Diagnostic accuracy of refractometry methods for estimating passive immunity status in neonatal beef calves.

BACKGROUND: Assessing the inadequate transfer of passive immunity (ITPI) in beef calves is crucial because calves with ITPI are at high risk for morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of digital Brix (D-BRIX) and digital serum total protein (D-STP) refractometers to estimate different passive immunity status in beef calves and to determine the robustness of thresholds. METHODS: Blood samples were collected from 202 (1-7 days old) beef calves. Serum total solid percentages, total protein concentrations, and IgG concentrations were measured with the D-BRIX refractometer, D-STP refractometer, and gold standard radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay, respectively. Data were analyzed using diagnostic test accuracy, areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve, Cohen's kappa coefficient, and misclassification costs analysis to estimate IgG concentrations <10, <16, and <24 mg/mL. RESULTS: For the prediction of serum IgG concentrations <10, <16 and <24 mg/mL, the optimal cut-off values were determined to be <8.5% (Se: 100.0% (95% CI: 87.9-100.0); Sp: 94.2% [95% CI: 89.6-97.2]), <8.5% (Se: 92.1% [95% CI: 78.6-98.2]; Sp: 97.6% [95% CI: 93.9-99.3]), and <10.1% (Se: 88.8% [95% CI: 79.7-94.7]; Sp: 67.2% [95% CI: 58.1-75.4]), respectively, for the D-BRIX refractometer; and <5.2 g/dL (Se: 100.0% [95% CI: 87.9-100.0]; Sp: 93.6% [95% CI: 88.9-96.8]), <5.2 g/dL (Se: 92.1% [95% CI: 78.6-98.2]; Sp: 97.0% [95% CI: 93.0-99.0]), and <6.4 g/dL (Se: 87.5% [95% CI: 78.2-93.8]; Sp: 69.7% [95% CI: 60.7-77.7]), respectively, for the D-STP refractometer. CONCLUSIONS: The digital Brix and digital serum total protein refractometers can be used as monitoring tools for assessing passive immunity transfer in neonatal beef calves.

The in vitro activity of danofloxacin plus ceftiofur combination: implications for antimicrobial efficacy and resistance prevention.

Due to the high prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, combination therapy is an efficient choice for treatment of infections caused by highly resistant strains. In this study, the efficacy of ceftiofur plus danofloxacin combination was investigated against resistant Escherichia coli. The interaction between the two drugs was determined by checkerboard tests and time-kill assays. The combination was defined as bactericidal or bacteriostatic based on the minimum bactericidal concentration test results. Mutant prevention concentration test was used to evaluate the resistance tendency suppression potential of the combination. The combination had a synergistic effect against 83.00% of the isolates as verified by the checkerboard and time-kill assays. The combination was defined as bactericidal against all E. coli strains, since minimum bactericidal concentration: minimum inhibitory concentration ratios were below four thresholds and also markedly reduced mutant prevention concentration values of ceftiofur up to 4000-fold compared to its single use. Ceftiofur plus danofloxacin combination inhibited growth of E. coli strains which were resistant to ceftiofur or newer generation of fluoroquinolones. Our results suggest that ceftiofur plus danofloxacin combination has a bactericidal characteristic and can be an important alternative for the treatment of infections caused by resistant E. coli.

Diagnostic accuracy of digital Brix and serum total protein refractometers in estimating different passive immunity levels in dairy calves.

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of digital serum total protein (TP) and digital Brix refractometers in estimating different passive immunity levels (<10, <18, <25 mg/mL) in dairy calves. Blood samples were collected from 260 apparently healthy Holstein calves, aged 2-7 days. Serum IgG concentrations were measured using digital Brix and TP refractometers and the radial immunodiffusion (RID) assay, as the gold standard. Data were analyzed by a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curves (AUC) and Cohen's kappa (κ). Optimal thresholds were determined as < 8.4, < 9.0 and < 9.4% for the digital Brix refractometer, and < 5.0, < 5.4 and < 5.8 g/dL for the serum TP refractometer in estimating IgG concentrations of < 10, < 18, < 25 mg/mL, respectively. The sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the Brix refractometer were 96.3% and 88.8% for < 8.4% Brix, 97.0% and 83.4% for < 9.0% Brix, and 85.5% and 77.8% for < 9.4% Brix, respectively. The Se and Sp of the serum TP refractometer were 96.3% and 90.1% for < 5.0 g/dL, 91.0% and 89.6% for < 5.4 g/dL, 79.6% and 85.2% for < 5.8 g/dL, respectively. The discriminant ability of the refractometers was moderately accurate in estimating IgG concentrations of < 10 and < 18 mg/mL, and highly accurate in estimating IgG concentrations of < 25 mg/mL. Both refractometers substantially agreed with RID-IgG results and almost perfectly agreed with each other. In conclusion, the digital Brix and digital serum TP refractometers offer a good utility for determining different passive immunity levels in dairy calves.

Cytotoxicity of Acrylic Resins, Particulate Filler Composite Resin and Thermoplastic Material in Artificial Saliva with and without Melatonin.

There is limited information on the effect of melatonin on the cytotoxicity of dental materials. The study evaluated the cytotoxic effects of heat- and auto-polymerized acrylic resin, particulate filler composite resin and a thermoplastic material on L-929 fibroblast cell viability at different incubation periods in artificial saliva without and with melatonin. Disk-shaped specimens were prepared according to each manufacturer's instructions and divided into two groups to be stored either in artificial saliva (AS) and AS with melatonin (ASM). The measurements were performed using an MTT (3-(4,5)-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide) assay, in which the L-929 mouse fibroblasts cell culture was used. For the MTT test, extracts were examined at 1, 24, 72 h and 1 and 2 weeks. Data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA and Tukey's tests. No significant difference was found between groups AS and ASM (F = 0.796; p = 0.373). Incubation period significantly affected all materials tested (p < 0.001). Storing resin-based materials in artificial saliva with melatonin solution for 24 h may reduce cytotoxic effects on the fibroblast cells for which the highest effect was observed. Soaking resin prosthesis or orthodontic appliances in artificial saliva with melatonin at least 24 h before intraoral use or rinsing medium containing melatonin may be recommended for decreasing the cytotoxicity of dental resin materials.

The Definition of the Upper Limit of Adolescent Age in Terms of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes.

Introduction This study aims to reveal the maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, associated with adolescent pregnancies in our country, to investigate whether the 20 to 21-year-age group, which is very close to the adolescent age, is similar to the adolescent age group in terms of adverse outcomes, and so to contribute to the definition of the upper limit in adolescent age for pregnancy. Methods Four hundred and twenty-four pregnant women under the 20-year-age, 450 pregnant women at 20 to 21-year-age, and 450 pregnant women between 22 and 25-year-age were included in this retrospective study. Maternal demographic features, clinical characteristics, obstetric complications, maternal outcomes, neonatal complications, and neonatal outcomes were collected from the medical records of the participants. Results There were statistically significant differences between under 20-year-age and 22 to 25-year-age, regarding gestational age at birth, maternal duration of hospitalization after delivery, mode of delivery, preterm delivery rate, very low birth weight, and low birth weight, first minute Apgar score, the presence of transient tachypnea of the newborn. Conclusion The upper age limit for the adolescent age, which is considered risky in terms of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, was found to be compatible with the upper age limit, which is 19 years, defined by World Health Organization.

Comparison of CBCT with different voxel sizes and intraoral scanner for detection of periodontal defects: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic accuracy of cone beam CT (CBCT) units with different voxel sizes with the digital intraoral scanning technique in terms of the detection of periodontal defects. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study material comprised of 12 dry skulls with maxilla and mandible. Artificial defects were created on teeth separately using burs randomly on dry skulls. In total 46 dehiscences, 10 fenestrations, 17 furcations, 12 wall defects and 13 without periodontal defect were used in the study. Each tooth with and without defects was imaged at various vertical angles using each of the following modalities: a Veraviewepocs 3D R100 CBCT device and a 3D Shape TRIOSㄾ Color P13 Shade Intraoral Scanner. RESULTS: The κ values for interobserver agreement between observers ranged between 0.29 and 0.86 for the CBCT 10 × 8 cm field of view (FOV) with 0,160 mm3 voxel size; 0.35 and 1 for the CBCT 8 × 8 cm FOV with 0,125 mm3 voxel size; and 0.30 and 1 of intraoral scans. The κ values for detecting defects on anterior teeth were the least, following premolar and molar teeth both CBCT and intraoral scanning. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller voxel sizes and smaller CBCT FOV has the highest sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for detecting various periodontal defects among the scanner modalities examined. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: Adequate evaluation of the condition of the alveolar bone and periodontal tissues is important for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of periodontal disease. Limited examination methods, such as palpation, inspection, and periodontal probe examination, may provide insufficient information for the diagnosis of periodontal diseases.

Periodontal treatment is more effective in gastric Helicobacter pylori eradication in those patients who maintain good oral hygiene.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the effect of periodontal treatment and oral hygiene on the eradication of gastric Helicobacter pylori. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this clinical trial, the 98 patients with gastric H. pylori infection that were enrolled received either triple-therapy regimen only or triple-therapy regimen plus periodontal treatment given during triple therapy. Eradication of H. pylori was checked at 3 months, and then after therapy using the urea breath test. RESULTS: The triple-therapy plus periodontal treatment regime resulted in a 64.7% eradication rate, and the triple-therapy regime alone resulted in a 51.1% eradication rate (P = 0.17). Additionally, subgroup analysis indicated that the beneficial effect of periodontal treatment on the gastric H. pylori eradication rate improved if adequate plaque control was maintained (P = 0.02). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that post-treatment oral hygiene status [as indicated by the Oral Hygiene Index (OHI)] was associated with H. pylori eradication (P = 0.02), but not with pretreatment oral hygiene status (P = 0.24). Oral hygiene measures without periodontal treatment appear to have a limited impact on H. pylori eradication. Post-treatment oral hygiene level (OHI ≤ 1.25) had a positive effect on H. pylori eradication, increased the gastric eradication rate, with an OR of 3.19, and the oral H. pylori eradication rate, with an OR of 4.57. Furthermore, if periodontal treatment was unsuccessful in eliminating oral H. pylori, as tested using the Campylobacter-like organism test, the OR for the unsuccessful gastric eradication increased 64-fold. Conclusion This result illustrates that the key factors for achieving successful gastric H. pylori eradication are professional periodontal treatment and the patients' later adherence to an oral hygiene regimen.

Prevalence of periodontal disease among mine workers of Zonguldak, Kozlu District, Turkey: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Occupational injuries cause major health problems in all nations. Coal mining is one of the largest, oldest industries in the world. However, there is relatively little available literature concerning the health status of coal miners. The purpose of this work is to assess the prevalence of periodontal disease among coal miners and provide a basis for planning and evaluating the data from community oral health services. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted 106 men selected based on a stratified cluster sampling procedure. The study was performed among the mine workers of Zonguldak, Kozlu District, Turkey. The questionnaire prepared by the American Academy of Periodontology risk assessment test was used for the evaluation. The data were collected byWorld Health Organization (WHO) oral health assessment form, and clinical examination was conducted by the method recommended by the WHO oral health surveys. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software programme. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of periodontal disease was found to be 96.2% and was determined by considering subjects with Community Periodontal Index scores of 1-4 as diseased and the healthy subjects comprised of a mere 3.8%. Furthermore, various disturbing or embarrassing work conditions were reported. Statistically significant differences were observed among the workers who brush their teeth daily and visit dental attendance within the last two years have better periodontal status than those of the others (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present level of periodontal disease in coal mine workers is severe. Moreover, its distribution and severity are strongly influenced by host susceptibility and risk factors. The priority should be based on population strategy and primary prevention programmes to benefit the periodontal health by promoting self-care and oral hygiene.

Genotyping and antimicrobial resistance genes of Yersinia ruckeri isolates from rainbow trout farms.

In this study, we compared 142 Yersinia ruckeri isolates collected between 2013 and 2016 from 6 different regions in Turkey. A total of 18 different genogroups were found, though most of the isolates clustered into the same genogroup as serotype O1. As immunization of fish with inactivated Y. ruckeri by injection, immersion, or feeding provide minimal protection against Y. ruckeri infection in Turkey, many fish producers use antimicrobials unrestrictedly, resulting in antimicrobial resistance in aquatic pathogens. Accordingly, we investigated resistance to the antimicrobials most commonly used to treat yersiniosis. More than 80% of the Y. ruckeri isolates were susceptible to sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (SXT), florfenicol (FFC), and tetracycline, whereas none were susceptible to sulfamethoxazole. The most commonly used antimicrobials (SXT and FFC) can be effectively administered because the resistance levels to these drugs are the lowest among those reported for agents used to control enteric red mouth disease (12.6 and 14.7%, respectively). In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, this study is the first characterization of the antimicrobial resistance genes floR, sulI, tetC, tetD, and tetE in Y. ruckeri isolates from aquaculture. Additionally, we detected the sulII gene but not the tetA, tetB, tetM, tetS, or sulIII genes.

Synthesis, structures and biomolecular interactions of new silver(i) 5,5-diethylbarbiturate complexes of monophosphines targeting Gram-positive bacteria and breast cancer cells.

A series of new silver(i) 5,5-diethylbarbiturate (barb) complexes with the formulas [Ag2(µ-barb)2(PPh3)2] (1), [Ag(barb)(PPh2Cy)] (2), [Ag(barb)(PPhCy2)] (3) and [Ag(barb)(PCy3)] (4) (PPh3 = triphenylphosphine, PPh2Cy = diphenylcyclohexylphosphine, PPhCy2 = dicyclohexylphenylphosphine and PCy3 = tricyclohexylphosphine) were synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, ESI-MS and X-ray crystallography. All the complexes display a significant affinity towards DNA with a groove binding mode and also strongly bind to BSA via hydrophobic interactions. Lipophilicity increases from 1 to 4 with an increasing number of Cy groups in the phosphine ligands. Screening of the in vitro antimicrobial activity of 1-4 against the strains of Gram-negative (S. typhimurium ATCC 14028, E. coli ATCC 25922 and O157:H7) and Gram-positive (L. garvieae 40456, S. aureus ATCC 25923, and ATCC 33591) bacteria demonstrated that all the complexes exhibit very high activity and specific selectivity against the Gram-positive bacteria, compared to AgNO3 and silver sulfadiazine. Furthermore, the growth inhibitory effects of 1-4 on four human cancer cell lines (MCF-7, PC-3, A549 and HT-29) showed that 4 has a potent cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 cells, significantly higher than cisplatin and carboplatin. The effects of the complexes on the inhibition of the cells are closely related to their lipophilicity as well as DNA/protein binding. The induction of apoptosis of MCF-7 cells treated with 4 was probed through Hoechst 33342 staining, Annexin V positivity and caspase 3/7 activity. In addition, increased ROS levels in the presence of 4 are most likely responsible for damage to both mitochondria and genomic DNA.

Synthesis, crystal structures, in vitro DNA binding, antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of new di- and polynuclear silver(I) saccharinate complexes with tertiary monophosphanes.

Four new silver(I) saccharinate (sac) complexes, [Ag(µ-sac)(PPh3)]2 (1), [Ag(µ-sac)(PPh2Cy)]2 (2), [Ag(µ-sac)(PPhCy2)]2 (3) and [Ag(µ-sac)(PCy3)]n (4), where PPh3=triphenylphosphane, PPh2Cy=cyclohexyldiphenylphosphane, PPhCy2=dicyclohexylphenylphosphane and PCy3=tricyclohexylphosphane, have been synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, NMR, ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Fluorescence ethidium bromide displacement indicate that all complexes bind to fish sperm (FS) DNA by intercalation with binding constants (KA) of 29.1±0.26×10(5)M(-1) for 1, 2.54±0.12×10(5)M(-1) for 2, 2.42±0.08×10(5)M(-1) for 3, 0.19±0.03×10(5)M(-1) for 4. The relative viscosities of the FS-DNA solutions increase with increasing of the complex concentration, providing strong evidence for the intercalation mode. The gel electrophoresis assay further confirms their binding with the pBR322 plasmid DNA. The MIC values of the silver(I) complexes are generally higher than those of AgNO3 and silver sulfadiazine, but 1 presents a promising activity against Salmonellatyphimurium and Staphylococcusaureus. All complexes are highly cytotoxic on human lung carcinoma (A549) and human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 0.82 to 3.13µM.

Di- and polynuclear silver(I) saccharinate complexes of tertiary diphosphane ligands: synthesis, structures, in vitro DNA binding, and antibacterial and anticancer properties.

A series of new silver(I) saccharinate (sac) complexes, [Ag2(sac)2(µ-dppm)H2O]·H2O (1), {[Ag2(µ-sac)2(µ-dppe)]·3H2O·CH2Cl2} n (2), [Ag2(µ-sac)2(µ-dppp)] n (3), and [Ag(sac)(µ-dppb)] n (4) [dppm is 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino)methane, dppe is 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, dppp is 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane, and dppb is 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane], have been synthesized and characterized by C, H, N elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, and (31)P NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and thermogravimetry-differential thermal analysis. Single-crystal X-ray studies show that the diphosphanes act as bridging ligands to yield a dinuclear complex (1) and one-dimensional coordination polymers (2 and 4), whereas the sac ligand adopts a µ2-N/O bridging mode in 2, and is N-coordinated in 1 and 4. The interaction of the silver(I) complexes with fish sperm DNA was investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis. The binding studies indicate that the silver(I) complexes can interact with fish sperm DNA through intercalation, and complexes 1 and 3 have the highest binding affinity. The gel electrophoresis assay further confirms the binding of the complexes with the pBR322 plasmid DNA. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the complexes indicate that complex 1 exhibits very high antibacterial activity against standard bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus, being much higher than those of AgNO3, silver sulfadiazine, ciprofloxacin, and gentamicin. Moreover, complexes 1-3 exhibit very high cytotoxic activity against A549 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, compared with AgNO3 and cisplatin. The bacterial and cell growth inhibitions of the silver(I) complexes are closely related to their DNA binding affinities.

Melatonin and oral cavity.

While initially the oral cavity was considered to be mainly a source of various bacteria, their toxins and antigens, recent studies showed that it may also be a location of oxidative stress and periodontal inflammation. Accordingly, this paper focuses on the involvement of melatonin in oxidative stress diseases of oral cavity as well as on potential therapeutic implications of melatonin in dental disorders. Melatonin has immunomodulatory and antioxidant activities, stimulates the proliferation of collagen and osseous tissue, and acts as a protector against cellular degeneration associated with aging and toxin exposure. Arising out of its antioxidant actions, melatonin protects against inflammatory processes and cellular damage caused by the toxic derivates of oxygen. As a result of these actions, melatonin may be useful as a coadjuvant in the treatment of certain conditions of the oral cavity. However, the most important effect of melatonin seems to result from its potent antioxidant, immunomodulatory, protective, and anticancer properties. Thus, melatonin could be used therapeutically for instance, locally, in the oral cavity damage of mechanical, bacterial, fungal, or viral origin, in postsurgical wounds caused by tooth extractions and other oral surgeries. Additionally, it can help bone formation in various autoimmunological disorders such as Sjorgen syndrome, in periodontal diseases, in toxic effects of dental materials, in dental implants, and in oral cancers.

Effect of defective collagen synthesis on epithelial implant interface: lathyritic model in dogs. An experimental preliminary study.

Peri-implant mucosa is composed of 2 compartments: a marginal junctional epithelium and a zone of connective tissue attachment. Both structures consist mainly of collagen. Lathyrism is characterized by defective collagen synthesis due to inhibition of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that is essential for interfibrillar collagen cross-linking. The lathyritic agent beta-aminoproprionitrile (ß-APN) is considered a suitable agent to disrupt the connective tissue metabolism. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effect of defective connective tissue metabolism on epithelial implant interface by using ß-APN created chronic lathyrism in the canine model. Two 1-year-old male dogs were included in this study. A ß-APN dosage of 5 mg/0.4 mL/volume 100 g/body weight was given to the test dog for 10 months, until lathyritic symptoms developed. After this, the mandibular premolar teeth (p2, p3, p4) of both dogs were atraumatically extracted, and the investigators waited 3 months before implants were placed. In the test dog, 3 implants were placed in the left mandible, and 2 implants were placed in the right mandible. In the control dog, 2 implants were placed in the left mandibular premolar site. The dogs were sacrificed 10 months after healing. Peri-implant tissues obtained from the dogs were examined histomorphologically and histopathologically. Bone to implant contact (BIC) values and bone volumes (BV) were lower in the lathyritic group compared to the control group; however, no statistical significance was found. Significant histologic and histomorphometric changes were observed in peri-implant bone, connective tissue, and peri-implant mucosal width between test and control implants. Defective collagen metabolism such as lathyrism may negatively influence the interface between implant and surrounding soft tissue attachment.

Interaction between periodontal disease and systemic secondary amyloidosis: from inflammation to amyloidosis.

BACKGROUND: It has become increasingly clear in recent years that periodontal disease can cause a dramatic increase in the levels of markers of systemic inflammation, and that periodontal treatment can result in reduction in the levels of these markers. We have previously shown that the prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis was significantly higher in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) with amyloidosis than in patients with FMF without amyloidosis. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate if chronic periodontitis is associated with secondary amyloidosis in the Black Sea region of Turkey. METHODS: A total of 112 patients with biopsy-proven secondary amyloidosis (59 patients with FMF, 40 patients who were either chronically infected or had malignant disease, 13 patients with periodontitis) and 22 healthy subjects, were included in this study. Periodontal health and disease were evaluated using gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), plaque index (PI), and periodontal disease index (PDI). The concentrations of serum acute phase reactants (APRs) were measured at baseline and at 4 to 6 weeks after completion of the non-surgical periodontal therapy. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate to severe periodontitis was 47.5% in patients with FMF, 72.5% in patients who were either chronically infected or had malignant disease, and 84.6% in patients with periodontitis. Serum levels of APRs in patients with amyloidosis were reduced significantly after non-surgical periodontal therapy (P <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontitis can increase the levels of APRs and potentiate the development of amyloidosis either by themselves or association with traditional factors, such as FMF and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Thus, preventing or treating periodontitis might prevent or at least alleviate the progression of amyloidosis. Periodontal evaluation should be performed as part of a medical assessment and considered as an etiologic factor for secondary amyloidosis.

Treatment of E. coli HB101 and the tetM gene by Fenton's reagent and ozone in cow manure.

The destruction of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms at the source of contamination is necessary due to their adverse effects and to their increasingly widespread occurrence in the environment. To address this problem, Fenton and ozone oxidation processes were applied to synthetically contaminated cow manure to remove the tetM gene and its host, Escherichia coli HB101. The efficiency of the processes was evaluated by enumeration of E. coli HB101 and by PCR amplification of the tetM gene. The results of this study show that 56.60% bacterial inactivation (corresponding to a 0.36 log reduction) was achieved by a Fenton reagent dose of 50 mM H(2)O(2) and 5 mM Fe(2+) without acidifying the manure. Despite the high organic content of cow manure, 98.50% bacterial inactivation (corresponding to a 1.83 log reduction) was obtained by the ozonation process with an applied dose of 3.125 mg ozone/g manure slurry. The PCR study revealed that the band intensity of the tetM gene gradually decreased by increasing the Fenton reagent and the applied ozone dose. However, significantly high doses of oxidants would be required to completely eliminate bacterial pollution in manure.

Evaluation of the interaction between soil and antibiotics.

The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of tetracycline and sulfonamide antibiotics in 13 different soil samples collected from agricultural fields. As well as the antibiotic analysis 18 different physicochemical properties of the soil samples were determined in order to establish a relationship between the recovery rates of antibiotics from the samples and the characteristics of the samples that provide critical information for the reliability of an applied antibiotic analysis method. While the concentrations of tetracyclines were 0.025-0.105 mg kg(-1) sulfonamide antibiotics were not detected in any investigated soil samples. The mean recovery rates of tetracyclines and sulfonamides were 84.57 +/- 14.92% and 65.88 +/- 8.56%, respectively. Although, the organic carbon contents and cation exchange capacities of the soil samples exhibited a great variation the results of multivariate statistical analysis indicated that the metal content of soils was the major factor significantly influenced the recovery rates of the antibiotics. The sulfonamide recovery rates were positively influenced by the calcium and magnesium amounts in the soil samples, whereas tetracycline recovery rates were markedly diminished by increasing the amount of these polyvalent metals.

Chronic copper toxicosis in sheep following the use of copper sulfate as a fungicide on fruit trees.

Between January and October 2006, 15 Chios sheep died in a field located near a factory in Orhangazi, Bursa, Turkey. In addition, in May 2007, 2 ewes died after aborting in the same field. Clinical signs in affected animals prior to death were anorexia, hematuria, icterus, incoordination, and ptyalism. Postmortem findings included generalized icterus; yellow, friable livers; distended gallbladders with dense, dark bile; and dark, hypertrophic kidneys with hemorrhage. Copper (Cu) concentrations were measured in multiple specimens of the following: 9 sera, 3 livers, 3 kidneys, 4 plants (including 2 artichoke leaf specimens), 3 soil samples, and 1 drinking water sample. High Cu concentrations were present in the livers, kidneys, and sera of dead sheep, as well as in the vegetation and soil samples from the field. Chronic Cu toxicosis was confirmed as the cause of death attributed primarily to the use of copper sulfate as a fungicide for fruit trees within the field. In addition, factory dust containing Cu might have been an additional factor in the toxicosis.