Sample Of Turkish Population Research Articles

Role of miRNA Gene Variants (miR-22 and miR-155) as the Factors Affecting Susceptibility to Panic Disorder.

Variants within genes encoding microRNAs (miRNAs) may alter the expression of both miRNAs and their target genes, thus contributing to the etiology of psychiatric disorders. The involvement of miRNAs in neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity supported this hypothesis. We aimed to investigate the links between miR-155 rs767649/miR-22 rs8076112 and the risk of panic disorder (PD) in a sample of Turkish population. In this experimental study, 134 PD patients and 140 healthy controls were recruited. Genotyping was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. To evaluate PD phenotypes, Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) was also administered to patients to clarify possible associations between the scale and risk variants analyzed. The genotype analysis of miR-155 rs767649 did not show an association with PD risk and it was not related to the disease severity. For miR-22 rs8076112 variant, a statistically significant association was determined; CC genotypes were lower in patients compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis proved the highly protective effect (80.4%) of CC genotype against PD (p = 0.041; OR = 0.196, 95% CI = 0.041-0.934). Though its significance in disease liability, miR-22 rs8076112 was not associated with the disease severity. Our findings firstly report the combined analysis of miR-155 rs767649 and miR-22 rs8076112 in PD in terms of both disease susceptibility and severity. These findings await replication in independent cohorts with enrichment of other miRNA gene variants. Thus, certain miRNAs and their target genes involved in the etiology and phenotypes of PD could be enlightened.

Vascular endothelial growth factor I/D variant and postmenopausal osteoporosis risk in the Turkish population

Introduction Postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) is a common metabolic bone disorder manifested by low bone mineral density and increased fracture risks in postmenopausal women. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has been shown to play an important role in bone formation. In this study, we investigated the potential association between the VEGF insertion/deletion (I/D) variant (rs35569394) and PMOP in a cohort of postmenopausal Turkish women. Methods This study included 300 women, including 150 PMOP patients and 150 healthy postmenopausal women. A T score was used in the diagnosis of OP. DNA was extracted from all subjects. The VEGF I/D polymorphism was analyzed by the PCR method. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) test and odds ratio (OR) were analyzed, considering CI 95% and p ≤ 0.05. Results The mean age of patients aged between 40 and 74 was 60.32 ± 8.65. The frequency of the I/I, I/D, and D/D genotypes was 7.34% versus 6.66%; 67.33% versus 65.34%; and 25.33% versus 28%, in patients and the control group, respectively. The allele frequencies were I: 41% (patients) and 39.4% (controls); D: 59% (patients) and 60.66% (controls). There was no statistically significant difference in the VEGF − 2549 I/D allele and genotype distribution between patients with PMOP and control subjects (p = 0.349, p = 0.864, respectively). Conclusion Our results showed that the VEGF I/D variant was not a significant factor in the development of PMOP in a Turkish population sample. These findings need confirmation in other ethnic populations.

Retrospective evaluation of condylar morphology using panoramic radiography in a sample of Turkish population.

The temporomandibular joint is one of the most complex anatomic structures. It takes a great role in masticatory system and helps to make possible some functions such as speaking, chewing and swallowing. Clinicians should have sufficient anatomical knowledge to assess relationships of the hard and soft tissues, including the mandibular condyle, glenoid fossa, articular eminence of the temporal bone, the articular disc and its attachments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of different types of mandibular condyles and its distribution according to the age and gender. It was also evaluated whether the condyle types were bilaterally symmetrical or not. A total of 1315 digital panoramic images which obtained from the patients suffering from the dental problems were assessed. Demographic data, condylar morphology were noted. All obtained data were analysed by using descriptive statistics. Morphology of mandibular condyles were classified into four shapes as identified in other studies, namely: type I - oval shape, type II - diamond shape, type III - bird beak shape, type IV - crooked finger shape. Two independent examiners, who have 19 and 7 years of experience in oral and dentomaxillofacial radiology, made a consensus and evaluated all images. A total of 1315 digital panoramic images were assessed. Seven hundred sixty-seven [58.3%] the patients were female and 548 [41.6%] were male. The age range of patients was from 18 to 84 years. Right-left condyle types were found to be symmetrical in the range of 67% of the subpopulation examined in the study. For the consensus, 'oval' condyle was common on both the right and left, while 'crooked finger' condyle was the rarest. The temporomandibular joint is the most important structure for all jaw functions such as speech, swallowing. In order for all these functions to continue in a healthy way, the anatomical structure should be known very well down to the finest detail. Identification of anatomical structures and their variations can play an important role in implant dentistry. Clinicians commonly prefer conventional radiologic methods to evaluate dentomaxillofacial region. Although the most of the variations are asymptomatic and require no treatment,correct identification of these findings will reduce unnecessary further diagnostic assessments and will provide more appropriate treatment plans.

The determination of acetabular parameters in a Turkish population sample: CT-based retrospective analysis of side and gender differences.

Determination of the acetabular morphology and orientation is important for the total hip arthroplasty applications. In general, preoperative planning for these patients is done on true hip X-rays in orthopedics clinics. But those evaluations may not represent the acetabular architecture in detail, because of 2 dimensional images. The aim of this study is to determine the acetabular morphology of a healthy Turkish adult population sample through examination of acetabular parameters on 3-dimensional computed tomography (CT)-based images according to side and gender. A retrospective evaluation was made of acetabulum CT scans taken for various reasons in a healthy Turkish population sample. The examination parameters were defined as measurements of the acetabular anteversion angle, acetabular abduction angle, lateral center edge angle, acetabular width, acetabular depth, sagittal acetabular angle, and medial wall thickness values. The CT scans including the bone structure were examined of a total of 252 hips of 126 patients. The acetabular index was calculated as depth/width × 100. Lateral center edge angle of < 20° with medial wall thickness > 5 mm was accepted as a criterion of dysplasia of the acetabulum. Evaluation was made of the acetabular CT scans of 73 females and 53 males with a mean age of 44.64 ± 12.31 (19-68) years. A statistically significant difference was determined between the sides in respect of acetabular anteversion angle (P = .007) and between the genders in respect of acetabular depth and acetabular width (P = .001, P = .001). The prevalence of dysplasia was determined to be 1.6% for the whole study group, as 1.9% in males and 1.4% in females. In the current study sample there were parametric differences between sides and genders in terms of acetabulum morphology and orientation. Further studies of larger series will be able to provide a better representation of the Turkish population.

Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness and Its Relationship with Other Anthropometric Measurements: A Sample of Healthy Turkish Population

Objective: The aim of the authors of this study was to determine the reference values for the Adductor Pollicis Muscle Thickness (APMT) in individuals belonging to a healthy population and to compare these values with other anthropometric measurements. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the APMT in the dominant and non-dominant hands of 385 healthy individuals categorized according to age and gender variables were measured with a caliper. Individuals in the “A” category according to the Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) test were included in the study, and anthropometric measurements. Results: In the study, 193 women and 192 men were included, and various anthropometric measurements were taken. The mean APMT values of the dominant and non-dominant hands were 20.87 ± 3.23 mm and 19.28 ± 2.93 mm in men and 16.78 ± 3.10 mm and 15.43 ± 2.92 mm in women, respectively, which indicates that there were significant differences between the members of the two genders and between the members of the same gender (p&amp;lt;0.001). There was a high level of positive correlation between the mean APMT values of the dominant hand and the mid-upper arm circumference (p&amp;lt;0.001). Conclusion: In this study, a high-level and positive correlation was found between APMT values and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), mid-upper arm muscle circumference (MUAMC) and mid-upper arm muscle area (AMA) values. APMT measurement emerges as a useful and new anthropometric measurement method in the assessment of the nutritional status of a person.

Effects of genetic polymorphisms of CYP2J2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP4F2, CYP4F3 and CYP4A11 enzymes in preeclampsia and gestational hypertension

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2J2, CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP4F2, CYP4F3 and CYP4A11 genetic polymorphisms in preeclampsia and gestational hypertension (GHT) patients in a sample of Turkish population. Materials-methodsPatients (n = 168; 110 GHT and 58 preeclampsia) and healthy pregnant women (n = 155, controls) participated in the study. For genotyping, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction analysis (RFLP) were used. Substance levels were measured using LC-MS. ResultsPlasma DHET levels in GHT and preeclampsia patients were significantly lower than those in the control group (62.7%, 66.3% vs.100.0%, respectively, p < 0.0001). An increase in CYP2J2*7 allele frequency was observed in the preeclampsia group, as compared to GHT group (12.1% vs. 4.5%; odds ratio, O.R. = 2.88, p < 0.01). The frequencies of CYP2C19*2 and*17 alleles were higher in GHT group as compared to the control group (17.7% vs. 11.6%, O.R. = 1.99, p < 0.01; and 28.6% vs.18.4%, O.R. = 2.03, p < 0.01, respectively). An increased frequency of CYP4F3 rs3794987 G allele was found in GHT group as compared to the control group (48.0% vs. 38.0%; O.R. = 1.53, p < 0.01). DiscussionDHET plasma levels were significantly reduced in hypertensive pregnant groups as compared to the control group. The allele frequency distributions for CYP2J2*7, CYP2C19 *2, *17 and CYP4F3 rs3794987 were significantly different in hypertensive pregnant patients as compared to the healthy control subjects. Our results may suggest that investigated genetic polymorphisms may be useful in diagnosis and clinical management of GHT and preeclampsia patients.

Lack of association of superoxide dismutase I/D variant with osteopenia/osteoporosis in Turkish postmenopausal women

Background Osteoporosis (OP) is a common systemic, metabolic bone disease that affects 40% of postmenopausal women. Oxidative stress (OS) ìs caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), inhibits osteoblast differentiation and causes apoptosis in osteoblastic cells. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) reduces OS by playing a role in the reduction and defense of intracellular ROS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between osteopenia/OP and the SOD1 50-bp insertion/deletion (I/D) variant in Turkish postmenopausal women. Methods A total of 180 women participated in this study includḭng 89 osteopenia/OP postmenopausal women and 91 healthy postmenopausal women. T-score > −1 standard deviation (SD) defined normal bone mass, T-score between −1 and −2.5 SD defined osteopenia, T-score ≥ −2.5 SD was defined as OP. DNA was extracted from all subjects and the SOD1 I/D variant genotyped by PCR. The results of the analyses were evaluated for statistical significance. Results The mean age of 89 osteopenia/OP patients aged 45 to 74 was 58.57 ± 6.57. There was no D/D homozygous genotype in the patient and control groups. The prevalence of genotypes of I/I, and I/D, profiles for the SOD1 I/D variant were 76.4%, and 23.6% respectively, in patients, and 72.5%, and 27.5% respectively, in the control group. When the patient group and control group were compared, the SOD1 I/D genotype distribution and allele frequencies did not show a significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion Our results showed that the SOD1 I/D variant may not be considered a determining factor in the development of osteopenia/OP in a Turkish population sample. However, ethnic differences, gene-gene, and gene-environment interactions should not be ignored.

Sex estimation using foramen magnum measurements, discriminant analyses and artificial neural networks on an eastern Turkish population sample

BackgroundAlthough many studies have been conducted using the foramen magnum for sex estimation, recent findings have indicated that the discriminant and regression models obtained from the foramen magnum may not be reliable. Artificial Neural Networks, was used as a classification technique in sex estimation studies on some other bones, did not used in sex estimation studies on the foramen magnum until now. The aim of this study was sex estimation on an Eastern Turkish population sample using foramen magnum measurements, discriminant analyses and Artificial Neural Networks. MethodologyThe study was performed on the CT images of a total of 720 cases, comprising 360 males and 360 females. For sex estimation, discriminant analysis and Artificial Neural Networks were used. ResultsThe accuracy rate was 86.7% with discriminant analysis and when sex estimation accuracy was determined according to cases with posterior probabilities above 95%, the accuracy ranged from 0% to 33.3%. With the use of the discriminant formulas of 2 other studies, obtained from different Turkish samples, sex could be determined at a rate of 84.6%. Some formulas were found to be unsuccessful in sex estimation. Sex estimation accuracy of 88.2% was achieved with Artificial Neural Networks. ConclusionIn this study, it was found that sex could be determined to some extent with discriminant formulas from other samples from the same population, although some formulas were unsuccessful. With the use of image processing techniques and machine learning algorithms, better results can be obtained in sex estimation.

Efficiency of the Adjusted Binary Classification (ABC) Approach in Osteometric Sex Estimation: A Comparative Study of Different Linear Machine Learning Algorithms and Training Sample Sizes.

Simple SummaryThis study adopts a dynamic methodology to explore challenges to the practical application of the adjusted binary classification (ABC) approach, which are related to the unmodifiable characteristics of data used in its development, such as intrasexual variation (sexual dimorphism) of variables and methodological factors such as the selected classification algorithm and sample size. The adequacy of a training dataset’s size was judged relative to the classification performance in an independent test set. Finding an optimal classifier was also addressed in this study, wherein the results demonstrate that both statistical modeling and machine learning techniques perform almost equally in the univariate models; however, differences are evident in the multivariate model due to the different number of variables included via the feature selection process, as well as the effect of inadequate training sample size relative to the test set. This approach is particularly useful when quick classification/prediction is required for making real-time forensic decisions.The adjusted binary classification (ABC) approach was proposed to assure that the binary classification model reaches a particular accuracy level. The present study evaluated the ABC for osteometric sex classification using multiple machine learning (ML) techniques: linear discriminant analysis (LDA), boosted generalized linear model (GLMB), support vector machine (SVM), and logistic regression (LR). We used 13 femoral measurements of 300 individuals from a modern Turkish population sample and split data into two sets: training (n = 240) and testing (n = 60). Then, the five best-performing measurements were selected for training univariate models, while pools of these variables were used for the multivariable models. ML classifier type did not affect the performance of unadjusted models. The accuracy of univariate models was 82–87%, while that of multivariate models was 89–90%. After applying ABC to the crossvalidation set, the accuracy and the positive and negative predictive values for uni- and multivariate models were ≥95%. Sex could be estimated for 28–75% of individuals using univariate models but with an obvious sexing bias, likely caused by different degrees of sexual dimorphism and between-group overlap. However, using multivariate models, we minimized the bias and properly classified 81–87% of individuals. A similar performance was also noted in the testing sample (except for FEB), with accuracies of 96–100%, and a proportion of classified individuals between 30% and 82% in univariate models, and between 90% and 91% in multivariate models. When considering different training sample sizes, we demonstrated that LR was the most sensitive with limited sample sizes (n < 150), while GLMB was the most stable classifier.

The prevalence of diabetes and associated risk factors among adult population in a Turkish population (Trabzon city)

ObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and prediabetes, and to evaluate the associated risk factors in a sample of adult Turkish population. MethodsA total of 4000 eligible study subjects, aged 20 years or older, chosen by multistage sampling on a field were considered. Of those 3721 subjects (2139 women and 1582 men) participated in the study. ResultsThe prevalence of prediabetes and DM were found to be as 6.4% and 10.4% (3.6% being newly diagnosed by this study), respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, advanced age (OR:26.7, p < 0.0005 in the group 70 years and over), marriage (OR:2.05, p = 0.047), housewives (OR:1.34, p = 0.003), family history of diabetes (OR:2.84, p < 0.0005), overweight (OR:1.61, p = 0.026), obesity (OR:2.25, p < 0.0005), hypertension (OR:1.42, p = 0.007) and dyslipidemia (OR:1.38, p = 0.028) were independent risk factors for being diabetic. ConclusionsDM is an important health problem in the adult population of Trabzon city. Newly diagnosed diabetic patients who were unaware of their status are at high risk. To control DM and associated risk factors, effective public health education and taking urgent steps are needed.

Reference Intervals of Hematological Parameters in a Large Sample of Turkish Population from the Cukurova Region of Turkey

Reference Intervals of Hematological Parameters in a Large Sample of Turkish Population from the Cukurova Region of Turkey

Prevalence of hypercementosis and frequency of possible etiological factors in a Turkish subpopulation.

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and types of hypercementosis and the frequency of possible etiological factors in a large sample of Turkish central Anatolian population. A cross-sectional study was performed using panoramic radiographs of 1176 randomly selected adult patients with an age range of 18-96 years, who presented to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology of the Faculty of Dentistry, Cumhuriyet University (Sivas, Turkey) for dental care. Patients were questioned about the presence of systemic diseases. Panoramic radiographs of the patients were examined for the presence and types of hypercementosis (diffuse, focal and shirt sleeve cuff) and the frequency of local factors that may be associated with hypercementosis. Chi-square and t-tests were used for statistical analysis. Hypercementosis was detected in 128 of 1176 patients. In total, 85.6% of the teeth with hypercementosis had a diffuse, 7.5% had a focal, and 6.8% had a shirt sleeve cuff type. Hypercementosis was observed most frequently in the mandibular (P < 0.05) and the premolar region. Gender-related differences were nonsignificant (P > 0.05). Atherosclerosis, osteoporosis, and multiple diseases were reported more frequently in individuals with hypercementosed teeth (P < 0.05). While idiopathic origin (39.3%), bruxism (30%), and inflammation (24.37%) were the most prevalent local etiological factors, impacted teeth (1.25%) and history of trauma (0.62%) were less common. The prevalence of hypercementosis was 10.8% in the study population. The lesions were more common in the mandibule. Idiopathic origin was the most common factor associated with hypercementosis.

Prevalence of odontogenic cysts and tumors on turkish sample according to latest classification of world health organization: A 10-year retrospective study.

The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence of odontogenic cysts and tumors occurred in a sample of Turkish population in the last 10 years and to compare the data with latest reports. The present retrospective study was carried out at Gazi University, School of Dentistry (GUSD) in Ankara, Turkey. All the data was retrieved from the GUSD archive on patients treated for various oral and maxillofacial lesions between 2008 and 2018. Patients' demographical data, main clinical features of the lesions along with histopathological findings were retrieved from the dental files of the patients. The type of lesions was evaluated according to the latest Head and Neck Tumor (HNT) classification published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2017. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and Chi-square test using SPSS version 21.0 software. Among a total of 739 biopsy-conducted lesions, 467 (63.19%) were odontogenic cysts, 43 (5.82%) were benign odontogenic tumors, and 7 (0.95%) were malignant tumors. The rest of 222 cases were defined as others. The present study assessed the demographic and clinico-pathological characteristics of odontogenic cysts/tumors in a group of Turkish people, who visited GUSD for therapeutic purpose in the past 10 years. Results showed that male patients in their 5th-6th decades have the highest risk of odontogenic cyst/tumor, especially in the mandibular posterior region.

PAI-1 and tPA gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a sample of Turkish population.

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) I/D polymorphisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases in a sample of Turkish population. PAI-1 4G/5G and tPA Alu-repeat I/D genetic polymorphisms in 153 COPD subjects and 160 controls were investigated using PCR-RFLP and PCR methods, respectively. 4G allele frequency was 0.62 and 0.39 for COPD and control groups, respectively. 4G allele had an estimated 2.56- fold [95% CI = 1.85-3.53] increased risk of COPD. tPA I allele frequency was 0.55 and 0.50, for COPD and control groups, respectively. I allele had an estimated 1.19-fold [95% CI = 0.87-1.62] increased risk of COPD. PAI-1 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes seemed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of COPD in Turkish individuals.

PAI-1 and tPA gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a sample of Turkish population

Abstract&#x0D; Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G or tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) I/D polymorphisms in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) cases in a sample of Turkish population.&#x0D; Methods: PAI-1 4G/5G and tPA Alu-repeat I/D genetic polymorphisms in 153 COPD subjects and 160 controls were investigated using PCR-RFLP and PCR methods, respectively.&#x0D; Results: 4G allele frequency was 0.62 and 0.39 for COPD and control groups, respectively. 4G allele had an estimated 2.56-fold [95% CI = 1.85–3.53] increased risk of COPD. tPA I allele frequency was 0.55 and 0.50, for COPD and control groups, respectively. I allele had an estimated 1.19-fold [95% CI = 0.87–1.62] increased risk of COPD&#x0D; Conclusions: PAI-1 4G/4G and 4G/5G genotypes seemed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of COPD in Turkish individuals.&#x0D; Keywords: COPD; Genetic susceptibility; Polymorphisms; Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA); Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1)

Normal coronary diameters in Turkish population.

This study aims to define normal coronary artery diameters of males and females in a sample of Turkish population, compared to Asian-Indian and Western Caucasian populations. Angiographic and demographic data of a total of 324 patients (147 males, 177 females; mean age 55.3±10.1 years; range, 32 to 82 years) who underwent elective coronary angiography with angiographically normal coronary arteries between July 2017 and March 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Proximal diameters of major epicardial coronary arteries were measured using the Axiom Artis software according to edge detection method. All the measurements were adjusted to the body surface area. Unadjusted and adjusted values were compared between genders and with the Asian-Indian and Caucasian population samples. The mean diameters of unadjusted/adjusted left main coronary artery, proximal left anterior descending artery, proximal left circumflex artery, and proximal right coronary artery were 4.5±0.6 mm/2.4±0.4 mm/m2, 3.7±0.5 mm/1.9±0.3 mm/m2, 3.3±0.6 mm/1.7±0.3 mm/m2, and 3.4±0.6 mm/1.8±0.4 mm/m2, respectively. Adjusted left main coronary artery and proximal left circumflex artery were narrower, and unadjusted proximal left anterior descending artery and unadjusted/adjusted proximal right coronary artery were larger in men, compared to women in the Turkish population. Turkish population had similar body surface area and unadjusted/adjusted coronary diameters with Caucasians, whereas adjusted proximal left anterior descending artery was larger in the Turkish population than in Asian-Indians. Our study findings on the Turkish population contradict the traditional belief that women have narrower coronary arteries then men. Furthermore, the Turkish population have comparable adjusted/unadjusted coronary diameters with the Western Caucasians, but larger adjusted/unadjusted proximal left anterior descending artery, compared to Asian-Indians. We believe that our findings may contribute to the global data pool of normal coronary diameters and can be utilized in future studies as a database.

Konik Işınlı Bilgisayarlı Tomografi Kullanılarak Ege Bölgesi’nde Tonsilolit Prevalansının Araştırılması

Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the prevalence rate and characteristics of tonsilloliths in a Turkish population sample living in the Aegean region of Turkey using cone-beam computed tomography.Methods: Three hundred ninety-nine consecutive cone-beam computed tomography data was obtained at the Department of Oral and Dentomaxillofacial Radiology were retrospectively analyzed for the characteristics and presence of tonsilloliths. The subjects were divided into three groups according to age: (1) age ≤20 years; (2) age 21-40 years; (3) age ≥41 years. The correlation between subject demographics and the characteristics (number and prevalence) of tonsilloliths was investigated.Results: The prevalence rate of palatine tonsilloliths in 399 subjects (184 males, 215 females; mean age of 34.3 years) was 25.8%; the prevalence showed no significant difference between male and female genders (p=0.57). A positive correlation was observed between the number of tonsillotihs and age (p=0.002). Tonsillar calcification was significantly more common in Group 3 than Group 1 and 2, while it was significantly lower in Group 1 than the other groups (p=0.036). Conclusion: According to our results, tonsilloliths affect approximately a quarter of the Aegean population. Tonsilloliths are age-related but sex-independent. These calcifications are more common in people older than 40 years of age.

Evaluation of Population Data and Forensic Parameters of Turkish Population on 30 Autosomal Insertion and Deletion Polymorphisms

The InDel, based on the insertion or deletion in the human genome, is an alternative genetic marker for the widely used forensic STRs identification method. In this study we aim to determine forensic parameters of autosomal 30 InDel loci in Turkish population and to analyze the genetic differences between Turkish population and previously published other population data of alleged loci. We collected 250 blood samples from non-relative healthy volunteers. Then 30 insertion-deletion loci and amelogenin were amplified according to Investigator DIPplex® Kit manual (Qiagen). The PCR products were separated and analyzed. Forensic and population parameters of the 30 InDels were estimated with Promega PowerStats Excel worksheet, p-values of Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium and FST test of population differentiation were calculated with Arlequin ver. 3.5. After Bonferonni correction the DIPplex allele frequency distributions showed no significant deviation from HWE. FST indicated that significant statistical differences were found between our population and Korean population at 16, Somalian population at 16, Taiwanian population at 9, Finnish population at 5, Polish population at 1 InDel loci. There is no statistically significant results in between our Turkish population sample, Turkish population in Denmark, and Italian populations in North-East Italy. We present population data and forensic parameters for 30 autosomal InDels studied in Turkish population samples. This data set will be useful in paternity, kinship analysis and also in identification of the forensic case samples. We also emphesis that Turkish population data is genetically closer to the nearby European populations as expected.

Evaluation of Lacrimal Gland Dimensions with MR Imaging in a Turkish Population Sample

Evaluation of Lacrimal Gland Dimensions with MR Imaging in a Turkish Population Sample

The Prevalence of Anti-Rubella Antibodies in Pregnant Women of Turkey, Results of 94508 Patients in a Tertiary Referral Center.

To determine the seroprevalence of rubella in a tertiary referral center inAnkara,Turkey. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed from 2008 to 2017 at the outpatient clinic of Zekai Tahir Burak Women Health Care, Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. The study included 94508 pregnant women and the patients were evaluated in terms of IgG and IgM status, IgG avidity and amniotic fluid PCR testing if needed. Seropositivity for anti-rubella IgG and IgM were 89% and 0.19% respectively. 175 patients with IgM positivity were tested by avidity test, 114 patients were found to have high avidity and 57 patients with low avidity. 4 patients have accepted PCR testing and no positive result was found. In our sample of Turkish population, the rate of rubella IgG seropositivity was high suggesting that routine national vaccination programme for rubella is successful. Screening and vaccination of childbearing aged women and updating the national vaccination policy would be effective for the periodic decreases in the immunity.