The first serological detection of West Nile virus infection among residents living in northern Turkey

Background & objectives: West Nile virus (WNV) is transmitted by a mosquito-borne virus whose natural reservoir is birds. Humans and horses are considered accidental hosts. Even if the vast majority of WNV infections in humans have asymptomatic or mild disease settings, serious neurological disorders with lethal outcomes can also be observed in around 1% of the cases. We aimed to serologically investigate the presence of WNV in humans living in Black sea of Turkey, and to obtain epidemiological data that will contribute to the implementation of public health policies to control and prevent potentially other life-threatening arboviral infections. Methods: In the current study, a total of 416 human sera were collected from native patients of Samsun and its boroughs attending Samsun Training and Research Hospital; these sera were tested for WNV with pooling method, using anti-IgM and IgG ELISA commercial kits. All pools that were found positive for both IgM and IgG were individually retested for the detection of positive WNV sera. After that, all positive samples were tested using realtime PCR to detect the presence of WNV-RNA particles. Results: Total seropositivity rates of WNV in terms of IgM and IgG were found as 0.96% and 0.72%, respectively. No presence of WNV-RNA could be detected in positive samples. Interpretation & conclusion: According to the data, further studies should be conducted to better understand the epidemiological dynamics of WNV in Turkey. It is recommended that other antigenically related flaviviruses which can give cross-reaction with WNV should also be investigated.

The molecular investigations on the subgenus Artemisia Less. of the genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) in Turkey / Investigações moleculares sobre o subgênero Artemisia Less. do gênero Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) na Turquia

The genus Artemisia L. of the family Asteraceae is systematically very complex. The aim of this study was to evaluate taxonomic positions of taxa of the subgenus Artemisia belonging to the genus Artemisia in Turkey using some molecular techniques. In this molecular study, 44 individuals belong to 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia were examined. Analyses were performed on the combined dataset using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference and Molecular parameters obtained from co-evaluations of sequences of the psbA-trnH, ITS and ETS regions of examined individuals were used in the phylogenetic tree drawing. According to the results of this study, two molecular groups have been formed based on the DNA sequence similarity of the species, but there are no obvious morphological characters corresponding to two molecular groups. There is no also agreement between the two molecular groups and the two morphological groups formed according to the hairiness condition of the receptacle of species. Due to the lack of molecular significance of their receptacles with or without hair, dividing of the subgenus Artemisia species into new subgenera or sections was not considered appropriate. Likewise, it has been found that with or without hair on the corolla lobes of the central hermaphrodite disc flowers have no molecular significance. It was found that there were no gene flow and hybridization between the 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia and these 14 species were found completed their speciation. This study is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with belong to subgenus Artemisia species growing naturally in Turkey. In addition, new haplotypes related to the populations of Turkey belonging to the subgenus Artemisia taxa were reported by us for the first time and added to the GenBank database.

O gênero Artemisia L. da família Asteraceae é sistematicamente muito complexo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as posições taxonômicas de táxons do subgênero Artemisia pertencentes ao gênero Artemisia na Turquia usando algumas técnicas moleculares. Neste estudo molecular, 44 indivíduos pertencentes a 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia foram examinados. As análises foram realizadas no conjunto de dados combinado usando máxima parcimônia, máxima verossimilhança e inferência bayesiana e parâmetros moleculares obtidos a partir de coavaliações de sequências das regiões psbA-trnH, ITS e ETS de indivíduos examinados foram usados no desenho da árvore filogenética. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, dois grupos moleculares foram formados com base na similaridade da sequência de DNA das espécies, mas não há caracteres morfológicos óbvios correspondentes a dois grupos moleculares. Também não há concordância entre os dois grupos moleculares e os dois grupos morfológicos formados de acordo com a condição de pilosidade do receptáculo da espécie. Devido à falta de significado molecular de seus receptáculos com ou sem cabelo, a divisão das espécies do subgênero Artemisia em novos subgêneros ou seções não foi considerada apropriada. Da mesma forma, verificou-se que com ou sem cabelo nos lobos da corola das flores do disco hermafrodita central não tem significado molecular. Constatou-se que não houve fluxo gênico e hibridização entre as 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia e essas 14 espécies concluíram sua especiação. Este estudo é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com espécies pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia crescendo naturalmente na Turquia. Além disso, novos haplótipos relacionados às populações da Turquia pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia taxa foram relatados por nós pela primeira vez e adicionados ao banco de dados do GenBank.

The molecular investigations on the subgenus Artemisia Less. of the genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) in Turkey

Abstract The genus Artemisia L. of the family Asteraceae is systematically very complex. The aim of this study was to evaluate taxonomic positions of taxa of the subgenus Artemisia belonging to the genus Artemisia in Turkey using some molecular techniques. In this molecular study, 44 individuals belong to 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia were examined. Analyses were performed on the combined dataset using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference and Molecular parameters obtained from co-evaluations of sequences of the psbA-trnH, ITS and ETS regions of examined individuals were used in the phylogenetic tree drawing. According to the results of this study, two molecular groups have been formed based on the DNA sequence similarity of the species, but there are no obvious morphological characters corresponding to two molecular groups. There is no also agreement between the two molecular groups and the two morphological groups formed according to the hairiness condition of the receptacle of species. Due to the lack of molecular significance of their receptacles with or without hair, dividing of the subgenus Artemisia species into new subgenera or sections was not considered appropriate. Likewise, it has been found that with or without hair on the corolla lobes of the central hermaphrodite disc flowers have no molecular significance. It was found that there were no gene flow and hybridization between the 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia and these 14 species were found completed their speciation. This study is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with belong to subgenus Artemisia species growing naturally in Turkey. In addition, new haplotypes related to the populations of Turkey belonging to the subgenus Artemisia taxa were reported by us for the first time and added to the GenBank database.

Resumo O gênero Artemisia L. da família Asteraceae é sistematicamente muito complexo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as posições taxonômicas de táxons do subgênero Artemisia pertencentes ao gênero Artemisia na Turquia usando algumas técnicas moleculares. Neste estudo molecular, 44 indivíduos pertencentes a 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia foram examinados. As análises foram realizadas no conjunto de dados combinado usando máxima parcimônia, máxima verossimilhança e inferência bayesiana e parâmetros moleculares obtidos a partir de coavaliações de sequências das regiões psbA-trnH, ITS e ETS de indivíduos examinados foram usados no desenho da árvore filogenética. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, dois grupos moleculares foram formados com base na similaridade da sequência de DNA das espécies, mas não há caracteres morfológicos óbvios correspondentes a dois grupos moleculares. Também não há concordância entre os dois grupos moleculares e os dois grupos morfológicos formados de acordo com a condição de pilosidade do receptáculo da espécie. Devido à falta de significado molecular de seus receptáculos com ou sem cabelo, a divisão das espécies do subgênero Artemisia em novos subgêneros ou seções não foi considerada apropriada. Da mesma forma, verificou-se que com ou sem cabelo nos lobos da corola das flores do disco hermafrodita central não tem significado molecular. Constatou-se que não houve fluxo gênico e hibridização entre as 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia e essas 14 espécies concluíram sua especiação. Este estudo é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com espécies pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia crescendo naturalmente na Turquia. Além disso, novos haplótipos relacionados às populações da Turquia pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia taxa foram relatados por nós pela primeira vez e adicionados ao banco de dados do GenBank.

The molecular investigations on the subgenus Artemisia Less. of the genus Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) in Turkey / Investigações moleculares sobre o subgênero Artemisia Less. do gênero Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) na Turquia

Abstract The genus Artemisia L. of the family Asteraceae is systematically very complex. The aim of this study was to evaluate taxonomic positions of taxa of the subgenus Artemisia belonging to the genus Artemisia in Turkey using some molecular techniques. In this molecular study, 44 individuals belong to 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia were examined. Analyses were performed on the combined dataset using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference and Molecular parameters obtained from co-evaluations of sequences of the psbA-trnH, ITS and ETS regions of examined individuals were used in the phylogenetic tree drawing. According to the results of this study, two molecular groups have been formed based on the DNA sequence similarity of the species, but there are no obvious morphological characters corresponding to two molecular groups. There is no also agreement between the two molecular groups and the two morphological groups formed according to the hairiness condition of the receptacle of species. Due to the lack of molecular significance of their receptacles with or without hair, dividing of the subgenus Artemisia species into new subgenera or sections was not considered appropriate. Likewise, it has been found that with or without hair on the corolla lobes of the central hermaphrodite disc flowers have no molecular significance. It was found that there were no gene flow and hybridization between the 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia and these 14 species were found completed their speciation. This study is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with belong to subgenus Artemisia species growing naturally in Turkey. In addition, new haplotypes related to the populations of Turkey belonging to the subgenus Artemisia taxa were reported by us for the first time and added to the GenBank database.

Resumo O gênero Artemisia L. da família Asteraceae é sistematicamente muito complexo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as posições taxonômicas de táxons do subgênero Artemisia pertencentes ao gênero Artemisia na Turquia usando algumas técnicas moleculares. Neste estudo molecular, 44 indivíduos pertencentes a 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia foram examinados. As análises foram realizadas no conjunto de dados combinado usando máxima parcimônia, máxima verossimilhança e inferência bayesiana e parâmetros moleculares obtidos a partir de coavaliações de sequências das regiões psbA-trnH, ITS e ETS de indivíduos examinados foram usados ​​no desenho da árvore filogenética. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, dois grupos moleculares foram formados com base na similaridade da sequência de DNA das espécies, mas não há caracteres morfológicos óbvios correspondentes a dois grupos moleculares. Também não há concordância entre os dois grupos moleculares e os dois grupos morfológicos formados de acordo com a condição de pilosidade do receptáculo da espécie. Devido à falta de significado molecular de seus receptáculos com ou sem cabelo, a divisão das espécies do subgênero Artemisia em novos subgêneros ou seções não foi considerada apropriada. Da mesma forma, verificou-se que com ou sem cabelo nos lobos da corola das flores do disco hermafrodita central não tem significado molecular. Constatou-se que não houve fluxo gênico e hibridização entre as 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia e essas 14 espécies concluíram sua especiação. Este estudo é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com espécies pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia crescendo naturalmente na Turquia. Além disso, novos haplótipos relacionados às populações da Turquia pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia taxa foram relatados por nós pela primeira vez e adicionados ao banco de dados do GenBank.

Self-medication practices with conventional and herbal drugs among ear, nose, and throat patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the self-practices with conventional and herbal drug use among ear, nose, and throat outpatients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey-based study was carried out among all ear, nose, and throat outpatients on their first visit to the otorhinolaryngology department at a tertiary care hospital. The survey comprised a total of 14 questions with 4 different sections, including demographic characteristics, self-medication of conventional medicines, herbal medication usage, and perception regarding herbal medicines. RESULTS: Overall, 255 questionnaires were distributed among patients, of which 183 completed the questionnaire (response rate=71.7%). Respondents reported self-medication (44.8%) with conventional drugs before visiting a hospital. The most commonly used medicine was analgesics (31.7%) and antibiotics (21.9%). Nearly half of the patients (49.2%) used at least one herbal drug. The most commonly used herbal medications were Tilia cordata (78.8%), Zingiber officinale (62.2%), and Camellia sinensis (45.5%). According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, most of the medicinal herbs were considered as data deficient/least concern. About 36.6% of the participants perceived that herbal drugs are effective for ear, nose, and throat problems. Moreover, 22.9% of the patients did not know about herbal-drug interaction with other medications. CONCLUSIONS: This study observed a considerable prevalence of self-based practices with conventional and herbal medications. Strict national regulations on conventional and herbal medication access and long-term actions should be implemented to discourage inappropriate drug use.

Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd as a source of thermostable serine protease: production and characterization

Proteases are ubiquitously present and are among the largest groups of commercially important enzymes. Here, we investigated a wood-rot basidiomycete Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd [Syn. Coriolus versicolor (L.) Quél.; Polyporus versicolor (L.) Fr.] as a source of the enzyme serine protease, its production, and optimized to obtain a higher yield of the enzyme.. The significant variables with optimized values for maximum production of the enzyme were temperature (30?C), incubation time (120 h) and wheat bran (10 g). The yield increased by 30.76% by statistically optimizing the media. The optimized temperature and pH for the maximum protease activity was 50?C and pH 7.0, respectively. The enzyme was purified through ion exchange (using DEAE cellulose 52 resin) and gel filtration chromatography (using Superdex 200 column). The purified enzyme had a retention time of 7 min in RP-HPLC. The enzyme was stable at a broad range of temperature (30-60?C) and pH (5.0-8.0) with a half-life of 58.72 min, Vmax of 37.17 ?M min/mL and Km of 0.657 mg/mL. Its activity was enhanced by Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+ ions and SDS surfactant. These properties make this enzyme a valuable candidate for industrial applications

Evaluation of Aids and Hepatitis-B knowledge and job satisfaction among hairdressers and barbers in Turkey

Blood-borne viruses, includingthe human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis B virus, have certain common epidemiological characteristics and these viruses infect millions of people worldwide. This study aimed to determine the job satisfaction and the level of knowledge and practices regarding infectious diseases of employees working as hairdressers and barbers.This descriptive and cross-sectional study comprised 1200 hairdressers and barbers. The study sample comprised 628 people who consented to participate in the study. The mean age of the participants who participated in the study was 28, 13 ± 6. 9 years. The mean job satisfaction score of the participants was 3.85 ± 0.58. The job satisfaction score was found to be higher among those with sufficient knowledge of hepatitis B (p < 0.005). Employees should be provided performance trainings to achieve job satisfaction. It is recommended that employees be encouraged to wear gloves and gowns to protect their health and prevent contamination.

Determination of prevalence, characteristics, management and related factors for pain in the older adults: pain among nursing home residents

This study aimed to determine pain assessment approaches and pain management strategies in elderly people in a nursing home.The cross-sectional-descriptive study sample consisted of 147 older adults living in a nursing home in Turkey in 2019. They all agreed to participate in the study (n = 147); however, as our research was about older adultswith pain problems, the study was completed with a total of 108 older adultsexperiencing pain problems. The participants' average age was 73.60 ± 6.97 years. Geriatric pain scale scores were higher for women aged 75 years and over, those who had a chronic disease and those who received analgesics, and there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores (p < 0.05). Nurses must pay attention to pain assessment and management in nursing homes because of the adverse effects of pain on older adults' health status, vital functions, and well-being.

Evaluation of turkish pharmaceutical track and trace system (ITS): perspective of community pharmacists

Abstract Turkish Pharmaceutical Track & Trace System (ITS) is implemented as a system in which drug movements are tracked in order to ensure drug safety. The system is integrated among drug stores, pharmacies and reimbursement institutions. As the pharmacies are the primary users, their evaluations regarding the system are considered important. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the pharmacies'- a shareholder of ITS in Turkey- satisfaction level for ITS and problems and suggestions encountered in the system. The most expressed contribution of ITS to the pharmacists' work was the ease of medicine tracking and control with 27.1%. The average satisfaction level of pharmacists about ITS was found to be 2.9±1.2. In the research, the most expressed of the regarding the areas of ITS that need to be developed is 'work without interruption' with 37.1%. ITS application has provided advantages for pharmacies in many aspects that facilitate operations. However, continuous development of technology, increasing information resources and diversity, changing expectations, and utilization levels of the users require the constant improvement of the performance of the system.

Genomic characterization, antimicrobial resistance profiles, enterotoxin, and biofilm production of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical and animal products origins in Eastern Turkey

ABSTRACT: Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic and ubiquitous pathogen found in the skin, nares, and mucosal membranes of mammals. Increasing resistance to antimicrobials including methicillin has become an important public concern. One hundred and eight (108) S. aureus strains isolated from a total of 572 clinical and animal products samples, were investigated for their biofilm capability, methicillin resistance, enterotoxin genes, and genetic diversity. Although only one strain isolated from raw retail was found as a strong biofilm producer, the percentage of antimicrobial resistance pattern was relatively higher. 17.59% of S. aureus strains tested in this study were resistant to cefoxitin and identified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. mecA and mecC harboring S. aureus strains were detected at a rate of 2.79% and 0.93%, respectively. In addition, staphylococcal enterotoxin genes including Sea, Seb, Sec, and Sed genes were found to be 18.5%, 32.4%, 6.5% and 3.7%, respectively. The phylogenetic relationship among the isolates showed relationship between joint calf and cow milk isolates. Multi locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed three different sequence types (STs) including ST84, ST829, and ST6238. These findings highlight the development and spread of MRSA strains with zoonotic potential in animals and the food chain throughout the world.

RESUMO: Staphylococcus aureus é um patógeno dúctil e ubíquo encontrado na pele, narinas e membranas mucosas de mamíferos. O aumento da resistência aos antimicrobianos, incluindo a meticilina, tornou-se uma importante preocupação pública. Cento e oito (108) cepas de S. aureus isoladas de um total de 572 amostras clínicas e de produtos animais foram investigadas por sua capacidade de biofilme, resistência à meticilina, genes de enterotoxinas e diversidade genética. Embora apenas uma cepa isolada do cru tenha sido encontrada como forte produtora de biofilme, a porcentagem do padrão de resistência antimicrobiana foi relativamente maior. Parte das cepas (17,59%) de S. aureus testadas neste estudo eram resistentes à cefoxitina e identificadas como isolados de MRSA. mecA e mecC abrigando cepas de S. aureus foram detectados a uma taxa de 2,79% e 0,93%, respectivamente. Além disso, verificou-se que os genes da enterotoxina estafilocócica, incluindo os genes Sea, Seb, Sec e Sed, eram 18,5%, 32,4%, 6,5% e 3,7%, respectivamente. A relação filogenética entre os isolados mostrou relação entre os isolados de bezerro e leite de vaca. A tipagem de sequência multiloco (MLST) revelou três tipos de sequência diferentes (STs), incluindo ST84, ST829 e ST6238. Essas descobertas destacam o desenvolvimento e a disseminação de cepas de MRSA com potencial zoonótico em animais e na cadeia alimentar em todo o mundo.

An investigation on the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of taxa belong to the subgenus Dracunculus (Bess) Rydb. of Artemisia L (Asteraceae) in Turkey / Uma investigação sobre o cloroplasto e os genomas nucleares de táxons pertencentes ao subgênero Dracunculus (Bess) Rydb. de Artemisia L (Asteraceae) na Turquia

Artemisia is one of the biggest genera in the family Asteraceae, with around 500-600 taxa at specific and sub specific levels and organised in 5 subgenera. Due to the high number of taxa, a lot taxonomists are trying to solve the problem of its classification and phylogeny but its natural classification still hasn't been achieved. In this research, 60 individuals belonging to 4 taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus of Artemisia L. in Turkey were examined. For all the examined individuals from both the same and different populations belonging to the taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, the sequences of the regions both psbA-trnH of chloroplast DNA and ITS of nuclear DNA were determined. Also, the gene regions obtained were recorded in the NCBI GenBank database and an accession number was taken. It was found that there was no gene flow and hybridization between the four studied taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, and these 4 taxa also completed their speciation. According to the results of this molecular study, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana and A. campestris var. araratica were proposed to be raised from the variety level to the species level. This research is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with the subgenus Dracunculus growing in Turkey.

Artemisia é um dos maiores gêneros da família Asteraceae, com cerca de 500 a 600 táxons em níveis específicos e subespecíficos e organizados em cinco subgêneros. Em razão do grande número de táxons, muitos taxonomistas estão tentando resolver o problema de sua classificação e filogenia, mas sua classificação natural ainda não foi alcançada. Nesta pesquisa, 60 indivíduos pertencentes a quatro táxons do subgênero Dracunculus de Artemisia L. na Turquia foram examinados. Para todos os indivíduos examinados de populações iguais e diferentes pertencentes aos táxons do subgênero Dracunculus, foram determinadas as sequências das regiões psbA-trnH do DNA do cloroplasto e ITS do DNA nuclear. Além disso, as regiões gênicas obtidas foram registradas no banco de dados do NCBI GenBank e um número de acesso foi obtido. Foi constatado que não houve fluxo gênico nem hibridização entre os quatro táxons estudados do subgênero Dracunculus, os quais também completaram sua especiação. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo molecular, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana e A. campestris var. araratica foram propostos para ser elevados do nível de variedade para o nível de espécie. Esta pesquisa é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com o subgênero Dracunculus em crescimento na Turquia.

An investigation on the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of taxa belong to the subgenus Dracunculus (Bess.) Rydb. of Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) in Turkey

Abstract Artemisia is one of the biggest genera in the family Asteraceae, with around 500-600 taxa at specific and sub-specific levels and organised in 5 subgenera. Due to the high number of taxa, a lot taxonomists are trying to solve the problem of its classification and phylogeny but its natural classification still hasnt been achieved. In this research, 60 individuals belonging to 4 taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus of Artemisia L. in Turkey were examined. For all the examined individuals from both the same and different populations belonging to the taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, the sequences of the regions both psbA-trnH of chloroplast DNA and ITS of nuclear DNA were determined. Also, the gene regions obtained were recorded in the NCBI GenBank database and an accession number was taken. It was found that there was no gene flow and hybridization between the four studied taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, and these 4 taxa also completed their speciation. According to the results of this molecular study, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana and A. campestris var. araratica were proposed to be raised from the variety level to the species level. This research is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with the subgenus Dracunculus growing in Turkey.

Resumo Artemisia é um dos maiores gêneros da família Asteraceae, com cerca de 500 a 600 táxons em níveis específicos e subespecíficos e organizados em cinco subgêneros. Em razão do grande número de táxons, muitos taxonomistas estão tentando resolver o problema de sua classificação e filogenia, mas sua classificação natural ainda não foi alcançada. Nesta pesquisa, 60 indivíduos pertencentes a quatro táxons do subgênero Dracunculus de Artemisia L. na Turquia foram examinados. Para todos os indivíduos examinados de populações iguais e diferentes pertencentes aos táxons do subgênero Dracunculus, foram determinadas as sequências das regiões psbA-trnH do DNA do cloroplasto e ITS do DNA nuclear. Além disso, as regiões gênicas obtidas foram registradas no banco de dados do NCBI GenBank e um número de acesso foi obtido. Foi constatado que não houve fluxo gênico nem hibridização entre os quatro táxons estudados do subgênero Dracunculus, os quais também completaram sua especiação. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo molecular, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana e A. campestris var. araratica foram propostos para ser elevados do nível de variedade para o nível de espécie. Esta pesquisa é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com o subgênero Dracunculus em crescimento na Turquia.

An investigation on the chloroplast and nuclear genomes of taxa belong to the subgenus Dracunculus (Bess.) Rydb. of Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) in Turkey / Uma investigação sobre o cloroplasto e os genomas nucleares de táxons pertencentes ao subgênero Dracunculus (Bess.) Rydb. de Artemisia L. (Asteraceae) na Turquia

Artemisia is one of the biggest genera in the family Asteraceae, with around 500-600 taxa at specific and subspecific levels and organised in 5 subgenera. Due to the high number of taxa, a lot taxonomists are trying to solve the problem of its classification and phylogeny but its natural classification still hasn't been achieved. In this research, 60 individuals belonging to 4 taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus of Artemisia L. in Turkey were examined. For all the examined individuals from both the same and different populations belonging to the taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, the sequences of the regions both psbA-trnH of chloroplast DNA and ITS of nuclear DNA were determined. Also, the gene regions obtained were recorded in the NCBI GenBank database and an accession number was taken. It was found that there was no gene flow and hybridization between the four studied taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, and these 4 taxa also completed their speciation. According to the results of this molecular study, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana and A. campestris var. araratica were proposed to be raised from the variety level to the species level. This research is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with the subgenus Dracunculus growing in Turkey.

Artemisia é um dos maiores gêneros da família Asteraceae, com cerca de 500 a 600 táxons em níveis específicos e subespecíficos e organizados em cinco subgêneros. Em razão do grande número de táxons, muitos taxonomistas estão tentando resolver o problema de sua classificação e filogenia, mas sua classificação natural ainda não foi alcançada. Nesta pesquisa, 60 indivíduos pertencentes a quatro táxons do subgênero Dracunculus de Artemisia L. na Turquia foram examinados. Para todos os indivíduos examinados de populações iguais e diferentes pertencentes aos táxons do subgênero Dracunculus, foram determinadas as sequências das regiões psbA-trnH do DNA do cloroplasto e ITS do DNA nuclear. Além disso, as regiões gênicas obtidas foram registradas no banco de dados do NCBI GenBank e um número de acesso foi obtido. Foi constatado que não houve fluxo gênico nem hibridização entre os quatro táxons estudados do subgênero Dracunculus, os quais também completaram sua especiação. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo molecular, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana e A. campestris var. araratica foram propostos para ser elevados do nível de variedade para o nível de espécie. Esta pesquisa é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com o subgênero Dracunculus em crescimento na Turquia.

Genomic characterization, antimicrobial resistance profiles, enterotoxin, and biofilm production of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical and animal products origins in Eastern Turkey / Caracterização genômica perfis de resistência antimicrobiana, produção de enterotoxinas e biofilme Staphylococcus aureus resistente à meticilina isolado de origem clínica e de produtos de origem animal no leste da Turquia

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic and ubiquitous pathogen found in the skin, nares, and mucosal membranes of mammals. Increasing resistance to antimicrobials including methicillin has become an important public concern. One hundred and eight (108) S. aureus strains isolated from a total of 572 clinical and animal products samples, were investigated for their biofilm capability, methicillin resistance, enterotoxin genes, and genetic diversity. Although only one strain isolated from raw retail was found as a strong biofilm producer, the percentage of antimicrobial resistance pattern was relatively higher. 17.59% of S. aureus strains tested in this study were resistant to cefoxitin and identified as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. mecA and mecC harboring S. aureus strains were detected at a rate of 2.79% and 0.93%, respectively. In addition, staphylococcal enterotoxin genes including Sea, Seb, Sec, and Sed genes were found to be 18.5%, 32.4%, 6.5% and 3.7%, respectively. The phylogenetic relationship among the isolates showed relationship between joint calf and cow milk isolates. Multi locus sequence typing (MLST) revealed three different sequence types (STs) including ST84, ST829, and ST6238. These findings highlight the development and spread of MRSA strains with zoonotic potential in animals and the food chain throughout the world.

Staphylococcus aureus é um patógeno dúctil e ubíquo encontrado na pele, narinas e membranas mucosas de mamíferos. O aumento da resistência aos antimicrobianos, incluindo a meticilina, tornou-se uma importante preocupação pública. Cento e oito (108) cepas de S. aureus isoladas de um total de 572 amostras clínicas e de produtos animais foram investigadas por sua capacidade de biofilme, resistência à meticilina, genes de enterotoxinas e diversidade genética. Embora apenas uma cepa isolada do cru tenha sido encontrada como forte produtora de biofilme, a porcentagem do padrão de resistência antimicrobiana foi relativamente maior. Parte das cepas (17,59%) de S. aureus testadas neste estudo eram resistentes à cefoxitina e identificadas como isolados de MRSA. mecA e mecC abrigando cepas de S. aureus foram detectados a uma taxa de 2,79% e 0,93%, respectivamente. Além disso, verificou-se que os genes da enterotoxina estafilocócica, incluindo os genes Sea, Seb, Sec e Sed, eram 18,5%, 32,4%, 6,5% e 3,7%, respectivamente. A relação filogenética entre os isolados mostrou relação entre os isolados de bezerro e leite de vaca. A tipagem de sequência multiloco (MLST) revelou três tipos de sequência diferentes (STs), incluindo ST84, ST829 e ST6238. Essas descobertas destacam o desenvolvimento e a disseminação de cepas de MRSA com potencial zoonótico em animais e na cadeia alimentar em todo o mundo.

rs7903146 mutation of Type 2 diabetes mellitus-related gene TCF7L2 is not associated with polycystic ovary syndrome in a cohort of Turkey

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate whether TCF7L2 gene mutation rs7903146 is in association with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS A total of 44 PCOS and 48 control participants were recruited for this study. After DNA extraction from peripheral blood, quantitative PCR method was used for genotyping. With a case-control study design, two groups were compared for genotype and allele frequencies as well as clinical characteristics. RESULTS Mean testosterone level was significantly higher in PCOS group, whereas mean progesterone level was significantly higher in control group. In PCOS group, mean thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level was significantly higher in polymorphic allele carriers. Genotype and allele frequencies were not different between groups. CONCLUSIONS When investigated for the first time in a population from Turkey, no association between PCOS and TCF7L2 gene rs7903146 polymorphism was detected. However, considering contradictory results of other populations and low cohort scale of this study, replication studies with greater cohorts are needed.

Motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS) at Cyprinus carpio L, 1758 (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) in Lake Tödürge (Sivas/Turkey) / [Septicemia móvel por aeromonada (SMA) em Cyprinus carpio L, 1758 (Actinopterygii: Cyprinidae) no lago Tödürge (Sivas, Turquia)]

In this study, fish's morphologic and anatomic lesions caused by motile aeromonad septicemia (MAS) depending on environmental stress in carp, Cyprinus carpio population living in Lake Tödürge were identified. Various morphological and anatomical deformations and lesions were observed in the body of approximately 17% (252 fish specimens) of a total of 1488 carp samples. Bacteria are grown from all wipe samples. Bacterial colonies have a gray-white appearance with round, convex and smooth edges. 15-20 cfu colonies were observed in each aerop culture. As a result of analysis of wet wipe samples from infected fish's skin, gill, kidney and liver, it is determined that the bacteria which causes septicemia is Aeromonas sobria from the Aeromonadaceae family (with 99.2% confidence value). No bacteria were grown in cultures except A. sobria. Some symptoms of the infection are inflammation on different parts of the fish bodies, eruption on skin and scales, dermal necrosis, degeneration at soft rays of the fins, exophthalmos, and purulent liquid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, etc. Infected fish were most commonly encountered in July and August (water temperature above 20ºC), the lowest in October and November (water temperature below 10ºC).(AU)

Neste estudo, foram identificadas lesões morfológicas e anatômicas causadas por septicemia móvel por aeromônios (MPA), dependendo do estresse ambiental da carpa, a população de Cyprinus carpio que vive no lago Tödürge foi identificada. Várias deformações e lesões morfológicas e anatômicas foram observadas no corpo de aproximadamente 17% (252 amostras de peixes) de um total de 1488 amostras de carpa. As bactérias são cultivadas a partir de todas as amostras de limpeza. As colônias bacterianas têm uma aparência branco-acinzentada, com bordas arredondadas, convexas e lisas. Foram observadas 15-20 colônias de UFC em cada cultura de aerop. Como resultado da análise de amostras de lenços umedecidos da pele, brânquias, rins e fígado de peixes infectados, é determinado que a bactéria que causa a septicemia é a Aeromonas sobria, da família Aeromonadaceae (com valor de confiança de 99,2%). Nenhuma bactéria foi cultivada em culturas, exceto A. sobria. Alguns sintomas da infecção são inflamação em diferentes partes dos corpos dos peixes, erupção na pele e escamas, necrose dérmica, degeneração aos raios moles das barbatanas, exoftalmia e acúmulo de líquido purulento na cavidade abdominal, entre outros. Os peixes infectados eram encontrados com maior frequência em julho e agosto (temperatura da água acima de 20ºC), e eram menos comumente encontrados em outubro e novembro (temperatura da água abaixo de 10ºC).(AU)

Fear of missing out (FoMO) mediate relations between social self-efficacy and life satisfaction

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine whether fear of missing out (FoMO) mediate relations between social self-efficacy and life satisfaction among undergraduates. The participants involved 323 undergraduates (female, 66.3%; male, 33.7%). The age of participants ranged between 18 and 32 years ( M = 21.52, SD = 2.69). The study data was gathered using the Fear of Missing out Scale, the Social Efficacy and Social Outcome Expectation Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. The research data were analyzed using the structural equation model and bootstrapping method. As a result of the structural equation model, FoMO mediates the relationship between social self-efficacy and life satisfaction. As a result of the bootstrapping analysis, it was seen that all direct and indirect effects are significant. The results, recommendations, and limitations of the study were discussed.

Association of complementary and integrative therapy use and symptoms among Turkish patients with familial Mediterranean fever / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#This study explored the correlations between the use of complementary and integrative therapies (CITs) and symptoms among Turkish patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).@*METHODS@#This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study. The study was conducted with 1119 FMF patients who were registered to the social networking site for Behcet's and the FMF Patients Association (Befemder) in Turkey, between January 2018 and February 2019. Data were collected using an online survey, for which a three-part questionnaire was created using a Google form. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.@*RESULTS@#It was determined that 53.2% of the individuals who participated in the research used various forms of CITs and that 32.8% used vitamin and mineral supplements (calcium, iron, and vitamin B12, C and D), 25.0% used nutritional supplements (fish oil and honey), and 24.6% used oral herbs (ginger, turmeric, green tea and rosemary) and mind-body methods (relaxation, respiration exercise and meditation). It was determined that the percentage of participants that used CITs was higher among women (odds ratio [OR] = 1.825; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.421-2.344), those with joint pain (OR = 1.385; 95% CI 1.047-1.832), those with difficulty breathing (OR = 1.323; 95% CI 1.031-1.697), those with gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 1.405; 95% CI 1.089-1.814) and those who had a family member with FMF (OR = 1.437; 95% CI 1.115-1.851).@*CONCLUSION@#More than half of the individuals used at least one type of CIT for symptom control.

Molecular characterization of goose parvovirus in geese of Turkey

ABSTRACT: Goose parvovirus (GPV), also called Derzsys disease, is a viral pathogen that causes high morbidity and mortality in goslings and ducklings. In this study, we perform the molecular characterization of the GPV in Turkey. The definition of similarity to the world of GPV isolates in Turkey and construction of a phylogenetic tree was aimed. For this purpose, the presence of GPV in the liver, spleen, and intestine tissues of nine goslings with symptoms such as dysphagia, bilateral ocular swelling, eye discharge, diarrhea, and fatigue were investigated by real-time PCR method and all samples were detected as positive. According to the data obtained by molecular characterization, phylogenetic analysis of GPV has been presented in Turkey. As a result of this study, it was determined that the GPVs available in Turkey are virulent strains.

RESUMO: O parvovírus do ganso (GPV), também chamado de doença de Derzsy, é um patógeno viral que causa alta morbidade e mortalidade em gansos e patinhos. Neste estudo, objetivou-se a determinação da caracterização molecular do GPV na Turquia, a definição da similaridade com o mundo dos isolados de GPV na Turquia e a construção de uma árvore filogenética. Para tanto, a presença de GPV no fígado, baço e tecidos do intestino de nove gansos com sintomas como disfagia, edema ocular bilateral, secreção ocular, diarreia e fadiga foram investigados pelo método de PCR em tempo real e todas as amostras foram detectadas tão positivo. À luz dos dados obtidos por caracterização molecular, a análise filogenética do GPV foi apresentada na Turquia. Como resultado deste estudo, foi determinado que os GPVs disponíveis na Turquia são cepas virulentas.

Factors affecting the price of raw milk in Turkey using panel data analysis / Fatores que afetam o preço do leite cru na Turquia usando análise de dados em painel

ABSTRACT: The high costs of feed among the total costs of raw milk production and an unfavorable milk-feed ratio directly affect the profitability of milk producers. To understand how the market in Turkey can be equilibrated, an exploration of the factors affecting milk prices is essential. This study determined the effects of the basic and the economic indicators on the price of raw milk between 2010 and 2019, by analyzing the monthly panel data. Since time series data are used, Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests are conducted to find out whether the series is stationary. In order to see the individual effects, the parameters are estimated using the fixed and random-effects models. The Hausman test is conducted to decide which of the two models is valid. The basic indicators for milk price, namely, prices of barley, soybean meal, wheat and distillers dried grains with soluble (DDGS), and the economic indicators, namely, dollar exchange rate and agricultural producer price index (PPI) had significant (P < 0.05; P < 0.01) effects on the milk price. In conclusion, it is reported that the raw milk prices in Turkey are considerably affected by the prices of feed ingredients as well as the general economic conditions.

RESUMO: Os elevados custos da ração entre os custos totais para a produção de leite cru e uma relação leite-ração desfavorável afetam diretamente a lucratividade dos produtores de leite. Para entender como o mercado na Turquia pode ser equilibrado, é essencial explorar os fatores que afetam os preços do leite. Este estudo pretende determinar os efeitos dos indicadores básicos e econômicos sobre o preço do leite cru entre 2010 e 2019, por meio da análise de dados em painel mensal. Como os dados de série temporal são usados, os testes de Dickey-Fuller Aumentado (ADF) e Phillips-Perron (PP) são conduzidos para descobrir se a série é estacionária. Para ver os efeitos individuais, os parâmetros são estimados usando os modelos de efeitos fixos e aleatórios. O teste de Hausman é realizado para decidir qual dos dois modelos é válido. Encontram-se os indicadores básicos do preço do leite.Os preços da cevada, farelo de soja, trigo e grãos secos de destilaria com solúveis (DDGS), e os indicadores econômicos. A taxa de câmbio do dólar e o índice de preços ao produtor agrícola (PPI), ter efeitos significativos (P < 0,05; P < 0,01) no preço do leite. Em conclusão, verifica-se que os preços do leite cru na Turquia são consideravelmente afetados pelos preços dos ingredientes para rações, bem como pelas condições económicas gerais.