Dietary Fibers of Tree Nuts Differ in Composition and Distinctly Impact the Fecal Microbiota and Metabolic Outcomes In Vitro.

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of dietary fibers (DFs) of commercially important tree nuts (almond, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, and walnut) on gut microbiota in vitro. Microbial compositions and short-chain fatty acids were determined using 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography (GC), respectively. Neutral and acidic monosaccharides were analyzed using GC/MS and spectrophotometry, respectively. Our results revealed that cashew fibers exhibit higher butyrate formation compared to others. Accordingly, cashew fiber promoted butyric acid-producing bacteria-related operational taxonomic units (OTUs; Butyricimonas and Collinsella) at higher relative abundances. The higher butyrogenic capacity of cashew fiber is mainly attributed to its higher soluble/total DF ratio and remarkably distinct monosaccharide composition. Additionally, nut fibers stimulated family Lachnospiraceae- and Ruminococcaceae-related OTUs. These findings show that although the degree of promotion is nut type-dependent, nut fibers are generally capable of promoting beneficial microbes in the colon, further suggesting that DFs of tree nuts are contributing factors to their health-promoting effects.

Is hyperbaric oxygen or ozone effective in experimental endocarditis?

BACKGROUND: Infective endocarditis, a disease with high mortality and morbidity, is most commonly caused by Staphylococcus aureus; mortality and morbidity further increase in the presence of methicillin-resistant strains of S. aureus. Linezolid is the first of the oxazolidinones, a new antibiotic group that has been approved for the treatment of infections caused by gram-positive cocci. Linezolid reduces the quantity of microorganisms in vegetation to some extent; in addition, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and ozone (O3) therapies is likely to improve targeted antibacterial effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-six adult male Wistar rats weighing 300-350 g were used. The subjects were divided into groups as follows: Group 1 (n = 8): control group that was not inoculated with microorganisms and was untreated; Group 2 (n = 8): control group that was inoculated with microorganisms but was untreated; Group 3 (n = 8): linezolid treatment group; Group 4 (n = 8): O3 therapy group; Group 5 (n = 8): HBO therapy group; Group 6 (n = 8): linezolid + O3 therapy group; Group 7 (n = 8): linezolid + HBO therapy group. RESULTS: In terms of reducing the number of colonies in the aortic valve, linezolid + HBO therapy was found to be the most effective treatment. Then, respectively linezolid + O3, linezolid, HBO, and O3 were found to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: We found that linezolid significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the vegetation in the experimental endocarditis model, and HBO therapy increases the effectiveness of linezolid and makes this better than O3.

The Efficacy of Boric Acid Used to Treat Experimental Osteomyelitis Caused by Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus: an In Vivo Study.

We explored the ability of local and systemic applications of boric acid (BA) to reduce the numbers of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a rat model of tibial osteomyelitis (OM), and compared boric acid with vancomycin (V). Implant-associated osteomyelitis was established in 35 rats. After 4 weeks, at which time OM was evident both radiologically and serologically in all animals, the rats were divided into five groups of equal number: group 1, control group (no local application of BA or other medication); group 2, V group; group 3, local BA + V group; group 4, local BA group; and group 5, local + systemic BA group. Serum total antioxidant status, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6, were measured. Pathological changes attributable to bone OM were evaluated using a grading system. Bacterial colony-forming units (CFUs) per gram of bone were counted. The lowest bacterial numbers were evident in group 3, and the bacterial numbers were significantly lower than that of the control group in all four test groups (p < 0.001). Group 3 also had the least severe bone infection (OM score 1.7 ± 1.1, p < 0.05). Upon histological and microbiological evaluation, no significant difference was evident between groups 2 and 3. Total antioxidant levels were significantly different in all treatment groups compared to the control group. Microbiological and histopathological evaluation showed that systemic or local application of BA was effective to treat OM, although supplementary V increased the effectiveness of BA.

Isolation and Identification of Arcobacter spp. by Multiplex PCR from Water Sources in Kars Region.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Arcobacter spp. in various water sources of stream, creek, pond, and drinking water in Kars and surrounding areas. A total of 113 water samples including 19 samples from creeks, 49 from streams, 10 from ponds, and 35 from drinking water samples collected from different regions were examined for presence of Arcobacter spp. by cultural methods. Arcobacter spp. were isolated from 14 (12.38 %) samples including 5 (26.31 %) creek and 9 (18.36 %) stream water samples and all were identified as Arcobacter butzleri by multiplex PCR. No agent was isolated from pond and drinking water samples. The results of this study demonstrated that creek and stream waters are contaminated by this agent showing high potential risk of Arcobacter species to be transmitted to humans and animals and in the contamination of food. It is concluded that water sources should also be considered as a factor not only carrying agents but also as a primary source of the infection.

In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial features of sugammadex.

BACKGROUND: Drugs administered by intravenous routes may be contaminated during several stages of production or preparation. Sugammadex is a modified gamma cyclodextrin. While research into the antibacterial effects of varieties of cyclodextrin is available, there are no studies focusing on the antibacterial effects of sugammadex. This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of sugammadex. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of sugammadex was investigated using the broth microdilution method. The pH of the test solution was determined using a pH meter. The test microorganisms included Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus fecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. In the second phase of the study 100mg/mL sugammadex (50µg) was contaminated with test microorganisms (50µg), including S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. fecalis ATCC 29212, E. coli ATCC 25922 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, left to incubate for 24h and then the bacterial production in sugammadex was evaluated. RESULTS: The pH of the test solutions ranged between 7.25 and 6.97. Using the microdilution method, sugammadex had no antibacterial effect on S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa at any concentration. In the second phase of the study bacterial production was observed after 24h in 100mg/mL sugammadex contaminated with the test microorganisms S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. CONCLUSIONS: Sugammadex had no antimicrobial effect on the test microorganisms, S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Care should be taken that sterile conditions are maintained in the preparation of sugammadex; that the same sugammadex preparation not be used for more than one patient; and that storage conditions are adhered to after sugammadex is put into the injector.

Avaliação in vitro das características antimicrobianas de sugamadex / In vitro evaluation of antimicrobial features of sugammadex / Evaluación in vitro de las características antimicrobianasdel sugammadex

Justificativa e objetivo: os medicamentos administrados por via intravenosa podem ser contaminados durante as várias fases de produção ou preparação. Sugamadex é uma gama-ciclodextrina modificada. Embora muitas pesquisas sobre os efeitos antibacterianos de uma variedade de ciclodextrinas estejam disponíveis, não há estudos dos efeitos antibacterianos de sugamadex. Este estudo investigou a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de sugamadex. Materiais e métodos: a atividade antimicrobiana in vitro de sugamadex foi investigada pelo método de microdiluição em meio de cultura. O pH da solução de ensaio foi determinado com o uso de um medidor de pH. Os microrganismos-teste analisados incluíram Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus fecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 e Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Na segunda fase do estudo, 100 mg/mL de sugamadex (50 μg) foram contaminados com microrganismos-teste (50 μg), incluindo S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. fecalis ATCC 29212, E. coli ATCC 25922 e P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, incubados por 24 horas e, em seguida, a produção bacteriana foi avaliada. Resultados: o pH das soluções da análise variaram entre 7,25 e 6,97. Com o uso do método de microdiluição, sugamadex não apresentou efeito antibacteriano contra S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli e P. aeruginosa em qualquer concentração. Na segunda fase do estudo, a produção bacteriana foi observada após 24 horas em 100 mg/mL de sugamadex contaminados com os microrganismos-teste S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli e P. aeruginosa. .

Background: Drugs administered by intravenous routes may be contaminated during several stages of production or preparation. Sugammadex is a modified gamma cyclodextrin. While research into the antibacterial effects of varieties of cyclodextrin is available, there are no studies focusing on the antibacterial effects of sugammadex. This study investigates the in vitro antimicrobial activity of sugammadex. Materials and methods: The in vitro antimicrobial activity of sugammadex was investigated using the broth microdilution method. The pH of the test solution was determined using a pH meter. The test microorganisms included Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Enterococcus fecalis ATCC 29212, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. In the second phase of the study 100 mg/mL sugammadex (50 μg) was contaminated with test microorganisms (50 μg), including S. aureus ATCC 29213, E. fecalis ATCC 29212, E. coli ATCC 25922 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, left to incubate for 24 h and then the bacterial production in sugammadex was evaluated. Results: The pH of the test solutions ranged between 7.25 and 6.97. Using the microdilution method, sugammadex had no antibacterial effect on S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa at any concentration. In the second phase of the study bacterial production was observed after 24 h in 100 mg/mL sugammadex contaminated with the test microorganisms S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Conclusions: Sugammadex had no antimicrobial effect on the test microorganisms, S. aureus, E. fecalis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Care should be taken that sterile conditions are maintained in the preparation of sugammadex; that the same sugammadex preparation not be used for more than one patient; and that storage conditions are adhered to after sugammadex is put into the injector. .

Justificación y objetivo: Los medicamentos administrados por vía intravenosa pueden ser contaminados durante las diversas fases de producción o preparación. El sugammadex es una gamaciclodextrina modificada. Aunque estén disponibles muchas investigaciones sobre los efectos antibacterianos de una variedad de ciclodextrinas, no existen estudios de los efectos antibacterianos del sugammadex. Este estudio investigó la actividad antimicrobiana in vitro del sugammadex. Materiales y métodos: La actividad antimicrobiana in vitro del sugammadex fue investigada por el método de microdilución en medio de cultivo. El pH de la solución de ensayo fue determinado usando un medidor de pH. Los microorganismos testados analizados incluyeron Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) (ATCC 29213), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) (ATCC 29212), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (ATCC 25922) y Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) (ATCC 27853). En la segunda fase del estudio, se contaminaron 100 mg/mL de sugammadex (50 µg) con microorganismos testados (50 µg), incluyendo S. aureus (ATCC 29213), E. faecalis (ATCC 29212), E. coli (ATCC 25922) y P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), incubados durante 24 h e inmediatamente se calculóla producción bacteriana. Resultados: El pH de las soluciones del análisis varió entre 7,25 y 6,97. Usando el métodode microdilución, el sugammadex no tuvo ningún efecto antibacteriano contra S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y P. aeruginosa en ninguna concentración. En la segunda fase del estudio, la producción bacteriana fue observada después de 24 h en 100 mg/mL de sugammadex contaminados con los microorganismos testados S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y P. aeruginosa. Conclusiones: El sugammadex no presentó ningún efecto antimicrobiano sobre los microorganismos testados S. aureus, E. faecalis, E. coli y P. aeruginosa. ...

[Cutaneous leishmaniasis cases in Nizip, Turkey after the Syrian civil war]. / Suriye iç savasi sonrasi Nizip'te kutanöz leysmanyazis olgulari

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), seen endemically in many countries, is a widespread protozoon disease all around the world. The neighboring countries of Turkey namely Iran, Iraq and Syria are highly endemic regions for CL, and more than 98% of the cases in Turkey are reported from South and Southeastern Anatolian regions. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of CL in Nizip, a district of Gaziantep province of southeastern Turkey, for three and half year period and to call attention to the dramatic increase of CL cases observed after the Syrian civil war. A total of 416 samples obtained from clinically suspected CL patients (of them 341 were Syrian refugees) who were admitted to Nizip State Hospital between January 1st 2010 and March 19th 2013 were included in the study. Lesion samples were collected according to the notice issued by Turkish Ministry of Health and Giemsa-stained smears were examined under the microscope (x1000). Samples from 77 patients (18.5%) yielded positive results with the observation of Leishmania amastigote forms. Fourty-seven (61%) of patients were female and 30 (39%) were male. Of the positive patients 52 (67.5%) belonged to 0-19 age group, 13 (16.9%) 20-39 and 12 (15.6%) 40-60 age groups. In the evaluation of the lesion characteristics, 33 (43%) patients had single and 44 (57%) had multiple lesions with a distribution mainly on face, arm and lower extremities, in a decreasing order. The period of time for the development of the lesions varied from 1.5 month to one year with the mean value of 3.4 months. There was no statistically significant relationship between the age and gender of patients, and the characteristics (quantity, distribution and time of occurence) of lesions (p> 0.05). The number of domestic and Syrian CL cases detected in Nizip in the years of 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013 (the first three months) were as follows; 1 and 0, 2 and 0, 7 and 0, 5 and 62, respectively. So a total of 62 (80.5%) and 15 (19.5%) of CL patients were found to be Syrian refugees and Turkish citizens, respectively. Since the number of the cases admitted to the hospital was significantly low in comparison to the total population of refugees living in the camps, it was assumed that the real incidence of CL was much higher than determined. The data obtained in this study revealed that Nizip and the surroundings which have already had favourable climate and vector potential for CL, exhibited a higher threat for the spread of the disease following the hosting of the refugees. Thus implementation of effective prevention and control measures should be taken into consideration implemented in that specific area.

The fatty acid and tocopherol constituents of the seed oil extracted from 21 grape varieties (Vitis spp.).

BACKGROUND: Fatty acids and tocopherols in appropriate quantities are invaluable attributes that are desirable in seeds of agricultural products. Studies have generally focused on the evaluation of the oil and tocopherol components of oil crops. Recently, investigations revealed that the grape seed has robust potential in the production of healthy fatty acids as well as tocopherols. This study was thus conducted to determine the oil and tocopherol components of grape seeds, obtained from various grape cultivars of different species, including two rootstock varieties. RESULTS: The grape seed oil concentration of the studied varieties ranged from 7.3 to 22.4%. The determined fatty acid profiles of the genotypes conformed to the pattern described in the literature for grapes. Linoleic acid is the major component comprising 53.6-69.6% of the total, followed by oleic (16.2-31.2%), palmitic (6.9-12.9%) and stearic (1.44-4.69%). The oils of all the seeds analysed showed a preponderance of α-tocopherol (ranging from 260.5 to 153.1 mg kg⁻¹ oil extract). ß-Tocopherol, γ-tocopherol and δ-tocopherol were also detected with the general means of 0.98, 22.2 and 0.92 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. Linoleic acid showed a significantly negative correlation with all the fatty acids analysed. The strongest negative correlation existed between linoleic and oleic acids (r = -0.834, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Present investigations indicated that oil content, fatty acid composition and tocopherol constituents of grape seed show great variation among the genotypes. Markedly higher proportions of linoleic acid with considerable amounts of tocopherols found in the oil samples suggest that grape seed is a good source for culinary, pharmaceutical and cosmetic uses.

Characteristics of grape seed and oil from nine Turkish cultivars.

Percentages of crude oil, protein, fibre and ash of grape seeds obtained from Turkish cultivars were of the ranges 5.40-10.79, 5.24-7.54, 17.6-27.1, and 1.2-2.6, respectively. The highest crude oil, crude protein and crude fibre were determined in Siyah pekmezlik, Karadimrit and Antep grape seeds. The energy values of seeds were established to be between 102.28 and 148.07 kcal g(-1). Potassium and calcium contents of seed samples were found to be at high levels compared to sodium. The seeds contained 686-967 ppm of Na, 2468-3618 ppm of K and 2373-4127 ppm of Ca. The refractive index, relative density, acidity, saponification value, unsaponifiable matter and iodine value of seed oils were determined to be in the ranges 1.474-1.477 [Formula: see text], 0.909-0.934 25/25°C, 0.74-1.24%, 181-197, 0.91-1.66%, and 126-135, respectively. The main fatty acids were of the ranges 60.7-68.5% linoleic, 16.1-23.4% oleic and 8.0-10.2% palmitic. The highest percentages of linoleic acid (68.5%) was determined in Siyah pekmezlik seed oil.

Biochemical compositional and technological characterizations of black and white myrtle ( Myrtus communis L.) fruits.

Biochemical and technological properties were determined in developing Myrtus communis L. fruits (myrtle) from Mersin to investigate potential uses. Completely ripe black and white fruits contained ash, crude protein, crude oil, water- and alcohol soluble extracts, tartaric, malic and citric acids, and minerals including Ca, K, P, Mg and Na. Proximate compounds (%) for black and white fruits were: 7.47 and 6.36 protein, 3.487 and 3.453 oil, 3.02 and 2.30 ash, 24.28 and 26.09 dry matter, respectively. Fruits were found to be rich in some minerals such as Ca (6719.88 mg/kg and 4676.14 mg/kg), K (22647.78 mg/kg and 18339.84 mg/kg), Mg (2145.19 mg/kg and 1408.88 mg/kg), Na (3336.16 mg/kg and 2976.59 mg/kg) and P (4336.07 mg/kg and 3927.4 mg/kg). Also, physical properties such as length (14.94 mm and 13.64 mm), mass (0.94 g and 0.94 g), geometric mean diameter (12.73 mm and 12.31 mm), sphericity (0.85 and 0.90), diameter (11.76 and 11.70), projected area (1.48 cm(2) and 1.65 cm(2)), kernel density (757.47 kg/m(3)and 752.09 kg/m(3)), porosity (41.41% and 39.05%), bulk density (426.50 kg/m(3) and 431.05 kg/m(3)), terminal velocity (8.42 m/s and 8.49 m/s), volume (1.32 mm(3) and 1.35 mm(3)), repture strenth (1.77 N and 2.06 N), static (0.26-0.33 and 0.20-0.28) and dynamic coefficient (0.22-0.29 and 0.17-0.24) of friction of black myrtle and white myrtle fruits species were measured at 75.72% and 73.91% moisture content levels, respectively. These results show that both myrtle fruits may be useful for the evaluation of dietary information in important food crops.

Molecular and serological evidence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection of farm animals in the Black Sea Region of Turkey.

This study was designed to determine the presence and the prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in sheep and cattle in the Middle and Eastern Black Sea Regions of Turkey in which the potential vector, Ixodes ricinus, is widespread. Blood samples were collected from 720 sheep and 720 cattle from 6 provinces of the region, and used for detecting antibodies to A. phagocytophilum by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and specific nucleic acids by a nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Blood smears were also prepared and examined microscopically for the presence of A. phagocytophilum-like organisms in polymorphonuclear cells. Of the animals examined, antibodies were detected in 110 (15.27%) cattle and 107 (14.86%) sheep and A. phagocytophilum-like organisms were detected in the blood of 73 (10.13%) cattle and 71 (9.86%) sheep. In addition, specific DNA was detected in the blood of 27 (14.75%) cattle and 22 (12.35%) sheep. The results obtained constitute the first molecular and serological evidence of A. phagocytophilum infection in sheep and cattle in the Black Sea Region of Turkey.

Investigation of bovine brucellosis in the Northeastern Turkey.

Bovine brucellosis, caused by Brucella abortus, is a significant problem for both public and animal health in Turkey. This study was conducted on the calving seasons between 2001 and 2006. A total of 626 serum samples of cattle obtained from 27 herds with a history of abortions was examined for Brucella antibodies by RBPT, SAT and ELISA. Of the cattle sera analysed, 221 (35.30%) and 206 (32.92%) and 247 (39.45%) were found to be positive by RBPT, SAT and ELISA, respectively. B. abortus was isolated from 48 (32.21%) of 149 lung samples and stomach contents of the aborted fetuses. Based on the biochemical tests and the agglutination tests with monospecific A and M antisera, only 3 of the isolates were found to be B. abortus biotype 1 and the remaining 45 were biotype 3. This study also revealed that the dominant biotype of B. abortus was biotype 3 in this region. The determination of the agents responsible for bovine brucellosis and serosurvey of this disease are expected to help better understanding of this zoonotic infection in this region and neighbouring countries.

Isolation of various Arcobacter species from domestic geese (Anser anser).

In this study, the prevalence and distribution of various Arcobacter spp. were investigated in samples taken from the cloacae of healthy domestic geese raised in Turkey. A membrane filtration technique with a non-selective blood agar was employed after enrichment in Arcobacter enrichment broth (AEB) to isolate a wide range of Arcobacter spp. In addition, the isolates were characterized phenotypically and identified at species level using a multiplex-PCR assay. A total of 90 cloacal swab samples taken from geese, collected on three farms (18, 25, 47 samples, respectively), were examined. Of the samples examined, 16 (18%) were found positive for Arcobacter. One Arcobacter species was isolated from each bird. Of the 16 Arcobacter isolates, 7 (44%), 7 (44%) and 2 (12.5%) were identified by m-PCR as A. cryaerophilus, A. skirrowii and A. butzleri, respectively. The present study indicates that domestic geese can harbour a variety of Arcobacter spp. in their cloacae. The presence of Arcobacter in geese may be of significance as reservoirs in their dissemination. Detailed research is needed for better understanding of the epidemiology and zoonotic potential of this emerging pathogen.

Outbreaks of tularemia in Turkey.

Tularemia, casued by Francisella tularensis, is a zoonotic disease presenting various clinical forms. In the present study, three outbreaks of tularemia occurred from January to March and September in 2004 (first and second) and January to March in 2005 (third) are reported from the north-eastern part of Turkey. All cases originated from the same geographical location. In total, 56 patients having complaints of fever, malaise, chills and shivering, painful sore throat with swollen tonsils and enlarged cervical lymph nodes were affected and the patients were different in all cases. Forty-four, 7 and 5 people were affected in the first, second and third outbreak, respectively. The sera from all patients were analysed for the presence of F. tularensis antibodies using a microagglutination assay. Overall, of the 56 sera analysed, 39 (33, 3 and 3 were from the first, second and third outbreak, respectively) showed antibody titres of 1/160 and/or more against F. tularensis. The current report suggests that tularemia exists in north-eastern part of Turkey. The clinical manifestation of the current cases were similar to those of oropharyngeal form of tularemia. It is considered that this region should be accepted as an endemic area for tularemia and kept under control for a long period.

Cytokine gene expression by peripheral blood leukocytes in dogs experimentally infected with a new virulent strain of Ehrlichia canis.

Ehrlichia canis (E. canis) is a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-deficient obligatory intracellular bacterium that causes canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, a chronic febrile disease accompanied with hematological abnormality. This study analyzed temporal expression levels of IL-1beta, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha mRNA by peripheral blood leukocytes from dogs experimentally infected with a new virulent strain of E. canis by using real-time RT-PCR. Relative levels of IL-1beta and IL-8 transcripts normalized by the beta-actin transcript levels, were significantly upregulated, whereas those of TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma transcripts were only weakly upregulated in all three infected dogs, starting from 2 days up to 52 days post inoculation. The expressions of IL-2 and IL-6 genes were extremely low compared with the positive control (ConA-stimulated canine peripheral blood leukocytes). This study showed that E. canis can induce chronic expression of a subset of proinflammatory cytokine genes: balance, timing, and duration of these cytokine generations may contribute to the progression of canine ehrlichiosis.

Comparative essential oil composition and antifungal effect of bitter fennel (Foeniculum vulgare ssp. piperitum) fruit oils obtained during different vegetation.

The chemical composition of the flower and unripe and ripe fruits from fennel (bitter) (Foeniculum vulgare ssp. piperitum) has been examined by gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The main identified components of the flower and unripe and ripe fruit oils were estragole (53.08%, 56.11%, and 61.08%), fenchone (13.53%, 19.18%, and 23.46%), and alpha-phellandrene (5.77%, 3.30%, and 0.72%), respectively. Minor qualitative and major quantitative variations for some compounds of essential oils were determined with respect to the different parts of F. vulgare. The oils exerted varying levels of antifungal effects on the experimental mycelial growth of Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, and Rhizoctonia solani. The 40 ppm concentrations of fennel oils showed inhibitory effect against mycelial growth of A. alternaria, whereas 10 ppm levels were ineffective. The analyses show that fennel oils exhibited different degrees of fungistatic activity depending on the doses.

Prevalence and molecular analysis of Anaplasma platys in dogs in Lara, Venezuela

Amostras de sangue coletadas de cães clinicamente sadios pertencentes ao exército da Venezuela e de seus treinadores foram analisadas pela técnica de PCR 16S rRNA específica para Anaplasma platys, A. phagocytophilum ou Ehrlichia ewingii. Dezesseis por cento (7/43) dos cães foram positivos, enquanto que todas as amostras de origem humana [25] foram negativas para A. platys. Todas as amostras, tanto de humanos quanto de caninos, foram negativas para E. ewingii ou A. phagocytophilum. Doze carrapatos da espécie Rhipicephalus sanguineus, coletados dos cães, foram negativos para A. platys pelo teste de PCR de transcricão reversa. As seqüênciasquase inteiras do gene 16S rRNA (1.364 pb) e do operon groESL (1.646 pb) de A. platys isolado de um cão foram determinadas, revelando que ambas as seqüências estão estreitamente relacionadas às seqüências de A. platys detectadas em carrapatos R. sanguineus na República Democrática do Congo.

Molecular detection and characterization of Ehrlichia canis from dogs in Turkey.

Seroprevalence of Ehrlichia canis antibodies among dogs in Turkey were previously reported, however, the ehrlichial organism has never been characterized in this region. The current study examined dogs from Ankara with febrile illness for E. canis infection with E. canis-specific PCR. Three of the 12 blood specimens from dogs showing clinical signs compatible with canine ehrlichiosis were found to be positive by PCR using E. canis-specific primers. E. canis detected in one of the blood specimens was designated as Kutahya strain. The representative E. canis strain was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and Western blot analysis of the plasma sample from the dog infected with E. canis. The 16S rRNA sequence (1,388 bp) of the E. canis Kutahya was identical to that of Ehrlichia ovina from a sheep in Turkey and Venezuelan Dog Ehrlichia (VDE) and was closely related (99.9%) to that of type strain of E. canis, Oklahoma. The plasma of the dog infected with E. canis Kutahya was analyzed by Western blotting using the purified E. canis Oklahoma strain as antigen. The reactive antibody profiles of the dog infected with E. canis Kutahya was found to be similar to those of dogs infected with E. canis Oklahoma and VDE, suggesting the antigenic similarities among these strains. The findings in this study would help for a better understanding of epidemiology of canine ehrlichiosis. This is the first report of molecular detection and characterization of an ehrlichial agent in Turkey.

Inhibitory effect of pollen and propolis extracts.

Bee pollen and propolis were collected from Apis mellifera colonies in five regions of Turkey. The antifungal properties of methanol extracts of pollen and propolis (2% and 5% concentrations) were determined on Alternaria alternata and Fusarium oxysporium f. sp. melonis. The least active concentration towards the tested fungi was 2% concentration of both extracts. The inhibitory effect of all propolis extracts on growth of F. oxysporium and A. alternata were generally higher when compared with pollen extracts. The growth of A. alternata and F. oxysporium were not affected at both concentrations of pollens. However, F. oxysporium against propolis extracts was more sensitive than A. alternata (P < 0.01). None of the pollen extracts tested completely inhibited mycelial growth of fungi used in our experiment. Percent inhibition of both pollen concentrations against A. alternata and F. oxysporium was lower than 50%. However, both concentrations of Alanya and Beysehir propolis extracts were 100% effective on mycelial growth of F. oxysporium until the 7th day of incubation (P < 0.01). 2% Alanya and Beysehir pollen extracts completely stimulated mycelial growth of F. oxysporium on the 7th day of incubation. Both concentrations of propolis extract showed more than 50% inhibition against E. oxysporium. It is suggested that high concentrations ofpropolis extract could be used as an antifungal agent against tested fungi.

Development of a p28-based PCR assay for Ehrlichia chaffeensis.

Detection of Ehrlichia chaffeensis is necessary to study interactions between the parasite and its vertebrate and invertebrate hosts. The purpose of this study was to develop a sensitive, specific PCR assay for E. chaffeensis based on the outer membrane protein gene, p28. Candidate primer sets were identified and ranked based on annealing scores, similarities to three major p28 sequence clusters, dissimilarity to E. canis p30, an ortholog of p28, and the proximities of flanking primer sequences for nested PCR. The relative sensitivities of five optimized single-step and two nested PCR assays were determined, and the most sensitive assay was found to be a single-step PCR that was as much as 1000-fold more sensitive than a standard 16S rDNA-based nested PCR assay. This p28-based PCR assay amplified the target amplicon from isolates representative of all three major clusters of known p28 sequences, and this assay did not amplify template prepared from either of the two species most closely related to E. chaffeensis, E. canis and E. muris. These results indicate that this sensitive, specific and isolate-universal single-step PCR assay will be a useful tool in characterizing the transmission of this important zoonotic pathogen.