Effects of solid and aqueous dietary diflubenzuron ingestion on some biological parameters in synthetic pyrethroid-resistant German cockroach, Blattella germanica L. (Blattodea: Ectobiidae).

Cockroaches, widespread pests found in metropolitan areas, are known as vectors of various disease agents, including viruses, fungi and antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as well as causing allergies in humans. Insect growth regulators have been used in pest management for several decades. These insecticides disrupt insect development and reproduction. Chitin synthesis inhibitors interfere with chitin biosynthesis in insects, causing abortive moulting and mortality, as well as inhibiting egg fertility, and larval hatching in insects. In this research, we evaluated the various effects of diflubenzuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on synthetic pyrethroid-resistant German cockroach (Blattella germanica L. Blattodea: Ectobiidae), including ootheca production, oothecal viability, ootheca incubation time, the number of nymphs emerging from the ootheca and survivorship of nymphs. The cockroaches were fed diets that contained diflubenzuron, which was added to solid bait (impregnated fish food) and ingestible aqueous bait (impregnated cotton). Three concentrations (0.5%, 1% and 2%) were used in the experiments. As a result, diflubenzuron treatment led to ootheca production ranging from 60% to 100%; statistically, no difference was found between the treatment and the control groups. The number of nymphs emerging from the first and second ootheca was reduced by 40%-100% in the diflubenzuron-treated groups compared with the control. Nymphs exposed to diflubenzuron-impregnated solid bait and ingestible aqueous bait experienced mortality exceeding 92.1% and 66.27% within 15 days, respectively. In conclusion, diflubenzuron is a potential insecticide for use in cockroach baits to control B. germanica, as it caused high nymphal and embryonic mortality in the synthetic pyrethroid-resistant population and decreased the number of nymphs emerging from the ootheca.

Larvicidal and repellent effects of essential oils on the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus Sensu lato) with description of new larval repellent activity test method.

The aim of this research was to investigate the larvicidal and repellent effects of essential oils (EOs) obtained from two Lamiaceae plant species, Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz & P.H. Davis and Dorystoechas hastata Boiss. & Heldr. ex Bentham, both endemic to Turkey, on Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. Latreille (Acari: Ixodidae). The study also introduces a new test method that can be used to assess the repellent effects against ticks. Both plant EOs exhibited the highest larvicidal activity against brown dog tick larvae after 24 h and LC50 and LC90 values were determined as 0.101% and 0.125% for O. minutiflorum essential oil and 0.937% and 2.1% for D. hastata essential oil, respectively. In this study, we have described a detailed protocol for a novel larval repellent activity test (LRAT) for essential oils and extracts, using simple equipment. The advantages and limitations of LRAT, when compared to other tests commonly used to determine repellent effect against ticks, are also included in this study. The LRAT was developed with modifications of the larval immersion test (LIT) and proves to be a highly efficient and easily observable method. It can be used to test any active substance that may be toxic to humans and animals. According to the LRAT, at the end of 3 h, O. minutiflorum essential oil showed a high repellent effect, varying between 84.14% and 100% at 1% concentration. This result was not statistically different from the DEET, the positive control. When comparing the larvicidal and repellent activities, O. minutiflorum essential oil was found to be more effective than D. hastata essential oil.

Exploring the Larvicidal and Repellent Potential of Taurus Cedar (Cedrus libani) Tar against the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato).

This study investigated the potential acaricidal and repellent effects of tar obtained from the Lebanon cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich.) against the brown dog tick species Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato Latreille (Acari: Ixodidae). The goal was to find an alternative, safe, and effective way to eliminate ticks. Tar is traditionally extracted from cedar trees in the Antalya region of Türkiye. The composition of the tar is primarily characterized by a diverse mixture of terpenes, with ß-himachalene (29.16%), α-atlantone (28.7%), ar-turmerone (8.82%), longifolene-(V4) (6.66%), α-himachalene (5.28%), and ß-turmerone (5.12%) emerging as the predominant constituents. The toxic effects of tar on tick larvae were studied through larval immersion tests (LIT), and its repellent activity was evaluated using a new larval repellent activity test (LRAT). The results revealed significant acaricidal effects, with mortality rates of 77.7% and 82.2% for the Konyaalti and Kepez strains of the brown dog tick, respectively, in response to a 1% concentration of tar. LC50 and LC90 values were determined as 0.47% and 1.52% for the Kepez strain and 0.58% and 1.63% for the Konyaalti strain, respectively. When comparing the repellent effect of tar to the widely used synthetic repellent DEET, repellency rates of up to 100% were observed. As a result, this study establishes, for the first time, the larvicidal and repellent effects of C. libani tar on ticks.

Change of pulmonary function tests in hospitalized COVID-19 patients at third and sixth month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The effect of COVID-19 infection on pulmonary function is unknown. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of patients hospitalized with the diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia at 3 and 6 months post-discharge. METHODS: Patients aged 18 years and over who had positive COVID-19 PCR test results and were hospitalized in the pandemic service between 1 May 2020 and 31 October 2020, were included in the study. All patients were evaluated with PFTs FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75 at 3 and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS: The mean age of 34 patients included in the study was 47.7 ± 12.7 years. The FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and FEF25-75 measurements at 3 and 6 months post-discharge showed no significant difference (P = 0.765, P = 0.907, P = 0.707, and P = 0.674, respectively). There was no significant difference in any PFT measurements at the third month follow-up, regardless of the pharmacological treatment protocols applied during hospitalization (P > 0.05). However, FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 levels were 83.1 [3.4]% and 91.0 [10.0]%, respectively, in those who received systemic steroid treatment, and 78.3 ± 8.5% and 72.5 ± 25.7% in those who did not (P = 0.019 and P = 0.048, respectively). In addition, FVC and FEV1 levels increased significantly from the third to the sixth month follow-up in patients who received systemic steroid therapy (P = 0.035 and P = 0.018, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although there is no significant difference in PFT measurements from 3 to 6 months in COVID-19 patients, systemic steroid therapy may have a beneficial effect on respiratory function in COVID-19 patients.

CT evaluation for sarcopenia involving the psoas and paravertebral muscles in patients with total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) has been validated in diagnosing sarcopenia in various clinical conditions. AIM: To evaluate the core abdominal muscles in terms of sarcopenia in patients with total hip arthroplasty (THA) with and without complication. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with a pelvic CT revealed 145 consecutive patients with THA. Also, 118 consecutive cases with normal CT scans constituted the control group. The area and density measurements of bilateral psoas (PSA, psoas area; PSD, psoas density) and paravertebral (PVA, paravertebral area; PVD, paravertebral density) muscles were performed at the level of L3 or L4 vertebrae regardless of prosthesis side. All measurements were evaluated in normal cases and in patients with THA, as well as in patients with complicated prostheses. RESULTS: In the whole population and subgroup of patients with bilateral THA, bilateral PSA, PSD, and PVD but not the PVA were lower in patients with THA compared to controls (all p < 0.01). In patients with unilateral prostheses, ipsilateral PSA, PSD, and bilateral PVD but not the PVA were lower compared to controls (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, in patients with unilateral prostheses with complication, only ipsilateral PSD was lower compared to patients with unilateral prostheses without complication (all p < 0.05) and in patients with bilateral prostheses with complication, bilateral PSA, PSD, and PVD but not the PVA were lower compared to patients with bilateral prostheses without complication (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia indicated by the area and density measurements of core abdominal muscles can be associated with the presence and complication of hip prostheses.

Two Cases of Severe Amanita Muscaria Poisoning Including a Fatality.

Ingestion of Amanita muscaria mushrooms results in transient central nervous system excitation and depression mediated by its components, ibotenic acid and muscimol. The mushroom is distributed worldwide and ingestions occur with some frequency. Although these ingestions have traditionally been considered benign, serious complications can occur. We present 2 cases of serious toxicity, including a fatality. The first case was a 44-y-old man who presented to the emergency department (ED) after cardiopulmonary arrest approximately 10 h after ingesting 4 to 5 dried A muscaria mushroom caps, which he used for their mind-altering effects. Despite successful resuscitation, he remained unresponsive and hypotensive and died 9 days later. The second case was a 75-y-old man who presented to the ED after accidentally consuming one large A muscaria mushroom cap he foraged in Eastern Turkey. The patient initially presented to the ED with hallucinations followed by lethargy, and he was intubated for airway protection. The patient's condition gradually improved, and he made a full recovery. A muscaria ingestion should not be considered benign as serious outcomes do occur. An understanding of how the main neuroactive chemicals, ibotenic acid and muscimol, affect the brain can help anticipate outcomes. Several high-risk features that portend a more serious course are identified.

Magnetic resonance imaging findings in COVID-19-related anosmia.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mostly manifests with fever, shortness of breath, and cough, has also been found to cause some neurological symptoms, such as anosmia and ageusia. The aim of the study was to present the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of patients with anosmia-hyposmia symptoms and to discuss potential mechanisms in light of these findings. METHODS: Of the 2412 patients diagnosed with COVID-19-related pneumonia (RT-PCR at least once + clinically confirmed) between March and December 2020, 15 patients underwent olfactory MRI to investigate the cause of ongoing anosmia/ hyposmia symptoms were included in the study. RESULTS: Eleven (73.3%) patients were female and four (26.7%) were male. A total of eight patients (53.3%) showed thickening in the olfactory cleft region, where the olfactory epithelium is located. In nine patients (60%), enhancement was observed in the olfactory cleft region. Diffusion-weighted imaging showed restricted diffusion in three patients (20%) (corpus callosum splenium in one patient, thalamus mediodorsal nucleus in one patient, and mesencephalon in one patient). DISCUSSION: This study revealed that there is a relationship between anosmia and MRI findings. Larger studies can enlighten the pathophysiological mechanism and shed light on both diagnosis and new treatments.

The relationship between glycemic control and osteocalcin, type 1 collagen C-terminal telopeptide, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and the effects of anti-diabetic regimens on circulating markers of bone turnover in newly diagnosed diabetic patients: Bone health in diabetics.

AIM: Bone mineral disorders are being increasingly seen among diabetic populations as the frequency of diabetes mellitus (DM) is rising at an alarming rate. Our aim is to examine the relationship between glycemic control and bone turnover markers like osteocalcin (OC), C-terminal carboxy telopeptide (CTX), and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in patients with type 2 diabetes, and the effects of anti-diabetic regimens on these markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 newly diagnosed type 2 DM patients were enrolled into the study and divided into two groups according to glucose regulation (group 1 HbA1c < 7 and group 2 HbA1c ≥ 7). They were also classified into three groups according to antidiabetic regimen. Physical examination findings, demographic characteristics, and anti-diabetic regimens of the patients were recorded. Hemogram and biochemical parameters were studied after 12 hours of fasting. Serum levels OC and CTX were examined by ELISA method. Bone-specific ALP was examined by Chemiluminesence immuneassay (CLIA) method. Bone densitometry was performed on the 2016 model Stratos DR device of DMS brand, and T scores of the patients were recorded. All parameters were repeated at the 6th month of the study. RESULTS: Serum vitamin D and OC levels of group 1 were higher, while ALP was higher in group 2. However, we failed to determine a significant difference in CTX levels between the groups. OC levels were enhanced only in patients receiving metformin plus vildagliptin therapy. The CTX levels increased in all groups, whereas they decreased in the metformin plus DPP-4 group. CONCLUSION: Better glucose regulation is associated with better bone formation, and among three groups metformin plus vildagliptin therapy has a favorable effect on both bone formation and resorption.

Determination of sand fly fauna and molecular detection of Leishmania in sand flies in Antalya Province, Southern Turkey.

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) are diseases transmitted by infected female sand flies. Since the eradication of malaria in Turkey, CL is the main vector-borne disease in the country, with more than 2000 cases per year, making it a significant public health problem. The aims of this study were to carry out an entomological survey in Antalya Province, an endemic area for CL in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey, to identify sand fly fauna and to screen female specimens for the presence of Leishmania parasites (Leishmania infantum, L. tropica, L. major, and L. donovani) using molecular analysis. Sand flies were collected in 42 localities of seven districts in Antalya Province using CDC miniature light traps in two different periods, June 2012 and September 2013. The specimens were kept in 96% ethanol until the dissection was done. The head and genitalia of the specimens were cut for preparing individual slides for species identification. The rest of the body of female specimens was kept separately. The specimens were identified at the species level, and 27 pools were generated according to the locations and species for screening the presence of Leishmania. A commercial kit was used for DNA extractions. Real-time and conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS1) were then performed. In total, 1306 specimens comprising nine species belonging to the Phlebotomus genus were collected in the study region, with Phlebotomus neglectus/syriacus (38.82%) the most abundant, followed by P. alexandri (21.67%) and P. tobbi (20.44%). In the 27 pools, Leishmania infantum DNA was detected in four pools containing P. neglectus/syriacus and one pool containing P. tobbi. In conclusion, the sand fly fauna in the Antalya Province is diverse. The probable vector sand fly species are P. neglectus/syriacus and P. tobbi with high dominance (59.26%), which indicates a high risk of CL transmission. The data presented here may help to shed more light on the transmission cycles of the Leishmania parasite in this CL endemic area.

Can ocular OCT findings be as a predictor for end-organ damage in systemic hypertension?

PURPOSE: Detection of end-organ damage (EOD) in systemic hypertension is essential for the management of systemic hypertension. We aimed to evaluate subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and retinal layers' thicknesses by using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD­OCT) in patients with systemic hypertension and to assess the relationship between EOD and SD-OCT parameters. METHODS: A total of 189 consecutive patients with systemic hypertension and 100 controls were included. Patients were examined to detect EOD including hypertensive retinopathy (HTRP), left ventricular hypertrophy assessed by transthoracic echocardiography and microalbuminuria assessed by 24-h urine analysis. SFCT, inner plexiform-ganglion cell complex (IP-GCC), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured with SD-OCT. RESULTS: Patients with systemic hypertension had significantly lower SFCT and retinal layer thicknesses than controls (P˂0.001). In the dilated fundus photographic evaluation, 94 patients with systemic hypertension had HTRP and these patients had lower SFCT, CMT, IP-GCC and pRNFL thicknesses compared to hypertensive patients without HTRP and healthy controls. Patients with EOD had significantly lower SFCT, CMT, IP-GCC and pRNFL thicknesses and as the number of EOD increased, the SFCT decreased significantly. In the multivariate analysis, SFCT was found as an independent predictor of EOD (P˂0.001, odds ratio: 0.0605). CONCLUSION: Hypertensive patients, especially with EOD had significantly lower SD-OCT parameters compared to controls. It would be rational to add SD-OCT assessment to conventional hypertensive retinopathy evaluation in patients with systemic hypertension for early diagnosis of end-organ damage, burden of target organ involvement and monitoring anti-hypertensive treatment.

Tick species (Acari: Ixodida) in Antalya City, Turkey: species diversity and seasonal activity.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) are an important group of ectoparasites of vertebrates. Most species are known vectors of diseases including Lyme disease, Q fever, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. A 3-year research was conducted in Antalya, Turkey, to determine tick species composition, seasonal abundance, and spatial distribution. The study was carried out in five districts (Aksu, Dosemealti, Kepez, Konyaalti, and Muratpasa) of Antalya Metropolitan Municipality area in Turkey, between May 2010 and May 2013, where 1393 tick specimens were collected from domestic and wild animals (cattle, goats, sheep, hedgehogs, tortoises, dogs, cats, chickens) and from the environment. The collected ticks were preserved in 70 % alcohol and then were identified. Five genus and eight hard and soft tick species were identified, including Argas persicus, Rhipicephalus annulatus, R. sanguineus, R. turanicus, Hyalomma aegyptium, H. marginatum, Haemaphysalis parva, and Dermacentor niveus. Rhipicephalus sanguineus, R. turanicus, and H. aegyptium were the most common tick species in Antalya city. Rhipicephalus turanicus and R. sanguineus were the most abundant tick species infesting dogs in the city. The hosts of H. aegyptium are primarily tortoises in Antalya. The results of this research will contribute to establishing appropriate measures to control tick infestations on animals and humans and their environment in the city of Antalya.

Operational Evaluation Of Vectomax® WSP (Bacillus thuringiensis Subsp. israelensis+Bacillus sphaericus) Against Larval Culex pipiens in Septic Tanks (1).

The residual effectiveness of VectoMax® WSP (a water-soluble pouch formulation containing a combination of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis strain AM65-52 and B. sphaericus strain ABTS 1743) when applied to septic tanks against 3rd- and 4th-stage larvae of Culex pipiens L. was evaluated in this study. This formulation was evaluated at operational application rates of 1 pouch (10 g) and 2 pouches (20 g) per septic tank. Both application rates resulted in >96% control of larvae for 24 days. Operationally, VectoMax WSP has proven to be a useful tool for the nonchemical control of Culex species in septic tank environments.

Use of micro and macroalgae extracts for the control of vector mosquitoes.

Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous vectors of human diseases such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and Zika virus. Controlling these vectors is a challenging responsibility for public health authorities worldwide. In recent years, the use of products derived from living organisms has emerged as a promising approach for mosquito control. Among these living organisms, algae are of great interest due to their larvicidal properties. Some algal species provide nutritious food for larvae, while others produce allelochemicals that are toxic to mosquito larvae. In this article, we reviewed the existing literature on the larvicidal potential of extracts of micro- and macroalgae, transgenic microalgae, and nanoparticles of algae on mosquitoes and their underlying mechanisms. The results of many publications show that the toxic effects of micro- and macroalgae on mosquitoes vary according to the type of extraction, solvents, mosquito species, exposure time, larval stage, and algal components. A few studies suggest that the components of algae that have toxic effects on mosquitoes show through synergistic interaction between components, inhibition of feeding, damage to gut membrane cells, and inhibition of digestive and detoxification enzymes. In conclusion, algae extracts, transgenic microalgae, and nanoparticles of algae have shown significant larvicidal activity against mosquitoes, making them potential candidates for the development of new mosquito control products.

Non-invasive Screening of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Affecting Factors in Primary Care.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the presence of MAFLD (metabolic associated fatty liver disease) with some non-invasive screening methods and the factors affecting in patients with metabolic dysfunction. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: University of Health Sciences, Kartal Dr. Lutfi Kirdar City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkiye, from March to June 2021. METHODOLOGY: This study included 233 participants with metabolic disease over the age of 18 who applied to family medicine clinics. The participants' sociodemographic data, chronic disease status, biochemical parameters, waist circumference, weight, height, body mass index, and presence of steatosis by ultrasonography were recorded. The risk of developing hepatic fibrosis and steatosis was calculated with the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease liver fat score (NAFLD-LFS), hepatic steatosis index (HSI), fatty liver index (FLI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), NAFLD fibrosis score (NAFLD-FS), and aspartate aminotransaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI). The conclusions were evaluated with SPSS. RESULTS: According to the diagnostic criteria, MAFLD was detected in 58.4% of the participants. Statistically significant difference was found between FLI, HSI, NAFLD-LFS and MAFLD (p<0.001). According to the steatosis index risk groups of the participants, 64.4% - 89.7% were found to be high-risk. Steatosis was confirmed by ultrasonography in 63.6% - 77.8% of those at high-risk for index steatosis. The statistically significant difference was found between hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and MAFLD (p=0.039, p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, and p=0.011, respectively). CONCLUSION: Using non-invasive screening methods for steatosis can be clinically useful in detecting patients at risk for steatosis, and these methods are applicable in predicting MAFLD. KEY WORDS: NAFLD, Fatty liver index, Hepatic steatosis index, MAFLD, Steatosis.

Single Sequence Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Serous Otitis Media.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the usability of short-term (approximately 3 minutes) T2 sequence temporal bone magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of serous otitis media (SOM) in our study. METHODS: A prospective study. Otoscopic examination and audiometry-tympanometry were performed on all 73 patients included in the study. All patients underwent short-term T2 sequence temporal bone MRI before the paracentesis procedure. RESULTS: The mean age of 73 patients (30 female and 43 male) was 7.78 ± 3.01 (3 to 17 years). A total of 134 ear paracentesis operations were performed. As a result of the intraoperative paracentesis procedure, 107 Type B tympanogram and 13 Type C tympanogram were found out of 120 ears that had fluid in the middle ear. Out of 14 ears without fluid flow in the middle ear, five were found to be Type B tympanogram and nine to be Type C tympanogram. The sensitivity of the type B tympanogram in the diagnosis of SOM was 89.1%, the specificity was 64.2%, the positive predictive value was 95.5%, and the negative predictive value was 40.9%. The sensitivity and specificity of short-term T2 sequence MRI in diagnosing SOM were found to be 100% and 100%. CONCLUSION:  Among the available methods, the short-term T2 sequence temporal MRI is the most effective method for evaluating fluid in mastoid cells.

Monitoring of Thiamethoxam Resistance in Turkish House Fly Strains, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

Background: The house fly, Musca domestica, is vector for pathogens and parasites and causes economic damage to livestock by reducing forage conversion efficiency, negatively impacting weight gain and milk production. It has shown resistance to multiple insecticide classes. The aim of this research was to determine the susceptibility levels of seventeen field M. domestica strains to thiamethoxam, a neonicotinoid insecticide, in Türkiye. Methods: Insecticide susceptibility of the house flies to thiamethoxam was determined using the WHO glass jar method. A probit analysis program was used to determine LD50 values, and then the resistance ratios were compared with insecticide-susceptible strain. Results: All strains were ≥18.5-fold resistant to thiamethoxam. The data showed that 10 out of 17 strains had either high or very high resistance levels. Our findings revealed that house flies from solid waste landfills in Samsun, Ankara, and Kocaeli exhibited higher resistance ratios compared to those found in animal shelters. Conversely, in Gaziantep, Antalya, Izmir and Erzurum, the exact opposite trend was observed. Regarding the LD50 values among solid waste storage areas, the lowest rate was obtained from Gaziantep (0.72 gr ai/m2), and the highest rate was obtained from Ankara (9.35 gr ai/m2). Furthermore, regarding the LD50 values among animal shelters, the lowest was obtained from Samsun (0.37 gr ai/m2), and the highest was obtained from Denizli (21800 gr ai/m2). Conclusion: The use of integrated control systems is recommended for controlling house fly populations, including insecticide class rotations for preventing, or at least, delaying the onset of resistance.

Acaricidal activity of the essential oils from three Lamiaceae plant species on Rhipicephalus turanicus Pom. (Acari: Ixodidae).

Acaricidal effects of three Labiatae essential oils extracted from ariel parts of Thymus sipyleus Boiss. subsp. sipyleus, Mentha longifolia L., and Dorystoechas hastata Boiss. & Heldr. ex Bentham on 10-day-old Rhipicephalus turanicus Pom. (Acari: Ixodidae) larvae were evaluated by using the larval packet test bioassay. Serial dilutions of the three essential oils were tested from a starting concentration of 1-0.1% (1.0, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.1% w/v). Results showed that all essential oils had very similar activity, producing complete mortality (100%) in all tested concentrations on 10-day-old R. turanicus tick larvae.

Repellent activities of some Labiatae plant essential oils against the saltmarsh mosquito Ochlerotatus caspius (Pallas, 1771) (Diptera: Culicidae).

The repellent activities of the essential oils of two Thymus (Thymus sipyleus Boiss. subsp. sipyleus and Thymus revolutus Celak) and two Mentha (Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata and Mentha longifolia L.) species against Ochlerotatus caspius (Pallas, 1771) (Diptera: Culicidae) are presented. The essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation of the aerial parts of the plants in flowering period and repellency tests were done with a Y-tube olfactometer. All essential oils showed repellency in varying degrees and exhibited no significant time-dependent repellent activities. When all test oils compared for repellent activities there was no significant activity detected within 15 min exposure period. Mentha essential oils had better activity than Thymus essential oils, producing high repellency (73.8-84.2%) at 30th min on Oc. caspius. Mentha longifolia has the best mosquito repellent activity among the plants tested at the 25th min. Th. sipyleus subsp. sipyleus essential oil produced >85% repellent activity at the 15th min, but the effect decreased noticeably to 63.1% and 68% at 25th and 30th min, respectively.

Evaluation of labyrinthine fistula by MR cisternography.

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can develop after trauma and determination of its etiology is crucial for treatment planning. Computed tomography (CT) is the first-line imaging method in evaluation of trauma victims; however, its value is limited in visualization of perilymphatic fistula or in assessment of cochlear implant candidates. Herein, we present imaging findings of a patient with traumatic bilateral transverse fractures of temporal bones and resultant SNHL. This patient had a fistula between inner ear and subarachnoid space which was detected at non-contrast-enhanced MR cisternography (NCE-MRC) and contrast-enhanced MR cisternography (CE-MRC) scans. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in the literature. In conclusion, in patients with transverse fractures of temporal bone, in presence of otic capsule involvement at CT images, the inner ear structures and surrounding organs should be carefully evaluated via NCE-MRC. In case of a suspicion of a fistula, CE-MRC can help in early diagnosis and can also help to visualize the leakage location, which is of paramount importance for correct treatment and management of such cases.

Treatment of Pott's Puffy tumor with balloon sinuplasty: report of three cases.

Pott's Puffy tumor (PPT) is a rare entity characterized by subperiosteal abscess associated with osteomyelitis of the frontal bone. It is usually managed by surgical curettage of the osteomyelitic bone and long-term antibiotic therapy. Balloon catheter dilatation is a new technique which was recently introduced for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis. In this article, we present three PPT cases (two of them were secondary to endoscopic sinus surgery) who were successfully treated with balloon catheter dilatation and long-term antibiotherapy.