Comparison of adverse effects following immunisation degree after the administration COVID-19 vaccine of different platforms.

INTRODUCTION: Vaccination is an effective way to overcome the spread of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). However, it can give rise to adverse event following immunisation (AEFI). AEFI is an important aspect that is assessed in vaccine safety standards. It is assumed that different vaccine platforms can give rise to different degrees of AEFI severity, but so far there have been no studies that discuss the differences in the degree of AEFI on each type of COVID- 19 vaccine platform. AIM: Evaluate the differences in the degree of AEFI on each type of COVID-19 vaccine platform. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research used a quantitative analytical observational design with a cross sectional approach. Data collection from participants was carried out by filling out questionnaires. The collected data was tabulated and statistical analysis was carried out. RESULTS: A total of 217 respondents who received three doses of vaccine participated in the study. Of the 651 vaccine doses studied, the results showed that there were significant differences in the degree of AEFI between the three types of vaccine platforms. The degree of AEFI was significantly different (p < 0.05) between each type of vaccine platform, with the degree of AEFI starting from the lowest, namely inactivated vaccine, then viral vector vaccine and the highest was nucleic acid vaccine. CONCLUSION: The degree of AEFI differs significantly between each COVID-19 vaccine platform. The degree of AEFI, from the mildest to the most severe, was inactivated vaccine, viral vector vaccine and nucleic acid vaccine. No serious AEFI was reported.

Are preoperative CT parameters predictive for the outcome of septoplasty?

Background: Despite successful septoplasty surgery, some patients still complain of nasal obstruction (NO). Aim: Our aim in the present study is to determine whether preoperative computed tomographic (CT) parameters have prognostic significance for the success of septoplasty. Material and Methods: Retrospective data from 61 patients in a secondary care hospital who had undergone septoplasty met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The effects of demographic and preoperative CT parameters (internal nasal valve [INV], external nasal valve area, angle of septal deviation, choana area, aperture pyriformis area, high septal deviation [HSD], transverse diameter of midnose, anterior/posterior deviation, concha and meatus diameter [superior, middle, inferior]) were studied in relation to the change in NOSE scores and the success of surgery. Results: Of the 61 patients studied, 31 were male (51%) aged 18-55 years with a mean age ± SD (26.59 ± 9.41). It was found that the changes in NOSE scores were significantly different from each other (P < 0.01). Male gender, trauma history, moderate septal deviation, HSD, mucosal pathology, posterior deviation, bullous turbinate (right and left middle, right superior), and in the absence of allergy, paradoxical turbinate (right and left middle and superior), S-shaped deviation were found to have a significant correlation in the change of NOSE scores (P < 0.05). Age and internal valve differed with respect to outcome (P < 0.05). Variables in multiple linear regresion models of all parameters were found to be insignificant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Preoperative CT parameters are informative, but do not predict the postoperative success of septoplasty.

Argan oil reduces, in rats, the high fat diet-induced metabolic effects of obesity.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Obesity is a multi-factorial disorder which is of worldwide concern. In addition to calorie control, some specific dietary components might help resolving some of the complication of obesity, by providing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. We investigated the effect of argan oil supplementation on plasma lipid profile and oxidant-antioxidant status of rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity compared with rats fed a normal diet (ND). METHODS AND RESULTS: We used an animal model of high fat diet-induced obesity to study the metabolic effects of argan oil and we measured several markers lipid and redox statuses. Consumption of a high-fat diet led to an increase in serum total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), and triacylglycerols (TAG) concentrations; however, argan oil blunted the increases of TC, LDL-C and TG, glucose, and insulin. Plasma total antioxidant capacity, erythrocyte catalase and superoxide dismutase activities were lower, whereas plasma hydroperoxide, thiobarbituric acid-reacting substances, and susceptibility of LDL to copper-induced oxidation were higher in obese rats compared with normal rats. Administration of argan oil ameliorated all these indices of redox status. CONCLUSIONS: Proper diet and lifestyle should be foremost implemented to reduce the lipoprotein metabolism and oxidant/antioxidant status alterations brought about by obesity. In addition, argan oil reduces the metabolic effects of obesity and its use might be promoted within the context of a balanced diet.

Seasonal dynamics in an SIR epidemic system.

We consider a seasonally forced SIR epidemic model where periodicity occurs in the contact rate. This periodical forcing represents successions of school terms and holidays. The epidemic dynamics are described by a switched system. Numerical studies in such a model have shown the existence of periodic solutions. First, we analytically prove the existence of an invariant domain D containing all periodic (harmonic and subharmonic) orbits. Then, using different scales in time and variables, we rewrite the SIR model as a slow-fast dynamical system and we establish the existence of a macroscopic attractor domain K, included in D, for the switched dynamics. The existence of a unique harmonic solution is also proved for any value of the magnitude of the seasonal forcing term which can be interpreted as an annual infection. Subharmonic solutions can be seen as epidemic outbreaks. Our theoretical results allow us to exhibit quantitative characteristics about epidemics, such as the maximal period between major outbreaks and maximal prevalence.

Genetic diversity among melon accessions (Cucumis melo) from Turkey based on SSR markers.

Melon (Cucumis melo) is an important vegetable crop in Turkey, where it is grown in many regions; the most widely planted lines are local winter types belonging to the var. inodorous. We examined 81 melon genotypes collected from different provinces of Turkey, compared with 15 reference melon genotypes obtained from INRA/France, to determine genetic diversity among Turkish melons. Twenty polymorphic primers were used to generate the SSR markers. PCR amplification was performed and electrophoresis was conducted. SSR data were used to generate a binary matrix. For cluster analysis, UPGMA was employed to construct a clustering dendrogram based on the genetic distance matrix. The cophenetic correlation was compared with the similarity matrix using the Mantel matrix correspondence test to evaluate the representativeness of the dendrogram. A total of 123 alleles were amplified using the 20 SSR primer sets. The number of alleles detected by a single primer set ranged from 2 to 12, with an average of 6.15. The similarity ranged from 0.22 to 1.00 in the dendrogram developed from microsatellite analysis. Based on this molecular data, we concluded that genetic diversity among these Turkish accessions is relatively high.

Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polylactic Acid, Polylactic Acid Blends and Their Composites for Advanced Applications.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from lactic acid that has been chiefly utilized in biodegradable material and as a composite matrix material. PLA is a prominent biomaterial that is widely used to replace traditional petrochemical-based polymers in various applications owing environmental concerns. Green composites have gained greater attention as ecological consciousness has grown since they have the potential to be more appealing than conventional petroleum-based composites, which are toxic and nonbiodegradable. PLA-based composites with natural fiber have been extensively utilized in a variety of applications, from packaging to medicine, due to their biodegradable, recyclable, high mechanical strength, low toxicity, good barrier properties, friendly processing, and excellent characteristics. A summary of natural fibers, green composites, and PLA, along with their respective properties, classification, functionality, and different processing methods, are discussed to discover the natural fiber-reinforced PLA composite material development for a wide range of applications. This work also emphasizes the research and properties of PLA-based green composites, PLA blend composites, and PLA hybrid composites over the past few years. PLA's potential as a strong material in engineering applications areas is addressed. This review also covers issues, challenges, opportunities, and perspectives in developing and characterizing PLA-based green composites.

The frequency of consanguineous marriage in eastern Turkey.

UNLABELLED: The frequency of consanguineous marriage in Eastern Turkey: OBJECTIVE: The rate of consanguineous marriage (CM) varies depended on different factors such as race, characteristics of population, and religion and moral features in different countries. Gene frequency and genetic structure are changed by CMs. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of CM and its effects on miscarriage, stillbirth, congenital malformation and ratio of newborn death. METHODS: This study was performed in Van region, Eastern Turkey, between September 2005 and April 2006. A total of 650 families from 24 districts chosen in accordance with the number of inhabitants were included in this study. First cousin marriages were accepted as a first degree CMs, sesquialter and second cousin marriages as second degree and marriages between distant relatives were accepted as a third degree CM. Monthly income of the families was classified in accordance with minimum wage determined by government. RESULTS: Of all families, 224 (34.4%) had CM, and 168 (75%) had first-degree consanguinity. A lower CM rate was found in mothers who graduated from secondary school or upgrading (p < 0.01). However, no relationship was found between CM and fathers' education level. While a low CM rate was found in families who had two or less children (p < 0.01), high rate was observed in families who had five or more children. In addition, a high rate of miscarriage, stillbirth and mental-motor retardation was found in families with CM (p < 0.05). The rate of child mortality between the aged 0-2 years was found to be higher in families with CM (p < 0.01). The higher CM rate was observed in families who married due to pressure or insistence of their families than married voluntarily (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Our study showed that CM rate was very high, 34.4%, in our region Eastern Turkey.

Proceedings of the Inaugural Strategy Meeting for the Establishment of a Southeast Asia Regional Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Consortium for Neurological Disorders.

In conjunction with the third regional Southeast Asian (SEA) therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 clinicians and researchers from SEA and South Asian countries attended the inaugural strategy meeting for the establishment of a regional TPE consortium for neurological disorders. The primary objective was to establish regional collaboration to improve delivery of TPE services in SEA. A pre-meeting survey was conducted to gather insights on disease spectrum, contextual practice challenges, and the need for a regional TPE consensus. Challenges identified include limited healthcare funding in support of diagnostic workup, TPE therapy, as well as development of clinical infrastructure and expertise capacity building. There was favorable interest in developing a working plan contextualized to this region. Strategies to overcome challenges were discussed. This included the need for a comprehensive referral system and network of regional TPE centers suited to local needs, supported by innovative TPE delivery programs.

Effects of supportive treatment such as antioxidant or leukotriene receptor antagonist drugs on inflammatory and respiratory parameters in asthma patients.

In this study, prospectively, we aimed to determine the effects of the different treatment alternatives on the oxidant system and inflammatory and clinic determinants during the stable period of 1 month following an asthmatic attack. Thirty-one patients (22 female, nine male) were randomly divided into three groups following the stabilization of an acute asthma attack. The control group that is an additional group to the three patient groups consisted of 10 healthy volunteers (five female, five male). The following protocols were used for 4 weeks: Group I: short-acting inhaler beta2 mimetic as required (treatment A)+800 mug inhaler budesonide (treatment B)+leukotriene receptor antagonist; Group II: treatment A and B; Group III: treatment A and B+vitamin E. The serum levels before and after treatment of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), leukotriene E4 (LTE(4)), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. The values before and after treatment were statistically compared both with each other and control values. Pretreatment ECP, LTE(4), and MDA levels for the three groups were significantly higher compared with post-treatment levels (P<0.05 to P<0.001) and the control levels (P<0.01 to P<0.001). However, when post-treatment levels were compared with those of the control group, no significant differences were found (P>0.05). Lack of significant variation was observed when the pre- and post-treatment differences in the three groups were compared for each one of ECP, LTE(4), and MDA levels (P>0.05). Leukotriene receptor antagonist or antioxidant agents added to standard asthma treatment did not make a significant contribution on ECP, LTE(4), and MDA levels and respiratory parameters such as spirometric function tests. Etiologic factors and/or the possible changes in different pathogenetic ways of the inflammation process may have been responsible for nonsignificant intertreatment difference in the biomarker levels. The result confirms that suppressing the inflammation in asthma enables the entire inflammatory pathologic process to be controlled.

Immobilization of acetylcholinesterase on Pt(II) and Pt(IV) attached nanoparticles for the determination of pesticides.

Pt(ii) and Pt(iv)-tagged nanoparticles have been synthesized according to the template method for the identification of pesticides. Their morphologies have been investigated using scanning electron microscopy and characterized by means of spectral measurements. Then, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was immobilized onto the nanoparticles. The AChE immobilized Pt(ii) and Pt(iv)-tagged nanomaterials show high reusability and storage capacity. The catalytic activity of AChE followed Michaelis-Menten kinetics. Assays for enzyme activity measurements demonstrate that the nanospheres tagged with Pt(ii) have a much better performance than those with Pt(iv). Furthermore, whether or not there was any interaction between the immobilized enzyme and 1-naphthyl-N-methylcarbamate, which is a carbamate insecticide, was examined.

Measurement of interglycosidic 3JCH coupling constants of selectively 13C labeled oligosaccharides by 2D J-resolved 1H NMR spectroscopy.

Tri-, tetra-, and penta-saccharide fragments of the O-specific polysaccharide of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 have been prepared in which a D-galactose residue of each oligosaccharide methyl glycoside derivative contains a 13C label at C-1. The interglycosidic coupling constants (3JCH) of these 13C nuclei with the H-3 nuclei of the adjacent 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucose residues have been measured by two-dimensional, J-resolved 1H NMR spectroscopy. The magnitudes of these coupling constants indicate that the trisaccharide is conformationally different to the higher oligosaccharide homologs, in agreement with previous studies of 13C chemical shifts and 1JCH values.

NMR spectroscopy, molecular dynamics, and conformation of a synthetic octasaccharide fragment of the O-specific polysaccharide of Shigella dysenteriae type 1.

A synthetic octasaccharide fragment (2) of the O-specific polysaccharide (1) of Shigella dysenteriae type 1 has been studied as its methyl glycoside by one- and two-dimensional homo- and heteronuclear NMR spectroscopy. Complete 1H and 13C NMR assignments have been generated, and the 13C spin-lattice relaxation times have been measured for the octasaccharide 2. A congener (6) of this octasaccharide containing one D-galactose residue with a specific 13C label at C-1 has been synthesized and used to measure interglycosidic 13C-1H coupling by the 2D J-resolved 1H NMR method. From the NMR data, three types of conformational restraints were developed: (a) 29 inter-residue, distance restraints; (b) 48 intra-residue, ring atom dihedral angle restraints, and (c) one heteronuclear, inter-residue dihedral angle restraint. The use of these restraints in a restrained molecular dynamics computation with simulated annealing yielded a conformation resembling a short, irregular spiral, with methyl substituents on the exterior.

Potentiometric determination of stability constants of Lanthanon(III) complexes with some Schiff bases and benzothiazolines.

The protonation constants of five Schiff base and two benzothiazoline type ligands and stability constants of their complexes with six lanthanide ions were determined by potentiometrically in ethanol-water solution (1:1, v/v) at 25 +/- 0.1 degrees C. The Schiff base-type ligands were salicylidene 2-iminopyridine (SAPy), salicylidene-5-methyl-2-iminopyridine (SAPyMe), salicylidene-5-chloro-2-iminopyridine (SAPyCl), 2-(2-pyridylmethyleneamino) phenol (PyOH), 2-(2-quinolylmethyleneamino) phenol (QuOH) and the benzothiazoline-type ligands were pyridine-2-car-bozaldehydebenzothiazoline (PyS) and quinoline-2-carboxaldehydebenzothiazoline (QuS). The order of stability constants was found to be for metal ions La(III) < Pr(III) < Nd(III) < Eu(III) < Ho(III) < Yb(III), and for ligands SAPyCl < SAPy < QuS < QuOH < PyS < PyOH < SAPyMe. The FORTRAN programs PKAS and BEST were used for the calculation of protonation constants and stability constants, respectively.

Serafeddin Sabuncuoglu, the author of the earliest pediatric surgical atlas: Cerrahiye-i Ilhaniye.

The author of one of the earliest surgical books was Serafeddin Sabuncuoglu, who was born in one of the ancient cities of Central Anatolia. In 1465, he wrote a surgical book in Turkish. The aim of this study was to investigate the details of this book and compare it with the old classics. It was observed that the book of Sabuncuoglu did not contain only pictures or miniatures of pediatric surgical procedures, but there were many important and major new contributions to the surgical literature originally described by Sabuncuoglu himself. He based his contributions and techniques on formerly designed and described procedures, moreover, developing and nourishing pediatric surgical culture of that era. Thus a combination of Greek, Roman, Arabic, and Turkish pediatric surgery combined extraordinarily and influenced the development of European pediatric surgery.

Circumcision ceremonies at the Ottoman palace.

Circumcision is widely practiced in all Islamic countries. Festivities pertaining to circumcision vary according to the regions and civilizations. In this report, circumcision festivities at the Ottoman Palace and the socioeconomic importance of the tradition are presented. The Ottoman circumcision technique is discussed, as are the miniature paintings, in manuscript, written on the occasion of the circumcision of the sons of the Sultans. Because these festivities involved the participation of all classes of the society and all professions they contributed to social and technical progress and led to developments in art, music, sports, and ideas.

Impaired oxidant/antioxidant status and LDL-fatty acid composition are associated with increased susceptibility to peroxidation of LDL in diabetic patients.

This study was carried out to determine the relationships between oxidant/antioxidant status, in vitro LDL oxidizability and LDL-fatty acid composition in diabetes mellitus. Plasma total antioxidant capacity (oxygen radical absorbance capacity, ORAC) and LDL-cholesteryl ester fatty acids were investigated in type 1 and type 2 diabetic subjects with and without complications. The degree of LDL oxidation was determined by the measurement of hydroperoxide levels before and after in vitro peroxidative stress with CuSO4. ORAC values were decreased in diabetic subjects who showed high basal hydroperoxide levels. Oxidizability of LDL in these subjects was higher than in control subjects and it was unrelated to LDL-fatty acid composition. However, in type 2 diabetic subjects with complications, alterations in LDL-fatty acid composition were associated with their enhanced oxidative susceptibility. LDL-fatty acid alterations might be an additional factor that influences LDL oxidizability especially in type 2 diabetes. In conclusion, diabetes mellitus is associated with enhanced oxidative stress and defective antioxidant/oxidant balance regardless the type of diabetes and presence of complications.

Antioxidant status and levels of different vitamins determined by high performance liquid chromatography in diabetic subjects with multiple complications.

Plasma vitamin A, C and E levels and erythrocyte antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated in type I and type II diabetic subjects with and without complications, i.e., hypertension, coronary artery disease and renal failure. Reverse phase HPLC was used to quantify vitamin A and E levels. We observed that the vitamin C levels were not significantly different between control and diabetic subjects. However, vitamin A and E levels were significantly lower in type I and type II diabetic subjects compared to controls. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was significantly lower in type II, but not in type I, diabetic patients compared to controls. Interestingly, glutathione reductase and peroxidase activities were diminished in type I, but not in type II, diabetic subjects as compared to controls. Catalase activity was lower in both types of diabetic patients in comparison with their respective controls. Altogether these results suggest that diabetes mellitus may be associated with altered antioxidant status regardless to various complications.

Evaluation of tularaemia courses: a multicentre study from Turkey.

In this multicentre study, which is the largest case series ever reported, we aimed to describe the features of tularaemia to provide detailed information. We retrospectively included 1034 patients from 41 medical centres. Before the definite diagnosis of tularaemia, tonsillitis (n = 653, 63%) and/or pharyngitis (n = 146, 14%) were the most frequent preliminary diagnoses. The most frequent clinical presentations were oropharyngeal (n = 832, 85.3%), glandular (n = 136, 13.1%) and oculoglandular (n = 105, 10.1%) forms. In 987 patients (95.5%), the lymph nodes were reported to be enlarged, most frequently at the cervical chain jugular (n = 599, 58%), submandibular (n = 401, 39%), and periauricular (n = 55, 5%). Ultrasound imaging showed hyperechoic and hypoechoic patterns (59% and 25%, respectively). Granulomatous inflammation was the most frequent histological finding (56%). The patients were previously given antibiotics for 1176 episodes, mostly with ß-lactam/ß-lactamase inhibitors (n = 793, 76%). Antituberculosis medications were provided in seven (2%) cases. The patients were given rational antibiotics for tularaemia after the start of symptoms, with a mean of 26.8 ± 37.5 days. Treatment failure was considered to have occurred in 495 patients (48%). The most frequent reasons for failure were the production of suppuration in the lymph nodes after the start of treatment (n = 426, 86.1%), the formation of new lymphadenomegalies under treatment (n = 146, 29.5%), and persisting complaints despite 2 weeks of treatment (n = 77, 15.6%). Fine-needle aspiration was performed in 521 patients (50%) as the most frequent drainage method. In conclusion, tularaemia is a long-lasting but curable disease in this part of the world. However, the treatment strategy still needs optimization.

A newborn with infantile fibrosarcoma of foot: treatment with chemotherapy and extremity-sparing surgery.

Infantile fibrosarcoma represents less than 1% of all childhood cancers, but it is the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in those under 1 year of age. We report an infant with congenital infantile fibrosarcoma diagnosed as hemangiopericytoma. He was treated with chemotherapy and extremity-sparing surgery. Amputation was avoided.

[Qualifications and morality requisite for the personnel to be employed in the Ottoman Hospitals (Dar-al-Shifas)]. / Osmanli Darüssifalarina Tayin Edilecek Görevlilerde Aranan Nitelikler.

Ottomans legislated various codes and founded several institutions to provide care and protection for the sick, disabled, orphans, widows, invalids and the aged. Sultans passed acts assigning a proportion of the tax income to the needs of the diseased and disabled people in hospitals (dar-al-shifas) and nursing; and created foundations of health with trusts of deeds (waqfiyyes). These deeds comprise interesting information on hospital management as well as the duties, responsibilities, qualities, and proficiency standards requisite for physicians and other employees of these institutions. This article deals with the trusts of deeds of the dar-al-shifas founded by the Sultans, Bayazid I. in 1400, Mehmed II. the Conqueror in 1470, Bayazid II. in 1488, Süleyman the Magnificent in 1556, Sultan Ahmet I in 1616; and the Sultans' wifes', Hafsa's in 1539, Haseki Sultan Hurrem's in 1550, and Nurbanu's in 1582, in view of the characteristics stated above. A Hospital which presumably had a capacity of 20 to 50 patients had a staff consisting of approximately 20 to 25 employees, covering primarily, physicians (tabib), ophtalmologists (kahhal), surgeons (djarrah) and assistant health personnel such as pharmacists (ashshab), cook-dieticians (tabbah), a drug-smasher (adviyekub), a cellar-keeper (kilardje), nurses (kayyum), an attendant of kitchen ware (qassa-kash), sweepers (farrash), a W.C. cleaner (ab-reze) and a doorkeeper (bevvab) etc. ...