Thrace Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Sociodemographic and Psychosocial Factors Affecting the Psychological Well-being of Preoperative Surgical Patients

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the subjective psychological well-being levels and sociodemographic and psychosocial factors affecting the psychological well-being of preoperative surgical patients. DesignThis was a cross-sectional study. MethodsThis study was conducted between January 15, 2021 and July 15, 2021. The sample consisted of 236 surgical patients in a public hospital in the Thrace region of Turkey. Data were collected using a personal information form and the five-item World Health Organization Well-Being Index (WHO-5). The data were analyzed using numbers, percentages, mean, standard deviation, independent samples t test, one-way analysis of variance, Tukey's multiple comparison test, and linear regression analysis. FindingsParticipants had a mean WHO-5 score of 10.76 ± 6.21, indicating low subjective psychological well-being. Economic status, chronic disease status, history of surgery, having been on psychiatric medication or receiving professional psychological support, tobacco use, experiencing a significant life change in the last 3 months, and reporting experiencing frequent stress in everyday life were significant predictors of WHO-5 scores. ConclusionsPreoperative surgical patients have low subjective psychological well-being, and their sociodemographic and psychosocial factors affect their psychological well-being.

Bacterial dynamics of hardaliye, a fermented grape beverage, determined by high-throughput sequencing

Hardaliye is a traditional beverage made by fermenting red grapes with mustard seeds and sour cherry leaves in the Thrace region of Turkey. There are few studies that have determined the microorganisms responsible for hardaliye fermentation, and these are limited to lactic acid bacteria (LAB) using culture-dependent techniques. The aim of this study was to determine the bacterial dynamics of hardaliye fermentation using a culture-independent approach, high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA amplicons. Hardaliye was produced using the traditional method, and fermentation samples were taken at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 10 d and analyzed. During the fermentation period, pH decreased from 3.65 to 3.23. Amplicon sequencing showed that bacterial diversity was highest at 2 d, and lowest at 10 d, the final day. Although Enterobacteriaceae was the most dominant family at 0 and 2 d, Acetobacteriaceae, specifically Gluconobacter frateurii, became dominant with 50% relative abundance at 4 d, and increased its abundance to >98% at 6 and 10 d. Although a slight increase in relative abundance of 1% (0 d) to 5% (4 d) was observed in LAB, their presence was limited. To our knowledge, this study represents the first to report acetic acid bacteria in hardaliye fermentation.

Genetic Diversity of Kırklareli Honey Bee (Apis mellifera L.) Populations in Thrace Region of Turkey: Identification of Mitochondrial COI and ND5 Gene Regions

The main goal of genetic resource conservation is to keep as much genetic diversity as possible within each species. In this respect, some difficulties in the protection of honey bee gene resources make it necessary to reveal the genetic structures of the subspecies and the genetic relationships between the subspecies. In this study, Kırklareli honey bee populations which were officially registered as an ecotype of Turkey’s honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) gene resources by the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, were examined in the COI and ND5 genes of mitochondrial DNA. The restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) together with the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to define Apis mellifera populations. A total of 117 worker bee samples were used which were collected from mostly the Kırklareli province. A newly found single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), G→A transition in the COI gene region formed a novel NcoI restriction site resulting in a new haplotype. This new haplotype has been abbreviated as haplotype C. As a result of the COI/SspI digestion, the previously reported C haplotype was determined. No restriction was found with the treatment of COI/StyI enzyme. On the other hand, as a result of ND5/AluI restriction, 2 restriction site and previously reported haplotype C was obtained in all of the studied samples. No restriction was screened with ND5/FokI and ND5/HincII enzymes in the whole samples, only a reported uncut B haplotype was observed. Within this study, novel genetic information has been revealed for the Kırklareli honey bee ecotype registered as the Thrace honey bee of Turkey’s honey bee gene resources. Moreover, detailed studies with larger sample sizes should be conducted to characterize the origin and the subspecies of Kırklareli honey bees in detail. It is thought that this study will be useful in the identification and registration of the Kırklareli honey bees to be carried out in the future, and also in the creation of a database.

Análisis de biplot GGE de interacción genotipo por ambiente de cultivares de cebada

This study was conducted out to determine grain yield, yield components, and some quality charecteristics of 17 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes at six environments in Thrace region of Turkey, using principal component analysis (PCA) and genotype (G) + genotype × environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis to define the genotypes with higher yield and desirable quality traits during the 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 cropping seasons. Mean values of the genotypes varied from 5106-6753 kg.ha-1 for grain yield, 103.4-117.1 days for heading date, 94.6-110.3 cm for plant height, 6.26-10.07 cm for spike length, 25.0-75.5 number of grains per spike, 1.20-2.99 g grain weight per spike, 35.0-50.5 g for thousand kernel and weight, 56.4-64.1 kg.hl-1 for test weight. The relationships among the examined traits and genotypes was 53.9 % as defined by PC biplot analyses. GGE biplot analysis represented 94.77 % of the relationship of G + GE for grain yield. Two mega circles were formed according to grain yield, Zeus genotype for E1, E2 and E5 locations and Arcanda genotype for E3, E4 and E6 locations were determined as prominent genotypes. Zeus and Arcanda cultivars have been identified as the most ideal and stable genotypes.

The Frequency of SMN1, SMN2 Copy Numbers in 246 Turkish Cases Analyzed with MLPA Method.

This study aimed to define the copy numbers of SMN1 and SMN2 genes and the diagnosis rate and carrier frequency of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in the Thrace region of Turkey. In this study, the frequency of deletions in exons 7 and 8 in the SMN1 gene and SMN2 copy numbers were investigated. A total of 133 cases with the preliminary diagnosis of SMA and 113 cases with the suspicion of being an SMA carrier from independent families were analyzed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification method for SMN1 and SMN2 gene copy numbers. SMN1 homozygous deletions were detected in 34 patients (25.5%) of 133 cases with the suspicion of SMA. Cases diagnosed with SMA type I was 41.17% (14/34), 29.4% (10/34) with type II, 26.4% (9/34) with type III, and 2.94% (1/34) with type IV. The SMA carrier rate was 46.01% in 113 cases. In 34 SMA cases, SMN2 copy numbers were: two copies - 28 cases (82.3%), three copies - 6 cases (17.6%). SMN2 homozygous deletions were detected in 15% (17/113) of carrier analysis cases. The consanguinity rate of the parents was 23.5% in SMA diagnosed cases. In this study, we had a 25.5% of SMA diagnosis rate and 46% SMA carrier frequency. The current study also showed the relatively low consanguinity rate of the Thrace region, with 23.5% according to the east of Turkey.

137Cs in Soils from İstanbul (Turkey) Sampled 35 Years After Chernobyl

The artificial 137Cs radionuclide dispersed into the atmosphere as a consequence of the Chernobyl accident. As a result of the explosion, radioactive pollution occurred in the Black Sea and Thrace region. In the present study, to assess the risks associated with the exposure due to Chernobyl fallout, artificial 137Cs radionuclide was analyzed in collected surface soil samples from the Anatolian region of Istanbul, in Thrace Region of Turkey by a gamma-ray spectrometer equipped with HPGe. The artificial 137Cs radionuclide activity concentrations range from <0.07 to 9.95 ± 0.19 Bq kg−1 d.w. in soil samples. To estimate the radiological hazard resulting from fallout 137Cs were calculated. The annual effective dose rate ranges from 0.003 to 0.37 μSv y−1. Statistical analyses were carried out to understand the distribution of 137Cs activity concentration.

Trakya Bölgesi Koşullarında Kısıntılı Sulama Programlarının Darıda (Panicum miliaceum L.) Verim Üzerine Etkileri

Millets are indigenous to many parts of the world and are more widely grown, especially in areas where water is limited. The most widely grown millet type is sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.). A field study was carried out to determine the effect of deficit irrigation regimes on grain yield and seasonal evapotranspiration of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in the Thrace Region of Turkey. The field trials were conducted on a loam Entisol soil, on Öğretmenoğlu and Beydarı, the most popular varieties in the research area. In the study, the split plots experimental design with three replications was used. Eight different irrigation issues are considered, including combinations of the vegetative (V), flowering (F) and grain formation (Y) phases of the plant (including dry conditions, NoI). Results showed that proso millet was significantly affected by water stress during the sensitive flowering stage. The highest grain yield was obtained with 4.09 t ha-1 from Öğretmenoğlu and 4.03 t ha-1 from Beydarı, which was rinsed (VFY) in all development periods. Seasonal irrigation water use and evapotranspiration of the irrigated (VFY) in all development periods were 318 and 579 mm, respectively, for the non-stressed treatment. The seasonal water yield function was calculated as Y = 0.4087 ET + 144.03, and the seasonal yield-water response factor value was calculated as 0.57'.

Investigation of the Roles of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) and MMP-2 (-1306C>T ) Variations in Bladder Cancer Development.

Bladder cancer is a complex malignancy and has been associated with high morbidity. Since susceptibility to bladder cancer development differs between individuals, determining the roles of MTHFR and MMP-2 gene variations associated with this cancer is important for analyzing differences in individual susceptibility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of MTHFR and MMP-2 gene variations in the development of bladder cancer in the Thrace region of Turkey. One hundred seventy-nine blood samples were collected, including 98 patients with bladder cancer and 81 healthy controls. DNA extraction was carried out with blood samples. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism was applied to detect MTHFR C677T (rs 1801133), MTHFR A1298C (rs 1801131), and MMP-2 (-1306C>T) (rs 243865) gene variants. For the MTHFR A1298C gene variation, CC genotype was the genetic risk factor (P=.0001), while AC genotype was the protective factor (P< .0001) in the development of bladder cancer. For the MMP-2 (-1306C>T) gene variation, TT genotype (P < .0001) and T allele (P=.0006) were genetic risk factors, while AC genotype (P=.0009) was the protective factor in the development of bladder cancer. For C677T/A1298C gene variations, CC-CC combined genotype was the genetic risk factor (P=.009), while CT-AC and CC-AC combined genotypes were potential protective biomarkers (P=.013 and P < .001, respectively). In our study, TT genotype and T allele were determined as genetic risk factors for MMP-2 (-1306C>T) gene variation. For C677T/A1298C gene variations, CC- CC combined genotype was detected as the genetic risk factor in the development of bladder cancer.

Creating a high‐quality wool‐oriented Turkish merino herd and investigation of mechanical and dyeability properties of fabrics produced from Turkish merino in comparison with Australian merino

AbstractToday, the need for quality wool suitable for worsted fabric production in the world is mainly met by Australian merino wool. In Turkey, which has a significant sheep population, in addition to domestic breeds, approximately 10% of the total sheep population (around four million head) is composed of merino cross breeds. However, the fleece quality is far from meeting Australian merino wool standards. Therefore, the aim of this study is to ensure a merino herd with high‐quality wool in Turkey. For this aim, by carrying out field studies in the Thrace region of Turkey where Turkish Merino sheep are widely bred, sheep with fleece that can meet the demands of the worsted industry were determined. As a result of field studies in which thousands of sheep were examined, it was determined that 43 female and 10 male sheep had fleece that would meet these standards. Then the breeders of the sheep, which had quality fleece, were persuaded and these sheep were purchased, and “Turkey's wool‐oriented Turkish (Karacabey) Merino Herd” consisting of 30 sheep and three rams was formed in the farm of Tekirdağ Namık Kemal University. In the second part of this study, a 100% wool fabric produced by using Australian merino was taken as a reference and it was aimed to produce the same fabric from Turkish merino wool. For this aim, the wool‐oriented Turkish Merino herd, which was bred at the university farm for 1 year, was shorn in May 2022. Then, Turkish and Australian merino wools were first converted into worsted yarn and then into woven fabric. The results of mechanical (tensile strength, pilling, abrasion resistance, felting shrinkage, Hofmann dimensional change, bending stiffness) and dyeability (dye‐uptake, CIE L*a*b* and colour yield (K/S) values; washing, rubbing and light fastness values) properties of fabrics produced from Turkish and Australian merino wool is presented.

Land subsidence due to natural gas extraction in the Thrace basin (NW Turkey) and its influence on the North Anatolian fault under the Marmara Sea

We map surface deformation in the Thrace region of Turkey using the Sentinel-1 Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data. Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) time series analysis of the SAR data acquired between 2014 and 2020 on ascending and descending orbits reveals large-scale subsidence (~110 × 60 km) with rates reaching up to 10 ± 1.5 mm/yr. We relate this deformation to natural gas reservoir operations, such as gas exploitation and extraction activities that have been taking place in the region for decades, an inference being supported by the strong correlation between the InSAR time series and the variation in natural gas production during the same time period in the Thrace region reported by the Energy Market Regulation Authority of Turkey. Assuming that the observed subsidence is caused by compaction of sediments in the natural gas reservoirs, we construct a triangulated surface enveloping roughly at the bottom of the gas extraction wells and use it to invert the amount of negative opening (hence volume loss) on triangular elements that are assumed to be buried in an elastic and homogeneous medium. Coulomb stress changes caused by this volume change on the North Anatolian Fault at the Sea of Marmara are found to be insignificant (less than 10?5 Mega-Pascal) to perturb the state of the stress around the Marmara seismic gap. Yet, the large-scale subsidence revealed in this study needs to be taken into consideration when assessing hazards for the infrastructures, settlements, and other engineering structures, particularly in case of a large earthquake in the Marmara Seismic Gap.

Analyzing The Effects of Livestock Policies on Farm-level Efficiency in Turkey; Thrace Region Case

The effect of agricultural subsidies on the efficiency of farms is one of the main issues discussed today. Dairy farming benefits from various types of subsidies and take a lion share from the agricultural support budget. In this context, this study has four important aims. Firstly, to analyze the technical efficiency of dairy farms, secondly, to investigate the effects of policy tools on efficiency, thirdly to determine factors affecting efficiencies and finally to bring proposals. This study was carried out in Thrace Region of Turkey and interviewed with 140 dairy farmers. The three-stage method was applied in this study. The technical efficiency and policies effects on efficiency were determined by using Data Envelopment Analysis. Tobit Analysis was used to investigate the relationship between efficiency and farmer or farms-oriented characteristics. The results of Data Envelopment Analysis show that average efficiency scores are 0.700 under constant return to scale, 0.795 under variable return to scale and 0.886 for scale efficiency. The technical efficiency increases by 1.13%-2.43% thanks to subsidies and the scale efficiency is 1.35% higher. It is noteworthy that subsidies affect efficiency positively but provide a small improvement, also the effects vary across the farm-scale groups. According to Tobit Analysis, the education level of farmers, the share of livestock in total income, family size and whether tend to give up farming are significantly affecting efficiency. It is recommended for governments should provide subsidies to increase the scale of small farms that work with increasing return to scale and to improve the technology of larger farms that work with decreasing return to scale.

A Cross-sectional study on the transmission dynamics of Bovine Herpesvirus-1 infection in the farms located in the Thrace Region of Turkey

In this study, detection of BHV-1 infections in cattle by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and investigation of the risk factors associated with the spread of the virus within the herd were aimed. Three dairy farms were selected in the Thrace district, Marmara region, Turkey, and two visits to these farms. A questionnaire was prepared for the farmers. On the first visit, 4 (14.81%) of 27 animals on Farm 1, 6 (28.57%) of 21 animals in farm 2, and 3 (7.31%) of 41 animals in Farm 3 were found to be seropositive for BHV-1. On the second visit, 6 (25%) of 24 animals in Farm 1, 6 (35.29%) of 17 animals in Farm 2, and 6 (20%) of 30 animals in Farm 3 were found to be seropositive for BHV-1. Thirteen (14.6%) of 89 blood samples were seropositive at the first sampling and 18 (25.35%) of 71 blood samples in the second sampling. Two calves belonging to 7 cows that were found to be seropositive at the first visit, and the calves of four of 10 mothers found to be seropositive at the second visit were also found seropositive. BHV-1 DNA was detected in only 3 of the 43 milk samples taken during the first and second visits (2 on the first visit, one on the second visit), and 13 of 160 nasal swabs (8 on the first visit, five on the second visit). All the cows with three milk samples whose BHV-1 DNA was detected by PCR were determined as seropositive. Three of the eight cattle with BHV-1 DNA detected in nasal swabs on the first visit, and 4 of the five cattle with BHV-1 DNA detected in nasal swabs on the second visit were detected seropositive by ELISA. The statistical analysis has shown that the association between age, sex, and BHV-1 seropositivity was statistically significant. The BHV-1 seroprevalence was increased in animals on the second visit in all farms. The preventive measurements need to be applied in Turkey to control BHV-1 infections in cattle.

CONTRIBUTION TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE ZYGAENIDAE (LEPIDOPTERA) OF TURKEY

The aim of this article is to contribute to the recent distribution and systematic classification of Zygaenidae (Lepidoptera) in 12 provinces in the Aegean, eastern Anatolia and Thrace regions of Turkey, with the records obtained in 2020 and 2021. Twenty Zygaenidae species from five genera belonging to Procridinae and Zygaeninae subfamilies were recorded: Theresimima Strand, 1917 (1 species), Rhagades Wallengren, 1863 (1 species), Adscita Retzius, 1783 (1 species), Jordanita Verity, 1946 (5 species), and Zygaena Fabricius, 1775 (12 species). It is the first record of Zygaena (Zygaena) ephialtes (Linnaeus, 1767) in Thrace region of Turkey since Herrich-Schäffer (1845). Zygaena (Mesembrynus) lydia Staudinger, 1887 endemic to Turkey, was also recently recorded in this study. In addition, Zygaena (Agrumenia) armena Eversman, 1851, which is known only in Turkey and Georgia, was also recorded from the province of Ardahan in the eastern Anatolia region of Turkey.

Morphometric and Genetic Characterization of Honey Bees (Apis mellifera L.) From Thrace Region of Turkey

Abstract A detailed morphological and genetic characterization of honey bees from the Thrace and west Anatolian regions of Turkey was surveyed. A total of 1650 worker bee samples (110 colonies) were evaluated with the forty-one morphological characters and 217 honey bee samples were analyzed via DNA sequencing of the tRNAleu-cox2 region. In this study, three different populations, Thrace (Tekirdağ, Kırklareli and Edirne provinces), Island Gökçeada, and western Anatolia were formed based on morphometrics, since the Marmara Sea has taken a very strong barrier role in this formation. The morphological similarity of the Thrace population was supported by the genetic analysis. The sequencing of the tRNAleu-cox2 region revealed twenty-two different haplotypes, sixteen of which are novel. The C2d, macedonica-like haplotype, was the most widely found haplotype (48%) all around the Thrace region. Along with the C2d haplotype, previously published C2s, C2v, C2i, C2j, and C2h haplotypes, and the newly found haplotypes were also observed but less frequently. In this study, Thrace honey bees were found to more similar to A. m. macedonica through the mtDNA sequence analysis, whereas carnica-like honey bees were only found near the Istranca mountain ridges, Kırklareli province and macedonica-like honey bees all around the Thrace region. According to our results, some of the Thrace honey bee populations may be both A. m. carnica and A. m. macedonica but the assignment to the latter subspecies seems more likely due to its geographic range.

Evaluation of Variation on Myostatin (MSTN) Gene of Turkish Donkey Populations in Thrace Region of Turkey

The study aimed to determine the MSTN gene variation in 90 donkeys reared in the Thrace region of Turkey. Myostatin (MSTN), also named GDF-8 (growth differentiation factor 8) is a part of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily and it has a negative regulator role on muscle mass, growth and development in mammalian species. MSTN gene regulates the skeletal muscle growth in a negative way and has a significant role in homeostasis of skeletal muscles. Also, in muscle fibers balance of protein has been promoted by Myostatin factor. The total of 866 bp long partial intron 1 and 2, whole exon 2 regions of MSTN gene was amplified and PCR products analysed using DNA sequencing. In this study, a novel synonymous SNP was determined as g.4183919 G&gt;A in the second exon region of the MSTN gene which does not cause an amino acid change in the protein. The G&gt;A transition caused a silent mutation in leucine (leu) amino acid. Alterations in mRNA level and functionality of protein can occur due to synonymous mutations. Since leucine is an important amino acid that can avoid muscle mass loss and inhibits the expression of Myostatin, it can be said that silent mutation of Leu in donkeys may have altered the muscle mass and physical factor of donkeys in this study. Mutant leucine may have a lower efficient effect on preventing loss of muscles and causes more Myostatin protein expression. The identified SNP was firstly released and the DNA sequences of the MSTN gene in Turkish donkeys was revealed for the first time with recent study. Turkish donkeys lacked these mutations that were identified before in horses, which cause for the less might require for race ability of donkeys. The sequences of MSTN gene were submitted to the NCBI GenBank with the accession number: MW970078- MW970079. Further studies are needed to conduct, on protein and molecular levels, SNPs on the MSTN gene and their association with the morphological characters that may affect economic traits in donkey breeds.

New and additional records of the family Coreidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from the Thrace Region of Turkey, J.Het.Turk., 4(1):1-13

New and additional records of the family Coreidae (Hemiptera: Heteroptera) from the Thrace Region of Turkey, J.Het.Turk., 4(1):1-13

Cerrahi Hemşirelerinin Yaşlı Hastalara Yönelik Tutumlarının Belirlenmesi

Background: Due to chronic diseases and physiological changes with aging, the surgical processes care requirements may change. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the attitudes of surgical nurses toward older patients and the factors affecting the attitude. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 153 nurses who worked in surgical units of a university hospital located in Thrace region of Turkey from February 21 to March 11, 2020. Data were collected using a nurse identification form and the Kogan’s Attitude toward Older People scale. Data were analyzed using Whitney-U test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient. Results: The mean attitude score was 126.23 ± 15.52, the scores of nurses who had postgraduate degrees were statistically significantly higher than those who had high school degrees (p &amp;lt; .05). Negative attitude scores of nurses who had no experience in providing care for older patients were statistically significantly higher than those who had experience (p &amp;lt; .05). There was a positive relationship between the mean age and professional experience of nurses and the mean attitude score (r = .18 p = .019; r = .17 p = .027, respectively). Conclusion: The study showed that nurses who worked in surgical units had a positive attitude toward older patients, and their educational status, the experiences they gained in providing care for older patients, and the increase in their age and professional experience were effective in developing their positive attitudes toward older patients. The presence of educated and experienced surgical nurses in nursing care of older patients is important in terms of displaying positive attitudes towards them.

Blood concentrations of potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) and correlation with biochemical and hematological parameters in dogs from thrace region, Turkey

Environmental exposure to potentially toxic trace elements (PTEs) leads to health problems in animals as well as in humans. Dogs can be used as bioindicators for health status of both environment, animals and humans. The study material consisted of a total of 140 dogs from Thrace region in Turkey. Essential (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Zn) and non-essential (As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb) PTEs concentrations of blood samples were determined by ICP-MS. In addition, hemogram (RBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, HCT, WBC, HGB, PLT) and biochemical parameters (Glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, total bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, BUN, AST, ALT, ALP, GGT) levels were determined. The possible correlations between PTEs and blood parameters were investigated. The results were compared according to gender, age (<2, 2–5, >5 years), sampled location with hemogram and biochemistry data. Essential element concentrations (ppb) were sorted as Zn > Fe > Cu > Cr > Co, and non-essentials were As > Ni > Pb > Hg > Cd. There were statistically important negative or positive correlations between elements and hematological (except Fe and Cd), and biochemical parameters (except Ni) (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). It was determined that Pb concentrations (9.34–23.30 ng ml−1) were below the concentrations considered to be toxic in all locations, Cu concentrations (475.35–521.98 ng ml−1) were within the normal reference range, Zn (3229.65–4.265.00 ng ml−1) were higher than the reference values in all locations. Since the concentrations of elements and correlations between hematological, biochemical parameters as well as gender, age, and location in an area with heavy urban and industrial activity; indicate that the situation may be similar for other living things in the region, it constitutes a starting point for studies to be carried out in this direction.

The molecular prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia spp., and Anaplasma spp. inshelter dogs of the Thrace Region in Turkey

The study aimed to update the molecular prevalence of some tick-borne pathogens (Borrelia burgdorferi, Babesia spp., and Anaplasma spp.) in the shelter dogs of the Thrace Region, Turkey. The study was carried out on 450 dogs from 7 pet shelters. The individual data of the dogs were recorded, and blood samples were collected in tubes with anticoagulants (EDTA). Then, individual PCR protocols were applied to all samples for the three infective agents. PCR test results recorded for B. burgdorferi is 38.22% (n = 172), 24.22% (n = 109) for Babesia spp., and 21.6% (n = 97) for Anaplasma spp. The positivity of dogs with at least one pathogen was 56.22% (n = 253). Only one pathogen positivity rate was determined in positive samples as 56.92% (n = 144). The positivity was determined 33.99% (n = 86) for two pathogens and 9.09% (n = 23) for three pathogens. The coexistence of the two pathogens was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The effect of sex and age was not statistically significant in the agent positivity (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Among tested three pathogens, only the positivity of B. burgdorferi (p = 0.155) was statistically significant compared with the prevalence of the others (p < 0.01). As a result, pathogens transmitted by ticks in shelter dogs of the Thrace region were simultaneously investigated and detected for the first time. Results revealed that shelter dogs pose a hidden risk for animal and human health in the region and so the necessity to plan systematic epidemiological studies about tick-borne zoonose pathogens more frequently.

Determinants of dairy farmers’ likelihood of climate change adaptation in the Thrace Region of Turkey

Determinants of dairy farmers’ likelihood of climate change adaptation in the Thrace Region of Turkey