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Studies related tosmoking cessation counseling in hospitalized patients are increasing. Smokershospitalized for a variety of reasons either temporarily stop orreduce the amount of smoking in the hospital. It is suggested that this periodbe utilized as an opportunity for smoking cessation intervention while in thehospital and followed up within one month by phone after discharge. Patients whoare hospitalized due to a smoking-related illness are more prone to theseattempts. The efficacy of drugs other than NRT (Nicotine replacement therapy)has not been proven. In our country, family physician departments can assumebedside cigarette counseling. However, problems such as restructuring ofhospital automation systems, solving drug procurement and reimbursement,setting up automated calling systems and integrating with smoking cessationhotline should be solved., Hastanede yatan hastalara sigara bıraktırma danışmanlığı verilmesi ileilgili çalışmalar artmaktadır. Hastanelerde çeşitli nedenlerle yatan hastalarsigara içmeye ya ara vermekte ya da miktarını azaltmaktadırlar. Bu süre birfırsata dönüştürülerek hastalara yatak başında sigara bırakma danışmanlığıverilmesi ve taburcu olduktan sonra telefonla bir ay içinde takibi yapılması önerilmektedir.Sigara kullanımına bağlı bir hastalıktan dolayı yatan hastalar bu girişimleredaha yatkın olmaktadır. NRT (Nikotine replasman tedavisi) dışında ilaçlarınetkinliği kanıtlanmamıştır. Ülkemizde aile hekimliği ana bilim dalları yatakbaşı sigara danışmanlığını üstlenebilir. Ancak, hastane otomasyon sistemlerininyeniden yapılanması, ilaç temini ve geri ödeme problemlerinin çözülmesi, otomatikarama sistemlerinin kurulması ve sigara bıraktırma hattıyla entegre çalışmasıgibi problemlerin çözülmeleri gerekir.

Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CdZnTe) is a good candidate for detection of x-ray and gamma-rays due to its high atomic number and large bandgap. CdZnTe is a II-VI group semiconductor and by changing ZnTe concentration, its properties can be altered. CdZnTe crystals having 4% ZnTe is commonly used as a substrate for Mercury Cadmium Telluride (HgCdTe) which is an important absorbing material for infrared imaging applications. For x-ray and gamma-ray detection, on the other hand, ZnTe concentration is kept around 10%. Due to high resistivity of CdZnTe crystals, preparation of surfaces prior to deposition of electrodes is important. After cutting and mechanical polishing, subsurface damages are observed on the crystals, which have a negative effect on the resistivity of the crystal near to the surface alongside with the dangling bonds on the surface. Decrease in the resistivity results in high leakage current that hinders the collection of electrons produced by absorption of photons. In addition, to have a strong bonding with electrode metal, surface should be clean from contaminants like oxygen and carbon. Achieving clean surface with low leakage current can be achieved by employment of chemical polishing step prior to electrode deposition. Bromine-alcohol solutions are used for chemical polishing without much control over the etching conditions. In this study, we report on the results of optimization study of chemical polishing by bromine-alcohol. Different alcohols (methanol, ethanol, propanol) were employed with different concentrations and etching durations. In addition, etching is conducted for different orientations to examine orientation dependency of the solution.

Cadmium Zinc Telluride (CD1-xZnxTe has become a crucial material for x-ray and gamma ray detection due to its wide band-gap, high atomic number and high density, which offer high efficiency and sharp spectroscopic resolution at room temperature. In addition, due to being lattice matched, it can also be used as substrate for the epitaxial growth of HgCdTe that can be used for infrared detection with high resolution. Hence, increasing the single crystal yield of CdZnTe from the grown ingot gained importance for the development of such detectors. In this study, a combination of modeling and experimental approaches has been developed in order to obtain high quality CdZnTe bulk crystals with good single crystal yield. A multi-zone Vertical Gradient Freeze (VGF) furnace was used for CdZnTe growth experiments. A global temperature model of the multi-zone furnace including complete geometry was employed using CrysMAS crystal growth modeling software. The correlation studies between the model and experimental behavior of the furnace are discussed in order to create a reliable model for temperature predictions. Temperature models were also included solid-liquid interface study in order to observe the interface shape at various stages of growth which would provide valuable insight about the quality and the yield of the ingot. Growth parameters and crucible geometries were estimated by CrysMAS simulations and interchanged between experiments. Effectiveness of temperature models and simulations was supported by experimental results such as single-crystalline yield, grain evolution and crystalline quality comparison by DCRC measurements of five successful crystal growths with moderate single crystal grain sizes.

The third part of a study series on the family Tettigoniidae from Turkey and the Middle East Region is presented, which includes only the subfamily Tettigoniinae of Turkey. A key to tribes, genera and subgenera found in Turkey is proposed. The synonymy of the tribe Platycleidini Brunner, 1893 (with Decticini Herman, 1874) is confirmed. Pezodrymadusa striolata ziyaretensis Koçak & Kemal, 2010 [with Pezodrymadusa affinis (I.Bolívar, 1899)], Anadolua rammei Karabağ, 1952 (with Anadolua burri Karabağ, 1952), Psorodonotus rize Kaya et Çıplak, 2014 (with Psorodonotus davisi Karabağ, 1956), Parapholidoptera intermixta Karabağ, 1961 [with Parapholidoptera indistincta (I.Bolívar, 1899)] are synonymized. Parapholidoptera indistincta (I.Bolívar, 1899) is reinstated as an independent species. Six new species, Pezodrymadusa dentata Ünal, sp. nov., Mixodusa retusa Ünal, sp. nov., Platycleis (Squamiana) supericola Ünal, sp. nov., Platycleis (Squamiana) goeksunica Ünal, sp. nov., Parapholidoptera yarpuzi Ünal, sp. nov. and Eupholidoptera singularis Ünal, sp. nov. are described. The invalidly described Schulmeisteri schulmeisteri Harz is discussed and its only specimen is included in the genus Pezodrymadusa as a new species. The genus Mixodusa Stolyarov and the subspecies, Pholidoptera aptera bulgarica Maran, 1953 are recorded from Turkey for the first time. An overlooked historical record of Psorodonotus venosus brunneri Stshelkanovtzev, 1914 from Turkey is determined. Discussions of many taxa and some records from new localities are presented. A full list of the Turkish Tettigoniinae is given. 357 figures are provided.

The genus Bradyporus Charpentier is taxonomically revised using information obtained from numerous recently collected specimens. Bradyporus is divided into two subgenera Bradyporus Charpentier s.str. and Callimenus Fischer von Waldheim. Five species groups are distinguished in the latter subgenus. Sixteen species and subspecies are listed. Bradyporus (Callimenus) multituberculatus multituberculatus (Fischer von Waldheim, 1833) and Bradyporus (Callimenus) multituberculatus montandoni (Burr, 1898) are designated subspecies for the first time. Previously synonymized Bradyporus (Callimenus) macrogaster skopjensis Karaman, 1961 is reinstated as a valid species. A new species, Bradyporus (Callimenus) gocmeni Ünal, sp. nov. from Eastern Turkey and the previously unknown female of Bradyporus (Callimenus) skopjensis Karaman, 1961 are described. A Neotype for Bradyporus (Callimenus) macrogaster longicollis (Fieber, 1853) is designated. Nomenclatural and taxonomical problems are discussed under the relevant taxa. Phylogenetic relationships based on morphology of the subgenera, species groups, and the species and subspecies of each species group are proposed. Morphological derived and ancestral characters are discussed. A key to the lower taxa of the genus is provided with 207 original figures including 3 distributional maps. A check-list of the lower taxa of the genus is given. Additionally the IUCN Red List statuses of the species and subspecies are included.

In this study, aluminum induced texturing (AIT) technique is used to increase light absorption in thin film by way of increasing the portion of the diffuse transmitted light (haze). For this purpose, various AIT process parameters such as starting aluminum thicknesses, annealing temperature and time, etching time, etchant's concentrations, and temperature of etching are known to affect the final texture. We have investigated the effect of aluminum thickness and etching time on AIT process while keeping the other parameters fixed. Our results show that by changing initial aluminum thickness and etching time, it is possible to control surface morphology of glass substrate and the resulting optical diffuse transmittance. In addition, diffuse transmittance is increased over the visible range of solar spectra and total absorption by a-Si:H is increased. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)

The endemic Madagascan genera Oncodopus Brongniart and Colossopus Saussure are revised using museum specimens, including the types, and recently collected material. A new genus, Malagasopus gen. nov., and seven new species, Malagasopus desutterae sp. nov., Malagasopus meridianus sp. nov., Oncodopus janetae sp. nov., Oncodopus brongniarti sp. nov., Oncodopus saussurei sp. nov., Oncodopus soalalaensis sp. nov. and Colossopus parvicavus sp. nov. are described. Lectotypes are designated for Oncodopus zonatus Brongniart, 1897 and Colossopus redtenbacheri (Brongniart, 1897). A new term, mesothoracic auricle, is proposed for a structure on the episternum of the mesothorax. A tabulated key to the genera and keys to the species are presented. All species are described and diagnosed, and their phylogenetic relationships, geographical distributions, habitat preferences and phenologies are documented. The life history of Colossopus grandidieri is described, and the unusual possible mate-guarding behaviour of several species is discussed. Maps showing the distribution of the species are presented, as too are 57 photographs of museum specimens, 51 drawings of morphological characters, 17 photographs of living specimens and one habitat photograph.

Piyasa riski değişikliği, şirket yatırımcılarının portföylerinde ayarlamalara sebebiyet verdiğinden, şirket riskini sabit tutmak isteyen şirket yöneticilerini faaliyet ve finansal kaldıraçları zıt yönde etkileyecek kararlara yönlendirebilir. Söz konusu görüşü savunan Dengeleme Tezi, faaliyet ve finansal kaldıraçlar arasında negatif, her iki kaldıraçla piyasa riski arasında pozitif bir etkileşim beklentisindedir. Bu çalışmada dengeleme tezinin Türk Metal sektöründeki varlığını inceledik. 32 halka açık firma üzerinde 2005-2013 döneminde yaptığımız araştırma dengeleme tezini güçlü destekleyecek sonuçlara ulaşmadı. Bulgularımız piyasa riskinin faaliyet kaldıracıyla negatif, finansal kaldıraçla pozitif ilişkili olmasına rağmen, kaldıraçlar arasında anlamlı bir ilişki bulunmadığına ve yöneticilerin şirket kaldıraçlarını piyasa riski stabilizasyonu için kullanmadığına işaret etti. According to the trade-off hypothesis, firms may use operating and financial leverage to stabilize the effects of their corporate decisions on market risk: A firm decision increasing the financial leverage is expected to be balanced out with another decision decreasing the operating leverage. Evidence in literature is conflicting. We examine the presence of the trade-off hypothesis in 32 public firms from the Turkish Metal sector during 2005-2013. In line with the trade-off expectation, we find market risk is positively related to the degree of financial leverage. However, in our sample there is no trade-off between the operating and financial leverage.

WOS:000403942500005 PubMed: 28251879 Background: Neo-XY sex chromosome determination is a rare event in short horned grasshoppers, but it appears with unusual frequency in the Pamphagidae family. The neo-Y chromosomes found in several species appear to have undergone heterochromatinization and degradation, but this subject needs to be analyzed in other Pamphagidae species. We perform here karyotyping and molecular cytogenetic analyses in 12 Pamphagidae species from the center of biodiversity of this group in the previously-unstudied Anatolian plateau. Results: The basal karyotype for the Pamphagidae family, consisting of 18 acrocentric autosomes and an acrocentric X chromosome (2n male = 19, X0; 2n female = 20, XX), was found only in G. adaliae. The karyotype of all other studied species consisted of 16 acrocentric autosomes and a neo-XY sex chromosome system (2n male female = 18, neo-XX female/neo-XY male). Two different types of neo-Y chromosomes were found. One of them was typical for three species of the Glyphotmethis genus, and showed a neo-Y chromosome being similar in size to the XR arm of the neo-X, with the addition of two small subproximal interstitial C-blocks. The second type of the neo-Y chromosome was smaller and more heterochromatinized than the XR arm, and was typical for all Nocarodeini species studied. The chromosome distribution of C-positive regions and clusters of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and telomeric repeats yielded additional information on evolution of these neo-XY systems. Conclusion: Most Pamphagidae species in the Anatolian region were found to have neo-XY sex chromosome systems, belonging to two different evolutionary lineages, marked by independent X-autosome fusion events occurred within the Trinchinae and Pamphaginae subfamilies. The high density of species carrying neo-XY systems in the Anatolian region, and the different evolutionary stage for the two lineages found, one being older than the other, indicates that this region has a long history of neo-XY sex chromosome formation.

A rich and interesting material collected from Turkey and the neighbouring countries including the Middle East has been evaluated. The material consists of the historical and unidentified specimens mainly in the Naturhistorisches Musem Wien, the Natural History Museum London and the specimens recently collected and preserved in the Abant Izzet Baysal Universitesi Entomoloji Muzesi. Eight genera and 106 species and subspecies are listed The Isophya species are included into 7, the Poecilimon species are included into 16 species groups. The relationships of the species and the species groups are proposed as phylogenetic trees in writing format. Three distinct clades of the species groups of Poecilimon are separated and discussed their taxonomic positions. The genus Poecilimonella Uvarov, 1921 is included to the genus Poecilimon Fischer, 1853 and the species Poecilimon richteri Ramme, 1933 is synonymized with Poecilimon similis Retowski, 1899. Twelve new species and subspecies, Isophya hitit, I. sur...

In the present paper, the male of Spinisternum castaneipictus Willemse, previously unknown is described. The similarity of Spinisternum with other genera causes confusion in identification. This problem is discussed and similar species in different genera are compared. A key to species of Spinisternum and illustrations of S. castaneipictus are provided.

Turkish taxa of Asiotmethis were studied. Asiotmethis limbatus limbatus (Charpentier, 1842), described from Turkey, is compared with Asiotmethis turritus armeniacus Ramme, 1951, known only in Armenia. The species described as Glyphotmethis arasi Salman, 1978 is proposed as junior synonym of Asiotmethis turritus armeniacus, the latter recorded for the first time from Turkey. A neotype is designated for A. limbatus limbatus from the European part of Turkey known as this taxon's type locality. Diagnosis, distribution, references to Turkey and doubtful records are given for both taxa, with a key, distributional map, illustrations and measurements. The need for a revision of the complicated genus Asiotmethis is explained, with some notes on problems of specific taxa. A checklist of all known species of the genus, their type localities and distributions is tabulated.

The complicated genus Glyphotmethis Bey-Bienko, 1951 is revised using the previous materials including the type specimens preserved in Museums and an abundance of new material collected mainly in Turkey. Diagnoses, ecology, distribution and taxonomic characters for the genus are provided. The function of Krauss’ organ is discussed. The followingseven taxa are proposed as junior synonyms: Glyphotmethis holtzi spinosus Karabag, 1956 is synonym with G. holtzi pulchripes (Uvarov, 1943), Glyphotmethis holtzi extimus Bey-Bienko, 1951 is synonym with G. holtzi holtzi (Werner, 1901), Glyphotmethis escherichi coloripes Cejchan, 1965 is synonym with G. escherichi elatior (Ramme, 1951), Glyphotmethis guichardi Cejchn, 1964 is synonym with G. escherichi escherichi (Krauss, 1896), Glyphotmethis raggei Cejchan, 1965 and Glyphotmethis adaliae angorensis Cejchan, 1965 are synonyms with G. escherichi inermis (Uvarov, 1934) and Glyphotmethis heldreichi macedonicus, Bey-Bienko, 1951 is synonym with G. heldreichi heldreichi (Brunner, 1882). One species, Glyphotmethis arasi, is removed from the genus and three new taxa, Glyphotmethis holtzi brachypterus ssp.n., Glyphotmethis holtzi turcicus ssp.n. and Glyphotmethis efe sp.n. are described. The taxonomical status of some taxa are rearranged. A neotype is designated for Glyphotmethis eshcerichi escherichi (Krauss, 1896) from Ankara known as the type locality. Misidentified specimens and inaccurate records for taxa in previous papers are corrected and their geographical distributions adjusted. Many records are provided for new localities. Keys for the identification of species and subspecies are prepared using traditional and some new distinctive characters. A short description and comparison with close allies are given for each taxon. Distribution areas of the taxa and the contact zones between some subspecies are determined. In addition, 126 figures and 3 distributional maps are given.

Bu çalışmanın amacı puberte dönemindeki sıçanların tibial büyüme plakları üzerine nandrolon'un etkilerini belirlemektir. Çalışmada 28 adet Sprague Dawley ırkı sıçan kullanıldı. Sıçanlar her grupta 7 adet erkek, 7 adet dişi sıçan olacak şekilde kontrol ve deney grupları olmak üzere iki gruba ayrıldı. Deney grubundaki sıçanlara periton içi, 4 hafta süreyle, haftanın 5 günü 10 mg/kg düzeyinde nandrolon (Nandrolone Decanoate, Enj. Norma Hellas SA, Menandrou, Greece) uygulaması yapıldı. Tibial büyüme plakaları dikkate alınarak kemik doku örnekleri alındı, % 10 nötral formalinde tespit edildi. Dekalsifikasyon EDTA ile yapıldı. Parafin bloklar hazırlanarak 6 µm kalınlığında kesitler alındı. Kesitler safranin O boyama metodu ile boyandı. Her kesitten 4 fotoğraf çekildi. Rezerv, proliferatif ve hipertrofik zonların ölçümleri yapıldı. Elde edilen verilerin aritmetik ortalamaları alındı gruplar arasındaki farklılıklar independent t-testi ile belirlendi. Nandrolon verilen erkek ve dişilerde rezerv ve proliferatif zonların uzunluğu kontrol grubuna gore önemli ölçüde azaldığı gözlendi. Bu ratların hipertrofik zonlarının uzunluğunun da azaldığı ancak bu azalmanın istatistiki öneme haiz olmadığı belirlendi. Bu verilerin ışığı altında nandrolonun epifizeal büyüme plakalarında daralmaya dolayısıyla erken dönemde longitudinal büyümenin durmasına neden olabileceği kanaatine varıldı., The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nandrolone on tibial growth plate by histometric methods in puberty period of rats. Twenty eight rats were used in the study. Animals were divided into two groups as control (Sprague Dawley) (7 male, and 7 female), and experimental group (7 male, and 7 female). Nandrolone (Nandrolone Decanoate, Enj. Norma Hellas SA, Menandrou, Greece) was injected intraperitoneally 10 mg/kg for 5 days of week during the 4 weeks. Bone tissue samples including tibial growth plate were taken, and fixed in 10% neutral formalin. Decalcification was done with Na EDTA. Paraffin blocks was prepared, and 6 µm sections were taken. Sections stained with safranin O method. Four photographs were taken from each preparation. Calculations of length of the reserve, proliferative, and hypertrophic zones were done by Leica Image Manager 50, archive and calculating program, and saved 10 different regions from each photograph. The data analysed for arithmetic means and standard deviation, and significance between groups was determined by independent t-test with SPSS version 17.0 packed program. Length of the reserve and proliferative regions decreased in statistically significance degree, regardless of the gender differences. Length of the hypertrophic region also decreased, but no statistically significance. Nandrolone may lead to early closure of the growth plate in puberty period of rats., Bu araştırma Selçuk Üniversitesi Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Koordinatörlüğü tarafından 10202008 proje numarası ile desteklenmiştir.

A rich material which consists of the unidentified specimens preserved in the Natural History Museum London; Naturhistorisches Museum Wien and the specimens collected from Turkey by the author, is studied. Eighty-eight species and subspecies are listed. Iranusa uvarovi sp.n., Platycleis (Montana) kure sp.n., Hermoniana brozai sp.n., Parapholidoptera belen sp.n. and unknown male of Pezodrymadusa affinis (I. Bolivar, 1899) are described. Platycleis (Squamiana) ankarensis Karabag, 1950 and Platycleis (Squamiana) irritans Ramme, 1951 are given in new combination. Squamina erzuruma Demirsoy, 1975 is synonymized. The species Phytodrymadusa longipes (Brunner, 1882), Platycleis (Squamiana) irritans Ramme, 1951, Pachytrachis gracilis (Brunner, 1861) from Turkey, Eupholidoptera cypria turcica Salman, 1983, Anadrymadusa (s.str) danensis Karabag, 1972 from Syria and Pholidoptera brevipes Ramme, 1939 from Asia are recorded for the first time. The genera and subgenera Rammeola Uvarov, 1934, Montana Zeuner, 194...

Nine Isophya species were studied from the Bati Karadeniz Region of Turkey and one new species, Isophya yaraligozi, described. Distributions, previous records, type material and type depositories are given. A key to the species of the region is provided.

Aluminum induced texturing (AIT) is an effective method to enhance light trapping in thin film solar cells through texturing the surface of the glass substrate. The topography of the textured glass is closely related to the processes that occur at the Al/glass interface during thermal annealing, which is commonly carried out at temperatures above 500 °C. The annealing temperature significantly influences the redox reaction between Al and SiO2, and thus the resultant surface texture. In this study, the effect of annealing temperature on the AIT process is investigated in order to elucidate on the evolution of the metallic Al over-layer into the final Al2O3 – c-Si mixture. The structural and compositional changes at the Al/glass interface are compared for samples annealed at varying temperatures. The influence of annealing temperature on the final morphology of the glass surface is also discussed, along with its optical transmittance.

Aluminum induced texturing (AIT) is one of the most promising texturing methods, which can be applied on glass substrates for solar cell applications. Combination of different dimensional structures exhibits the opportunity to achieve enhanced light trapping schemes. Here in this study, float glass and macro textured sandy and prism glasses went through Aluminum induced texturing (AIT) process in order to enhance light management. Surface morphologies were investigated by FE-SEM and optical measurements in terms of transmittance and haze were conducted. Micro or nano sized craters were formed on each type of glass surface successfully by using acidic and basic etching solutions. It was shown for every type of glass that AIT process enhances haze values remarkably. Moreover, it was demonstrated that basic solution is superior to acidic solution in terms of optical properties. In this work, random macro-scale surface texture and imprinted inverted pyramid-like pattern were used to combine AIT textures to attain high haze values. Superior haze was achieved from macro-nano combined texture surface having more scattered light from prism glass substrate with a maximum haze value of 90 %. Comparison of AIT textured float, prism and sandy glasses in terms of haze.

The very rich material of Palaearctic Pamphagidae preserved in the collections including the type specimens of all taxa, the historical unidentified specimens and newly collected material have been studied. 58 genera and 295 species and subspecies are listed. The higher classification of the family is reviewed mainly based on the male phallic complex as well as the traditional and some new external characters. The tribe Haplotropiidini is transferred to the subfamily Thrinchinae. Previously synonymized subfamily Tropidaucheninae is validated as an independent tribe of Pamphaginae. The tribe Nocarodeini is taxonomically reviewed except the genus Bufonocarodes Mistshenko. The male phallic complex is also used as one of the main characters in decisions of the genus group taxa. The following 10 genera are synonymized: Pseudotmethis Bey-Bienko, 1948 and Paratmethis Zheng & He, 1996 (with Filchnerella Karny, 1908), Sinotmethis Bey-Bienko, 1959 and Kanotmethis Yin, 1994 (with Beybienkia Tsyplenkov, 1956), Paktia Pfadt, 1970 (with Mistshenkoella Cejchan, 1969), Pseudosavalania Demirsoy, 1973 (with Paranocarodes I. Bolívar, 1912), Nocaropsis Ramme, 1951 (with Paranothrotes Mistshenko, 1951), Paranocaracris Mistshenko, 1951 and Oronothrotes Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocaracris Uvarov, 1928) and Savalania Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocarodes Fischer von Waldheim, 1846). The genera Mistshenkoella Cejchan and Cryptonothrotes La Greca are proposed as subgenera of Saxetania Mistshenko. The following genera are divided: Eremocharis Saussure into 4 species groups, Paranocarodes I. Bolívar into 2 species groups, Paranothrotes Mistshenko into 4 species groups, Nocaracris Uvarov into 7 species groups and Nocarodes Fischer von Waldheim into 4 species groups. The following 24 species and subspecies are synonymized: Tmethis cinerascus cyanipes Werner, 1939 [with Eremopeza angusta (Uvarov, 1934)], Iranotmethis cyanipennis cyanipes Bey-Bienko, 1951 [with Iranotmethis cyanipennis iranicus (Werner, 1939)], Eremocharis granulosa roseipes Uvarov, 1943 [with Eremocharis granulosa granulosa (Walker, 1871)], Eremocharis subsulcata minor Cejchan, 1969 (with Eremocharis maior Ramme, 1952), Asiotmethis limbatus motasi Ramme, 1951 [with Asiotmethis limbatus (Charpentier, 1845)], Tropidauchen marginatum Bolívar, 1912 (with Tropidauchen escalerai Bolívar, 1912), Paranocarodes straubei serratus Uvarov, 1949, Paranocarodes straubei insularis Ramme, 1951 and Paranocarodes fieberi mytilenensis Ramme, 1951 [with Paranocarodes fieberi (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882)], Paranocarodes atympanicus Ramme, 1951 (with Paranocarodes tolunayi tolunayi Ramme, 1949), Paranocarodes cilicicus Ramme, 1951 (with Paranocarodes lubricus Mistshenko, 1951), Paranothrotes opacus hakkariana Demirsoy, 1973 [with Paranothrotes opacus opacus (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882)], Paranothrotes tenuicornis sordidus Mistshenko, 1951 and Paranothrotes iranicus (Ramme, 1951) (with Paranothrotes tenuicornis Mistshenko, 1951), Paranothrotes elbursianus (Ramme, 1951) [with Paranothrotes demawendi (Ramme, 1951)], Paranocarodes aserbeidshanicus Ramme, 1951 [with Paranothrotes margaritae (Miram, 1938)], Nocaracris burri obscurata Ramme, 1951 [with Nocaracris furvus furvus (Mistshenko, 1951)], Paranocaracris rimansonae ventosus Mistshenko, 1951 [with Nocaracris rimansonae (Uvarov, 1918)], Paranocaracris rigidus Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocaracris tauricolus Ramme, 1951), Nocaracris cyanipes tristis Ramme, 1951 [with Nocaracris cyanipes (Motschulsky, 1846)], Nocarodes armenus Ramme, 1951 (with Nocarodes serricollis Fischer von Waldheim, 1846), Nocarodes specialis Mistshenko, 1951 [with Nocarodes iranicus (Werner, 1939)], Nocarodes gibbosus Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocarodes humerosus Mistshenko, 1951), Nocarodes urmianus carinatus Mistshenko, 1951 (with Nocarodes urmianus Ramme, 1939). One new genus in the tribe Nocarodeini, Turkanocaracris Ünal gen. nov., and the following 29 new species and subspecies in four tribes are described: Eremopeza soltanii Ünal, sp. nov., Eremopeza kashmirensis Ünal, sp. nov., Eremocharis subsulcata beccalonii Ünal, ssp. nov., Orchamus massai Ünal, sp. nov., Paracinipe suezensis Ünal & Massa, sp. nov., Saxetania (Mistshenkoella) gorochovi Ünal, sp. nov., Paranocarodes anatoliensis anamas Ünal, ssp. nov., Paranothrotes buzuldagi Ünal, sp. nov., Paranothrotes dentatus Ünal, sp. nov., Paranothrotes eximius bitlis Ünal, ssp. nov., Paranothrotes siirt Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris furvus kazdagi Ünal, ssp. nov., Nocaracris istanbul Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris tunceli Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris tardus Ünal, Bugrov & Jetybayev, sp. nov., Nocaracris emirdagi Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris cejchani Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris judithae Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris minutus Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris karadagi Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris palandoken Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris monticolus Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris van Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris dilekensis Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris karshitoros Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris goektepe Ünal, sp. nov., Nocaracris crassipes Ünal, sp. nov., Turkanocaracris levigatus Ünal, sp. nov., Turkanocaracris davisi Ünal, sp. nov. Lectotypes are designated for the following 12 species: Strumiger desertorum desertorum Zubovski, 1896, Ocnerosthenus brunnerianus (Saussure, 1887), Orchamus gracilis (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882), Saxetania iranicum (Werner, 1939) [syn. of Saxetania (s.str.) cultricolle (Saussure, 1887)], Paranocarodes straubei (Fieber, 1853), Paranocarodes fieberi (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882), Paranothrotes shelkovnikovi (Uvarov, 1918), Paranothrotes nigripes (Stshelkanovtzev, 1916), Eunothrotes derjugini Adelung, 1907, Nocaracris rimansonae (Uvarov, 1918), Nocaracris tridentatus (Stshelkanovtzev, 1916) and Araxiana woronowi (Uvarov, 1918). Many species are given in new combinations and new statuses. Some taxa are proposed as reverted combinations, reverted statuses, reverted genera, species and subspecies. Nomenclatural problems are discussed under the relevant taxa. The authorship of 4 species are discussed and changed as follow: Eremopeza festiva (I. Bolívar, 1884), Paranocarodes tolunayi tolunayi Ramme, 1949, Nocaracris rubripes (Motschulsky, 1846), Nocaracris cyanipes (Motschulsky, 1846). Identification keys for subfamilies, tribes and genera (except the N. African and European genera of Pamphagini) and for each level of the tribe Nocarodeini are prepared. This study is also a review of the Pamphagidae species of Turkey. Therefore all Turkish species are studied in detail except the two genera recently revised by the author, Glyphotmethis Bey-Bienko and Asiotmethis Uvarov. Geographically this paper includes all Pamphagidae species of the following countries and regions: Bulgaria, Turkey, Cyprus, Syria, Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Armenia, Georgia, Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Greece (except one species), Lebanon (except two species), Arabian Peninsula (except one species), Afghanistan (except some Saxetania) and Iran (except some Saxetania and Tropidauchen). In addition, 848 original figures including 10 distributional maps are provided.

In order to evaluate the effects of lateral osteotomies performed during rhinoplastic surgery on the lacrimal drainage system, a new technique for imaging the lacrimal passages, Active Transport Dacryocystography, was applied in a total of 16 patients. In all cases, free passage of contrast media from the punctum to the inferior meatus was observed. We did not record any pathologic alteration such as mucosal edema or discontinuity of the bony structure that would have resulted in nasolacrimal obstruction.

Kaya et al. (2012) published a paper on the genus Poecilimon Fischer (Zootaxa, 3225). They synonymized eight species based on morphological characters by bioacoustic data (according to them). They frequently cited my paper (Ünal, 2010) during the text. But, I have seen that some cited informations from my paper and the reflecting my statements need correction, and some mistakes and wrong evaluations which are the bases of their taxonomic decisions should be re-evaluated. Furthermore many related results of Ünal (2010) were overlooked.

The genus Prionotropis Fieber, 1853 is revised. It is distributed in scattered areas of the Mediterranean region from Turkey in the East to Spain in the West. Overall, seven species are listed, namely P. maculinervis (Stal, 1878) (Turkey; P. urfensis Ramme, 1933 is here considered its synonym), P. willemsorum n. sp. (Greece, Epirus; previously considered P. appula), P. appula (O.G. Costa, 1836) (South Italy), P. hystrix (Germar, 1817) (Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, Croatia, North-East Italy; P. hystrix sontiaca is here synonymized), P. rhodanica Uvarov, 1923 resurrected status (France, Crau, Rhone delta; here considered a valid species), P. azami Uvarov, 1923 n. status (France, Var region; here considered a valid species), and P. flexuosa (Serville, 1838) (Spain; the ssp. pereezi Bolivar, 1921 and sulphurans Bolivar, 1921 are here considered its synonyms). A key to species is presented.

To determine the possible effects of glutathione S-transferase (GST) M1, GSTT1 and GSTP1 genetic polymorphisms on the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).This case-control study included a total of 120 patients with AMD (65 with dry-type AMD and 55 with wet-type AMD) and 198 disease-free controls. GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms were analyzed by using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and GSTP1 polymorphism was detected by real-time PCR assay.GSTM1-null genotype was significantly associated with the development of AMD (p = 0.01, OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.14-2.91). Stratification by AMD subtypes revealed a significant relationship between GSTM1-null genotype and dry-type AMD (p = 0.02, OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.10-3.53). In a stepwise regression model, only GSTM1-null genotype was significantly associated with the development of AMD (p = 0.01, OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.11-2.81).Our findings suggest that genetic polymorphisms of GST may have a role in the development of AMD.

Purpose: To report the results of Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in eyes with toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) after cataract surgery. Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul University Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey. Methods: In this prospective study of consecutive patients who had DSAEK for corneal failure due to TASS, the main outcome measures were corneal clarity, mean spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, preoperative and postoperative visual acuities, central corneal thickness, and endothelial cell count (ECC). Results: The mean follow-up in the 10 eyes (10 patients) was 17.1 months ± 2.4 (SD). There were no graft dislocations postoperatively, and no graft required repositioning. All grafts were clear at 12 months. Two eyes had initial graft rejection that resolved with treatment. All eyes had improved postoperative corrected distance visual acuity, with 7 eyes (70%) attaining 0.5 or better. The mean SE refraction in measurable cases (5 eyes) was 1.2 ± 0.6 preoperatively and 0.9 ± 1.0 postoperatively (P = .141). The decrease in mean pachymetry from preoperatively (691 ± 15 µm) to 12 months postoperatively (614 ± 23 µm) was statistically significant (P = .005). The mean ECC was 2740 ± 236 cells/mm2 preoperatively, 1690 ± 209 cells/mm2 at 6 months, and 1683 ± 206 cells/mm2 at 12 months. The decrease between preoperatively and 6 and 12 months (P = .05) and between 6 months and 12 months (P = .008) was statistically significant. Conclusion: Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was safe and effective in eyes with TASS-associated corneal edema, yielding encouraging surgical and visual outcomes. Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. © 2010 ASCRS and ESCRS.

Background: Pursestring suture for ascending aortic cannulation in open heart surgery that requires cardiopulmonary bypass may cause serious events, especially in patients who have a thin or calcific aorta. We introduce a novel suturing method, called the ‘tangential suture technique’, and submit our clinical experience. Methods: Adult patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were included in this study. Patients in whom the tangential suture technique was applied (Group A; n = 146) were compared with patients in whom the classic pursestring technique was applied (Group B; n = 152). Results: The age (38 ± 11 years vs 36 ± 10 years), sex (males 65.1% vs 62.5%) and operation types were similar in both groups. Although the difference was not significant (P > 0.05), subadventitial haematoma occurred more frequently in Group B (13 patients; 8.6%) than in Group A (3 patients; 2.1%). However, none in Group A required opening the adventitia. No aortic dissection was observed in peri- or postoperative periods in either group. In Group B, seven (4.6%) patients required repair by suture after tying of pursestring sutures following decannulation because of bleeding, while none was required in Group A (P = 0.0156). Conclusions: Tangential suture technique allows the needle to take a longer segment from the media layer while decreasing the likelihood of entering the lumen. Because the tract of the suture almost perfectly fits to the needle curve, tissue injury is less, even on fragile aortas, and this ensures more stable closure of the hole when the suture is tied following decannulation. By considering both its theoretical advantages and our clinical experience, we believe tangential suture technique should be preferred to the classic method.

SUMMARY Neurological complications in patients with eclampsia are varied and include headache, visual disturbances, focal neurological deficits, altered mental status and coma. Occasionally, a focal neurological deficit includes a variety of visual disturbances. The pathophysiology of CNS abnormalities in patients with eclampsia is uncertain. Our cases, combined with a review of the literature, demonstrate that there is no correlation among severity of hypertension, parity, and location of lesions at initial magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings or between the severity of hypertension and neurological symptoms. Two typical patterns are seen on MR images of patients with eclampsia. Lesions in the region of the posterior cerebral circulation are most common and are frequently associated with visual disturbances. Although there are lesions in the deep white matter or basal ganglia, a focal neurological deficit or alterations in mental status may not develop. This demonstrates the sensitivity of MR imaging in the detection of abnormalities in patients with eclampsia, even those without neurological deficits.

We described a new technique (called 'bicuspidization'), which is performed by using autogenous material, without replacement of the aortic valves for the surgical treatment of aortic stenosis and/or insufficiency and tested it in in vitro sheep model. Different stress conditions were simulated by applying three different flow patterns (hemodynamic challenge tests) successively by using a centrifugal pump. It was demonstrated that the competency of the new bicuspid valves was excellent (zero insufficiency). There was a 10-11 mm Hg-increase on trans-valvular gradient comparing the normal hearts. The autogenous bicuspid valve has not blocked the way of the coronary flow in the closed position.

ÖZET Yenilenebilir enerji kaynakları, temiz olmalarından ve fosil yakıtların hızla tükenmekte olmasından dolayı günümüzde fosil yakıtlara bir alternatif oluşturmaktadırlar. Yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarından güneş enerjisi, rüzgar enerjisi ve jeotermal enerjinin ısıtma ve soğutma sistemlerinde kullanılma alanları incelenmiştir. Yenilenebilir enerji kaynaklarının ülkemizdeki enerji potansiyelleri incelenmiş ve soğutma sistemlerinden özellikle absorbsiyonlu soğutma sistemi üzerinde durulmuş, LiBr-H20 sisteminin komponentleri incelenip logaritmik sıcaklık farkı metoduyla boyutlandırmaları yapılmıştır. PHP ve MySQL ile hazırlanan birinci program yardımıyla, güneş enerjili LiBr-H2O absorbsiyonlu sisteminin, her şehir için ihtiyaç duyulan soğutma yüküne karşılık gerekli olacak kollektör alanı ve girilecek çalışma şartları için soğutma tesir katsayısı ve komponentlerin alanları hesaplanır. İkinci programla, şehirlerin ısıtma veya soğutma durumlarında ihtiyaç duydukları enerjiyi karşılamak için gerekli olan kollektör alanı ve çatı alanının kollektöre yeterliliği belirlenir. Bu programlara `http://unal.kilavuz.net` adresinden ulaşıp uygulamalarınızda kullanmanız mümkündür. Bu programların dışında Bursa ili için 2000-2001 yılları verilerine göre absorbsiyonlu soğutma sisteminin ihtiyaç duyduğu deponun maliyet analizi yapılmıştır. Anahtar Kelimeler: Yenilenebilir enerji, güneş enerjisi, rüzgar enerjisi, jeotermal enerji, absorbsiyonlu soğutma ABSTRACT Renewable energy resources constitute an alternatif to fossil fuels nowadays because of being clean and fossil fuels are exhausted rapidly. Usage area in heating and cooling systems of solar energy, wind energy and geothermal energy from renewable energy resources were examined. Energy potentials of renewable energy resources in our country were examined and particularly cooling with absorption system from cooling systems are emphasized, components of LiBr-H^O system were inspected, dimensions was done with the logarithmic heating difference method. With the help of the first program which is prepared by PHP and MySQL, collector field which will be required in response to cooling load needed for each city and coefficient of performance and fields of components for entered working conditions of LiBr-lrkO absorption system with solar energy are calculated. With the second program, being neccessary collector field and roof field's sufficiency to meet citys's needed energy in heating or cooling situations is determined. These programs can be reached from `http://unal.kilavuz.net` and is possible to be used in your applications. Apart from these programs, according to 2000-2001 data for Bursa city, cost analysis of warehouse which is needed in cooling with absorption system were done. Keywords : Renewable energy, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, absorption cooling. 64

The species of Bradyporus Charpentier, 1825 found in Turkey has been revised by the second author (M. Unal, 2011). Bradyporus comprises thirteen species and subspecies at present. The species of the genus have a range of Central Palaearctic distribution; most of the species are Balkanian-Anatolian-Iranian, whereas some of them are restricted to Ukraine, the Caucasus, Transcaucasus, being inhabitants in the continental mountain steppe belt. It seems that Anatolia, with 8 species, and Balkans, with 6 species, are two diversity centres of this genus. Iran represented by only species, B. latipes (Stal, 1875). But, one more peculiar species is described from north west of Iran herein. The species of this genus are very similar to one another in their external features, however, detailed descriptions and characterizations are given for the authentic separation of the known species in the exhausting revision of the genus by the second author (Unal, 2011).

25- OZET Bu araştırmada, antioksidan etkili vitamin C ve E'nin bleomisinin neden olduğu akciğer hasarına olumlu katkıları çalışıldı. Bleomisin dişi Wistar-Albino ratlara tek ve subakut dozlarda intraperitonal uygulandı. Aynca C ve E vitaminleri de gün aşın 100 mg/kg dozlarda intraperitonal uygulandı. Hayvanların akciğer histolojik doku kesitleri ve bronkoalveolar lavaj sıvısında (BALS) total ve ayrıntılı hücre sayılan elde edildi. Bleomisin uygulanan hayvanların BALS hücre sayılarında artış gözlendi. Akciğer histolojisinde, bleomisin uygulama dozuna ve süresine bağlı olarak ilerleyen derecelerde bulgular elde edildi. Bu bulgular; başlangıçta basit bir ödemden giderek artan derecelerde pnöymoni tablosu ve nihayet fibrozis başlangıcı görüntüsündeydi. Alveoller içi ve arası başta makrofajlar olmak üzere mononüklear hücre birikimi vardı. Perivasküler hücre infiltrasyonu belirgindi. Biraz ileri aşamalarda alveol duvan kalınlaşması şekillendi. En ciddi görüntüler, fibroblastlann birikimi sonucu interstisyel alanda kalınlaşmalar şeklindeydi. Ki bu durum fibrozis başlangıcını göstermekteydi. Bleomisin akciğer toksisitesinde elde edilen bu bulguların derecesinin, antioksidan C ve E vitamini uygulamasıyla kısmen azaldığı gözlendi. -26- SUMMARY Possible antioxidant effects of treatment with vitamin C or E on bleomycin- induced rat lung injury were studied. Intraperitoneal bleomycin (subacute and a single dose) was administered to female Wistar- Albino rats treated with vitamin C or E (100 mg/kg/ip). Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) total and differantial cell counts, and lung histology were performed. It raised the total BALF cell count as a macrofhages, neutrofils and lymphocytes. Histological examination of the lungs demonstrated oedema, pneumocytes or initial fibrosis. It was obtained the thickness of the alveolar wall, accumulation of intra-alveolar macrophages, and a grade first lesion for fibrosis consisted of thickening of the interstitial septum by infiltration fibroblasts. These results were obtained correspond to the bleomycin-treated dose and time. In the rats of vitamin C or E treated were decreased both the BALF cell count and pulmoner injury. 33

Purpose: To assess the effect of verapamil (80 mg) oral administration on portal and splanchnic hemodynamics in patients with advanced posthepatitic cirrhosis using duplex Doppler ultrasound (US). Methods: Fourteen patients with post-hepatitic liver cirrhosis were included in the study. Duplex Doppler sonographic examinations were performed before, and 2–3 h after, 80 mg verapamil oral administration. Portal and splanchnic hemodynamics including vessel diameters (mm), mean flow velocities (cm/s), blood flows (ml/min), Doppler indices such as pulsatility and resistive indices (PI and RI), were investigated before and after verapamil administration. Results: After verapamil administration; diameter of portal vein, splenic vein, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) showed increase of 8%, 10%, and 7% (P < 0.05 to < 0.001), respectively. Increases of 20%, 38%, and 47% were found in blood flows (P < 0.05 to < 0.0001) with respect to the above vessels. Decreases of 17%, 10%, 11%, and 7% were found in SMA PI, SMA RI, splenic artery (SA) PI, and SA RI, respectively (P < 0.05 to < 0.0001). Conclusions: Verapamil appears to have splanchnic, portal, splenic, portocollateral and probably intrahepatic vasodilator effects in patients with advanced posthepatitic liver cirrhosis. Verapamil should be further investigated in the treatment of patients with advanced liver cirrhosis with prospective studies measuring portal and wedged hepatic pressure.

The members of the subfamily Bradyporinae including Bradyporini and Ephippigerini found in Turkey are studied. Two phylogenetic relationships based on morphology for the subgenera, species groups and for the all species of Bradyporus s.l. are proposed. A new diagram shows together the relationships and the schematized distributions of the taxa, Geographical Network Relationship, is proposed. A synonymic checklist of the known species of Bradyporus s.l. is given. Taxonomical changes, the doubtful and uncertain taxa names are discussed. Callimenus Fischer von Waldheim, 1830 is proposed as a subgenus of Bradyporus Charpentier, 1825. Four species groups, B. oniscus sp. group, B. macrogaster sp. group, B. dilatatus sp. group and B. latipes sp. group, are separated. Callimenus macrogaster pancici Brunner, 1882 is synonymized with Bradyporus (Callimenus) macrogaster longicollis (Fieber, 1853). Neotypes for B. (s.str.) dasypus (Illiger, 1800) and B. (Callimenus) macrogaster macrogaster (Lefebvre, 1831) are designated. Five new species, Bradyporus (Callimenus) avanos sp. n., B. (Callimenus) sureyai sp. n., B. (Callimenus) conophallus sp. n., B. (Callimenus) toros sp. n. and B. (Callimenus) karabagi sp. n. are described. Bradyporus (Callimenus) latipes (Stal, 1875) is recorded from Turkey for the first time. The species Schulmeisteri schulmeisteri Harz, 1992 is excluded from the subfamily Bradyporinae. All previous records of Bradyporinae species in Turkey with full synonymic list of each species are given. The previous misidentifications are determined and then the distribution of each species is adjusted. The characters used the separation of the taxa are briefly discussed. The titillator for Turkish species and the basal projecting of ventral valve of ovipositor are used for the first time. Descriptions and redescriptions of the studied Bradyporus species are given. Keys to tribes, subgenera, species groups and Turkish species of Bradyporus are provided. In addition 157 original figures including a distributional map are provided.

We read with great interest the article (November, 2000) by Drs Vural and Tas,demir [1]. We have several concerns regarding the paper. As the authors emphasized, posterior left ventriculectomy or Batista procedure is an important surgical option for severe or end-stage heart failure. We think the amount and extension of resected viable muscle segment is a very crucial point for this special procedure. We noticed, in 41% (11/27) of the patients, the authors included anterior papillary muscle (APM) in the resected wall muscle. Although, they did not compare two techniques (resection vs. preservation of APM), we prefer to protect APM. It is clear that they defend resecting as large as possible of the left ventricular (LV) myocardium to obtain maximum bene®t. However, Felipe and his colleagues [2] did not ®nd any correlation between LV ejection fraction changes and the degree of myocardium resection. In the other 59% (16/27) of the patients, they did not resect the APM, but they replaced the mitral valve without reattaching the cords to the ventricular wall. Batista procedure improves systolic function while decreasing diastolic compliance, resulting in reduced ventricular function [3]. Thus, immediate hemodynamic improvements appear to drive mainly from a reduced severity of mitral regurgitation. Ventriculectomy ensures acute remodeling of the heart and decreasing chamber volume/mass ratio. Numerous clinical and experimental studies demonstrate the importance of preserving papillary continuity of the mitral valve. Lillehei [4] ®rst reported on the preservation of papillary muscles and chordea tendinea and its bene®ts to ventricular function following mitral valve replacement (MVR). High incidence of postoperative `low cardiac output syndrome' after MVR, subsequently introduced techniques of preservation of the mitral apparatus. Studies by Hansen [5] and Sarris [6] using load-independent measurement of LV contractility demonstrated that a division of all chordea tendinea was accompanied by a 47% reduction in LV maximal systolic elastance (Emax). Furthermore, the effects of chordal detachment and reattachment on LV function were assessed by load-independent measurements of Emax. When all chordea were detached, a signi®cant decline of LV contractility was seen, which has subsequently restorated to baseline levels after reattaching the native chordea by repair of the papillary muscles. Maintaining of chordal, annular, subvalvular continuity and mitral geometric relationship are considered very important in valvular surgery. These parameters maybe even more important for the patients with severely compromised LV function. We think, for the ventricules that really need help, it is luxury that neglecting all of the advantageous we discussed above, just because of the fear of papillary muscle distortion. Hepatomegaly, an important sign of the right heart failure, is considered as a strong indicator for the operative mortality. We couldn't ®nd the incidence of tricusbid valve insuf®ciency accompanied to the hepatomegaly in the paper. Also, there is no any statement that if they did any surgical procedure (like annuloplasty, replacement) to the tricusbid valve. If they did not perform any procedure to the right side, why didn't they consider it? We would like to learn their opinion in this subject. Finally, we want to correct some clerical errors in the paper. There are discrepancies between text (or Table 1, abstract) and Table 3 for preoperative LVESV (259 ^ 66 ml vs. 251 ^ 52 ml) and LVEDV (342 ^ 83 ml vs. 335 ^ 68 ml) values. European Journal of Cardio-thoracic Surgery 19 (2001) 537±538

We read with great interest the article (August 2000) by Vasquez-Jimenez et al. [1]. They emphasized the cardiac lymph uid as the most direct medium for analyzing metabolical changes in the myocardial cell. The lymphatic drainage of the heart ows from subendocardial vessels to an extensive capillary plexus lying throughout the subepicardium [2]. The lymphatics begin in the tissues with blind-end lymphatic capillaries. These capillaries are very porous and easily collect large particles accompanied by interstitial uid [3]. Endothelial cells of the venous microcirculation and lymphatic vessels provide the exit sites and also work as conduits for some metabolic end products of myocytes and some hormonal substances. Endothelial cells of the lymphatic capillaries are anchored within the interstitium and to neighboring myocytes by a ®brillar collagen network. When the interstitial uid volume rises, it serves to exert a tension on these collagen ®bers and dilates lymphatic capillaries to foster the clearance of tissue uid. The extensive lymphatic circulation of the myocardium is responsible for returning tissue uid and plasma protein that gained access to the interstitium to the systemic and osmotic pressures and the uid volume of the extracellular space, while protecting against interstitial edema. Cardiac lymph also contains hormones that were released into the interstitium from secretory granules (atrial natriuretic peptide) and adrenergic neurons (norepinephrine) [4]. These substances can have important systemic effects. Another function of the cardiac lymph relates to the removal of cellular elements and tissue debris from the interstitium. This makes the lymphatic circulation an essential element in the myocardium's response to injury and wound healing. Because of these functions, the lymphatic system plays an important role for myocardial functions and cardiac lymph uid can be used as markers for the myocardial edema, reperfusion injury and myocardial damage. We have several concerns regarding the issue. We would like to ask the authors about the importance of lymphatic circulation on myocardial protection. As they know, we have to create external pressure on superior vena cava (SVC) (by using snare or vena cava clamp) for some open heart surgeries that require total cardiopulmonary bypass and total circulatory arrest (valve surgeries, congenital heart disease, arcus and ascending aorta surgery, etc.). We wonder, if the connection system and contractility might be affected with myocardial edema that caused by impaired lymphatic circulation, especially in the `right drainage types'. Do they advise using cuffed venous cannules to prevent this problem? We understand that the researchers were snared SVC, while preparing the swine heart. Did they ®nd any difference in ow rate on the `right drainage type' compare with the other types? Also, we want to learn if the impaired lymphatic circulation has any role on early graft failure of orthotopic and heterotopic heart transplantation and how the lymphatic system regenerates itself on these cases. The knowledge on cardiac lymphatics is very limited and their importance is almost always neglected in cardiac surgery practice. So, we congratulate the authors for such a good paper related the subject. We think, Dr VasquezJimenez and his colleagues deserve credits for their contributions on this unique subject.