ABSTRACT Introduction: Minimally invasive methods have become more preferred in cardiac surgery today. In this study, the comparative results of patients who underwent an aortic root, arch or hemiarch replacement by ministernotomy and full sternotomy in our clinic are presented. Methods: Between January 2017 and October 2019, a series of operations including aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch replacements were performed on 278 patients. The ministernotomy technique was used in 25 of them. Twenty patients who underwent full sternotomy were selected and matched to this group for comparison. Results: The ministernotomy group had a longer cross-clamping time (128.3±30.8 vs. 104.7±23.4 min, P=0.007) but the total operating time was similar in the two groups (249.76±28.56 vs. 248.25±37.53 min, P=0.879). The number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions per patient was higher in the full sternotomy group (4.65±3.74 vs. 2.44±1.85 unit, P=0.020). The ministernotomy group had shorter ventilation times (7.60±4.88 vs. 32.30±32.25 h, P<0.001) and shorter ICU stay (1.56±0.58 vs. 3.35±1.46 d, P<0.001). The 30-day mortality was 0% in the ministernotomy group. Conclusion: Early results of our study show that, in combined or isolated aortic root, ascending aorta, and aortic arch surgeries, ministernotomy can be applied with relatively safety and low mortality and morbidity rates.

Abstract: This study presents the physical and the mechanical properties of C class fly ash (FA) based lightweight geopolymer mortars produced with expanded vermiculite (EV) aggregate. The FA was activated with NaOH containing 12%, 14% and 16% sodium by weight. The volumetric ratios of EV/FA in the samples were chosen as 2,4 and 6 in the study. The liquid/solid ratio 0.23, 0.26 and 0.29. Lightweight geopolymer mortar (LGM) samples were produced by mixing FA, EV, NaOH and water in a mixer. The samples placed in molds were exposed to activation temperature of 100°C for 24 hours in the oven. The samples taken out of the oven were demolded and kept in air curing for 28 days at 20°C±2°C room temperature. After curing, unit weight, apparent porosity, water absorption ratio, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), flexural strength and compressive strength tests were performed on the samples. In addition, the thermal conductivity coefficients of the samples were determined. As a result of the experiment, a compressive strength varying between 0.59 MPa and 3.81 MPa was obtained in lightweight geopolymers samples with a unit weight between 906 kg/m3 and 1477 kg/m3. Expanded vermiculite showed a good performance on thermal conductivity of LGMs and a decrease in thermal conductivity up to the 0.094 W/mK was observed.

Abstract In this study, a geopolymer composite containing PVA fiber was produced to recycle waste fly ash and obtain an eco-friendly binder. Mechanical properties of geopolymer mortars, produced by using F class fly ash which was activated with NaOH (sodium hydroxide), and reinforced by PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) fiber were investigated after high temperature effect. Geopolymer mortar samples produced by mixing with fly ash, sand, water and NaOH were placed in standard molds of 40×40×160 mm3. PVA fibers were used at percentages of 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% by volume in the experiment. Tests were performed on mortars exposed to high temperatures of 200°C, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C for physical and mechanical properties. For the specimens not subjected to high temperatures, an increase in the compressive strength of mortars containing PVA fibers was observed in comparison to mortar without PVA fiber. On the other hand, it was concluded that losses in compressive strength were less for mortar without PVA fiber when compared with the mortars containing PVA fibers. As a result of the modeling, the PVA ratio, which gives the optimum flexural and compressive strength, was determined as 1.47%. As a result of melting of PVA fibers under the effect of high temperature, 83.58% loss of compressive strength was determined in samples containing 1.5% PVA after 800ºC temperature.

Abstract Objectives: To investigate the association between clinical hematologic parameters and saphenous vein graft failure after on-pump coronary artery bypass surgery. Methods: A total of 1950 consecutive patients underwent isolated on-pump coronary artery surgery between November 2010 and February 2013. Of these, 284 patients met our inclusion criteria; their preoperative clinical hematological parameters were retrospectively obtained for this cohort study. And of them, 109 patients underwent conventional coronary angiography after graft failure was revealed by coronary computed tomography angiography. The primary endpoint was to catch at least one saphenous vein graft stenosis or occlusion following the coronary angiogram. We then analyzed risk factors for graft failure. In sequential or T grafts, each segment was analyzed as a separate graft. Results: In logistic regression analysis, older age, platelet distribution width, and diabetes mellitus were identified as independent predictors of saphenous vein graft failure (P<0.). In contrast, preserved ejection fraction value favored graft patency (P<0.001). Conclusion: Increased platelet distribution width is easily measurable and can be used as a simple and valuable marker in the prediction of saphenous vein graft failure.

Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of silymarin (SMN), an antioxidant, on methotrexate (MTX)-induced damage in rat testes. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups (n = 8): control, MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p. on days 1 and 5), SMN (200 mg/kg, orally), and MTX + SMN (20 mg/kg, i.p. on days 1 and 5 and SMN 200 mg/kg orally) groups. At the end of the 6-week trial period, histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and spermatological analyses were performed on testes tissues. Histopathologically, MTX-induced damage, including depletion of germ cell and loos of spermatozoa, was significantly improved with SMN treatment. Immunohistochemically, the immunoreactivity of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and manganese superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) were detected more intensely in the MTX + SMN group than in the MTX group. Biochemical examinations revealed that SMN supplementation decreased the lipid peroxidation and increased enzymatic antioxidants in the SMN-treated rats. Spermatologically, significant differences were found in the density, motility, dead-to-live sperm ratio, and abnormal sperm rate in the MTX + SMN group compared to the MTX group. In conclusion, SMN seems to have protective effects as an antioxidant against MTX-induced damage in rat testes.

Abstract: Background: Localized scleroderma is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by sclerosis of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Platelets play an important role in inflammation. Following activation, platelets rapidly release numerous mediators and cytokines, which contribute to inflammation. Objectives: To evaluate whether there was any relation between localized scleroderma and platelet parameters. Methods: Forty-one patients with localized scleroderma were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of 30 healthy subjects. Results: The mean platelet volume level in the patient group was 9.9 ± 1.3 fl and in the control group was 7.6 ± 1.1 fl. This difference was statistically significant (p< 0.001). The plateletcrit values are minimally higher in the patient group as compared to the control group. It was statistically significant (p<0.001). There was no significant difference in the platelet counts between the two groups (p= 0.560) In the patient group, there was no significant relation between the mean platelet volume levels and clinical signs of disease (p=0.09). However, plateletcrit values are higher in generalized than localized forms of disease (p=0.01). Study Limitations: The limited number of patients and the retrospective nature of the study were our limitations. Conclusions: This study suggests that platelets might play a role in the pathogenesis of scleroderma. Platelet parameters may be used as markers for evaluating disease severity and inflammatory processes. Thus, there is a need for more detailed and prospective studies.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of photoperiod length and light intensity on leg and eye health, tonic immobility, some blood parameters, carcass, and meat quality characteristics in broilers. A total of 272 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to four treatment groups based on the photoperiod length (23L:1D or increasing duration of light) and light intensity (20 lux vs. dim light) with four replicates. In this study, photoperiod lenght had no effect on incidence of foot pad and hock burn. On the other hand, the effect of photoperiod lenght had significant influence on the gait score. The incidences of gait score (3 + 4 + 5) in bright and dim light groups was found as 21.4 and 41.0% in broilers, respectively. In addition, the effect of light intensity had statistical significance on gait score. The tonic immobility duration in 20 lux and dim light groups were 271.53 and 226.78 s, respectively, and tonic immobility duration was unaffected by light intensity. All the blood parameters, except for triglyceride, were not affected by light intensity. The dim light had a negative effect on broiler welfare as demonstrated by increased eye weight and dimensions. Cold carcass yield and whole breast and wing yields were lower in the dim light group than in 20 lux light intensity. The broilers kept with dim light had lower breast meat ultimate pH (6.19) and L* values (54.30) than those reared with 20 lux. These findings have a lot of implications on the use of increasing photoperiod and bright light to improve leg an eye health benefits for the broiler welfare in broilers.

Salinity reduces germination, delays emergence, and inhibits seedling growth of linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) while some varieties are less affected by salinity than others. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of NaCl levels (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 dS m-1) on germination and seedling growth of 10 linseed genotypes (lines 87, 89, 104, 114, 193, 194, 209, 215, C-90 and cv. San-85) and to classify the genotypes for salinity tolerance using germination and seedling characteristics. Germination percentage, mean germination time, root and shoot length, seedling fresh and dry weight, Na+ content and Na:K ratio of seedlings were investigated. Classification of linseed genotypes for salinity tolerance was done according to (i) combination of Principal Component and Cluster Analysis, (ii) Na+ content, and (iii) Na:K ratio of seedling. The results showed that the highest values were obtained from lines 193, 194 and 215 except for mean germination time, while germination percentage was not adversely influenced by NaCl up to 20 dS m-1. Seedling growth was inhibited at 20 dS m-1 although genotypes exhibited varying responses. Na+ content was enhanced by NaCl, but seedling from lines 194, 193 and 215 had the lowest Na+ content at all NaCl levels. Cluster analysis performed by multiple parameters revealed three groups for salinity tolerance. It was concluded that lines 193, 194, and 215 were tolerant, lines 87, 209, C-90, and cv. Sari-85 were moderately tolerant and lines 89, 104, and 114 were salt-sensitive genotypes. Classification of genotypes for Na+ content and Na:K ratio showed similar result for tolerant genotypes while different genotypes for sensitive group were detected.

La salinidad reduce germinación, retrasa emergencia, e inhibe el crecimiento de plántulas de lino (Linum usitatissimum L.) mientras algunas variedades son menos afectadas por la salinidad que otras. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los efectos de niveles de NaCl (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 dS m-1) en germinación y crecimiento de plántulas de 10 genotipos de lino (líneas 87, 89, 104, 114, 193, 194, 209, 215, C-90 y cv. Sari-85) y clasificar los genotipos por tolerancia a salinidad usando características de germinación y de plántulas. Se evaluaron porcentaje de germinación, tiempo medio de germinación, longitud de raíces y brotes, peso fresco y seco de plántulas, contenido de Na+ y relación Na:K de las plántulas. La clasificación de los genotipos de lino por tolerancia a salinidad se hizo de acuerdo a (i) combinación de Análisis de Cluster y Componentes Principales, (ii) contenido de Na+, y (iii) relación Na:K de plántulas. Los resultados muestran que los valores mayores se obtuvieron en las líneas 193, 194, y 215 excepto para tiempo medio de germinación, mientras el porcentaje de germinación no fue adversamente influenciado por NaCl hasta 20 dS m-1. El crecimiento de plántulas fue inhibido a 20 dS m-1 aunque los genotipos exhibieron variadas respuestas. El contenido de Na+ fue elevado por NaCl, pero plántulas de las líneas 194, 193, y 215 tuvieron los menores contenidos de Na+ en todos los niveles de NaCl. El análisis de cluster realizado por parámetros múltiples reveló tres grupos para tolerancia a salinidad. Se concluyó que las líneas 193, 194, y 215 eran tolerantes, las líneas 87, 209, C-90, y cv. Sari-85 fueron moderadamente tolerantes, y las líneas 89, 104, y 114 fueron genotipos sensibles a sal. La clasificación de genotipos por contenido de Na+ y relación Na:K mostró resultados similares para genotipos tolerantes mientras se detectaron genotipos diferentes para el grupo sensible.