As pharma is to people, so infrastructure is to cities

The pharmaceutical industry is a profit-making sector of the healthcare system and has grown into a self-regulating complex system over the years. Starting from the pre-clinical to clinical development of drugs to the authorisation and marketing thereof, a typical multi-national pharmaceutical company of today operates in complex ways which partly emerge from the multiple interactions within and without the company. The complexity is further given by the unpredictability of the outcomes: merely 1 out of 10 drugs that are in development are likely to be approved. The plethora of regulations by authorities such as the European Medicines Agency pose a negative feedback on this complex system which is further aggravated by the reimbursement landscape of each country, taking a toll on the innovative side of this privately funded sector.
 By analogy, infrastructure operations with distinct supply systems delivering specific critical products and services, pharmaceutical companies have become the exclusive suppliers of drugs within the healthcare system. Increasingly traditional public sector infrastructure provision has been privatised, as has national health services drug development, resulting in high levels of regulation in each, constraining innovation and profitability, hall-marks of the private sector. Just as infrastructure delivers the life-blood of cities, pharma delivers medicines for the health of individuals: both aim for public health and societal good. Failures in infrastructure delivery, such as unaffordability by the poor, match with pharma failures to provide equitably to all individuals: the poor cannot afford the best drugs. The urban sprawl in cities and the rise of informal settlements without sufficient infrastructure, can be observed in health care by the rise in use of alternative and unreliable medications by sections of the population who are excluded from pharma penetration.
 Our work studies such analogies between infrastructure and pharmaceutical companies in the hope of a better understanding of the operations of and connections with each other and inspirations about finding solutions from these two similar, yet distinct complex systems

ON CARTAN NULL BERTRAND CURVES IN MINKOWSKI 3-SPACE

In this paper, we consider Cartan null Bertrand curves in Minkowski 3-space. Since the principal normal vector of a null curve is a spacelike vector, the Bertrand mate curve of a null curve can be a timelike curve and a spacelike curve with spacelike principal normal. We give the necessary and suffient conditions for these cases to be Bertrand curves and we also give the related examples

Doğrudan yabancı yatırımlar ile ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişki: Türkiye örneği

Türkiye'de 24 Ocak 1980 kararları ile liberal ekonomi modeli benimsenmiştir. Bu ekonomi modeli ile doğrudan yabancı yatırımlar ekonomik büyüme üzerinde bir etki yaratmıştır. Çalışmada, Türkiye'de 1980-2018 dönemi için doğrudan yabancı yatırımlar ile ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişki hem kısa dönem hem de uzun dönem için ARDL sınır testi yöntemi ve Toda-Yamamoto nedensellik testi incelenmektedir. Modelde doğrudan yabancı yatırımların belirleyicisi olan GSYİH, enflasyon, doğrudan yabancı yatırım girişi ve cari işlemler hesabı değişkenleri kullanılmıştır. Kısa dönem katsayı sonuçlarında enflasyon katsayısı istatiksel olarak anlamlı olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Doğrudan yabancı sermaye girişi ile ekonomik büyüme arasında istatiksel olarak anlamlı ve negatif yönde ilişki gözlemlenmiştir. Uzun dönemde doğrudan yabancı sermaye girişindeki %1'lik artış ekonomik büyümeyi % -3.79 azaltmaktadır. Kısa dönemde cari işlem bir birim arttıkça ekonomik büyüme % -1.91 oranında azaldığı tespit edilmiştir. Uzun dönemde ise enflasyon ile cari işlemler dengesi katsayısı istatiksel olarak anlamsız olduğu görülmüştür

Molecular Detection and Characterization of Goat Isolate of Taenia hydatigena in Turkey

The aim of this study was to provide molecular detection and characterization of the goat isolate of Taenia hydatigena from Ankara province of Turkey. For this purpose, PCR amplification of small subunit ribosomal RNA (rrnS) and partial sequencing of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (mt-CO1) genes were performed in a one-month-old dead goat. According to rrnS-PCR results, parasites were identified as Taenia spp., and partial sequence of mt-CO1 gene was corresponding to T. hydatigena. At the end of the study, we concluded that molecular tools can be used to define species of parasites in cases where the key morphologic features cannot be detected. Nucleotide sequence data of Turkish goat isolate of T. hydatigena was submitted to GenBank for other researchers interested in this subject. By this study, molecular detection and characterization of T. hydatigena was done for the first time in Turkey

Comparison of Growth and Development Characteristics of Hair and Damascus Kids Reared under Extensive Conditions

The present study aimed to compare the growth and the development of Hair and Damascus kids reared under extensive conditions. The body weights of Damascus goats were significantly higher than that of the Hair goats during the 360 days growth period (P < 0.05; P<0.001). Body weight was influenced by birth type only at birth and on the 360th day of the growth period, and single-birth kids had higher values than twin-born kids (P < 0.05). Exceptfor the 120th day of the growth period, the body weight of kids born in dam age group III was higher than that of kids born in the other dam age groups (P < 0.05; P < 0.01; P < 0.001). The breed effect was markedly observed after the 120th day of the growth period concerning body measurements especially chest depth, rump height, and body length. Damascus goats were significantly higher than that in the Hair goats for these traits (P < 0.001). It can be suggested that comparative studies containing the entire growth period should be conducted on other indigenous goat breeds (Angora, Honamlı, Kilis, and Norduz goat breeds) and to demonstrate the growth and development characteristics of these breeds

Östrus senkronizasyonu uygulanan saanen keçilerinde üreme özellikleri ve oğlaklarda büyüme özelliklerinin belirlenmesi]

This study aimed to determine the reproductive characteristics of Saanen goats of Australian origin using an estrus synchronization program with hormones (MPA and PMSG) in two different mating periods (Period I and Period II) and to investigate the survival rates and growth performances of kids. According to the results of the research, it was determined that pregnancy rate and litter size were higher in the mating period I (87% and 2.16) compared to mating period II (80.5% and 2.03), and it is hypothesized that this situation is related to the length of dry period of the goats. Although the mortality rate (P0.05). These results indicate that the kidding season should be an environmental factor to be taken into account when planning the production. In addition to this, it is important to optimize the care and management conditions, especially during the kidding season, due to the high multiple birth types for the estrus synchronization program in Saanen goats

Korelacja odsetka hemoglobiny glikowanej z ciężkością choroby wieńcowej występująca u młodych osób niezależnie od tradycyjnych czynników ryzyka

Introduction: In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in < 40 years old patients. Material and methods: The study population consisted of 211 premature coronary atherosclerotic patients (pCAP) (aged 36.4 &#177; 2.5 years) and 160 control subjects (36.4 &#177; 2.4 years). The severity of CAD was evaluated by the Gensini scoring system. HbA1c levels and the other basic biochemical parameters were analysed, and relations with severity of CAD were evaluated. Results: There were statistically significant differences in serum HbA1c levels between the two groups (pCAP = 6.1 &#177; 1.8%, control = 4.7 &#177; 1.2%, p < 0.001). HbA1c levels significantly positively correlated with the Gensini score in pCAP (r = 0.662, p < 0.001). In linear multivariate regression analysis (including age, sex, HbA1c, smoking, diabetes mellitus and hypertension as dependent parameters), only HbA1c was found to be an independent risk factor for the presence of severe CAD (Beta = 0.374, p < 0.001). In ROC curve analysis, the optimal cut-off value of HbA1c to predict severe CAD was 6.52%, with 74.4% sensitivity and 75.1% specificity (area under the curve 0.781, 95% confidence interval 0.661 to 0.901, p < 0.001). Conclusions: HbA1c levels were found to be correlated with the Gensini score in pCAP with and without diabetes. In this respect, glucose metabolism abnormalities, indicated by HbA1c, may play an important role in premature CAD. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (5): 367-371)Wstęp: Niniejsze badanie przeprowadzono w celu oceny zależności między odsetkiem hemoglobiny glikowanej (HbA1c) a ciężkością choroby wieńcowej (CAD) u chorych w wieku < 40 lat. Materiał i metody: Badana populacja składała się z 211 chorych z przedwczesną miażdżycą tętnic wieńcowych (pCAP) (w wieku 36,4 &#177; 2,5 roku) i 160 osób stanowiących grupę kontrolną (36,4 &#177; 2,4 roku). Ciężkość CAD określano na podstawie wartości wskaźnika Gensiniego. Przeanalizowano odsetek HbA1c oraz inne wyjściowe parametry biochemiczne i oceniono ich zależności z ciężkością CAD. Wyniki: Stwierdzono statystycznie istotne różnice między grupami w zakresie stężeń HbA1c w surowicy (pCAP = 6,1 &#177; 1,8%, grupa kontrolna = 4,7 &#177; 1,2%; p < 0,001). Wartości HbA1c były istotnie skorelowane z wartościami wskaźnika Gensiniego u chorych z pCAP (r = 0,662; p < 0,001). W wieloczynnikowej analizie regresji liniowej (w której uwzględniono wiek, płeć, stężenie HbA1c, palenie tytoniu, cukrzycę i nadciśnienie tętnicze jako zmienne zależne) jedynie stężenie HbA1c okazało się niezależnym czynnikiem ryzyka wskazującym na występowanie ciężkiej CAD (Beta = 0,374; p < 0,001). Jak wykazano w analizie krzywych ROC, optymalny punkt odcięcia wartości HbA1c pozwalający prognozować ciężką CAD wynosi 6,52%, przy czułości metody 74,4% i swoistości 75,1% (pole pod krzywą 0,781, 95-proc. przedział ufności 0,661&#8211;0,901; p < 0,001). Wnioski: U osób z pCAP, zarówno chorych na cukrzycę, jak i bez tej choroby, stwierdzono korelacje między wartościami HbA1c i wskaźnikiem Gensiniego. Jak wynika z powyższych obserwacji, zaburzenia metabolizmu glukozy, których wyznacznikiem jest odsetek HbA1c, mogą odgrywać ważną rolę w rozwoju przedwczesnej CAD. (Endokrynol Pol 2012; 63 (5): 367-371

Genetic Animal Heritage of Anatolia: Short-beaked Pigeon Genotypes

This study aimed to determine the morphological and morphometric characteristics of Bango, Mısıri and Baska pigeons, which have been preferred to breed as ornamental and diver pigeons in Anatolia. The ages of the pigeons were classified into four groups: 12-24 months of age (age group I), 25-36 months of age (age group II), 37-48 months of age (age group III), and 48 months of age and over (age group IV). These three pigeon genotypes were included in the bird group with short beak and small body structure. There were statistically significant differences among the genotypes in terms of body weight, head length-width, beak length-depth, chest depth-width, thoracic perimeter, tail and body length, wing span-length, tarsus diameter (p?0.01). Considering the body plumage color of pigeons, Mısıri and Bango pigeons show more similar appearance, however Baska pigeons has a different appearance from both genotypes. However, it is thought that it would be appropriate to evaluate morphological data together with genetic analysis. We think that these three pigeon genotypes should be taken under immediate protection in order to protect the domestic gene resources of Turkey.

The effect of nasal septum deviation on subclinical cardiac autonomic dysfunction

Background: Nasal septum deviation is one of the most frequently encountered nasal pathology in otorhinolaryngology clinics. Disease with a high comorbidity such as obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), among whose etiology septum deviation takes place, can cause subclinical pathologies like atrial fibrillation. The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of nasal septum deviation on subclinical cardiac pathologies.Methods: The study included a total of 80 patients which were a group of 40 patients who admitted to the otorhinolaryngology department with a complaint of nasal obstruction and were diagnosed as having nasal septum deviation and a control group of 40 patients who admitted to the same department with complaints other than nasal obstruction and had no nasal septum deviation for the period of April 2015-August 2015. Initially, all patients were performed rhinomanometric measurement and then the patients were required to grade their symptoms of nasal obstruction using a 10-unit visual analog scale (VAS). Following that, patients were performed to transthoracic echocardiography by cardiology department and all the results were compared between two groups.Results: In the patient group while the VAS and transnasal pressure were found meaningful higher, the transnasal flow was found meaningful lower than the control group. In the patient group PA septum, PA tricuspide, PA lateral-tricuspide, PA septum-tricuspide values were found meaningful higher than the control group. In the patient group left atrium width (LA), LA volume maximum, LA volume minimum and LA volume p values, which show the size of left atrium, were found meaningful high in comparison to the control group.Conclusions: As a result of the data obtained from this study, the research demonstrates that nasal septum deviation can cause subclinical cardiac pathologies such as atrial fibrillation and these pathologies can be detected with noninvasive methods such as echocardiography

The morphological and morphometric characteristics of Alabadem pigeons

This study aimed to determine the morphological and morphometric characteristics of Alabadem pigeons, which are grown as ornamental pigeons in Edirne province, and to determine mutual traits with other indigenous pigeon breeds in Turkey by comparing with previous studies. Body weight (P < 0.001), head length (P < 0.01), head width (P < 0.05), beak length (P < 0.001), and tarsus diameter (P < 0.05) of age group III were higher than those of other age groups; however, the wingspan of age group II was greater than that of other age groups in Alabadem pigeon. Compared to other indigenous genotypes in Turkey, the Alabadem pigeon is a small-sized genotype. Alabadem pigeons were similar to Edremit butterfly pigeons and Thracian tumbler pigeons in terms of crested and blackeyed pigeons. On the other hand, the irregularly shaped mark (almond) on the head in Alabadem pigeons was similar to the wide-long irregular shaped mark on the neck of Edremit butterfly pigeons. Some basic plumage colors (black, yellow, and red) and intermediate colors (chickpea and scarlet) were identical to Alabadem pigeons and Thrace roller pigeons. Since Alabadem pigeons have many mutual characteristics with Edremit butterfly pigeons and Thracian roller pigeons, genetic studies may be recommended to determine the degree of relationship among these breeds.Tekirdag Namik Kemal University Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit [NKUBAP.10, 17.138]This study was funded by Tekirdag Namik Kemal University Scientific Research Project Coordination Unit (Project No: NKUBAP.10.GA.17.138)