Controlled Sr(ii) ion release from in situ crosslinking electroactive hydrogels with potential for the treatment of infections.

The development of electrochemical stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems is of both academic and industrial interest due to the ease with which it is possible to trigger payload release, providing drug delivery in a controllable manner. Herein, the preparation of in situ forming hydrogels including electroactive polypyrrole nanoparticles (PPy-NPs) where Sr2+ ions are electrochemically loaded for electrically triggered release of Sr2+ ions is reported. The hydrogels were characterized by a variety of techniques including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), cyclic voltammetry (CV), etc. The cytocompatibility towards human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts were also studied. The Sr2+ ion loaded PEC-ALD/CS/PPy-NPs hydrogel showed no significant cytotoxicity towards human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and fibroblasts. Sr2+ ions were electrochemically loaded and released from the electroactive hydrogels, and the application of an electrical stimulus enhanced the release of Sr2+ ions from gels by ca. 2-4 fold relative to the passive release control experiment. The antibacterial activity of Sr2+ ions against E. coli and S. aureus was demonstrated in vitro. Although these prototypical examples of Sr2+ loaded electroactive gels don't release sufficient Sr2+ ions to show antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, we believe future iterations with optimised physical properties of the gels will be capable of doing so.

Factors Predicting Early Major Adverse Events in the Intensive Care Unit After Successful Cardiac Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease in Full-Term Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors affecting major adverse event (MAE) development after full-term neonatal cardiac surgery. METHODS: This study was conducted retrospectively on newborns who underwent congenital heart surgery between June 1, 2020, and June 1, 2022. MAE was defined as the presence of at least one of the following: cardiac arrest, unplanned reoperation, emergency chest opening, admission to the advanced life support system, and death. The role of blood lactate level, vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) changes in predicting MAE was investigated. RESULTS: A total of 240 patients (50% male) were operated during the study period. The median age of patients was seven days (interquartile range 3-10 days). MAE was detected in 19.5% of the cases. Peak blood lactate levels >7 mmol/liter (area under the curve [AUC] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.62-0.82], P<0.001, sensitivity 76%, specificity 82%, positive predictive value [PPV] 88%) was an independent risk factor for MAE (odds ratio [OR] 2.7 [95% CI 1.3-6]). More than 30% change in NIRS value during the operative period (AUC 0.84, 95% CI [0.80-0.88], P<0.001, sensitivity 65%, specificity 85%, PPV 90%) was a strong predictor of MAE. VIS > 10 was an independent risk factor (AUC 0.75, 95% CI [0.70-0.84], P<0.001, sensitivity 86%, specificity 80%, PPV 84%) and strongly predicted MAE (OR 1.4 [95% CI 0.9-5]). CONCLUSION: Cerebral NIRS changes > 30%, high blood lactate levels, and VIS score within the 48 hours may help to predict the development of MAE in the postoperative period.

The curative effect of ozonated bidistilled water on Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in rats.

BACKGROUND: Endometritis is a prevalent and challenging condition that affects livestock, and its effective treatment is the use of intrauterine antibiotics. Antibiotic use may lead to negative consequences, including residue in tissues and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of ozonated bidistilled water in the treatment of Escherichia coli-induced endometritis in rat models, comparing it to conventional antibiotic treatment. METHODS: A total of 21 female Wistar Albino rats were used for this study. E. coli from the uterus of cows with endometritis at a concentration of 1.0 × 109 cfu/mL inoculated into rat uteruses. After inoculation, it was confirmed macroscopically that experimental endometritis was induced in all individuals. And, the rats with endometritis were randomly divided into three groups treated with intrauterine bidistilled water enriched with ozone, antibiotics and 0.9% NaCl. The uterine tissues were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: In the semiquantitative analyses, significantly lower histopathological scores were observed for both the bidistilled water enriched with ozone and antibiotic-treated endometritis groups compared to the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ozone-enriched bidistilled water can be used in the treatment of experimentally induced endometritis in rats, and can provide effective microbiological and histopathological improvement. Further studies involving larger populations of different species are needed to determine the medical suitability of this new treatment.

Neonatal Resuscitation Practices in Turkey: A Survey of the Turkish Neonatal Society and the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies.

OBJECTIVE: Optimal care in the delivery room is important to decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate neonatal resuscitation practices in Turkish centers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey consisted of a 91-item questionnaire focused on delivery room practices in neonatal resuscitation and was sent to 50 Turkish centers. Hospitals with <2500 and those with ≥2500 births/year were compared. RESULTS: In 2018, approximately 240 000 births occurred at participating hospitals with a median of 2630 births/year. Participating hospitals were able to provide nasal continuous-positiveairway-pressure/high-flow nasal cannula, mechanical ventilation, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, inhaled nitric oxide, and therapeutic hypothermia similarly. Antenatal counseling was routinely performed on parents at 56% of all centers. A resuscitation team was present at 72% of deliveries. Umbilical cord management for both term and preterm infants was similar between centers. The rate of delayed cord clamping was approximately 60% in term and late preterm infants. Thermal management for preterm infants (<32 weeks) was similar. Hospitals had appropriate equipment with similar rates of interventions and management, except conti nuous-positive-airway-pressure and positive-end-expiratory-pressure levels (cmH2O) used in preterm infants (P = .021, and P = .032). Ethical and educational aspects were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: This survey provided information on neonatal resuscitation practices in a sample of hospitals from all regions of Turkey and allowed us to see weaknesses in some fields. Although adherence to the guidelines was high among centers, further implementations are required in the areas of antenatal counseling, cord management, and circulation assessment in the delivery room.

Evaluation of perfusion index and left ventricular output changes in low cardiac output syndrome after arterial switch operation.

INTRODUCTION: Transposition of great arteries is one of newborns' most common cyanotic CHDs, and its treatment is arterial switch operation in the first days of life. Low cardiac output syndrome may develop in the early postoperative period. In this study, we evaluated perfusion index and left ventricular output blood flow changes in patients who underwent arterial switch operation and developed low cardiac output syndrome. METHODS: This study was conducted prospectively in newborns with transposition of great arteries who underwent arterial switch operation between 1st August 2020 and 1st August 2022. Low cardiac output syndrome score and left ventricular output were investigated. Initially, 6th, 12th, 18th, and 24th hour perfusion index and left ventricular output values of patients with and without low cardiac output syndrome were recorded. The results were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included in the study. Sex distribution was equal. The median age at the time of surgery was 5 days (interquartile range 3-7 days), and the median weight was 3.1 kg (interquartile range 2.9-3. 4). Low cardiac output syndrome was detected in 30% (n = 18) of cases. The median perfusion index of patients who developed low cardiac output syndrome was significantly lower at the 12th, 18th, and 24th hours (p < 0.05) (0.99 versus 1.25, 0.86 versus 1.21, and 0.96 versus 1.33, respectively). Similarly, the median left ventricular output of patients who developed low cardiac output syndrome was significantly lower at 12th, 18th, and 24th hours (p < 0.05) (95 versus 110 ml/kg/min, 89 versus 109 ml/kg/min, and 92 versus 112 ml/kg/min, respectively). There was a significant correlation between perfusion index values and left ventricular output at all measurements (r > 0.500, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Perfusion index and left ventricular output measurements decreased in newborns who developed low cardiac output syndrome after arterial switch operation, especially at 12th and 18th hours. Serial perfusion index and left ventricular output measurements can be instructive in predicting low cardiac output syndrome development.

Neonatal Outcomes of Premature Infants Born to Women with the Novel Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Infection: A Case Control Study.

OBJECTIVE: Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease associated with atypical pneumonia caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in Wuhan at the end of 2019. Transmission usually occurs via infected droplets and close personal contact; the possibility of vertical transmission is still under debate. This retrospective study aimed to analyze clinical characteristics of premature infants born to mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 disease. STUDY DESIGN: This case control study compared the clinical and laboratory data of 20 premature infants born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 with sex and gestational age-matched historical controls. RESULTS: The median gestational age and birth weight in both groups were similar. Respiratory distress developed in 11 (55.5%) infants in study group and 19 (47.5%) infants in control group. Mechanical ventilation and endotracheal surfactant administration rates were similar. Median duration of hospitalization was 8.5 (2-76) days in study group and 12 days in historical controls. Real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction tests (RT-PCR) of nasopharyngeal swab samples for SARS-CoV-2 were found to be negative twice, in the first 24 hours and later at 24 to 48 hours of life. No neutropenia or thrombocytopenia was detected in the study group. Patent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis rates were similar between groups. No mortality was observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few studies evaluating the clinical outcomes of premature infants born to SARS-CoV-2 infected mothers. There was no evidence of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected women to the neonate in our cohort. The neonatal outcomes also seem to be favorable with no mortality in preterm infants. KEY POINTS: · SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a challenge for pregnant women.. · Neonatal outcomes of premature infants born to mothers infected with SARS-CoV-2 not well defined.. · SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to have no adverse effect on mortality and morbidity in premature infants..

Severity of Maternal SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnancy Predicts Neonatal Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak had an enormous global impact. Pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 appear to have higher morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the severity of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection on neonatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: The clinical and laboratory data of 40 women and neonates evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: This retrospective study showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection had an adverse impact on neonatal outcomes proportionally with the maternal disease severity including increased prematurity rates, postnatal resuscitation need, prolonged hospital stay and longer ventilatory support requirement in infants born to mothers with moderate or severe disease. CONCLUSION: Maternal disease severity had adverse effects on neonatal outcomes. The severity of maternal disease was found to be associated with increased rates of prematurity, requirement of postnatal resuscitation, prolonged hospital stay, and longer ventilatory support. KEY POINTS: · SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is a problem for pregnant women.. · Vertical transmission has been shown in limited studies.. · Maternal disease severity may have impact on neonatal outcomes..

Factors Predicting Early Major Adverse Events in the Intensive Care Unit After Successful Cardiac Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease in Full-Term Neonates

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the factors affecting major adverse event (MAE) development after full-term neonatal cardiac surgery. Methods: This study was conducted retrospectively on newborns who underwent congenital heart surgery between June 1, 2020, and June 1, 2022. MAE was defined as the presence of at least one of the following: cardiac arrest, unplanned reoperation, emergency chest opening, admission to the advanced life support system, and death. The role of blood lactate level, vasoactive inotropic score (VIS), and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) changes in predicting MAE was investigated. Results: A total of 240 patients (50% male) were operated during the study period. The median age of patients was seven days (interquartile range 3-10 days). MAE was detected in 19.5% of the cases. Peak blood lactate levels >7 mmol/liter (area under the curve [AUC] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.62-0.82], P<0.001, sensitivity 76%, specificity 82%, positive predictive value [PPV] 88%) was an independent risk factor for MAE (odds ratio [OR] 2.7 [95% CI 1.3-6]). More than 30% change in NIRS value during the operative period (AUC 0.84, 95% CI [0.80-0.88], P<0.001, sensitivity 65%, specificity 85%, PPV 90%) was a strong predictor of MAE. VIS > 10 was an independent risk factor (AUC 0.75, 95% CI [0.70-0.84], P<0.001, sensitivity 86%, specificity 80%, PPV 84%) and strongly predicted MAE (OR 1.4 [95% CI 0.9-5]). Conclusion: Cerebral NIRS changes > 30%, high blood lactate levels, and VIS score within the 48 hours may help to predict the development of MAE in the postoperative period.

Genotypic and phenotypic tetracycline-based properties of Trueperella pyogenes isolates from bovine samples.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the tetracycline resistance in Trueperella pyogenes isolates from bovine samples in Burdur, Turkiye, and assess 16 tetracycline-resistance genes distribution among the isolates. Forty-nine T. pyogenes isolates were phenotypically characterized for anti-microbial resistance to doxycycline, oxytetracycline and tetracycline by disc diffusion method. Presence of tetracycline genes of T. pyogenes was investigated by multiplex and singleplex polymerase chain reaction. Our results indicated that 87.80% and 42.86% of the isolates were resistant to tetracycline and oxytetracycline, respectively, and the rate of resistance to doxycycline was 6.12%. Total of 21 (42.85%) were carrying tetracycline-resistance genes and tet(A) was present in 12 (24.49%) isolates; whereas, the tet(W) gene was identified in 9 (18.37%) and 2 (4.08%) of the isolates carried both tet(A) and tet(W), respectively. The study indicated antibiotic resistance patterns of tetracycline agents and links to the tet-genes among T. pyogenes were detected. It makes it worthwhile that this is the first report for detection of tet(A) gene in T. pyogenes.

Lancefield classification and antimicrobial resistance of hemolytic streptococci isolated from bovine mastitis.

Streptococcal species are known to be responsible for bovine mastitis. The aim of the present study was to determine antimicrobial drug resistance patterns of hemolytic streptococci distributed according to Lancefield serogrouping. Streptococcus sp. strains were isolated from 124 bovine milk samples from 31 cows with subclinical or clinical mastitis submitted to Mehmet Akif Ersoy University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Microbiology Laboratory in Burdur province, Turkey from January 2015 to January 2017. A total of 63 Streptococcus sp. were isolated and the most frequently obtained isolates were classified as Lancefield's serogroup B (84.13%), the remaining isolates as serogroup F (15.87%). Out of 63 isolates, 53 (84.13%) showed beta­hemolytic activity whereas 10 (15.87%) alpha­hemolytic activity. Antimicrobial resistance was assessed by disk diffusion test against the most common antibiotics used in the field. Among the 63 Streptococcus sp. tested, the highest antimicrobial resistance patterns were observed for neomycin (95.24%), trimethoprim sulphamethoxazole (87.30%) and gentamicin (69.84%). None of the isolates showed resistance to amoxicillin­clavulanic acid, except for one serogroup F isolate. The resistance rates for the other antimicrobials ranged from 1.59% to 38.04%. A total of 50 isolates exibited multi­drug resistance to ≥ 3 antimicrobial agents tested. Overall, our results suggested that there is an urgent need to enhance awareness among the dairy farmers in choosing the appropriate drug for treating mastitis.

Assessment of shear bond strength and microleakage of fissure sealant following enamel deproteinization: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of two different deproteinizing agents (5.25% sodium hypochlorite and Papacarie®) prior to acid etching on the shear bond strength and microleakage of a fissure sealant material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 123 extracted noncarious human third molar teeth were randomly divided into three groups for each test: acid etching alone (control) (C), sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and Papacarie Duo® (PC). The shear bond strength tests were performed using a universal testing machine, and microleakage was evaluated using a dye penetration method. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength values obtained in Group C were significantly lower than those of Group NaOCl and Group PC (p=0.0001). There were no significant differences between Group NaOCl and Group PC (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed among the groups in terms of microleakage (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Papacarie Duo® and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite treatments before etching increased the shear bond strength of the fissure sealant. However, pre-treatment with these agents did not decrease the microleakage between teeth and sealant. Key words:Deproteinization, microleakage, papain, dental seal, shear bond strength.

Synthesis of coumarin-sulfonamide derivatives and determination of their cytotoxicity, carbonic anhydrase inhibitory and molecular docking studies.

Carbonic anhydrases isoforms CA IX, and XII are known to be highly expressed in various human tissues and malignancies. CA IX is a prominent target for especially colorectal cancers, because it is overexpressed in colorectal cancer and this overexpression leads poor prognosis. Inhibition of CA IX activity by small molecule CA inhibitors like sulfonamides, sulfonamide derivative or coumarins leads to inhibition of tumorigenesis. Novel twenty-seven compounds in three series (sulfonamide-based imines (6a-6i), coumarin-based aldehydes (7a-7i), and coumarin-sulfonamide-based target molecules (8a-8i)) were synthesized and characterized by means of IR, NMR, and mass spectra. All compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit CA I, CA II, CA IX, and CA XII isoforms. 4-((((2-((1-(3-((2-oxo-2H-chromen-7-yl)oxy)propyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)methoxy)naphthalen-1-yl)-methylene)amino)methyl)benzenesulfonamide (8i) exhibited the highest hCA IX inhibition with the Ki of 45.5 nM. In addition, 8i was found to be potent in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation as selective (IC50 = 17.01 ±â€¯1.35 µM for HT-29, IC50 = 118.73 ±â€¯1.19 µM for HEK293T). This novel compound inhibited the CA IX and CA XII protein expression in HT-29 cells. These findings indicate that 8i can inhibit cellular proliferation in human colon cancer cells by specifically targeting the CA IX and CA XII expression.

One-pot hydrothermal conversion of different residues to value-added chemicals using new acidic carbonaceous catalyst.

The direct hydrothermal conversion of waste biomass to 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (5-HMF) and levulinic acid was studied here in the presence of new biomass-derived sulfonated carbonaceous solid acid catalysts. Different cheap and waste lignocellulosic/cellulosic biomass materials (wheat straw, corn straw, cotton linter and industrial textile fluff) were used as feedstock to prepare bio-based chemicals in an eco-friendly and economical process. The yields of products were improved by optimization of reaction temperature, reaction time and catalyst type for various types of biomass. Under the optimum reaction conditions BT300S sulfonated solid acid carbonaceous catalyst has exhibited higher activity compared to commercial Amberlyst 15 thus 403.7 ppm 5-HMF (16.2 mg 5-HMF/g biomass) and 1624.8 ppm LA (65.6 mg LA/g biomass) have been generated from corn straw biomass in aqueous media at 200 °C in 1 h.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and waist-to-height ratio.

PURPOSE: Obesity is among the known risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). In this study, our aim was to investigate the correlation of waist-to-height ratio, an indicator of central obesity, with presence and severity of OSAS; to compare the use of this ratio with the use of waist circumference and body mass index (BMI); and to determine OSAS-related cutoff values. METHODS: The patient records were retrospectively analyzed for whom a polysomnography was conducted at our sleep. Sex, age, Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI), waist circumference, height, and BMI values of those patients were recorded. AHI scores were used to classify severity of OSAS. RESULTS: The study included 437 OSAS patients and 72 control cases. Out of the patient group, OSAS was severe in 208 (47%) patients, moderate in 124 (28%), and mild in 105 (24%) of them. In the group of OSAS patients, waist-to-height ratio, waist circumference, and BMI were higher compared to the control group with a further difference of all three parameters among severe, moderate, mild OSAS, and controls both in males and females. Cutoff values for OSAS of females were 95.5 cm for waist circumference, 0.595 for waist-to-height ratio, and 27.75 for BMI whereas the cutoff values of males were 100.5 cm, 0.575, and 27.75, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A high value of waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and BMI is associated with the presence and severity of OSAS. We have determined the cutoff values of the studied anthropometric measurements in both sexes for OSAS and severe OSAS.

The immune system as a chronotoxicity target of the anticancer mTOR inhibitor everolimus.

The circadian timing system controls many biological functions in mammals including xenobiotic metabolism, detoxification, cell proliferation, apoptosis and immune functions. Everolimus is a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, whose immunosuppressant properties are both desired in transplant patients and unwanted in cancer patients, where it is indicated for its antiproliferative efficacy. Here we sought whether everolimus circadian timing would predictably modify its immunosuppressive effects so as to optimize this drug through timing. C57BL/6J mice were synchronized with light-dark 12h:12h, with L onset at Zeitgeber Time (ZT) 0. Everolimus was administered orally to male (5 mg/kg/day) and female mice (15 mg/kg/day) at ZT1, during early rest span or at ZT13, during early activity span for 4 weeks. Body weight loss, as well as hematological, immunological and biochemical toxicities, were determined. Spleen and thymus were examined histologically. Everolimus toxicity was less severe following dosing at ZT13, as compared to ZT1, as shown with least body weight inhibition in both genders; least reductions in thymus weight both in males (p < 0.01) and females (p < 0.001), least reduction in female spleen weight (p < 0.05), and less severe thymic medullar atrophy both in males (p < 0.001) and females (p < 0.001). The mean circulating counts in total leukocytes, total lymphocytes, T-helper and B lymphocytes displayed minor and non-significant changes following dosing at ZT13, while they were decreased by 56.9% (p < 0.01), 45.5% (p < 0.01), 43.1% (p < 0.05) and 48.7% (p < 0.01) after everolimus at ZT1, respectively, in only male mice. Chronotherapy of everolimus is an effective way to increase the general tolerability and decrease toxicity on the immune system.

The Evaluation Acute Traumatic Stress Level in Close Relatives of Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVE: Stroke is the second most common cause of death and the leading cause of adult disability. Both stroke patients and their family can therefore experience increased traumatic stress level. METHODS: The participants are close relatives of patients (n=65) who had a first time stroke (CRPWS) hospitalized. A control group (CG) (n=61), who had no history of chronic illness in their family and had at least one traumatic life event experience. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Modified Rankin Scale, Personal Information Form, Life Events Checklist, Traumatic Stress Symptom Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, were used in the study. RESULTS: We found no significant association between NIHSS and MRS of patients and traumatic stress level of the family member. The traumatic stress level was significantly higher in the CRPWS group than in the CG group. Traumatic stress level was higher in women than men and was not associated with perceived social support in the CRPWS group. CONCLUSION: The traumatic stress level of the relatives was not associated with the clinical features of the stroke patients. In the early phase, after the diagnosis of stroke, psychological support may be important to prevent CRPWS from PTSD.

Molecular Aspects of Circadian Pharmacology and Relevance for Cancer Chronotherapy.

The circadian timing system (CTS) controls various biological functions in mammals including xenobiotic metabolism and detoxification, immune functions, cell cycle events, apoptosis and angiogenesis. Although the importance of the CTS is well known in the pharmacology of drugs, it is less appreciated at the clinical level. Genome-wide studies highlighted that the majority of drug target genes are controlled by CTS. This suggests that chronotherapeutic approaches should be taken for many drugs to enhance their effectiveness. Currently chronotherapeutic approaches are successfully applied in the treatment of different types of cancers. The chronotherapy approach has improved the tolerability and antitumor efficacy of anticancer drugs both in experimental animals and in cancer patients. Thus, chronobiological studies have been of importance in determining the most appropriate time of administration of anticancer agents to minimize their side effects or toxicity and enhance treatment efficacy, so as to optimize the therapeutic ratio. This review focuses on the underlying mechanisms of the circadian pharmacology i.e., chronopharmacokinetics and chronopharmacodynamics of anticancer agents with the molecular aspects, and provides an overview of chronotherapy in cancer and some of the recent advances in the development of chronopharmaceutics.

CTX-M-15-Type Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli as Causative Agent of Bovine Mastitis.

In the present study, 3 quarter milk samples from 3 cows showing clinical signs of mastitis were investigated. Three Escherichia coli were isolated and were found resistant to ceftiofur and cefquinome. The isolates were detected as extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producers by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) ESBL screening test and combined disc method. CTX-M- and TEM-type beta-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M blaTEM) were detected by polymerase chain reaction in the isolates. Sequencing of blaCTX-M and blaTEM genes showed that the isolates were both TEM-1- and CTX-M-15-type beta-lactamase producers. The isolates were tested by agar disc diffusion test for susceptibility to various classes of antibiotics (aminoglycosides, quinolones, phenicols, folate pathway inhibitors, and tetracyclines), and they were determined as multidrug resistant. Therefore, this is the first report indicating the involvement of multidrug-resistant CTX-M-15-type ESBL-producing E. coli as a cause of bovine mastitis in Turkey.

Platelet mass index: is it a hope for reduction of platelet transfusion in NICU?

OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytopenia is a very common problem in neonatal intensive care unit whose only specific treatment is platelet (PLT) transfusion which has well-known risks. Our aim is to test whether using PLT mass-based transfusion guideline would result in fewer transfusions or not. METHODS: One hundred neonates with PLT count <100,000/µl were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n = 50) was transfused according to PLT count-based guideline, whereas Group 2 (n = 50) was transfused according to PLT mass-based guideline. Subjects receiving one or more PLT transfusions and total number of PLT transfusions, hemorrhages, morbidity and mortality in both groups were recorded. RESULTS: Demographic characteristics, PLT counts of the infants and clinical conditions associated with thrombocytopenia in both groups were not different. There was no reduction in the number of subjects receiving PLT transfusions (54% in Group 1, 50% in Group 2; p = 0.69) and in the number of PLT transfusions per infant (0.82 ± 1.13 versus 0.8 ± 1.23; p = 0.95). There was also no difference with respect to bleeding, morbidity and mortality between the groups. CONCLUSION: Transfusion according to PLT mass or PLT count-based guideline does not seem to influence number of transfusions or the number of infants who were transfused.