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Backgound In some recent studies, it has been suggested that there may be a relationship between Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). T. gondii is of greater significance in these patients. Objectives In the present study, it was aimed to investigate the seroprevalence of T. gondii in T2DM patients. Methods To define Toxoplasma IgG and IgM seropositivity and determine the seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis in patients presenting at the Internal Diseases outpatient clinic of the Healthcare Application and Research Hospital, where the ELISA method was used. 200 T2DM patients and 100 healthy individuals with no complaints took part in the study. Results Toxoplasma IgG positivity was determined in 53% of the 200 T2DM patients and Toxoplasma IgM positivity in 13%. While in the control group, Toxoplasma IgG positivity was determined in 27% and Toxoplasma IgM positivity in 1%. The risk of toxoplasmosis infection in T2DM patients was two folds higher than healthy controls according to the IgG results. IgM results were further differentiated. Conclusions We believe that the seroprevalence of T. gondii is high in the T2DM patient group and that the causes should be investigated in more detail.

Purpose In our study, antihelminthic activity of Nigella sativa was tested on a model organism Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Methods N2 (wild type) C. elegans and Escherichia coli OP50 were purchased from the University of Minnesota, Ceanorhabditis Genetic Center for the study. C. elegans were grown in NGM (Nematode Growth Medium) solid culture medium. After synchronization, nematodes in adult form were exposed to Nigella sativa seed oil at concentrations of 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001% and 0.0001%. The study continued for 18 days until all nematodes in the experimental and control groups died. Alive and dead nematodes were recorded every day. The nematodes in which pharengeal pumping stopped was recorded dead. Result According to our findings, all nematodes died at the end of the fourth day at a concentration of 1%. In addition, no alive nematod was observed at the end of the fifth day at concentration of 0.1%; whereas at the end of the 13th day all nematodes died at concentration of 0.01%. When the data were analyzed statistically, the difference between at concentrations of 0.1%, 0.01%, 0.001% and the control group was significant (p

Objective This study aims to determine the optimum liquid medium for the reproduction of Trypanosoma cruzi strains and provide cryopreservation. Methods The reproduction density of T. cruzi strain was evaluated in the following five different commercial liquid culture media: RPMI 1640, Medium 199 (M199), Schneider's Insect Medium (SIM), Nutrient Broth (NB), Brain Heart Infusion Broth (BHIB). Cultures were monitored on every other day for a period of 24 days. Cryopreservation of T. cruzi was also performed and viability was tested after six months. Results Epimastigotes of T. cruzi were not found to be produced in NB and BHIB media. Significant difference was not observed among the reproduction potential of RPMI-1640, M199, and SIM after evaluating the data for the first 10 days. Between days 12 and 24, RPMI-1640 was found to be the best reproduction medium. From the 18th day onwards, parasites transformed amastigotes. On the 24th day, the highest level of amastigote amount was observed, and reproduction was determined to have stopped. As a result of cryopreservation, it was determined that the survival of T.cruzi continued after six months.. Conclusion Thus, the selection of RPMI-1640 medium, followed by M199 and SIM media would be appropriate when studying T. cruzi epimastigotes. Studies using epimastigotes should be planned for up to 18 days and for those using amastigotes, it would be appropriate to plan the studies after the 18th day. Moreover, T. cruzi can be cryopreserved with 15% DMSO and stored for a long time in liquid nitrogen.

Acanthamoeba species are free-living amoebae isolated from many ecological areas such as swimming pools, dams, lakes, soil, and air filters. These amoebae are usually causing granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis in immunosuppressive individuals. In this study, the reproductive potential and morphological changes determined of Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoite and cyst forms exposed to three different active substances derived from benzothiazole. Furthermore, the cytotoxic potential of these active substances determined by XTT analysis. In the study, axenic cultures prepared for Acanthamoeba castellanii cyst and trophozoite forms and parasite exposed to different concentrations of active substances. Cell counts of parasite cultures were performed at the 30 minutes, 1st, 6th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hour periods. As a result of the study, the reproductive potential suppressive effects of all three substances on Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts were determined. The most effective of these substances was 2-Amino-6(trifluoromethoxy)-benzothiazole. In the first three concentrations of this substance (0.1%, 0.05%, 0.025%), no determined trophozoite and cysts at the end of twenty four. Due to its strong ameobicidal effect, it is thought that 2-Amino-6(trifluoromethoxy)-benzothiazole may be a new therapeutic agent in diseases caused by acanthamoeba parasites by supporting this study with animal experiments.

Aging is a process that begins at birth and ends with death. This process is accompanied by environmental effects, which cause structural and functional changes in cells and tissues. With regards to healthy aging, melatonin significantly extends lifespan. This study aims to show the anti-aging effects of melatonin on lifespan by a model organism called Caenorhabditis elegans. The nematode strain N2 (wild-type) was acquired, and E. coli OP50 was used in the study. Worms were grouped into a control group (n=100), and six experimental groups (group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and group 6) (n=100 in each of them). Interventions were made by exposing Caenorhabditis elegans to various dosages of melatonin and follow up was made for 21 days. The survey of Caenorhabditis elegans, which depends on time and dosage as the main outcome measures, was examined microscopically. Different dosages of melatonin affected the lifespan and morphology of Caenorhabditis elegans. Melatonin might be used in the prevention of aging.

WOS: 000488195200011, Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) is a parasitic protozoan that causes trichomoniasis. Metronidazole is the standard treatment for trichomoniasis; however, metronidazole-resistant strains are implicated in an increasing number of refractory cases. Therefore, the discovery of an antiprotozoal agent that is effective on metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis will prevent major health problems. In this study, we investigated the antiprotozoal effects of leaf, fruit and body extracts of Viscum album L. ssp. austriacum (VA) on metronidazole-resistant and - sensitive T. vaginalis protozoa. The VA used in our study was collected from 20 different pine trees in September and October. The leaves, fruits and bodies of the VA plants collected were separated and dry extracts were obtained with hexane, chloroform, n-butanol, ethyl acetate and water. The minimum lethal dose (MLD) of the metronidazole-sensitive strain, T. vaginalis ATCC50148 and themetronidazole-resistant strain, T. vaginalis ATCC50143 against metronidazole was tested in comparison with the plant extracts. In addition, GC-MS analysis was performed on the plant extracts that has antiprotozoal effects. Some of the substances identified from GC-MS analysis were purchased commercially and their antiprotozoal effects were further investigated. The VA leaf and fruit ethyl acetate extracts and body butanol extract had the most effect on T. vaginalis. GC-MS qualitative analysis detected 2,4-heptadienal, 3-methylsilane, and 2-methylfuran. Of these substances, only 2-methylfuran was found to be effective on T. vaginalis strains. Our findings suggest that the 2-methylfuran found in Viscum album L. ssp. austriacum extracts may be an alternative chemotherapeutic agent to metronidazole. (C) 2019 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved., Cumhuriyet University Scientific Research Projects UnitCumhuriyet University [ECZ-33], This study was funded by the Cumhuriyet University Scientific Research Projects Unit (ECZ-33).

Amac: Bu calismanin amaci rosacea tanisi konmus hastalarda Demodex yayginligini belirlemektir. Yontem: Calismamizda Sivas Numune Hastanesi Dermatoloji poliklinigine 01.01.2018 ve 25.09.2018 tarihleri arasinda gelen ve rosacea tanisi konmus hasta grubu Demodex acisindan incelendi. Calismada 338 hastadan standart deri yuzey biyopsisi (SDYB) yontemi ile ornekler alindi. Bulgular: 338 rosacea hastasinin 166 (%49,1)’inde Demodex spp. pozitif bulundu. Bu durum cinsiyete gore degerlendirildiginde 59 erkek hastada Demodex spp. pozitifligi 17 (%28,8) iken 279 kadin hastanin136 (%48,7)’sinda Demodex spp. tespit edildi (Tablo 1). Cinsiyete gore Demodex spp . pozitifligi istatistiksel olarak onemli bulundu (p

Acanthamoeba spp. are free-living amoebae isolated from many ecological areas such as swimming pools, dams and lakes, and soil. Granulomatous amebic encephalitis and amebic keratitis, caused by Acanthamoeba spp., usually occurs in chronically ill, debilitated individuals, in immunosuppressed patients and treatment is quite difficult. This study aimed to determine the effect of benzothiazole on trophozoite and cyst forms of Acanthamoeba castellanii (A.castellanii). Axenic cultures of A. castellanii trophozoites and cysts were prepared to test the amoebicidal activity of benzothiazole. The concentrations of benzothiazole in 24-well plates were prepared as 0.08%, 0.04%, 0.02%, 0.01%, 0.005%, and A. castellanii cysts and trophozoites were added to these cultures. Parasites were counted at 0, ½, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h in the cell counter after staining with trypan blue. Cytotoxicity of benzothiazole on the WI-38 human fibroblast cell line was also tested. Between 0.08% and 0.01% concentrations of benzothiazole showed a strong amoebicidal activity at 24 and 48 h. A significant decrease in 0.005% concentration in the number of live trophozoites and cysts was detected between 6 and 48 h. As a result of the cytotoxicity studies, benzothiazole did not show any cytotoxic effect on the WI-38 human fibroblast cell line even at 1% concentration. Benzothiazole could be concluded as a new therapeutic agent against Acanthamoeba. On the other hand, in vivo studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of the biological effect.

Background & objectives: Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic and anthropogenic protozoal disease. We aimedto develop a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of CL. Methods: BALB/c mice have infected L. major amastigotes from their footpads. Twenty-one days later after injection, the animals were divided into three control and three experimental groups. The intralesional injection of graphene oxide and photothermal application (GO+PA) were applied to the first experimental group (Group 1); graphene oxide modified with a macrophage-specific antibody and photothermal application (MSA+GO+PA) were applied to the second experimental group (Group 2), and the photothermal application (PA) was applied to the third experimental group (Group 3). Miltefosine was administered orally to the first control group (Group 4); the second control group that is not treated was assigned as the positive control (Group 5) and the third control group was assigned as the negative control (Group 6). Lesions were examined (erythema and edema) after the 5th day and 10th of the treatment, clinically. On the 10th day of the treatment, the level of TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, and IFN-ɤ were detected histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Results: In the 5th day of the treatment it was observed that 50% of the animals were completely treated with Group 2, and in the 10th day, the ration raised to 75%. Interpretation & conclusion: We showed a novel application to treat CL by using MSA modified GO and PA within 10 days. According to our study outcomes, this application could be a new treatment approach for CL cure.

Purpose: In our study, the prevalence of Cyclospora cayatenensis was investigated molecularly in patients with gastrointestinal complaints. Method: Seventy patients with gastrointestinal system complaints were included in the study. Nested PCR was applied to all samples taken from patients. Results: In this study, 70 stool samples taken from the patients with gastrointestinal system complaints and sent to the parasitology laboratory of Ordu University Faculty of Medicine were examined molecularly for Cyclospora cayatenensis and of the 70 samples, 25 (35.7%) were found to be positive. Conclusion: The high rates determined from the patient samples and the environmental samples with the studies suggest that this parasite may be the cause of an epidemic in the future. Especially diarrhea patients, water and food samples should be evaluated in terms of coccidian protozoa like Cyclospora .

Objectives: Herbal treatments in particular have a place which cannot be ignored in current alternative medicine. One of these plants, which has become very well-known recently and which is widely consumed in Turkey is the Goji berry (Lycium barbarum L.). To investigate the effects of Goji berry, on fertility when used by individuals in their 20s and on physical growth when used by those of a younger age. It was also aimed to test the genotoxic effects of the Goji berry on Allium cepa L. meristem stem cells. Materials and Methods: Goji berry water and ethanol extracts were tested on a model organism of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in respect of fertility and physical growth. Allium cepa L. meristem stem cells exposed to Goji berry extract were examined for genotoxic effects. Results: A significant dose-related reduction was determined in fertility, physical growth and mitotic index in ethanol extract. In the water extract, a reduction in fertility was determined at high doses and an increase with the lowest dose used in the study. No significant effect was found on physical growth of water extract at any dose. Conclusion: The results of this study showed negative effects on cell division, fertility and physical growth of Goji berry, which has been used since ancient times in Chinese medicine and for which several benefits have been claimed in literature. It must be emphasised that dose-related side-effects may develop with the use of plants for medicinal puposes.

WOS: 000413704300036, PubMed ID: 28808410, Background: Grapes and their products are known to have been used for the treatment of diseases throughout history. Objective: It was aimed to investigate the effects of Erzincan Cimin grapes on an organism model of Caenorhabditis elegans N2 wild type and C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancer. Materials and Methods: The effects of methanol extracts of the skin and seeds of Erzincan Cimin grapes were examined separately on C. elegans N2 wild type and an effect was determined on lifespan. By applying GS-MS analysis, a potential agent substance was determined in the skin and seed methanol extracts. This substance was purchased and the effects of this substance were investigated on lifespan and fertility in C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancer. In addition, the effects on young subjects exposed to this agent substance in L1 form were investigated. Results: Grape seed and skin methanol extract was observed to prolong the lifespan most at a dose of 10 mg/100 mL. Lifespan was determined to be at a maximum in a gonad cancer organism model with benzothiazol at a dose of 50 ppm. At the same dose, positive effects were determined on the fertility of strains with cancer. When the effects of benzothiazol were examined on young Li forms, an evident retardation of growth was determined at doses of 10, 50, and 100 ppm. Conclusion: Owing to anti-carcinogenic effects of benzothiazol and benzothiazol-derived substances, they can be considered as agent substances in academic studies related to cancer.

In this study effects of cola extract which is used in cola industry were investigated on Caenorhabditiselegan’s lifespan, hatching rate and physical growth. The cola extract solutions prepared in different concentrations (1 gr/100 ml, 2 gr/100 ml, 6 gr/100 ml, 10 gr/100 ml) have been applied to the C. elegans standart medium. The experimental groups which are consist of cola extract were compared with control groups. It was found that all doses used in these comparisons on C. elegans individuals were found to reduces the life span and hatching rate compared to the control group. In addition, it was observed that the substance effected on physical growth of C. elegans individuals., Özet. Bu çalışmada kola endüstrisinde kullanılan kola özütünün Caenorhabditiselegans’ın(C. elegans) yaşam süresi, yumurtadan çıkma oranı ve fiziksel büyüme üzerine olan etkileri araştırılmıştır. Farklı konsantrasyonlarda hazırlanan kola özüt solüsyonları (1 gr/100 ml, 2 gr/100 ml, 6 gr/100 ml, 10 gr/100 ml) C. elegans standart besiyerine uygulanmıştır. Kola özütü içeren deney grupları kontrol grupları ile karşılaştırılmıştır. Bu karşılaştırmalarda C.elegans bireylerine uygulanan tüm dozların yaşam süresi ve yumurtadan çıkma oranını kontrol grubuna göre azalttığı bulunmuştur. Ayrıca, bu maddenin C. elegans bireylerinin fiziksel büyümeleri üzerine de etkili olduğu gözlenmiştir. Abstract. In this study effects of cola extract which is used in cola industry were investigated on Caenorhabditiselegan’s lifespan, hatching rate and physical growth. The cola extract solutions prepared in different concentrations (1 gr/100 ml, 2 gr/100 ml, 6 gr/100 ml, 10 gr/100 ml) have been applied to the C. elegans standart medium. The experimental groups which are consist of cola extract were compared with control groups. It was found that all doses used in these comparisons on C. elegans individuals were found to reduces the life span and hatching rate compared to the control group. In addition, it was observed that the substance effected on physical growth of C. elegans individuals.

Background: Grapes and their products are known to have been used for the treatment of diseases throughout history. Objective: It was aimed to investigate the effects of Erzincan Cimin grapes on an organism model of Caenorhabditis elegans N2 wild type and C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancer. Materials and Methods: The effects of methanol extracts of the skin and seeds of Erzincan Cimin grapes were examined separately on C. elegans N2 wild type and an effect was determined on lifespan. By applying GS-MS analysis, a potential agent substance was determined in the skin and seed methanol extracts. This substance was purchased and the effects of this substance were investigated on lifespan and fertility in C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancer. In addition, the effects on young subjects exposed to this agent substance in L1 form were investigated. Results: Grape seed and skin methanol extract was observed to prolong the lifespan most at a dose of 10 mg/100 mL. Lifespan was determined to be at a maximum in a gonad cancer organism model with benzothiazol at a dose of 50 ppm. At the same dose, positive effects were determined on the fertility of strains with cancer. When the effects of benzothiazol were examined on young L1 forms, an evident retardation of growth was determined at doses of 10, 50, and 100 ppm. Conclusion: Owing to anti-carcinogenic effects of benzothiazol and benzothiazol-derived substances, they can be considered as agent substances in academic studies related to cancer. SUMMARY The effects of methanol extracts of the skin and seeds of Erzincan Cimin grapes were examined on C. elegans N2 wild type and an effect was determined on lifespanThrough GS-MS analysis, benzothiazol was determined in the skin methanol extractsBenzothiazol was purchased and the effects of this substance were investigated on lifespan and fertility in C. elegans BS913 strains with gonad cancerThe effects on young subjects exposed to benzothiazol in L1 formGrape seed, skin methanol extract, and benzothiazol was observed to prolong the lifespanPositive effects were determined on the fertility of gonad cancer strains. Abbreviations used: GC-MS: gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; C. elegans: Caenorhabditis elegans; NGM: Nematode growth medium; E. coli: Escherichia coli; FUDR: Fluorodeoxyuridine; LDL: Low-density lipoprotein.

WOS: 000298092200024 This study was undertaken to determine the presence and levels of Aflatoxin M-1 (AFM(1)) in ice cream samples consumed in the province of Samsun. For this purpose, a total of 115 samples comprising 25 vanilla ice creams, 65 fruit ice creams and 25 chocolate ice creams were used as the study materials. The ice cream samples were purchased randomly from 11 different markets. The samples were analysed by the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Aflatoxin M, was detected in 30 (26.08%) of the ice cream samples, ranging from 6.12-32.15 ng kg(-1) whereas 85 samples (73.92%) did not reveal the presence of this toxin. The AFM, levels were not higher than the limits of the Turkish Food Codex (50 ng kg(-1) for ice cream) in all of the ice cream samples. It was concluded that the aflatoxins contained in some of the investigated samples were potential risks for public health Therefore, milk which is the basic ingredient of ice cream must be continuously monitored for AFM(1) contamination. Furthermore, dairy cow feed should be stored in such a way that they do not become contaminated.

Amaç: Çalışmada, Cumhuriyet Üniversitesi Araştırma ve Uygulama Hastanesi klimalarında Acanthamoeba ve Vermamoeba gibi serbest yaşayan amiplerin (SYA) varlığının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Bu amaçla, hastanenin beş farklı ünitesinden toplam 24 klimanın ızgara ve filtre kısımlarından steril eküvyonlarla sürüntü örnekleri alınmıştır. Alınan sürüntü örnekleri steril tüplerde laboratuara getirilmiş ve üzerine inaktive edilmiş E.coli içeren Besleyici Değeri olmayan Agar plaklarına yayılmıştır. Ekim yapılan plaklar 300C de inkübe edilmiştir. Üreme olan plaklardan pasajlar yapılmıştır. Saptanan amipler morfotiplendirme anahtarları kullanılarak cins düzeyinde tanımlanmıştır. Bulgular: İncelenen 24 klima örneğinin 14'ünde (%58.3) SYA saptanmıştır. Bunlardan 10'unda (%41.6) Vermamoeba spp, 4'ünde (%16.7) Acanthamoeba spp. tanımlanmıştır. Sonuç: Bu bulgular klima sistemlerinde potansiyel patojen SYA ler açısından dikkatli olunması gerektiğini göstermektedir. Ayrıca, bu amipler içlerinde patojen bakteri, mantar ve virusları taşıyabilmektedir. Hem SYA hem de içlerinde taşıyabilecekleri endosimbiyontlarıyla ilgili riskleri azaltmak için havalandırma sistemleri düzenli olarak etkili dezenfektenlarla temizlenmelidir, Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of free-living amoebae (FLA) such as Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba in air conditioning systems of Cumhuriyet University Research and Application Hospital (CURAH). Method: For this purpose, twenty-four dust samples were collected using sterile cotton swaps from grilles and filters of five different unit air-conditioners of CURAH located in Sivas, Turkey. Samples were transferred in a sterile tubes to the laboratory and spread onto non-nutrient agar (NNA) plates with a lawn of inactive Escherichia coli. Culture plates were incubated at 30oC. FLA genera was identified according to morphotyping keys. Results: FLA were found in 14 (58.3%) of examined 24 air-conditioner. Ten (41.6%)were identified as Vermamoeba spp, 4 (16.7%) as Acanthamoeba spp., after microscobic examination. Conclusions: These findings should alert us on the risk of Acanthamoeba and Vermamoeba infections. In addition, these amoebas could be host for bacteria, fungi and viruses and indirectly become agents of transmission for these pathogens. For decrease the risk both Acanthamoeba and their endosymbionts, regularly cleaning of air-conditioner filters and grilles using effective disinfectants are essential