Şemsettin Karaca

Bio: Şemsettin Karaca is an academic researcher from Afyon Kocatepe University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Hyperhidrosis & USB. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 180 publications receiving 745 citations. Previous affiliations of Şemsettin Karaca include İnönü University & Izmir Kâtip Çelebi University.

A comparative study of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities and nitrate levels in vitiligo patients.

Abstract: Background Several groups have shown the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of vitiligo. Methods In this study, we examined the erythrocyte and plasma activities of glutathione peroxidase and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, plasma nitrite/nitrate levels, and erythrocyte catalase activity in 23 vitiligo patients and 25 controls. Results The results show that erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity and plasma nitrite/ nitrate levels are high in vitiligo patients. Conclusions Our study confirms that oxidative stress is involved in the pathophysiology of vitiligo, as indicated by the high levels of erythrocyte superoxide dismutase activity and plasma nitrite/nitrate.

Prevalence of pediculosis and scabies in preschool nursery children of Afyon, Turkey.

Abstract: Scabies and pediculosis are ubiquitous, contagious, and debilitating parasitic dermatoses. The tendency of high prevalence of pediculosis and scabies among school and preschool age children has prompted us to conduct a head louse and scabies prevalence survey among preschool nursery children in our district. A school-based, crosssectional study was performed, with 1,134 children chosen for evaluation. All cases were evaluated by physical examination and a detailed, structured questionnaire. The infestation was found in 14 (1.2%) of 1,134 children; 9 (0.8%) with pediculosis capitis and 5 (0.4%) with scabies. We found that infestations were more frequent in children with mothers whose education levels were low. This indicates the necessity of an improvement in the economic and sociocultural status of the community and the promotion of hygiene concepts and practices in order to improve health of preschool age children.

The frequency of body dysmorphic disorder in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology clinics: a study from Turkey

Abstract: Summary Background Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a distressing and impairing preoccupation with a slight or imagined defect in appearance. There are few reports on the prevalence of BDD in the Turkish population. Aim To investigate the frequency of BDD in dermatology settings, and to compare the results from cosmetic dermatology with those from general dermatology settings. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 400 patients from cosmetic dermatology (CD) (n = 200) and general dermatology (GD) clinics (n = 200). A mini-survey was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, and the dermatology version of a brief self-report BDD screening questionnaire was administered. A five-point Likert scale was used for objective scoring of the stated concern, which was performed by dermatologists, and patients who scored ≥ 3 were excluded from the study. Results In total, 318 patients (151 in the CD group and 167 in the GD group) completed the study, and of these, 20 were diagnosed with BDD. The CD group had a higher rate of BDD (8.6%) than the GD group (4.2%) but this was not significant (P = 0.082). The major concern focused on body and weight (40.0%), followed by acne (25.0%). Conclusions The number of cosmetic procedures in dermatology practices is increasing Therefore, it is becoming more important to recognize patients with BDD. Although the rates of BDD found in the present study are in agreement with the literature data, population-based differences still exist between this study and previous studies.

Clinical importance of Demodex folliculorum in patients receiving phototherapy

Abstract: Background Patients with immunodeficiency are prone to infestation with Demodex folliculorum mites. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can lead to immunosuppression and sebaceous gland hyperplasia. Although some cases of demodicidosis related to UV radiation exposure have been reported, no studies have been performed on the incidence of D. folliculorum and its clinical characteristics in patients receiving phototherapy. Objective To investigate the effects of phototherapy on the density of D. folliculorum infestation and its clinical characteristics. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. Forty-five patients receiving phototherapy and 43 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled to the study. The sociodemographic characteristics, occupational information, and skin types (2, 3, 4, or 5) of both patients and controls were carefully recorded. The dermatologic diseases requiring phototherapy, type and number of phototherapy treatments, and cumulative UV doses of all patients were noted. The clinical findings that may relate to demodicidosis were recorded. Standardized skin surface biopsies were taken from three anatomic regions (forehead, cheek, and nasal dorsum) and suspected lesions; five or more D. folliculorum mites per square centimeter of skin was defined as demodicidosis. Results Twelve (26.7%) patients received psoralen plus UV-A (PUVA) and 33 (73.3%) received narrow-band UV-B. Demodicidosis was detected in 13 (28.9%) patients and three (7%) controls. The difference in the demodicidosis rate between patients and controls was statistically significant (P = 0.01). In eight of the 13 patients (61.5%) with demodicidosis, clinical demodicidosis was present. Demodicidosis was present in seven of the 12 patients (58.3%) receiving PUVA and in six of the 33 patients (18.2%) receiving narrow-band UV-B. The difference in demodicidosis rates between patients receiving PUVA and those receiving narrow-band UV-B was statistically significant (P = 0.02). A statistically significant difference was also found between the mean D. folliculorum densities of patients and controls in all anatomic regions. Conclusion Demodicidosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of facial eruptions in patients receiving phototherapy.

Insulin resistance in patients with post-adolescent acne.

Abstract: Background Post-adolescent acne has been defined as acne in a patient aged >25 years. Acne vulgaris first develops at the onset of puberty as a result of hormonal changes. During puberty, there is a transient decline in insulin sensitivity. We hypothesized that insulin resistance might persist after puberty in patients with post-adolescent acne. Objectives This study was conducted in order to investigate the relationship between post-adolescent acne and insulin resistance. Methods The study population comprised 35 patients with post-adolescent acne and 35 healthy control subjects. The parameters measured were fasting blood glucose, insulin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index was calculated for each individual. Results No significant differences were observed between patients with post-adolescent acne and control subjects in fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, AST, ALT, triglyceride and HDL-C levels, and HOMA-IR index. There were also no correlations between these parameters and the severity of acne. Conclusions This study suggests that insulin resistance may not play a major role in the pathogenesis of post-adolescent acne. Hormonal changes, genetic susceptibility, stress, the use of cosmetics, drugs, and environmental factors should be considered in the development of post-adolescent acne.

The Nervous System

Abstract: Experimental Neurology By Prof Paul Glees Pp xii + 532 (Oxford: Clarendon Press; London: Oxford University Press, 1961) 75s net

Frequency of and Risk Factors for Preventable Medication-Related Hospital Admissions in the Netherlands

Abstract: Background: Medication-related problems that lead to hospitalization have been the subject of many studies, many of which were limited to 1 hospital or lacked patient follow-up. Furthermore, little information exists on potential risk factors associated with preventable medication-related hospitalizations. Methods: A prospective multicenter study was conducted to determine the frequency and patient outcomes of medication-related hospital admissions. A case-control design was used to determine risk factors for potentially preventable admissions. All unplanned admissions in 21 hospitals were assessed during 40 days. Controls were patients admitted for elective surgery. Cases and controls were followed up until hospital discharge. The frequency of medication-related hospital admissions, potential preventability, and outcomes were assessed. For potentially preventable medication-related admissions, risk factors were identified in the case-control study. Results: Almost 13 000 unplanned admissions were screened, of which 714 (5.6%) were medication related. Almost half (46.5%) of these admissions were potentially preventable, resulting in 332 case patients matched with 332 controls. Outcomes were favorable in most patients. The main determinants of preventable medication-related hospital admissions were impaired cognition (odds ratio, 11.9; 95% confidence interval, 3.9-36.3), 4 or more comorbidities (8.1; 3.1-21.7), dependent living situation (3.0; 1.4-6.5), impaired renal function (2.6; 1.6-4.2), nonadherence to medication regimen (2.3; 1.4-3.8), and polypharmacy (2.7; 1.6-4.4). Conclusions: Adverse drug events are an important cause of hospitalizations, and almost half are potentially preventable. The identified risk factors provide a starting point for preventing medication-related hospital admissions.

SF-36 total score as a single measure of health-related quality of life: Scoping review:

Abstract: According to the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey questionnaire developers, a global measure of health-related quality of life such as the "SF-36 Total/Global/Overall Score" cannot be generated from the questionnaire. However, studies keep on reporting such measure. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and to describe some characteristics of articles reporting the SF-36 Total/Global/Overall Score in the scientific literature. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method was adapted to a scoping review. We performed searches in PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS, BVS, and Cochrane Library databases for articles using such scores. We found 172 articles published between 1997 and 2015; 110 (64.0%) of them were published from 2010 onwards; 30.0% appeared in journals with Impact Factor 3.00 or greater. Overall, 129 (75.0%) out of the 172 studies did not specify the method for calculating the "SF-36 Total Score"; 13 studies did not specify their methods but referred to the SF-36 developers' studies or others; and 30 articles used different strategies for calculating such score, the most frequent being arithmetic averaging of the eight SF-36 domains scores. We concluded that the "SF-36 Total/Global/Overall Score" has been increasingly reported in the scientific literature. Researchers should be aware of this procedure and of its possible impacts upon human health.

Structure and function of the skin

Abstract: The structure and function of the skin details the individual components of the epidermis, dermis, and their roles in normal skin health. The individual cell types in the epidermis, the different epidermal layers, and the roles of the keratinocyte are explained. The epidermis and dermis, and their important relation to each other through the dermoepidermal junction are described. The dermal adnexal structures of hair follicles (pilosebaceous units), sweat glands, and nerves are all considered. The functions of skin and barrier function are also listed. Rare but important causes of disordered sweating (hyperhidrosis and hypohidrosis) are described. In addition, presentations of hyperhidrosis are discussed.

L-tyrosine and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine as hormone-like regulators of melanocyte functions.

Abstract: There is evidence that L-tyrosine and L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), besides serving as substrates and intermediates of melanogenesis, are also bioregulatory agents acting not only as inducers and positive regulators of melanogenesis but also as regulators of other cellular functions. These can be mediated through action on specific receptors or through non-receptor-mediated mechanisms. The substrate induced (L-tyrosine and/or L-DOPA) melanogenic pathway would autoregulate itself as well as regulate the melanocyte functions through the activity of its structural or regulatory proteins and through intermediates of melanogenesis and melanin itself. Dissection of regulatory and autoregulatory elements of this process may elucidate how substrate-induced autoregulatory pathways have evolved from prokaryotic or simple eukaryotic organisms to complex systems in vertebrates. This could substantiate an older theory proposing that receptors for amino acid-derived hormones arose from the receptors for those amino acids, and that nuclear receptors evolved from primitive intracellular receptors binding nutritional factors or metabolic intermediates.