Determination of microbiological contamination sources during ice cream production in Denizli, Turkey

Ice cream is a food commodity consumed widely during summer. The aim of this research is to determine the microbiological contamination sources during ice cream production. The samples were collected from four different pastry shops in Denizli area in Turkey. Samples were taken for microbial analyses from six points (premix, fresh ice cream, sold ice cream, ice cream cabinet, firming dish, scoop water and the hands of factory and sales department personnel). The results showed that premix had low levels of coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB) and yeast and mould. The levels of these microorganisms were higher in the fresh ice cream than their corresponding premixes. Moreover, sold ice cream had the highest levels of all microorganism groups. The samples taken from ice cream cabinet and firming dishes contained low levels of TAMB and yeast-mould but no coliform, faecal coliform or S. aureus. On the contrary, high levels of coliforms, faecal coliform and S. aureus, TAMB and yeast-mould were found in the samples collected from factory/sales department personnel hands and scoop water. Overall results showed that cooling method, personnel hands and scoop water were the main sources of the microbial contamination of ice cream produced and sold in pastry shops. © 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Transition from pandemic to infodemic: an analysis of Turkish-language COVID-19 YouTube videos

Background: YouTube can be a powerful educational tool for the dissemination of health information. However, if uploaded health-related videos are inaccurate, it can mislead, create confusion and generate panic. Aims: This study aimed to determine the success of the most-watched Turkish-language COVID-19 YouTube videos regarding information and guidance on the disease for the public. The secondary aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and quality of such video content

The role of plasma angiotensin II and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 levels on prognosis and mortality in hypertensive patients with COVID-19

Introduction: SARS-CoV-2 requires angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to enter the cell. In our study, we aimed to investigate the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and angiotensin II plasma levels on prognosis and mortality in patients with isolated hypertension, patients with chronic diseases in addition to hypertension and patients with COVID-19 without comorbidities, in accordance with the use of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor. Materials & methods: In the study, patients diagnosed with COVID-19 were divided into three groups. Angiotensin II and ACE2 levels were compared by comorbidities, antihypertensive drugs used, intensive care hospitalization and termination of patients. The relationship between angiotensin II and ACE2 levels and service and intensive care times was investigated. Findings: A total of 218 patients were enrolled in our study, including 68 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 without comorbidities, 33 patients diagnosed with isolated hypertension and 117 patients with other chronic diseases in addition to hypertension. There was no statistically significant difference between the comorbid disease groups between angiotensin II and ACE2 levels of the patients enrolled in the study. The rate of patients admitted to the intensive care unit was 17.9%, and the mortality rate was 11.5%. Results: In our study, we did not obtain significant findings regarding angiotensin II and ACE2 levels on presentation that can be used in prognosis and mortality of COVID-19 patients and development of future treatment methods