Global quieting of high-frequency seismic noise due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown measures

Human activity causes vibrations that propagate into the ground as high-frequency seismic waves. Measures to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread changes in human activity, leading to a months-long reduction in seismic noise of up to 50%. The 2020 seismic noise quiet period is the longest and most prominent global anthropogenic seismic noise reduction on record. While the reduction is strongest at surface seismometers in populated areas, this seismic quiescence extends for many kilometers radially and hundreds of meters in depth. This provides an opportunity to detect subtle signals from subsurface seismic sources that would have been concealed in noisier times and to benchmark sources of anthropogenic noise. A strong correlation between seismic noise and independent measurements of human mobility suggests that seismology provides an absolute, real-time estimate of population dynamics

Examination Of Inequality Of Life Span By Using The Gini Coefficient In The Turkish Population For The Period 1990-2008

Objective: The aim of this study is to show that the Gini coefficient used in economics, particularly in exposing inequality in income levels can also be used in the field of health, especially for measuring inequality specific to any issue of concern. Based on life tables, this study uses the Gini coefficient in measuring the extent of inequality in years lived and shows the level of these inequalities in Turkey for the period 1990-2008. Material and Methods: Lorenz Curves were constructed by using data from life tables pertaining to years 1990, 2000, 2006 and 2008 as given by WHO database, Gini coefficients were calculated in measuring variability in length of life expectancies in general, for the male and female population and then used in examining reducing inequality over time. Results: Taking 1990 as the base year, life expectancy at birth has increased by 9.3 years by 2008 and inequality has decreased from 0.188 to 0.114 (by 39%) in the same period. Conclusion: In addition to the target of increasing life expectancy, the assessment of success in ensuring all individuals live up to average life expectancy should be conducted by using this measure of inequality.WoSScopu

Evaluation of the Genotype MTBDR Assay for Rapid Detection of Rifampin and Isoniazid Resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Isolates

A novel PCR-based reverse hybridization method Genotype MTBDR assay (Hain Lifescience GmbH, Nehren, Germany) was evaluated for rapid detection of rifampin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH) resistance in Turkish Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates. The Genotype MTBDR assay is designed to detect mutations within the 81-bp hotspot region of rpoB and mutations at katG codon 315. A total of 41 RIF-resistant M. tuberculosis isolates with rpoB mutations that were previously tested by the INNO-LiPA Rif.TB kit and also characterized by DNA sequencing were included in the study. Thirty-seven of these isolates were also resistant to INH. RIF resistance was correctly identified in 39 of 41 isolates (95.1%) with the Genotype MTBDR assay probes specific for these mutations. One isolate with a Gln-490-His mutation and another one with a CGG insertion between codons 514 and 515 were identified as RIF sensitive by the Genotype MTBDR assay. While the INNO-LiPA Rif.TB kit was able to determine the CGG insertion between codons 514 and 515, the Gln-490-His mutation outside the 81-bp hotspot region was not detected by the INNO-LiPA Rif.TB kit. These isolates had MICs of ≥32 μg/ml for RIF. The Genotype MTBDR assay also correctly identified 27 of 37 INH-resistant isolates (73%) with mutations in katG codon 315. In conclusion, the Genotype MTBDR assay may be useful for the rapid diagnosis of the most common mutations found in multidrug-resistant M. tuberculosis strains. However, the test results should always be confirmed with phenotypic methods

Diode Laser for Epilation

Objective: Use of laser and other light sources for epilation by targeting melanin to destroy hair follicles has increased in recent years. The purpose of this study was to determine the demographic data of patients, ratios of application regions, pain and side effect profiles, and efficacy rates in patients who have undergone diode laser epilation since November 2002. Methods: All information about the patients who underwent laser application, including demographic data, skin types, pain severity, data of side effects and the number of the sessions, was collated. The severity of the pain was evaluated based on data obtained during the first laser session according to the visual pain scale (0-10). Hair loss rates were based on the evaluation made by patients at least one month after their final session, and determined as 0%, 1-25%, 26-50%, 51-75%, 76-99% and 100%. Results: A total of 297 patients (19 male and 278 female) were included in the study and epilation was applied on 534 regions. The regions where epilation was most commonly performed were the chin, moustache, sideburns, axillae, inguinal regions and legs in women, whereas in men the zygomatic regions, neck and shoulders were the most common. Pain rate was 5.89±1.90, and the pain was mostly felt on the inguinal regions, neck and face (particularly moustache). Hair loss was found to be 51-75% (4.39±2.47 per session) in 30.3% of the patients, and 76-99% (6.12±2.65 per session) in 33.1% of the patients. Erythema and perifollicular edema developed during most applications; however, during the follow-up, side effects such as blister-erosion-crust formation, hyperpigmentation, hypopigmentation, folliculitis and cicatrix were rare. Conclusion: Diode laser applications used for the removal of unwanted hair are applications which can be tolerated relatively comfortably, and the side effects of which can be ignore