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Objective: Variants within genes encoding microRNAs (miRNAs) may alter the expression of both miRNAs and their target genes, thus contributing to the etiology of psychiatric disorders. The involvement of miRNAs in neuronal differentiation and synaptic plasticity supported this hypothesis. We aimed to investigate the links between miR-155 rs767649/miR-22 rs8076112 and the risk of panic disorder (PD) in a sample of Turkish population., Methods: In this experimental study, 134 PD patients and 140 healthy controls were recruited. Genotyping was carried out using Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. To evaluate PD phenotypes, Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS) was also administered to patients to clarify possible associations between the scale and risk variants analyzed., Results: The genotype analysis of miR-155 rs767649 did not show an association with PD risk and it was not related to the disease severity. For miR-22 rs8076112 variant, a statistically significant association was determined; CC genotypes were lower in patients compared to controls. Logistic regression analysis proved the highly protective effect (80.4%) of CC genotype against PD ( p = 0.041; OR = 0.196, 95% CI = 0.041-0.934). Though its significance in disease liability, miR-22 rs8076112 was not associated with the disease severity., Conclusion: Our findings firstly report the combined analysis of miR-155 rs767649 and miR-22 rs8076112 in PD in terms of both disease susceptibility and severity. These findings await replication in independent cohorts with enrichment of other miRNA gene variants. Thus, certain miRNAs and their target genes involved in the etiology and phenotypes of PD could be enlightened.

Backgraund: To determine the potential relationship between age-related macular degeneration and iris freckles., Method: In this case-control study, iris photographs of 300 eyes of 300 patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration and 300 eyes of 300 healthy volunteers were obtained with the help of a high-resolution mobile phone camera. The evaluated iris photographs were classified according to the Descriptive Iris Color Classification Scale., Results: The average age of the AMD group is 73.05 ± 6.93, and the average age of the control group is 73.43 ± 5.72. (p = 0.124) While freckles were present in 200 (66.7%) of the patients in the AMD group, freckles were not observed in 100 patients (33.3%) of AMD group. While freckles were present in 142 (47.3%) of the patients in the control group, freckles were not observed in 158 of control group(52.7%). There was a significant difference in the presence of freckles between the two groups. (p < 0.001) The average number of freckles in the AMD group was 3.97 ± 3.07, and the number of freckles in the control group was 3.06 ± 2.55. (p = 0.001) CONCLUSION: We think that evaluation of iris details, especially the presence of iris freckles, should be used routinely in age-related macular degeneration screening. The risk of age-related macular degeneration can be predicted by evaluating iris details, which is an easy and inexpensive method., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Purpose: This study aims to examine and compare the effects of intravitreal bevacizumab injection (IVB) at subfoveal 1500 micron (μm) and submacular 6000 μm in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME)., Methods: Fifty eyes of 45 patients with DME who completed six doses of IVB were included in the study group, and 50 eyes of 42 patients who had diabetic retinopathy (DR) but did not receive any treatment were included in the control group. Central macular thickness (CMT), central choroidal thickness (CCT), subfoveal and total choroidal area (TCA), and choroidal vascular index (CVI) were calculated and their changes at zero, three and six months were evaluated., Results: At baseline, CVI was significantly lower in both the subfoveal and total macular areas in the study group ( p  = 0.004, p  = 0.003). In the study group, a significant decrease was observed in CVI between zero and six months in the subfoveal area ( p  = 0.001). In the submacular area, the decrease in CVI in the study group was significant between zero to three months and zero to six months. There was moderate correlation between measurements of CVI in the subfoveal and total macular areas ( r  = 0.66, p  < 0.001)., Conclusion: These findings indicate that intravitreal bevacizumab injection reduces the CVI and the effects of intravitreal anti-VEGF on CVI emerge earlier and more prominently in the submacular 6000 µm area.

The present investigation examined the impact of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) juice on trace elements, minerals, and oxidative stress in relation to the potential harm inflicted by aluminum chloride (AlCl 3 ) in rats. Rats were split into four groups at random for this purpose: control (C), pomegranate juice (PJ), aluminum chloride (A), and PJ + A. For 30 days, PJ was orally administered by gavage at a rate of 4 mL/kg every other day, whereas AlCl 3 was administered intraperitoneally at 8.3 mg/kg. Spectrophotometric analysis was used to measure the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity in various tissues. In addition, high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS) was used to determine the amounts of the elements Al, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, and Mg in the tissues. It was discovered that when PJ therapy was applied to all tissues, the antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT activity increased, the GSH level rose, and the MDA level, a sign of lipid peroxidation, decreased. Al and Ca levels increased in the A group relative to the C group in all tissues, whereas they decreased in the A + PJ group relative to the A group. Group A exhibited a proportionate increase in Fe levels in the liver and renal tissues compared with group C. Furthermore, the A group's brain tissue had a higher Fe level than the C group's. The A + PJ group's brain tissue had a lower Fe level than the A group's. Our findings demonstrate that PJ therapy greatly decreased Al buildup and oxidative stress in tissues while controlling variations in trace element levels. In addition, it is concluded that PJ might have value as a strong chelating agent to prevent Al poisoning., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: Gingivitis and periodontitis are oral disorders characterised by chronic inflammation, impacting the supportive structures around teeth due to bacterial accumulation. While the role of inflammation in both periodontitis and dry eye disease (DED) has been established individually, their potential association remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between periodontitis and the manifestation of signs and symptoms related to DED in patients aged 18-40., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving healthy controls, DED patients with or without periodontitis, and patients with periodontitis without DED. Ophthalmic and oral examinations were performed, and demographic, ocular, and systemic disease data were collected. Statistical analysis was conducted using ANOVA and chi-squared tests., Results: A total of 684 participants were included in the study. Significant elevations in tear osmolarity levels, increased Ocular Surface Disease Index scores (OSDI), and decreased tear break-up time (TBUT) and Schirmer (ST-I) values were observed in DED patients with periodontitis compared to individuals with DED but without periodontitis, as well as control and periodontitis groups. Furthermore, higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR) were found in DED patients with periodontitis., Conclusion: The findings suggest an association between periodontitis and the severity of signs and symptoms related to DED. The study highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in understanding the systemic implications of periodontal disease and its potential impact on ocular health.

Objective: The prevalence of post-COVID headaches is not low. The eye can be affected by this infection, but it is not clear yet what the relationship is between persistent headaches and the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) after COVID-19 infection this study aims to investigate the relationship between these subjects., Methods: In this retrospective study, in patients who have had a persistent headache, SD-OCT analysis of RNFL was obtained, and RNLF thickness values before and after COVID-19 infection were analyzed., Results: A total of 26 eyes from 13 patients (nine (69.2%) females, four (30.8%) males) with persistent headaches after COVID-19 infection were studied. The average age was 47,35 years for females and 63 years for males. The mean RNFL thickness of both eyes between before and after COVID-19 infection decreased, which was statistically significant., Conclusion: In this study, a correlation between headache and changes in RNLF after COVID-19 infection was found. It may have wider ramifications to look into the COVID-19-associated headache phenotype of people with a history of migraines, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of migraine pathogenesis. This relationship can provide further insight into this infection.

Purpose: To determine the structure and properties of corneal endothelial cells in children and adolescents with ADHD who received methylphenidate treatment at least six months., Method: The prospective, observational study included 33 eyes of 33 patients diagnosed with ADHD who received methylphenidate treatment for at least six months, 33 eyes of 33 patients newly diagnosed with ADHD who did not start medication treatment, and 33 eyes of 33 healthy individuals. Average cell density, coefficient of variation, maximum cell area, normal cell area, minimum cell area, average cell area, and hexagonality ratio values were evaluated by non-contact specular microscopy. The parameters recorded in all three groups were compared., Results: The average age of children in the ADHD + MPH, ADHD, and control groups is 9 ± 1.7, 8.9 ± 2.3, and 8.9 ± 1.8 years, respectively. ( p  > 0.05) The average MPH treatment dose is 0.94 ± 0.19 mg/kg, the average daily MPH intake is 34.12 ± 14.04 mg, and the average duration of use of MPH is 24.03 ± 12.46 months. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured as an average of 540.45 ± 31.23 in the ADHD + MPH group, 540.61 ± 29.69 in the ADHD group, and 546.58 ± 27.72 in the control group. ( p  = 0.499) The average coefficient of variation (CV) values were measured as 25.48 ± 4.22 in the ADHD + MPH group, 26.12 ± 3.48 in the ADHD group, and 26.12 ± 3.64 in the control group. ( p  = 0.491) The average hexagonality ratio (%) (HEX) values were measured as 69.45 ± 8.41 in the ADHD + MPH group, 68.21 ± 6.82 in the ADHD group, and 68.91 ± 7.97 in the control group. ( p  = 0.892) No statistically significant difference was observed between all three groups in terms of all parameters., Conclusion: Methylphenidate treatment administered for at least six months with a diagnosis of ADHD did not have a toxic effect on the corneal endothelium.

Lead halide perovskites (LHPs) containing organic parts are emerging optoelectronic materials with a wide range of applications thanks to their high optical absorption, carrier mobility, and easy preparation methods. They possess spin-dependent properties, such as strong spin-orbit coupling (SOC), and are promising for spintronics. The Rashba effect in LHPs can be manipulated by a magnetic field and a polarized light field. Considering the surfaces and interfaces of LHPs, light polarization-dependent optoelectronics of LHPs has attracted attention, especially in terms of spin-dependent photocurrents (SDPs). Currently, there are intense efforts being made in the identification and separation of SDPs and spin-to-charge interconversion in LHP. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of second-order nonlinear photocurrents in LHP in regard to spintronics. First, a detailed background on Rashba SOC and its related effects (including the inverse Rashba-Edelstein effect) is given. Subsequently, nonlinear photo-induced effects leading to SDPs are presented. Then, SDPs due to the photo-induced inverse spin Hall effect and the circular photogalvanic effect, together with photocurrent due to the photon drag effect, are compared. This is followed by the main focus of nonlinear photocurrents in LHPs containing organic parts, starting from fundamentals related to spin-dependent optoelectronics. Finally, we conclude with a brief summary and future prospects.

Purpose: To investigate the acute effects of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular biometric parameters., Method: This prospective cross sectional study examined the eyes of 49 patients with dermatochalasis. Following a detailed ophthalmological examination, corneal topography was used to evaluate the eyes mesopic and photopic pupil diameter, anterior chamber depth, and corneal astigmatism on the day of surgery and on days first and seventh postoperatively. Ocular biometry was used to assess axial length and intraocular lens power. Goldmann applanation tonometry was used to measure intraocular pressure., Results: Forty-nine eyes (26 males and 23 females) of 49 patients aged between 44 and 76 years (mean 61 ± 7.9) were included in our study. The mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 2.90 ± 0.37 mm preoperatively, 3.00 ± 0.29 mm at postoperative day first, and 3.04 ± 0.29 mm at postoperative day seventh, and the increase in anterior chamber depth was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean astigmatism values were measured as preoperative 0.73 ± 0.69 D, postoperative first day 0.93 ± 0.81 D, and postoperative seventh day 1.26 ± 0.90 D. The increase in astigmatism values was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean pupil diameter measurements in the mesopic environment were 4.20 ± 0.61 mm preoperatively, 4.40 ± 0.59 mm on the first postoperative day, and 4.39 ± 0.57 mm on the seventh postoperative day, and there was a statistically significant difference between the three measurements (p = 0.03). The mean IOP measurements of the patients were 15.91 ± 3.51 mmHg preoperatively, 16.81 ± 3.36 mmHg on the first postoperative day, and 16.97 ± 3.13 mmHg on the seventh postoperative day. The increase between these three measurements was statistically significant (p = 0.013)., Conclusion: This study includes important insights into the potential acute phase impact of blepharoplasty surgery on ocular findings. Patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery should be informed about the possible change in ocular biometric parameters, intraocular pressure, and pupil diameter., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Purpose: To evaluate the thickness of peripapillary nerve fibers in radiation-exposed healthcare workers., Methods: The study included 60 radiation-exposed healthcare workers and 60 healthy control groups. SD-OCT was used to measure mean peripapillary RNFL thickness along with peripapillary RNFL thickness in the upper, lower, nasal, and temporal quadrants., Results: The mean age of the subjects participating in the study was 37 ± 6.3 (range 25-50) in the radiation-exposed group and 38 ± 4.9 (range 26-48) in the control group. The mean duration of exposure to radiation in healthcare workers was 11 ± 5 years (range 5-27). While the mean total rim thickness was 94.25 ± 8.2 in the radiation-exposed group, it was 102.8 ± 7.4 in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean superior rim thickness was 123.93 ± 15.13 in the radiation-exposed group, while it was measured as 129.75 ± 14.64 in the control group (p = 0.34). While the mean inferior rim thickness was 110.88 ± 13.43 in the group exposed to radiation, it was 130.08 ± 13.44 in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean nasal rim thickness was 70.25 ± 9.50 in the group exposed to radiation, while it was 75.38 ± 13.77 in the control group (p = 0.46). While the mean temporal rim thickness was 71.77 ± 8.73 in the group exposed to radiation, it was measured as 75.78 ± 13.15 in the control group (p = 0.52). Significant thinning of nerve fiber thickness was found statistically significant in all and especially the inferior quadrants of the healthcare workers exposed to radiation compared to the control group., Conclusion: After at least 5 years of radiation exposure, the thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fibers may decrease in healthcare workers., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Objectives: To investigate the relationship between ophthalmic artery (OA) blood flow parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PEX)., Methods: We compared PEX eyes without glaucoma (group A, n=53) and those with glaucoma (group B, n=18) with control eyes (group C, n=44). Subsequently, eyes in groups A and B were compared. Finally, OA color Doppler imaging measurements were recorded, and peripapillary RNFL analysis was performed., Results: The total RNFL measurements differed significantly among the groups (P=0.012), being thicker in group C than in group A (P=0.010) and significantly different between group B and groups A and C (both P=0.001). The peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) measurements of groups A and B were lower than those of group C (PSV: P=0.001 and P=0.001, respectively; EDV: P=0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). No significant difference was noted in resistive index (RI) measurements (P=0.370). In group B, significant negative correlations were noted between total RNFL and PSV (r=-0.743; P=0.001) and between total RNFL and EDV (r=-0.691; P=0.001), but not between total RNFL and RI measurements (P=0.548)., Conclusions: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) with or without glaucoma was associated with a decrease in the PSV and EDV values of the OA. An extensive study may be needed to further explore the role of PXS in OA blood flow parameters. Total RNFL thickness values were lower in eyes with PEX than in those without., (Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Comparison of the efficacy of monthly anti-VEGF versus dexamethasone (DEX) implant in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) whose macular edema persists despite three doses of anti-VEGF therapy., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 94 eyes of 94 patients with central macular thickness (CMT) > 300 μm despite previously receiving three doses of anti-VGEF (aflibercept or ranibizumab) injections between January 2014 and January 2019. The patients were divided into four groups. The first and second groups were the patients who received three more doses of initial anti-VGEF treatment after the initial anti-VGEF treatment. The third and fourth groups were patients switched to intravitreal dexamethasone implants. Patients were followed up every month for six months after the injection. The primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) at six months., Results: The mean age of the patients included in the study was 64.64 ± 7; there were 58 men (61.7%) and 36 women (38.3%). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, stage of retinopathy, and lens status. When CMT, BCVA, and IOP were assessed among the four groups at the end of the sixth month, no statistical difference between the groups was found. There was no need for medical intervention despite the statistically significant increase in IOP at the end of the sixth month compared to the third month in the dexamethasone implanted groups. In contrast to the decrease in CMT, which was statistically significant in all four groups at the end of the sixth month compared to the third month, the increase in BCVA was not statistically significant in any of the four groups at the end of the sixth month., Conclusion: According to the results of our study, there is no superiority between continuing with existing anti-VEGF or switching to a dexamethasone implant after three doses of anti-VEGF., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Src Family Kinases (SFKs) are tyrosine kinases known to regulate glucose and fatty acid metabolism as well as oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in mammalian mitochondria. We and others discovered the association of the SFK kinases Fyn and c-Src with mitochondrial translation components. This translational system is responsible for the synthesis of 13 mitochondrial (mt)-encoded subunits of the OXPHOS complexes and is, thus, essential for energy generation. Mitochondrial ribosomal proteins and various translation elongation factors including Tu (EF-Tu mt ) have been identified as possible Fyn and c-Src kinase targets. However, the phosphorylation of specific residues in EF-Tu mt by these kinases and their roles in the regulation of protein synthesis are yet to be explored. In this study, we report the association of EF-Tu mt with cSrc kinase and mapping of phosphorylated Tyr (pTyr) residues by these kinases. We determined that a specific Tyr residue in EF-Tu mt at position 266 (EF-Tu mt -Y266), located in a highly conserved c-Src consensus motif is one of the major phosphorylation sites. The potential role of EF-Tu mt -Y266 phosphorylation in regulation of mitochondrial translation investigated by site-directed mutagenesis. Its phosphomimetic to Glu residue (EF-Tu mt -E266) inhibited ternary complex (EF-Tu mt •GTP•aatRNA) formation and translation in vitro. Our findings along with data mining analysis of the c-Src knock out (KO) mice proteome suggest that the SFKs have possible roles for regulation of mitochondrial protein synthesis and oxidative energy metabolism in animals., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare the apparent chord mu between hyperopia and myopia cases and investigate the usefulness of iris barycenter configurations as an alternative for performing kappa angle distance calculations., Methods: This prospective study evaluated 394 eyes of 197 patients classified into two groups according to their spherical equivalent values: the myopic (mean spherical equivalent refraction ≤  - 0.50 D) and the hyperopia group (mean spherical equivalent refraction ≥  + 0.50 D). The two groups were further subdivided according to severity (myopic group: mild, ≤  - 0.50 and ≤  - 3.00 D; moderate, <  - 3.00 and ≤  - 6.00 D; severe, <  - 6.00 D; hyperopic group: mild, ≥  + 0.50 and ≤  + 2.00 D; moderate, >  + 2.00 and ≤  + 4.00 D; severe, >  + 4.00 D). The pupil and iris barycenter distance measurements and other parameters were obtained through optical low-coherence reflectometry., Results: Of the 197 patients, 109 (55.3%) were female and 88 (44.7%) were male individuals; their ages ranged from 7 to 60 years (mean, 35.16 ± 14.75 years). The average pupil barycenter distances were 0.38 ± 0.15 and 0.21 ± 0.11 mm in hyperopia and myopia patients, respectively (p < 0.01). Corneal and lens thickness measurements were higher in hyperopia patients (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively), whereas anterior chamber depth and pupil diameter measurements were higher in myopia patients (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, respectively). No significant difference in astigmatism or white-to-white measurements was observed between hyperopia and myopia patients (p > 0.05)., Conclusion: The measurements for the apparent chord mu of the pupil and iris barycenter origins were higher in hyperopic than in myopic cases., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.)

Purpose: This study aims to assess the difference between Tono-Pen and Schiotz tonometer measurements in gas-filled eyes and to create a nomogram and equation which can be used to estimate actual intraocular pressure in order to provide a safe IOP level at the end of the surgery., Methods: Twenty-two eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy were included in the study. Perioperative Tono-Pen and Schiotz tonometer measurements were performed when the eyes were filled with air in the setting of certain vitrectomy infusion pressure levels. Measurements were performed when the eyes were filled with fluid to test the accuracy of the systems. The mean value of the Tono-Pen and Schiotz readings in air-filled eyes corresponding to certain actual intraocular pressure levels were analyzed to create nomograms., Results: Both Tono-Pen and Schiotz tonometers underestimated the actual intraocular pressure set on the screen of the vitrectomy system in the air-filled eyes. The Tono-Pen deviation was 4.5mmHg at a level of 15mmHg actual intraocular pressure, and 16.9mmHg at a level of 55mmHg actual intraocular pressure. The Schiotz tonometer deviation was 10mmHg at a level of 15mmHg actual intraocular pressure, and 8.9mmHg at a level of 55mmHg actual intraocular pressure. All the mean differences between tonometer readings and actual intraocular pressure were statistically significant. (P<0.001) CONCLUSION: To achieve an adequate and safe tamponade at an actual IOP range of 20 - 25mmHg, one should adjust the IOP with Schiotz readings to a level of 9-12mmHg, or Tono-Pen readings to 12-18mmHg., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Remodeling of mitochondrial energy metabolism is essential for the survival of tumor cells in limited nutrient availability and hypoxic conditions. Defects in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and mitochondrial biogenesis also cause a switch in energy metabolism from oxidative to aerobic glycolysis contributing to the tumor heterogeneity in cancer. Specifically, the aberrant expressions of mitochondrial translation components such as ribosomal proteins (MRPs) and translation factors have been increasingly associated with many different cancers including breast cancer. The mitochondrial translation is responsible for the synthesis 13 of mitochondrial-encoded OXPHOS subunits of complexes. In this study, we investigated the contribution of mitochondrial translation in the remodeling of oxidative energy metabolism through altered expression of OXPHOS subunits in 26 ER/PR(+) breast tumors. We observed a significant correlation between the changes in the expression of mitochondrial translation-related proteins and OXPHOS subunits in the majority of the ER/PR(+) breast tumors and breast cancer cell lines. The reduced expression of OXPHOS and mitochondrial translation components also correlated well with the changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, E-cadherin (CHD1), and vimentin (VIM) in the ER/PR(+) tumor biopsies. Data mining analysis of the Clinical Proteomic Tumor Analysis Consortium (CPTAC) breast cancer proteome further supported the correlation between the reduced OXPHOS subunit expression and increased EMT and metastatic marker expression in the majority of the ER/PR(+) tumors. Therefore, understanding the role of MRPs in the remodeling of energy metabolism will be essential in the characterization of heterogeneity at the molecular level and serve as diagnostic and prognostic markers in breast cancer., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Koc, Koc, Kartal, Tirona and Koc.)

Purpose: The main aim of the study was to evaluate the potential roles of KRAS/NRAS proto-oncogenes, IL-4 VNTR variants and HPV prevalence in colorectal cancer metastasis. As the second aim, the interactions of the analyzed genes and viral sequences with both clinicopathological variables and each other were targeted., Methods: DNA was extracted using AmoyDx FFPE DNA Extraction kit from paraffin-embedded colorectal tumor tissue samples (n = 60). NRAS/KRAS mutational profiles were determined with real-time polymerase chain reaction using AmoyDx KRAS/NRAS Mutation Detection Kit. Genotyping of IL-4 VNTR was made with PCR. HPV detection was analyzed by PCR with both GP5+/GP6+ consensus primers and type-specific primers for HPV-16 and HPV-18. SPSS v22 (IBM) statistics software was used for all statistical analyses., Results: From the demographical/clinicopathological parameters, age and biopsy specimens revealed an association with metastasis. KRAS mutation rate was as high as 65 % in the patients and the most prevalent mutation type was G12D. Metastasis risk was 3.19-fold increased in KRAS-mutated patients compared to KRAS-negative ones. IL-4 VNTR genotypes/alleles were not associated with metastasis in our analysis.  The frequency of HPVs in our colorectal cancer cohort was 36.7 %, but HPV positivity was not found to be associated with metastasis.  A significant association was found between HPV and NRAS mutations; NRAS wild-type status acted as a protective factor by 7.5-fold for HPV negativity., Conclusion: Our study comprehensively and concomitantly evaluated several potential molecular risk factors. Future studies designed in such combined approaches will substantially contribute to better manage colorectal cancer tumorigenesis from molecular biological perspective (Tab. 6, Fig. 2, Ref. 40).

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a common complaint encountered in clinical practice with serious consequences both for individual and society since it can increase the ratio of motor vehicle accidents, work- related incidents, and deaths. Moreover, it also manifests less serious individual consequences. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of PER3-VNTR, 5-HTT-LPR, and 5-HTT-VNTR in terms of constituting liability to EDS. Two hundred eighteen participants (93 complaining about daytime sleepiness and 125 individuals with no serious complaint) were recruited in the study. General daytime of sleepiness was quantified with Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS). DNA extractions were performed from collected blood samples with standart salting-out procedure and genotyped. ESS scores displayed difference between individuals suffering from sleep disturbances and other individuals with values of 12.75±4.55 and 6.34±4.26, respectively. PER3- VNTR and 5-HTT-LPR genotypes did not display association with mean ESS scores. However, 5-HTT-VNTR genotypes showed significant association with mean ESS scores; individuals with 10/10 genotypes had the highest ESS score reflecting this genotype as a liability factor for EDS. We strongly recommend further studies based on circadian/serotonin pathway genes in different populations to reach to a consensus and highlight sleep genetic marker genes which then can be the future targets of pharmacological treatment studies for sleep problems.