Investigation of Vitamin D Levels in Patients with Vitiligo Vulgaris

The aim of the study was to investigate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH) D3) levels in patients with vitiligo vulgaris in terms of causal relation and extension of the disorder.This study is a clinical cross-sectional study carried out in order to determine 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among 25 patients with vitiligo vulgaris and in 41 controls. Fitzpatrick skin phototypes, history of autoimmune disease, family history of vitiligo, and duration of the disease were also evaluated.The mean levels of vitamin D in patient and the control group were 15.2±5.2 ng/dL and 14.4±6.2 ng/dL respectively (P&gt;0.05). In our study, 48% of the patients had insufficient (&lt;30 ng/mL) and 52% had very low (&lt;15 ng/mL) levels of vitamin D. There was no correlation between age, duration of the disease, and body surface area affected with vitamin D levels. There was no significant difference in vitamin D levels between patients who had family history of vitiligo (5 patients, 20%) and those that did not.Vitamin D levels were found to be insufficient (&lt;30 ng/mL) or very low (&lt;15 ng/mL) in most of the patients with vitiligo vulgaris, but not statistically significantly different as a group when compared to the controls. More studies are needed to differentiate between the effects of low vitamin D levels on pathogenesis of vitiligo vulgaris and lower vitamin D levels as a result of the disease. </p

Investigation of the relationship between mean platelet volume and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Objective: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is characterized by recurrent upper airway obstruction and intermittent hypoxia during sleep. Intermittent hypoxia and increased inflammatory activity plays a role in increased risk of cardiovascular disease in the OSAS. OSAS is an important cause of morbidity and mortality and cardiovascular disorders are the most important complications of OSAS. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a marker of platelet activation and function, and increased platelet volume is associated with increased platelet activity. Different diseases related with inflammation, hypoxia, vascular injury, thrombosis and atherosclerosis were found to be associated with MPV. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between OSAS and MPV. Methods: In this retrospective study, data of sex and age matched 33 patients with moderate OSAS, 34 patients with severe OSAS and 30 healthy subjects were evaluated. Results: The mean MPV was found in control, moderate OSAS and severe OSAS groups as 7.83±1.00, 8.26±1.40 and 8.94±1.20 (fL) respectively. The mean MPV value was significantly higher in severe OSAS group than control subjects (p=0.001). In correlation analysis, there were positive correlation between MPV with apnea-hypopnea index and total sleep time, and negative correlation between MPV with platelet count and minimum oxygen saturation (Respectively, p=0.003 / R=0.295, p=0.030 / R=0.221, p=0.011 / R= -0.257, p=0.019 / R= -0.238). Conclusion: In this study, the increased MPV was associated with severe OSAS and the results of this study suggest that the platelet activation is increased in OSAS. Hypoxia caused by OSAS, due to the activated platelets, may play a role in the development of cardiovascular diseases which is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in OSAS. J Clin Exp Invest 2013; 4 (4): 492-49

Assessment of mean platelet volume in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease during stable period and acute exacerbation

Objective: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an important public health problem and it is associated with systemic inflammation. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is one of the markers indicating platelet activation, and it was found to be high in many diseases related to inflammation. In previous studies reported different results evaluating of MPV in COPD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate of C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC), and MPV in acute exacerbation of COPD and stable COPD patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, data of 40 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD, 43 stable COPD patients and 40 healthy subjects were evaluated. Results: The mean MPV, CRP and WBC were found in control, stable COPD and acute exacerbation of COPD groups, 7.9±1.1; 8.2±1.3 and 8.7±1.6 fL; 3.4±1.2; 5.2±3.5 and 27.5±23.6 mg/L; 7.8±1.6; 8.1±2.1 and 11.4±4.5 x103/ ϻL, respectively. The mean WBC and CRP in the acute exacerbation of COPD group were significantly higher than the other groups (for both values p ˂0.001). The mean MPV in the acute exacerbation of COPD group was found higher than in the other groups. The mean MPV values were significantly higher in patients of acute exacerbation than control subjects (p=0.030). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the increased MPV may be a marker for the evaluation acute exacerbation of COPD as well as the classic acute phase reactant CRP. J Clin Exp Invest 2013; 4 (4): 483-48

Relationship between Hba1c and blood glucose level in hemodialysis patients with diabetes mellitus

Within in the scope of this study, a researchwas aimed at the relationship between HbA1c markersand blood glucose levels with DM, chronic renal failureand receiving dialysis treatment.Methods: In this study, monthly glucose levels and quarterlyHbA1c markers of 131 patients (53 female, 78 male)receiving dialysis treatment in a private dialysis centerbetween January 1, 2009-July 31, 2010 were evaluatedretrospectively.Results: The average age of 131 cases was 63.3±11.2years (range, 30-91). Gender distribution of the cases: 53female (40.5%), 78 male (59.5%). While the age averageof the females was 62.2±11.2 and the males’ was64.1±11.2. The average glucose level of the females andmales have a correlation to average HbA1c (Female:p<0.001, r=0.761, Males: p<0.001, r=0.743). The averageglucose level of the both case groups have a correlationto average HbA1c (p<0.001, r=0.755). While 32.8%of the examined HbA1c results were observed underthe level 6,5%, and 67.2% of the examined results wereobserved above the level 6.5%. While 18.3% of the preprandialblood glucose levels were obtained under 126mg/dl level, and 81.3% of the results were obtained above126 mg/dl level. It has been observed that the mean bloodglucose level has a correlation to average HbA1c level.Conclusion: The measurement of HbA1c and blood glucose(pre-prandial and postprandial) and the correlationbetween them, by virtue of the fact that, are vitally importantin cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, monitorof DM for the dialysis patients with diabetic nephropathy.Key words: Hemodialysis, diabetes mellitus, HbA1

OBEZİTE VE ADİPOKİNLER

Obesity is defined as an excessive increase in adipose tissue. Studies in recent years, white adipose tissue is revealed as an endocrine organ can produce and release several bioactive polypeptides known as adipokines. In these studies, the adipokines has been shown to play an important role in the development of diseases associated with obesity including insulin resistance, inflammation, hypertension, cardiovascular and metabolic disorders. In this review, obesity-related adipokines, cytokines and their functions are given information abou

The effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in hypertensive rats

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in hypertensive rats. Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups (n=29): Control group (n=8), L-NNA (NG-Nitro-L-arginine) group (n=8), L-NNA+ISO (L-NNA+isoproterenol) group (n=7) and L-NNA+ISO+CAPE (L-NNA+ISO + caffeic acid phenethyl ester) group (n=6). ISO (150 mg/kg/day) was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) once a day for 2 consecutive days (at the 12th and 13th days of L-NNA treatment). NG-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) was given orally (25 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 14 days. CAPE (10 ?mol/kg/day) was given (i.p.) for 7 days after the first week. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was evaluated by the tail-cuff method and biochemical analysis were performed using an autoanalyzer and a spectrophotometer.Results: SBP in all L-NNA-treated groups was found to be increased at seventh day. AST and LDH levels in LNNA+ISO group were significantly increased compared to control (AST: 125&plusmn;5 vs. 105&plusmn;2; LDH: 861&plusmn;154 vs. 571&plusmn;46 U/L respectively) (p&lt;0.05). Also, ISO caused to extensive necrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration in hypertensive rat myocardium. CAPE application reversed the enhanced AST and LDH levels as well as the extensive necrosis and the mononuclear cell infiltration in LNNA+ISO+CAPE group compared LNNA+ISO.Conclusion: According to our findings, it might be suggested that CAPE may be a favorable agent to protect the hypertensive myocardium from the injury induced by isoproterenol via mechanisms such as the induction of the antioxidant enzymes and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation.Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial injury in hypertensive rats. Methods: Rats were divided into 4 groups (n=29): Control group (n=8), L-NNA (NG-Nitro-L-arginine) group (n=8), L-NNA+ISO (L-NNA+isoproterenol) group (n=7) and L-NNA+ISO+CAPE (L-NNA+ISO + caffeic acid phenethyl ester) group (n=6). ISO (150 mg/kg/day) was given intraperitoneally (i.p.) once a day for 2 consecutive days (at the 12th and 13th days of L-NNA treatment). NG-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) was given orally (25 mg/kg/day) in drinking water for 14 days. CAPE (10 ?mol/kg/day) was given (i.p.) for 7 days after the first week. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was evaluated by the tail-cuff method and biochemical analysis were performed using an autoanalyzer and a spectrophotometer.Results: SBP in all L-NNA-treated groups was found to be increased at seventh day. AST and LDH levels in LNNA+ISO group were significantly increased compared to control (AST: 125&plusmn;5 vs. 105&plusmn;2; LDH: 861&plusmn;154 vs. 571&plusmn;46 U/L respectively) (p&lt;0.05). Also, ISO caused to extensive necrosis and mononuclear cell infiltration in hypertensive rat myocardium. CAPE application reversed the enhanced AST and LDH levels as well as the extensive necrosis and the mononuclear cell infiltration in LNNA+ISO+CAPE group compared LNNA+ISO.Conclusion: According to our findings, it might be suggested that CAPE may be a favorable agent to protect the hypertensive myocardium from the injury induced by isoproterenol via mechanisms such as the induction of the antioxidant enzymes and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation

Delays in reporting critical values from clinical laboratories to responsible healthcare staff

Amaç: Bu çalışmada üniversite hastanesi klinik laboratuvarından yapılan kritik değer bildirimlerinde yaşanan gecikmelerin sıklığını ve olası gecikme nedenlerini araştırmayı amaçladık.Materyal ve Metotlar: Kritik değerlerin ve geciken bildirimlerin sıklığı, bildirim yeri, bildirim yapılan personel ve gün içi gecikme süreleri yüzdeler halinde gösterilmiştir.Sonuçlar: Toplamda 2018 (%1.02) kritik değer bildirimi yapılmış olup bunların %13.1'i gecikmiş bildirim olarak gerçekleşmiştir. Geciken bildirimler servis ve poliklinik hastalarından yapılan istemlerde acil servis ve yoğun bakımlara göre daha yüksek oranda gözlenmiştir (sırasıyla, %26.7, %26, %6.2 ve %4.9 p < 0.01). En fazla gecikme biyokimya parametrelerinde (%19.7, p < 0.001) ortaya cıkmış olup en çok gecikmenin sırasıyla sabah saatlerinde (06:00-10:00), öğle arası (12:00-14:00) ve mesai bitiminde görev değişim saatlerinde (16:00-18:00) gerçekleştiği gözlenmiştir. Bildirimlerin %62.8'inde ortalama 18.5 ± 4.4 dakika (hafif gecikme), %37.2'sinde ise ortalama olarak 47.1 ± 11.3 dakika (ileri derecede gecikme) gecikme yaşanmıştır. Kritik bildirimlerin çoğu sorumlu hekim dışındaki sağlık çalışanlarına yapılmıştır (%55.6).Sonuç: Laboratuvar uzmanları kritik değer bildirim süreçlerini sorumlu klinisyen ve sağlık çalışanları ile işbirliği içerisinde planlanmalıdırObjective: We aimed to investigate the frequency of delayed notifications and probable causes of delays for critical value notification in clinical laboratory of university hospital.Materials and methods: All data was obtained from critical value reporting forms and laboratory information system. The frequency and location of critical and delayed results, latencies throughout a working day and the professional status who received the critical callbacks were shown as percentages.Results: A total of 2018 (1.02%) critical values were reported and 13.1% of them were delayed notifications. Most of them were observed in laboratory tests ordered from patients of service and polyclinics compared to ICU and emergency department (26.7%, 26%, 6.2% and 4.9%, respectively, p?<?0.01). Delayed notifications were significantly higher for biochemical parameters (19.7%, p?<?0.001) and observed particularly in morning hours (06:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m.), lunch break time (12:00–14:00) and end of the working day (16:00–18:00). Latencies of mild-delayed reporting were 18.5?±?4.4 min for 62.8% and advanced-delayed reporting were 47.1?±?11.3 min for 37.2% of total delayed notifications. Most of the critical results were reported to the health care staff other than physician (55.6%). Conclusion: Laboratory professionals should work in collaboration with responsible clinician and healthcare staff in critical value reporting proces

Cecal dilatation-dislocation and torsion in three holstein cows

In this study, cecal dilatation-dislocation and torsion diagnosed using laparotomy technic in three Holstein cows with the ages of 5 (first case), 7 (second case), and 8 (third case) years, respectively, were evaluated. The animals were brought to the clinics of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, one month later after parturition, with the complaints of anorexia, restlessness, weight loss, and decreased milk production. In clinical examination; dehydration at varying levels was observed in all cases. Simultaneous auscultation and percussion revealed ping sounds in right abdomen. The levels of serum Na , K, Cl-, Ca2 and P -3 were determined to decrease, while creatinine levels increased. Experimental laparotomy through the right paralumbar fossa disclosed necrosis in the mesentery of the region of the ileo-seco-colic torsion. Thus, perforation was seen in the first and second cases. As treatment; cecal content was evacuated, the torsions were corrected, and th e perforated necrotic areas were resected and sutured. The second and the third cases recovered but the animal in the first case was sent to slaughter due to deterioration during the post-operative period. As a result, the priority of medical or surgical treatment should be based on the changes in clinical and laboratory findings in the cases of cecal dilatation, dislocation and torsion. Additi onally, it is concluded that reduced iron level may be considered as a prognostic indica tor observed in the cases with dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, and anemia

Cecal dilatation-dislocation and torsion in three holstein cows

In this study, cecal dilatation-dislocation and torsion diagnosed using laparotomy technic in three Holstein cows with the ages of 5 (first case), 7 (second case), and 8 (third case) years, respectively, were evaluated. The animals were brought to the clinics of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, one month later after parturition, with the complaints of anorexia, restlessness, weight loss, and decreased milk production. In clinical examination; dehydration at varying levels was observed in all cases. Simultaneous auscultation and percussion revealed ping sounds in right abdomen. The levels of serum Na +, K+, Cl-, Ca+2 and P -3 were determined to decrease, while creatinine levels increased. Experimental laparotomy through the right paralumbar fossa disclosed necrosis in the mesentery of the region of the ileo-seco-colic torsion. Thus, perforation was seen in the first and second cases. As treatment; cecal content was evacuated, the torsions were corrected, and th e perforated necrotic areas were resected and sutured. The second and the third cases recovered but the animal in the first case was sent to slaughter due to deterioration during the post-operative period. As a result, the priority of medical or surgical treatment should be based on the changes in clinical and laboratory findings in the cases of cecal dilatation, dislocation and torsion. Additi onally, it is concluded that reduced iron level may be considered as a prognostic indica tor observed in the cases with dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, and anemia.In this study, cecal dilatation-dislocation and torsion diagnosed using laparotomy technic in three Holstein cows with the ages of 5 (first case), 7 (second case), and 8 (third case) years, respectively, were evaluated. The animals were brought to the clinics of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mustafa Kemal University, one month later after parturition, with the complaints of anorexia, restlessness, weight loss, and decreased milk production. In clinical examination; dehydration at varying levels was observed in all cases. Simultaneous auscultation and percussion revealed ping sounds in right abdomen. The levels of serum Na +, K+, Cl-, Ca+2 and P -3 were determined to decrease, while creatinine levels increased. Experimental laparotomy through the right paralumbar fossa disclosed necrosis in the mesentery of the region of the ileo-seco-colic torsion. Thus, perforation was seen in the first and second cases. As treatment; cecal content was evacuated, the torsions were corrected, and th e perforated necrotic areas were resected and sutured. The second and the third cases recovered but the animal in the first case was sent to slaughter due to deterioration during the post-operative period. As a result, the priority of medical or surgical treatment should be based on the changes in clinical and laboratory findings in the cases of cecal dilatation, dislocation and torsion. Additi onally, it is concluded that reduced iron level may be considered as a prognostic indica tor observed in the cases with dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding, and anemia