• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.7
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• pp.3135-3141
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• 2012

This study was designed to adapt the Turkish versions of scales to evaluate fatigue in children with cancer from the perspectives of the children, parents and staff. The objective of this study was to validate "Child Fatigue Scale-24 hours" (CFS-24 hours), "Parent Fatigue Scale-24 hours" (PFS-24 hours) and "Staff Fatigue Scale-24 hours" (SFS-24 hours) for use in Turkish clinical research settings. Translation of the scales into Turkish and validity and reliability tests were performed. The validity of the translated scales was assessed with language validity and content validity. The reliability of the translated scales was assessed with internal consistency. The scales were evaluated by considering the following: calculation of the Cronbach alpha coefficient for parallel form reliability with 52 pediatric cancer patients, 86 parents and 43 nurses. The internal consistency was estimated as 0.88 for the Child Fatigue Scale-24 hours, 0.77 for the Parent Fatigue Scale-24 hours, and 0.72 for the Staff Fatigue Scale-24 hours (Cronbach's ${\alpha}$). The Turkish version of the Child Fatigue Scale -24 hours, the Parent Fatigue Scale -24 hours and the Staff Fatigue Scale -24 hours were judged reliable and valid instruments to assess fatigue in children and showed good psychometric properties. These scales should assist in understanding to what extent initiatives can minimize or eliminate fatigue. Our scales are recommended for further studies and use in pediatric oncology clinics as routine measurements and nursing initiatives should be planned accordingly.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.5
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• pp.1989-1994
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• 2012

Background and Purpose: An analysis of the current nuclear medicine (NM) status and future demand in Turkey in line with the international benchmarks was conducted to establish a comprehensive baseline reference. Methods: Data from all NM centers on major equipment and manpower in Turkey were collected through a survey and cross-checked with the primary research and governmental data. Data regarding manpower currently working were obtained from the relevant academic centers and occupational societies. Results: The current numbers of NM laboratories, NM specialists, gamma cameras, PET/CT scanners, radioiodine treatment units for thyroid cancer are 217, 474, 287, 75 and 39, respectively. There was personnel and equipment need underestimated in the field compared to developed countries. Equipment insufficiency was more significant in the Ministry of Health (MoH) hospitals. These gaps should be eliminated with strategic planning of equipment and NM laboratories. Currently, the number of the PET/CT devices is at the level of the developed countries. The number of specialists in the field should reach the expected goal in 2023. By 2023, Turkey will need around 820 NM specialists, 498 gamma cameras and 99 PET/CT devices. In addition, further studies should be made regarding other related staff, particularly for health physicians, radiopharmacists and NM technicians. Conclusion: There is an insufficiency of personnel and equipment in Turkey's NM field. Comprehensive strategic planning is required to allocate limited resources and the purchase of the equipment and employment policies should be structured as part of "National Special Feature Requiring Health Service Plan".

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.10
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• pp.4883-4888
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• 2012

In materials science, one of the new concerns in the construction industry, it is well established that mineral dust from rocks (stones) has adverse effects on human health. For instance, it is suspected that some mineral dusts in particular leads to occupational diseases, including lung cancer. The present research concerned the relationship between cancer and those workers who work in Turkish construction industry and quarries and are exposed to silica mineral dust from natural stones. One focus was cancer prevention methods applied in-site. In mining and construction industry where stone dust is widely used, silicosis induced lung cancer is frequently seen. Cancer cases which are seen across the regions mostly affected by silica containing dust in Turkey were identified and a survey was conducted of the methods to protect workers in the construction industry from exposure to silica dust.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.22 no.7
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• pp.955-961
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• 2009

The aim of this study was to determine the specific polymorphic sites in cattle breeds and inter- and interbreed genetic variation among breeds and to develop a databank of Turkish native cattle mtDNA using sequence analysis. The entire D-loop region was analyzed based on DNA sequences in Turkish Grey, East Anatolian Red, South Anatolian Red, and Anatolian Black native breeds. In total, 68 nucleotide differences were observed at 26 different sites. The variable positions consisted of 22 transitions, two transversions, and two insertions, but no deletions. Haplotype number, haplotype diversity, nucleotide diversity, and mean number of pairwise difference values were found to be 17, 0.993, 0.00478, and 4.275, respectively. In addition, a phylogeny was developed by comparison among cattle populations for which the entire D-loop sequence was available. A high level of genetic variation was observed within and among the native cattle breeds.

• Food Science and Biotechnology
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.150-156
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• 2009

In this study, Staphylococcus carnosus isolated from traditional sucuk (Turkish dry-fermented sausage) was used in combination with Lactobacillus plantarum as a lactic culture in sucuk production. Sucuk produced with only L. plantarum was evaluated as a control group. Microbiological, physicochemical, and volatile profile characteristics of sucuk samples were investigated during ripening. In both sausages with S. carnosus and control group, pH value decreased to below 5.0 at the $3^{rd}$ day. In all samples, Aw value decreased as the ripening time progressed. Sausages with S. carnosus showed the higher nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) value than control group. However, the highest mean value for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was observed in control group. Enterobacteriaceae dropped to undetectable levels at the $3^{rd}$ day in both groups. S. carnosus increased approximately 1 log unit within the first 3 days of the fermentation. In the presence of S. carnosus, significant changes were observed in only a few volatile compounds.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.17 no.9
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• pp.4241-4246
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• 2016

Background: Dysregulation of miRNA expression may be used as a biomarker for specific tumours because it may contribute to development of cancer. Circulating miRNA profiles have been highlighted for their potential as predictive markers in heterogeneous diseases such as breast cancer. In the literature, there is evidence that miR-195 levels are differentially expressed pre- and post-operative periods in breast cancer patients. At the same time, miRNA expression levels may vary because of ethnic origins. This study aimed to determine expression levels and potential roles of miR-195 in Turkish breast cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The expression patterns of miR-195 were initially examined in breast cancer tissues (luminal A and B type) (n=96). Subsequently, blood samples were prospectively collected from preoperative and postoperative Turkish breast cancer patients and disease free controls. Total RNA was isolated, and the expression level of miR-195 was quantified by real-time PCR. Results: We found that miR-195 level was altered in Turkish breast cancer patients, with down-regulation evident in breast cancer tissues compared to normal adjacent specimens. Furthermore, circulating levels of miR-195 was significantly decreased in post-operative blood samples compared with pre-operative levels (p=0.01 and <0.05). However, miR-195 was significantly increased in pre-operative blood samples of the luminal B type (p=0.04 and <0.05). Conclusions: This study represents the first report of a miR-195 expression profile in Turkish breast cancer patients. Our data suggests that miR-195 levels might be a clinically useful biomarker in the earliest stage of Turkish breast cancer patients.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.11
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• pp.5823-5828
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• 2012

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancer affecting women worldwide. Although a great deal of progress has been made in the health sciences, early diagnosis, and increasing community awareness, breast cancer remains a life-threatening illness. In order to reduce this threat, breast cancer screening needs to be implemented in all communities where possible. Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine health beliefs, attitudes and behaviors about breast cancer and breast self-examination of Turkish women. Methods: Data were collected from a sample of 656 women, using an adapted Turkish version of Champion's Health Belief Model Scale (CHBMS), between January and May 2011, in Ordu province of Turkey. Results: The results showed that 67.7% of women had knowledge about and 55.8% performed BSE, however 60.6% of those who indicated they practiced BSE reported they did so at irregular intervals. CHBMS subscales scores of women according to women's age, education level, occupation, family income and education level of the women's mothers, family history of breast cancer, friend and an acquaintance with breast cancer, knowledge about breast cancer, BSE and mammography were significantly different. Conclusion: Knowledge of women about the risks and benefits of early detection of breast cancer positively affect their health beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Health care professionals can develop effective breast health programs and can help women to gain good health behavior and to maintain health.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.13 no.9
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• pp.4235-4240
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• 2012

Objectives: Family caregivers (FCs) are often the primary source of social and emotional support for cancer patients and play a major role in how well they manage their illness. The aim of this study was to create an Turkish version of the Quality of Life - Family Version (QOL-FV) and to evaluate its psychometric properties in a sample of FCs of cancer patients. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out with the FCs of 218 patients with cancer. Data were collected with a Demographic Questionnaire and the QOL-FV and The Multidimentional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). The QOL-FV was developed by Ferrell and Grant and is composed of 4 subdimensions. Linguistic validity, translation, back translation, and content validity were tested with expert opinions. Test-retest reliability, and internal consistency reliability were assessed. Construct validity was tested by factor analysis and with the scale of the MSPSS. Results: The family caregivers were between the ages of 46-56 (32.6%), a great number of them being male (52.8%). The scale is made up of four subdimensions. The result of the test-retest analysis of this scale was calculated as r:0.86. As a result of the reliability analysis, six items were eliminated from the scale, factor analyses were fulfilled according to varimax transformation through the method of principal components. Four new subdimensions were restrustured at the end of the analysis. The scale of Cronbach ${\alpha}$ coefficient was calculated as 0.90. Concurrent validity showed low correlations with the MSPSS (r=0.29). Conclusions: The QOL-FV, adapted into Turkish, was found to have sufficient reliability and validity.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.4527-4533
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• 2014

Background: This descriptive and cross-sectional study aimed to investigate effects of cigarette smoking across three generations and perceptions of the smoking-cancer relationship on the cigarette smoking status of Turkish university students. Materials and Methods: The study sample comprised of 434 university students studying in different departments of a university. Data were collected using a socio-demographic data collection form and the Decisional Balance Scaleqand evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test, CHAID and multiple regression analyses. Results: The average age of the students participating in the study is 19.6+.5.0, some 11.3% of the students reporting that they smoked cigarettes. No statistically significant relationship was ascertained between the cigarette smoking statuses of the students based on the cigarette smoking status of their grandparents (p=0.144). but there was alink to that of their parents (p=0.002). The difference between the cigarette smoking ratios of the students based on their perceptions of smoking-cancer relationship was statistically significant (p<0.001). Believing that there is a relationship between smoking and cancer decreased likelihood of cigarette smoking 3.7 fold. Cigarette smoking by grandparents, and believing that there is a relationship between smoking and cancer, and cigarette smoking by parents explained 8.3% of the cigarette smoking status of the students. Conclusions: While cigarette smoking by grandparents only indirectly influences cigarette smoking by the students, believing that there is a relationship between smoking and cancer, and cigarette smoking by parents are influential variables in determining cigarette smoking by Turkish students.

• Journal of Chest Surgery
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• v.48 no.2
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• pp.112-119
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• 2015

Background: Pectus excavatum (PE) is the most common chest wall deformity. The Nuss Questionnaire modified for Adults (NQmA) is a disease-specific health-related quality of life assessment tool for patients with pectus deformities. The aim of this study is to adapt the NQmA into Turkish. Methods: Two hundred and sixty-five patients with PE were participated, with an age range of 14 to 29 years. All patients underwent a physical examination and had not undergone corrective surgery. The Turkish version of the NQmA was completed by patients and their parents. Results: The content validity index based on expert opinions was 91% for the patient questionnaire and 96% for the parent questionnaire. The Cronbach's alpha value for the NQmA was found to be 0.805 for the patient questionnaire and 0.800 for the parent questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess construct validity. Two factors explained 51.1% of the total variance in the patient questionnaire (psychosocial: 31.145%, Cronbach's alpha=0.818; physical: 19.955%, Cronbach's alpha=0.862). In the parent questionnaire, two factors explained 51.422% of the total variance (psychosocial: 26.097%, Cronbach's alpha=0.743; physical: 25.325%, Cronbach's alpha=0.827). Construct validity was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis. Conclusion: The Turkish version of the NQmA was found to be valid and reliable for the assessment of quality of life in patients with PE.