Intersection problem for Droms RAAGs

We solve the subgroup intersection problem (SIP) for any RAAG G of Droms type (i.e., with defining graph not containing induced squares or paths of length 3): there is an algorithm which, given finite sets of generators for two subgroups H,K of G, decides whether $H \cap K$ is finitely generated or not, and, in the affirmative case, it computes a set of generators for $H \cap K$. Taking advantage of the recursive characterization of Droms groups, the proof consists in separately showing that the solvability of SIP passes through free products, and through direct products with free-abelian groups. We note that most of RAAGs are not Howson, and many (e.g. F_2 x F_2) even have unsolvable SIP.Comment: 33 pages, 12 figures (revised following the referee's suggestions

Molecular Survey of Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Aborted Fetuses of Sheep in the Iğdır Province of Türkiye

Toxoplasma gondii, an obligatory intracellular protozoan parasite, can infect a wide range of warm-blooded animals, including livestock species. T. gondii is a zoonotic protozoan parasite that affects both humans and other warm-blooded animals. The aim of this study was to detect T. gondii by using PCR in the brain tissues of 60 aborted sheep fetuses from the Iğdır Province in Türkiye. For this purpose, 60 brain tissue samples of sheep were collected within the lambing seasons of 2023 in Iğdır, Türkiye. The DNA extraction was performed using the PureLink™ Genomic DNA Mini Kit from brain samples. The PCR was performed with the appropriate primers from the obtained DNA samples. T. gondii was found in the brain (16.6%) samples of aborted sheep fetuses. According to the present study, T. gondii infection can be one of the causes of fetus abortion of sheep in Iğdır province, Türkiye. This result emphasizes the need for vigilance and preventive measures in managing this potential public and animal health concerns

Learning platform for smoking cessation project: From begining to date

Although 35% of the adults in Turkey are current smokers, the number of trained physicians and smoking cessation (SC) clinics are not enough to meet the demand. Aim: This national project aimed to create the necessary infrastructure for providing SC therapy all-around the country and to train physicians in this topic. This project was run by Turkish Thoracic Society Tobacco Working Group and supported by a grant from Pfizer Foundation. Methods: For this purpose, an organization network including field training teams was planned. The training materials were prepared and standardized. A website of the project including a wide e-learning platform was created (www.sigarabirakmadaogrenmezemini.org). Results: Firstly, a central training program was planned. Forty volunteers from all regions of Turkey were participated to this program. Afterwards, field training programs were started to perform by these trainers. From the beginning field training sessions were performed in 11 cities with more than 300 participants. The project website was visited by 10.369 visitors and 518 participants completed e-training module since April 2011. Conclusion: The SÖZ project enabled a training ground that will last for years; a professional website and a trainer staff to generalize the program. Through this project, the integration of SC intervention in all health service steps will be provided, the number of SC clinics in Turkey will increase, and in future smoking rate will reduce in our country

Effects of Oral pH Changes on Smoking Desire

Background: Nicotine addiction is associated with nicotine absorption from the buccal mucosa, and it is stated that the main factor that determines nicotine absorption is saliva pH. In the literature, the effects of changes in saliva pH values after eating and drinking on smoking desire in smokers were not questioned

THE EFFECT OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS ON HEALTH TECHNICIAN STUDENTS’ USE OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate health technician students’ behaviors regarding theuse of tobacco and tobacco products and levels of tobacco dependence and to reveal the effects ofsocioeconomic and environmental factors on the use of these products.Material and Methods: The study consisted of 1118 first- and second-year students from Dokuz EylülUniversity Vocational School of Health Services in the 2021-2022 academic year. These students wereapplied a questionnaire that was developed to determine their sociodemographic, individual, familycharacteristics, habits, and opinions on tobacco use and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence(FTND).Results: It was determined that 34.5% of the students used tobacco products, 14.0% smoked water pipe(WTS), 3.0% used electronic cigarettes (EC), and that the average age of starting smoking was 15.6±2.4years. Of the students, 18.1% stated that they wanted to quit smoking and 1.9% had received professionalhelp to quit smoking. It was found that 64.5% did not want tobacco product advertisements to be bannedand that 61.9% did not want a smoking ban in public/indoor areas. According to 64.0% of the students,university education had no effect on tobacco use. The mean score of smokers on the FTND was3.43±2.20, and 3.9% of them had a high level of dependence. It was determined that a low level of tobaccoaddiction was more prevalent in students whose mothers had low education and who lived with theirparents (p&lt;0.05). However, a high level of tobacco addiction was found to be more prevalent in those whostarted smoking at the age of ≤16 (p&lt;0.01).Conclusion: Our research indicated the factors that affected the health technician students' behaviors oftobacco and tobacco product use, level of tobacco dependence, and desire to quit smoking. It was alsofound that the age of starting smoking, maternal education level, and family unity played a role in students'smoking behavior.&nbsp;</div