Prediction of the quadruple hamstring autograft thickness in ACL reconstruction using anthropometric measures.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether simple anthropometric measurements, such as height, weight, body mass index (BMI), age, and thigh circumference can be used to accurately predict the diameter of hamstring tendons for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. METHODS: One hundred sixty-four consecutive male patients who underwent ACL reconstruction using quadruple hamstring autograft between January 2010 and December 2011 were prospectively evaluated. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, BMI, age and thigh circumference were recorded preoperatively. The thickness of the quadruple hamstring autograft was intraoperatively determined using sizing cylinders. Correlation coefficients (Pearson's r) and stepwise, multiple linear regression were used to determine the relationship between the outcome variable (hamstring graft diameter) and the predictor variables (age, height, weight, BMI, thigh circumference). RESULTS: Correlation analysis revealed a positive relation between the height, weight and graft thickness (p=0.000 and p=0.002, respectively). Taller and heavier patients tended to have thicker quadrupled hamstring graft. However, age, thigh circumference, and BMI did not correlate with the graft thickness (p=0.700, p=0.290 and p=0.727, respectively). Stepwise, multiple linear regression indicated that height was statistically important as a predictor for hamstring graft diameter (R2=0.157, p=0.0001) and yielded the following regression equation for predicting quadrupled hamstring graft thickness: graft thickness = [(height in cm) x 0.052) - 1.07] mm. CONCLUSION: Height can be used as a practical and accurate measurement to preoperatively predict quadruple hamstring graft diameter in male patients. Identification of possible hamstring tendon autograft insufficiency allows for preoperative determination of additional graft source possibilities, resulting in a more prompt surgical strategy.

Association of chronic pesticide exposure with serum cholinesterase levels and pulmonary functions.

The present study focused on the analysis of serum cholinesterase levels and the pulmonary function tests in seasonal farm workers who were chronically exposed to pesticides, mostly organophosphorus, in comparison with non-farm workers in the farming areas of Cukurova region, Turkey. Serum cholinesterase levels and pulmonary function tests using spyrometer in 50 male seasonal farm workers (study group) were compared to 50 male non-farm workers (control group) in this cross-sectional study. The mean serum cholinesterase enzyme level in the farm worker group (7095.5 ± 1699.4 U/L) was significantly lower than those of the control group (9716.4 ± 1484.4 U/L) (p < .001). There was no significant difference between pulmonary function tests of 2 groups (p > .05). These results show that chronic environmental organophosphorus exposure caused a decrease in the serum cholinesterase enzyme levels in farm workers, emphasizing the importance of primary prevention.

[Population density of Phlebotomus (Diptera; Psychodidae; Phlebotomine) species and their relationship with cutaneous leishmaniasis in Hocalli and Iurunçlu Villages (Adana)]. / Hocalli ve Turunçlu (Adana) Köylerinde Phlebotomus (Diptera; Psychodidae; Phlebotomine) Türlerinin Populasyon Yogunlugu ve Kutanöz Leishmaniasis ile Iliskisi.

The aim of this study was the detection of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) cases at Turunçlu and Hocalli Villages, Adana, Turkey, where local cases had been observed in recent years, and to determine possible vectors and their seasonal density distribution. This was for the purpose of encouraging public awareness and thus leading to prevention. An initial questionnaire was responded by 567 people, with a male-to-female ratio of 45% to 55%. The physician in the research group examined the whole population of both villages for CL and then made monthly visits in order to detect new cases. Adhesive paper traps and CDC light traps were placed in houses and animal stables in order to collect sandflies, whose species were later determined in the laboratory. The CL prevalence was found to be 7.2%, with 30 old cases and 11 new cases. The number of cases in the Turunçlu Village was high with 17 men and 24 women affected. The case frequencies were not different between men and women (p > 0.05). The houses being whitewashed or kind of animal feeding were not found to affect the frequency of CL. In the two villages, 88 Phlebotomus were detected. P. papatasi and P. tobbi were of the genus Phlebotomus, while the genus Sergentomia was also observed. P.papatasi was most frequent in adhesive paper traps, while P.tobbi was frequent in light traps.