ABSTRACT This experimental and theoretical study investigated the efficiency of radiation absorption by Cerrobend alloy with varying concentrations of B4C compound. Four blocks were prepared containing 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% B4C, respectively. The study examined radiation attenuation characteristics, including the mass attenuation coefficient, linear attenuation coefficient, half-value layer thickness, and mean free path, as well as radiobiological consequences for each block, using photon energies of 6 and 15 MeV. It has been observed that the rise in the quantity of B4C leads to a decrease in the material’s ability to absorb photons. The highest mass attenuation coefficient at 6 MeV energy was S1 with 0.0432 cm2/g. The half-value layer of samples S2 and S3 exhibited a larger magnitude compared to samples S1. The tenth-value layer findings obtained with photons with 15 MeV energy were S0 < S1 < S2 < S3. In the experiments with photons with 6 MeV energy, the mean free path value of sample S1 was relatively lower than other samples. The experimental results were consistent with the data obtained from GAMOS and XCOM. Experiments and theoretical studies have shown that the Cerrobend alloy’s photon absorption properties are very similar to those of pure Cerrobend when it is doped with 5 wt% B4C. BC B C compound 0 0% 5% 10 10% respectively characteristics halfvalue half thickness block 1 materials material s S 00432 0432 0.043 cm2g cmg cm2 g cm cm2/g tenthvalue tenth XCOM alloys wt 0043 043 0.04 004 04 0.0 00 0.

Abstract: Due to the negative environmental effects of herbicides, restrictions are imposed in many developed countries and the transition to alternative methods is encouraged. Upon these restrictions and prohibitions, non-chemical weed control methods have been started to be developed. One of these alternative weed control methods is the electric current method. Background: Using multiple electrodes, the mortality rates were measured by exposing the plants germinated in laboratory conditions to AC and DC currents for different periods. Objective: In this study, the effects of direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) on the mortality rates of plants were investigated. Methods: By comparing the NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) values measured before and 1 week after the plants were exposed to electrical current, the effect of AC/DC on the mortality rate was determined. Results: While mortality was between 11% and 17% for AC, mortality occurred at a rate of 31% in plants that had 300 volts DC applied for 350 s. Conclusions: The degrees (r) of these relationships were 79.7% and 95.7%, respectively. According to these results, mortality rates increased as the voltage increased.

Abstract Background: Left ventricular (LV) thrombus formation is a common complication of anterior myocardial infarction (ANT-MI). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between apical longitudinal strain (ALS) and LV apical thrombus after ANT-MI. Methods: The cross-sectional study included a total of 235 patients who were followed up after primary percutaneous coronary intervention performed for ANT-MI and had a reduced LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (≤40%). Of these patients, 24 were excluded from the study, and the remaining 211 patients were included in the analysis. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 42) or absence (n = 169) of LV thrombus detected by echocardiography. ALS was measured using speckle-tracking echocardiography. Results: Thrombus was detected in 42 of 211 patients. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age or gender. Apical strain (AS), global longitudinal strain (GLS), apical wall thickness (AWT), and EF were significantly lower in patients with LV apical thrombus when compared to those without LV apical thrombus (AS, –5.00 ± 2.30% vs. −8.54 ± 2.48%, p < 0.001; GLS, −10.6 ± 3.54% vs. −12.1 ± 2.84%, p = 0.013; AWT, 4.71 ± 1.11 vs. 6.33 ± 1.78 mm, p < 0.001; EF, 31.40 ± 4.10% vs. 37.75 ± 3.17%, p < 0.001). On univariate and multivariate analyses, aneurysm (AA), AS, and AWT were found to be independent predictors of LV apical thrombus (AA, odds ratio [OR] 4.649, p = 0.010; AS, OR 1.749, p < 0.001; AWT, OR 0.729, p = 0.042). Conclusion: ALS is highly sensitive and specific for predicting LV thrombus after ANT-MI. An early and accurate evaluation of LV thrombus may prevent embolic complications, particularly cerebrovascular events.

Background: Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is a common clinical condition involving genetic background. The role of beta-blockers in the treatment is controversial. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of beta-1 gene polymorphism on beta-blocker therapy in patients with VVS. Methods: We included 123 patients who were diagnosed with VVS after the tilt-table test. We searched for the polymorphism Arg389Gly (rs1801253) in the beta-1 adrenoceptor gene. Results: Overall, 64 patients (52%) had Arg389Arg genotype and 59 patients (48%) had Arg389Gly genotype. The syncopal episodes of patients with Arg389Arg genotype were more frequent compared with patients having Arg389Gly genotype (total syncopal episodes [TSE], 7.9 ± 3.7 vs. 6.4 ± 3.0; p = 0.012). TSE in patients with Arg389Arg genotype decreased significantly after 18 months of beta-blocker treatment (7.9 ± 3.7 vs. 3.0 ± 1.4, p < 0.001). After 18 months of beta-blocker treatment, patients with Arg389Arg genotype had significantly fewer syncopal episodes than patients with Arg389Gly genotype (3.0 ± 1.4 vs. 6.8 ± 3.2, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Results of beta-blocker therapy in patients with Arg389Arg genotype suggest that VVS pathophysiology is a multifactorial condition, with genetic, psychological, and environmental components, and therefore, treatment selection can be based on gene polymorphism. (REV INVEST CLIN. 2020;72(5):300-7)

Abstract Introduction: One of the most important points of the acute type A aortic dissection surgery is how to perform cannulation regarding cerebral protection concerns and the conditions of arterial structures as a pathophysiological consequence of the disease. Objective: In this study, femoral and axillary cannulation methods were compared in acute type A aortic dissection operations. Methods: The study retrospectively evaluated 52 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection. Patients without malperfusion according to Penn Aa classification were chosen for preoperative standardization of the study groups. The femoral arterial cannulation group was group 1 (n=22) and the axillary arterial cannulation group was group 2 (n=30). The groups were compared in terms of perioperative and postoperative results. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in terms of preoperative data. In terms of postoperative parameters, especially early mortality and new-onset cerebrovascular event, there was no statistically significant difference. Mortality rates in group 1 and group 2 were 13.6% (n=3) and 10% (n=3), respectively (P=0.685). Postoperative new-onset cerebral events ratio was found in 5 (22.7%) in the femoral cannulation group and 6 (20%) in the axillary cannulation group (P=0.812). Conclusion: Both femoral and axillary arterial cannulation methods can be safely performed in patients with acute type A aortic dissection, provided that cerebral protection strategies should be considered in the first place. The method to be performed may vary depending on the patient’s current medical condition or the surgeon's preference.

Abstract Objective: Treatment of acute diseases of the aorta is still associated with high mortality and morbidity. It is believed that interventions for these diseases on overtime hours (night shifts or weekend shifts) may increase mortality. In this study, we investigated the effect of performing acute type A aortic dissection surgery on overtime hours in terms of postoperative outcomes. Methods: 206 patients who underwent emergency surgery for acute type A aortic dissection were retrospectively evaluated. Two groups were constituted: patients operated on daytime working hours (n=61), and patients operated on overtime hours (n=145), respectively. Results: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and repeat surgery were higher in group 1. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of operative and postoperative results. Mortality rates and postoperative neurological complications in group 1 were 9.8% and 13.1%, respectively. In group 2, these rates were 13.8% and 12.4%, respectively (P=0.485 - P=0.890). Multivariate analysis identified that cross-clamp time, amount of postoperative drainage, preoperative loss of consciousness and postoperative neurological complications are the independent predictors of mortality. Conclusions: As the surgical experience of the clinics improves, treatment of acute type A aortic dissections can be successfully performed both overtime and daytime working hours.

Resumo Introdução: O bloqueio bilateral do plexo cervical superficial (BPCS) é um método comumente usado para analgesia em tireoidectomia. Avaliamos a eficácia analgésica do bloqueio bilateral do BPCS nos períodos intraoperatório e pós-operatório. Materiais e métodos: Os pacientes (n = 46) submetidos à tireoidectomia foram randomicamente separados em dois grupos para receber anestesia geral (Grupo GA; n = 23) e anestesia geral mais bloqueio bilateral do BPCS (Grupo GS; n = 23). Avaliamos a necessidade de analgésico no intraoperatório (remifentanil) e os escores VAS (Visual Analog Scale) em vários momentos no pós-operatório (após a extubação, aos 15 e 30 minutos e em 1, 2, 6, 12, 24 e 48 horas de pós-operatório). O consumo total de tramadol e paracetamol e a quantidade usada de ondansetrona foram registrados. Resultados: A necessidade de remifentanil no intraoperatório foi significativamente menor no Grupo GS do que no Grupo GA (p = 0,009). Os escores de dor pós-operatória foram significativamente menores no Grupo GS do que no grupo GA aos 15 (p < 0,01) e 30 (p < 0,01) minutos e em 1 (p < 0,01), 2 (p < 0,01), 6 (p < 0,01), 12 (p < 0,01) e 24 (p = 0,03) horas de pós-operatório. A necessidade de tramadol no pós-operatório foi significativamente menor no Grupo GS do que no grupo GA (p = 0,01). O número de pacientes que recebeu ondansetrona foi significativamente menor no Grupo GS do que no Grupo GA (p = 0,004). Conclusão: O bloqueio bilateral do BPCS com bupivacaína a 0,25% reduz a intensidade da dor pós-operatória e a dependência de opioides em pacientes submetidos à tireoidectomia.

Abstract Introduction: Bilateral superficial cervical plexus block (BSCPB) is a common method used for analgesia in thyroid surgery. We investigated the analgesic efficacy of bilateral superficial cervical plexus block in the intraoperative and postoperative periods. Materials and methods: Patients (n = 46) undergoing thyroidectomy were randomly separated into the following 2 groups: the general anesthesia group (GA; n = 23) and the general anesthesia plus BSCPB group (GS; n = 23). The intraoperative analgesic requirement (remifentanil) and visual analog scale (VAS) score at multiple time points during the postoperative period (after extubation, at 15 , 30 minutes and 1, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post operation) were evaluated. Total tramadol and paracetamol consumption as well as the amount of ondansetron used was recorded. Results: The intraoperative remifentanil requirement was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p= 0.009). The postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group at 15 (p< 0.01), 30 (p< 0.01) minutes, and 1 (p< 0.01), 2 (p< 0.01), 6 (p< 0.01), 12 (p< 0.01) and 24 (p= 0.03) hours. The postoperative tramadol requirement was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p= 0.01). The number of patients that used ondansetron was significantly lower in the GS Group than in the GA Group (p= 0.004). Conclusion: We concluded that BSCPB with 0.25% bupivacaine reduces the postoperative pain intensity and opioid dependency in thyroid surgery patients.

Abstract In this study, the effects of ozonetherapy on secondary wound healing were evaluated histologically and immuno-histochemically. Material and Methods: 8 healthy pigs were used in this study. Six wounds with 10 mm in diameter were created through the punch technique on the palatinal gingiva of each pig. Ozone gas was applied on only 3 wounds (test group) and the remaining 3 were left to natural healing (control group). Biopsy samples were taken from one of the wounds in each group on the third day, from another wound of each group on the seventh day, and from another one on the tenth day. Routine histological analysis and immuno-histochemical staining were performed to investigate transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and (VEGF) expressions. Results: No statistical difference was found between the test and control groups in terms of collagen fibers, epithelial formation and inflammation scores. A VEGF expression found in the test group was statistically higher than control group samples taken on the 3rd and 7th day. There was no statistical difference between the test and control groups in terms of TGF-β expression on any of the sampling days. Conclusion: The topical application of ozone gas could be effective in the early stages of wound healing by increasing the amount of VEGF expression. Clinical Relevance: Topical application of ozone gas may be effective in the early stages of oral wound healing.

Abstract Purpose: The effect of a prophylactic oleuropein-rich diet before anesthesia accompanied by the widely-used steroid-based neuromuscular drug rocuronium on mast cell activation was investigated in the study. Methods: 14 rabbits used in the study. The rabbits in the oleuropein group were given oleuropein-rich extract added to the animals’ water at doses of 20 mg/kg oleuropein for 15 days orally. After 15 days, all rabbits in the two groups were given general anesthesia with rocuronium of 1 mg/kg. After 1 day, animals were sacrificed and the liver tissue sections stained with H&E, toluidine blue and tryptase for immunohistochemical study. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between ALT, AST and albumin averages of the oleuropein and control groups (p> 0.05). The tryptase average of the control group was higher than the tryptase average of the oleuropein group and this difference was statistically significant (p=0.003). The T. blue average in the oleuropein group was higher than the control group. However, there was no statistically significant difference between groups (p=0.482). Conclusions: Rocuronium adverse effects, like hypersensitivity and anaphylaxis, may limit routine use of this substance. The use of oleuropein reduced the number of inflammatory cells and prevented degranulation.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effects of raw bee propolis and water or ethanol extract of propolis on growth performance, some blood parameters, and immunoglobulins in 15-20-week-old Ross-308 broiler breeders. The birds in the control were fed a diet without propolis, whereas the birds in the treatment groups were fed diets with raw propolis (RP), water (WEP), and ethanol (EEP) extract of propolis at the level of 1200, 400, and 400 ppm, respectively. Raw propolis and propolis extracts did not affect body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and some blood parameters, such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total antioxidant status, triglyceride, and phosphorus. Birds fed EEP and those in control group had a lower IgA value compared with birds fed RP. Birds fed RP had higher IgM level than those of the other groups, and birds fed EEP had lower IgM level than those of control and RP-fed group. The IgY value of breeders fed EEP was higher than those of the other treatment birds, whereas that of WEP-fed birds was higher than those of control and RP treatment. The antibody levels of Anti-Newcastle disease virus and anti-infectious bursal disease virus were higher in EEP and RP-fed groups than those in the control and WEP-fed groups. The WEP decreased total oxidant status value compared with the control and RP treatments, whereas EEP and WEP increased plasma total protein and calcium contents compared with the control. The EEP increased plasma albumin content compared with RP. The addition of propolis extracts, especially WEP and EEP, to diet improves immunity and antioxidant activity, as well as enhances Ca absorption of broiler breeders.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of preoperative rectal ozone insufflation on surgical wound healing over the proinflammatory cytokines and histopathological changes. METHODS: Twenty one rabbits were divided into 3 groups. Sham, surgical wound, and ozone applied (6 sessions, every other day 70 µg/mL in 12 mL O2-O3 mixture rectally) surgical wound groups were created. TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels from all rabbits were studied at the basal, 24th hour, and 72nd hour. The histopathological examination was done by removing the surgical scar tissue at the end of 72nd hour. RESULTS: TNF-alfa and IL-6 levels were significantly lower compared to the control group, in the rabbits treated with ozone. The increase in angiogenesis, the decrease in the number of inflammatory cells, epidermal and dermal regeneration, better collagen deposition, and increased keratinisation in stratum corneum were observed in the histopathological examination. It was determined that the wound healing noticeably accelerated in the ozone group. CONCLUSION: Preoperative rectal ozone insufflation had a positive effect on surgical wound healing in acute period.

RESUMOJUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: Tenoxicam é amplamente usado no tratamento da osteoartrite (OA)e o nosso objetivo foi comparar a eficácia de tenoxicam administrado por via oral (VO) e intra-articular (IA) no tratamento da OA.MÉTODOS: Este estudo foi conduzido entre 2011 e 2012 por meio de análise retrospectiva ecomparação dos resultados de 60 pacientes que foram clínica e radiologicamente diagnosticadoscom OA degenerativa de joelhos na Policlínica de Tratamento da Dor do Hospital Estadual deBünyan. Os 60 pacientes incluídos no estudo foram alocados em dois grupos. O primeiro grupo(tenoxicam IA, n = 30) incluiu resultados de pacientes submetidos à injeção nos joelhos porvia IA de 20 mg de tenoxicam uma vez por semana durante três semanas e o segundo grupo(tenoxicam VO, n = 30) incluiu pacientes que receberam 20 mg de tenoxicam por VO uma vezpor dia durante três semanas. Todos os pacientes foram avaliados clinicamente na fase basalpré-tratamento e em uma semana, um mês e três meses pós-tratamento, de acordo com oscritérios especificados.RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Dos 60 pacientes, 22 eram do sexo masculino e 38 do sexo feminino.Em ambos os grupos, melhorias significativas foram detectadas em todos os parâmetros da escalavisual analógica, do índice Western Ontario and MacMaster (Womac --- dor, atividade física erigidez dos joelhos) e do índice de Lequesne nas avaliações feitas em uma semana, um mês etrês meses e comparadas aos valores basais. Além disso, uma melhor adesão ao tratamento etolerabilidade ao sistema gastrointestinal no grupo tenoxicam IA também foram observadas. Aadministração de tenoxicam IA pode ser considerada como um método opcional de tratamentoem pacientes com OA de joelhos que não podem usar tenoxicam por VO, especialmente porcausa dos efeitos colaterais sobre o sistema gastrintestinal, e naqueles com dificuldades de adaptação ao tratamento.

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Tenoxicam is widely used in osteoarthritis treatment and we aimedto compare the effectivity of oral and intra-articular administration of tenoxicam in osteoarthri-tis treatment.METHODS: This study was performed between 2011 and 2012 by retrospectively analyzing andcomparing the findings of 60 patients who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with kneedegenerative osteoarthritis in Bünyan state hospital pain policlinic. 60 patients included in thestudy were divided into two groups. The first group (tenoxicam IA, n = 30) included patientfindings of those subjected to intra-articular injection of 20 mg tenoxicam to the knee oncea week for three weeks and the second group (oral tenoxicam, n = 30) included patients whowere administered 20 mg oral tenoxicam once a day for three weeks. All patients were clini-cally evaluated pre-treatment and in the 1st week, 1st month and 3rd month post-treatmentaccording to specified criteria.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Twenty two of 60 patients included in the study were male and 38were female. In both groups significant improvements were detected in all of the observedparameters: visual analog scale, Western Ontario McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (pain, physicalactivity, knee stiffness) and Lequesne index scores and in the evaluations performed in 1st week,1st month and 3rd month with respect to pre-treatment values. Besides, a better complianceto treatment and gastrointestinal system tolerability in tenoxicam IA group was also observed.Intra-articular tenoxicam administration could be thought as an alternative treatment methodin patients with knee osteoarthritis who cannot use oral tenoxicam especially due to systemicgastrointestinal system side effects and those who have difficulties in adapting to treatment.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the applicability and airway management capacity of v-gel(r) and Cobra PLA in rabbit anaesthesia during assisted (AV) or controlled ventilation (CV).METHODS:This study was carried out in 44 adult New Zealand white rabbit. Baseline arterial pH, PaCO2 and PaO2 values were recorded. Anaesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg xylasine and 35 mg/kg ketamine HCI combination. AV rabbits were assigned as; control (CG-AV; n=5), LMA (LMA-AV; n=5), cobra PLA (PLA-AV; n=5) and v-gel (v-gelAV; n=5). Rabbits have CV were also assigned as; ET (ET-CV; n=6), LMA (LMA-CV; n=6), cobraPLA (PLA-CV; n=6) and v-gel (v-gelCV; n=6). All measurements were repeated 1st, 5th, 15th and 30th mins during anaesthesia.RESULTS: The less insertion time, number of attempt and complications are recorded in v-gel applied rabbits compared to other apparatus. For arterial pH values significant differences are recorded in especially at 15th and 30th min between groups of CV (p<0.005 or p<0.001). All groups had similar results with each other during anaesthesia for PaCO2 except for LMA-CV group.CONCLUSION:The v-gel may be used as airway device in rabbit anaesthesia undergoing AV or CV and also can be a suitable alternative to endotracheal tubes and laryngeal mask airway.

OBJECTIVE: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune mucocutaneous disease. Recent research has emphasized the strong association between inflammation and both P-wave dispersion and dyslipidemia. The difference between the maximum and minimum P-wave durations on an electrocardiogram is defined as P-wave dispersion. The prolongation of P-wave dispersion has been demonstrated to be an independent risk factor for developing atrial fibrillation. The aim of this study was to investigate P-wave dispersion in patients with lichen planus. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with lichen planus and 37 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were included in this study. We obtained electrocardiographic recordings from all participants and used them to calculate the P-wave variables. We also assessed the levels of highly sensitive C-reactive protein, which is an inflammatory marker, and the lipid levels for each group. The results were reported as the means ± standard deviations and percentages. RESULTS: The P-wave dispersion was significantly higher in lichen planus patients than in the control group. Additionally, highly sensitive C-reactive protein, LDL cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in lichen planus patients compared to the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between highly sensitive C-reactive protein and P-wave dispersion (r = 0.549, p<0.001) in lichen planus patients. CONCLUSIONS: P-wave dispersion increased on the surface electrocardiographic measurements of lichen planus patients. This result may be important in the early detection of subclinical cardiac involvement. Increased P-wave dispersion, in terms of the tendency for atrial fibrillation, should be considered in these patients.

OBJECTIVE: The development of osteoporosis is associated with several risk factors, such as genetic structures that affect bone turnover and bone mass. The impact of genetic structures on osteoporosis is not known. Plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 regulates the bone matrix and bone balance. This study assessed the correlation between plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphisms and osteoporosis in a population of Turkish women. METHODS: A total of 195 postmenopausal female patients who were diagnosed with osteoporosis (Group I) based on bone mineral density measurements via dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and 90 females with no osteoporosis (Group II) were included in this study. Correlations between PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphisms and osteoporosis were investigated through the identification of PAI-1 gene 4G/5G polymorphism genotypes using the polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: No significant differences in the genotype and allele frequency of 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 polymorphisms were observed between the two groups, and both groups exhibited the most frequently observed 4G5G genotype. CONCLUSION: No correlation between the development of osteoporosis in the female Turkish population and 4G/5G plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 gene polymorphisms was observed.