Browsing by Author "Demir, H"
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Item Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Patients with Testicular CancersKaba, M; Pirinççi, N; Yüksel, MB; Geçit, I; Günes, M; Demir, M; Akkoyun, H; Demir, HIntroduction: Trace elements are primary components of biological structures; however, they can be toxic when their concentrations are higher than those needed for biological functions. Materials and Methods: In the present study serum levels of trace elements were measured in 30 patients (mean age was 26.9 +/- 11.2 years) newly diagnosed with germ cell testicular cancer and 32 healthy volunteers (mean age: 27.4 +/- 10.8) by using furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Serum samples were stored at-20 degrees C until assays. Results: In patients with germ cell testicular cancer, the diagnosis was seminoma in 15, mix germ cell tumor in 7, embryonal carcinoma in 4, yolk sac tumor in 2 and teratoma in 2 patients. There was stage I testicular tumor in 19 patients (63.3%) while stage II in 6 patients (20.0%), stage IIIA in 4 patients (13.3%) and stage IIIC in one patient (3.4%). It was found that serum Co, Cu, Mg and Pb levels were increased (p<0.05), whereas Fe, Mn, and Zn levels were decreased in patients with testicular cancer (p<0.05). Conclusions: These alterations may be important in the pathogenesis of testicular cancers; however, further prospective studies are needed to identify the relationship between testicular cancer and trace elements.Item Serum prolidase activity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with renal cell carcinomaPirinççi, N; Kaba, M; Geçit, I; Günes, M; Yüksel, MB; Tanik, S; Arslan, A; Demir, HObjectives: Prolidase is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family. It plays a vital role in collagen turnover, matrix remodeling, and cell growth. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancers. Oxidative stress can cause tumor angiogenesis and may be carcinogenic. However, the relationship between antioxidant capacity and various cancers has been researched in several clinical trials. In our study, we aimed to identify serum prolidase activity, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with renal tumors and to evaluate their relationships with each other. Materials and Methods: A total of 37 male patients with renal cell cancer and with a mean age of 56.28 +/- 3.1 were included in the study. The control group comprising 36 male patients (mean age 56.31 +/- 2.9) was randomly selected among the volunteers. Serum samples for measurement of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and prolidase levels were kept at -20 degrees C until they were used. Results: Serum prolidase activity and MDA levels were significantly higher in renal cancer patients than in controls (all, p < 0.05), while SOD, GSHPx, and GST levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our results indicate that increased prolidase seems to be related to increased oxidative stress along with decreased antioxidant levels in renal cancer.Item Serum adenosine deaminase, catalase and carbonic anhydrase activities in patients with bladder cancerPirinççi, N; Geçit, I; Günes, M; Yüksel, MB; Kaba, M; Tanik, S; Demir, H; Aslan, MOBJECTIVES: The relationship between adenosine deaminase and various cancers has been investigated in several studies. However, serum adenosine deaminase activity and carbonic anhydrase and catalase activities in patients with bladder cancer have not previously been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study was to measure serum adenosine deaminase, carbonic anhydrase and catalase activities in patients with bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with bladder cancer and 30 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Serum adenosine deaminase, carbonic anhydrase and catalase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. RESULTS: Serum adenosine deaminase, carbonic anhydrase and catalase activities were significantly higher in patients with bladder cancer than controls (all significant, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These markers might be a potentially important finding as an additional diagnostic biochemical tool for bladder cancer.Item Levels of Serum Trace Elements in Renal Cell Carcinoma CasesPirinççi, N; Geçit, I; Günes, M; Kaba, M; Tanik, S; Yüksel, MB; Arslan, H; Demir, HTrace elements which are essential components of biological structures may also be toxic when present at levels above the amounts required for biological function. In our study, trace element levels were measured with furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 33 newly diagnosed renal cell carcinoma cases (preoperative) and 32 healthy controls. When compared with the control group, it was found that the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) were higher and the levels of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were lower in the patient group. These changes may be important in the formation of renal cell carcinoma, a question which should be explored with postoperative comparative studies.Item Efficacy of subsequent treatments in patients with hormone-positive advanced breast cancer who had disease progression under CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapy (vol 23, 136, 2023)Karacin, C; Oksuzoglu, B; Demirci, A; Keskinkiliç, M; Baytemür, NK; Yilmaz, F; Selvi, O; Erdem, D; Avsar, E; Paksoy, N; Demir, N; Göksu, SS; Türker, S; Bayram, E; Çelebi, A; Yilmaz, H; Kuzu, ÖF; Kahraman, S; Gökmen, I; Sakin, A; Alkan, A; Nayir, E; Ugrakli, M; Acar, Ö; Ertürk, I; Demir, H; Aslan, F; Sönmez, Ö; Korkmaz, T; Celayir, ÖM; Karadag, I; Kayikçioglu, E; Sakalar, T; Öktem, IN; Eren, T; Erul, E; Mocan, EE; Kalkan, Z; Yildirim, N; Ergün, Y; Akagündüz, B; Karakaya, S; Kut, E; Teker, F; Demirel, BÇ; Karaboyun, K; Almuradova, E; Ünal, OÜ; Oyman, A; Isik, D; Okutur, K; Öztosun, B; Gülbagci, BB; Kalender, ME; Sahin, E; Seyyar, M; Özdemir, Ö; Selçukbiricik, F; Kanitez, M; Dede, I; Gümüs, M; Gökmen, E; Yaren, A; Menekse, S; Ebinç, S; Aksoy, S; Imamoglu, GI; Altinbas, M; Çetin, B; Uluç, BO; Er, Ö; Karadurmus, N; Erdogan, AP; Artaç, M; Tanriverdi, Ö; Çiçin, I; Sendur, MAN; Oktay, E; Bayoglu, IV; Paydas, S; Aydiner, A; Salim, DK; Geredeli, Ç; Yavuzsen, T; Dogan, M; Hacibekiroglu, IItem Efficacy of subsequent treatments in patients with hormone-positive advanced breast cancer who had disease progression under CDK 4/6 inhibitor therapyKaracin, C; Oksuzoglu, B; Demirci, A; Keskinkiliç, M; Baytemür, NK; Yilmaz, F; Selvi, O; Erdem, D; Avsar, E; Paksoy, N; Demir, N; Göksu, SS; Türker, S; Bayram, E; Çelebi, A; Yilmaz, H; Kuzu, ÖF; Kahraman, S; Gökmen, I; Sakin, A; Alkan, A; Nayir, E; Ugrakli, M; Acar, Ö; Ertürk, I; Demir, H; Aslan, F; Sönmez, Ö; Korkmaz, T; Celayir, ÖM; Karadag, I; Kayikçioglu, E; Sakalar, T; Öktem, IN; Eren, T; Urul, E; Mocan, EE; Kalkan, Z; Yildirim, N; Ergün, Y; Akagündüz, B; Karakaya, S; Kut, E; Teker, F; Demirel, BÇ; Karaboyun, K; Almuradova, E; Ünal, OÜ; Oyman, A; Isik, D; Okutur, K; Öztosun, B; Gülbagci, BB; Kalender, ME; Sahin, E; Seyyar, M; Özdemir, Ö; Selçukbiricik, F; Kanitez, M; Dede, I; Gümüs, M; Gökmen, E; Yaren, A; Menekse, S; Ebinç, S; Aksoy, S; Imamoglu, GI; Altinbas, M; Çetin, B; Uluç, BO; Er, Ö; Karadurmus, N; Erdogan, AP; Artaç, M; Tanriverdi, Ö; Çiçin, I; Sendur, MAN; Oktay, E; Bayoglu, IV; Paydas, S; Aydiner, A; Salim, DK; Geredeli, Ç; Yavuzsen, T; Dogan, M; Hacibekiroglu, IBackground There is no standard treatment recommended at category 1 level in international guidelines for subsequent therapy after cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitor (CDK4/6) based therapy. We aimed to evaluate which subsequent treatment oncologists prefer in patients with disease progression under CDKi. In addition, we aimed to show the effectiveness of systemic treatments after CDKi and whether there is a survival difference between hormonal treatments (monotherapy vs. mTOR-based). Methods A total of 609 patients from 53 centers were included in the study. Progression-free-survivals (PFS) of subsequent treatments (chemotherapy (CT, n:434) or endocrine therapy (ET, n:175)) after CDKi were calculated. Patients were evaluated in three groups as those who received CDKi in first-line (group A, n:202), second-line (group B, n: 153) and >= 3rd-line (group C, n: 254). PFS was compared according to the use of ET and CT. In addition, ET was compared as monotherapy versus everolimus-based combination therapy. Results The median duration of CDKi in the ET arms of Group A, B, and C was 17.0, 11.0, and 8.5 months in respectively; it was 9.0, 7.0, and 5.0 months in the CT arm. Median PFS after CDKi was 9.5 (5.0-14.0) months in the ET arm of group A, and 5.3 (3.9-6.8) months in the CT arm (p = 0.073). It was 6.7 (5.8-7.7) months in the ET arm of group B, and 5.7 (4.6-6.7) months in the CT arm (p = 0.311). It was 5.3 (2.5-8.0) months in the ET arm of group C and 4.0 (3.5-4.6) months in the CT arm (p = 0.434). Patients who received ET after CDKi were compared as those who received everolimus-based combination therapy versus those who received monotherapy ET: the median PFS in group A, B, and C was 11.0 vs. 5.9 (p = 0.047), 6.7 vs. 5.0 (p = 0.164), 6.7 vs. 3.9 (p = 0.763) months. Conclusion Physicians preferred CT rather than ET in patients with early progression under CDKi. It has been shown that subsequent ET after CDKi can be as effective as CT. It was also observed that better PFS could be achieved with the subsequent everolimus-based treatments after first-line CDKi compared to monotherapy ET.Item Real-world efficacy and safety data of immune checkpoint inhibitors in Turkish patients with metastatic melanoma: A Turkish oncology group studyOzgun, MA; Dogan, I; Eryilmaz, MK; Erdogan, AP; Ayhan, M; Hafizoglu, E; Tolunay, PK; Cavdar, E; Cevik, GT; Demir, H; Dulgar, O; Yilmaz, B; Cakir, E; Gokyer, A; Unal, OU; Perkin, P; Sakalar, T; Gulmez, A; Tasci, ES; Lacin, SItem Can Cytoreductive Nephrectomy Improve Outcomes of Nivolumab Treatment in Patients with Metastatic Clear-Cell Renal Carcinoma?Ocak, B; Sahin, AB; Ertürk, I; Korkmaz, M; Erdem, D; Cakiroglu, U; Karaca, M; Dirican, A; Olmez, OF; Aydin, SG; Gökyer, A; Kücükarda, A; Gülmez, A; Yumuk, PF; Demircan, NC; Oyman, A; Sakalar, T; Karatas, F; Demir, H; Yasin, AI; Deligonul, A; Dakiki, B; Goktug, MR; Avci, O; Tacar, SY; Turhal, NS; Deniz, GI; Kacan, T; Cubukcu, E; Evrensel, TBackground: This study aimed to investigate the effect of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) on the survival outcomes of nivolumab used as a subsequent therapy after the failure of at least one anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agent in patients with metastatic clear-cell renal-cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Methods: We included 106 de novo metastatic ccRCC patients who received nivolumab after progression on at least one anti-VEGF agent. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors affecting survival in patients receiving nivolumab. Results: Of the 106 de novo metastatic ccRCC patients, 83 (78.3%) underwent CN. There were no statistical differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score, tumor size, International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) risk group, number of previous treatment lines, first-line anti-VEGF therapy, or metastasis sites (p = 0.137, p = 0.608, p = 0.100, p = 0.376, p = 0.185, p = 0.776, p = 0.350, and p = 0.608, respectively). The patients who received nivolumab with CN had a longer time to treatment discontinuation (TTD) [14.5 months, 95% confidence interval (CI): 8.6-20.3] than did those without CN 6.7 months (95% CI: 3.9-9.5) (p = 0.001). The median overall survival (OS) was 22.7 months (95% CI: 16.1-29.4). The patients with CN had a median OS of 22.9 months (95% CI: 16.3-29.4), while those without CN had a median OS of 8.1 months (95% CI: 5.6-10.5) (p = 0.104). In the multivariate analysis, CN [hazard ratio (HR): 0.521; 95% CI: 0.297-0.916; p = 0.024] and the IMDC risk score (p = 0.011) were statistically significant factors affecting TTD; however, the IMDC risk score (p = 0.006) was the only significant factor for overall survival. Conclusions: Our study showed that the TTD of nivolumab was longer in metastatic ccRCC patients who underwent cytoreductive nephrectomy.Item Comparison of survival with somatostatin analog and chemotherapy and prognostic factors for treatment in 165 advanced neuroendocrine tumor patients with Ki-67 20% or lessÖzaslan, E; Karaca, H; Koca, S; Sevinç, A; Hacioglu, B; Özkan, M; Özçelik, M; Duran, AO; Hacibekiroglu, I; Yildiz, Y; Tanriverdi, Ö; Menekse, S; Aksoy, A; Bozkurt, O; Urvay, S; Uysal, M; Demir, H; Çiltas, A; Dane, FThe objectives of this study were to compare progression-free survival (PFS) with somatostatin analog (SSA) versus chemotherapy (CTx) in first-line therapy and to determine the patient group in which these treatments were more effective in neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) with a Ki-67 index of 20% or less. Patients who received SSA or CTx and had unresectable locally advanced and metastatic NETs with a Ki-67 index of 20% or less were retrospectively selected from 13 centers in the Turkish database between 2000 and 2015. One hundred and sixty-five patients were enrolled. The median age was 56 years and the male-to-female ratio was 1.09. Seventy-four (45%) patients were of grade 1 NET and 91 (55%) were of grade 2. SSA was given to 104 patients, whereas 61 were treated with CTx. The objective response rate after SSA was 15.4%; another 73.1% had stable disease. The objective response rate after CTx was 36.1%, and 40.9% had stable disease (P = 0.008). The median PFS in SSA patients was 21 months (95% confidence interval: 12.4-29.6), and 8 months for CTx (95% confidence interval: 5.5-10.6) (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between PFS of receiving SSA and CTx in pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (PNET) patients; however, the PFS of receiving SSA was longer in non-PNET patients (P < 0.001). SSA was better treatment in advanced NET patients with a Ki-67 index of less than 5%, having a primary resected and a performance status of 0 (P < 0.05). SSA may be preferred over CTx in advanced NET patients with low-to-intermediate grade. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.Item Open, Prospective, Multi-Center, Two-Part Study of Patient Preference with Monthly Ibandronate Therapy in Women with Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Switched From Daily or Weekly Alendronate or Risendronate-BONCURE: Results of Turkish Sub-StudyEskiyurt, N; Irdesel, J; Sepici, V; Ugurlu, H; Kirazli, Y; Ardiç, F; Bütün, B; Akyüz, G; Cerrahoglu, L; Sendur, ÖF; Yalçin, P; Öncel, S; Saridogan, M; Sarpel, T; Tosun, M; Kutsal, YG; Senel, K; Gürsoy, S; Cantürk, F; Demir, H; Özdener, F; Öncel, HAim: BONCURE (Bonviva for Current Bisphosphonate Users Regional European Trial), aimed to evaluate patient preference with monthly ibandronate in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis who previously received daily or weekly alendronate or risendronate. Materials and Methods: This prospective, open-label study consisted of two sequential stages, Part A (screening) and Part B (treatment). Patients enrolled into Part A completed the Candidate Identification Questionnaire (CIQ). In Part B, after completing the Osteoporosis Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (OPSATQ), patients received monthly oral ibandronate 150 mg for 6 months. Following treatment, patients completed the OPSAT-Q and Preference Questionnaire. Results: A total of 223 patients (mean age, 63.7 +/- 9.51 years) were enrolled in Part A from Turkey. Among them, 103 (46.2%) answered YES to at least one CIQ question. The mean composite OPSAT-Q domain scores increased for convenience (mean change, 15.3 +/- 17.7 points), quality of life (10.4 +/- 20.4 points), overall satisfaction (11.9 +/- 22.7 points), and side effects (3.3 +/- 18.8 points). At month 6, 177 subjects (92.7%) preferred once-monthly dosing schedule and 99.0% were compliant (>= 80%) with study treatment. Thirty (15.6%) subjects experienced mild to moderate adverse events, mostly gastrointestinal. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis prefer and are more satisfied and compliant with monthly dosing of ibandronate than daily or weekly bisphosphonate treatment. (Turkish Journal of Osteoporosis 2012; 18: 1-7)Item Efficacy of everolimus plus hormonal treatment after cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor; real-life experience, A TOG studyBeypinar, I; Demir, H; Yaslikaya, S; Köseci, T; Demir, B; Çolak, G; Agaoglu, AB; Sahbazlar, M; Sanci, PC; Cabuk, D; Isik, U; Sahin, E; Coskun, A; Caner, B; Aykut, T; Artac, M; Duygulu, ME; Sever, N; Öksüz, S; Turan, N; Aykan, MB; Tüzün, EK; Uysal, M; Ugurlu, I; Sakin, A; Acar, C; Özaskin, D; Sakalar, T; Keskinkilic, M; Yavuzsen, T; Köse, N; Ertürk, I; Yildirim, N; Balçik, OY; Alkan, A; Selvi, O; Ercin, E; Ünal, OU; Karaçin, CPurpose In advanced breast cancer, endocrine therapy is preferred in the absence of visceral crisis. Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CDKi) are the gold standards. The selection of subsequent treatments after CDKi treatment is still controversial, and the efficacy of everolimus (EVE) combinations is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the efficacy of EVE after CDKi administration in real-life experiences. Method The study received data from 208 patients from 26 cancer centers. Demographic and histologic features, diagnosis, progression, last visit dates, and toxicities were recorded. This study was a retrospective case series. Results One hundred and seven patients received palbociclib, while 101 patients received ribociclib as a CDKi. The overall response and disease control rates of EVE combinations were 60% and 88%, respectively. In univariate analysis, the absence of liver metastasis, age > 40 years, better type of response, and immediate treatment after CDKi were related to increased progression-free survival. Liver metastasis and response type were significantly associated with overall survival. In the multivariate analysis, response remained significant in terms of progression-free survival, while response type, liver metastatic disease, and hematologic toxicity were prognostic in terms of overall survival. Conclusion This study provides evidence of the benefits of EVE combinations after CDKi treatment. EVE combinations may be more appropriate for patients with non-liver metastasis, and the first treatment response shows the benefit of treatment. In addition, immediate treatment after CDKi treatment is more beneficial than later lines of treatment.Item A CANDIDATE INDENTIFICATION QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PATIENTS WITH POSTMENOPAUSAL OSTEOPOROSIS SWITCHED FROM TREATMENT WITH A DIALY OR WEEKLY BISHPOSPHONATE TO ONCE-MONTHLY IBANDRONATE-BONCURE: RESULTS OF TURKISH SUB-STUDYEskiyurt, N; Sendur, OF; Yalcin, P; Oncel, S; Saridogan, M; Sarpel, T; Tosun, M; Kutsal, YG; Senel, K; Gursoy, S; Canturk, F; Irdesel, J; Demir, H; Ozdener, F; Oncel, H; Serpici, V; Ugurlu, H; Kirazli, Y; Ardic, F; Butun, B; Akyuz, G; Cerrahoglu, LItem Efficacy of first-line CDK 4-6 inhibitors in premenopausal patients with metastatic breast cancer and the effect of dose reduction due to treatment-related neutropenia on efficacy: a Turkish Oncology Group (TOG) studyYildirim, HC; Kapar, C; Koksal, B; Seyyar, M; Sanci, PC; Guliyev, M; Perkin, P; Buyukkor, M; Yaslikaya, S; Majidova, N; Keskinkilic, M; Ozaskin, D; Avci, T; Gunes, TK; Arcagok, M; Topal, A; Keskin, GSY; Kavgaci, G; Yildirim, N; Celayir, OM; Avci, N; Aslan, F; Alkan, A; Erciyestepe, M; Cengiz, M; Pehlivan, M; Gulmez, A; Beypinar, I; Tuylu, TB; Kayikcioglu, E; Chalabiyev, E; Turhal, S; Guzel, HG; Ayas, E; Sahbazlar, M; Dulgar, O; Demir, H; Yavuzsen, T; Bayoglu, V; Salim, DK; Ozturk, B; Ozdemir, F; Kara, O; Oksuzoglu, B; Bal, O; Demirci, NS; Yilmaz, M; Cabuk, D; Aksoy, SThe only phase 3 study on the effectiveness of CDK 4-6 inhibitors in first-line treatment in premenopausal patients with hormone receptor (HR) positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer is the MONALEESA-7 study, and data on the effectiveness of palbociclib is limited. Data are also limited regarding the effectiveness of CDK 4-6 inhibitors in patients whose dose was reduced due to neutropenia, the most common side effect of CDK 4-6 inhibitors. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of palbociclib and ribociclib in first-line treatment in patients with premenopausal metastatic breast cancer and the effect of dose reduction due to neutropenia on progression-free survival. Our study is a multicenter, retrospective study, and factors affecting progression-free survival (PFS) were examined in patients diagnosed with metastatic premenopausal breast cancer from 29 different centers and receiving combination therapy containing palbociclib or ribociclib in the metastatic stage. 319 patients were included in the study. The mPFS for patients treated with palbociclib was 26.83 months, and for those receiving ribociclib, the mPFS was 29.86 months (p = 0.924). mPFS was 32.00 months in patients who received a reduced dose, and mPFS was 25.96 months in patients who could take the initial dose, and there was no statistical difference (p = 0.238). Liver metastasis, using a fulvestrant together with a CDK 4-6 inhibitor, ECOG PS 1 was found to be a negative prognostic factor. No new adverse events were observed. In our study, we found PFS over 27 months in patients diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer with CDK 4-6 inhibitors used in first-line treatment, similar to post-menopausal patients. We did not detect any difference between the effectiveness of the two CDK 4-6 inhibitors, and we showed that there was no decrease in the effectiveness of the CDK 4-6 inhibitor in patients whose dose was reduced due to neutropenia.Item A candidate-identification questionnaire for patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis switched from treatment with a daily or weekly bisphosphonate to once-monthly ibandronateKutsal, YG; Eskiyurt, N; Irdesel, J; Sepici, V; Ugurlu, H; Kirazli, Y; Ardic, F; Korsic, M; Vlak, T; Grlickov, M; Temelkova, SM; Lazarov, M; Pilipovic, N; Popovic, V; Dimic, A; Kovacev, B; Ruci, D; Tafaj, A; Kucukalic-Selimovic, E; Avdic, D; Seleskovic, H; Pejicic, S; Butun, B; Akyuz, G; Cerrahoglu, L; Sendur, OF; Yalcin, P; Oncel, S; Saridogan, M; Sarpel, T; Tosun, M; Senel, K; Gursoy, S; Cantürk, F; Demir, H; Miskic, B; Krpan, D; Skreb, F; Grazio, S; Crncevic-Orlic, Z; Ozdener, F; Oncel, HItem Prevalence of Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis in Turkey: A Nationwide StudyTuncer, T; Gilgil, E; Kaçar, C; Kurtais, Y; Kutlay, S; Bütün, B; Yalçin, P; Akarirmak, Ü; Altan, L; Ardiç, F; Ardiçoglu, Ö; Altay, Z; Cantürk, F; Cerrahoglu, L; Çevik, R; Demir, H; Durmaz, B; Dursun, N; Duruöz, T; Erdogan, C; Evcik, D; Gürsoy, S; Hizmetli, S; Kaptanoglu, E; Kayhan, Ö; Kirnap, M; Kokino, S; Kozanoglu, E; Kuran, B; Nas, K; Öncel, S; Sindel, D; Orkun, S; Sarpel, T; Savas, S; Sendur, OF; Senel, K; Ugurlu, H; Uzunca, K; Tekeoglu, I; Guillemin, FObjectives: This study aims to estimate the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) in Turkey using the same telephone questionnaire developed for screening RA and SpA in France and used in Serbia and Lithuania. Material and methods: The study was performed in two steps. In step I, the French questionnaire was translated into Turkish and validated through a group of 200 patients (80 males, 120 females; mean age 44.0 +/- 13.1 years; range, 19 to 75 years) followed up at the rheumatology departments of University Hospitals in Antalya and Ankara. In step II, the validated Turkish questionnaire was administered face-to-face to randomly selected 4,012 subjects (1,670 males, 2,342 females; mean age 41.5 +/- 16.8 years; range, 16 to 97 years) by trained general practitioners across the country, in 25 provinces for case detection. The subjects who were suspected of having RA or SpA in accordance with the questionnaire were invited to the nearest university hospital for rheumatologic examination in order to confirm the diagnosis. Results: In step II, a total of 25 subjects (2 males, 23 females) were diagnosed as RA. The standardized RA prevalence for the general population of Turkey was calculated as 0.56% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 0.33-0.79), 0.10% (95% CI; -0.05-0.25) for males and 0.89% (95% CI; 0.51-1.27) for females. A total of 18 subjects (3 males, 15 females) were diagnosed as SpA. The standardized SpA prevalence for the general population of Turkey was 0.46% (95% CI; 0.25-0.67), 0.17% (95% CI; -0.03-0.37) for males and 0.65% (95% CI; 0.32-0.98) for females. The prevalence of RA was highest in the Northern region (2.00%) and the prevalence of SpA was highest in the Central region (1.49%). Conclusion: The prevalences of RA and SpA in Turkey are close to each other and there are significant inter-regional variations in prevalences of both RA and SpA.Item Serum Levels of Trace Elements in Patients with Prostate CancerKaba, M; Pirincci, N; Yuksel, MB; Gecit, I; Gunes, M; Ozveren, H; Eren, H; Demir, HBackground: Trace elements are major components of biological structures; however, excessive levels of these elements can be toxic. Materials and Methods: In the present study, serum levels of trace elements were measured in 30 patients with newly diagnosed as prostate cancer and 32 healthy volunteer by using furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results: It was found that there was an increase in serum levels of Co, Cu, Mg and Pb (p<0.05), whereas a decrease in serum levels of Fe, Mn, and Zn levels in patients with prostate cancer (p<0.05). Conclusions: These changes may be important in the pathogenesis of prostate cancers; however, further prospective studies are needed to identify relationships between prostate cancer and trace elements.