Relationship among MIF, MCP-1, viral loads, and HBs Ag levels in chronic hepatitis B patients

Background/aim: To determine whether macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) levels in patients with hepatitis B (HB) are different than in normal individuals and whether the HB surface antigen (HBs Ag) level and viral load are correlated with each other and with the two aforementioned parameters. Materials and methods: Sera were obtained from 52 chronic active HB (CAHB) patients and 33 healthy controls, and their MIF and MCP-1 levels were measured. Statistical analyses were performed. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The MIF and MCP-1 values of the control group were increased compared to those of the CAHB group. The MIF and MCP-1 levels were negatively correlated with HBs Ag levels and viral loads. The MIF and MCP-1 levels were positively correlated. The HBs Ag levels and the log10 of the viral loads were positively correlated. Conclusion: We conclude that the negative correlation of MIF and MCP-1 with viral load and HBs Ag levels may be due to T-cell deficiency, antinuclear antibody seropositivity, and/or inhibition of chemokine ligand 2 receptors by viral antigens. More studies with a greater number of subjects are needed to evaluate the potential role of MIF and MCP in CAHB

Agents isolated f rom urine samples of children attended the Namik Kemal University Research and Practice Hospital and the rate of antibiotic resistance

Amaç. İdrar yolu enfeksiyonları, çocukluk çağında sık görülen enfeksiyonlardandır. Antibiyotiklerin yaygın kullanımı ile beraber bakterilerdeki antibiyotik direnci ciddi bir sorun haline gelmiştir. Çalışmamızda bölgemizde çocukluk yaş grubundaki hastalarda idrar kültürlerinde üreyen bakteriler ve antibiyotik direnç oranlarının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Yöntemler. Namık Kemal üniversitesi Araştırma ve Uygulama Hastanesine başvuran çocukluk yaş grubundaki hastaların idrar örnekleri kanlı ve eozin metilen blue besiyerlerine ekilmiştir. Üreyen bakteriler konvansiyonel ve/veya yarı otomatik testlerle tanımlanmış ve CLSInin önerileri doğrultusunda antibiyotik direnç oranları belirlenmiştir. Bulgular. Gönderilen toplam 1003 idrar örneğinin 127 (%12,7)sinde üreme gözlenmiştir. Üreyen bakteri sayı ve oranları: Escherichia coli: 66 (%52,0), koagülaz negatif stafilokoklar: 14 (%11,0), Enterococcus spp: 14 (%11,0), Proteus spp: 10 (%7,9), Citrobacter spp:7(%5,5), Klebsiella spp 7 (%5,5), Pseudomonas spp 6(%4,7) ve Enterobacter spp:1(%0,8) MRSA: 1 (%0,8), Enterobacter spp: 1(%0,8) ve Morganella morganii: 1(%0,8)dir. İzole edilen Gram negatif bakterilerde en yüksek direnç oranı ampisiline karşı (%65,2) bulunmuştur. Koagülaz negatif stafilokoklarda ve enterokoklarda ise en yüksek direnç oranı ise eritromisine (sırasıyla %64,3 ve %85,7 oranlarında) karşı bulunmuştur. Sonuç. Çalışma sonuçlarımız, Gram negatif bakterilerin etken olduğu enfeksiyonlarda imipenem ve amikasin, oral preparatlardan nitrofurantoin ve amoksisilin/klavulanatın; Gram pozitif bakterilerin etken olduğu enfeksiyonlarda ise teikoplanin ve linezolidin tedavide seçilebilecek ajanlar olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Bölgesel antibiyotik direnç oranları konusunda bilgi sahibi olunması ile ampirik antibiyotik kullanımında, uygun antibiyotik seçimi sağlanacak ve bu sayede ortaya çıkacak olan tedavi sorunları, mali yük ve antimikrobiyal direnç gelişimi gibi problemler engellenecektir.Aim. Urinary tract infections are the most common infections in childhood. Antimicrobial resistance has become a serious problem as a result of extensive antibiotic comsumption. In this study determining the bacteria grown in urine cultures of children and antimicrobial resistance rates in our region, was aimed. Methods. Urine samples of children who attended the Namık Kemal University Research and Practice Hospital were inoculated blood and eozin metilen blue agar plates. Isolates were identified by conventional and/or semi automated methods and antibiotic resistance rates were determined according to the recommendations of CLSI. Results. Of the 1003 samples sent, growth was obtained in 127(12.7%).The isolates were as follows; Escherichia coli: 66 (52.0%), coagulase negative staphyococci: 14 (11.0%), Enterococcus spp: 14 11.0(%), Proteus spp: 10 7.9(%), Citrobacter spp:7(5.5%), Klebsiella spp 7 (5,5%), Pseudomonas spp 6(4.7%), Enterobacter spp:1(0.8%) MRSA: 1 0.8(%), and Morganella morganii: 1 (0.8%). The highest resistance rates of Gram negative bacteria had higher resistant to ampicilin (65.2%). Coagulase negative staphylococci and enterococci had higher resistant to erithromycine (respectively 64.3%, and 85.7%). Conclusion. The results of our study showed that, in infections caused by Gram negative bacteria imipenem and amikacin, from oral preparats nitrofurantoin and amoksisilin/clavulanate and in infections caused by Gram positive bacteria teichoplanin and linezolide are the agents that can be used in therapy. Knowledge of the regional resistance patterns can lead the selection of appropriate antibiotic in empiric therapy and as a result of this, management problems, financial problems and the development of antimicrobial resistance can be prevented

Seasonality of Tuberculosis in Tekirdağ City, 2007-2011

AimIt is well known that the incidence of many respiratory infections shows seasonal variability. Unlike other respiratory infections, in many studies tuberculosis (TB) diagnoses increase in summer and the mechanism underlying this fluctuation remains unknown. We aimed to examine whether TB has an annual seasonal pattern in Tekirdağ.Materials and MethodsData were obtained from TB dispensaries in Tekirdağ retrospectively. There were 1311 cases of TB notified between January 2007 and December 2011. TB notifications show a seasonal pattern, with a peak in spring and summer, which is present in both pulmonary and extra pulmonary tuberculosis.ResultsTB notification was found highest in summer with the value of 28,4 %.ConclusionTB incidence in Tekirdağ showed seasonality like previous studies held in different countries. There is a need for large longitudinal studies to clarify the underlying mechanisms that may provide a better disease control

The Trend of Tuberculosis in Tekirdağ

AimThe incidence rate of tuberculosis (TB) is estimated by the World Health Organization as 128/100.000 worldwide. The main principles of TB control are early case detection and diagnosis, followed by directly observed treatment of patients. The aim of this study was to analyse the dynamics of TB between 2007 and 2011 in Tekirdağ.Material and MethodsData were obtained from TB dispensaries and separated into oneyear categories. Case notification rates were analysed by different age groups (0–14, 15–24, 25–44, 45–64, 65 and above). The patients were divided into two groups according to involved organs: pulmonary (smear/culture positive=PSP and smear/culture negative/unknown=PSN/U) and extrapulmonary. Antibiotic susceptibility tests to major antituberculosis drugs were performed on M. tuberculosis strains that were grown in culture and suspected of being resistant. Resistance to both INH and rifampicin were accepted as multiple drug resistance tuberculosis (MDR-TB).ResultsA total of 162.291 patients were examined, and out of this population, 1311 (0.8%) tuberculosis patients were evaluated. The distribution of case notification rates by year were 44.6%, 34.6%, 33.4%, 28.6%, and 27.6%from 2007 to 2011, respectively. Pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB rates were 74.5%(46.0%PSP and 28.5%PSN/U) and 25.5%, respectively. Extrapulmonary TB rates were 42.3% and 17.6% in men and women, respectively. Resistance rates against INH, rifampicin, ethambutol, and streptomycin were 21.6%, 8.8%, 1.6%, and 6.4%, respectively. The MDR-TB rate was 6.4%.ConclusionSystematic implementation of directly observed treatment programs plays an important role in decreasing TB incidence. Because the TB rates in our region are above the average for Turkey, screening and follow-up procedures must be conducted more stringently and regularly

The Relationship of Cag-A in Patients with HP Positive Alopecia Areata and Vitiligo

Amaç: Helicobacter Pylori (HP) ile bazı dermatolojik hastalıklar arasında ilişki kurulurken, alopesi areata (AA) ve HP arasında çelişkili veriler mevcuttur. Bu çelişkili sonuçların nedeni, HP'nin virulansından sorumlu faktörlerden biri olan Cag-A (sitotoksin ilişkili gen ürünü A) olabilir. Vitiligoda ise HP'nin muhtemel rolü hakkında tıbbı literatürde çok az sayıda çalışma bulunmaktadır. Literatürde tespit edilebildiği kadarıyla Cag-A (+) suşlarının rolünün saptandığı sadece bir çalışma bulunmaktadır. Yöntem: Altmış AA ve 52 vitiligo tanısı almış, dispepsi, eşlik eden otoimmün hastalıklar ve diğer enfeksiyonlar açısından hikâye, belirti, tanı ve tedavileri olmayan hastalar ve 60 sağlıklı bireyde HP stool antijeni ve serumlarında Cag-A seroprevelansı ELİSA kullanılarak incelendi. Hastalık şiddetleri AA grubunda alopesi şiddet ölçeği (SALT) skoru ve vitiligo grubunda ise "dokuzlar kuralı" ile ölçüldü ve HP, Cag-A pozitifliği ile ilişkisi karşılaştırıldı. Bulgular: AA grubunda 43 (%71,7), vitiligo grubunda 26 (%50) hastada HP (+)'liği saptandı. Bu hastalardan AA hastalarında Cag-A (+)'liği 26 (%60,4), vitiligo hastalarında 17 (%65,3) kişide saptandı. AA hastaları ile kontrol grubu karşılaştırıldığında, HP (+)'liği ve Cag-A (+)'liği AA hastalarında belirgin olarak yüksek sayıda saptanırken (p<0.05), vitiligo hastaları ile kontrol grubu karşılaştırıldığında ise HP (+)'liği ve Cag-A (+)'liği ile herhangi bir fark ve hastalık şiddeti açısından ilişki saptanmadı. Sonuç: Cag-A (+) HP suşları sağlıklı bireylere göre dispeptik olmayan AA hastalarında yüksek orandadır ancak vitiligo hastalarında bu yükseklik ve hastalık şiddetleri ile ilişki tespit edilememiştir.Objective: Even though some dermatological diseases have been related to Helicobacter pylori (HP), in alopecia areata there are conflicting data. The reason of this conflict might be Cag-A (cytotoxin-associated gene A) which is one of the factors responsible from virulance of HP. According to the search of medical literature in vitiligo there is only one study which reports possible role of HP and Cag-A. Method: HP stool antigen and Cag-A seroprevalence in serum with ELISA investigated in 60 healthy subjects, 60 AA and 52 vitiligo patients without history, symptom, diagnosis and treatment of dyspepsia, autoimmun disorders and other infections. The severity of diseases were assessed by severity of alopecia tool/SALT and rule of nine and relationship between HP, Cag-A positivity and severity of diseases were investigated. Results: Fourthy-three (%71.7) of AA, 26 (%50) of vitiligo patients were HP (+). Also Cag-A positivity was in 26 (%60,4) of AA, 17 (%65,3) of vitiligo patients. In comparison of healthy subjects and AA patients HP and Cag-A positivity were significantly higher in AA patients (p<0.05), but there were no significance in vitiligo group and no significant relationship between severity of diseases and these positivities. Conclusion: The incidence of HP with Cag-A (+) strains is higher in AA patients where as not in vitiligo patients. Also Cag-A strain positivity is not related to severity of diseases

Theoretical and experimental determination of friction coefficient on statically loaded radial journal bearings

Bu çalışmada, statik yük altındaki bir radyal kaymalı yatakta (Chrysler biyel kolu yatağının) sürtünme katsayısı değişimi, teorik ve deneysel olarak belirlenmiştir. Çalışmanın teorik kısmında; yatak yükünün, yatak boşluğunun ve yağ viskozitesi değişiminin sürtünme katsayısına etkisi incelenmiştir. Deneysel kısımda ise; sürtünme momentine yatak parametrelerinin etkisi TM 290 hidrodinamik radyal kaymalı yatak deney setinden ölçülmüştür. Ölçülen sürtünme momentinden, sürtünme katsayısı hesaplanmıştır. Sonuç olarak teorik ve deneysel olarak belirlenen sürtünme katsayıları karşılaştırılmıştır.In this study, variation of the friction coefficient on statically loaded radial journal bearing ( Chrysler connecting rod bearing) was determined theoretically and experimentally. In theoretical part, the effect of the bearing load, journal bearing clearance and oil viscosity to the friction coefficient was examined. In experimental part, the effect of the journal bearing parameters on the friction torque was measured by using TM 290 Hydrodynamic radial journal bearing apparatus. The friction coefficient was calculated using measured friction torque. Consequently, it was compared that obtained theorically and experimentally friction coefficient

Childhood Immune Thrombocytopenia: Long-term Follow-up Data Evaluated by the Criteria of the International Working Group on Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

OBJECTIVE: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is a common bleeding disorder in childhood, characterized by isolated thrombocytopenia. The International Working Group (IWG) on ITP recently published a consensus report about the standardization of terminology, definitions, and outcome criteria in ITP to overcome the difficulties in these areas. METHODS: The records of patients were retrospectively collected from January 2000 to December 2009 to evaluate the data of children with ITP by using the new definitions of the IWG. RESULTS: The data of 201 children were included in the study. The median follow-up period was 22 months (range: 12-131 months). The median age and platelet count at presentation were 69 months (range: 7-208 months) and 19x109/L (range: 1x109/L to 93x109/L), respectively. We found 2 risk factors for chronic course of ITP: female sex (OR=2.55, CI=1.31-4.95) and age being more than 10 years (OR=3.0, CI=1.5-5.98). Life-threatening bleeding occurred in 5% (n=9) of the patients. Splenectomy was required in 7 (3%) cases. When we excluded 2 splenectomized cases, complete remission at 1 year was achieved in 70% (n=139/199). The disease was resolved in 9 more children between 12 and 90 months. CONCLUSION: Female sex and age above 10 years old significantly influenced chronicity. Therefore, long-term follow-up is necessary in these children

Mikrokanallarda cidar kayma gerilmesi ve basınç farkının sayısal olarak incelenmesi

Bu çalışmada farklı geometrideki mikrokanallar içerisinde saf su akışı için elde edilen cidar kayma gerilmesi ve basınç farkı değerleri sayısal olarak elde edilmiştir. Çalışma, benzer bir laboratuvar ortamında farklı debilerde endotel ve immun sistem hücreleri üzerinde meydana gelebilecek farklı fiziksel etkileri ve bu hücrelerin davranışlarını inceleyebilmek için bir ön çalışma niteliğindedir. Belirlenen debi aralığında, endotel hücrelerinin ve monosit hücrelerinin in-vivo’da fizyolojik olarak maruz kaldıkları ya da kalabilecekleri alt ve üst cidar kayma gerilmesi değerleri sayısal olarak tahmin edilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bu kapsamda; farklı genişleme oranlarına sahip ani genişlemeli mikro- kanallar, bir cidarı kaviteli ve simetrik kıvrımlı mikrokanal olarak adlandırılan üç değişik konfigürasyonda ve farklı hacimsel debi değerlerinde analizler yapılarak, mikrokanal alt cidarlarında meydana gelen kayma gerilmesi değerleri ve kanal girişi ile çıkışı arasında oluşan basınç farkı değerleri sayısal olarak elde edilmiştir