NDM-1 and rmtc-producing klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Turkey

Background: The resistance of aminoglycosides in strains that produce beta-lactamase can be developed through the multidrug resistant encoding genes carried by common plasmids. Recently, the association between 16S rRNA methyltransferase resistance and beta-lactamase enzymes carried by the same plasmids has drawn increased attention from researchers, particularly the association in aminoglycoside-resistant strains with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ? 256 µg/mL. Objectives: We aimed to investigate the co-existence of 16S rRNA methyltransferase and beta-lactamase genes in multidrug resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from clinical samples. Methods: We determined the molecular mechanisms of aminoglycoside resistance and its relationship with resistance to carbapenem and beta-lactam group antibiotics in 40 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-positive carbapenem- and aminoglycoside-resistant K. pneumoniae strains. Multidrug resistant K. pneumoniae was isolated from various clinical samples in the faculty of medicine of Cukurova University, Turkey. First, the resistance of aminoglycoside and beta-lactam antibiotics was phe-notypically investigated using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test, double disk synergy test, and modified Hodge test. The MIC values of aminoglycoside were determined using the agar dilution method. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the carbapenemases, ESBL, and 16S rRNA methyltransferase genes. The results were confirmed by a sequence analysis. Results: Twenty K. pneumoniae strains showed resistance to amikacin, and 40 were resistant to gentamicin. The MIC value was found to be > 512 µg/mL in five amikacin-resistant strains and > 128 µg/mL in 10 gentamicin-resistant isolates. The rmtC gene, a type of 16S rRNA methyltransferase, was amplified in four isolates (MIC amikacin: > 512 µg/mL, gentamicin: > 128 µg/mL). Of these four isolates, three had the blaNDM-1 gene and all contained at least one ESBL gene. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the co-existence of rmtC and blaNDM-1 genes for the first time in Turkey. The spread of this resistant type should be monitored and limited through molecular surveillance. © 2016, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences

Knowledge, attitude and sources of information regarding aids of high school students in Antakya (Antioch) City

Aim: The aim of the current study was to investigate the knowledge of senior High school students, sources of their knowledge, and the socio-economical facts acting on their knowledge about AIDS. Methods: A cross sectional, descriptive study, included a total of 2838 students (1368 females and 1470 males) from 16 high schools of 4 different types (State, Anatolian, Trade, and Private high schools). A questionnaire composed of 5 different sections was used to analyze the knowledge level separately "what kind of disease is AIDS", "how AIDS can be transmitted", "risk factors for AIDS", "ways of protection from AIDS", and "the sources of their knowledge about AIDS" in sections from 1 to 5 respectively. In the first 4 sections the right answers were graded with a score of 2, wrong answers were graded with a score of 0, and a score of 1was given when the student did not have an idea. The maximum score for the first 4 sections of the questionnaire were 12, 38, 14, and 14 respectively. In the 5th section the probable sources of knowledge of AIDS, such as school, friends, family, newspapers, books, and TV, were questioned. Results: The mean score received from the questionnaire were 49.50±6.50 (minimum: 27, maximum: 69). The mean score for the females was 49.69±6.46, it was 49.32±6.66 for the males (p>0.05). The mean score for the first 4 sections were 8.2±2.15, 24.7±4, 16, 9.70±2.30, and 6.90±1.79, respectively. Statistically, there was no significant difference observed between the 15-16, 17-18, and 19-20 age groups on knowledge about "risk factors for AIDS" (p>0.05). However, there were meaningful differences in "what kind of disease is AIDS", "how AIDS can be transmitted", and "ways of protection from AIDS" (p<0.05). In aspect of type of high school the knowledge levels of students about AIDS obtained from the questionnaire were statistically different. Concerning the total score of the questionnaire, the students from trade schools received the lowest score, while the highest score of "risk factors for AIDS." were received by Anatolian high school students. The highest score for "what kind of illness is AIDS", "how AIDS be can transmitted", and "ways of protection from AIDS" were received by private high school students. Conclusion: High school students in this region do not have enough knowledge on AIDS. They need education especially on ways of protection and spread of AIDS. © 2011 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

The relationship between acute coronary artery diseases with c-reactive protein +1059 G/C and angiotensin-converting enzyme I/D gene polymorphisms

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the presence of an association between the CRP +1059 G/C and ACE I/D gene polymorphisms and patients who were diagnosed to have acute coronary syndrome and underwent coronary angiography. Methods: A total of 126 patients (mean age: 60.0±12.9) and 144 healthy individuals (mean age: 52.1±13.0) were included to this study. The presence of CRP +1059 G/C and ACE I/D gene polymorphisms were analyzed using the RFLP method. Results: When the patient and control groups were evaluated in terms of ACE I/D gene polymorphism, no statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of ACE DD and ACE ID between the two groups (P>0.05), while the percentage of ACE II genotype was statistically significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group (P0.05). When the presence of the ACE I/D genotype and CRP G/C genotype was compared in patients with vessel disease (one vessel, two vessels and three vessels) among the patients with coronary artery diseases with the control group, statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (P<0.05). In addition, the frequency of the ACE I/D genotype in hypertensive patients with coronary artery disease was statistically significantly higher (P<0.033). Also, the frequency of the CRP +1059 G/C genotype was found to be statistically significantly higher in the patient group (P<0.026). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that CRP +1059 G/C and ACE I/D gene polymorphisms may be a genetic marker associated with coronary artery disease in patients diagnosed with ACS. © 2016, E-Century Publishing Corporation. All rights reserved

The characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B in Turkey

Aim To evaluate the characteristics of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and summarize the treatment modalities. Methods By September 30, 2011 the data of 7871 HBsAg (+) patients were complied and analysed according to demographic and medical records (age, sex, laboratory tests, treatment with antiviral agents) in thirty centres of Turkey. Results Of the 7871 patients 3078 (39.1%) were females; mean (standard deviation) age was 35 (14) years, 3180 (40.4%) were HBsAg positive (+) after admission to a hospital, 1488 (18.9%) after blood donation and 967 (11.9%) were found during routine screening. The HBV prevalence among relatives of HBsAg (+) patients was 1764 (22.4%), and most frequently infected family members were siblings and mothers, 4961 (63.0%) and 2149 (27.3%), respectively). Anti-HDV was negative in 7407 94.1% of patients. Three-fourths of the patients 6383 (81.1%) were HBeAg negative (-). Mean (SD) ALT was 85.8 (266.4) U/L. Majority of patients, 5588 (71.0%) were chronic hepatitis-B patients under treatment, while 2283 (29.0%) were asymptomatic carriers without treatment and only 165 (2.1%) of patients were cirrhotic and 6612 (84.0%) of those were compensated. One-third of the patients 2983 (37.9%) were under a combined treatment, while others were under monotherapy. Lamivudine, entecavir and adefovir were the most frequently used oral therapies, used for 2583 (32.8%), 11.6% and 787 (10.0%) of patients, respectively), while 2975 (37.8%) of patients were under interferon treatment. Conclusion Hepatitis B is still a problem in our country. First task of the physicians and our state should be to prevent the development and spread of the disease with education and vaccination programs, safe blood transfusions, and control of barbers

The Chemical and Biological Properties of Propolis

The term propolis comes from two Greek words, pro (which means for or in defence of) and polis (which means the city); thus, propolis means in defence of the city or beehive. Propolis is a sticky resinous substance, which is gathered from buds and the bark of trees. It is also known as "bee glue" as bees use it to cover surfaces, seal holes and close gaps in their hives, thus providing a sterile environment that protects them from microbes and spore-producing organisms, including fungi and molds. It can be considered to be a potent chemical weapon against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogenic microorganisms that may invade the bee colony. Also, bees use propolis as an embalming substance, to mummify invaders such as other insects, that have been killed and are too heavy to remove from the colony. Thus, propolis is important for bee health but it also has activity against many human diseases. It is a powerful anti-oxidant and can modulate the activity of reactive oxygen species within the human body. The most studied aspect of propolis is its anti-bacterial activity, which is almost always present at a moderate to high level depending on the exact type of propolis. It is in general more active against Gram positive than Gram negative bacteria, but activity against Gram negative bacteria has been observed. Propolis has been found to be active against a range of viruses and also is almost always active against protozoa such as Tryanosoma brucei and Leishmania donovani. Propolis also shows activity against cardiovascular diseases and diabetes and has immunomodulatory effects. Anti-cancer activity has also been observed. In summary, propolis is remarkable for its range of biological activities and for the variety of its chemical composition. It may be of great importance both to bees and humans