The Relationships Between Tendency to Aggression, Self-control, Mindfulness, and Happiness in Students of the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Objectives: Previous studies focus on variables that reduce violence such as mindfulness, self-control, and happiness, but do not cover these relationships in a single study, creating a gap in the literature. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationships between aggression and these 3 variables in health science undergraduate students at a state university in Turkey. Methods: Students completed the aggression questionnaire, the Oxford happiness questionnaire short version, the brief self-control scale, and the mindful attention awareness scale. Results: In correlational analysis, only verbal aggression and happiness did not show a relationship. The result of hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that the most significant predictors that explained total aggression and aggression subscales were mindfulness and self-control, respectively. However, happiness did not have a significant link to either total aggression or subscales of aggression (except for hostility). Conclusions: The results emphasize that mindfulness and self-control may play important roles in reducing aggression. This study reveals the need for further analysis of the relationships between happiness and aggression and its subscales. Other implications are discussed.

Increased oxidative stress markers may be a promising indicator of risk for primary ovarian insufficiency: a cross-sectional case control study / Marcadores de estresse oxidativo aumentados podem ser um indicador de risco promissor para insuficiência ovariana primária: um estudo transversal caso-controle

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidative status (TOS) in women with primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) and to compare them with healthy fertile women. We also examined the possible risk factors associated with POI.METHODS: This cross-sectional case control study was conducted in Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital. The study population consisted of 44 women with POI (study group) and 36 healthy fertile women (control group). In all patients, serum levels of INOS, MPO, TAS, and TOS were determined. INOS and MPO levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay whereas colorimetric method was used for evaluating TAS and TOS levels. Age, body mass index (BMI), obstetric history, smoking status, family history, comorbidities, sonographic findings, complete blood count values, C-reactive protein and baseline hormone levels were also analyzed. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables between the groups; categorical data were evaluated by using Pearson χ2 or Fisher exact test, when appropriate. Binary logistic regression method was used to identify risk factors for POI.RESULTS: We found significantly elevated levels of INOS (234.1±749.5 versus133.8±143.0; p=0.005), MPO (3,438.7±1,228.6 versus 2,481.9±1,230.1; p=0.001), and TOS (4.3±1.4 versus 3.6±1.4; p=0.02) in the sera of the study group when compared to the BMI-age matched control group. However, difference in serum levels of TAS were not significant between the 2 groups (1.7±0.2 versus 1.6±0.2; p=0.15). Logistic regression method demonstrated that BMI <25 kg/m2, nulliparity, family history of POI, smoking, and elevated serum levels of INOS, MPO, and TOS were independent risk factors for POI.CONCLUSION: We found an increase in INOS, MPO, and TOS in women with POI. These serum markers may be promising in early diagnosis of POI. Further large-scale studies are required to determine whether oxidative stress markers have a role in diagnosing POI.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os níveis séricos da sintetase nítrica induzível (INOS), da mieloperoxidase (MPO), do estado antioxidante total (EAT) e do estado oxidante total (EOT) em mulheres portadoras de insuficiência ovariana primária (IOP) e compará-las às mulheres férteis. Também examinamos os possíveis fatores de risco associados à IOP.MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo transversal caso-controle desenvolvido no Zekai Tahir Burak Women's Health Education and Research Hospital. A população de estudo abrangeu 44 mulheres portadoras de IOP (grupo de estudo) e 36 mulheres férteis hígidas (grupo controle). Em todas as pacientes, foram determinados os níveis séricos de INOS, MPO, EAT e EOT.Os níveis de INOS e MPO foram determinados com o uso do teste ELISA e os níveis de EAT e EOT foram determinados mediante método colorimétrico. Analisou-se também a idade, o índice de massa corporal (IMC), os antecedentes obstétricos, tabagismo, histórico familiar, comorbidades, achados sonográficos, valores completos do hemograma, proteína C-reativa e níveis hormonais basais. O teste t de Student ou o teste U de Mann-Whitney foi utilizado para comparar as variáveis contínuas entre os grupos; os dados categóricos foram avaliados pelo teste do χ2 de Pearson ou o teste exato de Fisher, conforme o caso. O método de regressão logística binária foi utilizado para identificar os fatores de risco para IOP.RESULTADOS: Encontramos níveis significativamente elevados de INOS (234,1±749,5 versus133,8±143,0; p=0,005), MPO (3.438,7±1.228,6 versus 2.481,9±1.230,1; p=0,001) e EOT (4,3±1,4 versus 3,6±1,4; p=0,02) nos soros do grupo estudo em relação ao grupo controle pareado por IMC e idade. Entretanto, as diferenças entre os níveis séricos de EAT nos dois grupos não foram significantes (1,7±0,2 versus 1,6±0,2; p=0,15). O método de regressão logística demonstrou que IMC <25 kg/m2, nuliparidade, histórico familiar de IOP, tabagismo e níveis séricos elevados de INOS, MPO e EOT foram fatores de risco independentes para IOP.CONCLUSÃO: Foram encontrados níveis aumentados de INOS, MPO e EOT em mulheres portadoras de IOP. Estes marcadores séricos podem ser promissores para o diagnóstico precoce de IOP. Novos estudos em larga escala são necessários para determinar se os marcadores de estresse oxidativo desempenham um papel no diagnóstico da IOP.

Evaluation of beta-blockers on left ventricular dyssynchrony and reverse remodeling in idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: A randomized trial of carvedilol and metoprolol.

BACKGROUND: The effect of b-blockage on cardiac dyssynchrony in idiopathic dilated cardio-myopathy (IDC) is unknown. This study evaluated the impact of carvedilol and metoprolol succinate on left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony and reverse remodeling in IDC. METHODS: In this small, prospective, double-blind study, we randomly assigned 81 IDC patients to receive carvedilol or metoprolol succinate. Echocardiographic measurements (dyssynchrony, LV volumes and ejection fraction [EF]) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were obtained at baseline and at first and sixth month of therapy. RESULTS: A total of 74 (91%) patients completed all investigations at sixth month (38 and 36 taking carvedilol and metoprolol succinate, respectively). In the carvedilol group, reduction in LV end diastolic volume (D LVEDV at 6 months, 50 ± 15 mL to 40 ± 17 mL, p = 0.03) and increase in LVEF (D LVEF, 7 ± 2% to 5 ± 3%, p = 0.02) was higher compared to the metoprolol group. Also improvement in inter-ventricular dyssynchrony achieved with carvedilol was higher than metoprolol (D interventricular delay at 6 months, 11 ± 8 ms to 6 ± 7 ms, p = 0.03). However, improvement in intraventricular dyssynchrony was similar in the two groups (D intraventricular delay, 9 ± 7 ms to 9 ± 6 ms, p = 0.91). Improvements in LV mechanical dyssynchrony and reverse remodeling achieved with both drugs were accompanied by reduction in NT-proBNP levels in both carvedilol and metoprolol groups (1614 ± 685 pg/mL to 654 ± ± 488 pg/mL and 1686 ± 730 pg/mL to 583 ± 396 pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Although reduction in LVEDV and increase in LVEF was higher with carvedilol, improvement in intraventricular dyssynchrony was similar in carvedilol and metoprolol groups.

Tenascin-C as predictor of left ventricular remodeling and mortality in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

BACKGROUND: Several cardiac biomarkers, especially brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal (NT)-proBNP, have been used as predictors of prognosis and negative remodeling in DCM. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of tenascin-C in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and whether it can be used to determine reverse remodeling in patients with DCM. METHODS: Sixty-six patients with DCM were followed up for 12 months after initiation of medical treatment including carvedilol, ramipril (candesartan if ramipril was not tolerated), spironolactone, and furosemide. Tenascin-C and NT-proBNP measurements and transthoracic echocardiography were performed at baseline and at 12 months. RESULTS: At 12 months, a significant improvement in New York Heart Association class (2.57 ± 0.6 vs. 1.87 ± 0.5; P < 0.0001), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (217 ± 47 vs 203 ± 48; P < 0.0001), left ventricular ejection fraction (29.1 ± 5.5 vs 30.9 ± 3.8; P < 0.0001), NT-proBNP (2019 ± 558 vs 1462 ± 805; P < 0.0001), and tenascin-C (76 ± 19 vs 48 ± 28; P < 0.0001) values were observed, compared with baseline. Importantly, decrease in tenascin-C values were correlated with increase in left ventricular ejection fraction. Tenascin-C (odds ratio [OR], 1.896; <95% confidence interval [CI], 1.543-2.670; P = 0.02), diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.456; G95% CI, 1.987-3.234; P = 0.01) and hypertension (OR: 2.106, <95% CI, 1.876-2.897; P = 0.03) were independent predictors of mortality in patients with DCM. CONCLUSION: Reverse ventricular remodeling obtained with carvedilol, ramipril/candesartan, and spironolacton is associated with decreases in left ventricular end-diastolic volume, left ventricular end-systolic volume, tenascin-C levels, and NT-proBNP levels. Consequently, tenascin-C may be used to evaluate reverse remodeling in patients with DCM.

Protective effects of nebivolol against anthracycline-induced cardiomyopathy: a randomized control study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the effect of prophylactic nebivolol use on prevention of antracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients. METHODS: In this small, prospective, double-blind study, we randomly assigned 45 consecutive patients with breast cancer and planned chemotheraphy to receive nebivolol 5mg daily (n=27) or placebo (n=18). Echocardiographic measurements and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) levels were obtained at baseline and at 6-month of chemotherapy. RESULTS: Both studied groups had comparable echocardiographic variables and NT-pro-BNP levels at baseline. At 6-month, the left ventricular (LV) end-systolic and end-diastolic diameters increased in the placebo group (LVESD: 29.7 ± 3.4 to 33.4 ± 4.5mm; LVEDD: 47.2 ± 3.8 to 52.0 ± 4.6mm, p=0.01 for both) but remained unchanged in the nebivolol group (LVESD: 30.4 ± 3.5 to 31.0 ± 3.6mm, p=0.20; LVEDD: 47.0 ± 4.4 to 47.1 ± 4.0mm, p=0.93). The placebo group also had lower LVEF than the nebivolol group (57.5 ± 5.6% vs. 63.8 ± 3.9%, p=0.01) at 6-month. NT-pro-BNP level remained static in the nebivolol group (147 ± 57 to 152 ± 69 pmol/l, p=0.77) while it increased in the placebo group (144 ± 66 to 204 ± 73 pmol/l, p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic use of nebivolol treatment may protect the myocardium against antracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients.

Modulation of inflammation by mesenchymal stem cell transplantation in peritoneal dialysis in rats.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation on the peritoneal morphology and inflammation markers in rat models of peritoneal dialysis (PD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: control (C) (n = 8) and experimental groups (n = 50). PD solution was given to the experimental group during 6 weeks. Then, experimental group was divided into three groups as PD, MSC, and placebo (P) groups. MSC group was treated with MSC (1.5 × 10(6) cells/kg) and P group was treated with phosphate buffer solution via intraperitoneal injection. Evaluation was performed to C and PD groups at the end of 6 weeks and to MSC and P groups at second and third week of the treatment (MSC-2, P-2, MSC-3, and P-3 groups). RESULTS: The submesothelial area was significantly thickened in PD and P groups compared to C and MSC groups. Peritoneal fibrosis was seen in P-3 group but not in MSC group. There were no significant differences between the MSC-3 and C groups according to morphological findings. Levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly increased in MSC-2 group compared to the other groups (p-values ranged from 0.0001 to 0.04). TNF-α and IL-6 levels in MSC-3 and P-3 groups were lower than PD and C groups (p < 0.0001 for TNF-α and p = 0.0001-0.002 for IL-6). CONCLUSION: Giving MSC may protect the peritoneal membrane from the deleterious effect of PD and extend the life of the peritoneal membrane. Our study is the first on this issue and more detailed studies are needed.

Comparison of infection and urosepsis rates of ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone prophylaxis before percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a prospective and randomised study.

This study aimed at determining the choice and administration duration of ideal antibiotic prophylaxis before percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) operation, a treatment modality for nephrolithiasis. The study included 90 patients who had no internal problem, yet had a negative urine culture and underwent a PNL operation. We compared infection rates between ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone groups and their subgroups. The results showed no statistical difference between ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone groups in terms of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (CIP(P) = 0.306, CTX P = 0.334. As a result of this study no statistical difference was observed between ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone in terms of SIRS. It seems, however, reasonable to choose ceftriaxone, considering antibiotic sensitivity of microorganisms and detection of three cases accepted as urosepsis in the ciprofloxacin group. As there is no difference between short, and long-term prophylactic use of these antibiotics, preference of short-term prophylaxis for patients with no risk of infection will be important to avoid inappropriate antibiotic usage.

The effects on immune response of levamisole treatment following infection of U-937 macrophages with Candida albicans.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on the immune response of levamisole alone and in conjunction with Candida albicans stimulation in human macrophage cell culture by determining the alterations in the levels of cytokine release. Levamisole treatment was performed before, during and after infecting U-937 human macrophage cells with C. albicans. In cell supernatants, interleukin (IL)-1b, IL-12, IL-18, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA. In vitro levamisole treatment accompanied by C. albicans stimulation significantly increased IL-12, IL-1ß and IL-18 production in macrophage cells (p < 0.05). It was observed that when administered before C. albicans infection, levamisole significantly increased IL-12 and IL-1ß production in macrophage cells (p < 0.05). Another finding was that when applied to macrophage cells simultaneously with C. albicans infection, or before infection with C. albicans, levamisole suppressed the TNF-ß production stimulating effect of C. albicans (p < 0.05). These results indicated that levamisole could be useful in treating patients infected with C. albicans or in protecting individuals under the risk of being infected with this pathogen. There is a need for further experimental and clinical studies on this hypothesis.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of propolis, BioPure MTAD, sodium hypochlorite, and chlorhexidine on Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the antimicrobial effect by measuring the minimum inhibitory concentration MIC and minimum bactericidal concentration MBC of propolis, BioPure MTAD, 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), and 2% chlorhexidine CHX on Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) and Candida albicans (C. albicans) in vitro. METHODS: This study was performed in the Faculty of Dentistry and Pharmacy at Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey from February to April 2010. Ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) was prepared from propolis collected from Kayseri, Turkey, and proper media for microorganisms were prepared using sterile broth medium to give final concentrations between 0.002-2.4 mg/ml for propolis, 0.000125-0.512 mg/ml for CHX, and 1:2-1:4096 dilutions for NaOCl and BioPure MTAD. Using the macrobroth dilution method, MIC, and MBC values of irrigants on the growth of E. faecalis and C. albicans were determined. RESULTS: Propolis and other irrigants were found to be effective on C. albicans and E. faecalis. Propolis and NaOCl were more effective in lower concentrations on C. albicans than on E. faecalis. In contrast, CHX and MTAD were more effective in lower concentrations on E. faecalis than on C. albicans. CONCLUSION: Propolis showed antimicrobial activity against E. faecalis and C. albicans. It appears that propolis is an effective intracanal irrigant in eradicating E. faecalis and C. albicans.

Classification of root canal microorganisms using electronic-nose and discriminant analysis.

BACKGROUND: Root canal treatment is a debridement process which disrupts and removes entire microorganisms from the root canal system. Identification of microorganisms may help clinicians decide on treatment alternatives such as using different irrigants, intracanal medicaments and antibiotics. However, the difficulty in cultivation and the complexity in isolation of predominant anaerobic microorganisms make clinicians resort to empirical medical treatments. For this reason, identification of microorganisms is not a routinely used procedure in root canal treatment. In this study, we aimed at classifying 7 different standard microorganism strains which are frequently seen in root canal infections, using odor data collected using an electronic nose instrument. METHOD: Our microorganism odor data set consisted of 5 repeated samples from 7 different classes at 4 concentration levels. For each concentration, 35 samples were classified using 3 different discriminant analysis methods. In order to determine an optimal setting for using electronic-nose in such an application, we have tried 3 different approaches in evaluating sensor responses. Moreover, we have used 3 different sensor baseline values in normalizing sensor responses. Since the number of sensors is relatively large compared to sample size, we have also investigated the influence of two different dimension reduction methods on classification performance. RESULTS: We have found that quadratic type discriminant analysis outperforms other varieties of this method. We have also observed that classification performance decreases as the concentration decreases. Among different baseline values used for pre-processing the sensor responses, the model where the minimum values of sensor readings in the sample were accepted as the baseline yields better classification performance. Corresponding to this optimal choice of baseline value, we have noted that among different sensor response model and feature reduction method combinations, the difference model with standard deviation based dimension reduction or normalized fractional difference model with principal component analysis based dimension reduction results in the best overall performance across different concentrations. CONCLUSION: Our results reveal that the electronic nose technology is a promising and convenient alternative for classifying microorganisms that cause root canal infections. With our comprehensive approach, we have also determined optimal settings to obtain higher classification performance using this technology and discriminant analysis.

Mean platelet volume predicts embolic complications and prognosis in infective endocarditis.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to examine the change in mean platelet volume (MPV) over the course of infective endocarditis (IE) and also the association between MPV and complications including embolic events in IE. METHODS: Forty patients (26 male, mean age 46±15 years) who were hospitalized with a diagnosis of IE at the Department of Cardiology, Erciyes University, from March 2005 to August 2008, were retrospectively evaluated. The diagnosis of IE was made clinically and was confirmed with Duke's criteria. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and MPV were measured before treatment and periodically during the follow-up period, until discharge. RESULTS: There were 27 cases of native valve endocarditis and 13 of prosthetic valve endocarditis. While 31 patients were treated medically, an operation was performed in nine patients because of unsuccessful medical therapy. On admission, mean MPV was 10.8±1.1 fl, ESR was 82±26mm/h, and hs-CRP was 110±72mg/l. Seven patients died: one intraoperatively, three patients postoperatively, and three patients during medical treatment. With the exception of these seven patients, ESR and hs-CRP were significantly reduced in all patients at discharge compared to levels at hospitalization (ESR 82±26 to 32±22, p=0.001 and hs-CRP 110±72 to 25±15, p=0.001). Similarly, we detected a significant decrease in MPV from hospitalization to discharge, i.e., from the active period of the disease to recovery (10.8±1.1 to 9.7±0.8 fl, p=0.002). In addition, MPV was found to be significantly higher in patients with observed embolic complications (11.5 vs. 10.3 fl, p=0.001), other complications (11.0 vs. 10.2 fl, p=0.001), and death (11.1 vs. 10.4 fl, p=0.005). CONCLUSION: MPV can be used as an activity criterion in IE, like ESR and hs-CRP. Also, high MPV is associated with a poor prognosis and adverse outcomes, and predicts complications including embolic events.

Bacterial adhesion of porphyromonas gingivalis on provisional fixed prosthetic materials.

BACKGROUND: When provisional restorations are worn for long term period, the adhesion of bacteria becomes a primary factor in the development of periodontal diseases. The aims of this study were to evaluate the surface roughness and bacterial adhesion of four different provisional fixed prosthodon-tic materials. METHODS: Ten cylindrical specimens were prepared from bis-acrylic composites (PreVISION CB and Protemp 3 Garant), a light-polymerized composite (Revotek LC), and a polymethyl methacrylate-based (Dentalon) provisional fixed prosthodontic materials. Surface roughness was assessed by profilometry. The bacterial adhesion test was applied using Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) and spectro-fluorometric method. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and Dunnett t-tests. RESULTS: All tested materials were significantly rougher than glass (P < 0.05). Revotek LC had the greatest fluorescence intensity, PreVISION and Protemp 3 Garant had moderate values and all of them had significantly more bacterial adhesion compared to glass (P < 0.05). Dentalon had the lowest fluorescence intensity among the provisional fixed prosthodontic materials. CONCLUSION: The quantity of bacterial adhesion and surface roughness differed among the assessed provisional fixed prosthodontic materials. The light-polymerized provisional material Revotek LC had rougher surface and more bacterial adhesion compared with the others.

[The investigation of Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity in women in the Kayseri province]. / Kayseri'de kadinlarda Toxoplasma gondii seropozitifliginin arastirilmasi.

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic disease caused by a protozoon, Toxoplasma gondii. Its prevalence varies according to geographical status, age, eating habits and life style. The aim of this study was to determine seropositivity of Toxoplasma gondii in women who presented at the Kayseri Obstetric and Children Hospital. Anti-Toxoplasma IgG and IgM antibodies were investigated with the microparticle enzyme immunoassay (MEIA) method in sera of 2235 women from August 2005 to December 2008. It was found that Toxoplasma seropositivity was 33.42% and that increases in the seropositivity rate is statistically significant in regard to the increase in age (p<0.05).

[Cystic echinococcosis in Turkey from 2001-2005]. / Türkiye'de 2001-2005 Yillari Arasinda Kistik Ekinokokkozis.

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by the metacestode form of Echinococcus granulosus is a major public health problem especially in animal-raising regions of the world. In the present study, CE cases were determined during 2001-2005 by investigating different hospital and health directorship documents and Health Ministry documents, retrospectively. Our results show that there were 2534 (13.13%) cases in the Marmara region; 2114 (16.94%), in the Aegean region; 2578 (16.09%), Mediterranean region; 5404 (38.57%), in the Middle Anatolian region; 428 (5.70%), in the Black Sea region; 844 (6.80%), in the eastern Anatolian region; and 887 (2.75%), in the southeastern Anatolian region making a total of 14,789 CE cases. Finally, it has been determined that the patients were hospitalized for a total of 149,464 days.

Lens concentration of ofloxacin and lomefloxacin in an experimental endophthalmitis model.

UNLABELLED: Abstract. BACKGROUND: Bacterial endophthalmitis is a serious complication of ocular surgery and penetrating trauma. The primary causative organisms are strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Fluoroquinolones are widely used to treat endophthalmitis. There are a few studies on the penetration of fluoroquinolones into the lens in inflamed eyes. A literature search did not identify any data regarding penetration of topical ofloxacin into the lens in normal and inflamed eyes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the penetration of topical ofloxacin and lomefloxacin into the lens in a rabbit endophthalmitis model. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 2 groups. The left eyes were infected with an intravitreal inoculation of S aureus. The right eyes were used as a noninoculated control. Groups 1 and 2 received topical ofloxacin and lomefloxacin treatment, respectively, 24 hours after the inoculation. Two drops of the study drugs were instilled in the eyes every 30 minutes for 3 hours and then every 60 minutes for 3 hours. Lens samples were obtained 30 minutes after the last ofloxacin or lomefloxacin drops were administered. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the fluoroquinolone concentration. RESULTS: Ten rabbits were equally divided into the 2 treatment groups. There was no significant difference in mean (SD) lens concentrations between the control and inoculated eyes in either treatment group-ofloxacin (0.26 [0.32] µg/mL vs 0.11 [0.05] µg/mL, respectively) and lomefloxacin (0.50 [0.87] µg/mL vs 0.12 [0.08] µg/mL, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of this small experimental study found that topical ofloxacin and lomefloxacin can accumulate in the crystalline lens after installation. Inflammation did not affect the penetration of ofloxacin or lomefloxacin into the lens.

[Investigation of erythromycin resistance and resistance phenotypes in group A beta hemolytic streptococci]. / A grubu beta-hemolitik streptokoklarda eritromisin direnç oranlarinin ve direnc fenotipinin arastirilmasi.

Although penicillin resistance has not been determined in group A beta haemolytic streptococci (GABHS) yet, resistance to erythromycin and other macrolids is being reported frequently in the last years. In this study we investigated erythromycin resistance by using agar dilution method in 282 GABHS strains which were isolated from throat cultures that had been evaluated in the Ministry of Health, Ankara Training and Research Hospital's, Microbiology Laboratory. We also determined resistance phenotypes of resistant strains by double disc synergy method using erythromycin and clindamycin discs. Twelve of 282 strains (4.3%) were found resistant to erythromycin; five (41.7%) of which were M phenotype, four (33.3%) of which were constitutive type MLSB phenotype and three (25%) of which were inducible type MLSB phenotype. Investigation of resistance to macrolides that are alternatives to penicillin therapy in GABHS, is very important for the determination of the therapy and also to provide epidemiological data.