INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate sperm cell viability using water-based Eosin Y staining based on membrane integrity under light microscopy, to investigate the applicability of this method in routine laboratory settings, and to examine the viability values at 5 and 30 minutes.
METHODS: Semen samples from 46 patients who presented to our hospital for various reasons were included in the study. Semen analysis for all patients was performed using the SQA-V Gold system. After liquefaction, all samples were stained with Eosin Y within the first 5 minutes and at 30 minutes. The viability percentage was determined by counting 200 sperm cells at 400x magnification between slide and coverslip. The study utilized the manual Makler® Sperm Counting Chamber and the automated SQA-V Gold (Mes Electronic System).
RESULTS: In the study, seven patients (15.2%) had a total sperm motility below 40%. The mean total sperm motility was 57.2% ± 19.9%, and the mean progressive motility was 38.3% ± 20.8%. The mean sperm viability at 5 minutes was 81.9% ± 14.3%, and at 30 minutes, it was 74.6% ± 12.5%. The mean 30-minute to 5-minute viability ratio was determined as 86.3% ± 6.7. Significantly higher sperm viability was found at both 5 minutes (p=0.01) and 30 minutes (p=0.02) in those with total sperm motility above 40%. Mean sperm concentration (p=0.553) and mean 30-minute to 5-minute viability ratios (p=0.156) were similar between groups. A significant decrease in viability was observed when the staining assessment time increased from 5 minutes to 30 minutes (p=0.001). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between total motility and viability at 5 minutes (p<0.001; r=0.686) and 30 minutes (p=0.035; r=0.499).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that the viability test using water-based Eosin Y stain is an easy and preferable method. Our findings suggest that sperm motility is an important indicator of sperm viability, but even immotile sperm may still remain viable in the majority of cases. Therefore, the sperm viability test is crucial in investigating infertility. Furthermore, our results indicate a significant decrease in sperm viability rates between 5 minutes and 30 minutes, while also demonstrating the importance of evaluating viability at 30 minutes for infertility diagnosis. Additionally, the 30-minute to 5-minute viability ratio marker suggests that the viability rate at 30 minutes can be used to predict viability at 5 minutes.

INTRODUCTION: In the Ottoman Empire, preventive health services were systematically planned and implemented in addition to curative health services since the Tanzimat period. In order for all planned and implemented healthcare services to effectively address public health problems, it was necessary to establish a healthcare service organization supported by both financial and human resources. Particularly during the reign of Sultan Abdülhamid II, the effective execution of health policies both in the center and the provinces contributed significantly to the fight against infectious diseases. The establishment of the Imperial Bacteriology Institute (Bakteriyolojihâne-i Şahâne) and the Rabies Treatment Center (Dâü’l-kelb Tedavihanesi), along with the implementation of relevant legal regulations to combat infectious and epidemic diseases such as smallpox and rabies, served as an indication of the institutionalization of public health policies. During this period, the struggle against smallpox became institutionalized, and vaccination activities were systematically recorded and organized. This study aims to evaluate the first general vaccination statistics of the Ottoman Empire for the years 1902–1903 from the perspective of medical history and public health.
METHODS: The study employed a qualitative research approach, utilizing the scanning model and document analysis method. The primary source of the research was the “Statistical Report for the Year 1318 of the Imperial Vaccination Center (Telkihhâne-i Şâhâne)” prepared by Rıfat Hüsamettin, Director of the Imperial Vaccination Center, and obtained from the Seyfettin Özege Collection at Atatürk University. The Ottoman Turkish text was transcribed and analyzed, with the findings presented in tables and graphs. In addition, archival documents from the Presidential State Archives and secondary literature were used to support the study.
RESULTS: In 1902, 195,323 vaccine tubes were produced in the Ottoman Empire, and 521,404 individuals were vaccinated. In 1903, 234,067 vaccine tubes were produced, and 515,663 people were vaccinated. In addition to the Imperial Vaccination Center, local vaccination centers and vaccination officers trained through short-term education programs contributed significantly to the success of this process.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The first general vaccination statistics of the Ottoman Empire demonstrate the level of institutionalization and efficiency achieved by the central administration in the field of healthcare. The widespread implementation of vaccination activities across the empire highlights the sustainability of health reforms and the success of protecting public health.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing resistance to antibiotics has become one of the greatest threats to public health, especially affecting the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Ceftazidime-avibactam is a β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination used against multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales. The genotype of endemic K. pneumoniae strains in each region is the most important contributor to ceftazidime-avibactam resistance rates. In this study, it was aimed to determine the carbapenem resistance genes of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates detected in our hospital, a regional city hospital, and the in vitro susceptibility of ceftazidime-avibactam against them, to guide clinicians in treatment planning and to contribute to the literature.
METHODS: A total of 64 patient samples sent to the Microbiology Laboratory from clinics between March 2020 and May 2021 were included in the study. Identification of the isolates at the species level and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed with the BD Phoenix ID/AST (BD Diagnostic Systems, Sparks, MD, USA) automated bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing system. The susceptibilities of the isolates to antibiotics were evaluated according to the European Committee of Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) criteria. The ceftazidime-avibactam susceptibility of K. pneumoniae isolates was determined by the disk diffusion method. The genomic DNA of the isolates was obtained by the phenol-chloroform extraction method, and the presence of carbapenem resistance genes was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).
RESULTS: Of the 64 isolates included in the study, 34 (53.1%) were resistant to amikacin. The blaOxa-48 gene was detected in 35 (54.7%) of the carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates. The blaNDM and blaKPC genes were detected in 1 (1.5%) and 1 (1.5%) samples, respectively. None of the investigated genes were detected in 18 (28.1%) of the isolates. Of the K. pneumoniae isolates, 57 (89.1%) were susceptible to ceftazidime-avibactam, while 7 (10.1%) were resistant.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Determination of antibiotic resistance profiles and carbapenem resistance genes contributes significantly to decision-making regarding treatment options and treatment management. Our data show that ceftazidime-avibactam is a good option for carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates.

INTRODUCTION: Individuals living with HIV (PLWH), those with immunosuppression, adults over 65 years of age, and patients with certain comorbidities are at increased risk for severe influenza and its complications, making vaccination crucial in these groups. This study aimed to assess influenza vaccination rates, knowledge levels regarding influenza and the vaccine, and factors influencing vaccination among PLWH compared to patients presenting to the outpatient clinic.

METHODS: Between October and November 2025, all HIV-positive patients regularly followed by the same physician at our center and non-HIV patients attending the infectious diseases outpatient clinic for various reasons were included in the study. Participants were asked to complete a structured questionnaire based on the Health Belief Model regarding influenza prevention. Influenza vaccination status, demographic and clinical data were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS: A total of 123 patients were included, comprising 53 HIV-positive (43.1%) and 70 non-HIV (56.9%) individuals. The influenza vaccination rate was significantly higher in the HIV group (64.2%) compared to the non-HIV group (30%) (p<0.05). Among HIV-positive patients, the only factor associated with receiving the influenza vaccine was the Health Belief Model score. No significant differences were observed between vaccinated and unvaccinated HIV patients in terms of age, gender, duration of follow-up, socioeconomic status, or education level (p>0.05). Although vaccination rates were higher among HIV-positive patients with comorbidities (73.9%) compared to comorbid non-HIV patients (45.9%), the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Influenza vaccination rates were found to be higher among PLWH compared to the general patient population. However, further efforts are needed to improve vaccination uptake, especially given the high-risk status of this group and the availability of free vaccination in our country. Our findings highlight the importance of enhancing knowledge levels, particularly through physician counseling.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial activity of Niaouli Essential Oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia), a commercially available oil known for its antiseptic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiprotozoal properties due to its bioactive constituents, against eight different standard bacterial strains, two standard yeast strains, and one clinical Candida isolate.
METHODS: The antimicrobial activity of niaouli essential oil against the isolates was evaluated using the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods in accordance with EUCAST and CLSI guidelines. Ten of the microbial strains were American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) strains, and one was a clinical Candida auris isolate. The isolates were obtained from the strain collection of our university.

RESULTS: In this study, the disk diffusion method revealed that niaouli essential oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia) was most effective against Staphylococcus aureus (20 ± 0.0 mm) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (17.3 ± 0.57 mm) among the bacterial strains, and against Candida albicans (20.6 ± 0.57 mm) among the fungal strains. The Candida auris isolate exhibited an inhibition zone of 16.0 ± 1.0 mm. The lowest MIC values determined by the broth microdilution method were 62.5 µg/mL for both S. aureus and C. albicans. Among the Gram-negative isolates, Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most susceptible (125 µg/mL), whereas Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enteritidis, and Enterococcus faecalis were the least susceptible (>250 µg/mL). The MIC value for C. auris was determined to be 250 µg/mL, which is one dilution higher than the positive control (fluconazole: 125 µg/mL).
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Niaouli essential oil demonstrated antimicrobial activity against standard microbial strains, with varying levels of antibacterial and antifungal effects. According to both methods used, it was more effective against Gram-positive bacteria and fungi than Gram-negative bacteria. While it was particularly effective against Candida albicans among the yeasts, it also exhibited antimicrobial activity against the increasingly important Candida auris strain. Due to the increasing resistance to antibacterial and antifungal agents, further studies investigating alternative treatment options are needed.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine the impact of cancer, nutrition, and hygiene-themed video content produced in the field of health in digital media on health literacy. By analyzing videos on these topics produced by health professionals and health institutions on YouTube, the role of media content on users within the context of health literacy was evaluated. The study also aimed to assess video content in terms of accessibility, comprehensibility, and interaction components, as well as to analyze user comments from a health communication perspective.

METHODS: Content analysis, one of the qualitative research methods, was employed to reveal the role of media content in health literacy. The MAXQDA program was used to create a dataset, which was coded according to categories defined in the study. Frequency analysis of the coded data was conducted within the framework of these categories. The research was conducted in Turkey, and YouTube channels producing health-related video content were included. Among these, channels with the highest number of subscribers according to Boomsocial data were selected.

RESULTS: A total of 63 YouTube videos on cancer, nutrition, and hygiene were analyzed from channels with the highest subscriber numbers and engagement levels in Turkey. These videos received a total of 8,949 comments. The findings showed that 31.75% of the videos had an engagement range between 10,000 and 100,000 interactions, that video durations were mostly shorter than 5 minutes, and that video was the most frequently used data type. Health professionals’ expertise was utilized in presenting the content, and the videos included action-oriented messages related to the topics. Analysis of the comments indicated that users were predominantly at the interactional level of health literacy. In addition, sentiment analysis revealed a generally positive tone, and the comments largely reflected a demand for information.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Health-themed videos on YouTube were found to have significant potential in supporting the development and guidance of individuals’ health literacy. Evaluation of user comments showed that health literacy was predominantly concentrated at the interactional level, with clear competencies in understanding and application at the functional level, while the critical level remained relatively weak. These findings suggest that users have developed an active health literacy practice in engaging with health-related content.

Mucormycosis is a rapidly progressive fungal infection associated with high mortality and morbidity caused by fungi belonging to the class Zygomycetes. The most common causative agents are Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., and Lichtheimia spp. Risk factors for mucormycosis include immunosuppression, neutropenia, conditions that impair skin integrity (such as burns, surgical wounds), deferoxamine therapy and corticosteroid therapy, and voriconazole prophylaxis. Among these, uncontrolled diabetes mellitus is one of the most important risk factors. Rhinocerebral involvement is more common in patients with diabetes mellitus, whereas pulmonary or disseminated mucormycosis and fungemia are more commonly observed in patients with malignancy and neutropenia. In this case, a patient with bladder cancer was admitted to the intensive care unit due to clinical and laboratory findings including elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and serum lactate. After obtaining two sets of peripheral venous blood cultures, empirical intravenous antibiotic therapy was initiated with a preliminary diagnosis of septic shock. Blood cultures were inoculated onto sheep blood agar, Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) agar, and Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Following incubation, the molds grown in culture were identified by Sanger sequencing using ITS1 (5’-TCCGTAGGTGAACCTGCGG-3’) and ITS4 (5’-TCCTCCGCTTATTGATATGC-3’) primers on the Applied Biosystems™ ProFlex thermal cycler (California, USA). The obtained sequences were analyzed using BLAST database, and the causative agent was identified as Mucor circinelloides species complex. According to antifungal susceptibility test results, intravenous liposomal amphotericin B therapy was initiated. Although no growth was detected in the control blood culture on the fourth day of antifungal treatment, the patient died on the tenth day of hospitalization. Cases of Mucor circinelloides fungemia confirmed by sequencing are limited in the literature. This case report aimed to present the clinical and microbiological features of a fungemia case caused by the Mucor circinelloides species complex.

Tyrosine kinases, enzymes that play a crucial role in intracellular signal transduction, are involved in fundamental cellular processes such as cell growth, differentiation, metabolism, and apoptosis. Their overactivation can lead to the disruption of cellular control mechanisms. These enzymes regulate cellular responses by adding phosphate groups (phosphorylation) to tyrosine residues on proteins. Tyrosine kinases are classified into receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs). In humans, 58 known RTKs are divided into 20 subfamilies. Binding of ligands to receptor tyrosine kinases induces dimerization, and signaling is initiated through adaptor proteins and scaffolding proteins, leading to various signaling pathways depending on the cellular context. Factors such as ligand concentration, stress factors, endosomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum influence signaling. The termination of their activity occurs through receptor internalization. Non-receptor tyrosine kinases (NRTKs), which are classified into nine main families, play a role in various events such as cell proliferation, T and B cell activation, cytoskeleton remodeling, actin reorganization, cell adhesion and motility, hematopoiesis, and inflammation. Deregulation and abnormal expression of tyrosine kinases have been associated with various types of cancer. Therefore, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have gained significant importance in targeted cancer therapies. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are classified into two groups: reversible and irreversible. The reversible group is further divided into four main types based on the conformation of the ATP-binding pocket and activation loop. Tyrosine kinases play a central role in cellular signaling networks, regulating a wide range of biological processes. Their function is not limited to the transmission of signals; they also actively participate in critical decision points that determine cell fate. This review will examine in detail the structure of tyrosine kinases, their dimerization and activation, ligand regulation, signaling mechanisms, degradation pathways, inhibitors, and the impact of all these processes on overall cellular function.