The effects of Two Sequential Earthquakes on Tuberculosis Patients: An Experience from Duzce Earthquake

Conclusion: It can be stated that the earthquakes had very little impact on the TB during and after earthquakes in Duzce. Further studies including whole Marmara region are needed to interpret the effect of earthquake on TB control

Are serum eosinophilic cationic protein levels of toll collectors affected by diesel exhaust exposure?

Conclusions: Serial PEF measurements combined with serum ECP measurements did not add a new tool to detect the sensitivity of workers dealing with DE. Much more diesel exhaust exposed workers should be included to search for cheap and available methods when evaluating airway

Can Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome be Associated with Urinary Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction

We planned to investigate the association between Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) and two common urological problems, namely Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) and Erectile Dysfunction (ED). An overnight polysomnograph test was performed for male patients over the age of 50 who presented to Duzce University Medical Faculty, Department of Chest Diseases with symptoms of OSAS. A total of 11 patients with moderate OSAS whose Apnea-Hypopnea index (AHI) was 15-30 and 18 patients with severe OSAS whose AHI was >30 were included in the study as the first group. The 21 OSAS negative patients with AHI 0.05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups for nocturia episodes and IIEF scores (p [Med-Science 2016; 5(2.000): 457-67

Chest Diseases Clinic, Pandemic Experiences

As the chest diseases clinic of Duzce 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.WOS:00058856330000

Serum IgE Antibodies against Hazelnut in Hazelnut Processing Workers

Annakkaya, Ali Nihat N/0000-0002-7661-8830; Balbay, Ege Gulec/0000-0002-1557-7019; Toru, Umran/0000-0001-9988-8983WOS: 000313179300001PubMed: 23326210Aim. 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: 33.8 +/- 10.5 years). The mean working duration was 38.8 +/- 36.6 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

Serum Clara cell secretory protein (CC-16) in non-smoking patients with obstructive sleep apnea

Objective This study aimed to determine the association between the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and serum Clara cell protein (CC16) levels in non-smoking patients with OSA. Methods This prospective study included non-smoking patients who presented with sleep-related disturbances and underwent polysomnography (PSG). The serum CC16 level was measured and its relationship to PSG parameters was investigated. Results The study included 128 patients (83 men) with a mean age of 48.4 +/- 11.9. OSA was detected in 66 men (70%) and 29 women (30%) (p = 0.051). The severity of OSA was mild in 32 (25%), moderate in 28 (22%), and severe in 35 (27%) of the patients. There was no significant difference in CC16 levels between the OSA group (1746 +/- 1006) and the OSA negative group (1721 +/- 1201,p = 0.91) levels. There was no significant difference between the CC16 levels of the each four groups. Mean serum CC16 levels were significantly lower in OSA negative men than OSA positive men (777 vs 1462,p = 0.005). No significant difference was observed in CC16 values according to OSA severity in women. Conclusion The serum CC16 level does not differ between non-smoking OSA patients and OSA negative patients.WOS:0005623130000012-s2.0-85081686113PubMed: 3214459

Factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea

Objective To investigate the factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and establish the relationship between compliance and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with OSA. Material and methods In this prospective study, patients with OSA using PAP devices were questioned about the complaints related to the device. Depression and anxiety scales along with PFT parameters were also assessed. Results Of 98 participants, 63% were men. The mean age was 52.0 +/- 9.6 years. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were compliant with their devices. A significant difference was observed between the proportion of the participants compliant or non-compliant with the device, based on OSA severity (p 0.05). The rates of nasal mask use, not having difficulty in tolerating CPAP, falling asleep, absence of abdominal distension, no facial sores, no air leakage, patients benefiting from the device, reduction in daytime sleepiness, and the belief that they are receiving appropriate therapy in participants compliant with the device were higher than those in non-compliant participants (p < 0.05). The rates of claustrophobia and discomfort due to pressure were significantly lower in patients compliant with the device than in the non-compliant patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion While no relationship was detected between PFT parameters and PAP therapy compliance, significant factors affecting the device compliance were detected.WOS:0006796382000012-s2.0-85111554942PubMed: 3432860

Factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure therapy in obstructive sleep apnea

Objective To investigate the factors affecting compliance with positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy and establish the relationship between compliance and pulmonary function tests (PFT) in patients with OSA. Material and methods In this prospective study, patients with OSA using PAP devices were questioned about the complaints related to the device. Depression and anxiety scales along with PFT parameters were also assessed. Results Of 98 participants, 63% were men. The mean age was 52.0 +/- 9.6 years. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were compliant with their devices. A significant difference was observed between the proportion of the participants compliant or non-compliant with the device, based on OSA severity (p 0.05). The rates of nasal mask use, not having difficulty in tolerating CPAP, falling asleep, absence of abdominal distension, no facial sores, no air leakage, patients benefiting from the device, reduction in daytime sleepiness, and the belief that they are receiving appropriate therapy in participants compliant with the device were higher than those in non-compliant participants (p < 0.05). The rates of claustrophobia and discomfort due to pressure were significantly lower in patients compliant with the device than in the non-compliant patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion While no relationship was detected between PFT parameters and PAP therapy compliance, significant factors affecting the device compliance were detected.WOS:0006796382000012-s2.0-85111554942PubMed: 3432860

Approach of pulmonologists in Turkey to noninvasive mechanical ventilation use at home for chronic respiratory failure

WOS: 000386262800001PubMed ID: 27266279Introduction: To define approach of pulmonologists in Turkey to noninvasive mechanical ventilation ( NIV) use for chronic respiratory failure ( CRF), the most currently applied technique for home mechanical ventilation. Patients and Methods: A 38-question survey, developed and tested by the authors, was distributed throughout Turkey to 2205 pulmonologists by e-mail. Results: Twenty-seven percent of the pulmonologists responded ( n= 596). Domiciliary NIV was reported to be prescribed by 340 physicians [ 57.1% of all responders and 81% of pulmonologists practicing NIV at clinical practice ( n= 420)]. NIV prescription was associated with physician's title, type of hospital, duration of medical license, total number of patients treated with NIV during residency and current number of patients treated with NIV per week ( p< 0.05). Main estimated indications were listed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( median, 25-75 percentile of the prescriptions: 75%, 60-85), obesity hypoventilation syndrome ( 10%, 2-15), overlap syndrome ( 10%, 0-20) and restrictive lung disease ( 5%, 2-10). For utilization of NIV at home, Bilevel positive airway pressure-spontaneous mode ( 40%, 0-80) and oronasal mask ( 90%, 60-100) were stated as the most frequently recommended mode and interface, respectively. Pressure settings were most often titrated based on arterial blood gas findings ( 79.2%). Humidifier was stated not to be prescribed by approximately half of the physicians recommending domicilliary NIV, and the main reason for this ( 59.2%) was being un-refundable by social security foundation. Conclusion: There is a wide variation in Turkey for prescription of NIV, which is supposed to improve clinical course of patients with CRF. Further studies are required to determine the possible causes of these differences, frequency of use and patient outcomes in this setting

Approach of pulmonologists in Turkey to noninvasive mechanical ventilation use at home for chronic respiratory failure

WOS: 000386262800001PubMed ID: 27266279Introduction: To define approach of pulmonologists in Turkey to noninvasive mechanical ventilation ( NIV) use for chronic respiratory failure ( CRF), the most currently applied technique for home mechanical ventilation. Patients and Methods: A 38-question survey, developed and tested by the authors, was distributed throughout Turkey to 2205 pulmonologists by e-mail. Results: Twenty-seven percent of the pulmonologists responded ( n= 596). Domiciliary NIV was reported to be prescribed by 340 physicians [ 57.1% of all responders and 81% of pulmonologists practicing NIV at clinical practice ( n= 420)]. NIV prescription was associated with physician's title, type of hospital, duration of medical license, total number of patients treated with NIV during residency and current number of patients treated with NIV per week ( p< 0.05). Main estimated indications were listed as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( median, 25-75 percentile of the prescriptions: 75%, 60-85), obesity hypoventilation syndrome ( 10%, 2-15), overlap syndrome ( 10%, 0-20) and restrictive lung disease ( 5%, 2-10). For utilization of NIV at home, Bilevel positive airway pressure-spontaneous mode ( 40%, 0-80) and oronasal mask ( 90%, 60-100) were stated as the most frequently recommended mode and interface, respectively. Pressure settings were most often titrated based on arterial blood gas findings ( 79.2%). Humidifier was stated not to be prescribed by approximately half of the physicians recommending domicilliary NIV, and the main reason for this ( 59.2%) was being un-refundable by social security foundation. Conclusion: There is a wide variation in Turkey for prescription of NIV, which is supposed to improve clinical course of patients with CRF. Further studies are required to determine the possible causes of these differences, frequency of use and patient outcomes in this setting