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Tranexamic acid, once a randomly used antifibrinolytic agent, has been in standard protocols for many specific surgeries. Studies are still needed to standardize the dose and route of tranexamic acid administration, examine its possible contributions in urological surgery, and establish a protocol for its use. To contribute to this goal, we designed a prospective, randomized, double-blind study on 75 patients with 1 control and 2 study groups (n = 25) who underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Group Tranexamic acid received 10 mg/kg intravenous tranexamic acid preoperatively. And Group Irrigation received the same amount in the initial irrigation fluid. Primarily, we observed the total amount of blood transfusion and the changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit values during 2 postoperative days. Distinctively, we intraoperatively monitored hemoglobin continuously as a saturation hemoglobin value to assess the timing of the effect of tranexamic acid. Secondarily, we questioned surgical visual clarity with a standard visual score to reveal its contribution to surgical practicality, operative time, and residual fragment quantity. Our results revealed a significant difference in the reduction of hemoglobin and hematocrit change and blood transfusion in both tranexamic acid groups concerning control, especially on the second day (p = 0.003, p = 0.002, p = 0.001). Likewise, surgical visual scores were significantly better in both tranexamic acid groups (p = 0.018). In conclusion, intravenous or local administration of tranexamic acid at a dose of 10 mg/kg will be sufficient to maintain perioperative stability in hemoglobin values, use fewer blood products and provide a better visual advantage for the surgeon intraoperatively. The trial registration number is NCT05947435, and the date of registration is 07/07/2023, retrospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a novel recursive and efficient algorithm for real-time implementation of the adaptive and passivity-based controllers in model-based control of robot manipulators is proposed. Many of the previous methods on these topics involve the computation of the regressor matrix explicitly or non-recursive computations, which remains as the main challenge in practical applications. The proposed method achieves a compact and fully recursive reformulation without computing the regressor matrix or its elements. This paper is based on a comprehensive literature review of the previously proposed methods, presented in a unified mathematical framework suitable for understanding the fundamentals and making comparisons. The considered methods are implemented on several processors and their performances are compared in terms of real-time computational efficiency. Computational results show that the proposed Adaptive Newton-Euler Algorithm significantly reduces the computation time of the control law per cycle time in the implementation of adaptive control laws. In addition, using the dynamic simulation of an industrial robot with 6-DoF, trajectory tracking performances of the adaptive controllers are compared with those of non-adaptive control methods where dynamic parameters are assumed to be known. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is difficult to reach the water needed in agriculture. For this reason, insufficient irrigation causes yield and quality losses in plants. The aim of this study was to determine some quality parameters of both flesh of melon and melon seed irrigated with different irrigation regimes. Melon cultivar (Cucumis melo L.) was irrigated by the drip method from transplantation to the beginning of vegetative development, flowering-fruit binding, and fruit development-ripening. In this context, 8 irrigation groups were formed. Sugars, total phenolic compounds, titratable acidity, antioxidant activity and color analyzes were performed on flesh of melons. Oil content and fatty acid composition of melon seeds were also determined. The titratable acidity of samples varied from 0.098 to 0.159%. Irrigation regime had a significant effect on sucrose and total sugar content. Total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of samples were ranged from 80.6 to 244.8 (mg GAE/kg) and 0.17 to 0.38 (mmol TE/kg), respectively. The groups of non-irrigated and irrigated at vegetative-fruit development-ripening periods had the highest amount of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities. Among the color parameters, there were significant differences only in a* and h values. Although palmitic acid and oil content of seeds were not different, linoleic, oleic, and stearic acids were affected significantly by irrigation regime. As a result, in terms of sugar content, amount of phenolic compound and antioxidant activity, irrigation during VF period can be suggested for cultivation of melons in arid and semi-arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dikili and Madra Mountain, located on the northern border of the İzmir Province, is a significant area comprising UNESCO World Heritage assets. The geology of the region is characterised by diverse geology consisting of metamorphic, magmatic and sedimentary units. In this study, we propose 19 different types of geovalues (future geosite candidates) in 27 different locations and 4 different categories. A quantitative assessment of these geosites and the region for the Scientific Value (SV), Potential Educational Use (PEU), Potential Touristic Use (PTU) and Degradation Risk (DR) has shown that the study area has moderate–high regional SV, PEU and PTU scores (259, 286 and 260, respectively) and lower moderate (208) DR score. We also exemplify a utilisation scheme including 2 georoutes, 3 geotours and 4 panoramic terrace locations which are also related to cultural and natural assets. The results of the quantitative assessment show that the region has an important potential for geological education and future possible complementary geotourism activities and geopark formation efforts for the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ancient city of Ḫattuša, which is already in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most attractive cultural tourism spots in the central Anatolian landmass. The city is located in the Boğazkale district of the Çorum province and is one of the most important settlements in the Hittite history. The city had served as the capital of the Hittites approximately for 500 years. The oldest archaeological findings in this ancient city start from the Chalcolithic Age and extend to the Byzantine period; however, the city reached its golden ages during the reign of the Hittite Empire. Especially the construction of the monumental structures has been considered to be initiated during the old Hittite Kingdom, in the mid-sixteenth century B.C. Besides the famous cultural tourism attractions, the city and its surroundings host important geological structures. In this aspect, we propose twelve potential geosite candidates, which are quantitatively evaluated. These potential geosites are evaluated in basis of their stratigraphic, volcanic, sedimentological, structural geological value and historical significance. Especially, six of these geosite candidates are already located within the archaeological protection area and have an important potential to be registered as future geosites. A quantitative assessment of these geosites and the region for its scientific value (SV), potential educational use (PEU), potential touristic use (PTU) and degradation risk (DR) has shown that the study area has moderate high regional SV, PEU and PTU scores (288, 279 and 278, respectively) and low moderate (213) DR score. The results of the quantitative assessment show that the region has an important potential for geology education and geotourism activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lilac, one of the edible flowers, consumption status as herbal tea was evaluated in this study. In the evaluation of lilac as an herbal tea, as an alternative to infusion, microwave and ultrasound-assisted brewing methods were used. To evaluate the effectiveness of the brewing time, dried flowers were brewed for 2, 5 and 10 min. Brix, color, turbidity, pH, and acidity values, total phenolic and monomeric anthocyanin contents, antioxidant activity and phenolic composition of lilac teas were evaluated. As the brewing method, microwave and infusion mostly yielded similar results, but ultrasound was less effective than these two methods in brewing lilac teas. The brewing time significantly affected the physicochemical properties of the tea, and the highest extraction efficiency was obtained in 10 min of brewing. It can be recommended to brew the tea for 10 min using the microwave method as an alternative to infusion in the preparation of lilac tea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is important to determine the most suitable ripening period of fruit regarding bioactive compounds for evaluating as an industrial and in human nutrition. The aims of this study were to determine the changes in non-anthocyanin phenolics, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity of Mahonia aquifolium fruit throughout ripening and to determine the biosynthetic pathway of the phenolic compounds. The fruit was collected from shrubs at 10 different ripening stages between June 21 and August 17, 2016. The samples were analyzed for individual anthocyanins, non-anthocyanin phenolics, and antioxidant activity. There were significant decreases in gentisic, chlorogenic, p-coumaric, ferulic acids, rutin, and isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside and increases in protocatechuic, syringic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, and luteolin. The concentrations of delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, and pelargonidin-3-O-glucoside rose progressively from the beginning to the end of ripening, while decreases occurred from the 6th stage in the amounts of malvidin-3-O-glucoside, peonidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, and delphinidin-3-O-rutinoside. A decrease followed by an increase in the antioxidant activity indicated that the phenolic profile of the fruit changed toward the end of ripening, including for the compounds with higher antioxidant potential. In this study, the most suitable harvesting period for Mahonia berries was determined [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drought is one of the most important abiotic factors that restrict the production of agricultural plants. An effective way to avoid the negative effects of drought on crops is to cultivate high-yielding varieties by grafting them onto drought-tolerant rootstocks with a strong root system. For this purpose, five different plant materials were used: wild watermelon rootstock, i.e., wild watermelon (A1 and A2), open-pollinated Lagenaria siceraria (gourd) rootstocks (A3), Cucurbita maxima Duchesne × Cucurbita moschata Duchesne (TZ-148) F1 watermelon rootstocks (A4), and the ungrafted control. Five different irrigation depths were applied considering irrigation water (IW)/cumulative pan evaporation (CPE) rations (I100: 1.0 IW/CPE, I75:0.75 IW/CPE, I50:0.50 IW/CPE, I35:0.35 IW/CPE, and I0:rain-fed). The results showed that the use of rootstock and water stress increased the rate of sugar content in the fruit. The highest positive relationship was found between glucose and total sugar, whereas the highest negative relationship was observed between sucrose and malic acid. Parameters such as glucose, total sugar, and citric acid showed significant changes in drought stress. Fructose and malic acid showed significant differences between the rootstocks. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the A2I50 application was located in the positive region of both components and showed important results in these parameters. The TZ148 rootstock contributed significantly to the quality of watermelon. In addition, the A2 wild watermelon rootstock showed respectable results, especially under water stress conditions. Based on these results, we conclude that the use of wild watermelon rootstock will contribute to the fruit quality in arid and semi-arid areas with limited water resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Büyük Menderes Graben (BMG) is one of the best-known and the largest geological structure of the West Anatolian Extensional Province. It includes two nature conservation parks and twelve cultural heritage sites within and in its vicinity. Four geologically distinct features/locations within and in the vicinity of the BMG have been previously enlisted as geosite candidates in the provisional Geological Heritage Inventory of Turkey compiled in 2002 by the Turkish Association for the Conservation of the Geological Heritage (JEMİRKO): (1) the horst-graben structure of the Büyük Menderes region itself, (2) the tafoni from the augen-gneiss from the east of Bafa Lake, (3) the zultanite crystals from the northeast of İlbir Mountain, and (4) the tourmaline (dravite) crystals from the Camızağılı, Çine. In the current study, we are introducing additional three new geosite candidates at the western termination of the BMG with three different main geological subjects. The first one is the Yavansu Fault. Located 2 km south of the Kuşadası village, it has a clearly exposed unique fault surface which is one of the best examples of structural indicators for the WAEP with respect to the normal faulting events. The second one is located in the Hisartepe Volcanics exposed between Kuşadası and Söke, and consists of basaltic lava flows with remarkable prismatic cooling joints and a gorgeous feeder dome reaching up to 150 m height. Final suggestion is the Karina marine fan-delta complex located at the south-eastern border of the Dilek Peninsula National Park. This fan-delta complex is the largest one in the Western Anatolian scale and has remarkable paragon outcrops up to 20 m high between Doğanbey and Karina Lagoon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mahonia aquifolium berries are significant sources of anthocyanins and generally consumed fresh or processed such as juice or puree. In most cases, seeds of the berries are rest as waste. This study was aimed to find out nutritional and functional properties of M. aquifolium seed, and its oil and also to determine whether they could take place or not in the human diet. Seeds were removed from the berries which were collected from the shrubs grown in Konya, Turkey at the July 2017. Oil was obtained from the seeds by ether extraction method. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic, mineral, protein, and oil content analyses were performed on the seed, while the oil was analyzed for pigments, fatty acids, and tocols. Phenolic profile and alkaloids analyses were done in both seed and oil. The seed had significant amount of total phenolics (17.24 mg GAE/g DW) and possessed high antioxidant activity. (+)-Catechin was found to be main phenolic of the seed and oil. Oxyacanthine and berbamine were the alkaloids identified in the seed. α-Linolenic acid constituted 46.67% of the fatty acids in the oil. Omega-6:omega-3 ratio was calculated as 0.54. The oil was also rich in γ-tocotrienol (308.30 mg/kg oil). Even if low amount, α- and β-carotenes were detected in the oil. As a result, the seed and its oil are significant sources of different groups of nutritional and phytochemical compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to compare the outcomes of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPNL) and standard PNL techniques in the treatment of renal stones ≥ 2 cm. The study was designed as a randomized prospective study between January 2016 and April 2017. The patients with a kidney stone ≥ 2 cm were included in the study. Patients who had uncorrectable bleeding diathesis, abnormal renal anatomy, skeletal tract abnormalities, pregnant patients and pediatric patients (< 18 years old) were excluded from the study. The remaining patients were randomly divided into two groups as standard PNL and mPNL. For both group, demographic data, stone characteristics, operative data and postoperative data were recorded prospectively. The study included 160 consecutive patients who had kidney stone ≥ 2 cm. Of these, patients who met the exclusion criteria and patients who had missing data were excluded from the study. Remaining 97 patients were randomly divided into two groups as mPNL (n: 46) and standard PNL (n: 51). The mean age was 46.9 ± 13.7 and 47.4 ± 13.9 years for mPNL group and sPNL group, respectively. According to Clavien–Dindo classification, no statistical difference was detected between the groups in terms of complication rates (p 0.31). However, the rates of hemoglobin drop and transfusion rates were significantly in favour of mPNL (p 0.012 and p 0.018, respectively). Nephrostomy time and hospitalization time was found to be significantly shorter in mPNL group (p 0.017 and p 0.01, respectively). The success rate in the mPCNL group was higher than standard PNL group, however, this difference was statistically insignificant (76.5 vs 71.7%, p 0.59). Both mPNL and standard PNL are safe and effective treatment techniques for the treatment of kidney stones of ≥ 2 cm. Although there was no significant difference in success rates of both techniques; nephrostomy time, hospitalization time, bleeding and transfusion rates were in favour of mPNL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Our aim was to compare the different characteristics and outcomes of the Amplatz sheaths and single-step metallic dilators which were used for mini-PCNL procedure in a single institution. Methods: Retrospective medical records of 236 patients who underwent mini-PCNL were reviewed and divided into Amplatz ( n = 151) and metal ( n = 85) groups. Perioperative and postoperative data including operative time, fluoroscopy time, hemoglobin decrease, blood transfusion, hospital stay, stone-free rate and any postoperative complication were recorded. Results: The groups were statistically similar in terms of operation time, nephrostomy stay, puncture location and hemoglobin decrease. Compared to the metal sheath group, the fluoroscopy time (3.7 vs 5.9 m, p < 0.001) and the hospital stay (53.5 vs 67 h, p = 0.007) were significantly higher in the Amplatz group. Although final stone-free rate was higher for metal group than Amplatz group, no statistical difference was established (82.1 vs 79.5%, p = 0.285). The rates of complications such as fever, blood transfusion, postoperative DJ insertion were similar in two groups with no significant difference. Conclusion: Although different treatment outcomes of various institutions have been published for mini-PCNL procedure, this is the first study that compares Amplatz and metallic sheaths. This study shows that there is no difference between the two groups in terms of final stone-free rate and complication rate. Even though the indications of each dilatation technique were similar, metal sheaths are most cost-effective (6.1 vs 63 Euro per case; p < 0.001). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims investigating adjustable distant fuzzy c-means segmentation on carotid Doppler images, as well as quaternion-based convolution filters and saliency mapping procedures. We developed imaging software that will simplify the measurement of carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) on saliency mapping images. Additionally, specialists evaluated the present images and compared them with saliency mapping images. In the present research, we conducted imaging studies of 25 carotid Doppler images obtained by the Department of Cardiology at Fırat University. After implementing fuzzy c-means segmentation and quaternion-based convolution on all Doppler images, we obtained a model that can be analyzed easily by the doctors using a bottom-up saliency model. These methods were applied to 25 carotid Doppler images and then interpreted by specialists. In the present study, we used color-filtering methods to obtain carotid color images. Saliency mapping was performed on the obtained images, and the carotid artery IMT was detected and interpreted on the obtained images from both methods and the raw images are shown in Results. Also these results were investigated by using Mean Square Error (MSE) for the raw IMT images and the method which gives the best performance is the Quaternion Based Saliency Mapping (QBSM). 0,0014 and 0,000191 mm MSEs were obtained for artery lumen diameters and plaque diameters in carotid arteries respectively. We found that computer-based image processing methods used on carotid Doppler could aid doctors' in their decision-making process. We developed software that could ease the process of measuring carotid IMT for cardiologists and help them to evaluate their findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PNL in patients with a history of open renal surgery or PNL by comparing with primary patients and to compare impact of previous open renal surgery and PNL on the success and complications of subsequent PNL. Charts of patients, who underwent PNL at our institute, were analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into three groups according to history of renal stone surgery. Patients without history of renal surgery were enrolled into Group 1. Other patients with previous PNL and previous open surgery were categorized as Group 2 and Group 3. Preoperative characteristic, perioperative data, stone-free status, and complication rates were compared between the groups. Stone-free status was accepted as completing clearance of stone and residual fragment smaller than 4 mm. Eventually, 2070 patients were enrolled into the study. Open renal surgery and PNL had been done in 410 (Group 2) and 131 (Group 3) patients, retrospectively. The mean operation time was longer (71.3 ± 33.5 min) in Group 2 and the mean fluoroscopy time was longer (8.6 ± 5.0) in Group 3 but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Highest stone clearance was achieved in primary PNL patients (81.62 %) compared to the other groups (77.10 % in Group 2 and 75.61 % in Group 3). Stone-free rate was not significantly different between Group 2 and Group 3. Fever, pulmonary complications, and blood transfusion requirement were not statically different between groups but angioembolization was significantly higher in Group 2. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is a safe and effective treatment modality for patients with renal stones regardless history of previous PNL or open renal surgery. However, history of open renal surgery but not PNL significantly reduced PNL success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of sublethal phosalone concentrations on the hematological, serum biochemical, and immunological responses of carp ( Cyprinus carpio). The fish were semi-statically exposed to low (0.15 mg/L), medium (0.3 mg/L), and high (0.6 mg/L) phosalone concentrations for 14 days. Results showed that the hematological variables red blood cell count (RBC, ×10/mm), white blood cell count (×10/mm), hematocrit (Hct, %), hemoglobin (Hb) concentration (g/dL), corpuscular volume mean (MCV, μm), corpuscular Hb mean (MCH, pg), and mean corpuscular Hb concentration (MCHC, %) were significantly affected by phosalone concentrations. In addition, white blood cell types (neutrophil, lymphocyte, and monocyte) were also affected. Furthermore, serum proteins, metabolites, lipids, enzymes, and electrolytes were significantly altered by different phosalone concentrations. Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT), lysozyme, and myeloperoxidase activities significantly altered treatment with phosalone concentrations. As a result, phosalone resulted in significant physiological and behavioral changes in C. carpio. These changes may potentially impair C. carpio's survival capability in natural habitats or aquaculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the presence of structural and anatomical differences that accompany anomalous kidneys, currently available endourological modalities such as SWL and PNL may be insufficient, or additional laparoscopic assistance may be required. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde flexible ureterorenoscopic stone treatment in patients with kidney anomalies. Over the last 3 years, 25 patients with renal stones in anomalous kidneys were consecutively treated by flexible ureterorenoscopy and holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy. Among the 25 patients, fiberoptic or digital flexible ureterorenoscopies were performed for the management of horseshoe kidneys ( n = 3), cross-fused ectopic kidney ( n = 1), renal ectopies [ n = 13; associated with pelvic ( n = 6) or lumbar kidneys ( n = 7)], renal malrotations ( n = 4), and duplicate ureters ( n = 4). For lithotripsy, 200 or 273 µm probes were used, and for stone retraction 1.3-1.9 Fr ZeroTip baskets were used. Success was defined as the complete absence of stones as evaluated with a CT scan 1 month after the operation. The mean patient age was 39.4 ± 15.75 years, and the mean stone size was 194.64 ± 103.93 mm (range 50-393). Complete stone clearance was achieved in 16 patients (64 %) after a single session. Seven of the patients with residual stones underwent a second session and the remaining three patients were subsequently treated with SWL. The overall complete clearance rate was 88 % (22 patients) with ancillary procedures. There were no serious postoperative complications except for one case (4 %) of urosepsis. Flexible ureterorenoscopy with holmium laser lithotripsy is a safe option for the treatment of renal stones in anomalous kidneys with satisfactory success rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, rheological properties of blends of pine honey (3%, 6%, and 9%) with sesame pastes (tahin) produced from hulled roasted sesame seeds, called simply tahin, and from unhulled roasted sesame seeds, so-called Bozkir tahin, were determined at temperatures ranging from 10°C to 60°C and at speeds ranging from 0.5 to 100 rpm. Tahin and Bozkir tahin blends with pine honey were found to exhibit non-Newtonian, pseudoplastic behavior at all temperatures. Apparent viscosities versus speed data were successfully fitted to the power law model. The flow behavior index, n, varied in the range of 0.4226-0.6228 for the tahin-pine honey blends, and in the range of 0.4661 to −0.7266 for the Bozkir tahin-pine honey blends. The consistency index, K, was in the range of 9.34-36.42 Pa·s for tahin-honey blends, and in the range of 9.92-37.53 Pa·s for Bozkir tahin-honey blends. The consistency index (K) increased with increasing honey levels in both tahin types. According to statistical analysis, the exponential model was a better model to describe the effect of the soluble solids on the viscosity of tahin samples represented by the pine honey percentage. The emulsion stability of both tahin types improved with the addition of pine honey. It was also correlated with activation energy ( E), Arrhenius constant, some sensory properties such as spreadibility, firmness and overall acceptance, and color parameters such as the C and h. Temperature sensitivity of the consistency index was assessed by applying an Arrhenius type equation, and E value appeared in the range of 7.61-10.05 kJ/mol for tahin-honey blends and in the range of 9.02-10.50 kJ/mol for Bozkir tahin-honey blends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dihydroxy functional photoinitiator namely, 2-hydroxy- 1 -[4-(2-hydroxyethoxy)phenyl]-2-methyl propan-1-one (HE-HMPP), Irgacure 2959, has been used as reducing agent in redox initiated free-radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in conjunction with cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate in aqueous nitric acid at 40°C to obtain a novel mid-chain macrophotoinitiator of poly(MMA). The effects of Ce(IV), HE-HMPP, and MMA concentrations on the polymerization rate were investigated. The IR, H NMR, UV, photodegradation, and fluorescence spectroscopic studies revealed that poly(methyl methacrylate) with desired photoinitiator functionality in the polymer chain was obtained. This prepolymer was used in photoinduced free radical polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and acrylonitrile (AN) to produce block copolymer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although published reports about direct stenting in treating stable coronary artery disease have been increasing, the number of studies regarding direct stenting for acute coronary syndrome is limited. In this study, we report immediate and mid-term results of patients who underwent direct stenting for treating acute coronary syndrome. The average lesion length was 12.1 ± 3.3 mm. The preprocedure average minimum luminal diameter (MLD) was 0.67 ± 0.33 mm. Post-procedure average MLD was 3.19 ± 0.42 mm. In 35 of the 36 cases (97%), the stent delivery system crossed the lesion and was implanted successfully. In one case, an acute occlusion, which was treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA), occurred. The rate of procedure success was 94%. The amount of contrast media used was 88 ± 16 ml and duration of radiation exposure was 9 ± 2 min. Control angiography was performed in 28 out of 35 cases (80%). Seven patients who did not consent to coronary angiography were asymptomatic and had negative exercise tests. MLD was 2.66 ± 0.53 mm after a six month follow-up. The clinical and angiographic restenosis rates were 14% (5/35) and 18% (5/28), respectively. Three of the five cases of restenosis were treated by excimer laser coronary angioplasty (ELCA) and PTCA and the other two were treated with PTCA only. Target lesion revascularization rate was 14% (5/35). The rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) was 17% (6/35) after the six month follow-up period. Based on these results, we conclude that direct stenting for acute coronary syndrome is safe if the lesion is determined to be suitable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]