Thrace Region Of Turkey Research Articles

Dobrava hantavirus variants found in Apodemus flavicollis mice in Kırklareli Province, Turkey.

Hantaviruses infect humans via inhalation of viral particles within secretions of infected rodents or rarely through direct contact with infected rodents. Determining the prevalence of hantavirus infections among rodent populations is of vital importance to obtain information on hantavirus-related cases and to predict possible outbreaks. We hypothesized that DOBV strains circulating in the Thrace Region in Turkey would be related to other Balkan DOBV strains. In this study, hantavirus infections in the rodent population of the Kırklareli-İğneada Region (north-western Turkey, near the Bulgarian border) were investigated. This region is of particular importance, as it is located in the south-eastern margin of the European continent and was used as an entrance point of Asian faunal elements into Europe. DOBV infection was detected in eight of 73 rodents; all were of the Apodemus flavicollis species. Partial sequences of the viral S-, M-, and L-genome segments were recovered and compared with previously reported DOBV sequences. The newly characterized Turkish strains were similar to other DOBV variants. Silent nucleotide mutations were dominant. The hantavirus prevalence in the İğneada region was similar to what has been reported in Greece and Bulgaria. For the first time, the M-segment sequences of DOBV from Turkey were recovered and genetic data of hantaviruses from Thrace region of Turkey were obtained.

A comparison of energy use efficiency and economic analysis of wheat and sunflower production in Turkey: A case study in Thrace Region

Main objectives of this study were to define total amount of input usage and do the economic comparison of wheat and sunflower production in Thrace Region in Turkey and to determine the energy equivalent of these inputs. The data of this study was collected by survey method which was carried out face to face with 169 wheat and sunflower producers in Thrace Region. The total energy inputs in wheat and sunflower production were determined to be 23,231 MJ ha−1 and 10,139 MJ ha−1 and based on the energy output, it was noticed that energy outputs in wheat (including straw) and sunflower production were determined to be 81,720 MJ and 38,250 MJ, respectively. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and net energy in wheat production were calculated as 3.52, 0.19 kg MJ−1, 5.16 MJ kg−1 and 58,489 MJ ha−1 respectively in wheat production and 3.77, 0.15 kg MJ−1, 6.63 MJ kg−1 and 28,111 MJ ha−1 respectively in sunflower production. Benefit-cost ratios were calculated as 1.20 for wheat and 1.02 for sunflower, by dividing the gross value of production by the total cost of production per hectare in wheat and sunflower production.

Comparison of the applicability of Demirjian and Willems methods for dental age estimation in children from the Thrace region, Turkey

ObjectivesDental age (DA) estimation is frequently used in the fields of orthodontics, paediatric dentistry and forensic science. DA estimation methods use radiology, and are reliable and non-destructive according to the literature. The Demirjian method is currently the most frequently used method, but recently, the Willems method was reported to have given results that were more accurate for some regions. The aim of this study was to detect and compare the accuracy of DA estimation methods for children and adolescents from the Thrace region, Turkey. The mean difference between the chronological age (CA) and the DA was selected as the primary outcome measure, and the difference range according to sex and age group was selected as the secondary outcome. Materials and methodsPanoramic radiographs (n=766) from a Thrace region population (380 males and 386 females) ranging in age from 6 to 14.99 years old were evaluated. DA was calculated using both the Demirjian and the Willems methods. ResultsThe mean CA of the subjects was 11.39±2.34 years (males=11.08±2.42 years and females=11.70±2.23 years). The mean difference values between the CA and the DA (CA–DA) using the Demirjian method and the Willems method were −0.87 and −0.17 for females, respectively, and −1.04 and −0.40 for males, respectively. For the different age groups, the differences between the CA and the DA calculated using the Demirjian method (CA–DA) ranged from −0.53 to −1.46 years for males and from −0.19 to −1.20 years for females, while the mean differences between the CA and the DA calculated by the Willems method (CA–DA) ranged from −0.19 to −0.50 years for males and from 0.20 to −0.49 years for females. ConclusionThe results suggest that the Willems method produced more accurate results for almost all age groups of both sexes, and it is better suited for children from the Thrace region of Turkey, than the Demirjian method.

Comparison of Some Soil Fungi in Bioremediation of Herbicide Acetochlor Under Agitated Culture Media.

In this study, we aimed to find out the biodegradation efficiency of some soil fungi types on herbicide acetochlor with acetochlor active material, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and total organic carbon (TOC) parameters. We also try to determine the population dynamics of these fungi via turbidity. The fungi cultures were isolated from agricultural field in in Thrace region of Turkey. Each fungi enriched in malt extract broth media and 1mL of these enriched media was inoculated into 100mL of acetochlor solutions that suggested for using application concantrations in agricultural field for farmers (11000mgL-1) for sunflower and corn agriculture. Bioremediation results of acetochlor have shown different results according to the types of fungi. Our results indicate that Tolypocladium geodes and Cordyceps cicadae might be used in acetochlor bioremediation with a significant acetochlor, COD, TOC and BOD5 reduction and can be used for rehabilitation of agricultural fields or receiving environments for removal the opposite effects of acetochlor or other herbicides.

Braf v600 mutation profile of metastatic melanoma in the thrace region of turkey

Braf v600 mutation profile of metastatic melanoma in the thrace region of turkey

Prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal polymorphisms: most commonly observed polymorphism on Chromosome 9 have associations with low PAPP-A values

Introduction: To identify the prevalence and types of fetal chromosomal polymorphisms in pregnant women and to examine possible associations with screening test parameters.Materials and methods: Fetal chromosomal polymorphism rate was investigated in pregnant women who had been implemented for invasive prenatal test in a tertiary reference center in Thrace Region of Turkey. Fetal chromosomal polymorphisms were determined and their effects on screening tests’ parameters were investigated. Possible differences in the first and second-trimester screening test parameters between women; with fetal chromosomal polymorphism who had screening test results (Group 1) and those with a normal karyotype (Group 2) were evaluated.Results: Fetal chromosomal polymorphism prevalence was 5.3% (n = 101). The most common polymorphisms were identified on chromosome 9, 1, and 16 [54.5% (n = 55); 8.9% (n = 9), and 6.9% (n = 7), respectively]. The most common polymorphic variant was 9qh+ (n = 23; 22.8%). Among the screening test parameters, significantly lower pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) (p = .028) and higher unconjugated estriol (uE3) (p = .019) values were found in Group 1. In patients having fetuses with polymorphic variants on chromosome 9, a significantly lower PAPP-A values were observed compared to women with other fetal polymorphic variants (p = .048) or women having fetuses with normal karyotype (p = .007).Conclusions: Lower PAPP-A and higher uE3 levels were observed in women having fetuses with chromosomal polymorphisms, which might affect screening test results. Lower PAPP-A levels were apparent in women having fetuses with polymorphism on chromosome 9.

Technological and Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Hardaliye

Hardaliye is a lactic acid fermented beverage produced from red grape or grape juice with addition of crushed mustard seeds and benzoic acid and can be found in the Thrace region of Turkey. The aims of this study were to determine the dominant species of lactic acid bacteria in hardaliye and to investigate their technological and probiotic properties and potential use as starter culture in the production of Hardaliye. For this aim lactic acid bacteria were isolated from total 28 hardaliye samples (23 hardaliye samples collected from different regions of the Kirklareli in Turkey and 5 hardaliye samples produced with the traditional methods in laboratory conditions) and identified. After carrying out conventional and molecular biological methods, it was found that all species of lactic acid bacteria belonged to genus Lactobacillus . Lactobacillus plantarum was the dominant species in the microbiota. ~98% of the isolates were similar to each other. Therefore, diversity of effective lactic acid bacteria during the fermentation is very low. Given the antimicrobial effects and acid production capabilities of lactic acid bacteria, isolates have potential as starter cultures for use in hardaliye production.

Technological and Probiotic Properties of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Hardaliye

Hardaliye is a lactic acid fermented beverage produced from red grape or grape juice with addition of crushed mustard seeds and benzoic acid and can be found in the Thrace region of Turkey. The aims of this study were to determine the dominant species of lactic acid bacteria in hardaliye and to investigate their technological and probiotic properties and potential use as starter culture in the production of Hardaliye. For this aim lactic acid bacteria were isolated from total 28 hardaliye samples (23 hardaliye samples collected from different regions of the Kirklareli in Turkey and 5 hardaliye samples produced with the traditional methods in laboratory conditions) and identified. After carrying out conventional and molecular biological methods, it was found that all species of lactic acid bacteria belonged to genus Lactobacillus . Lactobacillus plantarum was the dominant species in the microbiota. ~98% of the isolates were similar to each other. Therefore, diversity of effective lactic acid bacteria during the fermentation is very low. Given the antimicrobial effects and acid production capabilities of lactic acid bacteria, isolates have potential as starter cultures for use in hardaliye production.

Outbreak of anaplasmosis associated with novel genetic variants of Anaplasma marginale in a dairy cattle.

During early lactation, dairy cows may present a transient immunosuppressive state and develop anaplasmosis caused by Anaplasma marginale. In this study, clinical anaplasmosis in dairy cattle in the Thrace region of Turkey was investigated with respect to within-herd prevalence, vertical transmission, and genetic diversity. In March and September 2015, thirty lactating cows showed primary clinical signs of anaplasmosis, including fever, anaemia, decreased milk yield, anorexia, and laboured breathing. Symptoms disappeared in most cows after administration of long-acting oxytetracycline, but nine of them (30%) died. Following diagnosis based on clinical signs, microscopy and molecular findings, blood samples were collected from apparently healthy lactating cows (n=184), pregnant heifers (n=39) and newborn calves (n=24). DNA was extracted from each sample and analyzed for the presence of major surface proteins (MSPs) of A. marginale, followed by sequencing to assess diversity of isolates. Microscopic examination of erythrocytes revealed A. marginale inclusion bodies in symptomatic cows. Examination of thin blood smears showed 3.8% of the lactating, clinically asymptomatic, cows to be infected with A. marginale, while nPCR detected 31.0% positive. A. marginale infection was not detected in pregnant heifers by either method. Congenital infection was found in one calf by nPCR. This is the first report of transplacental transmission of A. marginale in Turkey. The MSP4 sequence analyses showed high genetic diversity among the isolates, presenting 97.6-99.6% homology at the amino acid level. The sequences of MSP1a amplicons revealed genetic diversity providing three new tandem repeats.

The distribution of Acheulean culture and its possible routes in Turkey

Turkey is a country located at the crossroads of possible migration routes between three continents and, as such, it plays a pivotal role in the distribution of Acheulean culture in Eurasia. Although Acheulean culture, which is considered to have reached Turkey via the “Levantine corridor”, shows a wide distribution in the Turkish Anatolian side, it is not found in the Thrace part of Turkey. Therefore, the spread of Acheulean culture from Turkey towards the Balkan Peninsula, i.e., in southeastern Europe, via the Thrace region of Turkey is not considered. However, the cultural artifacts of Acheulean culture are often found in eastern and southeastern Anatolia. The Acheulean cultural artifacts, especially bifaces, found in the open-air sites settled on the old river terraces – generally in the Euphrates and Tigris Basin – are strong indications of the distribution of Acheulean culture in Anatolia as well as the possible migration route of Homo erectus from Anatolia to the Caucasus. Many Acheulean sites recently identified in the Caucasus seem to support such a distribution as well. This paper discusses the distribution of Acheulean culture and possible routes spreading into Turkey according to the geographic regions.

Lack of Association Between Toll-like Receptor 2 Polymorphisms (R753Q and A-16934T) and Atopic Dermatitis in Children from Thrace Region of Turkey.

Background:Atopic dermatitis is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disease. A complex interaction of both genetic and environmental factors is thought to contribute to the disease.Aims:To evaluate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms in the TLR2 gene c.2258C>T (R753Q) (rs5743708) and TLR2 c.-148+1614T>A (A-16934T) (rs4696480) (NM_0032643) are associated with atopic dermatitis in Turkish children.Study Design:Case-control study.Methods:The study was conducted on 70 Turkish children with atopic dermatitis aged 0.5-18 years. The clinical severity of atopic dermatitis was evaluated by the severity scoring of atopic dermatitis index. Serum total IgE levels, specific IgE antibodies to inhalant and food allergens were measured in both atopic dermatitis patients and controls, skin prick tests were done on 70 children with atopic dermatitis. Genotyping for TLR2 (R753Q and A-16934T) single nucleotide polymorphisms was performed in both atopic dermatitis patients and controls.Results:Cytosine-cytosine and cytosin-thymine genotype frequencies of the TLR2 R753Q single nucleotide polymorphism in the atopic dermatitis group were determined as being 98.6% and 1.4%, cytosine allele frequency for TLR2 R753Q single nucleotide polymorphism was determined as 99.29% and the thymine allele frequency was 0.71%, thymine-thymine, thymine-adenine, and adenine-adenine genotype frequencies of the TLR2 A-16934T single nucleotide polymorphism were 24.3%, 44.3%, and 31.4%. The thymine allele frequency for the TLR2 A-16934T single nucleotide polymorphism in the atopic dermatitis group was 46.43%, and the adenine allele frequency was 53.57%, respectively. There was not statistically significant difference between the groups for all investigated polymorphisms (p>0.05). For all single nucleotide polymorphisms studied, allelic distribution was analogous among atopic dermatitis patients and controls, and no significant statistical difference was observed. No homozygous carriers of the TLR2 R753Q single nucleotide polymorphism were found in the atopic dermatitis and control groups.Conclusion:The TLR2 (R753Q and A-16934T) single nucleotide polymorphisms are not associated with atopic dermatitis in a group of Turkish patients.

Evaluation of Gasification Efficiency of Miscellaneous Industrial Sewage Sludges in a Down Draft Fluidized Bed Reactor

Limited information is available about energy efficiency evaluation of industrial sewage sludge gasification nowadays. The goal of this study is to determine the best proper feeding waste combination/combinations of miscellaneous industrial sewage sludges in a down draft fluidized bed pilot-scale gasification reactor to maximize energy recovery. Different industrial sewage sludge samples were taken from dewatering units of wastewater treatment plants of textile, dairy, vegetable and non-vegetable oil, glass and metal industries, located in Thrace Region of Turkey (Thrace Catchment of Area) and characterized in terms of three important indicator parameters (moisture, ash and heating value) for identifying the best feeding waste combination of the reactor which has high gasification efficiency. In addition, the same parameters were also analysed for the char and cyclone dust samples that occurred as a result of gasification process, and then, energy yields of all industrial sewage sludge combinations have been calculated. Results revealed that the majority of sludge samples, apart from metal and glass industries, were found suitable for gasification process in terms of both organic and inorganic contents either alone or in mixture form. The heating value and ash content of vegetable and non-vegetable oil industrial sewage sludge were measured approximately two times higher (average 11,622 kcal.kg−1 = 48 MJ.kg−1 for oil and average 5163 kcal.kg−1 = 21.6 MJ.kg−1 for dairy) and nearly in the same values (average 9.3% for oil and 9.5% for dairy) compared to dairy industrial sewage sludge, respectively. According to these results, four feeding sludge combinations were determined based on their ash content and heating values. It was found that Combination 1, which has high calorific value and low ash ratio, has the highest energy efficiency (97%), while the other combinations were found below this value. If the proper sludge combination can be identified for a draft fluidized bed gasification reactor, energy efficiency may be increased. Moreover, identifying the best feeding combination for sludge gasification reactor may be the best way to obtain both high energy recovery and low char/tar products and to also minimize industrial sewage sludge before being sent to landfill.

The epidemiology of dermatomyositis in northwestern Thrace region in Turkey: epidemiology of dermatomyositis in Turkey

Dermatomyositis (DM) is a rare disease that may affect the skeletal muscles and the skin. Literature data on its incidence and prevalence are limited. There are no data on its incidence or prevalence in Turkey. Patients diagnosed with DM at the Trakya University Medical Faculty, Department of Rheumatology from November 2004 to November 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients' clinical and demographic features, laboratory data, treatment modalities, follow-up durations, disease courses, outcomes, and complications were evaluated. Our study included 23 patients with DM; 14 were females and 9 were males (female/male: 1.55). Over the course of the study, the annual incidence of DM was 3.7 per million (95% CI 0-18.8) person years, and the overall prevalence was 32.2 per million (95% CI 18.1-46.3). Incidence in women was higher (4.6/1,000,000 person years) compared to men (2.9/1,000,000 person years). The frequencies of most common findings were as follows: heliotrope rash (82.6%), Gottron papules (87%), proximal myopathy (78.3%), and facial erythema (60.9%). In our hospital-based study, the frequency of DM was lower than those reported in North America; however, they were similar to European countries.

Assessment of Ten-Year-Long Results of Kidney Biopsies Performed on Children in the Thrace Region of Turkey.

Many children with kidney diseases can be diagnosed and treated without a biopsy. However, biopsy is a valuable method for the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of children with kidney diseases. To evaluate the clinical and pathological profiles of the kidney biopsies in our department to provide epidemiological data for clinical practice. Retrospective cross-sectional study. Kidney biopsies and patient's charts in pediatric patients performed between May 2005 and February 2015 at the Pediatric Nephrology Department, Trakya University School of Medicine were assessed retrospectively. A total of 100 patients were examined. Their mean age was 9.62±4.26 years (range: 1-17 years); 54% of the patients were girls and 46% were boys. The most frequent indication for kidney biopsy was nephrotic syndrome (33%). The most common kidney disease was primary glomerulonephritis, which was observed in 65% of cases. IgA nephropathy (24%) was the most frequently observed subtype in primary glomerulonephritis groups. Secondary glomerulonephritis was diagnosed in 35% of cases. Systemic lupus erythematosus (51%) was the most frequently observed subtype in the secondary glomerulonephritis groups. IgA nephropathy and systemic lupus erythematosus were the most frequent primary and secondary glomerulonephritis in our region among children, respectively.

Genotoxic evaluation of the Ergene River, Turkey, on mosquito fish, Gambussia affinis (Baird and Girard, 1853) using the piscine micronucleus assay

The Ergene River is located in the Thrace Region of Turkey and is polluted by industrial and municipal waste. In the present study, we investigated the genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of water samples on Gambussia affinis in vivo using the piscine micronucleus (MN) test. Fish were exposed to 50, 100, 150 and 300 mL L -1 of water samples for 24 hrs, and MN, nuclear abnormalities (NA), polychromatic-normachromatic erythrocytes (PCEs/NCEs), and apoptotic erythrocytes were evaluated. In addition, water samples were analysed to determine the concentrations of the heavy metals. The results showed that MN, NA, and apoptosis frequencies significantly increase at all concentrations compared to the control. A significant correlation was found between genotoxicity endpoints and the concentration of water samples. The PCE-NCE ratio was significantly decreased at all treatments. The metal content of river water was not associated with the increase in the seasonal frequency of genotoxicity endpoints. The results indicated that the Ergene River has genotoxic and cytotoxic effects on erythrocytes of G. affinis in an in-vivo piscine MN test that could be due to organic and inorganic effluents.

ASSESSMENT OF TOXIC METALS IN SEDIMENTS OF MERIÇ, TUNCA AND ERGENE RIVERS BY USING BIOLOGICAL AND ECOLOGICAL RISK INDICES

The Meriç River, the longest river of the Balkans, is the most important aquatic ecosystem within the Thrace Region of Turkey, along with its main tributaries, the Tunca and Ergene Rivers. In this study, the sediment quality of Meriç, Tunca, and Ergene Rivers was evaluated by using the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) and the Biological Risk Index (mERM-Q), both widely used methods in sediment quality assessment studies, to assess the ecological and biological risks of heavy metals within the river ecosystems. According to the results of the Biological Risk Index, nickel and chromium displayed the highest risk factors, and in terms of the Potential Ecological Risk Index, cadmium yielded the highest risk factor across all the investigated lotic ecosystems.

Investigation of antitumorigenic effects of food-borne non-pathogenic and pathogenic Salmonella enterica strains on MEF, DU145 and HeLa cell lines

Basic applications in cancer therapy may fail to eradicate cancer cells completely, they can show toxic affects to healthy cells and development of resistance to antitumor agents may increase tendency to metastasis. Bacterial therapies have the advantage of specific targetting of tumors by selective toxicity, responsiveness to external signals, self-propelling capacity, and the sense of microenvironment. The most interest on the bacterial cancer therapy is about Salmonella spp. with a special emphasis of S.Typhimurium. The aim of this study was to investigate the antitumorigenic effects of food-borne non-pathogenic and pathogenic Salmonella enterica strains on different cell cultures. Non-pathogenic Salmonella Enteriditis (A17) and pathogenic Salmonella Telaviv (A22) strains isolated from chicken carcasses which were put on the market in Edirne province (located at Thrace region of Turkey), and Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 strain were used in the study. ATCC-derived MEF (mouse embryonic fibroblasts), DU145 (human prostate cancer cells), and HeLa (human cervical cancer cells) cell lines were cocultivated with Salmonella strains of MOI (Multiplicity of infection; number of bacteria:number of cell) of 1000:1, 100:1, 10:1, 1:1, 0.1:1. The cell viability was measured by colorimetric MTT cytotoxicity assay, the percentage of apoptosis was assessed by Tali® Apoptosis Assay-Annexin V Alexa Fluor® 488 kit (Invitrogen, Molecular Probes, Life Technologies, USA), and the caspase-3 activity was determined by colorimetric protease ApoTarget™ kit (Invitrogen, BioSource International, USA). It was shown that non-pathogenic S.Enteriditis (A17) decreased cell viability approximately to 70%, wheras patogenic S.Telaviv (A22) and standart S.Typhimurium ATCC 14028 strains reduced cell viability approximately to 80%. Adversely, it was also observed that pathogenic S.Telaviv (A22) strain induces apoptosis more effectively than non-pathogenic S.Enteriditis (A17) and S.Typhimurium ATCC 14028 strains. Apoptosis percentage induced by pathogenic S.Telaviv (A22) strain was approximately 15% while 5% for both non-pathogenic S.Enteriditis (A17) and S.Typhimurium ATCC 14028 strains. Similarly, average OD405 values of caspase-3 activity was shown as 0.01 for both non-pathogenic S.Enteriditis (A17) and S.Typhimurium ATCC 14028 strains whereas average OD405 value of caspase-3 activity for pathogenic S.Telaviv (A22) strain was very close to 0.02 and it doubled the value for negative control. Our data are important in terms of the indication of food-borne pathogenic S.Telaviv (A22) strain that enhanced caspase-3 activity and induced apoptosis, and S.Enteriditis (A17) strain that showed selective cytotoxicity on DU145 (human prostate cancer cells).

The genetic diversity of Apis mellifera L. in Thrace Region of Turkey

The genetic diversity of Apis mellifera L. in Thrace Region of Turkey

Water Resources Have Been Threatened in Thrace Region of Turkey

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com generally hot-dry summers, while winters are cool-rainy. A major part of the precipitation is in the form of rain. The climate of the region is generally hot and dry summers, while winters are cool and rainy. A major part of the precipitation is in the form of rain. Edirne, Kirklareli and Tekirdag provinces, we examine the data corresponds to an arid climate year around 10-12 years. That the drought in 1985, 2000, 2001 and 2008, rainfall has decreased in all provinces. 603.5 mm in Edirne, Kirklareli Provinces and 549.9 mm average rainfall is 588.1 mm in Tekirdag, 1985, respectively 452.9, 444.0 and 483.9 mm was recorded at around. That is because rainfall has decreased in approximately 20-25%. Later in the year 2000 and 2001 in Edirne Province (419-467.2 mm) 25- 31%, in Kirklareli Province (326.6-467.2 mm) and 20-41% in the 2000s Tekirdag Province (410.1 mm) to 30% the rate was little precipitation (11). Again, Edirne Province in 2008 (387.0 mm) of 36%, in Kirklareli Province (424.5 mm) and 23% in Tekirdag Province (304.2 mm) of rainfall less than 48%. Particularly agriculture that the volatility in precipitation constitutes significant pressure on other water sources (11). Edirne Province in terms of average temperature changes in long-term average of 13.5 °C and 12.0 °C Kirklareli, Tekirdag is 13.9 °C. Temperature increases are seen in light. In recent years, Edirne, Kirklareli and Tekirdag Provinces average temperature has exceeded the 14.0-14.5 °C and has risen. Yet all three provinces as well as in the dry years 2000 and 2001, the average temperature exceeded 14.5°C. This means that both reduced precipitation, as well as the temperature raised, people, plants and animals has increased the need for water. Increased evaporation from dams and ponds are in use can be significantly reduced water quantities. Groundwater resources are also fed a sufficient amount (11). The presence of this one occupies an important place in Istanbul city. A large part of Thrace region is surrounded by the sea. The land borders but also the borders of the Republic of Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. Bulgarian border (200 km), starting on the coast of the Black Sea from the mouth of the Ergene River is attained near the Meric river Kapikule districts. After this point, the Turkey-Greece border (204 km) begins. This boundary follows the beginning of the Meric River, Edirne-Karaagac Province to leave in Turkey in this way alone through the western part of the Meric River, reaching the Aegean Sea. Examined field position is shown in Figure 1.

Five new species of Zercon C. L. Koch, 1836 (Acari: Zerconidae) from northwestern Turkey.

Mites belonging to the genus Zercon collected from the Thrace region in Turkey are investigated. Five new species, Z. filiformis sp. nov., Z. geliboluensis sp. nov., Z. sklarsimilis sp. nov., Z. tekirdagensis sp. nov. and Z. thracicus sp. nov., are described and illustrated. Zercon similifoveolatus Ivan & Călugăr is newly recorded for the Turkish fauna. Female specimens of Z. sklari Balan are reported and descibed for the first time in Turkey. Some known zerconid mites are recorded from new localities. A key to species of the genus Zercon known from Turkey is included.