Publications by authors named "Ahmet Bircan"

Introduction: The results of standard chemotherapy in lung cancer are not very satisfactory, so it is important to identify genetic mutations that provide targeted therapies. Recent reports have suggested influences of racial difference on the frequency of mutation in lung cancer. We aimed to determine the frequency and regional distribution of genetic mutations of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Turkey.

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Purpose: We aimed to establish an inflammatory prognostic index (IPI) in early and advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients based on hematologic and biochemical parameters and to analyze its predictive value for NSCLC survival. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 685 patients with early and advanced NSCLC diagnosed between 2009 and 2014 was conducted with collection of clinical, and laboratory data. The IPI was calculated as C-reactive protein × NLR (neutrophil/ lymphocyte ratio)/serum albumin.

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Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially life-threatening disorder. Patients with PE often have nonspecific symptoms, and the diagnosis is often delayed.

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the role of signal peptide-complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1-epidermal growth factor domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) used in the diagnosis of PE.

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Aim: The early diagnosis and treatment of lung cancer are important for the prognosis of patients with lung cancer. This study was undertaken to investigate patient and doctor delays in the diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC and the factors affecting these delays.

Materials And Methods: A total of 1016 patients, including 926 (91.

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EGFR and KRAS mutation profile in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) shows wide variations due to geographic and ethnic background. We aimed to determine the frequency and types of EGFR and KRAS mutations in a sample group of Turkish NSCLC cases. The study included 14 adenocarcinomas (ACs), 11 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) patients selected from archival material including small biopsy or surgical specimens.

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Objective: To report a case of broncholithiasis with different types of calculi in the tracheobronchial tree.

Clinical Presentation And Intervention: A 50-year-old male who suffered from hemoptysis presented with recurrent broncholith expectoration due to past tuberculous middle lobe syndrome. Bronchoscopic examination revealed loose and embedded broncholiths located at two different bronchi.

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Pulmonary carcinosarcoma, belonging to sarcomatoid carcinomas, is a quite rare tumor that contains both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal elements. This tumor has different phenotypic characteristics and clinical course compared to non-small cell lung tumors. A case diagnosed as carcinosarcoma is presented and its clinical and pathological features and the differential diagnosis are discussed.

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Objective: We aimed to investigate the influence of reproductive factors on chronic respiratory symptoms and pulmonary function in a cross-sectional study of premenopausal and postmenopausal women 44-61 years of age.

Methods: Self-reported data on respiratory symptoms were obtained from 1082 women. Usable forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) (2.

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Maspin, one of the serine protease inhibitors, has been shown to inhibit tumor progression and metastasis. We aimed to investigate maspin, p53 and VEGF expression in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), adenocarcinoma (AC) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). The study included 28 SCC, 18AC, 17 SCLC biopsy samples.

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We aimed to investigate the effects of body weight supported treadmill training (BWSTT) on cardio-pulmonary functions and on depression in subjects with incomplete spinal cord injury (SCI). Eight subjects (2 female, 6 male) with incomplete SCI participated in this study. Heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP) and resting pulmonary function parameters were obtained from each subject at baseline and after BWSTT.

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Objectives: To evaluate the general attitude of a sample of Turkish general practitioners (GPs) toward tobacco dependence and to assess their knowledge and behavior regarding smoking cessation (SC).

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire modified from WHO, Global Health Professional Survey was distributed to GPs, working in our district, Isparta.

Results: As much as 41% of GPs were current smokers.

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Background: Objective diagnosis of severe pulmonary embolism (PE) is obligatory because of its considerable mortality.

Aim: To assess the abilities of electrocardiography (ECG) score (sECG) and the newly generated scoring system composed of the scores obtained from arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis and shock index (SI) in addition to sECG in predicting severe PE.

Material And Methods: The degree of pulmonary vascular obstruction (sPVO) and the right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) were determined with spiral computed tomography (CT) in 53 consequent patients with PE.

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Objectives: To determine the prevalence of habitual snoring (HS) and its association with both day- and nighttime symptoms, school performance and behavioral disturbances in a sample of primary school children.

Subjects And Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 1,605 children (819 boys and 786 girls) aged 7-13 years from 9 randomly selected primary schools located within the city limits of Isparta, Turkey. HS and sleep problems were assessed using a 55-item multiple-choice questionnaire.

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Background And Objective: Environmental asbestos exposure is causally associated with various pulmonary pathologies. In Turkey, one of the most important sources of asbestos exposure is dust originating from the walls of homes whitewashed with white stucco. The main asbestos types implicated are tremolite and, to a lesser extent, chrysotile.

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Brucellosis remains a world-wide public health problem especially in developing brucellosis remains a world-wide public health problem especially in developing countries. Although involvement of the respiratory system in brucellosis is an acknowledged but rare event, its clinical manifestations and focal complications are often troublesome in making a diagnosis. Herein, we report a pneumonia case which proved due to Brucella melitensis in a 57-year-old man who presented with chronic cough, sputum, hemoptysis and fever.

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Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the mineral status of mandibles, femurs, and spines in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients under long-term inhaled corticosteroid therapy.

Materials And Methods: Pulmonary function tests were conducted on patients (n = 30) with COPD under inhaled corticosteroid therapy for at least 1 year. The results were compared to sex- and age-matched controls (n = 30).

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Objective: To investigate the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exacerbations or specifically bacterial exacerbations and to evaluate a correlation between raised CRP levels and other markers of inflammation in patients with an acute exacerbation (AECOPD).

Subjects And Methods: The medical records of patients with AECOPD were retrospectively analyzed. They were categorized according to the nature of sputum as mucoid or purulent and to the findings on chest radiographs as with pneumonia (PCOPD) or without pneumonia.

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Anthracotic pigmentation in the bronchial mucosa has been regarded as a bronchoscopic finding of pneumoconiosis or evidence of heavy atmospheric soot. Anthracotic pigmentation with bronchial narrowing or obliteration, surrounded by calcified or noncalcified lymph nodes is typical finding of anthracofibrosis. There is a potential relationship between bronchial anthracofibrosis and tuberculosis.

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This study aimed to evaluate the relations between the levels of CRP, leukocyte count and ESR on admission and the severity of pneumonia according to the criteria of Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) and British Thoracic Society (BTS) CAP guidelines. This study included the adult patients with CAP admitted to our clinic between the years 2003-2005. The history, physical findings, hemogram, ESR, the levels of CRP and the results of other laboratory investigations were obtained from the medical records.

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Pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM) is a rare disease of unknown etiology characterized by accumulation of calcific concretions in the alveolar spaces. The paper reports a case of PAM in a 56-year-old male. The patient had persistent dry cough, and gradually progressive dyspnea on exertion.

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Recent studies have associated short-term exposure to respirable particulate matter (PM(10)) and sulphur dioxide (SO(2)) with peak flow decrements, increased symptoms of respiratory irritation, increased use of asthma medications, and increased admission and hospitalization for asthma. To further delineate the association between SO(2), PM(10) exposure and asthmatic response, we compiled daily records of asthma emergency room visits from our hospital and data of meteorological conditions, SO(2) and PM(10) concentrations in Ankara area. Weekly averages of daily counts of emergency room visits for asthma were significantly associated with average weekly SO(2) and PM(10) exposure on previous week (r= 0.

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