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Status epilepticus (SE) is a life-threatening emergency condition. In addition to well-known etiological factors, many rare causative factors have also been defined. Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine) is an amphetamine derivative known to cause SE. Presently described is a case of recurrent SE in which ecstasy was an etiological factor.

OBJECTIVE: Quantification of stenosis, plaque morphology and surface characteristics by doppler sonography and prediction of plaque rupture risk are important for treatment options in ischemic stroke. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the association of carotid plaque characteristics and the risk of recurrent ischemic stroke. METHODS: Carotid plaques were ultrasonographically evaluated within ten days in 79 acute anterior circulation ischemic stroke patients without source of cardiac emboli. The subsequent incidence of transient ischemic attack, minor and major stroke was investigated wtihin six months period. During follow-up, 20 strokes occurred. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the relation between plaque morphology and recurrent stroke risk. RESULTS: Patients with an ulcerated plaque had an 8.7-fold higher risk of recurrent stroke than those without ulceration (p

POEMS syndrome (osteosclerotic myeloma) is a plasma-cell proliferative disorder and a combination of several organ system manifestations. The term POEMS is an acronym for polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal proteinemia and skin changes. Although the diagnostic criteria have been modified in time to cover those findings that are seen more frequently but are less specific to make a certain decision, the rare nature of the disease may also be associated with the fact that many patients present with symptoms or signs which are thought to be related to certain organ systems. Here we present a case of POEMS syndrome with almost complete visual loss, dyspnea and loss of sceletal muscle strength and their significant recovery after treatment

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult-onset, sporadic, progressive neurodegenerative disease. According to the consensus criteria, patients with MSA are clinically classified into cerebellar (MSA-C) and parkinsonian (MSA-P) subtype. Besides the poor response to levodopa, and the additional presence of pyramidal or cerebellar signs (ataxia) or autonomic failure as major diagnostic criteria, certain other clinical features known as ‘‘red flags’’ or warning signs may raise the clinical suspicion of MSA. Case report: A 67-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to inability to walk. Neurological examination revealed severe Parkinsonism with poor response to levodopa therapy, ataxia. Brain MR imaging showed severe atrophy of the cerebellum, pons, minimal cerebrum, and revealed cross section at the pons in the axial section. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) was normal, Median SEP within normal limits but left Tibial SEP was longer than right side (right: 41, left: 44.2). Although sympathetic skin response of upper extremities was normal, the sympathetic skin responses of lower extremities were absent. RR interval study and a graded head-up tilt test were consistent with autonomic dysfunction. We report a patient with MSA because in clinical practice a case who fullfits all criteria is really rare.

Abstract This study assessed the connectedness between oil shocks and industry stock indexes in the United States (US). We consider the normal and extreme conditions across different frequency horizons, and the quantile time–frequency connectedness method is used to determine the tail risk contagion under different frequency horizons. Our results reveal that the short-term frequency connectedness significantly exceeds the long-term frequency connectedness. We also indicate that the connectedness in the lower and upper quantiles is greater than at the conditional mean. Importantly, oil risk shock is the biggest net transmitter of shocks to the US sectors in normal and extreme conditions, highlighting that oil risk shocks cause substantial variations in US sector stock returns in the short, medium, and long term. Finally, QAR(3) model demonstrates the significant impact of oil risk shocks on US sector stock returns during extreme and normal conditions. Therefore, our study underscores the role of asymmetry in the reaction of US sector stock returns to oil-related shocks, and we suggest that policies aimed at overcoming the adverse effects of oil shocks on stock markets and promoting financial stability should incorporate asymmetric features.

Coğrafya, uluslararası anlamda istihdam alanı oldukça geniş bir meslek olmasına rağmen Türkiye’de gerekli ilgi ve önemi kazanamamıştır. İlgili problem doğrultusunda bu araştırmanın amacı, koruma alanları kapsamında çalışan/çalışabilecek olan coğrafyacıların durumunu saptamak, gerçekten ihtiyaç duyulan bir mesleğin önemi ve gerekliliğine dikkat çekmektir. Araştırmada, nitel araştırma tasarımında kullanılan bir veri toplama tekniği olan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme tekniği kullanılmıştır. Bu doğrultuda Balıkesir Doğa Koruma ve Millî Parklar Şube Müdürlüğü’nde çalışan kişilerle görüşme gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler MAXQDA 2024 programında analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre 34 kod 4 alt tema altında, alt temalar ise 2 tema altında toplanmıştır. Araştırmanın ana temaları “empati ve doğa” ile “tekil ve kolektif etkileşim” şeklinde oluşturulmuştur. Kurumda coğrafyacıların istihdamına yönelik bir eğilimin olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Doğa koruma faaliyetlerinde iyi yetişmiş coğrafyacıların çalışması ve çalıştırılması farklı ve bütüncül bir bakış açısı için oldukça gereklidir. Gelişmiş ülkelerde olduğu gibi Türkiye’de de doğa koruma faaliyetleri başta olmak üzere coğrafyanın önemsendiği ve coğrafyacının öncelikli olduğu bir istihdam ve çalışma sistemi geliştirilmelidir. Çünkü “Coğrafyacı mesleği diye bir şey yoktur; daha ziyade coğrafyacıların yaptığı birçok meslek vardır”.

Background It is unclear whether different exercise programs lead to an increase in the concentration of plasma Pentraxin3 (PTX3), an anti-inflammatory protein. This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise (AE) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on plasma PTX3 levels in overweight and obese women. Method A total of 45 sedentary women aged between 32.26 ± 6.30 voluntarily participated in the study. The control group (CG, n = 15) was selected among normal-weight women. Women in the group of participants who partook in exercise consisted of overweight and obese women according to a random method, including the AE group (n = 15) and the HIIT group (n = 15). The AE session conducted was 50 min in duration and consisted of warm-up exercises (5 min), and primary exercises (40 min, basic aerobic-step exercises). HIIT consists of warm-up exercises (5 min), primary exercises (work intervals: 6−10 × 1 min (80–90% HRmax), rest intervals: 1 min (walk, 50% HRmax), 21–29 min running. The exercises were applied for three sessions/week for 12 weeks. Fasting blood samples were taken from all participants before and after exercise and their body composition was measured. Results As a result of two different 12-week exercises, serum PTX3 levels increased significantly by 47.53% in the AE group and 50.21% in the HIIT group (p .05). Also, no significant differences were found between the two types of exercises in terms of parameters. A significant negative correlation in the total sample was found between PTX3 with BMI, fat mass, LDL-C, and hsCRP. Conclusion The percentage change in PTX3 values was not different between exercise types, whereas PTX3 was increased with exercise, regardless of the type of exercise. It can be said that both aerobic and HIIT increase PTX3, VO2max levels and improve lipid metabolism in overweight and obese women.

Ventilatör ilişkili pnömoni (VİP), yoğun bakım ünitesindeki (YBÜ) en önemli enfeksiyonlardan biridir ve hastalarda mortalite ve morbidite artışına katkıda bulunur. Bu çalışmada Rheum ribes (Elazığ/Türkiye) ekstraktının VİP hastalarından elde edilen bakteri izolatları üzerinde antimikrobiyal etkilerini (agar kuyu difüzyonu, MİK testi) ve antioksidan kapasitesini (DPPH, FRAP ve metal şelatlama) değerlendirmeyi amaçladık. Analiz sonucunda R.ribes'in en yüksek antimikrobiyal etkisi 19.32 mm zon çapı ile Klebsiella pneumonia-2 (K.pneumonia) ve 18.45 mm zon çapı ile K.pneumonia-21 izolatında gözlendi. Bunların dışında Staph. aureus., K. pneumonia-20, K. pneumonia-16 ve Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) sırasıyla 18.32, 15.14, 14.56 ve 13.54 mm zon çapları ile tespit edildi. R. ribes ekstraktı K.pneumonia izolatları 16 ve 20'de 0,5 ppm'de %98,3 ve %94,88 inhibitör etki gösterirken, en yüksek izolatlar 21 ve 2'de %100 inhibitör etki göstermiştir. S. aureus %50,36 gibi yüksek bir inhibisyon etkisi göstermiştir. 0,25 ppm'de ve P. aeruginosa 0,5 ppm'de %82,82 oranında izole edilmiştir. Ayrıca DPPH, FRAP ve metal şelasyon analizleri güçlü bir antioksidan etki göstermiştir. Ribes ekstraktının antioksidan etkileri için demir iyonlarının (Fe2+) DPPH inhibisyon etkisi, FRAP analizi ve şelatlama aktivitesi değerleri sırasıyla %17.22, %1.18 ve %2.14 olarak belirlendi. Sonuç olarak, R. ribes ekstraktının patojenik bakteriler üzerindeki güçlü etkisi ve antioksidan kapasitesi belirlenmiş olup, in vivo ve klinik çalışmalarla faydalı özellikleri derinleştirilebilir.

Objective(s): We aimed to investigate the levels of transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) gene expression, and the antioxidant and histopathologic effect of thymoquinone (Tmq) in the hepatic I/R rat model.Materials and Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups. Group 1: Control; Group 2: Sham; Group 3: Hepatic I/R (45 min/45 min); Group 4: Tmq (50 mg/kg); Group 5: Tmq+I/R (ten days before I/R at the dose of 50 mg/kg of Tmq). The hepatic I/R (45min/45min) model was performed at the portal vein and the hepatic artery with atraumatic vascular clamp in the ischemia groups. The liver tissues and blood samples that were taken at the end of the study were evaluated for histopathologic and biochemical analysis. Besides TRPM gene expression levels were determined in liver tissues. It was seen that cellular swelling, congestion, PNL, and apoptosis parameters statistically decreased in Tmq and Tmq+I/R groups in comparison with the I/R group in histopathological evaluation.Results: It was observed that biochemical parameters, AST, ALT, GGT, LDH, creatinine, and urea levels significantly increased in the I/R group as compared with, sham, Tmq, and Tmq+I/R groups. It was found that TRPM2,6,7,8 gene expression decreased significantly in Tmq+I/R groups as compared to the I/R group. Conclusion: We showed that thymoquinone can inhibit the entry of Ca+2 into the cell by decreasing TRPM2,6,7,8 gene expression. Based on our findings, we think that Tmq application in the treatment of liver diseases due to I/R damage may be important in terms of both ischemia and apoptosis and can also be used in the treatment of liver-related diseases.

Metal foam heat sinks are preferred in electronic cooling systems with their advantages such as superior properties in heat transfer, light weight and ability to mix the cooling fluid. It is very difficult to conduct extensive experimental studies with metal foam heat sinks due to the difficulty of production and high cost. In addition, due to the complex structure of metal foam heat sinks, difficulties may arise in the creation of numerical simulations. In the present study, various machine learning methods were used, taking into account the mean surface temperature values obtained by using metal foam heat sinks discretely placed in a partially open volume. The pore density of metal foam heat sink, Reynolds number, modified Grashof number and distance to aperture were taken as input parameters. When the results were examined, it was determined which of the inlet parameters were more effective on the mean surface temperature. It was determined that modified Grashof number was the most effective parameter on mean surface temperatures, but L was the weakest parameter. The models were ranked according to 3 different evaluation metrics. It was observed that the top three most successful machine learning algorithms were eXtreme gradient boosting, support vector machine and random forest.

Objective: This study investigates the cross-sectoral spillover effect and the contribution of the volatility index (VIX) in the transmission of shocks in the Fragile Five (Brazil, India, Indonesia, South Africa, and Turkey). Research Design & Methods: We focused on the role played by the various sectors of the economy (Energy, Financials, Industrials, Basic Materials, and Real Estate) and the VIX in the crisis propagation, i.e. whether they act as sources, transmitters or receivers of financial stress, following the time-varying parameter vector autoregression (TVP-VAR) approach. The study also highlights the dynamic evolution of contagion across time. Findings: We identified the financial sector (essentially the largest in terms of market value) as a strong net transmitter. Another relatively strong net transmitter was the industrial sector (medium-sized). Basic Materials (medium-sized) and Real Estate (the smallest in terms of market value) essentially acted as net receivers. In all the countries surveyed, Energy (medium-sized sector) and the VIX were identified as net receivers. We found that the bidirectional spillover between the VIX and sectoral indices was weak in all countries under investigation. Our observations on the VIX behaviour can be associated with the fundamentals, such as the US/the Fragile Five equity market mutual exposures, but we opted for the neutrality of the relationship between the VIX and sectoral indices. The average Total Connectedness Index (TCI) in the Fragile Five turned out to be relatively low. We also observed that sharp increases in the TCI were associated with market tensions, both country-specific and global. Implications & Recommendations: Our conclusions can help formulate economic policy goals and increase the efficiency of portfolios with exposures in the Fragile Five countries. Risk transmitters such as the financial and industrial sectors should be closely watched by regulators and investors with exposures to risk takers, i.e. sectors such as Energy, Basic Materials, and Real Estate. Sharp increases in the TCI related to market tensions should be a warning signal when formulating economic policy goals and building investment strategies. Determining the role of fear indices in the spillover mechanism, including the VIX, requires additional in-depth empirical studies. Contribution & Value Added: Our contribution to the literature is threefold. Primarily, to our knowledge, it is the first study to provide insights into the linkages between the different sectors of the Fragile Five economies and the volatility index. Secondly, unlike the vast majority of previous work focused on sectoral linkages in selected groups of emerging economies taken as a whole, we draw common conclusions for the Fragile Five based on observations of their individual economies, which helped to reduce the number of generalizations. Thirdly, through the inference process, we identified some interesting correlations that could be a starting point for further research.

Abstract Background Unstable femoral neck fractures with medial calcar defects are difficult to manage. The optimal fixation methods for these fractures have been a subject of ongoing debate among orthopedic surgeons. In this study, three different fixation techniques for vertical, medial defected femoral neck fractures were compared. Methods In this study, a biomechanical analysis was conducted to compare three fixation methods: cannulated screws (Group 1), cannulated screws combined with a medial buttress plate (Group 2), and intramedullary nails (Group 3). Synthetic composite bone models representing vertical collum femoris fractures with medial calcar defects were used. Each group consisted of seven specimens, and, to maintain consistency, a single surgeon performed the surgical procedure. Biomechanical testing involved subjecting the specimens to axial loading until failure, and the load to failure, stiffness, and displacement values were recorded. Normality was tested using the Shapiro–Wilk test. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s HSD post hoc test were used for comparisons. Results The difference in the load to failure values was statistically significant among the groups, with Group 2 exhibiting the highest load to failure value, followed by Group 3 and Group 1. Stiffness values were significantly higher in Group 2 than in the other groups. Displacement values were not significantly different between the groups. Fracture and displacement patterns at the point of failure varied across the groups. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that fixation with a medial buttress plate in combination with cannulated screws provides additional biomechanical stability for vertical femoral neck fractures with medial calcar defects. Intramedullary nail fixation also demonstrated durable stability in these fractures. These findings can be used to better understand current management strategies for these challenging fractures to promote the identification of better evidence-based recommendations.

This study aimed to explore the relationship between internal assessment (IA) and external assessment (EA) scores of the high school students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). Methods: Simple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore to what extent the IA scores predict the EA scores in the Turkish, English, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics courses. Findings: The quantitative analysis revealed that only a small percentage of the variation in IBDP EA scores can be explained by the model containing only IA scores in the IBDP standard level (SL) and high level (HL) courses. Furthermore, the correlation coefficient was utilized to explain the degree to which the IA scores are associated with the EA scores. This analysis revealed that there is a moderate relationship between IA and EA in HL English and SL biology course, but a weak relationship between IA and EA in SL and HL biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, English (only SL) and Turkish courses. Value: This research highlights some important implications for educators about the consistency and reliability of IA as a tool for forming a final mark in the IBDP assessment and the role the IA plays in predicting the students’ general academic achievement.

PURPOSETo evaluate the image quality and tumor morphology depiction ability of high resolution (HR) diffusion- weighted imaging (f-DWI) in comparison to conventional DWI (c-DWI) and dynamic contrast- enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) in the primary breast cancer setting.METHODSThe f-DWI, c-DWI, and DCE-MRIs of 160 malignant breast masses were evaluated retrospectively by two independent radiologists. Data on image quality [sharpness, distortion, and perceived signalto- noise ratio (SNR)], apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, lesion size, and tumor morphology (shape, margin, and internal pattern) obtained on f-DWI, c-DWI, and DCE-MRI were compared. Consistency between the readers and imaging methods for morphological parameters was analyzed.RESULTSThe ADC values measured on f-DWI were significantly lower than those measured on c-DWI for both readers (P < 0.001 for each), whereas mean lesion size was significantly larger in c-DWI than in f-DWI and DCE-MRI for both readers (P < 0.001 for each). Higher consistency values were obtained for f-DWI compared with c-DWI when correlated with DCE-MRI for each morphological parameter. The least distorted images were obtained using DCE-MRI compared with c-DWI and f-DWI for both readers, whereas the highest distortion scores were obtained using c-DWI. Sharpness and perceived SNR scores were rated as significantly higher for f-DWI and DCE-MRI images compared with c-DWI by both readers (P < 0.001 for all). The concordance between c-DWI and DCE-MRI was fair to slight (κ = 0.15 to 0.41), whereas concordance between f-DWI and DCE-MRI was significantly better (κ = 0.68 to 0.87) for each reader and for all morphological parameters (P < 0.001). The highest concordance between the readers was achieved in margin assessment (κ = 0.87 to 0.89) regardless of the MRI method, followed by shape and internal pattern parameters (κ = 0.63 to 0.79).CONCLUSIONThe results demonstrated that f-DWI produces higher-quality images than c-DWI, enabling the morphological features to be identified in similar detail to that offered by HR DCE-MRI. Accordingly, f-DWI, as a method that highly correlates with DCE in determining the morphological characteristics of breast cancers, seems to have potential in the evaluation of breast tumors in patients for whom the use of contrast media is contraindicated.

Tryptase test can be used as a clinical marker of mast cell activation. The present study is was aimed to identify variations in serum tryptase levels and their possible relationships with allergic reactions to protamine in low-risk patients undergoing cardiac bypass surgery. Thirty patients according to American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status III who underwent cardiac bypass surgery were enrolled. This prospective, non-randomised, clinical study was conducted in an operating room. Venous blood samples for tryptase measurements were obtained from cardiac bypass surgery patients upon admission to the operating room and immediately before and 30 min after the initiation of protamine administration. Signs of allergic reactions were recorded and management steps based on rapid effect response-based clinical assessments for diagnosis and treatment decisions during protamine administrations were described. Serum tryptase levels and clinical signs of allergic reactions, primarily mean arterial pressure (MAP), were recorded. Serum tryptase levels increased significantly and progressively during the bypass procedure (study power, 80%; sample size, 28; power of analysis, 99.8% with α=0.05); however, tryptase levels did not reach a sufficiently high level to confirm an allergic reaction. The MAP and heart rate decreased in 50% of the patients. Although tryptase increased significantly when compared with baseline levels, protamine-associated increases were not significant and failed to provide an unequivocal indication of an allergic response to protamine.

Aim:The aim of this study is to demonstrate the efficiency of non-invasive imaging method-MR proton density fat fraction (PDFF); ideal IQ sequence- on detecting the effects of bariatric surgery on liver and pancreatic fatty infiltration.Materials and Methods:Thirty-nine patients (25 females, 14 males) who underwent bariatric surgery between May 2016 and April 2017 were analyzed retrospectively in this study. Body mass index (BMI) and body weight (BW) values of all patients were noted one week before and one month after bariatric surgery, and meanwhile an unenhanced upper abdominal MR imaging was performed. Liver fat fraction (LFF), pancreas fat fraction (PFF), liver volume (LV) and craniocaudal length of liver (LL) were measured with MR-PDFF and T2 weighted images. Changes in all parameters after the surgery were recorded and the correlation of these changes with the change in LFF was analyzed.Results:At the end of first month of bariatric surgery, a significant decrease on mean values of LFF and PFF has been observed along with a decrease of LV, LL, BW and BMI (p

Background Currently, the most effective method in the fight against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is vaccination against the disease. However, there are hesitations among society concerning the safety and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines. We aimed to determine the observed side effects that require an emergency room visit after taking the BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines. Methods This prospective observational study was conducted with patients who presented to the emergency department due to vaccine-related complications after COVID-19 vaccination. The patients' symptoms at the time of presentation, time from vaccination to the onset of symptoms, and dose of the vaccine administered were determined. In addition, the demographic characteristics of the patients, whether they had a history of COVID-19 infection, and their vital signs at the time of presentation were recorded. The variables were compared according to the type of vaccine administered. Results The study included 182 patients who presented to the emergency department over a 6-month period. It was determined that 166 of these patients (91.2%) had received the BNT162b2 vaccine and 16 (8.8%) had received the CoronaVac vaccine. The majority of the patients did not have a history of COVID-19 infection (70.3%), and most presented to the hospital with complications after the second dose (61%). The onset of vaccine-related symptoms was mostly within 1 to 12 hours (39%). The majority of patients (97.8%) were discharged from the emergency department. The most common symptoms after vaccination were fatigue (n = 70), followed by muscle/joint pain (n = 52), headache (n = 33), and fever (n = 32). The rate of dizziness was found to be statistically significantly higher in the CoronaVac vaccine group than in the BNT162b2 vaccine group (p = 0.008). There was no statistically significant difference between the two vaccine groups in relation to the remaining symptoms (p > 0.005). Conclusion There were no serious complications related to the BNT162b2 or CoronaVac vaccine. The most common symptom after both vaccines was fatigue; therefore, the BNT162b2 and CoronaVac vaccines can be safely administered.

This study was conducted to examine the relationship between the levels of prospective preschool teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in science education and learning styles. In this study, the correlational survey model was used. The sample of the research was composed of 193 (165 females, 28 males) prospective pre-school teachers studying in their first, second, third, and fourth year in a faculty of education of a state university located in the Black Sea in Turkey. Data were collected using the ‘Science Education Self-Efficacy Belief Scale’ developed by Riggs and Enochs (1990) and adapted into Turkish by Özkan et al. (2002) and ‘Kolb Learning Style Inventory’ developed by Kolb (1984) and adapted into Turkish by Evin Gencel (2007) in the spring semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the statistical calculations of the data in the study. As a result of the study, it was determined that these prospective pre-school teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs in science education were very high while their personal self-efficacy beliefs and result expectation sub-dimensions were at a high level. In addition, there is no statistically significant difference between prospective teachers' self-efficacy beliefs in science education, personal self-efficacy perception, and result expectation according to their learning styles. Based on the results obtained, to increase the success of prospective teachers in science and achieve desired goals in education, learning environments should be designed according to learning styles, and studies should be conducted to increase the quality of science education by making use of self-efficacy beliefs.

Purpose – Might the impact of the global economic policy uncertainty (GEPU) and the long-term bond yields on oil prices be asymmetric? This paper aims to consider the effects of the GEPU and the US long-term government bond yields on oil prices using quantile-based analysis and nonlinear vector autoregression (VAR) model. The author hypothesized whether the negative and positive changes in the GEPU and the long-term bond yields of the USA have different effects on oil prices. Design/methodology/approach – To address this question, the author uses quantile cointegration model and the impulse response functions (IRFs) of the censored variable approach of Kilian and Vigfusson (2011). Findings – The quantile cointegration test showed the existence of non-linear cointegration relationship, whereas Granger-causality analysis revealed that positive/negative variations in GEPU will have opposite effects on oil prices. This result was supported by the quantile regression model’s coefficients and nonlinear VAR model’s IRFs; more specifically, it was stressed that increasing/decreasing GEPU will deaccelerate/accelerate global economic activity and thus lead to a fall/rise in oil prices. On the other hand, the empirical models indicated that the impact of US 10-year government bond yields on oil prices is asymmetrical, while it was found that deterioration in the borrowing conditions in the USA may have an impact on oil prices by slowing down the global economic activity. Originality/value – As a robustness check of the quantile-based analysis results, the slope-based Mork test is used.

The positively directed relationship between economic growth and international trade in the globalizing world caused the importance attached to international trade has increased day by day. Countries, by the effect of this increasing importance, have headed towards economic integrations intensely. Turkey entered into much economic integration agreement, notably, the customs union agreement with European countries in 1996 to improve the foreign trade in parallel to this change in the world conjuncture. This study scrutinized all the economic integrations of Turkey one by one and applied comparative analysis for the 1974-2017 period. Within this scope, a sample was established so as to include 75 countries that had 0.01% share at least in Turkey's foreign trade between the years of 1984 and 2017. There were produced estimations by utilizing bilateral trade data of countries and the Gravity Model. Analysis findings jibe with the literature and show that economic integrations increase the foreign trade of Turkey. However, according to this research, partial scopes arrangements from among economic integrations negatively affected the trade of Turkey in the related period.

Wearable devices fall short in providing information other than physiological metrics despite athletes' demand for psychological feedback. To address this, we introduce a preliminary exploration to track psychological states of athletes based on commercial wearable devices, coach observations and machine learning. Our system collects Inertial Measuring Unit data from tennis players, while their coaches provide labels on their psychological states. A recurrent neural network is then trained to predict coach labels from sensor data. We test our approach by predicting being in the zone, a psychological state of optimal performance. We conduct two experimental games with two elite coaches and four professional players for evaluation. Our learned models achieve above 85% test accuracy, implying that our approach could be utilized to predict the zone at relatively low cost. Based on these findings, we discuss design implications and feasibility of this approach by contextualizing it in a real-life scenario.

Dihydro [2,3D] pyridine substituted enaminosulfonamide compounds have been synthesized and their effects on carbonic anhydrase II (hCAII) have been evaluated. Pyrido [2,3 d] pyrimidines were synthesized from barbituric acid derivatives, malonanitrile, aldehyde derivatives in basic condition and then hydrolyzed with hydrochloric acid. The targeted compounds were syn-thesized from amino sulfanilamide, dihydro [2,3D] pyridine compounds, and triethylorthoformate. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis were used for the structural analysis of the compounds. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of the compounds were determined to be between 27.03 and 104.39 μM for hCA II and 19.85-76.64 μM for Ki.

Increased oxidative stress (OS) in chronic kidney disease (CKD), and particularly in those undergoing hemodialysis (HD), is widely recognized. We aimed to evaluate ischemia modified albumin (IMA) as a marker of OS in CKD patients who are not yet on HD compared to chronic HD patients. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Hitit University, Corum, Turkey in 2015. In this study, 39 chronic HD and 36 CKD patients in stage 3–4 were included, as well as 34 healthy individuals as a control group. IMA levels in HD patients (before and after HD session), stage 3-4 CKD patients and control group were evaluated using the ELISA method. Pre-HD and post-HD albumin levels were measured and albumin-adjusted IMA (aIMA) levels were calculated. IMA and aIMA levels were higher in chronic HD and CKD patients who are not yet on HD, compared to healthy individuals (IMA, 179.76 ± 60.46, 209.67 ± 69.84, 67.41 ± 32.22, P

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected healthcare systems worldwide. The effect of the pandemic on emergency general surgery patients remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To reveal the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mortality and morbidity among emergency general surgery cases. DESIGN AND SETTING: Data on patients who were admitted to the emergency department of a tertiary hospital in Samsun, Turkey, and had consultations at the general surgery clinic were analyzed retrospectively. METHODS: Our study included comparative analysis on two groups of patients who received emergency general surgery consultations in our hospital: during the COVID-19 pandemic period (Group 2); and on the same dates one year previously (Group 1). RESULTS: There were 195 patients in Group 1 and 132 in Group 2 (P < 0.001). While 113 (58%) of the patients in Group 1 were women, only 58 (44%) were women in Group 2 (P = 0.013). Considering all types of diagnosis, there was no significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.261). The rates of abscess and delayed abdominal emergency diseases were higher in Group 2: one case (0.5%) versus ten cases (8%); P < 0.001. The morbidity rate was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1: three cases (1.5%) versus nine cases (7%); P = 0.016. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic has decreased the number of unnecessary nonemergency admissions to the emergency department, but has not delayed patients’ urgent consultations. The pandemic has led surgeons to deal with more complicated cases and greater numbers of complications.

ABSTRACT Objective Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder that is frequently seen in the eastern Mediterranean region. The thyroid gland can be affected in FMF patients through autoimmunity or amyloidosis. Here, we aimed to evaluate the structure and functions of the thyroid gland in addition to possible autoimmunity in FMF patients. Subjects and methods The study was conducted by the Endocrinology and Metabolism and Internal Medicine Departments. Thirty FMF patients and 30 age and gender-matched healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Free thyroxin (fT4), free triiodothyronine (fT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) autoantibodies were investigated. Detailed thyroid grayscale and Doppler Ultrasonography examinations and shear-wave elastosonography (SWE) were performed in the patient and control groups. Results Anti-TPO was detected in 24% (n = 7) of the patients. On the grayscale US, mean thyroid volumes were similar between the FMF and the control groups (p > 0.05). By Doppler US, thyroid vascularity observed was detected in 10.3% (n = 3) of the patients. SWE revealed that the mean velocity value of right vs. left lobe in the patient group was 1.77 ± 0.45 m/s and 1.95 ± 0.51 m/s, respectively. Compared to the control group, the mean velocity values were significantly higher in the right (p = 0.004) and left (p = 0.01) lobes of the patient group. The mean stiffness value in the patient group was also significantly higher in the right and left lobes [10.13 ± 5.65 kPa (p = 0.005) and 12.24 ± 6.17 kPa (p = 0.02), respectively]. Conclusion Recognizing the complications of FMF early in the course of the disease is as important as the early diagnosis of the disorder. Based on this, thyroid functions and changes in its structure should be evaluated carefully for early diagnosis of a possible coexisting thyroid disorder. Arch Endocrinol Metab. 2020;64(1):66-70

In this speculative look of design thinking through the lens of the Renaissance, the author draws our attention to the shocking similarity between the transition in today's world and the Industrial Era. In this comparison, he emphasizes the similar role of “arts in Renaissance” concept and Design Thinking. In this perspective, the author's concern is not about discussing how the Design Thinking process will be in the new era, but just speculating its role as a tool in such a transitional period.

Purpose - This study focuses on the monetary policy transmission of the U.S. on the excess returns in emerging markets by estimating the impacts of changes in the shadow interest rate in the U.S. on the Barclays Benchmark EM FX Trend Excess Return Index (FXERI) and the Barclays Cross Asset Trend Index – EM FX ER (CRASERI). Methods - To account for the spillover effects of the macroeconomic and financial variables, this study employs a bivariate VARMA–AGARCH approach. This study employs 206 daily observations, from February 22, 2002, to July 5, 2019 sourced from The Barclays database and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Findings - This study finds that the shocks in shadow interest rates will decrease the Barclays Benchmark EM FX Trend Excess Return Index (FXERI) and the Barclays Cross Asset Trend Index – EM FX ER (CRASERI) in the short term. The results of VARMA–BEKK–AGARCH model show that changes/shocks in shadow interest rates will reduce the excess returns in the financial markets of emerging countries in the long term. Implication - The study reveals that a high-interest rate policy could be used as a tool by the FED to prevent excessive returns on emerging countries' financial markets Originality - This study contributes to the existing literature by addressing the issue of whether the monetary policy stance of the U.S. after the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) can be recognized as the primary source of the currency excess returns and multiple-asset class excess returns for emerging countries.

Purpose

OBJECTIVE: There are many instruments to measure disease activity in ulcerative colitis. While determining clinical activity according to these instruments, many clinical and laboratory parameters are needed to be followed. Determination of disease activity with non-invasive and objective inflammatory indicators may be a practical and objective way. CRP/Albumin ratio (CAR) is an inflammatory marker that is considered to have prognostic value in various cancers, sepsis and acute pancreatitis. In this study, we aim to investigate diagnostic performance CAR in determining the clinical severity of ulcerative colitis. METHODS: Between November 2011 and February 2017, hospital records and follow-up cards of patients with ulcerative colitis were reviewed retrospectively. One hundred forty-nine patients were included in this study. Patient's demographic data, laboratory values, clinical disease activity, according to Truelove & Witts criteria and endoscopic activity according to the Mayo sub-score and treatments, were recorded. Diagnostic performance of CAR analyzed to determine the clinical severity. RESULTS: Of the patients included in this study, 99 (62%) were male, and 50 (38%) were female. Mean age was 45.22+-14 years. When patients were grouped into remission, mild, moderate and severe disease according to disease activity, there was a statistically significant difference between CRP, CAR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and albumin levels (p=0.001; p

In this study, it is examined retirement migrants’, who prefer to live in Kazdağı Mountain National Park and its settlements in the vicinity, thoughts and perceptions regarding this area, and whether these thoughts and perceptions are related. The aim of the study is to question whether there is a meaningful relationship between retirement migrants’ perceptions and thoughts regarding human and natural environment of Kazdağı Mountain. In this study, mixed model was adopted. In this context, 127 retirement migrants were surveyed, while 30 retirement migrants were applied mind map technique. As a result of the research, it was understood that retirement migrants' perceptions about KMNP were related with their thoughts. It is determined that those who find the environment around KMNP good, beautiful, tidy and well-kept have positive thoughts about the natural environment. Retirement migrants in the sample also find the research area as airy, natural, calm and peaceful.

In this study, the real economic activity and monetary policy in the US are examined in comparison with the foreign trade balance and exchange rates, using Qual VAR and nonlinear VAR models. We found that the foreign trade with Brazil, Canada and Mexico do not lead to a possible recession in the US. The value of the domestic currency of Brazil, Canada and Mexico against the US dollar does not contribute to a possible recession over the foreign exchange market. We also show that a contraction in the US economy and contractionary monetary policy will lead to the appreciation of the US dollar by leading to capital inflows. Although the shadow interest rate may have asymmetric effects on the foreign trade balance with Canada and USD/CAD, we find that the foreign trade balance with Mexico and USD/MXN will be affected positively/negatively by an increase/decrease in the shadow interest rate.

Amaç: Bu çalışmada kamu kurumlarındaki stratejik yönetim çalışmalarının örgüt içindeki güç örüntüsünü hangi güç alanları ve kaynakları üzerinden şekillendirdiği sorusuna cevap aranmıştır. Yöntem: İfade edilen amaç çerçevesinde çalışma çoklu örnek olay çalışması şeklinde tasarlanmıştır. Çalışmaya stratejik planlarını kendileri hazırlayan 7 kamu kurumu dâhil edilmiştir. Bu 7 kurumdan 11 kişi ile yarı-yapılandırılmış mülakat yapılmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra, örnek olay çalışmalarının gerçekleştirildiği dönem içerisinde araştırmacı tarafından yapılan gözlemler vasıtasıyla da bir dizi veri toplanmıştır. Gözlem ve mülakatlara ek olarak çalışmada kurumlara ait ve araştırmaya yön veren amaç çerçevesinde veri niteliği taşıyan dokümanlarda araştırmada kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen veriler literatürdeki vurgulardan hareketle oluşturulan göstergeler temel alınarak analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: Verilerin analizi stratejik yönetim çalışmalarının örgüt içi güç örüntüsünü değiştirmede bir araç olarak kullanıldığına ve bu özelliğinden dolayı örgüt içi güç örüntüsünü belli şekillerde etkileyebildiğine işaret etmektedir. Sonuç: Örgütsel bağlama özgü faktörlerin hem örgüt içi güç örüntüsünü etkileme derecesinde ve yönünde hem de bir araç olarak kullanımında belirleyici olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.

Abstract Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an important health problem across the world affecting the adult population with an enormous social and economic burden. Calcium regulation is also affected in patients with CKD, and related to several disorders including vascular calcifications, mineral bone disorders, and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Upper zone of growth plate and cartilage matrix (UCMA) is vitamin K-dependent protein (VKDP) and acts as a calcification inhibitor in the cardiovascular system. The molecular mechanism of UCMA action remains unclear in CKD. In the current study, we aimed to investigate serum total UCMA levels and its association with calcium metabolism parameters in CKD patients including hemodialysis (HD) patients. Thirty-seven patients with CKD stage 3-5, 41 HD patients, and 34 healthy individuals were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum UCMA and calcification related protein levels (Matrix Gla Protein (MGP), Osteocalcin (OC), and Fetuin-A) were analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Calcium mineral disorder parameters (Serum Ca, P, iPTH) were quantified with routine techniques. We, for the first time, report the potential biomarker role of UCMA in CKD including HD. Serum total UCMA levels were significantly higher in patients with CKD including HD patients than the healthy controls. Also, serum UCMA levels showed negative correlations with serum calcium, and eGFR, while showed positive relationships with P, iPTH, MGP, OC. Increased total UCMA levels may have a role in the Ca metabolism disorder and related to the pathogenesis of Vascular Calcification in patients with CKD.

Amaç ve Problem: Bu çalışmanın amacı, öznel girişimsel başarı literatüründe ihmal edilen “bağlamın” etkisini ortaya koymaktır. Öznel girişimsel başarı, girişimcinin ne yaptığında ve nereye ulaştığında kendisini başarılı gördüğü ile ilgili bir durumdur. Literatürde; ekonomik bir birim olan işletmenin kurucusu ve çoğu zaman yöneticisi olan girişimcilerin, rasyonel bir varlık olmalarının gereği olarak ekonomik hedeflerini gerçekleştirme oranına göre kendilerini başarılı bulacağı öngörülmektedir. Wach ve arkadaşları (2016), girişimsel başarı değerlendirmesinde ekonomik kriterlerin yanında, eş önem düzeyine sahip başka başarı kriterlerinin de olabileceğini iddia etmektedirler. Ancak Wach vd., geliştirdikleri girişimsel başarı kriterlerinin bütün girişimciler için geçerli ve kültürler-arası değişmez olduğunu varsayarak, “öznel” girişimsel başarı değerlendirmesinde “bağlamın” rolünü göz ardı etmişlerdir. Bu göz ardı ediş girişimsel başarı literatürünün genel problemidir. Yöntem: Bu çalışmanın iddiası, ileri sürülen girişimsel başarı kriterlerinin yani öznel unsurların “bağlam” çerçevesinde şekillendiğidir. Bu iddiadan hareketle, ilk olarak, Wach vd. tarafından geliştirilen 17 maddelik ölçek 5’li Likert ölçüm düzeyiyle 100 girişimciye gönderilmiştir. Geri dönen 55 ankette girişimcilerin büyük bir kısmının önemli (4) ve kesinlikle önemli seçeneklerini (5) işaretlediği görülmüştür. Bu durumun “olanı” değil “olması gerekeni” yansıttığına yönelik şüphelerden hareketle, girişimciler için girişimsel başarı kriterlerinin önem düzeylerinin farklılaşacağı öngörülmüştür. Bu farklılaşmayı tespit etmek adına, farklı arka plana sahip 6 girişimci ile görüşme yapılarak AHS (Analitik Hiyerarşi Süreci) analizi uygulanmıştır. Girişimciler için girişimsel başarı kriterlerinin öneminin farklılaşmasının arkasında bağlamın etkisini tespit etmek adına, AHS analizindeki her bir ikili karşılaştırmadan sonra “niçin?” sorusu sorularak bağlama ilişkin detaylı nitel veri de elde edilmiştir. Bulgular: Bu şekilde üç aşamalı bir araştırma sonunda, girişimcilerin öznel başarılarını değerlendirirken farklı bağlamsal koşullardan etkilendikleri sonucuna varılmıştır. Sonuç Araştırma sonucunda, araştırmacıların geliştirdiği üç düzeyli bağlam modelini destekleyici veriler elde edilmiştir ve girişimsel başarı değerlendirmesinde 3 farklı bağlam düzeyinin etkisinin olduğu bulgusuna ulaşılmıştır. Buna göre “girişimciyi çevreleyen kurum temelli”, “girişimcinin temas halinde olduğu” ve “girişimcinin kendi ve firmasından kaynaklı” şeklinde 3 farklı bağlam düzeyindeki çeşitli alt bağlamsal faktörlerin girişimsel başarı değerlendirmesinde bir etkisinin olduğuna ulaşılmıştır. Bu alt bağlamsal faktörlerden özellikle “içerdiği formal/informal kurumlar”, “endüstri yapısı” ve “girişimsel özellikler”in “girişimcilerin kendini başarılı bulma” halini etkilediği tespit edilmiştir.

Objective: Sickle cell disease (SCD), described as a group of inherited blood disorders, affects millions of people throughout the world and is particularly common in the southern part of Turkey. We aimed to determine the relationship between ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) and the dynamic thiol/disulfide balance in SCD. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four adult SCD patients and 30 healthy controls were included in the study. The 54 adult patients included 30 (56%) males and 24 (44%) females with a mean age of 28.3+-8.4 years (minimum-maximum: 18-46 years). Of the 54 patients, 46 had homozygous sickle cell anemia (HbSS) and 8 had sickle/β-thalassemia (HbS/β+-thalassemia). Fasting blood samples were collected. After centrifugation at 1500×g for 10 min, plasma samples were portioned and stored at -80 °C. IMA levels were determined by albumin cobalt binding test, a colorimetric method. Total and native thiols and disulfide were analyzed with a novel spectrophotometric method. Results: We found significantly lower levels of native thiol (-SH) (284.0+-86.3 μmol/L), disulfide levels (14.6+-7 μmol/L), and total thiols (-SH + -S-S-) (313.0+-89.3 μmol/L) in SCD patients compared to healthy controls (respectively 417.0+-54.2, 22.7+-11.3, and 462.0+-58.7 μmol/L). Plasma albumin levels (34.9+-7.9 g/L) were lower and IMA levels (13.6+-3.1 g/L) were higher in SCD patients compared to controls (respectively 43.5+-3.1 and 8.4+-1.6 g/L). Plasma albumin levels were strongly correlated with both plasma native (r=0.853; p=0.0001) and total thiols (r=0.866; p=0.0001). Conclusion: Decreased plasma native and total thiol levels and increased IMA levels are related to increased oxidative stress and provide an indirect and quick reflection of the oxidative damage in SCD patients.

Bu çalışmanın amacı, Foucault’un iktidar olgusuna ilişkin açıklamalarından hareketle bireylerin disipline edilerek itaatkâr bir varlığa dönüştürülmelerinde fiziksel ve sosyal aleni anatominin nasıl rol oynadıklarının izini sürmektir. Bu çerçevede, çalışmada, iktidar mekanizmalarının insanları itaatkâr birer varlığa dönüştüren zihinsel arka planı hangi insani duygular üzerinden inşa ettiği sorusuna cevap aranmıştır. Cevap aranan bir diğer soru da kendini gizleme zorunluluğunda olan iktidarın, anatominin farklı biçimleri üzerinden sağlamış olduğu hükmetme esnasında kendisini gizlemeyi nasıl başardığıdır. Çalışmadaki veriler dokuz psikiyatrist hekimle yapılan mülakatlar aracılığıyla toplanmıştır. Mülakatlar sonucunda elde edilen veriler fiziksel aleni anatominin korku ve utanç, sosyal aleni anatominin ise beğenilme, popüler olma, dışlanma ve hor görülme şeklindeki zihinsel karşılıkları üzerinden işleyen etkin iktidar araçları olarak önemli işlevler üstlendiklerine işaret etmektedir. Diğer bir bulgu da, bilimin iktidarın kendini gizlemede etkin bir rol oynadığına ve sosyal aleni anatomiyle iktidarın, hem bireye yönelik hükmetme alanının genişlediği hem de kendisini gizleme konusunda daha mahir bir beceriye ulaştığı yönündedir. / In the context of Foucault’s statement about power, the aim of this research is to trace how the physical and social anatomy play a role in transforming people into obedient persons. In this framework, it is focused on the question of which human emotions that power mechanisms have built mental background turn people into obedience. Another focal point of this research is to consider how the power in need of concealing itself can achieve its goal of concealing itself successfully. The data were collected through interviews with nine psychiatrist. The data indicate that “physical anatomy” through fear and embarrasment, “social anatomy” through favour, popularity and exlusion feellings have important functions as effective instruments of power. Another finding is that science plays an active role in concealing itself and that by social anatomy, power is both augmenting the domain of individual domination and achieving a more subtle skill in concealing itself.

Özet Amaç: Uluslararası turizm aktivitesinin artmasının ekonomik büyümeye neden olduğu kabul edilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Türkiye’de net uluslararası turizm gelirleri ile GSYİH arasındaki etkileşimin hangi kanallardan işleyebileceğinin ortaya konulmasıdır. Yöntem: Toda ve Yamamoto (1995) ve Hatemi-J (2012) testleri kullanılarak, net uluslararası turizm gelirleri ile GSYİH arasındaki nedensellik ilişkisi karşılıklı olarak analiz edilmiştir. Geliştirilen pozitif ve negatif kümülatif toplamlar yardımıyla, net turizm gelirleri ile GSYİH arasındaki etkileşimde asimetrinin rolü her iki nedensellik testi ile dikkate alınmıştır. Bulgular ve Sonuç: Net uluslararası turizm gelirlerindeki artışın GSYİH büyümesine katkı yapacağı bulunmuş iken, net uluslararası turizm gelirlerindeki düşüş GSYİH’ı düşürmemektedir. Turizm sektörünün büyümesinin yabancı turistlerin harcamalarından ziyade turizm yatırımları eliyle sağlandığını ortaya konulmuştur.

Purpose This study aims to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of the topical application of Hypericum perforatum on the healing of surgical wounds created in the oral mucosa of rats with experimentally induced diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods The study was carried out on 48 adult male Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into two main groups as control and study groups. Two main groups were divided into three subgroups according to the sacrification days. All rats were given streptozotocin 60 mg/kg, after 72 hours, and those having blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL were included in the study. Mucosal defects were created in the palatal area of the rats. H. perforatum oil was applied topically twice a day to the wounds of the rats in the study group. Animal were sacrificed on the 3rd, 7th and 10th days and samples taken from the palatal wounds were examined histologically and biochemically. Results On the 7th day, ulceration, necrosis, epithelialization, polymorphonuclear leucocytes and hydroxyproline variables showed statistically significant differences (p

DOI: 10.26650/eor.2018.505Purpose This study aims to investigate the histopathological and biochemical effects of the topical application of Hypericum perforatum on the healing of surgical wounds created in the oral mucosa of rats with experimentally induced diabetes mellitus. Materials and methods The study was carried out on 48 adult male Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into two main groups as control and study groups. Two main groups were divided into three subgroups according to the sacrification days. All rats were given streptozotocin 60 mg/kg, after 72 hours, and those having blood glucose levels above 200 mg/dL were included in the study. Mucosal defects were created in the palatal area of the rats. H. perforatum oil was applied topically twice a day to the wounds of the rats in the study group. Animal were sacrificed on the 3rd, 7th and 10th days and samples taken from the palatal wounds were examined histologically and biochemically. Results On the 7th day, ulceration, necrosis, epithelialization, polymorphonuclear leucocytes and hydroxyproline variables showed statistically significant differences (p

In traditional production systems, production is generally based on performance criteria such as total completion time, price and quality. Energy consumption or environmental impacts of prodcution systems are not often considered. This article deals with an NP-hard scheduling problem aiming to increase energy efficiency, which has been noticed by companies in recent years. A mathematical model is set up to minimize the total energy consumption in a single machine production system. Genetic algorithm method is used to solve this NP-Hard problem. To prove the efficiency of our model and algorithm, we use the sample problems in the reference paper. According to the test results, our model and algorithm have been shown to reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to the algorithm in the reference paper.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of 16 weeks step-aerobic exercises and core exercises on left ventricular structure and function with some physiological parameters in sedentary women. Methods: To achieve the purpose of this study, a total of 45 volunteers including (step-aerobic group (SAG, n = 25), core exercise group (CEG, n = 20) were selected as participants. Two different exercises were applied for 4 days a week, throughout 16 weeks, within 60 minutes for each exercise with the intensity of heart rate (HR) 60-70 percent. The HR was measured using a heart rate monitor for each subject. The physical, biochemical and echocardiographic characteristics of the women were measured before and after the exercise. Results: During the exercise periods, there were a meaningful decrease in the body weight, BMI, value of waist region and hip circumference of the women in both intervention groups as well as in the values of HR, DBP, SBP (p

Abstract Background To assess the role of DWI in differentiation haemorrhagic ovary infarction from non-haemorrhagic one. Methods For this prospectively designed study, of 117 female patients who presented with acute lower quadrant pain and underwent MRI for suspicion of ovary torsion, results of only 29 patients (mean age, 24.7; SD, ±5.7; age range, 18–37), with surgical and pathological confirmation of adnexal torsion, were included to the study. All patients underwent DWI after conventional MRI. Quantitative and qualitative analysis of both the torsed and contralateral normal ovary were performed. Results of conventional MRI and DWI were noted. Results At operation 15 patients were found to have haemorrhagic infarction while 14 had non-haemorrhagic infarction. Of the 29 patients, 17 torsed ovaries could be salvaged in a viable state. We found statistically significant correlation of the ADC values, between haemorrhagic and non-haemorrhagic ovary infarction. The ADC values were significantly lower in patients with haemorrhagic infarction than non-haemorrhagic ones (p

Background: Factors affecting liver regeneration are still relevant. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of nebivolol treatment on liver regeneration in rats in which 70% partial hepatectomy was performed. Methods: Three groups were created: the control group, the low dose group, and the high dose group, with 20 rats in each group and 70% hepatectomy was performed in all rats. Immediately after partial liver resection, 2 mL physiological saline solution was administered to the control group via oral gavage, 0.5 mg/kg nebivolol was administered via oral gavage to the low dose group and 2 mg/kg nebivolol was administered via oral gavage to the high dose group. On the 1st and 5th days after liver resection, 10 subjects were sacrificed from each group, and liver weights and the mitotic count and Ki-67 were measured. Results: Regenerating liver weight on the 1st and 5th days after partial hepatectomy was statistically different in the low dose and high dose nebivolol groups compared to the control group. Mitotic count on the 1st day after partial hepatectomy was significantly higher in the low dose and high dose nebivolol groups than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference detected between the three groups for the 5th day. On the 1st day, Ki-67 rates were significantly higher in both groups given nebivolol than the control group. However, 5th day results were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Nebivolol increases regeneration after partial hepatectomy in rats.

INTRODUCTION[|]Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) consist of a number of chronic inflammatory diseases. Inflammatory process is known to be involved in all stages of atherosclerosis. Early atherosclerosis is reflected by increased levels of carotid artery intima media thickness (c-IMT) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Epicardial fat thickness (EFT) strongly influences both the formation and progression of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have demonstrated a relationship between c-IMT and hs-CRP levels and the risk of atherosclerosis in patients with IBD. However, no study has yet compared EFT between patients with IBD and the general healthy population. Hence, this study was designed to further evaluate whether patients with IBD have higher EFT values with increased c-IMT and hs-CRP levels compared to those in the healthy population.[¤]METHODS[|]A total of 110 patients with IBD and 105 healthy volunteers were enrolled into this study. EFT was evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography. c-IMT levels were measured using an ultrasound scanner with a linear probe. The plasma levels of hs-CRP were measured using a highly sensitive sandwich ELISA technique.[¤]RESULTS[|]The hs-CRP and c-IMT levels of patients with IBD were significantly higher than those of the control group. The EFT values of patients with IBD were significantly higher than those of the control group (0.54+-0.13 vs. 0.49+-0.09, p=0.002).[¤]DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION[|]Echocardiographic EFT measurements of patients with IBD were significantly higher than those of the normal population, which may be associated with an increased subclinical atherosclerosis risk in these patients.[¤]

Abstract Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a global health problem, and infected patients if left untreated may develop cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aims to enlighten pathways associated with HBV related liver fibrosis for delineation of potential new therapeutic targets and biomarkers. Methods Tissue samples from 47 HBV infected patients with different fibrotic stages (F1 to F6) were enrolled for 2D-DIGE proteomic screening. Differentially expressed proteins were identified by mass spectrometry and verified by western blotting. Functional proteomic associations were analyzed by EnrichNet application. Results Fibrotic stage variations were observed for apolipoprotein A1 (APOA1), pyruvate kinase PKM (KPYM), glyceraldehyde 3-phospahate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), glutamate dehydrogenase (DHE3), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2), alcohol dehydrogenase (ALDH1A1), transferrin (TRFE), peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3), phenazine biosynthesis-like domain-containing protein (PBLD), immuglobulin kappa chain C region (IGKC), annexin A4 (ANXA4), keratin 5 (KRT5). Enrichment analysis with Reactome and Kegg databases highlighted the possible involvement of platelet release, glycolysis and HDL mediated lipid transport pathways. Moreover, string analysis revealed that HIF-1α (Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha), one of the interacting partners of HBx (Hepatitis B X protein), may play a role in the altered glycolytic response and oxidative stress observed in liver fibrosis. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first protomic research that studies HBV infected fibrotic human liver tissues to investigate alterations in protein levels and affected pathways among different fibrotic stages. Observed changes in the glycolytic pathway caused by HBx presence and therefore its interactions with HIF-1α can be a target pathway for novel therapeutic purposes.

Giriş: Semptomatik safra kesesi genel cerrahi pratiğinde en sık rastlanılan hastalıklardan biridir. Kolesistektomi genel cerrahi ameliyatları içinde yaygın uygulanan bir prosedürdür. Laparoskopik kolesistektomi semptomatik safra kesesi taşının tedavisinde altın standarttır. İster laparoskopik ister açık kolesistektominin en sık korkulan komplikasyonu safra yolları yaralanmasıdır. Biz sunumumuzda kolesistektomi esnasında fark edilen, nadir görülen strasberg tip C yaralanması olan olguyu sunmayı planladık. Olgu sunumu: Kırk dokuz yaşında bayan hasta sağ üst kadran ağrısı ile kliniğimize başvurdu. Hastanın 2010 yılından beri asemptomatik safra kesesi taşı tanısı ile takip edildiğini fakat son 6 aydır yemeklerden sonra sağ üst kadranda kolik tarzda ağrısı olduğunu ifade etti. Hastanın karın ve diğer sistemik muayeneleri doğal, biokimyasal parametleri normal olarak bulundu. Karın ultrasonografisinde safra kesesinde taş tespit edildi. Semptomatik safra kesesi taşı tanısı ile laparoskopik kolesistektomi planlandı. Ameliyata laparoskopik olarak başlandı.Sistik kanal laparoskopik olarak ortaya konulamadığı için açığa geçildi. Retrograd olarak safra kesesi karaciğer yatağından ayrıldı. Sistik arter bulundu ve bağlandı. Sistik kanal ortaya konuldu ve kolesistektomi tamamlandı. Sonrasında karaciğer hillusa yakın bir alandan safra kaçağı olduğu tespit edildi. Safra kaçağının olduğu alan eksplore edildi. safra kaçağı olan yerden intraoperetif kolenjiografi çekildiğinde sağ posterior hepatik safra kanalının yaralandığı görüldü(Strasberg tip C Yaralanma). Sistik duktus koledoğa kadar disseke edildi. disseksiyon sırasında Sağ posterior hepatik kanalın sistik kanala giriş yeri bulundu. Kanal çapı 2 milimetre idi. Her iki uç arasında doku kaybı olmaması, kanlanmasının iyi olması nedeniyle 7/0 PDS ile tek tek plastik stent üzeirnden anastomoz edildi. Post op dönemde komplikasyon gelişmeyen 5.günde taburcu edildi. Tartışma Safra yolu yaralanması kolesistektomi sonrasında karşılaşılan en korkutucu komplikasyondur. Sıklığı %0.3 ile %1.4 arasında değişmektedir. Safra yolları yaralanması ameliyat sırasında yada sonrasında tespit edilebilir. Birçok sınıflama tariflenmiştir. En sık kullanılanları Strasberg - Bismuth sınıflamalarıdır. Safra yolları yaralanması tedavisi yaralanma tipi,yaralanmanın fark edildiği zamana göre değişir. Yaralanma tipine göre endoskopik yada cerrahi olarak tedavi edilebilir. Cerrahi tedavi seçenekleri primer tamir, t tüp drenaj, uc uca anastomoz yada bilye-enterik anastomoz dur. Sonuç: Bizim olgumuzda görülentip C yaralanma nadir görülür. Çoğu olguda ameliyat sonrası dönemde fark edilir. Olgumuzda ameliyat sırasında farkedildi. Doku kaybı olmaması,erken dönemde fark edilmesi ve olası hepatikojejuostomi komplikasyonları önlemek amacıyla uç uca anastomoz yapılması tercih edildi.