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Various research topics in geosciences such as gravity modelling, terrain correction and ocean circulation, require high resolution and accuracy global elevations for land topography, bathymetry, and ice thickness that refer to a consistent vertical datum. Unfortunately, most of the existing DEMs do not provide such solutions for Earth relief layers with the same resolution globally. To overcome this deficiency, we merged various DEMs published in the recent years and compiled an up-to-date global solution. We provide 30 arcsecond grid suite for relief layers and land-type masks which have been substantially improved w.r.t. the grids in literature. The quality of the merged surface elevation is assessed against the GNSS heights at about globally distributed 22000 stations. The merged surface model shows a reduction in standard deviation of a factor of three compared to other commonly used DEMs. Other evaluations are performed over land-ice and oceans which supports the advancement of GDEMM2024. The improvements are due to the accuracy and coverage of the original input data, updated land-type masks and merging methodology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work contributes to the understanding of damage of adhesive layers generated during the manufacturing process and its effect on the subsequent load carrying capacity of the joint. A temperature dependent cohesive zone model is used to predict damage during the manufacturing process. Therefore, parameters for a temperature-dependent as well as a strain rate-dependent model were determined on various specimens. It is shown, that it is possible to predict the manufacturing induced damage within the adhesive layer with sufficient accuracy using a cohesive zone model. Furthermore, a continuous process chain for numerical simulations is developed, which allows to determine the adhesive layer damage by means of a process simulation and to consider the changed mechanical properties in a subsequent crash simulation. To simplify the procedure, a software tool is presented that automatically performs the described steps. The developed method is applied to a car body simulation to investigate the effects caused by the manufacturing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017 and 2018 GFZ performed two gravimetry campaigns on commercial ferries in the Baltic Sea. The nature of such "non-dedicated" campaigns is different from "dedicated" campaigns that are performed on research vessels with tracks planned according to gravity measurement needs. The non-dedicated campaigns use non-survey vessels or survey vessels running for other purposes such as hydrographic measurements, which may require additional corrections. To assess the usefulness of non-dedicated campaigns, we analysed gravity measurements collected on two commercial ferries as part of the EU funded FAMOS project. Besides the typical marine gravimetry corrections, we also investigated the corrections for the vertical accelerations due to the ship's movement and the dynamical effect due to the cross-coupling between horizontal and vertical acceleration components. Taking the latter two corrections into account partly leads to slight improvements, but our results also demonstrate that the standard processing without the two corrections, as used in most of the dedicated campaigns, already delivers good quality end products that fulfil the requirements of a typical marine gravimetry survey with an uncertainty of about 1 mGal. Our findings suggest that gravimetry campaigns on commercial ferries can be used to complement dedicated marine gravimetry campaigns and contribute to geodetic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Future liability considerations and stringent regulatory requirements often lead the users to choose end product-driven processes. Over the last decade, high-rate novel reactors have emerged for wastewater treatment, ensuring high removal efficiencies. An example is jet loop reactors offering a number of advantages that could be even further improved by attaining thermophilic conditions. In this study, a respirometric analysis was employed in a thermophilic jet loop reactor for treating potato-processing wastewater in order to determine the kinetic and stoichiometric parameters. The kinetic parameters namely maximum specific growth rate (μmax), yield ratio (Y), decay coefficient (kd), and half saturation rate constant (Ks) were found to be 0.2 L/h, 0.71 g/g, 0.02 L/h, and 25.72 mg/L, respectively. Bacillus mojavensis, Gordonia paraffinivorans, Bacillus badius and Paenibacillus lactis strains were isolated from the thermophilic jet loop bioreactor. Considering the results, it is recommended that the estimation of kinetic and stoichiometric parameters in this system should preferentially be performed using respirometric techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last few years, the determination of high-resolution global gravity field has gained momentum due to high-accuracy satellite-derived observations and development of forward gravity modelling. Forward modelling computes the global gravitational field from mass distribution sources instead of actual gravity measurements and helps improving and complementing the medium to high-frequency components of the global gravity field models. In this study, we approximate the global gravity potential of the Earth's upper crust based on ellipsoidal approximation and a mass layer concept. Such an approach has an advantage of spectral methods and also avoids possible instabilities due to the use of a sequence of thin ellipsoidal shells. Lateral density within these volumetric shells bounded by confocal lower and upper shell ellipsoids is used in the computation of the ellipsoidal harmonic coefficients which are then transformed into spherical harmonic coefficients on the Earth's surface in the final step. The main outcome of this research is a spectral representation of the gravitatioal potential of the Earth's upper crust, computed up to degree and order 3660 in terms of spherical harmonic coefficients (ROLI_EllApprox_SphN_3660). We evaluate our methodology by comparing this model with other similar forward models in the literature which show sub-cm agreement in terms of geoid undulations. Finally, EIGEN-6C4 is augmented by ROLI_EllApprox_SphN_3660 and the gravity field functionals computed from the expanded model which has about 5 km half-wavelength spatial resolution are compared w.r.t. ground-truth data in different regions worldwide. Our investigations show that the contribution of the topographic model increases the agreement up to ~ 20% in the gravity value comparisons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Umbilical cord hernia is poorly understood and often miscategorized as "omphalocele minor". Careless clamping of the cord leads to iatrogenic gut injury in the situation of umbilical cord hernia. This study aimed to determine the characteristics and outcomes of umbilical cord hernias. We also highlight an alternative repair method for umbilical cord hernias.Methods: We recorded 15 cases of umbilical cord hernias over 10 years. The patients' data were retrospectively reviewed, and preoperative preparation of the newborn, gestational age, birth weight, other associated malformations, surgical technique used, enteral nutrition, and length of hospitalization were recorded.Results: This study included 15 neonates with umbilical cord hernias. The mean gestational age at the time of referral was 38.2 ± 2.1 Conclusions: In an umbilical cord hernia, the body folds develop normally and form the umbilical ring. The double purse-string technique is easy to apply and produces satisfactory cosmetic results in neonates with umbilical cord hernias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Centre for Global Earth Models (ICGEM, http://icgem.gfz-potsdam.de/ , last access: 6 May 2019) hosted at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) is one of the five services coordinated by the International Gravity Field Service (IGFS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). The goal of the ICGEM service is to provide the scientific community with a state-of-the-art archive of static and temporal global gravity field models of the Earth, and develop and operate interactive calculation and visualization services of gravity field functionals on user-defined grids or at a list of particular points via its website. ICGEM offers the largest collection of global gravity field models, including those from the 1960s to the 1990s, as well as the most recent ones, which have been developed using data from dedicated satellite gravity missions, CHAMP, GRACE, GOCE, advanced processing methodologies, and additional data sources such as satellite altimetry and terrestrial gravity. The global gravity field models have been collected from different institutions at international level and after a validation process made publicly available in a standardized format with DOI numbers assigned through GFZ Data Services. The development and maintenance of such a unique platform is crucial for the scientific community in geodesy, geophysics, oceanography, and climate research. In this article, we present the development history and future plans of ICGEM and its current products and essential services. We present the ICGEM's data by means of Earth's static, temporal, and topographic gravity field models as well as the gravity field models of other celestial bodies together with examples produced by the ICGEM's calculation and 3-D visualization services and give an insight into how the ICGEM service can additionally contribute to the needs of research and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The International Centre for Global Earth Models (ICGEM, http://icgem.gfz-potsdam.de/, last access: 6 May 2019) hosted at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ) is one of the five services coordinated by the International Gravity Field Service (IGFS) of the International Association of Geodesy (IAG). The goal of the ICGEM service is to provide the scientific community with a state-of-the-art archive of static and temporal global gravity field models of the Earth, and develop and operate interactive calculation and visualization services of gravity field functionals on user-defined grids or at a list of particular points via its website. ICGEM offers the largest collection of global gravity field models, including those from the 1960s to the 1990s, as well as the most recent ones, which have been developed using data from dedicated satellite gravity missions, CHAMP, GRACE, GOCE, advanced processing methodologies, and additional data sources such as satellite altimetry and terrestrial gravity. The global gravity field models have been collected from different institutions at international level and after a validation process made publicly available in a standardized format with DOI numbers assigned through GFZ Data Services. The development and maintenance of such a unique platform is crucial for the scientific community in geodesy, geophysics, oceanography, and climate research. In this article, we present the development history and future plans of ICGEM and its current products and essential services. We present the ICGEM's data by means of Earth's static, temporal, and topographic gravity field models as well as the gravity field models of other celestial bodies together with examples produced by the ICGEM's calculation and 3-D visualization services and give an insight into how the ICGEM service can additionally contribute to the needs of research and society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The least-squares wavelet analysis, an alternative to the classical wavelet analysis, was introduced in order to analyze unequally spaced and non-stationary time series exhibiting components with variable amplitude and frequency over time. There are a few methods such as cross-wavelet transform and wavelet coherence that can analyze two time series together. However, these methods cannot generally be used to analyze unequally spaced and non-stationary time series with associated covariance matrices that may have trends and/or datum shifts. A new method of analyzing two time series together, namely the least-squares cross-wavelet analysis, is developed and applied to study the disturbances in the gravitational gradients observed by GOCE satellite that arise from plasma flow in the ionosphere represented by Poynting flux. The proposed method also shows its outstanding performance on the Westford-Wettzell very long baseline interferometry baseline length and temperature series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was undertaken to investigate the individual and combined antioxidant or prooxidant effects of genistein, daidzein and quercetin in human erythrocytes and rat microsomes in vitro. Their reducing potential against oxidation of a redox sensitive fluorescent probe, their protective effect against H2O2-induced membrane lipid peroxidation and their inhibitory effect on AAPH-induced hemolysis were evaluated. Genistein and daidzein were prooxidant in erythrocytes but antioxidant in microsomes where their metabolites might have been formed which suggests the importance of metabolic capacity in in vitro models to predict the physiological situation. Quercetin showed antioxidant effects in all models and conditions. Prooxidant effect of ‘genistein-daidzein mixture’, at their concentrations reflecting the real life, was suppressed by addition of quercetin to the mixture. Our study shows that flavonoids can exert prooxidant effects depending on the conditions, but the mixture effect should be considered while assessing their effects and safety in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the launch of dedicated satellite gravity missions, starting with CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) in 2000, with Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) in 2002, and Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) in 2009, the accuracy and spatial resolution of the Earth's global gravity field models have been improved. Highly sensitive accelerometer measurements have not only been useful for gravity field modeling but have also been contributing to the studies of thermospheric dynamics. While improving the sensitivity of the accelerometer measurements, the new instrumentation used on board GOCE brings different challenges in understanding the data and developing sophisticated data processing. Our analyses reveal that the GOCE gravitational gradient measurements were affected by highly variable ionospheric dynamics that did not only degrade the quality of the GOCE Electrostatic Gravity Gradiometer (EGG) measurements but also proved that some characteristics of ionospheric dynamics can be measured by GOCE accelerometers and other Low Earth Orbiters. In this paper, we show how GOCE-retrieved neutral winds respond to main ionospheric currents and we develop the impulse-response relation between intense ionospheric dynamics (plasma drift) represented by Poynting energy flux and the gravity gradiometer tensor trace disturbances observed over the north geomagnetic polar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the presence of residual nongravitational signatures in gravitational gradients measured by GOCE electrostatic gravity gradiometer. These signatures are observed over the magnetic poles during geomagnetically active days and can contaminate the trace of the gravitational gradient tensor by up to three to five times the expected noise level of the instrument ( $$\sim $$ 11 mE). We investigate these anomalies in the gradiometer measurements along many satellite tracks and examine possible causes using external datasets, such as interplanetary electric field measurements from the ACE (advanced composition explorer) and WIND spacecraft, and Poynting vector (flux) estimated from equivalent ionospheric currents derived from spherical elementary current systems over North America and Greenland. We show that the variations in the east-west and vertical electrical currents and Poynting vector components at the satellite position are highly correlated with the disturbances observed in the gradiometer measurements. The results presented in this paper reveal that the disturbances are due to intense ionospheric current variations that are enhanced by increased solar activity that causes a very dynamic drag environment. Moreover, successful modelling and removal of a high percentage of these disturbances are possible using external geomagnetic field observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Participation in regular physical activity reduces the risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular and other lifestyle-dependent diseases. Interestingly, acute and strenuous exercise influences platelet function and platelet leukocyte interaction as well as blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. However, the underlying mechanisms of these interactions are still completely understood. Accordingly, in the present study we investigated the effect of High-intensity endurance competition (HIC) on platelet function and activity. In addition, we investigated also effects of blood lactate (BLa) on platelet function. 40 healthy (20 male, 20 female) volunteer juvenile swimmers aged 12-13 years performed strenuous exercises at 100% of BLa which corresponded to about 80% of peak oxygen consumption (peak VO2). Blood samples were taken after 30 min rest and immediately after exercise and after 30 min rest. All parameters after exercise were significantly higher than those of before exercise and recovery period. Recovery PF4, PAI-1 and t-PA levels also were significanlty increased than before exercise levels. In conclusion, the effect of the acute arm exercise on platelet aggregation depends on the intensity of exercise and the sensitivity of the membrane and intracellular signalling pathways of platelets. Exercise-induced platelet aggregation occurred without an increase in ATP release. The haemodynamic changes after the exercises, result in an increased shear rate, the increase after strenuous exercise is more pronounce. Therefore, it is recommended that submaximum endurance performance should be individually developed in order for everyone to be able to carry out normal daily activities and also to exercise well below the IAT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases is the property of Journal of Microbiology & Infectious Diseases and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Biotechnological potential of secondary metabolites from microorganisms are receiving much attention for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds. The present study was designed to assess the genetic potential of rhizosphere streptomycete communities by amplifying adenylation (A) domains of non-ribosomal peptide synthetase (NRPS) genes. Using degenerate PCR and the sequencing of cloned products, NRPSs were detected in all 26 isolates. Based on the BlastX analysis, most of the NRPS fragments showed below 70% identity to their closest relatives. Additionally, NRPS A domain sequences were constituted established chemistry based clades in the phylogenetic tree. Different A domains were determined in the sequences, but in some cases their substrate specifity failed to be predicted. This means that these domains can recognize novel amino acids as substrate. For the first time, an investigation was performed on the substrate specifity of NRPS A domains of rhizosphere streptomycetes and their phylogenetic relationship. Genomic screening studies such as the one presented here for NRPS genes; contribute to on-going efforts to characterize the potential of plant-associated microbiota for secondary metabolite biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the treatment of three children with multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii meningitis referred to the Department of Pediatrics in Ankara University in the U.S. It outlines the condition and symptoms of the infection as well as the use of intravenous and intrathecal colistin in treating the disease. It notes the effectivity of the treatment and suggests that intravenous and intrathecal colistin are potentially safe therapeutic option for childhood MDR.

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Çocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi is the property of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Cocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Loss of specific immunity after hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) is well documented for polio, measles, mumps and tetanus. There are limited studies reporting the loss of Hepatitis A virus immunity and no reports evaluating the effect of donor immunity on Hepatitis A virus (HAV) immunity loss after HSCT. A total of 49 of the 81 patients who received HSCT at the Ankara University Pediatric HSCT Unit from January 1997 to December 2006 had HAV serology tested before HSCT and were evaluated for seroprevalence, and 30 of 49 patients were evaluated for the loss of Ab and for the effect of donor immunity on the loss of HAV Abs. The seroprevalence before HSCT was 75.5%. Loss of Ab was detected in 43.5% (10/23) of the patients. The median time to loss of Ab was 12 months (12–32 months), and 60% of these patients were seronegative at 12 months after HSCT. After HSCT, 46.7% of the patients were seronegative. Loss of Ab was higher in the seronegative donor group (75 vs 26%). The loss of HAV Ab is high after allogeneic HSCT for pediatric patients. Reimmunization should be considered for the continuation of individual and community immunity. Further studies with larger study groups are warranted to clarify the role of donor immunity on the loss of HAV immunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Çocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi is the property of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Cocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim: Varicella is predominantly a childhood disease in non-vaccinated populations. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the indications of hospital admissions, complications of varicella infection and their clinical characteristics among previously healthy and children.with underlying illness Material and Methods: Hospital records of children hospitalized for varicella between January 2000 and August 2007 were reviewed. Results: A total of 34 children were hospitalized during the study period, 38% of the patients were previously healthy and 62% were previously ill patients. Previously well children were hospitalized because of varicellarelated complications and previously ill children were usually hospitalized for antiviral therapy or for observation. There were 25 complications in 21 patients. The most common complication was secondary bacterial infections reported in 8 children (23%) and was more common in healthy children (p<0.01). Hepatitis and arthritis were present in 3 (9%), thrombocytopenia, varicella pneumonia and stomatitis were present in 2 (6%) and disseminated varicella and encephalitis were present in 1 (3%) patient. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of hepatitis, arthritis, stomatitis, varicella pneumoniae, thrombocytopenia, encephalitis, and disseminated varicella between previously ill and well children (p<0.05). Varicella-related complications observed in healthy children were more severe than the ones observed in previously ill patients. Conclusion: Our study confirms that healthy children are at risk for severe complications of varicella, especially secondary bacterial infections, leading to hospitalization. Thus, an universal childhood varicella immunization may reduce the rate of varicella-related complications and admissions in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Çocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi is the property of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Cocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In order to determine the role of levels of acute phase proteins (APPs) for the development of amyloidosis in familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) patients, the levels of serum amyloid A (SAA), C reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were measured in paired sera of 36 FMF patients during and in between acute attacks, 39 of their healthy parents (obligate heterozgotes), and 15 patients with FMF associated amyloidosis. To compare the levels of APPs, 39 patients with chronic infections or inflammatory diseases who may develop secondary amyloidosis, 20 patients with acute infections who are known to have elevated acute phase response but will never develop amyloidosis and 19 healthy controls were included. The median levels of all APPs are increased in the patients with FMF during attacks and a significant decrease was observed after the attack was over. The level of SAA was above reference range in all FMF patients during the attack free period and the level of at least one other APP was also above normal in 64% of the patients. Both CRP and SAA levels were found to be higher in obligate heterozygotes compared to controls. The levels of SAA in patients with FMF during the attack-free period, obligate heterozygotes and patients with FMF-amyloidosis were found to be similar. The levels in each group were found to be higher than SAA levels found in healthy controls yet lower than the levels measured in the patients with acute infections and patients with chronic inflammation or chronic infections. In conclusion, our results show that SAA level reflects subclinical inflammation with high sensitivity but its value for the prediction of amyloid formation process seems to be low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dialysis improves most symptoms of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), yet many patients continue to experience sexual dysfunction (SD) during the dialysis treatment. The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the frequency and the course of SD during a 6-month dialysis treatment. Additionally, relationships between the level of depression, cognitive impairment and biochemical parameters of SD were also assessed. The subjects were 43 ESRD (25 male and 18 female) on dialysis treatment for at least 12 months. SD was assessed using the Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX); the level of depression and cognitive impairment were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE). Several biochemical parameters were also assessed. All assessments were carried out at baseline and repeated at 6-month follow-up. Of 43 patients, 20 (47%) and 18 (42%) complained of SD at baseline and at 6-month assessments, respectively. Of 25 males, nine (36%) and seven (28%) patients described SD at baseline and 6-month assessments, respectively; erectile dysfunction was the most frequent complaint. Of 18 females, 11 (61%) and 11 (61%) patients reported SD at baseline and 6-month assessments, respectively; difficulties with arousal and reaching orgasm were the most frequent complaints. Both total and item-by-item comparisons of baseline and 6 months ASEX scores did not reveal any significant changes during 6-month period, indicating that patient's sexual functions do not improve with dialysis treatment. For female patients, HDRS scores were significantly higher in patients with SD at baseline (t = 2.15, P = 0.05) and at 6-month follow-up (t = 2.44, P = 0.03) assessments; after excluding the effects of age and duration of dialysis for females using regression analysis, HDRS still significantly (t = 4.02, P = 0.003) associated with the SD. This preliminary prospective study suggests that SD is frequent in dialysis patients, does not remit with dialysis treatment, associated with depression in female patients, and much clinical attention is indicated.International Journal of Impotence Research (2005) 17, 359–363. doi:10.1038/sj.ijir.3901324 Published online 14 April 2005 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The major goal of this study is to assess the frequency of psychiatric disorders in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, who were on hemodialysis (HD) treatment in Turkey. Additionally, it aims to determine whether depression, anxiety, and functional and occupational levels of patients who did not receive any psychiatric treatments change at the end of 6 months. We conducted Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV, Clinical Version on 50 HD patients, and 16 (32%) fulfilled the criteria for a psychiatric disorder. Depressive disorder, not otherwise specified, was observed in 12 (24%) patients. Adjustment disorder with depressed mood and dysthymic disorder were observed in 8% of our population. Fourteen patients were followed up for 6 months. All patients were assessed with Hamilton Depression (HDRS), Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS), and Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) at baseline and at 6 months. The comparisons of baseline and 6 months HDRS, HARS, and GAF scale scores did not reveal any statistically significant differences in 14 depressed patients. The level of depression, anxiety, and functional and occupational impairment did not remit spontaneously in our untreated depressed HD patients. We believe that further studies regarding categorization, prognosis, and treatment of these patients are needed to better understand what to do when we encounter depressive ESRD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

: Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive disorder. Although the pathogenesis of the disease is not yet completely understood, enhanced acute-phase responsiveness is considered to be one of the most important mechanisms. The presence of high levels of antistreptolysin O (ASO) antibodies and streptococcus-associated diseases, such as acute poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis (AGN) and acute rheumatic fever (ARF), has been reported in patients with FMF. In order to better understand the effect of FMF on antistreptococcal antibody response, we measured ASO and antideoxyribonuclease B (anti-DNAse B) levels in patients with FMF and compared them with those in healthy controls. The study consisted of two parts. In the first step, antistreptococcal antibody levels were analysed in 44 patients with FMF and 165 healthy children who had no history or clinical evidence of upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) for the last 4 months. In the second step, antistreptococcal antibody levels were measured in 15 patients with FMF and 22 healthy controls in response to documented group A β-haemolytic streptococcal pharyngitis. In the first part of the study, ASO and anti-DNAse B levels in patients with FMF were found to be significantly higher than those in healthy controls (P<0.001). In the second part, ASO and anti-DNAse B titres were found to be significantly higher in patients with FMF than in controls (P<0.001 and <0.05, respectively) 4 weeks after a positive throat culture. We concluded that patients with FMF have an exaggerated response to streptococcal antigens and might be prone to poststreptococcal non-suppurative complications, such as ARF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to obtain data on blood pressure (BP) distribution in Turkish children, a total of 5,599 Turkish children from birth to 18 years were studied. BP rises with age, and both systolic and diastolic BP showed a positive correlation with height and weight in both sexes. As the sampling was representative of Turkish children at different ages, the mean systolic and diastolic BP levels were compared for each age with the results reported in the study of the Second Task Force. The mean systolic and diastolic BP of Turkish children and the increase with growth and development were different from the Second Task Force study. Genetic, ethnic, and environmental factors were suggested to be responsible for this variation. In conclusion, normal BP curves should be applied with caution in childhood, and every population should use their own normal standards to define a measured BP level in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central nervous system tuberculosis (TB) is the most devastating manifestation of TB. It is a challenge for clinicians because of the difficulty in making an early diagnosis and the severe consequences of delayed treatment. The aim of this report is to point out the relation between migration and TB based on a 14-year-old child with tuberculous meningoencephalitis (TBM) of an immigrant family. Migration, crowded living conditions and positive family history contribute to the severe course of TB as TBM and miliary TB forms. TB control may prevent these severe manifestations of the disease among immigrants. Prompt diagnosis with helpful early diagnostic tools like polymerase chain reaction in TBM is crucial due to the high mortality and morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Medical Bulletin of Haseki / Haseki Tip Bulteni is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Çocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi is the property of Journal of Pediatric Infection / Cocuk Enfeksiyon Dergisi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Clinical images of a 6-month-old girl with a 1-day history of fever and vomiting admitted to hospital and diagnosed with Neisseria meningitidis who died within the 58th hour of hospitalization despite treatment are presented.