The current status and future needs of global bioaerosol research: a bibliometric analysis.

A bibliometric analysis was conducted to reveal the global status and highlight significant or promising areas of bioaerosol research based on the Web of Science database from 1989 to 2019. Yearly publications, main subject categories, journals, the performance of countries, and research hot topics were identified. The network of keywords and collaborations of countries was visualized and cross relationships were determined. Results showed that the annual output in the field increased during the related period. The USA, China, and Germany are the leading countries while the USA, Germany, and the UK are the most collaborative countries in bioaerosol research. "Journal of Aerosol Science" is the most productive journal and "Environmental Sciences & Ecology" is the most popular research area. The research hot spots are health effects, sampling, particulate matter, and indoor air quality in the bioaerosol topic. The findings of this research could provide information to understand the development and trends as well as future needs of bioaerosol research.

Ki-67, p-53, E-Cadherin, and ß-Catenin expression of advanced glotto-subglottic and supraglottic larynx carcinomas.

Background: Identifying tumor markers that can be used to determine the biological behavior of tumors and predicting their prognosis may be helpful in choosing treatment strategies. Besides the differences in the embryological and histological anatomy of the larynx in this regard, the possibility of molecular causes that can explain the different clinical behaviors has always been a question for the scientific world. Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether there were any immunohistochemically molecular differences among laryngeal carcinoma cases originating from two different anatomical regions of the larynx. Patients and Methods: The study group consisted of 43 patients. The rate of supraglottic cancers was 41.8%, while the rest had glotto-subglottic tumors. Ki67, ß-catenin, E-cadherin, and p53 were examined in pathology preparations obtained by laryngectomy surgeries. The data obtained were analyzed by comparing factors that may affect the prognosis of the disease and between tumors originating from the two different anatomical regions. Results: We did not see any statistically significant difference between groups for stage and grade of tumor, tumor recurrence rate, or lymphovascular or perineural invasion rated in terms of the investigated markers. In addition, there was no statistically significant difference between the two distinct groups in survival analysis. Conclusions: With these results, our study differs from some studies in the literature, and we think that this difference could be because the cases in our study consisted of advanced stage tumors and the groups investigated had similar survival rates.

The burden and epidemiology of community-acquired central nervous system infections: a multinational study.

Risk assessment of central nervous system (CNS) infection patients is of key importance in predicting likely pathogens. However, data are lacking on the epidemiology globally. We performed a multicenter study to understand the burden of community-acquired CNS (CA-CNS) infections between 2012 and 2014. A total of 2583 patients with CA-CNS infections were included from 37 referral centers in 20 countries. Of these, 477 (18.5%) patients survived with sequelae and 227 (8.8%) died, and 1879 (72.7%) patients were discharged with complete cure. The most frequent infecting pathogens in this study were Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 206, 8%) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (n = 152, 5.9%). Varicella zoster virus and Listeria were other common pathogens in the elderly. Although staphylococci and Listeria resulted in frequent infections in immunocompromised patients, cryptococci were leading pathogens in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive individuals. Among the patients with any proven etiology, 96 (8.9%) patients presented with clinical features of a chronic CNS disease. Neurosyphilis, neurobrucellosis, neuroborreliosis, and CNS tuberculosis had a predilection to present chronic courses. Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, M. tuberculosis, and S. pneumoniae were the most fatal forms, while sequelae were significantly higher for herpes simplex virus type 1 (p < 0.05 for all). Tackling the high burden of CNS infections globally can only be achieved with effective pneumococcal immunization and strategies to eliminate tuberculosis, and more must be done to improve diagnostic capacity.

A fluorescence sedimentation assay for dsDNA antibodies.

The Farr assay is a radioimmunoassay (RIA) for dsDNA antibodies, based on antibody precipitation using ammonium sulphate and quantification using radio-labelled dsDNA. The RIA-Farr assay offers outstanding clinical specificity and sensitivity for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared to other assays but does also present some disadvantages as it utilizes radioactive-labelled dsDNA and requires high levels of technical expertise for safe handling. Here, a new precipitation assay, 'Fluoro-Farr' assay, is described. This assay maintains a high sensitivity and specificity for SLE but is based on precipitation with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and fluorescence of EvaGreen intercalated in dsDNA as detection principle. As dsDNA antibodies are quantified using fluorescence, the disadvantages of working with radioactivity are eliminated. The Fluoro-Farr assay was developed and validated, and the diagnostic efficiency of the assay was evaluated by testing 57 sera from SLE patients and 60 healthy controls. The Fluoro-Farr assay revealed a diagnostic sensitivity of 68% at a diagnostic specificity of 95% (ROC AUC 0.91). Furthermore, the new Fluoro-Farr assay was compared to the RIA-Farr assay, and showed a correlation of the outcomes from the two assays, but the Fluoro-Farr assay did not outperform the RIA-Farr assay due to its outstanding clinical diagnostic efficiency (ROC AUC 0.99). In conclusion, the Fluoro-Farr assay presents a viable alternative to the traditional RIA-Farr assay; especially in laboratories without facilities to perform assays with radioactivity-based read-out. As the RIA-Farr assay, the Fluoro-Farr assay has the advantage of being a precipitation assay allowing antibody:dsDNA interaction in solution using native dsDNA.

Identifying main drivers and testing control strategies for CCHFV spread.

Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) is an emerging zoonotic disease. The causative agent is a virus (CCHFV), mainly transmitted by ticks of the species Hyalomma marginatum in Eastern Europe and Turkey. In order to test potential scenarios for the control of pathogen spread, the basic reproduction number (R0) for CCHF was calculated. This calculation was based on a population dynamics model and parameter values from the literature for pathogen transmission. The tick population dynamics model takes into account the major processes involved and gives estimates for tick survival from one stage to the other and number of feeding ticks. It also considers the influence of abiotic (meteorological variables) and biotic factors (host densities) on model outputs, which were compared with data collected in Central Anatolia (Turkey). R0 computation was thereafter used to test control strategies and especially the effect of acaricide treatment. Simulation results indicate that such treatments could have valuable effects provided that the acaricide is applied regularly throughout the spring and summer, and over several years. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis to abiotic and biotic factors showed that, even though temperature has a strong impact on model outputs, host (mainly hare) densities also play a role. The kind of model we have developed provides insight into the ability of different strategies to prevent and control disease spread and has proved its relevance when associated with field trials.

Laparoscopic temporary clipping of uterine and ovarian arteries for the treatment of interstitial ectopic pregnancy.

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: To assess the effect of laparoscopic temporary clipping of uterine and ovarian arteries for the treatment of interstitial ectopic pregnancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 29-year-old woman with vaginal bleeding and pelvic pain was admitted to the current clinic. She had secondary amenorrhea for nine weeks. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed normal empty uterus and right interstitial ectopic pregnancy with viable embryo. Laparoscopic temporary clipping of uterine and ovarian arteries, interstitial pregnancy resection, and primary myometrial suturing was performed. RESULTS: Following dissection Latzko pararectal space for the visualization of both uterine arteries, four vascular clips were placed (two to uterine arteries, two to infundibulopelvic ligaments). Excision of interstitial pregnancy and primary myometrial suturing was performed with minimal blood loss. The patient was discharged from the hospital after one day without any remarkable complications. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first case of interstitial pregnancy that was successfully treated by temporary laparoscopic clipping of uterine and ovarian vessels prior to interstitial ectopic pregnancy resection.

Amniotic fluid lamellar body count as a novel biochemical marker for timing elective caesarean delivery.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of amniotic fluid lamellar body count (LBC) on the timing of elective caesarean delivery (CS) at ≥ 39 weeks. After allocating the study group (group I, transient tachypnoea of newborn (TTN), n = 14), an age-matched control group (group II, no TTN, n = 79) was selected for amniotic fluid LBC analysis. The median amniotic fluid LBC levels in group I were significantly lower than in the control group. Furthermore, the median values of mean lamellar body volume, median lamellar body distribution width and lamellar bodycrit in group I were also significantly lower than in group II. The best amniotic fluid LBC value to predict TTN was 40.15 × 10(3)/µl, with 82.3% sensitivity and 64.3% specificity. The favourable sensitivity and specificity values to predict the TTN for amniotic fluid LBC may suggest using it as an elective caesarean delivery-time scheduling marker.

Is induction of labour by Propess(®) safe? A comparison of midwife-led versus obstetrician-led labour management.

This retrospective study compared maternal and fetal outcomes after labour induction, using a dinoprostone vaginal pessary (Propess(®)) in midwife-led and obstetrician-led labour management. Labour induction outcomes, delivery mode and rates of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit were compared. A total of 405 women, 40.5% (n = 164) from midwife-led units and 59.5% (n = 241) from an obstetrician-led unit, participated. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in caesarean section rate or neonatal intensive care unit admission rates (p = 0.789 and 0.769, respectively). Non-reassuring fetal non-stress test and uterine hyperstimulation risks were higher in the obstetrician-led unit (p = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively, and odds ratio (OR) 0.165, 95% CI: 0.117-0.232 and OR 0.218, 95% CI: 0.078-0.611, respectively). Postpartum blood transfusion rate was higher in the midwife-led units (p = 0.002, OR 8.082, 95% CI: 1.879-39.292). Labour induction with Propess(®) is safe during both midwife-led and obstetrician-led labour management.

In vitro assessment of the recurrent doses of topical gaseous ozone in the removal of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms in root canals.

AIM: To evaluate the potential antibacterial effect of recurrent doses of topical gaseous ozone on the Enterococcus faecalis biofilms0 growth in human root canals in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and thirty four human single-rooted mandibular premolars were enlarged to a size 35 K-File. Each root canal were inoculated with an overnight culture of Enterococcus faecalis 0ATCC 29212 in tryptic soy broth for 24 hours and incubated for 7 days at 37°C. At 7-day interval, 4 specimens were prepared for Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis to confirm the presence and purity of biofilms whilst the other contaminated root canals were irrigated and disinfected. One hundred root canals of total 134 specimens were selected to create the experimental groups and divided into 5 subgroups. In each experimental group ( n = 20) root canals), recurrent ozone doses were applied with different irrigation and disinfection protocols in 5 different time intervals. Bacterial growth was analyzed by counting viable E. faecalis on tryptic soy agar plates. RESULTS: According to intergroup comparison results observed in the final sample collection analysis, the amount of remaining bacteria in the positive control group were found to be significantly higher compared to Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and the material control group ( P < 0.01). The remaining amount of bacteria in the last count of Group 1 were found to be significantly higher compared to Group 2 ( P < 0.05), Group 4 ( P < 0.01), Group 5 (P < 0.05) and the material control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The application of topical gaseous ozone in recurrent doses provides a positive effect in the removal of E. faecalis biofilm from root canals. However, during disinfection procedure, the combined use of recurrent doses of topical gaseous ozone with 2% NaOCl enhanced its antibacterial effect against E. faecalis biofilm.

In vitro comparison of induction capacity and biomineralization ability of mineral trioxide aggregate and a bioceramic root canal sealer.

AIM: To compare the effect of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and iRoot SP, a bioceramic root canal sealer, on the cell viability, hard tissue deposition capacity and odontogenic differentiation of human tooth germ stem cells (hTGSCs). METHODOLOGY: The dental materials MTA, iRoot SP and Dycal were packed into Teflon rings and placed on transwell inserts for toxicity evaluations by the MTS assay on days 3 and 7. Dycal was used as a positive control for the cell viability assay. Teflon rings were cocultured with hTGSCs, followed by the induction of odontogenic differentiation. The odontogenic differentiation of hTGSCs and biomineralization ability of the materials were evaluated by analysing the mRNA expression levels of dentine sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and collagen type 1A (COL1A) by real-time polymerase chain reaction expression analysis, measurement of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and visualization of calcium deposits by von Kossa staining. RESULTS: MTA and iRoot SP exhibited no cytotoxicity, but Dycal caused cytotoxicity (P < 0.05) of almost all of the cells after 7 days. MTA significantly stimulated (P < 0.05) the odontogenic differentiation of hTGSCs compared with iRoot SP. MTA and iRoot SP increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA levels of COL1A and DSPP mRNA compared with noninduced hTGSCs, which served as a negative control (NC). iRoot SP, however, significantly decreased (P < 0.05) COL1A and DSPP mRNA expression levels compared with the PC. CONCLUSION: MTA and iRoot SP induced hTGSC differentiation into odontoblast-like cells, but MTA might provide more inductive potential and hard tissue deposition compared with iRoot SP.

Effects of dietary supplementation with a herbal extract on the performance of broilers infected with a mixture of Eimeria species.

1. A herbal extract containing a blend of three essential oils, derived from oregano, laurel leaf and lavender, was investigated as a feed additive alternative to the conventional anticoccidial sodium monensin. 2. Broilers were infected with a mixture of Eimeria species or left uninfected. Both infected and uninfected broilers were provided with diets containing either herbal extract (HEX), monensin (MON) or without these supplements (CON). The HEX group had 50 mg herbal extract/kg diet and the MON group 100 mg monensin/kg diet. 3. All of the uninfected broilers exhibited higher body weight gain and better feed conversion when compared with their infected counterparts at d 28 and 42 of age. Both HEX and MON supplements caused significant improvements in performance in the infected broilers, but failed to have any effect on uninfected broilers. 4. Faecal oocyst output measured daily by sampling excreta, and expressed on a per bird basis, was lower in the HEX and MON groups than in the CON group. However, the herbal extract was not as effective as monensin in reducing oocyst excretion. Coccidial infection caused a significant increase in total intestinal length and caecal weight, but the dietary treatments did not influence these measurements. 5. These results indicate that providing a herbal extract in the diet was not as effective as monensin in protecting broilers exposed to a coccidial challenge.

Metastatic prostate adenocarcinoma presenting as supraclavicular lymphadenopathy: a report of two cases.

Clinical examination is very important in the practice of medicine. In patients presenting with a supraclavicular mass, a number of diseases including cancer should be ruled out. Two patients who presented with a bulky left supraclavicular mass were evaluated. Their medical history revealed complaints attributed to lower urinary tract infection. We performed histopathological examination of the lymph nodes with radiological evaluation of the thorax and abdomen. The final diagnoses were prostate cancer in both patients. It should always be kept in mind that prostate cancer is the most frequent cancer in elderly men, and although very unusual, the presenting finding can be cervical or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy; thus clinicians should be aware of urological examinations in such cases.

The effect of ankaferd to stop bleeding in experimental partial nephrectomy.

AIMS: In kidney surgery, bleeding is one of the most important issues. In partial nephrectomy, as a "blood stopper", we used surgycell and ankaferd which is used traditionally in Turkish medicine. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 24 Wistar-Albino rats were grouped randomly. Laparotomy was performed in the first group, sham group. In the second group, partial nephrectomy was performed to lower-kidney pole and then, serum physiology was given to the lower part of the kidney. In the third group, partial nephrectomy was performed and surgycell was given over the kidney. In the fourth group, partial nephrectomy was performed and then ABS was applied. In all groups, the gauze was weighted on sensitive lift before and after the operation in order to determine the amount of bleeding. After the subjects were left alive for 5 hours, the levels of blood urea, and creatinine and kidney histopathology were evaluated. RESULTS: No meaningful difference between the groups was found as for the levels of blood urea, and creatinine and the kidney histopathology. Bleeding amount was diminished significantly in the group 4, to which ankaferd was applied. CONCLUSION: Ankaferd is a substance which can be used effectively for controlling acute bleeding in kidney surgery (Tab. 2, Ref. 19). Full Text in free PDF www.bmj.sk.

Is it necessary to operate on all women with an acute abdomen following medical treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy?

The main objective of this retrospective study is to evaluate the question of whether it is necessary to perform surgery for patients who develop an acute abdomen after methotrexate administration in cases of tubal ectopic pregnancy. A total of 26 women with tubal ectopic pregnancy who required emergency surgical evaluation after a single dose of methotrexate treatment were included. The surgical findings were tubal abortion (10 cases, 38.4%); tubal rupture (12 cases, 46.2%) and tubal haematoma (4 cases, 15.4%). The average time for initiation of severe abdominal pain following single dose methotrexate treatment was 6.12 +/- 2.10 days (range, 2-10). The most common site of implantation was isthmus (50.0%) and 38.5% (five patients) of the patients had tubal abortion from this part of the tube, while 46.1% of women (six patients) with isthmic localisation had a tubal rupture. Following medical treatment of ectopic pregnancy, surgery may be an option in the presence of symptoms/signs of acute abdomen (in the presence or absence of haemodynamic instability) and free pelvic fluid on sonography for only patients with isthmic tubal ectopic pregnancy, or if the isthmic localisation of tubal ectopic pregnancy is suspected on sonography.

A custom-made silicon mold for pressure therapy to ear keloids.

Keloids are raised reddish nodules that develop at the site of an injury. They are characterized histologically by an abundance of fibroblasts, thick collagen bundles, and ground substance. Auricular keloid formation is a known complication of ear piercing. Many types of treatments have been described for auricular keloids.Pressure therapy in combination with surgery, corticosteroid injection, or both is widely used to manage and prevent hypertrophic scarring. Many pressure devices and procedures have been developed. However, all of them are designed for the earlobe region. If a keloid grows in the posterior auricular region, none of the devices described in the literature will be effective. The authors developed a custom-made silicon ear mold that covers whole ear. With this mold, pressure can be applied homogeneously to the lobule and cartilaginous region, which the other devices described in the literature cannot affect. The preparation technique includes making the negative cast mold of the patient's ear, creating the positive cast mold from the negative cast mold, and forming the negative silicon mold from the positive cast. After all the processes, a silicon sheet has been designed according to the region needing to be pressurized. The designed silicon sheet is applied to the region, followed by placement of the silicon mold. A simple tennis head band can be used to stabilize the silicon cast. If the keloid extends to the posterior auricular region, pressurizing with clips or other devices described previously will be difficult. Application of pressure to the cartilaginous auricle needs custom-made devices. At this point, a pressure sore caused by a device applied to the ear is the most important problem. To prevent the ear from developing a pressure sore, the device should press to whole area homogeneously. For this reason, the device applied for pressure therapy to the ear must be custom made.

Cigarette smoking and pregnancy: results of a survey at a Turkish women's hospital in 1,020 patients.

We aimed to investigate the level of knowledge about the effects of cigarette smoking and status before and during pregnancy. The study was performed on 1,020 pregnant women who attended the clinic for a routine visit. The questionnaire consisting of questions about sociodemographic data, smoking habits and knowledge about harmful effects of smoking on fetus (miscarriage, intrauterine growth retardation, pre-term birth, fetal mortality-morbidity, postpartum infant death, pre-term premature rupture of membranes, lung disease, attention deficit) was administered. Data were analysed by SPSS 10.0 using chi(2)-test and binary regression analysis. Mean age was 26.3 years. Smoking rates before and after pregnancy were 34.7% and 14%, respectively. Passive smoking was seen in 69.2%. The number of cigarettes smoked before pregnancy had a significant impact on continuation of smoking during pregnancy [OR (95% CI) 29.94 (12.88-69.64)]. For passive smoking at home for a young age [OR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.01-1.76)] had a positive impact and university education [OR (95% CI) = 0.40 (0.24-0.67)] had a negative impact. Most pregnant women (97.5%) knew smoking was harmful. Awareness of intrauterine fetal death as a harmful effect was the single most important factor associated with quitting active and passive smoking. Despite some level of knowledge of pregnant women regarding adverse effects of smoking, there is a strong need for education on quitting smoking during pregnancy. Prevention of passive smoking should have the highest priority.