Prevalence of sleep disorders in the Turkish adult population epidemiology of sleep study

Sleep and Biological Rhythms - Sleep disorders constitute an important public health problem. Prevalence of sleep disorders in Turkish adult population was investigated in a nationwide...     

Comparison of four established questionnaires to identify highway bus drivers at risk for obstructive sleep apnea in Turkey

In Turkey, all heavy-vehicle driver’s license applicants older than 45 years and with body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m² are required to have polysomnography (PSG). However, this law is usually overlooked in practice due to the large number of applications. We aimed to assess the usefulness of four standardized questionnaires: Berlin, STOP, STOP-BANG and OSA50, in identifying the high-risk bus drivers for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Ninety highway bus drivers underwent polysomnography and completed four questionnaires. They also underwent otolaryngologic evaluation and blood testing for probable co-existing conditions such as diabetes and hypothyroidism. Neck circumference, BMI, waist circumference, prevalence of OSA and metabolic syndrome, oxygen desaturation index and duration of sleep associated with less than 90% saturation were significantly higher and mean oxygen saturation was significantly lower in drivers >45 years old than drivers <45 years old. STOP-BANG questionnaire had the highest sensitivity (87%) and the highest negative predictive value (NPV) (76%) in identifying high-risk for OSA. A cut off of 45 years old is suitable in screening highway bus drivers for OSA. Among the four questionnaires, STOP-BANG questionnaire had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) in identifying high risk patients for OSA in highway bus drivers and can be safely used as a screening test in this group.

     

The effect of hyperbaric oxygenation on thein vitro growth ofEscherichia coli in environments with and without blood cells

The aim of this study was to investigate whether thein vitro presence of blood cells influences the anti-microbial activity of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) againstEscherichia coli. FiftyE. coli isolates from clinical samples were used in the study. A small number of colonies belonging to each isolate from the nutrient media were transferred into two K₃EDTA tubes (the blood group) and two Mueller-Hinton broth tubes (the broth group). Then, both groups were divided into subgroups according to whether HBO was administered (HBO subgroup) or not (non-HBO subgroup). HBO treatment was applied for one hour at 2.5 absolute atmospheres. The tubes in the non-HBO subgroup were left at room temperature during this period. Subsequently, all the tubes were cultured on Mueller-Hinton and Eosin Methylene Blue agar using the quantitative counting technique. After 18 to 24 h incubation at 37 °C, the colonies formed in the plates were counted. In the blood group, compared with non-HBO subgroup samples, the number of colonies decreased in 56% of samples, increased in 32% of samples and did not change in 12% of samples in the HBO subgroup. Whereas, in the broth group the number of colonies decreased in only 32% of samples increased in 38% of samples and did not change in 30% of samples in the HBO subgroup compared with the non-HBO subgroup. The difference between the blood and the broth groups revealed a statistical significance using Pearson’s Chi-square test (P=0.025). We concluded that the antibacterial effect of HBO onE. coli increases in the cellular environment belonging to the host organism.     

Is the incidence of malaria decreasing in endemic area of Turkey?

Much international business and tourism travels occur, as well as the deployment of soldiers to other places. The aim of this study was both to determine incidence of malaria in the military hospital, Diyarbakir, southeast region of Turkey, and to point out the incidence of this disease. During the study period (1997-2004), 609 cases were found in a military hospital, which is in an endemic area for vivax malaria. This article review trends in current malaria status as well as possible factors for the decreasing prevalence throughout the study period.     

Atomoxetine response in the inattentive and combined subtypes of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a retrospective chart review

The DSM-IV-TR (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 1994, American Psychiatric Association) describes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a heterogeneous disorder; providing diagnostic criteria for three subtypes: hyperactive/impulsive (ADHD/HI), inattentive (ADHD/I), and combined type (ADHD/C). Differences among the subtypes are well defined, but there may be also differences in terms of treatment responses. The aim of this study is to assess the responses of ADHD/I and ADHD/C to atomoxetine treatment. The medical records of the January–June 2012 term, first time referrals to outpatient clinic, were reviewed, and 37 ADHD diagnosed primary school age children (18 ADHD/I, 19 ADHD/C) that were treated with atomoxetine were determined. Thirty-five of them who completed 8 weeks of treatment duration were recruited for the study. The children with an ADHD medication use history in 2 months time prior to onset of treatment and/or the children receiving additional psychopharmacologic treatment to atomoxetine were excluded. Baseline and eighth week assessment, records were evaluated. Efficacy assessments included Turgay DSM-IV ADHD Screening and Rating Scale parent and teacher forms (T-DSM-IV) and Clinical Global Impression Scale-Severity and Improvement subscales. Safety assessments included laboratory and body weight assessments, ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure evaluations (baseline and eighth week) along a scale filled by the parents at the eighth week to review side effects. Atomoxetine was found to be effective in both ADHD/I and ADHD/C groups. Atomoxetine also decreased the opposition defiance subscale scores of T-DSM-IV (both parent and teacher forms), whereas it was not found to make statistically significant difference in the conduct disorder subscale scores. Mean difference in 8-week time in T-DSM-IV hyperactivity subscale and total scores of parent and teacher forms; inattention subscale scores of only parent forms and the CGI- severity subscale scores; differed significantly among the ADHD/I and ADHD/C groups; that ADHD/C types responded better to medication. Results of this study revealed that atomoxetine is effective both in ADHD/I and ADHD/C subtypes. ADHD/C types may be responding better to atomoxetine treatment than the ADHD/I subtypes.     

Investigation of aminoglycoside modifying enzyme genes in methicillin-resistant staphylococci

Methicillin-resistant staphylococci may also be resistant to some other antibiotics as well as beta-lactams. In this study, co-existence of resistance to methicillin and aminoglycosides was genetically investigated in staphylococci. A total of 50 staphylococci from in-patients, 17 Staphylococcus aureus and 33 coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) that contained mecA (gene encoding PBP 2a, an altered penicillin-binding protein) determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were included in the study. Aminoglycoside modifying enzyme (AME) genes were investigated using multiplex-PCR. Aminocyclitol-6'-acetyltransferase-aminocyclitol-2'-phosphotransferase [aac(6')/aph(2')] gene (encoding bifunctional acetyltransferases/phosphotransferases) was determined in 66% of the isolates, aminocyclitol-4'-adenylytransferase (ant(4')-Ia) gene (encoding phosphotransferases) in 24%, and aminocyclitol-3'-phosphotransferase (aph(3')-IIIa) gene (encoding nucleotidyltransferases) in 8%. Two isolates contained all these three genes. Thirty-six (72%) isolates had at least one of these genes. Three CNS and one S. aureus isolates sensitive to oxacillin had the mecA gene. In conclusion, a high rate of aminoglycoside resistance was determined in methicillin-resistant staphylococci. The aac(6')/aph(2') was the most frequently detected.