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The effects of Ringer lactate, 6% hydroxyethyl starch (130/0.4) or 4% succinylated gelatin solutions on perioperative coagulability were measured by thromboelastography (TEG). Seventy-five patients (ASA I-III) who were to undergo major orthopedic procedures performed under epidural anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of 25 each for the administration of maintenance fluids: group RL (Ringer lactate), group HES (6% hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4), and group JEL (4% gelofusine solution). Blood samples were obtained during the perioperative period before epidural anesthesia (t1, baseline), at the end of the surgery (t2), and 24 h after the operation (t3). TEG data, reaction time (R), coagulation time (K), angle value (α), and maximum amplitude (MA) were recorded. TEG parameters changed from normal values in all patients. In group RL, R and K times decreased compared to perioperative values while the α angle and MA increased (P < 0.05). In group HES, R and K times increased, however, the α angle and MA decreased (P < 0.05). In group JEL, R time increased (P < 0.05), but K time, α angle and MA did not change significantly. In the present study, RL, 6% HES (130/0.4) and 4% JEL solutions caused changes in the coagulation system of all patients as measured by TEG, but these changes remained within normal limits.

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V-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) transcription factors play important roles in the processes of plant growth, development, and stress responses. In this study, a full-length cDNA sequence of a MYB gene, designated FvMYB1, was isolated from Arizona ash (Fraxinus velutina Torr.) for the first time. Sequence analysis showed that the deduced amino acid sequence of FvMYB1 encoded novel MYB proteins with single DNA binding domains. Based on the R3 domain amino acid sequence, the FvMYB1 was closely related to some proteins whose functions were known. The expression pattern of FvMYB1 in different organs of Arizona ash was analyzed by semiquantitative RT-PCR and real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Results showed that this gene was widely distributed in all the tested organs and the expression level of FvMYB1 was the highest in stems and the lowest in roots. The gene expression level decreased dramatically in roots under salt treatment (300 mM, 24 h), while no obvious change was observed in stems. Subcellular localization indicated that FvMYB1 was localized in the nucleus. This study will lead to further research in resistance to abiotic stress in Arizona ash.

Background/aim: Sepsis is still a major cause of morbidity and mortality despite the improvements in diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the values of procalcitonin and soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) in the differential diagnosis of patients with sepsis and noninfectious systemic inflammatory response syndrome (NI-SIRS) and measure their importance in the prognosis of patients with sepsis. Materials and methods:This prospective study included 41 NI-SIRS and 33 sepsis patients hospitalized in Celal Bayar University Hospital, Manisa, Turkey. Blood samples were taken from NI-SIRS patients on days 0 and 3 and from sepsis patients on days 0, 3, 4, 7, and 14. Clinical status of the patients was determined with the SOFA scoring system.Results: The SOFA scoring system and procalcitonin and sTREM-1 measurements were significant in the differential diagnosis of sepsis and NI-SIRS patients. The SOFA scoring system was considered the most important indicator in determining the prognosis of sepsis patients. Procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels increased progressively in nonsurvivors and decreased in survivors, but changes were statistically insignificant. Conclusion:In the differentiation of sepsis and NI-SIRS, and evaluation of the prognosis of sepsis, combined measurements of procalcitonin and sTREM-1 levels are important.