Green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Bacillus subtilis ZBP4 and their antibacterial potential against foodborne pathogens.

In this study, extracellular biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) by using the supernatant of Bacillus subtilis ZBP4 after cultivation in nutrient broth at 33 °C for 24 h was investigated. Zinc sulfate heptahydrate was used as the precursor, and the reactions were performed at 33 °C for 72 h. The effects of pH 5-9 and precursor concentration (2-10 mM) were determined and the optima were found to be pH 7.5 and 8 mM ZnSO4·7H2O, respectively. The nanoparticles were characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy, FESEM, TEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR and zeta potential measurement. ZnO NPs appeared to be irregular spherical structures with a size range of 22-59 nm, as confirmed by FESEM and TEM. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis validated the formation of ZnO NPs. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the crystalline structure of the ZnO NPs, and they were determined to have a zeta potential of -19.0 ± 4.3 mV and a bandgap of 3.36 eV. Antibacterial activity experiments showed that ZnO NPs are effective against a broad spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative food pathogens. This study provides evidence for a safe and effective method for synthesizing ZnO NPs and demonstrates their effectiveness against pathogenic bacteria.

Production, properties and some applications of protease from alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. EBTA6.

Extracellular protease production by a novel strain, Bacillus sp. EBTA6, has been optimized by using central composite design of response surface methodology and properties and industrial applications of crude enzyme have been investigated. Three independent variables (temperature, pH and yeast extract concentration) chosen in the experimental design were significant terms and reduced cubic model fit with the design at p < 0.0001 level. The recommended temperature, pH and yeast extract concentration were 30 °C, 8, and 15 g/L, respectively. Crude enzyme displayed activity over a wide pH and temperature ranges having the optimum at 50-60 °C and pH 8. It was quite stable at high pH values and at 50 °C. Amongst the metal ions (Mg+, Cu2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, K2+, and Sn2+), Ca2+ enhanced the activity and the others either decreased or did not change it. The enzyme activity was reduced by phenyl-methyl-sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), and ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA). The results revealed that the protease was serine alkaline type. Tween 20 and Tween 80 did not inhibit the enzyme, however, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), reduced it by 39%. It completely removed blood stain in 20 min and coagulated milk in the presence of CaCl2.

Effects of process conditions and yeast extract on the synthesis of selenium nanoparticles by a novel indigenous isolate Bacillus sp. EKT1 and characterization of nanoparticles.

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are attractive nanomaterials for application in medical diagnosis, because their toxicities are lower than the elemental selenium which is a functional element and essential for human. In the current study, SeNPs synthesis capability of a novel soil originated indigenous Bacillus isolate was investigated. In this context, effects of processing conditions (SeO2 concentration, pH, temperature, and time), and yeast extract supplementation on the synthesis of SeNPs have been tested. In addition, nanoparticles were characterized and antioxidant capacity was determined. The cell-free supernatant of the bacterium, which was obtained after the cultivation of the isolate in nutrient broth at 33 °C for 24 h, was used for the synthesis. During the synthesis color change from light yellow to red-orange was an indication of the formation of SeNPs. Effect of SeO2 concentration was tested on the formation of nanoparticles and at concentrations higher than 10 mM, there was no formation of nanoparticles. The best production was achieved at 6.4 mM concentration, at pH 9 and 33 °C in 72 h. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images revealed that SeNPs were spherical in shape having the diameters between 31 and 335 nm, and the average diameter was determined to be 126 nm. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of elemental selenium. SeNPs possessed significant antioxidant activity that the scavenging capacity was up to 56.5 ± 5% (IC50 322.8 µg/mL).

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using novel Bacillus sp. SBT8.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using microorganisms is an important application of nanobiotechnology and green chemistry because of interest by pharmaceutical and food manufacturers. In this study, biosynthesis of AgNPs by a novel Bacillus strain isolated from a soil sample from Sakarya district in Turkey was investigated. Biosynthesis was performed using cell-free supernatant of the bacterium following 24 h growth. Effects of varying AgNO3 concentration (1-10 mM), pH (5-10), and temperature (30-40°C) on the synthesis of AgNPs were determined. Formation of AgNPs was monitored by UV-VIS spectroscopy. Field emission scanning electron microscopy was used to compare morphologies among the various culture conditions. The peaks created by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of metals were obtained only at 4 and 6 mM AgNO3 concentrations and the maximum concentration for the biosynthesis was observed at 6 mM. The highest yield was achieved at pH 10 and larger nanoparticles were obtained at this pH. The optimum temperatures for biosynthesis were 33 and 37°C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and transmission electron microcopy images confirmed that the proteins served as capping. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis validated the formation of AgNPs. AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens.

Recantation of Sexual Abuse Disclosure Among Child Victims: Accommodation Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Disclosing the sexual abuse may be related on many individual and/or environmental factors in all age groups. The sociocultural context is the most influential factor of the disclosing process especially for those living in patriarchal cultural values. This study compares the impacts of sexual abuse and other sociodemographic variables between recanting and non-recanting victimized groups in Adana city from Turkey. METHODS: The samples attending our department were divided into two groups: group 1 comprised victims who recanted their first abuse disclosure, and group 2 comprised victims who insisted on the veracity of their first report at further evaluations. The characteristics of the child, family, and abuser were compared between recanting victims and non-recanting victims by retrospective data. RESULTS: Each group included 27 children, for a total of 54 subjects. All adverse social reactions after the sexual abuse, including keeping secrets and a repressive family attitude, were higher among group 1 victims than group 2 victims (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Although they are victimized by protecting family integrity, victims may show a tendency to keep secrets and to not immediately disclose an abuse event.

Vitamin D insufficiency in a boy with obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Vitamin D deficiency not only causes low bone mass but also may lead to neuropsychiatric disorders. In the present case, vitamin D supplementation reduced obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms associated with streptococcal infection in a 7-year-old boy. Sudden onset of symptoms, including excessive hand washing and fear of touching anything, had occurred 1 month before presentation. Although there are few studies on a possible causal relationship between vitamin D and neuropsychiatric disorders, the present report; together with previous data, suggest an etiological role of vitamin D-related immune processes.

Evaluation of hydrogen production by clostridium strains on beet molasses.

Clostridium acetobutylicum DSM 792, C. acetobutylicum DSM 1731 and two newly isolated bacteria defined as the members of genus Clostridium - based on the 16S rRNA analysis and biochemical traits - were characterized with regard to their hydrogen production in media containing increasing beet molasses concentrations. The highest hydrogen yield was observed for C. acetobutylicum DSM 792 with a yield of 2.8 mol H2 mol-1 hexose in medium including 60 g L-1 molasses. This bacterium also produced the maximum amount of hydrogen (5908.8 mL L-1) at the same molasses concentration. A slightly lower hydrogen yield was measured for C. acetobutylicum DSM 1731 (2.5 mol H2 mol-1 hexose) when grown on 40 g L-1 molasses. The new isolates Clostridium roseum C and Clostridium saccharoperbutylacetonicum PF produced hydrogen with yields of 2.0 mol H2 mol-1 hexose at 40 and 60 g L-1 molasses and 2.1 mol H2 mol-1 hexose at 40 gL-1 molasses, respectively.

Direct hydrolysis of einkorn whole grain flour proteins for the generation of bioactive peptides using various proteases.

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the direct release of BAPs from einkorn flour in one-step process. Thus, the protein extraction step was eliminated, thereby reducing processing cost. Commercial proteases (Alcalase, Flavourzyme, Neutrase, and Trypsin), and crude enzyme from Bacillus mojavensis sp. EBTA7 were used for hydrolyzing einkorn flour (30 %, w/v) solutions at 50-60 °C. The supernatants after centrifugation were used for bioactivity and techno-functionality tests. All hydrolysates demonstrated significant antioxidant capacities, with values ranging from 17.7 to 33.0 µmol TE/g for DPPH, 107 to 190 µmol TE/g for ABTS, and 0.09 to 3.08 mg EDTA/g for ion-chelating activities. Alcalase and Flavourzyme hydrolysis had the highest DPPH activities, while Bacillus mojavensis sp. EBTA7 enzyme yielded relatively high ABTS and ion-chelating activities. Notably, Bacillus mojavensis sp. EBTA7 crude enzyme hydrolysates demonstrated higher oil absorption capacity (2.94 g oil/g hydrolysate), robust emulsion (227 min), and foam stability (94 %) compared to commercial enzymes. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed variations in the secondary structure of peptides. All hydrolysates exhibited negative zeta potentials. The SDS-PAGE showcased MW ranged from 14 to 70 kDa, which was influenced by both the enzyme type and the degree of hydrolysis. Overall, Bacillus mojavensis sp. EBTA7 hydrolysates revealed considerable bio and techno-functional characteristics.

Production of low-protein cocoa powder with enzyme-assisted hydrolysis.

Amino acid-related disorders are caused by a defect in the metabolic pathways of amino acid groups. These patients must follow a lifelong protein diet. The objective of this study was to produce a low-protein cocoa powder (LPP) with enzymatic hydrolysis and precipitation method. First, the solubility of cocoa powder was increased by heat and enzyme treatments (Amylase, Viscozyme, and Alcalase). Then, the protein level was decreased by isoelectric precipitation. According to the obtained results, the solubility of cocoa powder rose from 28.61% to 50.69%. Protein content decreased by almost 40% and significant reductions in the amino acid profile were also provided; the highest ones were detected in methionine (100%), lysine (73.65%), leucine (53.64%), alanine (46.17%), and isoleucine (44.73%) levels. LPP had high phenolic content (25.10 mg/g GAE) and the changes in the antioxidant activities were not significant (p > .05). Moreover, chocolate production with LPP and control powder was also carried out under laboratory conditions. Hardness (1732.52 g), moisture content (0.60%), and water activity (0.37) of chocolate samples produced with low-protein cocoa powder (LPC) were lower than those of the control sample. The Casson model well fitted to the rheological data (R 2 > .990) and chocolate samples showed elastic behavior. The removal of proteins from the cocoa was verified with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses. The melting temperatures of chocolates (31.84 and 31.54°C for control and LPC samples, respectively) did not change with the applied process. As a conclusion, it was revealed that the production of low-protein cocoa powder and chocolate is feasible for patients with amino acid disorders with this study.

Analyses of phytochemical compounds in the flowers and leaves of Spiraea japonica var. fortunei using UV-VIS, FTIR, and LC-MS techniques.

Spiraea japonica var. fortunei has been extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine and is well-known for its alkaloids. However, there is no adequate study concerning the phenolic compounds. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate phenolic compounds found in the leaves and the flowers of the plant both qualitatively and quantitatively. Extractions were performed either with ethanol or methanol, and methanol has shown better performance than ethanol. The leaves were a better source of phenolic compounds than the flowers. The total phenolic content of the methanol extract of the leaves was 25.64 ± 0.32 mg GAE/g dry matter, and antioxidant activity, as determined with the DPPH method, was 69.76 ± 0.34 %. UV-VIS spectrum and FTIR analyses confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds. The phenolic profile was investigated with LC-MS using both negative and positive ionization, and a total of 55 phenolic compounds that are attractive for pharmaceutical and medical applications were observed.

Association between pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections disease and tumor necrosis factor-α gene-308 g/a, -850 c/t polymorphisms in 4-12-year-old children in Adana/Turkey.

OBJECTIVES: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is a newly defined disease in neuropsychiatry and occurs with an autoimmune mechanism after Group A Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) infection. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), encoded by TNF-α gene has an important role in the apoptotic mechanisms of autoimmune diseases. Recently, TNF-α polymorphisms and autoimmune/psychiatric disorders have been reported to be related. In this regard, we focused on to investigate a possible relation between the TNF-α gene promoter region-308 G/A and - 850 C/T polymorphisms and PANDAS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, ages of PANDAS patient and control groups were ranging from 4 years to 12-year-old. Patient group includes childhood onset PANDAS patients (n = 42) and control group includes healthy children (n = 58). Diagnoses have been carried out according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder (DSM-IV) criteria with Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime (KSAD-S-PL) and Children Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale Moreover, PANDAS criteria established by the American National Psychiatry Institute have been employed for diagnoses. For identifying polymorphisms; Polymerase Chain Reaction, Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism and Polyacrylamid Gel Electrophoresis were used. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: For -308 polymorphism, 37 of 42 PANDAS patients' results and for -850 C/T polymorphism, 38 of 42 PANDAS patients' results were obtained. According to our statistical analysis there is a positive relationship between PANDAS patients for -308 G/A polymorphism but not for -850 C/T polymorphism. There is no positive relationship between -308 G/A polymorphism and antistrep-tolysin O (ASO) titers and no relationship between -850 C/T polymorphism and ASO titers. We found, however, positive relationship between genders of patients (boys) and the disease. According to our results, we propose that the AA polymorphism of -308 G/A polymorphism can be used as a molecular indicator for PANDAS.

Phenolic content and oxidative stability of chocolates produced with roasted and unroasted cocoa beans.

The aim of this study was to produce chocolate using roasted (RB) and unroasted cocoa beans (URB). The effect of roasting on the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) values], phenolic compounds, caffeine, oxidative stability [free fatty acid, peroxide, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)], Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and differential scanning colorimetry (DSC) analysis of both cocoa beans and chocolate samples were analyzed. According to the results, the TPC of URB (24.96 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g sample) was higher than roasted beans (21.32 mg GAE/g sample). Similar results were also seen in the TPC of chocolate samples. Although roasting did not affect the DPPH scavenging activity and caffeine content of cocoa beans, it decreased FRAP and CUPRAC values. (-)-Epicatechin and chlorogenic acid values were higher in unroasted bean and chocolate samples, but the amount of gallic acid increased with the roasting process. Free fatty acid, peroxide, conjugated dienes, conjugated trienes, and TBARS results of unroasted samples were lower than roasted ones, indicating better oxidative stability. The melting temperatures of cocoa beans changed with roasting while it was similar between chocolate samples. Composition of the beans and the chocolate samples were qualitatively determined with FTIR.

Sexual abuse in a classroom of ten male students: a group victimization.

The term "professional perpetrator" is used to describe individuals who commit sexual abuse in the capacity of a position of trust such as a teacher, household member, or employer. There is an increasing body of evidence focusing on educator sexual abuse in the school environment. However, data are limited about this topic. The aim of this paper is to present the rare occurrence of the case of a male teacher in Turkey who sexually abused his students in an elementary school. Although it is unknown which populations are most vulnerable to sexual abuse, in Turkey we think that the indigenous population is at risk. Abuse cases are not logged into the criminal justice system because the majority of abuse allegations are ignored or disbelieved by families.

Role of calcium metabolism in ADHD: The relationship between parathyroid hormone and ADHD symptom severity.

Background: Vitamin D has been found to be associated with the pathogenesis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the potential role of parathyroid hormone (PTH) is still unclear. Aim: We aimed to investigate the association between calcium metabolism and ADHD symptomatology. Methods: We included 106 participants aged between 7 and 13 years old (51 ADHD patients, mean age: 9.54 ± 1.77, 55 healthy controls mean age: 9.97 ± 0.94) to this study. K-SADS-PL and Conners' Parent/Teacher Rating Scales, Stroop Test were performed. Blood samples to measure serum levels of Vitamin D, PTH, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were collected in the spring (March-April-May) to prevent seasonal variability. Results: PTH, P, and ALP values were significantly lower and Vitamin D, Ca, and Mg values were significantly higher in the ADHD group (P < 0.05, for all). Both groups had Vitamin D deficiency. Control group has lower Vitamin D levels than the ADHD group (respectively; 17.66 ± 9.07, 21.99 ± 10.99, P < 0.05). There was a negative correlation between PTH and CTRS hyperactivity, CGI-RI and CGI-EL sub-scores, CGI-Total, DSM-IV-Inattention, DSM-IV Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, DSM-IV-Total scores (P < 0.05, for all). Conclusions: We found lower PTH levels in ADHD patients and a strong and negative correlation between PTH and symptom severity. Future studies are needed to clarify if these findings are due to the key role of PTH in ADHD pathology or PTH's function in activating vitamin D.

Evaluation of child marriage in a Turkish sample: 8 years' data.

This study aims to examine 167 adolescents who were referred by courts between 2008 and 2016 to prepare medical-legal reports on their suitability for marriage. Most were illiterate or graduates of primary/secondary school; only 17 (10.2%) were still at high school. A total of 95 girls (56.9%) had a religious marriage without a civil certificate, 63 girls (37.7%) were pregnant, and 15 (9%) had a child. According to medical reports, 91 of the girls were considered unsuitable for marriage; 76 girls who were pregnant and/or had a child were also considered unsuitable, so it was necessary to let the judge decide.

Gender Identity and Assignment Recommendations in Disorders of Sex Development Patients: 20 Years' Experience and Challenges

Objective: Gender assignment in infants and children with disorders of sex development (DSD) is a stressful situation for both patient/families and medical professionals. Methods: The purpose of this study was to investigate the results of gender assignment recommendations in children with DSD in our clinic from 1999 through 2019. Results: The mean age of the 226 patients with DSD at the time of first admission were 3.05±4.70 years. 50.9% of patients were 46,XY DSD, 42.9% were 46,XX DSD and 6.2% were sex chromosome DSD. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (majority of patients had 21-hydroxylase deficiency) was the most common etiological cause of 46,XX DSD. In 46,XX patients, 87 of 99 (89.7%) were recommended to be supported as a female, 6 as a male, and 4 were followed up. In 46,XY patients, 40 of 115 (34.8%) were recommended to be supported as a female, and 70 as male (60.9%), and 5 were followed up. In sex chromosome DSD patients, 3 of 14 were recommended to be supported as a female, 9 as a male. The greatest difficulty in making gender assignment recommendations were in the 46,XY DSD group. Conclusion: In DSD gender assignment recommendations, the etiologic diagnosis, psychiatric gender orientation, expectation of the family, phallus length and Prader stage were effective in the gender assignment in DSD cases, especially the first two criteria. It is important to share these experiences among the medical professionals who are routinely charged with this difficult task in multidisciplinary councils.

Mannose-Binding Lectin 2 Gene Polymorphism in PANDAS Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS), a subgroup of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), has received much attention even though the specific underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a key factor in the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of MBL2 gene polymorphisms in pediatric OCD patients diagnosed as PANDAS, PANDAS-Variant and non-PANDAS. METHODS: The study included 102 pediatric OCD patients (59 [57.8% ] PANDAS, 20 [19.6% ] non-PANDAS, and 23 [22.5% ] PANDAS-Variant) and 60 healthy controls. Polymorphisms at codon 52, 54 and 57 of the MBL2 gene were investigated. RESULTS: Codon 54 polymorphism and any variant of MBL2 gene were significantly more frequent in the OCD group than in the control group (OR=2.97, 95% CI: 1.26-6.97; and OR=2.66, 95% CI: 1.32-5.38, respectively). According to regression analysis, the presence of any variant of MBL2 gene was found in 14.50-fold increased frequency in the PANDAS subgroup compared with the non-PANDAS subgroup (95% CI: 2.49-84.19). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support an association between MBL2 genotypes and pediatric OCD, particularly PANDAS-OCD.

Mania profile in a community sample of prepubertal children in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Mania in youth is increasingly recognized and accompanied by substantial psychiatric and psychosocial morbidity. There are no data on prepubertals in the general population and we aimed to search for mania symptoms and its clinical correlations in a community sample of prepubertal Turkish children. METHODS: Among all children (n = 56,335) aged 7-11 in Adana, Turkey, 2,468 children (48% girls) were randomly included. Parents completed Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) 4-18 and Parent-Young Mania Rating Scale (P-YMRS). Cut-off scores of 17 and 27 on total P-YMRS were defined as efficient (probable-mania group) and specific (mania group), respectively, for bipolar profile. We searched for clinical correlations and used logistic regression to show how well each CBCL subscale predicted the presence of mania and probable-mania, after adjusting for any demographic differences. RESULTS: Parent-Young Mania Rating Scale scores were > or =17 but <27 (probable-mania) in 155 (6.3%) children and > or =27 (mania) in 32 (1.3%) children. Elevated mood, increased activity levels, and poor insight were the most frequent manic symptoms in our sample. Children with probable-mania and mania had higher scores on all CBCL subscales and the CBCL-Pediatric Bipolar Disorder (CBCL-PBD) profile (sum of attention, aggression, and anxiety/depression subscales). Logistic regression analysis revealed only thought problems on CBCL that predicted probable-mania and mania. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that mania profile is common in the community sample of Turkish prepubertal children and does not support the thought that mania is rare outside the US. We need further population-based studies that will use diagnostic interviews and multiple informants.

Fluoxetine in posttraumatic eating disorder in two-year-old twins.

Feeding disorders of infancy or early childhood are relatively uncommon in the pediatric population. In posttraumatic eating disorder, the infant demonstrates food refusal after a traumatic event or repeated traumatic events to the oropharynx or esophagus. We present case reports of 24-month-old twin girls, A and B, who presented to our clinic with food refusal and fear of feeding. Several invasive gastrointestinal procedures were performed when they were 3 months old, and they started to refuse all solid food and some liquids soon after hospitalization. Fluoxetine 0.3 mg/kg per day (5 mg/day) was started to target their anxiety and fear about feeding. In the second month of weekly follow up, the children began to be fed without a nasogastric catheter. A significant decrease in anxiety and fear was observed during feeding. Although the use of serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in preschool children is controversial due to the lack of empirical data in this age group, we observed clinical improvements in anxiety in these two cases. Furthermore, fluoxetine was well tolerated and no side effects were observed.