No abstract

No abstract

Improved model for the non-destructive estimation of strawberry leaf area.Abstract --Introduction. Non-destructive estimation of leaf area saves time as compared with geometric measurements. For this reason, several leaf area prediction models were produced for some plant species such as grape, avocado and kiwifruit in previous studies. In this research, we attempted to offer a reliable equation that predicts strawberry leaf area non-destructively by linear measurements of leaf geometry. Materials and methods. An equation was developed by using Sweet Charlie and Camarosa strawberry cultivars and by measuring lamina width, length and leaf area. Results and discussion. It was found that the relationships between the actual leaf area and the predicted leaf area given by the equation developed were significant at a level of 0.1% and that r 2 was 0.993. In addition, the model was validated by measurements of new leaf areas of seven other strawberry cultivars. Conclusions. The model developed could be used for strawberries in relevant studies. Turkey / Fragaria / leaf area index / methods / evaluation / mathematical modelsModèle amélioré pour une évaluation non destructive de la surface d'une feuille de fraisier.Résumé --Introduction. L'évaluation non destructive de la surface d'une feuille est plus rapide que l'utilisation de mesures géométriques. Pour cette raison, diverses études ont proposé des modèles permettant de prévoir la surface des feuilles pour des espèces végétales comme le raisin, l'avocat et le kiwi. Nos recherches ont tenté d'établir une équation fiable apte à évaluer la surface des feuilles de fraisiers à partir d'une méthode non destructive s'appuyant sur des mesures linéaires de la feuille. Matériel et méthodes. Une équation a été développée à partir de l'utilisation des cultivars de fraisiers Sweet Charlie et Camarosa en mesurant la largeur, la longueur et la surface des feuilles. Résultats et discussion. On a constaté que la différence entre la surface réelle de la feuille et sa surface théorique donnée par l'équation mise au point étaient significative au seuil de 0,1 % et que r 2 était égal à 0,993. En outre, le modèle a été validé par la mesure de la surface de feuilles appartenant à sept autres cultivars de fraisiers. Conclusions. Le modèle développé pourrait être utilisé pour des études appropriées sur fraisiers.Turquie / Fragaria / indice de surface foliaire / méthode / évaluation / modèle mathématique

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

It has been emphasized recently that there is a strong association between atrial fibrillation and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), characterized by ongoing inflammatory activity, can increase the risk of atrial arrhythmia. P-wave dispersion has been encountered as a risk factor for atrial fibrillation and the effect of inflammation on P-wave dispersion has not been studied thoroughly. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of ongoing inflammatory activity in RA on P-wave dispersion. The study comprised 82 patients diagnosed with RA and 41 healthy volunteers as controls. Systolic functions of all participants were evaluated by echocardiography. Maximum P-wave duration and dispersion were calculated and found to be significantly increased in the RA group compared with the healthy controls. These parameters were also significantly correlated with C-reactive protein levels. The findings of this study suggest that RA may be associated with increases in P-wave dispersion and maximum P-wave duration, and that this association may result from ongoing inflammation.

Increased serum homocysteine (Hcy) can induce liver diseases and can play a remarkable role in hepatic disorders. The purpose of the present study therefore was to investigate the relationship between serum vitamin B(12), folate, zinc and copper, cysteine, and Hcy level differences between cirrhotic patients and healthy subjects. We studied 32 cirrhotic patients (12 females and 20 males) aged 45 +/- 11 years and 32 control subjects (12 females and 20 males) aged 39 +/- 9 years. There was an inverse correlation between Hcy and vitamin B(12) in controls (r = -0.442, p < 0.011) but not in cirrhotic patients (r = -0.147, not significant). Also, mean plasma folate was decreased in cirrhotic patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). Copper increased whereas zinc decreased significantly in cirrhotic patients. A positive correlation was seen between the Cu/Zn ratio and Cu in controls (r = 0.690, p < 0.01), but the correlation between the Cu/Zn ratio and Cu was not significant in the cirrhotic group. Negative correlations were seen between plasma concentration of zinc and the Cu/Zn ratio in controls and cirrhotic patients (r = -0.618, p < 0.01 and r = -0.670, p < 0.01, respectively). Cirrhotic patients displayed multiple abnormalities, including changes in cysteine metabolism and in zinc and copper levels. Although hyperhomocysteinemia is known as an atherogenic and thrombogenic risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it might also be a risk factor for cirrhotic patients. Plasma Hcy, vitamin B(12), and folic acid measurement may be useful in the evaluation of cirrhotic patients.