. Conduct of the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide assay demonstrated that AC, SV, and TF had stronger cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 cells than in hTERT-HME1 cells. The combined treatment of RTIs and PAC caused high rates of cell death in MCF-7 and low rates of cell death in HTERT-HME1 by apoptosis. The percentages of apoptotic cells in the treatment of AC and SV in combination with PAC for 48 and 72 hours were higher than PAC. Significantly increased apoptosis and decreased migration levels were found in MCF-7 cells treated with AC and co-treatment of AC+PAC or SV+PAC than HME1 cells. These treatments can also prevent migration capacity more than PAC. Therefore, a combination strategy based on telomerase inhibitors such as AC or SV and anticancer drugs may be more effective in the treatment of certain breast cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the relationship between diabetes (DM) and nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels and effect of melatonin and pentoxifylline. Sixty mice were randomly divided into four groups. Control: no action; Diabetes group (DM): after fasting-blood-glucose (FBG) was measured, 150 mg/kg alloxane was applied intraperitoneally three-times every other day; Diabetes + Melatonin (DM + MLT) and Diabetes + Pentoxifylline groups (DM + PTX): following the same procedures with DM, 10 mg/kg melatonin and 50 mg/kg pentoxifylline were administered subcutaneously six days, respectively. Following FBG analysis, brain tissues were taken under the anaesthesia. Nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels were measured. In the all groups with alloxane, FBG were higher than in before application (p <.05). Also, FBG, nitrite, nitrate and MDA levels in the DM + MLT and DM + PTX groups were lower than in the DM (p <.05). Nitrite and nitrate may be related to etiopathogenesis of DM, and pentoxifylline and especially melatonin relatively decrease nitrite, nitrate and lipid peroxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Türkiye Klinikleri Journal of Ophthalmology is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri 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.)

Deltamethrin (DEL) and thiacloprid (THIA) are commonly used synthetic insecticides in agriculture either separately or in combination. There is limited information in human cells for the effects of the mixture of DEL + THIA on oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effects of the mixture on cell proliferation and oxidative stress in human lung fibroblast cells. Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-expressing human lung fibroblasts, WTHBF-6 cells, were treated with 2.5 + 37.5, 5 + 75, 12.5 + 187.5, and 25 +375 µM concentrations of DEL + THIA for the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay and 5 + 75, 12.5 + 187.5, and 25 + 375 µM for lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione (GSH) assays for 24, 48, and 72 h in the absence and presence of metabolizing fractions of the mammalian liver (S9 mixture). Both the mixture of DEL + THIA and their metabolites significantly reduced cell viability and induced cytotoxicity in WTHBF-6 cells, especially at higher concentrations. The mixture of DEL + THIA significantly decreased GSH levels at the highest concentration for all treatment times and at the highest two concentrations (12.5 + 187.5 and 25 + 375 µM) for 72 h in the presence of S9 mixture. The highest concentration of DEL + THIA mixture caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level at 72 h in the absence of S9 mixture. There were also significant increases in MDA levels at the highest concentration for 48-h and all concentrations of DEL + THIA for 72-h treatment in WTHBF-6 cell cultures with S9. These data showed that the mixture of DEL + THIA and their metabolites can induce cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in human lung fibroblasts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acrylamide (ACR) is now a risk for general public health. Argan oil (AO) is harvested from the fruits of Argania spinosa and its rich source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. The aim of present study was to investigate the protective effect of AO against ACR-induced liver and kidney injury in rats. Rats were exposed to ACR (50 mg/kg/day three times per week), AO (6 ml/kg/day per day) and ACR together with AO for 30 days. Oxidative status and mitochondrial functions were evaluated in liver and kidney. Although ALT, AST, urea and creatine levels in serum, myeloperoxidase and total nitrite (NOx) levels in the tissues, lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls levels were increased in the ACR-treated rats, cytosolic glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase activities, mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activities, glutathione levels, oxidative phosphorylation enzymes, TCA cycle enzymes, mitochondrial metabolic function and ATP level were decreased. The administration of ACR together with AO normalised almost all these parameters. Over recent years, compounds that specifically target mitochondria have emerged as promising therapeutic options for patients with hepatic and renal diseases. We think that AO oil is one of these compounds due to its unique content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clothianidin (CHN) is a member of the neonicotinoid group of insecticides. Its oxidative and DNA damage potential for human lung cells are not known. Therefore, the present study was designed to examine the effects of CHN on DNA damage and oxidative stress in human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS‐2B) treated with CHN for 24, 72, and 120 hr. Our results indicate that CHN decreased cell viability in a concentration‐dependent manner. CHN induced DNA single‐strand breaks because alkaline comet parameters such as tail intensity, DNA in the tail, tail moment, and tail length increased. All CHN concentrations also significantly induced the formation of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) because it increased phosphorylated H2AX protein foci for all treatment times and p53‐binding protein 1 foci for all treatments except for the lowest concentration (0.15 mM) of 120‐hr treatment. DNA damage caused by DNA DSBs was not repaired in a 24‐hr recovery period. CHN also induced oxidative stress by decreasing reduced glutathione and increasing lipid peroxidation. These results make it necessary to conduct studies about the detailed carcinogenic potential of CHN in humans because it can induce both oxidative and DNA damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the management of the pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus clinic when strict quarantine conditions were adopted during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Turkey. Materials and Methods: The study presents a review of the patients examined during the quarantine period. All patients were assessed with the highest possible level of personal protection. Results: Ten patients (6 girls, 4 boys) with a mean age of 9 years (range: 2-16) were evaluated. The patients presented 3-20 days after symptom onset. Ocular misalignment and diplopia were the main symptoms. Four of the 10 patients were diagnosed with sixth cranial nerve palsy and three patients were diagnosed with acute-onset comitant esotropia. Six patients had significant cranial magnetic resonance imaging findings. Conclusion: Acute-onset neurological conditions are more common during the COVID-19 pandemic. These reports will contribute to global experience and understanding of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Some biomarkers have been reported to be related to the prognosis of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). There are sparse data regarding the prognostic value of serum calprotectin in COVID-19 patients. Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum calprotectin level and clinical severity of COVID-19 disease in hospitalized patients. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional cohort study included 80 consecutive hospitalized patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. The study population was divided into two groups as patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) and patients hospitalized but not in the ICU. The serum calprotectin levels, other laboratory, and clinical parameters were compared between groups. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.5 ± 15.7 years. Of the patients, 42 were in the ICU and 38 were not. Serum calprotectin level and acute-phase reactants such as C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, ferritin, fibrinogen, and white blood cell were significantly higher in ICU patients than in non-ICU patients. ROC curve analysis identified that serum calprotectin level was a predictor for ICU requirement with an area under the curve of 0.641 (p = 0.031). Logistic regression analysis revealed that serum calprotectin was a significant determinant for whether or not patient required the ICU. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that serum calprotectin level seems to be a useful biomarker that can predict the severity of COVID-19 disease. Serum calprotectin is a significant predictor of ICU requirement in patients with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and objective: Continuous monitoring of breathing activity plays a vital role in the detection of respiratory-based diseases (SA, COPD, etc.). Sleep Apnea (SA) is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction during sleep associated with arterial blood desaturation, sympathetic nervous system activation, and cardiovascular impairment. Untreated patients with SA have increased mortality rates compared to the general population. This study aims to design a remote monitoring system for sleep apnea to ensure patient safety and ease the workload of doctors in the Covid-19 era. Methods: This study aims to design a remote monitoring system for sleep apnea to ensure patient safety and ease the workload of doctors. Our study focuses on a novel portable real-time low-cost sleep apnea monitoring system utilizing the GSM network (GSM Shield Sim900a). Proposed system is a remote monitoring and patient tracking system to detect the apnea event in real time, and to provide information of the sleep position, pulse, and respiratory and oxygen saturation to the medical specialists (SpO2) by establishing a direct contact. As soon as an abnormal condition is detected in the light of these parameters, the condition is reported (instant or in the form of short reports after sleep) to the patient relatives, the doctor's mobile telephone or to the emergency medical centers (EMCs) through a GSM network to handle the case depending on the patient's emergency condition. Results: A study group was formed of six patients for monitoring apnea events (three males and three females) between the ages of 20 and 60. The patients in the study group have sleep apnea (SA) in different grades. All the apnea events were detected, and all the patients were successfully alerted. Also, the patient parameters were successfully sent to all patient relatives. Patients who could not get out of apnea were called through the CALL feature, and they were informed about their ongoing apnea event and told that intervention was necessary. The proposed system is tested on six patients. The beginning moment of apnea was successfully detected and the SMS/CALL feature was successfully activated without delay. During the testing, it has been observed that while some of the patients start breathing after the first SMS, some others needed the second or the third SMS. According to the measurement result, the maximum breathless time is 46 s among the patients, and a SMS is sent every 15 s. In addition, in cases where the patient was breathless for a long time, the CALL feature was actively sought from the relatives of the patient and enabled him to intervene. The proposed monitoring system could be used in both clinical and home settings. Conclusions: The monitoring of a patient in real time allows to intervene in any unexpected circumstances about the patient. The proposed work uses an acceleration sensor as a reliable method of the sleep apnea for monitoring and prevention. The developed device is more economical, comfortable, and convenient than existing systems not only for the patients but also for the doctors. The patients can easily use this device in their home environment, so which could yield a more comfortable, easy to use, cost-effective, and long-term breathing monitoring system for healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Although cataract formation is known in hypoparathyroidism, lens clarity and its correlation with clinical parameters have not been investigated quantitatively before in patients with hypoparathyroidism. The aim of this study was to compare the crystalline lens clarity of patients with surgically induced hypoparathyroidism and healthy subjects. Materials and methods: Forty female patients with surgically induced hypoparathyroidism and 38 age-matched healthy female subjects were enrolled in this study. Scheimpflug corneal topography was performed to measure lens density (LD) and thickness (LT). Serum calcium, inorganic phosphorus, parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, and disease duration were recorded. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the hypoparathyroidism and control groups in the Pentacam densitometry zones 1–2–3, LT, and average and maximum LD (p > 0.05 for all). Nine blue-dot-like, two cortical, and two posterior subcapsular cataracts were detected in the hypoparathyroidism group. The frequency of total and blue-dot-like cataracts was significantly higher in the hypoparathyroidism group than in the control group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002, respectively). In the hypoparathyroidism group, a significant correlation was observed between the maximum LD and the hypoparathyroidism duration (ß = 0.420, p = 0.017), and the maximum LD and serum PTH level (ß = −0.332, p = 0.049). Conclusion: The clarity of the crystalline lens may decrease in surgically induced hypoparathyroidism patients depending on the disease duration and PTH levels. Additionally, this study detected an increased frequency of blue-dot-like cataract in the patient group, which may be due to the effect of hypoparathyroidism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of genotype, age, stocking density, and cage tier on the feather score of egg-laying pure lines. The trial was carried out with five white (BLACK, BLUE, MARON, BROWN, and D229) and six brown (RIR1, RIR2, BAR1, BAR2, COL, and LINE54) eggshell lines as classified by the Ankara poultry research institute. In the experiment, 162 chicks were randomly selected from each of the 11 lines; thus, a total of 1782 chicks (810 and 972 white and brown layer pure lines, respectively). At 17 weeks of age, pullets were chosen at random and placed in 3- tiered battery-type cages. Each tier housed 99 chickens (11 lines, 3 different stocking densities, 3 replications). The stocking density was 5 birds, 6 birds, and 7 birds per cage cell that corresponded to 720 cm2, 600 cm2, and 514.28 cm2 of floor space per bird, respectively. Feeding was ad libitum during the growth and egg production periods. Feather scores of the head, neck, breast, back, wings, and tail regions of the chickens were taken at the 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th week of age. The results indicated that age, stocking density, cage tiers, and genotypes have a significant effect on the feather score of the head, neck, breast, back, wings, and tail; feather score significantly decreased at an increasing age and stocking density (p < 0.01). It was observed that the feather score of the chickens on the top tier was significantly increased (p < 0.01). It was found that RIR2, BLACK, and COL pure lines had the best feather score. These findings suggest that chickens placed in top cage tiers with low stocking density (5 chickens/ cage cell) and RIR2, BLACK and COL pure line genotypes improve feather score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Sepsis causes life‐threatening tissue and organ dysfunctions caused by endogenous mediators in response to infection. Melatonin is a powerful endogenous anti‐inflammatory agent and effective in reducing cellular damage. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in serum and liver tissue levels of VEGF, TGF‐β and MMP‐2 in melatonin‐treated septic rats. Materials and methods: Twenty‐one Wistar‐albino male rats were included in this study. Rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 is sham‐operated control (C) group, Group 2 is caecal ligation and puncture (CLP) group and Group 3 is melatonin‐treated (10 mg/kg) (M‐CLP) group. Serum and tissue samples were analysed. All procedures were carried out according to the ethical rules specified in Helsinki Declaration. Results: Sera MMP‐2 levels were found higher than tissue MMP‐2 levels in C and CLP (respectively, P =.048, P =.01). In CLP and M‐CLP, serum TGF‐β levels were higher than tissue TGF‐β levels(respectively, P =.05, P =.01). Serum VEGF levels in CLP were found to be significantly higher than both C and M‐CLP(P <.01). Conclusion: MMP‐2 levels may have increased because of the prevention of oxidative damage in sepsis, and this may increase the anti‐inflammatory effect. Melatonin treatment may have a therapeutic effect against sepsis since it prevents the increase in serum VEGF level. A powerful endogenous antioxidant, may be a promising therapeutic agent on the mortality and morbidity of the disease, because of its lowering effect on serum VEGF, which is a poor prognostic factor in sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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