An Overview of One Health Concept Focusing on Toxoplasmosis

The "One Health" concept is a universal approach to sustainably balancing and optimizing the health of humans, animals, and ecosystems. This approach is based on the health of humans, domestic and wild animals, and plants in a wider environment in which self-renewable ecosystems exist, with essential characteristics of integration, unifying and holistic perspective. Toxoplasmosis, one of the most common zoonotic infections in both terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems in the world, is an ideal model disease for the "One Health" approach. Toxoplasmosis is a zoonotic disease caused by the obligate intracellular pathogen protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. In the life cycle of T. gondii, the definitive host is domestic cats and felines, and the intermediate hosts are all mammals (including humans), birds and reptiles. The infected cats have primary importance and play a crucial role in the contamination of habitats in the ecosystems with T. gondii oocysts. Thus, ecosystems with domestic cats and stray cats are contaminated with cat feces infected with T. gondii oocytes. T. gondii positivity has been scientifically demonstrated in all warm-blooded animals in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The disease causes deaths and abortions in farm animals, resulting in great economic losses. However, the disease causes great problems in humans, especially pregnant women. During pregnancy, it may have effects such as congenital infections, lesions in the eye and brain of the fetus, premature birth, intrauterine growth retardation, fever, pneumonia, thrombocytopenia, ocular lesions, encephalitis, and abortion. The mechanism of death and abortion of the fetus in a pregnant woman infected with T. gondii occurs as a result of complete disruption of the maternal immune mechanism. The struggle against toxoplasmosis requires the universal collaboration and coordination of the World Organization for Animal Health, the World Health Organization and the World Food Organization in the "One Health" concept and integrative approaches of all responsible disciplines. Establishing universal environmental safety with the prevention and control of toxoplasmosis requires the annihilation of the feces of the infected cats using suitable techniques firstly. Then routinely, the monitoring and treatment of T. gondii positivity in cats, avoiding contact with contaminated foods and materials, and development of modern treatment and vaccine options. Particularly, mandatory monitoring or screening of T. gondii positivity during the pregnancy period in humans should be done. It would be beneficial to replace the French model, especially in the monitoring of disease in humans. In this article, the ecology of toxoplasmosis was reviewed at the base of the "One Health" concept.

Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus Bacteria as Potential Candidates for the Control of Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae), the Principal Vector of West Nile Virus and Lymphatic Filariasis

Vector-borne diseases pose a severe threat to human and animal health. Culex pipiens L. (Diptera: Culicidae) is a widespread mosquito species and serves as a vector for the transmission of infectious diseases such as West Nile disease and Lymphatic Filariasis. Synthetic insecticides have been the prime control method for many years to suppress Cx. pipiens populations. However, recently, the use of insecticides has begun to be questioned due to the detrimental impact on human health and the natural environment. Therefore, many authorities urge the development of eco-friendly control methods that are nontoxic to humans. The bacterial associates [Xenorhabdus and Photorhabdus spp. (Enterobacterales: Morganellaceae)] of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) (Sterinernema spp. and Heterorhabditis spp.) (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae and Steinernematidae) are one of the green approaches to combat a variety of insect pests. In the present study, the mosquitocidal activity of the cell-free supernatants and cell suspension (4 × 107 cells mL-1) of four different symbiotic bacteria (Xenorhabdus nematophila, X. bovienii, X. budapestensis, and P. luminescens subsp. kayaii) was assessed against different development stages of Cx. pipiens (The 1st/2nd and 3rd/4th instar larvae and pupa) under laboratory conditions. The bacterial symbionts were able to kill all the development stages with varying levels of mortality. The 1st/2nd instar larvae exhibited the highest susceptibility to the cell-free supernatants and cell suspensions of symbiotic bacteria and the efficacy of the cell-free supernatants and cell suspensions gradually declined with increasing phases of growth. The highest effectiveness was achieved by the X. bovienii KCS-4S strain inducing 95% mortality to the 1st/2nd instar larvae. The results indicate that tested bacterial symbionts have great potential as an eco-friendly alternative to insecticides.

Molecular Prevalence and Phylogenetic Characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Sheep in the Van Region

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in healthy sheep in Van province using molecular techniques and to reveal genotypes of the detected isolates.

METHODS

A total of 200 healthy appearance sheep comprise 38 male and 162 female, 32 preweaned, 38 postweaned lamb and 130 adult sheep from several farms in the Van region were included in the study between May and September 2021. Genomic DNA (gDNA) extractions were utilized on fecal samples collected from sheep by commercial kits, and E. bieneusi DNA was investigated by Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplifying ITS rRNA in the gDNA isolates. PCR products of the positive isolates were subjected to sequence analyze for genotyping and phylogenetic analyses of E. bieneusi.

RESULTS

E. bieneusi DNA was determined in 16 out of 200 examined sheep fecal gDNA samples (8.0%) by Nested PCR. The highest E. bieneusi prevalence was determined in preweaned lambs with a rate of 18.8%. This was followed by postweaned lambs and adult sheep with a prevalence of 10.5% and 4.6%, respectively. The prevalence of the infection in males and females was 7.9% and 9.3%, respectively. All the ITS rRNA amplicons from 16 positive isolates were subjected to sequence analyses for genotyping and phylogenetic analyses. Sequence analyses revealed that all the isolates determined in sheep belonged to the BEB6 genotype and clustered in genogroup 2 of E. bieneusi with the BEB6 isolates from different hosts in several countries.

CONCLUSION

Molecular epidemiological data on the prevalence of E. bieneusi in sheep in Turkey were obtained with this study and the common genotype was determined as BEB6 in the research area. The obtained data contribute to the molecular epidemiology and diversity of E. bieneusi in sheep.

Molecular Characterization and Expression Analysis of the Sterol-carrier Protein-2 Fragment in Anopheles sacharovi Generations

Objective

It was aimed to characterize the sterol carrier protein-2 (SCP-2) gene in Anopheles sacharovi using molecular methods for the first time, and to reveal the expression levels of An. sacharovi in the developmental stages and female generation in different tissues such as salivary gland, midgut and adipose tissue.

Methods

The adult female An. sacharovi collected from the Sultan Sazlığı region and the development stages in the insectarium constituted the study material. cDNA isolation was performed following total RNA extraction from An. sacharovi strains. The 216 bp fragment of the SCP-2 gene was amplified with optimized primers in cDNA templates and was sequenced. Genetic characterization of the sequences was provided in silico analysis.

Results

Twelve of the SCP-2 nucleotide sequences of 14 isolates included in the sequence analysis were 100% identical and the SCP-2 sequences of the other two isolates that were homologous to each other showed a single nucleotide change at base 183. The 216 bp fragment of the SCP-2 gene region was found encoding the 72 amino acid chain. SCP-2 gene sequences clustered the isolates monophyletically on the basis of mosquito species and strains, and that Anopheles sacharovi isolates formed a subcluster together with Anopheles stephensi and Anopheles funestus within the Anopheles cluster in phylogenetic analysis. Because of q-polymerase chain reaction-mediated expression analysis, SCP-2 gene was expressed highest in adult males, followed by an adult female, ss L4, L3, L2, L1, and pupal stages, respectively. In adult female tissues, the SCP-2 gene was expressed the highest in the fat body, followed by the midgut and salivary glands, respectively.

Conclusion

SCP2, which is an important vaccine candidate or target drug site for Anopheles sacharovi with high vector potential, was firstly characterized in this study and the developmental stages and expression differences in the tissues of the mosquito were revealed.

Is docetaxel-free interval a predictive factor for castration-resistant prostate cancer?

OBJECTIVE

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common solid tumor in men and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death. In advanced stage, palliative treatments are used instead of curative therapies. Therefore, finding predictive indicators seems crucial. Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that received Dx chemotherapy have been retrospectively reviewed. The aim of this study was to investigate whether docetaxel (Dx)-free interval could have a predictive value for PCa and influence other sequential therapies.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This clinical trial study was performed on 104 patients at Medeniyet University Oncology Clinic in 2018-2020. All CRPC patients had metastases, received Dx as first-line treatment and underwent androgen receptor axis targeted (ARAT) therapy after disease progression. We analyzed patients' progression time after Dx therapy and the effects on sequential treatment.

RESULTS

After Dx therapy, all patients received ARAT (abiraterone (ABI) n: 49 (47.1%) and enzalutamide (ENZ) n: 54 (51.9%)) as a second-line treatment, except for one patient who received cabazitaxel. There was a statistically significant relationship between the Dx-free interval and duration of response to ARAT (p<0.001). The response time of ARAT treatment was <10.5 months in all patients whose Dx-free interval period was <9 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the theory that Dx-free interval can be a predictive factor for CRPC. CRPC disease can be classified as Dx-sensitive disease or Dx-resistance disease, based on the Dx-free interval. Decision on subsequent treatments could be made considering this information.

Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in Goats from Korkuteli District of Antalya

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in goats from the Korkuteli district of Antalya.

METHODS

During the study, sera samples were obtained from 184 female goats and analyzed for the presence of antibodies against N. caninum using a commercial ELISA kit.

RESULTS

Seroprevalence of N. caninum was determined as 4.89%. Seropositivity of N. caninum in goats was not statistically significant (p>0.05) in terms of study centers, age groups, and abort situation.

CONCLUSION

This study reports the first data on the presence and seroprevalence of N. caninum in the goats in the region.

The effects of cognitive and emotional status on smoking cessation

OBJECTIVE

Smoking cessation is affected by multiple factors including cognitive status of the patients. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of demographic, emotional and cognitive functions of 39 male and 42 female patients who applied to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic on smoking cessation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study recruited 81 healthy volunteers of equal age, gender, and educational level. Total Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores were compared according to age, gender, cessation methods, and Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores in smoking cessation settings.

RESULTS

In our study, there were 39 (48.1%) male patients and 42 (51.9%) female patients. While 36 patients were able to quit smoking, the remaining 38 were unable to do so. During follow-up, 7 patients had yet to be reached. Age, years of smoking, number of cigarettes smoked per day, education level, first reason for starting smoking, reasons for quitting smoking, quitting method, and medical drugs used were found to have no effect on smoking cessation; however, the MoCA total score, Beck depression scale, Beck anxiety scale, and smoking cessation scale score were found to have significant effects on smoking cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

Various cognitive processes, particularly visuospatial and attention skills, have been found to be useful in quitting smoking. Furthermore, emotional states, such as depression and anxiety have a negative impact on quitting smoking. We believe that if it is provided to the patients in the smoking cessation outpatient clinic to boost cognitive capabilities and treat mood problems, the success of smoking cessation will increase.

Radiomics improves the utility of ADC for differentiation between renal oncocytoma and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: Preliminary findings

OBJECTIVE

Differentiation between renal oncocytoma (RON) and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC) remains challenging. We aimed to assess the accurate apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) radiomics features in differentiating these tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-center retrospective study included 14 patients with histopathologically proven RON (n = 6) and chRCC (n = 8) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Features were extracted from ADC maps. Features with an intraclass correlation coefficient >0.90, an intergroup p < 0.01 and interrater differences with normal distribution underwent agreement and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.

RESULTS

Overall, 6 features qualified for further analysis and Bland-Altman plots revealed acceptable agreement for all. Only 1 first order feature and 5 high order texture features successfully predicted RON with more than 90% sensitivities and specificities more than 80%.

CONCLUSION

Squared mean ADC and certain gray level run length matrix features extracted by radiomics of ADC mapping provide quite high diagnostic precision in terms of distinguishing between RON and chRCC.

Investigation of Zoonotic Cryptosporidium and Giardia intestinalis Species and Genotypes in Cats (Felis catus)

OBJECTIVE

Giardia intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. are important zoonotic protozoan parasites that infect humans and various animals. We investigated the occurrence of G. intestinalis and Cryptosporidium spp. infection in cats. To provide data on the zoonotic transmission dynamics of these parasites, genotypes of the detected isolates were investigated through DNA sequence characterization.

METHODS

A total of 100 fecal samples were collected from cats between June and October 2020 in Kayseri and Samsun provinces. Fecal samples were examined by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), targeting the β-giardin gene of G. intestinalis and small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. All PCR products were sequenced for genotyping.

RESULTS

Of the samples examined, Giardia intestinalis was determined in 8 samples (8.0%), whereas none of the samples were found positive for Cryptosporidium spp. Sequence analyses of the β-giardin PCR products indicated that all G. intestinalis isolates were classed into the zoonotic assemblage B.

CONCLUSION

This study adds to the current data on the molecular epidemiology of cryptosporidiosis and giardiasis in cats. The findings also highlight the potential risk of cats for public health concerning the zoonotic transmission dynamics of G. intestinalis.

Vector-borne Zoonotic Diseases in Turkey: Rising Threats on Public Health

Vector-borne zoonotic diseases (VBZDs) are a major problem for public health and animal welfare all over the world. In recent years, there has been an alarming increase in VBZDs, mainly caused by new or re-emerging arboviruses, bacteria and parasites. The World Health Organization enumerated 10 threats to global health for 2019, notably emphasizing climate change and emerging pathogens as growing priorities. It is important to review potential threats and develop new control programs for rising threats against human health and safety. Changes in host and vector population diversity and density may affect pathogen transmission patterns and influence VBZD emergence processes. In addition to environmental and climate-related changes, human and animal migratory patterns pose future threats. The geographic location and habitat features of Turkey support the establishment of many arthropod species as vectors of various diseases. To date, a total of 107 zoonotic infections have been reported originating from Turkey. Arthropods transmit 19 of 107 such infections, including 2 mosquito-borne, 9 tick-borne, 1 sandfly-borne, 3 flea-borne, 1 simuliid-borne, 1 mite-borne and 2 fly-borne diseases. In this review, we focus on the present status of knowledge on VBZDs as a rising threat to public health in Turkey to provide a foundation for future control efforts.

Molecular Prevalence and Phylogenetic Characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Healthy Cattle

Objective

In this study, it was aimed to determine the molecular prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon in healthy cattle.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 50 cattle in Sivas between October 2017 and March 2018 and genomic DNA (gDNA) isolations were performed. gDNA isolates were processed by Nested PCR specifically amplifying ITS rRNA gene region to identify E. bieneusi. ITS rRNA region of E. bieneusi positive isolates were sequenced for genotyping and phylogenetic analyzes. Obtained sequences were assembled with appropriative genetic software, then phylogenetic relationships were revealed.

Results

According to Nested PCR analyses, 29 (19.3%) out of totally examined samples were found positive for E. bieneusi. As a result of the sequence analyses, five distinct genotypes were determined. The most frequent genotype ERUSS1 and the other ERUSS2-4 genotypes were characterized as close to each other, which was reported for the first time in the world. Two isolates were determined in N genotype that was reported from cattle in Germany and were more different from the other genotypes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that all the genotypes characterized in the study belonged to the genogroup 2.

Conclusion

First molecular epidemiological data on E. bieneusi in cattle from Turkey were obtained with this study.

Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analyses of Oestrus ovis Larvae Causing Human Naso-pharyngeal Myiasis Based on CO1 Barcode Sequences

Objective

The identification and molecular characterization of the bot fly larvae from an infected human with naso-pharyngeal myiasis in Turkey were aimed in this study.

Methods

A total of 8 bot fly larvae from a 49-year-old woman with naso-pharyngeal infection in Adana province constituted the materials of this study. Morphological identification was performed on the larvae according to described keys. The barcode region of the CO1 gene from the genomic DNA extracts of the larvae was amplified and sequence analyses were utilized. Haplotype and genetic distance analyses were performed in CO1 sequences and a phylogenetic tree was built revealing phylogenetic relationships.

Results

All bot fly larvae were identified as second stage larvae of Oestrus ovis in terms of morphologic characteristics. There was no polymorphism among the CO1 sequences of all isolates leading to detection of a single novel haplotype. The newly characterized haplotype in this study clustered with the O. ovis haplotypes from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Brazil, and Iran in a monophyletic clade with an overall identity of 99.5%. Interspecific genetic differences among the subfamilies of Oestridae were in the range of 19.8% to 30.8%.

Conclusion

This study has provided the first molecular characterization data on O. ovis larvae from an accidental human host in Turkey based on CO1 barcode sequences.

Effects of tryptophan and probiotic supplementation on growth and behavior in quail

In laying hens, a diet supplemented with tryptophan (Trp) has been shown to affect their pecking behavior. However, unlike this positive effect, Trp is also involved in negative effects on behavior and stress through indolic pathways. Indole production can be reduced by probiotics (Pro), thus we hypothesized that Pro may prevent negative effects of Trp and increase beneficial effects on behavior in birds. Combined effects of Pro and Trp were also expected. To investigate the effects on behavior in birds of supplementing with a high level of Trp with or without Pro, Japanese quail were used because their behavior can be influenced by Pediococcus acidilactici, and they can be highly aggressive. Quails (n = 120) were assigned to 4 groups in a 2 × 2 factorial design for 55 d: C-C (control diet with usual Trp level, 0.3%; without Pro; n = 30), Trp-C (Trp: 2%; without Pro; n = 30), C-Pro (control diet; with Pro: 1 x 10⁹ CFU/L P. acidilactici in drinking water; n = 30), and Trp-Pro (Trp 2%; with Pro; n = 30). Body weight was measured every week, and different tests were conducted to investigate behavioral characteristics of each quail. Contrary to our hypothesis, there was almost no interaction between Trp and Pro treatments. Tryptophan supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) reduced live weight up to 27 d, whereas Pro treatment had no effect. There was no significant difference between groups for tonic immobility variables (P > 0.05). The birds fed the high Trp diet spent significantly less time in the periphery of the open field than those fed the control diet and moved less in the arena during the social isolation test. Interindividual distances were significantly lower in males fed with Trp 2% than with the control diet, whereas Trp and Pro supplements interacted in females. The treatments did not affect sexual motivation in males. These results indicate that a high level of Trp reduced growth and appeared to enhance emotional reactivity in quails and that supplementing with Pro did not reduce these effects. In conclusion, feeding high Trp for 55 d cannot be recommended as a strategy to improve social behavior unlike effects observed in laying hens.

Overview of Zoonotic Diseases in Turkey: The One Health Concept and Future Threats

Zoonotic infections are globally important diseases and lead to huge economic losses in both low- and middle-income and high-income countries. Global warming, environmental and ecological changes, illegal movement of animals and humans, regional civil wars, and poverty are predisposing factors for the emergence of zoonotic infections and their distribution worldwide; they are also a big threat for the future. In addition, environmental pollution and antimicrobial resistance are immense serious threats and dangers to prevent and control zoonotic infections. The natural location of Turkey allows many emerged or re-emerged infections with zoonotic characteristics by animal movements, such as bird immigrations, and by human movements due to civil wars as seen with regional refugees. Numerous zoonotic diseases, including 37 bacterial, 13 fungal, 29 viral, 28 parasitic (3 trematodes, 7 cestodes, 10 nematodes, and 8 protozoan), and totally 107 infections, have been reported from Turkey to date. Additionally, many ectoparasitic zoonoses within 15 different arthropod groups and one leech infestation have been reported from Turkey to date. The "One Health" initiative is particularly relevant for developing strategies to combat zoonotic diseases. In this article, we review the occurrence of zoonotic diseases in man and animals in Turkey in the light of the "One Health" perspective.

The effect of rosemary extract on 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters during frying

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of rosemary extract (Rosmarinus Officinalis L.) on the 3-MCPD and glycidyl ester contents during deep-fat frying. Firstly, the potato samples were soaked in different concentrations of NaCl and they were fried in sunflower oils containing different concentrations of rosemary extract. Subsequently, repeated frying was carried out with sunflower oil enriched with rosemary extract. The frying oil and the oil extracted from potato samples were analyzed in terms of the contents of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters according to DGF C VI 18 (10) method. The results demonstrated that the content of 3-MCPD and glycidyl esters in frying oil was not significantly affected by different NaCl and rosemary extract concentrations during short term frying; however, the amount of 3-MCPD esters was found to be lower for the potato crisps enriched with rosemary extract during repeated frying cycles.

Effect of crushing temperature on virgin olive oil quality and composition

The objective of the current study was to assess the influence of a modified crushing process and kneading operation on the quality parameters, volatile compounds, and the fatty acid and sterol profiles of virgin olive oil from the Edremit yaglik variety. In the study, olive oil samples were produced in two different processes. The first one was produced without malaxation and the second one was produced with the malaxing process. During crushing, the effect of different temperatures was tested. The results demonstrate that different crushing temperatures generally did not affect the amount of free fatty acids, or peroxide value. Total phenol contents were positively affected by the additional malaxation process. Fatty acids and sterol composition were not significantly altered at different crushing temperatures or during the subsequent malaxation application. PCA enabled a clear classification of the oils obtained from different processing techniques.

Ultra-low dose of intravitreal bevacizumab in retinopathy of prematurity

AIM

We aimed to investigate the effectivity of the 0.0625 mg dose of bevacizumab in patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and compare the results with 0.625 mg dose of intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection.

METHODS

The medical records of the patients with type 1 ROP who received IVB monotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded. The patients were classified into two groups with respect to received dose of bevacizumab as follows: group F (n = 46) (full dose of bevacizumab-0.625 mg/0.025 ml) and group L (n = 45) (low dose (one tenth) of bevacizumab-0.0625 mg/0.025 ml).

RESULTS

Both treatment dose regimens have similar outcomes. Moreover, the mean retinal vascularization time seemed to be significantly higher in group F compared to group L, 168 ± 65 and 97 ± 29 days, respectively (p < 0.001). Disappearance of plus sign is observed earlier in group F (2.45 ± 1.7 vs 3.66 ± 2.46 days, respectively, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The low dose (0.0625 mg) of IVB treatment was effective as full (0.625 mg) dose in ROP treatment. Moreover, our results showed that low-dose treatment might provide faster retinal vascularization than the regular used dose. On the other hand, disappearance of the plus sign takes longer time in patients treated with low dose compared to eyes treated with full dose of IVB that should be taken into account.

The Current Status of Ticks in Turkey: A 100-Year Period Review from 1916 to 2016

Environmental and bio-ecological changes, some administrative and political mistakes, and global warming seriously affect the behaviors of ticks in Turkey and globally. The global public sensitivity toward tick infestations has increased along with increases in tick-borne diseases (TBDs). Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a new political concept, "One Health," for specific struggle strategies against tick infestations and TBDs. To highlight the importance of the issue, the WHO had declared the year 2015 for vector-borne diseases and adopted the slogan "small bites big threat". In global struggle strategies, the epidemiological aspects and dynamics of increasing tick populations and their effects on the incidence of the TBDs mainly with zoonotic characteristics have been specifically targeted. In Turkey, during the last century, approximately 47 tick species, including eight soft and 39 hard tick species in three and six genera belonging to Argasidae and Ixodidae, respectively, had already been reported. In this article, the recorded tick species, regional infestations, and medical and veterinary importance in Turkey were chronologically reviewed based on a 100-year period between 1916 and 2016.

Blood Meal Identification of the Mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) Specimens Belong to Culex pipiens Complex that were Collected from Kayseri Province

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the host preferences in blood meal of specimens belonging to Culex pipiens complex.

METHODS

A total of 1284 female mosquitos were morphologically examined, and genomic DNA isolations were individually performed on 376 (28.4%) specimens that were determined to be Cx. pipiens complex. PCR was performed with primers to specifically amplify the avian and mammalian mitochondrial cytochrome b (mt-cytb) gene region. Amplicons were cloned, and the obtained plasmids were sequenced to determine host species.

RESULTS

Of 376 specimens, 148 (39.4%) were positive for the avian and/or mammalian blood meal. Among the positive specimens, 43, 98, and seven were determined to be positive for only mammalian, avian, and both avian and mammalian blood, respectively. Avian host preference in blood meal of the specimens belonging to Cx. pipiens was found to be significant. Of 15 avian blood positive isolates, nine, three, two, and one were designated as blood meal from avian species in Passeriformes, Accipitriformes, Columbiformes, and Strigiformes orders, respectively. While six, four, three, and two out of 15 mammalian blood-positive specimens were found to be positive for human, cattle, sheep, and dog blood, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Molecular data regarding the host preferences of the Cx. pipiens species complex in blood meal were revealed for the first time in Turkey with this study.

A fatal case caused by massive honey bee stings

Bee venom is a complex substance which acts in different ways; local or systemic anaphylaxis associated with IgE and direct toxic effects of the large volume of injected venom. We report a 10- year-old boy who was the vulnerable of 5989 honey bee attacks. To the best of our knowledge, this case had the ultimate number of honey bee stings in the literature, until now. He was admitted to pediatric intensive care unit after 3 hours of incident. Plasmapheresis was started to remove circulating venom that can cause many systemic side effects. Unfortunately, multiorgan failure developed on the 2nd day of admission due to severe hemolysis and rabdomyolysis. Additional therapies modalities, mechanical ventilation, hemodialysis, and antihypertensive drugs were added to the treatment during the disease process. Despite all of the treatments, the patient was failed on 12th day of hospitalization.

[The Molecular Classification Of Blackfly (Diptera: Simuliidae) Species Which Pose a Problem in Nevşehir Part of Central Kızılırmak Basin]

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to determine the molecular characterization of simuliid species which cause a problem in the part of Kızılırmak passes from Ürgüp and Gülşehir districts of Nevşehir.

METHODS

Between May and September 2011, totally 150 simuliid larvae were sampled. Morphological identifications of the collected larvae specimens were done before the molecular analyses. Genomic DNA extractions were utilized on 7 larvae specimens which were selected from morphologically identified samples and the sequence and phylogenetic analyses were performed after the amplification of the partial mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (mt-COI) and ribosomal complete internal transcript spacer 2 and partial 28S (ITS-2/28S) gene regions.

RESULTS

Eighty-five, 46 and 19 out of 150 morphologically examined specimens were identified as Simulium (S.) Wilhelmia sp., S. Wilhelmia lineatum and S. Wilhelmia balcanicum, respectively. Among the amplified samples with respect to mt-COI and ITS-2/28S gene regions, sequence analyses were performed on 3 and 2 isolates from S. Wilhelmia sp. and both S. lineatum and S. balcanicum. The isolates were found to be clustered together depending on the species for both gene regions phylogenetically and the sequence heterogeneity was found to be higher in S. lineatum. When comparing with the other species under the Wilhelmia subgenus, S. lineatum and S. balcanicum were determined to be more close to each other.

CONCLUSION

Scientific data on the molecular characterization and phylogeny of blackfly species under the S. Wilhelima subgenus which pose a problem in the Central Kızılırmak Basin were provided with this study.

A novel index in healthy infants and children - subarachnoid space: ventricle ratio

BACKGROUND

The subarachnoid space (SAS) and ventricular width (VW) in normal infants and children were studied with ultrasonography to provide the objective measurement and define a normal range for these measurements. The additional aim was to determine the stable ratio as a SAS/VW.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 100 healthy subjects, including 48 males and 52 females, were studied. The cases were divided into 3 age groups: 0-6 months(n = 65), 7-12 months (n = 24) and > 13 months (n = 11). Transfontanel ultrasonography was performed in all the cases. SAS, VW and the SAS/VW ratios were calculated. The study was approved by the ethical committee. All parents were informed about the sonographic examination and their approvals were taken.

RESULTS

SAS was calculated as 3.1 (0.5-6) mm and VW was calculated as 3.6(1.3-5) mm. SAS/VW ratio was 0.9 ± 0.3. There was no statistically significant difference among SAS, VW and SAS/VW ratios in 3-97 percentile group (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasonography can be used as a practicable and reproducible modality in the measurement of SAS and VW in healthy children. It is a non-invasive method and allows for serial follow-up. SAS/VW ratio can be used as an index in healthy children.

NT-proBNP is associated with SYNTAX score and aortic distensibility in patients with stable CAD

OBJECTIVE

A high N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) level provides significant prognostic information on patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). It is unclear whether aortic distensibility (AD), which reflects the aortic stiffness, and the extent and complexity of CAD, assessed with the SYNTAX score (SS), affect the secretion of NT-proBNP in stable CAD. We aimed to investigate the relationship between NT-proBNP levels and AD as well as with the extent and complexity of CAD in stable CAD patients.

METHODS

The study included 411 patients with stable CAD (mean age = 61.7 ± 9.9 years, male/female = 247/164). The patients were divided into two groups according to the median NT-proBNP value (NT-proBNPlow group < 114 pg/ml and NT-proBNPhigh group ≥ 114 pg/ml). AD was calculated from the echocardiographically derived ascending aorta diameters and hemodynamic pressure measurements. Coronary angiography was performed and SS was determined in all patients. NT-proBNP and other biochemical markers were measured in all subjects.

RESULTS

The AD and ejection fraction values of the NT-proBNPhigh group were lower and their SS levels were higher compared with those from the NT-proBNPlow group (p < 0.05, for all). The NT-proBNP level was independently associated with AD (β = -0.378, p < 0.001), SS (β = 0.262, p < 0.001), and ejection fraction (β = - 0.295, p < 0.001) on multiple linear regression analysis.

CONCLUSION

NT-proBNP was independently associated with an impaired elastic property of the aorta and with the extent and complexity of CAD as well as with left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

[Molecular characterization of Babesia bovis msa-2c gene]

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out to determine the molecular characterization of msa-2c gene of one Babesia bovis isolate from cattle in the Aegean Region and to compare identities with similar isolates from the World and Turkey.

METHODS

Between 2008-2010 blood samples were collected from a total of 235 cattle localized in 9 provinces of the Marmara and Aegean Regions. Smears were prepared, genomic DNA's were extracted from the blood samples and investigated for Babesia species by RLB. PCR was performed on one sample determined as B. bovis, the obtained amplicon was purified, sequenced and deposited to GenBank. Identities with similar isolates from Turkey and the World were investigated.

RESULTS

Bovine babesiosis was not determined in the microscopic examination. According to the RLB results there was no B. bovis positivity in cattle from the Marmara Region, while only one B. bovis positivity was detected in cattle from the Aegean Region. The molecular prevalence of B. bovis was determined as 0.42% in the total of the examined 235 cattle. The sequenced B. bovis isolate shared 91-92% and 89-96% identities with the isolates from Turkey and the World, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Molecular characterization of msa-2c gene region of B. bovis detected from cattle in the Aegean Region was carried out in this study.

[The investigation of fasciolosis in cattle by copro-ELISA and stool examination techniques around the Derinkuyu region]

OBJECTIVE

This study was carried out between September 2008 and June 2009 to determine the prevalence of fasciolosis in cattle in Derinkuyu district of Nevşehir.

METHODS

Fecal samples from 198 cattle were technically collected and examined by sedimentation-zinc sulphate flotation technique. Modified McMaster sedimentation technique was applied to the egg positive samples to determine the EPG values. F. hepatica coproantigens in samples were investigated by ELISA.

RESULTS

The coprological and antigen ELISA prevalence of fasciolosis were determined as 2.02% and 3.03%, respectively. The mean EPG value in infected cattle was found as 75±22.9. The prevalence of other parasites, Trichostrongylus spp., Eimeria spp., Nematodirus spp., Moniezia spp., Toxocara vitulorum and Ostertagia spp. were determined as 28.3%, 12.6%, 1.5%, 1.0%, 1.0% and 0.5%, respectively. The prevalence of fasciolosis was observed to be higher in the > 3 age group (3.2%) than ≤3 age group (2.9%), however, this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The prevalence in female and male cattle was found as 3.4% and 4.8% This difference also was not found statistically significant (p > 0.05). The highest prevalence was observed in Fresian with the ratio of 3.5% and this was followed by 2.8% in Rubia Gallega and 2.4% in Brown Swiss. The differences among breeds were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The presence and prevalence of fasciolosis was revealed with this study.