AIM:To retrospectively review the patients who had disc herniation at C7-T1 level and were treated using the senior author's anterior contralateral simple microdiscectomy without fusion technique. MATERIAL AND METHODS:From January 2000 to December 2021, 27 patients underwent surgery for C7-T1 disc herniation, all of which were performed by the same neurosurgeon. Clinical and radiological data were collected before surgery and at 3 and 24 months after surgery. The Short Form-36 and Neck disability questionnaire were used to assess the quality of life. RESULTS:All patients presented with radiculopathy. There were 16 male and 11 female patients, with an average age of 40 years. The average follow-up period was 9.7 years. The postoperative Short Form-36 and Neck Disability Index scores were significantly different from the preoperative scores. Overall scores at the postoperative 24th month did not differ significantly from those obtained at the postoperative third month. CONCLUSION:We propose that patients with symptoms of disc herniation at C7-T1 level benefit from an anterior contralateral microdiscectomy without fusion.

Because of their acute toxicity and long-lasting effects on the environment such as chemical accidents, agricultural runoff, and industrial effluents, has raised concerns around the world. Semiconductor-based photocatalysis has gained prominence for its ability to degrade organic contaminants comprehensively, providing a potential solution to the limitations of conventional methods. This study addresses the environmental repercussions of dye contamination and explores the utilization of active semiconductor photocatalysts for effective wastewater treatment. Our focus lies in synthesizing CZTS through the hydrothermal route, a method gaining traction for its simplicity and environmental viability. To augment the photocatalytic efficiency of semiconductor materials, graphene oxide (GO) has been introduced with varying GO concentrations of 5% and 10%. Additionally, the study explores the performance of CZTS nanoparticles with varying GO concentrations for antimicrobial applications against seven Gram positive/negative bacterial and one yeast strains and its catalytic prowess in the photodegradation of methylene blue dye under ultraviolet light.

In this investigation, we achieved successful deposition of nanostructured cupric oxide (CuO) thin films onto glass substrates through implementation of successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR), all carried out at room temperature. This approach has proven to be highly efficient and yielded favorable results in terms of film quality and uniformity. A comprehensive investigation was conducted to analyze the effect of gold (Au) on the structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of nanocrystalline CuO thin films. The structural analysis confirmed that the films were polycrystalline, exhibiting a monoclinic crystal structure with preferential orientations along the ( 111 ) and (111) planes. The estimated crystallite sizes ranged from 20.37 to 30.77 nm, indicating the nanoscale nature of the films. Scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive x-ray analysis (SEM/EDX) was executed to reveal the Au dopant on the surface of CuO thin films. Surface analysis revealed the presence of uniformly dispersed CuO nanostructures across the film surfaces. Through optical investigations, it was observed that the bandgap energy of the CuO thin films decreased from 1.52 to 1.45 eV with increasing Au concentration. Furthermore, the average transmittance of the films exhibited a decrease from 4.9

In this study, poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate) (PEHA) homopolymer and its copolymer combined with acrylic acid P(EHA-co-AA) were employed as interfaces in two separate Schottky structures. First, both interfaces were grown by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD), which provides much better deposition control and homogeneous coating compared to solution-phase methods. In addition to this advantageous method, the effects of two different polymers, one of which is better able to adhere to the crystal surface on which it is formed than the other, on the optoelectronic properties have been studied. Then, their current–voltage (I–V) and capacitance/conductance–voltage (C/(G/ω)–V) characteristics were investigated both in the dark and under illumination. The basic electrical parameters and the illumination-induced profile of the surface state (Nss) were probed by I–V and C–V measurements for two samples. A decrease in the barrier height (BH) and, consequently, a significant increase in the photocurrent were observed under illumination. Striking changes in series resistance (Rs) values are also highlighted. The photocapacitance and conductance characteristics indicated that the structures could be considered not only as photodiodes but also as photocapacitors. Moreover, the voltage-dependent changes of some photodetector parameters, such as responsivity (R), sensitivity (S), and specific detectivity (D*), along with the transient photocurrent characteristics, are discussed for both structures. Therefore, we can say that the strong changes in these parameters, which figure the merit of photodiode and photodetector applications, depending on the voltage and under illumination, prove that it is a study carried out in accordance with the purpose and so they can be used in electronic and optoelectronic applications.

Within this particular framework, the extracts obtained from Inula sarana using a variety of solvents, included n-hexane, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane (DCM), 70% ethanol, ethanol, and water. The extracts obtained from n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and DCM were then subjected to a specific method for their incorporation into β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). The establishment of complex formation was validated through the utilization of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The identification of phytochemical components was executed using UHPLC-HRMS. Furthermore, the total phenolic and flavonoid content was evaluated using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay and the AlCl3 method. Subsequently, the determination of antioxidant capacity was conducted utilizing DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, Frap, PBD, and MCA assays. The enzyme inhibitory activities of the samples (extracts and β-CD complexes) were also examined by AChE, BChE, tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase. The findings indicated that water and 70% ethanol extracts contained the highest phenolic content. One hundred and fourteen bioactive compounds were identified by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. This study unveiled a substantial array of flavonoids, phenolic acid-hexosides and caffeoylhexaric acids within I. sarana, marking their initial identification in this context. Among the various extracts tested, the 70% ethanol extract stood out due to its high flavonoid content (jaceosidin, cirsiliol, and eupatilin) and hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acid hexosides. This extract also displayed notably enhanced antioxidant activity, with ABTS, CUPRAC, and FRAP test values of 106.50 mg TE/g dry extract, 224.31 mg TE/g dry extract, and 110.40 mg TE/g, respectively. However, the antioxidant values of the complex extracts with β-CD were generally lower than those of the pure extracts, an observation warranting significant consideration. In terms of enzyme inhibition activity, the ethanol and 70% ethanol extracts exhibited higher inhibitory effects on AChE, tyrosinase, and α-glucosidase. Conversely, n-hexane displayed stronger inhibitory activity against BChE. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated elevated amylase inhibitory activity. However, the antioxidant values of the complex extracts with β-CD were generally lower than those of the pure extracts, a noteworthy observation, while water and extracts from the I. sarana complex with β-CD exhibited minimal or negatable inhibitory activity against specific enzymes.

Nanoplastics alter the adverse impacts of hazardous contaminants such as heavy metals by changing their adsorption and accumulation. Few findings are available on the interaction between nanoplastic and heavy metals in plants. However, there is no report on the mechanisms for removing metal stress-mediated oxidative damage by the combination treatments of nanoplastics. To address this lack of information, polystyrene nanoplastic (PS, 100 mg L-1) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA, 100 mg L-1) were hydroponically applied to Lemna minor exposed to arsenate (As, 100 μM) for 7 days. PS or PMMA caused a reduction in the contents of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn, but the improved contents were detected in the presence of PS or PMMA plus As stress. The hormone contents (auxin, gibberellic acid, cytokinin, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid) reduced by stress were re-arranged through PS or PMMA applications. Based on chlorophyll efficiency, fluorescence kinetics and performance of PSII, the impaired photosynthesis by As stress was improved via PS or PMMA applications. This alleviation did not continue under the combined form of PS and PMMA in As-applied plants. All analyzed antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR)) decreased or unchanged under As, PS or PMMA. Due to the inactivation of the defense system, L. minor had high levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), showing lipid peroxidation. After As toxicity, induvial applications of PS or PMMA indicated the activated enzyme capacity (SOD, POX, GST and GPX) and upregulated AsA/DHA, GSH/GSSG and redox state of GSH, which facilitated the removal of radical accumulation. The efficiency of the antioxidant system in As + PS + PMMA-applied L. minor was not enough to remove damage induced by As stress; hereby, TBARS and H2O2 contents were similar to the As-treated group. Our findings from alone or combined application of PS and PMMA provide new information to advance the tolerance mechanism against As exposure in L. minor.

Plastic pollution, which is currently one of the most striking problems of our time, raises concerns about the dispersal of micro and nano-sized plastic particles in ecosystems and their toxic effects on living organisms. This study was designed to reveal the toxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastic (PS NP) exposure on the freshwater macrophyte Lemna minor. In addition, elucidating the interaction of this aquatic plant, which is used extensively in the phytoremediation of water contaminants and wastewater treatment facilities, with nanoplastics will guide the development of remediation techniques. For this purpose, we examined nanoplastic accumulation, oxidative stress markers, photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant system activity and phytohormonal changes in L. minor leaves subjected to PS NP stress (P-1, 100 mg L-1; P-2, 200 mg L-1 PS NP). Our results showed no evidence of PS NP-induced oxidative damage in P-1 group plants, although PS NP accumulation reached 56 µg g-1 in the leaves. Also, no significant changes in chlorophyll a fluorescence parameters were observed in this group, indicating unaffected photosynthetic efficiency. PS NP exposure triggered the antioxidant system in L. minor plants and resulted in a 3- and 4.6-fold increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the P-1 and P-2 groups. On the other hand, high-dose PS NP treatment resulted in insufficient antioxidant activity in the P-2 group and increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS contents) by 25 % and 17 % compared to the control plants. Furthermore, PS NP exposure triggered abscisic acid biosynthesis (two-fold in the P-1 and three-fold in the P-2 group), which is also involved in regulating the stress response. In conclusion, L. minor plants tolerated NP accumulation without growth suppression, oxidative stress damage and limitations in photosynthetic capacity and have the potential to be used in remediation studies of NP-contaminated waters.

A critical approach against copper (Cu) toxicity is the use of carbon nanomaterials (CNMs). However, the effect of CNMs on Cu toxicity-exposed chloroplasts is not clear. The photosynthetic, genetic, and biochemical effects of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (50-100-250 mg L-1 CNT) were investigated under Cu stress (50-100 μM CuSO4) in Zea mays chloroplasts. Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo were suppressed under stress. Stress altered the antioxidant system and the expression of psaA, psaB, psbA, and psbD. The chloroplastic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) increased under CNT + stress, and those of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation decreased. CNTs were promoted to the maintenance of the redox state by regulating enzyme/non-enzyme activity/contents involved in the AsA-GSH cycle. Furthermore, CNTs inverted the negative effects of Cu by upregulating the transcriptions of photosystem-related genes. However, the high CNT concentration had adverse effects on the antioxidant capacity. CNT has great potential to confer tolerance by reducing Cu-induced damage and protecting the biochemical reactions of photosynthesis.

Nanomaterial fullerene (FLN) has different responses called the hormesis effect against stress conditions. The favorable/adverse impacts of hormesis on crop quality and productivity are under development in agrotechnology. In this study, the effect of FLN administration (100-250-500mg L-1 for FLN1-2-3, respectively) on growth, water management, gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence kinetics and cobalt (Co)-induced oxidative stress in Zea mays was investigated. The negative alterations in relative growth rate (RGR), water status (relative water content, osmotic potential and proline content) and gas exchange/stomatal regulation were removed by FLNs. FLNs were shown to protect photosynthetic apparatus and preserve the photochemistry of photosystems (PSI-PSII) in photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence transients and energy flux damaged under Co stress. The maize leaves exposed to Co stress exhibited a high accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) due to insufficient scavenging activity, which was confirmed by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-specific fluorescence visualization in guard cells. FLN regulated the gene expression of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit (rbcL), nodulin 26-like intrinsic protein1-1 (NIP1-1) and tonoplast intrinsic protein2-1 (TIP2-1) under stress. After stress exposure, FLNs successfully eliminated H2O2 content produced by superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX). The ascorbate (AsA) regeneration was achieved in all FLN applications together with Co stress through the elevated monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR, under all FLNs) and dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR, only FLN1). However, dose-dependent FLNs (FLN1-2) provided the induced pool of glutathione (GSH) and GSH redox state. Hydroponically applied FLNs removed the restrictions on metabolism and biological process induced by lipid peroxidation (TBARS content) and excessive ROS production. Considering all data, the modulation of treatment practices in terms of FLN concentrations and forms of its application will provide a unique platform for improving agricultural productivity and stress resistance in crops. The current study provided the first findings on the chlorophyll a fluorescence transient and localization of ROS in guard cells of Zea mays exposed to FLN and Co stress.

Soils contaminated with rare earth elements (REEs) can damage agriculture by causing physiological disorders in plants which are evaluated as the main connection of the human food chain. A biphasic dose response with excitatory responses to low concentrations and inhibitory/harmful responses to high concentrations has been defined as hormesis. However, not much is clear about the ecological effects and potential risks of REEs to plants. For this purpose, here we showed the impacts of different concentrations of nano terbium (Tb) applications (5-10-25-50-100-250-500 mg L-1) on the accumulation of endogeneous certain ions and hormones, chlorophyll fluoresence, photochemical reaction capacity and antioxidant activity in duckweed (Lemna minor). Tb concen-trations less than 100 mg L-1 increased the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphate (P), potassium (K+), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), manganese (Mn2+) and iron (Fe2+). Chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm and Fv/Fo) was suppressed under 250-500 mg L-1 Tb. In addition, Tb toxicity affected the trapped energy adversely by the active reaction center of photosystem II (PSII) and led to accumulation of inactive reaction centers, thus lowering the detected level of electron transport from photosystem II (PSII) to photosystem I (PSI). On the other hand, 5-100 mg L-1 Tb enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), NADPH oxidase (NOX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Tb (5-50 mg L-1) supported the maintenance of cellular redox status by promoting antioxidant pathways involved in the ascorbate-glutathione (AsA-GSH) cycle. In addition to the antioxidant system, the contents of some hormones such as indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid (GA), cytokinin (CK) and salicylic acid (SA) were also induced in the presence of 5-100 mg L-1 Tb. In addition, the levels of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (TBARS) were controlled through ascorbate (AsA) regeneration and effective hormonal modulation in L. minor. However, this induction in the antioxidant system and phytohormone contents could not be resumed after ap-plications higher than 250 mg L-1 Tb. TBARS and H2O2, which indicate the level of lipid peroxidation, increased. The results in this study showed that Tb at appropriate concentrations has great potential to confer tolerance of duckweed by supporting the antioxidant system, protecting the biochemical reactions of photosystems and improving hormonal regulation.

The current study was designed to assess nanomaterial sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) potential in improving tolerance of wheat chloroplasts against nitrate (NS) and ammonium (AS) toxicity. Triticum aestivum cv. Ekiz was grown under SGOs (50-250-500 mg L-1) with/without 140 mM NS and 5 mM AS stress. SGOs were eliminated the adverse effects produced by stress on chlorophyll fluorescence, potential photochemical efficiency and physiological state of the photosynthetic apparatus. SGO reversed the negative effects on these parameters. Upon SGOs exposure, the induced expression levels of photosystems-related reaction center proteins were observed. SGOs reverted radical accumulation triggered by NS by enabling the increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and ascorbate (AsA) regeneration. Under AS, the turnover of both AsA and glutathione (GSH) was maintained by 50-250 mg L-1 SGO by increasing the enzymes and non-enzymes related to AsA-GSH cycle. 500 mg L-1 SGO prevented the radical over-accumulation produced by AS via the regeneration of AsA and peroxidase (POX) activity rather than GSH regeneration. 50-250 mg L-1 SGO protected from the NS+AS-induced disruptions through the defense pathways connected with AsA-GSH cycle represented the high rates of AsA/DHA and, GSH/GSSG and GSH redox state. Our findings specified that SGO to NS and AS-stressed wheat provides a new potential tool to advance the tolerance mechanism.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a significant environmental pollution group that reaches toxic levels with anthropogenic activities. The adverse effects of nanoplastics accumulating in ecosystems with the degradation of plastic wastes are also a growing concern. Previous studies have generally focused on the impact of single PAH or plastic fragments exposure on plants. However, it is well recognized that these contaminants co-exist at varying rates in agricultural soil and water resources. Therefore, it is critical to elucidate the phytotoxicity and interaction mechanisms of mixed pollutants. The current study was designed to comparatively investigate the single and combined effects of anthracene (ANT, 100 mg L-1), fluorene (FLU, 100 mg L-1) and polystyrene nanoplastics (PS, 100 mg L-1) contaminations in wheat. Plants exposed to single ANT, FLU and PS treatments demonstrated decline in growth, water content, high stomatal limitations and oxidative damage. The effect of ANT + FLU on these parameters was more detrimental. In addition, ANT and/or FLU treatments significantly suppressed photosynthetic capacity as determined by carbon assimilation rate (A) and chlorophyll a fluorescence transient. The antioxidant system was not fully activated (decreased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase and glutathione reductase) under ANT + FLU, then hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content (by 2.7-fold) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (by 2.8-fold) increased. Interestingly, ANT + PS and FLU + PS improved the growth, water relations and gas exchange parameters. The presence of nanoplastics recovered the adverse effects of ANT and FLU on growth by protecting the photosynthetic photochemistry and reducing oxidative stress. PAH plus PS reduced the ANT and FLU accumulation in wheat leaves. In parallel, the increased antioxidant system, regeneration of ascorbate, glutathione and glutathione redox status observed under ANT + PS and FLU + PS. These findings will provide an information about the phytotoxicity mechanisms of mixed pollutants in the environment.

Carbon nanostructures, such as the water-soluble fullerene (FLN) derivatives, are considered perspective agents for agriculture. FLN can be a novel nano-agent modulating plant response against stress conditions. However, the mechanism underlying the impacts of FLN on plants in agroecosystems remains unclear. Zea mays was exposed to exogenous C60 -FLN applications (FLN1: 100; FLN2: 250; and FLN3: 500 mg L-1 ) with/without cobalt stress (Co, 300 μM) for three days (d). In the maize chloroplasts, Co stress disrupted the photosynthetic efficiency and the expression of genes related to the photosystems (psaA and psbA). FLNs effectively improved the efficiency and photochemical reaction of photosystems. Co stress induced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as confirmed by ROS-specific fluorescence in guard cells. Co stress increased only chloroplastic superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POX). Stress triggered oxidative damages in maize chloroplasts, measured as an increase in TBARS content. In Co-stressed seedlings exposed to FLN1 and FLN2 exposures, the hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ) was scavenged through the non-enzymes/enzymes-related to the AsA-GSH cycle by preserving ascorbate (AsA) conversion, as well as GSH/GSSG and glutathione (GSH) redox state. Also, the alleviation effect of FLN3 against stress could be attributed to increased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and AsA regeneration. FLN applications reversed the inhibitory effects of Co stress on nitrogen assimilation. In maize chloroplasts, FLN increased the activities of nitrate reductase (NR), glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH), nitrite reductase (NiR) and glutamine synthetase (GS), which provided conversion of inorganic nitrogen (N) into organic N. The ammonium (NH4 + ) toxicity was removed via GS and GDH but not glutamate synthase (GOGAT). The increased NAD-GDH (deaminating) and NADH-GDH (aminating) activities indicated that GDH was needed more for NH4 + detoxification. Therefore, FLN exposure to Co-stressed maize plants might play a role in N metabolism regarding the partitioning of N assimilates. Exogenous FLN conceivably removed Co toxicity by improving the expressions of genes related to reaction center proteins of photosystems, increasing the level of enzymes related to the defense system and improving the N assimilation in maize chloroplasts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

The ever-increasing plastic pollution in soil and water resources raises concerns about its effects on terrestrial plants and agroecosystems. Although there are many reports about the contamination with nanoplastics on plants, the presence of magneto-assisted nanomaterials enabling the removal of their adverse impacts still remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the current study is to evaluate the potential of nanomaterial Fe2O3-modified graphene oxide (FGO, 50-250 mg L-1) to eliminate the adverse effects of nanoplastics in plants. Wheat plants exposed to polystyrene nanoplastics concentrations (PS, 10, 50 and 100 mg L-1) showed decreased growth, water content and loss of photosynthetic efficiency. PS toxicity negatively altered gas exchange, antenna structure and electron transport in photosystems. Although the antioxidant system was partially activated (only superoxide dismutase (SOD), NADPH oxidase (NOX) and glutathione reductase (GR)) in plants treated with PS, it failed to prevent PS-triggered oxidative damage, as showing lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels. FGOs eliminated the adverse impacts of PS pollution on growth, water status, gas exchange and oxidative stress markers. In addition, FGOs preserve the biochemical reactions of photosynthesis by actively increasing chlorophyll fluorescence parameters in the stressed-wheat leaves. The activities of all enzymatic antioxidants increased, and the H2O2 and TBARS contents decreased. GSH-mediated detoxifying antioxidants such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were stimulated by FGOs against PS pollution. FGOs also triggered the enzymes and non-enzymes related to the Asada-Halliwell cycle and protected the regeneration of ascorbate (AsA) and glutathione (GSH). Our findings indicated that FGO had the potential to mitigate nanoplastic-induced damage in wheat by regulating water relations, protecting photosynthesis reactions and providing efficient ROS scavenging with high antioxidant capacity. This is the first report on removing PS-induced damage by FGO applications in wheat leaves.

Nanoplastic pollution has become an increasing problem due to over-consumption and degradation in ecosystems. A little is known about ecological toxicity and the potential risks of nanoplastics on plants. To better comprehend the hormetic effects of nanoplastics, the experimental design was conducted on the impacts of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) on water status, growth, gas exchange, chlorophyll a fluorescence transient, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content (both content and fluorescence visualization), lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity (comparatively between leaves and roots). For this purpose, PMMA (10, 20, 50 and 100 mg L-1) was hydroponically applied to Lactuca sativa for 15 days(d). PMMA exposure resulted a decline in the growth, water content and osmotic potential. As based on assimilation rate (A), stomatal conductance (gs), and intercellular CO2 concentrations (Ci), the decreased stomatal limitation (Ls) and, A/Ci and increased intrinsic mesophyll efficiency proved low carboxylation efficiency showing impaired photosynthesis as a non-stomatal limitation. PMMA toxicity increased the trapping fluxes and absorption with a decrease in electron transport fluxes caused the disruption in reaction centers of photosystems. The leaves and roots had a similar effect against PMMA toxicity, with increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Although, catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POX) of leaves increased under 10 mg L-1 PMMA, these defense activities failed to prevent radicals from attacking. Compared to the leaves, the lettuce roots showed an intriguing result for AsA-GSH cycle against PMMA exposure. In the roots, the lowest PMMA application provided the high ascorbate/dehydroascorbate (AsA/DHA), GSH/GSSG and the pool of AsA/glutathione (GSH) and non-suppressed GSH redox state. Also, 10 mg L-1 PMMA helped remove high hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by both glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Since this improvement in the antioxidant system could not be continued in roots after higher applications than 20 mg L-1 PMMA, TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), indicating the level of lipid peroxidation, and H2O2 increased. Our findings obtained from PMMA-applied lettuce provide new information to advance the tolerance mechanism against nanoplastic pollution.

The surgical outcomes which evaluated in studies depend on preoperative condition, demographic data of patients, surgical approaches or treatment and local factors. Author argues that the neurological deterioration rate 4,2% which is reported in our study is marvelous and he exemplifies the other studies in literature. Neurosurgeons know that the clinical studies in literature do not compare only their results. Authors compare and evaluate studies with preoperative demographic data, surgical approach, local factors or others between their results. Therefore this detail explains paralogism of the author. The neurological deterioration rate is reported as smaller or similar in our study to the contrary of others due to all the preoperative demographical data were evaluated with others. We suppose the author alludes that the neurological deterioration rate is marvelous since he does not compare all of the demographical data in these clinical studies.

Graphene oxide has unique physiochemical properties and a large surface area.

Aim: Cervical spondylotic myelopathy is an age-related degenerative spinal pathology. Anterior or posterior approaches are preferredfor surgical treatment. C5 palsy is a common complication after the posterior approach. The aim of our study is to describe themodified laminectomy technique, evaluate short-time surgical outcomes and comment on the C5 nerve root palsy formation.Materials and Methods: 83 patients who had been treated by modified laminectomy for cervical spondylotic myelopathy between theyears 2012 and 2017 in our clinic were undertaken in our study. We evaluated the preoperative and postoperative neurologic statusof the patients with VAS and JOA scales, complications (C5 palsy) of surgical treatment. The posterior approach was not performedat patients with a >13 degree angle of cervical curvature.Results: 61 of 83 patients were male and 22 were female. The mean age at the time of surgery was 57.8±8.3. The average JOA scalescore was 9.4±0.9 preoperatively, 10.1±.0.9 early postoperatively and 15.1±1.0 during the late postoperative follow-up. The averageangle of the cervical curvature preoperatively-postoperatively was 17.1±2.6 and 15.8±2.4 respectively. There weren’t any symptomsfor C5 nerve root palsy which is a common postoperative complication.Conclusions: The cervical posterior laminectomy, which includes en-bloc laminectomy and preserving of the facet joint capsule,allows a sufficient and safe decompression of the neural structures for cervical spondylotic myelopathy.

BACKGROUND:Epidural hemostasis needs to use small, adapted material in minimally invasive surgery, including bilateral decompression via a unilateral approach for lumbar spinal stenosis. Most surgeons avoid external material for hemostasis because of possible neural tissue damage or complications. We compared epidural hemostasis in minimally invasive surgery by fat graft versus gelatin sponge.METHODS:The design was a prospective randomized controlled in-vivo human experimental study. The 24 levels operated on for lumbar spinal stenosis were evaluated in two groups: Group A (control group: gelatin sponge) and Group B (experimental group: fat graft). International Normalized Ratio and Prothrombin Time were assessed preoperatively. Number of cotton hemostats and systolic and diastolic blood pressure were assessed intraoperatively. Epidural hemorrhage area, spinal cord size and ratio of epidural hemorrhage area to spinal cord size were evaluated on early postoperative lumbar MRI.RESULTS:Mean epidural hemorrhage area in groups A and B was respectively 1.3±0.5 and 1.2±0.6cm2, and mean spinal cord size 1.2±0.6 and 1.8±0.6cm2 on early postoperative axial lumbar MRI. The two groups did not significantly differ in ratio of epidural hemorrhage/spinal cord size or number of intraoperative hemostats (P=0.36, and P=0.71).CONCLUSIONS:The autologous fat graft ensured sufficient and safe epidural hemostasis without serious adverse events in minimally invasive spinal surgery, and is preferable as autologous tissue is easily and quickly harvested. The surgeon feels safe with this technique and does not need external hemostatic agents.