Trakya University

About: Trakya University is a education organization based out in Edirne, Turkey. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 2727 authors who have published 5490 publications receiving 76048 citations. The organization is also known as: University of Thrace & Trakya Üniversitesi.

Determination of plasma microRNA for early detection of gastric cancer.

Abstract: Gastric cancer is the fourth most prevalent malignancy worldwide and remains the second most common cause of cancer-related death globally. Understanding the molecular structure of gastric carcinogenesis might identify new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for this disease. Thus, early detection of gastric cancer is a key measure to reduce the mortality and improve the prognosis of gastric cancer. There have recently been several reports that microRNAs (miRNAs) circulate in highly stable, cell-free forms in blood. Because serum and plasma miRNAs are relatively easy to access, circulating miRNAs also have great potential to serve as non-invasive biomarkers. Although a number of miRNAs associated with gastric cancer have been identified, the underlying mechanism of these miRNAs in tumorigenesis and tumor progression remains to be investigated. The purpose of this study is to identify the potential of serum miRNAs as biomarkers for early detection of gastric cancer patients. RNA was isolated using the High Pure miRNA Isolation Kit (Roche) following the manufacturer’s protocol. cDNA and preamplification protocols were obtained from the isolated plasma miRNAs. The BioMark™ 96.96 Dynamic Array (Fluidigm Corporation) for real-time qPCR was used to simultaneously quantite the expression of 740 miRNAs. All statistical analyses were performed using the Biogazelle’s qbase PLUS 2.0 software. In this study, among 740 miRNAs that we analyzed only miR-195-5p was significantly (p < 0.05, fold changes = 13, 3) down-regulated in gastric cancer patients compared with control. We demonstrated that miR-195-5p is a novel tumor suppressor miRNA and may contribute to gastric carcinogenesis. The miRNA expression profile described in this study should contribute to future studies on the role of miRNAs in gastric cancer.

Prevalence of postpartum depression in Edirne, Turkey, and related factors.

Abstract: Objective To estimate the community prevalence of postpartum depression (PPD) in Edirne, Turkey, and the potential risk factors for it. Study design The study was performed on mothers during the 6-week postpartum visit at home. A questionnaire that was devised to collect data on basic demographic information on the mothers and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were applied. A total of 210 mothers were interviewed between January and April 2002, and 178 of them whose data were complete were analyzed. We evaluated EPDS cutoff scores > or =12. Results With an EPDs cutoff score of > or =12, the prevalence of PPD was 40.4%. Such factors as the husband's unemployment and a low educational level, living in a rented house, and having psychological or other problems during a previous pregnancy were the most significant risk factors for PPD. In the logistic model, the family's preference for a male infant in the previous pregnancy, female infant in the previous delivery and unwanted pregnancy were associated with PPD. The OR for these 3 variables and their 95% CI are, respectively, OR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.57-6.12; OR = 2.18, 95% CI 1.09-4.37, and OR = 2.84, 95% CI 1.22-6.61). Conclusion The prevalence of PPD was high. Although the risk factors were similar to those in other studies, other family members' mention of wanting a son can cause depression in the mothers.

Production of α-Amylase from Penicillium chrysogenum under Solid-State Fermentation by Using Some Agricultural By-Products

Abstract: Summary Solid-state fermentation (SSF) was carried out using corncob leaf (CL), rye straw (RS), wheat straw (WS) and wheat bran (WB) as substrates for a-amylase production by a fungal culture of Penicillium chrysogenum. The effects of moisture level, particle size and inoculum concentration on enzyme synthesis from P. chrysogenum were investigated. Optimal moisture levels of substrates were 75, 65, 65 and 55 % for CL, WS, WB and RS substrates, respectively. Optimal particle size and inoculum concentration for the production of a-amylase were: >1 mm, 20 %; >1 mm, 20 %; 1 mm, 20 % and >1 mm, 30 % for CL, WS, WB and RS, respectively. WB showed the highest enzyme production with 160 U/mL under optimum conditions. The other enzyme activities were 28, 49 and 45 U/mL using CL, RS and WS, respectively.