Characterization of Anatolian traditional quince cultivars, based on microsatellite markers

We conducted simple sequence repeat (SSR) analyses of 15 traditional quince (Cydonia oblonga) cultivars from Anatolian gene sources for molecular characterization and investigation of genetic relationships. Three pear and two apple cultivars were used as references for SSR locus data analysis and to determine allele profiles between species. Eight SSR loci that were developed from apple and pear were used, and a total of 44 alleles were found among quince cultivars. The CH01F02 locus was found to have the highest identification probability, while the CH04E03 locus had the lowest identification probability. Analysis of similarity ratios between quince cultivars showed that the lowest similarity ratio was 18% (Eşme-Bardacık ± k), while the highest similarity ratio was 87% (Bursa-Osmancık ± k and Osmancık ± k-Viranyadevi). In the phylogenetic dendrogram, Eşme quince showed separate branching from other quince cultivars, and no synonymous accessions were found. These results suggest that SSR markers from pear and apple could be used to determine genetic variation among quince cultivars. These findings can be used to guide future quince breeding and management studies.

Inflammatory Pseudotumor of the Lung Associated with Anemia: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the lung is a benign tumor which is rarely seen. A mass in the left lung was observed in the chest roentgenogram of an 8 year-old boy while investigating for anemia. Preoperative investigations could not render the exact diagnosis. Pneumonectomy was required in exploratris thoracotomy. Histopathologic diagnosis was fibrohistiocytic type of inflammatory pseudotumor. Four months after the operation, anemia was cured without any further treatment.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol to c-reactive protein ratio predicts atrial fibrillation recurrence after electrical cardioversion

Atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence after cardioversion is common, and inflammation plays a critical role in its pathophysiology. We aimed to elucidate the predictive role of the ratio of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to c-reactive protein (HDL-C/CRP) as an inflammatory marker in AF recurrence after electrical cardioversion (ECV). We analyzed patients who underwent elective ECV for atrial fibrillation between June 2020 and December 2023. Baseline levels of HDL-C and CRP were obtained. Ninety-six patients were included. The median age was 59 years, and 48% were female. Atrial fibrillation recurred after ECV in 56 patients (58%). In the AF recurrence group, CHA2DS2-VASc score was higher (2 [1-3] vs. 1[0-2]; p = 0.013), left atrial diameter was larger (43 ± 5 vs. 40 ± 6 mm; p = 0.015), and HDL-C/CRP ratio was lower (5.6 [2.7-13.0] vs. 14.0 [4.8-38.0]; p = 0.003) compared with the sinus rhythm group. Cox regression analysis showed that HDL-C/CRP was a predictor of AF recurrence at follow-up (unadjusted HR = 0.97; CI 95%: 0.95-0.99; p = 0.004; adjusted HR = 0.98; CI 95%: 0.96-0.99; p = 0.030). ROC curve showed that HDL-C/CRP ratio was able to predict AF recurrence after ECV (AUC = 0.68; p = 0.003). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that patients with baseline HDL-C/CRP <7.4 had higher AF recurrence (log-rank test p = 0.013). Our research demonstrated that the lower HDL-C/CRP ratio predicted AF recurrence after ECV during follow-up.

Investigation on chemical composition, antioxidant activity and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein of endemic Ferula longipedunculata Peşmen

The essential and fatty oils were investigated and a quantitative analysis of the root, green and stem parts of F. Longipedunculata was performed by GC-MS and HPLC-TOF/MS and their antioxidant (DPPH method) activities and potential binding of phytochemicals against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid were determined using Molegro Virtual Docker software. In the root part of the plant, the prominent components of oil were β-phellandrene (53.46%), ocimene (6.79%), 4-terpineol (5.94%) and santalol (5.03%). According to the quantitative results, vanillic acid (141.35 mg/kg), ferulic acid (126.19 mg/kg) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (119.92 mg/kg) were found in the roots; quercetin-3-β-O-glycoside (1737.70 mg/kg), quercetin (531.35 mg/kg) and ferulic acid (246.22 mg/kg) were found in the in the green part; and fumaric acid (2100.21 mg/kg), quercetin-3-β-O-glycoside (163.24 mg/kg), vanillic acid (57.59 mg/kg) were detected in the stem part. The antioxidant activity of all parts of the plant was higher than the control with BHT. Silibinin, rutin, and neohesperidin exhibited a stronger affinity than nucleotides. In the silico analysis, many of the phytochemicals were attached with strong hydrogen-bonds and electrostatic effects to the amino acids to which nucleotides are bound. The results indicated that the plant showed antioxidant effects and can be effective against SARS-CoV-2 thanks to the different phytochemical compounds it contains.