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Despite receiving little attention in the scientific literature, earthquakes are known to affect sleep patterns indirectly and can contribute to the development or worsening of sleep disorders. Earthquake-caused disruptions, such as structural damage, displacement, and unstable living conditions, create uncomfortable and anxious sleeping environments. Psychological factors such as fear, stress, and anxiety can contribute to sleep disruption. Physical injuries from earthquakes can disrupt sleep due to pain and discomfort. Additionally, infrastructure disruptions such as power outages and utility damage create uncomfortable or unsafe sleeping conditions. This review presents a comprehensive and systematic overview of the relationship between earthquakes and sleep health.

Despite receiving little attention in the scientific literature, earthquakes are known to affect sleep patterns indirectly and can contribute to the development or worsening of sleep disorders. Earthquake-caused disruptions, such as structural damage, displacement, and unstable living conditions, create uncomfortable and anxious sleeping environments. Psychological factors such as fear, stress, and anxiety can contribute to sleep disruption. Physical injuries from earthquakes can disrupt sleep due to pain and discomfort. Additionally, infrastructure disruptions such as power outages and utility damage create uncomfortable or unsafe sleeping conditions. This review presents a comprehensive and systematic overview of the relationship between earthquakes and sleep health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı, hastaların polisomnografi (PSG) verileri ile PSG incelemesi sonrası sabah hastaların kendileri tarafından bildirilen verilerin birbiri ile uyumunu değerlendirmektir.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışmaya Düzce Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Göğüs Hastalıkları Uyku Polikliniği’ne başvurmuş ardışık 134 kişi dahil edildi. PSG ve uyku algısı ile ilgili sorular tüm katılımcılara aynı hekim tarafından yüz yüze görüşme ile uygulandı.Bulgular: Çalışmaya dahil edilen hastaların 90’ı (%67,2) erkek ve 44’ü (%32,8) kadın olup yaş ortalaması 47,3±12,6 yıl idi. Obstrüktif uyku apnesi (OUA) negatif olan hastalarda, hastaların sabah uyandıktan sonra kendileri tarafından bildirilen uyku süresi ile PSG cihazı ile ölçülen uyku süresi arasında anlamlı bir korelasyon varken (p=0,042; r=0,301), OUA (+) olan hastalarda hastaların sabah uyandıktan sonra kendileri tarafından bildirilen uyku süresi ile PSG cihazı ile ölçülen uyku süresi arasında korelasyon yoktu (p=0.269, r=0.125). Benzer şekilde, OUA (-) olan hastalarda hastaların sabah uyandıktan sonra kendileri tarafından bildirilen uyku latansı ile PSG cihazı ile ölçülen uyku latansı arasında anlamlı bir korelasyon varken (p=0.026, r=0.352), OUA (+) olan hastalarda hastaların sabah uyandıktan sonra kendileri tarafından bildirilen uyku latansı ile PSG cihazı ile ölçülen uyku latansı arasında korelasyon yoktu (p=0.060, r=0.223).Sonuç: OUA hastalarını değerlendirirken ve hastaların PSG sonrası ve öncesi tedavilerini açıklarken, hastaların algılarının bozulmuş olabileceği akılda tutulmalıdır. Bu nedenle, hasta ile görüşmelerde daha çok zaman ayırmak ve açıklamalarımızı daha açık ve anlaşılır bir şekilde yapmak gerektiğini düşünmekteyiz.

Objective: In this study, our objective was to evaluate mean platelet volume (MPV), an indirect marker of platelet activation, in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and assess the effect of OSA treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on MPV. Materials and Methods: In this study, records of consecutive patients who underwent polysomnographic evaluation for OSA symptoms in the Sleep Disorders Laboratory during a one-year period were reviewed retrospectively. Patients who had both complete blood count and MPV measurements were included in the study. Results: A total of 158 patients, including 51 females (32.3%) and 107 males (67.7%), were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 51±13 (min-18, max-82) years. OSA was detected in 74.1% (117/158) of the patients. It was determined that as the severity of OSA increased, hemoglobin and hematocrit values increased significantly. There was no significant difference in platelet count according to the presence and severity of OSA. The MPV was significantly lower in severe OSA cases compared to those without OSA and mild OSA cases. A negative correlation was observed between MPV and the apnea-hypopnea index, desaturation index, and the amount of oxygen saturation below 90% during sleep. There was no significant difference in median erythrocyte and thrombocyte counts, hematocrit percentage and hemoglobin values before and after treatment in OSA patients who used CPAP therapy. However, a significant decrease in MPV was observed after OSA treatment compared to pre-treatment. (p=0.021). Conclusions: The results of the study do not support an increase in MPV and hence platelet activation in severe OSA patients compared with those without OSA. However, the results suggest that one month of CPAP treatment reduces MPV and thus platelet activation in severe OSA patients. Further controlled, prospective studies including treatment outcomes are needed on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Obesity is one of the most important risk factors and also consequences of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Weight loss and positive airway pressure therapy are the main approaches in the treatment of OSA. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the prevalence of OSA in obesity patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. Methods: In the University Hospital Obesity Center, 141 consecutive patients who were candidates for bariatric surgery in 2015 were clinically evaluated preoperatively for sleep-related respiratory disorders. Preoperative polysomnographic examination was recommended to all cases. Results: Of 141 bariatric surgery candidates with a mean age of 37±10 years, and 103 (73%) were female. The mean body mass index of the cases was 46.9±6.4 kg/m2. Among the major symptoms of OSA, snoring was present in 119 (84.4%), daytime sleepiness in 63 (44.7%) and witnessed apnea in 49 (34.8%) patients. OSA was detected because AHI>5/hour was found in 75.7% (84/111) of the patients who accepted the polysomnographic evaluation. 24.3% (27/111) of the cases who underwent polysomnography had non OSA, 29.7% (33/111) mild OSA, 17.1% (19/111) moderate OSA, and 28.8% (32 /111), severe OSA was detected. AHI was positively correlated with age (p=0.003), neck and waist diameter (p<0.001), and negatively correlated with percent of the forced vital capacity (p<0.001). In polysomnographic controls performed an average of 9 months after bariatric surgery, an average of 41.2% improvement in AHI was observed, compared to an average of 22.8% decrease in BMI. Conclusions: OSA prevalence was found to be very high in bariatric surgery candidates. It was thought that polysomnographic examination should be performed before bariatric surgery not only in symptomatic cases but also in all cases. Bariatric surgery can help improve OSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The medium- and long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on pulmonary function are still unknown. • The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected healthcare professionals, inflicting a heavy burden on the healthcare systems of countries. • Healthcare professionals with persistent complaints who contracted COVID-19 and returned to work using pulmonary function tests, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) test. The medium- and long-term effects of COVID-19 infection on pulmonary function are still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the pulmonary functions in healthcare professionals who had persistent complaints after contracting COVID-19 and returning to work. The study included COVID-19-infected healthcare professionals from the Düzce University Medical Faculty Hospital who volunteered to participate. Medical histories, medical records, pulmonary function tests, the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) test, and the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) were used to collect data from all participants. The study included 53 healthcare professionals, with an average age of 38 ± 10 years (min: 24 years and max: 71 years), including 29 female (54.7%) and 24 male (45.3%) participants. Of the participants, 22.6% were smokers, 35.8% (19 individuals) had comorbidities, and 17% (9 individuals) were hospitalized. The mean length of stay was 9 ± 4 days (mean ± standard deviation). The most prevalent symptoms were weakness (88.7%), muscle aches (67.9%), inability to smell/taste (60.4%), headache (54.7%), fever (45.3%), cough (41.5%), and shortness of breath (37.7%). The mean time to return to work after a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19 was 18 ± 13 days. The average time among post-disease pulmonary function, 6MW, and DLCO tests was 89 ± 36 days (min: 15 and max: 205). The DLCO level decreased in 39.6% (21) of the participants. Female participants had a significantly higher rate of decreased DLCO levels than male participants (25% vs. 55.2%, P =.026). DLCO levels were significantly higher in participants with long-term persistent complaints (P =.043). The later the time to return to work, the lower the DLCO value (r = −0.290 and P =.035). The 6MWT distance was positively correlated with hemoglobin and lymphocyte levels at the time of the disease onset and negatively correlated with D-dimer levels. The most prevalent symptoms during the control visits were shortness of breath/effort dyspnea (24.6%), weakness (9.5%), and muscle aches (7.6%). Significant persistent complaints (47.2%) and low DLCO levels (39.6%) were observed in healthcare professionals during control visits at a mean time of 3 months after the COVID-19 infection. Symptoms and spirometry measurements, including DLCO, may be helpful in the follow-up of healthcare professionals who contracted COVID-19. Further comprehensive studies with long-term follow-up periods are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Konuralp Medical Journal / Konuralp Tip Dergisi is the property of Duzce University Medical School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aim. Previous studies have shown a higher sensitization rate to hazelnut in processing workers but no relation was found between the respiratory symptoms in workplace and hazelnut sensitization. Material and Method. To evaluate the association between the hazelnut sensitization and workplace-related respiratory complaints, hazelnut processing workers had undergone a questionnaire included work-related respiratory symptoms, smoking history, pulmonary function testing, and measurement of serum IgE antibodies against hazelnut. Results. This study consisted of 88 hazelnut processing workers (79 females and 9 males), aged 14–59 years (Mean ± SD: years). The mean working duration was months (min: 1–max: 180). Specific IgE against hazelnut allergens was positive in 14 of cases (17.1%). There was no significant difference between the cases with and without specific IgE against hazelnut allergens regarding respiratory symptoms, history of allergy, smoking status and spirometric values. Conclusion. 17.1% of the hazelnut processing workers were seropositive against hazelnut. Being sensitized to hazelnut was not found to be associated with work-related respiratory symptoms in this study. Further studies are needed in hazelnut workers respiratory health to search topics other than asthma.

OBJECTIVE: Differential diagnosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is important among fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD). This study aimed to evaluate the rate of IPF in patients with fibrotic ILD and to determine the clinical-laboratory features of patients with and without IPF that would provide the differential diagnosis of IPF. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included the patients with the usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern or possible UIP pattern on thorax high-resolution computed tomography, and/or UIP pattern, probable UIP or possible UIP pattern at lung biopsy according to the 2011 ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT guidelines. Demographics and clinical and radiological data of the patients were recorded. All data recorded by researchers was evaluated by radiology and the clinical decision board. RESULTS: A total of 336 patients (253 men, 83 women, age 65.8±9.0 years) were evaluated. Of the patients with sufficient data for diagnosis (n=300), the diagnosis was IPF in 121 (40.3%), unclassified idiopathic interstitial pneumonia in 50 (16.7%), combined pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema (CPFE) in 40 (13.3%), and lung involvement of connective tissue disease (CTD) in 16 (5.3%). When 29 patients with definite IPF features were added to the patients with CPFE, the total number of IPF patients reached 150 (50%). Rate of male sex (p<0.001), smoking history (p<0.001), and the presence of clubbing (p=0.001) were significantly high in patients with IPF. None of the women <50 years and none of the men <50 years of age without a smoking history were diagnosed with IPF. Presence of at least 1 of the symptoms suggestive of CTD, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and antinuclear antibody (FANA) positivity rates were significantly higher in the non-IPF group (p<0.001, p=0.029, p=0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rate of IPF among patients with fibrotic ILD was 50%. In the differential diagnosis of IPF, sex, smoking habits, and the presence of clubbing are important. The presence of symptoms related to CTD, ESR elevation, and FANA positivity reduce the likelihood of IPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aimed to investigate the frequency of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) among patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Patients who referred the preliminary diagnosis of OSAS were included in this study. D-dimer levels of all patients were measured, and D-dimer (+) patients were evaluated by Doppler USG of the lower-extremity. Mean age of the patient group was 52 ± 12 years and 31.8% (76/239) were women. The rate of D-dimer positivity among severe-OSAS cases (15/85) was significantly higher compared to the rest (13/154) (17.6% and 8.4%, respectively; p = 0.034). The risk of D-dimer positivity was elevated by 2.3 folds in severe-OSAS cases (OR: 2,324, 95% confidence interval: 1.048-5.152). Among 28 D-dimer (+) cases, 4 (14.2%) had DVT as demonstrated by USI of the lower-extremity. All four cases with DVT had severe OSAS. D-dimer was positive in 17.6% (15/85) of all severe OSAS cases. DVT was diagnosed in 4.7% (4/85) of severe-OSAS cases. DVT frequency was 26.6% (4/15) in D-dimer (+) severe-OSAS. Findings of this study indicate that severe-OSAS can be a significant risk factor for DVT. Additionally, data obtained in this study underline the benefits of questioning severe-OSAS patients with respect to DVT symptoms, investigating D-dimer levels and evaluating D-dimer (+) severe-OSAS cases for DVT prophylaxis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to present the follow-up results of 110 patients who were given anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy for rheumatic and dermatologic diseases in a country with a high rates of active and latent tuberculosis bacillus infection.Material and Methods: Between February 2008 and January 2015, 110 cases in the age range of 23-77 who are using anti-TNF-α were included in the study retro-prospectively.Results: 52.7% of them (n = 58) were male. The most common diagnoses were rheumatoid arthritis (42.7%) and ankylosing spondylitis (38.2%). Most frequently given treatment were infliximab 37.3% and etanercept 30.9%, respectively. The 65 patients whose first tuberculin skin test (TST) value "5 mm and above" was started daily 300 mg INH prophylaxis for 9 months but 3 patients had not been started because of refusing treatment. In only one case chemoprophylaxis has had to be interrupted because of high liver function test due to the INH prophylaxis. TST conversion was observed in 14 patients. Further follow-up, it was observed that 4 patients had TST's positivity. Isoniazide (INH) prophylaxis was started these 18 patients (42.9%). Although INH prophylaxis has been given in two patients, they developed active tuberculosis in follow-up.Conclusion: Considering the INH resistance in our country, all patients especially the ones with residual lesion and history of previous exposure, should be followed up closely during the anti-TNF-α treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Konuralp Medical Journal / Konuralp Tip Dergisi is the property of Duzce University Medical School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Konuralp Medical Journal / Konuralp Tip Dergisi is the property of Duzce University Medical School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The use of natural gas for heating purposes causes less air pollution than solid fuels. Preventing air pollution decreases hospital admissions due to respiratory infections in children. The aim of the study is to examine the impact of using more clean fuel for heating purpose on hospital admissions with respiratory tract diseases in children. The records of 126.940 pediatric patients who were admitted to Düzce University Medical Faculty Pediatric Emergency Medicine outpatient clinic between 2014 and 2017 were reviewed. The records of children diagnosed with respiratory diseases (n: 46137) were examined. During the same period, air monitoring measurements of the national air quality network were recorded. Of the children, 55.5% were male and 45.5% were female. Most of the children were among the age group of 2-5 years (44%). Between 2014 and 2017, the mean PMlO was observed to decrease (2014: 114.4, 2017:79, p < 0.0001), rate of natural gas usage (2014:52.9%, 2017: 64.2%, p<0.0001) increased, rates of stove usage (2014:47%- 2017:35.7%, p<0.0001) decreased, annual mean air temperature values (2014:13.9-2017:16.7, p<0.0001) increased significantly. When all pediatric emergency admissions between 2014 and 2017 were examined, the number of those diagnosed with respiratory tract disease reduced while the number of general pediatric emergency admissions increased. The use of more clean fuels for heating purposes was observed to decrease the incidence of acute respiratory tract infections significantly in the preschool and school age group children. The use of clean fuel should be encouraged since preventing childhood infections would protect from the chronic lung diseases that may occur during adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the chest diseases clinic of Düzce Medical School, we were one of the departments that took an active role in the COVID-19 pandemic. Chest diseases department; It was one of the main branches in the differential diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of COVID-19 cases. In this process, our assistants, who were our hands and arms, were our fighters who were at the forefront of the pandemic process. During the pandemic process, we worked every day with an order consisting of a faculty member and two assistants. We continued our scientific meeting and assistant trainings online so that our training activities are not interrupted. On the one hand, we continued our scientific activities by participating in the studies, planning new research, and writing projects. As a result, when we look back, we have completed this difficult process by further enhancing our sense of solidarity that exists as a department in the pandemic process we experienced for the first time in our lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute eosinophilic pneumonia (AEP) is characterized by a febrile illness, diffuse pulmonary infiltrates, hypoxemic respiratory failure, and pulmonary eosinophilia. A temporal relationship has been described in a number of patients between the development of AEP and the recent onset of cigarette smoking. A 22-year-old male patient with no known chronic disease was admitted to the emergency service for 3 days with the complaints of cough, fever, dyspnea, and pleuritic chest pain. He was formerly a nonsmoker but was a waterpipe (narghile, hookah) tobacco smoker as a new habit once a night for the last 2 months. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein are elevated. Arterial blood gases revealed moderate hypoxemia. Computed tomography scans included bilateral, random, and patchy ground-glass opacities and also small bilateral pleural effusions. Echocardiograhic examination was normal. We had accepted the patient as an acute eosinophilic pneumonia due to rapid response to corticosteroid treatment, no microorganism in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) culture, and predominant eosinophilia was observed (70%-80%) in BAL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Konuralp Medical Journal / Konuralp Tip Dergisi is the property of Duzce University Medical School and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: Polysomnography (PSG) remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). While PSG is essential for OSAS, this technique is not suitable for epidemiological investigation due to its high cost. This study aimed to compare a portable monitoring device with PSG for the measurement of parameters related to the diagnosis of OSAS in rural areas. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study of 155 patients (30 women and 125 men; mean age, 52±12 years) who visited to the Hendek Government Hospital Sleep Laboratory between February 2011 and January 2013 Apnoea hypopnea index (AHI), mean levels of O2 (meanO2), desaturation index (DI), and minimum oxygen saturation (minO2) variations as measured using both PSG and a portable Somnocheck Micro (SM) device were compared. Results: Differences were found between the meanO2 and DI, but not between AHI and minO2. Differences between the methods were not desired, but the relationship between the methods was distinct and supported our hypothesis. Conclusions: The results of our study have shown that the SM portable device can be used as an alternative diagnostic tool in this population either at home or in sleep clinic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Nowadays, inhalation techniques have an important role in treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Correct application of inhalation devices is important for optimal therapeutic efficacy. Showing inhalation techniques to patients receiving inhaler therapy in more than one visit reduce the device usage errors. It is important to observe the deficiencies and errors of the patients in the primary health care where the patients frequently admitted. In our study we aimed to evaluate the knowledge of family physians on inhaler device usage in their clinical practice. Methods: Family physicians who work in primary health care services were visited face to face. Fifty family physicians who were in the institution at visit day and agreed to participate in the study were included in the study. The questionnaire consisting of 15 questions were asked each family physician. Then, seven different inhalation devices were evaluated with 10 step scoring system of inhaler device usage. Results: Twenty eight (56%) physicians were female and 22 (44%) were male. The mean age was 36.3±6.7 years and mean working time as a family physician was 5.12±2.8 years. Nineteen physicians participated to a meeting about usage of inhaler devices in the past. Average scores for inhaler devices were found 7.96±2.91 for metered-dose inhaler, 7.54±3.93 for discus, 7.28±4.04 for handihaler, 6.38±4.4 for aerolizer, 6.12±4.22 for turbuhaler, 5.98±4 for easyhaler and 5.72±4.59 for sanohaler, respectively. There was no relation between the inhaler devices usage scores and sex, age, duration of being family physician (p>0.05). The average scores of physicians who participated to a training were better than the physicians who didn't participate for metered-dose inhalers, turbuhaler, aerolizer and handihaler (p=0.049, p=0.05, p=0.013 and p=0.021, respectively). Conclusion: We thought that training of family physicians for inhaler devices is necessary to improve patients' compliance and successful treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of West Indian Medical Journal is the property of West Indian Medical Journal (WIMJ) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Turkiye Klinikleri Archives of Lung is the property of Turkiye Klinikleri and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article presents information on the adverse health effects arising in toll collectors due to exposure to diesel exhaust particulates. It informs that the cohort study was conducted by measuring the wall thicknesses and the diameters of the main bronchi, segmental bronchi and posterior basal segments. The study highlights that a positive correlation was observed between the thickness of the right upper bronchus wall and age.

Summary: Epidemiological characteristics of sarcoidosis differ according to geographical distribution. The aim of our study was to disclose epidemiological characteristics in our country. The data was collected from investigators, who sent information on newly-diagnosed patients via internet. In 2 years 198 female and 95 male patients were enrolled to the study (f/m:2.08). Mean age of patients was 44±13 years (17–90). Mean age of male patients was 38±12 while mean age of female patients was 48±13 (p <0.001). 73.4% of patients were nonsmokers (85.4% of females; 48.4% of males; (p <0.001)). About 50% of our 293 patients were housewives. Familial sarcoidosis was found in 3 patients'' first degree relatives. Estimated annual incidence of sarcoidosis for Turkey was calculated as 4 per 100,000 person. According to our study, 2/3 of sarcoidosis patients were women; mean age of patients was 45 and the disease began 10 years later in female patients. 80% of patients were nonsmokers; negative relation between sarcoidosis and smoking was evident especially in women. Familial sarcoidosis frequency was lower compared to other studies in the literature. There was no occupational exposure history in our patients. Our incidence rate, is similar with the results of other European studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: To investigate serum levels of CA 19.9, CA 125 and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in patients with different stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients and Methods: Fifty-three consecutive patients (50 males, 3 females, mean age 67.6 ± 10.1 years) with COPD were included in this study. Serum levels of CA 19.9, CA 25 and CEA were determined by the chemiluminescent immunometric method. Based on values obtained from pulmonary function tests, the patients were divided into 3 groups: moderate (21), severe (18) and very severe (14). Data were analyzed with a Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The mean serum levels of CA 125 and CA 19.9 were significantly higher in patients with very severe COPD (p = 0.013 and p = 0.017, respectively) than in patients with severe and moderate COPD (p < 0.05). Patients with cor pulmonale had significantly high mean serum levels of CEA, CA 19.9 and CA 125 (p < 0.05). Patients using a long-acting β-agonist and theophylline showed significantly higher mean serum levels of CA 125 than patients who were not (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Data showed that the increased serum tumor markers in patients with COPD might be due to the severity of COPD, medication and cor pulmonale. Copyright © 2009 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study that evaluates the annual changes in forced expiratory flows among toll collectors from 2002-2005 in Duzce, Turkey. It has been reported that diesel exhaust (DE) exposure has long-term effects on lung development in children and decreases the pulmonary function. It investigates that long-term effects of DE on lung function among toll collectors.

Purpose: To assess the effects of exposure to exhaust particles on intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery in highway toll collectors. Methods: Sixty-one highway toll collectors (HTCs) between 24 and 56 years of age (mean, 36.2 +/- 7.3) and 48 controls between 24 and 64 years of age (mean, 42.6 +/- 10.6) were evaluated with gray-scale sonography to measure intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery (CCA). Subgroups were categorized according to duration of exhaust exposure and further divided according to tobacco use. Results: CCA IMT was higher (0.8 +/- 0.2 mm) in HTCs than in the control group (0.6 +/- 0.1 mm; p < 0.001) and remained higher when subgroups with similar smoking habits were compared. In HTCs, IMT was greater when the number of years working in tollbooths was greater (p = 0.023). IMT was lower in HTCs with an exposure duration of < 10 years compared with a duration of 10-20 years (p = 0.017) or > 20 years (p value not significant). Conclusion: Air pollution has a widely acknowledged negative effect on humans. This study confirms that exposure to exhaust particles might cause wall thickening of carotid arteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences is the property of Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: To evaluate the relationship between varicocele and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) via color duplex sonography. Materials and Methods: Forty-four male patients with COPD (age range, 50-89 years; mean +/- SD, 66 +/- 9) and 44 male healthy controls (age range, 47-75 years; mean +/- SD, 65 +/- 6) were evaluated with color duplex sonography for unilateral or bilateral varicocele. Results: The incidence of right, left, and bilateral varicocele was 47.7%, 65.9%, and 38.6% respectively, in the COPD group, versus 22.7%, 52.3%, and 13.6% in the control group. The incidence of right and bilateral varicocele in the COPD group was significantly higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of varicocele also increased with increase in COPD severity. Conclusions: The incidence of varicocele in COPD patients is high. Varicocele might be one of the most important causes of scrotal pain and infertility in COPD patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 34-year-old asymptomatic male patient presented with mass lesion in the right upper zone detected on Chest x-Ray diagnosed with congenital bronchial atresia. Topics discussed include no history of chronic diseases and tuberculosis, measurement of tuberculin skin test, and monitoring of the area surrounding the mass with hyperinflation. It mentions that occupational exposures, cigarette anamnesis and bronchial obstruction was suspected in the patient.

We present a case of 63-year-old man who was referred to the emergency department with a right-sided pneumothorax. He had a history of spontaneous pneumothorax for 2 times. The chest computed tomographic scan showed tracheobronchomegaly with an increase in the diameter of the trachea and right and left main bronchus. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed enlarged trachea and both main bronchus with diverticulas. These findings are consistent with a diagnosis of Mounier-Kuhn syndrome. Mounier-Kuhn syndrome is a rare clinical and radiologic condition. It is characterized by a tracheal and bronchial dilation. Diagnosis is made by computed tomography and bronchoscopy. Mounier-Kuhn syndrome should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study, is to evaluate the consistency with the polysomnography (PSG) data of the patients and the data reported by the patients themselves after PSG examination in the morning. Material and Methods: One hundred and thirty-four consecutive individuals who were admitted to the Chest Disease Polyclinic for Sleep Disorders of Duzce University Medical Faculty were included in the study. PSG and the questions related to sleep perception was applied by the same physician with face to face interview to all participants. Results: Of the patients included in the study 90 (67.2%) were male and 44 (32.8%) were female, and the mean age was 47.3±12.6 years. While there was a significant correlation (p=0.042, r=0.301) between the sleep time reported by the patients themselves after waking up in the morning and the sleep time measured by the PSG in patients without obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), there was no correlation in OSA (+) patients (p=0.269, r=0.125). Similarly, while there was a significant correlation (p=0.026, r=0.352) between the sleep latency reported by the patients themselves after waking up in the morning and the sleep latency measured by the PSG in OSA (-) patients, there was no correlation in OSA (+) patients (p=0.060, r=0.223). Conclusion: While evaluating OSA patients and explaining their treatment before and after PSG, it should be kept in mind that they might have impaired perception. Therefore, we thought that we should spend more time to patients, and to make our explanations more clearly and understandably. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Free radical-mediated injury to lung and pulmonary vasculature is an important mechanism in hypoxia-induced lung damage. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of erdosteine as an antioxidant agent on hypobaric hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension. Adult male rats were assigned randomly to three groups. The first group of rats was exposed to hypobaric–hypoxia and the second group was treated with erdosteine (20mg/kg, daily) for 2 weeks, during which time they were in a hypoxic chamber. These groups were compared with normoxic controls. All rats were sacrificed after 2 weeks. The hypoxia-induced increase in right ventricle to left ventricle plus septum weight ratio (from 0.20±0.01 to 0.26±0.01) was reduced significantly in the erdosteine-treated group (0.23±0.01). Malondialdehyde levels were elevated (from 0.33±0.11 to 0.59±0.02) and total antioxidant status was not changed significantly (from 1.77±0.42 to 2.61±0.23) by hypoxia. In contrast to the hypoxia-exposed group, malondialdehyde levels were significantly decreased in the erdosteine-treated group (0.37±0.02). Total antioxidant status (4.03±0.22) was significantly higher in erdosteine-treated rats when compared to non-treated rats. Histopathological examination demonstrated that erdosteine prevented inflammation and protected lung parenchyma and pulmonary endothelium of hypoxia-exposed rats. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Giriş: Sekonder spontan pnömotoraksın klinik manifestasyonları akciğer tüberkülozu ve nonspesifik diğer akciğer hastalıkları olan bireylerde saptanmıştır. Pnömotoraks pulmoner tüberkülozun önemli ve tehlikeli bir komplikasyonudur. Biz de benzer klinik prezentasyonları olan ve pulmoner tüberküloza sekonder gelişen spontan pnömotoraks saptadığımız iki olguyu, bu nedenle sunmayı uygun bulduk.Olgular: Olgu 1: Otuz altı yaşında bayan hasta ani başlayan nefes darlığı şikayetiyle acil servisimize başvurdu. Hastanın çekilen akciğer grafisinde; sağ total pnömotoraks saptanması üzerine tüp torakostomi uygulandı. Takiplerinde 3. gün ampiyematöz plevral mayi drenajı izlenmesi üzerine çalışılan plevral sıvı ve balgamda ARB pozitifliği saptandı. Hastaya tüberküloz plörezi ve akciğer tüberkülozu tanılarıyla 4’lü antitüberküloz tedavi başlandı. Takibinde akciğeri ekspanse olan ve plevral mayi drenajı kesilen hastanın 42. günde dreni alındı ve antitüberküloz tedavisine ayaktan devam edilmek üzere taburcu edildi. Olgu 2: Kırk sekiz yaşında erkek hasta ani başlayan nefes darlığı, öksürük şikayetiyle acil servisimize başvurdu. Hastanın çekilen akciğer grafisinde; sol pnömotoraks saptanması üzerine tüp torakostomi uygulandı. İşlem sonrası çekilen kontrol grafi’de; sol akciğerin ekspanse olduğu görüldü. Fakat sol parakardiyak alanda nonhomojen opasite izlenmesi nedeniyle tüberküloz düşünülerek gönderilen balgam ARB’nin (++) saptanması üzerine 4’lü antitüberküloz tedavi başlandı. Kliniği düzelen ve takibinde dreni alınan hasta antitüberküloz tedavisine ayaktan devam edilmek üzere 8. gün taburcu edildi.Sonuç: Pulmoner tüberküloz, klinik olarak pnömotoraks şeklinde prezente olduğu zaman hayatı tehdit eden ve acil müdahale gerektiren bir akciğer hastalığı olarak göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giriş: Sekonder spontan pnömotoraksın klinik manifestasyonları akciğer tüberkülozu ve nonspesifik diğer akciğer hastalıkları olan bireylerde saptanmıştır. Pnömotoraks pulmoner tüberkülozun önemli ve tehlikeli bir komplikasyonudur. Biz de benzer klinik prezentasyonları olan ve pulmoner tüberküloza sekonder gelişen spontan pnömotoraks saptadığımız iki olguyu, bu nedenle sunmayı uygun bulduk.Olgular: Olgu 1: Otuz altı yaşında bayan hasta ani başlayan nefes darlığı şikayetiyle acil servisimize başvurdu. Hastanın çekilen akciğer grafisinde; sağ total pnömotoraks saptanması üzerine tüp torakostomi uygulandı. Takiplerinde 3. gün ampiyematöz plevral mayi drenajı izlenmesi üzerine çalışılan plevral sıvı ve balgamda ARB pozitifliği saptandı. Hastaya tüberküloz plörezi ve akciğer tüberkülozu tanılarıyla 4’lü antitüberküloz tedavi başlandı. Takibinde akciğeri ekspanse olan ve plevral mayi drenajı kesilen hastanın 42. günde dreni alındı ve antitüberküloz tedavisine ayaktan devam edilmek üzere taburcu edildi. Olgu 2: Kırk sekiz yaşında erkek hasta ani başlayan nefes darlığı, öksürük şikayetiyle acil servisimize başvurdu. Hastanın çekilen akciğer grafisinde; sol pnömotoraks saptanması üzerine tüp torakostomi uygulandı. İşlem sonrası çekilen kontrol grafi’de; sol akciğerin ekspanse olduğu görüldü. Fakat sol parakardiyak alanda nonhomojen opasite izlenmesi nedeniyle tüberküloz düşünülerek gönderilen balgam ARB’nin (++) saptanması üzerine 4’lü antitüberküloz tedavi başlandı. Kliniği düzelen ve takibinde dreni alınan hasta antitüberküloz tedavisine ayaktan devam edilmek üzere 8. gün taburcu edildi.Sonuç: Pulmoner tüberküloz, klinik olarak pnömotoraks şeklinde prezente olduğu zaman hayatı tehdit eden ve acil müdahale gerektiren bir akciğer hastalığı olarak göz önünde bulundurulmalıdır. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]