Genotype Distribution and Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus in Head and Neck Cancer Samples from Istanbul, Turkey.

Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated tumors account for a significant proportion of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) in developed countries. In recent years, there has been a rise of HPV infections associated with HNSCC, especially HPV16, which is the most commonly detected type in oral and oropharyngeal cancers. To investigate the frequency of HPV-driven HNSCC among patients living in Turkey, HPV DNA positivity and p16INK4A expression were assessed in primary tumor biopsies (n = 106).

Frequency of CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A alleles in HIV-infected and uninfected patients in Istanbul, Turkey.

Introduction: Co-receptors involved in cell entry of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and mutations in genes encoding their ligands may play a role in the susceptibility to infection and resistance to the progression of the infection. The best studied mutations that can exist in these genes are the CCR5-Δ32, CCR2-64I and SDF1-3'A mutations. The frequency of these mutations vary from continent to continent and even from region to region.

Mutations in Core Gene Region of Hepatitis B Virus in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B.

Background: The HBV core protein plays a major role in host immune response. Mutations occurring in the HBV core gene may cause alterations in the major epitopes being effective in the host immune response. Until now, the persistent effects of core gene mutations on HBV infections have not been fully understood.

Analysis of Hepatitis C Virus NS5A Region in Patients with Cirrhosis Using an Ultra-Deep Pyrosequencing Method.

Background: HCV (Hepatitis C Virus) is genetically more diverse than HBV and HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and exists as quasispecies within infected individuals. This is due to the lack of efficient proofreading of the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Consequently, quasispecies emerge depending on the mutation rate of the viral polymerase, which may display a high level of genetic variability in a population.

Analysis of potential antiviral resistance mutation profiles within the HBV reverse transcriptase in untreated chronic hepatitis B patients using an ultra-deep pyrosequencing method.

The potential antiviral resistance mutations within hepatitis B virus (HBV) reverse transcriptase (RT) region for nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) are not well known. Especially, the effect of pre-existing antiviral drug resistance mutations in untreated patients in comparison to the resistance developed after treatment is not still clear. Sixteen naive chronic hepatitis B patients were studied.

Clinical features of hepatitis B virus genotypes in Turkish patients.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg) as well as the hepatitis C antibody, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and liver inflammation and damage in chronic patients of hepatitis B.

Methods: The study was conducted at the Department of Microbiology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey, between June 2002 and February 2003. Randomly selected 63 patients of chronic hepatitis B represented the study population.

In Vitro Antifungal Activity of Ankaferd Blood Stopper Against Candida albicans.

Background: Candida albicans is a memeber of the oral flora that can lead to various complications in immunosupresive patients after oral surgery processes. Ankaferd Blood Stopper® (ABS) is a medical plant extract that is safe to use in patients with dental surgery bleedings in Turkey.

Objective: The study evaluated the antifungal activity of ABS medicinal plant extract against C albicans using the agar diffusion and broth microdilution methods.

Transmission routes of chronic hepatitis C and their relation to HCV genotypes.

Background/aims: Hepatitis C virus transmission routes in chronic hepatitis C patients, the relationship between the viral genotype and the transmission routes were studied.

Material And Methods: Genotyping was performed by using a commercial reverse hybridization method, Line Probe Assay.

Results: Genotyping of 108 HCV RNA positive patients revealed four different types (1, 2, 3, and 4) and some mixed types.

Decreased prohepcidin levels in patients with HBV-related liver disease: relation with ferritin levels.

Background: Levels of prohepcidin, a homeostatic regulator of iron absorption, are altered in chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis. However, data on the potential alterations of prohepcidin in patients with HBV-related liver disease are scarce. We investigated whether serum prohepcidin is related to iron overload and perenchymal dysfuction in HBV-related liver disease.

An atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis.

Background: Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis/periodontitis are considered necrotizing periodontal diseases. This case report presents an atypical form of necrotizing periodontitis, which does not fit into this classification.

Methods: A 12-year-old child was referred to our clinic for gingival inflammation, extensive alveolar bone loss, and tooth mobility.

Salivary detection of periodontopathic bacteria and periodontal health status in dental students.

Objective: Saliva may become a potential source of contamination through vertical and horizontal transmissions as well as cross-infections. This study aims to use saliva as a screening tool to detect putative periodontal pathogens in a young population with fairly good oral hygiene.

Materials And Methods: Stimulated saliva samples were obtained from 134 dental students (20.