Evaluation of groundwater quality with microbiological and physicochemical parameters in Bartın, Turkey

In this study, the physicochemical and microbiological quality of groundwater samples was investigated in rainy and dry periods. Forty samples were collected from 10 sampling points. TDS, EC, color, turbidity, NO₃, SO₄, PO₄, Cl, total hardness, E. coli, and F. streptococci analyses were performed. Cl, TH, and NO₃ were higher in the rainy period unlike TDS, EC, SO₄, and PO₄. Physicochemical parameters did not exceed the acceptable values reported for drinking waters in TS/WHO. However, groundwater samples were not suitable for drinking water in terms of microbiological parameters. Both bacteria were found in higher numbers in the dry period. However, E. coli was more abundant in the dry period in contrast to F. streptococci. According to the nitrate/Cl ratio and other analyses (correlation matrix and principal component analysis) groundwater quality was affected by many sources. The results of analytic and statistical analyzes showed that F. streptococci is mostly related to animal waste unlike E. coli. According to the EC/FS ratio, microbiological pollution in rural areas was affected by animal wastes in both periods. On the other hand, animal waste in the urban areas may be effective during the rainy period. PCA and correlation matrix also confirmed these results. According to PCA results, groundwater quality may be affected by geogenic sources, fecal sources, and use of fertilizer in the study area. According to WQI, 5% and 16% of the groundwater samples were not found suitable as drinking water in dry and rainy periods, respectively.

Identifying the determinants of microalbuminuria in obese patients in primary care units: the effects of blood pressure, random plasma glucose and other risk factors

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to evaluate the demographic characteristics, blood pressure and blood glucose and the other related factors that affect the microalbuminuria levels in the obese patients aged 40 and above who applied to the primary care for medical evaluation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The population of the research, which was a cross-sectional type, comprised obese patients aged 40 and above who had applied to the community health centers in the center of Malatya. A total of 422 obese patients consisting of 116 males and 306 females were included in the research. The anthropometric measurements of the participants were determined, their blood pressures and their random blood glucoses were evaluated, as well. A microalbuminuria measurement was performed in the urine samples taken from the patients using "Nycocard Reader II" device.

FINDINGS

The incidence of microalbuminuria in patients was found as 31.5%, whereas the incidence of macroalbuminuria was 6.6%. The incidence of microalbuminuria in female patients was 32.7%, while it was 28.4% in male patients; on the other hand, the incidence of macroalbuminuria in female patients was found as 6.8%, whereas this percentage was determined as 7.8 in male patients (p > 0.05). The probability of the incidence of microalbuminuria increased 2.8 times more in those with the diastolic blood pressure of 90 mmHg and above when compared to those without it (GA: 1.79-4.56), whereas the incidence increased 3.2 times more in those with the random blood glucose of 200 mg/l and above (GA: 1.32-7.84) (p < 0.001). In our study, among the variables predicting the microalbuminuria in obese patients; the cutoff values of the diastolic and systolic blood pressures, the waist circumference were found as >85 mmHg; >130 mmHg; >141 mg/dl, respectively, in male patients and found as >85 mmHg, >114 cm, and 109 cm, respectively, in female patients. The sensitivity and specificity of the tests indicating the cutoff values showed significance (p < 0.05). There was no statistically significant relevance between the microalbumin levels of the obese patients via the anthropometric criteria, except for their waist circumference (p > 0.05).

RESULT

In this study, the blood pressure and blood glucose levels of the patients along with their waist circumference that indicated a central obesity were specified as the determinants of microalbuminuria. While the obese patients are being evaluated in terms of proteinuria, the cutoff values of these variables can be taken into consideration.

Gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/F compounds in the atmosphere of Istanbul

Gas/particle partitioning of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) compounds in the ambient atmosphere were investigated at three different sites (urban-industrial, urban and sub-urban) in İstanbul. Average gas and particle phase concentrations were measured as 133fgm(-3) and 1605fgm(-3), respectively. Gas phase concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furan (PCDD/F) compounds were determined to be 128fgm(-3), 50fgm(-3), 153fgm(-3) during summer season and 204fgm(-3), 164fgm(-3), 154fgm(-3) during winter season for the respective three sampling sites. Particle phase concentrations were determined to be 287fgm(-3), 176fgm(-3), 160fgm(-3) during summer and 6586fgm(-3), 2570fgm(-3) and 1861fgm(-3) during winter season for those three sampling sites. Chlorination level and molecular weight of congeners affected gas/particle partitioning of PCDD/F compounds. Gas phase percentages of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and OCDD concentrations were determined to be 47% and 1% respectively. A relatively high correlation was found between total particle matter (TPM) and particle phase PCDD/F concentration during winter season.

Investigation of temporal and spatial variations in atmospheric concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs in Istanbul

In this study, temporal and spatial variations of the atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated-p-dibenzo dioxin (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDFs) congeners were investigated in Istanbul at three different locations. The highest average concentration (3481 fg/m(3)) was observed at the sampling location which is characterized by mixed source groups during colder months. The lowest average concentration (749 fg/m(3)) was observed at sampling station which is characterized by semi-urban characteristics. ∑PCDD/F concentration showed seasonal variation in this study. The highest average concentration was determined to be 4373 fg/m(3) in winter while the lowest average concentration was determined to be 498 fg/m(3) in summer.

Seasonal variation of PCDD/Fs in the metropolis of Istanbul, Turkey

Atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) compounds were investigated at three different regions of Istanbul which reflect urban, urban/industrial, and sub-urban characteristics. Air samples were collected simultaneously for both gaseous and particulate phases using high volume samplers on monthly time intervals from May 2011 to October 2012. The highest concentrations (3,056 fg/m(3) and 156 fg I-TEQ/m(3)) were observed at the sampling site that reflects traffic, residential, and industrial emission source characteristics, while the lowest concentrations (829 fg/m(3) and 38 fg I-TEQ/m(3)) were observed at the sampling point which is far away from centrum and reflects sub-urban characteristics. Concentrations of PCDD congeners were, in general, found to be higher than PCDF congeners, and OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD/F, and OCDF congeners were recorded to be the most abundant congeners. Winter season concentrations were also found to be higher especially in particulate phase. As a result, combustion processes such as motor vehicles and residential heating equipment were thought to be the principal sources of emissions of PCDD/F compounds when both congener profiles and seasonal variations are considered. Basic statistical evaluation of the data resembled high degree of inverse correlations between PCDD/F concentrations and UV and solar radiation.

Multiple relapses in extramedullary localization of acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Extramedullary relapses of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and young adults are rare and in most cases are usually related to the central nervous system or testes. We describe a case of a 25-year-old man with an acute lymphoblastic leukemia with multiple extramedullary relapses in the testes, gallbladder, breast, parotid gland and eye at various times (Fig. 5, Ref. 21).

Rubella seroprevalence in an unvaccinated pregnant population in Malatya, Turkey

BACKGROUND

Controlling congenital rubella by 2010 is one of the targets of the World Health Organization. Most European countries currently include rubella vaccine in their national immunization programmes, but not yet in Turkey.

OBJECTIVES

To define rubella seroprevalence in pregnancy in Malatya, Turkey.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross-sectional interview survey was conducted among pregnant women living in Malatya province from November 2003 to May 2004, together with a follow-up component.

METHODS

Stratified probability proportional to size sampling methodology. A total of 824 pregnant women from 60 clusters were enrolled. After obtaining informed consent, participants' socio-demographic and fertility characteristics were collected by interview questionnaire. Various blood samples were drawn. After storing serum samples at -20 degrees C for 6 months, anti-rubella IgM and IgG titres were studied by micro ELISA. Only 803 sera were eligible for serological study.

RESULTS

Of the 803 samples tested for rubella antibodies, 753 cases (93.8%) had anti-rubella IgG positivity, indicating past infection. Five of the pregnant women (0.6%) had both anti-rubella IgM and IgG positive results, suggesting a recent infection. The remaining 45 women (5.6%) were seronegative for both antibodies. Seroprevalence was not associated with age or urban/rural residency. All the five anti-rubella IgM positive women were in the second trimester of pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

As 5.6% of pregnant women were susceptible to rubella during pregnancy, and five of them had already had a recent infection, immunization efforts should be directed at babies and adolescents.

Evaluation of the immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in children aged 1-3 years in Malatya, Turkey

By the end of 1998, Turkey had launched the routine vaccination of infants against hepatitis B. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the immune response in a sample of vaccinated children aged 1-3 years in the city of Malatya. A total of 210 vaccinated children 12 to 48 months old were selected for the study with 30 cluster sampling in the city of Malatya, Turkey. The children were visited at their homes during January-April 2002. The information on demographic characteristics, family's and child's medical history was gathered, childrens' weight and height were measured and blood samples were taken. Anti-HBs, HbsAg and anti-HBc titers were assayed by micro-ELIZA from the sera. The mean age of the children was 26.3 months, 100 (47.6%) were male and 110 (52.4%) were female. Overall, 203 (96.7%) children had protective anti-HBs levels (> or = 10 IU/l), 0.5% showed evidence of natural infection (with positive anti-HBc and anti-HBs titers), 0.5% had acute or chronic infection (with positive HbsAg and anti-HBc titers) and 2.3% were seronegative. Geometric mean titer of anti-HBs among vaccinated children except those who had positive anti-HBc titers was 138.7 mIU/ml (95% CI:124.7-154.2) and seroconversion rates did not differ by age, sex, anthropometric measurements, time after third dose and place of vaccine administered (P > 0.05). The high seroprotection rate over 95% showed that routine infant vaccination program for hepatitis B was successfully carried out in the city Malatya.