Head lice infestation (HLI), caused by Pediculus humanus capitis, is an important public health problem worldwide, especially in primary school children. The aim of this study is to investigate HLI level, related factors, and families' knowledge levels and attitudes about HLI in two primary schools in a relatively low socio-economic region in İstanbul. A questionnaire on HLI was developed initially and delivered to all children and parents in the school. A total of 340 primary school students, aged between 6-12, were enrolled in the study after the consent of their parents. Their hair were examined for HLI with special combs at their schools, and free anti-lice shampoos were given to parents of positive children. A total of 951 completed questionnaires were received and evaluated with chi-square test using the SPSS^® 17.0 program, and the differences of p<0.05 were considered significant. Number of boys in the study was slightly higher than the girls (176 vs. 164). HLI was detected in 32 (9.4%) of 340 children; seven had live adult lice on their hair while 25 had only the nits. HLI was obviously more common in girls (16.4%), compared to boys (2.8%). Analysis of 951 questionnaires revealed a statistically significant difference between HLI and infrequent bathing (p0.05). HLI is still a common health problem, especially in girls in primary schools. Parents are aware of the relationship between the hygiene and prevention against HLI, but low socio-economic resources seem to be important determinants. Regular combing and training activities in primary schools, in coordination with the local authorities and parents are no doubt useful in reducing the incidence of HLI among the children.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and a significant global health issue. The human gut microbiota, a complex ecosystem hosting numerous microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa, plays a crucial role. Increasing evidence indicates that gut microbiota is involved in CRC pathogenesis. In this study, the gut microbiota profiles, short-chain fatty acids, zonulin, and lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels of newly diagnosed CRC patients were analyzed along with healthy controls to elucidate the relationship between CRC and the gut microbiota. The study included 16 newly diagnosed CRC patients and 16 healthy individuals. For microbiota analysis, DNA isolation from stool samples was performed using the Quick-DNA™ Fecal/Soil Microbe Miniprep Kit followed by sequencing using the MinION device. Data processing was conducted using Guppy software (version 6.5.7) and the Python (3.12) programming language. ELISA kits from Elabscience were utilized for analyzing LBP and zonulin serum levels. Fecal short-chain fatty acids were analyzed using GC-MS/MS equipped with a flame ionization detector and DB-FFAP column. Microbial alpha diversity, assessed using Shannon and Simpson indices, was found to be lower in CRC patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.045, 0.017). Significant differences in microbial beta diversity were observed between the two groups (p = 0.004). At the phylum level, Bacteroidota was found to be decreased in CRC patients (p = 0.027). Potential biomarker candidates identified included Enterococcus faecium, Ruminococcus bicirculans, Enterococcus gilvus, Enterococcus casseliflavus, Segatella oris, and Akkermansia muciniphila. Serum zonulin levels were higher in CRC patients (CRC = 70.1 ± 26.14, Control = 53.93 ± 17.33, p = 0.048). There is a significant relationship between gut microbiota and CRC. A multifactorial evaluation of this relationship could shed light on potential biomarker identification and the development of new treatment options for CRC.

Blastocystis species are zoonotic protist commonly found in animals and humans. To date, 17 subtypes of Blastocystis have been identified, nine of which have been isolated from humans. This study aimed to determine the frequency of Blastocystis subtypes in patients diagnosed with urticaria and to explore the relationship between patient symptoms and Blastocystis subtypes. Stool samples from 100 urticaria patients and 100 healthy volunteers were analyzed for the presence of Blastocystis spp. using direct microscopic examination with the native–Lugol method and the subtypes were identified through PCR and sequencing techniques. A questionnaire was administered to the patient group to gather information on symptoms, socio–economic status, and hygiene practices. Blastocystis spp. was detected in 9% (9/100) of the urticaria patients and 5% (5/100) of the control group. The distribution of Blastocystis subtypes in the patient group was as follows: ST2 (n = 4, 44.4%), ST3 (n = 3, 33.3%), ST1 (n = 1, 11.1%), and ST4 (n = 1, 11.1%). In the control group, the distribution was ST3 (n = 2, 40%), ST1 (n = 2, 40%), and ST2 (n = 1, 20%). Regarding the relationship between symptoms and Blastocystis subtypes, 8 of 9 (88.9%) Blastocystis–positive patients reported rash, 7 (77.8%) experienced itching, 6 (66.7%) had fever, 3 (33.3%) experienced swelling, and 1 (11.1%) reported abdominal pain. Notably, bloating and abdominal pain were observed exclusively in patients with ST2. It is crucial to highlight the elevated prevalence of Blastocystis in areas where livestock farming is prevalent and the zoonotic cycle in the transmission of the parasite. While limited studies have suggested a correlation between Blastocystis subtypes and urticaria, the high prevalence of ST2 in urticaria patients may indicate its significant role in pathogenicity. The data derived from the patient questionnaire highlight a notable association between ST2 and symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain, warranting further investigation.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) has a high mortality rate worldwide. Oral and intestinal microbiota members may have an effect on gastrointestinal tumors’ pathogenesis, particularly in CRC. Designed as a pilot study, this study’s aim was to investigate the relationship between CRC and oral microbiota and to identify potential biomarkers for CRC diagnosis. Saliva samples were collected from recently diagnosed CRC patients (n = 14) and healthy controls (n = 14) between March 2023 and December 2023. Microbiota (16S rRNA) analyses were conducted on these saliva samples using a next-generation sequencing method. Phylogenetic analyses, including alpha diversity, principal component analysis (PCA), principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), beta diversity, biomarker, and phenotype analyses, were conducted using the Qiime2 (Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology) platform. Alpha diversity indices (Shannon: p = 0.78, Cho1: p = 0.28, Simpson: p = 0.81) showed no significant difference between CRC and control groups. Beta diversity analysis using Bray–Curtis PCoA indicated significant differences in the microbial community between the two groups (p = 0.003). Examination of OTU distributions revealed that the Mycoplasmatota phylum was undetectable in the oral microbiota of healthy controls but was significantly elevated in CRC patients (CRC: 0.13 ± 0.30, Control: 0.00 ± 0.00, p < 0.05). Additionally, Metamycoplasma salivarium, Bacteroides intestinalis, and Pseudoprevotella muciniphila were undetectable in healthy controls but significantly more prevalent in CRC patients (p < 0.05 for all three species). LEfSe analysis identified eight species with an LDA score > 2, Granulicatella adiacens, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus gwangjuense, Capnocytophaga sp. FDAARGOS_737, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Granulicatella elegans, Bacteroides intestinalis, and Pseudoprevotella muciniphila, as potential biomarkers. The results of this study contribute critical evidence of the role of oral microbiota in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer. Alterations in the microbiota suggest potential biomarkers in understanding the biological mechanisms underlying CRC and developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Dientamoeba fragilis (D. fragilis) is one of the potential causes of Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. The aim of the study is to investigate the association between urticaria and the presence of Dientamoeba fragilis, as well as to compare diagnostic methods. Additionally, this study aims to emphasize the zoonotic potential of D. fragilis within the One Health approach, which is based on the interactions between human health, animal health, and environmental factors. The study included patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (n: 90) and healthy individuals (n: 40). Direct microscopic examination was performed on stool samples using the native-Lugol method. DNA was isolated from stool samples, and Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed for detection. The incidence of D. fragilis was significantly higher in patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria 17/90 (18.9%) compared to healthy controls 1/40 (2.5%) (p = 0.0261). In the direct microscopic examination of stool samples from Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria patients, D. fragilis was detected in 3 (2.3%) of the samples. D. fragilis was not detected in the stool samples of healthy volunteers by direct microscopy. However, the Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction revealed D. fragilis DNA in one healthy The data indicate that D. fragilismay impact on the chronic inflammatory skin disorders. Furthermore, the study highlights the value of molecular techniques, such as Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction, for more accurate detection of zoonotic parasites.

Trichomonas vaginalis is the causative agent of trichomoniasis, the most common non-viral sexually transmitted infection worldwide. In these cases, 5-Nitroimidazoles, particularly metronidazole (MTZ), remain the primary treatment option; however, resistance to MTZ has been increasingly reported. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro activity of D-form synthetic antimicrobial peptides and investigate transcriptional differences associated with MTZ resistance and peptide treatment in T. vaginalis. D-form synthetic peptides (D-TN1, D-TN3, and D-TN6) developed in the R&D Laboratory of Acibadem University were tested against metronidazole-susceptible (T. vaginalis ATCC 30236) and metronidazole-resistant (T. vaginalis ATCC 50143) strains by minimum lethal concentration (MLC) assays. D-TN1 exhibited an MLC of 16 µg/mL in both strains, whereas D-TN3 and D-TN6 exhibited MLC values of 32 µg/mL and 16–32 µg/mL, respectively. Comparative transcriptomic analysis was conducted to investigate transcriptional differences. Differential gene expression analysis identified 3395 genes between the resistant and susceptible isolates and 3060 genes in the D-TN1-treated resistant isolate (FDR < 0.05, |log₂FC| ≥ 1). D-TN1 treatment in the resistant isolate was associated with downregulation of ribosomal and metabolic pathways. If confirmed with further in vivo studies, this new antimicrobial peptide may become a new therapeutic alternative in the treatment of trichomoniasis in the future.