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This study introduces a novel approach to achieving nonreciprocal transmission by implementing time modulation to the bianisotropic metasurface. For the first time, we present the analytical solution of the excitation of anti-symmetric surface waves on penetrable metasurfaces depending on the excitation direction. Exploiting this finding, we numerically demonstrate asymmetric control of the transmission coefficient under a fast-time scale by employing solely time modulation. This approach lowers the complexity of the modulation scheme and implementation encountered in the space-time modulation technique. We develop and simulate a 3D unit cell model in the microwave domain, which forms a surface cavity that incorporates time-varying capacitors. The impedance transfer matrix method and harmonic balance numerical solutions are applied to the retrieved equivalent circuit for the numerical simulations. The results reveal optimized phase-coherent and incoherent nonreciprocal transmission at the significant isolation level (≥ 40 dB) for forward and backward transmissions. We discuss the consistency and discrepancies between numerical methods and consider the impact of the losses and nonlinearity on the metastructure performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The struggle to protect the atmosphere and the environment is increasing rapidly around the world. More work is needed to make energy production from renewable energy sources sustainable. The integration of energy with machine learning provides numerous advantages. In this study, the solar energy system, which is one of the main renewable energy sources, is considered. Support Vector Machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbor, Random Forest, Artificial Neural networks, Naive Bayes, Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Gradient Boosting, Adaptive Boosting, and Stochastic Gradient Descent are used to forecast energy production. Forecast experiments are conducted in a region with high solar radiation and high temperature. Thus, there is an opportunity to examine overheated solar panels as well. A small-scale but adequate weather station is installed right next to the solar panel. Inputs such as temperature, pressure, humidity, and solar radiation obtained from the atmosphere with sensors are used. Obtained data are processed utilizing an Arduino microcontroller, data are recorded with C# software, and machine learning training is performed using Python programming. According to the results, the best performance is provided by SVM. This study provides guidance on whether solar energy systems investments are appropriate in the relevant region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Shell structures, which are generally implemented in several engineering applications, such as rocket fuel tanks, missiles, fusion reactors, and cooling towers, often have feature openings for internal access. These openings may have a significant effect on buckling load. Objective: This paper aims to investigate the nonlinear buckling behaviour of a concave conical shell (CCS) with a circular cutout under axial compression and to express the amount of reduction in the buckling load of the CCS in connection with the position and diameter of the cutout. The similarity approach used in cones are tried to adapt CCSs and it is aimed to express the lower bound knockdown factors in terms of dimensionless geometry parameters." Methods: An experimental test layout is used to collect load-displacement test data of the CCS samples for various cutout positions and diameters. Then a finite element (FE) model validated with the experimental test data is constructed to reveal the influence of the cutout size, location, and meridional curvature on the load carrying capacity for an extended range of the shell geometry parameters. Results: The presence of cutouts leads to a reduction in the limit load, not much higher than 30%. The results indicate that buckling is mostly triggered at the cutout edges due to uneven stress distribution. Presence of a cutout at the lower part of the CCS is more critical and plays a significant role in the onset of buckling. Conclusion: An empirical equation is proposed for the lower bound knockdown factors, which predicts the maximum reduction in the load carrying capacity quite well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of Ramadan fasting (RF) on nasal mucociliary clearance (MCC) and peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF). Methods: Sixty-two (41 male and 21 female) healthy subjects who stated that they would fast continuously during the month of Ramadan were included in this prospective study. Day 0 (baseline), 1st day (after one day of RF), and 29th (after 29 days of RF) nasal mucociliary clearance time (MCT) with saccharine test and PNIF values were determined. Subject weights (SW) were measured on Day 0 and Day 29. The obtained data were analyzed statistically. Results: The mean of SW on day 0 was 78.53 ± 10.95 kg, and the mean of SW on Day 29 was 78.69 ± 10.87 kg. There was no significant difference in terms of SW (p = 0.251, p > 0.05). A significant difference was found between the MCT and PNIF values measured on different study days (p < 0.05). The MCT values for Day 29 were significantly higher than the values for other days (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the MCT values on the first day and the baseline (p = 0.891, p > 0.05). The PNIF values for Day 29 were significantly higher than the values for other days (p < 0.05). The PNIF values on the first day were significantly higher than the baseline (p = 0.008, p < 0.05). Conclusion: The present study showed that RF leads to MCT prolongation and PNIF increase. Ramadan fasting causes deterioration in nasal airway defense and improvement in nasal respiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, antibacterial activity of Nannochloropsis oculata which were grown in proper culture condition was searched with their extracts that obtain by using different solvent (methanol, ethanol, chloroform). The antibacterial effects of algal extracts were evaluated by using disc diffusion method against L. garvieae, F. psychrophilum and Y. ruckeri. As the results of the study, it was found that the chloroform extracts of N. oculata showed strong antibacterial activities, F. psychrophilum was the high resistant strain against to antibacterial effects of the extracts, L. garvieae and Y. ruckeri were the two most susceptible bacteria strains. The results confirm the possible use of N. oculata as a source of antimicrobial compounds or as a health-promoting food for aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Celal Bayar University Journal of Social Sciences / Celal Bayar Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi is the property of Celal Bayar University Journal of Social Sciences 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 Ankara University SBF Journal / Ankara Üniversitesi SBF Dergisi is the property of Ankara University SBF Journal 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.)

Understory plants are important components of forests because they are responsible for the majority of the vascular plant diversity of forest ecosystems. The richness and composition of understory communities are closely related to the tree layer diversity, structure and composition. The aim of this study was to examine the understory diversity of Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold subsp. pallasiana (Lamb.) Holmboe)-dominated forests on the Kazdağı Mountains of West Turkey. To describe the overstory structure and composition in a numerically and quantitatively well-defined manner, cumulative abundance profiles (CAPs) of the tree species were used. The resemblance of the sampling plots was classified into five stand types assessing the CAP through the Fuzzy C-Means clustering method. A permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was performed to test the variance of the community ecological distance between the five stand types, and the results showed significant differences in these clusters. Many shade-tolerant plants were associated with the mixed stands of Anatolian black pine-Kazdağı fir. The composition of the herb and shrub layer could not be explained by the environmental variables but by differences in the overstory structure of the stands. Pure or nearly pure Anatolian Black pine stands were more diverse than mixed oak-Anatolian black pine and Kazdağı fir-Anatolian black pine stands. However, although dense and young pure Anatolian black pine stands had the most diverse plant species in the shrub layer, they were ranked third in terms of the herb layer diversity. The Anatolian black pine-Kazdağı fir mixed stands had the lowest herb and shrub layer diversity. These results allow us to comprehend the relationship between the overstory structure and composition, and the understory diversity. Understanding this relationship is important for the conservation of understory plant diversity in the management of forest ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maritime students spend a certain period of their training on board, depending on their qualifications. Deck officer candidates (deck cadets) must perform an open sea internship on commercial vessels for one year. Deck officers are among to member of crew with important responsibilities to cooperate with the Master during voyage including being involved in navigation and port watches as well as maintenance of the ship and its safety equipment. Deck cadets perform their practical training between academic education periods according to general practice in Turkey. They can be subjected to unusual working hours and rest periods during the mission on the ship. Considering the importance of adequate sleep for productivity, vigilance, sustaining attention and even over-all health and well-being, it is not only sleep quantity but sleep quality is critical. The aim of this study was to investigate of the effect of the long-term onboard training (aprox. 7 months) on the sleep quantity and quality of the maritime students. Data regarding sleep quantity and perceptive quality among the subjects were obtained by using Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). PSQI is a scale providing information on type and violence of sleep disorders and the quality of sleep during the past month. A total of 60 maritime students were asked to fill PSQI before and after onboard training. Demographical information such as age, gender, weight, height and information regarding the internship were also obtained. Of the students 43.3% rated as poor sleeper before the internship and this ratio increased to 73.3% after the internship. A prominent decrease in sleep quality was determined. Sleep duration did not change significantly. This study showed a significant negative effect of onboard training on sleep quality among participants and they did not recover within a month after returning from the sea which indicates potential long term consequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The aim of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of combined Er: YAG and Nd: YAG laser therapy to that of scaling and root planing with hand instruments in non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. Material and Methods Twenty-five systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis were selected for this study. The quadrants were randomly allocated in a split-mouth design to either combined Er: YAG (160 mJ/pulse, 10 Hz) and Nd: YAG laser (100 mJ/pulse, 20 Hz) therapy (test group) or scaling and root planing alone (control group). At baseline, 1 month and 3 months after treatment, plaque index, gingival index, probing depth, clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing (%), were recorded and gingival crevicular fluid and subgingival plaque samples were taken. The gingival crevicular fluid levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Quantitative analysis of red complex bacteria was performed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results The clinical parameters had significantly improved for both groups after treatment. There were statistically significant differences in probing depth and clinical attachment level between the test and control groups only for deep pockets (≥7 mm) ( P<.05). No significant differences between the two groups were observed for the biochemical and microbiological parameters at any time points ( P>.05). Conclusions The present study suggests that a combined course of Er: YAG and Nd: YAG laser therapy may be beneficial particularly in inaccessible areas such as deep pockets on a short-term basis. Further, well-designed studies are required to assess the effectiveness of the combination of these lasers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline (imp) derivative imidazo-N5,N6-bis((4-(1Himidazo[ 4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline-2-yl)phenyl)methylene)-1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-diamine (impap) was synthesized in five steps starting from bare phenanthroline (phen) precursors. The novel compound was fully characterized by 1H-NMR, IR, elemental analysis and electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) techniques. Solid state emission spectrum of impap showed two distinct strong emission maxima with large Stokes shifts. The ground state gas phase geometry of impap was predicted by DFT calculations. Excited state properties of the molecule were examined through TD-DFT calculations conducted at the optimized geometry. Responsible transitions for the strong fluorescence of impap were assigned to single component charge transfer transitions with large oscillator strengths based on the ground state calculated molecular orbital contributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ships have an important role in among the factors causing marine pollution. Marine pollution by ships damages sea life, which effects human health indirectly, in addition it restricts usage of sea for different purposes. Increasing comprehensive and compelling liabilities related with environmental components and subjects day by day are expected results for environmental science and engineering applications according to 60% of our responsibilities of European Union Integration development. In today's' world, where global warming is an issue of high priority and makes us feel its impacts in our lives, leaving a livable world to the next generations is now a primary goal for all. Determination of marine pollution caused by ship operations issue is a mu1tiple criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem, and requires MCDM methods to solve it. Therefore, the role of ship factor in maritime pollution and the possible reasons of this argument can be quantitatively evaluated based on expert knowledge and MCDM methodology. To investigate what makes to reduce the first "caused by ship operations - in marine pollution, the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method approach was applied in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel BODIPY derivatives containing N,N-diphenylamine, 4-methoxyphenyl, 2,4-dimethoxyphenyl, triphenylamine, and 1-pyrene moieties were designed and synthesized for the first time by employing the palladium-catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling on pentaaryl boron dipyrromethene compounds. The effect of various moieties and charge transfer on linear and nonlinear optical absorption was investigated. It was found that moieties with strong electron donor properties and long conjugation lengths increase charge transfer and enhance intersystem crossing in the investigated compounds. Besides, the investigated compounds showed strong two photon absorption properties at near infrared wavelengths (800 nm and 900 nm), which is required for two photon photodynamic therapy. Two photon absorption cross section values were found to be 83, 454, 331, 472 and 413 GM for B1, B2, B3, B4 and B5 compounds at 800 nm wavelength, respectively. The highest two-photon absorption cross-section value was obtained for the B4 compound containing a triphenylamine moiety due to its more efficient charge transfer characteristics. Strong two-photon absorption properties in the near infrared region, efficient intersystem crossing and heavy atom free nature of the investigated compounds make them good candidates for two photon photodynamic therapy applications. We believe that this work will be one of the leading studies for two-photon photodynamic therapy applications of pentaaryl BODIPY derivatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New tetraarylazadipyrromethene metal complexes with four coordinate metals (cobalt(ii), nickel(ii), copper(ii) and zinc(ii)) and with three moieties (4-methylphenyl,4-methoxyphenyl and 1-naphthyl) were designed and synthesized targeting applications utilizing two photon absorption. The effects of metals with filled or unfilled d orbitals and substituents with various electron donor properties on the charge transfer mechanism and two photon absorption properties of tetraarylazadipyrromethene compounds were investigated by ultrafast pump–probe spectroscopy and open aperture Z-scan experiments as well as density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Ultrafast transient absorption spectra provide evidence of an efficient photoinduced intramolecular charge transfer between the ligand and metals which is independent of filled or unfilled d orbitals of metals. Although zinc has filled d orbitals, its complexes possess an absorption maximum including a shoulder which is attributed to partial ligand to metal L(π) → M(d*) charge transfer character (LMCT). Due to the charge transfer mechanism, metal complexes of tetraarylazadipyrromethene compounds exhibited two photon absorption properties in the femtosecond regime at 800 nm wavelength. The greatest two photon absorption cross section value was measured as 2690 GM for Zn(L2)2 and 2374 GM for Co(L3)2 complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We investigated the protective effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats in comparison with 2-mercaptoethane sulfonate (MESNA). Forty male rats were randomized into four groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (cyclophosphamide), group 3 (cyclophosphamide + MESNA), group 4 (cyclophosphamide + CAPE). Cyclophosphamide injection increased malondialdehyde levels indicating oxidative stress, whereas CAPE and MESNA ameliorated malondialdehyde levels in the bladder ( p < 0.05). Only catalase activities were decreased significantly in both groups (cyclophosphamide + MESNA and cyclophosphamide + CAPE, p < 0.05). Pretreatment with CAPE ( p < 0.01) resulted in a significant decrease in nitric oxide levels when compared with the cyclophosphamide group. When we consider the studies that show the critical importance of increased nitric oxide levels in pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis, we suggest that it would be more beneficial to use MESNA with CAPE to prevent histological damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to validate a severity grading score (SGS) system for predicting the course of disease and fatality in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF). This SGS was established using several variables that were assumed to be associated with mortality and had clinical importance. We included patients diagnosed with CCHF from different centers. Patients who had symptoms of CCHF for <5 days were included. The patients were grouped into three categories according to mortality risk. An SGS ≤4 showed no association with mortality [ n = 323 (79.9 % of the total study population), and all survived]. An SGS between 5 and 8 points was classified into the intermediate risk group (20 %), and 14 of 70 patients in this group died. An SGS ≥9 was classified as the high risk of mortality group and 11 of 11 patients in this group died ( p = 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for an SGS >9 points at admission were 96, 100, 97, 100, and 44 %, respectively. This SGS system may help appropriate the triage of patients, decrease the cost of treatment, and improve the functionality of healthcare staff. The present study is the first investigation about the validation of an SGS system in patients with CCHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate whether caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis extract, has a protective effect on amphotericin B induced nephrotoxicity in rat models. Male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly divided into four groups: (I) control group (n = 10), (II) CAPE group (n = 9) which received 10 μmol/kg CAPE intraperitoneally (i.p.), (III) amphotericin B group (n = 7) which received one dose of 50 mg/kg amphotericin B, and (IV) amphotericin B plus CAPE group (n = 7) which received 10 μmol/kg CAPE i.p. and one dose of 50 mg/kg amphotericin B. The left kidney was evaluated histopathologically for nephrotoxicity. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), enzyme activities including catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured in the right kidney. Histopathological damage was prominent in the amphotericin B group compared to controls, and the severity of damage was lowered by CAPE administration. The activity of SOD, MDA, and NO levels increased and catalase activity decreased in the amphotericin B group compared to the control group (P = 0.0001, P = 0.003, P = 0.0001, and p = 0.0001, resp.). Amphotericin B plus CAPE treatment caused a significant decrease in MDA, NO levels, and SOD activity (P = 0.04, P = 0.02, and P = 0.0001, resp.) and caused an increase in CAT activity compared with amphotericin B treatment alone (P = 0.005). CAPE treatment seems to be an effective adjuvant agent for the prevention of amphotericin B nephrotoxicity in rat models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Acute mercury intoxication among children can occur through unintentional exposure, and neurotoxicity is one of the main findings in acute exposures. In this study, we aimed to study the central nerve system markers, namely neuron-specific enolase (NSE), S100B, and glutamate receptor (GRIA 1) levels and discuss the mechanisms of central nerve system damage and whether these parameters could be used as markers of acute elemental mercury intoxication neurotoxicity. Materials and methods. This is a case-control study which includes 169 children with acute elemental mercury intoxication, who were exposed to mercury in the school laboratory from a broken jar, and 45 sex- and age-matched controls without mercury exposure. Patient group were divided into three subgroups according to the neurological examination performed during the admission. Neuropathy Group included the children with neurological symptoms including peripheral neuropathy and decreased muscle strength ( n = 39) (with or without dilated pupils). Dilated Pupil Group included the children who had mid-dilated/dilated pupils ( n = 52). Asymptomatic Exposure Group included the children who did not have any neurological symptoms ( n = 78). Serum NSE, S100B, GRIA 1, blood, and urine mercury levels were determined. Results. NSE, S100B, GRIA 1, and blood mercury levels were significantly higher in exposed group than the nonexposed subjects (Median values NSE 22.4 ng/mL, 17.2 ng/mL; S100B 0.09 ng/mL, 0.08 ng/mL; GRIA 1 70.6 pg/mL, 54.1 pg/mL, and blood mercury 15.2 μg/L, 0.23 μg/L for exposed and nonexposed groups, respectively). GRIA 1 levels found to differ between exposed and nonexposed groups and it has also been found to be increased in the subgroups with positive neurological findings compared to that in neurological finding negative groups. S100B levels were found to be increased in exposed and having neurological symptom groups. There was not a significant difference between exposed-not having neurological symptom patients and control group. NSE levels were found to be higher in all subgroups when compared to those in controls, however there was not a significant difference between the subgroups. Conclusion. Serum NSE, GRIA 1, and S100B were increased with mercury exposure. GRIA 1 and S100B levels were observed to have the power to discriminate neurological symptom positive and negative groups. The increase in S100B levels are thought to be protecting the neurons and preventing further NSE elevations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In parallel with the increase in the volume of world trade, cargo handling rates and seafarers'pace of work has increased. Although the STCW regulations and restrictions on working hours has improved, this tempo has brought with it insufficient resting hours, especially in short sea transport. It is known that individuals under stress and intensive workloads are more prone to making mistakes due to fatigue. In this study, the officers' working hours are simulated in full-mission simulator at short sea transport to investigate errors made during the navigation and port watches. For this purpose, the data were obtained from 7 volunteers watchkeeping officers with the help of video monitoring and check lists in the full-bridge simulator system and also, system records in cargo handling simulator. With this study, introduced what types of errors made during navigation and port watches by watchkeeping officers under the intense pace of work. And the errors are evaluated under the legislation of international maritime. As a result, to comply with the limitations of working hours, it is necessary to increase the number of officers responsible for operations on short sea transport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between erectile dysfunction ( ED) and chronic lead intoxication ( CLI) as well as the role of depression in this relationship. We compared the findings of 26 male patients with CLI and 24 male patients as the control group between November 2008 and January 2009. The blood lead levels and smoking index of patients were evaluated for both groups. The International Index of Erectile Dysfunction-erectile function domain ( EFD) and Beck Depression Inventory ( BDI) were obtained and reviewed in both groups. The mean blood lead levels of patients in the CLI and control groups were 42.1 and 3.2 μg dl−1 respectively ( P < 0.01). The mean interval of lead exposure of patients in CLI group was 71.5 (6-360) months. EFD scores of patients in CLI group were significantly lower, and number of patients with ED in CLI group was statistically higher ( P < 0.05). BDI scores of patients in CLI group were significantly higher ( P < 0.05). We detected a mildly negative and statistically significant relationship between the EFD scores and blood lead levels ( r = −0.453 and P < 0.05). Our results showed that the increased frequency of ED is an independent factor in CLI group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aims of this study are to evaluate the dentofacial morphology of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare the morphological data with those of healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects. Methods: Twenty-seven RA patients (mean age, 45.77 ± 8.64 years) and 25 healthy subjects (mean age, 44.80 ± 8.24 years) participated in this prospective study. Clinical and functional evaluations of the RA patients were assessed. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, rheumatoid factor level, and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (ACPA) titers of RA patients were determined, and DAS28 scores were calculated. Linear and angular measurements were performed on cephalometric tracings and condylar erosion was evaluated on lateral panoramic radiographs. Statistical comparison of the two groups was performed with an independent samples t test. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess the relationship between the clinical and laboratory parameters. Results: Based on DAS28 scores, no patient with RA was in the remission period, 3 patients had low, 23 had medium, and 1 had high disease activity. Sixteen (59.26 %) patients with RA had positive ACPA titers. Lateral cephalometric radiographs revealed statistically significant difference between the two groups for the measurement of U1-NA (millimeter; p = 0.047), U1-NA (degrees; p = 0.031), L1-NB (degrees; p = 0.030), IMPA (L1-MP; p = 0.001), interincisal angle (U1-L1; degrees; p = 0.022) and midface length (Co-A; millimeter; p = 0.033). A significant positive linear correlation was found between disease duration time and DAS28 scores ( r = 0.066, p = 0.040). Conclusions: Dentoalveolar effects of RA on dentofacial morphology are more significant than the skeletal effects. Future studies with larger sample sizes are required to evaluate the exact effects of RA on dentofacial morphology. Clinical relevance: Clinicians should consider the fact that RA-associated dentoalveolar changes can be observed and may affect the orthodontic treatment process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the effects of different water and nitrogen application levels on drip-irrigated tomato plants. The amount of water usage was based upon the pan evaporation from a screened (class "A") evaporation pan. The treatments consisted of two irrigation intervals (I1= 5 days and I2= 10 days), three plant-pan coefficients (Kcp1= 0.50; Kcp2= 0.75 and Kcp3= 1.00) and three nitrogen (N) levels (N0 = 0, N1= 80 and N2= 160 kg ha-1). The I, Kcp and N levels affected the tomato yields and water usage efficiencies, however the effects of nitrogen applications were found to be greater than those of the other applications. Consequently, to reach the maximum tomato yields under similar climate and soil conditions, plant-pan coefficients (Kcp) and nitrogen values should be equivalent to 1.00 and 160 kg ha-1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Neurology / Turk Noroloji Dergisi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI 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.)

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an antioxidant that can scavenge free radicals and protect cellular macromolecules, including DNA and proteins, from oxidative damage induced by various agents. The protective effect of CAPE on cisplatin-induced chromosome aberrations has been determined in rat bone marrow cells. The animals were pretreated with a single dose of CAPE (10 μmol/kg body weight [b.w.]) injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 24 hours before the administration of cisplatin and then sacrificed 24 hours after the cisplatin administration. Cisplatin was administered to rats either alone (5 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) or after CAPE treatment. CAPE has led to a statistically significant decrease in the total number of chromosomal aberrations and abnormal metaphases induced by cisplatin when compared with only cisplatin given groups. We have concluded that CAPE could prevent cisplatin-induced chromosome aberrations by establishing a potent free radical scavenger effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to investigate whether or not artificial ascites media formed using glycerin are effective in the prevention of intraperitoneal adhesions. Methods: Thirty-six Wistar albino male rats were used in the study. The rats were divided into 3 groups as follows. Group I: control group; group II (isotonic group): 3 ml of 0.9% NaCl was injected into the peritoneal cavity, and group III (glycerin group): 0.5 ml of liquid glycerin and 3 ml of 0.9% NaCl was injected into the peritoneal cavity. Results: There were serious adhesions in the control group. Adhesion rates were lower in the isotonic group compared with the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). When adhesion rates of the glycerin group were compared with the control and isotonic groups, significant differences were found, especially between the glycerin and control groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of our study, the use of isotonic solution and liquid glycerin decreases postoperative adhesions. We suggest that glycerin was more effective as it has the chemical ability to draw water to its media. As such, the formation of adhesions may be decreased by increasing the amount of physiological liquid inside the abdomen. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeTo evaluate the results of bilateral paediatric cataract surgery in the same session with a focus on patient selection criteria, operative guidelines, and controversial issues.SettingDepartments of Ophthalmology, İnönü University Turgut Özal Medical Center (Malatya) and Fatih University Hospital (Ankara, Turkey).MethodsThis retrospective noncomparative case series comprised 39 children (78 eyes), who underwent bilateral cataract surgery and/or primary or secondary IOL implantation in one sitting. Ten patients had bilateral lensectomy-primary posterior capsulotomy-anterior vitrectomy, and the remaining 29 patients had bilateral IOL implantation either primarily (20 cases) at the time of cataract extraction or secondarily for aphakic correction (9 cases). Both eyes were treated as two separate but consecutive surgeries in the same session. Maximum possible care was taken to ensure surgical asepsis.ResultsAge at surgery ranged from 2 months to 17 years. Average follow-up was 12 months. No serious intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred leading to permanent vision loss. During the last follow-up, 91% of eyes tested had a visual acuity of 20/40 or better.ConclusionBilateral paediatric cataract surgery in one session may be a safe and useful approach alternative to sequential surgery in selected patients, if operative guidelines and surgical asepsis are strictly followed.Eye (2009) 23, 1199–1205; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.173; published online 6 June 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in radio contrast media (RCM)-induced ischemia reperfusion tissue injury although antioxidants may have protective effects on the injury. We investigated the effects of erdosteine as an antioxidant agent on RCM-induced liver toxicity in rats by evaluation of lipid peroxidation (as TBARS), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) values and histological evaluation. Twenty-one rats were equally divided into three groups as follows: control, RCM, and RCM plus erdosteine. RCM was intraperitoneally administered for 1 day. Erdosteine was administered orally for 2 days after RCM administration. Liver samples were taken from the rats and they homogenized in a motor-driven tissue homogenizer. TBARS levels were significantly ( p < 0.005) higher in RCM group than in control although SOD activities significantly ( p < 0.05) decreased in RCM group. TBARS levels were lower in RCM plus erdosteine group than in control although SOD activity and GSH level increased ( p < 0.05) in liver as compared to RCM alone. Erdosteine showed also histopathological protection ( p < 0.0001) against RCM induced hepatotoxicity. GSH-Px and CAT activities were not statistically changed by the erdosteine. According to our results, it can be concluded that radiocontrast media can induce oxidative stress in liver as suggested by previous studies. Erdosteine seems to be protective agent on the radiocontrast media-induced liver toxicity by inhibiting the production of ROS via the enzymatic antioxidant system. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of hyaluronan (HA) on nitric oxide (NO) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities in synovial fluid (SF) in the treatment of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). SF samples were aspirated from OA patients before the commencement of the treatment ( n = 23) and 6 weeks after they were treated with HA products. NO levels and SOD activities were compared between the pre- and post-treatment of OA patients and of the control group ( n = 10). SF NO levels were significantly higher in patients with OA before the commencement of the treatment compared with the post-treatment ( p < 0.001) and the control groups. The SF SOD activity of patients before the commencement of the treatment was lower than the values in the controls and post-treatment ( p < 0.001). There is no significant correlation between SF NO and SOD levels and the radiographic changes of the OA knee according to Kellgren–Lawrence grading ( p > 0.05). Also, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) pain scores and physical function scores were gradually improved. These findings made us think that SF NO was a potent mediator in cartilage damage in OA, whereas SOD was an antioxidant mediator in the same process. Exogenous HA injections might reduce the NO levels and increase SOD activities in synovial fluid. These effects also do not seem to be dependent on the radiographic grading of the OA knee. More comprehensive studies are needed to clarify a possible clinical significance of this topic, and we suggest that this is an important area for further research into new treatment options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leishmaniasp. are obligate intracellular protozoa that infect and replicate within mammalian macrophages. Macrophages, neutrophils and other phagocytic cells are key components of the antimicrobial and tumoricidal immune responses. These cells are capable of generating large amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS). To examine antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation in cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) patients, activities of two ROS scavenging enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO·) have been studied in serum. Blood samples were taken from CL patients before treatment (n = 27) and after the treatment (n = 18). NO· and MDA levels, SOD and GSH-Px activities were compared between untreated and treated CL patients and control subjects (n = 23). There was a significant decrease in SOD and GSH-Px activities in the CL patients (P < 0.0001). Significantly higher levels of serum MDA and NO· levels were found in CL patients, compared to controls and treated patients. It may be suggested that the overproduction of ROS and RNS results in oxidative stress and the acceleration of lipid peroxidation in CL patients, resulting from altered enzymatic antioxidant activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the possible role of adenosine deaminase (AD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and the effect of erdosteine in decreasing the toxicity. The intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (7 mg kg−1 body weight) induced a significant increase in plasma creatinine level and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and plasma and damaged renal tissue activities of AD and XO in rats. Co-treatment with erdosteine (10 mg kg−1day−1) attenuated the increase in the plasma creatinine and BUN levels, and significantly prevented the increase in tissue and plasma AD and XO activities ( P<0.05). The results of this study revealed that XO and AD may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The potent free radical scavenger erdosteine may have protective potential in this process and it will become a promising drug in the prevention of this undesired side-effect of cisplatin, but further studies are needed to illuminate the exact protection mechanism of erdosteine against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of silent myocardial ischaemia in patients with mild to moderate hypertension, white-coat hypertension (WCH) and those with normal blood pressure. Ambulatory electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring was carried out in 272 cases with normal blood pressure, 164 cases with mild to moderate hypertension (diastolic blood pressure >95 and <114 mm Hg), and 106 cases with white-coat hypertension who were diagnosed with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The ages of the patients of all groups were between 42-61 years. There were no differences between the groups according to age, gender and other parameters. There were no anginal symptoms, and resting ECGs were in normal limits in all cases. The diagnosis of silent ischaemia was considered to be present if there was ST depression >2 mm/at least 120 sec in ambulatory ECG examination without angina or its equivalent cardiac symptoms. The incidence of silent ischaemia was 6.4%, 18.8%, and 26.2% in cases with normal blood pressure, WCH, and hypertension, respectively. The differences between groups were significant. It was concluded that WCH is not a benign condition, but shares some characteristics with essential hypertension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supernumerary teeth are described as the teeth formed in excess of the normal dental formula. Prevalence of supernumerary teeth varies between 0.1% and 3.8% in general Caucasian population. They have been reported in both the primary and the permanent dentition. Supernumerary teeth may occur in any region of the dental arch. However, a supernumerary tooth in the canine region is a rare condition and to our knowledge, a non-syndrome case with bilateral supplemental maxillary canines did not exist in the literature. It was the aim of this report to evaluate this rare case in view of both oral radiology and orthodontics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to elucidate whether radiocontrast media (RCM) induces oxidative stress in liver and to evaluate the protective effects of erdosteine, a mucolytic agent. Twenty-one rats were randomized in to three groups as follows: control group, RCM, and RCM plus erdosteine. RCM was administered intraperitoneally in the dosage of 10 ml/kg for once only. Erdosteine was administered orally with 25 mg/kg once a day for 2 days. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to investigate oxidative stress in liver tissues. In addition, histological alterations in liver were evaluated. RCM administration to rats significantly increased liver MDA levels (P< 0.005) and decreased SOD (P< 0.05). However, the decrease in CAT activity was not significantly. Erdosteine co-administration with RCM resulted in significantly decreased MDA level and increased SOD activity in liver tissue when compared with RCM alone. Erdosteine showed histopathological protection against RCM induced hepatotoxicity. It can be concluded that radiocontrast media may induces oxidative stress in liver tissues and erdosteine may be a promising agent for protection against RCM-induced oxidative stress in liver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute renal failure frequent still occurs as a complication after radiographic examination using radio contrast media (RCM). However, RCM dependent hepatotoxicity is as yet unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on RCM induced hepatotoxicity. For the study rats were divided into three experimental groups: control group (n=10), RCM group (n=8), RCM plus CAPE group (n=10). RCM was administered intraperitoneally in the dosage of 10 ml/kg for once only. CAPE administered intraperitoneally once a day for 2 days at a dose of 10 µmol/kg. At the end of experimental period rats were anesthetized and sacrificed 24 h after the last enjection. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to investigate oxidative stress in liver tissues. We determined significantly increased MDA level in the RCM group. On the other hand, in the RCM plus CAPE group the MDA level significantly decreased when compared with the RCM group (p< 0.05). The activity of SOD in the RCM group significantly diminished (p < 0.05) when compared with the control group. CAPE co-administration with RCM resulted in significantly increased SOD activity in liver tissue when compared with RCM alone (p < 0.05) In our study, CAT activities not significantly between groups. Our histological parameters support biochemical parameters. In conclusion, Our results demonstrated that administertion of RCM may generates oxidative stress and hepatic damage in rat liver. However, CAPE treatment may reduce hepatic damage and oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]