Browsing by Author "Ates, Can"

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Association of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein-7 Promoter Methylation With Esophageal Cancer in Peripheral Blood
(Springer, 2022) Kaya, Zehra; Almal, Necat; Sahin, Elif Sena; Duran, Seren; Gorgisen, Gokhan; Ates, Can
Background The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway has an important role in many cancers, including esophageal cancer (EC). IGF-binding protein 7 (IGFBP7) is one of the proteins in this signaling pathway, and its role in cancer has not yet been fully clarified. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical relevance of IGFBP7 methylation status and mRNA expression in EC patients compared to healthy controls. We also investigated whether IGFBP7 methylation status affects mRNA expression. Methods The study comprised 100 EC patients and 105 healthy controls. Methylation specific PCR (MSP) was used to examine IGFBP7's promoter methylation and real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to assess IGFBP7 mRNA expression. Results The IGFBP7 promoter methylation was significantly higher in controls than in EC patients (p < 0.05). IGFBP7 mRNA expression was significantly lower in EC patients compared to controls, especially in those over 55 years old (p < 0.0001). The globulin level and reflux were significantly higher in IGFBP7-unmethylated patients compared to IGFBP7 methylated patients (p = 0.01). In EC patients, however, there was no significant relationship between IGFBP7 mRNA expression and methylation in the peripheral blood (p = 0.33). In addition, neither IGFBP7 mRNA expression nor methylation were shown to be linked with survival (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our study indicated that promoter unmethylation and mRNA expression of the IGFBP7 promoter in peripheral blood could be different biomarkers for EC. Furthermore, unmethylation of the IGFBP7 promoter in EC patients was associated with reflux and elevated globulin levels. More studies with a larger number of cases is needed to confirm this association.
Association of Irs1 Gly972arg and Irs2 Gly1057asp Polymorphisms With Gastric Cancer in Turkish Subjects
(Spandidos Publ Ltd, 2020) Gorgisen, Gokhan; Karatas, Ugur; Ates, Can; Oksuz, Murat; Gulacar, Ismail Musab
Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are cytoplasmic adaptors that transmit the signal from the IR and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor to effector proteins. Overexpression of IRS proteins has been indicated to be linked to cancer development. In addition to their expression profiles, studies have indicated that polymorphisms of IRS1 and IRS2 are also associated with the susceptibility to numerous cancer types. IRS1 Gly972Arg and IRS2 Gly1057Asp are the common variants of these genes. The present study aimed to determine the association of IRS1 Gly972Arg and IRS2 Gly1057Asp polymorphisms with gastric cancer development. The study included 100 patients with gastric cancer and 100 controls. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms were detected by real-time PCR using Taqman assays. The results suggested that in individuals with the IRS1 Gly/Arg genotype, the odds of having gastric cancer was increased by 7.891-fold (95% CI: 3.251-19.154, P<0.001) and in individuals with the IRS1 Arg/Arg genotype, it was increased by 22.716-fold (95% CI: 6.311-81.761, P<0.001) compared with those with the IRS1 Gly/Gly genotype. Although the IRS2 Gly1057Asp genotype analysis suggested that subjects with the Asp/Asp genotype had a 2,311-fold increased odds of having gastric cancer compared to those with the Gly/Gly genotype, the result was not statistically significant (95% CI: 0.800-6.678, P=0.122). The combined effects of the IRS1 and IRS2 variants on gastric cancer were also determined. The results suggested that individuals with Gly/Arg+Gly/Asp and Gly/Arg+Asp/Asp genotypes had a higher odds of having gastric cancer compared to individuals of the Gly/Gly+Gly/Gly genotype (P=0.001 and P=0.027, respectively). In conclusion, the present results suggested that the IRS1 Gly972Arg and IRS2 Gly1057Asp variations may be associated with an increased susceptibility to develop gastric cancer. Further studies with larger sample sizes are required to support the present results and to explore the use of these variations as a biomarker for gastric cancer.
Associations of Dysfunctional Interpersonal Schemas With Obsessive-Compulsive and Dissociative Symptoms in University Students
(Galenos Yayincilik, 2010) Boysan, Murat; Besiroglu, Luetfullah; Kalafat, Temel; Kagan, Muecahit; Ates, Can
Objective: The aim of the study was to explore associations between obsessive-compulsive symptoms, dissociation, and dysfunctional limitedness schemas. Methods: Data were collected from 322 undergraduates. The sample was composed of 159 females (49.38%) and 163 males (50.62%). The Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES), the Padua Inventory (PI), the Clark-Beck Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (CBOCI), the Limitedness Schemas Questionnaire (LSQ), the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were administered to the subjects. Hierarchical regression analyses were performed after controlling for age, gender, anxiety and depression. Results: Interpersonal limitedness schemas significantly predicted higher scores on dissociation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms after controlling for age, gender, anxiety and depression. Perceived interconnectedness was also associated with obsessive impulses and checking behavior as well. Conclusion: Interpersonal negativistic schemas, as a cognitive vulnerability factor, may be important in the emergence and maintenance of obsessive-compulsive symptoms and dissociation. Results are discussed under the theoretical approaches concerning dissociation and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. (Archives of Neuropsychiatry 2010; 47: 9-14)
Comparison of Test Statistics of Nonnormal and Unbalanced Samples for Multivariate Analysis of Variance in Terms of Type-I Error Rates
(Hindawi Ltd, 2019) Ates, Can; Kaymaz, Ozlem; Kale, H. Emre; Tekindal, Mustafa Agah
In this study, we investigate how Wilks' lambda, Pillai's trace, Hotelling's trace, and Roy's largest root test statistics can be affected when the normal and homogeneous variance assumptions of the MANOVA method are violated. In other words, in these cases, the robustness of the tests is examined. For this purpose, a simulation study is conducted in different scenarios. In different variable numbers and different sample sizes, considering the group variances are homogeneous (sigma(12) = sigma(22) == sigma(g2)) and heterogeneous (increasing) (sigma(12) < sigma(22) < ... < sigma(g2)), random numbers are generated from Gamma(4-4-4; 0.5), Gamma(4-9-36; 0.5), Student's t(2), and Normal(0; 1) distributions. Furthermore, the number of observations in the groups being balanced and unbalanced is also taken into account. After 10000 repetitions, type-I error values are calculated for each test for alpha=0.05. In the Gamma distribution, Pillai's trace test statistic gives more robust results in the case of homogeneous and heterogeneous variances for 2 variables, and in the case of 3 variables, Roy's largest root test statistic gives more robust results in balanced samples and Pillai's trace test statistic in unbalanced samples. In Student's t distribution, Pillai's trace test statistic gives more robust results in the case of homogeneous variance and Wilks' lambda test statistic in the case of heterogeneous variance. In the normal distribution, in the case of homogeneous variance for 2 variables, Roy's largest root test statistic gives relatively more robust results and Wilks' lambda test statistic for 3 variables. Also in the case of heterogeneous variance for 2 and 3 variables, Roy's largest root test statistic gives robust results in the normal distribution. The test statistics used with MANOVA are affected by the violation of homogeneity of covariance matrices and normality assumptions particularly from unbalanced number of observations.
The Course of Renal Functions in Copd. Two Statition: Exacerbation and Stable Period
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2019) Baha, Ayse; Ogan, Nalan; Akpinar, Evrim Eylem; Ates, Can; Gulhan, Meral
Objective: Comorbidities in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are important factors that determine the prognosis of the disease. However, there are few studies about renal dysfunction. We aimed to compare the renal functions in COPD patients with stable and exacerbation periods and to determine the frequency of acute renal failure (ARF) during exacerbation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of 320 patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity <70% in pulmonary function test) who were admitted to our hospital between 2015 and 2016 were evaluated retrospectively. After exclusion criteria, 113 patients were included in the study. Data were analyzed by appropriate statistical method. RESULTS: Ninety (80.4%) of the patients were male and 23 (19.6%) were female. In the exacerbation period, blood urea nitrogen (P < 0.001), creatinine (P < 0.001), white blood cell (P < 0.001), C-reactive protein (P < 0.001), and sedimentation (P < 0.001) were higher than that in the stable period. Furthermore, hemoglobin (P = 0.021) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (P < 0.001) were significantly lower. The number of emergency department admission in patients with eGFR <60 ml/min during the exacerbation more than the patients with eGFR >= 60 ml/min. Twenty (17.7%) patients have developed ARF during exacerbation (eGFR <60 ml/min). CONCLUSION: In COPD exacerbation period, kidney function is affected negatively in most patients (even if it does not reach the ABY border) and tends to improve in the stable period. In patients with COPD, it is thought that the causes of respiratory failure negatively affect renal function.
Decision Analysis in Quest of the Ideal Treatment in Adult Spinal Deformity Adjusted for Minimum Clinically Important Difference
(Elsevier Science inc, 2020) Acaroglu, Emre; Yuksel, Selcen; Ates, Can; Ayhan, Selim; Bahadir, Sinan; Nabi, Vugar; Obeid, Ibrahim
BACKGROUND: Surgery appears to yield better results in adult spinal deformity treatment when fixed minimum clinically important difference values are used to define success. Our objective was to analyze utilities and improvement provided by surgical versus nonsurgical treatment at 2 years using Oswestry Disability Index with treatment-specific minimum clinically important difference values. METHODS: From a multicenter database including 1452 patients, 698 with 2 years of follow-up were analyzed. Mean age of patients was 50.95 +/- 19.44 years; 580 patients were women, and 118 were men. The surgical group comprised 369 patients, and the nonsurgical group comprised 329 patients. The surgical group was subcategorized into no complications (192 patients), minor complications (97 patients) and major complications (80 patients) groups to analyze the effect of complications on results. Minimum clinically important differences using Oswestry Disability Index were 14.31, 14.96, and 2.48 for overall, surgical, and nonsurgical groups. Utilities were calculated by visual analog scale mapping. RESULTS: Surgical treatment provided higher utility (0.583) than nonsurgical treatment (0.549) that was sensitive to complications, being 0.634, 0.564, and 0.497 in no, minor, and major complications. Probabilities of improvement, unchanged, and deterioration were 38.3%, 39.2%, and 22.5% for surgical treatment and 39.4%, 10.5%, and 50.1% for nonsurgical treatment. Improvement in the surgical group was also sensitive to complications with rates of 40.1%, 39.3%, and 33.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that surgical treatment has less disease burden and less chance of deterioration, but equal chances for improvement at 2 years of follow-up. As it appears to be a better modality in the absence of complications, future efforts need be directed to decreasing the complication rates.
Do N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Levels Determine the Prognosis of Community Acquired Pneumonia
(Soc Brasileira Pneumologia Tisiologia, 2019) Akpinar, Evrim Eylem; Hosgun, Derya; Akpinar, Serdar; Ates, Can; Baha, Ayse; Gulensoy, Esen Sayin; Ogan, Nalan
Objective: Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, especially in the elderly. The use of clinical risk scores to determine prognosis is complex and therefore leads to errors in clinical practice. Pneumonia can cause increases in the levels of cardiac biomarkers such as N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). The prognostic role of the NT-proBNP level in community acquired pneumonia (CAP) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of the NT-proBNP level in patients with CAP, as well as its correlation with clinical risk scores. Methods: Consecutive inpatients with CAP were enrolled in the study. At hospital admission, venous blood samples were collected for the evaluation of NT-proBNP levels. The Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and the Confusion, Urea, Respiratory rate, Blood pressure, and age = 65 years (CURB-65) score were calculated. The primary outcome of interest was all-cause mortality within the first 30 days after hospital admission, and a secondary outcome was ICU admission. Results: The NT-proBNP level was one of the best predictors of 30-day mortality, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.735 (95% CI: 0.642-0.828; p < 0.001), as was the PSI, which had an AUC of 0.739 (95% CI: 0.634-0.843; p < 0.001), whereas the CURB-65 had an AUC of only 0.659 (95% CI: 0.556-0.763; p = 0.006). The NT-proBNP cut-off level found to be the best predictor of ICU admission and 30day mortality was 1,434.5 pg/mL. Conclusions: The NT-proBNP level appears to be a good predictor of ICU admission and 30-day mortality among inpatients with CAP, with a predictive value for mortality comparable to that of the PSI and better than that of the CURB-65 score.
Does Kinesiotaping Affect Standing Balance in Healthy Individuals? a Pilot, Double-Blind, Randomized-Controlled Study
(Baycinar Medical Publ-baycinar Tibbi Yayincilik, 2019) Gok, Haydar; Atar, Merve Orucu; Ates, Can; Tur, Birkan Sonel
Objectives: This study aims to investigate the immediate and short-term effects of kinesiotaping (KT) on balance, when applied to the ankles of healthy individuals. Patients and methods: In this pilot, double- blind, randomized, sham-controlled study, a total of 24 healthy male individuals (mean age 31.8 years; range, 22 to 40 years) were randomized into two groups as KT and sham between January 2014 to March 2014. The KT group had a therapeutic KT application which could provide the ankle stability. The control group had a prespecified sham application. Balance testing was done before, immediately after and 24 hours after the application of KT. Anteroposterior, mediolateral, and overall stability indexes (APSI, MLSI, and OSI, respectively) were measured and given in relative treatment effect (RTE). Results: There was no statistically significant interaction between the intervention and time for all stability indexes. The main effects were evaluated. The main effect of time showed a significant difference in terms of RTE and mean ranks at all time points for the MLSI and OSI (p=0.034 and p=0.009, respectively). The KT of ankle had an immediate positive effect on standing balance of healthy individuals which did not sustain after 24 hours. The main effect of group showed that there was a significant difference in the RTE levels between the intervention groups for all indexes. Based on the rank means, the KT group had a better stability than the sham group for all indexes. Conclusion: Our study results suggest that KT of ankle has an immediate positive effect on standing balance of healthy individuals by increasing mediolateral stability of the ankle.
Effects of Facemask Therapy on the Mandibular Retromolar Space a Follow-Up Study
(Saudi Med J, 2018) Zor, Zeynep F.; Kaygisiz, Emine; Ates, Can; Tortop, Tuba; Yuksel, Sema
Objectives: To evaluate the mandibular retromolar space after facemask therapy and a follow-up period. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between May and September in 2014. The sample consisted of pre-treatment (T1), post-treatment (T2), and follow-up(T3) panoramic radiographs of 19 skeletal and dental Class III patients (7 female, 12 male; mean age: 10.5 years) treated with facemask and a removable intraoral upper appliance in the Faculty of Dentistry Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. Each patient's lower arches were evaluated as right and left segments. As third molars were congenitally absent in 3 segments, a total of 35 segments were evaluated. The average treatment time was one year. The average follow-up period was 2.4 years. The positions, angulations, dental maturations of lower third molars, and mandibular retromolar spaces (DJ) were assessed. Friedman's 2-way Analysis of Variance, multiple-comparison, Pearson's correlation, and Chi-square tests were used for statistical evaluation. A p<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The angulation of the first molar (gamma) increased significantly only in the follow-up period (T3). Mandibular retromolar spaces were increased significantly during all periods. The most commonly determined position of the third molar, by Winter's classification, was vertical angulation in all periods. Moderate and significant correlations were found between third molar angulation(beta) and DJ at T2 and T3. Significant correlations were also found between DJ and Demirjian classification stages during all periods. Conclusion: Facemask therapy did not have an adverse effect on the mandibular retromolar space during treatment and follow up periods.
Evaluation of Copd Patient's Relatives Assessment of Disease Awarness, Load of Care Giving and Loss of Workforce: Turkish Thoracic Society Copd Working Group
(European Respiratory Soc Journals Ltd, 2018) Baha, Ayse; Kokturk, Nurdan; Yildirim, Elif; Ozmen, Ipek; Gurgun, Alev; Topcu, Fusun; Ates, Can
The Evaluation of Disease Awareness, Caregiver Burden, and Workday Loss in Caregivers of Copd Patients
(Tubitak Scientific & Technological Research Council Turkey, 2022) Baha, Ayse; Kokturk, Nurdan; Ozturk, Burcu; Ozari Yildirim, Elif; Ozmen, Ipek; Gurgun, Alev; Ates, Can
Background/aim: Our aim is to determine the caregiver burden of chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) patient's caregivers, and to determine whether there is a workday loss. Materials and methods: 252 COPD patients and their caregivers were included. Disease information of the patients were recorded and a questionnaire was applied. Socio-demographic characteristics of the caregivers were recorded and a questionnaire consisting of 24 questions including COPD disease, treatment and loss of working days, and the Zarit Scale were used. Results: 128(50.8%) of the patients according to GOLD were group-D, 97(38.5%) of the patient's relatives were working, 62(24.7%) were not able to go to work for 1-14 days, and 125(57.1%) spent outside the home from 1-14 nights, because those accompanied to patients. In univariate analysis were detected modified medical research council (mMRC) (p < 0.001), CAT (p < 0.001), the number of comorbidities of patients (p = 0.027), forced expiratory volume in 1 FEV1cc (p = 0.009), FEV1% (p < 0.001), the presence of long term oxygen therapy (LTOT), and the number of comorbidities of the patient's relatives (p = 0.06) increased the care load. In multiple linear regression analysis, age (p = 0.03), COPD assessment test (CAT) score (p = 0.001), FEV1% (<0.068) and the number of comorbidities of patients (p = 0.01) and the number of comorbidities of caregivers (p = 0.003) increased the caregiving burden. Conclusion: In COPD increases caregiving burden. This burden is greater in symptomatic patients and when comorbidities are present. Psychosocial and legal regulations should be investigated and solutions should be produced for the caregivers of COPD patients.
Evaluation of the Relationship of Il-17a and Il-17f Gene Polymorphisms With the Response To Treatment in Psoriatic Patients Using Biological Drugs: a Case-Control Study in Patients in Eastern Turkey
(Termedia Publishing House Ltd, 2021) Ozkol, Hatice Uce; Gorgisen, Gokhan; Ates, Can; Ozkol, Halil; Tuluce, Yasin; Savas, Hulya; Gulacar, Ismail Musab
Introduction: IL-17A and IL-17F cytokines have important roles in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Aim: To examine the associations of IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 variants with the development of psoriasis and whether these polymorphisms affect the responsiveness of biological agents. Material and methods: In our case-controlled study, which included 83 psoriatic patients who were treated with different biological agents and 69 healthy controls, we genotyped IL-17A rs2275913 and IL-17F rs763780 variants using TaqMan probes. Results: We did not observe statistically significant changes in genotype frequencies of IL-17A rs2275913 (p = 0.922) and IL-17F rs763780 (p = 0.621) variants between patient and control groups. Although we did not find any association between these polymorphisms and the development of psoriasis, statistical analyses showed that individuals with the IL-17A AA genotype had shorter disease duration (9.09 +/- 6.82, p = 0.020) and AA genotype frequency was higher in patients who used single conventional treatment (34.6%; p = 0.025). IL17A/rs2275913 variant in terms of disease duration, it was observed that individuals with AA genotype had a shorter disease duration (less than 10 years) (p = 0.009). For patients with PASI90 and PASI100 response, the IL-17A AA genotype was significantly higher (p = 0.015). On the other hand, we did not detect any statistically significant correlation between variants and response to biological agents. Conclusions: According to our results, we may suggest that rs2275913 variant seems to be associated with disease duration, use of single conventional treatment and responsiveness of PASI90 and PASI100 however both variants have no effect on the susceptibility to psoriasis in the population of Eastern Turkey.
Impairment in Heart Functions and Prognostic Role of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbation
(Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications, 2020) Akpinar, Evrim Eylem; Ates, Can; Akpinar, Serdar; Hosgun, Derya
INTRODUCTION: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with comorbidities and cardiovascular disease is the most frequent one. The role of natriuretic peptides in determining prognosis of COPD exacerbations is not yet clear. The frequency of pathologic findings of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during COPD exacerbation showed wide variability. This study aims to evaluate the predictive role of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in determining the short-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation. As a secondary outcome, we aimed to investigate the frequency of TTE findings in these patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-six consecutive patients with COPD exacerbation were included. NT-proBNP levels were measured and TTE was carried out to whole of the participants at administration. The primary outcome was development of "event" (readmission or rehospitalization or mortality) within 30 days. The predictive role of NT-proBNP level for the development of "event" was evaluated. As a secondary outcome of the study, the frequency of TTE findings was recorded. RESULTS: NT-proBNP level of the patients who developed event within 30 days had significantly higher than who did not (2343.16 +/- 4107.17 pg/mL vs. 843.22 +/- 2349.96 pg/mL, P = 0.001). A high negative correlation was found between NT-proBNP level and "time to event" (r = -0.992, P < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that NT-proBNP level was an independent predictor for the development of "event" (P < 0.001) and the cutoff point of it was found to be 303.5 pg/mL (0.639 sensitivity and 0.720 specificity). The most frequent echocardiographic findings were pulmonary hypertension (54.7%) and left ventricle diastolic dysfunction (39.5%). CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP level is a strong predictor for short-term prognosis of patients hospitalized with COPD exacerbation. Further and larger studies are needed to determine exact role of NT-proBNP in long-term prognosis of these patients.
Is Cytomegalovirus a Risk Factor for Haemorrhagic Cystitis in Allogeneic Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients
(int Medical Press Ltd, 2018) Atilla, Erden; Yalciner, Merih; Ailla, Pinar Ataca; Ates, Can; Bozdag, Sinem Civriz; Yuksel, Meltem Kurt; Topcuoglu, Pervin
Background: Haemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is usually a serious complication in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) recipients. In this study, our aim was to define risk factors and outcomes for patients with HC in an allo-HSCT setting. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 249 allo-HSCTs performed between 2011 and 2016 in our centre. Results: HC was diagnosed in 98 patients (39%) at a median of 119 days (range 5-580) and 91 (93%) of the patients had late onset disease. In univariate analysis, HC was related to cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation (P<0.001) and BK viraemia (P<0.001); in multivariate analysis, the presence of CMV reactivation was determined to be an independent risk factor (odds ratio: 22.1; 95% CI 1.73, 282.44; P=0.017). There was no association detected between acute graft versus host disease and patients diagnosed with HC within 100 days of transplant. HC was significantly increased by the presence of myelo-ablative conditioning (odds ratio: 31.28; 95% CI 3.98, 246.87; P=0.001) and BK viraemia (odds ratio: 3.93; 95% Cl 1.10, 14.05; P=0.035) in patients with HC grade II and beyond. Forced hydration was recommended in all patients with grade I HC. Patients with HC and clots were treated with continuous bladder irrigation, and 14 of 44 patients with BK viraemia received cidofovir +/- ribavirin. Eight of these patients (57%) responded to treatment. Refractory HC was detected in 17 patients (17%) and resolved by a variety of procedures. Conclusions: This study suggests that CMV reactivation is associated with increased risk of HC in multivariate analysis, however, this result is not confirmed in patients with HC grade II and beyond.
Prospective Analysis of Hemorrhagic Cystitis and Bk Viremia in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
(Galenos Yayincilik, 2020) Atilla, Erden; Ates, Can; Uslu, Atilla; Atilla, Pinar Ataca; Dolapci, Istar; Tekeli, Alper; Topcuoglu, Pervin
Objective: BK virus (BKV) infection has been shown to be related to hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). There are conflicting data regarding the association between BKV titers in plasma and clinical disease as well as the risk factors for BKV-related HC. Our aim is to study the risk factors and relationship with plasma BK viral load for development of HC in a prospective analysis. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated 59 patients who received allo-HSCT between 2014 and 2016 by quantitative BK virus polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (Altona Diagnostics, Germany) from blood samples at days 0, 30, 60, and 90 after allo-HSCT. The patients were monitored for signs and symptoms of HC. Results: HC was diagnosed in 22 patients (37 %) at a mean of 100 days (range: 0-367 days). In multivariate analysis, the usage of cyclophosphamide (sub-distribution hazard ratio [sdHR]: 7.82, confidence interval [CI]: 1.375-39.645, p=0.02), reactivated CMV (sdHR: 6.105, CI: 1.614-23.094, p=0.008), and positive BKV viremia (sdHR: 2.15, CI: 1.456-22.065, p=0.01) significantly increased the risk of developing HC. Patients with higher viral loads at day 30 and day 60 were diagnosed with more severe HC (p<0.001). Median BK viral loads of >101.5 copies/mL at day 0 (sensitivity 0.727, specificity 0.875), >98.5 copies/mL at day 30 (sensitivity 0.909, specificity 0.875), and >90.0 copies/mL at day 60 (sensitivity 0.909, specificity 0.875) were indicative of HC. Conclusion: Our study showed that administration of cyclophosphamide, CMV reactivation, and BK virus positivity were associated with HC. Plasma BK virus PCR titers at days 0, 30, and 60 after transplant were sensitive tools for predicting clinically proven HC.
The Relationship Between Fc Epsilon Receptor-1a a and Β ( Fcer1a and Fcer1b) ) Gene Polymorphisms in Patients With Chronic Urticaria Using Omalizumab
(Termedia Publishing House Ltd, 2024) Savas, Hulya; Ozkol, Hatice Uce; Gorgisen, Gokhan; Ozkol, Halil; Ates, Can; Metin, Ahmet; Ozdemir, Ilknur Yorgun
Introduction: Chronic urticaria requires well-defined treatment strategies in order to achieve a maximum treatment response and maintain the quality of life. Since 2014, omalizumab has been used in chronic urticaria. However, many studies showed that some patients are resistant to omalizumab. Aim: To determine the effects of single nucleotide changes in the FCER1A and FCER1B genes, which are thought to be related to resistance mechanisms, in our population of patients who have not responded to omalizumab treatment. Material and methods: We included 100 patients with chronic urticaria who were treated with omalizumab and 50 healthy individuals. Frequently observed gene polymorphisms, FCER1A (rs2251746) and FCER1B (rs569108), were examined in peripheral blood samples. The regions of rs2251746 and rs569108 gene polymorphisms were amplified using fluorescently labelled probes through real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The analysis was performed bioinformatically via the SNP genotype profiling program. Results: There was no statistically significant relationship between FCER1A (rs2251746) and FCER1B (rs569108) gene polymorphisms in patients and their clinical, demographic characteristics, and the resistance to treatment (p > 0.05). In our study, the mean patient age was found to be higher in the CT group (44.71 +/- 12.5 years) compared to the TT group (37.34 +/- 11.5 years) only in the rs2251746 polymorphism (p < 0.05). Conclusions: In our study, there was no significant relationship between FCER1A and FCER1B gene polymorphisms and resistance to omalizumab therapy. Further, multicentre, large-scale studies are needed to support our results.
Use of Arfi Elastography in the Prediction of Placental Invasion Anomaly Via a New Virtual Touch Quantification Technique
(Taylor & Francis inc, 2018) Cim, Numan; Tolunay, Harun Egemen; Boza, Baris; Arslan, Harun; Ates, Can; Ilik, Ibrahim; Yavuz, Alpaslan
We aimed to evaluate the efficiency of placental elasticity in predicting a placental invasion anomaly with the Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ) technique. Pregnant women in the third trimester with suspected placental invasion anomaly were enrolled into the research (n = 58). The placenta was evaluated and divided into three equal parts as foetal edge (inner 1/3 of placenta), maternal edge (outer 1/3 of placenta) and the central part (central 1/3 of placenta). Shear wave velocity (SWV) measurements were used in the elastographic evaluation of placentas by VTQ. We performed the measurements at the different regions of placenta for sampling the variety areas of the placenta. Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Elastography scores were significantly higher in the group in which an invasion was detected during the surgery of patients with preoperative placental invasion suspicion. A significant difference in the measurements of the inner, central and outer third of the placenta between the groups was found (p < .001). In this study, we have shown higher SWV scores of placental measurements of the patients with preoperative suspected anomalies and an invasion detected during their surgery. These findings may reflect an event at the tissue elasticity level and we hope that the use of the VTQ technique may contribute to an early prediction of placental invasions before surgery in the future via new research.
Validation of the Turkish Version of the Skin Cancer Quality of Life Impact Tool (Scqolit): a Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire for Non-Metastatic Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
(Mattioli 1885, 2023) Karakok, Hilayda; Bostanci, Seher; Akay, Bengu Nisa; Caliskan, Deniz; Ates, Can; Koese, Kenan