Influences of urban wastewaters on the stream water quality: a case study from Gumushane Province, Turkey.

Urban wastewater in Turkey is primarily discharged without treatment to marine environments, streams and rivers, and natural and artificial lakes. Since it has been well established that untreated effluent in multi-use waters can have acute and chronic impacts to both the environment and human health, it is important to evaluate the consequences of organic enrichment relative to the structure and function of aquatic environment. We investigated the impacts of untreated municipal wastewater discharge from the city of Gumushane in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey on the surface water quality of the stream Harsit. Several key water-quality indicators were measured: chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium nitrogen (NH (4)(+)-N), nitrite nitrogen (NO(2)(-)-N), nitrate nitrogen (NO(3)(-)-N), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), total nitrogen (TN), orthophosphate phosphorus (PO(4)(3-)-P), methylene blue active substances (MBAS), water temperature (t), pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), and electrical conductivity (EC). The monitoring and sampling studies were conducted every 15 days from March 2009 to February 2010 at three longitudinally distributed stations. While t, pH, DO, and EC demonstrated relatively little variability over the course of the study, other parameters showed substantial temporal and spatial variations. The most dramatic differences were noted in COD, NH(4)(+)-N, NO(2)(-)-N, TKN, TN, PO(4)(3-) P, and MBAS immediately downstream of the wastewater discharge. Concentration increases of 309 and 418 % for COD, 5,635 and 2,162 % for NH (4)(+)-N, 2,225 and 674 % for NO(2)(-)-N, 283 and 478 % for TKN, 208 and 213 % for PO(4)(3-)-P, and 535 and 1,260 % for MBAS were observed in the summer and autumn, respectively. These changes were associated with greatly diminished seasonal stream flows. Based on NO(2)(-)-N, TKN, PO(4)(3-) P, and MBAS concentrations, it was concluded that Harsit stream water was correctly classified as polluted. The most telling parameter, however, was NH (4) (+) -N, which indicated highly polluted waters in both the summer and autumn. The elevated concentrations of both P and N in the downstream segment of the stream triggered aggressive growth of submerged algae. This eutrophication of river systems is highly representative of many urban corridors and is symptomatic of ongoing organic enrichment that must be addressed through improved water treatment facilities.

Assessment of water quality parameters in the stream Galyan, Trabzon, Turkey.

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation of drinking water quality from the stream Galyan and its tributary, the stream Kustul, in Trabzon Province, Turkey. In this study, surface water quality data for 20 physical and chemical parameters were determined and collected from three monitoring stations of the understudy stream during April 2004 to March 2005. According to the Turkish Water Pollution Control Regulation, the stream Galyan water was classified, and the studied parameters were evaluated for the values proposed by Turkish Standard (TS) 266 and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The results showed that TS 266 and WHO guidelines were exceeded for Fe (up to 860 microg/l) and Cr (up to 134.7 microg/l). Pearson's correlation was also used to determine the relationship of the studied parameters and as a result significant correlations were observed between some parameters.

Gamma/delta T cells in patients with acute brucellosis.

We aimed to investigate the population of gamma/delta T (gamma/delta T) cells in patients with acute brucellosis. When the bacteria penetrate to the host, the innate immune response aims to prevent the attack by non-activated professional phagocytes. At that moment, macrophages trigger the other cells of the immune system. The cells that can respond immediately are natural killer and gamma/delta T cells. The study included 40 cases of acute brucellosis and 20 healthy volunteers. In this study, it was aimed to compare gamma/delta and alpha/beta (alpha/beta) receptors of the T cells at pre- and post treatment period of patients diagnosed as brucellosis, especially to evaluate the levels of gamma/delta T cells at monitoring of the disease, using flow cytometry. As a result, it was observed that gamma/delta T cells significantly increased in peripheral blood in patients with brucellosis compared with the healthy individuals (13.23 +/- 4.7 and 5.25 +/- 1.4, respectively (p = 0.0001)). gamma/delta T cells were significantly decreased after the brucellosis treatment (p < 0.01). The results of the present study indicate that considerable counts of gamma/delta T cells are involved in acute brucellosis cases. Our findings suggest that gamma/delta TCR bearing cell counts may be used as a supplementary marker for monitoring brucellosis.

Assessment of metal element concentrations in mussel (M. Galloprovincialis) in Eastern Black Sea, Turkey.

The main goal of this work is to determine the effects of pollution of copper, lead and zinc mines on the Eastern Black Sea. Metal and heavy metal concentrations in the Eastern Black Sea mussels were measured using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS). The analytical results showed that the tissue of mussel in Eastern Black Sea contains K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Sr elements, and the shell of mussel contains Ca, Cu, Sr, and Ba elements. Due to the detection limit of EDXRF, the mussels were analyzed with FAAS for Cr, Mn, Ni, Cd and Pb elements. An ANOVA and Pearson correlation analyses were performed. The results showed although that the mean concentrations of Cu and Zn for the tissue of the mussels were markedly above the permissible levels of the Turkish regulations, Zn concentration is in the limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Removal of cadmium from aqueous solution by Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach. Subsp. nordmanniana) leaves.

The utility of Nordmann fir (Abies nordmanniana (Stev.) Spach. Subsp. nordmanniana) leaves from Eastern Black Sea region for the removal (sorption) of metal ions from aqueous solutions was investigated. For this, the optimum values of pH, time, metal concentration, leaf concentration, leaf particle size and adsorption capacity were determined. Also the recovery conditions of the metals from leaves were studied. Cd metal was selected because of its toxic properties. Freundlich isotherm model was used to describe the adsorption behaviour and the experimental results obtained for Cd(2+) adsorption, followed this model well. The utility of Nordmann fir leaves to remove toxic metals from aqueous solutions was proved. Hence, this study showed that the leaves of Nordmann fir can provide cheap source as biosorbents for toxic metal removal from natural or wastewaters.

Speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) after column solid phase extraction on Amberlite XAD-2010.

A speciation procedure for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) based on column solid phase extraction on Amberlite XAD-2010 and flame atomic absorption spectrometry combination. Cr(VI) was quantitatively recovered on Amberlite XAD-2010 resin at pH range of 2.0-3.0 as its diethyldithiocarbamate complex, while the recoveries of Cr(III) was below 5%. The influences of the various parameters including amounts of the reagents, eluent type and its volume, sample volume, etc., on the quantitative recoveries were examined. The interference of matrix and coexistent elements for method were studied. The detection limit (corresponding to three times the standard deviation of the blank) and the enrichment factor for Cr(VI) were found to be 1.28 microg/L and 25, respectively. To verify the accuracy of the method, drinking water certified reference material (CRM-TMDW-500) was analyzed and the results obtained were in good agreement with the certified value. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the speciation of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) in water samples and preconcentration of total chromium in environmental samples.

Immunological follow-up of hydatid cyst cases.

Hydatid disease is caused by Echinococcus granulosus. In this study, we aimed to investigate the benefit of monitoring cases with hydatid cyst by means of immune components in patients in a long-term follow-up after surgery. Eighty-four preoperative and postoperative serum samples from 14 cases undergoing surgery for hydatid disease were evaluated in terms of immune parameters, such as total and specific IgE, IgG, IgM, IgA and complement. Total and specific IgE were determined by ELISA. Specific IgG levels were measured by indirect hemagglutination. Total IgG, IgM, IgA and complement (C3 and C4) were detected by nephelometry. Imaging studies were also carried out during the follow-up. In none of the patients hydatid cysts were detected during the follow-up. Total IgE levels in the sera of the patients decreased to normal six months after surgery. Although specific IgE against echinococcal antigens decreased one year after operation, levels were still significantly high. There were no changes in the levels of anti-Echinococcus IgG and total IgG in follow-up period. Additionally, other parameters, such as IgA, IgM, C3 and C4, were not affected.

Adenosine deaminase and guanosine deaminase activities in sera of patients with viral hepatitis.

In order to investigate purin and primidin metabolism pathways in hepatitis, adenosine deaminase (ADA) and guanosine deaminase (GDA) activities in sera of patients with different types and manifestations of viral hepatitis disease (A, B, C, D, E, chronic, acute) were investigated and compared with the control group of healthy individuals. Hepatitis cases were classified with respect to their serological findings and clinics. When compared all the hepatitis cases with the controls, levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes, as well as ADA and GDA, were significantly higher than the control group (p<0.01). Levels of ADA and GDA in hepatitis cases were determined as 26.07 11.98 IU/l and 2.37 1.91 IU/l, respectively. When compared their ADA and GDA levels amongst the classified hepatitis groups, there was no difference in ADA levels amongst cases (p>0.05). However, GDA levels in hepatitis A group were closed to the controls. Increase in serum ADA activities in hepatitis forms may be dependent on and reflect the increase in phagocytic activity of macrophages and maturation of T-lymphocytes, and may be valuable in monitoring in viral hepatitis cases.

Reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The metabolisms of reactive nitrogen and oxygen intermediates (RNI and ROI) in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) were investigated and compared with those of healthy subjects. To determine RNI metabolism, nitrite plus nitrate concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. Nitrite concentration in plasma was determined directly by the Griess method. Nitrate levels in plasma were measured after reduction into nitrite by using copper-cadmium-zinc. ROI metabolism was evaluated by measuring erythrocyte superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities. Plasma nitrite plus nitrate levels and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity were higher in the patient group than healthy subjects (p<0.01). In contrast, erythrocyte catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were lower (p<0.05, p<0.01, respectively). ROI metabolism was altered in relation to hydrogen peroxide elevation in patients with CL. These alterations in ROI enable nitric oxide (NO) to amplify its leishmanicidal effect. The determination of ROI and RNI in patients with CL may be a useful tool to evaluate effector mechanisms of NO and clinical manifestations.

Adenosine deaminase activities in sera, lymphocytes and granulocytes in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities in sera, lymphocytes and granulocytes in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis were investigated and compared with control groups. Fifty patients and 50 healthy individuals were studied. The clinical diagnosis was parasitologically confirmed by culture and Giemsa stain. ADA activities were measured by colorimetric method. Serum ADA activities 37.80 +/- 11.90, 18.28 +/- 6.08 IU/L (p < 0.0001), lymphocyte specific ADA activities 14.90 +/- 7.42, 8.38 +/- 7.42 U/mg protein (p = 0.04), granulocyte specific ADA activities 1.15 +/- 0.73, 1.09 +/- 0.67 U/mg protein (p > 0.05) were found in patients and control groups, respectively. ADA activity increases in some infectious diseases were cell mediated immune mechanisms are dominant. In cutaneous leishmaniasis, lymphokine-mediated macrophage activity is the main effector mechanism. Increase in serum and lymphocyte ADA activities in patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis may be dependent on and reflects the increase in phagocytic activity of macrophages and maturation of T-lymphocytes.

Role of lipids, lipoproteins and lipid peroxidation in thrombocytopenia in patients with vivax malaria.

Possible roles of oxidative and metabolic changes of lipids in the development of thrombocytopenia in patients with vivax malaria were investigated. Serum total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterols, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation level and platelet counts were determined in 60 patients with vivax malaria and compared with 50 healthy individuals. Inter-relationships of parameters were investigated. In patients, serum total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterol concentrations and platelet counts were lower, and serum triglycerides and plasma lipid peroxidation concentrations were higher than those of control subjects. Significant relationships were found among serum lipid parameters, plasma lipid peroxidation and thrombocyte counts. Decrease in total cholesterol, HDL and LDL cholesterols and platelet counts may be related or secondary to oxidative stress. In the treatment of thrombocytopenia required in the some cases of malaria, the supplementation of antioxidative vitamins may be considered.

Penetration of oral and topical ciprofloxacin into human aqueous humor.

PURPOSE: This study was planned to investigate the penetration of ciprofloxacin into aqueous humor following oral and topical application as a prophylactic antimicrobial agent. METHODS: Forty-six patients undergoing cataract surgery were randomly divided into two groups. In the first group, the patients received 500 mg oral ciprofloxacin eight hours before surgery and in the second, 5 drops of 0.3% ciprofloxacin were applied to the patients every twenty minutes, starting 100 minutes before the surgery. By paracentesis, aqueous samples were taken just before the operation so the interval between the first topical application and paracentesis was 100 minutes. RESULTS: The mean concentration of ciprofloxacin in aqueous humor was 0.63+/-0.29 microg/ml in the first group. The concentration was 0.69+/-0.30 microg/ml in the second group. Both of these mean concentrations were higher than the levels of MIC90 of S.aureus , S. epidermidis, P. aeruginosa and Gram (-) bacteriae. CONCLUSION: As a result, both topically and orally applied ciprofloxacin achieved a significant aqueous concentration. Each route studied might be suitable for surgical prophylaxis or treatment of infections.

Oxidative stress and antioxidative status of plasma and erythrocytes in patients with vivax malaria.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the oxidative stress and antioxidative status of plasma and erythrocytes in patients with vivax malaria and healthy persons. DESIGN AND METHODS: Activities of antioxidative enzymes, rates of pathways of hexose monophosphate shunt and purine salvage, levels of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, methemoglobin and sulfhemoglobin of erythrocytes were determined. Lipid peroxidation and levels of antioxidant substances were measured. RESULTS: Antioxidants levels and antioxidative enzymes activities were lower and lipid peroxidation, purine salvage rate were higher in patients group than controls. Erythrocyte glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PD) activity was not different from that of healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Oxidative mechanisms were observed to be dominant compared with antioxidative mechanisms in patients with vivax malaria. Therefore, oxidative stress may be produced and maintained by the host defense mechanisms against malarial infection.

Inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis by interleukin-4 may involve inhibiting the activation of protein kinase C epsilon.

The murine macrophage cell line, J774, when activated with interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), expressed high level of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and bound significantly more [3H]-phorbol-dibutyrate (PBu2) compared to non-activated cells. The increased PBu2 binding to the particulate fraction of the cells is a measure of activation and translocation of protein kinase C (PKC). Both the expression of iNOS and the enhanced. PBU2 binding in the activated J774 cells were significantly inhibited by the pretreatment of the cells with murine recombinant interleukin-4 (IL-4). Stimulation of J774 cells by IFN-gamma and lipopolysaccharide results in the translocation predominantly of the epsilon isoform of PKC (PKC-epsilon), and this is inhibited by IL-4. The inhibition of PKC activation was also evident by measuring the PKC activity in the cytosolic-fraction of the IL-4-treated cells. Activated J774 cells pretreated with IL-4 or a PKC-specific inhibitor (RO31-8220) failed to express mRNA of iNOS analyzed by PCR. These results, therefore, suggest that the inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis in activated murine macrophages by IL-4 is at the transcriptional level and may involve the inhibition of the activation of PKC-epsilon.

Nitric oxide production by murine macrophages is inhibited by prolonged elevation of cyclic AMP.

Murine macrophages produce large amounts of nitric oxide (NO) on stimulation by interferon (IFN)-gamma and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or a high concentration of LPS alone. Agents which increase intracellular cAMP levels inhibit cytokine production by macrophages. The effect of increased intracellular cAMP levels on NO production was investigated, using a murine macrophage cell line, J774. NO production was reduced by prolonged elevation of cAMP, but not by a transient increase.