Resumo O gênero Artemisia L. da família Asteraceae é sistematicamente muito complexo. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as posições taxonômicas de táxons do subgênero Artemisia pertencentes ao gênero Artemisia na Turquia usando algumas técnicas moleculares. Neste estudo molecular, 44 indivíduos pertencentes a 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia foram examinados. As análises foram realizadas no conjunto de dados combinado usando máxima parcimônia, máxima verossimilhança e inferência bayesiana e parâmetros moleculares obtidos a partir de coavaliações de sequências das regiões psbA-trnH, ITS e ETS de indivíduos examinados foram usados no desenho da árvore filogenética. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo, dois grupos moleculares foram formados com base na similaridade da sequência de DNA das espécies, mas não há caracteres morfológicos óbvios correspondentes a dois grupos moleculares. Também não há concordância entre os dois grupos moleculares e os dois grupos morfológicos formados de acordo com a condição de pilosidade do receptáculo da espécie. Devido à falta de significado molecular de seus receptáculos com ou sem cabelo, a divisão das espécies do subgênero Artemisia em novos subgêneros ou seções não foi considerada apropriada. Da mesma forma, verificou-se que com ou sem cabelo nos lobos da corola das flores do disco hermafrodita central não tem significado molecular. Constatou-se que não houve fluxo gênico e hibridização entre as 14 espécies do subgênero Artemisia e essas 14 espécies concluíram sua especiação. Este estudo é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com espécies pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia crescendo naturalmente na Turquia. Além disso, novos haplótipos relacionados às populações da Turquia pertencentes ao subgênero Artemisia taxa foram relatados por nós pela primeira vez e adicionados ao banco de dados do GenBank.

Abstract The genus Artemisia L. of the family Asteraceae is systematically very complex. The aim of this study was to evaluate taxonomic positions of taxa of the subgenus Artemisia belonging to the genus Artemisia in Turkey using some molecular techniques. In this molecular study, 44 individuals belong to 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia were examined. Analyses were performed on the combined dataset using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference and Molecular parameters obtained from co-evaluations of sequences of the psbA-trnH, ITS and ETS regions of examined individuals were used in the phylogenetic tree drawing. According to the results of this study, two molecular groups have been formed based on the DNA sequence similarity of the species, but there are no obvious morphological characters corresponding to two molecular groups. There is no also agreement between the two molecular groups and the two morphological groups formed according to the hairiness condition of the receptacle of species. Due to the lack of molecular significance of their receptacles with or without hair, dividing of the subgenus Artemisia species into new subgenera or sections was not considered appropriate. Likewise, it has been found that with or without hair on the corolla lobes of the central hermaphrodite disc flowers have no molecular significance. It was found that there were no gene flow and hybridization between the 14 species of the subgenus Artemisia and these 14 species were found completed their speciation. This study is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with belong to subgenus Artemisia species growing naturally in Turkey. In addition, new haplotypes related to the populations of Turkey belonging to the subgenus Artemisia taxa were reported by us for the first time and added to the GenBank database.

Resumo Artemisia é um dos maiores gêneros da família Asteraceae, com cerca de 500 a 600 táxons em níveis específicos e subespecíficos e organizados em cinco subgêneros. Em razão do grande número de táxons, muitos taxonomistas estão tentando resolver o problema de sua classificação e filogenia, mas sua classificação natural ainda não foi alcançada. Nesta pesquisa, 60 indivíduos pertencentes a quatro táxons do subgênero Dracunculus de Artemisia L. na Turquia foram examinados. Para todos os indivíduos examinados de populações iguais e diferentes pertencentes aos táxons do subgênero Dracunculus, foram determinadas as sequências das regiões psbA-trnH do DNA do cloroplasto e ITS do DNA nuclear. Além disso, as regiões gênicas obtidas foram registradas no banco de dados do NCBI GenBank e um número de acesso foi obtido. Foi constatado que não houve fluxo gênico nem hibridização entre os quatro táxons estudados do subgênero Dracunculus, os quais também completaram sua especiação. De acordo com os resultados deste estudo molecular, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana e A. campestris var. araratica foram propostos para ser elevados do nível de variedade para o nível de espécie. Esta pesquisa é importante porque é o primeiro estudo de base molecular relacionado com o subgênero Dracunculus em crescimento na Turquia.

Abstract Artemisia is one of the biggest genera in the family Asteraceae, with around 500-600 taxa at specific and sub-specific levels and organised in 5 subgenera. Due to the high number of taxa, a lot taxonomists are trying to solve the problem of its classification and phylogeny but its natural classification still hasn’t been achieved. In this research, 60 individuals belonging to 4 taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus of Artemisia L. in Turkey were examined. For all the examined individuals from both the same and different populations belonging to the taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, the sequences of the regions both psbA-trnH of chloroplast DNA and ITS of nuclear DNA were determined. Also, the gene regions obtained were recorded in the NCBI GenBank database and an accession number was taken. It was found that there was no gene flow and hybridization between the four studied taxa of the subgenus Dracunculus, and these 4 taxa also completed their speciation. According to the results of this molecular study, A. campestris var. campestris, A. campestris var. marschalliana and A. campestris var. araratica were proposed to be raised from the variety level to the species level. This research is important as it is the first molecular based study relating with the subgenus Dracunculus growing in Turkey.

Resumo O presente estudo determinou alguns compostos biológicos, atividade de eliminação de radicais e capacidade antimicrobiana em sementes de Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. O ácido alfa-linolênico (C18: 3 n3) foi o principal ácido graxo poliinsaturado de Satureja hortensis L. (66,24 ± 1,24%) e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata (48,17 ± 1,01%). O ácido linoléico (C18: 2 n6) é identificado como o segundo principal ácido graxo poliinsaturado no presente estudo e o ácido oleico (C18: 1 n9) é determinado como o principal ácido graxo monoinsaturado. O estudo atual mostrou que Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata tem baixos níveis de ácidos graxos saturados. Foi demonstrado que ergosterol (263,1 ± 2,14 µg/g), estigmasterol (39,07 ± 0,91 µg/g) e beta-sitosterol (14,64 ± 0,49 µg/g) foram encontrados em Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata, enquanto o ergosterol (69,41 ± 1,75 µg/g) e beta-sitosterol (19,81 ± 1,14 µg/g) também foram determinados em Satureja hortensis L., este estudo determinou que Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata tem baixo teor de vitaminas lipossolúveis. Além disso, verificou-se que S. hortensis L. contém naringenina (612,57 ± 2,57 µg/g), morina (86,97 ± 1,12 µg/g), quercetina (22,87 ± 0,75 µg/g) e kaempferol (20,11 ± 0,94 µg/g) enquanto a naringenina (135,91 ± 1,91 µg/g), a naringina (61,23 ± 2,15 µg/g) e a quercetina (47,51 ± 1,17 µg/g) foram detectadas como flavonóides importantes nas sementes de Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. Os resultados do presente estudo sugerem que os extratos metanólicos de S. hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata tem significativa atividade de eliminação de radicais livres. Os presentes resultados revelaram que Satureja hortensis L. e Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata mostrou atividade importante contra microrganismos gram-positivos e gram-negativos, fungos e leveduras.

Abstract The present study determined some biological compounds, radical scavenging activity and antimicrobial capacity in seeds of Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. Alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n3) has been found to be the major polyunsaturated fatty acid of Satureja hortensis L. (66.24 ± 1.24%) and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata (48.17 ± 1.01%). Linoleic acid (C18:2 n6) is identified as the second major polyunsaturated fatty acid in the present study and oleic acid (C18:1 n9) is determined as the major monounsaturated fatty acid. Current study showed that Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata have low levels of saturated fatty acids. It has been demonstrated that ergosterol (263.1 ± 2.14 µg/g), stigmasterol (39.07 ± 0.91 µg/g) and beta-sitosterol (14.64 ± 0.49 µg/g) have been found in Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata, while ergosterol (69.41 ± 1.75 µg/g) and beta-sitosterol (19.81 ± 1.14 µg/g) have been determined in Satureja hortensis L. Also, this study determined that Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata have low lipide-soluble vitamin content. Furthermore, it has been found that Satureja hortensis L. contains naringenin (612.57 ± 2.57 µg/g), morin (86.97 ± 1.12 µg/g), quercetin (22.87 ± 0.75 µg/g), and kaempferol (20.11 ± 0.94 µg/g) while naringenin (135.91 ± 1.91 µg/g), naringin (61.23 ± 2.15 µg/g) and quercetin (47.51 ± 1.17 µg/g) have been detected as major flavonoids in the seeds of Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata. The results of the present study suggest that methanol extracts of Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata have significant free radical scavenging activity. The present results revealed that Satureja hortensis L. and Mentha spicata L. subsp. spicata showed major activity against gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms, fungi and yeast.

RESUMO OBJETIVO O desenvolvimento colateral coronariano (CCD) prediz a gravidade da doença coronariana. Parâmetros de hemograma como volume plaquetário médio (VPM), eosinófilo, largura de distribuição de glóbulos vermelhos e largura de distribuição de plaquetas (PDW) são supostos novos marcadores inflamatórios. Nosso objetivo foi comparar os valores do parâmetro hemograma em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (IAMSSST) com DCC adequado ou inadequado. MÉTODOS Um total de 177 pacientes com NSTEMI submetidos à arteriografia coronariana foram incluídos e divididos, com base no desenvolvimento de CCD, em dois grupos: grupo com CCD adequado (n = 88) e grupo com CCD alterado (n = 89). RESULTADOS Os dados demográficos e os fatores de risco clínicos basais foram semelhantes entre os grupos. Os parâmetros do hemograma não foram significativamente diferentes entre os dois grupos. Mas, em comparação com a mediana inadequada do grupo CCD, o PDW foi significativamente maior em CCD adequado de 17,6 (1,4) vs. 17,8 (1,6) p = 0,004. Na análise multivariada, PDW (p = 0,001, IC 95% para OR: 0,489 (0,319-0,750) foi significativamente diferente no grupo CCD adequado em comparação com o grupo CCD inadequado. A análise de correlação de Pearson revelou que PDW foi significativamente correlacionado com escore de aluguel (r = 0,26, p <0,001). CONCLUSÃO Sugerimos que, uma vez que a PDW é um índice barato e de fácil avaliação, pode servir como um marcador de DCC em pacientes com IAMSSST.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE Coronary collateral development (CCD) predicts the severity of coronary heart disease. Hemogram parameters, such as mean platelet volume (MPV), eosinophil, red cell distribution width, and platelet distribution width (PDW), are supposed novel inflammatory markers. We aimed to compare hemogram parameter values in patients presenting with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) with adequate or inadequate CCD. METHODS A total of 177 patients with NSTEMI undergoing coronary arteriography were enrolled and divided into two groups based on the development of CCD: one group with adequate CCD (n=88) and the other with impaired CCD (n=89). RESULTS Baseline demographics and clinical risk factors were similar between the groups. Hemogram parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. However, compared to the inadequate CCD group, the median PDW was significantly higher in the adequate CCD group, 17.6 (1.4) vs. 17.8 (1.6) p=0.004. In a multivariate analysis, PDW (p=0.001, 95% CI for OR: 0.489(0,319-0,750) was found to be significantly different in the adequate CCD group compared to the inadequate CCD group. Pearson’s correlation analysis revealed that PDW was significantly correlated with the Rentrop score (r=0.26, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS We suggest that since PDW is an index that is inexpensive and easy to assess, it could serve as a marker of CCD in patients with NSTEMI.

Abstract Background: Craniosynostosis is described as the premature fusion of cranial sutures that belongs to a group of alterations which produce an abnormal phenotype. Case report: Two unrelated female patients with clinical findings of Apert syndrome-characterized by acrocephaly, prominent frontal region, flat occiput, ocular proptosis, hypertelorism, down-slanted palpebral fissures, midfacial hypoplasia, high-arched or cleft palate, short neck, cardiac anomalies and symmetrical syndactyly of the hands and feet-are present. In both patients, a heterozygous missense mutation (c.755C>G, p.Ser252Trp) in the FGFR2 gene was identified. Conclusions: Two cases of Apert syndrome are described. It is important to recognize this uncommon entity through clinical findings, highlight interdisciplinary medical evaluation, and provide timely genetic counseling for the family.

Resumen Introducción: Las craneosinostosis se describen como la fusión prematura de las suturas craneales y resultan un grupo de alteraciones que producen un fenotipo anormal. Caso clínico: En este informe de casos se presentan dos pacientes de sexo femenino no emparentadas con hallazgos clínicos del síndrome de Apert, caracterizado por acrocefalia, región frontal prominente, occipucio plano, proptosis ocular, hipertelorismo, fisuras palpebrales hacia abajo, hipoplasia mediofacial, paladar alto o hendido, cuello corto, cardiopatía congénita y sindactilia simétrica en manos y pies. En ambas pacientes se identificó una mutación cambio de sentido en heterocigosis (c.755C>G, p.Ser252Trp) en el gen FGFR2. Conclusiones: Se presentan dos casos de síndrome de Apert. Es importante reconocer a través de los hallazgos clínicos esta entidad infrecuente, resaltar la evaluación médica interdisciplinaria y proporcionar un oportuno asesoramiento genético a la familia.

Carcass and meat quality traits of male and female lambs are important considerations in planning gender-based production and developing a marketing strategy for the product. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of sex on carcass and meat quality of Kivircik and Karacabey Merino lambs. Twenty male and 17 female lambs were used. Lambs were weaned at 45 days old and then fed ad libitum with concentrates and roughage until slaughter at 120 days. The study was carried out in two experiments at three-month intervals. Kivircik lambs had greater dressing percentage (47.96% vs 46.49%, P <0.05) and omental-mesenteric fat proportion (1.71% vs 1.10%, P <0.01), while Karacabey Merino lambs had a greater proportion of skin (11.14% vs 9.42%, P =0.001). Breed had no influence on water-holding capacity, shear force, L* and hue values (P >0.05). The meat of Karacabey Merino lambs had greater a*, b* and chroma values after blooming for 24 hours than meat from Kivircik lambs. Male lambs had greater proportions of head (5.39% vs 4.62%, P <0.001), feet (2.65% vs 2.46%, P <0.01) and visceral organs (4.53% vs 4.15%, P <0.05), while females had a greater proportion of visceral fat (1.76% vs 1.05%, P =0.001). Meat from female lambs was darker than meat from male lambs. In conclusion, under intensive conditions, the indigenous Kivircik breed had similar carcass and meat quality characteristics to the Karacabey Merino, a wool and meat breed.

Abstract Cardiac angiosarcomas are extremely rare in childhood, they are rapidly progressive tumours that often present themselves as diagnostic dilemmas, resulting in delayed diagnosis. Also, extracardiac manifestations, including abdominal pain, are extremely rare in patients with intracardiac tumors. We herein present the case of a 15-year-old girl who presented with abdominal pain. Echocardiography and thoracic computed tomography showed right atrial mass. The patient underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Eight months after treatment, abdominal recurrence was detected. The abdominal mass was resected, and radiotherapy and new chemotherapy protocol were given. The present case illustrates a rare case of primary cardiac angiosarcoma posing a diagnostic dilemma in an adolescent girl.

BACKGROUND Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) is one of the most significant causes of mortality and morbidity. Early diagnose is important especially in multiple drug resistant tuberculosis to avoid transmission. Traditional techniques requires at least one to three weeks for diagnosis of tuberculosis. Diagnostic delays with multiple drug resistant tuberculosis are associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased transmission The Xpert MTB/RIF assay is one of the new diagnostic device for the diagnosis of tuberculosis and rapid detection of rifampicin resistance. OBJECTIVE We assessed the performance of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for detecting rifampicin resistance using phenotypic drug susceptibility tests as automated BD MGIT 960. METHODS Total of 2136 specimens were included in the study. Xpert MTB/RIF testing was performed on samples, using version 4 cartridges, according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The MTBC culture and first-line phenotypic DST were performed in automated BD MGIT 960 (Becton & Dickinson, USA) according to the recommendations of the manufacturer. Agar proportion was used in the case of inconsistency for rifampicin resistance. FINDINGS Thirty-four samples (19 respiratory and 15 nonrespiratory samples) were determined as positive for M. tuberculosis complex by Xpert MTB/RIF (Cepheid GeneXpert® System, USA). Xpert MTB/RIF assay detected 4/34 (11.7%) specimens as rifampicin resistant. One of the rifampicin resistant isolates was determined susceptible in MGIT 960 automated system. This isolate was also tested with agar proportion method and found susceptible to rifampicin. MAIN CONCLUSION The Xpert MTB/RIF assay can be used as first-line assay for the detection of M. tuberculosis. However, microbiologists must be aware of the limitations of the assay.

RESUMEN Anatolia oriental provee uno de los mejores ejemplos de un área de rápida deformación e intensa contracción, consecuencia de una colisión continental activa entre la placa Arábiga y la Euroasiática, lo que causa grandes y devastadores terremotos. Dos notables terremotos son evidencia de la actividad tectónica de la región: los terremotos Van-Tabanli (7.2 Mw. 23 de octubre de 2011) y Van-Edremit (5.6 Mw, 9 de noviembre de 2011). El estudio del ciclo sísmico y la observación de las deformaciones geodésicas y sísmicas en esta región es fundamental para la evaluación de riesgo. En este estudio, se investiga las fases inter-, co- y post-sísmicas asociados a estos terremotos a través de 2300 días de observaciones del Sistema Global de Navegación por Satélite (GNSS, por sus siglas en inglés) de estaciones locales seleccionadas de la red de Estaciones de Referencia de Funcionamiento Continuo en Turquía (CORS-TR). Para el periodo intersísmico se obtuvieron aproximadamente 1100 datos diarios de 21 estaciones CORS-TR (anteriores a los terremotos entre el 1 de octubre de 2008 y el 23 de octubre de 2011) y evaluados con el software GAMIT/GBLOK. El comportamiento co-sísmico fue investigado procesando datos de 1 Hz de las estaciones GNSS durante los terremotos en el software GAMIT/TRACK. Adicionalmente se evaluaron datos del GNSS un día antes y un día después de los terremotos para determinar las deformaciones cosísmicas. Durante el terremoto del 23 de octubre, en el bloque colgante se detectó una deformación de 60 mm en dirección SW (estación MURA). En la estación VAAN en el bloque yacente se observó una deformación de 200 mm en dirección NW (valor predicho por series temporales). Durtante el terremoto del 9 de Noviembre no se observó cambios significativos. Para la fase post-sísmica se evaluaron los datos de la GNSS del 2012 al 2015. Según las observaciones, la deformación postsísmica continuó en las estaciones cercanas al epicentro del terremoto.

ABSTRACT The eastern Anatolia provides one of the best examples of an area of rapid deformation and intense contraction that is the consequence of an active continental collision between the Arabian and Eurasian plates leading to large and devastating earthquakes. The latest evidence of the active tectonism in the region is revealed by two remarkable seismic events; Van-Tabanli (Mw 7.2, October 23, 2011) and Van-Edremit (Mw 5.6, November 9, 2011) earthquakes. The study of the earthquake cycle and observation of geodetic and seismic deformation in this region is very important to hazard assessments. In this study, the inter-seismic, co-seismic, and post-seismic movements caused by the above-mentioned earthquakes were investigated using the time series of 2300 days of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) observations of the local stations selected from the network of the Continuously Operating Reference Stations, Turkey (CORS-TR). For the inter-seismic period, approximately 1100 daily data were obtained from 21 CORS-TR stations (prior to the earthquakes between October 1, 2008 and October 23, 2011) and evaluated using the GAMIT/GLOBK software. The behaviour of these stations was investigated by processing 1 Hz data from the GNSS stations during the earthquakes on the GAMIT/TRACK software. In addition to October 23 and November 9, the GNSS data on one day before and after the earthquakes was assessed to determine co-seismic deformations. During the October 23 earthquake, hanging-wall deformation of about 60 mm was detected in the SW direction at the MURA station. However, at the VAAN station, deformation of200 mm (value predicted by time series) was observed in the footwall block in the NW direction. There were not any significant changes at the stations during the November 9 earthquake. For the post-seismic period, the GNSS data from 2012 to 2015 was evaluated. According to the observations, post-seismic deformation continued at the stations close to the epicenter of the earthquake.

Humerus is the longest and thickest bone of the upper limb. As a long bone, it has two epiphysis and diaphysis. In this study, we aimed to conduct morphometric measurements belonging to human humerus. This study was conducted on 60 humerus (28 right, 32 left) in collections of Necmettin Erbakan University Meram Medicine Faculty Anatomy Laboratory. Digital calipers, osteometric board and precision scales for humerus bone measurements were used. Measurements were classified as measurements of diaphysis and proximal and distal epiphysis of humerus. Each bone weight was determined. Also nutrient foramen number and localization was determined. In this study, it was determined that mean right humerus length 30.41±1.73 mm, mean left humerus length 30.04±2.39 mm. It was identified that mean right humerus weight was 115.05±28.06 g, mean left humerus weigh twas 111.63±33.34 g. In 9 humerus (15 %), supratrochlear foramen has been observed. 6 of these were oval and 3 of them were round. Nutrient foramen has not been observed in two humerus (3.3 %). Also, medium and weak correlation was identified between many parameters. We believe that the obtained data from this study may be qualities of reference for sex determination from humerus.

El húmero es el hueso más largo y grueso del miembro superior. Como un hueso largo, tiene dos epífisis y una diáfisis. En este estudio, se pretende realizar mediciones morfométricas pertenecientes al húmero humano. Este estudio se realizó en 60 húmeros (28 derechos, 32 izquierdos) en colecciones del Laboratorio de Anatomía de la Facultad de Medicina Meram,Necmettin Erbakan University, Se utilizaron calibradores digitales, tableros osteométricos y escalas de precisión para medir el húmero. Las mediciones se clasificaron como medidas de húmero proximal, corporal y distal. Se determinó el peso de cada hueso. También se determinó el número y la localización de los forámenes nutricios. La longitud media del húmero derecho fue de 30,41 ± 1,73 mm y la del húmero izquierdo fue de 30,04 ± 2,39 mm. El peso medio del húmero derecho fue 115,05 ± 28,06 g y el izquierdo 111,63 ± 33,34 g. En 9 húmeros (15 %), se observó un foramen supratroclear, seis de ellos eran ovales y tres redondos.No se observó foramen nutricio en dos húmeros (3,3 %). Además, se identificó una correlación media y débil entre varios parámetros. Creemos que los datos obtenidos de este estudio pueden ser de referencia para la determinación del sexo de un individio a partir del húmero.

ABSTRACT The urban heat island (UHI) phenomenon and outdoor human thermal comfort may be affected by several factors such as the size of the built environment, the rate of open and green spaces and different types of ground surface covers (e.g., grass and artificial covers) in urban areas. Depending on the types and structures of the pavement/covering materials, which can have effects on the albedo and surface heating, ground surfaces reflect solar radiation or heat the air above them. Pavements that can absorb more solar radiation may turn it into heat, thus warming the air, which in turn heats urban areas and make them uncomfortable for human beings. The present study investigates the effect of different materials on the UHI intensity by considering nine different types of materials (andesite, granite, basalt, travertine, impregnated wood, soil, asphalt, clinker powder and grass) in the Ata botanical garden located in the city center of Erzurum, in the Eastern Anatolia region of Turkey. Temperature data were measured on clear summer days during the month of July and compared in terms of thermal comfort. All measurements were taken 150 cm above the ground at 12:00 p.m. by using an infrared thermometer (CEM-DT-8812). In order to estimate the physiologically equivalent temperature (PET) for each soil type, data were analyzed using the RayMan 2.1 software, and the scores were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance (ANOVA). The differences in mean temperatures were evaluated with Fisher’s least significant difference (LSD) test. The results showed that mean PET scores ranged between 28.9 ºC for impregnated wood and 25.9 ºC for grass (a difference of 3.0 ºC), while the other scores were 26.1, 26.7, 27.1, 27.5, 27.8, 28.5 and 28.5 ºC for travertine, granite, andesite, soil, clinker powder, basalt, and asphalt, respectively. The analytical results indicated that all the studied materials create a slight heat stress (23.1-29.0 ºC) according to their PET indices and their predetermined comfort intervals. However, the levels of heat stress for impregnated wood, asphalt, and basalt were higher than the others. It was determined that grass, travertine and cube granite are optimal surface materials, since they exhibited a level of heat stress that is close to the comfort range (18.1-23.0 ºC).

RESUMEN La isla urbana de calor (ICU) y el confort térmico en espacios exteriores pueden ser afectados por diversos factores como el tamaño del entorno edificado, la proporción de espacios verdes y abiertos y los diferentes tipos de coberturas superficiales (e.g., pasto y coberturas artificiales) en zonas urbanas. De acuerdo con los tipos y estructuras de los pavimentos y materiales de cobertura, que pueden tener efectos en el albedo y el calentamiento superficial, las superficies reflejan la radiación solar o calientan el aire sobre ellas. Los pavimentos que absorben mayor cantidad de radiación solar la pueden convertir en calor, lo cual calienta el aire; esto a su vez eleva la temperatura de las áreas urbanas y provoca incomodidad en los seres humanos. El presente estudio investiga los efectos de diferentes materiales para cobertura de suelo en la intensidad de la ICU. Se consideran nueve tipos de materiales, a saber andesita, granito, basalto, travertino, madera impregnada, tierra, asfalto, polvo de ladrillo y pasto, los cuales fueron analizados en el jardín botánico de Ata en el centro de Erzurum, una ciudad ubicada en Anatolia oriental, Turquía. Las mediciones de temperatura superficial de estos pavimentos se llevaron a cabo durante julio en días soleados, a 150 cm sobre el suelo y a las 12:00 horas. Se utilizó para ello un termómetro infrarrojo (CEM-DT-8812) y, con el objeto de obtener temperaturas fisiológicamente equivalentes (TFE) para cada tipo de pavimento, los resultados se analizaron con el software RayMan 2.1. Posteriormente se analizaron estadísticamente las puntuaciones de TFE con una prueba de análisis de varianza y las diferencias en las temperaturas medias se evaluaron con la prueba de Fisher de la diferencia menos significativa. Los resultados muestran que los valores medios de TFE variaron de 28.9 ºC para madera impregnada a 25.9 ºC para pasto (una diferencia de 3 ºC). Las otras puntuaciones fueron las siguientes: 26.1, 26.7, 27.1, 27.5, 27.8, 28.5 y 28.5 ºC para travertino, granito, andesita, tierra, polvo de ladrillo, basalto y asfalto, respectivamente. Los resultados analíticos indican que todos los materiales estudiados crean un estrés térmico ligero (23.1-29 ºC) acorde con los índices TFE y los niveles de estrés. Sin embargo, el estrés térmico medido para la madera impregnada, el asfalto y el basalto fue mayor que para el resto de los materiales. Se determinó que el pasto, el travertino y los cubos de granito son las coberturas superficiales óptimas, ya que el nivel de estrés térmico que producen es el más cercano al rango de confort térmico (18.1-23.0 ºC).

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a flora conjuntival, do saco lacrimal e nasal com o tempo de normalização após dacriocistorrinostomia (DCR) externa (EX-), endoscópica (EN-) e transcanalicular a laser de multi diodo (TC-) para correlacionar a positividade da cultura com o sucesso cirúrgico, assim como identificar a sensibilidade aos antibióticos em amostras de saco lacrimal. Métodos: Neste estudo prospectivo, 90 pacientes com obstrução do canal nasolacrimal adquirida primária foram incluídos e divididos em grupos EX-DCR (n=32), EN-DCR (n=28) e TC-DCR (n=30). Culturas e antibiogramas conjuntivais, nasais e do saco lacrimal foram analisados. Resultados: Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CNS) foi o organismo predominante isolado no pré-operatório (conjuntiva e nariz), no transoperatório (saco lacrimal) e pós-operatório (conjuntiva), nos 3 grupos. Taxas de positividade de cultura da conjuntiva pré- e pós-operatórias nos três grupos foram semelhantes (p>0,05). A diferença nas taxas de crescimento do saco lacrimal dos três grupos foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,001). CNS e S. aureus foram mais sensíveis a linezolida, teicoplanina, a tigeciclina, vancomicina e mupirocina. O tempo de normalização conjuntival foi semelhante nos três grupos (p>0,05). Não houve relação estatisticamente significativa entre as taxas de sucesso anatômicas e funcionais e a positividade da cultura conjuntival e de saco lacrimal pré-operatória (p>0,05). Conclusões: Pacientes submetidos a EX-DCR, EN-DCR, e TC-DCR apresentaram positividades de cultura conjuntival semelhantes no pré-operatório e na 1a semana pós-operatória. Houve uma redução significativa na taxa de crescimento das culturas da conjuntiva pós-operatórias. O organismo mais comumente isolado foi o CNS. A taxa de crescimento de bactérias a partir do saco lacrimal foi significativamente maior no grupo PT-DCR. O crescimento bacteriano da conjuntiva no pré-operatório e de amostras do saco lacrimal no transoperatório não se relacionaram com o sucesso da DCR.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the conjunctival, lacrimal sac, and nasal flora cultures and conjunctival normalization time following external (EX-), endoscopic (EN-), and transcanalicular multidiode laser (TC-) dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to evaluate the relationship between culture positivity and surgical success. We further performed antibiotic sensitivity analyses for lacrimal sac culture samples. Methods: A total of 90 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were recruited and divided into EX-DCR (n=32), EN-DCR (n=28), and TC-DCR (n=30) groups. Conjunctival, nasal, and lacrimal sac cultures and antibiograms were analyzed. Results: In all three groups, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) was predominantly isolated preoperatively from the conjunctiva, nose, and lacrimal sac and postoperatively from the conjunctiva. Preoperative and postoperative conjunctival culture positivity rates were similar between all the groups (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference in the growth rate of culture in the lacrimal sac was observed between the three groups (p=0.001). CNS and Staphylococcus aureus cultures were predominantly sensitive to linezolid, teicoplanin, tigecycline, vancomycin, and mupirocin. Conjunctival normalization times were similar between the three groups (p>0.05). Anatomical and functional success rates were not found to be significantly correlated with preoperative conjunctival and lacrimal sac culture positivity (p>0.05). Conclusions: Similar rates of preoperative and 1-week postoperative conjunctival culture positivity were observed in all the groups; a significantly lower bacterial growth rate was observed in postoperative conjunctival cultures. CNS was the most commonly isolated organism. Bacterial growth rates in the lacrimal sac samples were significantly higher in the EN-DCR group. Bacterial growth rates obtained preoperatively from the conjunctival and lacrimal sac culture samples were not correlated with DCR success.

The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of a new and accurate method for the detection of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance among Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates using a crystal violet decolourisation assay (CVDA). Fifty-five M. tuberculosis isolates obtained from culture stocks stored at -80ºC were tested. After bacterial inoculation, the samples were incubated at 37ºC for seven days and 100 µL of CV (25 mg/L stock solution) was then added to the control and sample tubes. The tubes were incubated for an additional 24-48 h. CV (blue/purple) was decolourised in the presence of bacterial growth; thus, if CV lost its colour in a sample containing a drug, the tested isolate was reported as resistant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and agreement for INH were 92.5%, 96.4%, 96.1%, 93.1% and 94.5%, respectively, and 88.8%, 100%, 100%, 94.8% and 96.3%, respectively, for RIF. The results were obtained within eight-nine days. This study shows that CVDA is an effective method to detect M. tuberculosis resistance to INH and RIF in developing countries. This method is rapid, simple and inexpensive. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary before routine laboratory implementation.

In this study, color removal by absorption from synthetically prepared wastewater was investigated using montmorillonite clay by adsorption. As dyestuff Astrazon Red Violet 3RN (Basic Violet 16) was used. Experimental parameters selected were pH, temperature, agitation speed, initial dyestuff concentration, adsorbent dosage and ionic strength. It was established that adsorption rate increased with increasing pH, temperature, dye concentration and agitation speed, but decreased with increased ionic strength and adsorbent dosage. Adsorption equilibrium data obtained by a series of experiments carried out in a water bath were employed with common isotherm equations such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Elovich and Dubinin-Radushkevich. It was found that the Langmuir equation appears to fit the equilibrium data better than the other models. Furthermore, the fit of the kinetic data to common kinetic models such as the pseudo-first-order, second-order, Elovich and intraparticle diffusion models was tested to elucidate the adsorption mechanism. Kinetic data conformed to the pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorptions. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters activation energy, Ea, enthalpy ΔH*, entropy, ΔS*, and free energy change, ΔG*, were calculated. The values of the calculated parameters indicated that physical adsorption of ARV on the clay was dominant and that the adsorption process was endothermic.

Early detection of drug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates allows for earlier and more effective treatment of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance of the malachite green decolourisation assay (MGDA) in detecting isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) resistance in M. tuberculosis clinical isolates. Fifty M. tuberculosis isolates, including 19 multidrug-resistant, eight INH-resistant and 23 INH and RIF-susceptible samples, were tested. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and agreement of the assay for INH were 92.5%, 91.3%, 92.5%, 91.3% and 92%, respectively. Similarly, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and agreement of the assay for RIF were 94.7%, 100%, 100%, 96.8% and 98%, respectively. There was a major discrepancy in the tests of two isolates, as they were sensitive to INH by the MGDA test, but resistant by the reference method. There was a minor discrepancy in the tests of two additional isolates, as they were sensitive to INH by the reference method, but resistant by the MGDA test. The drug susceptibility test results were obtained within eight-nine days. In conclusion, the MGDA test is a reliable and accurate method for the rapid detection of INH and RIF resistance compared with the reference method and the MGDA test additionally requires less time to obtain results.