Investigate to intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis throughout Turkey: Focus on voles

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE), caused by Echinococcus multilocularis, is one of the most important zoonotic diseases. The parasite has a heterogeneous life cycle; more than 40 small mammal species have been determined to be potential intermediate hosts worldwide. Turkey is one of the highest endemic countries for AE, but only limited information is available concerning the transmission biology of E. multilocularis. The study aimed to provide data on potential intermediate host species (focus on genus Microtus) across Turkey involved in E. multilocularis transmission to foxes, which is a risk for public health. Trapping sites have been specially selected considering field voles' habitats and ecological requirements. In total, 843 rodents were collected from 141 locations. The metacestodes and lesions of AE were identified as macroscopy and microscopy and confirmed by PCR and DNA sequencing. Seventeen (2.0%) small mammals from 13 (9.2%) locations were found infected with E. multilocularis. Infected individuals were identified as Microtus irani, Microtus mystacinus, Microtus hartingi, Microtus guentheri, Cricetulus migratorius and Mus macedonicus. M. hartingi and M. macedonicus are documented for the first time as intermediate hosts of E. multilocularis. In conclusion, 15 of 17 infected small mammals were found in the Microtus genus. Therefore, the genus Microtus, which inhabits fields near villages and is potential prey for foxes, could be considered an important intermediate host for E. multilocularis across Turkey.

Effects of propylene glycol used at different doses in Akkaraman lambs rations on metabolism-related parameters and liver gene and protein expression during different feeding periods

This study aimed to investigate the metabolic effects of propylene glycol (PG) over 60, 90, and 120 days in lambs. Seventy-two weaned male lambs were allocated into three groups: control (Con), PG1.5 (1.5 mL/kg live weight0.75 ), and PG3 (3 mL/kg live weight0.75 ). Blood samples were collected at the beginning and slaughter days. Biochemical parameters (glucose, triglycerides, ALT, AST, LDH, BUN, and insulin) and gene and protein levels of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), diacylglycerol o-acyltransferase 1 (DGAT1), carbohydrate responsive element binding protein (ChREBP), and sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c) in the liver were determined. Glucose in PG1.5 was increased on Day 60, while significant differences were observed in biochemical parameters except for insulin on the 60, 90, and 120 days. Biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, LDH, and BUN increased over time, while triglycerides decreased. DGAT1 gene and protein levels were lower, while SREBP-1c and PPARγ were higher in PG groups on Day 60. While SREBP-1c was lower in PG1.5, ChREBP was higher in PG3 on Day 90. PPARγ, DGAT1, and ChREBP were upregulated in PG3 on Day 120. Positive correlations were found between proteins. The long-term use of PG in lambs did not have detrimental effects on metabolism. The study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic effects of PG in lambs, shedding light on its potential applications in lamb production.

The effect of skeletal muscle area and attenuation in patients with sternum fracture due to blunt chest trauma

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to retrospectively investigate the imaging features of patients with sternum fracture (SF) and concomitant organ injuries. We also aimed to evaluate the potential prognostic effect of skeletal muscle area (TMA) and muscle attenuation (MuA) values.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Computed tomography (CT) images of patients with SF were re-evaluated by two observers (Observer-1 and 2). Observer-3 has measured TMA and MuA values. Observer-1 has repeated the measurements blindly to the first measurement results to evaluate the inter-observer agreement. The length of hospital stay, death, hemiplegia, or quadriplegia were investigated from the archives. Mann-Whitney U-test or Student's t-test was used to investigate the relationship between linear variables. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) score was used to evaluate the interobserver agreement. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the relative effect of variables by calculating unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) for categorical outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixty-five patients had SF and 53 patients had SF and concomitant organ injuries. The most common injuries accompanying SF were rib fracture (73.58%) and lung contusion (60.38%). Manubrium fracture was the most common fracture location (52.3%), and 18 patients (27.7%) had displaced SF. Eight patients (15.1%) were discharged with plegia and five (9.4%) died. Hemothorax, displaced SF and decreased MuA were predictors of prolonged hospital stay, and the presence of cardiac contusion, displaced SF, hemothorax, and vertebra body fracture were independent factors for death.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of a displaced SF and decreased MuA value are important prognostic factors in patients with SF.

Investigation of TLR1-9 genes and miR-155 expression in dogs infected with canine distemper

This study aimed to determine the relationship of toll-like receptor (TLR) 1-9 genes and microRNA (miR) -155 expression levels with hematologic parameters in dogs diagnosed with canine distemper. In the study, two groups were used pre-treatment and post-treatment. Infected dogs were diagnosed with canine distemper with the help of a rapid test kit and Real Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Based on the correlation coefficients between the expression levels of the genes examined within the scope of the study and hematologic values, a positive correlation was found between the TLR2 gene and the monocyte (MON) value and between the TLR4 gene and the platelet (PLT) value in the pre-treatment group. A strong positive correlation was identified between TLR3 and TLR9 genes and erythrocyte (RBC) and hemoglobin (HGB) values; between TLR5 gene and RBC, HGB and hematocrit (HCT) values and between TLR9 gene and RBC and HGB values in the post-treatment group, on the other hand, a positive correlation was found between TLR1 gene and MON and neutrophil (GRAN) values; between TLR3 gene and HCT value and between TLR9 gene and MON and HCT values. The study concluded that miR-155 and TLR8 gene were upregulated at a statistically significant level (P < 0.05) Post-treatment in dogs infected with canine distemper and there was a positive correlation between the upregulation of miR-155 and the upregulation of TLR8 in the same period. This result suggests that the upregulated miR-155 expression post-treatment increased TLR8 gene expression. In the light of these findings, it miR-155 may have the potential to be used in clinical practice in the treatment or prognosis of dogs infected with canine distemper.

Determination of thiol/disulphide homeostasis as a new indicator of oxidative stress in dairy cows with subclinical endometritis

The objective of this study was to determine thiol/disulphide homeostasis (TDH) in infertile cows with subclinical endometritis (SCE). Endometrial cytological samples were collected using a cytobrush to diagnose SCE in 36 infertile cows. According to the results of the cytology examination, those with acute endometritis were classified as Group I (n = 20) and those with chronic endometritis were classified as Group II (n = 16). A control group was formed of heifers as Group III (n = 20). Blood samples were taken from each group on the day of diagnosis (day 0) to analyse TDH. In the cytology examination, both the Giemsa method and immunocytochemical staining were applied to determine chronic inflammation and activity status. In 55.55% (20/36) of the infertile cows with cytological endometritis, the inflammation was determined to be active, and in 44.44% (16/36) it had become chronic. The native thiol and total thiol levels were found to be statistically significantly lower in the acute (206.54 ± 8.30 μmol/L; 227.11 ± 9.30 μmol/L) and chronic SCE cases (225.15 ± 11.89 μmol/L; 247.96 ± 10.80 μmol/L) compared to the heathy control group (308.47 ± 13.59 μmol/L; 336.83 ± 15.5 μmol/L respectively) (P<0.001). Disulphide levels, disulphide/total thiol, native thiol/total thiol and disulphide/native thiol ratios were similar in all the groups (P>0.05). The diagnostic accuracy of native thiol, which can be used in the diagnosis of SCE, was 92.8%, that of total thiol was 89.3% and that of disulphide was 64.3% according to the ROC curve analysis. These results demonstrate that TDH is a reliable and sensitive indicator of oxidative stress in cow SCE, and that abnormal TDH might play a role in SCE pathogenic mechanisms. This is the first study to evaluate thiol/disulphide homeostasis in dairy cows with SCE as a new indicator of oxidative stress.

Is there any difference regarding atopy between children with familial Mediterranean fever and healthy controls?

INTRODUCTION

There are only a few studies regarding the prevalence of atopy in Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients, and their results are conflicting.

METHODS

In this study children with the diagnosis of FMF were evaluated for the presence of atopy by comparing with controls. One hundred and eighteen children diagnosed as FMF and 50 healthy age and sex matched controls were enrolled. They were evaluated for the presence of rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, urticaria and asthma. Laboratory assessment was done by measuring IgA, IgM, IgG, IgE levels, total eosinophil count and by performing skin prick test (SPT) panels for common allergens to children with FMF and healthy controls.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighteen children (61girls and 57 boys) diagnosed as FMF with a median age of 120±47 months (range 36-204 months) were compared with 50 healthy controls (31 girls and 19 boys) having a median age of 126±37 (range 48-192 months). The mean percentage of total eosinophil count of patients was similar to that of the control group. The mean level of IgE was significantly higher in children with FMF than controls (136±268, 87±201, respectively; p values <0.05). The percentage of skin prick test positivity was similar for both patients and controls (13% and 8.2%, respectively; p>0.05). The prevalences of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma in the patient group were 5.08%, 28.8%, and 15.25%, respectively, while the control group had the prevalences of 0%, 36%, and 14% respectively.

CONCLUSION

Children with FMF did not show an increase of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma with respect to controls.

Genotoxic effects of some antituberculosis drugs and mixtures in rats

In this study*, it was aimed to observe, genotoxic effects of antituberculosis drugs and combinations on rats. Animals were treated with 31.5 mg/kg isoniazid (INH), 54 mg/kg rifampicin (RIF), 189 mg/kg pyrazinamide (PYR), 100 mg/kg etham-butol(ETA), INH+RIF+PYR (MIX1) and INH+RIF+PYR+ETA (MIX2) mixtures applied via gavage for 90 days. At the end of the study, blood, liver and kidney samples were taken and evaluated by Comet and Micronucleus techniques. Compared to control group, head intensity decreased, tail intensity and tail migration increased on experiment groups in blood samples. Head intensity of PYR and mixture groups decreased, tail intensity of PYR and mixture groups increased and tail migration of PYR, ETA and mixture groups increased in liver samples. Head intensity decreased and tail intensity increased of INH, RIF, ETA and MIX1 group; tail migration increased of MIX1 group in kidney samples. Compared to control group, micronucleus rate of ETA, RIF and MIX 2 groups increased in experiment groups. In conclusion antituberculosis drugs and their mixtures applied for 90 days causes to double strand break of DNA damage at different degrees in blood, kidney and liver cells in rats.

The effect of bovine serum albumin and fetal calf serum on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation of the liquid stored rabbit semen

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of the bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fetal calf serum (FCS) on sperm quality, DNA fragmentation and lipid peroxidation of liquid stored rabbit semen stored up to 72 h at 5 °C. Ejaculates were collected from five New Zealand male rabbits by artificial vagina and pooled at 37 °C following evaluation. Each pooled ejaculate was split into three equal experimental groups and diluted to a final concentration of approximately 40 × 10(6)sperm/ml (single step dilution), in an Eppendorf tube, with the Tris based extender containing BSA (5mg/ml), FCS (10%) or no additive (control) at 37 °C, cooled to 5 °C and stored for up to 72 h. The extender supplemented with BSA and FCS did not improve the percentages of motility and acrosomal abnormality during 48 h compared to the control. The additives BSA and FCS had a significant effect in the maintaining of plasma membrane integrity between 48 and 72 h storage period, compared to the control (P<0.01). The supplementation of BSA and FCS had a protective effect on motility (P<0.05), plasma membrane integrity (P<0.01) and acrosomal integrity (P<0.01) at 72 h compared to the control. The supplementations with BSA and FCS led to a reduction in DNA damage of rabbit sperm at 48 and 72 h during storage period, compared to the control (P<0.001). Although supplementation of BSA and FCS caused significant (P<0.01) decreases in malondialdehyde (MDA) level at 48 h and 72 h, they significantly (P<0.01) increased the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) antioxidant activity up to 72 h when compared to the control group. In conclusion, BSA and FCS supplementation to liquid stored rabbit semen provide a protection for spermatozoa against cool storage-induced DNA damage and plasma membrane integrity by their antioxidative properties.

[Comparison of the ability to fertilize females by Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum males irradiated with gamma radiation from caesium 137 with non-irradiated males]

In this study, Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum male ticks were subjected to gamma radiation with a dose of 10 Gy emitted by a gamma-ray source of Caesium 137. Female ticks were divided into 3 groups and placed in rabbit ears to feed. In the first group, the females fed with normal and irradiated males, in the second group females fed only with irradiated males and in last group females fed with normal males. Biological parameters such as the feeding period, weights, period of time from dropping until egg-laying began, the number of eggs and the number of larva hatching from eggs were recorded. With the results of statistical analysis it was found that the average egg laying period of females in the second group was clearly less (22.77 days) than other groups and the difference between these groups was statistically important (P < 0.05). After evaluation of numbers of larva, also there was a statistically important difference between the groups and the average number of larva was clearly higher (2519.30) in third group than other groups. In conclusion, in this study it was found that irradiated males could not compete with normal males in mating with females and because of this they couldn't affect the feeding and reproductivity of females.

Historical profile of gender in Turkish veterinary education

Women in Turkey were first given the opportunity to attend schools of higher education in 1914. Following the establishment of the Turkish Republic in 1923, a number of social, judicial, and economic reforms took place that enabled women to participate actively in both the public and private sectors, and, as a consequence, the number of women students in higher education increased rapidly. The first woman graduated from the veterinary school in Ankara in 1935, becoming the first female veterinarian in the country. Since that time, the number of female veterinary graduates in Turkey has steadily increased.

The influence of trehalose, taurine, cysteamine and hyaluronan on ram semen

There is a lack of information regarding lipid peroxidation and antioxidant capacity in cryopreserved ram semen, and cryopreservation is associated with the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which lead to lipid peroxidation (LPO) of sperm membranes, resulting in a loss of motility, viability and fertility of sperm. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of certain additives and their different doses on standard semen parameters, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant activities after the cryopreservation/thawing of ram semen. Ejaculates collected from four Akkaraman rams, a native breed of sheep, were evaluated and pooled at 33 degrees C. Semen samples which were diluted with a Tris-based extender containing additives including trehalose (50, 100mM), taurine (25, 50mM), cysteamine (5, 10mM), and hyaluronan (0.5, 1mg/ml), and an extender containing no additives (control) were cooled to 5 degrees C and frozen in 0.25ml French straws, being stored in liquid nitrogen. Frozen straws were thawed individually at 37 degrees C for 20s in a water bath for evaluation. The use of a Tris-based extender supplemented with 50mM trehalose, 25mM taurine, and 5 and 10mM cysteamine led to higher percentages of post-thaw motility, in comparison to the control group (P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the percentages of acrosome and total abnormalities, and the hypoosmotic swelling test upon the supplementation of the freezing extender with antioxidants after the thawing of semen. In biochemical assays, the addition of antioxidants did not cause significant differences in levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), after thawing, when compared to groups with no additives. In this study, catalase (CAT) activities were higher in the group that was applied 25mM taurine as an antioxidant, than in all of the other groups (P<0.001). Compared to the controls, antioxidant treatment with 100mM trehalose, 50mM taurine, 5mM cysteamine and 0.5mg/ml hyaluronan, significantly elevated vitamin E (vit E) levels in samples (P<0.001).

Persistent hypercalcemia is a significant risk factor for graft dysfunction in renal transplantation recipients

Hypercalcemia is a common problem in renal transplant recipients, although in most cases, spontaneous resolution occurs within 1 year after renal transplantation. This condition may persist in some patients producing effects on renal function which are not well understood. In this study, we sought to analyze the effect of persistent hypercalcemia in the posttransplantation period on the function of renal transplants. A total of 121 recipients (31 women, 90 men; mean age, 34.1 +/- 9.9 years) underwent renal transplantation between 1999 and 2002. All patients underwent prospective evaluation of their serum calcium levels at 6-month intervals. A sustained corrected mean serum calcium level higher than 10.2 mg/dL was defined as "persistent hypercalcemia." Patients who had a gradual increase in their serum creatinine levels to >2 mg/dL or a 50% rise above the baseline were considered to display chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD). Among 121 recipients, 52 patients (43%) developed CAD and 37 patients (30.6%) had persistent hypercalcemia. Among the CAD patients, 22 suffered persistent hypercalcemia, while the other 15 patients were without CAD, a difference that was statistically significant (42.3% vs 21.7%, P = .01). The mean calcium levels were lower among patients without than with CAD, a difference that did not reach statistical significance (9.9 +/- 0.4 mg/dL vs 10.1 +/- 0.6 mg/dL, P = .1). In conclusion, persistent hypercalcemia in the posttransplantation period may significantly contribute to the development of chronic allograft nephropathy.

Angiotensin-Converting enzyme gene polymorphism significantly affects renal posttransplantation erythrocytosis

Posttransplantation erythrocytosis (PE) is a frequent problem in renal transplant patients. The pathogenesis and mechanisms of both the problem and therapy strategy are unknown. Since ACE and angiotensin 2 receptor inhibitors have been used to successfully manage PE, we speculated a relation between gene polymorphisms and this complication. Ninety-six ( 30 women, 66 men, age 34.4 +/- 11.0 years) renal transplant patients evaluated retrospectively, for gene polymorphisms of ACE, angiotensinogen, angiotensin 1 and 2 receptors (ATR1 and ATR2), as well as endothelial nitric oxide synthase (ecNOS). They were divided into two groups; patients with versus without PE, which was defined as >15 g/dL hemoglobin levels during the first year after renal transplantation. PE was found to be significantly more prevalent among D/D than I/I gene polymorphism of ACE genes (P <.04). The distribution of D/D, I/D, and I/I polymorphisms were 39.1%, 45.9%, and 7.6%, respectively. There was no difference between D/D and I/D polymorphisms. Comparing the I/D and I/I polymorphisms showed PE to be statistically more prevalent in the I/D polymorphism (P <.01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that D/D and I/D polymorphisms were significant risk factors for PE (P <.05, RR = 7.714 and P <.03, RR = 10.199, respectively). While previous studies revealed a relation between angiotensin II and PE, our study discovered the contribution of ACE gene polymorphism.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme genotype is a predictive factor in the peak panel-reactive antibody response

The presence of a high panel-reactive antibody (PRA) level represents an independent risk factor for early graft failure and chronic allograft dysfunction. It has also been reported that patients with the ACE-DD and AGT-AA genotypes display poorer chronic allograft function. We investigated the effects of gene polymorphisms of the renin angiotensin system (RAS) on anti-HLA antibody production among renal transplant candidates. Genotyping was performed on 133 dialysis patients for the ACE (I/D) and AGT (M235T) as well as the type 1 (A1166C) and type 2 (A1223G) angiotensin II receptor genes. Patients with a peak PRA >/= 30% were considered to be positive for anti-HLA antibody (40.6% of 133 patients). Genetic polymorphisms of the RAS were not associated with anti-HLA antibody production at this PRA level. Another analysis comparing the 29 patients with a peak PRA >/=50% with the 104 patients with a peak PRA <50% showed that previous transplants, the presence of ACE-DD genotype, history of blood transfusions, and dialysis duration were all associated with the high levels of antibody production by univariant analysis. A multivariate analysis using a logistic regression model revealed previous transplants, the presence of ACE-DD genotype, and history of blood transfusions to be predictors of anti-HLA antibody production. The ACE-DD genotype is an important risk factor for higher PRA levels. This study suggests that genetic control of RAS activity correlates with production of anti-HLA antibodies, possibly explaining the relationship to chronic allograft outcome.

Which method should be used to determine the obesity, in patients with coronary artery disease? (body mass index, waist circumference or waist-hip ratio)

OBJECTIVE

To determine body mass index (BMI), waist circumference and waist-hip ratio (WHR) in cases with angiographically established coronary artery disease (CAD) and to compare the obesity degrees established according to the ranges determined by the International Guidelines Committees for BMI, waist circumference and WHR.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional, observational study.

SUBJECTS

A total of 617 consecutive cases (516 males, mean age: 57.2+/-10.8 y) with CAD who underwent their first coronary angiography between January 2000 and May 2000.

MEASUREMENTS

Before coronary angiography, their heights, weights, waist and hip circumferences were measured. Waist circumferences, BMI and WHRs were compared both as a whole and also within stratified groups as for sexes and age groups categorized in decades above 40 y of age.

RESULTS

Overweight cases comprised approximately half of the patients in both sexes. In males, the percentages of obese cases with respect to BMIs were 15%, while males with action level 2 waist circumferences were detected to be 20%. Obese male patients whose WHRs were >or=0.95 were found to be 51%. In female cases, corresponding percentages of obesity were estimated to be 32, 72 and 86%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

In the same patient groups, the prevalence of obesity, defined by BMI, waist circumference and WHR, could vary three-fold. Thus, some patients may not display a diagnosis of obesity. To prevent this possibility the waist circumference is an easy method, which reflects central obesity more accurately.

Cyclical acute renal failure due to bilateral ureteral endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common disease but ureteral involvement is relatively rare. Ureteric endometriosis is mostly unilateral. Endometriotic ureteral obstruction is a serious event commonly diagnosed late and therefore associated with a major risk of hydronephrotic renal atrophy. We present the cyclical acute renal failure associated with menstruation in a patient who developed severe bilateral ureteral obstruction due to endometriosis. Physicians should be aware of this uncommon but serious manifestation of endometriosis, especially if the clinical presentation is cyclical acute renal dysfunction in a premenopausal woman.