36 research outputs found

    Effects of Occupational Health and Safety on Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors of Workers Employed in a Private Company in Turkey

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    Background: It has been suggested that inappropriate working conditions and unsafe environments at construction sites, longer working hours, and inadequate workplaces adversely affect the health behaviors of workers. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices on healthy lifestyle behaviors of workers employed at a construction site of a private company in Gaziantep, Turkey. Methods: The sampling size of this descriptive study consisted of 400 employees working at the construction site between December 2014 and January 2015. In all, 341 employees still working or participating in the study during the period of this questionnaire study were included in the sampling. Data from the survey were derived from responses to questions regarding sociodemographic characteristics, OHS applications, health state, and working conditions, as well as to the questions in on the Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Scale (HLBS), under direct surveillance. Findings: Male workers with a mean age of 30.61 ± 8.68 years constituted the study population. Of the workers, 41.9% had a primary school education. The majority received professional and OHS training (65.7% and 79.2%, respectively). Although 83.9% reported using personal protective equipment (PPE), only 2.1% said they had experienced an occupational accident. Total mean score of HLBS scale was 116.91 ± 25.62 points. Workers who had positive thoughts about their jobs demonstrated healthy lifestyle behaviors ('P' = .0001). A positive direct correlation was detected between the training the workers received and the use of PPE ('P' = .0001). In all, 38.1% of the workers reported experiencing work stress at the time of the study. Mean HLBS scores of those experiencing work stress were lower than the scores for workers not experiencing stress ('P' < .05). Conclusion: Receiving OHS and professional training and using of PPE favorably affect healthy lifestyle behaviors

    Relationship between musculoskeletal pain and Vitamin D levels in elderly women

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    Introduction: Pain is a common symptom of aging. Vitamin D is an effective pre-prohormone with ubiquitous receptors in many tissues, including the musculoskeletal system. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause pain, proximal muscle weakness in lower extremities, skeletal mineralization defects, balance disorders, increased risk of fall and fracture, and reduced functional capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and the musculoskeletal pain in female patients aged 65 years or over. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 120 female patients aged 65 years and over who were admitted to physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic. The participants were administered a questionnaire consisting of demographic data (age, education, occupation, sun exposure, physical activity levels, intake of calcium-rich foods), musculoskeletal pain, and location of the pain. The levels of 25(OH) vitamin D (vitamin D), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathormon in the serum were recorded from the hospital database. Results: Of the participants, 101 (84%) had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, 83 (69%) had musculoskeletal pain, and 37 (31%) had no pain at all. Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in those who had pain (p=0.008). Sixty-two (75%) of the patients with musculoskeletal pain (n=83) had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Among those with musculoskeletal system pain and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (n=62), the pain was most frequently localized to the lower back (41%) and upper back (32%). Conclusion: It is important to evaluate serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels particularly in elderly female patients admitted with musculoskeletal pain. Vitamin D deficiency should be kept in mind for female patients suffering from the lower and upper back pain. Considering the role of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system, assessment of vitamin D levels and, in case of deficiency, supplementation therapy is recommended for elderly women

    Yaşlı kadınlarda kas-iskelet sistemi ağrısıyla D vitamini düzeyleri arasındaki ilişki

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    Introduction: Pain is a common symptom of aging. Vitamin D is an effective pre-prohormone with ubiquitous receptors in many tissues, including the musculoskeletal system. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause pain, proximal muscle weakness in lower extremities, skeletal mineralization defects, balance disorders, increased risk of fall and fracture, and reduced functional capacity. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin D levels and the musculoskeletal pain in female patients aged 65 years or over. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study included 120 female patients aged 65 years and over who were admitted to physical therapy and rehabilitation outpatient clinic. The participants were administered a questionnaire consisting of demographic data (age, education, occupation, sun exposure, physical activity levels, intake of calcium-rich foods), musculoskeletal pain, and location of the pain. The levels of 25(OH) vitamin D (vitamin D), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, and parathormon in the serum were recorded from the hospital database. Results: Of the participants, 101 (84%) had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, 83 (69%) had musculoskeletal pain, and 37 (31%) had no pain at all. Serum vitamin D levels were significantly lower in those who had pain (p=0.008). Sixty-two (75%) of the patients with musculoskeletal pain (n=83) had vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency. Among those with musculoskeletal system pain and vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (n=62), the pain was most frequently localized to the lower back (41%) and upper back (32%). Conclusion: It is important to evaluate serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels particularly in elderly female patients admitted with musculoskeletal pain. Vitamin D deficiency should be kept in mind for female patients suffering from the lower and upper back pain. Considering the role of vitamin D on the musculoskeletal system, assessment of vitamin D levels and, in case of deficiency, supplementation therapy is recommended for elderly women

    Insulin resistance is not related to plasma homocysteine concentration in healthy premenopausal women

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    This study was performed to test whether plasma homocysteine concentrations are related to insulin resistance in healthy premenopausal women. For this purpose, the relationship between insulin resistance (as assessed by HOMA index) and fasting plasma homocysteine level was determined in 83 healthy volunteers. The results indicated that homocysteine concentrations did not vary as a function of HOMA index (r = -0.147). Plasma homocysteine concentrations also did not vary as a function of other parameters of insulin resistance such as HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides, which they correlated inversely with body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, when individuals were classified according to quartiles of insulin resistance (HOMA index), plasma homocysteine concentrations from the lowest to the highest quartiles were not significantly different. On the other hand, the HOMA index correlated significantly with triglyceride concentrations (r = 0.377, p < 0.001), HDL-cholesterol (r = -0.310, p < 0.01) and BMI (r = 0.468, p < 0.001). These results suggest that plasma homocysteine concentrations are not related to insulin resistance and/or metabolic abnormalities associated with it in premenopausal women

    Polymorphisms in DNA repair genes XRCC2 and XRCC3 risk of gastric cancer in Turkey

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    We studied the prevalence of polymorphisms in genes XRCC2 and XRCC3 in stomach cancer patients who lived in North Eastern Turkey. A total of 61 cancer patients and 78 controls were included in this study. Single nucleotide changes were studied in XRCC2 and XRCC3 genes at locus Arg188His and Thr241Met. Blood samples were taken from the patients and controls, and DNA was isolated. The regions of interest were amplified using a polymerase chain reaction method. After amplification, we used restriction enzymes (HphI and NcoI) to digest the amplified product. Digested product was then run through gel electrophoresis. We identified changes in the nucleotides in these specific regions. It was found that the Arg188His polymorphism of the XRCC2 gene was about 39% (24 out of the 61) among cancer patients. However, only 15% (12 out of 78) of the control group indicated this polymorphism. We also observed that 18 of the 61 cancer patients (29%) carried the Thr241Met polymorphism of the XRCC3 gene whereas 11 of the 78 (14%) individuals in the control group had the polymorphism. Our results showed a significant difference in polymorphism ratios between the cancer patients and health control group for the regions of interest. This result clearly showed that these polymorphisms increase the risk of stomach cancer and might be a strong marker for early diagnosis of gastric cancer

    PERFORMANCE OF SARC-F IN REGARD TO SARCOPENIA DEFINITIONS, MUSCLE MASS AND FUNCTIONAL MEASURES

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    Objective: To assess the reliability and validity of Turkish version of SARC-F in regard to screening with current definitions of sarcopenia, muscle mass and functional measures. Design: Cross-sectional study. Participants: Community-dwelling older adults aged >=65 years admitting to a geriatric outpatient clinic. Measurements: Muscle mass (bioimpedance analysis), handgrip strength, usual gait speed, chair sit-to-stand test, functional reach test, short physical performance battery, SARC-F questionnaire, FRAIL questionnaire Sarcopenia was evaluated with 4 current different definitions: European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People's (EWGSOP); Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS) and Society on Sarcopenia, Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD). Results: After cross-cultural adaptation, 207 subjects were analysed in the clinical validation study. Mean age was 74.6 +/- 6.7 years, 67.6% were women. Against EWGSOP, FNIH, IWGS and SCWD definitions of sarcopenia, sensitivity of SARC-F were %25, 31.6%, 50% and 40%; specificity were 81.4%, 82.4%, 81.8% and 81.7%, respectively. Positive predictive values were between 5.1-15.4% and negative predictive values were 92.3-98.2%. Against parameters of low muscle mass, sensitivity were about 20% and specificity were about 81%. Against parameters of function; for low hand grip strength, sensitivity of SARC-F were 33.7% (for Turkish cut-off); 50% (for FNIH cut-off); specificity were 93.7% (for Turkish cut-off) and 85.8% (for FNIH cut-off). Against low UGS, poor performance in chair sit to stand test, functional reach test, SPPB and presence of positive frailty screening sensitivity were 58.3%, 39.2%, 59.1%, 55.2% and 52.1% while specificity were 97.3%, 97.8%, 88.1%, 99.3% and 91.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The psychometric performance of Turkish SARC-F was similar to the original SARC-F. It revealed low sensitivity but high specificity with all sarcopenia definitions. Sensitivity and specificity were higher for muscle function tests reflecting its inquiry and input on functional measures. Our findings suggest that SARC-F is an excellent test to exclude muscle function impairment and sarcopenia. SARC-F is relatively a good screening test for functional measures

    A rare urea cycle disorder in a neonate: N-acetylglutamate synthetase deficiency

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    Urea cycle disorders (UCD), are genetically inherited diseases that may have a poor outcome due to to profound hyperammonemia. We report the case of a baby girl diagnosed as N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency. The patient was evaluated due to diminished sucking and hypotonicity. Physical examination showed hepatomegaly. Complete blood count, biochemical values and blood gas analyses were normal, acute phase reactants were negative. Further laboratory analyses showed no ketones in blood and highly elevated ammonia. Metabolic tests were inconclusive. Emergency treatment was initiated immediately and she was discharged on the 15th day of admission. NAGS deficiency was confirmed by DNA-analysis. She is now without any dietary restriction or other medication, except N-carbamylglutamate (NCG). NAGS deficiency is the only UCD which can be specifically and effectively treated by NCG. Early recognition of disease will lead to early treatment that may prohibit devastating effects of hyperammonemia

    RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF TURKISH VERSION OF THE SIMPLIFIED NUTRITIONAL APPETITE QUESTIONNAIRE (SNAQ)

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    Objective: We aimed to investigate reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) in geriatric outpatients.Design/Setting: A cross-sectional study was designed through 2013-2016 years. At first, translation and back translation processes of the SNAQ from English to Turkish languages were done consecutively. Then construct validity was performed. Participants: They were recruited among the outpatients aged >=60 years that were consecutively admitted to the geriatric outpatient clinic of the Istanbul University hospital. Measurements: Demographic data was recorded. SNAQ, Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA), six-item Katz activities of daily living (ADL) and eight-item Lawton instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scales were applied. Results: 442 participants consisted of 305 women and 137 men with a mean age of 77.1 +/- 6.8 years. The SNAQ identified 21.5% (n=95) of the participants with poor appetite. Reliability analysis showed good inter-rater reliability (r=0.693, p<0.05) and test-retest stability (r=0.654, p<0.05). Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.522. In terms of construct validity of SNAQ, Cohen's kappa analysis showed fair to moderate agreement between SNAQ and MNA (x = 0,355, p<0.001). Female gender, being illiterate, functional dependency in IADL were significantly associated with poor appetite. The SNAQ score was weakly correlated with scores of MNA-SF and MNA-LF (r=0.392 and r=0.380, respectively, p<0.0001 for both). There was statistically significantbut negligible correlation between the SNAQ and Katz ADL index, Lawton IADL index, and age. Conclusion: Turkish version of the SNAQ is a simple measurement with sufficient reliability and validity to screen poor appetite in community-dwelling older adults

    COMPARING SARC-F WITH SARC-CALF TO SCREEN SARCOPENIA IN COMMUNITY LIVING OLDER ADULTS

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    Objective: To compare the diagnostic value of the SARC-F combined with calf circumference (SARC-CalF) with the standard SARC-F to screen sarcopenia in community-dwelling older adults. Design: Cross-sectional, diagnostic accuracy study. Setting: Geriatric outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Participants: Older adults >= 65 years. Measurements: Muscle mass (bioimpedance analysis device), muscle strength (hand grip strength-Jamar hydraulic hand dynamometer), and physical performance (usual gait speed). Four currently used diagnostic criteria [European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP), Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH), International Working Group on Sarcopenia (IWGS), and Society on Sarcopenia Cachexia and Wasting Disorders (SCWD) criteria] were applied. SARC-CalF was performed by using two different calf circumference threshold: standard cut-off 31 cm (SARC-CalF-31) and national cut-off 33 cm (SARC-CalF-33). The sensitivity/specificity analyses of the SARC-CalF and SARC-F tools were run. We used the receiver operating characteristics curves and the area under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUC) to compare the diagnostic accuracy to identify sarcopenia. Results: We included 207 subjects; 67 male and 140 female with a mean age of 74.66.7 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia ranged from 1.9% to 9.2%. The sensitivity of SARC-F was between 25% (EWGSOP) and 50% (IWGS); specificity was about 82%. For SARC-CalF-31 and SARC-CalF-33 sensitivity was in general similar - between 25-50%- which pointed out that SARC-CalF was not superior to SARC-F for sensitivity in this sample. Corresponding specificities for SARCCalF-31 and SARC-CalF-33 were higher than SARC-F and were between 90-98%. Additionally, the AUC values, which indicates the diagnostic accuracy of a screening test, were in general higher for SARC-CalF-33 than the SARC-F and SARC-CalF-31. Conclusions: We reported that addition of calf circumference item to SARC-F tool improved the specificity and diagnostic accuracy of SARC-F but it did not improve the sensitivity in a community-dwelling Turkish older adult population sample that had low prevalence of sarcopenia. The performance of SARC-CalF tool to screen sarcopenia is to be studied in different populations and living settings
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