Comparison of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) vaccine side effects by age groups.

OBJECTIVE: This online survey aims to compare the side effects that may occur after inactivated severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) vaccination by age groups. METHODS: A total of 411 participants aged 18-100 who received inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine were included in the study. RESULTS: Participants were divided into four groups according to their ages (i.e., 20-35, 36-50, 51-65, and over 65 years old). Vaccine-related side effects were primarily seen in the 20-35 age group and at least in the >65 age group (p<0.001). The most common side effects were pain, redness, swelling, and numbness at the injection site. Fatigue and headache were other common side effects. After vaccination, 3 (0.73%) participants had hypertension, and 1 (0.24%) had an asthma attack and was admitted to the hospital. No severe side effects were observed in any of the patients. The most critical factors determining the development of side effects were female gender and young age. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, different types and rates of side effects are seen in all age groups after the inactivated coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine. Since the 20-35 age group and female gender are at risk of side effects, it would be more appropriate to follow up the side effects after vaccination according to gender and age.

Aeration requirement and energy consumption of reactor-composting of rose pomace influenced by C/N ratio.

As the composting industry develops rapidly in the world, the compost producers have focused on the efficiency of energy utilization in production without restricting the quality of compost in the forced ventilation systems. Therefore, this experimental study quantified the impacts of initial C/N ratio on aeration requirement and energy consumption due to aeration for reactor composting of rose pomace through kinetics of the process using fifteen 100-l composting reactors. The results of the study showed that initial C/N ratio significantly affected decomposition rate, compost maturity, and dry matter losses and organic matter losses (P < 0.05). The maximum decomposition rate (0.072 day-1) and the highest degree of progression of the composting process existed at the mixture with initial C/N ratio of 24.26. The results underlined the importance of the initial C/N of composting of rose pomace in terms of energy consumption due to aeration. In particular, more mature compost within a short time can be obtained when composting was operated with a C/N ratio of 23.7-25.8 in the expense of requiring more airflow rate, fan power, and energy consumption by aeration fan per composting material.

Modeling of road traffic noise and traffic flow measures to reduce noise exposure in Antalya metropolitan municipality.

BACKGROUND: Road traffic noise influencing directly public health in the modern cities is a growing problem in both developing and developed countries. The objective of this study was to model traffic-induced noise in Antalya province, validate the model with noise emission data, and to run the model for the noise preventive scenarios. METHODS: In this study, modeling of traffic-induced noise was performed using SoundPLAN® software at Gazi Boulevard in the city of Antalya. Calculations were made according to NMPB-Routes 96, which have been accepted by environmental noise legislation of the European Union and Turkey. Fundamental data sets such as geographical, topographical and meteorological data, building information and population, traffic network, traffic volume and vehicle speed, and composition of types of vehicle were utilized for the development of noise prediction model. Eight preventive scenarios to reduce traffic-induced noise levels were simulated using the validated model considering traffic flow measures such as types of vehicles, vehicle speeds, types of road surface, redirecting portion of heavy vehicles to alternative routes and noise barrier usage. RESULTS: Results showed that increase in heavy vehicle speeds in smooth road surface conditions caused more increase in exposures than that of light vehicle speed. It was highlighted that it would be appropriate to use porous road surface to reduce exposures on population on high-speed roads. Furthermore, the number of people that are exposed to noise is significantly reduced by precautions such as alternative routes for heavy vehicles and speed restriction. These precautions reduced noise exposures by 25.5-63.8%. The results showed that the usage of noise barrier at the alternative routes in case of porous asphalt road reduced population, dwellings, and area exposed to traffic noise which is greater than 75 dB(A) as 63.8, 40.5, and 60.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: It could be concluded that the outcomes of the noise prediction models based on the generated scenarios could be used for the purpose of decision support system and could be helpful for decision-makers on the noise legislations.

The effect of FAS and C/N ratios on co-composting of sewage sludge, dairy manure and tomato stalks.

This study was conducted to determine the effects of C/N ratio and free air space in co-composting of sewage sludge with tomato stalk and dairy manure. Experiments were carried out in 100 L of stainless steel aerobic compost reactors with full automation system and monitored for 32 days. The temperature was controlled according to the Rutgers strategy. During the composting process, moisture content, organic matter content, pH, electrical conductivity, total carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, total phosphorus, potassium, NH4+-N, NO3--N and heavy metals contents were determined. For evaluation of the stabilization process, organic matter, dry matter, ammonia and mass and volume losses and temperature index values were taken into consideration. The temperature pattern in the mixtures with dairy manure increased rapidly and reached higher levels depending on dairy manure ratio. The highest organic matter loss was 57.87%, which was in the mixture with a C/N ratio of 20 and a free air space ratio of 37%.

Co-composting of two-phase olive-mill pomace and poultry manure with tomato harvest stalks.

In this study, two-phase olive-mill pomace with poultry manure and chopped tomato harvest stalks were composted at different initial carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratios with fixed free air space of 35%. Composting experiment was carried out in the 15 aerobic reactors made of stainless steel and was monitored for 28 days. During the composting process, temperature, moisture content, organic matter (OM), pH, electrical conductivity, oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, total carbon, total nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen ([Formula: see text]), nitrate nitrogen ([Formula: see text]), and total phosphorus were monitored. Compost mass and volume changes were determined at the beginning, during remixings, and at the end of composting. While the stabilization period took less time for the mixtures containing a high amount of poultry manure, the mixtures having the high portion of two-phase olive-mill pomace took a longer time due to the structure of olive stone and its lignin content. Dry matter loss (range: 18.1-34.0%.) in the mixtures increased with an increase in the share of poultry manure and tomato stalks in the initial mixture. OM loss (range: 21.7-46.1%) for tomato stalks (measured separately) during composting increased due to an increase in the ratio of poultry manure in the initial mixtures.

[Investigation of the frequency and distribution of beta-lactamase genes in the clinical isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii collected from different regions of Turkey: a multicenter study]. / Türkiye'nin farkli bölgelerinden toplanan klinik Acinetobacter baumannii izolatlarinda beta-laktamaz gen sikligi ve dagiliminin arastirilmasi: Çok merkezli bir çalisma.

The diversity and distribution of TEM, SHV and CTX-M type of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) are important for the treatment and control of infections. Determination of ESBL genes in clinical isolates by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing can obtain useful data for their molecular epidemiology and risk. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of beta-lactamase genes in Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated from different regions of Turkey. A total of 519 A.baumannii strains collected from hospitals located at 12 different provinces of Turkey (Bolu (n= 67), Tokat (n= 47), Trabzon (n= 25), Ordu (n= 27), Diyarbakir (n= 47), Nigde (n=31), Kayseri (n= 36), Ankara (n= 41), Kirikkale (n= 26), Kahramanmaras (n= 25), Mersin (n= 40), Istanbul (n= 107)] between 2011-2012 period were included in the study. Identification of the isolates were performed by both conventional methods and automated systems, VITEK2 Compact (BioMerieux, France) and API 32GN (BioMerieux, France). Disc diffusion method was used for the detection of antibiotic susceptibilities of the isolates and the results were evaluated according to CLSI (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) criteria. Tigecycline and colistin sensitivities of the isolates were evaluated according to BSAC (British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy) criteria. The presence of beta-lactamase genes, namely blaoxa-51, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M1, blaCTX-M2, blaGES and blaVIM were detected by PCR. In our study, the resistance rates against colistin, tigecycline, ampicillin-sulbactam, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, cefoperazone/sulbactam, tobramycin, ceftriaxone, piperacillin-tazobactam, gentamicin, ampicillin, tetracycline, cefepime, piperacillin, amikacin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, meropenem, levofloxacin, ciprofloxacin, imipenem and ceftazidime were detected as; 0.6%, 2.7%, 11.9%, 15.2%, 21%, 22.9%, 23.9%, 48.6%, 59.5%, 61.8%, 66.3%, 67.8%, 69.2%, 71.1%, 77.5%, 78.6%, 81.1%, 82.9%, 87.5% and 89.4%, respectively. All of the isolates (100%) were OXA-51 positive, while 443 (85.4%) out of 519 strains harbored other beta-lactamase genes searched in the study. When the distribution of the genes were evaluated, blaTEM-1 was found as the predominant one with a frequency rate of 55.7% (n=289/519), followed by blaCTX-M2 (63/519, 12.1%), blaCTX-M1 (42/519, 8.1%), blaSHV (40/519, 7.7%), blaGES (8/519, 1.5%) and blaVIM (1/519, 0.2%). Cooccurence of ESBL genes was detected in 16.3% (72/443) of the strains, being mostly TEM+CTX-M2 (20/72, 27.8%), TEM+SHV (11/72, 15.3%) and TEM+CTX-M1 (10/72, 13.9%). In addition, it was noted that the distribution of ESBL genes between isolates showed differences according to the provinces. Accordingly, none of the strains isolated from four provinces (Bolu, Nigde, Mersin, Kahramanmaras) and from three provinces (Bolu, Kahramanmaras, Diyarbakir) harbored blaCTX-M1/M2 and blaSHV genes, respectively. The blaTEM gene was detected in isolates collected from all of the provinces, with a highest frequency in Nigde (28/31, 90.3%) and lowest in Trabzon (1/25, 4%). The presence of GES-11 type ESBLs was found only in the isolates sent from Nigde province (8/31; 25.8%). Screening of metallo-beta-lactamase VIM gene also yielded a single positive result amongst only Nigde isolates (1/31; 3.2%), and this gene was identified as VIM-5 type by DNA sequencing. This study which is the first comprehensive national research to characterize ESBLs in A.baumannii isolates by molecular methods, showed that the most prevalent ESBL type is TEM (289/519, 55.7%) amongst A.baumannii strains isolated from different regions of our country. The data of our study is parallel to the results of previous studies carried out from Turkey.

Detection of class 1 integron in Acinetobacter baumannii isolates collected from nine hospitals in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antibiotic resistance genes inserted into class 1 and class 2 integrons in Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) isolates obtained from nine different cities in Turkey. METHODS: A collection of 281 A. baumannii clinical isolates were collected from nine diferent state hospitals in Turkey and were confirmed as A. baumannii by conventional biochemical, API testing and bla-OXA-51 specific PCR. The isolates were examined by PCR for existence of class 1 and 2 integron gene cassettes. RESULTS: They were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and the highest resistance rates were determined for piperacillin (90.03%), ciprofloxacin (87.54%), cefepime and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (81.13%). The lowest resistance rates was for cefotaxime (3.55%). class I integrons were detected in 6.4% (18/281) of A. baumannii strains and no class 2 integron was detected. The gene cassettes of class 1 integrons AacC1-AAC(3)I-aadA1, AacC1-aadA1, AAC(3)-I, AAC(3)-I -AAC(3)-I -aadA1, TEM-1, AAC(3)-I-aadA1 - AAC(3)-I -AAC(3)-I, AAC(3)-I -AAC(3)-I -AAC(3)-I -aadA1, AAC(3)-I - aadA1, AAC(3)-I-AAC(3)-I, AAC(3)-I-aadA1- AAC(3)-I-aadA1, AAC(3)-I- AAC(3)-I- aadA1-AAC(3)-I-aadA1 were detected in eighteen strains. The aac genes family were most frequently found integrated into the class 1 integrons and it was followed by aadA genes and TEM-1 genes. CONCLUSIONS: This is an extensive study on the distribution of class 1 integron among A. baumannii in Turkey. In addition to these, two new alleles were observed. Their percentage rates of similarity to other cassettes are 95% aadA1 ( TKA18) and 89% aadA1 (ANKA3).

Ammonium removal from aqueous solutions by clinoptilolite: determination of isotherm and thermodynamic parameters and comparison of kinetics by the double exponential model and conventional kinetic models.

The adsorption isotherm, the adsorption kinetics, and the thermodynamic parameters of ammonium removal from aqueous solution by using clinoptilolite in aqueous solution was investigated in this study. Experimental data obtained from batch equilibrium tests have been analyzed by four two-parameter (Freundlich, Langmuir, Tempkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R)) and four three-parameter (Redlich-Peterson (R-P), Sips, Toth and Khan) isotherm models. D-R and R-P isotherms were the models that best fitted to experimental data over the other two- and three-parameter models applied. The adsorption energy (E) from the D-R isotherm was found to be approximately 7 kJ/mol for the ammonium-clinoptilolite system, thereby indicating that ammonium is adsorbed on clinoptilolite by physisorption. Kinetic parameters were determined by analyzing the nth-order kinetic model, the modified second-order model and the double exponential model, and each model resulted in a coefficient of determination (R(2)) of above 0.989 with an average relative error lower than 5%. A Double Exponential Model (DEM) showed that the adsorption process develops in two stages as rapid and slow phase. Changes in standard free energy (∆G°), enthalpy (∆H°) and entropy (∆S°) of ammonium-clinoptilolite system were estimated by using the thermodynamic equilibrium coefficients.

Use of magnesit as a magnesium source for ammonium removal from leachate.

Using magnesit (MgCO(3)) as a low cost source of magnesium ions in the struvite precipitation for the removal of high ammonium content of leachate was evaluated. Optimum molar concentration and pH conditions were analyzed to minimize the struvite solubility. Since solubility of magnesit in water is low, HCl was used to obtain soluble Mg. Maximum soluble Mg was obtained for the addition of 2 M HCl to the 1 M MgCO(3). Struvite precipitation with magnesit was effective for the removal of ammonium, suspended solid, phosphate and turbidity. Economical evaluation was made comparing the costs of two magnesium sources, MgCl(2) and MgCO(3). The economical analysis has shown that operation cost of struvite precipitation can be reduced about 18% by using MgCO(3) instead of MgCl(2). High salt concentration after struvite precipitation has no inhibitory effect on the anaerobic reactor performance.

Lead removal from aqueous solution by natural and pretreated clinoptilolite: adsorption equilibrium and kinetics.

Adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution onto clinoptilolite has been investigated to evaluate the effects of contact time, initial concentration and pretreatment of clinoptilolite on the removal of Pb(II). Experimental data obtained from batch equilibrium tests have been analyzed by four two-parameter (Freundlich, Langmuir, Temkin and Dubinin-Radushkevich), four three-parameter (Redlich-Peterson, Sips, Toth and Khan) isotherm models, and kinetic models including the pseudo-first order, the pseudo-second order and Elovich equations using nonlinear regression technique. Of the two-parameter isotherms, Temkin isotherm was the best to describe the experimental data. Three-parameter isotherms have higher regression coefficients (>0.99) and lower relative errors (<5%) than two-parameter isotherms. The best fitting isotherm was the Sips followed by Toth and Redlich-Peterson isotherm equations. Maximum experimental adsorption capacity was found to be 80.933 and 122.400 mg/g for raw and pretreated clinoptilolite, respectively, for the initial concentration of 400 mg/L. Kinetic parameters; rate constants, equilibrium adsorption capacities and related coefficients for each kinetic model were evaluated according to relative errors and correlation coefficients. Results of the kinetic studies show that best fitted kinetic models are obtained to be in the order: the pseudo-first order, the pseudo-second order and Elovich equations. Using the thermodynamic equilibrium coefficients, Gibbs free energy of the Pb(II)-clinoptilolite system was evaluated. The negative value of change in Gibbs free energy (DeltaG degrees ) indicates that adsorption of Pb(II) on clinoptilolite is spontaneous.

Anaerobic digestion and methane generation potential of rose residue in batch reactors.

In the study, anaerobic digestion of residues from rose oil industry was investigated by using a laboratory scale completely mixed batch reactor in volume of 10 L and 4 small reactors in volume of 400 mL. Ten liters reactor isolated with a water jacket and 0.4 L reactors settled into a water bath were operated at 35 +/- 1 degrees C. The study supplies biochemical methane potential of hydrolyzed and original residues. Experimental results showed that hydrolyzed rose residue produced a bit more methane than original residue. Methane production results were analyzed with first-order and Chen&Hashimoto's models, and Chen&-Hashimoto's model was found to be more suitable than first-order kinetic model.