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Use of microbial agents is an important tool for insect control because of their virtual specificity and lower environmental impacts. A total of four soil samples were collected from different localities across the black sea region in Turkey to isolate native Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains. Sodium acetate-(0.25 M)-selection heat-pasteurization, and 50% ethanol treatment methods were used for Bt isolation. Characterization of Bt isolates based on their morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. PCR analysis was performed, using novel general and specific primers for cry genes (cry4A and cry10 genes) that encoding proteins active against mosquitoes. Based on results, the isolate Bt22.19 showed the highest larvicidal effect against 3rd instar C. pipiens larvae. Bt 22.19 was isolated from soil samples in hazelnut orchards. The isolated strains had cry4A and cry10 genes. Bt isolates displayed highest similarities with the Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis regarding to the presence of cry genes. Obtained results are a promising introduction for further studies on evaluation of the potential usefulness of isolate Bt22.19 crystals for mosquito's control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We assessed the role of non-contrast spiral computerized tomography (CT) for prediction of a favorable clinical outcome in patients with ureterolithiasis, presenting with acute flank pain., Materials and Methods: Consecutive 185 patients having acute flank pain were prospectively evaluated with physical examination, urinalysis and hemogram, and non-contrast spiral CT. Size (greatest width in mm), location, perinephric fat stranding, the degree of hydronephrosis, tissue rim sign and perinephric fluid were assessed with spontaneously passed and unpassed stones., Results: Urinary stone disease was investigated in 173 (93.5%) patients out of 185 (mean age = 41.1 years) by non-contrast spiral CT in whom ureterolithiasis was diagnosed in 96 (94 unilateral, 2 bilateral). Spontaneous passage was assumed in 79 patients with ureterolithiasis. Only 38 patients spontaneously passed ureteral stones with less than 7.4mm diameter. The greatest width difference was statistically significant between passed and unpassed group [(2.0-7.4mm; mean 4.37+/-1.63) vs. (4.0-10.0mm; mean 7.35+/-1.81), p<0.05]., Conclusions: Spiral CT seems to be a sensitive imaging modality for the detection of ureteral calculi. In addition, size and location of the ureteral stones and its effects on ureteral wall, as periureteral inflammation and edema, demonstrated by the rim sign, present an important predictive value on spontaneous passage of uretreral stones.

The aim of the present study was to answer the question: Is the haptoglobin-related (Hpr) gene expressed in tumor cells? Our strategy of cloning the cDNA was to screen a human hepatoma G2 cDNA expression library in lambda gt11 using three different probes complementary to the coding strands of regions of the Hpr gene that contain codon changes permitting a discrimination from haptoglobin gene Hp1F. Among 8 x 10(5) recombinant phages screened, 2 hybridized to all three probes under stringent conditions. A 1.5 kb cDNA designated ST-1 was subcloned and sequenced. Almost total identity was found with the Hpr predicted exons 2-5, although exon 1 was missing. The ST-1 partial cDNA clone was used as a probe to screen a human leukemia molt-4 cDNA expression library in lambda gt11. Among 10(6) recombinant phages screened, 1 hybridized under stringent conditions. A 1.5 kb cDNA designated ST-2 was subcloned and sequenced. ST-1 and ST-2 cDNA were identical except for an insert of A at position 500 of ST-1 cDNA. Two different nucleotide changes were observed in the ST-1 and ST-2 sequences as compared with the expected Hpr cDNA sequence. An alternative processing of Hpr pre-mRNA was found in both cDNA clones that included 126 bp of the 3'-region of intron 1. This intronic sequence is thereby retained in the mature mRNA. cDNA analysis revealed an in-frame ATG in intron 1. Transcription/translation assay was used to demonstrate that the Hpr message could be translated from the internal methionine codon. We have thus shown for the first time that the Hpr gene is expressed in the human hepatoma G2 and leukemia molt-4 cell lines.