Heavy metals are one of the most infamous air pollutants. They do not deteriorate easily in nature and they tend to bioaccumulate in nature. Because of their significance in terms of potential damage to human and environmental wellbeing, the monitoring of heavy metal pollution and identifying risk-prone regions is of great importance. Bioindicators are the most important determinants of the change in the concentration of heavy metals in the atmosphere. While plants play the biggest and most important role in reducing pollution in all of its types, they are also the ideal bioindicators. However, some plant species are better equipped to detect heavy metal accumulation than others. This study aims to determine the usability potential of Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris) in monitoring traffic-based heavy metal concentrations. For this purpose, samples of Scotch pine individuals were collected from one of the busiest highways in Turkey (along the Ankara-Istanbul route) from refuges at roadsides and at distances of 3m, 10m, 30m, 50m, and 100m from the roadside. Some of the branches and needles of the samples were also subjected to washing processes and the changes of Ni, Cr and Zn concentrations were determined for these samples. The change of Ni, Cr and Zn concentrations depending on the distance to the road, washing conditions and organelle were evaluated separately. We determined that Scotch pine is a good biomonitor-especially for monitoring changes in Cr concentrations.

Background Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder of the reticuloendothelial system with unknown etiology. This report aims to present a case of LCH with diffuse involvement of the oral cavity and to raise awareness of the distinguishing features of this diagnostically challenging entity. Case ReportA 26-year-old male patient presented with complaints of teeth mobility, intense pain, and difficulty in chewing. Intraoral and radiological examinations revealed generalized gingival hyperplasia and severe teeth mobility with widespread alveolar bone loss. Periodontal therapy was performed with no significant improvement. An incisional biopsy revealed Langerhans cells and positive reaction to S-100 and CD1, and the patient was diagnosed with LCH. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy with vinca alkaloids and corticosteroids. Regression of gingival lesions, as well as significant decrease in mobility of the remaining teeth and severity of pain, was achieved during 12 months of follow-up. ConclusionThe rarity and variable system involvement of LCH necessitate a multidisciplinary approach be carried out for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and an uneventful follow-up. Awareness of oral manifestations of LCH may aid clinicians greatly in reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this debilitating condition.

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The antibacterial effect of silver on knitted and nonwoven structures has been investigated. Three types of interlocked knitted fabrics (100% polyester, 100% viscose and 50%/50% polyester/viscose) were scoured and treated with silver ions by pad-dry-cure method. A nonwoven fabric (100% bleached cotton) was also treated with silver ions by using a spray technique. Physical and tensile properties of the treated fabrics were analyzed and compared with those of corresponding untreated ones. Results indicate that scouring process and antimicrobial treatment influenced the physical properties and antimicrobial effectiveness of the fabrics. An increase in tensile strength of 100% polyester and 100% viscose is observed after the antimicrobial treatment. The absorbency of all the treated knitted fabrics is decreased but it is substantially increased in the case of nonwoven fabrics. Antimicrobial activity of the treated fabrics was tested against Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. The results show that the treated nonwoven and blended (50%/50% polyester/viscose) knitted fabrics registered highest antimicrobial effect.