Browsing by Author "Çiçek, K"

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    On the occurrence of the Pond Slider Turtle Trachemys scripta (Thunberg in Schoepff, 1792) from southwestern Türkiye
    Yakin, BY; Çiçek, K; Bayrakci, Y; Günay, UK; Afsar, M; Ayaz, D; Tok, CV
    Trachemys scripta is included among the 100 most invasive species worldwide. Since the first report on the presence of pond slider turtles from natural habitats in Turkiye, the distribution of this invasive species comprises almost thirty provinces. However, it spread to much wider sites than the regions determined until today. Besides, there is a lack of knowledge on which subspecies exist in the invaded habitats. Within this study, we presented the presence of two subspecies of the invasive alien slider turtle for the first time from the Resadiye, Datca, Mugla, Turkiye. We also suggest certain precautions should be taken against slider turtles to contribute to preventing their invasion of our biodiversity.
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    Antibody Sustainability in SARS-CoV-2 Healthcare Professionals' Patient Cohort
    Eser, E; Akar, SS; Akçali, S; Ecemis, T; Dündar, PE; Çiçek, K; Akman, D; Tüzün, E; Erkekoglu, GS; Buran, ZC; Arikan, ZÖÖ; Yalçin, FK
    In this study, it was aimed to evaluate one-year follow-up of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) specific antibodies formed against the virus binding site, in a coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) positive case cohort (n= 413) between the period March 2020 to December 2020 in Manisa Celal Bayar University Hospital, until July 2021. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were determined by the chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLIA) method. Values of 1.0 and above were considered positive. Chi-square tests and Joinpoint regression analysis (version 4.7.0) were used in the statistical analyses. The mean age of the participants was 34.9 +/- 9.3 and 60.2% of them were women. Between 21-30 days after the diagnosis of COVID-19, total antibody level was above the threshold value in 72.2% (n= 126) of the participants, while this rate increased to 79.1% (n= 240) in 31-60 day interval. In the following period, this rate decreased to 38.8% (n= 108) in days 211st to 240th. Antibody response could not be detected in 76 (20.7%) of 367 employees who have initially been followed up. The percentage of total antibody positivity prevalence ranged from 98.9% to 96.1% in the 31-210th day after diagnosis, in the follow-up of 291 employees whose total antibody positivity was detected after diagnosis. According to the results of the Joinpoint regression analysis, after the diagnosis of COVID-19, the curve showing the percentage of antibody positivity was broken at two points: The first breaking point was observed in 181-210th days (6-7 months) (p= 0.069), and the second breaking point was in 271-300th days (9-10 months) (p< 0.001). As a result, the highest antibody positivity rates were detected after the 30th day of the disease onset and antibody positivity was maintained in the first seven months after diagnosis; the antibody positivity rate decreased to 25% at the end of the first year.
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    Efficacy of Homologous and Heterologous Vaccine Applications on SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant: Cohort of Manisa Celal Bayar University Healthcare Workers
    Çiçek, K; Özkaya, Y; Eser, E; Buran, ZC; Öztürk Arikan, ZÖ; Akçali, S; Erbay Dündar, P; Cengiz Özyurt, B; Senol Akar, S; Özer, D; Karadag Yalçin, F
    This study was aimed to determine the efficacy of homologous (only CoronaVac or only Pfizer-BioN- Tech) and heterologous (CoronaVac and Pfizer-BioNTech) vaccines during the period when the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant was dominant in T0rkiye. Coro- navirus disease-2019 (COVID-2019) infection was confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and data on vaccination status against COVID-19 were evaluated during the period of 15 January 2022-1 May 2022 when the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant was dominant among 1854 employees fol- lowed in the SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Cohort of Manisa Celal Bayar University (MCBU) Hospital Health Work-ers. Two separate reference groups were used in the evaluation of vaccine efficacy: those who were never vaccinated and those who received only two doses of CoronaVac. The efficacy of homologous and heter- ologous vaccine models was evaluated with relative risks and attributable risk percentages. MS Excel, SPSS 23.0 and STATA 14.1 package programs were used for statistical analysis. The mean age of the participants was 36.6 +/- 10.0. During the period from January 15th to May 1st 2022, 372 hospital workers were infected with COVID-19. Taking the never vaccinated as the reference group, the most effective model was found to be only the three or more doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech primary vaccination model (85.8%, 95% CI= 40.7-96.6). Models consisting of a single dose of CoronaVac (6.5%, 95% CI=-56.3-44.2) or a single dose of Pfizer-BioNTech (17.7%, 95% CI=-30.2-48.0) booster dose administered after two doses of primary CoronaVac vaccination was not found to be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant. When only two doses of primary CoronaVac vaccination model was taken as the reference group, the model consist-ing of two doses CoronaVac followed by two Pfizer-BioNTech booster doses was effective as 38.4% (95% CI= 15.4-55.3), whereas three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech booster model was effective as 56.4% (95% CI= 33.9-71.3). To conclude, none of the models other than the homologous or heterologous vaccine models containing at least three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine were effective compared to those unvaccinated. Compared with those who received only two doses of primary Coronavac, models with at least three dos-es of Pfizer-BioNTech reminder doses were more effective against the Omicron variant than other models.
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    Conservation strategies for the Caucasus Viper, Vipera kaznakovi Nikolsky 1909, in the East Black Sea Region, Turkey
    Tok, CV; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    We evaluated the current status and main threats to the Caucasus viper (Vipera kaznakovi Nikolsky 1909), from the East Black Sea Region, Turkey, via 21 days of intensive fieldwork and interviews with locals. We found that habitat loss and destruction, illegal collection, and intentional or accidental killings are the main threats to V. kaznakovi in the region. We prepared a 5-year Action Plan for the Turkish General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and outline a strategy for promoting the sustainability of the species with participation of regional administrations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and locals. The major conservation measures include: (1) creating protected areas in regions with high viper densities (2) preventing and controlling illegal collection, (3) raising awareness among locals to reduce the intentional and accidental killing of vipers.
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    Action Plan for the Conservation of Endemic Anatolian Meadow Viper, Vipera anatolica Eiselt & Baran, 1970 in Southwestern Anatolia
    Tok, CV; Afsar, M; Yakin, BY; Çiçek, K
    The Anatolian viper. Vipera anatolica Eiselt & Baran. 1970, is the rarest, critically endangered, and endemic species in the western Taurus Mountains. Antalya. Turkey. Here. we evaluated the current status, potential threats, and recommended necessary conservation measures for Anatolian meadow viper. We created some activities during the 5 year species conservation action plan implemented by the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks. We conducted 70-days extensive fieldworks between May and October 2016-2017 for determining the distribution, habitat characteristics, phenology, and population status of the species in the province of Antalya. We also interviewed locals and surveyed potential threats of Anatolian meadow viper. We detected only 10 specimens in the territory of the Ciglikara cedar forest reserve at altitudes between 1800 and 2300 m and only two specimens in the territory of Geyik Mountains at altitudes between 1600 and 1900 m. We determined the potential threats like habitat loss and degradation, quarry (especially for senliki subspecies), global climate change, illegal collecting, and willingly or accidentally killing of vipers. Major precautions to protect the species were determined as: (1) to establish protected habitat patches in the species' known distribution and to prohibit entrance and grazing activities, (2) to create alternative new habitats for reintroduction, (3) to plan long-term monitoring survey to obtain data on its ecology and population trends. (4) to start a captive breeding program. (5) to educate and raise awareness among locals to prevent illegal collecting, willingly or/and accidentally killing of specimens for the sustainability of Anatolian meadow viper.
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    ADDITIONAL MORPHOLOGICAL DATA ON Vipera (Pelias) cf. darevskii FROM THE VICINITY OF ZEKERIYAKOY (NORTHEASTERN ANATOLIA)
    Tok, CV; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    Two new Viper specimens obtained from Zekeriyakoy (Ardanuc, Artvin) in Northeastern Anatolia were investigated. When obtained data were compared with the related literature, it was observed that pholidosis characteristics and body measurements of the retrieved specimens were similar to both Vipera (Pelias) olguni and Vipera (Pelias) darevskii. The specimens were considered to be V. cf. darevskii since their defining characteristics were more similar to V. darevskii than V. olguni.
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    Age, Growth and Longevity of Kotschy's Gecko, Mediodactylus kotschyi (Steindachner, 1870) (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) from Central Anatolia, Turkey
    Çiçek, K; Afsar, M; Kumas, M; Ayaz, D; Tok, CV
    We studied the age structure of Kotschy's gecko, Mediodactylus kotschyi, from the Sultan Mountains (Central Anatolia, Turkey) using the skeletochronological method. We examined the humeral diaphyseal cross sections of a total of 19 (six males and 13 females) museum specimens. Our results showed that the age structure ranged from three to seven years (mean = 4.2 years, SD = 1.47) in males and from two to eight years (mean = 4.5 years, SD = 1.81) in females. Both sexes reached sexual maturity after their second hibernation, and no statistically significant difference in age composition was observed between the sexes. There was a strong positive correlation between SVL and age (Spearman's correlation coefficient, r = 0.93) and Von Bertalanffy growth curves fitted to the relationships between age (k = 0.80) and SVL (SVLmax = 42.4). In conclusion, M. kotschyi is a short-lived species with a high growth rate.
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    A New Locality for Rana ridibunda caralitana Arikan, 1988 (Anura: Ranidae) in the Central Anatolia
    Ayaz, D; Tok, CV; Mermer, A; Tosunoglu, M; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    In this study, a total of 18 (10 male male, 8 female female) adult marsh frog specimens collected from Bor (Nigde) have been examined through the morphological analysis, primarily on their coloration and pattern characteristics. It is concluded that the examined specimens fall into caralitana category. Thus, the distrubution area of caralitana has been extended.
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    Aspect of population structure of the European Pond Turtle (Emys orbicularis) in Lake Yayla, western Anatolia, Turkey
    Ayaz, D; Fritz, U; Atatür, MK; Mermer, A; Çiçek, K; Afsar, M
    Our main objective was to establish the population size, density, body size, and sex ratio of a local Emys orbicularis population. We examined the population structure of E. orbicularis in Lake Yayla, Buldan (Denizli), Turkey, using capture-recapture methods. The population consisted of 54% males, 42% females, and 4% juveniles. The adult sex ratio was significantly skewed in favor of males. Using the Jolly program, the population size was estimated at 1,462 (95% CI = 1,161-1,763), corresponding to a density of 81 turtles per hectare of optimal habitat. Females were larger than males. In carapace length, the Lake Yayla population resembles other small-sized populations inhabiting the southern parts of the species' range. The conservation status of the Turkish populations and their main threats are also discussed.
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    Profiling of apoptosis-associated proteins in human prostate cancer cells in response toMontivipera bulgardaghica albizonavenom by protein array
    Ilhan, S; Çiçek, K; Tok, CV; Atmaca, H
    Here we studied the possible cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Anatolian endemic mountain viper,Montivipera bulgardaghica albizona(M.b. albizona) venom on human PC-3 and DU-145 prostate cancer cell lines.M.b. albizonavenom induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis of both prostate cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Protein array results revealed that the levels of major components of the mitochondrion-initiated and the extrinsic death receptor-mediated pathways were significantly changed in prostate cancer cells by venom treatment. These data suggest that one or more of the purified components of theM.b. albizonavenom may serve as an appropriate therapeutic agent for prostate cancer. Further bioactivity guided studies are required for the identification of bioactive compounds ofM.b. albizonavenom.
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    Population estimate and body size of European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) from Pazaragac (Afyonkarahisar/Turkey)
    Ayaz, D; Fritz, U; Tok, CV; Mermer, A; Tosunoglu, M; Afsar, M; Çiçek, K
    Data on population size, adult sex ratio, body size and mass are provided for a population of the turtle Emys orbicularis near Pazaragac (Afyonkarahisar/Turkey). Using the mark-recapture method (triple catch), a population size of 664 turtles was estimated (95% confidence interval, range 332-996), corresponding to a density of 83 turtles per hectare (range 41.5-124.5). The adult sex-ratio was significantly skewed in favor of males (2.02 males: 1 female; P < 0.001). Almost all recorded specimens were adult (98.1%). Mean straight carapace length (SCL) and body mass (BM) of adult turtles were: SCL = 128.65 mm, BM = 345 g for males (n = 168) and SCL = 135.37 mm, BM = 463 g for females (n = 83).
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    More data on the distribution and morphology of Mediodactylus kotschyi bolkarensis (ROsLER, 1994), from Central Anatolia, Turkey
    Afsar, M; Çiçek, K; Tok, CV
    Four specimens of the gecko, Mediodactylus kotschyi bolkarensis (ROsLER, 1994), were found in Karapmar (Province of Konya, Turkey), about 50 km north west of the known range. Two male and two female adult specimens collected from this new locality were examined in detail for their pholidosis and color pattern features, and compared with 26 adult (11 male, 15 female) specimens recently collected from Eregli (Province of Konya, TR), the type locality of the subspecies bolkarensis. The comprehensive new materials of M. k. bolkarensis are characterized with regard to metric, meristic and color-pattern traits which are presented in comparison to published data of six neighboring subspecies of M kotschyi.
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    Unsustainable harvest of water frogs in southern Turkey for the European market
    Çiçek, K; Ayaz, D; Afsar, M; Bayrakci, Y; Peksen, ÇA; Cumhuriyet, O; Ismail, IB; Yenmis, M; Üstündag, E; Tok, CV; Bilgin, CC; Akçakaya, HR
    Frogs have been harvested from the wild for the last 40 years in Turkey. We analysed the population dynamics of Anatolian water frogs (Pelophylax spp.) in the Seyhan and Ceyhan Deltas during 2013-2015. We marked a total of 13,811 individuals during 3 years, estimated population sizes, simulated the dynamics of a harvested population over 50 years, and collated frog harvest and export statistics from the region and for Turkey as a whole. Our capture estimates indicated a population reduction of c. 20% per year, and our population modelling showed that, if overharvesting continues at current rates, the harvested populations will decline rapidly. Simulations with a model of harvested population dynamics resulted in a risk of extinction of > 90% within 50 years, with extinction likely in c. 2032. Our interviews with harvesters revealed their economic dependence on the frog harvest. However, our results also showed that reducing harvest rates would not only ensure the viability of these frog populations but would also provide a source of income that is sustainable in the long term. Our study provides insights into the position of Turkey in the 'extinction domino' line, in which harvest pressure shifts among countries as frog populations are depleted and harvest bans are effected. We recommend that harvesting of wild frogs should be banned during the mating season, hunting and exporting of frogs < 30 g should be banned, and harvesters should be trained on species knowledge and awareness of regulations.
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    Faunistic Studies on the Genus Medon Stephens, 1833 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Paederinae) in Turkey
    Örgel, S; Çiçek, K; Anlas, S
    In this study, 702 specimens belonging to the genus Medon Sephens were examined. The material was obtained from various field trips between 2010-2019 by using aspirator, sifter, pitfall trap, berlese funnel and MSS trap methods. As a result of the study, 15 of the 22 known species from Turkey were identified. Medon brunneus (Erichson, 1839), M. ferrugineus (Erichson, 1840), M. lanugo Assing, 2004 and M. subfusculus Fagel, 1969 from the Aegean Region, M. semiobscurus (Fauvel, 1875), M. abantensis Bordoni, 1980 and M. lamellatus Assing, 2004 from the Central Anatolian Region are reported for the first time. Besides, M. rufiventris (Nordmann, 1837) is recorded for the first time from both the Aegean and Central Anatolian Regions. In addition, many new locality records of the recorded species were presented. The distributions of all Medon species in Turkey were mapped.