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Background: Association of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) with sleep disturbance has not been evaluated in studies that involve a large number of patients. Objective: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the sleep attitude and circadian rhythm in patients with CSU. Methods: As the patient group, recently diagnosed 100 patients with CSU, 100 patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) as the patient control group, and 100 healthy controls (HCs) were included. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, sleep hygiene index (SHI), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire, and the morningness‐eveningness questionnaire (MEQ) were filled to assess sleep quality and circadian rhythm. CSU disease activity was evaluated by urticaria activity score-7 (UAS-7). Patients with concomitant diseases, e.g., psychiatric illnesses, that possibly affect sleep status or those who use related medications and at moderate or high risk of obstructive sleep apnea according to the STOP-Bang questionnaire were excluded from the study. Results: PSQI, SHI, and ESS scores were higher, and the MEQ score was lower in patients with CSU and patients with AR than those in the HCs (p < 0.001, for each score). However, the scores were not different among the patients with CSU and the patients with AR. UAS-7 was only correlated with PSQI scores (r = 0.402, p < 0.001). In addition, blood eosinophil counts and the serum C Reactive Protein (CRP) level were correlated with sleep quality (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The poor sleep quality, impaired sleep hygiene, increased daytime sleepiness, and intermediate type of circadian rhythm were observed in the patients with CSU and the patients with AR. Physicians should be aware of sleep problems in patients with CSU that might affect their quality of life and the success of their treatment.

Background: Allergy to dental materials in prostheses and implants that leads to dental device dysfunction is a challenging problem. Objective: In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic role and impact of dental patch test (DPT) results on the outcome of proceeding dental procedures with the collaboration of our allergy clinic and dental clinics. Methods: A total of 382 adult patients with oral or systemic signs or symptoms due to the applied dental materials were included. A DPT with 31 items was administered. The clinical findings after dental restoration according to the test results were assessed in the patients. Results: The most common positivity detected in the DPT was due to metals, among which nickel (29.1%) was the leading cause. The frequency of self-reported allergic diseases and metal allergy was significantly higher in patients with at least one positive result in the DPT (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). Clinical improvement after the removal of dental restoration was seen in 82% of the patients who had a positive DPT result, whereas this rate was 54% among paatients with negative DPT results (p < 0.001). The only factor that predicted improvement after restoration was the positivity in the DPT result (odds ratio 3.96 [95% confidence interval, 0.21‐7.09]; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Our study showed that a self-reported metal allergy was an important finding to predict allergic reactions to dental devices. Therefore, patients should be questioned for the presence of metal allergy‐related signs and symptoms before exposure to the dental materials to prevent possible allergic reactions. Furthermore, DPT results are valuable to guide dental procedures in real life.

Bu çalışmada, Verticillium dahliae’nın gelişimi üzerine bazı fungal (Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma virens, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma viride) ve maya (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) biyolojik kontrol etmenleri ile vermikompost ve salisilik asit organik maddelerin etkisi araştırılmıştır. Çalışma in vitro ve in vivo koşullarda yürüyülmüş ve in vitro’da antagonizmin derecesi ve yüzde olarak engelleme oranı belirlenmiştir. In vitro’da inhibisyon oranı en yüksek olarak belirlenen T. asperellum ve S. cerevisiae ile vermikompost ve salisilik asit organik maddelerin, in vivo’da marul (Lactuca sativa) bitkisinde sorun teşkil eden V. dahliae’nın gelişimine etkisi incelenmiştir. Ayrıca organik maddelerden salisilik asitin V. dahliae’ nın gelişimini tamamen engellediği belirlenmiştir. S. cerevisiae ve salisilik asit, V. dahliae patojeninin olduğu uygulamalarda kontrol grubuna oranla bitkilerin sürgün boyunu ve kök uzunluğunu arttırmıştır. Gerek yeşil aksam gerek gövde kesiti skala değerlerinde salisilik asit ve T. asperellum, V. dahliae patojeninin etkinliğini azaltmıştır.

Stress factors, both biotic and abiotic, serve a significant role in impairing the growth and productivity of many crops. This study investigated the effects of some enzyme activities, salt scale, disease severity, plant growth, and physiological characteristics of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi biochar (Bc) against Verticillium dahliae (Vd) in pepper plants grown under salt stress. In this study, 2% biochar, Funneliformis mosseae (Fm), Vd and different concentrations (0 mM, 50 mM, 100 mM, 150 mM) of salt were applied to pepper. It was determined that the interaction of Fm and 2% Bc significantly increased the morphological parameters of the plant, and the plant tolerated salt and Vd under biotic (Vd) and abiotic (salt) combined high stress conditions. It was also shown that Fm had a different effect on membrane injury index (MII) (%) values than Bc, which had a significant effect on leaf relative water content (LRWC) (%) values. In addition, Vd increased mycorrhizal dependence, and the highest AMF spore density under Vd and salt stress conditions was recorded in Fm and Fm+Bc+150 mM applications, respectively. Meanwhile, the highest root colonization rates were obtained in Fm and Fm + 100 mM applications at 92% and 64%, respectively. On the other hand, the lowest disease severity index values were found in Fm + Vd treatments with 11.06% and 9.68% rates, respectively. In addition, phenol and antioxidant values varied in applications with Vd, while Fm decreased CAT enzyme activation. This study, thus, supports the positive effect of AMF + biochar interaction used in sustainable agriculture on protection against soil pathogen (V. dahliae) and salt stress.

The effectiveness of Clonostachys rosea against Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae) and early blight (Alternaria solani) diseases, as the two most important problems in tomato cultivation with significant economic losses, was determined. It was determined that C. rosea was effective on A. solani and V. dahliae and suppressed mycelial growth. Also, the C. rosea on wheat grains inoculated to plants at 20 g, 30 g, and 40 g concentrations before and after pathogens inoculation. Then, fungal discs (2 mm in diameter) from V. dahliae growing colonies were inoculated on the host plant root zone. A. solani was also inoculated (1x106 conidia ml-1) by spraying the foliar parts of the plants. Results showed that V. dahliae caused 76.0% disease severity in control plants, while the disease severity indices were 58.3%, 55.3%, and 25.3% at 20 g, 30 g, and 40 g C. rosea application, respectively. In A. solani x C. rosea treatments, the disease severities were determined as 96.6%, 63.3%, 43.6% and 46.6% in control, 20 g, 30 g, and 40 g application of C. rosea, respectively. The pathogen suppression rates by C. rosea at 30g application dose was 54.8% against A. solani and at 40 g application dose was 66.6% against V. dahliae. The effects of C. rosea on plant growth parameters were also determined. Results showed that C. rosea had a positive effect on the morphological parameters in tomato plants.

Background: The clinical effects of intranasal corticosteroids (INC) on nasal symptoms and the clinical course of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in subjects with chronic rhinitis (CR) seem unclear. Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of INCs on nasal symptoms in subjects with CR and with COVID-19. Methods: In subjects with CR and diagnosed with COVID-19 at four tertiary centers, quality of life and nasal symptoms were assessed by using the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) and the visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. In subjects with allergic rhinitis, nasal symptoms were also assessed on the total symptom score-6 (TSS-6) scale. The subjects were then allocated into two groups according to whether or not they used INCs while infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (group 1 and group 2, respectively). The subjects in group 2 were divided into two subgroups according to the use of antihistamines and/or leukotriene receptor antagonist or not (group 2a and group 2b, respectively). All the scores were compared before and during COVID-19 among the three groups. Results: A total of 71 subjects (21 in group 1, 24 in group 2a, and 26 in group 2b) were enrolled. The total scores of the SNOT-22 increased remarkably in all the groups during the infection when compared with the pre‐COVID-19 scores (p < 0.001 in each group). However, the difference between the pre‐COVID-19 and COVID-19 values revealed a lower decrease in the senses of smell and/or taste in group 1 than in group 2a and group 2b (p = 0.015, adjusted p = 0.045; and p = 0.001, adjusted p = 0.002, respectively). There were no significant differences in other COVID-19 findings, VAS, and TSS-6 scores among the groups (all p > 0.05). Conclusion: INCs in subjects with CR seemed protective against the decrease in smell and/or taste observed during COVID-19 and do not aggravate the clinical course of COVID-19.

Background: Patients' satisfaction is important for the success of the management of chronic diseases. Objective: Our aim was to evaluate the satisfaction level of the patients with hereditary angioedema (HAE) for icatibant treatment. Methods: Patients with HAE C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) were evaluated by using a questionnaire that included details of their icatibant-treated attacks. Patients' demographic and clinical features were collected from their medical records and personal attack diaries. The visual analog scale was used for determining the attack severity. Results: Of the total 161 patients with HAE C1-INH, 91% had HAE type I and were included in the study. Patients reported a median (interquartile range [IQR]) attacks of 2 (0.5‐3) per month and 16 (4.5‐36) attacks per year. The median (IQR) frequency of attacks treated with icatibant was 6 (0‐20) per year. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) duration of treatment with icatibant was 3 ± 2.3 years. The self-administration rate was 91.3%. The mean ± SD time to administration and time to onset of symptom resolution were 1.6 ± 1.1 hours and 1.7 ± 1.3 hours, respectively. There was a correlation between the time to administration and time to onset of symptom resolution (r = 0.566; p < 0.0001). A total of 125 patients (77%) reported that they were very satisfied or satisfied with icatibant. No correlation was observed between the satisfaction level and the attack sites; however, the patients with more severe attacks were more satisfied with icatibant (p < 0.0001). A total of 52 patients reported 74 mild local reactions. Systemic reactions were not observed. Conclusion: The current real-life study showed that icatibant was safe and effective. Moreover, the patients' satisfaction level with icatibant was high. We believe that the availability of icatibant should be encouraged during HAE attacks because it enables patients to be more involved in their disease management.

Introduction: The relationship between Blastocystis spp. and chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of this parasitic infection on CSU and to search for risky groups in CSU patients with this parasite. Methods: Seventy adult CSU patients with Blastocystis spp. in their stool samples forming Group A and 70 CSU patients without any parasite as Group B were prospectively compared regarding urticaria activity score-7 (UAS7), medication scores (MS), and laboratory parameters. All patients received CSU treatment, and additionally, those in group A received an antiparasitic antibiotic. Eight months later, the same parameters were compared between the ones in remission (group A1) and those still having CSU symptoms (group A2) in group A. Results: UAS7 and MS were lower in group A than in group B (p: 0.007, p < 0.001) 8 months later, while the initial scores were similar. The presence of food hypersensitivity reactions (FHRs) was higher in group A than in group B (p < 0.001) and was detected as a significant risk factor in the presence of Blastocystis spp. infection (p: 0.002, OR [CI] = 0.151 [0.045–0.502]). In group A, UAS7, MS, serum total IgE levels, and blood eosinophil counts decreased 8 months later (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p: 0.003, p: 0.004, respectively). Additionally, total IgE levels and eosinophil counts decreased in group A1 (p: 0.033, p: 0.002) while they did not change in group A2. Discussion/Conclusion: The eradication of Blastocystis spp. can improve the disease activity in CSU and the presence of FHRs seems to be risky in CSU patients with Blastocystis spp.

Introduction: National data on asthma characteristics and the factors associated with uncontrolled asthma seem to be necessary for every country. For this purpose, we developed the Turkish Adult Asthma Registry for patients with asthma aiming to take a snapshot of our patients, thereby assigning the unmet needs and niche areas of intervention. Methods: Case entries were performed between March 2018 and March 2022. A web-based application was used to record data. Study outcomes were demographic features, disease characteristics, asthma control levels, and phenotypes. Results: The registry included 2053 patients from 36 study centers in Turkey. Female subjects dominated the group (n = 1535, 74.8%). The majority of the patients had allergic (n = 1158, 65.3%) and eosinophilic (n = 1174, 57.2%) asthma. Six hundred nineteen (32.2%) of the patients had obese asthma. Severe asthma existed in 670 (32.6%) patients. Majority of cases were on step 3–5 treatment (n: 1525; 88.1%). Uncontrolled asthma was associated with low educational level, severe asthma attacks in the last year, low FEV1, existence of chronic rhinosinusitis and living in particular regions. Conclusion: The picture of this registry showed a dominancy of middle-aged obese women with moderate-to-severe asthma. We also determined particular strategic targets such as low educational level, severe asthma attacks, low FEV1, and chronic rhinosinusitis to decrease uncontrolled asthma in our country. Moreover, some regional strategies may also be needed as uncontrolled asthma is higher in certain regions. We believe that these data will guide authorities to reestablish national asthma programs to improve asthma service delivery.

Objective: The clinical features of COVID-19 range from asymptomatic disease to severe pneumonia or even death. Therefore, many researchers have investigated the factors that could affect the severity of COVID-19. We aimed to assess the impact of aero-allergen sensitization and allergic diseases on the severity of COVID-19. Materials and Methods: We included 60 adult patients with symptomatic COVID-19 and allocated them into two groups equal in number as having severe and non-severe COVID-19. We evaluated the demographic features and allergic diseases in addition to clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of COVID-19. Skin prick tests (SPTs) with common aero-allergens, serum total IgE levels and blood eosinophil counts were evaluated 3 months after the patient’s recovery from COVID-19.Results: The mean age of the patients was 52 ± 11 years and 73.3% of the patients were male. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of age, gender, smoking habits, obesity and comorbidities. Although the frequency of sensitization to aero-allergens and the allergic diseases were similar, the history of allergic diseases in the family was higher in the severe group (p

Background: There are some adverse effects with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, but the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on attacks in hereditary angioedema (HAE) is not well defined. Objective: We aimed to investigate the influence of COVID-19 vaccination on the course of HAE. Method: The COVID-19 vaccination status was determined in 140 adult patients with HAE. The number and severity of attacks recorded from patients' diaries were evaluated at four different periods, comprising 1 month before the first dose, the period between the first and the second doses of COVID-19 vaccine in all the patients, the period between the second dose and the third doses in those who received three doses, and 1 month after the last vaccination dose. The disease and attack severities were assessed with the disease severity score (DSS) and 10-point visual analog scale, respectively. The patients were divided into two main groups as group 1 (those who had at least two doses of COVID-19 vaccines [n = 114]) and group 2 (those who had no vaccination [n = 26]). Only Sinovac and Biontech, which were only approved in Turkey. Results: The mean ± standard deviation DSS was significantly higher in the patients who experienced an attack after vaccination within 48 hours (6.61 ± 1.88 versus 4.14 ± 1.69; p < 0.001). Long-term prophylaxis was less common in the patients with an increased number of attacks (n = 5 (27.8%) versus n = 54 (56.3%); p = 0.027). The number of patients with less than a high school education was higher in group 2 (n = 23 [88.5%]) than in group 1 (n = 26 [3.1%]) (p < 0.001). The number of patients who had concerns about the triggering of a vaccine-induced HAE attack or about the possible vaccine adverse effects was higher in group 2 (n = 26 [100%]) than in group 1 (n = 74 [64.9%]). Conclusion: It seems that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase HAE attacks regardless of the type of the vaccines. We recommend that HAE activity should be under control before COVID-19 vaccination, and the patients should be well informed about the safety of the vaccines.

Hypersensitivity reactions (HRs) to non-beta lactam antibiotics (NBLAs) have increased over the last years. Although NBLAs with their broad spectrum are widely used to treat various infections, knowledge about HRs due to these drugs is limited when compared to beta-lactam antibiotics (BLAs). Therefore, we aimed to discuss the structures, subgroups of various NBLAs including fluoroquinolones, macrolides, sulfonamides, first-line anti-tuberculosis agents, 5-nitroimidazols, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, clindamycin, and tetracyclines, and we also reviewed epidemiology, clinical characteristics, cross-reactivity, diagnostic methods, and management of related HRs. These agents can lead to occurrence of immediate and/or non-immediate HRs mediated by immunologic and/or non-immunologic mechanisms. There are no validated in vivo or in vitro tests for their diagnosis. Management strategy is similar to that of HRs due to BLAs which includes avoidance or desensitization. In this article in vivo and in vitro diagnostic tests and management strategies for NBL HRs are discussed in detail to provide guidance for daily clinical practice.

Introduction: Heterogeneous clinical features of antibody deficiency (AD) may cause diagnostic delays. Calculated globulin (CG) (total protein minus albumin) has been proposed as a screening test to prevent morbidity due to diagnostic delays in AD. Our aim was to validate CG as a screening test for AD in Turkish adult patients by comparing its role with gamma globulin analysis in protein electrophoresis. Methods: Fifty serum samples were randomly collected for each level of CG from 15 to 25 g/L and tested for serum IgG, IgA, IgM levels and protein electrophoresis. Cut-off values predicting low IgG levels were calculated for electrophoretically determined gamma globulin and CG. Additionally, the data of 47 patients followed up in our clinic with a diagnosis of primary antibody deficiency (PAD) were retrospectively analyzed. Results: A total of 550 adult patients were included in the study. The CG value predicting patients with IgG Conclusion: The determined CG cut-off value of

Bu çalışma, AMF ile simbiyotik yaşam oluşumunu olumsuz etkilen Brassicaceae, Chenopodiaceae ve Urticaceae familyalarından bazı bitkilerin gelişimini teşvik eden rizobakterilerin (PGPR) arbusküler mikorizal fungus (AMF) oluşumuna etkilerini araştırmak amacıyla yapılmıştır. Bitki gelişimine katkıda bulunan ve çeşitli konukçularda ‘mikorhizal helper’ olarak adlandırılan iki PGPR izolatı ilk aşamada belirlenmiş; daha sonra AMF türleriyle [Gigaspora margarita ve ticari AMF (ERS)] birlikte üç bitki türüne uygulanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda; AMF x PGPR interaksiyonun ıspanak, karnabahar ve ısırgan otunda bitki gelişim parametreleri açısından teşvik edici olduğu ortaya konmuştur. Bitki türlerine göre PGPR’in kök kolonizasyonuna etkisi değişkenlik göstermiştir. En yüksek kök kolonizasyon oranı, ticari AMF + ıspanak kombinasyonundadır. Ticari AMF’nin tek başına veya PGPR ile interaksiyonu karnabahar ve ıspanağın toprak spor yoğunluğunu ve mikorhizal bağımlılığını arttırdığı görülmüştür. Bitkilerde toplam fosfor içeriği açısından karnabahar ve ısırgan otu bitkilerinde kontrol grubuna göre önemli bir farklılık olmadığı, ıspanak bitkilerinde ise sadece bir uygulama grubunun (G. margarita x PGPR) fosfor içeriğinde artış olduğu ortaya konmuştur.

Background: The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related mental health status on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) has not been addressed before. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the depression, anxiety and stress levels, and the fear of COVID-19 in patients with mild-to-moderate CSU and to determine their impact on urticaria activity during the pandemic. Methods: A total of 509 patients with mild-to-moderate CSU were prospectively evaluated with validated scales, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21 (DASS-21) and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) during the lockdown period (LP) and the return to normal period (RTNP). CSU activity was determined with the urticaria activity score summed over 7 days (UAS7) and medication scores (MS). UAS7 and MS before the pandemic were retrospectively collected from medical records. Results: The median UAS7 and MS were both significantly higher in the LP than in the median of related scores during the prepandemic period (p < 0.0001) and the RTNP (p < 0.0001). The mean FCV-19S and DASS-21 scores were both significantly higher in the LP than in the RTNP (p < 0.0001). The FCV-19S and the DASS-21 anxiety and stress subscales were significantly higher in women. The UAS7s were positively correlated with the FCV-19S and depression, anxiety, and stress subscale scores. Conclusion: Fear of COVID-19, anxiety, depression, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when strict isolation measures are taken, have a significant impact on mental health and urticaria activity in patients with mild-to-moderate CSU, even though they are not infected. Psychological support for patients with CSU seems to be important to control disease activity during the pandemic.

Bu çalışmada, bazı Arbusküler Mikorhizal Fungus (AMF) türleri (Rhizophagus intraradices (Ri) ve Funneliformis mosseae (Fm)) ile bazı uçucu yağların (kekik, nane ve adaçayı), domatesteki önemli hastalıklar arasında yer alan Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis- lycopersici (Jarvis & Shoemaker) (FORL)‘nin yol açtığı kök ve kök boğazı çürüklüğü hastalığı üzerine etkileri incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın birinci aşamasında, in-vitro koşularda üç farklı uçucu yağ ile bunların beş farklı dozu (25, 50, 75, 100 ve 150 μl L-1), FORL’ye karşı denenmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda patojenin miseliyal koloni gelişiminin sadece kekikten elde edilen uçucu yağın (KUY) tüm dozlarının %50.8-80.8 oranında engellediği; en iyi dozun ise 150 μl L-1 doz olduğu saptanmıştır. Çalışmanın ikinci aşamasında in-vivo koşullarında yetiştirilen domates bitkilerine, AMF türleri ile 150 μl L-1 dozundaki KUY uygulanmıştır. Uygulama gruplarının bitki gelişimine önemli bir etkileri olmamakla beraber, AMF kolonizasyon yoğunluklarına ve mikorizal bağımlılık kriterlerine göre en iyi uyumun Ri ile olduğu saptanmıştır. Çalışmanın üçüncü aşamasında Ri ile KUY’un 150 μl L-1 doz uygulamasının, domates bitkisinde FORL’ye olan etkileri araştırılmıştır. Tüm uygulamalar kontrol grubuna göre hastalığı %28-55 oranlarında baskılarken, Ri+KUY+FORL kombinasyonun patojene karşı en etkili grup olduğu, uygulama gruplarının bitkinin morfolojik gelişimine önemli katkı sağlamadığı gözlenmiştir. AMF kök kolonizasyon yoğunluğu açısından en yüksek değerler Ri ve Ri+KUY+FORL uygulama gruplarında sırasıyla, %43.89 ile %37.77 oranlarında olurken, AMF spor yoğunluklarında istatistiki olarak önemli fark oluşmamıştır. Mikorizal bağımlılık ise sadece Ri+KUY uygulamasında tespit edilmiştir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışmada kullanılan Ri ile KUY uygulamalarının patojeni engellemede önemli bir potansiyele sahip olduğu, ancak bitki gelişimine önemli katkı sağlamadığı belirlenmiştir.

Background: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) attacks can be provoked with psychological factors. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of anxiety, depression and stress related to COVID-19 pandemic on disease activity of HAE patients during the quarantine period (QP) and the return to normal period (RTNP). Methods: This prospective study was conducted between March 2020 and September 2020 in four allergy centres. Demographic, clinical features and mental health status were evaluated in QP (from March to the beginning of June) and RTNP (from June to the beginning of September) was applied by the government. The 10-point visual analogue scale (VAS10) was used to define the severity of HAE attacks. Depression-Anxiety- Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Fear of Covid-19 (FC-19) scales were performed to assess mental health status. Results: 139 HAE patients were included in the study. In QP, median attack numbers and median VAS10 scores were 5 (min-max: 0-45) and 6 (min-max: 0-10), respectively. HAE attack numbers, DASS-21 stress, anxiety, depression and total DASS-21 scores, as well as FC-19 scores were higher in QP than RTNP (p= 0.001, p 0.05). Conclusions: This study revealed that the restriction measures during Covid-19 outbreak causes an increase in the number of HAE attacks in relation to anxiety, depression, stress and fear of Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is important to provide psychological support to HAE patients during the pandemic.

Background: Exocytosis-related gene variants have been suggested to be associated with externalizing behaviors. Objective: This study aimed to examine VAMP2 26 bp Ins\Del, synaptotagmin XI (Syt11) rs3820594 and 33-bp promoter, Syntaxin 1A (Syn-1A) rs1569061 and SNAP-25 rs1051312 and rs3746544 polymorphisms, their serum levels and their relationship with impulsivity, temperament in individuals with alcohol dependence (AD) and healthy controls (HC). Methods: The study included 107 individuals with AD and 104 HCs. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were studied with polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method and serum levels with ELISA. Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (MAST), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) were applied. Results: Syn-1A rs1569061 C allele polymorphism was significantly higher in AD group. Syn-1A rs1569061 C allele was associated with 1.5 times increased risk of AD. All serum levels were significantly higher in the HC group. There was a relationship between Syn-1A rs1569061 polymorphism and BIS-11 motor impulsiveness in the AD group; Syt11 rs3820594 polymorphism and BIS-11 total, TEMPS-A depressive, hyperthymia in the HC group. Discussion: In our study, gene variants and serum levels of synaptic vesicle and presynaptic plasma membrane proteins were related to AD, impulsivity and temperament.

Background: The course of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be influenced by infections, depression, and stress. Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the course of refractory CSU together with patient adherence to omalizumab and treatment adjustments. Methods: Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7) was used to assess disease activity. Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FC-19s), and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21s) were performed to assess mental health status. All scales were performed during the Quarantine Period (QP) and Return to the Normal Period (RTNP). UAS7 Before Pandemic (BP) was recorded from the patients medical records. Results: The authors evaluated 104 omalizumab-receiving CSU patients. UAS7 scores during QP were significantly higher than those in RTNP and BP (p < 0.01). DASS-21 and FC-19 scores were significantly higher during QP compared to RTNP (p < 0.01). Nineteen (18.2%) patients ceased omalizumab, 9 patients prolonged the intervals between subsequent doses during the pandemic. UAS7 scores in QP were significantly higher in patients who ceased omalizumab than in those who continued (p < 0.001). Among patients who continued omalizumab, 22.4% had an increase in urticaria activity and higher FC-19 scores in comparison with those with stable disease activity (p = 0.008). Study limitations: The small sample size of patients with prolonged intervals of omalizumab and the lack of mental health evaluation with the same tools prior to the study. Conclusions: Fear induced by COVID-19 can determine an increase in disease activity. Therefore, patients on omalizumab should continue their treatment and prolonged interval without omalizumab can be considered in patients with good urticaria control.

Dünyada domates yetiştiriciliği yapılan tüm alanlarda erken yanıklık hastalığına neden olan Alternaria solani (Ell. and G. Martin) Sor. önemli derecede ürün kayıplarına neden olmaktadır. Bu araştırmada, 8 endofit bakteri (EB)’ nin (T2K2, T26Y1, G116S2, T13K1, V17G2, V30Y3, V38K1 ve V40K2) A. solani’nin neden olduğu erken yanıklık hastalığına ve domatesin morfolojik gelişim parametrelerine olan etkileri araştırılmıştır. Çalışmanın ilk aşamasında EB izolatlarının in-vivo’da bitki morfolojik gelişimine ve in-vitro’da A. solani’ye karşı antagonistik etkilerine bakılmıştır. Bu çalışmada başarılı bulunan EB izolatları ile ikinci aşamaya geçilmiştir. Bu aşamada, seçilen EB izolatlarının A. solani ile enfekteli bitkilerin gelişim parametreleri ile hastalığa olan etkileri değerlendirilmiştir. EB izolatlarının hastalığı %11-53 oranında baskıladığı belirlenmiştir. In-vivo testlerde T13K1, V40K2 ve V30Y3 izolatları hastalığa karşı en etkili uygulamalar olmuştur. Ayrıca V40K2 izolatı, hastalıksız ve hastalık stresi altında bitkilerin gelişimini genel olarak arttırmıştır. Bu izolatı takiben enfektesiz bitkilerde G116S2 izolatının kök yaş ağırlığını (0.49 g), enfekteli bitkilerde ise sürgün boyunu (59.17 cm) arttırırken, T13K1 izolatı ise enfektesiz uygulamalarda sürgün yaş (3.14 g) ve kuru ağırlığını (0.34 g) arttırmıştır. Enfekteli uygulamalarda negatif kontrole (K(-)) göre EB izolatları, bitki gelişimini olumlu etkilerken, pozitif kontrole (K(+)) göre farklılık göstermiştir. Sonuç olarak, kullanılan EB izolatlarının pestisit ve sentetik gübre girdisini azaltma potansiyelinin olduğu, fakat bu etkinin patojen-endofit bakteri interaksiyonuna göre farklılık gösterebileceği belirlenmiştir., Alternaria solani (Ell. and G. Martin) Sor., causes early blight disease in all areas of tomato cultivation in the world, causes significant product losses. In this study, the effects of 8 endophytic bacteria (EB) (T2K2, T26Y1, G116S2, T13K1, V17G2, V30Y3, V38K1 and V40K2) and the morphological development parameters of tomato were investigated on early blight disease caused by A. solani. In the first stage of the study, the plant morphological development of EB isolates in-vivo and antagonistic effects against A. solani in-vitro were investigated. In this study, the second phase was set up with the effective EB isolates. At this stage, the effects of selected EB isolates on the disease parameters of A. solani-infected plants and the disease were evaluated. It was determined that EB isolates suppress the disease by 11-53%. In-vivo tests, T13K1, V40K2 and V30Y3 isolates were determined as the most effective treatments against the disease. In addition, the V40K2 isolate increased overall growth of the healthy plants and under disease stress. Following this isolate, the root weight (0.49g) of the G116S2 isolate increased in non-infected plants, the shoot length (59.17 cm) in the infected plants, while the T13K1 isolate increased the shoot fresh (3.14 g) and dry weight (0.34 g) in non-infected treatments. In infectious treatments, EB isolates had a positive effect on plant growth compared to negative control (K(-)), but differed according to positive control (K(+)). As a result, it has been determined that the EB isolates used have the potential to reduce pesticide and synthetic fertilizer input, but this effect may differ according to the pathogen-endophytic bacterium interaction.

Introduction: Ciprofloxacin (CPFX), a frequently prescribed quinolone, may induce cutaneous adverse drug reactions. Delayed type hypersensitivity reactions (DTHR) are often difficult to deal with, therefore, in vitro testing for DTHR is the long-anticipated method for their management. This study aimed to evaluate potential value of lymphocyte transformation test (LTT) and intracellular cytokine secretion of drug stimulated CD4+ T cells in patients with DTHR against ciprofloxacin. Material and Methods: Patients experienced DTHR with CPFX (n=8) and healthy subjects (n=10) were enrolled. CPFX skin prick, patch and intradermal tests were performed. LTT by flow cytometry aimed to determine CPFXspecific CD4+ T cell proliferation. Intracellular IL-4, IL-10, IL-2 & IFN-γ levels were analysed by flow cytometry in CPFX-specific CD4+ T cells. Cytokine contents of cell culture supernatants were evaluated by ELISA. Results: In patients with DTHR, 5 and 10 μg/mL CPFX induced significant CD4+ T cell proliferation (p=0.014 and p=0.05, respectively). IL-2 (p=0.02, p=0.001 and p=0.001, respectively) and IL-4 (p=0.001) secreting CD4+ T cell percentages were increased, while IFN-γ+ (p=0.001, p=0.011 and p=0.012, respectively) and IL-10+ (p=0.001, p=0.001 and p=0.002, respectively) CD4+ T cells were decreased. The cell culture supernatants revealed downregulated IL-10 (p

Introduction: Chronic urticaria (CU) is a common disease that primarily affects females. Although commonly encountered, there is little data on how pregnancy interact with CU. We analysed treatment use by CU patients before, during and after pregnancy as well as outcomes of pregnancy. Material and Methods: PREG-CU was a prospective and retrospective, international, multicentre, study of the Urticaria Centers of Reference and Excellence (UCARE) network. Data were collected via a 47-item-questionnaire completed by CU patients who became pregnant during their disease course. Results: Questionnaires from 288 CU patients from 13 countries were analysed. During pregnancy, most patients (60%) used urticaria medication (standard dose second generation H1-antihistamines [SD-sgAH] (35.1%), first generation H1-antihistamines (7.6%), high-dose sgAH (5.6%), and omalizumab (5.6%). The preterm birth rate was 10.2%, and preterm rates of patients who did and did not receive treatment during pregnancy were similar (11.6% vs 8.7%). Emergency referrals for CU and twin birth were risk factors for preterm birth. The caesarean delivery rate was 51.3%. More than 90% of new-borns. were healthy at birth. There was no link between any patient or disease characteristics or treatments and medical problems at birth. Eight of 10 (78.8%) women with CU breastfed their babies and most (54.3%) used urticaria medication while breastfeeding. Conclusion: Rates of preterm births and medical problems of new-borns in patients with CU were similar to population norms and not linked to treatment used during pregnancy. Emergency referrals increase risk of preterm birth and emphasizes the importance of urticaria control during pregnancy.

Background Little is known about the diagnostic approaches for immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IHRs) due to 5-nitroimidazole antibiotics. The aim was to evaluate the usefulness of in vivo tests and basophil activation test (BAT) for the diagnosis of IHRs due to metronidazole and ornidazole and to determine possible cross-reactivity in between. Methods Forty-nine patients with a clear history of IHRs due to these drugs and 20 healthy subjects who were known to tolerate these drugs were included. Skin tests (STs) and single-blind placebo-controlled drug provocation tests (SBPCDPTs) were performed with both drugs whereas BAT was applied only with the culprit drug. Results The most and least common reaction types were urticaria/angioedema (34.7%) and anaphylaxis (14.3%), respectively. SBPCDPTs were positive in 15 out of 47 patients, and only 7 had positive STs. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of STs for metronidazole/ornidazole were 33.3%/16.6%, 94.2%/97.3%, 60%/50%, and 84.6%/88.1%, respectively. BAT was positive in 12 out of 15 patients and negative in 10 control subjects, giving a sensitivity rate of 71.4% (CI, 29.0%-96.3%) for metronidazole and 83.3% (CI, 35.8%-99.5%) for ornidazole. The optimal concentration of both drugs for BAT was determined as 5 mg/mL. No cross-reactivity among two drugs was observed according to in vivo tests. Conclusions Our study showed that SBPCDPT and BAT are both useful diagnostic tools for IHRs due to 5-nitroimidazole antibiotics and can be used as supplementary to each other. No cross-reactivity between metronidazole and ornidazole in IHRs exists.

Celik, Aycan/0000-0003-0151-4081 WOS: 000549485100001 PubMed ID: 32597371 Aim of the study is to compare prodynorphin (PDYN) rs1997794, rs1022563, rs6045819, rs2235749 polymorphisms in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MD) to that of healthy controls (HC), and to investigate the differences in serum PDYN levels in methamphetamine withdrawal. It is also aimed to explore the temperament characteristics and depression and their relationship with PDYN polymorphisms and PDYN serum levels in MD group. PDYN gene and serum levels were studied in 134 patients with MD and 97 HC. Patients with MD were administered Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A). For rs1022563 polymorphism, TT and CT genotype frequency and T allele frequency were significantly higher in the MD group than the frequencies in HC. It was found that rs2235749 polymorphism AA genotype was associated with increased risk of MD. PDYN rs1997794 CT genotypes had significantly higher scores of TEMPS-A irritable than CC genotypes and PDYN rs1022563 CC genotypes had significantly higher scores of TEMPS-A irritable than TT genotypes. PDYN levels among persons with MD were significantly higher than among the HC group when the withdrawal level increased and withdrawal symptoms improved. During the period in which the withdrawal level increased, there was a negative correlation between PDYN level and BDI and a positive relationship between PDYN level and TEMPS-A hyperthymic. It may be beneficial to screen temperament characteristics associated with increased risk of addiction in patients with MD and develop interventions based on temperament characteristics and the effects of PDYN. Scientific Research Projects Commission of University of Health Sciences [2018/013] This work was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Commission of University of Health Sciences under project number of 2018/013.