Abstract Two growth cycles per year, i.e., for early growing season (EGS) and late growing season (LGS) production, both of which are widely preferred in temperate climates, have been investigated for their effects on fruit quality attributes such as appearance; firmness; the content of total soluble solids, sugars, and total phenol; and antioxidant activity. Two watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] cultivars (cv. 'Anthem F1' and cv. 'Crimstar F1') were used as scion. Two C. maxima × C. moschata hybrids (cv. 'Shintoza F90' cv. 'Obez') and one Lagenaria siceraria rootstock cv. 'Macis' were used as rootstock. Self-rooted and self-grafted plants were used as controls. EGS resulted in a reduction of fruit shape index, rind thickness, juice pH, hue values, and glucose content as compared to LGS for both the cultivars. On the other hand, total soluble solids of cv. 'Crimstar', fructose of cv. 'Anthem', and the antioxidant activity of cv. 'Anthem' increased. The total phenol content was unaffected by the scion/rootstock combinations or growth seasons for both the cultivars. Most of the fruit quality attributes increased when a specific rootstock/scion combination and growth season was used and these combinations may change in relation to cultivar. It is important to evaluate and select suitable scion/rootstocks for each growth condition created by ecology and growth cycle to guarantee high fruit quality.

Abstract: Background: Psoriasis is a multigenic and multifactorial dermatological disease linked to cardiovascular diseases. Increased levels of homocysteine in patients with psoriasis have been demonstrated in many studies. The most frequently investigated genetic defect that plays a role in homocysteine metabolism is single point substitution (C to T) located on the 677th nucleotide of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene (MTHFR). Objective: In this study, we aimed to investigate methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism in psoriasis patients in Turkey. Methods: The study included 96 patients with psoriasis and 77 controls from southern Turkey. Methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism was analysed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism methods. Results: In the psoriasis group, 34 CC (35.4%), 46 CT (47.9%) and 16 TT (16.7%) genotypes were found, respectively; while in the control group, the figures were 39 (50.6%), 35 (45.5%), 3 (3.9%). Homozygote and heterozygote T alleles of methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism were significantly higher in the psoriasis than in the control group (p=0.013). Conclusion: We firstly found a correlation between methylenetetrahydrofolate C677T polymorphism and psoriasis among the southern Turkish population.

PURPOSE: T o investigate the possible protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ) in cisplatin (CP) induced myocardial injury. METHODS: A total of 28 adult male Wistar-Albino rats were randomly and equally divided into four groups as follows: Group 1 (control), Group 2 (CP at 15 mg/kg dose), Group 3 (TQ 40 mg/kg/day for two days prior to CP injection and on third day, CP at 15 mg/kg dose was intraperitoneally administered and TQ treatment continued until fifth day) and Group 4 (TQ at 40mg/kg/day dose for five days). RESULTS: There was a significant increment in CP group in terms of congestion, edema and pycnotic nuclei in myocardial fibers, comparing with other groups. TQ group exhibited significant increase in expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, comparing with CP group (p<0.05). In only CP administered group, expression of antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was lowest comparing with other groups. CONCLUSION: Established data indicate that cisplatin is cardiotoxic and thymoquinone may be useful in treating CP-induced cardiac injury.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study were to determine the coexistence of mastalgia and fibromyalgia, to investigate the effects of this combination on pain patterns, and to discuss the status of breast pain in the diagnostic algorithm of fibromyalgia syndrome. METHODS: Sixty-one female patients reporting breast pain during the last three months and 53 female patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome were enrolled in this study. The Breast Pain Questionnaire was administered to all participants in the mastalgia group and to those in the fibromyalgia syndrome group who had experienced mastalgia during the past three months. The patients in the fibromyalgia syndrome group were evaluated using the 2010 preliminary American College of Rheumatology classification criteria. All of the patients in the mastalgia group were evaluated for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome by a single physiatrist. The coexistence and pain patterns of mastalgia and fibromyalgia were assessed statistically. RESULTS: Approximately half of the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (47.2%) reported having mastalgia at the time of admission and 37.7% of the patients with mastalgia met the diagnostic criteria for fibromyalgia syndrome. The patients with mastalgia in the fibromyalgia syndrome group had significantly higher total breast pain scores compared with the women in the mastalgia group. In addition, the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome in the mastalgia group had significantly higher Widespread Pain Index and Symptom Severity Scale scores than the patients with fibromyalgia syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that mastalgia can be an aspect of the central sensitivity syndrome and can be added to the somatic symptoms of fibromyalgia.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Este estudo prospectivo e randomizado avaliou o efeito das velocidades da injeção na anestesia peridural unilateral sobre as características do bloqueio, parâmetros hemodinâmicos e critérios de alta hospitalar em 60 pacientes. Levobupivacaína a 5% foi administrada nos pacientes (n = 30) do Grupo F durante 1 minuto (rápido) e durante 3 minutos nos pacientes (n = 30) do Grupo S (lento), com agulha em ângulo de 5º-10º a partir da linha média. O sucesso da anestesia peridural unilateral foi mais significante no Grupo S do que no Grupo F (70,3% vs 16%, p < 0,001). Nos pacientes do Grupo S, o tempo necessário para o nível máximo de bloqueio sensitivo nos lados não operados foi mais curto e o tempo de regressão para dois segmentos, mais longo (p < 0,05). O tempo para walk-out foi mais longo no Grupo F (p < 0,05). Consideramos que a administração lenta de anestésico local em anestesia peridural unilateral é mais eficaz do que a administração rápida.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This prospective, randomised study examined the effect of injection speeds for unilateral epidural anesthesia on block characteristics, hemodynamic parameters, and discharge criteria in 60 patients. Levobupivacaine 5% was administered to Group F over 1 min (fast) and to Group S over 3 min (slow) (n = 30 each) with the needle angulated at 5º-10º from the midline. Unilateral epidural block was significantly more successful in Group S than in Group F (70.3% vs. 16%; p < 0.001). On the non-operated sides in group S, the maximal sensorial block time was shorter and the regression time for 2 segments was longer (p < 0.05). And the walk-out time was longer in group F (p < 0.05). We consider that the slow administration of local anesthetic in unilateral epidural anesthesia is more effective than rapid administration.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: Este estudio prospectivo y aleatorio ha evaluado el efecto de las velocidades de la inyección para la anestesia epidural unilateral sobre las características del bloqueo, parámetros hemodinámicos y criterios del alta hospitalaria en 60 pacientes. La levobupivacaína al 5% se administró en los pacientes (n = 30) del Grupo F durante 1 minuto (rápido) y durante 3 minutos en los pacientes (n = 30) del grupo S (lento), con una aguja en ángulo de 5º-10º a partir de la línea media. El éxito de la anestesia epidural unilateral fue más significativo en el Grupo S que en el Grupo F (70,3% vs 16%, p < 0,001). En los pacientes del Grupo S, el tiempo necesario para el nivel máximo de bloqueo sensitivo en los lados no operados fue más corto y el tiempo de regresión para los dos segmentos, más largo (p < 0,05). El tiempo para walk-out fue más largo en el Grupo F (p < 0,05). Consideramos que la administración lenta de anestésico local en la anestesia epidural unilateral es más eficaz que la administración rápida.

JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a unilateralidade do bloqueio subaracnoide obtido com ropivacaína hiperbárica e hipobárica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo aleatorizado conduzido em centro cirúrgico ortopédico. No total, 60 pacientes (ASA I-III) programados para cirurgia eletiva de artroplastia total do joelho foram incluídos no estudo. O grupo hipo (n = 30) recebeu 11,25 mg de ropivacaína (7,5 mg.mL-1) + 2 mL de água destilada (a densidade em temperatura ambiente foi 0,997) e o grupo hiper (n = 30) recebeu 11,25 mg de ropivacaína + 2 mL (5 mg.mL-1) de dextrose (a densidade em temperatura ambiente foi 1,015). Os pacientes no grupo hiperbárica foram posicionados com o lado operado para baixo e na posição de Fowler a 15º e os pacientes do grupo hipobárica foram posicionados com o lado operado para cima e na posição de Trendelenburg a 15º. O bloqueio combinado de raquianestesia e anestesia peridural (ACRP) foi realizado na linha mediana do interespaço lombar em L3 e L4. Foram avaliados os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e de bloqueio da coluna vertebral, tempo de regressão, sucesso da raquianestesia unilateral, conforto do paciente, do cirurgião e da cirurgia, tempo até a primeira requisição analgésica e efeitos adversos. RESULTADOS: O tempo necessário para atingir o nível de dermátomo T10 no lado operado foi menor no grupo hiper (612,00 ± 163,29 segundos) comparado ao grupo hipo (763,63 ± 208,35 segundos) (p < 0,05). O tempo para a regressão de dois segmentos do nível de bloqueio sensorial nos lados operado e não operado foi menor no grupo hipo do que no grupo hiper. CONCLUSÃO: A ropivacaína tanto hiperbárica quanto hipobárica (11,25 mg) proporcionou anestesia adequada e confiável para artroplastia total do joelho (ATJ), com um alto nível de conforto para o paciente e cirurgião. As soluções anestésicas hipobáricas locais fornecem um alto nível de anestesia unilateral, com rápida recuperação dos bloqueios sensitivo e motor e, portanto, pode ser preferível em regime ambulatorial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the unilaterality of subarachnoid block achieved with hyperbaric and hypobaric ropivacaine. METHODS: The prospective, randomized trial was conducted in an orthopedics surgical suite. In all, 60 ASA I-III patients scheduled for elective total knee arthroplasty were included in the study. Group Hypo (n = 30) received 11.25 mg of ropivacaine (7.5 mg.mL-1) + 2 mL of distilled water (density at room temperature was 0.997) and group Hyper (n = 30) received 11.25 mg of ropivacaine (7.5 mg.mL-1) + 2 mL (5 mg.mL-1) of dextrose (density at room temperature was 1,015). Patients in the hyperbaric group were positioned with the operated side down and in the 15º Fowler position, versus those in the hypobaric group with the operated side facing up and in the 15º Trendelenburg position. Combined spinal epidural anesthesia was performed midline at the L3-4 lumbar interspace. Hemodynamic and spinal block parameters, regression time, success of unilateral spinal anesthesia, patient comfort, surgical comfort, surgeon comfort, first analgesic requirement time, and adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS: Time to reach the T10 dermatome level on the operated side was shorter in group Hyper (612.00 ± 163.29 s) than in group Hypo (763.63 ± 208.35 s) (p < 0.05). Time to 2-segment regression of the sensory block level on both the operated and non-operated sides was shorter in group Hypo than in group Hyper. CONCLUSION: Both hyperbaric and hypobaric ropivacaine (11.25 mg) provided adequate and dependable anesthesia for total knee replacement surgery, with a high level of patient and surgeon comfort. Hypobaric local anesthetic solutions provide a high level of unilateral anesthesia, with rapid recovery of both sensory and motor block, and therefore may be preferable in outpatient settings.

JUSTIFICATIVA Y OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la unilateralidad del bloqueo subaracnoideo logrado con la ropivacaína hiperbárica y con la ropivacaína hipobárica. MÉTODOS: El estudio randomizado y prospectivo fue llevado a cabo en una sala quirúrgica ortopédica. En total, 60 pacientes ASA I-III seleccionados para artoplastia electiva total de rodilla fueron incluidos en el estudio. El grupo Hipo (n = 30) recibió 11,25 mg de ropivacaína (7.5 mg.mL-1) + 2 mL de agua destilada (la densidad en la temperatura ambiente era de 0,997) y el grupo Hiper (n = 30) recibió 11,25 mg de ropivacaína + 2 mL (5 mg.mL-1) de dextrosa (la densidad en la temperatura ambiente era de 1,015). Los pacientes del grupo hiperbárica fueron colocados con el lado operado hacia abajo y en la posición de Fowler a 15º, y los pacientes del grupo hipobárica fueron colocados con el lado operado hacia arriba en la posición de Trendelenburg a 15º. El bloqueo combinado de raquianestesia y de anestesia epidural (CRP) fue realizado en la línea media del interespacio lumbar en L3 y L4. Se evaluaron los parámetros hemodinámico y de bloqueo de la columna vertebral, el tiempo de regresión, el éxito de la raquianestesia unilateral, la comodidad del paciente, la tranquilidad en la cirugía y la comodidad del cirujano, así como el tiempo requerido para la primera analgesia y los efectos adversos. RESULTADOS: El tiempo necesario para alcanzar el nivel del dermatoma T10 en el lado operado fue más corto en el grupo Hiper (612,00 ± 163,29 segundos) que en el grupo Hipo (763,63 ± 208,35 segundos) (p < 0,05). El tiempo para la regresión de los dos segmentos del nivel de bloqueo sensorial tanto en el lado operado como en el no operado, fue más corto en el grupo Hipo que en el grupo Hiper. CONCLUSIONES: Tanto la ropivacaína hiperbárica como la hipobárica (11,25 mg) han demostrado una anestesia adecuada y confiable para la artoplastia total de rodilla (ATR), con un alto nivel de comodidad tanto para el paciente como para el cirujano. Las soluciones anestésicas hipobáricas locales suministran un alto nivel de anestesia unilateral con una rápida recuperación de los bloqueos sensorial y motor, y por tanto, puede ser preferible en un régimen ambulatorial.