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BRCA1/BRCA2 genes were screened in 117 patients with breast cancer by sequencing. Fourteen percent of patients tested positive for BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations. Four frame shift mutations, four pathogenic missense mutations, and 25 different sequence variations were detected. BRCA mutation positivity was significantly associated with Ki67 ( p = .001). BRCA protein expressions were decreased in the patients harboring important mutations and polymorphisms ( BRCA1;P508stop, V1740G, Q1182R, Q1756P and BRCA2;V2466A) related with disease. Our findings contribute significantly to the types of germline BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations and their biological effects in Turkish women. These data could help guide the management of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation-carrying patients when considering breast-conserving therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine introductions of sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas) of diverse origin and two local genotypes were evaluated for storage root yield and average storage root weight in four locations of Turkey (Diyarbakir and Sanliurfa representing semiarid environment and Adana and Hatay representing Mediterranean environment) in 2000 and 2001. The genotype x environment (GE) interaction was evaluated for two yield components (mean storage root weight and storage root yield) using the joint regression analysis and the Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) analysis. Stability of the genotypes over environments was estimated by using different stability parameters. GE interaction was found to be significant for both yield components, and genotype main effect contributed more than environment and GE interaction to total variability. Total storage root yield varied from 6.72 to I 12.60 t ha-1 depending on genotypes and environments. The introduced genotypes produced a higher yield than local genotypes. Our study revealed that sweetpotato has a great adaptability and yield potential in irrigated Mediterranean-type and semi-arid environments, whereas non-traditional production areas such as Adana, Diyarbakir, and Sanliurfa may be more suitable for sweetpotato production than Hatay, the traditional production area, because of the potential for higher yield. The AMMI model appeared to be a better option for evaluating both GE interaction and the stability of sweetpotato genotypes in multilocational trials. The stability parameters tested in this study could not identify high yielding and stable genotypes, [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.