Antimicrobial effect of dried koruk (Vitis vinifera L.) pomace against food-borne pathogens inoculated in kofte.

This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effects of various concentrations of dried koruk pomace (1%, 1.5%, and 2%) used in kofte formulations. To detect the inactivation effect of dried koruk pomace on food-borne pathogens, kofte samples were separately inoculated with Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Typhimurium at high and low levels. During the storage period, E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. Typhimurium counts of the samples inoculated with high levels were decreased in the range of 1.1-1.3 log CFU/g, 0.1-0.2 log CFU/g and 1.1-1.2 log CFU/g, respectively. When low inoculum levels were used, E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium counts of the samples were reduced to an undetectable level at the beginning and after 2 months of storage, respectively. Although L. monocytogenes counts of the samples were reduced to an undetectable level immediately, the counts were increased during storage till the end of the fifth month. The results indicated that dried koruk pomace was more effective in eliminating E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium than L. monocytogenes inoculated in kofte. The results suggest that using dried koruk pomace in kofte formulations is an effective method to improve the safety of the products, especially when low levels of contamination occur.

Assessment of the effect of marination with organic fruit vinegars on safety and quality of beef.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of organic fruit vinegars (blackberry, pomegranate, rosehip, and grape) used as marination liquids (MLs) on food-borne pathogens inoculated on beef, as well as on the quality characteristics (physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory properties) of beef during marination process at 4 °C for 24 h. In the first part of the study, meat samples separately inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (≅6 log CFU/mL) were marinated in four different MLs and the count of S. Typhimurium, L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157:H7 on samples decreased in the range of 1.040-1.225, 1.420-1.913 and 1.232-1.435 log CFU/g, respectively. Marination with rosehip vinegar (MLR) was determined as the most effective treatment against all pathogens. In the second part of the study, proximate composition, color parameters, cooking yield, marinate absorption, pH, texture profile, aerobic plate count and sensory properties of marinated meat samples were determined. The moisture content of the samples marinated with grape vinegar (MLG) (73.50%) was found lower than of the samples marinated with other formulations (in the range of 75.95-76.65%) (P < 0.05). Marination by various MLs resulted in significant differences between the L*, a* and b* values of meat samples (P < 0.05). The hardness value of the samples was decreased by marination with MLR (P < 0.05) and was determined as 25.70 N. There were no significant differences between the meat samples marinated with the four different MLs in terms of cooking yield, marinate absorption and pH (P > 0.05). Aerobic plate count was reduced in the range of 0.589-0.950 log CFU/g for 24 h marination (P > 0.05). The highest sensory evaluation scores in terms of flavor were determined in meat samples marinated with MLG (P > 0.05). Therefore, different fruit vinegars used as MLs improved the safety and quality of meat at different levels.

Screening physicochemical, microbiological and bioactive properties of fruit vinegars produced from various raw materials.

In the present study, variety of fruit vinegars were investigated in terms of their physicochemical, microbiological and bioactive properties. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were in the range of 933-1162 mg GAE/L and 66.64-470.86 mg/L in terms of catechin equivalents, respectively. During the evaluation of antioxidant activity via DPPH and ABTS assay, samples showed the activity as in the range of 0.047-0.302 and 0.413-0.885 µg TE/mL, respectively. The counts of AAB, LAB and yeast-mold were found in the range of < 2-6.32, < 1-5.39 and < 1-3.97 log CFU/mL, respectively. Antimicrobial activity of vinegars was tested against nine bacteria by broth microdilution assay. Most of the samples were found inhibitive against test cultures at concentrations between 3.12 and 6.25% (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration, v/v), while apple vinegar was inhibitive at higher concentrations. These results indicated the high potential of fruit vinegars as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents that could be used as functional food ingredients.

Inactivation effect of marination liquids prepared with koruk juice and dried koruk pomace on Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on meat.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of marination liquids prepared with koruk juice and dried koruk pomace in terms of meat safety. In the study, marination liquids containing two different concentrations of koruk juice (25% and 50%) or dried koruk pomace (1% and 2%) were prepared separately with or without ingredients (1% salt and 0.1% thyme). Meat samples inoculated with two different levels (≅3 log and ≅6 log) of food-borne pathogens (S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes) were marinated at 4 °C for different times (2, 24 and 48 h) and the effects of the treatment on target pathogens were determined. As a result of marinating process, the counts of S. Typhimurium, E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes inoculated at high levels (≅6 log) on meat samples were reduced in the range of 0.109-2.648 log CFU/g, 0.264-3.373 log CFU/g and 0.023-2.781 log CFU/g, respectively. The most effective treatment in reducing the counts of S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 was achieved by marination with ML1 (50% koruk juice + 50% water) for 48 h, while marination with ML2 (50% koruk juice + 50% water + 1% salt + 0.1% thyme) for 24 h was the most effective treatment for L. monocytogenes. When low inoculum levels were used (≅3 log), the counts of pathogens on meat samples were determined under detection limits after marination even for 2 h application. The results of sensory evaluation showed that the sample marinated with ML2 for 48 h was the most favored sample in terms of appearance, color, texture, taste and overall appreciation.

The Turkish experience with therapeutic plasma exchange: A national survey.

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used to treat more than 60 diseases worldwide and has drawn growing interest. Little is known about the current situation of TPE activity in Turkey, so we developed a survey to obtain information about this timely topic. We collected data on TPE from 28 apheresis units throughout Turkey. We performed a total of 24,912 TPE procedures with 3203 patients over the past decade. Twenty years ago, the majority of procedures were performed for neurological and hematological disorders, and today, most TPE procedures are done for the same reasons. The only historical change has been an increase in TPE procedures in renal conditions. Currently, renal conditions were more frequently an indication for TPE than rheumatic conditions. Fresh frozen plasma was the most frequently used replacement fluid, followed by 5% albumin, used in 57.9% and 34.6% of procedures, respectively. The most frequently used anticoagulants in TPE were ACD-A and heparin/ACD-A, used with 1671 (52.2%) and 1164 (36.4%) patients, respectively. The frequency of adverse events (AEs) was 12.6%. The most common AEs were hypocalcemia-related symptoms, hypotension, and urticaria. We encountered no severe AEs that led to severe morbidity and mortality. Overall, more than two thirds of the patients showed improvement in the underlying disease. Here, we report on a nationwide survey on TPE activity in Turkey. We conclude that there has been a great increase in apheresis science, and the number of TPE procedures conducted in Turkey has increased steadily over time. Finally, we would like to point out that our past experiences and published international guidelines were the most important tools in gaining expertise regarding TPE.

Biological variation estimates of prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen in 28 healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Although tests of global hemostasis prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) should not be used for prediction of bleeding risk, these tests are often used by many clinicians in daily practice particularly as a preoperative screening test. Robust biological variation (BV) data are needed for safe clinical applications of these tests. In this study, a stringent protocol was followed to estimate the BV's for PT, aPTT, and fibrinogen levels. METHODS: Weekly blood samples were obtained from 28 healthy individuals (18 females, 10 males) during 10 weeks study period. All measurements were performed with Stago STA-R coagulation analyzer. Prior to coefficient of variation (CV)-analysis of variance (ANOVA), the data were assessed for normality, trends, outliers, and variance homogeneity. Sex-stratified within-individual (CVI ) and between-individual (CVG ) BV estimates were determined for PT, aPTT, and fibrinogen tests. RESULTS: No difference was found between male and female estimates of BV. The observed CVI and CVG estimates were found to be lower than those previously published. Only for fibrinogen, CVI was higher than CVG . CONCLUSION: Following a meticulous protocol, our study results provide up-to-date and more stringent BV estimates of global hemostasis tests.

The Role of CD200 and CD43 Expression in Differential Diagnosis between Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

OBJECTIVE: Atypical chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is most frequently confused with mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Several markers may contribute to the diagnosis of CLL. However, there is no consensus on which markers are needed to be used in flow cytometry for the diagnosis of CLL. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of CD43 and CD200 markers in the differential diagnosis between CLL and MCL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To address this issue, 339 consecutive patients with CLL and MCL were included in the flow cytometry lymphoproliferative disease panel for evaluation of CD43 and CD200 expressions, but not in the Matutes scoring system. RESULTS: CD200 was expressed in 97.3% of atypical CLL cases, whereas it was dimly expressed in only 6.1% of MCL cases. CD43 expression was 95.7% in atypical CLL cases. In the MCL cases, its expression rate was 39.4%. CONCLUSION: CD43 and CD200 were found to be more valuable markers than CD22, CD79b, and FMC7. CD43 and CD200 could also be considered as definitive markers in atypical CLL patients, for whom the Matutes scoring system remains ineffective.

Comparative study of three angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists in preventing liver fibrosis in diabetic rats: stereology, histopathology, and electron microscopy.

The presence of liver disease in patients with progressively worsening insulin resistance may not be recognized until patients develop manifestations of the metabolic syndrome such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and vascular disease. It was aimed to investigate whether three angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonists (ARBs) (olmesartan, losartan, and valsartan) had preventive effect against hepatic fibrosis and this was a common characteristic among ARBs. In current study, 25 adult male rats were used and divided into five groups: the non-diabetic healthy group, alloxan induced diabetic (AID) control group, AID losartan group, AID valsartan group and AID olmesartan group. According to numerical density of hepatocytes, significant difference was found between the non-diabetic healthy group and diabetic control group. All treatments groups were significant when compared to diabetic control group. In diabetic control group it was examined swelling, irregular cristae arrangement in some of mitochondria. It was also determined mitochondria membrane degeneration in some areas of section profiles. In diabetic rats treated with losartan group, there were necrotic hepatocytes. In diabetic rats treated with valsartan group, predominantly, findings were similar to losartan group. In diabetic rats treated with olmesertan group, plates of hepatocytes were quite regular. There were hardly necrotic cells. Not only other organelles such as RER, SER and lysosom but also mitochondrial structures had normal appearance. In the diabetic control group electron microscopy revealed edema in both the cytoplasm and perinuclear area and the nuclear membranes appeared damaged. In conclusion, it was established that the most protective ARB the liver in diabetic rats was olmesartan, followed by losartan.

The effect of metyrosine/prednisolone combination to oophorectomy-induced osteoporosis.

BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is a chronic disease characterized by a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and corruption of the microarchitectural structure of bone tissue. OBJECTIVE: It was investigated whether methylprednisolone had a favorable effect on osteoporotic bone tissue in Oophorectomy induced osteoporotic rats whose endogenous adrenaline levels are suppressed with metyrosine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bone Mineral Density, number of osteoblast-osteoclast, bone osteocalcin levels and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measurements were performed. Obtained results were compared with that of alendronate. RESULTS: Oophorectomy induced osteoporosis was exacerbated by methylprednisolone. Alentronate prevented ovariectomised induced osteoporosis, but it couldn't prevent methylprednisolone +ovariectomised induced osteoporosis in rats. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment with methylprednisolon and metyrosine was the best treatment for preventing osteoporosis but metyrosine alone couldn't prevent osteoporosis in ovariectomised rats.