Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus in High-Risk Population, Turkey

In the Tokat and Sivas provinces of Turkey, the overall Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) seroprevalence was 12.8% among 782 members of a high-risk population. CCHFV seroprevalence was associated with history of tick bite or tick removal from animals, employment in animal husbandry or farming, and being >40 years of age

Q Fever in France, 1985–2009

To assess Q fever in France, we analyzed data for 1985–2009 from the French National Reference Center. A total of 179,794 serum samples were analyzed; 3,723 patients (one third female patients) had acute Q fever. Yearly distribution of acute Q fever showed a continuous increase. Periodic variations were observed in monthly distribution during January 2000–December 2009; cases peaked during April–September. Q fever was diagnosed more often in patients in southeastern France, where our laboratory is situated, than in other areas. Reevaluation of the current positive predictive value of serologic analysis for endocarditis was performed. We propose a change in the phase I (virulent bacteria) immunoglobulin G cutoff titer to >1,600. Annual incidences of acute Q fever and endocarditis were 2.5/100,000 persons and 0.1/100,000 persons, respectively. Cases and outbreaks of Q fever have increased in France

The effects of surface coating and painting process on particleboard properties

Aim of study: In this study, the effects of painting of particleboard surface by print press method (PrintPan), and coating with melamine resin impregnated decor paper (YongaLam) on board properties were investigated. Area of study: This study was conducted at the Kastamonu Integrated Particleboard Factory and Bartin University Faculty of Forestry, Department of Forest Industrial Engineering in Turkey. Material and Methods: Two groups of boards used in this study and one had 8 mm thickness and 680 kg. m(-3) density and the other had 18 mm thickness and 600 kg. m(-3) density. All boards were obtained from Kastamonu Entegre Company and surface painting and coating operations were performed its premises. Main results: Painting or coating of particleboard surfaces has been found to improve screw withdrawal, surface soundness, water uptake and thickness swelling properties. When the surfaces are coated with melamine-impregnated decor paper, it has been determined that the density, bending strength and modulus of elasticity in bending are increased. Research highlight: When the temperature, pressure and time applied in coating were higher than the normal panel production conditions, the internal bonds weaken and cause decrease on some strength properties. When the panel surfaces are painted by the print press method, it has been determined that the physical properties are improved

Comparison of Immunohistochemical Expression of Calretinin, Map2, S-100 and Glut1 in Rectal Biopsies from Suspected Hirschsprung’s Disease

Background: This study aimed to compare the immunohistochemical expression of calretinin, Map2, S-100, and Glut1 in rectal biopsy samples from patients suspected of Hirschsprung’s disease (HD). Methods and Results: Rectal biopsy samples from 40 patients with suspected HD were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Immunohistochemical stains were assessed after previous routine histology interpretation, which was classified as “Positive or in favor for HD” and “Equivocal or negative for HD.” The staining patterns for calretinin, Map2, S-100, and Glut1 were analyzed regarding the following structures: lamina propria small nerve fibrils, submucosal small nerve fibrils, submucosal nerve fibers, and submucosal ganglia. The IHC stains for calretinin and Map2 were score-ranked as 0 – negative and 1 – positive. The IHC stain for S-100 was score-ranked as 0 – normal and 1 – hypertrophic. The IHC stain for Glut1 was ranked as 0 – normal perineural and 1 – conspicuous perineural accentuation Calretinin had 92% accuracy, the highest sensitivity (80%) and specificity (92.00%).Map2 also had the same accuracy as calretinin but lower sensitivity (46.67%). Regarding S-100 and Glut1, these two markers did not support a conclusive diagnosis. The accuracy for S-100 and Glut1 was 66.7% and 60%, respectively. Conclusion: Calretinin remains the currently most valuable single IHC marker in diagnosing difficult cases of HD

Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences

Consequently, in this study, the number, variety and structure of ethics committees in 108 government and 71 foundation universities across Turkey were examined through their web sites. The result of such examination found that there was no set universal standard in ethics committees and that there were a huge variety of ethics committees. Starting from this point of view, university ethics committees need to be improved through both quantitative and qualitative research and a standard in regards to the scientific field they provide services to ought to be set. (C) 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd

ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ALGORITHM FOR SEROLOGICAL TESTING OF SYPHILIS IDENTIFICATION

Serological methods are widely used for the laboratory diagnosis of syphilis or for screening purposes. The aim of this study was to determine an algorithm for the application of laboratory tests that will provide accurate diagnosis of syphilis in a cheap, fast and practical way. A total of 162 serum samples were evaluated by the following tests: VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, Omega Diagnostic, UK), TPHA (Treponema pallidum Hemagglutination Test; Omega Diagnostic, UK), ELISA IgG + IgM (Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay; DiaPro Diagnostic Bioprobes, Italy), FTA-ABS (Fluorescent Treponernal Anti body-Absorption; IgG, Euroimmun, Germany) and WB (Western Blot; IgG Euroimmun, Germany). When the gold standard was considered as FTA-ABS test, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for VDRL were 77.1%, 100% 100% an 80.6%; for TPHA were 92.8%, 98.7%, 98.7% and 92.9%, for ELISA 98.8%, 98.7%, 98.8% and 98.7%, and for VVB 98.8%, 100%, 100% and 98.7%, respectively. When the results of screening with VDRL together with TPHA were compared with FTA-ABS, it was observed that if both VDRL and TPHA results were positive, then there was 100% concordance between the tests. However, when both of the test results were negative, 1.3% of them yielded positive result with FTA-ABS. If either one of VDRL or TPHA results were positive (n = 24), 95.8% (n = 23) was positive with FTA-ABS. Therefore, inconsistent results obtained by VDRL and TPHA requires verification by another method. When ELISA or WB tests were used, the borderline results need verification, however, positive or negative results would be reported. The determination of an algorithm for laboratory tests also depend on the number of patients, cost, cost per positive patient and workload of the laboratory. Thus, ELISA could be selected when the number of cases is high and the results should be reported unless they are suspicious. When the number of cases is low, VDRL/TPHA should be selected, and the results should be verified if they are inconsistent. However, the demographic characteristics of patient groups are also important in test selection and work flow. False positive results are troublesome in case of marriage pre-screening and false negative results in sex workers. When all these factors are taken into consideration it may be suggested that either ELISA or VDRL together with TPHA should be performed and the results should be confirmed by a reference test in case of borderline results in ELISA or inconsistency between VDRL and TPHA results. Although screening for syphilis in the setting of blood banking is a matter of debate, if it is to be performed, then ELISA would be better since the work load is high. In case of pregnancy inconsistent VDRL and TPHA results should be verified since no risk could be afforded

Ethics Committees in Turkish Universities

AbstractEthics committee's are committees which reviews and evaluates ethics related situations and events, and consists of members specialized in the field. Nowadays, ethics committees hold an important place in ensuring scientists conduct accurate studies and help construct a better future, and ensuring universities are of high quality and efficiency in terms of scientific study. In this regard, analyzing ethics committees in universities will be both helpful scientifically and also in in giving a description of the current state of university ethics committees.Consequently, in this study, the number, variety and structure of ethics committees in 108 government and 71 foundation universities across Turkey were examined through their web sites. The result of such examination found that there was no set universal standard in ethics committees and that there were a huge variety of ethics committees. Starting from this point of view, university ethics committees need to be improved through both quantitative and qualitative research and a standard in regards to the scientific field they provide services to ought to be set