Evaluating interleukin-16 expression in patients with grade-3 and grade-4 glial cell tumors and healthy individuals.

Background: This study evaluated the change in IL-16 levels in patients with high-grade glial tumors undergoing radiotherapy (RT) and healthy individuals (control group). Materials and Methods: Serum IL-16 levels of 35 high-grade glioma patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) and 30 healthy individuals were compared. We compared the IL-16 levels before (RT0) and after the (RT1) and IL-16 levels were measured and the relationship of this change with other characteristics such as age, gender, weight, height, and blood test results. Results: The RT0-IL-16 level was approximately 15 pg/ml higher than the RT1 measurement in the patient group. The mean RT0-IL-16 levels in the patient group were approximately 10 pg/ml higher than the mean IL-16 levels in the control group. Likewise, at the RT1 time-point, the mean IL-16 levels for the patient group were approximately 5 pg/ml lower than the mean IL-16 for the control group. The mean RT0-RT1-IL-16 value tended to be higher in female patients than in male patients. Conclusion: The application of RT reduces the overall IL-16 levels, suggesting the efficacy of RT, as well as the role of IL-16 in tumorigenesis.

Subclinical hypothyroidism and its relationship with therapy failure in patients underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy.

OBJECTIVE: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is used in patients with heart failure (HF), an important problem in cardiology practice, with reduced left ventricular systolic dysfunctions and left ventricular dyssynchrony to improve morbidity and mortality. Thyroid diseases have undeniable effects on cardiac functions. So, we aimed to evaluate the effect of subclinical hypothyroidism on CRT response in HF patients in this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After the exclusion, 386 consecutive patients who received first-time CRT-defibrillator (CRT-D) or CRT-pacemaker (CRT-P) were retrospectively included. Known overt hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism patients were excluded. The response of CRT was defined as a relative increase (≥15%) or absolute increase (≥10%) in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from implantation to one-year after follow-up. RESULTS: Diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation and coronary artery disease ratios were similar between responder vs. non-responder groups. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were higher (p <0.005) in non-responder group. Responder group had higher baseline LVEF (p <0.001), and follow-up LVEF (p <0.001) and longer baseline QRS interval (p =0.004), but similar post-implant QRS interval duration (p >0.005) with non-responder group. Baseline QRS interval (p =0.002), baseline LVEF (p <0.001) and the presence of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) (p =0.001) were independent predictors of CRT response. Adding SCH as a risk factor to our baseline risk modelling has an independent prognostic impact to predict non-responder patients (p =0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of the SCH may be an important predictor of non-response in patients undergoing CRT. Evaluating the risk factors associated with non-response to CRT may be logical in identifying patients who obtain maximum benefit from CRT treatment.

Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium bovis strains isolated from cattle and humans by spoligotyping and 24-locus MIRU-VNTR, and prevalence of positive IGRA in slaughterhouse workers in Southern Turkey.

Background: Mycobacterium bovis is a zoonotic member of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex with a wide range of hosts, mainly cattle. Molecular epidemiological studies should be conducted to determine the transmission route, zoonotic risk factors, and phylogenetic relationships of M. bovis strains. Aims: This study aimed to characterize bovine and human M. bovis isolates by molecular methods. Methods: Molecular characterization and clonal relationship of strains isolated from tissue and organ samples of 76 cattle with positive tuberculin tests were collected from a slaughterhouse, and four M. bovis strains isolated from clinical materials of patients with suspected pulmonary TB isolates were analyzed using 24-locus MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping methods. QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus (QFT-Plus; Qiagen) was used to determine the prevalence of latent TB infection among 21 slaughterhouse personnel including 7 veterinarians, 12 butchers, 1 caretaker, and 1 veterinary technician. Results: SB0288/SIT685 type was detected in both cattle and humans by the spoligotyping method. When evaluating MIRU-VNTR, the presence of a 100% compatible pattern between human and bovine isolates was not detected, but some human samples were found to be 91.6% similar to a bovine sample. In addition, 21 slaughterhouse workers were screened with the interferon gamma-released assay (IGRA) and a 23.8% positivity was detected. Conclusion: Clonal similarity was determined between the bovine and human isolates using the MIRU-VNTR and spoligotyping methods and IGRA positivity in the occupational group suggested that M. bovis might be associated with pulmonary tuberculosis in humans.

Evaluation of IL-17A expressions in high-grade glial tumors receiving radiotherapy.

Aim: In this study, we aimed to investigate the interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels in patients with high-grade glial tumors before receiving radiotherapy, immediately after radiotherapy, and 3 months after radiotherapy. Patients and Methods: A total of 33 patients who applied to Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiation Oncology between December 2016 and May 2018 was included in this study. A total of three blood samples was taken from each patient to assess IL-17A levels before and after radiotherapy and 3 months after the completion of radiotherapy. Results: The differences in IL-17A levels between genders were not statistically significant. IL-17A levels progressively decreased after the radiotherapy and 3 months after the radiotherapy as compared to the levels before radiotherapy. However, this was not statistically significant. IL-17A levels in the non-surviving patients were high before and after radiotherapy as compared to the surviving ones, but this was also not statistically significant. Conclusion: As compared to the period before radiotherapy, IL-17A levels tend to decrease in the period of acute and chronic phases of radiotherapy in all patient groups.

New insights on commemoration of the dead through mortuary and architectural use of pigments at Neolithic Çatalhöyük, Turkey.

The cultural use of pigments in human societies is associated with ritual activities and the creation of social memory. Neolithic Çatalhöyük (Turkey, 7100-5950 cal BC) provides a unique case study for the exploration of links between pigments in burials, demographic data and colourants in contemporary architectural contexts. This study presents the first combined analysis of funerary and architectural evidence of pigment use in Neolithic Anatolia and discusses the possible social processes underlying the observed statistical patterns. Results reveal that pigments were either applied directly to the deceased or included in the grave as a burial association. The most commonly used pigment was red ochre. Cinnabar was mainly applied to males and blue/green pigment was associated with females. A correlation was found between the number of buried individuals and the number of painted layers in the buildings. Mortuary practices seem to have followed specific selection processes independent of sex and age-at-death of the deceased. This study offers new insights about the social factors involved in pigment use in this community, and contributes to the interpretation of funerary practices in Neolithic Anatolia. Specifically, it suggests that visual expression, ritual performance and symbolic associations were elements of shared long-term socio-cultural practices.

Spread of carbapenem-resistant international clones of Acinetobacter baumannii in Turkey and Azerbaijan: a collaborative study.

Epidemic clones of Acinetobacter baumannii, described as European clones I, II, and III, are associated with hospital epidemics throughout the world. We aimed to determine the molecular characteristics and genetic diversity between European clones I, II, and III from Turkey and Azerbaijan. In this study, a total of 112 bloodstream isolates of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. were collected from 11 hospitals across Turkey and Azerbaijan. The identification of Acinetobacter spp. using conventional and sensitivity tests was performed by standard criteria. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect OXA carbapenemase-encoding genes (bla OXA-23-like, bla OXA-24-like, bla OXA-51-like, and bla OXA-58-like). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing was used to investigate genetic diversity. The bla OXA-51-like gene was present in all 112 isolates, 75 (67 %) carried bla OXA-23-like, 7 (6.2 %) carried bla OXA-58-like genes, and 5 (4.5 %) carried bla OXA-24-like genes. With a 90 % similarity cut-off value, 15 clones and eight unique isolates were identified. The largest clone was cluster D, with six subtypes. Isolates from clusters D and I were widely spread in seven different geographical regions throughout Turkey. However, F cluster was found in the northern and eastern regions of Turkey. EU clone I was grouped within J cluster with three isolates found in Antalya, Istanbul, and Erzurum. EU clone II was grouped in the U cluster with 15 isolates and found in Kayseri and Diyarbakir. The bla OXA-24-like gene in carbapenemases was identified rarely in Turkey and has been reported for the first time from Azerbaijan. Furthermore, this is the first multicenter study in Turkey and Azerbaijan to identify several major clusters belonging to European clones I and II of A. baumannii.

Comparison of convensional and molecular methods used to determine Leishmania species.

Leishmaniasis is a multisystem disease, and have a broad spectrum ranging from skin lesions to systemic disease. Therefore diagnosis must be supported with laboratory results. We analyzed 153 smears, aspiration, blood and bone narrow samples collected from patients suspected with cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The specificity and sensitivity of the four methods (culture, smear, miniexon-PCR-RFLP and ITS1-PCR-RFLP) were detected and Leishmania species were determined. The ITS1-PCR-RFLP method was found that the highest sensitivity and specifity. L. infantum and L. tropica were identified by molecular methods from samples. As a result, ITS-1-PCR has a high sensitivity and specificity and easily applicable method. However, it requires the miniexon-PCR or ITS1 sequencing the discrimination of the L. donovani complex. L. infantum is a agent both visceral and cutaneous leishmaniasis in our region.

Lawsonia inermis - an alternative treatment for hyperthyroidism?

AIM: The goal of our study was to determine the effects of Lawsonia inermis (L. inermis) in mice, in which hyperthyroidism had been caused by thyroid stimulant hormone (TSH). MATERIAL AND METHOD: The first phase of the study aimed to detect the effects of L. inermis on the amount of ionized hydrogen (pH) in cells. For this aim, the effect of L. inermis on pH levels in the liver tissues of mice, in whom Escherichia coli (E. coli) had caused peritonitis, was examined. In the second phase of the study, the effect of L. inermis on the serum T4 levels in the 24th and 48th hour in mice, whose thyroid cells showed an increased activity by TSH was measured. RESULTS: In the first phase, in mice, in whom E.coli had caused peritonitis, the pH in the liver tissue of the group that had been given L. inermis was found to be significantly alkaline (p<0.05). In the second phase, in mice, in whom TSH had caused hyperthyroidism, it was noted that serum total T4 levels were significantly lower than in the group that had been given L. inermis in the 48th hour (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In our study, we detected that L. inermis significantly decreased serum total T4 levels in the 48th hour in mice in whom TSH had caused hyperthyroidism. These results suggest that L. inermis can be used as an alternative treatment for the Graves' disease (Tab. 2, Fig. 1, Ref. 34).

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and reactivity studies of oxovanadium(IV) complexes with bulky N,N'-polymethylenebis(3,5-(t)Bu(2)salicylaldimine) ligands.

A series of new sterically hindered N,N'-polymethylenebis(3,5-(t)Bu(2)salicylaldimine) ligands (H(2)L(x)) VO(IV) complexes, [VO{(2-O-3,5-(t)Bu(2)C(6)H(2))CHN-R-NCH-(3,5-(t)Bu(2)-C(6)H(2)O-2)] (X), where R=-(CH(2))(3)- (3), -(CH(2))(4)- (4), -(CH(2))(5)- (5), -(CH(2))(6)- (6) and -CH(2)C(CH(3))(2)CH(2)- (7) and early reported -(CH(2))(2)- (1) and -CH(2)CH(CH(3))- (2), has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic (IR, UV/vis, (1)H NMR, EPR), electrochemical and magnetic susceptibility measurements. Complexes 1-7 are described a trigonal distorted pyramids. All seven compounds give nearly the same parallel hyperfine coupling constant (A(z)) regardless that the geometry of VO(IV) changes from square pyramidal to trigonal distorted pyramids. Chemical oxidation of 1-7 by one equiv Ce(IV) leads to the formation of stable [VO(V)L(x)](+) complexes. Cyclic voltammograms of 2-6 in DMSO along with a quasi-reversible VO(IV)/VO(V) redox couple also showed irreversible phenolate/phenoxyl responses. Each 1 and 7 shows only one reversible VO(IV) centered oxidation waves. Chemical oxidation of H(2)L(x) forms the stable [H(2)L(x)](+) radical species.

Antibiotic resistance patterns of coagulase-negative staphylococcus strains isolated from blood cultures of septicemic patients in Turkey.

The aim of this study is to determine antibiotic resistance patterns and slime production characteristics of coagulase-negative Staphylococci (CoNS) caused nosocomial bacteremia. A total of 200 CoNS strains were isolated from blood samples of patients with true bacteremia who were hospitalized in intensive care units and in other departments of Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical Hospital between 1999 and 2006. Among 200 CoNS isolates, Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most prevalent species (87) followed by Staphylococcus haemolyticus (23), Staphylococcus hominis (19), Staphylococcus lugdunensis (18), Staphylococcus capitis (15), Staphylococcus xylosus (10), Staphylococcus warneri (8), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (5), Staphylococcus lentus (5), Staphylococcus simulans (4), Staphylococcus chromogenes (3), Staphylococcus cohnii (1), Staphylococcus schleiferi (1), and Staphylococcus auricularis (1). Resistance to methicillin was detected in 67.5% of CoNS isolates. Methicillin-resistant CoNS strains were determined to be more resistant to antibiotics than methicillin-susceptible CoNS strains. Resistance rates of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible CoNS strains to the antibacterial agents, respectively, were as follows: gentamicin 90% and 17%, erythromycin 80% and 37%, clindamycin 72% and 18%, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 68% and 38%, ciprofloxacin 67% and 23%, tetracycline 60% and 45%, chloramphenicol 56% and 13% and fusidic acid 25% and 15%. None of the strains were resistant to vancomycin and teicoplanin. Slime production was detected in 86 of 200 CoNS strains. Resistance to methicillin was found in 81% of slime-positive and in 57% of slime-negative strains. Our results indicated that there is a high level of resistance to widely used agents in causative methicillin-resistant CoNS strains. However fusidic acid has the smallest resistance ratio, with the exception of glycopeptides. Additionally, most S. epidermidis strains were slime-positive, with statistically significant (p<0.001) association between methicillin resistance and slime production.

Reductions of E. coli, echovirus type 12 and bacteriophages in an intermittently operated household-scale slow sand filter.

Point-of-use (POU) drinking water treatment technology enables those without access to safe water sources to improve the quality of their water by treating it in the home. One of the most promising emerging POU technologies is the biosand filter (BSF), a household-scale, intermittently operated slow sand filter. Over 500,000 people in developing countries currently use the filters to treat their drinking water. However, despite this successful implementation, there has been almost no systematic, process engineering research to substantiate the effectiveness of the BSF or to optimize its design and operation. The major objectives of this research were to: (1) gain an understanding of the hydraulic flow condition within the filter (2) characterize the ability of the BSF to reduce the concentration of enteric bacteria and viruses in water and (3) gain insight into the key parameters of filter operation and their effects on filter performance. Three 6-8 week microbial challenge experiments are reported herein in which local surface water was seeded with E. coli, echovirus type 12 and bacteriophages (MS2 and PRD-1) and charged to the filter daily. Tracer tests indicate that the BSF operated at hydraulic conditions closely resembling plug flow. The performance of the filter in reducing microbial concentrations was highly dependent upon (1) filter ripening over weeks of operation and (2) the daily volume charged to the filter. BSF performance was best when less than one pore volume (18.3-L in the filter design studied) was charged to the filter per day and this has important implications for filter design and operation. Enhanced filter performance due to ripening was generally observed after roughly 30 days. Reductions of E. coli B ranged from 0.3 log10 (50%) to 4 log10, with geometric mean reductions after at least 30 days of operation of 1.9 log10. Echovirus 12 reductions were comparable to those for E. coli B with a range of 1 log10 to >3 log10 and mean reductions after 30 days of 2.1 log10. Bacteriophage reductions were much lower, ranging from zero to 1.3 log10 (95%) with mean reductions of only 0.5 log10 (70%). These data indicate that virus reduction by BSF may differ substantially depending upon the specific viral agent.

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and X-band EPR of [Cu(H(2)O)(2)(imH)(4)] x Sq single crystals.

The copper salt [Cu(H(2)O)(2)(imH)(4)] x Sq has been synthesized at room temperature. Crystal structure of the [Cu(H(2)O)(2)(imH)(4)] x Sq (Sq is squarete dianion (C(4)O(4)(2-)) and imH is imidazole (C(3)H(4)N(2))) complexes has been investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and the environment of copper ion has been identified by EPR. The single crystal is triclinic with the space group P1. The unit cell dimensions of the crystals are a=9.317 Angstrom, b=9.958 Angstrom, c=12.130 Angstrom, alpha=69.99 degrees , beta=76.61 degrees and gamma=78.13 degrees . The unit cell contains two molecules. The Cu(II) atom has an octahedral arrangement in which the Cu(II) ion lies on the inversion canter and is coordinated by four imidazole ligands with the equatorial plane and two water molecules with the octahedral axial. The complex shows a normal magnetic moment and the single crystal EPR spectra consist of two sets of four hyperfine lines of copper. The ground wave function of the hole of the Cu(2+) is an admixture of d(x(2) - y(2)) and d(z(2)) states.

Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of Aeromonas strains isolated from drinking water samples in istanbul, Turkey.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the resistance patterns of Aeromonas spp. in drinking water in Istanbul, Turkey. We investigated a total of 1,680 drinking water samples (840 tap water and 840 domestic water tank samples) for Aeromonas strains between June 2002 and October 2005. A total of 147 Aeromonas strains were isolated from 49 (6%) of 840 tap water samples and from 98 (12%) of 840 domestic water tank samples. Antibiotic susceptibility of Aeromonas strains was determined by the disc diffusion method, according to the CLSI (Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute) recommendation. Among the 147 Aeromonas strains, the prevalence was: A. hydrophila 68 (46%), A. sobria 50 (34%), A. caviae 11 (8%), A. salmonicida 9 (6%), A. veronii 5 (3%) and A. jandaei 4 (3%). Approximately 55% of the strains were resistant to ampicillin, 48% to erythromycin, 41% to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 28% to ceftazidime, 27% to cefoxitin, 26% to ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, 22% to piperacillin, 14% to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, 12% to tetracycline, 11% to aztreonam, 8% to meropenem, 6% to imipenem, 2% to nalidixic acid, 1% to ciprofloxacin, tobramycin and gentamicin. None of the strains were resistant to amikacin and netilmicin. In conclusion, Aeromonas spp. isolated from drinking water in Istanbul have a resistance potential and the antibiotic resistance rates of A. hydrophila, A. sobria and A. caviae were usually higher than those of other Aeromonas strains. It should be kept in mind that these microorganisms in drinking water might be a potential risk for public health.

Characterisation of the biosand filter for E. coli reductions from household drinking water under controlled laboratory and field use conditions.

More than a billion people in the developing world lack access to safe and reliable sources of drinking water. Point of use (POU) household water treatment technology allows people to improve the quality of their water by treating it in the home. One emerging POU technology is the biosand filter (BSF), a household-scale, intermittently operated slow sand filter. Laboratory and field studies examined Escherichia coli reductions achieved by the BSF. During two laboratory studies, mean E. coli reductions were 94% and they improved over the period of filter use, reaching a maximum of 99%. Field analysis conducted on 55 household filters near Bonao, Dominican Republic averaged E. coli reductions of 93%. E. coli reductions by the BSF in laboratory and field studies were less than those typically observed for traditional slow sand filters (SSFs), although as for SSFs microbial reductions improved over the period of filter use. Further study is needed to determine the factors contributing to microbial reductions in BSFs and why reductions are lower than those of conventional SSFs.

Electron paramagnetic resonance of some gamma-irradiated drugs.

Some drugs, used mainly in treatment of some neurological diseases and hypertension were exposed to gamma-irradiation, and the samples were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). The observed spectra were interpreted in terms of some type of alkyl and amine radical fragments. The spectra were computer simulated and the g values of the radicals and the hyperfine structure constants of the free electron with nearby protons were determined. The species were found to be stable at room temperature for more than a year. The samples were found to display no EPR signal without irradiation.

Evaluation of aerosol contamination during debonding procedures.

The aim of this study was to show how the aerosol generated by the use of an air turbine handpiece during debonding procedures increases the potential risk factor for the distribution of infectious agents. A second aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a preprocedural chlorhexidine mouth rinse in reducing the number of colony forming units (CFU) found in aerosol samples. Blood agar plates were attached to the face shields and the dental chair table and were used for collecting the aerosol samples. In the first part of the study, 260 samples were collected for the baseline group in an empty room, 36 samples were collected for the control group (C), in which the orthodontist, dental assistant, and the patient were in the operatory room, and 42 samples were collected for the debonding group (DB). The microbiologic analysis showed significant differences between the baseline group and the control group (P < .05). Furthermore, aerosol contamination increased significantly during the debonding procedure when compared with the control group (P < .01). In the second part of the study, an air turbine handpiece was used to remove excess adhesive from the tooth surface on one side of the mouth and air samples were collected. The patients then were instructed to rinse their mouths with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for 1 minute, and the orthodontist worked on the other side of the mouth and the air sampling was repeated. An insignificant reduction was found in the number of colony forming units following the chlorhexidine mouth rinse. Results of this study indicated that orthodontists are exposed to high levels of aerosol generation and contamination during the debonding procedure, and preprocedural chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinse appears to be ineffective in decreasing the exposure to infectious agents. Therefore, barrier equipment should be used to prevent aerosol contamination.

Synthesis and ESR studies of redox reactivity of bis (3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone-2-monooximato)Cu(II).

Complexing of 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone-2-monooxime with Cu(II) in air and under N2 gave Cu(qo)2 and Cu(qo)2 x H2O (where qo is 3,5-di-tert-butyl-1,2-benzoquinone-2-monooximato-anion) complexes, respectively. The ESR spectroscopy showed that the reduction of these complexes with P(PhX)3 (X = H, m-Cl, m-CH3, p-Et2N-) and 1,4-bis(diphenyldiphosphino) butane (dppb) proceeds via the radical formation (phenoxazine, amino phenoxy and nitrene type radical intermediates) and pathways of reduction depend on the structure of these complexes. The reaction of Cu(qo), with dppb and P(PhX)3 phosphines gave essentially identical ESR spectra. At the same time, reduction of Cu(qo)2 x H2O with PPh3 result in entirely different unstable radical spectrum (g = 2.0046) which is further converted to another relatively stable Cu-containing radical signal (g = 2.0052). The unstable radical species attributed to nitrene type radicals. The initial complexes and all radical products were characterized by their ESR and optical spectra.

Detection of intestinal bacterial translocation in subclinical ischemia-reperfusion using the polymerase chain reaction technique.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the detection of bacterial translocation after subclinical ischemia reperfusion injuries in rats with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. METHODS: Six-week-old weaning rats were divided into 3 groups. (1) Experiment rats (n = 20) were gavaged with 10(10) Escherichia coli followed by superior mesentery artery occluded for 10 minutes, then reperfused for 30 minutes. (2) Control rats (n = 20) received bacterial gavage. (3) Group 3 were sham rats (n = 20). After the procedure, 3 mL of blood was obtained from the portal vein. The terminal ileum and mesenteric lymph node (MLN) near the terminal ileum were removed. E. coli DNA was detected in blood and MLN samples by PCR, and histological changes were examined. RESULTS: E. coli DNA detection in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) group animals was 6 of 20 (30%) in the MLN and 2 of 20 (10%) in the blood. PCR was negative in all the rats in the control group and in the sham group (P < .05). There were no significant differences in the histological examination of rat intestines. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that subclinical intestinal I/R injury results in bacterial translocation. Also, PCR is a highly sensitive and rapid method to detect the presence of microbial DNA.