Yunus Karakoc

Tear film osmolarity in patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy

PurposeTo compare tear film osmolarity between patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy and normal healthy subjects.MethodsThe tear film osmolarity in 15 normal subjects (15 eyes) (control group) and 21 patients (21 eyes) with thyroid ophthalmopathy was evaluated. Tear film osmolarity in milliosmole (mOsm) was determined by using an auto-osmometer. The palpebral fissure width, degree of proptosis, and tear break-up time (BUT) were also determined. The results for the two groups were compared statistically.ResultsThe mean palpebral fissure width was 9.13 ± 0.74 mm in the healthy subjects and 13.33 ± 1.55 mm in the thyroid ophthalmopathy patients. This difference was statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The mean proptosis was 15.33 ± 1.39 Hertel units in the healthy subjects and 20.71 ± 0.95 Hertel units in the patients. This difference was also statistically significant (P = 0.0001). The mean tear BUT was 6.35 ± 1.56 s in the patients and 18.27 ± 1.53 s in the healthy subjects, and this difference was also statistically significant (P = 0.0005). The mean tear film osmolarity was 290.80 ± 13.58 mOsm in the healthy subjects and 340.38 ± 18.74 mOsm in the patients. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups (P = 0.0001).ConclusionsThe significantly higher tear film osmolarity in patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy was most likely due to the increased proptosis and lid fissure width. These conditions may lead to injury of the ocular surface.

Comparison of tear-film osmolarity in different types of contact lenses.

PURPOSE To investigate the tear-film osmolarity of contact lens wearers for different types of contact lenses. METHODS Fifty six eyes of 56 cases were evaluated in four different groups according to the type of contact lens worn, with 14 eyes in each group. Groups 1 and 2 consisted of subjects who wore frequent-replacement daily wear soft contact lenses; group 1 lenses had 55% water content, and lenses in group 2 had 38% water content. Groups 3 and 4 consisted of subjects who wore rigid gas-permeable contact lenses, with a Dk value of 90 in group 3 and a Dk value of 52 in group 4. Tear-film osmolarity values in milliosmole (mosm) units were determined by auto-osmometer (Orstat 6030, Daiichi Kagacu, Kyoto, Japan) before and after contact lens wear for each group, and the results were compared statistically by ANOVA test. RESULTS Before the period of contact lens wear, the tear-film osmolarity values of group 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 283.61+/-12.83 mosm, 285.23+/-8.94 mosm, 285.57+/-11.39 mosm, and 280.15+/-12.07 mosm, respectively. After the period of contact lens wear, these values were measured at 312.15+/-16.03 mosm in group 1, 316.54+/-12.14 mosm in group 2, 313.14+/-9.66 mosm in group 3, and 316.38+/-11.60 mosm in group 4. Although the difference between the values before and after the period of contact lens wear was statistically significant for each group (F=291.45; P=0.0005), there was no statistically significant difference among the groups. CONCLUSIONS When a contact lens is placed in the eye, the lens alters the normal structure of the tear film and affects its rate of evaporation; therefore tear-film osmolarity may increase. In our study, all contact lenses produced a similar effect on tear-film osmolarity.

Concentrations of toxic metals and trace elements in the meconium of newborns from an industrial city.

Objective: To investigate fetal exposure to toxic metals [lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd)] and fetal levels of trace elements [zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe)] in newborns from an industrial city. Relationships between meconium mineral contents and parental occupation and location of residence were also tested. Method: The meconium mineral contents of 117 healthy newborn infants were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results: The median concentrations (interquartile range) of toxic metals and trace elements in the meconium were as follows: Pb: 46.5 (1,399) µg/g dry weight (wt), Cd: 2.3 (55.6) µg/g dry wt; Zn: 234 (3,049) µg/g dry wt; Cu: 11.8 (818.7) µg/g dry wt, and Fe 105 (2,980) µg/g dry wt. All the meconium samples contained both toxic metals and trace elements. The proportions of trace elements in the meconium samples with concentration higher than 100 µg/g dry wt of the substances tested were Zn 90%, Cu 64%, and Fe 53%. There were significantly positive correlations between the concentrations of toxic metals and trace elements. Also there were positive correlations between the levels of Zn, Fe, and parental occupations, and between the level of Fe and location of residence of the parents (proximity to the petroleum refinery or the dye industries). Conclusion: All the meconium samples were positive for toxic metals, and thus may reflect environmental pollution in the city. The occupation environments and the location of the family residence are linked with levels of trace elements in meconium.

Plasma viscosity and mean platelet volume in patients undergoing coronary angiography

BACKGROUND Markers of platelet activation and haemorrheological indices have been demonstrated to play a role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. In this study, we aimed at investigate the association between plasma viscosity and platelet indices in patients undergoing coronary angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred and eighty four consecutive patients scheduled to undergo coronary angiography were included in the study. Prior to coronary angiography, blood samples were withdrawn to determine routine biochemical markers, blood cell analyses and viscosity measurements. According to the results of coronary angiography, patients were classified either in a subgroup with coronary artery disease (CAD; 1 or more stenoses >50%) or normal coronary arteries (NCA; no stenoses or <50%). RESULTS There was a statistically significant correlation between plasma viscosity and mean platelet volume levels in all patients undergoing coronary angiography (r=0.199, p<0.001). Additionally, when correlation analysis was performed within each group, plasma viscosity significantly correlated with MPV both in patients with CAD (r=0.18, p=0.004) and in patients with NCAs (r=0.272, p=0.002). Linear regression analysis revealed that plasma viscosity was positively associated with MPV while platelet number was inversely but significantly associated with MPV. CONCLUSION We have shown for the first time that MPV correlates with plasma viscosity in patients undergoing coronary angiography, suggesting a relation with plasma proteins and activation of circulating platelets or peripheral consumption of platelets. To evaluate this relation further controlled studies also in patients with acute coronary syndromes are warranted.

How safe is the use of herbal weight-loss products sold over the Internet?

Background: In recent years, the use of herbal weight-loss products sold over the Internet has rapidly increased; however, the safety of these products has not been well documented yet. More importantly, the declared ingredients in these products could be different than the marketed contents. Methods: Nine different herbal weight-loss products sold over the Internet were obtained. The ingredients of each product were analyzed in the Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and the Scientific and Technological Research Laboratory of Inonu University. Results: Although all studied weight-loss products were presented as pure herbal, three of them contain sibutramine, three contain caffeine, and three contain caffeine + temazepam. The amount of sibutramine in each capsule was found to be over 10 mg. We analyzed toxic and trace element levels of nine herbal products and found that these herbal products, even in low amounts, contain Pb, Al, Ni, and Ba. Conclusions: Our results indicate that herbal weight-loss products available without prescription and claimed to be purely herbal may contain pharmaceutical substances like sibutramine or temazepam in high doses. Moreover, they also may become contaminated with toxic metals. Since people commonly use these products unaware of its real constituents and without the suggestion or control of a physician, they might cause various health problems some of which might be harmful. Strict legal rules and control mechanisms must be established to minimize their possible harmful effects.

The Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Serum Zinc and Copper Levels in Children

The results of previous studies that examined serum trace metal status of epileptic patients receiving antiepileptic drug (AED) therapy were variable. We measured serum zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels in 52 epileptic children who were treated with either carbamazepine (CBZ) or valproic acid (VPA) or with a combination of CBZ and VPA. Serum Zn levels were significantly lower in the epileptics than in the two control groups which consisted of 7 untreated epileptics and 12 normal children (p < 0.05). Combination therapy and monotherapy with CBZ increased serum Cu levels (p < 0.05). No significant alteration in serum Cu levels was observed with VPA monotherapy. Serum Zn and serum Cu concentrations of the untreated epileptics were not significantly different from those of normal controls. Our results indicate that serum trace metal homeostasis may be affected by AED therapy, but not by the convulsive disorder itself.

Comparison of the effects of first and second generation silicone hydrogel contact lens wear on tear film osmolarity.

AIM To compare the effects of first and second generation silicone hydrogel (SiH) contact lens wear on tear film osmolarity. METHODS The healthy subjects who have never used contact lenses before were enrolled in the study. Tear film osmolarity values of 16 eyes (group 1) who wore first generation SiH contact lenses were compared with those of 18 eyes (group 2) who wore second generation SiH contact lenses after three months follow-up. RESULTS Before contact lens wear, tear film osmolarity of groups 1 and 2 were 305.02±49.08 milliosmole (mOsm) and 284.66±30.18mOsm, respectively. After three months of contact lens wear, osmolarity values were found 317.74±60.23mOsm in group 1 and 298.40±37.77mOsm in group 2. Although osmolarity values for both groups of SiH contact lens wear after three months periods were slightly higher than before the contact lens wear, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION Contact lens wear may cause evaporation from the tear film and can increase tear film osmolarity leading to symptoms of dry eye disease. In the current study, there is a tendency to increase tear film osmolarity for both groups of SiH contact lens wear, but the difference is not statistically significant.

Acute Effects of Moderate and Strenuous Running on Trace Element Distribution in the Brain, Liver, and Spleen of Trained Rats

OBJECTIVE Trace elements such as manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) play key roles in metabolic reactions and are important in many physiological enzymatic processes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of moderate and strenuous running (treadmill) exercise on the levels of Mn, Co and Cr in the brain, liver, and spleen of trained rats. STUDY DESIGN Animal experiment. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-one Wistar-Albino adult male rats were used in the study. Rats were grouped as control group (no mandated exercise; n=8), moderate exercise group (30 min exercise duration; n=7), and strenuous exercise group (60 min exercise duration; n=6). The levels of Mn, Co, and Cr in the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, brain stem, liver, and spleen were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. RESULTS Cr levels in liver of rats increased in parallel to the time course of running supporting the exercise training effect on the action of insulin. Compared to the control group, the level of Co significantly decreased in the brain stem of rats in the moderate exercise group (p=0.009) and in the frontal lobe of rats in the strenuous exercise group (p=0.004). In the strenuous exercise group, an examination of the brain stem revealed that the level of Mn significantly decreased (p=0.001), and levels of Co and Cr were apparently depleted to the extent that these elements were no longer detectable. CONCLUSION A notable finding is that during or after single bout strenuous exercise, levels of Co decreased in the spleen and particularly decreased in the brain stem of regularly trained rats. From this study, it can be inferred that sportsmen should aware trace element disturbances among the body parts or depletion of some trace elements after single bout of chronic strenuous running exercise.

Impairment of Peripheral Nerve Healing After Nerve Repair in Rats Chronically Exposed To Alcohol

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The aim of this study was to determine the effect of chronic alcoholism on the healing of repaired peripheral nerve and muscle. METHODS Group 1 rats (n = 9) were fed with an alcohol-free modified liquid diet (MLD) throughout the experiment and received no nerve transection or repair. Group 2 rats (n = 9) were fed the same isocaloric MLD and underwent nerve transection and repair. Group 3 (n = 7) consisted of alcoholic rats without nerve transection and repair and Group 4 (n = 8) consisted of alcoholic rats with nerve transection and repair. To assess the effects of chronic alcoholism on nerve healing, surgical procedures were applied to rats in Groups 2 and 4. After 2 months, posterior tibial nerve and gastrocnemius muscle samples were taken for histological analysis. RESULTS Group 2 rats displayed a group of atrophic fibers, whereas Group 3 rats showed myophagocytosis and endomysial mononuclear infiltration and type 2 fiber atrophy. Group 4 rats displayed a large section of atrophic fibres. Axonal loss, prominent regenerative clusters and endoneural fibrosis occurred in Group 2 rats. Axonal and myelin degeneration, myelin remnants and thinly myelinated axons were exhibited in Group 3 rats, whereas severe axonal loss, myelin degeneration, regenerative clusters and endoneural fibrosis were discovered in Group 4. There was a significant difference in the number of myelinated axons among the various groups of rats. CONCLUSIONS Our findings show that chronic alcoholism has a negative influence on peripheral nerve regeneration associated with a significant decrease in axon number and increased axonal degeneration.

Protective effect of female gender against bone loss in the forearm following clean-cut tendon injuries, repair, and passive mobilization

The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is any significant difference in bone loss between female and male patients as a result of early passive mobilization after surgery for acute tendon–artery–nerve clean-cut injuries at the wrist level. A total of 51 patients who underwent such operations were enrolled in this study. Group I consisted of 40 male patients (mean age 30.2 ± 9.1 years, age range 15–44 years) and group II consisted of 11 female patients (mean age 24.1 ± 9.9 years, age range 14–43 years); postmenopausal women were not included in this group. Twenty-one patients in group I and six patients in group II were operated on for clean-cut tendon injury combined with nerve injury, artery injuries, or both. Bone mineral density (BMD) measurements of injuired forearms were obtained at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months after operation. The BMD of the radius and ulna did not change significantly throughout the follow-up period in group II (P > 0.05). In group I, BMD values were reduced significantly in the distal regions of the ulna and in the ultradistal region of the radius at the follow-up measurements when compared to the values at week 1 and the reduction was higher in month 3 than at other times. On the other hand, after 12 months, the BMD values of the ultra-distal region of the ulna and radius were higher than those after 3 months. In conclusion, our results showed that there is considerable bone loss of the radius and ulna in patients operated on for acute clean-cut tendon injuries on the volar side of the wrist at postoperative month 3 in male patients. These bone losses were recovered after 12 months. Additionally, female patients are less likely to experience immobilization-induced bone loss than male patients.