Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extract of Helianthemum salicifolium (Cistaceae)

Plants have been used by humans to treat diseases. Different plant species have been very successful in treating different diseases. Helianthemum salicifolium (L.) Mill. was used as a material in our study. The plant was extracted with ethanol (EtOH) in a Soxhlet apparatus. Then, the antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant status (TOS) of the plant extract were determined using Rel Assay kits. Their antimicrobial activities were tested against standard bacteria and fungus strains by the agar dilution method. As a result of the analysis, the TAS value of plant extract was determined as 9.490±0.195, TOS value as 14.839±0.253, and OSI value as 0.157±0.005. In this context, it was seen that the plant has important antioxidant potential. In addition, the plant extract was found to be effective against test microorganisms at 25-100 μg/mL extract concentrations. Also, the extract was found to be more effective against fungus strains (C. albicans, C. Glabrata, and C. krusei). As a result, it was determined that H. salicifolium could be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source

Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of ethanol extract of Helianthemum salicifolium (Cistaceae)

459-462Plants have been used by humans to treat diseases. Different plant species have been very successful in treating different diseases. Helianthemum salicifolium (L.) Mill. was used as a material in our study. The plant was extracted with ethanol (EtOH) in a Soxhlet apparatus. Then, the antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant status (TOS) of the plant extract were determined using Rel Assay kits. Their antimicrobial activities were tested against standard bacteria and fungus strains by the agar dilution method. As a result of the analysis, the TAS value of plant extract was determined as 9.490±0.195, TOS value as 14.839±0.253, and OSI value as 0.157±0.005. In this context, it was seen that the plant has important antioxidant potential. In addition, the plant extract was found to be effective against test microorganisms at 25-100 μg/mL extract concentrations. Also, the extract was found to be more effective against fungus strains (C. albicans, C. Glabrata, and C.krusei). As a result, it was determined that H. salicifolium could be a natural antioxidant and antimicrobial source

Analysis of the Role of Physicians in the Cessation of Cigarette Smoking Based on Medical Specialization

OBJECTIVE: Physicians do not adequately use their unique professional privilege to prevent patients from smoking. The aim of this study was to investigate the type and extent of advice given to patients by physicians of different medical specialties regarding smoking cessation. METHODS: In total, 317 volunteer physicians were included in this study. The participants rated their attitudes toward the smoking habits of their patients by completing a questionnaire. The approaches used to address the smoking habits of patients significantly differed among physicians working at polyclinics, clinics and emergency service departments (

Evaluation of the efficacy, safety, and side effects of secukinumab in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis: Real-world data from a retrospective multicenter study

Background: Clinical studies have demonstrated that IL-17A inhibition with secukinumab is effective for clearing the skin of patients with psoriasis and has a favorable safety profile. Objective: The authors aim to determine whether secukinumab is effective and safe for the treatment of moderate-to-severe chronic psoriasis based on clinical experience with this drug. Method: The authors conducted a multicenter retrospective study in nine referral centers and included patients with psoriasis who had received secukinumab between March 2018 to November 2020. Data on demographic characteristics, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores, and previous treatments were collected from medical records. Patients were evaluated at 12, 24, and 52 weeks with respect to response to treatment and side effects. Results: In total, 229 patients were recruited for the study. A PASI score improvement of ≥90 points over the baseline was achieved by 79%, 69.8%, and 49.3% of patients at weeks 12, 24, and 52, respectively. The most common adverse events wereCandida infections and fatigue. In total, 74 (32%) patients discontinued treatment by week 52, including due to adverse events, or secondary ineffectiveness. Study limitations: Retrospective design. Conclusions: These findings suggest that secukinumab therapy is reasonably effective in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Comorbidities and time length of the disease can affect the response to treatment. The rates of adverse events were high in this patient population

Mikroalgal ve anaerobik mikrobiyel kültürlerin kullanımı ile entegre besiyer madde giderimi, sera gazı mitigasyonu ve biyo-yakıt ve biyo-ürün eldesi

TÜBİTAK ÇAYDAG15.08.2015Mikro algal kültürlerin kullanımı ile önemli bir sera gazı olan CO2’in mitigasyonu çok yeni bir araştırma alanıdır. Mikro algal kültürler ile besiyer madde giderimi ve atık mikro algal biyokütleden biyogaz, hidrojen ve gübre eldesi çeşitli araştırmalara tek başına ya da birlikte konu olmuş uygulamalardır. Ancak, bu projenin konusunu oluşturan mikro algal ve anaerobik mikrobiyel kültürlerin entegre besiyer madde giderimi, sera gazı mitigasyonu ve biyo-yakıt ve biyo-ürün eldesi için birlikte kullanıldığı entegre bir biyoproses konfigürasyonun geliştirilmesi özgün bir yaklaşımdır. Bu inovatif konfigürasyon sadece atık su arıtımı ve CO2 mitigasyonu gibi önemli atık yönetimi sorunlarına bir katkıda bulunmakla kalmayacak, biyoyakıt (biyogaz ve biyohidrojen) ve biyoürün (gübre) eldesi de sağlayabilecektir. Bu projenin en önemli çıktısı hem evsel hem de endüstriyel atık suların atık CO2 kaynakları (örneğin endüstriyel baca gazları) ile birlikte arıtılabilmesini sağlayan özgün bir biyoteknolojik proses konfigürasyonunun geliştirilmesi olacaktır. Bu sürece paralel olarak sağlanacak olan biyoyakıt ve biyoürün eldesi, sadece atık valorizasyonuna değil, sürdürülebilir atık yönetimine de önemli bir örnek oluşturabilecektir. Atık sulardan azot ve fosforun %90-100 arasında değişen verimle giderimi, fotobiyoreaktörlerde sağlanan 0,16-0,26 g/L.gün CO2 tutma hızı, mikro algal biyokütleden elde edilen metan verimi (249 mL CH4/g TUKM), hidrojen verimi (2,47 mL H2/g TUKM) ve detayları bu raporda sunulan projemizin diğer sonuçları hipotezimizi destekler bir ilk adım niteliğindedir. Diğer bir deyişle, mikro algal ve anaerobik mikrobiyel kültürlerin entegre besiyer madde giderimi, sera gazı mitigasyonu ve biyo-yakıt ve biyo-ürün eldesinde birlikte kullanımı olasıdır. Bu üç farklı amaca aynı anda hizmet edecek olan bir inovatif biyoproses konfigürasyonunun optimizasyonu çalışmalarımızın bundan sonraki aşamasını oluşturacaktır.The mitigation of CO2 which is an important greenhouse gas by using microalgal cultures is a very new research area. Nutrient removal by microalgal cultures and anaerobic digestion of waste microalgal biomass and subsequent biogas, biohydrogen and fertilizer production were relatively investigated in the past. However, the research on these areas concentrated on only one or two of these tasks. Therefore, the integrated bioprocess configuration which is investigated in this project to provide integrated nutrient removal, greenhouse gas mitigation and bio-fuel and fertilizer production by using both microalgal and anaerobic microbial cultures is an innovative approach. This innovative configuration will not only contribute to nutrient removal from wastewaters and CO2 mitigation but also generate bio- fuels (biogas, biohydrogen) and bio-products (fertilizer). The impact of this project will be a cost-efficient biotechnological process configuration for the treatment of both domestic and industrial wastewaters as well as waste CO2 sources such as flue gas. Moreover, the parallel bio-fuel and bio-product generation will be a good example of waste valorization and sustainable waste management approach. Nitrogen and phosphorus removal from wastewaters with 90-100% efficiency, achievement of significant CO2 mitigation rates (0,16-0,26 g/L.day) in photobioreactors, methane production from microalgal biomass with a yield of 249 mL CH4/g VS, dark fermentative hydrogen production with a yield of 2.47 mL H2/g VS and other results of our project which are presented in this report not only support our initial hyphothesis but also constitute the first step toward its realization. In other words, an integrated approach enabling nutrient removal, greenhouse gas mitigation and bio-fuel and fertilizer production by using microalgal and anaerobic cultures is possible. Optimization of an inovative bioprocess configuration which will serve for all these three objectives will be the next phase of our research

The frequency of Duchenne muscular dystrophy/Becker muscular dystrophy and Pompe disease in children with isolated transaminase elevation: results from the observational VICTORIA study

IntroductionElevated transaminases and/or creatine phosphokinase can indicate underlying muscle disease. Therefore, this study aims to determine the frequency of Duchenne muscular dystrophy/Becker muscular dystrophy (DMD/BMD) in male children and Pompe disease (PD) in male and female children with isolated hypertransaminasemia.MethodsThis multi-center, prospective study enrolled patients aged 3–216 months with serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and/or aspartate transaminase (AST) levels >2× the upper limit of normal (ULN) for ≥3 months. Patients with a known history of liver or muscle disease or physical examination findings suggestive of liver disease were excluded. Patients were screened for creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels, and molecular genetic tests for DMD/BMD in male patients and enzyme analysis for PD in male and female patients with elevated CPK levels were performed. Genetic analyses confirmed PD. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of the patients were analyzed.ResultsOverall, 589 patients [66.8% male, mean age of 63.4 months (standard deviation: 60.5)] were included. In total, 251 patients (188 male and 63 female) had CPK levels above the ULN. Of the patients assessed, 47% (85/182) of male patients were diagnosed with DMD/BMD and 1% (3/228) of male and female patients were diagnosed with PD. The median ALT, AST, and CPK levels were statistically significantly higher, and the questioned neurological symptoms and previously unnoticed examination findings were more common in DMD/BMD patients than those without DMD/BMD or PD (p < 0.001).DiscussionQuestioning neurological symptoms, conducting a complete physical examination, and testing for CPK levels in patients with isolated hypertransaminasemia will prevent costly and time-consuming investigations for liver diseases and will lead to the diagnosis of occult neuromuscular diseases. Trial RegistrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT04120168

Katı içeriği yüksek organik atıkların iki fazlı anaerobik ortamda bozundurulması.

The objective of this study is to illustrate that phase separation improves the efficiency of an anaerobic system which digests semi-solid organic wastes. Organic fraction of municipal solid waste (OFMSW) was the semi-solid organic waste investigated. In the first part of the study, the optimum operational conditions for acidified reactor were determined by considering the volatile solid (VS) reductions and average acidification percentages at the end of two experimental sets conducted. Organic loading rate (OLR) of 15 g VS/L.day, pH value of 5.5 and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 2 days were determined to be the optimum operational conditions for the acidification step. Maximum total volatile fatty acid and average acidification percentage were determined as 12405 mg as HAc/L and 28%, respectively in the reactor operated at optimum conditions. In the second part, an acidification reactor was operated at the optimum conditions determined in the first part. The effluents taken from this reactor as well as the waste stock used to feed this reactor were used as substrate in the biochemical methane potential (BMP) test. The results of BMP test revealed that the reactors fed by acidified samples indicated higher total chemical oxygen demand (tCOD) removals (39%), VS reductions (67%) and cumulative gas productions (265 mL). The result of this study indicated that the separation of the reactors could lead efficiency enhancement in the systems providing that effective control was achieved on acidified reactors.M.S. - Master of Scienc

Koroner Kalp Hastalarında Sağlık Ve Kalp Hastalığı Algısı

Koroner kalp hastalığı dünyada ve Türkiye’de mortalite ve morbidite nedeni olarak ilk sırada yer almaktadır. Bu açıdan bakınca hastalığın ortaya çıkmasını engellemek ya da en azından geciktirmek, hasta kişide ise hastalığın ilerleme hızını yavaşlatarak sağkalım süresini uzatmak son derece önemli bir hedef olarak göze çarpmaktadır. Niteliksel tipteki bu araştırma; hastaların hastalıkları ile ilgili tutum ve davranışlarını, bilinç düzeylerini ve farkındalıklarını derinlemesine incelemeyi büyük ölçüde imkanlı kılmış, hastaların gereksinimlerini, yaşadıkları zorlukları anlamamıza yardımcı olmayı planlamıştır. Araştırma; Dr. Siyami Ersek Göğüs, Kalp ve Damar Cerrahisi Eğitim ve Araştırma Hastanesi Kardiyoloji servislerinde yatılı tedavi gören Koroner Arter Hastalarında yapılmıştır. Bu hastaların, kalp hastalığı algısı, sağlık algısı, risk faktörlerine yönelik tutum ve davranışlarının nasıl olduğu ve genel olarak bu hastalık ile ilgili farkındalık düzeyinin ne olduğu açıklanmaya çalışılmıştır. Çalışmaya kardiyoloji servisinde yatılı tedavi gören 52 hasta dahil edilmiştir. Araştırmaya katılan hastaların sosyodemografik özellikleri ön anket formuyla değerlendirilmiştir. Koroner kalp hastalığı algısı, sağlık algısı, kalp hastalığına ilişkin risk faktörleri, sağlık hizmeti arayışı, memnuniyeti ve tedaviye uyumları konularında temalar belirlenmiş, betimsel ve kavramsal analiz yapılmıştır. Bu görüşmeler ile kalp hastalığının hastalardaki düşünce, duygu ve davranışlarının izleri sürülmüş, hastalığa bakış açıları, risk faktörlerine yönelik bilgi ve tutumları ile genel olarak sağlık hizmetine bakışları konusunda algıları irdelenmiştir. Çalışmaya katılan hastalarla yapılan görüşmeler sonucunda; kalp hastalığı ve bu hastalığa dair önlemler konusunda bilgi açığı olduğu, hastaların medikal tedavinin yanında açıklayıcı, iletişimsel bir tedaviye ve sağlık hizmetine ihtiyaç duydukları düşünülmektedir. Tüm bunların hastanın hastalık algısını ve tedaviye uyumunu belirleyen unsurlar olduğu görülmektedir. Kültürün yaşama biçiminin, hayat pratiklerinin onun sağlık önlemlerini belirlediğini, hastalıkla yaşamasına etkide bulunduğu göz önüne alınmalıdır. Hastaların, sağlık davranışının gerçekçi, bilimsel hale yaklaşması ve kalp hastalığı farkındalık düzeylerinin artması yönünde bütünsel, toplumsal, tedavi anlayışının ve projelerin geliştirilmesi gerektiği düşünülmektedir. Anahtar Kelimeler: koroner kalp hastalığı algısı, sağlık algısı, risk faktörleri algısı, sağlık hizmeti arayışı. Health and Illness Perception of Coroner Artery Inpatients ABSTRACT Coroner artery disease is the first cause of mortality and morbidity in the world and in Turkey. Preventing or at least deferring the appearance of the disease and slowing down the progression and thereby prolonging survival period proves to be a very important aim from this perspective. This qualitative type research has substantially permitted us to investigate the patients’ attitudes and behaviors, consciousness and awareness, thereby helping us to understand their needs and difficulties they experience. The subjects of the research are Coroner Artery Inpatients at the Cardiology Services of Dr. Siyami Ersek Hospital. The aim of the research is to give an account of disease perception, health perception, attitudes and behaviors towards risk factors and awareness of this disease in general. 52 inpatients at cardiology service participated to the research. The socio-demographic characteristics of the participating patients are assessed with preliminary survey forms. Themes are determined for coroner artery disease perception, health perception, risk factors concerning the cardiac disease, health care demand, health seeking behavior and patient satisfaction from health services; in depth interview was used as data collection method. Qualitative data was analyzed thematic and then conceptual analysis method. The thoughts, feelings and behaviors that arise from cardiac disease are traced through these interviews; and the patients’ view of the disease, knowledge and attitude towards risk factors and the perception of health care generally are examined. The interviews with participant inpatients appears to show that there is lack of information about cardiac disease and precautions against this disease, that patients need an explanatory and communicative treatment and health care along with medical treatment. It seems to be the case that all these are elements determining the disease perception and conformity of the patient to the treatment. The fact that culture, life-style and life practices determines the health precautions taken by the patient and influences his or her life with the disease must be considered. It is thought that integrated, common treatment approach and projects should be developed in order to attain a more realistic and scientific attitude towards health, and to increase the awareness of cardiac disease. Key Words: coroner artery disease perception, healt perception, risk factors perception, health care demand

Biyolog ve Öğretmen Adaylarının Çevreye Yönelik Tutumları ve Bilgi Düzeyleri

The purpose of the study is to quantitatively evaluate preservice teachers and biologist candidates’ knowledge levels about environmental and ecological concepts and their attitudes towards the environment in terms of different variables. The study was carried out with a sample of students in the departments of biology and elementary education at Abant İzzet Baysal University in the spring term of 2011-2012 academic year. The research group consisted of 133 females and 40 males, with a total of 173 participants. Data were collected by means of the “Environment and Ecology Concept Knowledge Test” and “Attitude towards the Environment Scale” used by Akbaş (2007). Statistical analysis of the collected data were performed using descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test and one-way ANOVA followed by Scheffe test for multiple group comparisons. The results of the study indicated that there were significant differences among the knowledge levels of the participants. The achievement between all groups in the concept knowledge test was found to be in favour of preservice elementary science teachers. Females also performed better at the concept knowledge test and showed that they have more positive attitudes towards the environment than males. It was also emerged from the study that according to the department variable, there were not significant differences between the attitudes of participants towards the environment.Araştırmanın amacı, öğretmen ve biyolog adaylarının çevre ve ekoloji kavramları bilgi düzeyleri ile çevreye yönelik tutumlarının çeşitli değişkenler açısından nicel olarak değerlendirilmesidir. Çalışma, 2011–2012 akademik yılı bahar döneminde, Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi ilköğretim ve biyoloji bölümlerindeki bir grup öğrenci ile yürütülmüştür. Çalışma grubu, 133’ü kız ve 40’ı erkek toplam 173 katılımcıdan oluşmuştur. Veriler, Akbaş (2007) tarafından kullanılan “Çevre ve Ekoloji Kavram Bilgisi Testi” ile “Çevresel Tutum Ölçeği” aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Toplanan verilerin istatistiksel analizleri; betimsel istatistik, bağımsız örneklemler t-testi ve tek yönlü ANOVA, çoklu grup karşılaştırmaları ise Scheffe testi ile yapılmıştır. Araştırma sonuçları, katılımcıların bilgi düzeyleri arasında anlamlı farklılıklar olduğunu göstermiştir. Kavramsal bilgi testindeki başarının, tüm gruplar arasında fen bilgisi öğretmen adayları lehine olduğu bulunmuştur. Kızların erkeklere göre kavramsal bilgi testinde daha başarılı oldukları ve çevreye yönelik daha olumlu tutumlara sahip oldukları belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, katılımcıların çevreye yönelik tutumları arasında bölüm değişkenine göre anlamlı farklılıklar olmadığı da ortaya çıkmıştır

Investigation of the Relationship between COVID-19-Induced Dysfunctional Anxiety and Health Literacy in Oncology Patients

Introduction: Improvement of health literacy plays a primary role in improving individual and public health. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19)-induced dysfunctional anxiety and health literacy in oncology patients and the factors affecting this relationship. Methods: This study has a descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional design. Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Turkey Health Literacy Scale, and Coronavirus Anxiety Scale-Short Form (CAS-SF). Results: The mean age of the patients was 60.68±13.04; their mean total health literacy score was 26.73±12.44; the mean coronavirus anxiety score was 0.98±1.99. There was no significant correlation between the health literacy score and the CAS score (p>0.05). There was a significant negative correlation between health literacy and age (p<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the presence of comorbidities and educational status, and health literacy (p<0.05). Conclusion: Because cancer patients with limited levels of health literacy may disrupt their treatment plans in stressful conditions such as pandemics, patients’ levels of health literacy should be primarily determined when considering their treatment needs and overall care to ensure that this continues effectively. Training materials and contents should be prepared by considering the patient’s age, education level, and comorbidities, as well as the general characteristics of the factor causing the pandemic