H5N1, which causes a spectrum of illnesses in humans, including severe and fatal respiratory disease, can be difficult to diagnose.

High plasma levels of heavy metals As, Pb, and Cd and trace element Cu were identified as risk factors for the development of NTD. At the same time, low plasma levels of trace elements Zn and Se were also found to be risk factors for NTD. However, no association between Hg and Co plasma levels and increased risk for the development of NTD was observed. This study, while being the most comprehensive case study to date investigating the relationship between heavy metals and trace element levels and increased risk of NTD, nonetheless highlights the need for further research in order to make definite statements regarding this relationship.

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The contribution of postnatal steroid administration to early brain damage in preterm babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia ABSTRACT Background/aim: Postnatal corticosteroids are commonly used to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). We aimed to show whether S100 calcium-binding B (S100B), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), Tau protein or microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) levels would provide any evidence of early neurological damage in premature infants receiving postnatal low dose dexamethasone therapy for BPD treatment. Materials and methods:In this cohort study, 136 preterm infants diagnosed with BPD at ≤32 weeks of gestation formed the study group and 64 preterm infants formed the control group. NSE, S100B, GFAP, and MAPT levels were first measured before the postnatal corticosteroid treatment in both the patient and the control group on the 28th day and, for a second time, after treatment termination in the patient group.Results: There were significant differences between the measured GFAP, MAPT, and NSE values of the BPD and control groups on the 28th day, whereas there was no significant difference between the measured S100B values of the two groups. There were a statistically significant difference between the NSE values measured on the 28th day and after the treatment within the BPD group, whereas no significant difference existed between the GFAP, MAPT, and S100B values. Conclusion:NSE levels, which indicate brain damage in the early period, increased in preterm babies with BPD who had been administered postnatal dexamethasone.

Background: The novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) can progress with mild to moderate or self-limiting clinical findings in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the disease features of Covid-19 in Turkish children. Methods: Children diagnosed by the method of RT-PCR for Covid-19 at the Dicle University Department of Pediatric, between April and June 2020, were evaluated. Hospital records were investigated retrospectively. Results: One hundred and five patients children with the mean age of 108.64±65.61 were enrolled in this study. The most common cause of transmission in pediatric patients was contacting with a family member diagnosed with COVID-19 (n=91, 86.7%).The most common admission complaints were dry cough (n=17, 16.2%), fever (n=16, 15.2%), lassitude and fatigue (n=14, 13.3%) respectively. More than 95 % of all children with Covid-19 had asymptomatic, mild, or moderate cases. CRP was identified only independent factor associated with long duration of hospitalization. Conclusion: The results of this study show preliminary results of a study investigating the effect of Covid-19 on Turkish children. A clear understanding of the local epidemiology of corona virus infections and identification of risk factors is critical for the successful implementation of the prevention and control program.