Evaluation of the in vitro effects of concentrations of antibiotics on three Enterobacteriaceae isolates.

Due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics, bacteria are now exposed to sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antibiotics in various environments. In recent years, exposure of bacteria to sub-MICs of antibiotics has led to the widespread emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. In this study, three bacterial species from the Enterobacteriaceae family (Raoultella ornithinolytica, Pantoea agglomerans and Klebsiella quasivariicola) were isolated from water. The antibiotic susceptibility of these bacteria to 16 antibiotics was then investigated. The effects of sub-MICs of four selected antibiotics (kanamycin, chloramphenicol, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin) on the growth, biofilm formation, surface polysaccharide production, siderophore production, morphology, and expression of the translational/transcriptional regulatory transformer gene rfaH of these bacteria were analysed. The MICs of kanamycin, chloramphenicol, meropenem, and ciprofloxacin were determined to be 1, 2, 0.03 and 0.03 µg/mL for R. ornithinolytica; 0.6, 6, 0.03 and 0.05 µg/mL for P. agglomerans; and 2, 5, 0.04 and 0.2 µg/mL for K. quasivariicola. The growth kinetics and biofilm formation ability decreased for all three isolates at sub-MICs. The surface polysaccharides of R. ornithinolytica and P. agglomerans increased at sub-MICs. There was no significant change in the siderophore activities of the bacterial isolates, with the exception of MIC/2 meropenem in R. ornithinolytica and MIC/2 kanamycin in K. quasivariicola. It was observed that the sub-MICs of meropenem and ciprofloxacin caused significant changes in bacterial morphology. In addition, the expression of rfaH in R. ornithinolytica and K. quasivariicola increased with the sub-MICs of the selected antibiotics.

Marginal adaptation of bulk-fill resin composites with different viscosities in class II restorations: a micro-CT evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the marginal adaptation of bulk-fill resin composites with different viscosities (paste-like and flowable) in Class II restorations using micro-CT imaging. METHODS: Forty extracted human molars were used. Mesial and distal Class II box cavities (approximately 3 mm x 3 mm x 4 mm) were prepared for each tooth, with cavity floors located 1 mm below the enamel-cementum junction. Following adhesive application, teeth were restored using eight different groups: Group XB: X-tra Base Bulk-fill Flowable (VOCO), Group XF: X-tra Fill Bulk-fill (VOCO), Group FB: Filtek Bulk-fill Posterior (3 M ESPE), Group FF: Filtek Bulk-fill Flowable (3 M ESPE), Group BB: Beautifil-Bulk (SHOFU), Group BF: Beautifil-Bulk Flowable (SHOFU), and Group CO: "as a control group", Clearfil Majesty Posterior (KURARAY) and Group CF: "as a control group", Clearfil Majesty Flow + Clearfil Majesty Posterior (KURARAY). The restored teeth underwent an aging protocol involving 1000 cycles in a water bath fluctuating between 5 ± 1.0 °C and 55 ± 1.0 °C. Post-aging, teeth were immersed in 50% silver nitrate solution for 24 h and then in a film developer solution for 8 h. Microleakage analysis was performed using micro-CT, evaluated with 3D Slicer software. A two-way ANOVA was employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Two-way ANOVA results indicated significant effects of both viscosity (p < 0.0001) and composite type (p < 0.0001) on marginal adaptation. Viscosity analysis (comparing flowable and paste-like) revealed no significant differences in the FB-FF, XB-XF and BB-BF groups but significant differences in the and CO-CF group, with flowable type exhibiting less microleakage than paste-like type. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that while the viscosity of bulk-fill composites did not significantly affect marginal adaptation, the brand of bulk-fill composite did influence it.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Three Important Herbs for Kombucha Fermentation.

Research background: Kombucha is consumed worldwide for its beneficial health effects. Kombucha teas fermented with various herbal infusions have become very important nowadays. Although black tea is used for kombucha fermentation, kombucha teas fermented with different herbal infusions have gained great importance. In this study, three different traditional medicinal plants, namely hop (Humulus lupulus L.), madimak (Polygonum cognatum) and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) were used for the fermentation of kombucha beverages, and the bioactivity of these beverages was investigated extensively. Experimental approach: The microbiological profile, bacterial cellulose formation, antibacterial, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities, sensory properties, total phenolic content and flavonoid content of kombucha beverages were investigated. Liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometry analysis was used to identify and quantify specific polyphenolic compounds in the samples. Results and conclusions: According to the results, the hawthorn-flavoured kombucha, which has lower free radical scavenging activity than the other samples, came into prominence in terms of sensory properties. All examined kombucha beverages showed a strong cytotoxic effect on Mahlavu and HCT116 cell lines, but only the madimak-flavoured kombucha sample, which had a higher total phenolic/flavonoid content, had antibacterial activity against all microorganisms used in the study. Novelty and scientific contribution: Considering the results of this study, madimak could be an effective herb for the development of new kombucha beverages, although its sensory properties still need to be improved. This study contributes to science in terms of producing new fermented beverages with improved beneficial health effects.

Coping strategies among women exposed to Gender-Based violence in Turkey.

AIM: To understand coping strategies used by women experiencing gender-based violence and living in Turkey. Coping is a cognitive and behavioural strategy that individuals develop to manage stress, generally categorized as emotion-focused or problem-focused coping. Women exposed to gender-based violence develop various coping strategies to manage stress and its adverse mental and physical health effects. DESIGN: Qualitative study using the phenomenological approach. METHODS: Data were collected in Turkey by using the snowball technique (n = 17) between September 2019 and September 2020. The Clinical Ethnographic Narrative Interview is the source of the qualitative data for this study. Data were coded manually and utilized the RADAR technique. RESULTS: Seventeen women aged 25-40 were included in this analysis. Women stated that they were exposed to more than one type of gender-based violence according to their lived experiences. Analysis of the nature of coping strategies revealed five main themes. The themes were self-competence, separation from others/isolation, getting professional help, having faith and social support. CONCLUSION: Breaking the silence and listening to gender-based violence experiences from survivors' voices contribute significantly to literature. There was a dearth of research on Turkish women's gender-based violence survivors; the research intended to address that gap. The participants highlighted that they would like to receive more attention and felt relief in sharing their experiences. IMPACT: The Clinical Ethnographic Narrative Interview is a great tool to explore narratives of gender-based violence and coping skills of women. The study explored coping strategies of Turkish women's gender-based violence survivors. The participants indicated their emotion-focused and problem-solving coping strategies and shared their stories. This study will enhance efforts to concentrate on gender-based violence among Turkish women and inspire other researchers, practitioners and policymakers to change and provide more opportunities for the benefit and well-being of these women.

The evaluation of disease awareness, caregiver burden, and workday loss in caregivers of COPD patients.

BACKGROUND: Our aim is to determine the caregiver burden of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) patient's caregivers, and to determine whether there is a workday loss. METHODS: 252 COPD patients and their caregivers were included. Disease information of the patients were recorded and a questionnaire was applied. Socio-demographic characteristics of the caregivers were recorded and a questionnaire consisting of 24 questions including COPD disease, treatment and loss of working days, and the Zarit Scale were used. RESULTS: 128(50.8%) of the patients according to GOLD were group-D, 97(38.5%) of the patient's relatives were working, 62(24.7%) were not able to go to work for 1-14 days, and 125(57.1%) spent outside the home from 1-14 nights, because those accompanied to patients. In univariate analysis were detected modified medical research council (mMRC) (p < 0.001), CAT (p < 0.001), the number of comorbidities of patients (p = 0.027), forced expiratory volume in 1 FEV1cc (p = 0.009), FEV1% (p < 0.001), the presence of long term oxygen therapy (LTOT), and the number of comorbidities of the patient's relatives (p = 0.06) increased the care load. In multiple linear regression analysis, age (p = 0.03), COPD assessment test (CAT) score (p = 0.001), FEV1% (<0.068) and the number of comorbidities of patients (p = 0.01) and the number of comorbidities of caregivers (p = 0.003) increased the caregiving burden. DISCUSSION: In COPD increases caregiving burden. This burden is greater in symptomatic patients and when comorbidities are present. Psychosocial and legal regulations should be investigated and solutions should be produced for the caregivers of COPD patients.

The usefulness of subxiphoid view in the evaluation of acceleration time and pulmonary hypertension in ICU patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PHT) is very frequent in ICUs. Estimation of systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PASP) by using tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) is impossible in 25% of patients. However, it may be possible to estimate PHT in these patients by obtaining subxiphoid imaging of short axis (SX-SAX) and measuring pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) acceleration time (AT). We first aimed to compare the values of AT and PAD measured at the parasternal short axis view (PSAX) and SX-SAX and then to compare AT measurements obtained in the RVOT and pulmonary artery (PA) in ICU patients. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted in a 7-bed ICU of a tertiary academic teaching hospital. Measurements of TRV, PAD, and AT in parasternal and subxiphoid SAX were obtained. AT was measured in RVOT and PA locations. We measured other echocardiographic signs of PHT to assess the probability of PHT in addition to TRV measurements. RESULTS: The study consisted of 61 patients. TRV was measured in 85% of the patients, and SX-SAX was visualized in 78%. The probability of PHT was high (49%) in this study population. There were agreement and no proportional bias between the measurements of PAD and AT at both SX-SAX and PSAX. Measurements of AT in the RVOT and PA were similar, as well. CONCLUSION: These results suggested that measurements of AT in the PSAX and SX-SAX and RVOT and PA were similar in the ICU patients.

Comparison of scapular position and upper extremity muscle strength in patients with and without lateral epicondylalgia: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The symptoms of lateral epicondylalgia (LE) can be persistent, and recurrence is frequent. Recurrence can be related to proximal segment impairment of the kinetic chain. Knowledge of any relation in the kinetic chain in LE may help treatment. We aimed to investigate scapular position and upper extremity muscle strength in patients with LE and to compare them with controls. METHODS: The study enrolled 51 patients with LE and 51 age-matched controls. We assessed scapular position asymmetry using the lateral scapular slide test and measured the strength of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscles in addition to shoulder abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation and grip strength. RESULTS: The percentage of participants with scapular asymmetry was greater in the patients than in the controls (P = .005). The involved side regarding shoulder external rotation among the patients was significantly weaker than in the controls (P = .016, P = .009). The involved side of the LE patients was significantly weaker than the uninvolved side in terms of shoulder abduction, external rotation, and internal rotation (P = .013, P = .048, P = .013). The UT/MT ratio on the nondominant side of the controls was significantly greater than that on the involved side of the LE patients (P = .016). CONCLUSION: Upper extremity muscle strength, grip strength, UT/MT ratio, and scapular position are affected in patients with LE. In addition to the elbow, focusing on the upper segments is essential in the management of LE.

Egg white powder-stabilised multiple (water-in-olive oil-in-water) emulsions as beef fat replacers in model system meat emulsions.

BACKGROUND: Today, multiple emulsions are believed to have a considerable application potential in food industry. We aimed to investigate physical, chemical and textural quality characteristics of model system meat emulsions (MSME) in which beef fat (C) was totally replaced by 10% (E-10), 20% (E-20) or 30% (E-30) multiple emulsions (W1 /O/W2 ) prepared with olive oil and egg white powder (EWP). RESULTS: Incorporation of W1 /O/W2 emulsion resulted in reduced fat (from 11.54% to 4.01%), increased protein content (from 13.66% to 14.74%), and modified fatty acid composition, significantly increasing mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid content and decreasing saturated fatty acid content. E-20 and E-30 samples had lower jelly and fat separation (5.77% and 5.25%) compared to C and E-10 (9.67% and 8.55%). W1 /O/W2 emulsion treatments had higher water-holding capacity (93.96-94.35%) than C samples (91.84%), and also showed the desired storage stability over time. Emulsion stability results showed that E-20 and E-30 samples had lower total expressible fluid (14.05% and 14.53%) and lower total expressible fat (5.06% and 5.33%) compared to C samples (19.13% and 6.09%). Increased concentrations of W1 /O/W2 emulsions led to alterations in colour and texture parameters. TBA values of samples were lower in W1 /O/W2 emulsion treatments than control treatment during 60 days of storage. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that multiple emulsions prepared with olive oil and EWP had promising impacts on reducing fat, modifying the lipid composition and developing both technologically and oxidatively stable meat systems. These are the first findings concerning beef matrix fat replacement with multiple emulsions stabilised by EWP. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

The effects of egg albumin incorporation on quality attributes of pale, soft, exudative (PSE-like) turkey rolls.

Pale, soft, exudative (PSE-like) poultry phenomenon has been a growing problem in meat industry in terms of quality and economic losses, thus data is required to evaluate PSE raw material in product formulations. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of egg albumin (EA) utilization on quality characteristics of PSE-like turkey rolls. Turkey Pectoralis major muscles were exposed to either 40 °C to stimulate typical processing causing PSE or 0 °C to reduce PSE and keep the muscles "normal". Turkey rolls were prepared in nine different formulations; using 100% normal (N), 50% normal + 50% PSE (NP) or 100% PSE meat (P). Treatments also included 0, 1 or 2% EA. Addition of EA increased protein content of all samples. L*, a* and b* values were affected by PSE level. Increased levels of PSE caused decreased processing yields, while EA incorporation increased processing yield of the samples. Addition of 1% EA increased water-holding capacity (WHC) of the samples, while higher level of EA (2%) caused decrement in the same. Addition of either 1% or 2% EA was effective in reducing purge loss in P samples. Texture profile analysis showed that EA addition rather had considerable effects on N samples. Sensory scores showed that 1% EA utilization has the potential to increase mostly the mouthfeel of PSE-like products. Results showed that EA could be used as a promising ingredient that improved overall quality of PSE-like turkey rolls.

From Lived Experience: Listening to Stories of Healing From Middle Eastern Immigrant IPV Survivors.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) affects all communities, but immigrant communities can be distinctively more vulnerable. This study explores the coping strategies of 10 immigrant Middle Eastern Immigrant Survivors of IPV in the United States. A phenomenological design was utilized to explore Middle Eastern immigrant IPV survivors coping strategies. The study participants had similar and different experiences with formal resources and informal help-seeking behaviors. These study results recommended that there is a considerable need for future research to extend the study of this population as well as an urgent need to increase accessible resources to empower immigrant IPV survivors.

Male Survivors of Domestic Violence, Challenges in Cultural Response, and Impact on Identity and Help-Seeking Behaviors: A Systematic Review.

Male experiences of domestic and relational violence have been only marginally explored in the literature. In connection to this, attitudes in the community and among service providers and criminal justice system entities can vary dramatically. This variance in attitudes creates an instability which has a differential impact on the help-seeking behaviors of victims. Additionally, help-seeking behaviors are often influenced by internalized shame and confusion on the part of the survivors themselves when their social constructions of masculinity do not align with lived experience. More is needed to understand the nature of male survivorship in situations of relational violence. A systematic review was conducted to begin organizing the data on the topic. This review started with 15,547 peer-reviewed articles. Those were systematically narrowed to a total of 16 of the most recent pieces of empirical science on the topic. The final articles were thematically analyzed. Findings suggest (a) cultural stigma around constructions of masculinity, (b) fear of disclosure, and (c) negative experiences with criminal justice and support system responses, among the highest drivers for the disparate experience and hesitation to seek help.

An evaluation of dental paste-like bulk-fill composite wear using intra-oral scanner.

This study evaluates the wear resistance of dental paste-like bulk-fill composites compared to conventional paste-like composite resins using an intraoral scanner and 3-D analyzing software. Six different dental composite materials, including five bulk-fill composites and one conventional composite, were tested alongside natural human enamel as a control group. A computer-controlled chewing simulator for wear testing. A one-way ANOVA test was used to identify any significant differences between the means of the tested dental composite materials α=0.05. The results showed variability among bulk-fill composites, with some demonstrating wear resistance similar to conventional composites (p<0.05). Human enamel displayed the lowest wear values, but some bulk-fill composites matched this resistance(p>0.05). Significant variability was observed among bulk-fill composites but the results were comparable to those of conventional composites. The enamel control group demonstrated the lowest wear values, with some bulk-fill composites showing similar wear resistance. This study provides valuable information about the wear resistance of contemporary bulk-fill composite materials, commonly used in current clinical practice, contributing to enhancing clinical procedures.

Contact sensitivity in Behçet's disease.

CONTEXT: Behçet's disease (BD) is a multisystemic inflammatory disorder with unknown etiology. Many immunological changes were reported in BD previously and these changes may affect the frequency of contact sensitivity in these patients. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to identify whether there is an interaction between contact sensitivity and BD. METHODS: The 'European standard series' with 27 allergens were performed on the upper backs of patients and healthy volunteers according to international standards using the IQ-Chamber. The test-units which contain these allergens were removed after 2 days. According to International Contact Dermatitis Research Group Recommendations test areas were evaluated on days 2, 3 and 7 to detect any delayed allergic reactions. The results of both groups were compared by using chi-square test. RESULTS: One hundred adult persons (50 BDs and 50 healthy controls) were tested. Positive patch test reaction to 1 or more allergens was observed in 7 (14%) patients in BD group and in 12 (24%) persons in control group. There was no statistically significant difference between these two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of contact sensitivity in BD is not different from healthy persons.

Bordetella pertussis and outer membrane vesicles.

Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of a respiratory infection called pertussis (whooping cough) that can be fatal in newborns and infants. The pathogen produces a variety of antigenic compounds which alone or simultaneously can damage various host cells. Despite the availability of pertussis vaccines and high vaccination coverage around the world, a resurgence of the disease has been observed in many countries. Reasons for the increase in pertussis cases may include increased awareness, improved diagnostic techniques, low vaccine efficacy, especially acellular vaccines, and waning immunity. Many efforts have been made to develop more effective strategies to fight against B. pertussis and one of the strategies is the use of outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) in vaccine formulations. OMVs are attracting great interest as vaccine platforms since they can carry immunogenic structures such as toxins and LPS. Many studies have been carried out with OMVs from different B. pertussis strains and they revealed promising results in the animal challenge and human preclinical model. However, the composition of OMVs differs in terms of isolation and purification methods, strains, culture, and stress conditions. Although the vesicles from B. pertussis represent an attractive pertussis vaccine candidate, further studies are needed to advance clinical research for next-generation pertussis vaccines. This review summarizes general information about pertussis, the history of vaccines against the disease, and the immune response to these vaccines, with a focus on OMVs. We discuss progress in developing an OMV-based pertussis vaccine platform and highlight successful applications as well as potential challenges and gaps.

Alterations of growth, biofilm-forming, and gene expression of Bordetella pertussis by antibiotics at sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations.

Bordetella pertussis is the primary agent of the acute respiratory disease pertussis. It has been reported that the disease has recently become more common, especially in adults and adolescents, and adaptation of the pathogen is thought to have an important influence on the recurrence of the disease. This study aims to determine the effect of erythromycin, azithromycin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole used in the treatment of pertussis on the virulence gene expressions (prn, ptxS1, fhaB), biofilm-forming and growth of B. pertussis. In this study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of azithromycin and erythromycin in B. pertussis local strain Saadet were determined to be 0.09 µg/mL and 0.3 µg/mL, respectively. However, the Tohama-I and Saadet strains were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (MIC>32 µg/mL). The biofilm-forming of the Saadet strain decreased with the increase in antibiotic doses. It was observed that 1/32MIC erythromycin and 1/32MIC azithromycin upregulated the expression of fhaB in Tohama-I, whereas the expression of ptxS1 and prn significantly decreased in sub-MICs of erythromycin. In the Saadet strain, only ptxS1 was highly expressed at 1/16MIC azithromycin and erythromycin (p > 0.05). This is the first study to investigate the effect of sub-MIC antibiotics on the expression of virulence genes and biofilm-forming of B. pertussis.

HNF1B mutation in a Turkish child with renal and exocrine pancreas insufficiency, diabetes and liver disease.

A small-for-gestational age female infant presented with bilateral hypoplastic kidneys at 3 months of age. She developed chronic renal insufficiency. Insulin-requiring, non-autoimmune diabetes was documented at 6 years of age. She had mild steatosis and iron deposition in the liver, and mal-development of pancreas. Genetic studies revealed a heterozygous mutation (S148L) of the HNF1B gene, compatible with an HNF1B-MODY phenotype (MODY5). This is the first case of HNF1B-MODY reported from Turkey and represents a particularly severe phenotype of the disease.

Acute kidney injury in a paediatric intensive care unit: comparison of the pRIFLE and AKIN criteria.

AIM: The purpose of our study was to evaluate and analyse the prevalence and association of acute kidney injury (AKI) as defined by paediatric Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function and End-stage kidney disease (pRIFLE) and Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) classifications in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU). METHODS: A prospective analysis of all patients that were admitted to our PICU between June 2009 and December 2010 was performed. Patients were classified according to AKIN and pRIFLE criteria. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-nine patients (mean age 45.9 ± 54.7 months; 110 male, 79 female) were enrolled. Sixty-three (33.3%) patients developed AKI by AKIN criteria and 68 (35.9%) patients developed AKI by pRIFLE criteria. All patients that had AKI according to AKIN criteria also had this diagnosis with pRIFLE criteria. Five patients had developed AKI only according to pRIFLE classification, four of them owing to reduction in their estimated creatinine clearance and one of them owing to changes over 1-week period. The mean length of PICU stay was longer, need for mechanical ventilation and mortality rates were higher in patients with AKI when compared to patients without AKI. CONCLUSION: Although both pRIFLE and AKIN criteria were very helpful in the detection of patients with AKI even in the early stages of it, pRIFLE seems to be more sensitive in paediatric patients.

Effects of Jerusalem Artichoke Powder and Sodium Carbonate as Phosphate Replacers on the Quality Characteristics of Emulsified Chicken Meatballs.

Today incorporation of natural ingredients as inorganic phosphate replacers has come into prominence as a novel research topic due to health concerns about phosphates. In this study, we aimed to investigate the quality of emulsified chicken meatballs produced with Jerusalem artichoke powder (JAP), either alone or in combination with sodium carbonate (SC) as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) replacers. The results showed that naturally dried JAP showed favorable technological properties in terms of water-oil binding and gelling. Emulsion batters formulated with JAP-SC mixture showed lower jelly and fat separation, higher water-holding capacity and higher emulsion stability than control samples with STPP. In final product, incorporation of JAP-SC mixture increased moisture and reduced lipid and energy values, and kept the pH value similar to control. Added JAP lead to increments in b* values whereas decreases L* values. Cook yield was similar to control in phosphate-free samples formulated with JAP-SC mix. Either low or medium ratios of JAP in combination with SC managed to protect most of the sensory parameters, while sensory scores tend to decrease in samples containing high levels of JAP. Addition of JAP to formulations presented samples that have equivalent behavior to phosphates in terms of lipid oxidation. In conclusion, our study confirms that utilization of JAP in combination with SC had promising effects as phosphate replacers by presenting natural solutions and providing equivalent quality to standard phosphate containing products.

A Study Examining Compliance with the Anti-Tobacco Law Nb. 4207 Inside Taxis.

OBJECTIVES: This observational study assessed compliance with the anti-tobacco Law Nb 4207 with regard to taxis in Çankaya district, Ankara. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in Kizilay, Kugulu, and Tandogan intersections on January 18-23, 2016 between 9.00-11.00 and 14.00-16.00 hours in Ankara. Data regarding the status of the taxi (either cruising or not), smoking inside taxis, smoking status of the taxi drivers and/or clients, location of the clients in the taxi, presence of a child in the taxi, and status of the windows (open or not) were recorded using a data-gathering form. RESULTS: Three thousand six hundred fifty-six taxis were evaluated, of which 79 (2.2%) taxi drivers were observed smoking. Clients were observed smoking in 17 taxis (1.3%). Ninety-four taxi drivers and/or clients (2.6%) were observed smoking. Taxi drivers smoked more frequently in the absence of a client. In addition, a smoking client influenced the taxi driver's smoking status (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Violation of the anti-tobacco Law Nb 4207 was observed. In this regard, the number of inspections needs to be increased. Systematic training programs for the taxi drivers regarding the risks of tobacco should be a priority. Preventive studies concerning the hazards of passive smoking should be also conducted at a community level.