Nilufer Esen

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The study looked at 11 patients who developed joint infections caused by tuberculosis after joint replacement surgery. The researchers found that all cases tested positive for tuberculosis, and all patients underwent prolonged treatment with anti-tuberculosis medication. After an average follow-up of more than six years, none of the patients experienced a recurrence of the infection, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients who have undergone joint replacement surgeries and are at risk for tuberculosis infections.

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This study looked at the differences in bacteria found in the tissue and urine of twelve men with non-invasive bladder cancer and twelve healthy men. It found that certain bacteria, like Escherichia Shigella and Staphylococcus, were much more common in the bladder cancer patients, suggesting a link between these bacteria and the disease. Importantly, a urine test was able to correctly identify these bacteria 83% of the time in the cancer patients, which could help in diagnosing the disease without invasive procedures. Who this helps: This helps patients by improving bladder cancer detection methods.

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This study looked at a new way to test for resistance to two important tuberculosis (TB) drugs, rifampicin (RIF) and isoniazid (INH), using a method called the capillary tube method. It found that this new method correctly identified drug resistance in 85% of cases for rifampicin and 80% for isoniazid, but it was not very good at confirming non-resistance, with specificities of only 25% and 45.5% respectively. This faster testing method, which can provide results in just 4-9 days, is important because it aims to help diagnose drug-resistant TB more quickly, especially in areas where traditional testing is slow and costly. Who this helps: Patients with tuberculosis, especially those with drug-resistant strains.

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The study evaluated how well the current method for diagnosing HIV has worked over four years at Izmir Dokuz Eylül University. Researchers found that only 0.30% of over 54,000 samples tested positive with the initial test, and about 54% of those were confirmed as HIV positive. The confirmation test provided results quickly, averaging just under 4 hours for initial confirmation, and early results help in getting patients the necessary treatment sooner. Who this helps: This research benefits patients by ensuring quicker diagnosis and treatment of HIV.

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In this study, researchers examined health technician students at Dokuz Eylül University to see how many had immunity to measles, rubella, mumps, and chickenpox, which can all be prevented with vaccines. They found that only 21.8% were immune to measles, while the immunity rates were higher for rubella (89.3%), mumps (64.7%), and chickenpox (92.9%). This is important because many students are at risk of spreading these diseases to vulnerable patients; thus, those lacking immunity, especially against measles, should consider getting another vaccination. Who this helps: This helps health technician students and their future patients.

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This study looked at how well certain drugs work against rapidly growing mycobacteria, which can cause infections in both healthy and sick patients. Researchers tested 58 samples from patients at Dokuz Eylül University Hospital and found that nearly 74% of the Mycobacterium abscessus samples were responsive to amikacin, while many showed resistance to common antibiotics like doxycycline and tobramycin. Understanding how these germs respond to antibiotics helps doctors choose the right treatments, especially since infections can be hard to treat and can come with serious side effects. Who this helps: Patients with infections caused by rapidly growing mycobacteria.

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This study looked at the best way to collect urine samples for studying the bacteria in our urinary system. Researchers tested two different methods—first voided urine and midstream urine—on twelve men with bladder cancer. They found no significant differences between the two collection methods in terms of the types of bacteria found, except for one specific group called Clostridia, which showed a slight difference. This matters because it means either collection method can be used for urinary studies, making it easier for researchers to gather samples without worrying about which method is better. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors working on urinary health.

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This study looked at markers of oxidative damage in the body to understand how serious lung problems are in patients with pneumonia caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Researchers found that patients with COVID-19 pneumonia had higher levels of certain harmful substances compared to healthy individuals, and those with severe lung issues had even higher levels. This is important because it highlights a connection between oxidative damage and the severity of lung disease in COVID-19, helping us understand the impacts of the virus better. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working with COVID-19 patients to assess and treat lung health more effectively.

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This study examined how well two types of devices, Alanine and nanoDot dosimeters, can check the accuracy of a cancer treatment called Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) at three body locations: the sternum, spine, and scapula. The findings showed that the dosimeters provided similar dose measurements, with differences of only about 2% for most areas, indicating they can effectively ensure the quality of treatment before it starts. This is important because using reliable dosimeters can help improve the safety and effectiveness of cancer treatments. Who this helps: Patients undergoing SABR and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well three different tests can detect antibodies for COVID-19 in patients. It found that 46.6% of patients tested positive for the virus using a nasal swab, and 41.4% of those who were positive also showed antibodies in at least two tests. The findings are important because they help understand which test works best and identify factors—like age and gender—that affect antibody responses. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare workers by improving the understanding of COVID-19 antibody testing.

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This study looked at the rates of hepatitis A, B, and C infection among first-year healthcare students in western Turkey. They found that about 35% had been exposed to hepatitis A, while nearly all (93.7%) were protected against hepatitis B due to vaccination, and no students tested positive for hepatitis C. The high rate of hepatitis A exposure, especially among older students and those from lower economic backgrounds, indicates the need for vaccination before they start their medical training. Who this helps: This research benefits healthcare students and educational institutions in ensuring student safety through vaccination programs.

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This paper addresses an error found in a previous study about a type of cell called pericytes, which are important for supporting blood vessels. The correction clarifies key information about how these cells can be isolated and studied in the lab. Understanding pericytes better is crucial because it may help in developing treatments for various diseases. Who this helps: This helps researchers and medical professionals working on vascular-related health issues.

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This study looked at two methods for identifying non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) from samples taken from patients’ lungs. Researchers tested 150 samples and found that both methods identified the same common types of NTM but that the simpler method, called polymerase chain reaction-restriction enzyme analysis (PRA), was able to give reliable results about 90% of the time, while the more detailed DNA sequence analysis could identify all strains but took longer. This is important because quicker and accurate identification of these bacteria can improve treatment and patient care. Who this helps: Patients with respiratory infections caused by non-tuberculous mycobacteria.

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This research focuses on a type of cell called the microvascular pericyte, which plays a crucial role in blood vessel formation and function. Scientists have developed new techniques to isolate and study these cells more effectively, allowing for better understanding of their roles and potential applications in medicine. Improved methods will help clarify misconceptions about pericytes, which is important for future research and treatments related to various diseases. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and doctors looking for new treatments for conditions involving blood vessels.

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In this study, researchers looked at how mild low oxygen levels affect immune responses in mice with a condition similar to multiple sclerosis, known as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). They found that exposing mice to low oxygen for three weeks led to reduced inflammation and a decrease in harmful immune cells, as well as an increase in protective cells and anti-inflammatory substances. These findings are important because they suggest that adjusting oxygen levels could be a new way to treat neurodegenerative diseases by reducing inflammation in the brain. Who this helps: This helps patients with neurodegenerative diseases and their doctors.

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This study evaluated a testing method called the nitrate reductase assay (NRA) to quickly identify multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) in 237 samples from different hospitals in Turkey. The results showed that the NRA matched well with standard testing methods, correctly identifying drug resistance in 94.5% of cases for isoniazid (INH) and 98.3% for rifampicin (RIF). This is important because fast and accurate detection of MDR-TB can help control its spread and improve patient treatment. Who this helps: Patients with tuberculosis, especially those with drug-resistant forms of the disease.

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This study explored how pericytes, which are important cells that help keep tissues healthy, respond to low oxygen levels. The researchers found that when pericytes were exposed to low oxygen, they produced a specific microRNA called Let-7d, which plays a key role in helping these cells change into a more specialized form necessary for healing. Specifically, they discovered that low oxygen levels triggered changes in these cells that are important for tissue repair. Who this helps: This benefits patients needing tissue repair after injuries or surgeries.

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This study looked at a test called the crystal violet decolorization assay (CVDA) to quickly identify whether tuberculosis bacteria are resistant to key medications (isoniazid and rifampicin). The researchers tested 156 samples and found that the CVDA was very accurate: 96% for isoniazid and 98% for rifampicin. This is important because it allows for faster diagnosis of drug-resistant tuberculosis, which can lead to better treatment and outcomes for patients. Who this helps: Patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

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This research studied how a specific protein, CXCL13, is produced in the brain during inflammation, particularly in the context of multiple sclerosis (MS). The scientists found that mice lacking a certain gene (IRF7) produced much higher levels of CXCL13 compared to normal mice, and that the brain's immune cells, called microglia, were the main source of this protein. Since type-I interferons can reduce CXCL13 production, this finding may help explain how treatments using these proteins benefit MS patients by potentially limiting harmful inflammation. Who this helps: This research helps patients with multiple sclerosis and their doctors in understanding treatment effects.

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This research looked at how changes in blood vessel formation in the brain might help reduce damage in multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically using a mouse model. The study found that providing a mild, steady lack of oxygen improved the health of the brain and reduced disease symptoms in the mice with MS, suggesting that this approach may protect brain cells better. The capillary density in damaged brain areas was only half that of healthier areas, which highlights how important blood flow is for brain health. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with multiple sclerosis and their doctors by exploring new treatment options.

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This study looked at how brain cells called microglia respond to a specific virus infection in mice. Researchers found that these cells can be activated through different pathways, and while the virus can trigger inflammation, the survival of the mice was not solely dependent on one type of immune response. Importantly, even without certain immune signals, the production of interferon was essential to control the virus, showing how complex the immune response is during such infections. Who this helps: This research helps scientists and doctors understand brain infections better, which can lead to improved treatments for patients affected by similar viral diseases.

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This study looked at a protein called CXCL13 and its role in helping B cells move to the central nervous system (CNS) during brain inflammation caused by infections and autoimmune diseases. Researchers found that even without CXCL13, B cells still successfully reached the inflamed brain, and the body still cleared viruses normally. However, in autoimmune conditions, CXCL13 actually seemed to make the disease worse. This matters because understanding CXCL13's role can help researchers design better treatments for certain brain diseases without focusing on B cell movement. Who this helps: This helps patients with neuroinflammatory diseases and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well two different tests—one called the tuberculin skin test (TST) and another called the interferon gamma assay (QFT-GIT)—detect latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Out of 39 children with JIA, 70% had active disease, and 38% showed no reaction to the TST, with a significant difference in test results between the JIA group and healthy controls. The findings suggest that the TST may not work well for diagnosing LTBI in JIA patients, and using the QFT-GIT test could help identify cases that TST misses, which is important for appropriate treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits doctors treating children with JIA by improving diagnosis and management of LTBI.

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This study looked at how different strains of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus affect brain abscesses, which are serious infections in the brain. Researchers compared a lab strain and a strain from a patient and found that while the lab strain caused more brain damage and higher death rates, the patient strain grew faster and triggered a stronger early immune response. This research is important because it shows how certain bacterial traits can influence how the body reacts to infections, which can affect treatment options. Who this helps: This helps doctors in understanding how to treat brain abscesses more effectively.

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This study examined a method called MIRU-VNTR, which helps identify different strains of the tuberculosis bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, to better track and manage infections. Researchers analyzed 152 samples over two years and found the best combinations of primers (specific segments of DNA) to distinguish infections and avoid mix-ups; they recommended a three-step process using primers numbered 26, 40, 16, 10, 23, 31, 27, 20, 2, 4, 24, and 39. This matters because it improves the accuracy and efficiency of identifying tuberculosis strains, helping healthcare providers manage outbreaks and patient care more effectively. Who this helps: Patients and healthcare providers managing tuberculosis infections.

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This study looked at how a specific immune protein called TLR2 affects the body’s response to a type of brain infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus. In mice without TLR2, researchers found that there were higher levels of a type of immune cell called Th17 and elevated levels of the inflammatory marker IL-17, suggesting that these mice had a stronger response to the infection. Specifically, the number of certain immune cells increased significantly in these TLR2-deficient mice when compared to normal mice at different time points after infection. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand how immune responses differ in certain patients, which can guide better treatments for brain infections.

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This study examined how a specific protein called MyD88 in brain cells affects the body's immune response to a bacterial infection that can cause brain abscesses. The researchers found that mice lacking MyD88 showed increased vulnerability to infections, with significant tissue damage due to faulty immune responses. Specifically, the absence of MyD88 led to poor inflammation and higher rates of cell death, which made the condition worse. Who this helps: This research helps doctors understand the immune mechanisms in brain injuries and may improve treatment strategies for patients with brain infections.

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This study looked at brain abscesses, which are infections in the brain caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. The researchers found that two immune system components, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and MyD88, play important roles in how the body responds to these infections—especially since antibiotic-resistant bacteria are becoming a bigger problem. Understanding these immune responses could help create better treatment strategies that effectively fight the infection while minimizing damage to the brain. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with brain abscesses, especially those who are immune-compromised.

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Researchers studied the effects of a drug called ciglitazone on brain abscesses caused by bacterial infections, specifically looking at how it influences inflammation and the body's response to these abscesses. They found that treating with ciglitazone reduced the number of bacteria and lessened harmful inflammation, helping to contain the infection better. Importantly, treatment also sped up the process of forming a protective barrier around the abscess, which is crucial for preventing further spread of the bacteria. Who this helps: This benefits patients with brain abscesses and their doctors by offering a potential new treatment option.

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This study looked at how certain drugs influence brain cells called microglia and astrocytes in response to signals from pathogens. Researchers found that specific drugs, like pioglitazone, can reduce harmful inflammatory responses by these brain cells, but their effectiveness varies depending on the type of pathogen signal. This is important because finding ways to fine-tune the brain's immune response can help fight infections without causing further damage to brain tissue. Who this helps: This helps patients with central nervous system infections.

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This study focused on how astrocytes, a type of brain cell, respond to the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and how their inflammatory signals are regulated. Researchers found that the presence of a molecule called TNF-alpha is crucial for increasing the levels of TLR2, a receptor that helps astrocytes produce anti-bacterial signals, particularly nitric oxide (NO). When TNF-alpha was absent, the astrocytes produced significantly less NO, indicating that TNF-alpha plays a key role in the brain's immune response. Who this helps: Patients with central nervous system infections can benefit from a better understanding of brain immune responses.

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This study looked at how a bacterium called S. aureus affects communication between brain support cells called astrocytes. The researchers found that exposure to S. aureus caused a decrease in two types of proteins (Cx43 and Cx30) that help astrocytes communicate, while another protein (Cx26) increased. This change in communication can lead to serious long-term problems in the brain, such as seizures and cognitive issues. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with brain infections by providing insights into how to prevent possible complications.

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This study examined how the bacteria in the gut might affect calcium levels in urine among children. Researchers found that the way these bacteria use calcium did not significantly differ between children who had high urinary calcium levels and those who had normal levels, with no noteworthy correlation between bacteria and urine calcium levels in either group. This matters because it suggests that gut bacteria don't play a significant role in influencing how much calcium is excreted in urine. Who this helps: This helps doctors understand the factors affecting urinary calcium levels in children.

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This study looked at how a specific immune signaling molecule called MyD88 affects the body’s response to brain abscesses caused by bacterial infections, particularly from Staphylococcus aureus. Researchers found that mice lacking MyD88 (MyD88 KO mice) had higher death rates and larger, more damaged brain abscesses compared to normal mice, although the number of bacteria was the same initially. This matters because it shows that MyD88 is critical for activating the immune system to protect the brain during these infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain infections, doctors treating these conditions, and researchers studying immune responses.

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This study looked at whether a low dose of a substance called GM-CSF helps increase the number of brain immune cells called microglia and how this treatment affects their response to various bacterial stimuli. The researchers found that while GM-CSF doubled the number of microglia after repeated collections from cultures, it didn’t change how these cells responded to most bacterial signals, like the ones from Staphylococcus aureus. This is important because it shows that low doses of GM-CSF can be used to get more microglia for research without altering their immune behavior, making it easier for scientists to study these cells. Who this helps: This helps researchers studying brain immune responses and related diseases.

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This study looked at how many sputum samples are needed to effectively diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). Researchers found that 42% of patients had AFB detected, with 97% of those cases identified from the first sample, and the second sample contributed very little additional information. This matters because it shows that testing two sputum samples is enough for accurate TB diagnosis, saving time and resources in laboratories. Who this helps: Patients suspected of having TB and the healthcare providers diagnosing them.

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Researchers studied how minocycline, a medication typically used to fight bacterial infections, affects the immune response in mice with brain abscesses caused by Staphylococcus aureus. They found that minocycline reduced the death rate of mice by 50% within the first 24 hours and decreased the size of brain abscesses, suggesting it has anti-inflammatory effects even when given up to three days after infection. This matters because it shows that minocycline can help reduce brain damage and improve survival in infections that cause dangerous inflammation, not just those caused by bacteria. Who this helps: This helps patients with serious brain infections and their doctors.

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This research studied 56 samples of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis (TB) from patients in Izmir, Turkey, using three different techniques to understand their genetic makeup. The results showed that 98.2% of the bacteria belonged to two major genetic groups, with 51 distinct genetic patterns identified, highlighting the genetic diversity of TB in this region. This information is important for tracking the spread of TB and could help improve treatment and prevention efforts. Who this helps: This benefits public health officials and healthcare providers managing TB outbreaks.

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This study examined how a protein called MyD88 helps microglia (immune cells in the brain) respond to bacteria. Researchers found that when MyD88 was not present, microglia produced no inflammatory markers in response to the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus; specifically, there was a complete stop in producing substances like TNF-alpha and IL-12. The findings show that MyD88 plays a crucial role in the immune response of microglia to certain bacterial threats, which is important for understanding how the brain defends itself against infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with brain infections and doctors treating them.

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This study looked at 62 patients who underwent a procedure called bronchoalveolar lavage to diagnose lung infections caused by opportunistic germs. The researchers found that 39% of the patients had a specific microbial agent causing their infection: 4 had mycobacteria (like tuberculosis), 17 had bacteria, and 3 had fungi. This is important because understanding the exact cause of lung infections can help doctors provide better treatment, especially for patients with weakened immune systems. Who this helps: Patients with compromised immune systems and their doctors.

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This study examined how Escherichia coli forms a protective layer, known as a biofilm, on urethral catheters and how different antibiotics affect this process. Researchers found that the biofilm starts to form within 4 to 12 hours after infection and becomes fully mature in 12 to 24 hours. While antibiotics like cefuroxime can delay biofilm development for up to 4 days, they ultimately cannot prevent it from fully forming within a week. Who this helps: This helps patients using urethral catheters by informing treatment strategies to manage infections.

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This study examined how well the Cobas Amplicor MTB test detects tuberculosis (TB) in samples from patients suspected of having the disease. The test showed strong performance in identifying TB from lung samples, with a sensitivity of 73% and a specificity of 100%, but it was less effective for samples from other parts of the body, showing only 45% sensitivity. These findings matter because having a reliable, fast test for TB in respiratory samples can help doctors diagnose and treat patients more quickly, which is crucial for controlling the spread of this serious infection. Who this helps: This helps patients suspected of having tuberculosis and their doctors.

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This study looked at how a part of the immune system, called microglia, recognizes a component of the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Researchers found that a specific protein called CD14 helps microglia respond to a substance from the bacteria known as peptidoglycan, leading to lower levels of inflammatory signals in mice lacking CD14. This is important because understanding how our immune cells react to different forms of bacteria can help us develop better treatments for infections. Who this helps: This helps patients with bacterial infections by informing new treatment strategies.

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This study looked at how a particular receptor, TLR2, affects the body's response to infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus in the brain. Researchers found that mice lacking TLR2 had lower levels of certain inflammatory substances during an infection but showed increased levels of a different immune signal. Despite these differences, both TLR2 knockout and normal mice experienced similar levels of infection severity, indicating that other receptors also play a role in recognizing these bacteria. Who this helps: Patients with brain infections may benefit from a better understanding of how the immune system responds to Staphylococcus aureus.

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This study focused on how a receptor called TLR2 helps brain immune cells, known as microglia, recognize a specific part of the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). The researchers found that microglia without TLR2 showed much lower responses to a component of the bacterial cell wall (peptidoglycan), with decreases in inflammatory markers like TNF-alpha and IL-12, while their response to whole S. aureus was similar to normal cells, indicating that other receptors can recognize the full bacteria. Understanding this process is important because it can help develop better treatments for infections and inflammatory responses in the brain. Who this helps: This helps researchers and doctors treating bacterial infections that affect the brain.

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This study looked at how inflammation in the brain affects the way brain cells called glial cells communicate with each other through small connections called gap junctions. The researchers found that inflammation, which occurs in diseases like Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis, leads to changes in these connections that can harm both the glial cells and neurons. Understanding this communication breakdown is important because it helps explain how inflammation might worsen conditions affecting the brain. Who this helps: This research helps patients with neuroinflammatory diseases and their doctors by highlighting potential mechanisms behind disease progression.

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This study looked at how four different treatments—dexamethasone, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), vitamin D3, and interferon-alpha—affect mouse myeloma cells, which are a type of cancer cell that doesn't produce antibodies. Researchers found that all treatments increased the death of these cancer cells (apoptosis), with a notable rise from 0.10% in the control group to 6.82% in the group treated with dexamethasone alone. These findings are significant because they show potential new options for treating multiple myeloma, which doesn't respond well to standard therapies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with multiple myeloma seeking more effective treatment options.

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This study looked at how a specific substance from activated immune cells in the brain, called microglia, influences the expression of a gene important for brain health, known as BDNF, in another type of brain cell called astrocytes. The researchers found that when striatal astrocytes were exposed to the substance from stimulated microglia, the BDNF gene expression increased by 33%. This finding is significant because higher levels of BDNF are linked to better brain function and recovery from injuries. Who this helps: This benefits patients recovering from brain injuries and neurological disorders.

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Researchers infected mice with a common bacteria (*Staphylococcus aureus*) to create brain abscesses and then studied which immune chemicals the body uses to fight the infection. They found that two key immune chemicals—IL-1 and TNF-alpha—are essential for controlling the bacterial infection, because mice lacking these chemicals died more often and had higher bacterial loads than normal mice. IL-6, a third immune chemical they tested, turned out to be less important for fighting this particular infection. Why it matters: This discovery could lead to better treatments for brain abscesses in humans by identifying which immune chemicals are most critical to boost during infection.

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Researchers tested whether a natural substance called 15d-PGJ2 could reduce the harmful inflammation that brain cells called microglia create when fighting a common bacterial infection (Staphylococcus aureus). The substance successfully blocked many inflammatory signals that microglia release, which normally damage healthy brain tissue surrounding a brain abscess. This discovery suggests that 15d-PGJ2 could become a treatment that lets the immune system fight the infection while protecting the brain from collateral damage.