Mustafa Haki Sucakli

Effect of Ramadan fasting on serum concentration of apelin-13 and new obesity indices in healthy adult men.

Background The aim of this study was to determine how Ramadan fasting (RF) affected the recently described new obesity indices [visceral adiposity index (VAI), waist circumference to height ratio (WHtR), body adiposity index (BAI)], and serum concentration of apelin-13 (RF) in healthy adult men. Material/Methods For this purpose, 42 healthy adult men were selected. Anthropometric parameters were measured and a sample of venous blood was obtained for biochemical assays on the first and last days of Ramadan. When all subjects were evaluated, all anthropometric parameters changed except VAI. Serum apelin-13, triglyceride (TG), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and insulin levels did not change. When patients were divided into 3 groups according to body mass index (BMI), BAI decreased in normal-weight subjects and WHtR decreased in other groups, but VAI and apelin-13 did not change in any groups. Results We demonstrate for the first time that while some anthropometric parameters changed, VAI and serum apelin-13 levels did not change with RF. BMI, waist circumference (WC), TG, and HDL-C were evaluated together in calculation of VAI. TG, VAI, and HDL-C remained unchanged by RF. Even if body weight (BW) and BMI decreased, apelin-13 was not affected by RF. The data on serum apelin-13 may have been influenced by the small-percentage decrease in BW, as well as insignificant improvements in metabolic parameters such as lipid profiles, glucose, and insulin. Conclusions We found that Ramadan fasting in healthy adult men was associated with significant decreases in BW, BMI, WHtR, and BAI, but we found no significant changes in VAI and serum apelin-13 concentrations.

Correlation of volume, position of stone, and hydronephrosis with microhematuria in patients with solitary urolithiasis

Background The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between hematuria and volume, position of stone, and hydronephrosis in patients with a solitary stone, using unenhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Material/Methods This retrospective study evaluated the clinical and radiological records of 83 patients undergoing MDCT for the evaluation of acute flank pain and suspected renal colic, who also underwent a microscopic urinalysis at the emergency department of our hospital during a 1-year period. Inclusion criteria of the MDCT study were solitary urolithiasis and cumulative stone diameter under 1 cm. Results A total of 83 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 42.1±14.4 years; 48 (57.8%) were females and 35 (42.2%) were males. Detection of 5 or more red cells on urinalysis was regarded as microscopic hematuria, and was positive in 46 patients (55.4%). There was a positive correlation between the position of the stone (especially upper two-thirds ureteral stones) and microhematuria rate (r: 0.28, p=0.009). There was a statistically significant difference in presence of hydronephrosis between the microhematuria (36 patients, 78%) and non-microhematuria (12 patients, 32%) groups (p<0.001). The median stone volume between the microhematuria and non-microhematuria groups were not statistically different, 37.5 mm3 (range 5–425) and 28 mm3 (range 4–412), respectively (p=0.39). Conclusions Although stone volume is one of the best indicators of stone burden, it was not correlated with microhematuria. However, in patients with renal colic, microhematuria requires ultrasound examination whether hydronephrosis and ureteral stones are present or not. Further studies with larger sample sizes are warranted.

Temperament and character profiles of male COPD patients

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder, and is characterized by persistent airflow obstruction. These patients are exposed to severe physical limitations and substantial psychosocial trouble. The aims of this study were to determine the temperament and character profiles of personality in patients with COPD and to compare the results with those of healthy controls. METHODS Thirty-nine male COPD patients and 67 age- and gender-matched healthy controls completed the self-administered 240-item temperament and character inventory (TCI) and 14-item hospital anxiety and depression scale. The relationships between temperament and character personality profiles and clinical factors such as severity of COPD, anxiety, and depression were evaluated. RESULTS COPD patients had significantly higher mean scores of Harm avoidance and lower mean score of Self-directedness than those of healthy controls. In the COPD patients, the anxiety score was significantly higher (P=0.03) and the depression score was found to be insignificantly higher than that of control group. The TCI profiles were not correlated with the severity of COPD. In COPD patients, Self-directedness and Cooperativeness traits of TCI character negatively correlated with anxiety, but any of traits did not correlate with depression. CONCLUSIONS The present study defined the Harm avoidance score was higher and Self-directedness was lower in COPD patients and the COPD severity did not correlate with any of the personality trait. We suggest that during evaluation of COPD patients for treatment, personality trait should also be considered in clinical practice.

Longitudinal pulmonary functional loss in cotton textile workers: A 5-year follow-up study

Background Occupational exposure to cotton dust causes several diseases affecting the lungs, but only limited information is available on effects of long-term exposure. In this study, we aimed to evaluate longitudinal changes in selected parameters of pulmonary function in textile workers. Material/Methods This prospective cohort study began with 196 textile workers in 2006 and was completed in 2011 with 49 workers. We used standardized tests for pulmonary function on participants on the first day of the workweek in June of 2006 and 2011. Environmental samples of cotton dust were gathered with a vertical elutriator. Loss of pulmonary function was assessed based on gender and smoking status. Results The mean number of years participants worked in the textile factory was 7.61±1.83 years, and the mean age was 35.3+5.8 years. The annual FEV1 loss of all workers was 53.2 ml, giving a ratio of annual FEV1 loss to baseline FEV1 of 1.4%. Pulmonary function parameters of all participants in 2011 were significantly lower than those in 2006 (for all, p<0.05). In both surveys, pulmonary function in current smokers was lower, but this difference was not significant (p>0.05). Conclusions This study provides the first data on pulmonary functional loss in Turkish textile workers and supports the findings of other cohort studies that workers with long-term exposure to cotton dust may lose some pulmonary function. The ratio of annual FEV1 loss to baseline FEV1 appears to be a more accurate and comparable method than annual FEV1 loss for evaluating pulmonary functional loss.

[Evaluation of the Usage of Herbal Products among University Students]ÜniversiteÖğrencilerininBitkiselÜrünleriKullanımÖzelliklerininDeğerlendirilmesi [Evaluation of the Usage of Herbal Products among University Students]

In this study, college students were aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the usage of herbal products. The study included 543 students from different faculties of Sutcu Imam University in Kahramanmaras. Questions that integrate a standard questionnaire about demographic characteristics of the participants, knowledge/attitudes and behaviors about the use of herbal products were applied. Data were analyzed using the SPSS 20.0 statistical program. 278 students were enrolled in the study. 51.2% were female and mean age was 22.7±3.4 SD (18-37). 218 of all participants (40.1%) has an initial choice of going to a doctor when they get sick. 209 of the participants (38.5%) primarily applied herbal medicines and traditional methods as the first choice. 149 students (27.4%) bought the herbal medicine from a previously known place. 283 participants (52.1%) believed that these drugs are safe. 300 of the participants (55.2%) declared that they used herbal medicine due to suggestion of the doctors, 115 students (21.2%) had seen these drugs in TV advertisements, 93 students (17.1%) had read about or informed by internet on herbal medicines. 317 students (58.4%) have used these drugs for cold, 253 (46.6%) for protection against disease and 159 (29.3%) for skin problems. 321 of the participants (67.6%) declared that they somehow benefitted from the drug and 146 (30.7%) described no benefit or harm. This study has shown that the use of herbal medicine is common among university students. The control of the unlimited usage of the herbal medicine both in our country and throughout the world is very important. Usage of herbal products and effects on the health need further scientific studies.

Efficicacy of an education program on smoking and its hazards: Evaluation of a conference

Uzm. Dr. Hamit Sırrı Keten, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi, Aile Hekimliği Anabilim Dalı Kahramanmaraş, Türkiye, Tel. 0 553 391 95 82 Email. hsketen@hotmail.com Geliş Tarihi: 16.08.2013 • Kabul Tarihi: 13.11.2013 ABSTRACT AIM: The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of civil servants, religious and health offi cials attending to a conference regarding smoking hazards, and to determine the effects of an education program about smoking hazards. METHODS: Among civil servants, religious and health offi cials (n=90) working in Kahramanmaraș, those attended to a conference regarding smoking hazards were asked to fi ll a questionnaire before and after the conference. The questionnaire comprised 20 questions regarding socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco products and related knowledge, attitudes and behaviors. One point was given for each question to assess the level of knowledge about smoking hazards. Change of the level of the knowledge about the hazards of smoking was analyzed by comparing the data obtained before and after the conference. RESULTS: The age of the participants ranged between 18 and 58 years, with a mean age of 40.0±8.6 years. Out of 90 participants, 67 (74.4%) were male and 23 (25.6%) were female. Of these, 40 (44.4%) were cigarette smokers, 5 (5.6%) were Maraș Powder users, while 2 (2.2%) participants were both smokers and Maraș Powder users. Seven (53.8%) of nurses, 6 (54.5%) of midwives, 25 (73.5%) of civil servants, and 2 (6.2%) of imams were cigarette smokers. Smoking rate among women was 52.2%, while it was 41.8%in men. The average knowledge level score was 15.8±2.8 before education and 17.0±2.4 after education. After training, the level of knowledge increased signifi cantly (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Level of knowledge of participants was signifi cantly increased after the conferences. For an effi cient fi ght against smoking, periodic education of some groups of people having infl uential effect on the society seems to be benefi cial.

Use of topical anesthetic and non-medical alternatives in welding workers regarding ophthalmic problems

Abstract Purpose: Welding workers’ ophthalmic problems resulting from their professions are frequently observed in ophthalmic emergencies and can cause severe visual impairment. We aimed to investigate the use of topical anesthetic and non-medical alternatives of this population regarding ophthalmic problems in this study. Materials and methods: The study included 204 welding workers randomly selected from a population of 1852 people who had at least one-year experience as a welding worker and who were members of a chamber of welding workers. Data were collected at face to face interviews with a questionnaire composed of questions about ophthalmic problems caused by their profession and about how they eliminated these problems. Obtained data were analyzed with SPSS. Results: Of 204 workers, 38.7% preferred non-medical alternatives including application of potatoes (22%), dressing with tea (17%), rinsing with cold water (3.4%) and closing eyes (2%). 30.5% of the participants used topical anesthetics (72% commercial and 28% prepared in pharmacies). There was a significant relation between use of non-medical methods and topical anesthetics, and workers’ education, duration of work experience and receiving training from their seniors (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Use of non-medical methods and topical anesthetics by welding workers was found to be associated with low-education levels and insufficient knowledge about ophthalmologic problems due their professions and their treatment. They should be provided with appropriate training for the issue and precautions should be taken to prevent people from buying drugs without a prescription.

Evaluation of Behavioral Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Short Stature

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the behavioral disorders in children and adolescents diagnosed with short stature. Materials and Methods: The study included the patients presented to the pediatrics and the pediatric endocrinology clinics between December 2012-April 2013. A hundred patients diagnosed with short stature were assigned into the patient group and 100 patients with normal stature were assigned into the control group. Informed consents were obtained from the patients and their families. The participants were administered the DSM-IV based Disruptive Behavioral Disorders Screening and Rating Scale and a questionnaire composed of questions about socio-demographic features. p <0.05 was considered significant. Results: The mean age of the control group and the patient group was 11.67±2.04 years and 11.86±2.63 years, respectively. The groups were similar in terms of the mean age (p=0.356) and gender (p=0.322). The patient group got 6.27±6.01 for the attention deficit subscale, 6.58±5.18 for the hyperactivity subscale, 5.68±4.85 for the oppositional- defiant subscale and 1.59±3.18 for the behavioral scale (mean scores). The control group received 5.64±4.64 for the attention-deficit subscale, 5.30±4.88 for the hyperactivity subscale, 4.55±4.32 for the oppositional-defiant subscale

Huzurevi Sakinlerinde Nazal MRSA Taşıyıcılığı

Amac: Nazal MRSA tasiyiciligi, bircok malzemenin ortak kullanildigi hastane, huzurevi, yurt gibi kapali ve kalabalik topluluklarda siklikla gorulebilmektedir. Bu calismada, Kahramanmaras huzurevi personeli ve huzurevi sakinlerinde nazal MRSA tasiyiciliginin arastirilmasi amaclandi. Gerec ve Yontem: 01 Haziran–10 Temmuz 2010 tarihleri arasinda, Kahramanmaras huzurevinde bulunan ve bu calismayi kabul eden 146 kisi (98 yasli ve 48 personel) olusturdu. Calismaya katilanlarin tamamindan burun suruntu ornekleri alinarak mikrobiyolojik olarak incelendi. Bulgular: Arastirma sonuclarina gore, yasli ve personelin yas ortalamasi 62.5±20.7 (min-max:22–97) olup, % 62.3’u erkek, % 37.7’si kadindi. Huzurevinde calisan personellerin % 33.3’unde, huzurevi sakinlerinin ise % 40.8’inde nazal MRSA tasiyiciligi saptandi. Huzurevi sakinlerinde siklikla gorulen kronik hastaliklar, diyabetes mellitus, ortopedik hastaliklar, dekubitis, kalp hastaliklari, hepatit B, astim, KOAH, hipertansiyon, psikolojik ve norolojik hastaliklar seklinde idi. Sonuc: Huzurevi sakinlerinde nazal MRSA kolonizasyonu sikliginin ortaya konularak, huzurevinde standart hijyen uygulamalarinin artirilmasi ile bu patojenin yayilmasi engellenebilir. Boylece huzurevi sakinlerinde ve personelde MRSA enfeksiyonlari ve olasi komplikasyonlari onlenebilecektir

Maraş dövme dondurma ustalarında üst ekstremite birikimli travma rahatsızlıkları

Objective: Upper Extremity Cumulative Trauma Disorders (UE-CTD) are among the major health problems affecting the workers. The aim of this study was to investigate UE-CTD in the makers of Maras pounded ice cream (MMPIC) Methods: This study was conducted among 50 volunteers who work as a MMPIC and 50 control in our downtown area. During face-to-face conversion, the participants filled out a survey inquiring about age, duration of work (in years) in job, daily working time, occupation with another job, health history, and medication usage. The subjects were questioned regarding the musculoskeletal complaints within the last six months and upper body physical examination was performed in all participants. Results: The study group was composed of males. The mean age of study group and control group were 31.78±6.58 and 30.74±5.99 years (p=0.411), respectively. The mean duration of work in pounded ice cream business and the mean duration of work in control were 11.64± 6.26 years and 10.68±5.48 years (p=0.417), respectively. The mean daily working time in the study group and in control group were 10.64±1.82 hours and 11.12±1.62 hours (p= 0.168), respectively. Musculoskeletal complaints of the upper extremity were found in 52% of the study group, and 28% of the control group. Musculoskeletal disease of upper extremity was found in 28% of the study group and in 12% of the control group. Upper extremity musculoskeletal system complaints and illness were difference statistically between the two groups (p= 0.014; p= 0.046, respectively). Conclusion: UE-CTD was seen in the makers of pounded ice cream and its prevalence was similar to the other laborers work in the areas needing repetitive arm and hand motion.