Parasitic appendicitis from past to present in Turkey

Understanding the etiology of appendicitis is important for developing effective treatments the relationship between parasitic appendicitis and various socio-cultural factors were examined, particularly with respect to the incidence of literacy. The aim of the article was to research the relations between parasitic appendicitis and literacy ratio in population. Cases of parasitic appendicitis resulting in surgery performed at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy Large State Hospital Surgery Clinic between 2002 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed and classified according to age, sex, type of parasite, morbidity, and mortality. Studies conducted in different regions of Turkey as well as in other countries were reviewed to determine if there was a relationship between parasitic appendicitis and literacy. Of the 1,969 appendectomy cases reviewed, nine were classified as parasitic appendicitis [0.45%]. Enterobius vermicularis was observed in seven cases and Taenia spp. in two. The average age was 26.4 yr. No morbidity or mortality was found. The data were compared with a retrospective review of studies conducted in the same regions and a decrease in the rate of parasitic appendicitis was observed during the period between the two re views. It was determined that a low literacy rate was associated with an increase in the incidence of parasitic appendicitis. Observations made between different countries also produced similar results. In countries where the incidence of parasitic appendiciticis was greater than 1.5%, the literacy rate was less than 88%. To avoid appendectomy resulting from parasites, it is important to increase education and literacy. In some areas, individuals with appendicitis undergo surgery due to a lack of education or poor literacy

Upper extremities function in patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment

To determine the effects of hemodialysis treatment on upper extremities functional ability. This study was carried out from June 2003 to March 2004 at Pamukkale University School of Physical Therapy, Denizli, Turkey. One hundred patients with chronic renal failure [CRF] undergoing hemodialysis treatment for at least 2 months participated in the study, and were compared with a control group [N=40 healthy subjects]. The 100 patients were divided into 4 groups according to the length of hemodialysis duration: 19 patients dialyzing for less than one year [Group 1]; 42 patients dialyzing for 1-4 years [Group 2]; 21 patients dialyzing for 4.1-8 years [Group 3]; 18 patients dialyzing for 8.1 or more years [Group 4]. All participants were evaluated for range of motion by goniometry, muscle strength by manual muscle testing, sensation disturbances by Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments, static grip strength by hand dynamometer, and functional status of upper limbs by the Disabilities Arm Shoulder Hand Questionnaire [DASH-T]. The results showed that the patients with CRF had significantly more functional problems associated with CRF and hemodialysis treatment than the healthy controls. In addition to these results, the scores of the DASH-T also showed that the most independent group was the control group with a mean score of 0.72 +/- 0.86, whereas, the most dependent group was the 3rd group of the hemodialysis groups [mean score of 2.70 +/- 1.77]. Musculoskeletal or functional problems decreasing functional ability of the upper limbs are a common complaint in hemodialysis patients