Comparison of smoking habits, knowledge, attitudes and tobacco control interventions between primary care physicians and nurses.

BACKGROUND: Primary care providers are uniquely positioned to initiate smoking cessation. We aimed to evaluate knowledge levels about the health effects of smoking and attitudes toward smoking and tobacco control activities among primary care providers. METHODS: In the cross-sectional and primary care-based study, self-administered surveys modified from the WHO Global Health Professional Survey 5A steps of smoking cessation practice (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist and Arrange) were provided to primary care physicians (PCPhs) and nurses (PCNs). RESULTS: Respondents included 1182 PCPhs and 1063 PCNs. The proportions of current and former smokers were significantly higher among PCPhs than among PCNs (34.4 vs. 30.7 % and 14.0 vs. 10.1 %, respectively; both P < 0.001). We observed that 77.2 % of PCPhs and 58.4 % of PCNs always or rarely practiced an "Ask" step about their patients' smoking status (P < 0.001). One-third of PCPhs (33.8 %) stated that they always practiced an "Ask" step, whereas only 27.6 % of PCNs always did so in their practice (P < 0.001). A small minority of primary care providers had advised patients to quit smoking, although there was a significant difference in this between PCNs and PCPhs (8.4 vs. 15.6 %; P < 0.001). Most PCPhs considered themselves competent in advising about smoking interventions, but only a minority of PCNs did so (75.1 vs. 17.3 %; P < 0.001). Among barriers to tobacco intervention measures, lack of time was the item most commonly cited by PCPhs, whereas low patient priority was most commonly cited by PCNs (35.9 and 35.7 %; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Smoking intervention practice by primary care nurses was quite low. Lack of time and low patient priority were identified as barriers by primary care providers. Strategies by which primary care providers could improve tobacco control should be established.

The relationship between ischemic stroke and weather conditions in Duzce, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Weather conditions are thought to increase the risk of stroke occurrence. But their mechanism has not yet been clarified. We investigated possible relationships between ischemic stroke and weather conditions including atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with ischemic stroke who had been admitted to our hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2010 were enrolled in this study. We investigated the relationship between daily cases and weather conditions the same day or 1, 2, and 3 days before stroke. RESULTS: A negative correlation was found between maximum wind speed and daily cases 3 days before stroke. As the relationship between daily cases and changes of weather conditions in consecutive days was evaluated, a negative correlation was found between daily cases and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum wind speed 3 days before stroke and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours were found to increase the cases of ischemic stroke. We recommend that individuals at risk of ischemic stroke should pay more attention to preventive measures, especially on days with low maximum wind speed, on subsequent 3 days, and on days with low atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours.

Does an energy drink cause a transient ischemic attack?

Energy drinks have become a popular beverage especially among young individuals. The growing literature sheds light on acute health problems associated with these products, although they have not yet been in existence long enough to build a solid, evidence-based appreciation of potential long-term effects. Perhaps the greatest concern about energy drinks is the amount of caffeine they contain, which generally far exceeds that in other beverages. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) has been traditionally defined as an episode of neurologic dysfunction caused by focal cerebral ischemia with complete recovery within 24 hours. We report a patient who had a TIA after intake of an energy drink without alcohol. To the best of our knowledge, the following case is the first report of TIA after intake of an energy drink.

The relationship between ischemic stroke and weather conditions in Duzce, Turkey / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Weather conditions are thought to increase the risk of stroke occurrence. But their mechanism has not yet been clarified. We investigated possible relationships between ischemic stroke and weather conditions including atmospheric pressure, temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight patients with ischemic stroke who had been admitted to our hospital between January 1 and December 31, 2010 were enroled in this study. We investigated the relationship between daily cases and weather conditions the same day or 1, 2, and 3 days before stroke. RESULTS: A negative correlation was found between maximum wind speed and daily cases 3 days before stroke. As the relationship between daily cases and changes of weather conditions in consecutive days was evaluated, a negative correlation was found between daily cases and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: The maximum wind speed 3 days before stroke and change of atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours were found to increase the cases of ischemic stroke. We recommend that individuals at risk of ischemic stroke should pay more attention to preventive measures, especially on days with low maximum wind speed, on subsequent 3 days, and on days with low atmospheric pressure in the last 24 hours.

Association of anxiety, sleepiness, and sexual dysfunction with restless legs syndrome in hemodialysis patients.

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is characterized by unpleasant sensations, pain in the legs along with irresistible urges to move the legs when at rest. It is often accompanied by sleep disturbance. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of anxiety and sleepiness with sexual function in hemodialysis patients with and without RLS. Sociodemographic parameters, laboratory data of hemodialysis patients from three dialysis centers were collected prospectively. Anxiety, sleepiness, sexual function, and presence of RLS symptoms were assessed with standardized questionnaires as the RLS Diagnosis and Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Arizona Sex Experiences Scale (ASEX). Univariate, regression tree method were used for statistical analysis. RLS was observed in 45.9% (n = 113) of hemodialysis patients (n = 246). The mean age of patients and duration of hemodialysis were 59.7 ± 14.0 and 4.9 ± 4.2 years, respectively. The correlation between Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale (ASEX) and sociodemographic features was significant (P < 0.0001). Patients with RLS had higher scores for anxiety (9.4 ± 7.8 with RLS and 6.8 ± 6.0 without), higher ESS (ESS, 6.6 ± 5.2 with RLS and 4.6 ± 4.0 without), and higher ASEX (24.6 ± 5.7 with RLS and 22.5 ± 6.8 without) than did those without RLS. The presence of RLS symptoms in hemodialysis patients was associated with sleepiness, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. A regression tree method, which is a different statistical method, can help physicians estimate patients ASEX, RLS, ESS, and anxiety scores.

Association of endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms (894G/T, -786T/C, G10T) and clinical findings in patients with migraine.

Migraine is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent attacks, unilateral head pain, and related symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate three endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) polymorphisms in 176 patients with migraine and 123 healthy individuals. Clinical and biochemical parameters were investigated. Genetic analysis was performed using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. The differences between migraine cases and the control group were significant for two polymorphisms (-786T/C and 894G/T) (p = 0.000). Homocysteine and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher in the migraine group than in the control group (p = 0.001 and p = 0.000). The relation between -786T/C genotype and BMI and allodynia was significant. TC heterozygotes and CC homozygotes were significantly higher in the migraine group than in the control group (OR 2.843 and 95 % CI 1.681-4.808 and OR 3.729 and 95 % CI 1.784-7.792, respectively). The 894G/T genotype was correlated with BMI, pain intensity, age at the onset of migraine, nausea, tension, compression, and allodynia. For this polymorphism, GT heterozygotes and TT homozygotes were significantly higher in the migraine group than in the control group (OR 3.027 and 95 % CI 1.830-5.008 and OR 3.221 and 95 % CI 1.223-8.484, respectively). The G10T genotype was correlated with attack duration and age at the onset of migraine (p = 0.008 and p = 0.040). eNOS polymorphisms may be useful markers for assessing migraine risk and clinical diagnosis.

Dual diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common rheumatologic disease in children. Moreover, multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most frequent demyelinating disease and has been associated with various chronic inflammatory diseases. However, its association with JRA has not been frequently described. Autoimmunity in both JRA and MS has been documented in the scientific literature, although there has been no definitive finding that patients with JRA are prone to the development of MS. An increasing frequency of MS resulting from an increased use of antitumor necrosis factor agents in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic inflammatory diseases has been reported recently. In this study, we report on the development of MS in a patient with JRA who did not have a history of antitumor necrosis factor use.

Investigation of MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism, biochemical and clinical parameters in Turkish migraine patients: association with allodynia and fatigue.

We investigated whether there is any relationship between biochemical and clinical parameters of migraine and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene C677T polymorphism, associated with the migraine subtypes, symptoms, and gender. A total of 150 migraine patients with and without aura (MA and MO) and 107 non-sufferers were included in the study. Biochemical and clinical parameters were measured and genetic analysis was performed. The MTFHR C677T genotype was significantly higher in the migraine group (p = 0.000). The CT genotype frequency of individuals with a family history of migraine was significantly higher (p = 0.025). This genotype frequency was higher in patients who suffer from compression, allodynia, fatigue, and sleeplessness (p = 0.027, 0.023, 0.006, and 0.05, respectively). Homocysteine and total cholesterol levels were significantly higher in the migraine group than the control group (p = 0.007 and 0.010, respectively). However, the other biochemical and clinical parameters did not differ from each other (p > 0.05), with only attack frequency being significantly higher in the MO group (p = 0.005). While the folate and HDL levels were significantly higher in females (p = 0.001 and 0.000, respectively), the homocysteine and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in males (p = 0.000 for each one). BMIs were significantly lower in the control than the migraine group (p = 0.021); however, an association between the C677T variant and BMI was not found (p = 0.787) in the migraine group. An association between the MTHFR C667T polymorphism and migraine susceptibility was found. Additional studies including genetic, clinic, and biochemical parameters should be conducted to better understand the disease.

Two-point discrimination in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common cause of polyneuropathy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate two-point discrimination (TPD) compared with nerve conduction studies in the early stages of DM. METHODS: Forty-eight patients with early diagnosed (<5 years) type 2 DM and 17 healthy controls were evaluated. Of the patients with DM, 26 had neuropathic pain and 22 were asymptomatic. TPD and electrophysiological evaluations was obtained for all subjects. RESULTS: Nerve conduction studies in patients showed findings related to both demyelination and axonal damage. Patients with neuropathic pain had higher TPD values on the plantar surface of the foot and both groups of DM patients had higher TPD values on the outer lateral malleolus compared with the control group (P < 0.05). There was a correlation between TPD and axonal damage in patients with neuropathic pain (P < 0.05). In patients without neuropathic pain, there was a correlation between TPD values and distal latencies of motor or sensory nerves (P < 0.05). In the control group, only third digit TPD values were related to the distal motor latency of the median nerve (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the TPD method is a less painful, practical, cost-effective, and more easily applicable method that was completed in less time than nerve conduction studies. Higher TPD values in the lower extremities indicate nerve damage in patients. These findings suggest that increased TPD values can easily determine neuropathy starting in the early stages of diabetes in patients with DM.

Low scores on the Benton Facial Recognition Test associated with vertebrobasilar insufficiency.

BACKGROUND: Decreased posterior cerebral circulation has been observed in patients with vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI). Reduced cerebral perfusion may have an impact on mental performance as measured by the Benton Facial Recognition Test (BFRT). We evaluated the usefulness of BFRT in identifying cognitive decline in patients with VBI by correlating test performance with total blood flow in the vertebrobasilar system and other variables such as educational level and gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three participants without dementia (mini-mental state examination; MMSE >27) and cranial magnetic resonance imaging abnormality, but with atherosclerotic risk factors were involved in the study. Nineteen subjects had a total vertebrobasilar flow volume less than 200 ml/min (Group I), and 14 subjects had a flow volume more than 200 ml/min (Group II). RESULTS: The groups were similar in regard to gender, age, and educational level. BFRT results were 19.53 ± 3.12 and 22.36 ± 2.73 for Groups I and II, respectively (p=0.01). The educational level was the main factor affecting the BFRT score in Group I (p=0.04). DISCUSSION: BFRT is clearly impaired in VBI as measured by Doppler ultrasound examination. We concluded that the test appears to adequately distinguish cognitive levels between VBI and other patients. Additionally, our results suggest that education is associated with BFRT results, and for normative purposes, gender consideration is unnecessary. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between VBI and memory dysfunction in early dementia.

The evaluation of atherosclerosis in migraine patients.

A potential association might exist between atherosclerosis and migraine. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a marker of generalized atherosclerosis; hence, we aimed to assess CIMT in migraine patients. This study included 30 patients and 60 healthy controls aged between 20 and 40 years. Episodic migraine diagnosis was made according to the criteria of International Headache Society (IHS). Healthy controls who do not suffer any headache problems were selected from among hospital and laboratory staffs. All subjects were evaluated regarding some parameters and features known to be associated with migraine and vascular changes, that is, gender, age, body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking habits, used hormonal contraceptives, and history of disease. The left common carotid arteries of the subjects were examined, and CIMT was measured with real-time gray-scale sonography. Mean values and standard deviations were calculated. All measurements were made in migraine-free periods. Migraine patients and control subjects were well matched for those parameters known to be associated with vascular changes, that is, gender, age, BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol. CIMT values were higher in patients. The results showed that the mean CCA IMT values were 0.493 ± 0.074 mm and 0.409 ± 0.053 mm in migraine patients and controls, respectively (P < 0.001). There is a relationship between atherosclerosis and inflammation in migraine patients. The risk of cranial inflammatory arteriopathy increases in repeated attacks of migraine. Our study also supports that high number of attacks and attack duration are important in the development of atherosclerosis.

Do energy drinks cause epileptic seizure and ischemic stroke?

Energy drinks are popular among young individuals and marketed to college students, athletes, and active individuals between the ages of 21 and 35 years. We report a case that had ischemic stroke and epileptic seizure after intake of energy drink with alcohol. To the best of our knowledge, the following case is the first report of ischemic stroke after intake of energy drink. A previously healthy 37-year-old man was brought to the emergency department after a witnessed tonic-clonic seizure. According to his wife's testimony, just before loss of consciousness, the patient had been drinking 3 boxes of energy drinks (Redbull, Istanbul, Turkey, 250 mL) with vodka on an empty stomach. He did not have a history of seizures, head trauma, or family history of seizures or another disease. In cranial diffusion magnetic resonance imaging, there were hyperintense signal changes in bilateral occipital area (more pronounced in the left occipital lobe), right temporal lobe, frontal lobe, and posterior parietal lobe. All tests associated with possible etiologic causes of ischemic stroke in young patients were negative. Herein, we want to attract attention to adverse effect of energy drink usage.

May headache be the first sign of mutation in the MTHFR gene?

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare disease and it has different etiologies. Inherited or acquired prothrombotic state plays a key role in the development of CVT. METHODS: A 28-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with persistent headache and accompanied by complaints of nausea and vomiting over a week. Neurologic examination revealed bilateral papilledema. Brain computed tomography showed a hyperdense area on the posterior part of the occipital lobe. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography revealed thrombosis of CVT. Homozygous mutations were found for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). MTHFR CG677T gene mutation and blood tests showed elevated homocysteine levels on the etiological screening. There was no other etiology for CVT. RESULTS: Headache and other complaints were improved after treatment of heparin, warfarin, and vitamin B12. No recurrence of symptoms was observed upon outpatient follow-up. CONCLUSION: Since CVT is an important cause of headache, we recommend etiology screening for patients who present with CVT for MTHFR gene mutations and family counseling should be provided.

May headache be the fi rst sign of mutation in the MTHFR gene? / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare disease and it has different etiologies. Inherited or acquired prothrombotic state plays a key role in the development of CVT.METHODS: A 28-year-old man who presented to our emergency department with persistent headache and accompanied by complaints of nausea and vomiting over a week. Neurologic examination revealed bilateral papilledema. Brain computed tomography showed a hyperdense area on the posterior part of the occipital lobe. Brain magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance venography revealed thrombosis of CVT. Homozygous mutations were found for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). MTHFR CG677T gene mutation and blood tests showed elevated homocysteine levels on the etiological screening. There was no other etiology for CVT.RESULTS: Headache and other complaints were improved after treatment of heparin, warfarin, and vitamin B12. No recurrence of symptoms was observed upon outpatient follow-up.CONCLUSION: Since CVT is an important cause of headache, we recommend etiology screening for patients who present with CVT for MTHFR gene mutations and family counseling should be provided.

Incremental effects of restless legs syndrome on nocturnal blood pressure in hypertensive patients and normotensive individuals.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the role of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the development of nondipping 24 h blood pressure (BP) patterning/sleep-time hypertension, which has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk. These were indirect studies that had reported the relation between BP and RLS attacks during polysomnographic investigations in the lab. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between RLS, which was diagnosed clinically, and night-time BP patterns in a relatively large young cohort who had not been treated before. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After applying the exclusion criteria, this cross-sectional study included 230 consecutive patients with never-treated hypertension who presented to our institution for initial evaluation of hypertension. RLS was assessed using a self-administered questionnaire based on the International Restless Legs Study Group criteria. The questions on RLS were completed by 214 patients and ambulatory BP monitoring was carried out for all patients. RESULTS: In the study group, 133 patients were diagnosed as hypertensive (53.4% nondippings) and 81 patients as normotensives (54.3% nondippings). RLS was present in 61 patients (28.5%) in the total sample. The prevalence of RLS, overall, was significantly higher in nondippings compared with dippings (34.7 vs. 21.2%, respectively; P=0.028). Logistic regression analysis showed that the RLS is an independent determinant for both hypertension (odds ratio=0.43, 95% confidence interval=0.21-0.83; P=0.013) and the nondipping BP patterns (odds ratio=1.96, 95% confidence interval=1.05-3.67; P=0.035). CONCLUSION: We have shown that clinically diagnosed RLS was associated with the nondipping pattern, which has been shown to be an independent predictor of cardiovascular risk.

Amlodipine-induced delirium in a patient with ischemic stroke.

Amlodipine is a dihydropyridine calcium antagonist drug with distinctive pharmacokinetic characteristics that seem to be attributable to a high degree of ionization. Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome recognized as a marker for increased health care costs, morbidity, mortality, and institutionalization that often complicates acute physical illness in elderly people. This case is the first report concerning amlodipine use as a cause of delirium.

An unusual presentation of bee sting: subarachnoid hemorrhagia.

A person consists of a variety of immune reactions as a result of bee stings, depending on his/her immunologic structure. A 49-year-old male patient was brought to the emergency department because of generalized tonic clonic seizure and loss of consciousness after an hour of wild bee bite from the anterior abdomen in a rural area. After cardiopulmonary resuscitation, he was admitted to intensive care unit. Although cranial computed tomography taken in the emergency department was normal, control cranial computed tomography at the 36th hour after admission was consisted with subarachnoid hemorrhagia (SAH). The patient was diagnosed as SAH due to exposure to bee stings. The patient was treated for a month in an intensive care unit and discharged in a vegetative state. We present and discuss the case that had epileptic seizures and SAH after a bee bite, with the review of the literature.

Association of mean platelet volume with DSM-IV major depression in a large community-based population: the MELEN study.

The relationship between major depression and increased platelet activity has been previously stated by several studies. This study sought to test the relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV)--an indicator of platelet activity--and major depression, in an adult Turkish population sample. Respondents were 2286 participants interviewed in a regional survey. The diagnosis of current (one month) major depression was made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition. MPV was measured along with total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, BMI, and waist circumference. Two hundred eighty-nine participants (12.5%) were diagnosed as having major depression. Patients with major depression were found to have increased MPV levels in comparison with participants without depression (p = 0.001). After excluding the subjects with risk factors capable of influencing platelet activity, MPV was still found to be elevated in patients with major depression compared with non-depressed individuals (p < 0.01). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant independent association of major depression with MPV levels (r = 0.123; p = 0.001). According to the findings of this study, increased MPV (or platelet activation) is associated with current (one month) diagnosis of major depression. Future research should investigate the effect of depression treatment on MPV.