Is There a Relationship Between Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Tissue Fibrillin-1 Levels?

Ayla Eser,Eylem Unlubilgin,Fatih Hizli,Muradiye Acar,Zeynep Kamalak,Aydin Kosus,Nermin Kosus,Deniz Hizli,Esra Gunduz 대한배뇨장애요실금학회 2015 International Neurourology Journal Vol.19 No.3

Purpose: Pelvic organ prolapse is a multifactorial disorder in which extracellular matrix defects are implicated. Fibrillin-1 level is reduced in stress urinary incontinence. In Marfan syndrome, which is associated with mutations in Fibrillin-1, pelvic floor disorders are commonly observed. We hypothesize that Fibrillin-1 gene expression is altered in pelvic organ prolapse. Methods: Thirty women undergoing colporrhaphy or hysterectomy because of cystocele, rectocele, cystorectocele, or uterine prolapse were assigned to a pelvic prolapse study group, and thirty women undergone hysterectomy for nonpelvic prolapse conditions were assigned to a control group. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted on vaginal tissue samples to measure the expression of Fibrillin-1. Expression levels were compared between study and control groups by Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni revision. Results: Fibrillin-1 gene expression was not significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. Similarly, no significant correlation between Fibrillin-1 levels and grade of pelvic prolapse was found. Age over 40 years (P=0.018) and menopause (P=0.027) were both associated with reduced Fibrillin-1 levels in the pelvic prolapse group, whereas the delivery of babies weighing over 3,500 g at birth was associated with increased Fibrillin-1 expression (P=0.006). Conclusions: The results did not indicate a significant reduction in Fibrillin-1 gene expression in pelvic prolapse disorders; however, reduced Fibrillin-1 may contribute to increased pelvic organ prolapse risk with age and menopause. Increased Fibrillin- 1 gene expression may be a compensatory mechanism in cases of delivery of babies with high birth weight. Further studies are needed for a better understanding of these observations.

MicroRNAs in Colorectal Cancer: from Diagnosis to Targeted Therapy

Orang, Ayla Valinezhad,Barzegari, Abolfazl Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.17

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major healthcare problems worldwide and its processes of genesis include a sequence of molecular pathways from adenoma to carcinoma. The discovery of microRNAs, a subset of regulatory non-coding RNAs, has added new insights into CRC diagnosis and management. Together with several causes of colorectal neoplasia, aberrant expression of oncomiRs (oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs) in cancer cells was found to be indirectly result in up- or down-regulation of targeted mRNAs specific to tumor promoter or inhibitor genes. The study of miRNAs as CRC biomarkers utilizes expression profiling methods from traditional tissue samples along with newly introduced non-invasive samples of faeces and body fluids. In addition, miRNAs could be employed to predict chemo- and radio-therapy responses and be manipulated in order to alleviate CRC characteristics. The scope of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of scientific literature describing aberrantly expressed miRNAs, and consequently dysregulation of targeted mRNAs along with the potential role of miRNAs in CRC diagnosis and prognosis, as well as to summarize the recent findings on miRNA-based manipulation methods with the aim of advancing in anti-CRC therapies.

Meta Analysis of Studies about Breast Self Examination between 2000-2009 in Turkey

Ergin, Ayla Berkiten,Sahin, Nevin Hotun,Sahin, Fezan Mutlu,Yaban, Zuleyha Simsek,Acar, Zeynep,Bektas, Hatice Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2012 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.13 No.7

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze studies in Turkey about self-breast examination and produce conclusive, reliable and detailed basis for future studies. Methods: Studies performed between 2000 and 2009 (until the end of September) were retrieved from databases using breast cancer, breast examination, breast cancer screening and risk factors as key words. Fifty-nine studies were identified and 18 of them (15 journal articles and three theses) were used for the meta-analysis. Results: Married women and women with a family history of breast cancer were found to perform self-breast examination more frequently than single women and women without a family history of breast cancer, respectively (OR=1.02 %CI 0.82-1.63; OR=1.16 %CI 0.82-1.63). According to the health belief model scales, women performing self-breast examination were determined to have 1.7 times higher susceptibility (OR=1.70), 1.34 times higher seriousness perception (OR=1.34), 3.32 times higher health motivation (OR=3.32), 5.21 times more self-efficacy/confidence (OR=5.21) and 2.56 times higher self-breast examination benefit perception (OR=2.56). Conclusion: Nursing care models caused an increase in self-breast examination by women, and thus, it may be useful to organize and evaluate such health-related programs and consider women health perceptions.

Prognostic Factors, Treatment and Outcome in a Turkish Population with Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma

Donertas, Ayla,Nayki, Umit,Nayki, Cenk,Ulug, Pasa,Gultekin, Emre,Yildirim, Yusuf Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2015 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.16 No.3

Purpose: To analyze treatment modalities and prognostic factors in patients with Stage I-II endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). Materials and Methods: Twenty four patients (nineteen with low-grade ESS [LGESS] and five with high-grade ESS [HGESS]) were assessed retrospectively in terms of general characteristics, prognostic factors, treatment methods and survival. Results: Twenty patients were at Stage I and three were at Stage II. The stage of one patient could not be determined. With respect to age and comorbidity, no statistically significant difference was found among disease-free survival (DFS) (p=0.990; p=0.995). However, DFS was significantly shorter in Stage II than Stage I patients (p=0.002). It was also significantly shorter in HGESS patients than in LGESS patients (p=0.000). There was no statistically significant differences among the overall survival (OVS) times of patients with respect to age at diagnosis and comorbid disease (p=0.905; p=0.979) but OVS was significantly shorter in patients with HGESS (p=0.00) and Stage II disease (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference was found with respect to OVS between patients who received radiotherapy (RT) and those who did not receive RT (p=0.055). It was not statistically possible to include other treatment modalities in the analysis because of the small sample size. Conclusions: Grade and stage of a tumour were found to be the most important prognostic factors. It was not possible to determine the optimal surgical method and the effect of adjuvant treatment since the number of cases was insufficient.

Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of miR-205 in Colorectal Cancer

Orang, Ayla Valinezhad,Safaralizadeh, Reza,Feizi, Mohammad Ali Hosseinpour,Somi, Mohammad Hossein Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.9

Emerging evidence has shown associations of microRNA-205 (miR-205) with crucial cell processes such as the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and aberrant expression with tumorigenesis in many types of human malignancy. This prospective study characterized the contribution of miR-205 to the colorectal cancer (CRC) tumorigenesis. The real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to examine miR-205 levels prospectively in 36 pairs of samples of CRC tissue and adjacent noncancerous tissue (>2 cm from cancer tissue). In addition, the relationship between miR-205 levels and clinicopathological features was explored. The capability of miR-205 to function as a tumor marker was also examined. miR-205 expression levels did not show significant changes overall. However, miR-205 was significantly downregulated in a group of CRC samples compared with matched noncancerous tissue samples. Moreover, decreased miR-205 correlated significantly with lymphatic metastasis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve also showed an optimum cut off point of $1.4{\times}10^{-3}$ to distinguish lymphatic metastatic CRCs from non-metastatic CRCs. Interestingly we found lymphatic metastasis in almost 80% of the depressed samples. This study suggested that miR-205 could be reduced in the majority of metastatic CRCs and the risk of CRC metastasis may be predicted by monitoring miR-205 in patient samples collected at the time of the initial diagnosis. Therefore, targeting miR-205 and its potential environmental activators might be a promising therapeutic option to prevent malignant progression toward metastasis.

Compliance with Screening Recommendations According to Breast Cancer Risk Levels in Izmir, Turkey

Acikgoz, Ayla,Ergor, Gul Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2013 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.14 No.3

Early diagnosis has a major role in improving prognosis of breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk status of women 35-69 years of age using risk assessment models and the prevalence of mammography in a community setting. The sample of this cross sectional study consisted of 227 women, 35-69 years of age residing in Izmir, a city located in western region of Turkey. A questionnaire was used to collect data and the Gail and Cuzick-Tyrer models were applied to assess the risk of breast cancer. In this study, 52.7% of women had mammography at least once, and 41.3% of the women over the age of 40 had mammography screening in the last two years. The five years risk for breast cancer was high in 15.8% of women according to the Gail model and ten years risk was high in 21.7% with the Cuzick-Tyrer model. In the present study, the breast cancer risk levels were assessed in a population setting for the first time in Turkey using breast cancer risk level assessment models. Being in 60-69 age group, having low education and not being in menopause were significant risk factors for not having mammography according to logistic regression analysis. Mammography utilization rate was low. Women must be educated about breast cancer screening methods and early diagnosis. The women in the high risk group should be informed on their risk status which may increase their attendance at breast cancer screening.

Evaluation of the radiopacity of restorative materials with different structures and thicknesses using a digital radiography system

Yaylaci, Ayla,Karaarslan, Emine Sirin,Hatırli, Huseyin Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology 2021 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.51 No.-

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacities of various types of restorative materials with different thicknesses compared with enamel, dentin, and aluminum. Materials and Methods: Four bulk-fill resins, 2 hybrid ceramics, 2 micro-hybrid resin composites, 6 glass ionomer-based materials, 2 zinc phosphate cements, and an amalgam were used in the study. Twelve disk-shaped specimens were prepared from each of 17 restorative materials with thicknesses of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm (n=4). All the restorative material specimens with the same thickness, an aluminum (Al) step wedge, and enamel and dentin specimens were positioned on a phosphor storage plate and exposed using a dental X-ray unit. The mean gray values were measured on digital images and converted to equivalent Al thicknesses. Statistical analyses were performed using 2-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post hoc test(P<0.05). Results: Radiopacity was significantly affected by both the thickness and the material type (P<0.05). GCP Glass Fill had the lowest radiopacity value for samples of 1 mm thickness, while Vita Enamic had the lowest radiopacity value for 2-mm-thick and 4-mm-thick samples. The materials with the highest radiopacity values after the amalgam were zinc phosphate cements. Conclusion: Significant differences were observed in the radiopacities of restorative materials with different thicknesses. Radiopacity was affected by both the material type and thickness.

Insights into the Diverse Roles of miR-205 in Human Cancers

Orang, Ayla Valinezhad,Safaralizadeh, Reza,Feizi, Mohammad Ali Hosseinpour Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention 2014 Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention Vol.15 No.2

The recent discovery of tiny microRNAs (miRNAs) has brought about awareness of a new class of regulators of diverse pathways in many physiological and pathological processes, such as tumorigenesis. They modulate gene expression by targeting plethora of mRNAs, mostly reducing the protein yield of a targeted mRNA. With accumulation of information on characteristics of miR-205, complex and in some cases converse roles of miR-205 in tumor initiation, progression and metastasis are emerging. miR-205 acts either as an oncogene via facilitating tumor initiation and proliferation, or in some cases as a tumor suppressor through inhibiting proliferation and invasion. The aim of this review is to discuss miR-205 roles in different types of cancers. Given the critical effects of deregulated miR-205 on processes involved in tumorigenesis, they hold potential as novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers.

Evaluation of the radiopacity of restorative materials with different structures and thicknesses using a digital radiography system

Yaylacı Ayla,Karaarslan Emine Sirin,Hatırlı Hüseyin 대한영상치의학회 2021 Imaging Science in Dentistry Vol.51 No.3

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the radiopacities of various types of restorative materials with different thicknesses compared with enamel, dentin, and aluminum. Materials and Methods: Four bulk-fill resins, 2 hybrid ceramics, 2 micro-hybrid resin composites, 6 glass ionomer- based materials, 2 zinc phosphate cements, and an amalgam were used in the study. Twelve disk-shaped specimens were prepared from each of 17 restorative materials with thicknesses of 1 mm, 2 mm, and 4 mm (n= 4). All the restorative material specimens with the same thickness, an aluminum (Al) step wedge, and enamel and dentin specimens were positioned on a phosphor storage plate and exposed using a dental X-ray unit. The mean gray values were measured on digital images and converted to equivalent Al thicknesses. Statistical analyses were performed using 2-way analysis of variance and the Bonferroni post hoc test (P<0.05). Results: Radiopacity was significantly affected by both the thickness and the material type (P<0.05). GCP Glass Fill had the lowest radiopacity value for samples of 1 mm thickness, while Vita Enamic had the lowest radiopacity value for 2-mm-thick and 4-mm-thick samples. The materials with the highest radiopacity values after the amalgam were zinc phosphate cements. Conclusion: Significant differences were observed in the radiopacities of restorative materials with different thick- nesses. Radiopacity was affected by both the material type and thickness.

Transformation of marriage migrants to diasporic actors and rethinking female agency: Ukrainian women in Türkiye

Deniz Ayla,Özgür Ertuğrul Murat 이화여자대학교 아시아여성학센터 2024 Asian Journal of Women's Studies(AJWS) Vol.30 No.1

This article investigates the transformation of Ukrainian female marriage migrants in Türkiye into diasporic actors. This role as diasporic actors represents a unique aspect of female agency, and its impact on migrant women and the diaspora is discussed. The representatives of the hometown associations (HTAs) were interviewed, the activities of the HTAs were tracked, and their social media posts were examined. The findings reveal that when women became diasporic actors, they influenced community politics on a large scale and created multiple networks. It has also been found that migrants strengthened the institutional structures of the HTAs by using these networks. Moreover, through their approach of bringing different groups together, they created a diaspora composition where hierarchy in representation is not explicit.