ABSTRACT Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting false lumen patency in the descending thoracic aorta among patients who underwent surgery for acute type 1 aortic dissection. Methods: A total of 112 patients with acute type 1 aortic dissection, with the flap below the diaphragm level, underwent surgery between January 2010 and September 2019. Of these, 60 patients who were followed up for ≥ 12 months and whose computed tomography scans were available were included in this study. The patients were divided into two groups: group I, consists of patent false lumen (n=36), and group II, consists of thrombosed false lumen (n=24). Demographic data, operative techniques, postoperative descending aortic diameters, reintervention, and late mortality were compared between the two groups. Results: The mean follow-up period of all patients was 37.6±26.1 months (range: 12-104). The diameter increase in the proximal and distal descending aorta was significantly higher in the patent false lumen group (5.3±3.7 mm vs. 3.25±2.34 mm; P=0.015; 3.1±2.52 mm vs. 1.9±1.55 mm; P=0.038, respectively). No significant difference in terms of hypertension was found between the two groups during the follow-up period (21 patients, 58.3% vs. 8 patients, 33.3%; P=0.058). A total of 29 patients (48.3%) were found to be hypertensive in the postoperative period. Conclusion: After surgical treatment for acute type 1 aortic dissection, patients should be monitored closely, regardless of whether the false lumen is patent or thrombosed. Mortality and reintervention can be seen in patients with patent false lumen during follow-up.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The aim of this study is to compare the postoperative outcomes and early mortality of peripheral and central cannulation techniques in cardiac reoperations using propensity score matching analysis. Methods: In this retrospective cohort, patients who underwent cardiac reoperations with median resternotomy were analyzed in terms of propensity score matching. Between November 2010 and September 2020, 257 patients underwent cardiac reoperations via central (Group 1) or peripheral (Group 2) cannulation. A 1:1 propensity score matching was performed to balance the influence of potential confounding factors to compare postoperative data and mortality rate. Results: There were no significant differences when comparing the matched groups regarding early mortality (P=0.51), major cardiac injury (P=0.99), prolonged ventilation (P=0.16), and postoperative stroke (P=0.99). The development of acute renal failure (P=0.02) was statistically less frequent in Group 1. Conclusions: Performing cardiopulmonary bypass via peripheral cannulation increases acute renal failure in cardiac reoperations. In contrast, peripheral or central cannulation have similar early mortality rate in cardiac reoperations.

Abstract In the study, the microencapsulation method was applied in the production of white cheese from goat milk to prevent the loss of viability of Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium longum due to environmental factors during their storage period. For this purpose, the cheese was obtained using three types of microcapsules - symbiotic microcapsules containing probiotic bacteria and probiotic + fructooligosaccharide, probiotic + inulin. In addition, probiotics, fructooligosaccharide and inulin have been added to cheese in free form, and a total of 7 different cheeses have been produced with the control sample. In the microencapsulation, 1% sodium alginate was used as coating material and the extrusion method was applied. The cheese samples have been stored at +4 0C for 180 days. It has been determined that the viability of L. paracasei and B.longum has been preserved with the microencapsulation technique, while the viability of probiotic bacteria is preserved at a higher level in cheese samples obtained with the addition of prebiotics to microencapsules. It has been concluded that probiotic microorganisms are available above the minimum therapeutic effect value in grams of cheese samples containing microcapsules and these cheese could be considered as probiotic.

Abstract The method of microencapsulation has been performed on the probiotic microorganisms (Lactobacillus paracasei and Bifidobacterium longum), which are used in conjunction with the starter cultures in white cheese production from goat‘s milk. For this purpose, 3 types of microcapsules, namely, one containing the probiotic bacteria and another symbiotic microcapsule containing the probiotic bacteria and fructooligosaccharides have been obtained in the study and the cheese containing these microcapsules were produced. The cheese samples have been stored at +40C for 180 days and during storage, loss in viabiality that might be consisted at in-vitro conditions at gastrointestinal system is analyzed. The present study revealed that probiotic bacteria at different bile concentrations gained resistance during maturation, and the rate of resistance was higher in prebiotic and protein-supported microencapsulated probiotic bacteria. The resistance of lactic acid bacteria used in cheese production to gastric secretions was lower than that of probiotic bacteria. The determination of hydrophobicity of bacteria revealed that Bifidobacterium longum had the highest hydrophobicity level followed by Lactococcus, which forms the cheese culture, while Lactobacillus paracasei had the lowest level. It was determined that the microencapsulation method reduced the viability losses of probiotic microorganisms in the gastrointestinal tract.

Resumen Objetivo: Ninguno de los estudios se ha realizado en términos de demostrar el mismo efecto con la dosis baja de cordicepina. En nuestro estudio, analizamos los cambios histopatológicos y bioquímicos de Cordycepin(c) en dosis bajas en un modelo de rata con isquemia-reperfusión (I/R) inducida en el riñón. Materiales y métodos: Veinticuatro ratas macho Wistar Albino se asignaron al azar a tres grupos (n = 8): el grupo de control simulado (Grupo 1), el grupo sin tratamiento I/R renal (Grupo 2) y el grupo tratado con I/R-C (Grupo 3). Cordyceps se administró por vía intraperitoneal a 5 mg/kg dos veces. Se compararon los cambios histológicos renales y se detectaron los parámetros relevantes de estrés oxidativo e inflamación. Resultados: En bioquímica sanguínea y tisular se observó que IL-1 Beta, IL 6, TNF alfa, MDA, TOS y OSI aumentaron en el Grupo 2 y disminuyeron en el Grupo 3. Se determinó que los valores de TAS aumentaron en el Grupo 3, y disminuyó en el Grupo 2. En la evaluación histopatológica, mientras que el Grupo 1 fue evaluado como normal, se detectó daño renal significativo en el Grupo 2. Se determinó que hubo una disminución significativa del daño renal en el grupo 3. Conclusión: Estos resultados sugieren que la cordicepina en dosis bajas fue tan efectiva como la dosis normal en la reperfusión isquémica renal y la reducción del daño.

Abstract Objective: None of studies have been conducted in terms of demonstrating the same effect with the low dose in cordycepin. In our study, we analyzed the histopathological and biochemical changes of low-dose Cordycepin(c) on a rat model in the kidney. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male Wistar Albino rats were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 8): the sham-control group (Group 1), the renal I/R-untreated (Group 2) group, and the I/R-C-treated (Group 3) group. Cordyceps was administered intraperitoneally at 5 mg/kg twice. Renal histological changes were compared and the relevant parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation were detected. Results: In blood and tissue biochemistry, it was observed that IL-1 Beta, IL 6, TNF alpha, MDA, TOS, and OSI increased in Group 2 and decreased in Group 3. It was determined that TAS values were increased in Group 3, and decreased in Group 2. In the histopathological evaluation, while Group 1 was evaluated as normal, significant kidney damage was detected in Group 2. It was determined that there was a significant decrease in kidney damage in Group 3. Conclusion: These results suggest that low dose Cordycepin was as effective as normal dose on renal ischemic reperfusion and reduction of damage.

Abstract This study aimed to investigate the effects of Extracellular Vesicles (EV) secreted from mouse embryonic fibroblasts EV on wound healing of full-thickness skin defect in a diabetic mouse model. The study included both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies 82 mice. In the in vitro stage of the experimental study, hysterectomy was performed on two mice between the 13-14th days of pregnancy and then EV was isolated by cell culturing. VEGF, IL-6, and TNF-α biomarkers were examined in tissue homogenate. Moreover, tissue taken from wound area was also subjected to histopathologic scoring. EV augmented the effect of VEGF. Therefore promoted angiogenesis increases the transport of cells, essential oxygen and nutrients in the wound area. Extracellular vesicles isolated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts have been found to accelerate wound healing in diabetes. The findings obtained from this experimental study indicate that EV isolated from mouse embryonic fibroblasts accelerate the wound healing process in experimentally induced-diabetes in mice.

Abstract Objective Gilbert’s syndrome (GS) is a benign genetic disorder that is characterized by intermittent mild jaundice in which the liver doesn’t process bilirubin properly. The aim of this study was to determine whether GS patients have a different personality structure and if there are associations between properties of temperament and character and total bilirubin levels. Methods A total of 1665 young male individuals aged from 19 to 30 who were admitted for occupational examinations were included in this study. Careful patient history was taken, a detailed physical examination was conducted, and hematologic and biochemical tests and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. The Turkish version of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) was administered to all participants. 81 patients diagnosed with GS and 150 randomly chosen healthy individuals (control group) were investigated with comparison and correlation analyses. Results GS patients had higher scores than healthy controls for disorderliness (NS4) (p = 0.018), sentimentality (RD1) (p = 0.042), and fatigability (HA4) (p = 0.03). Moreover, Gilbert syndrome patients scored lower than controls for empathy (C2) (p = 0.041) and transpersonal identification (ST2) (p = 0.044). Bilirubin levels were positively associated with disorderliness (NS4) (r = 0.141, p = 0.032) and fatigability (HA4) (r = 0.14, p = 0.033). Conclusions GS patients may have some different personality characteristics from healthy individuals. This study is an initial exploration of the personality structure of GS patients and the findings should be interpreted with caution. Further prospective studies are needed to identify the relationship between Gilbert disease and personality characteristics.

Abstract Introduction: Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is one of the uncommon cardiovascular disorders and its prognosis is still debated. Objective: We aimed to review long-term follow-up data in patients with CAE and to evaluate the prognosis of CAE patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP). Methods: This study had a prospective design and 143 patients with CAE were included. The angiographic and demographic characteristics were reviewed in detail. The patients were categorized, based on concomitant coronary artery stenosis detected by angiography, as CCAE group (n=87, ≥30% luminal stenosis) and ICAE group (n=56, <30% luminal stenosis) and also categorized by the coronary flow as CSFP group (n=51) and normal flow coronary ectasia - NCEA group (n=92). All patients were re-evaluated at 6-month intervals. Follow-up data, cardiovascular (CV) mortality, hospitalization and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were collected. The level of statistical significance was set at 5%. Results: Patients were followed up for an average of 56.9±7.4 months. During the follow-up, statistically significant differences were found in hospitalization, CV mortality and MACE between the CCAE and ICAE groups (P=0.038, P=0.003, P=0.001, respectively). The CSFP and NCEA groups were also compared. There was a statistical difference with respect to hospitalization between the CFSP and NCEA groups (P=0.001), but no difference was observed in terms of MACE and CV mortality (P=0.793 and P=0.279). Conclusion: CSFP accompanying CAE may be a predictor of hospitalization. Significant atherosclerotic plaques coexisting with CAE may be predictive for MACE.

Resumo Fundamento Os enxertos de veias safenas (EVS) são frequentemente usados em pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de revascularização do miocárdio (CRM). Objetivos Avaliar as relações entre índices aterogênicos e estenose de EVS. Métodos: No total, 534 pacientes (27,7% mulheres, com idade média de 65±8,4 anos) submetidos a CRM e angiografia coronariana eletiva foram incluídos no estudo. Pacientes com pelo menos uma estenose EVS ≥50% foram alocados ao grupo estenose EVS (+) (n=259) e pacientes sem estenose foram classificados como EVS (-) (n=275). O índice aterogênico plasmático (IAP) e o coeficiente aterogênico (CA) foram calculados a partir dos parâmetros lipídicos de rotina dos pacientes. A significância foi estabelecida no nível p<0,05. Resultados O número de pacientes com histórico de hipertensão (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), acidente vascular cerebral e insuficiência cardíaca (IC) se mostrou significativamente maior no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). O colesterol total, triglicerídeos e colesterol LDL mostraram-se significativamente mais altos e o colesterol HDL mostrou-se menor no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). IAP (p<0,001) e CA (p<0,001) apresentaram-se significativamente mais altos no grupo EVS (+) do que no grupo EVS (-). A análise ROC mostra que tanto o IAP quanto o CA mostraram-se melhores que o colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL e colesterol não HDL na predição de estenose de EVS. Na análise multivariada, histórico de DM, HT, acidente vascular cerebral, IC, número de enxertos de safena, colesterol HDL, colesterol LDL, colesterol não HDL, IAP e CA foram fatores de risco independentes para estenose de EVS. Conclusão O IAP e o CA foram preditores independentes de estenose de EVS. Além disso, tanto o IAP quanto o CA têm melhor desempenho na predição de estenose de EVS do que o colesterol LDL, colesterol HDL e colesterol não HDL. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):538-544)

Abstract Background Saphenous vein grafts (SVG) are frequently used in patients that have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Objectives: To evaluate the relationship between atherogenic indexes and SVG stenosis. Methods Altogether, 534 patients (27.7% women, mean age 65±8.4 years) that underwent CABG and elective coronary angiography were included in the study. Patients with at least one SVG stenosis ≥50% were allocated to the stenosis group SVG (+) (n=259) and patients without stenosis were categorized as SVG (-) (n=275). Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and atherogenic coefficient (AC) were calculated from the patients’ routine lipid parameters. The level of significance was p<0.05. Results The number of patients with a history of hypertension (HT), diabetes mellitus (DM), stroke, and heart failure was significantly higher in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. Total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL-C were significantly higher and HDL-C was lower in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. AIP (p<0.001) and AC (p<0.001) were significantly higher in the SVG (+) group than in the SVG (-) group. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis show that both AIP and AC were better than HDL-C, LDL-C and non-HDL-C at predicting SVG stenosis. In the multivariate analysis, history of DM, HT, stroke, heart failure (HF), number of saphenous grafts, HDL-C, LDL-C, non-HDL-C, AIP and AC were found to be independent risk factors for SVG stenosis. Conclusion AIP and AC were independent predictors of SVG stenosis. Moreover, both AIP and AC have better performance in predicting SVG stenosis than LDL-C, HDL-C and non-HDL-C. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; 115(3):538-544)

Abstract This study was conducted to investigate the possible silage of stay-green sorghum genotypes using GT biplot analysis. Following the grain harvest, 41 sorghum genotypes were chopped to make silage. Biochemical analyses were performed after 60 d of silage. The results revealed that green herbage yields varied between 13.40-65.96 t ha−1, pH between 3.92-4.25, dry matter ratios between 24.26-35.83%, crude protein ratios between 3.44-7.03%, acid detergent fiber (ADF) ratios between 27.46-52.01%, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) ratios between 40.80-69.12%, crude ash ratios between 5.8915.14%, lactic acid contents between 1.657-4.914%, and propionic acid contents between 0.000-0.247%. Methane production values varied between 14.15-21.80%, gas production between 18.51-47.36 mL, metabolic energy (ME) between 6.68-11.67 MJ kg−1 DM, and organic matter digestibility (OMD) between 47.20-89.93%. According to GT biplot analysis, there were positive correlations among ADF, NDF and DM; among methane, ME, OMD and gas-methane production; and among acetic, butyric and propionic acids, pH, ash and protein contents. There were negative correlations among gas production, ADF, and NDF and among herbage yield, crude protein, organic acids, pH and crude ash. Among the genotypes, Sugargraze was prominent with herbage yield, while genotypes G4 and G3 were prominent with crude protein. Considering all parameters, genotype G20 seemed to be the ideal genotype. Although some silage samples had low silage and nutritional characteristics, others yielded values close to or even higher than full sorghum silage. These varieties can constitute a quality roughage source for livestock in winter. Further breeding research on stay-green genotypes may provide significant contributions to plant and livestock production activities.

Resumen El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar las posibles ensilajes de genotipos de sorgo que tienen alta tasa de supervivencia del tallo y de las hojas después de la cosecha. Después de cosecha del grano, 41 genotipos de sorgo fueron picados para preparar ensilajes. Los análisis bioquímicos se realizaron después de 60 d de ensilaje. De acuerdo con los resultados obtenidos en el estudio; rendimiento de trigo verde varía entre 13.40-65.96 t ha−1, pH 3.92-4.25, proporción de materia seca entre 24.26-35.83%, proporción de proteína cruda 3.44-7.03%, los ratios de ADF entre 27.46-52.01%, los ratios de NDF entre 40.80-69.12%, los ratios de cenizas en bruto entre 5.89-15.14%, ácido láctico entre 1.657-4914%, ácido propiónico entre 0.000-0.247%. Los valores de producción de metano variaron entre 14.15-21.80%; Producción de gas entre 18.51-47.36 mL, energía metabólica (ME) entre 6.68-11.67 MJ kg−1 MS y digestibilidad de materia orgánica (DMO) entre 47.2089.93%. Aunque algunos genotipos tienen características de calidad de alimentación baja, la mayoría de los genotipos tienen características cercanas al ensilaje entero y están en el grupo de calidad de forraje para animales en invierno. Otros trabajos de mejoramiento de los genotipos que permanecen siempre verdes pueden producir contribuciones significativas a las actividades de producción vegetal y ganadera.

Fertilizantes, fungicidas e bactericidas cúpricos são usados em larga escala em casas de vegetação na Turquia. Informações sobre os efeitos das aplicações destes produtos sobre as plantas são escassas. Este trabalho investiga os efeitos da aplicação de Cu na forma de CuSO4.5H2O a um solo calcário (0, 1000 e 2000 mg Cu kg-1) e em cobertura (controle, semanal e duas vezes por semana), nas formas de oxicloreto de cobre ou calda bordalesa na produção total, número de frutas, peso seco da raiz e altura de tomateiros cultivados em casa de vegetação. Produtividade total, número de frutas por planta, peso seco da raiz e altura das plantas foram reduzidas pelo aumento da quantidade de Cu aplicado ao solo. O aumento da concentração de CU no solo e folhas diminuiu número final de frutos por planta, peso seco da raiz e altura da planta na quarta, quinta e sexta semanas. A aplicação combinada de Cu ao solo e em cobertura pode ser mais deletéria às plantas que a aplicação de Cu somente ao solo ou em cobertura.

Copper-containing fertilizers, fungicides and bactericides are extensively used in greenhouses in Turkey. Informations on effects of these applications to plants are scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of Cu application to a calcareous soil and to leaves on the yield and growth of tomato plants. Cu was first applied to soil as CuSO4.5H2O in three different levels (0, 1000, and 2000 mg Cu kg-1) and then to leaves in three different frequencies (no application, biweekly and weekly) using two cupric fungicides (Cu oxychloride, and Cu salts of fatty and rosin acids) in pot experiments carried out in a computer-controlled greenhouse. Total yield, fruit number, dry root weight and plant height decreased with increasing Cu application to soil. Increasing levels of Cu applied to soil and leaves resulted in decreasing final fruit number, dry root weight and plant height in 4th, 5th and 6th weeks. Combined applications of Cu to soil and leaves could be more deleterious to plants than when Cu is applied only to soil or leaves.

Human toxocariasis is commonly seen in places where stray and Toxocara canis-infected dog population is high. There is a strong correlation between frequency of Toxocara infection, life style, and infection risk. Institutionalization of mental retarded patients increases to risk of toxocariasis. In this study, we aimed at investigating the frequency of Toxocara infection among children with mental retardation not requiring institutionalization. The study included 96 cases, who had educatable mental retardation and 85 healthy subjects who comprised the control group. Anti-Toxocara IgG or IgM antibodies were investigated in all serum samples, using ELISA method. The frequency of Toxocara infection was found significantly higher in mental retarded cases than in those in the control group (18.8% and 7.1% respectively) (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between mental retarded children and the control group in terms of mean age, age groups, gender, owning dogs and cats and duration of their ownership, socio-economic level and behavioural factors, and personal hygiene (p > 0.05). We did not find any significant difference between Toxocara seropositive and seronegative mental retarded children in terms of demographic factors and epidemiological factors that could increase the risk of Toxocara infection (p > 0.05). The present study is the first seroprevalence study carried out with a mental retarded group not requiring institutionalization. Determination of high frequency of Toxocara infection suggests that these subjects constitute a risk factor for Toxocara infection, which may be attributed to their behavioural patterns.