The Medicinal Effects of Different Solvent Extracts of Pyracantha Coccinea Roem. Fruits: Heavy Metal Content, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Properties

The current investigation has been conducted to assess the total flavonoid content, total phenolic content, heavy metal composition, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Pyracantha coccinea Roem. fruit extracts prepared with different solvents. Methods: Ethanol, diethyl ether, and hot water extraction were used as solvents to prepare the extract of Pyracantha coccinea Roem. fruit. Total phenolic ingredient was assessed by Folin-Ciocalteu assay, and the total ingredient of flavonoids was measured spectrophotometrically via AlCl3 assay. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were investigated via free radical scavenging assays, DPPH, and ABTS. The fruits were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometer to determine heavy metal content. The antimicrobial activities of the extracts were investigated using agar well diffusion method against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Candida albicans. Results: It was determined that the total flavonoid ingredient, total phenolic ingredient, ABTS and DPPH activities of the hot water extract were significantly higher than the other fractions. These parameters were found to be significantly higher in ethanol extract compared to ether extract. All extracts exhibited antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa while the hot water fraction exhibited the highest antibacterial effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It was determined that Cr, Co, Ni, and Cu contents exceeded the toxicity thresholds that might be found in plants. Conclusion: These results suggest that Pyracantha coccinea Roem. fruit may be considered as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobial agents

Murder Victim Wins the Dutch Elections

The first political murder in its democratic history shocked the Netherlands to the core. One week before the parliamentary elections, planned for 15 May 2002, the publicist and politician Pim Fortuyn, branded by the American and British press as the maverick of Dutch politics, was shot dead as he was leaving a radio station in Hilversum. A dramatic end for a politician who relied on the theatrical and strong statements on migrants, in particular Muslims

A surveillance of nosocomial candida infections: epidemiology and influences on mortalty in intensive care units

Introduction: it was aimed to investigate the frequency of Candida infections (CI) in the intensive care units (ICU), to determine typing of candida to evaluate risk factors associated with CI and mortality, and to evaluate influence of CI on mortality. Methods: the prospective cohort study was carried out between Jan 1, 2009 and Dec 31, 2010 in ICUs, and the patients were observed with active surveillance. VITEK 2 Compact System (BioMerieux, France) kits were used for the identification of isolates from various clinical samples. Results: a total of 2362 patients had enrolled for 16135 patients-days into the study. During the study, 63 (27,5%) of patients developed 77 episodes of CI were observed. Of the patients; 54% were male, 46% were female. Duration of hospitalization (OR=1,03, p=0,007), hyperglycemia (OR=17,93, p=0,009), and co- infections (OR=3,98, p=0,001) were identified as independent risk factors for CI. The most common infections were bloodstream (53%). 77 of 135 candida strains was isolated as causative pathogens. C. albicans (63,6%) was the most frequent species. Overall mortality rate was 78%. The rates of mortality attiributable to CI and candidemia were 27%, and 18,3% respectively. Species- specific mortality rates of C.albicans and C.tropicalis were determined as 12%. High APACHE II scores (OR=1,37; p=0,002), and the use of central venous catheter (OR=9,01; p=0,049) were assigned as independent risk factors for mortality. Conclusion: CI is an important problem in our hospital. CI and associated mortalty can be prevented by controlling of risk factors. Updating of epidemiological data is required for successful antifungal treatment

The role of platelet-lymphocyte ratio and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in early gestational week in predicting missed abortion

Background: The definition of abortion was made by the World Health Organization based on the weight of the pregnancy material or the duration of pregnancy. According to this expression, the expulsion of all or some of the pregnancy material weighing less than 500 grams or before the 20th week of pregnancy from the uterine cavity is called abortion. Platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), which are among the inflammation parameters likely to be increased in abortion, were compared in groups that resulted in abortion and did not result in abortion.Methods: The study included 120 patients who had a diagnosis of 0.05).

QT dispersion in irritable bowel syndrome

Background: The pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has not been fully elucidated. The gastrointestinal tract have a well-differentiated intrinsic nervous system and also this system is connected with nervous system. The symptoms of IBS are related with autonomic nervous system (ANS). It was also possible to see cardiovascular symptoms due to this link. This link can influence QT dispersion (QTd). The aim of this case control study is to show the cardiac effects of IBS by changes in QTd.Methods: There were 56 newly diagnosed patients with IBS and 60 control subjects were included in this study. IBS was diagnosed using the new Roma IV Criterias. Standard 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) were taken in both two groups. QTd and corrected QTd (QTcd), QT max, QT min, QT avarage, Corrected QT (QTc) min, QTc max, QTc avarage values were calculated with Bazzet Formula from rest ECGs.Results: There were 56 newly diagnosed patients with IBS and 60 control subjects were included in the study (p:0.94). The mean age of the patients and control patients were 51.75±10.41 years and 48.41±9.72 (p: 0.53) years, respectively. QTd and corrected QTd (QTcd), QT max, QT min, QT mean, Corrected QT (QTc) min, QTc max, QTc mean values were calculated. QTd and QTcd values were found to be significantly higher in the patients with IBS (40.2±7.18; 34.1±6.18 / 52±9.8; 50.6±7.61 Msec, respectively). It is concluded that, QTd (p: 0.022) and QTcd (p: 0.032) were significantly incresased in the IBS.Conclusions: Activation of ANS in the patients with IBS can affect QT period in ECG

Apoptotic effect of bortezomib on pancreatic islet cells in STZ-induced diabetic rats

This study aimed to investigate the possible apoptotic role of bortezomib (BMZ) on pancreatic islets of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into groups that were administered BMZ alone or in combination with STZ. To evaluate the effect of BMZ on the development of diabetes, blood glucose levels were measured regularly in the animals. Islet cell viability was determined by staining the islets with fluorescein diacetate and propidium iodide. Expression of the Bcl-2 and bax genes was determined in islet cells by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Administering STZ-induced hyperglycemia in the rats reduced the viability of islet cells and the bcl-2/bax ratio. In the group administered BMZ alone, the bcl-2/bax gene expression rate in islets increased significantly compared to the control group. BMZ co-administered with STZ significantly increased islet cell viability and the bcl-2/bax ratio compared to the diabetic group.Conclusions: This study demonstrates that BMZ may protect pancreatic islet cells from apoptosis by increasing islet viability and upregulating the bcl-2/bax gene expression ratio, even though it failed to protect against the destructive effect of STZ

The Dynamics of Financial and Macroeconomic Determinants in Natural Gas and Crude Oil Markets: Evidence from Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development/Gulf Cooperation Council/Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries

This study analyzes the countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to test the casual relationship between world energy prices (Brent Oil, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), Dubai, Henry Hub (HH), Japan and Russia) and the liquidity level, stock market and industrial production. Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF), Phillips-Perron (PP) and Kwiatkowski-Phillips-Schmidt-Shin (KPSS) unit root tests, Johansen cointegration and Granger causality analyses are implemented during the study. The empirical findings indicate that there are multidirectional relationships between the above-mentioned variables. These relationships can be explained by the factors that each country group owns within the framework of their energy sources, financial markets, economic conditions and geographical positions. The data accrued and analyzed in this study is presented as a contribution to guide policymakers, global investors and researchers in constituting an extensive country specific energy, macroeconomic and financial policies. Keywords: oil and natural gas prices, financial and economic developments, cointegration, causality JEL Classifications: C32, Q4

How Are Fenebahçe’s And Beşiktaş’s Stock Returns Reacted To The Match-Fixing Announcement?

Football is one of the most important sport activities in the worldwide, where stock prices are very sensitive to game results. On 3rd of July 2011 Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe, the two major Turkish soccer teams, were accused of match-fixing which suddenly dampen their share prices. This study assesses to compare the stock market performances of both Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe when they earn the right to enter group stages in UEFA European League before the match-fixing and after the match-fixing announcement by using event study method. The results indicate that the announcement of entering group stages in UEFA European League before the match-fixing process has a positive impact on both teams’ stock movements. On the other hand, after the announcement of match-fixing, negative effect is achieved for both of the teams, even they earned the right to enter group stages. Interestingly the evidences show that Fenerbahçe’s stocks are affected heavily during the match fixing process while the same negative effect is not strong for Beşiktaş. The findings of this study will contribute to the literature as it is the only study that compares the effect of match-fixing process on the stock market returns of both Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe when these teams are successful in international areas by considering UEFA European League as the case

The prevalence of obesity and the factors affecting obesity in the students of secondary education

Background: Childhood obesity has reached alarming dimensions all around the world. In this study, our objective is to determine the prevalence of childhood obesity in the secondary education as well as genetic, cultural and environmental factors giving rise to obesity, nutritional habits, family history and activity status.Methods: The research was performed on 750 students aged between 14-18. Body Mass Index (BMI= weight/height2 (kg/m²)) and Relative Body Mass Index (Rel BMI)  values of each child were calculated by making use of their height and weight measurements. An evaluation was made through the use of a questionnaire form consisting of 46 questions that questioned the family history, nutritional habits and activity status of the children at issue.Results: About 41.7% of 750 children incorporated into the study were female, whereas 58.2% of them were male. The age distribution was between the age range, 14-18. According to BMI values, 12.3% of the children were overweight, while 4% of them were obese. According to Relative BMI values, on the other hand, 10.4% of the children were overweight, whereas 12.9% of them were obese. When the children’s nutritional habits, activity status and family history were evaluated, we ascertained that doing physical exercises irregularly, consuming pastry foods at home and the presence of obesity history within the family had all led to the development of obesity as well as being overweight (p <0.05).Conclusions: In these research subjects comprising children of secondary education, we showed that the nutritional habits, cultural nutritional differences and the insufficiency in physical activities as well as the genetic susceptibility in children could be the determinants in obesity development

The Fragility of Turkish Economy from the Perspective of Oil Dependency

In an emerging economy, energy is a crucial input. Turkey as an oil dependent country, the volatility of oil price might affect more than thought. In this study, the impact of oil price changes in Turkish macroeconomy has been examined. A VAR model is built by using quarterly data from the first quarter of 2003 to the first quarter of 2013. Variables used in the model are Brent oil price, gross fixed capital formation, interest rate, us GDP and inflation. We believe that the analysis has demonstrated the fragility of Turkish economy to oil price volatility with its significant results in the relationship between oil price and main macroeconomic indicators. This study also shows the incredible need of sustainable energy policies to make a country’s economy stable