Search

Introduction Our study aimed to compare the short- and particularly long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remission prediction abilities of ABCD, individualised metabolic surgery (IMS), DiaRem2, Ad-DiaRem and DiaBetter scoring systems in Turkish adult type 2 diabetic morbidly obese patients who underwent bariatric surgery. Patients and Methods Our study was planned as a retrospective cohort study. A total of 137 patients with T2DM, including 78 sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and 59 Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) patients, were included in the 1st-year evaluation after bariatric surgery, and a total of 115 patients with T2DM, including 64 SG and 51 RYGB patients, were included in the evaluation at the end of the 5th year. Results In the 1st year after bariatric surgery, area under the ROC curve (AUC) values for diabetes remission scores were 0.863 for Ad-DiaRem, 0.896 for DiaBetter, 0.840 for DiaRem2, 0.727 for ABCD and 0.836 for IMS. At 5 years after bariatric surgery, the AUC values for diabetes remission were 0.834 for Ad-DiaRem, 0.888 for DiaBetter, 0.794 for DiaRem2, 0.730 for ABCD and 0.878 for IMS. Conclusions According to our study, the DiaBetter score provided a better AUC value than the other scores both in the short and long term but showed similar predictive performance to Ad-DiaRem in the short term and IMS in the long term. We believe that DiaBetter and Ad-DiaRem scores might be more appropriate for short-term assessment and DiaBetter and IMS scores for long-term remission assessment.

Abstract Background Fowl adenovirus-4 is a causative agent of hydropericardium hepatitis syndrome (HHS) in chickens and has been frequently reported from many countries. Fowl adenoviruses cause severe disease and mortality in broiler and layer breeders in Azerbaijan. Therefore, in this study, pathological lesions and the dissemination of fowl adenovirus-4 into the visceral organs of infected birds were investigated as well as molecular characterisation of detected strains. For this, liver, heart and spleen from 20 necropsied chickens originated from a broiler breeder flock and a layer breeder flock were embeded on the FTA cards and the samples were analysed for adenovirus-DNA by PCR and sequencing. Results The findings of necropsy in both broiler and layer breeder chickens were similar, and the liver was severely effected showing hepatitis, and the heart with hydropericardium lesions. The kidneys were swollen with haemorrhages and small white foci on the surface of the spleens were noted. Intestinal congestion and ecchymotic hemorrhages were also observed in some birds. Fowl adenovirus-4-DNA was detected by PCR in all collected organs of 20 birds. The sequence analysis revealed that fowl adenovirus-4 present in Azerbaijan and close similarity of the hexon genes of the adenoviruses existing in the Middle East, North America, far east and Indian subcontinent were determined by phylogenetic analysis. However, sequence diversity was detected from the adenovirus strains circulating in Europe, North and South America. Conclusions This study indicates the impact of fowl adenovirus-4 on the poultry health and production, and improved disease control and prevention strategies are necessary to reduce the HHS disease in chickens in Azerbaijan.

Abstract Background Feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1) is a life threatening highly contagious virus in cats and typically causes upper respiratory tract infections as well as conjunctival and corneal ulcers. Genetic variability could alter the severity of diseases and clinical signs. Despite regular vaccine practices against FHV-1 in China, new FHV-1 cases still commonly occur. The genetic and phylogenetic characteristics of FHV-1 in Kunshan city of China has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study was planned to investigate the prevalence, molecular characteristics of circulating strains, and phylogenetic analyses of FHV-1. This is the first report of molecular epidemiology and phylogenetic characteristics of FHV-1 from naturally infected cats in Kunshan, China. Methods The occulo-nasal swabs were collected from diseased cats showing respiratory distress, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers at different veterinary clinics in Kunshan from 2022 to 2023. Clinical data and general information were recorded. Swab samples were processed for preliminary detection of FHV-1. Thymidine kinase (TK), glycoprotein B (gB) and glycoprotein D (gD) genes were sequenced and analyzed to investigate genetic diversity and evolution of FHV-1. Results The FHV-1 genome was detected in 43 (43/200, 21.5%) samples using RT-PCR targeting the TK gene. Statistical analysis showed a significant correlation between age, vaccination status and living environment (p 0.05). Additionally, eight FHV-1 positive cats were co-infected with feline calicivirus (8/43,18.6%). FHV-1 identified in the present study was confirmed as FHV-1 based on phylogenetic analyses. The sequence analyses revealed that 43 FHV-1 strains identified in the present study did not differ much with reference strains within China and worldwide. A nucleotide homology of 99-100% was determined among gB, TK and gD genes nucleotide sequences when compared with standard strain C-27 and vaccine strains. Amino acid analysis showed some amino acid substitutions in TK, gB and gD protein sequences. A potential N-linked glycosylation site was observed in all TK protein sequences. Phylogenetic analyses revealed minor variations and short evolutionary distance among FHV-1 strains detected in this study. Conclusions Our findings indicate that genomes of 43 FHV-1 strains are highly homogenous and antigenically similar, and the degree of variation in major envelope proteins between strains is low. This study demonstrated some useful data about prevalence, genetic characteristics, and evolution of FHV-1 in Kunshan, which may aid in future vaccine development.

Abstract Feline calicivirus (FCV) is a highly contagious virus in cats, which typically causes respiratory tract and oral infections. Despite vaccination against FCV being a regular practice in China, new FCV cases still occur. Antigenic diversity of FCV hinders the effective control by vaccination. This is first report which aims to investigate the molecular epidemiology and molecular characteristics of FCV in Kunshan, China. The nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from cats showing variable clinical signs from different animal clinics in Kunshan from 2022 to 2023. Preliminary detection and sequencing of the FCV capsid gene were performed to study genetic diversity and evolutionary characteristics. FCV-RNA was identified in 52 (26%) of the samples using RT-PCR. A significant association was found between FCV-positive detection rate, age, gender, vaccination status and living environment, while a non-significant association was found with breed of cats. Nucleotide analysis revealed two genotypes, GI and GII. GII predominated in Kunshan, with diverse strains and amino acid variations potentially affecting vaccination efficacy and FCV detection. Notably, analysis pinpointed certain strains’ association with FCV-virulent systemic disease pathotypes. This investigation sheds light on FCV dynamics, which may aid in developing better prevention strategies and future vaccine designs against circulating FCV genotypes.

ABSTRACTSince the first human case in 2013, H7N9 avian influenza viruses (AIVs) have caused more than 1500 human infections with a mortality rate of approximately 40%. Despite large-scale poultry vaccination regimes across China, the H7N9 AIVs continue to persist and evolve rapidly in poultry. Recently, several strains of H7N9 AIVs have been isolated and shown the ability to escape vaccine-induced immunity. To assess the zoonotic risk of the recent H7N9 AIV isolates, we rescued viruses with hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) from these H7N9 AIVs and six internal segments from PR8 virus and characterized their receptor binding, pH of fusion, thermal stability, plaque morphology and in ovo virus replication. We also assessed the cross-reactivity of the viruses with human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against H7N9 HA and ferret antisera against H7N9 AIV candidate vaccines. The H7N9 AIVs from the early epidemic waves had dual sialic acid receptor binding characteristics, whereas the more recent H7N9 AIVs completely lost or retained only weak human sialic acid receptor binding. Compared with the H7N9 AIVs from the first epidemic wave, the 2020/21 viruses formed larger plaques in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and replicated to higher titres in ovo, demonstrating increased acid stability but reduced thermal stability. Further analysis showed that these recent H7N9 AIVs had poor cross-reactivity with the human mAbs and ferret antisera, highlighting the need to update the vaccine candidates. To conclude, the newly emerged H7N9 AIVs showed characteristics of typical AIVs, posing reduced zoonotic risk but a heightened threat for poultry.

Bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) is one of the most important respiratory pathogens of cattle. In this study, frequency of infection, analysis of variants, and the immune status of vaccinated and non-vaccinated cattle were studied. Blood (n = 162) and nasal/oropharyngeal (n = 277) swabs were collected from 62 cattle herds in Turkey. Lung samples (n = 37) were also taken from dead animals and abattoirs. Antibodies to BRSV were detected in 76 (46%) out of 162 sera. The antibody levels in the vaccinated and non-vaccinated groups were statistically significant. Among 277 nasal/oropharyngeal swabs and 37 lungs, ten nasal/oropharyngeal and four lung samples were positive for BRSV-RNA. BRSV-G gene sequences of 5 out of 14 RT-PCR positive samples showed that all viruses clustered as Group-III in phylogenetic analysis with 88–100% homology. Similarity with previous Turkish BRSVs was 89–98%, and that with BRSVs detected in the USA and Czechia was 89.47–93.12%. BRSV continues to circulate in Turkish cattle, and vaccination seems beneficial in preventing BRSV. The diversity of the BRSVs found in this study needs be considered in vaccination strategies.

This study aims to examine distance music education practices in the pandemic period in line with the opinions of pre-school teacher candidates. The study, in which the single case study design, one of the qualitative research approaches, was used, was carried out with 22 preschool teacher candidates studying at the Kafkas University, Turkey. The data were collected through a semi-structured interview form created by the researchers in line with expert opinions. The obtained data were collected under different themes and analyzed with content analysis. The results of the study showed that the acquisitions made by the preschool teacher candidates during distance music education were mainly based on a theoretical foundation. It was found that the greatest practical deficiency occurred in learning a musical instrument.The participants mostly expressed their views on saving time and space as the positive aspects of distance education. On the other hand, negative results were also obtained, such as the inadequacy of mutual communication in the distance education process, the lack of infrastructure in practice, and the limited course time. In future studies, it is recommended to implement synchronized applications, especially for instrument training, by supporting online materials

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), and visual field parameters in morbidly obese patients following bariatric surgery. Methods: The study included 40 morbidly obese patients with body mass indexes (BMI) ≥40 who had undergone bariatric surgery (Group 1) and 40 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects with normal BMI values (Group 2). RNFL and CT measurements by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field test were performed preoperatively and the 1st, 6th, and 12th months postoperatively. CT measurements were obtained from the subfoveal, nasal (N), and temporal (T) regions at distances of 500 μm and 1,000 μm from the fovea. Results: No significant pathology was detected during ophthalmological examinations following bariatric surgery. The BMIs were found to be significantly lower in all of the periods after bariatric surgery (P < 0.0001). The CT measurements decreased significantly in all periods after bariatric surgery (P < 0.0001). No differences were found in terms of the mean RNFL thicknesses in all postoperative periods (P = 0.125). Visual field tests showed no significant changes during scheduled visits. (P = 0.877). No visual field defect was detected in any patient during the follow-up periods after bariatric surgery. Conclusion: These results have suggested that CT is positively correlated with BMI and decreased with a reduction in BMI progressively. Nutritional disorders resulting from malabsorption have not caused any nutritional optic neuropathy and visual field defect for at least the first postoperative year after bariatric surgery.

Abstract Background Newcastle disease viruses (NDVs) can spread across continents via migratory birds. Hence, we investigated the frequency of NDV in both non-migratory and birds migrating on the Black Sea-Mediterranean flyway, in Istanbul, Turkey. Birds were trapped using nets placed around the Kucukcekmece lake Avcilar, Istanbul, in spring seasons of 2016 and 2018. In total, 297 birds belonging to 42 different species were trapped, categorized according to species and sex, and flocked oropharyngeal swabs were collected. In addition, flocked swabs were also collected from 115 mallards caught by hunters around Edirne and from 207 birds which had been treated in the Veterinary Faculty of Istanbul university-Cerrahpasa. Tissue samples were taken from dead wild birds brought by public to Veterinary Faculty. A total of 619 flocked oropharyngeal swabs were pooled into 206 samples. RNA was extracted from swabs and tissue samples. Real-time RT-PCR prob. assay was used to detect NDV-RNA in samples. Results There was no amplification in real time RT-PCR in samples taken from wild birds caught by traps. However, amplification of NDV-F gene was observed in oropharyngeal swabs taken from 2 waterfowls (Common Moorhen and Mallard), and in tissue samples taken from 2 little owls and 1 common kestrel. Sequencing and phylogenetic analyses of these 5 samples for NDV-F gene showed great similarity with NDV subgenotype VII.2 viruses. Analysis also showed that there is a high similarity with the F gene sequences previously reported from Turkey in 2012 and as well as the sequences from neighbouring countries Bulgaria and Georgia and geographically close country such as Pakistan. Although the strains found in this study are closely related, there is a relatively small degree of molecular divergence within 543 bp of F gene of the Turkish NDV isolate and strains detected in Israel, Pakistan, Iran, United Arab Emirates and Belgium. Conclusions Our findings revealed the presence of subgenotype VII.2 of NDVs in wild birds in north west of Turkey and demonstrated some degree of molecular evolution when compared to the earlier NDV-VII.2 isolate in Turkey.

(1) Background: The aim of this study was to produce in-house ELISAs which can be used to determine SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels directed against the spike protein (S), the S1 subunit of S and the receptor binding domain (RBD) of S in SARS-CoV-2 vaccinated and infected humans. (2) Methods: Three in-house ELISAs were developed by using recombinant proteins of SARS-CoV-2, namely the S, S1 and RBD proteins. Specificity and sensitivity evaluations of these tests were performed using sera from SARS-CoV-2-infected (n = 70) and SARS-CoV-2-vaccinated (n = 222; CoronaVac vaccine) humans in Istanbul, Turkey. The analyses for the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies were performed using the in-house ELISAs, a commercial ELISA (Abbott) and a commercial surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). We also analyzed archival human sera (n = 50) collected before the emergence of COVID-19 cases in Turkey. (3) Results: The sensitivity of the in-house S, S1 and RBD ELISAs was found to be 88.44, 90.17 and 95.38%, while the specificity was 72.27, 89.08 and 89.92%, respectively, when compared to the commercial SARS-CoV-2 antibody test kit. The area under curve (AUC) values were 0.777 for the in-house S ELISA, 0.926 for the S1 ELISA, and 0.959 for the RBD ELISA. The kappa values were 0.62, 0.79 and 0.86 for the S, S1 and RBD ELISAs, respectively. (4) Conclusions: The in-house S1 and RBD ELISAs developed in this study have acceptable performance characteristics in terms of sensitivity, specificity, AUC and kappa values. In particular, the RBD ELISA seems viable to determine SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels, both in infected and vaccinated people, and help mitigate SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and spread.

Recent studies demonstrated that domestic cats can be naturally and experimentally infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study was performed to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies within the domestic cat population in Istanbul, Turkey, before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, from 155 cat sera analyzed, 26.45% (41/155) tested positive in the spike protein-ELISA (S-ELISA), 28.38% (44/155) in the receptor-binding domain-ELISA (RBD-ELISA), and 21.9% (34/155) in both, the S- and RBD-ELISAs. Twenty-seven of those were also positive for the presence of antibodies to feline coronavirus (FCoV). Among the 34 SARS-CoV-2-positive sera, three of those were positive on serum neutralization assay. Six of the 30 cats before COVID-19 and 28 of the 125 cats during COVID-19 were found to be seropositive. About 20% of ELISA-positive cats exhibited mainly respiratory, gastrointestinal, and renal signs and skin lesions. Hematocrit, hemoglobin, white blood cells, lymphocyte, and platelet numbers were low in about 30% of ELISA-positive cats. The number of neutrophils and monocytes were above normal values in about 20% of ELISA-positive cats. The liver enzyme alanine aminotransferase levels were high in 23.5% ELISA-positive cats. In conclusion, this is the first report describing antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 antigens (S and RBD) in cats in Istanbul, Turkey, indicating the risk for domestic cats to contract SARS-CoV-2 from owners and/or household members with COVID-19. This study and others show that COVID-19-positive pet owners should limit their contact with companion animals and that pets with respiratory signs should be monitored for SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) are recognised as food- and water-borne infections and shellfish are a well-documented source of these viruses. The presence of HAV and HEV in mussels has not previously been investigated in Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey, and therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of HAV and HEV in mussels collected from this location. A total of 92 pooled samples representing 736 mussels originating along the Bosphorus coast were collected from fish distributors. RNA was extracted using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit and a TaqMan real-time RT-PCR was performed using primers specific to HAV and HEV. Amongst the 92 pooled samples tested, 3 (3.3%) were found to be positive for HAV by the TaqMan real-time RT-PCR. No HEV was detected in any of the mussels tested. A 174 bp product was observed on gel electrophoresis with HAV positive samples detected by SYBR Green real-time PCR after reverse transcription. This product was sequenced and confirmed to contain HAV sequences by alignment using the data in GenBank. This is the first report describing the presence of HAV in mussels harvested in the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey, indicating the potential contamination of aquatic environment and risk to public health.

Immunomodulatory effects of Echinacea purpurae and Pelargonium sidoides in calves were investigated. Sixty 25-day-old nonvaccinated calves living in integrated farm unit were randomly selected and were divided into 5 treatment groups consisting of 12 calves each; 4 groups were receiving different amounts and/or times of Echinacea and Pelargonium and the control group received placebo. Blood levels of γ-interferon, cytokine gene expression, lactoferrin and total IgG were analysed on days 0, 9, and 30. When levels for total IgG, γ-interferon, mRNAs for the γ-interferon, IL-1-β, IL-4 and the tumour necrosis factor-α genes were compared from days 0 to 9 post-treatment, significant differences were found between treated and non-treated calves using various amounts of Echinacea and Pelargonium; a doses of 250 mg Echinacea and 62.5 mg Pelargonium for 5 days seems to be ideal. Echinacea purpurae and Pelargonium sidoides are able to modulate immune functions in calves.

Abstract Background Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a food and water-borne virus causing clinical (mainly hepatitis) and subclinical disease in humans. It is important to characterize circulating strains of HAV in order to prevent HAV infections using efficacious vaccines. The aim of this study was the detection and characterization of the circulating strains of HAV in Turkey by performing serology, RT-PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Methods In this study, 355 HAV suspected cases were analysed by ELISA for the presence of antibodies to HAV. RNA was extracted from 54 HAV IgM positive human sera. None of the suspect cases were vaccinated against HAV and they never received blood transfusions. Samples found positive by RT-PCR using primers targeting the VP1/VP2A junction and VP1/VP3 capsid region of HAV, were subjected to sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. Results IgM type antibodies to HAV were detected in 54 patients. Twenty one of them were students. The age of IgM positive cases was between 3 and 60 years. IgM positivity differed in age groups and was higher in the age group 3 to 10 years. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the majority of HAV strains detected in this study belong to the “HAV 1B” cluster. In addition, the HAV sub-genotypes IA (KT874461.1) and IIIA (KT222963.1) were found in 2 children. These sub-genotypes were not previously reported in Turkey. The child who carried sub-genotype IIIA travelled to Afghanistan and presented with abdominal pain, icterus and vomitus. He was positive for anti-HAV IgM and IgG but negative for hepatitis B and C. Liver enzymes like aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase and lactate dehydrogenase were severely elevated. Bilirubin levels were also increased. White blood cells, neutrophils and hemoglobin were decreased while lymphocytes and monocytes were increased. Similar clinical signs and laboratory findings were reported for the child infected with sub-genotype IA but aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were not severely elevated. Conclusions The results indicate that molecular studies determining the HAV genotype variation in Turkey are timely and warranted. The majority of IgM positive cases in 3–10 year old patients indicate that childhood vaccination is important. Sub-genotype IB is the most prevalant genotype in Turkey. Surprisingly, sub-genotype IA and IIIA are also present in Turkey; future diagnostic efforts need to include diagnostic methods which can identify this emerging HAV genotypes. Our results also show that one important risk factor for contracting hepatitis A virus is international travel since genotype IIIA was detected in a child who had travelled to Afghanistan.

Background: Laparoscopic surgery has been a frequently performed method for inguinal hernia repair. Studies have demonstrated that the laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) approach is an appropriate choice for inguinal hernia repair. Single-incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS) was developed to improve the cosmetic effects of conventional laparoscopy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of SILS-TAPP compared with TAPP technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 148 patients who underwent TAPP or SILS-TAPP in our surgery clinic between December 2012 and January 2015 were enrolled. Data including patient demographics, hernia characteristics, operative time, intraoperative and postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and recurrence rate were retrospectively collected. Results: In total, 60 SILS-TAPP and 88 TAPP procedures were performed in the study period. The two groups were similar in terms of gender, type of hernia, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification score. The patients in the SILS-TAPP group were younger when compared the TAPP group. Port site hernia (PSH) rate was significantly high in the SILS-TAPP group, and all PSHs were recorded in patients with severe comorbidities. The mean operative time has no significant difference in two groups. All SILS procedures were completed successfully without conversion to conventional laparoscopy or open repair. No intraoperative complication was recorded. There was no recurrence during the mean follow-up period of 15.2 ± 3.8 months. Conclusion: SILS TAPP for inguinal hernia repair seems to be a feasible, safe method, and is comparable with TAPP technique. However, randomized trials are required to evaluate long-term clinical outcomes.

Surgery is still the gold standard in the treatment of hepatic hydatid disease. One of the major problems associated with hydatid cyst surgery is biliary fistula. In this report, we aimed to describe a laparoscopic internal drainage method for the treatment of complicated hepatic hydatid cyst in order to prevent long-term biliary fistulas. A 44-year-old female was referred to our clinic with the complaints of flank pain. On computerized tomography of the abdomen, an 8-cm hydatid cyst was detected on the right lob of the liver. Laparoscopic exploration demonstrated a cysto-biliary communication, and laparoscopic cystojejunostomy was performed to prevent long-term bile leakage. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 5 without any problems. In 45th days, nearly complete obliteration of the cavity was observed. Laparoscopic cystojejunostomy can be an effective and safe surgical approach for the treatment of complicated hepatic hydatid cysts.

The aim of this retrospective study was to examine the anastomotic erosion due to drain and success of fibrin sealant in its management. Between 2013 and 2014, 102 patients underwent LRYGB and gastrojejunal anastomotic leak occurred due to drain erosion in 2 of them. The diagnosis was established with saliva drainage and was confirmed by upper gastrointestinal series. The absence of hemodynamic instability was directed us to conservative treatment. During the endoscopy, dehiscence was assessed and fibrin sealant was applied. The leaks healed progressively in a few days, and the drains removed within 6 days. Seven and 9 days later, the patients were discharged without any problem. Anastomotic leaks after bariatric surgery can cause severe morbidity, cost, and effects quality of life. Hemodynamically stable and drained patients are candidates for conservative methods. Endoscopic injection of fibrin sealant has been successful in closing gastric leaks.

Purpose: Single incision laparoscopic surgery in suitable cases is preferred today because it results in less postoperative pain, a more rapid recovery period, more comfort, and a better cosmetic appearance from smaller incisions. This study aims to present our experiences with single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy to evaluate the safety and feasibility of this procedure.Methods: A total of 150 patients who underwent single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy between January 2009 and December 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. In this serial, two different access techniques were used for single incision laparoscopy.Results: Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed successfully on 150 patients. Median operative time was 29 (minimum-maximum=5-66) minutes. Median duration of hospital stay was found to be 1.33 (minimum-maximum=1-8) days. Patients were controlled on the seventh postoperative day. Bilier complication was not seen in the early period. Five patients showed port site hernia complications. Other major complications were not seen in the 36-month follow-up period.Conclusion: Operation time of single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy is significantly shortened with the learning curve. Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems a safe method.

 The Kangal dog is a giant shepherd dog breed from Kangal, Sivas-Turkey. It has been bred and kept as a herding dog for nearly a thousand years in that town. The Kangal dog is one of the important gene source and detailed investigations are needed in this breed. Several bacterial infections and intestinal parasitic infestations are known to cause important problems in dogs. In the present study, Kangal dogs were investigated for the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. and Listeria monocytogenes and for intestinal parasite eggs. In the study, 50 clinically healthy Kangal dogs aged 2 to 10 years old were randomly selected from various breeding farms in Kangal District. Haematological and routine biochemical parameters were evaluated in all dogs. Positive titers ( 1/100) against Listeria monocytogenes “O” antibodies were determined in 26 dogs (52%) through the Osebold method. Two of these dogs (4%) were also seropositive for Leptospira canicola as determined by a microscopic agglutination test. Faecal examination revealed Toxocara canis eggs in three dogs (6%; one of these was also positive for Listeria) and Taenia spp. eggs in one dog (2%). None of these investigated diseases was detected in 21 dogs. Topical selamectin and subcutaneous praziquantel were administered to the infested dogs. In conclusion, determination of leptospiral and listerial antibodies and intestinal parasites shows that these agents are present in the farms where Kangal dogs reside and further preventive measures should be taken to maintain the health of these dogs.

A different intermodal transportation model based on cost analysis considering technical, economical, and operational parameters is presented. The model consists of such intermodal modes as sea-road, sea-railway, road-railway, and multimode of sea-road-railway. A case study of cargo transportation has been carried out by using the suggested model. Then, the single road transportation mode has been compared to intermodal modes in terms of transportation costs. This comparison takes into account the external costs of intermodal transportation. The research reveals that, in the short distance transportation, single transportation modes always tend to be advantageous. As the transportation distance gets longer, intermodal transportation advantages begin to be effective on the costs. In addition, the proposed method in this study leads to determining the fleet size and capacity for transportation and the appropriate transportation mode.

Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) offered as a hemostatic agent is a standardized herbal extract obtained from five different plants. The effects of ABS on colonic anastomosis are unknown. This study was designed to assess potential effects on the anastomosis of left colon in an experimental animal model. Thirtytwo male Wistar albino rats were randomized into two groups and subjected to colon anastomosis. The study group subjected to colon anastomosis with topical application of ABS to control of mucosal bleeding at the cut ends of the colon, and the control group subjected to colon anastomosis only. The rats were killed 3 and 7 days postoperatively. Four types of assessment were performed: bursting pressure, bursting wall tension, histopathology, and biochemical analysis. Compared to the control group, ABS used rats displayed a higher bursting pressure (P