THE RELATION OF PET OWNERSHIP, PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESS, REGULAR PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND SMOKING IN WHITE-COLLAR WORKERS OF A SPECIAL COMPANY IN BESIKTAS REGION OF ISTANBUL

WOS: 000312928700009Objective: Psychological stress, which deteriorates mental and physical health of individuals at their working environment, is an important problem for public health and health at work. Recent studies have indicated that living with animals might be beneficial for individuals with physical, mental and social health problems, and it could even increase the quality of life in these people. In this present study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between pet ownership, psychological stress level, regular exercising, and smoking among white collar workers. Material and Method: In this cross-sectional study, 212 out of 230 white collar workers (92%), who worked for a business company in Besiktas district of Istanbul, were enrolled. 12-Item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) were applied to define psychological stress levels and mental health conditions of the workers. Data obtained from GHQ-12 was evaluated by using Goldberg type grading method (0-0-1-1). Sociodemographic characteristics of participants, and information about the relationship between pet ownership, and smoking, regular exercising were obtained by a questionnaire form made up of close- and open-ended questions. Data were evaluated by percentage distribution, Chi square test and Mann Whitney U test. Results: Of the participants, 51 were female, 161 were male, and the mean of age was 30.65 +/- 3.56 years. Among the participants, 82 had pets and 130 individuals had no pet. Rate of pet owners was 98.7% in our study group with total score of GHQ-12 = 4 expressed that they had no pets. GHQ-12 scores among pet owners were statistically significantly lower than the ones without pets (p<0.001). Smoking rate was statistically significantly higher among participants without pets than the rate in pet owners (p<0.001). Pet owner participants were exercising significantly more regularly than the ones without pets (p<0.001). Conclusion: As far as the reported changes in behavior and attitudes of participants, pet ownership had favorable effects in healthy life behaviors like nutrition, regular exercising, and non-smoking. According to the results of General Health Questionnaire among workers, psychological stress level was higher among participants without pets. We believe that having a pet can be supportive for improving physical and mental health conditions of individuals, who are working under stressful conditions

ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOR OF THE NURSES WORKING IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS

Objective: To determine the citizenship behavioral dimension exhibited by nurses working in public hospitals and to assess the behaviors shown based on personal characteristics of the employees

Cloning of Presenilin 2 cDNA and Construction of Vectors Carrying Effective Mutations in the Pathogenesis of Familial Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and is identified by the detection of amyloid-plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Amyloid precursor protein gene, presenilin 1 (PSEN1) gene, and presenilin 2 (PSEN2) gene are responsible for this disease. PSEN2 and amyloid precursor protein (APP) gene mutations are a much rarer cause of familial AD patients. This study aims to clone the PSEN2 gene and create vectors with different mutations by directed mutagenesis. As a result of the experiments, the PSEN2 cDNA was cloned between the BamHI and KpnI cut-off points of the pBluescript II sk (+) vector. PSEN1 and PSEN2 homologs have a role in cell destiny decision and AD progress. We studied some of the PSEN2 mutations (Ala252Thr and Pro334Arg) and provided expression analysis in eukaryotic cell cultures. Amyloid beta-protein (A beta), which is produced by endoproteolytic cleavage of the APP, is considered to play a role in AD. While nominal concentration of A beta 40 is 10 times of A beta 42 , the last peptide is firmly linked to AD pathogenesis. Amyloid (beta-protein is generated by the gamma-secretase cleavage of APP onset and the progression of AD, and it is the primary ingredient of the senile plaques. The A beta 42 dodecamer plays a central role in AD. In future studies, it will be determined if there is an increase in A beta 42 protein levels, and the effect on this early onset AD can be identified

The effect of two polishing pastes on the surface roughness of bis-acryl composite and methacrylate-based resins

Statement of problem. A highly polished restoration surface is necessary to promote a plaque-free environment

Time series analysis of the admission to the emergency department due to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases between 2010 and 2014 in Kirklareli, Turkey

Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the admissions to the emergency department due to cardiovascular and/or respiratory diseases for the next twelve months. Material and Method: This research was characterized as an ecological study. The data were obtained from the hospital database between years 2010 and 2014. Emergency department admissions (N=148.169) from >= 15 years due to cardiovascular and/or respiratory diseases were evaluated according to the monthly average. Multiplicative Seasonal Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) modeling method was used for the research. Results: It is observed that the emergency department admissions display seasonal changes. ARIMA(1,1,2)(1,0,1)12 model (MAPE-98,039) was ascertained to be the most suitable model with the success of 99.6% in the predictions. It was predicted that the admissions would be higher in the winter period. Model success for admissions according to disease groups vary between 752% and 89.2% and was estimated the highest level of admissions in January and February. The most suitable models used to estimate the number of admissions were the ARIMA(2,1,3)(1,0,0)12 for respiratory diseases, the ARIMA(2,1,2)(1.0,0)12 for cardiovascular diseases and the ARIMA(1,1,1)(1,0,0)12 for both for cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. It was estimated that the admissions due to cardiovascular diseases which had a conjuncture structure would increase mostly in April and the admissions due to respiratory diseases and both of the diseases would be higher mostly in the winter period. Discussion: SARIMA models are a good prediction model that can be used to estimate emergency department admissions due to cardiovascular and/or respiratory diseases. The estimations derived comprise a good evidence-based source for policymakers and health service providers

Assessment of Under-5 Mortality Rates in Istanbul Using the Geographic Information System

WOS: 000372329600003Objective: Analyzing mortality rates and the reasons for these in Turkey's urban allocations using geographic information systems (GISs) is a new research area. While planning health services, knowing the mortality rates and reasons according to age and residential area are a big source of information for health planners and people who provide health services. The aim of this research is to analyze the deaths of children under the age of 5 years in big cities depending on a socioeconomic range using GIS. Further, this should make it possible to determine geographically risky places. Materials and Methods: The deaths of children under the age of 5 years that occurred between 2005 and 2009 were analyzed. Date from the Turkish Statistical Institute (Turk Stat) concerning population and age-specified deaths, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (IMM) cemetery directorate death records, and the Ministry of Finance land unit prices (to determine the socioeconomic level of the districts) were used as data resources. The Z value of each year's death rate, depending on the districts age ranges and average of all years' Z values, was calculated and is shown on the map. Results: While the under-5 mortality rate was 19.37 per 1000 in 2005, it was 14.31 per 1000 in 2009. Deaths of children under the age of 5 years took place particularly in Istanbul on the European side (in districts where the land value is low). Conclusion: Priority should be given to health promotion programs in areas with a low socioeconomic level in particular where premature death rates are observed to be more common

Clinical efficacy of the Vector system in excess cement removal during fixed prosthodontic treatment

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the Vector system (Durr Dental) in excess cement removal from subgingival margins during fixed prosthodontic treatment. Method and Materials: A total of 41 subjects, each in need of a minimum of 2 metal-ceramic crowns in different quadrants, took part in this study. Altogether, 156 abutment teeth were randomly assigned into 2 groups: In one group, excess cement was removed with the Vector system after cementation of provisional and permanent restorations, while in the other group, handheld instruments were used for this procedure. The clinical parameters Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were recorded at baseline, at the same appointment after cementation of provisional restorations, 2 weeks later after cementation of permanent restorations, and 3 weeks after final cementation. Results: Both the Vector system and the handheld instruments were able to reduce PPD and PI significantly at 2 and 5 weeks, but no significant differences could be demonstrated between the groups. Regarding GI, significant reductions were found at 2 and 5 weeks for the Vector group (P < .001), whereas for the handheld instrument group, the only significant difference could be demonstrated at 5 weeks (P = .001). Significant differences between the groups occurred at 2 weeks (P = .003) and 5 weeks (P = .002), with the Vector group having the greatest reduction in GI. Conclusion: Although similar reductions in Plaque Index and probing pocket depths were observed with both the Vector system and handheld instruments, the Vector system produced a significantly greater benefit in reducing Gingival Index