Browsing by Author "Yildiz F."
Now showing 1 - 20 of 30
Results Per Page
Sort Options
Item Ferromagnetic resonance studies on Sm-Co/Fe thin films(2004) Yildiz F.; Yalcin O.; Aktaš B.; Ozdemir M.; Jiang J.S.Exchange coupling between Sm-Co and soft Fe thin films was analyzed. The exchange-spring magnet Sm-Co/Fe was divided into subatomic multilayers (d=2 A), and the spins in each layer were characterized by the average magnetization Mi, and the uniaxial anisotropy constant Ki. It was found that the easy direction for the magnetization of the hard Sm-Co layer grown on MgO(110) was not completely parallel to the sample plane but declined from the film plane by an angle of about 15°. It was observed that on increasing the static field beyond the switching value (∼5.5 KOe) for hard layer magnetization, the spectra disappeared.Item Magnetic anisotropy studies on FeNiCo/Ta/FeNiCo three layers film by layer sensitive ferromagnetic resonance technique(2004) Yildiz F.; Kazan S.; Aktas B.; Tarapov S.; Samofalov V.; Ravlik A.Two ferromagnetic layers that are separated by a non-magnetic spacer have been deposited in the presence of an external DC magnetic field that has been applied in a mutually perpendicular direction during the deposition of each layer. This thin three-layer film of FeNiCo/Ta/FeNiCo was then studied by electron spin resonance (ESR) technique for different directions of the external magnetic field with respect to the film plane. Beside very anisotropic and strong two main modes, relatively well-resolved and very weak subsidiary peaks in ESR spectra were observed on low field side of the main modes for almost every direction of the external field. The anisotropic behavior as the field is rotated from the film normal towards to the film plane is due to strong demagnetizing field. However, two fold (axial) small anisotropies having 90 degrees phase shifts with respect to the peaks from two different layers were seen to originate from field-induced anisotropy. The small peaks are attributed to magnetostatics modes as well. © 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.Item Ferromagnetic resonance studies on (Co40Fe40B20)x (SiO2)1-x granular magnetic films(2006) Yildiz F.; Kazan S.; Aktas B.; Tarapov S.I.; Tagirov L.; Granovsky B.Magnetic properties of granular (Co40Fe40B20)x(SiO2)1-x thin films (x = 0.3 7 - 0.5 3) have been studied by ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique. Samples have been prepared by ion-beam deposition of Co-Fe-B particles and SiO2 on sitall ceramic substrate. The FMR measurements have been done for different orientations of DC magnetic field with respect to the sample plane. It was found that the deduced value of effective magnetization from FMR data of the thin granular film is reduced by the volume-filling factor of the bulk saturation magnetization. The overall magnetization changes from 152 to 515 G depending on the ratio of the magnetic nanoparticles in the SiO2 matrix. From angular measurements an induced in-plane uniaxial anisotropy has been obtained due to the preparation of the film conditions as well. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Item TL and EPR studies of Cu, Ag and P doped Li2B4O 7 phosphor(2006) Can N.; Karali T.; Townsend P.D.; Yildiz F.Key characteristics of a newly prepared tissue-equivalent, highly sensitive thermoluminescence dosimeter, Li2B4O7:Cu,Ag,P, are presented. The material was developed at the Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Belgrade, in the form of sintered pellets. A new preparation procedure has greatly increased the sensitivity of the basic copper activated lithium borate and the glow curve of Li2B4O7 : Cu,Ag,P consists of a well-defined main dosimetric peak situated at about 460-465 K with a sensitivity which is about four to five times higher than that of LiF : Mg,Ti (TLD-100). The exceptionally good response features of Li2B 4O7 : Cu,Ag,P are attributed to the incorporation of Cu as a dopant. Both low and high temperature emission spectra are presented and the origins of the various emission bands are considered. Additional data are provided from electron paramagnetic resonance measurements. © 2006 IOP Publishing Ltd.Item Prevalence and risk factors of allergies in Turkey: Results of a multicentric cross-sectional study in children(2007) Kurt E.; Metintas S.; Basyigit I.; Bulut I.; Coskun E.; Dabak S.; Deveci F.; Fidan F.; Kaynar H.; Uzaslan E.K.; Onbasi K.; Ozkurt S.; Pasaoglu G.; Sahan S.; Sahin U.; Oguzulgen K.; Yildiz F.; Mungan D.; Yorgancioglu A.; Gemicioglu B.; Fuat Kalyoncu A.The Prevalence And Risk Factors of Allergies in Turkey (PARFAIT) study was planned to evaluate prevalence and risk factors of asthma and allergic diseases and also to find out which geographical variables and/or climatic conditions play a role determining the prevalence of allergic diseases in Turkish school children. Study was planned as cross-sectional questionnaire-based. About 25,843 questionnaires from 14 centers were appropriate for analysis. Parental history of allergy, having an atopic sibling and other atopic disease in index case was significant risk factors for all allergic diseases. Breast feeding decreased the risk of current asthma (OR: 0.92, CI: 0.86-0.99) and wheezing (OR: 0.93, CI: 0.87-0.99) but not allergic rhinitis and eczema. Respiratory infection in the past was an important risk factor for the occurrence of allergic diseases especially for asthma which was increased 4.53-fold. Children exposed to household smoke were significantly at higher risk of asthma, wheezing, and allergic rhinitis (OR: 1.20, CI: 1.08-1.33; OR: 1.21, CI: 1.09-1.34; and OR: 1.32, CI: 1.21-1.43, respectively). All allergic diseases were increased in those children living in areas which have altitude of below 1000 m and mean yearly atmospheric pressure above 1000 mb. The study has suggested that household and country-specific environmental factors are associated with asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis, and eczema risk during childhood in Turkey. © 2007 The Authors.Item Structural and magnetic properties of Co-doped ZnO epitaxial films(2007) Lee H.-J.; Lee S.-H.; Yildiz F.; Jeong Y.H.We examined growth conditions to obtain the best quality epitaxial Co-doped ZnO thin films by the laser MBE deposition technique. The RHEED pattern and XRD analysis showed that the growth mode is layer-by-layer and a single phase of the wurtzite ZnO structure results at the optimum growth condition, that is, laser fluence, oxygen partial pressure and substrate temperature being at 0.45 J/cm2, 1.0×10-6 torr and 550 °C, respectively. From AFM measurements, the root mean square value of surface roughness was determined to be about 2 Å. The epitaxial Co-doped ZnO thin films were shown to possess intrinsic ferromagnetic ordering at room temperature. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.Item Thickness dependence of magnetic properties of Co 90Fe 10 nanoscale thin films(2008) Yalçin O.; Kazan S.; Şahingöz R.; Yildiz F.; Yerli Y.; Aktaş B.Ferromagnetic monolayers Co 90Fe 10 thin films with individual layer thicknesses 2, 6, and 8 nm were grown on thermally oxidized Si substrate and magnetic properties of these were investigated with Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) technique at room temperature. The magnetoresistance (MR) of the samples were measured as a function of applied DC magnetic field and the thickness dependence of the MR was plotted. The FMR spectra were recorded for both parallel and perpendicular geometry. The X-band (9.5 GHz) FMR spectra and resonance field of samples were analyzed and fitted theoretically by using the Landau-Lifshits dynamic equation of motion for magnetization with the Bloch-Bloembergen type damping term. The computer programs have been written to extract the effective magnetization (M), g-values and spin-spin relaxation time (T 2) fitting parameters. The thickness dependence of magnetic parameters has been obtained from experimental data by mean of a theoretical model. Copyright © 2008 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.Item Prevalence and risk factors of allergies in turkey (PARFAIT): Results of a multicentre cross-sectional study in adults(2009) Kurt E.; Metintas S.; Basyigit I.; Bulut I.; Coskun E.; Dabak S.; Deveci F.; Fidan F.; Kaynar H.; Uzaslan E.K.; Onbasi K.; Ozkurt S.; Karakis G.P.; Sahan S.; Sahin U.; Oguzulgen K.; Yildiz F.; Mungan D.; Yorgancioglu A.; Gemicioglu B.; Kalyoncu A.F.The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergies in Turkey (PARFAIT) study was planned to evaluate the prevalence of and risk factors for asthma and allergic diseases in Turkey. The present analysis used data from 25,843 parents of primary school children, obtained from a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study. A total of 25,843 questionnaires from 14 centres were evaluated. In rural areas, the prevalences asthma, wheezing, allergic rhinitis and eczema in males were: 8.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.9-9.1%), 13.5% (95% CI 12.8-14.2%), 17.5% (95% CI 16.7-18.2%) and 10.8% (95% CI 10.211.4%), respectively; and in females were: 11.2% (95% CI 10.9-11.8%), 14.7% (95% CI 14.315.1%), 21.2% (95% CI 20.4-22.0%) and 13.1% (95% CI 2.4-13.8%), respectively. In urban areas, the corresponding prevalences in males were: 6.2% (95% CI 5.8-6.6%), 10.8% (95% CI 10.311.3%), 11.7% (95% CI 11.4-12.0%) and 6.6% (95% CI 6.2-7.0%), respectively; and in females were: 7.5 % (95% CI 7.9-7.1%), 12.0% (95% CI 11.7-12.3%), 17.0% (95% CI 16.4-17.6%) and 7.3% (95% CI 6.9-7.7%), respectively. Having an atopic first-degree relative or any other atopic diseases had significant effects on the prevalence of allergic diseases. Housing conditions, such as living in a shanty-type house, visible moulds at home and use of wood or biomass as heating or cooking material were associated with one or more allergic diseases. Although genetic susceptibility is strongly associated, country-and population-based environmental factors may contribute to increased prevalence rates of allergic diseases. Copyright © ERS Journals Ltd 2009.Item Geo-climate effects on asthma and allergic diseases in adults in Turkey: Results of PARFAIT study(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2010) Metintas S.; Kurt E.; Basyigit I.; Bulut I.; Coskun E.; Dabak S.; Deveci F.; Fidan F.; Kaynar H.; Uzaslan E.K.; Onbasi K.; Ozkurt S.; Pasaoglu-Karakis G.; Sahan S.; Sahin U.; Oguzulgen K.; Yildiz F.; Mungan D.; Yorgancioglu A.; Gemicioglu B.; Kalyoncu A.F.The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of geo-climatic factors on the prevalence of allergic diseases in the adult population in Turkey. A total of 25,843 questionnaires using data from parents of 25,843 primary schoolchildren from 14 cities were evaluated. Mean annual temperature was significantly associated with the prevalence of asthma and wheezing in both sexes [respectively; OR: 1.008 (95% CI: 1.003-1.011) and OR: 1.012 (1.006-1.018 in males), OR: 1.007 (1.003-1.012) and OR: 1.01 (1.002-1.018) in females]. In addition, it was associated with eczema in females [OR: 1.007 (1.001-1.012)]. Asthma in females was associated with mean annual humidity in the air [OR: 1.001 (1.000-1.002)]. Annual number of days with snow is associated with wheezing in both sexes [respectively, OR: 1.001 (1.000-1.002) in males and OR: 1.002 (1.000-1.003) in females]. Protective measures could come into priority in certain areas of the country. Allergic diseases may increase as a cause of climate change in the future. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.Item Turkish thoracic society asthma management and prevention guideline: Key points; [Türk toraks derneǧi astım tanı ve tedavi rehberi: Anahtar noktalar](Ankara University, 2011) Yildiz F.; Oǧuzülgen I.K.; Dursun B.; Mungan D.; Gemicioǧlu B.; Yorgancioǧlu A.Asthma still has high morbidity and cost despite all advances in pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment. Although asthma can be controlled with proper diagnosis and treatment, the low rates of control in our country and in the world can not be attributed to the variable course of the disease and patients' psycho-social behaviours for chronic disease. In this context, Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) has decided to update Asthma Diagnosis and Management Guide latest published in 2000. National data were collected, compiled and prepared by authors, and final form given by the TTS Asthma and Allergy Study Group, after presenting to consultant individuals and institutions. In June 2009, the National Asthma Management and Prevention Guideline were published in Turkish. In this paper, we aimed to present the national guide in English with its basics and individual differences.Item Long acting beta-2 agonists in the treatment of asthma and their safety; [Astım tedavisinde uzun etkili beta-2 agonistlerin yeri ve güvenilirliǧi](Ankara University, 2011) Türktaş H.; Şekerel B.; Karakaya G.; Yildiz F.; Yorgancioǧlu A.Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred primary long-term treatment for asthma. The first option in patients who are uncontrolled with inhaled steroids is adding long-acting beta-2 agonists. The addition of a long-acting beta-agonist to an inhaled corticosteroid has been accepted as effective therapy for almost two decades Despite the widespread use and their clinical benefit, controversy regarding their safety arose after their introduction. Concerns about the safety of long-acting beta-2 agonist therapy, has led to the appearance of multiple publications and recommendations. The evidence supports the use of long-acting beta-2 agonists plus inhaled corticosteroids in a single inhaler device to increase adherence and reduce the potential use of long-acting beta-2 agonists monotherapy. This review examines and commands on the available clinical data and safety concerns of long-acting beta-2 agonists use in patients with asthma.Item Asthma control test via text messaging: Could it be a tool for evaluating asthma control?(2013) Uysal M.A.; Mungan D.; Yorgancioglu A.; Yildiz F.; Akgun M.; Gemicioglu B.; Turktas H.; Ozkan G.; Yilmaz I.; Incioglu M.; Boyaci H.; Atis S.; Yalcin A.; Bayram N.G.; Deveci F.; Pulur D.; Ozgur E.S.; Dursun B.; Bulbul Y.; Sulu E.; Yilmaz V.Introduction: Originally, the Asthma Control Test (ACT) was designed for English-speaking patients using a paper-and-pencil format. The Turkish version of the ACT was recently validated. This article compares the paper-and-pencil and web-based texting formats of the Turkish version of the ACT and evaluates the compatibility of these ACT scores with GINA-based physician assessments of asthma control. Methods: This multicentre prospective study included 431 asthma patients from outpatient clinics in Turkey. The patients were randomized into a paper-and-pencil group (n=220) and a text messaging group (n=211). Patients completed the ACT at Visit 1, after 10±2 days, and at 5±1 week to demonstrate the reliability and responsiveness of the test. At each visit, physicians assessed patients' asthma control levels. Results: The ACT administered via texting showed an internal consistency of 0.82. For the texting group, we found a significant correlation between the ACT and physician assessments at Visit 1 (r=0.60, p<0.001). The AUC was 0.87, with a sensitivity of 78.0% and a specificity of 77.5% for a score of ≤19 for screening "uncontrolled" asthma in the texting group. Conclusion: When the Turkish version of the ACT was administered via either the paper-and-pencil or text messaging test, scores were closely associated with physician assessments of asthma control. © 2013 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.Item The evaluation of asthma and COPD awareness in Turkey (GARD Turkey Project-National Control Program of Chronic Airway Diseases); [Türkiye'de asti{dotless}m ve KOAH farki{dotless}ndali{dotless}ǧi{dotless}ni{dotless}n deǧerlendirilmesi (GARD Türkiye Projesi-Kronik hava Yollari{dotless} Hastali{dotless}klari{dotless} Ulusal Kontrol Programi{dotless})](2013) Yildiz F.; Bingöl Karakoç G.; Ersu Hamutçu R.; Yardim N.; Ekinci B.; Yorgancioǧlu A.Introduction: Although chronic respiratory disorders are important causes of morbidity and mortality, health care workers, patients and caretakers are not well informed about these disorders. Therefore these problems are underdiagnosed and un-dertreated; also preventive measures are not widely taken. Our aim was to evaluate the knowledge of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in Turkey. This study was designed and performed as a Global Alliance Against Respiratory Disorders (GARD) project. Materials and Methods: People greater than 15 years of age who lived in cities with a population of 200 or greater were eligible for the study. A questionnaire including demographic data and questions regarding asthma and COPD was used for the evalution of the participants. Results: 12.000 people were selected (6000 in rural and 6000 in urban areas); 8527 people were reached. 8342 people who completed the questionnaire were included to the study. There were 4182 (50.1%) female and 4160 (%49.9) male subjects. 49.6% of the subjects knew that COPD is a lung disease, 51.1% indicated that smoking is the most important risk factor for COPD and 48% identified quitting smoking as the most important preventive measure. Every other person had baseline knowledge on COPD. However only 25.2% knew that there are treatment options for COPD. 80% of subjects said asthma can be seen in all age groups. 51.1% knew asthma is a genetic disease and 58% said it is not an infectious disease. However when whether asthma medications caused drug dependency only 27% answered as "No" while 55.2% said "They do not know". Conclusion: Awareness of COPD and asthma seem to be insufficient among Turkish people. Since these disorders are important causes of morbidity and mortality and have high impact on work and economic loss, it is important to increase knowledge among public.Item The validation of the turkish version of asthma control test(Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2013) Uysal M.A.; Mungan D.; Yorgancioglu A.; Yildiz F.; Akgun M.; Gemicioglu B.; Turktas H.Introduction: Current guidelines focus more on levels of asthma control than on severity of asthma. The original version of the Asthma Control Test (ACT), a self-administered instrument to determine asthma control levels, was designed for English-speaking patients. More recently, the ACT has been translated into many languages and has been validated for many cultures, but this is the first study to evaluate the Turkish version. Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the Turkish version of the ACT among outpatients with asthma. Method: This multicenter prospective study included 220 asthma patients in outpatient clinics in Turkey. The ACT was completed at admission (Visit 1), after 10 ± 2 days (Visit 2), and at 5 ± 1 weeks (Visit 3). At each visit, physicians assessed patients' asthma control levels. Results: The Turkish version of the ACT showed an internal consistency reliability of 0.84 (Cronbach's alpha). Test-retest reliability was 0.85 in stable patients. There was a significant correlation between the ACT and physicians' assessments at admission (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). The AUC was 0.91, with a sensitivity of 89.06 % and a specificity of 78.26 % for a score of ≤19 for screening "uncontrolled" asthma. A minimally important difference of three points on the ACT was consistent with the GINA physician assessment scores between the baseline and the follow-up visits. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the ACT is a valid and reliable tool for assessing asthma control in patients in outpatient settings. The test may facilitate the designation of asthma patients' symptoms as either controlled or uncontrolled. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.Item Importance of inhaler device use status in the control of asthma in adults: The asthma inhaler treatment study(2014) Yildiz F.; Erbagci A.; Demirel Y.S.; Akcali S.D.; Ekici A.; Dursunoglu N.; Ediger D.; Erdinc M.; Cemri S.C.; Kalyoncu A.F.; Guclu S.Z.; Aktogu S.; Bayram G.B.; Bayram M.; Akgun M.; Mirici A.; Akyildiz L.; Celik P.; Guven A.O.; Camsari G.; Ozseker F.; Cimen F.; Kurutepe M.; Senyigit A.; Bektas Y.; Ozbudak O.; Saylan B.; Baslilar S.; Polatli M.; Cagatay T.; Kalkan S.; Ozer A.BACKGROUND: Proper education and training in correct inhalation technique has been reported to have a substantial role in the achievement of optimal therapeutic benefit and asthma control. The present study was designed to evaluate inhaler technique and the role of education in relation to asthma control among patients with persistent asthma in Turkey. METHODS: A total of 572 patients with persistent asthma (mean ± SD age 42.7 ± 12.2 y, 76% females) were included in this non-interventional, observational, registry study conducted across Turkey. Data on the effective and correct use of inhaler devices were collected via the Ease of Use for the Inhaler Device Questionnaire to patients and physicians. RESULTS: Asthma control (overall 61.5% at baseline, and increased to 87.3% during follow-up) was better, with significant improvement in technique and decrease in basic errors to the range 0-1, regardless of the inhaler type. Overall, the most common basic error associated with inhalation maneuvers was failure to exhale before inhaling through the device (18.9%). There was concordance between the patients and physicians in the ratio of correct inhaler technique only for spray-type inhalers. CONCLUSIONS: Close follow-up with repeated checking of the patient's inhaler technique and correction of errors each time by a physician seem to be associated with a significant decrease in the percent of patients who make basic errors in inhalation maneuvers and device-independent errors, and with better control of persistent asthma. © 2014 Daedalus Enterprises.Item Treatment of severe asthma: Expert opinion; [Aǧi{dotless}r asti{dotless}m tedavisi: Uzman görüşü](Ankara University, 2014) Türktaş H.; Bavbek S.; Çelik G.; Demir T.; Gemicioǧlu B.; Günen H.; Kiyan E.; Mungan D.; Oǧuzülgen I.K.; Polatli M.; Saryal S.; Sayiner A.; Şen E.; Yildirim N.; Yildiz F.; Yorgancioǧlu A.Severe asthmatics account 10% of the all asthmatic population. Those asthmatics whose disease is inadequately controlled account for up to half of the cost for asthma, because they have more emergency room visits, more hospital admission and greater absenteeism from work. New therapeutic options were tried in those patients whose asthma was uncontrolled with standart high dose inhaled corticosteroid and long acting beta-2 agonsit combination therapy. In this paper taking into account the conditions of our country, current literature was reviewed and treatment options was discussed and graded recommendations are made for daily clinical practice in patients with severe treatment-refractory asthma.Item Epidemiology and distribution of interstitial lung diseases in Turkey(2014) Musellim B.; Okumus G.; Uzaslan E.; Akgün M.; Cetinkaya E.; Turan O.; Akkoclu A.; Hazar A.; Kokturk N.; Calisir H.C.; Sever F.; Kiter G.; Celik G.; Bilgin S.; Kurutepe M.; Uzun O.; Tabak L.; Ozdemir O.; Turker H.; Ogus C.; Kiral N.; Ozkan M.; Yalniz E.; Camsari G.; Dogan T.; Yilmaz U.; Cildag O.; Yildiz F.; Hanta I.; Oztuna F.; Arik D.; Goktalay T.; Kanmaz D.; Yilmaz V.; Altiay G.; Komurcuoglu B.; Ozkan G.; Erbaycu A.; Dogrul M.I.; Ongen G.; Tuncay E.; Dabak G.; Sakar A.; Bircan A.; Uzel I.; Kalpaklioglu F.; Gülbay B; Bulbul Y.; Gulbanu H.; Havlucu Y.; Ekici Z.; Zamani A.; Caglayan B.; Kayacan O.; Dursunoglu N.Introduction: There is very few data on the epidemiological features of interstitial lung diseases (ILD) in the literature. These studies on this subject suffer from limited number of patients. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological features of ILD in Turkey. Methods: Fifty-four investigators, 31 centres in 19 cities from six regions of Turkey, participated in the study. Two thousand two hundred forty-five newly diagnosed patients (51.8% females), led by Turkish Thoracic Society Clinical Problems Study Group, enrolled in this prospective study. Results: The mean age was 51.8±16.7 years. The mean age among males was 50.5±18.6 years and 53.0±14.6 years among females (P<0.001). 23.8% of the cases had ILD with known causes, while 39.4% were in granulomatous group, 23.7% were idiopathic, and 4.4% were in the unclassified group. Overall, histopathologically confirmed diagnosis rate was 40.4%. Sarcoidosis was the most common disease (37%), whereas cases with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) constituted 19,9% of patients. 53% of the sarcoidosis patients were females, and the ratio reaches to 75% under 50 years of age (for this group, IPF ratio is %3). In contrast, sarcoidosis and IPF ratios were equal in males (25%). Sarcoidosis was 8% in men over 50, while IPF was %45. Conclusion: The overall incidence of ILD in Turkey was computed to be 25.8/100000. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.Item Prevalence of asthmatic smokers: Turkish experience (PASTE Study)(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2014) Yildiz F.; Dursun A.B.; Disçi R.; Abadoglu O.; Atalay F.; Ates G.; Buyukoglan H.; Ceyhan B.; Ceylan E.; Deveci F.; Ediger D.; Ekici A.; Erdinc M.; Gemicioglu B.; Goktalay T.; Meral M.; Mungan D.; Ogus C.; Ozge C.Background: Although both asthma and smoking are major health problems worldwide, smokers are often excluded from asthma studies. Objectives: It was aimed to verify the prevalence of asthmatic smokers in Turkey and assess the effects of smoking based on clinical parameters, exacerbations and hospitalizations because of lack of national data about the prevalence of smoking among asthmatics. Methods: The study protocol was comprised of a retrospective questionnaire. The asthmatic patients were followed in the outpatient clinics of 18 tertiary hospitals selected from seven different geographical regions in Turkey. We evaluated demographic data, smoking habits, asthma-related diseases, respiratory function and emergency visits. Results: The study population included 1385 patients (M/F: 343/1042), and the mean age was 45.1±14.0 years. Current and former smoking prevalence was 11.4% and 15.1%, respectively. Smoker rates were higher in males and younger asthmatics compared with females and older asthmatics (P<0.01 and P<0.05, respectively). Smoking history ranged from 0.20 to 90 pack-years (the mean was 12.9), and smokers had a higher level of education compared with nonsmokers (P<0.01). Socioeconomically, the most developed region had the highest rate of smoker asthmatics (33.9%; P=0.014). There was an increase in the number of exacerbations in smoker asthmatics during the previous year, but it was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Conclusion: We showed that the smoking prevalence in Turkey was lower in asthmatics (11.4%) compared with the general population (44.5%). Nevertheless, every effort should be made to encourage asthmatics to stop smoking because smoking is a modifiable risk factor for adverse asthma health outcomes. © 2013 John Wiley and Sons Ltd.Item Asthma-KOAH overlap syndrome; [Astım-KOAH overlap sendromu](Ankara University, 2015) Şen E.; Oğuzülgen K.; Bavbek S.; Günen H.; Kiyan E.; Türktaş H.; Yorgancioğlu A.; Polatli M.; Yildiz F.; Çelik G.; Demir T.; Gemicioğlu B.; Mungan D.; Saryal S.; Sayiner A.; Yildirim N.Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common lung diseases characterized by chronic airway inflammation and airway obstruction. Among patient with COPD and asthma; there is a group of patients with an overlap between clinical, functional characteristics and airway inflammation patterns, named “Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome” (ACOS). ACOS is a syndrome characterized by reversible but persistant airflow limitation (postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70%) which has some features of both asthma and COPD. ACOS should be suspected in a patient > 40 years, with smoking history, previous asthma diagnosis or history of childhood asthma who has persistant airflow limitation and reversible ariway obstruction (defined by an increase of > %12 of FEV1 pred or increase of FEV1 > 200 mL after inhalation of 400 mcg salbutamol or 1000 mcg terbutaline). The prevalence for ACOS has been reported 11-55% in different case series to date and increases by age and is more frequent in females in different age groups. Patients with ACOS are younger than COPD patients and older than asthma patients. Frequent and severe exacerbations and related hospitalization and emergency room visits are common in ACOS and this causes an impaired quality of life. Current recommendations of guidelines for pharmacologic treatment of ACOS have been composed of a combination with optimal COPD and asthma treatment. Future therapeutic approaches should be based on endotypes. Clinical phenotype and underlying endotype driven clinical studies may be the base of ACOS guidelines. © 2015, Ankara University. All rights reserved.Item Prevalence of sleep disorders in the Turkish adult population epidemiology of sleep study(Springer, 2015) Demir A.U.; Ardic S.; Firat H.; Karadeniz D.; Aksu M.; Ucar Z.Z.; Sevim S.; Ozgen F.; Yilmaz H.; Itil O.; Peker Y.; Aygul F.; Kiran S.; Gelbal S.; Cepni Z.; Akozer M.; Neyal A.; Cilli A.; Ozsancak A.; Kutlu A.; Salepci B.; Baklan B.; Oktay B.; Tuncel D.; Levent E.; Ekinci E.; Eyuboglu F.; Yildiz F.; Kirbas G.; Kaynak H.; Aydin H.; Boyaci H.; Bora I.; Oztura I.; Aslan K.; Gunhan K.; Habesoglu M.A.; Unlu M.; Demet M.; Dursunoglu N.; Tascilar N.; Yavuz N.; Erdinc O.; Araz O.; Dogan O.T.; Yetkin O.; Celik P.; Alp R.; Altin R.; Bilgin S.; Ismailogullari S.; Gazioglu S.; Ozkurt S.; Velioglu S.; Yetkin S.; Kuyucu T.; Atay T.; Uygunoglu U.; Tutar U.; Celik Y.; Bulbul Y.Sleep disorders constitute an important public health problem. Prevalence of sleep disorders in Turkish adult population was investigated in a nationwide representative sample of 5021 Turkish adults (2598 women and 2423 men, response rate: 91%) by an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Insomnia was defined by the DSM-IV criteria, habitual snoring and risk for sleep-related breathing disorders (SDB) by the Berlin questionnaire, excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) by the Epworth sleepiness scale score, and restless legs syndrome (RLS) by the complaints according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group criteria. Mean age of the participants was 40.7 ± 15.1 (range 18 to 90) years. Prevalence rates (men/women) were insomnia 15.3% (10.5%/20.2%; P < 0.001), high probability of SDB 13.7% (11.1%/20.2%; P < 0.001), EDS 5.4% (5.0%/5.7%; P: 0.09), RLS 5.2% (3.0%/7.3%; P < 0.001). Aging and female gender were associated with higher prevalence of sleep disorders except for habitual snoring. Prevalence rates of the sleep disorders among Turkish adults based on the widely used questionnaires were close to the lower end of the previous estimates reported from different parts of the world. These findings would help for the assessment of the health burden of sleep disorders and addressing the risk groups for planning and implementation of health care. Sleep and Biological Rhythms © 2015 Japanese Society of Sleep Research.