Determination of production losses related to lumpy skin disease among cattle in Turkey and analysis using SEIR epidemic model.

BACKGROUND: Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is an infectious disease induced by the Capripoxvirus, causing epidemics in Turkey and several countries worldwide and inducing significant economic losses. Although this disease occurs in Turkish cattle every year, it is a notifiable disease. In this study, LSD in Turkey was modelled using the Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, and Recovered (SEIR) epidemiological model, and production losses were estimated with predictions of the course of the disease. The animal population was categorized into four groups: Susceptible, Exposed, Infectious, and Recovered, and model parameters were obtained. The SEIR model was formulated with an outbreak calculator simulator applied for demonstration purposes. RESULTS: Production losses caused by the LSD epidemic and the SEIR model's predictions on the disease's course were evaluated. Although 1282 cases were identified in Turkey during the study period, the prevalence of LSD was calculated as 4.51%, and the mortality rate was 1.09%. The relationship between the disease duration and incubation period was emphasized in the simulated SEIR model to understand the dynamics of LSD. Early detection of the disease during the incubation period significantly affected the peak time of the disease. According to the model, if the disease was detected during the incubation period, the sick animal's time could transmit the disease (Tinf) was calculated as 2.66 days. Production loss from LSD infection was estimated at US $ 886.34 for dairy cattle and the US $ 1,066.61 for beef cattle per animal. CONCLUSION: Detection of LSD infection during the incubation period changes the course of the disease and may reduce the resulting economic loss.

Quorum sensing signals and related virulence inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by a potential probiotic strain's organic acid.

Studies conducted in recent years show that pathogen bacteria are not asocial assets and they use the cell to cell communication mechanism called quorum sensing that depends on population density to adapt changing environmental conditions. This mechanism is coordinate gene expression of various bacterial factors like bioluminescence, antibiotic biosynthesis, plasmid conjugation and virulence. Bacteria communicate with each other by producing signal molecules and regulate the production of virulence factors that have importance in the pathogenity formation. Virulence mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes various types of infections in humans, are also regulated by quorum sensing. Nowadays, biotechnological researches are focused on the development of homoserine lactone antagonists. The use of these type of molecules are considered to be a new treatment approach for blocking communication between bacteria and reducing virulence, therefore improving infection control. In this study, lactic acid of a potential probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici M7 strain isolated from newborn faeces was used to evaluate the inhibitory effect on quorum sensing signal molecules and some virulence factors of clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. Results showed that lactic acid has an inhibitory effect on short-chain HSL production and swarming-swimming-twitching motility, elastase, protease, pyocyanin, and biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates in certain quantities that are regulated by the quorum sensing system.

Does Self-Compassion Predict Spiritual Experiences of Turkish University Students?

The purpose of this study was to examine the predictive role of self-compassion on spiritual experiences. Participants were 285 university students. In this study, the self-compassion scale and the spiritual experiences scale were used. Self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness factors of self-compassion were found positively, and self-judgment, isolation, and over-identification factors of self-compassion were found negatively related to spiritual experiences. According to regression results, spiritual experiences were predicted negatively by self-judgment and over-identification. Further common humanity predicted spiritual experiences in a positive way. Self-compassion has explained 21 % of the variance in spiritual experiences.

THE MEDIATING ROLE OF SOCIAL SAFENESS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN Facebook(®) USE AND LIFE SATISFACTION.

The present study examined the mediating role of social safeness on the relationship between Facebook(®) use and life satisfaction. The participants were 370 university students (M age = 20.2 yr., SD = 1.0) who completed a questionnaire package that included the Bergen Facebook(®) Addiction Scale, the Social Safeness and Pleasure Scale, and the Life Satisfaction Scale. According to the results, social safeness and life satisfaction were predicted negatively by Facebook(®) use. On the other hand, life satisfaction was predicted positively by social safeness. In addition, social safeness mediated on the relationship between Facebook(®) use and life satisfaction. The results were discussed in the light of the related literature.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on ischemia-modified albumin levels in people with diabetes with foot ulcers.

INTRODUCTION: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment accelerates the healing process of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) by increasing tissue oxygenation in hypoxic tissues. Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is produced as a result of serum albumin flowing through ischemic tissues. We aimed to investigate the effect of HBO2 therapy on IMA levels in patients with DFU. METHODS: Thirty (22 male, eight female) patients with DFU were enrolled into this study. HBO2 therapy was performed five times a week. Blood samples were drawn before the first treatment, after the 10th (IMA10) and 20th (IMA20) hyperbaric sessions. RESULTS: Pretreatment IMA levels [median (25%-75% quartiles)] of the patients were 0.010 (0.002-0.150) absorbance units (ABSU). Compared to pretreatment values, IMA levels did not change significantly after the 10th session [0.006 (0.003-0.025) ABSU] and 20th session [0.009 (0.005-0.019) ABSU] (p = 0.527). We found statistically significant negative correlations between diabetic age and IMA10 (r = -0.448, p = 0.013) and IMA20 (r = -0.414, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: In contrast to our expectations, IMA levels did not change with HBO2 therapy in patients with DFU. We think that IMA levels did not decrease due to the production of free oxygen radicals during HBO2 therapy. Further studies with larger groups may give more accurate results.

Examining the relationship between authenticity and self-handicapping.

Self-handicapping includes strategies of externalization in which people excuse failure and internalize success, but which also prevents them from behaving in an authentic way. The goal was to investigate the relation of authenticity with self-handicapping. The study was conducted with 366 university students (176 men, 190 women; M age = 20.2 yr.). Participants completed the Turkish version of the Authenticity Scale and the Self-handicapping Scale. Self-handicapping was correlated positively with two factors of authenticity, accepting external influence and self-alienation, and negatively with the authentic living factor. A multiple regression analysis indicated that self-handicapping was predicted positively by self-alienation and accepting external influence and negatively by authentic living, accounting for 21% of the variance collectively. These results demonstrated the negative association of authenticity with self-handicapping.

Forgiveness and vengeance: the mediating role of gratitude.

This study examined the mediating role of gratitude on the relationship between forgiveness and vengeance. Participants were 331 university students (185 women, 146 men; ages 17 to 24 years), who completed a questionnaire package that includes the Vengeance Scale, the Trait Forgiveness Scale, and the Gratitude Questionnaire-Six Item Form. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that gratitude partially mediated the relationship between forgiveness and vengeance. The significance and limitations of the results were discussed.

Mediating effect of Facebook addiction on the relationship between subjective vitality and subjective happiness.

This study examined the mediating effects of Facebook addiction on the relationship between subjective vitality and subjective happiness. 297 university students (157 women, 140 men; M age = 20.1 yr., SD = 1.3) were administered the Facebook Addiction Scale, the Subjective Vitality Scale, and the Subjective Happiness Scale. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that Facebook addiction partially mediated the relationship between subjective vitality and subjective happiness.

Predictive role of authenticity on psychological vulnerability in Turkish university students.

Authenticity is associated with adaptive psychological characteristics and may be predictive of psychological vulnerability. The study was conducted with Turkish university students (N = 303; 158 women, 145 men; M age = 20.1 yr.). Participants completed the Turkish version of Authenticity Scale and the Psychological Vulnerability Scale. Psychological vulnerability was correlated positively with two subfactors of authenticity, accepting external influence and self-alienation, and negatively with the authentic living factor of authenticity. Self-alienation, accepting external influence, and authentic living were related to psychological vulnerability, accounting for 33% of the variance collectively. Authenticity is an important predictor of psychological vulnerability.

Atrial fibrillation in two jet pilots during aircrew periodical medical examination.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) unfavorably affects cardiac output and may cause acute incapacitation in flight due to loss of the atrial systole, which mainly contributes to the diastolic filling of the ventricles. Although it is the most common type of arrhythmia, it is rare in pilots and not compatible with aviation. CASE REPORTS: We present two AF cases incidentally detected in two jet pilots. The first case was a 39-yr-old male jet pilot with a lone AF. Since there was no structural abnormality or thrombus in the left atrial appendage on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), the patient was converted to sinus rhythm via direct current cardioversion (DCC). The pilot returned to flying duties after a follow-up period without any recurrent arrhythmia. The second case was a 23-yr-old male jet pilot who had suffered six attacks of paroxysmal AF. Conversion to sinus rhythm was provided by DCC at once and the second via pharmacological cardioversion. Also, spontaneous conversion to sinus was observed during two attacks of AF during the follow-up period. There were no abnormalities on physical examination, echocardiography, and laboratory tests. Although the cardiac ablation procedure was applied, the patient couldn't be treated successfully. Thereafter the pilot was treated with sotalol and warfarin and was permanently disqualified from flying duties. DISCUSSION: Arrhythmia is among the frequent causes for aviators to be disqualified from flying duties. AF particularly should not be overlooked due to its potential for sudden incapacitation during flight via acute hypotension or thromboembolic events.

Self-handicapping and burnout.

Self-handicapping is a process containing strategies of externalization in which an individual can excuse failure and internalize success. This study investigated the relationship of self-handicapping with measures of burnout. The Self-handicapping Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory were administered to 309 university students. Self-handicapping was positively correlated to emotional exhaustion, lowered personal accomplishment, and depersonalization. A structural equation model fit the data well and accounted for 20% of the variance in emotional exhaustion, 14% in lowered personal accomplishment, and 10% in depersonalization.

[Investigation of the efficacy of some disinfectants against nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. isolates]. / Bazi dezenfektanlarin nozokomiyal enfeksiyon etkeni staphylococcus aureus ve enterococcus spp. izolatlari üzerine olan etkilerinin arastirilmasi.

Nosocomial infections which exhibit an increasing trend worldwide, are important contributors to morbidity and mortality. Most bacteria that cause nosocomial infections can retain their viability even after exposure to disinfectants in routine practice. This study was conducted to determine the susceptibilities of nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus spp. isolates to various disinfectants. A total of 30 S.aureus [16 were methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 14 were methicillin-susceptible (MSSA)] and 21 Enterococcus spp. (13 E.faecalis, 7 E.faecium, 1 non-typable Enterococcus spp.) strains isolated from clinical samples of hospitalized patients as nosocomial infection agents in the Central Microbiology Laboratory of Ibn-i Sina Hospital, Ankara University, Faculty of Medicine, were included in the study. Glutaraldehyde (2% wt/vol), chlorhexidine gluconate (4% wt/vol), 2-propanol (70% vol/vol), povidone iodine (7.5% wt/vol), povidone iodine (10% wt/vol) and hydrogen peroxide (3% wt/vol) susceptibilities of the isolates were investigated by quantitative suspension test at contact times of 3, 5, and 10 minutes. All of the isolates were found susceptible to glutaraldehyde (2%), chlorhexidine gluconate (4%), povidone iodine (7.5%), povidone iodine (10%) and 2-propanol (70%) at all tested contact times. However, 12 S.aureus (5 MSSA, 7 MRSA) and 3 enterococci (2 E.faecium, 1 E.faecalis) isolates were found susceptible to hydrogen peroxide (3%) at 3 minutes contact time; 11 S.aureus (4 MSSA, 7 MRSA) and 7 E.faecalis isolates were found susceptible at 5 minutes contact time, and 6 S.aureus (4 MSSA, 2 MRSA) and 3 enterococci (1 E.faecium, 2 E.faecalis) isolates were found susceptible at 10 minutes contact time. One MSSA and 8 enterococci (4 E.faecium, 3 E.faecalis, 1 Enterococcus spp.) isolates were found resistant to hydrogen peroxide (3%) at 10 minutes contact time. In conclusion, glutaraldehyde (2%), chlorhexidine gluconate (4%), povidone iodine (7.5%), povidone iodine (10%) and 2-propanol (70%) can be safely used against S.aureus and Enterococcus spp. owing to their high effectiveness, however, hydrogen peroxide (3%) should not be preferred against those strains due to the presence of resistant isolates, in Ankara University Ibn-i Sina Hospital.

A meta-analysis of the effects of synchronization protocols applied to sheep in Turkey on pregnancy rates during breeding and non-breeding seasons.

This study aimed to determine common pregnancy rates and effect sizes with meta-analysis of studies investigating the effect of different synchronization protocols applied to sheep during breeding and non-breeding seasons on pregnancy rates. Common pregnancy rates were estimated by coalescing pregnancy rates of studies performed independently, and heterogeneity between the studies was investigated. The meta-analysis included 24 studies that determined pregnancy rates in 78 different groups consisting of 1934 sheep with five different synchronization protocols in Turkey between 2001 and 2020. Among the different synchronization methods, the P4+PMSG group (90.37%) during the breeding season and P4+PGF2α (69.77%) and P4 (68.75%) groups during the non-breeding season showed the highest pregnancy rate. Also, the effect size of P4+PMSG application during the breeding season was calculated as 0.934 (95% confidence interval: 0.901-0.967), and the effect size of P4+PGF2α application during the non-breeding season was calculated as 0.709 (95% confidence interval: 0.406-1.013). To conclude, the combination of P4+PMSG during the breeding season and progestogen and other hormone applications during the non-breeding season are the most effective methods for estrus synchronization and for achieving the desired pregnancy rates.

Risk factors and correlates of snoring and observed apnea.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Risk factors and correlates of snoring and observed apnea in the population are not well known. This study aimed to assess risk factors and correlates of snoring and observed apnea. METHODS: Parents and grandparents of students from 20 randomly selected primary schools in urban and rural areas of Kirikkale, Turkey were asked about respiratory diseases, psychological distress and sleep-related disorders, using the Respiratory Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and Sleep Questionnaire, respectively, which were returned by their children. RESULTS: Out of 13,225 parents and grandparents of primary school students 12,270 returned the questionnaires, for an overall response rate of 92.7%. Snoring and the observed apnea were more prevalent among subjects from rural than those from urban areas (52.6% vs. 46.6%, odds ratio (OR): 1.2, p<0.001 and 16.2% vs. 10.1%, OR: 1.7, p<0.001, respectively). Exposure to biomass smoke and smoking were associated with an increased risk of snoring and observed apnea, after adjusting for gender, age, body mass index, income and education in the multivariate linear model. In all subjects, increases in performance ability, daytime sleepiness, psychological distress and dyspnea scores observed in categories indicating increases in snoring intensity and observed apnea frequency constituted a trend but did always not reach statistical significance. Lastly, prevalence of traffic accidents, falling asleep at the wheel and morning headaches increased with the increments of snoring intensity and apnea frequency. CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to biomass smoke in rural areas may account for the higher prevalence of snoring and observed apnea. Snoring intensity and observed apnea frequency may increase prevalence of traffic accidents along with many unfavorable symptoms.

Chronic airway diseases in adult life and childhood infections.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory disorders in childhood may predispose to pulmonary disease in late adult life. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between their effects in adult life and the characteristics of the respiratory system in childhood. METHODS: A total of 10,224 parents and grandparents of students from 14 randomly selected primary schools in the city center were asked to answer questionnaires given to their children. 9,853 of 10,224 persons (the overall response rate was 96.3%) were eligible for analysis. In the questionnaire subjects were asked about respiratory system-related symptoms and characteristics. RESULTS: Chronic cough [14.3 vs. 4.7%, OR 3.4 (2.6-4.4), p < 0.001], chronic bronchitis [35.3 vs. 11.8%, OR 4.0 (3.4-4.8), p < 0.001] and asthma [34.2 vs. 5.1%, OR 9.6 (8.0-11.5), p < 0.001] in the childhood respiratory infection group were more common than in the control group. Childhood respiratory infections were associated with an increased risk of asthma (OR 5.6, p < 0.001), chronic bronchitis (OR 2.3, p < 0.001) and chronic cough (OR 1.5, p < 0.001), after adjusting for possible confounding factors. In addition, the presence of dampness or visible mould, wall-to-wall carpets, pets at home and parents' smoking during childhood were associated with an increased risk of frequent childhood respiratory infections. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that frequent respiratory infections during childhood might play an important role in the occurrence of chronic airway diseases in adult life. The removing of risk factors for frequent childhood respiratory infections may reduce the subsequent risk of chronic airway disease in late adult life.

Analysis of the features of acute carbon monoxide poisoning and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in children.

The aim of this study was to make a retrospective descriptive analysis of the features of children with acute carbon monoxide poisoning (COP). We evaluated 74 children (43 girls, 31 boys; age range 1 to 17.8 years) who were consecutively admitted to our emergency unit and hospitalized with accidental acute COP between June 2003 and June 2005. All patients received normobaric oxygen therapy until their carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels were decreased below 2% and their symptoms resolved. Thirty-eight of 74 patients (51.4%) also received hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy as indicated by signs and symptoms or COHb levels. COHb levels were significantly higher and hospitalization period was longer in the children who had abnormal neurological findings (p<0.05 for both). All patients showed complete recovery without neurological sequelae except one who had visual impairment at discharge, and antiepileptic therapy was started because of epilepsy after seven months. Acute COP is an important health problem in our country, especially in winter, because of poorly functioning heating systems. The clinical spectrum including neurological findings varies during childhood. We suggest that HBO therapy could be used safely in children.

Medical histories of 61 aviation accident pilots with postmortem SSRI antidepressant residues.

INTRODUCTION: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants are popularly prescribed, but these drugs are not currently approved for use by U.S. civilian aviators. In a 2003 study, the presence of 4 SSRIs--citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline-was reported in 61 pilot fatalities of civil aviation accidents that occurred during 1990-2001. However, it was not known whether these pilots had disqualifying psychological conditions, including depression, and had properly reported the use of the antidepressants. METHODS: The aeromedical history of the pilots was retrieved from the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) Aerospace Medical Certification Database; additional pilot medical information and the cause/factor of the accidents were obtained from the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB's) Aviation Accident Database. RESULTS: There were 59 pilots who had medical records in the FAA's Certification Database. Disqualifying psychological conditions were self-reported in the past examinations of only 7 (12%) of the 59 pilots, and the use of an SSRI was reported by 3 of the 7 pilots. In later examinations, 6 of the 7 indicated that they were free from the conditions and not taking SSRIs; thus, they were reissued medical certificates. Such conditions and/or drug use were not self-reported in the aeromedical records of the remaining 52 (88%) pilots. Nevertheless, the NTSB investigations revealed that 12 (20%) of the 61 pilots had a history of a psychological condition and/or an SSRI use, as suggested by their personal medical records. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reconfirm that SSRIs were used by the aviators but were not reported in their last aeromedical examinations.

Oxidative stress levels in rats following exposure to oxygen at 3 atm for 0-120 min.

BACKGROUND: Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) is known to cause oxidative stress in several organs and tissues. We previously defined the pressure-related oxidative effects of HBO in several tissues of rats. This study was performed to elucidate the relationship of HBO exposure time to its oxidative effects. METHODS: A total of 49 rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. Study groups were subjected to 3 atm HBO for 30, 60, 90, and 120 min except the control group. Their blood and lungs were removed immediately after exposure and used for analysis. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels were determined to reflect oxidant and antioxidant status. RESULTS: TBARS levels were found to increase in a time-dependent manner in both erythrocytes [median (min-max); from 0.65 (0.39-0.84) with 30 min HBO exposure up to 1.26 (1.00-1.44) nmol x g(-1) hemoglobin after 120 min] and lung tissue [from 2140 (1550-2510) up to 5465 (5090-5950) nmol x g(-1) protein]. Similarly, SOD activity also presented a dose-dependent course from 0.06 (0.05-0.10) to 0.18 (0.14-0.26) U x g(-1) hemoglobin in erythrocytes and from 16,660 (3479-25,994) to 52,522.5 (41,362-65,799) U x g(-1) protein in lung tissue. In contrast, GSH-Px activity reflected an irregular trend; its levels were mostly found to be increased, but they were decreased at one stage (in the erythrocytes of 30-min exposed rats). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study exhibited a clear relationship of HBO-induced oxidative action to exposure time. This action was most pronounced from 90 to 120 min of exposure.

First-generation H1 antihistamines found in pilot fatalities of civil aviation accidents, 1990-2005.

INTRODUCTION: First-generation H1-receptor antagonists are popularly used for alleviating allergy and cold symptoms, but these antihistaminics cause drowsiness and sedation. Such side effects could impair performance and, thus, could be the cause or a factor in accidents. Therefore, the prevalence of these antagonists was evaluated in aviation accident pilot fatalities. METHODS: The Civil Aerospace Medical Institute's (CAMI's) Toxicology Database was examined for the presence of the first-generation antihistamines in pilot fatalities of civil aircraft accidents that occurred during a 16-yr (1990-2005) period. RESULTS: Of 5383 fatal aviation accidents from which CAMI received specimens, there were 338 accidents wherein pilot fatalities (cases) were found to contain brompheniramine, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, pheniramine, phenyltoloxamine, promethazine, and triprolidine. Of the 338 accidents, 304 were general aviation accidents, and 175 of the 338 pilots held private pilot airman certificates. Antihistamines were detected alone in 103 fatalities (1 antihistamine in 94 and 2 antihistamines in 9), while other drug(s) and/or ethanol were also present in an additional 235 fatalities. The antihistamines were found in approximately 4 and 11% of the fatalities/accidents in 1990 and in 2004, respectively. The use of antihistamine(s) was determined by the National Transportation Safety Board to be the cause of 13 and a factor in 50 of the 338 accidents. CONCLUSIONS: There was an overall increasing trend in the use of antihistamines by aviators during the 16-yr span. Blood levels of the antihistaminics were in the sub-therapeutic to toxic range. Findings from this study will be useful in investigating future accidents involving antihistamines.

Intraocular pressure at a simulated altitude of 9000 m with and without 100% oxygen.

INTRODUCTION: Exposure to high altitude may affect intraocular pressure (lOP). This study aimed to determine how IOP was altered by two different inspired oxygen tensions at altitude. METHODS: There were 34 healthy male pilots, ages 26-39 yr (mean 31.9 yr), who were studied at the Air Health Examination and Physiological Training Centre in Eskisehir, Turkey. They were studied at ground level, which is 792 m (2414 ft), and during a training session in a hypobaric chamber at a simulated altitude of 9144 m (30,000 ft). IOP was measured with a Tone-pen XL tonometer before subjects entered the chamber, at altitude while breathing 100% oxygen by mask and after removing the mask, and again 30 min after leaving the chamber. RESULTS: Ground level values for IOP (mean +/- SD) were 12.31 +/* 2.98 mmHg. Levels increased significantly at altitude on oxygen (16.75 +/- 4.14 mmHg) and decreased slightly on breathing ambient air (14.37 +/- 3.44 mmHg). In 30 min after leaving the chamber, IOP was 12.81 +/- 1.74 mmHg, indistinguishable from pre-test values. DISCUSSION: Healthy subjects whose baseline IOP is in the normal range experience only a small, temporary elevation of IOP during passive exposure to high altitude with either normoxia or acute hypoxia.