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Objectives The objective of the study was to compare the efficacy of an oscillating positive expiratory device and the active cycle of breathing techniques (ACBT) in patients with bronchiectasis. Materials and methods A home-based study that lasted for 4 weeks was designed to compare the oscillating physiotherapy device Flutter® and the ACBT in 40 patients, who were randomly assigned into two groups containing 20 patients each. The effect of the two methods of physiotherapy on sputum production, pulmonary functions, and the quality of life was compared. Results The results of the present study indicate that both the methods were associated with a reduced number of patients complaining of cough and fatigue and increased sputum production (p=0.000, p=0.004, and p=0.002, respectively). In addition, statistically significant reductions were determined by the Medical Research Council and Borg Dyspnea scores (p=0.001 and 0.002, respectively). The Flutter® device caused a more significant effect on the perception of dyspnea. Overall, there was an improvement in the physical sub-scale of the Short Form (SF)-36 Quality of Life Questionnaire scores of 36 patients who completed the study (p=0.001). During the physiotherapy period, no changes in pulmonary functions were observed. Exacerbations were recorded in 3 patients in the ACBT group and in 1 patient in the Flutter® group. Conclusion The Flutter® device and ACBT represent effective home-based physiotherapeutic methods. The Flutter® device appears to be more effective with regard to sputum production.

Objective: The Turkish anti-tobacco law was accepted and effectuated in 1996. All forms of cigarette advertising, the sale of tobacco products to persons under the age of 18 and smoking in public institutions were all restricted. In this paper, we aimed to evaluate the influence of the Turkish antitobacco law on children for the periods before the law, after three years and after 10 years. Material and Methods: A self-completed questionnaire was distributed among primary school children. This included questions about the children's smoking habits, their opinions of parents' and teachers' smoking habits, tobacco use in public places and the recognition rate of 16 food, drink, cigarette and toothpaste logos and brand names. The first, second and third applications of the questionnaire were performed with students who attended the same classes in the same primary schools, accounting for 772 children in June 1996, 1,157 children in February 1999 and 719 children in June 2006. Results: When these three periods were evaluated, it could be seen that the prevalence of having smoked significantly decreased (13.9%, 4%, 2.2%, p