BackgroundPropolis is a bee product widely used in folk medicine and possessing many pharmacological properties. In this study we aimed to investigate: i) the antiviral activities of Hatay propolis samples against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in HEp-2 cell line, and ii) the presence of the synergistic effects of propolis with acyclovir against these viruses.Material/MethodsAll experiments were carried out in HEp-2 cell cultures. Proliferation assays were performed in 24-well flat bottom microplates. We inoculated 1×105 cells per ml and RPMI 1640 medium with 10% fetal calf serum into each well. Studies to determine cytotoxic effect were performed. To investigate the presence of antiviral activity of propolis samples, different concentrations of propolis (3200, 1600, 800, 400, 200, 100, 75, 50, and 25 μg/mL) were added into the culture medium. The amplifications of HSV-1 and HSV-2 DNA were performed by real-time PCR method. Acyclovir (Sigma, USA) was chosen as a positive control. Cell morphology was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).ResultsThe replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2 was significantly suppressed in the presence of 25, 50, and 100 μg/mL of Hatay propolis. We found that propolis began to inhibit HSV-1 replication after 24 h of incubation and propolis activity against HSV-2 was found to start at 48 h following incubation. The activity of propolis against both HSV-1 and HSV-2 was confirmed by a significant decrease in the number of viral copies.ConclusionsWe determined that Hatay propolis samples have important antiviral effects compared with acyclovir. In particular, the synergy produced by antiviral activity of propolis and acyclovir combined had a stronger effect against HSV-1 and HSV-2 than acyclovir alone.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of dental caries, and to determine whether there is any relationship between a fluoride-releasing adhesive material and the development of dental caries in the first year in children with insulin-dependent diabetics (IDDM). The average age of the subjects was 4-15 years, and they had been suffering from IDDM for at least 2 years. The DMF/df(t) indices of 70 patients were calculated and total HbA1 (%) (glucose levels of blood) values were recorded from the medical records after clinical examination. The mean DMF/df(t) values of poorly controlled subjects (HbA1 values over 13%) were significantly higher than those of moderately (HbA1, 10.0-12.9%) and well-controlled (HbA1 values, <10%) subjects. The levels of salivary mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli (LB) and the pH of paraffin-stimulated whole saliva were measured in diabetic patients. Salivary MS and LB scores of the poorly controlled subjects were significantly higher (2.5+/-0.7 and 2.1+/-1.0) than those of the moderately (1.6+/-0.9 and 1.1+/-0.8) and well-controlled (1.2+/-1.0 and 0.8+/-0.8) subjects. The mean pH values among all subjects were not statistically significant. All dental caries were restored with a fluoride-releasing adhesive material. At the end of the first year, no new caries or lost restorations were observed in these patients. Moreover, the rate of MS in the poorly and moderately controlled subjects was considerably reduced. However, no significant statistical reduction of MS was determined in the well-controlled subjects. The level of lactobacilli in the poorly controlled, moderately controlled, and well-controlled subjects was reduced.

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Amelogenesis imperfecta has been described as a complex group of inherited conditions that disturbs the developing enamel structure and exists independent of any related systemic disorder. It is a rare dental disease but represents a great restorative challenge for dentists. A 12-year-old boy presented with sensitive, discolored, and mutilated teeth and decreased vertical dimension of occlusion. Direct composite resin restorations were applied to all teeth to modify the occlusion, to restore mild crowding, and to improve aesthetics. The 24-month recall examination revealed no pathology associated with the rehabilitation, and the patient's aesthetic and functional expectations were satisfied. The rehabilitation included multiple anterior and posterior composite resins to eliminate tooth sensitivity, improve the aesthetics and occlusion, and restore function.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by irreversible and progressive airflow limitations [1]. The prevalence of COPD is approximately 20%, and it is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality [1]. Morbidity and mortality rates due to COPD are gradually increasing, and COPD has been estimated to be third leading cause of death by the end of 2020 [2]. However, it is not yet appropriately diagnosed and treated.Although it is a frequent and severe disease, the general population lacks awareness on COPD. In a study from Canada, the awareness rate of COPD was 17%, whereas the awareness rates of breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, and Alzheimer's disease were 95%, 95%, and 94%, respectively [3]. In a study from Turkey, which is part of the Global Alliance Against Respiratory Disorders project, 49.6% of the participants correctly stated that COPD mainly affected the lungs [4]. Among the participants, 47% declared that they did not know which organ was affected. Ersu et al. investigated the awareness rate of COPD among primary care doctors, and approximately half of the primary care physicians answered that they were aware about COPD [5].