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Aim. The purpose of this study was to compare three prophylactic regimens, sodium-bicarbonate based hydration, sodium-bicarbonate + N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and sodium-bicarbonate + NAC + theophylline, for the prevention of contrast induced nephropathy.Material and methods. We prospectively randomized 151 patients with baseline eGFR values between 30–59 ml/min/1.73m² who were also undergoing coronary angiography with three prophylactic treatments: intravenous hydration with sodiumbicarbonate (3 ml/kg/h for 1 hours before and 1 ml/kg/h for 6 hours after contrast exposure, group 1; n=50), hydration + NAC (600 mg p. o. twice daily the preceding day and the day of angiography, group 2; n=50), and hydration + NAC + theophylline (600 mg p. o. NAC and 200 mg theophylline p. o. twice daily for the preceding day and the day of angiography, group 3; n=51). The incidence of contrast induced nephropathy (0,5 mg/dl increase in serum creatinine from the baseline value 48 hours after intravascular injection of contrast) from the three groups was compared.Results. Of the 151 patients, 4 patients (7.8%) in group 3 experienced CIN (p=0.01). CIN did not develop in group 1 and 2.Conclusion. Among patients with eGFR values between 30–59 ml/min/1.73m² undergoing coronary angiography, use of sodium-bicarbonate based hydration alone and sodium-bicarbonate with NAC was associated with a reduction in the rate of contrast induced nephropathy. Sodium-bicarbonate with theophylline therapy was found to have no effect for the prevention of contrast-induced nephropathy.

Introduction: Brucella spp. are intracellular bacteria that may cause acute, subacute and chronic infections. Despite optimum antibiotic treatment, relapse of brucellosis occurs in some patients. There is less amount of knowledge about immune response in relapse of brucellosis. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with acute brucellosis, 16 patients with relapsed brucellosis and as a control group 20 healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study to explore the immune response variation during relapse of brucellosis. The distribution of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was investigated by flow cytometry and level of various cytokines involved in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory response were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples. Results: The most prominent data in phenotyping examination was the significant reduction (1.45 times) in the percentage of activated T cell (CD3+human leukocyte antigen-DR+) population in the relapse group in comparison to the acute brucellosis group. However, percentage of activated T cell population in the relapse group was 2.59 times higher than in healthy controls (p

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: The goal for this project is to determine the feasibility of using a novel multi-photon fiber-coupled microscope to aid surgeons in localizing STN during surgeries. In order to accomplish this goal, we needed to identify the source of a strong autofluorescent signal in the STN and determine whether we could use image classification methods to automatically distinguish STN from surrounding brain regions. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We acquired 3 cadaveric brains from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Department of Pathology. Two of these brains were non-PD controls whereas 1 was diagnosed with PD. We dissected a 10 square centimeter region of midbrain surrounding STN, then prepared this tissue for slicing on a vibratome or cryostat. Samples were immuno-labeled for various cellular markers for identification, or left unlabeled in order to observe the autofluorescence for image classification. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The border of STN is clearly visible based on the density of a strong autofluorescent signal. The autofluorescent signal is visible using 2-photon (850–1040 nm excitation) and conventional confocal microscopy (488–647 nm excitation). We were also able to visualize blood vessels with second harmonic generation. The autofluorescent signal is quenched by high concentrations of Sudan-black B (0.5%–5%), and is primarily localized in microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP2)+ cells, indicating that it is likely lipofuscin accumulation in neurons. Smaller lipofuscin particles also accumulate in microglia, identified based on ionized calcium binding adopter 1 (Iba1)+ labeling. We anticipate that colocalization analysis will confirm these qualitative observations. Using 2-photon images of the endogenous autofluorescent signal in these samples, we trained a logistic regression-based image classifier using features derived from gray-level co-occurrence matrices. Preliminary testing indicates that our classifier performed well, with a mean accuracy of 0.89 (standard deviation of 0.11) and a Cohen’s Kappa value of 0.76 (standard deviation of 0.24). We are currently using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering and third harmonic imaging to identify different features of myelin that can be used to distinguish between these regions and expect similar results. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Traditional methods for localizing STN during DBS surgery include the use of stereotactic coordinates and multi-electrode recording (MER) during implantation. MERs are incredibly useful in DBS surgeries, but require penetration of brain structures in order to infer location. Using multi-photon microscopy techniques to aid identification of STN during DBS surgeries offers a number of advantages over traditional methods. For example, blood vessels can be clearly identified with second harmonic generation, something that is not possible with MER. Multi-photon microscopy also allows visualization deep into tissue without actually penetrating it. This ability to look within a depth of field is useful for detection of STN borders based on autofluorescent cell density. When combined with traditional stereotactic information, our preliminary image classification methods are a fast, reliable way to provide surgeons with extra information concerning their location in the midbrain. We anticipate that future advancements and refinements to our image classifier will only increase accuracy and the potential applications and value. In summary, these preliminary data support the feasibility of multi-photon microscopy to aid in the identification of target brain regions during DBS surgeries. The techniques described here complement and enhance current stereotactic and electrophysiological methods for DBS surgeries.

Background: Chiari Type I malformation (CM-I) is defined as the migration of cerebellar tonsils from the foramen magnum in the caudal direction and is characterized by the disproportion of the neural structures. The aim of this study was to investigate the brain volume differences between CM-I patients and normal population using a comparative volumetric analysis. Methods: 140 patients with CM-I and 140 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. The magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of both groups were analyzed with an automated MRI brain morphometry system. Total intracranial, cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and lateral ventricle volumes as well as cerebrum and cerebellum gray/white matter (GM/WM) volumes were measured. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: Both total CSF and lateral ventricle volumes and volume percentages (Pct) were found significantly higher in CM-I patients compared to the control group. However, there were significant decreases in cerebrum and cerebellum volume Pct in CM-I patients. Although there were no significant differences in cerebrum WM volumes and volume Pct, cerebrum GM volume Pct were found to be significantly lower in CM-I patients. Conclusions: Revealing the increased CSF and lateral ventricle volume, and volume Pct supported concomitant ventricular enlargement and hydrocephalus in some CM-I patients. Decreased cerebrum GM volume Pct compared to the control group might be the underlying factor of some cortical dysfunctions in CM-I patients.

The search for rational treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders began with the discovery of chlorpromazine in 1951 and continues to evolve. Day by day, new details of the intestinal microbiota⁻brain axis are coming to light. As the role of microbiota in the etiopathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders is more clearly understood, microbiota-based (or as we propose, “fecomodulation„) treatment options are increasingly discussed in the context of treatment. Although their history dates back to ancient times, the importance of psychobiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has only recently been recognized. Despite there being few preclinical and clinical studies, the evidence gathered to this point suggests that consideration of the microbiome in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders represents an area of significant therapeutic potential. It is increasingly hoped that such treatment options will be more reliable in terms of their side effects, cost, and ease of implementation. However, there remains much to be researched. Questions will be answered through germ-free animal experiments and randomized controlled trials. In this article, the therapeutic potential of microbiota-based options in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed in light of recent research.

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis in our region. Serological markers (Wright, Coombs agglutination test and Rose-Bengal test) of brucellosis, were evaluated retrospectively according to laboratory data for 2942 sera from brucellosis suspected patients admitted to Inonu University Medical Faculty Hospital in the year 2012. Rose Bengal agglutination test was positive in 251(8.5%) sera. Rose-Bengal positive 118 (4%) sera was determined under the 1/160 titer in Wright test. 133 (4.5%) sera were determined 1/160 or higher agglutination titer in Wright tube agglutination test. In addition 161 (5.5%) sera were determined 1/160 and higher titres in Coombs agglutination test. In our country prevent the transmission of brucellosis to humans, primarily depends on control and eradication of disease from animals, as the countries managed to take control of brucellosis. [Med-Science 2013; 2(3.000): 679-88]

The purpose of this study was to compare to relationships anxiety, efficacy beliefs and perception of success that are playing football at 11-13. Youth and Sports Club Soccer Branch of Anadolu University U-13 players were participated in this study. Measurements were applied to athletes two times selection of Anadolu University. Competition State Anxiety Inventory - Child Version-2 (CSAI-2C), Competition Trait Anxiety Inventory-Child Form (SCAT-C), Self-Efficacy (SES), Perception of Success - Children's Version (POSQ-CH) is used to collection data. Descriptive statistics and Pearson Moment Correlation analysis were used to calculate data. Between the first and second measurement after the analysis, SCAT-C and a positive correlation between somatic anxiety (r =.465, p lt;0.01), Scat Self-Efficacy with negative (r = -.455, p lt;0.01), Cognitive SCAT and a positive correlation between anxiety (r =.706, p lt;0.01), Scat and a positive correlation between somatic anxiety (r =.722, p lt;0.01), there was a negative correlation among self-efficacy and SCAT. As a result, there were some significant relationships between competitive state anxiety and state competitive with goal settings

OBJECTIVE: Fetuin-A is a protein secreted from the liver that inhibits arterial calcification deposition and can contribute to insulin resistance. Hyperthyroidism is also associated with insulin resistance. It is not known whether hyperthyroidism has an effect on fetuin-A levels. METHODS: We measured fetuin-A levels and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance before hyperthyroidism treatment was initiated and after euthyroidism was achieved. A total of 42 patients diagnosed with hyperthyroidism were enrolled in this study. Fetuin-A, insulin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, fasting blood glucose, free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), and thyrotropin were measured before and after euthyroidism was established. RESULTS: Basal fasting blood glucose, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, insulin, c-peptide, homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance, fT3, fT4 and fetuin-A levels were significantly decreased after euthyroidism was achieved (Table 1). Basal fasting blood glucose (r:0.407, p:0.008), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r:0.523, p

Objective: Theories about how couples help each other to cope with stress, such as the systemic transactional model of dyadic coping, suggest that the cultural context in which couples live influences how their coping behavior affects their relationship satisfaction. In contrast to the theoretical assumptions, a recent meta-analysis provides evidence that neither culture, nor gender, influences the association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction, at least based on their samples of couples living in North America and West Europe. Thus, it is an open questions whether the theoretical assumptions of cultural influences are false or whether cultural influences on couple behavior just occur in cultures outside of the Western world. Method: In order to examine the cultural influence, using a sample of married individuals (N = 7,973) from 35 nations, we used multilevel modeling to test whether the positive association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction varies across nations and whether gender might moderate the association. Results: Results reveal that the association between dyadic coping and relationship satisfaction varies between nations. In addition, results show that in some nations the association is higher for men and in other nations it is higher for women. Conclusions: Cultural and gender differences across the globe influence how couples’ coping behavior affects relationship outcomes. This crucial finding indicates that couple relationship education programs and interventions need to be culturally adapted, as skill trainings such as dyadic coping lead to differential effects on relationship satisfaction based on the culture in which couples live.

Meningiomas are mostly benign tumors of the meninges that may stay clinically silent or present first with psychiatric symptoms only. We present a case of medial cranial fossa meningioma that was first diagnosed as mixed anxiety disorder with dissociative symptoms and vertigo. In light of the intact neurological and vestibular system examination, our patient’s vertigo and depersonalization were firstly addressed as psychosomatic symptoms of the psychiatric syndrome. Despite decreased anxiety and improved mood, dissociative symptoms and vertigo were resistant to treatment which prompted further research yielding a left hemisphere localized meningioma. Resection of meningioma resulted in full remission of the patient proving it to be responsible for the etiology of the psychiatric syndrome and vertigo. We suggest that brain imaging should be performed for patients with late-onset (>50 years) psychiatric symptoms and those with treatment resistance. It is important to keep in mind always that medically unexplained symptoms may become explicable with detailed assessment and regular follow-up of the patient.

Aim. The diagnosis of previous myocardial infarction (MI) is difficult in patients with pacemaker and usually further tests must be done to confirm the diagnosis. To overcome this difficulty five major ECG criteria have been proposed by authors: 1. Notching 0.04 second in the ascending limb of the S wave of leads V3,4 or 5 (Cabrera’s sign), 2. Notching of the upstroke of the R wave in leads I, aVL or V6 (Chapman’s sign), 3. Q wave >0.03 second in leads I, aVL or V6, 4. Notching of the first 0.04 second of the QRS complex in leads II, III, aVF, 5. Q wave >0.03 second in leads II, III, aVF. The aim of this study is to find the predictive value of the five major proposed criteria for MI in pacing ECG of patients with previous MI.Material and methods. Twenty- three pacemaker patients with known MI (anterior 15, inferior 8) and 24 healthy pacemaker control patients; 17 female, 30 males, aged between 17-92 years with mean age of 59,5 ± 20 years, total 47 patients were studied. Documentation and localization of MI was based on history and confirmed by angiography and or scintigraphy.Results. Sensitivity was lower in all parameters for prediction of any MI whereas specificity was higher and ODA was moderate. Cabrera’s and Chapman’s sign had moderate sensitivity (60%-60%) whereas high specificity (90%-90%) and ODA (81%-81%) for anterior MI. Sensitivity of Q wave in I, aVL or V6 was lower (47%) for anterior MI but specificity and ODA was higher 84% and 92% respectively.Conclusion. In conclusion Cabrera’s and Chapman’s sign have a moderate sensitivity and higher specificity for recognising previous anterior MI in pacing patients.

Türkiye’nin Avrupa Birliği’ne AB tam üyelik sürecinde belirlenen müzakere başlıklarından biri de tarım sektörüne ilişkindir. İlerleme raporları ve katılım ortaklığı belgeleri aracılığıyla AB, Türkiye’nin tarım politikasını doğrudan yönlendirmekte ve Türkiye, tarım politikasını AB’nin tarım politikası olan OTP’ye uyumlu hale getirebilmek için yoğun bir çaba içinde bulunmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın temel konusunu da Türkiye’nin değişen tarım politikası oluşturmakta ve bu politika, kamu politikası analizi kapsamında değerlendirmeye tabi tutulmaktadır. Kamu politikası analizi çalışmalarında önemli bir model olan süreç analizi kapsamında yapılacak olan bu değerlendirmede öncelikle AB’nin politika taleplerine değinilmekte sonraki aşamalarda da Türkiye’nin bu taleplere nasıl bir politika ve ne tür uygulamalarla karşılık verdiği incelenmeye çalışılmaktadır

Bu çalışmada üç farklı ceviz çeşiti için Yalova-3, Kaman ve Şebin aynı yüklenme oranında ,üç farklı nem ve üç farklı eksende bazı mekanik özellikler kırılma karakteristikleri belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır. Çalışmada ki veriler, çeşitlerin 43,4 mm/min’lik bir yüklenme hızında; %8, %13 ve %18’lik nem seviyelerinde ve x-x kalınlık , y-y genişlik , ve z-z uzunluk eksenlerinde statik olarak yüklenmesiyle elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca ceviz çeşitlerinin boyutları, geometrik ortalama çapları, küresellikleri gibi bazı fiziksel özellikleri de belirlenmiştir. Araştırma sonucunda, nem seviyesi arttıkça kırılma için gerekli olan kuvvet değerlerinde azalma, buna karşılık şekil değiştirme ve kırılma için gerekli enerji değerinde ise artma olduğu belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen bu sonuçlar daha önce yapılan çalışmaları destekler niteliktedir

Aim: Prolongation of P wave time and increase of its dispersion as an independent predictor of atrial fibrillation. In patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) as in healthy people, exercise augments sympathetic activity and therefore can cause the development of atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of exercise on P wave dispersion and to predict the development of atrial fibrillation. Methods: One hundred and ninety‐eight patients (93 women, 105 men, mean age: 59.05 ± 11.01 years) having the diagnosis of PAF were included in the study. The left atrial diameter of all these patients was more than 4.0 cm. One hundred and fifty‐five patients (72 females, 83 males, mean age: 58.41 ± 10.79 years), with left atrial diameter more than 4.0 cm and without PAF were taken as control group. Symptom limited exercise test with modified Bruce protocol was performed on all patients. Rest, maximum exercise and recovery, and first, third, and fifth‐minute 12‐derivation ECG was taken in all patients. The velocity of ECG was adjusted to 50 mm/s; shortest and largest P wave durations were measured and P wave dispersion was calculated. Results: The mean left atrial diameter was 4.41 ± 0.58 cm in PAF patients and 4.38 ± 0.48 cm in control group. No differences were found between PAF patients with the controls in exercise time (10.38 ± 2.93 vs 10.81 ± 2.75 minutes); METs (6.98 ± 1.72 vs 7.28 ± 1.75 minutes); resting heart rate (79.13 ± 14.86 vs 79.69 ± 10.43 bpm); peak heart rate (146.83 ± 23.21 vs 146.94 ± 16.13 bpm). Maximum exercise P wave duration and P wave dispersion were greater than the rest measurements in PAF group (respectively P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0004). Conclusion: In PAF patients, P wave dispersion is significantly longer at rest, maximum exercise and recovery time than in a control group without PAF.

Fluctuating asymmetry, the random deviation from perfect symmetry, is a widely used population-level index of developmental instability, developmental noise, and robustness. It reflects a population’s state of adaptation and genomic coadaptation. Here, we review the literature on fluctuating asymmetry of human populations. The most widely used bilateral traits include skeletal, dental, and facial dimensions; dermatoglyphic patterns and ridge counts; and facial shape. Each trait has its advantages and disadvantages, but results are most robust when multiple traits are combined into a composite index of fluctuating asymmetry (CFA). Both environmental (diet, climate, toxins) and genetic (aneuploidy, heterozygosity, inbreeding) stressors have been linked to population-level variation in fluctuating asymmetry. In general, these stressors increase average fluctuating asymmetry. Nevertheless, there have been many conflicting results, in part because (1) fluctuating asymmetry is a weak signal in a sea of noise; and (2) studies of human fluctuating asymmetry have not always followed best practices. The most serious concerns are insensitive asymmetry indices (correlation coefficient and coefficient of indetermination), inappropriate size scaling, unrecognized mixture distributions, inappropriate corrections for directional asymmetry, failure to use composite indices, and inattention to measurement error. Consequently, it is often difficult (or impossible) to compare results across traits, and across studies.

The aim of this study is to evaluate antibiotic susceptibilities, emm gene types, toxin gene profiles and clonal relatedness of group A streptococci (GAS) isolates obtained from patients and carriers. A total of 79 clinical isolates from patients and 60 isolates from carriers were included in the study. Emm typing, toxin gene detection for speA, speB, speC, speG and smeZ genes and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed. Twenty-one distinct emm types were detected; the most common types were emm12, emm89, emm1, emm77, emm4 and emm3. The detection rates of both emm types and the toxingenes didn't differ significantly between patients and carriers. The presence of speA and smeZ was significantly higher in emm1 and speG was significantly lower in emm4 when compared to the other emm types. The rate of clustering obtained with PFGE wasn't significantly different in patients and carriers. As a result, twelve of the 21 emm types detected in this study were covered by the 26-valent vaccine, constituting 77.7% of the emm typeable isolates; however the emm4 type which is one of the most common types in the present study is not among this coverage.

Aim. Colonic polyps and thyroid nodules are common diseases and their frequency increases with age. In the literature, there is no study investigating the coexistence of colonic polyps and thyroid nodules. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate thyroid nodule prevalence in patients with colonic polyps. Material and Methods. Sixty-six patients with colonic polyps and 146 patients without colonic polyps enrolled into the study. Age and sex matched control group was composed from patients without colonic polyps. Colonoscopic examinations, thyroid ultrasonographies were performed in all patients, and TSH were measured. Results. Male/female ratio in polyp and control groups were 40/26 versus 68/78, respectively (P=0.058). Mean ages were similar in both groups (53.3±11.4 versus, 51.8±11.4, P=0.373). Thyroid nodule was detected in 44 (66.7%) patients with polyps and in 61 (41.8%) controls (P=0.001). Patients with adenomatous polyps had 5 or more thyroid nodules compared to patients with hyperplastic polyps (P=0.03). Thyroid nodules were more prevalent among patients aged 50 or older compared to 50 years or less (P=0.023). Conclusion. Thyroid nodules were detected more common in patients with colonic polyps. Further studies are needed to clarify this coexistence.

Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Introduction: The correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cardiovascular disease is well established., Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the short-term associations of the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) with various outcomes, including mortality, severe coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, and the need for coronary angiography, among patients who underwent coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA)., Material and Methods: In this study, we assessed 499 patients who underwent 640-slice CCTA and evaluated their liver fibrosis using the NFS. The NFS takes into account factors such as age, body mass index, impaired fasting glycemia or diabetes mellitus, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, platelets, and albumin. Our primary focus was myocardial infarction, the need for coronary angiography, and death. Additionally, we examined the association between NFS and severe coronary artery disease., Results: Patients with a higher NFS had a greater number of coronary angiography procedures and higher Agatston score ( p < 0.001), with NFS and Agatston score emerging as independent predictors of severe coronary artery disease and the primary endpoint. An NFS value above -0.92 could predict the primary endpoint with 61% sensitivity and 63% specificity, while an NFS value above -0.88 could predict severe coronary artery disease with 62% sensitivity and 65% specificity. To analyze primary endpoints, the Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, with NFS groups compared using the log-rank test. During the follow-up period, patients with higher NFS were exposed to primary outcomes at an earlier period ( p = 0.009)., Conclusions: NFS is an effective predictor of major cardiovascular events such as death, myocardial infarction, severe coronary artery disease, and the need for coronary angiography. These findings underscore the importance of NFS as a valuable tool for risk assessment and early intervention in patients with suspected or confirmed coronary artery disease., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Termedia Sp. z o. o.)

This study investigated the effect of Pseudomonas stutzeri inoculation on Lemna minor treated with Cu(OH) 2 nanopesticide (NP). The results showed that P. stutzeri inoculation increased the relative growth rate (RGR) in NP-treated plants. Although chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased significantly in NP-treated plants, P. stutzeri inoculation led to an increase in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in NP-treated plants. Copper (Cu) content increased with increasing NP concentration, but it decreased significantly in the presence of P. stutzeri. NP treatment caused increased H 2 O 2 and TBARS levels, as well as proline levels. However, P. stutzeri inoculation led to decreased H 2 O 2 and TBARS levels and increased SOD, POX, GST, GR, GPX, and DHAR activities. The expression of genes encoding SOD, GST, metacaspase-1, and chlorophyllase was upregulated by NP treatment alone. Additionally, when plants were inoculated with P. stutzeri, the expression of these genes was further enhanced. In conclusion, P. stutzeri inoculation had a positive effect on the growth and antioxidant system of L. minor treated with NP as it enhanced RGR, increased chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and decreased Cu content and oxidative stress. These findings suggested that P. stutzeri has the potential to promote aquatic plant growth and counteract the negative impacts of NP on these plants., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Effect of Alternaria alternata (OG14) isolated from a rock lichen (Xanthoria sp.) was investigated on the relief of boron stress in wheat. To determine the tolerance level to B stress, the fungus was grown at increasing boric acid (BA) concentrations in the range of 0.0-2.5 M. No significant change in colony development of the fungus was observed up to 1 M BA application compared to the control but after this dose, it decreased depending on the increase in the BA dose. When the element content of wheat seedlings was evaluated by ICP-MS, BA application increased B content together with Mg, P, K, Fe contents of the seedlings to very high levels compared to the control. However, fungus + BA treatments decreased the content of B and the other elements in the seedlings. The BA applications resulted in an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species, including H 2 O 2 and O 2 .- as well as lipid peroxidation in the seedlings. However, when the fungal inoculation was performed under the same BA conditions, the levels of these parameters decreased. The fungus inoculation stimulated the activity of all studied enzymes compared to BA applications. BA applications alone increased non - enyzmatic the oxidized ascorbate level more than the reducing ascorbate, leading to a decrease in the AsA/DHA ratio. The results show that A. alternata treatment can mitigate the negative effects of B stress on wheat seedlings by reducing ROS, LPO, B content, increasing the capacity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and improving root and shoot length., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare to all the authors whose names are mentioned in the research article we submitted to the journal that we have no conflict of interest. In addition, the article we submitted has not been published anywhere before., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.)

Background: Extraction of the implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) leads could be a difficult procedure due to fibrous tissue around the lead and anatomical variations. In this report, we present our experience in the radiographic predictors of failure of simple manual traction (SMT) in patients with dual-coil ICD requiring lead extraction (LE)., Methods: Between January 2017 and February 2021, 103 leads were removed in 65 consecutive patients; 65 (63.1%) were dual-coil ICD leads, 22 (21.4%) were atrial, and 16 (15.5%) were coronary sinus leads. Patient-based and procedural data were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Clinical and procedural characteristics were compared and radiographic predictors of failure of SMT of ICD leads were assessed. Projected anteroposterior (AP) lead tortuosity was measured and lead slack score was estimated on chest X-ray (CXR)., Results: Simple manual traction failed in 27 (42%) of the ICD leads. Ottawa slack score (odds ratio [OR] 2.368, 95% CI [1.261-4.447]; P = 0.007), AP lead tortuosity > 1.10 (OR 7.477, 95% CI [1.718-35.542]; P = 0.007), and number of previous interventions (OR 6.016, 95% CI [1.184-30.557]; P < 0.030) were found to be independently related to the failure of SMT. Receiver-operator characteristic curve analysis yielded an AP lead tortuosity cutoff value of > 1.10 for predicting the failure of SMT. The area under the curve was 0.744; the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.617 to 0.871 (P = 0.001), with a sensitivity of 63% and a specificity of 73%., Conclusion: Simple manual traction success in our study varied based on radiographic lead-related parameters. Before planning the procedure, increased AP lead tortuosity in vasculature and higher lead slack score can be easily determined on CXR and may be associated with more fibrous adherences, the complexity of the LE, and failure of SMT., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: Studies on ischemia/reperfusion injury remain the focus of interest. Ticagrelor and enoxaparin, which are antiaggregant and anticoagulant drugs developed for use in many cardiovascular pathologies, are still included in many ischemia/reperfusion studies. Remarkably, their new protective effects, especially with regard to ticagrelor, continue to be reported in the current literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects of ticagrelor and enoxaparin pretreatments on the rat heart with histological and immunohistochemical markers in an ischemia/reperfusion model., Methods: Wistar-albino rats (weighing 350-400 g) were divided into four groups as follows: Sham-Control (Group 1), Control-Saline+ischemia/reperfusion (Group 2), Ticagrelor+ischemia/reperfusion (Group 3), and Enoxaparin+ischemia/reperfusion (Group 4). The ischemia/reperfusion injury model was applied to Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4. Heart tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin for histological examinations. Caspase 3 immunostaining was evaluated to detect apoptosis in the heart tissue sections., Results: Both pretreatments ameliorated the ischemic damage but especially tissue sections belonging to Group 3 were nearly similar to control levels. The results indicated that ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial damage was significantly increased in Group 2, whereas ticagrelor and enoxaparin pretreatments in Group 3 and Group 4 significantly decreased apoptotic scores and the histological appearance of the Group 3 close to the normal myocardium (p<0.001)., Conclusion: As supported by histological findings in our study, ticagrelor and enoxaparin have protective properties for heart tissue in this ischemia/reperfusion injury model.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) often causes physiological changes in patients. Although functional changes, such as lung function and exercise capacity changes, are observed in patients, there are no detailed studies examining this. The aim was to compare preoperative and postoperative pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients undergoing on-pump CABG with a multidimensional index (BODE index). Demographic and surgical characteristics of patients were recorded. Pulmonary function test, six-minute walk test (6MWT), and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea score were assessed and BODE index were calculated in preoperative and at six months postoperatively. A total of 75 patients were included with a mean ± standard deviation age of 59.8±10.0 years. The male to female ratio was 57/18. There was a statistically significant decrease in the forced expiratory flow at 25-75% (FEF 25-75 %) value after CABG. Other pulmonary function test values were also lower in the postoperative period compared to the preoperative period, but these changes were not significant. The mean distance achieved in the 6MWT (p=0.02) and the mMRC dyspnea score (p=0.001) were significantly better postoperatively. The BODE index, which combines these parameters, had increased in the postoperative period. Age (OR 1.09; 95% CI: 1.008-1.181) and postoperative FEF 25-75 % (OR -0.96; 95% CI: 0.938-0.988) were the independent predictors of BODE score ≥3 in multivariate analysis. Despite the decrease in pulmonary function in patients undergoing CABG, there was an improvement in exercise capacity and dyspnea score., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest The Authors declare that there are no financial disclosures or conflict of interest associated with this study. The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Coenzyme Q (CoQ) is a ubiquitous lipid serving essential cellular functions. It is the only component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain that can be exogenously absorbed. Here, we provide an overview of current knowledge, controversies, and open questions about CoQ intracellular and tissue distribution, in particular in brain and skeletal muscle. We discuss human neurological diseases and mouse models associated with secondary CoQ deficiency in these tissues and highlight pharmacokinetic and anatomical challenges in exogenous CoQ biodistribution, recent improvements in CoQ formulations and imaging, as well as alternative therapeutical strategies to CoQ supplementation. The last section proposes possible mechanisms underlying secondary CoQ deficiency in human diseases with emphasis on neurological and neuromuscular disorders., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Living organisms have an innate ability to regulate the synthesis of inorganic materials, such as bones and teeth in humans. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) can be utilized as a quantum dot that functions as a unique light-emitting semiconductor nanocrystal. The increased use in CdS has led to an increased inhalation and ingestion rate of CdS by humans which requires a broader appreciation for the acute and chronic toxicity of CdS. We investigated the toxic effects of CdS on cerebellar cell cultures and rat brain. We employed a 'green synthesis' biosynthesis process to obtain biocompatible material that can be used in living organisms, such as Viridibacillus arenosi K64. Nanocrystal formation was initiated by adding CdCl 2 (1 mM) to the cell cultures. Our in vitro results established that increased concentrations of CdS (0.1 μg/mL) lead to decreased cell viability as assessed using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). The in vivo studies showed that exposure to CdS (1 mg/kg) glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and 8-hydroxy-2' -deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were increased. Collectively, we describe a model system that addresses the process from the synthesis to the neurotoxicity assessment for CdS both in vitro and in vivo . These data will be beneficial in establishing a more comprehensive pathway for the understanding of quantum dot-induced neurotoxicity., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors., (© 2020 Published by Elsevier B.V.)

We performed steered molecular dynamics (SMD) and umbrella sampling simulations of Cl - ion migration through the transmembrane domain of a prototypical E. coli CLC Cl - /H + antiporter by employing combined quantum-mechanical (QM) and molecular-mechanical (MM) calculations. The SMD simulations revealed interesting conformational changes of the protein. While no large-amplitude motions of the protein were observed during pore opening, the side chain rotation of the protonated external gating residue Glu148 was found to be critical for full access of the channel entrance by Cl - . Moving the anion into the external binding site (S ext ) induced small-amplitude shifting of the protein backbone at the N-terminal end of helix F. As Cl - traveled through the pore, rigid-body swinging motions of helix R separated it from helix D. Helix R returned to its original position once Cl - exited the channel. Population analysis based on polarized wavefunction from QM/MM calculations discovered significant (up to 20%) charge loss for Cl - along the ion translocation pathway inside the pore. The delocalized charge was redistributed onto the pore residues, especially the functional groups containing π bonds (e.g., the Tyr445 side chain), while the charges of the H atoms coordinating Cl - changed almost negligibly. Potentials of mean force computed from umbrella sampling at the QM/MM and MM levels both displayed barriers at the same locations near the pore entrance and exit. However, the QM/MM PMF showed higher barriers (~10 kcal/mol) than the MM PMF (~2 kcal/mol). Binding energy calculations indicated that the interactions between Cl - and certain pore residues were overestimated by the semi-empirical PM3 Hamiltonian and underestimated by the CHARMM36 force fields, both of which were employed in the umbrella sampling simulations. In particular, CHARMM36 underestimated binding interactions for the functional groups containing π bonds, missing the stabilizations of the Cl - ion due to electron delocalization. The results suggested that it is important to explore these quantum effects for accurate descriptions of the Cl - transport.

Background The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of inflammatory markers to predict amputation following embolectomy in acute arterial occlusion. Methods A total of 123 patients operated for arterial thromboembolectomy due to acute embolism were included in the study. The patients without an extremity amputation following thromboembolectomy were classified as Group 1 ( n = 91) and the rest were classified as Group 2 ( n = 32). These groups were compared in terms of clinical and demographic characteristics, C-reactive protein, complete blood count parameters, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio and red cell distribution width. Results The average age was 68.0 ± 11.7 years. The most common thromboembolism localization was femoral artery. When preoperative mean C-reactive protein ( p = 0.0001), mean platelet volume ( p = 0.0001), platelet-lymphocyte ratio ( p = 0.0001), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio ( p = 0.0001) and red cell distribution width ( p = 0.0001) were compared, a statistically significant difference was observed between groups. In univariate and multivariate regression analysis, higher levels of preoperative C-reactive protein ( p = 0.009) and mean platelet volume ( p = 0.04) were detected as independent risk factors of early extremity amputation. Conclusion We observed that preoperative mean platelet volume and C-reactive protein were predictors of amputation after thromboembolectomy in acute arterial occlusion.

Background: Acute kidney injury is a common complication of cardiac surgery that increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study is to analyze the association of preoperative serum albumin levels with acute kidney injury and the requirement of renal replacement therapy after isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 530 adult patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with normal renal function. The perioperative clinical data of the patients included demographic data, laboratory data, length of stay, in-hospital complications and mortality. The patient population was divided into two groups: group I patients with preoperative serum albumin levels &lt;3.5 mg/dL; and group II pateints with preoperative serum albumin levels ≥3.5 mg/dL., Results: There were 413 patients in group I and 117 patients in group II. Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) occured in 33 patients (28.2%) in group I and in 79 patients (19.1%) in group II. Renal replacement therapy was required in 17 patients (3.2%) (8 patients from group I; 9 patients from group II; P = .018). 30-day mortality occurred in 18 patients (3.4%) (10 patients from group I; 8 patients from group II; P = .037). Fourteen of these patients required renal replacement therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealing the presence of lower serum albumin levels preoperatively was shown to be associated with increased incidence of postoperative AKI (OR: 1.661; 95% CI: 1.037-2.661; P = .035). Logistic regression analysis also revealed that DM (OR: 3.325; 95% CI: 2.162-5.114; P = .000) was another independent risk factor for AKI after isolated CABG., Conclusion: Low preoperative serum albumin levels result in severe acute kidney injury and increase the rate of renal replacement therapy and mortality after isolated CABG.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a cluster of systemic abnormalities: hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, abdominal obesity, and hypertension. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the devastating complications after cardiac surgery. Age, DM, preexisting renal dysfunction, hypertension, impaired left ventricular function, and severe arteriosclerosis of the aorta are the major risk factors for the development of AKI. The purpose of the current study was to analyze the influence of MetS on AKI occurring after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 500 adult patients who underwent isolated CABG surgery with normal renal function (baseline serum creatinine value &lt;1.4 mg/dL) from January 2011 to January 2015. The patients were divided into two groups either having the diagnosis of MetS (Group I) or not (Group II). MetS was diagnosed based on International Diabetes Federation definition. Kidney injury was interpreted according to RIFLE classification. The effect of MetS on AKI after CABG was determined using logistic regression analysis and the results were expressed as odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value &lt;.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 16.4% of all patients. Postoperative AKI occurred in 26 patients (31.7%) in Group I whereas there were 53 patients (12.7%) in Group II. On logistic regression analysis, the presence of MetS was shown to be associated with increased incidence of postoperative AKI (OR, 3.197; 95% CI, 1.850-5.526; P = .000)., Conclusion: The presence of MetS seems to be associated with increased incidence of AKI after cardiac surgery. MetS is a modifiable issue; if its components are well controlled its dreadful effects after cardiac surgery might be controlled as well.

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the effect of ticagrelor pretreatment on the prevention of lung and heart injury induced by abdominal aorta ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) and also to determine the effective dose., Materials and Methods: Thirty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 350-400 g were randomized into five groups. The animals received ticagrelor at doses of 7.5 mg/kg, 15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg or normal saline 0.1 ml/kg orally via gastric gavage before the ischemic period. In the control and study groups, I/R injury was induced by clamping the aorta infrarenally for 2 hs, followed by 4 h of reperfusion. After sacrifice, hearts and lungs of the animals were extracted for both histopathological and biochemical analysis., Results: There was a significant difference between the animals that received 7.5 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg and 25 mg/kg dose of ticagrelor regarding tissue malondealdehyde (MDA), and glutathione reductase levels in both lung and heart Ticagrelor treatment at 25 mg/kg led to significant cardiac remodeling activity and normal lung architecture against I/R induced injury. The number of TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in alveolar epithelium and myocytes were increased in the sections from saline (I/R) group rats, and decreased following 25 mg/kg ticagrelor treatment., Conclusion: Ticagrelor dose-dependently inhibits platelet aggregation, increases cyclooxygenase-2 and also inhibits cellular uptake of adenosine all resulting in attenuation of I/R injury. Ticagrelor at 25 mg/kg was determined as the dose effective against I/R-induced injury in lung and heart in Sprague-Dawley rats in the present study., (Copyright © 2016 International Institute of Anticancer Research (Dr. John G. Delinassios), All rights reserved.)

In this report, our aim is to present a case of renal artery occlusion due to type-3 acute aortic dissection following blunt trauma. A twenty-four-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with pain in his abdomen and on his back 3 hours after a blunt abdominal trauma due to an industrial injury. After consultation with the urology department, the patient was taken to operation to be evaluated for an intervention for aortic dissection and nephrectomy.

The essential oils having many application fields such as medicine, flavoring, cosmetics are natural products obtained from aromatic plants. As the natural products of Ferula species have a wide range of use in folk medicine, this study was planned to evaluate the mutagenic and antimutagenic activities of essential oils of leaves and flowers of Ferula orientalis grown in Erzurum, through the bacterial reverse mutation assay. Furthermore, the chemical compositions of essential oils isolated by the hyrodistillation method were analysed by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), as their biological activities were connected to their contents. According to our results, any tested essential oil at any used concentration on Salmonella typhimurium TA1535 and TA1537 strains and in Escherichia coli WP2 uvrA strain showed no mutagenic activity. However, the tested materials at different concentrations showed antimutagenic activities against the used mutagens. The inhibition rates ranged against sodium azide (NaN3) on S. typhimurium TA1535 from 29% to 36%, against 9-aminoacridine (9-AA) on S. typhimurium TA1537 from 40% to 68% and against N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) on E. coli WP2 uvrA from 23% to 52%, respectively. Also, it is revealed by GC and GC/MS analysis of the essential oils isolated from the leaves and flowers, respectively. The major compounds in these oils were determined as α-cadinol, δ-cadinene and germacrene D-4-ol. The results of this study indicate that as the essential oils of F. orientalis have many constituents, they show no mutagenic activity but significant antimutagenic activity, and these materials can be safely used in medicinal applications after further investigations., (© The Author(s) 2012.)

A rare congenital anomaly of the coronary arteries, in which the left coronary arterial system starts from the arteria pulmonalis, is known as Bland-White-Garland (BWG) syndrome. Isolated left anterior descending (LAD) or circumflex (Cx) arteries originating from the pulmonary artery are even more rare. These anomalies may cause myocardial ischaemia, myocardial infarction, arrhythmia and sudden death. Even if the patient is asymptomatic, he/she should undergo corrective surgery. Here we present the case of an 18-year-old male who survived sudden cardiac arrest during exercise. We identified intra-myocardial blood flow from transthoracic echocardiography, and performed coronary and computed tomographic (CT) angiography, which showed that all the coronary arteries were ectatic and curly and there were disseminated collaterals among the coronary arteries. We diagnosed 'anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery' (ALCAPA) syndrome, as additionally, the LAD originated from the pulmonary artery. We treated the patient with a left internal mammarian artery - left anterior descending artery (LIMA-LAD) graft.

Unlabelled: Flavonoids, abundant in most of plant species, are widely used in medicine and development studies on phytotherapeutic drugs due to their various biological activities. In the present study, 3 flavonoids, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-rutinoside, and apigenin-7-O-glucuronide, were isolated from Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson subsp. longifolia by using E. coli WP2 genotoxicity assay guided fractionation procedures. Later, the mutagenic and antimutagenic properties of each flavonoid were evaluated by using the same genotoxicity assay. The results showed that all the test compounds have significant antimutagenic activity at tested concentrations with or without S9 activation. The inhibition rates were between 25.3% (apigenin-7-O-glucoside with S9-2.0 μM/plate) and 59.0% (apigenin-7-O-rutinoside without S9-2.0 μM/plate). In conclusion, the results revealed that the 3 flavonoids from Mentha longifolia (L.) Hudson subsp. longifolia have significant antimutagenic activity, and the findings of the present study are valuable for further investigations, focus on the phytotherapeutic drug discovery., Practical Application: Apigenin derivatives can be thought as genetically safe at tested concentrations because they did not show mutagenic activity. Furthermore, they have also significant antimutagenic activity. These are valuable for further research focus on phytotherapeutic drug discovery and development., (© 2011 Institute of Food Technologists®)

Medical plants and their various extracts have been occasionally used in the treatment of many diseases. Astragalus is one of those medical plants and it has several biological activities. In the present study, the hexane extracts of six Astragalus species, which are grown in the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey, were isolated, and their mutagenic and antimutagenic properties were investigated by using Salmonella typhimurium TA1535, TA1537 and Escherichia coli WP2uvrA tester strains at 0.05, 0.5 and 5 microg/plate concentrations. Known mutagens sodium azide (NaN(3)), 9-Aminoacridine (9-AA) and N-Methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) were used to determine antimutagenic properties of hexane extracts. The results showed that all hexane extracts, investigated in the present study, can be considered genotoxically safe because they do not have mutagenic activity at the tested concentrations. But, a great many of them have antimutagenic activity against 9-Aminoacridine known as a model intercalator agent. The inhibition rates obtained from the antimutagenicity assays ranged from 27.51% (A. macrocephalus--0.05 microg/plate) to 54.39% (A. galegiformis--5 microg/plate). These activities are valuable toward an extension of the employ of these drugs as new phytotherapeutic or preservative ingredients.

The present study was conducted to identify and characterize the thermophilic bacteria isolated from various hot springs in Turkey by using phenotypic and genotypic methods including fatty acid methyl ester and rep-PCR profilings, and 16S rRNA sequencing. The data of fatty acid analysis showed the presence of 17 different fatty acids in 15 bacterial strains examined in this study. Six fatty acids, 15:0 iso, 15:0 anteiso, 16:0, 16:0 iso, 17:0 iso, and 17:0 anteiso, were present in all strains. The bacterial strains were classified into three phenotypic groups based on fatty acid profiles which were confirmed by genotypic methods such as 16S rRNA sequence analysis and rep-PCR genomic fingerprint profiles. After evaluating several primer sets targeting the repetitive DNA elements of REP, ERIC, BOX and (GTG)(5), the (GTG)(5) and BOXA1R primers were found to be the most reliable technique for identification and taxonomic characterization of thermophilic bacteria in the genera of Geobacillus, Anoxybacillus and Bacillus spp. Therefore, rep-PCR fingerprinting using the (GTG)(5) and BOXA1R primers can be considered as a promising genotypic tool for the identification and characterization of thermophilic bacteria from species to strain level.