INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to investigate Legionella species in 50 patients with atypical pneumonia, using culture, urinary antigen test and molecular techniques.
METHODS: Non-selective BCYE-α media (Oxoid, England) and selective BMPA media (Oxoid, England) were used to isolate Legionella spp. from respiratory tract samples. The urinary samples of the patients were tested with the Alere BinaxNOW Legionella Urinary Antigen Card (Abbott, US) test to identify the presence of L. pneumophila serogroup 1 specific bacterial antigen. All respiratory tractsamples were tested with a commercial Duplicα RealTime Legionella pneumophila 23S rRNA specific region detection kit (Euroclone Diagnostica, Italy) and two home-made PCR methods. Home-made gel electrophoresis PCR tests were performed using Leg primers designed from 16S ribosomal RNA gene partial sequences for Legionella spp and primers targeting the Lmip (macrophage infectivity potentiator) gene for L. pneumophila. In the home-made real-time PCR test, primers targeting the lipopolysaccharide (lps) biosynthesis gene of L. pneumophila serogroup-1, the L. pneumophila mip gene, and the Legionella spp DNA region encoded by the 16S ribosomal RNA gene were used.
RESULTS: The commercial Real-time PCR assay identifed the sequence of L. pneumophila 23S rRNA gene specific region in seven respiratory tract samples. Five samples were detected as Legionella spp. in home-made gel electrophoresis-based PCR and home-made Real-time PCR assay. Hovewer, all samples tested negative in the urinary antigen card test for L. pneumophila serogroup 1.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We conclude that the PCR positivities with three different molecular methods indicate that Legionella species other than L. pneumophila serogroup 1 should be investigated in the patients with atypical pneumonia using molecular methods. Also, our study demonstrates the significance of PCR methods in the investigation of Legionella species in clinical samples taken from patients with negative test results for L. pneumophila serogroup 1 specific urinary antigen test, but who are clinically considered to have Legionella pneumoniae.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 has prompted the development of new serological tests that could be complementary to RT-PCR. Serological tests can also be used for purposes such as demonstrating the presence of antibodies in individuals who have had the disease, contact screening, screening of healthcare professionals, monitoring of vaccine responses, detection of antibody levels of plasma donors, and determination of seroprevalence in risky groups. For this purpose, different methods such as ELISA, CLIA or rapid antibody detection tests are used. LFIA tests are fast, easy to apply, do not require experience, and are cheap tests that give a result in as little as 10 minutes. However, the clinical performance of existing serological tests used in diagnosis needs to be evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the performance of two immunological tests for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies.
METHODS: As a positive serum panel, 101 serum samples from patients confirmed by SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR test and also found antibody positive by ELISA test were included in the study. As the negative serum panel, 30 serum samples were determined, including 11 serum samples with antibodies against viruses other than SARS-CoV-2, and 19 serum samples from healthy donors in 2019. First, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were tested by ELISA (Wantai, China) and than these serum samples were tested simultaneously with the SureScreen COVID-19 IgG/IgM Rapid Test Cassette and YHLO Gline 2019 nCov IgG/IgM kits.
RESULTS: The SureScreen and YHLO Gline kits showed an overall sensitivity of 86.1% and 75.3%, for detecting IgG and/or IgM, respectively. Specificity was 100% in both rapid antibody tests. The kappa value for IgG of the two rapid antibody tests was 0.816, while it was 0.695 for IgM.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study shows that SureScreen and YHLO Gline are reliable kits for use as point-of-care tests for rapid antibody detection. According to Cohen’s kappa statistics the 91% (ϰ=0.816) agreement between SureScreen IgG and YHLO Gline IgG, “Almost Perfect”, and 85% agreement (ϰ=0.695) between SureScreen IgM and YHLO Gline IgM, “Substantial”, indicate a good correlation between the performance of the LFIAs used in the study. Total antibody conformity was determined as 92% (ϰ=0.822), “Almost Perfect”. Agreement between IgM tests was lower than that between IgG tests.

INTRODUCTION: The causative microorganisms and their antibiotic susceptibility in bacteremia vary according to the centers and years. These changes should be identified in order to guide empirical treatment. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the general distribution and antibiotic susceptibility of microorganisms isolated from blood cultures of patients in intensive care units.
METHODS: Microorganisms isolated from blood cultures from the intensive care units of Niğde Training and Research Hospital between March 2019 and March 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Blood samples were studied in the BD BACTEC FX (Becton Dickinson, USA) automated blood culture system and the identification and antibiotic susceptibility tests of the isolated bacterial and fungal strains were performed with the Vitek 2 compact (BioMérieux, France) automated system.
RESULTS: A positivity was detected in 995 of a total of 9607 blood culture bottles. Among the isolated microorganisms, Gram positive bacteria were 71.7% (713/995), Gram negative bacteria 27.2% (271/995), yeast 1.1% (11/995). Among all microorganisms, the most common coagulase negative staphylococcus (CNS) 58.9% (586/995), Acinetobacter baumannii 10.0% (100/995), Klebsiella pneumoniae 7.6% (76/995), Enterococcus faecium 4.1% (41/995), Escherichia coli found in 3.8% (38/995). Among the Gram positive bacteria, the most common coagulase negative staphylococci were 82.4% (586/711), and the most common Gram negative bacteria was A. baumannii 36.9% (100/271). Methicillin resistance was found in 89.8% of CNS and 57.1% in S. aureus. Vancomycin resistance in KNS, S. aureus and Enterococcus spp. was determined as 4.4%, 3.6% and 16.0%, respectively. ESBL positivity was 68.4% in E. coli and 87.0% in K. pneumoniae. While the most effective antibiotics against E. coli are meropenem (100%), colistin (100%), amikacin (100%), tigecycline (94.7%), the most effective antibiotics against K. pneumoniae are gentamicin (53.2%), amikacin (51.9%), tigecycline (48.1%) and colistin (46.8%). The most effective antibiotics against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were colistin (100%) and amikacin (69.0%), while the most effective antibiotics against A. baumannii were tigecycline (100%) and colistin (96%). Among the yeast fungi, Candida parapsilosis was found in 63.6% (7/11), Candida albicans 27.3% (3/11). Resistance to fluconazole was not detected in Candida species.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Isolation of methicillin resistant staphylococci and enterococci, A. baumannii, P. aeruginosa, E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains showing multiple antibiotic resistance from blood cultures of patients hospitalized in our hospital’s intensive care units; showed that infection control programs and rational antibiotic use policies should be made more effective.

INTRODUCTION: The poultry red mite, PRM, Dermanyssus gallinae (D. gallinae), is one of poultry’s most important and common pests. Although the presence of a variety of acaricides in control, PRM continues to be frequently reported around the world, owing to the developing resistance and severe legislation prohibiting the use of chemicals. Therefore, new and safe control approaches that do not threaten animal and human health are required. This study is aimed to determine the efficacy of a natural silica-based product based on diatomaceous earth (DE) in-vitro conditions and its combination with locally applicated synthetic pyrethroids under field conditions in commercial egg-laying henhouses.
METHODS: Dermanyssus gallinae populations were collected and transferred alive to the laboratory from integrated cage poultry farms. The bioassays were performed with the liquid formulation of silicon dioxide. The LT50 values were calculated by probit analysis using PoloPlus-PC software. The field treatment was conducted using the combination of silicon dioxide and alpha-cypermethrin in two commercial poultry houses with natural PRM infestation. After application, mites were collected with PVC traps on different days. The traps were individually packed and the number of mites was counted under a stereo microscope in the laboratory. The efficiency of the application was then determined by counting the mites under a stereomicroscope.
RESULTS: In laboratory conditions, DE active substance at the concentration of 320 mg/dish eventually reach 100% mortality of D. gallinae and the mean LT50 values were determined as 26.42±0.57 h. The combination of silicon dioxide and alpha-cypermethrin in field conditions was found to be highly effective in reducing the number of PRMs and its effects lasted for four months following treatment.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These results suggest that DE might offer an environmentally-friendy alternative in PRM control on its own or in combination with widely used synthetic pyrethroids.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to compare of the results of LED fluorescent microscopy (LED FM) and Ehrlich Ziehl Neelsen (EZN) staining in the examination of the respiratory specimens and to evaluate the performance of LED fluorescent microscopy with culture.
METHODS: In the study, the respiratory specimens obtained from patients prediagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis were examined in the Tuberculosis Laboratory of Manisa Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital between February 2018 and November 2019. Two smears from each specimen processed with NALC-NaOH method were prepared and they were evaluated both EZN and LED FM by blind readers. The results of culture were used as reference for determination of the performance of LED FM.

RESULTS: In the study 1499 respiratory specimens were evaluated with LED FM. Mycobacteria were grown in the culture of 134 specimens (8.9%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of LED FM were found as 64.2% (95% GI, 61.8%-64.4%), 96% (95%GI, 95.7%-96.3%), 61.4% and 96.5%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of EZN were also found as 51.5% (95% GI, 49%-54%), 99.9% (95% GI, 99.7%-99.9%), 97.2% and 95.4%, respectively. However, smear scarce-culture negative results (54/1365) with LED FM were obtained significantly higher than the results with EZN (0/1365, p=0.000). The reason of this was thought to be due to the lack of the experience of the readers. The reading time of LED FM was 69% time saving. The consistency between the readers was found to be good (Kappa value=0.71) and it was determined that LED FM could be preferred in routine examination as a result of the survey conducted to the readers.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The sensitivity of LED FM was found 12.7% higher than the sensitivity of EZN. However, because of the high rate of false positive results, the introduction of LED-FM should be accompanied by appropriate training of the readers. It is also thought that the use of LED FM will be cost-effective in large-scale laboratories in our country.

INTRODUCTION: Diminished sleep quality is one of the most common menopausal symptoms. It is well known that sleep loss also contributes to memory impairment. Sleep disturbance and cognitive deficit in menopause might be related to a cholinergic deficit during the postmenopausal period. In the present study, we examined the protective effects of rosmarinic acid (RA) on brain activity under urethane anesthesia, memory, and cholinergic markers in ovariectomized rats.
METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: sham (SH); RA-treated (RA); Ovariectomized (OVX); Ovariectomized+RA-treated (OVXRA). RA (50mg/kg, daily) was administered orally by gavage for four weeks after ovariectomy. After four weeks period, we tested object localization memory (OLM). After the behavioral tests, we recorded urethane-induced spontaneous brain activity as a model of sleep brain activity to assess ovariectomy-related sleep alterations. At the end of the experimental period, we measured acetylcholine (Ach) level and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity by biochemical methods.
RESULTS: OVX rats exhibited elevated slow-wave delta and REM delta, theta, beta power. The amplitudes of slow-wave delta and REM delta, theta, beta oscillations were increased in the OVX rats. In parallel to impaired OLM, decreased Ach level and increased AChE activity were detected in OVX rats. Four weeks RA treatment was significantly improved oscillatory power and amplitude alterations in the OVXRA group versus the OVX group. OLM index was increased in the OVXRA group compared to the OVX group. Decreased AChE activity, as well as increased Ach level, was observed in the OVXRA group versus the OVX group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Thus, the present study indicates that RA might be protective against ovariectomy-induced oscillatory changes under urethane anesthesia and memory impairment by improving the cholinergic system.

INTRODUCTION: All resources of the health system have been allocated to the pandemic to combat the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic that has affected the world. In addition, measures implemented during the pandemic, such as isolation, lockdown and restricted mobility, adversely affected tuberculosis (TB) control programs in our country and around the world. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on TB patients and TB control program in Mersin province.

METHODS: In this study, a total 6328 samples of 3731 patients with a preliminary diagnosis of TB, from Mersin University Hospital and Mersin tuberculosis dispensaries, between January 2019 and December 2020, were included. In the study, how much the number of samples decreased during the 2020 pandemic period, the number of patients diagnosed with TB, the change in the age distribution of the patients, and the number of control samples from the treatment follow-up of TB patients were examined.
RESULTS: In the study, a decrease of 42.2% in the number of patients and a decrease of 45.4% in the number of samples were observed during the pandemic period of 2020.The highest decrease in the number of patients by months were observed in March, April and May (respectively 44.2%, 67.2% and 69.8%) when the pandemic started in our country and the restrictions were applied intensively. During the pandemic period, a decrease of 28.2% was observed in the number of TB positive patients. While the mean age of TB positive patients was 53.5±16.2 in 2019, it decreased to 40.3±19.6 years in 2020, and the decrease in the mean age was statistically significant (p <0.001). When the age groups between years are compared; While the rate of patients over 65 years of age was higher in 2019, the rate of patients under the age of 18 was found to be higher in 2020 (p=0.003). In the study, control samples came during treatment follow-up from 73% of TB patients in 2019 and 52.9% in 2020. The rate of decrease in the number of patients with control samples from TB positive patients during the pandemic period was found to be statistically significant (p=0.021).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The findings of our study revealed that the restrictions applied during the pandemic period adversely affected the diagnosis and follow-up of TB in our region. In addition, the decrease in the average age of TB patients and the tendency towards younger age and the increase in the number of positive patients under the age of 18 suggest that intra-familial transmission increased in this period.

INTRODUCTION: Mycoplasma synoviae (M. synoviae)is the second most clinically important mycoplasma species, causing significant economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of antibodies against M. synoviae by indirect ELISA in commercial broiler and commercial layer flocks.
METHODS: A total of 957 blood samples were collected from vena subcutanae ulnaris under aseptic conditions by random sampling from unvaccinated commercial broiler (n=380) and commercial layer (n=577) flocks in the Central Anatolia Region and their serums were extracted. Anti-M.synoviae antibodies were detected by using commercial indirect ELISA kit.
RESULTS: The seropositivity rates were determined 40.76% (n=155) and 54.59% (n=315) in 380 sera from 21 commercial broiler flocks and 577 sera from 33 commercial layer flocks, respectively.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In comparison to broilers, M. synoviae infection was shown to be more widespread in poultry breeding, particularly in commercial layer flocks, in the Central Anatolia Region. To avoid economic loss due to M. synoviae in both breeding types, we conclude that it is critical to improve the biosecurity of poultry breeder flocks, conduct regular follow-ups with monitoring studies, especially in breeder flocks, and treat infected herds as soon as possible.

INTRODUCTION: Viral hepatitis infections, including hepatitis B and C, and HIV represent an important public health problem worldwide. In this study, we aimed to investigate the seropositivity of HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HCV, and Anti-HIV in patients who applied to our hospital between 2019 and 2021.
METHODS: In this study, the frequency of HBsAg, Anti-HBs, total Anti-HCV and anti-HIV in patients admitted to our hospital between January-2019-January 2021 was evaluated retrospectively.
RESULTS: HBsAg positivity was determined as 3.28% in a total of 52420 patients. HBsAg positivity was found to be 4.12% (95%CI: 3.9-4.3) in males, whereas 2.67% (95%CI 2.56-2.78) in females. There was a statistically significant relationship between HBsAg positivity and gender and age (p<0.001). Anti-HBs level of 54.9% of the patients (95%CI: 44.6-45.6) was found to be sufficient for immunity (Anti-HBs > 10 mIU / ml). While this rate was found to be 61.04% (95%CI: 60.5-61.5) in males, it was found to be 50.37% (95%CI: 50-50.7) in females. A significant relationship was found between Anti-HBs positivity and gender and age (p<0.001). General Anti-HCV positivity was found as 0.11% (95%CI: 0.09-1.01). There was significant relationship between age groups for anti-HCV positivity (p<0.001), whereas the relationship for gender was not significant (p: 0.934). There was no statistically significant relationship between anti-HIV positivity and age (p: 0.307) and gender (p: 0.999). Anti-HIV positivity was determined as 0.3‰ (95%CI: 0.01-1.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: As a result, viral hepatitis is an important health problem around the world and for our city. Vaccination, infection control programs, and public education can reduce the risk of new infections. Anti-HIV positivity was found to be very low in our city.

INTRODUCTION: Today, the increasing sharing of health information in electronic media has affected individuals’ access to health-related information and decision-making processes in varying rates depending on the level of e-health literacy. This study was carried out to adapt Norman and Skinner’s “e-Health Literacy Scale” (e-Health Literacy) into Turkish and to evaluate its validity and reliability.
METHODS: In this methodological study, the final Turkish version of the scale, which was obtained by evaluating the linguistic equivalence study and content validity, was applied to 400 people over the age of 45. Data were analyzed with SPSS (22.0). Confirmatory factor analysis was performed by using the AMOS (24.0) program. Content validity was evaluated by using Davis technique and determining Content Validity Indices. Psychometric and reliability analyzes of the Turkish version of the scale were performed. The concordance of expert opinions was tested with Kendall’s Test. Factor analysis was performed to evaluate the construct validity. Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (KMO) and Bartlett Sphericity Test were used to evaluate the suitability for factor analysis. The models determined by exploratory factor analysis were examined with confirmatory factor analysis and the final model was created by using model fit indices. The difference between the lowest and highest scoring groups was analyzed using the t test in independent groups. In order to evaluate the criterion validity, the correlation with the Technology Use in the Elderly Scale was evaluated using the Pearson correlation test.
RESULTS: In the analyzes, it was determined that the scale showed a single factor structure consisting of eight items, as in the original, and the items provided 84.15% of the total variance. In the internal consistency analysis of the scale, it was determined that the Cronbach’s alpha value was 0.97 and it had a high reliability. In the evaluation of criterion validity, it was observed that the adapted scale showed a moderate correlation with the Attitudes towards Technology Scale of the Elderly (r=0.497; p<0.001). For each item of the scale, it was determined that there was a significant difference between the groups with the lowest and highest scores (p<0.001 for all comparisons), therefore, the items of the scale were distinctive and valid for the feature that was intended to be measured. It was observed that there was no floor and ceiling effect in the scale.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the e-Health Literacy Scale can be used validly and reliably to determine e-health literacy levels in adults over the age of 45.

INTRODUCTION: As a global health challenge, especially in Iran, cutaneous leishmaniasis is one of the major health and medical problems in Sistan and Baluchestan Province and plays a significant role in the inhibition of socioeconomic growth of this deprived province. The aim of our study was molecular identification of cutaneous leishmaniasis species using kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) gene in in a small part (Mirjaveh and Reg-e Malek) of Sistan and Baluchestan region of Iran.
METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on patients suspected of cutaneous leishmaniasis with epidemiologics information. Samples of the skin lesions and ulcers suspected of cutaneous leishmaniasis were collected from patients with active ulcers, and the collected samples were diagnosed by of parasitologic (direct smears of the lesions and staining them using Giemsa Staining Method) and molecular methods. The specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method was applied to the kinetoplast DNA’s isolated from the direct smears to identify the genus and species of Leishmania. Finally, the resulting information was analyzed in SPSS software.

RESULTS: The microscopic test results of 43 (57.9%) patients of the 76 patients suspected of cutaneous leishmaniasis were positive. In a PCR assay, the Leishmania kDNA fragment was identified in 50 patients (65.8%). Besides, 44 samples were diagnosed with Leishmania major and 6 samples were diagnosed with Leishmania tropica using species-specific primers. The agreement between the results of the molecular method and the parasitology method in the samples in Mirjaveh and Reg-e Malek was (Kappa=0.8) compelling agreement. There was a significant difference between the results of molecular with the parasitologic results obtained in the samples of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the city of Mirjaveh and the Reg-e Malek (Pv≤0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to the present research, cutaneous leishmaniasis prevalance caused by Leishmania major in Mirjaveh City in Sistan and Baluchestan Province in Iran was high. Our findings also confirmed the necessity of carrying out direct molecular tests (including direct smears) on the clinical samples of patients for negative results and species identification.

INTRODUCTION: Thiamine (vitamin B1) is an essential nutrient that acts as a cofactor for many enzymes, especially in the mitochondria. Some thiamine-linked enzymes participate in energy metabolism and the biosynthesis of nucleic acids, while others act as part of the antioxidant mechanism. As the brain is heavily dependent on mitochondrial ATP production, it is highly vulnerable to thiamine deficiency (TD). This effect is more pronounced in prenatal and childhood periods when rapid growth occurs. In this study, behavioral changes in adulthood of TD-induced rats during prenatal and lactation periods were investigated.
METHODS: In the study, rats were divided into two groups as the group whose mothers were fed a normal diet (NN) and the mothers were fed with thiamine deficient diet (TN) during prenatal and lactation periods. Open Field test, Elevated Plus Maze test and New Object Recognition tests were applied to rats in adulthood.
RESULTS: In the thiamine deficient TN group, it was observed that the number of frames entered in the open field test and the rate of time spent in the outer quadrant increased. In addition, in the elevated plus maze test, the ratio of time spent in the open arm in the TN group was decreased. In the new object recognition test, it was determined that the discrimination index was decreased in the TN group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, it was observed that the effects of TD during prenatal and lactation periods can continue in the long term and cause behavioral, learning and memory deficits in the later ages.

INTRODUCTION: In medical laboratories, it is important to verify the precision and trueness studies made by the manufacturer before giving results to the patient. The aim of this study was to evaluate the verification of TSH, Ferritin and Vitamin B12 tests according to CLSI EP15 A2 guideline.
METHODS: In this study verification studies were carried out according to CLSI EP15 A2 guidelines for TSH, vitamin B12, ferritin. PreciControl quality control material were used for precision study. For trueness studies, patient samples were simultaneously assayed with two different immunoassay analyzers (Beckman Coulter DXI 800 and Advia Centaur). Microsoft Excel programme was used for statistical evaluation.
RESULTS: The precision estimate of TSH, vitamins B12, and ferritin for both control levels were lower than the verification value. In the trueness verification study, the estimated percent bias of TSH and vitamin B12 were within the verification limits. The estimated percent bias of ferritin was found beyond the verification limits.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: We found the precision and trueness of Vitamin B12 and TSH measurement methods acceptable in our study, we showed that the precision of the ferritin measurement method was acceptable but its trueness had an unacceptable negative bias.

INTRODUCTION: Endotoxemia is a serious complication that is featured by hypotension, weak tissue perfusion and multiple organ failure that is among the top factors that lead to mortality in hospitalized patients. Apilarnil (drone bee brood) is a honeybee product that has biologically active characteristics. Apilarnil contains 25 - 35% dry matter, 9 - 12% protein, 6 - 10% carbohydrates, 5 - 8 lipids, 3% ash, and other, unidentified substances. Additionally, its chemical composition includes vitamins (vitamin A, beta carotene, B1, B6, PP, and choline), minerals (calcium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc, manganese, iron, copper, and potassium), and essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by humans or other animal organisms. Endotoxemia-induced cardiotoxicity is reported in the recent evidence. In this study, it was aimed to determine whether apilarnil, a bee product, has a protective effect on heart tissue in the case of endotoxic shock, which is one of the major causes of intensive care units, by histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of TNF-α and BNP in the heart tissue.
METHODS: 32 Sprague dawley male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups as control, apilarnil administered group (0.8 g/kg), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, and apilarnil together with LPS administered group. Immunohistochemical evaluation was performed to determine the differences in the expression of TNF-α and BNP in the heart tissue.
RESULTS: Edema, hemorrhage, and infiltration was observed in the LPS group compared to the control group and groups receiving apilarnil. It was observed that this damage decreased significantly in the group treated with LPS and apilarnil. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) expressions were significantly increased in the LPS group, and co-administration of LPS and apilarnil suppressed these increased expression levels.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that the protective effects of apilarnil may have a therapeutic effect on heart damage caused by LPS by the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the components found in apilarnil.

INTRODUCTION: Oxytocin (OXT) has been reported to have promising therapeutic potential due to its antioxidant properties in vincristine (VCR) and cisplatin (CP) induced peripheral neuropathy in both in vivo and in vitro studies. The cerebral cortex is responsible for sense, perception, and memory. Damage to these parts of the brain can lead to impairment of central nervous system functions. However, the effectiveness of OXT in toxicity caused by vincristine and cisplatin in cortical neurons has not been reported. In this study,we aimed to investigate the effects of OXT in VCR and CP-induced cortical neuron cell culture toxicity via biochemically measuring TAS-TOS levels and immunohistochemically determining 8-OHDG expression.
METHODS: Cortical neuronal cells were exposed to different concentrations of VCR and CP, and also after the neuronal cells were exposed to OXT (1 µM) for 5 minutes, VCR and CP concentrations were applied to the cells. Cell viability was determined using the MTT method. TAC and TOS were measured for antioxidant/oxidant activity. The expression of 8-OHdG was investigated as an indicator of oxidative DNA damage.
RESULTS: Administration of OXT before CP and VCR exposure was able to protect against neuronal cytotoxicity. TAS levels increased positively correlated with in cells exposed to OXT+ VCR and OXT+ CP, while TOS levels and DNA damage (8-OHdG levels) negatively correlated.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: OXT alleviated the toxic effects of VCR and CP-induced cortical neuron toxicity by increasing the TAS levels, while decreasing TOS levels and DNA damages. According to the results of this study, OXT has the potential to be used protective agent for anticancer agents induced toxicity. However, further studies are needed to clarify mechanisms of action of OXT.

INTRODUCTION: Sporadic Salmonella outbreaks were also documented in wild birds, although wild birds are the well-known carriers of salmonellosis. In this study, we investigated the causative agents of two death events of sparrows and black headed gulls occurring in the Çorum City Landfill and Bartın Port, respectively, between mid-autumn and winter of 2017–2018.
METHODS: Septicemic salmonellosis was suspected based on necropsy findings of dead sparrows and black-headed gulls. In this context, isolation and identification was done according to conventional cultural method for the tissue samples (liver, spleen, heart) and ISO 6579: 2002/Amd 1: 2007 (Annex D) for small intestine samples, and serotyping were carried out according to Kauffman White Scheme.
RESULTS: One of the two mortality events was seen in the Bartın Port. S. Typhimurium was found to be the causative agent of black-headed gulls’ (Larus ridibundus) death. The other mortality event observed in sparrows (Passer domesticus) was determined in the Çorum City Landfill. S. Hessarek was determined to be responsible of the septisemic bacteremia of sparrows.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In both cases, where the death cases observed were the places which had a close interaction with urban civilization. According to informations, while black-headed gulls were adapted to feeding on urban waste and showed tendency to scavenge for food at rubbish tips and sewage outfalls in the Bartın Port, sparrows fed from the Çorum City Landfill to obtain food during migration season. Circulation of S. Hessarek in Çorum where commercial layer flocks existed and S. Typhimurium, a zoonotic pathogen in the Bartın Port were thought not to be ignored for poultry and human health. The epidemiology of both agents should be examined in wild birds.

Head louse infestations continue to be a concern of public health in most countries, including the most developed ones. The present recommendations are intended to inform and stress the role and impact of the different authorities, institutions, industry, and the public in the control of head lice in order to reduce the prevalence of this parasite. We encourage health authorities to pursue more effective methods to correctly identify such infestations, and evaluate existing and new pediculicides, medical devices, louse repellents, and louse- and nit-removal remedies. Pediculicides and medical devices must have verifiable claims in the instructions for use and should be tested periodically to document current levels of resistance by lice to the active ingredients and to the formulated products. Where the prevalence of lice is claimed to be epidemic, children should be periodically evaluated objectively to document the actual level of prevalence. Continuing education for health providers and the general population promises to correct misinformation regarding the biology, prevention, and management of lice. Parents should regularly inspect their children for head lice and treat as necessary. Health authorities are encouraged to eliminate policies and practices that rely upon school exclusion as a means to reduce incidence and prevalence, e.g., the ‘no-nit’ policy which lacks scientific justification, and are counterproductive to the health and welfare of children.

A new type of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) was detected in patients with acute respiratory disease in 2019. SARS-CoV-2 is a virus that can cause fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, anorexia, fatigue and sore throat, which can be transmitted through respiration and has started to spread around the world and has become a global problem. The disease caused by SARS-COV-2 has been named Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO, Covid-19 is a pandemic and it is stated that humanity has not experienced such an epidemic in the last hundred years. The coronavirus originated from bats and was transmitted to human through unknown animals in Wuhan province of China in December 2019. On January 2021, 96 658 420 confirmed cases and 2 092 062 deaths have occurred in the world. There is a growing need in the detection of SARS-CoV-2. A number of problems and difficulties are observed in the diagnosis and treatment of Covid-19. Chest tomography and molecular tests are used to detect SARS-CoV-2. The molecular techniques used are PCR-based and non-PCR-based methods. Usually detection of SARS-CoV-2 is based on PCR, but isothermal nucleic acid amplification tests have also been promising alternatives. Currently, qRT-PCR is a golden assay and it is widely used although many alternative assays have been developed for recent years. The current testing capacity and availability can not meet the unprecedented global demands for rapid, reliable and widely accessible molecular diagnosis. In addition, there is a need for a comprehensive strategy compare the molecular techniques used in the field. Since in this review we aim to give a summary of molecular diagnosis techniques to detect Covid 19.

Biological attack or bioterrorism is one of the sides to cause disease or death in all living things by using biological causative agents of disease due to reasons such as political, ideological and economic. There were many biological attacks from the primitive ages when poisoned arrows were used to the use of anthrax spores in 2001 against USA. Although chemical attacks are not as deep-rooted as biological attacks, they have been used for a long time, but the period when they came to the stage of history was the 19th century with the development of the modern chemical industry. Chemical attacks caused injuries, permanent damage and death to many people especially during the period of World wars. The pandemic that can be caused by natural epidemic diseases is the spread of a factor or disease in a very wide area. With the spread of disease; panic, unrest and chaos environment occurs in the spreading area. Coronavirus (Covid-19), which causes the current pandemic, is the most recent example. Coronavirus out broke in Wuhan, China, and started to spread in China first, and then Iran, and had an impact on Italy as well as European continent and around the world with the American continent. It infected millions of people, hundreds of thousands of people died, and caused environmental, social, psychological and economic problems on a global scale. Recently, different pandemic processes related to influenza have been experienced, but states have not been able to demonstrate an effective and efficient defense against the new type of coronavirus since the necessary preparations were not made despite the death of millions of people. Since biological attack and natural epidemics have the same effects and characteristics, it is not possible to predict how the states will respond in a possible biological attack. As in the current pandemic process, the possible consequences that will arise when caught unprepared are doubtful. In this study, it is evaluated how biological agents and natural epidemics are similar to each other and how to take measures against a possible attack or a new disaster.

Autacoids are substances that released locally from cells with various stimuli to elicit normal physiological responses and lose activity in a very short time providing local communication between adjacent cells in the organism. Disproportion in their synthesis, release or transmission contribute significantly to pathological conditions such as inflammation, allergy, hypersensitivity, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. These messenger molecules participate in all physiological and pathological processes, and assume very important roles in inflammation. Autacoids, which take part in different stages or types of inflammation, work both as a trigger and as a regulator. These substances mediate the communication network of the cells involved in the inflammation, enabling the organism to eliminate the damaged/foreign/harmful factor. Either autacoids can be found in immune cells as storage or enzymes whose activity or expression increase with inflammatory stimulus can also synthesize them. According to their chemical structure, autacoids are classified in groups of gaseous (NO, H2S, CO), lipid (prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, PAF), peptide (angiotensins, kinins, Substance P, endothelins, natriuretic peptides), amine (histamine, serotonin) and protein autacoids (cytokines) and they can be secreted from many cells in the inflammation. There are various differences in acute and chronic inflammation in terms of both the types of autacoids involved and the inflammatory cells that synthesize them. However, how much of these molecules are secreted from each cell during the process has not been revealed in real time yet. While they are secreted under the dominance of neutrophils and macrophages in the acute stage, lymphocytes and macrophages take over the secretory function according to the type of inflammation in the chronic stage. Despite the use of many drugs as enzyme inhibitors, receptor antagonists / agonists or analogues in the treatment of inflammation, intensive studies are underway to develop new drugs, which will be more selective, highly effective and have less side effects. The aim of this review was to discuss autacoids involved in inflammation in the context of participating cells and inflammatory processes and to evaluate their situation as a drug target in inflammation.