Exogenous potassium nitrate alleviates salt-induced oxidative stress in maize

The effects of the exogenous potassium nitrate application on major antioxidant enzymes, photosynthetic pigment content, malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and free proline were investigated in salt-stressed (75 mM NaCl) maize genotype (ADA 9510). Plants were grown in growth chamber for ten days. After five days of applications (control, 0 mM NaCl), S75 (75 mM NaCl), potassium nitrate (3 mM KNO3) and S75 + potassium nitrate (75 mM NaCl + 3 mM KNO3), plants were harvested. The results showed that salt stress significantly decreased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll contents and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase. Malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and free proline contents were increased by salt stress. These results showed that salinity led to the oxidative stress and destruction of photosynthetic pigments in maize leaves. The exogenous potassium nitrate application, on the other hand, caused to the increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll and total carotenoid, elevated level of ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase, and decreased malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide and free proline content. This kind of changes may indicate that the exogenous potassium nitrate application activates the antioxidant defence system and counteract the oxidative stress. Thus, it may be concluded that the exogenous potassium nitrate application improves salt tolerance and encourage the growth of maize plants under salt stress at early seedling stage. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.424519

The effect of nickel phytotoxicity on photosystem II activity and antioxidant enzymes in barley

In this study, the effect of mild (100 µM), moderate (300 µM) and severe (500 µM) nickel (NiSO4.7H2O) toxicity on the photosynthetic activity, photosynthetic pigment content and some antioxidant enzymes in the leaves of a barley cultivars (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Tarm-92) was investigated. Moderate and severe nickel toxicity decreased root length while shoot length was not affected by nickel stress, probably due to over accumulation of nickel in roots. Similarly, biomass accumulation was declined by moderate and severe nickel toxicity as reflected by the lowered fresh and dry weight. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and consequently total chlorophyll content decreased by all nickel applications, presumably because the reduced level of carotenoids. Chlorophyll a fluorescence measurements showed that nickel toxicity blocked electron movement in some specific points of the photosynthetic electron transport system. The constant Fo value indicated that PSII reaction centers was not damaged in the leaves of barley under nickel toxicity while the reduced Fm value showed that acceptor side of PSII was more sensitive to nickel toxicity as compared to donor side. Changes in JIP test parameters in the leaves of barley showed that primary photochemical reactions are reduced, and thermal dissipation of excess energy is increased. SOD and CAT activity is elevated in the leaves of barley under moderate and severe nickel toxicity which demonstrate an efficient superoxide dismutation. Severe nickel toxicity, however, did not affect SOD and CAT activity. The ascorbate-glutathione cycle was activated in the leaves of barley plants under nickel toxicity, probably indicating an efficient H2O2 detoxification. However, considerable H2O2 and MDA accumulation was observed in the leaves of barley under nickel stress. As a result, it may be concluded that the barley genotype Tarm-92 is moderately tolerant to nickel toxicity

Physiological and biochemical changes in wheat cultivars under salt stress as affected by foliar boron application

Bu çalışmada farklı iki buğday (Triticum aestivum L.) genotipinde (Momtchil ve Pamukova-97) tuz stresi (150 mM NaCl) ve foliar bor (H3 BO3 ; 30 µM) uygulamalarının etkileşimleri incelenmiştir. Momtchil’de klorofil a ve toplam klorofil miktarı tuz stresi, foliar bor ve tuz+foliar bor uygulamalarından etkilenmemiş, klorofil b miktarı ise, muhtemelen yüksek toplam karotenoid ve serbest prolin miktarından dolayı, ilgili kontrollerle karşılaştırıldığında artış göstermiştir. Pamukova-97’de ise böyle koruyucu bir mekanizmanın bulunmaması nedeniyle foliar bor ve tuz+foliar bor uygulamaları fotosentetik pigment miktarının azalmasına yol açmıştır. Askorbat-glutatyon döngüsünün enzimleri ve süperoksit dismutaz aktivitesi tüm uygulamalar sonucunda indüklenmemiş ve buğday genotiplerinin yapraklarında hem belirgin derecede H2 O2 birikimi hem de yüksek MDA miktarı ile gösterildiği gibi membran hasarı belirlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışmada kullanılan, tuz stresi altındaki buğday genotiplerinde foliar bor uygulamalarının beklenen iyileştirici etkisinin gözlenemediği söylenebilir.In this study, interactive effects of salt stress (150 mM NaCl) and foliar boron (H3 BO3 ; 30 µM) application was studied in two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes (Momtchil and Pamukova-97). Chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content in Momtchil were not affected by salinity, foliar boron and salinity+foliar boron application while chlorophyll b content was increased by foliar boron and salinity+foliar boron application as compared to relative controls, probably due to higher total carotenoid and free proline level. In Pamukova-97, however, foliar boron and salinity+foliar boron application led to the reduced photosynthetic pigment content because of the absence of such a protective mechanism. Antioxidant enzymes of ascorbate-glutathione cycle and superoxide dismutase was not induced by all applications and both remarkable H2 O2 accumulation and membrane damage was determined in the leaves of wheat cultivars, as demonstrated by higher MDA content in leaves. As a result, it may be concluded that expected ameliorative effect of foliar boron application did not occur in saltaffected wheat cultivars used in this study

Cesarean Scar Pregnancies and Reproductive Outcomes: A Single Center Experience

MakaleWOS:000947547600006Objective: The rising rate of cesarean delivery increases the occurrence of cesarean scar pregnancies (CSP). Early diagnosis and treatment of CSP have become the subject of considerable interest in recent years because of the risk of life-threatening uterine bleeding and rupture. The aim of this study was to share the results of ultrasonography (USG)-guided dilation and curettage (D&C) and hysterotomy in treating early CSP and the long-term reproductive results in these cases. Material and Methods: Patients diagnosed with CSP admitted to the perinatology clinic between January 2016 and April 2020 were included in this study. USG-guided D&C was recommended for all patients diagnosed with CSP in the first trimester (<= 12 gestational weeks). Hysterotomy was recommended for patients who could not undergo D&C. All patients' demographic data and procedure results were retrieved retrospectively from electronic records, and reproductive anamneses after the procedure were obtained from patient files and telephone calls. Results: Sixty-three patients who underwent USG-guided D&C and hysterotomy were included in the study. While D&C was successful in 93.65% ( n=59) of these patients, 6.35% (n=4) underwent hysterotomy. In the USG-guided D&C group, the infertility rate was 15.78% (n=6), the rate of the recurrent scars was 9.3% (n=3), and the rate of placenta accreta spectrum was 6.25% (n=2). The term healthy pregnancy rate was 64%. Conclusion: In experienced hands, USG-guided D& C can be considered the first choice in early scar pregnancies. We believe that similar reproductive results would be obtained when D&C and other treatment modalities were compared in CSP treatment

Effects of two synthetic pyrethroids on Arthrospira platensis Gomont growth and antioxidant parameters

The transport of pesticides from application areas to other areas results in pesticide contamination and this sort of contamination has led to unexpected environmental problems worldwide. It is important to determine the responses of phytoplanktonic organisms to these chemicals for an understanding of the effects of pesticides on aquatic ecosystems. In this study, Arthrospira platensis Gomont cyanobacteria were exposed to different concentrations of the pesticides cypermethrin (0-50 µg mL-1) and deltamethrin (0-2 µg mL-1). Changes in chlorophyll-a concentration, the absorbance of OD560, antioxidant parameters (SOD, APX, GR, MDA, H2O2, and proline) were determined under the pesticide exposure. Our results showed that there is a decrease in OD560 absorbance and chlorophyll-a content proportionate to the increase of pesticide levels. Superoxide dismutase enzyme activity decreased with Cyp and Dlm application in A. platensis cultures. Glutathione reductase enzyme activity also decreased with Cyp applications but did not change with Dlm application. Ascorbate peroxidase enzyme activity increased with Cyp treatments but did not change with Dlm applications. Although malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide contents did not change with Cyp applications, they increased with Dlm applications. Proline contents increased with Cyp applications but decreased with Dlm applications. In conclusion, deltamethrin is more toxic than cypermethrin in the concentrations applied

Mid-trimester cerclage outcomes in singleton and twin pregnancies: a single tertiary center experience

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients who underwent ultrasonography (USG) and emergency-indicated cerclage in the mid-trimester in singleton and twin pregnancies. Methods: A total of 55 patients, 43 with singleton and 12 with twin pregnancies who underwent cerclage for short cervix (37 weeks. Results: In singleton pregnancies, delivery interval was 15.05 (±2.9) weeks in the USG indication group and 2.8 (±2.5) weeks in the emergency indication group (p<0.001). The rate of pregnant women in the USG indication group who gave birth between 24–27⁺⁶ weeks of gestation was 4.9% (n=2), and the rate of pregnant women in the emergency indication group was 55.6% (n=5) (p<0.001). In total, in singleton pregnancies the rate of take-home baby was 85.7%, and neonatal mortality was 14.3%. In twin pregnancies, delivery interval was 12±1.41 weeks in the USG indication group, and it was 1.8±0.83 weeks in the emergency indication group (p<0.003). In twin pregnancies, the take-home baby rate was 94% and neonatal mortality was 6%. Conclusion: Cervical cerclage reduces the possible risks of preterm delivery by prolonging the interval until delivery, especially in patients with singleton and twin pregnancies for whom USG is indicated, and promising neonatal outcomes are achieved

Oxidative stress in Arthrospira platensis by two organophosphate pesticides

Abstract Although it is known that organophosphate insecticides are harmfull to aquatic ecosystems, oxidative damages caused by Dimethoate and Chlorpyrifos are not studied on Arthrospira platensis Gomont. In this study, various Chlorpyrifos (0-150 µg mL-1) and Dimethoate (0-250 µg mL-1) concentrations were added to the culture medium in laboratory to evaulate growth rate, chlorophyll-a content and antioxidant parameters of A. platensis. Optical Density (OD560) and chlorophyll-a decreased compared to the control for seven days in both pesticide applications. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased at 50 µg mL-1 Chlorpyrifos concentration but it decreased at all concentrations. Although Ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities increased with Chlorpyrifos application, they did not change with Dimethoate application. Malondialdehyde (MDA) amount decreased at 150 µg mL-1 Chlorpyrifos concentration but it increased in Dimethoate application. The H2O2 content were increased in both applications. Proline decreased in 50 and 75 µg mL-1 Chlorpyrifos concentrations and increased at 150 µg mL-1 concentration, while it increased at 25 µg mL-1 Dimethoate concentration. The results were tested at 0.05 significance level. These pesticides inhibit A. platensis growth and chlorophyll-a production and cause oxidative stress. The excessive use may affect the phytoplankton and have negative consequences in the aquatic ecosystem

Fetal and maternal outcomes of segmental uterine resection in emergency and planned placenta percreta deliveries

Objective This study evaluated maternal and fetal outcomes of emergency uterine resection versus planned segmental uterine resection in patients with placenta percreta (PPC) and placenta previa (PP). Methods Patients with PP and PPC who underwent planned or emergency segmental uterine resection were included in this study. Demographic data, hemorrhagic morbidities, intra- and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, surgical duration, and peri- and neonatal morbidities were compared. Results A total of 141 PPC and PP cases were included in this study. Twenty-five patients (17.73%) underwent emergency uterine resection, while 116 (82.27%) underwent planned segmental uterine resections. The postoperative hemoglobin changes, operation times, total blood transfusion, bladder injury, and length of hospital stay did not differ significantly between groups (P=0.7, P=0.6, P=0.9, P=0.9, and P=0.2, respectively). Fetal weights, 5-minute Apgar scores, and neonatal intensive care unit admission rates did not differ significantly between groups. The gestational age at delivery of patients presenting with bleeding was lower than that of patients who were admitted in active labor and underwent elective surgery (32 weeks [95% confidence interval [CI], 26–37] vs. 35 weeks [95% CI, 34–35]; P=0.037). Conclusion Using a multidisciplinary approach, this study performed at a tertiary center showed that maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality did not differ significantly between emergency versus planned segmental uterine resection

Parental psychological distress associated with COVID-19 outbreak: A large-scale multicenter survey from Turkey

Aims: Pandemics can cause substantial psychological distress; however, we do not know the impact of the COVID-19 related lockdown and mental health burden on the parents of school age children. We aimed to comparatively examine the COVID-19 related the stress and psychological burden of the parents with different occupational, locational, and mental health status related backgrounds. Methods: A large-scale multicenter online survey was completed by the parents (n = 3,278) of children aged 6 to 18 years, parents with different occupational (health care workers—HCW [18.2%] vs. others), geographical (İstanbul [38.2%] vs. others), and psychiatric (child with a mental disorder [37.8%]) backgrounds. Results: Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that being a HCW parent (odds ratio 1.79, p <.001), a mother (odds ratio 1.67, p <.001), and a younger parent (odds ratio 0.98, p =.012); living with an adult with a chronic physical illness (odds ratio 1.38, p <.001), having an acquaintance diagnosed with COVID-19 (odds ratio 1.22, p =.043), positive psychiatric history (odds ratio 1.29, p <.001), and living with a child with moderate or high emotional distress (odds ratio 1.29, p <.001; vs. odds ratio 2.61, p <.001) were independently associated with significant parental distress. Conclusions: Parents report significant psychological distress associated with COVID-19 pandemic and further research is needed to investigate its wider impact including on the whole family unit. © The Author(s) 2020

Intraperitoneal drain placement and outcomes after elective colorectal surgery: international matched, prospective, cohort study

Despite current guidelines, intraperitoneal drain placement after elective colorectal surgery remains widespread. Drains were not associated with earlier detection of intraperitoneal collections, but were associated with prolonged hospital stay and increased risk of surgical-site infections.Background Many surgeons routinely place intraperitoneal drains after elective colorectal surgery. However, enhanced recovery after surgery guidelines recommend against their routine use owing to a lack of clear clinical benefit. This study aimed to describe international variation in intraperitoneal drain placement and the safety of this practice. Methods COMPASS (COMPlicAted intra-abdominal collectionS after colorectal Surgery) was a prospective, international, cohort study which enrolled consecutive adults undergoing elective colorectal surgery (February to March 2020). The primary outcome was the rate of intraperitoneal drain placement. Secondary outcomes included: rate and time to diagnosis of postoperative intraperitoneal collections; rate of surgical site infections (SSIs); time to discharge; and 30-day major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade at least III). After propensity score matching, multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression were used to estimate the independent association of the secondary outcomes with drain placement. Results Overall, 1805 patients from 22 countries were included (798 women, 44.2 per cent; median age 67.0 years). The drain insertion rate was 51.9 per cent (937 patients). After matching, drains were not associated with reduced rates (odds ratio (OR) 1.33, 95 per cent c.i. 0.79 to 2.23; P = 0.287) or earlier detection (hazard ratio (HR) 0.87, 0.33 to 2.31; P = 0.780) of collections. Although not associated with worse major postoperative complications (OR 1.09, 0.68 to 1.75; P = 0.709), drains were associated with delayed hospital discharge (HR 0.58, 0.52 to 0.66; P &lt; 0.001) and an increased risk of SSIs (OR 2.47, 1.50 to 4.05; P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion Intraperitoneal drain placement after elective colorectal surgery is not associated with earlier detection of postoperative collections, but prolongs hospital stay and increases SSI risk