Cronobacter condimenti sp. nov., isolated from spiced meat, and Cronobacter universalis sp. nov., a species designation for Cronobacter sp. genomospecies 1, recovered from a leg infection, water, and food ingredients

A re-evaluation of the taxonomic position of five strains, one assigned to Cronobacter sakazakii (strain 1330T), two previously assigned to Cronobacter genomospecies 1 (strains NCTC 9529T and 731) and two as Cronobacter turicensis (strains 96 and 1435) was carried out. The analysis included a phenotypic characterization, sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene and multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of seven housekeeping genes (atpD, fusA, glnS, gltB, gyrB, infB, ppsA; 3036 bp). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and MLSA showed strain 1330T, isolated from spiced meat purchased in Slovakia, to form an independent phylogenetic line. Cronobacter dublinensis was the closest neighbour species on the basis of the MLSA. DNA–DNA reassociation and phenotypic analysis revealed that strain 1330T represented a novel species, for which the name Cronobacter condimenti sp. nov. is proposed, type strain 1330T = CECT 7863T, = LMG 26250T). The four bacterial strains NCTC 9529T, 731, 96 and 1435, isolated from water, a leg infectionand two food ingredients; onion powder and rye flour, repectively, showed on the phylogenetic tree to cluster together within an independent phylogenetic line, with Cronobacter turicensis as the closest species. The DNA–DNA hybridization data and the phenotypic characterization confirmed that these strains represented a novel species, for which the name Cronobacter universalis sp. nov. is proposed with type strain NCTC 9529T = CECT 7864T, = LMG 26249T

Comparison of methods for the microbiological identification and profiling of cronobacter species from ingredients used in the preparation of infant formula

Cronobacter spp. (formerly Enterobacter sakazakii) can be isolated from a wide range of foods and environments, and its association with neonatal infections has drawn considerable attention from regulatory authorities. The principle route of neonatal infection has been identified as the ingestion of contaminated infant formula. A number of methods have been developed to identify Cronobacter spp., however these were before the most recent (2012 ) taxonomic revision of the genus into seven species. In this study, phenotyping, protein profiling and molecular methods were used to identify Cronobacter strains which had been recently isolated from ingredients used in the preparation of infant formula. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis revealed that different Cronobacter strains had been recovered from the same food products. All isolates were identified as C sakazakii according to four genus specific PCR-probes and protein profiling using MALDI-TOF analysis. However, 16S rDNA sequence analyses and fusA allele sequencing gave more accurate identification: four strains were C sakazakii, one strain was C malonaticus and the remaining strain was C universalis. Multilocus sequence typing showed the strains were different sequence types. These results demonstrate the presence of different Cronobacter species in food ingredients used in the preparation of infant formula, and also the need for molecular identification and profiling methods to be revised according to taxonomic revisions

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) AMONGST TURKISH MEDICAL FACULTY STUDENTS

Background: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies are becoming increasingly acceptable to the general public and are increasingly used around the world. The international rise in focus on CAM and the increased incorporation of CAM into medical curricula, make it important to gain insight into the knowledge and attitudes of medical students about CAM and its integration in the medical curriculum. Materials and Methods: In this present study, we attempt to investigate the Cerrahpasa medical faculty students’ knowledge, attitude and practices of the on CAM. The study used a primary cross-sectional data collection from students of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, in 2012-2013 academic years. Results: Students knowledge of CAM between classes was also compared. There were also statistically significant differences about the knowledge of those methods (acupuncture, acupressure, yoga, reiki, prayer, meditation massage, dietary, spa). Prayer was the most known modality in all medical classes’ students (first year students: 254, sixth year students: 192). The students who participated in the study stated that 433 (%59.4) have some knowledge about the acupuncture (first year students: 229, sixth year students: 204). Acupressure was found to be at least known methods for CAM (first year students: 313, sixth year students: 282). Conclusion: Medical students in our faculty also had limited knowledge about CAM therapies. Medical students also have an understanding of the importance of CAM education in the medical curriculum, specifically how it will positively influence professional attitude and stimulate the doctor–patient relationship

Outpatient admissions and hospital costs of Syrian refugees in a Turkish university hospital

Objectives: To examine the most frequent admitted polyclinics, diagnoses, and the costs of Syrian refugee patient in a Turkish university hospital in the metropolitan city of Istanbul, Western part of Turkey

Relationship of radiometabolic biomarkers to KRAS mutation status and ALK rearrangements in cases of lung adenocarcinoma

Purpose: Rapid diagnosis of genetic mutations is important for targeted therapies such as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors. KRAS mutation and ALK rearrangement are also important in determining treatment. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of 18F-FDG PET to predict KRAS mutation and ALK rearrangement in order to determine the frequency of these genetic markers in our lung adenocarcinoma cases and contribute to forthcoming meta-analysis studies. Methods: A total of 218 patients with lung adenocarcinoma (EGFR analyzed) who were seen at our clinic between 2012 and 2014 were included in the study. The results of the 18 F-FDG-PET scans for each patient were retrospectively recorded with the associated medical documents. ALK rearrangements were analyzed in 166 of the 218 patients, while 50 of the 218 patients were analyzed for KRAS mutational status. SPSS 15.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis. Results: FDG avidity was higher in cases with KRAS mutations and ALK rearrangements than those without, but the difference was not significant. ALK rearrangements were more common in younger, female, and nonsmoking patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Conclusions: The small numbers of KRAS mutations and ALK rearrangements are the limitation of this study for evaluation of diagnostic imaging. The frequency of these genetic alterations was as reported in the literature. We believe that our work will contribute to future meta-analysis

The Turkish Neonatal Society proposal for the management of COVID-19 in the neonatal intensive care unit

Due to immaturity of immune function and the possibility of motherfetal vertical and aerosol transmissions, neonates are particularly susceptible to the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Perinatal-neonatal departments should cooperate closely and take integrated approaches, and neonatal intensive care units (NICU) should prepare emergency plans for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as far as possible, so as to ensure the optimal management and treatment of potential victims. During the epidemic of COVID-19, the emergency response plan for the NICU should be based on the actual situation, including diagnosis, isolation, and treatment, as well as available equipment and staffing, and take into account the psychosocial needs of the families and neonatal care staff. In this context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkish Neonatal Society has proposed a protocol with the evidence available at the time of preparation to handle neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infections and outbreaks in NICUs. We hope that this proposal can provide valuable information so medical workers do not have to enter the battlefield alone. At this moment, sharing resources, experiences and lessons, regardless of who you are, is our only chance to win

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDES TOWARD COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE (CAM) AMONGST TURKISH MEDICAL FACULTY STUDENTS

Background: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies are becoming increasingly acceptable to the general public and are increasingly used around the world. The international rise in focus on CAM and the increased incorporation of CAM into medical curricula make it important to gain insight into the knowledge and attitudes of medical students about CAM and its integration in the medical curriculum

Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults Over 45 Years: A Cross Sectional Study from Istanbul

WOS: 000448479200002Aim: In this study, we aimed to measure the quality of life of adults over 45 years old living in Silivri district of Istanbul and to show the relation with sociodemographic factors. Method: In this cross-sectional study, we collected the data from people over 45 years who live in Silivri district. In our study questions on demographic status were asked beside the 36 questions existing in the SF 36 forms. Results: A total of 705 individuals were interviewed: 597 males and 108 females, the mean age of 60.36 +/- 11.77 years. The physical function found to be statistically different was according to age we determined that there are statistically significant differences between males and females according to the scores of the health quality of life parameters (p<0.05). There was a significant difference present on bodily pain and physical function among the variables of quality of life according to the BMI classification (p<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of our study, females living in Silivri district have significantly lower scores of the variables of SF 36