Comparison of intraperitoneal honey and sodium hyaluronate-carboxymethylcellulose (SeprafilmTM) for the prevention of postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions

BACKGROUND: Abdominal surgery can lead to postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions (PIAAs) with significant morbidity and mortality. This study compares the use of honey with a standard bioresorbable membrane (Seprafilm tm) to prevent the formation of PIAAs in rats. METHODS: Thirty rats underwent laparotomy, and PIAAs were induced by scraping the cecum. The animals were divided into three groups, each containing ten rats. Group 1 (control) represented the cecal abrasion group, with no intraperitoneal administration of any substance. Group 2 (honey group) underwent cecal abrasion and intraperitoneal administration of honey. Group 3 (Seprafilm tm group) underwent cecal abrasion and intraperitoneal Seprafilm tm application. RESULTS: Group 1 exhibited higher adhesion scores for adhesions between the abdominal wall and the organs. Groups 2 and 3 had decreased adhesive attachments to the intra-abdominal structures. Compared to group 1, the incidence of adhesion formation was lower in both group 2 (p=0.001) and group 3 (p=0.001). The incidence of fibrosis was also lower in group 2 (p=0.016) and group 3 (p=0.063) compared to group 1. There was no significant difference between the histopathological fibrosis scores for the rats in group 2 and those in group 3 (p= 0.688). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both honey and Seprafilm tm decrease the incidence of PIAAs in the rat cecal abrasion model. Although the mechanism of action is not clear, intraperitoneal administration of honey reduced PIAAs. The outcome of this study demonstrates that honey is as effective as Seprafilm tm in preventing PIAAs

Comparison of Intraperitoneal Honey and Sodium Hyaluronate-Carboxymethylcellulose (Seprafilm™) for the Prevention of Postoperative Intra-Abdominal Adhesions

BACKGROUND: Abdominal surgery can lead to postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions (PIAAs) with significant morbidity and mortality. This study compares the use of honey with a standard bioresorbable membrane (Seprafilm tm) to prevent the formation of PIAAs in rats. METHODS: Thirty rats underwent laparotomy, and PIAAs were induced by scraping the cecum. The animals were divided into three groups, each containing ten rats. Group 1 (control) represented the cecal abrasion group, with no intraperitoneal administration of any substance. Group 2 (honey group) underwent cecal abrasion and intraperitoneal administration of honey. Group 3 (Seprafilm tm group) underwent cecal abrasion and intraperitoneal Seprafilm tm application. RESULTS: Group 1 exhibited higher adhesion scores for adhesions between the abdominal wall and the organs. Groups 2 and 3 had decreased adhesive attachments to the intra-abdominal structures. Compared to group 1, the incidence of adhesion formation was lower in both group 2 (p=0.001) and group 3 (p=0.001). The incidence of fibrosis was also lower in group 2 (p=0.016) and group 3 (p=0.063) compared to group 1. There was no significant difference between the histopathological fibrosis scores for the rats in group 2 and those in group 3 (p= 0.688). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that both honey and Seprafilm tm decrease the incidence of PIAAs in the rat cecal abrasion model. Although the mechanism of action is not clear, intraperitoneal administration of honey reduced PIAAs. The outcome of this study demonstrates that honey is as effective as Seprafilm tm in preventing PIAAs

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London

Boron Stress Responsive MicroRNAs and Their Targets in Barley

Boron stress is an environmental factor affecting plant development and production. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) have been found to be involved in several plant processes such as growth regulation and stress responses. In this study, miRNAs associated with boron stress were identified and characterized in barley. miRNA profiles were also comparatively analyzed between root and leave samples. A total of 31 known and 3 new miRNAs were identified in barley; 25 of them were found to respond to boron treatment. Several miRNAs were expressed in a tissue specific manner; for example, miR156d, miR171a, miR397, and miR444a were only detected in leaves. Additionally, a total of 934 barley transcripts were found to be specifically targeted and degraded by miRNAs. In silico analysis of miRNA target genes demonstrated that many miRNA targets are conserved transcription factors such as Squamosa promoter-binding protein, Auxin response factor (ARF), and the MYB transcription factor family. A majority of these targets were responsible for plant growth and response to environmental changes. We also propose that some of the miRNAs in barley such as miRNA408 might play critical roles against boron exposure. In conclusion, barley may use several pathways and cellular processes targeted by miRNAs to cope with boron stress

Genome of Wild Olive and the Evolution of Oil Biosynthesis

Here we present the genome sequence and annotation of the wild olive tree (Olea europaea var. sylvestris), called oleaster, which is considered an ancestor of cultivated olive trees. More than 50,000 protein-coding genes were predicted, a majority of which could be anchored to 23 pseudochromosomes obtained through a newly constructed genetic map. The oleaster genome contains signatures of two Oleaceae lineage-specific paleopolyploidy events, dated at similar to 28 and similar to 59 Mya. These events contributed to the expansion and neo-functionalization of genes and gene families that play important roles in oil biosynthesis. The functional divergence of oil biosynthesis pathway genes, such as FAD2, SACPD, EAR, and ACPTE, following duplication, has been responsible for the differential accumulation of oleic and linoleic acids produced in olive compared with sesame, a closely related oil crop. Duplicated oleaster FAD2 genes are regulated by an siRNA derived from a transposable element-rich region, leading to suppressed levels of FAD2 gene expression. Additionally, neofunctionalization of members of the SACPD gene family has led to increased expression of SACPD2,3, 5, and 7, consequently resulting in an increased desaturation of steric acid. Taken together, decreased FAD2 expression and increased SACPD expression likely explain the accumulation of exceptionally high levels of oleic acid in olive. The oleaster genome thus provides important insights into the evolution of oil biosynthesis and will be a valuable resource for oil crop genomics

Surgical site infection after gastrointestinal surgery in high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: a prospective, international, multicentre cohort study

Background: Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most common infections associated with health care, but its importance as a global health priority is not fully understood. We quantified the burden of SSI after gastrointestinal surgery in countries in all parts of the world. Methods: This international, prospective, multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing elective or emergency gastrointestinal resection within 2-week time periods at any health-care facility in any country. Countries with participating centres were stratified into high-income, middle-income, and low-income groups according to the UN's Human Development Index (HDI). Data variables from the GlobalSurg 1 study and other studies that have been found to affect the likelihood of SSI were entered into risk adjustment models. The primary outcome measure was the 30-day SSI incidence (defined by US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for superficial and deep incisional SSI). Relationships with explanatory variables were examined using Bayesian multilevel logistic regression models. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02662231. Findings: Between Jan 4, 2016, and July 31, 2016, 13 265 records were submitted for analysis. 12 539 patients from 343 hospitals in 66 countries were included. 7339 (58·5%) patient were from high-HDI countries (193 hospitals in 30 countries), 3918 (31·2%) patients were from middle-HDI countries (82 hospitals in 18 countries), and 1282 (10·2%) patients were from low-HDI countries (68 hospitals in 18 countries). In total, 1538 (12·3%) patients had SSI within 30 days of surgery. The incidence of SSI varied between countries with high (691 [9·4%] of 7339 patients), middle (549 [14·0%] of 3918 patients), and low (298 [23·2%] of 1282) HDI (p < 0·001). The highest SSI incidence in each HDI group was after dirty surgery (102 [17·8%] of 574 patients in high-HDI countries; 74 [31·4%] of 236 patients in middle-HDI countries; 72 [39·8%] of 181 patients in low-HDI countries). Following risk factor adjustment, patients in low-HDI countries were at greatest risk of SSI (adjusted odds ratio 1·60, 95% credible interval 1·05–2·37; p=0·030). 132 (21·6%) of 610 patients with an SSI and a microbiology culture result had an infection that was resistant to the prophylactic antibiotic used. Resistant infections were detected in 49 (16·6%) of 295 patients in high-HDI countries, in 37 (19·8%) of 187 patients in middle-HDI countries, and in 46 (35·9%) of 128 patients in low-HDI countries (p < 0·001). Interpretation: Countries with a low HDI carry a disproportionately greater burden of SSI than countries with a middle or high HDI and might have higher rates of antibiotic resistance. In view of WHO recommendations on SSI prevention that highlight the absence of high-quality interventional research, urgent, pragmatic, randomised trials based in LMICs are needed to assess measures aiming to reduce this preventable complication

Effects of different planting depth and bulb sizes on yield and yield compenents of saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Safran (Crocus sativus L.) bilinen en eski kültür bitkilerinden biridir. Geçmiste baharat, boya ve tıbbi olarak büyük bir ekonomik öneme sahip olan bu bitki, önceleri Bolu, Tokat, Sanlıurfa, Adana, İzmir gibi illerde yetistirilmesine ragmen zamanla önemini yitirmis, dikim alanları giderek daralmıs ve sadece Safranbolu’da birkaç üreticinin tarlası ile sınırlı kalmıstır. Son zamanlarda tekrar üzerinde durulan bu bitkinin üretiminin gelistirilmesinde en büyük engel tohumluk olarak kullanılan soganların (korm) yetersizligidir. Ankara Üniversitesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü deneme tarlasında yapılan bu arastırmada, soganların çogalmasında kültürel tedbir olarak dikim derinliginin ve sogan boylarının safranın çogalmasına etkisi arastırılmıstır. Farklı boylardaki safran soganları 2002 yılında 20 x 10 cm aralıkla 5, 10 ve 15 cm derinliginde dikilmis ve 2004 yılında hasat edilmistir. Dikim derinligi ve sogan boylarının hem safranın çiçeklenmesine, hem de yavru sogan olusturmasına etkili oldugu bulunmustur.Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is known as one of the earliest cultivated plants. Formerly having importance as spice, dye and medicinal plant and cultivated in Bolu, Tokat, Sanlıurfa, Adana, İzmir provinces, saffron plantation areas have decreased gradually and it is cultivated by some farmers in Safranbolu district Turkey only. The foremost barrier is limitation in bulb (corms) production to develop cultivation of this plant. This study was carried out in the experimental field of the University of Ankara, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of planting depth and bulb size on production of the bulbs and different sized saffron bulbs were planted in rows 10 cm apart with inter row spacing of 20 cm of planting depths were 5,10 and 15 cm in 2002 and harvested in 2004. Both planting depth and bulb size affected both flowering and developing of daughter bulbs

Effects of different bulb cutting methods on some characteristics of Fritillaria persica L.

Fritillaria persica L. Türkiye’den üretimi yapılarak ihraç edilen türlerden birisi olup, vejetatif veya generatif yolla çoğaltılabilmektedir. Generatif çoğaltmada soğanların ihraç edilebilir boya gelmesi için 4-6 yıl gerekirken; vejetatif çoğaltmada ise çoğalma süresi daha kısa olmaktadır. Bu araştırma 2003-2005 yıllarında Ankara Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi Tarla Bitkileri Bölümü Deneme Tarlasında yürütülmüştür. Denemede, bir bıçak yardımıyla, soğanın tamamı kesilmeksizin farklı kesme şekilleri ile hazırlanan, a) kontrol (kesilmemiş), b) alt kısmından ortasına kadar dikey olarak kesilmiş, c) üst kısmından orta kısmına kadar dikey kesilmiş, d) taban kısmı daire şeklinde derince çizilmiş ve e) alt taban kısmı oyularak çıkartılmış Fritillaria persica L. soğanları kullanılmıştır. Soğanlar 30x30 cm sıra arası ve sıra üzeri mesafe olacak şekilde 3 sıra halinde ve her sırada 7’şer soğan olacak şekilde tesadüf blokları deneme desenine göre 3 tekrarlamalı olarak dikilmişlerdir. Denemede bitki boyu, çiçeklenme oranı, çiçek salkım uzunluğu, meyve bağlama oranı, meyve sayısı, bitki başına soğan sayısı ve soğan verimi gibi karakterler ölçülmüştür. Soğan kesme yöntemlerinin bitki başına soğan sayısına ve soğan verimine etkili olduğu bulunmuştur.Fritillaria persica L., which is a species produced and exported from Turkey, can be propagated both vegetative and generatively. Using generative production, it needs four to six years to reach for the required bulb size for export. Vegetative production period is shorter than the generative one. This study was carried out in the experimental fields of the University of Ankara, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Field Crops, during 2003-2005. Bulbs of Fritillaria persica L. were used as plant materials in this study. The cutting methods used in this study was as follows: a) bulbs were not cut as control, b) basal cuttage carried out by cutting vertically from the base to center of the bulbs, c) bulbs were cut vertically from the top part to the center d) The basal cuttage was carried out by deep incision around the base, and e) the basal parts of bulbs were carved by knife conically. The experiment was established as a randomized complete block design with three replications. Bulbs were planted with 30 cm row spacing and 30 cm intra-row spacing. Plots were constituted as 3 rows with 7 bulbs each. Plant height (cm), flowering percentage (%), flower cluster length, fruit rate, number of fruits, number of harvested bulbs per planted bulb and bulb yield per decare were determined in this study. Our results suggested that different cutting methods significantly affected numbers of harvested bulbs per plant and bulb yield per decare