European financial integration : measurement bond and stock markets

Ankara : The Department of Economics, Bilkent University, 2009.Thesis (Master's) -- Bilkent University, 2009.Includes bibliographical references leaves 45-48.The emergence of European Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) has given a large momentum to financial integration in Europe. After the introduction of the Euro(€) on 1 January 1999, all of the remaining exchange rate risk among EMU participants were removed and this was a milestone for the beginning of a single monetary policy for the euro area. This paper tries to identify the degree of improvement in European financial integration by presenting the theoretical point of view that tries to monitor the level of integration in the Eurozone. It starts by defining what financial market integration is and its benefits. Then it introduces the measurement methods for financial integration in both bond market and stock market. Last of all, this paper tries to distinguish the remaining barriers for full financial integration. The paper concludes analyzing aforementioned theoretical literature and further steps that are necessary to consolidate financial integration.Erden, BurakM.S

Incidence and predictors of radial artery injury following transradial procedures: Yet another benefit of renin–angiotensin system blockade?

Background: Vasodilatory function of radial artery (RA) declines following the transradial catheterization. However, it is uncertain whether impaired vasodilatory function develops in every patient. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictive factors of impaired vasodilatory function following transradial procedures. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing elective transradial procedures were prospectively enrolled. Ultrasound examination of RA was recorded just before and 1 week after the procedure. RA diameters and flow velocities were measured at baseline, after flow mediated vasodilation (FMD) and after nitrate mediated vasodilation (NMD). Results: Fifty-one patients were included (62 ± 11 years, 55% male, 41% hypertensive, 20% diabetic, 65% with coronary artery disease). Overall FMD and NMD were significantly impaired after 1 week. However, deterioration of FMD and NMD was observed in 67% and 71% of patients, respectively. Absolute change in FMD was significantly different in patients using a renin– angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitor compared to those who were not (1.9 ± 12.9 vs. –7.7 ± ± 12.7%, respectively, p = 0.025). Additionally, there was a moderate but significant correlation between baseline RA diameter and absolute change in NMD (r = 0.419, p < 0.001). RAS blockade was independently associated with protection against FMD deterioration (OR 0.241, 95% CI 0.066–0.883, p = 0.032), whereas RA diameter (OR 0.079, 95% CI 0.009–0.720, p = 0.024) and procedure time (OR 1.156, 95% CI 0.989–1.350, p = 0.068) were associated with NMD deterioration, although the latter had borderline significance. Conclusions: Vasodilatory function of RA gets impaired in most patients following transradial procedures. RAS blockade seems to exert a protective role against deteriorating endothelium- dependent vasodilation, whereas smaller RA diameter and potentially longer procedure time are associated with impaired endothelium-independent vasodilation.

Urine dipstick of sputum for the rapid diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia

Abstract: Introduction: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) is responsible for an important part of treatment costs across the world. Even though posterioranterior lung radiography (PALG) and direct sputum smear microscopy are required or routine diagnoses. The purpose of this study is to determine the diagnostic value of the bedside urine strip tests in CAP. Methods: Patients who attended the emergency department (ED) between from February 2016 to September 2016 with expectoration complaints and suspicion of pneumonia. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate of the urine strip tests, direct sputum smear microscopy, and PALG were calculated and analyzed using SPSS 15.0. Results: During the study period, 100 patients with pneumonia suspicion were evaluated in the ED. The sample was divided into two groups: negative and positive diagnosis of CAP. The leukocytes detecting by urine strip tests are statistical differences between the two groups (p: 0.003). The results show that the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate of leukocytes detected in sputum with urine strip tests in the pneumonia diagnosis were 83.3%, 44.2% and 63% respectively. Conclusion: According to the study, it is believed that the method of determination of leukocytes with urine strip tests in sputum combined with more detailed results. They can become part of CAP diagnosis methods

Вредное воздействие электромагнитного поля на разные ткани: обзор

Clinic of Family Medicine, Bozyaka Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey, Department of Family Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir,Turkey, Department of Family Medicine, Izmir Katip Celebi University, Izmir, TurkeyAbstract. Studies about the potential effects of the electromagnetic field on the human body are increasing day by day. In this study; new investigations on this field were tried to be explained by the help of literature. It is shown in many studies that electromagnetic waves as well as the electromagnetic field that is given out by some of the equipment we use, create negative effects on biological systems of humans. Moreover; it had concluded that there are roles of molecular pathways such as oxidative stress on electromagnetic field induced diseases. These effects are the short term effects and long term effects. Preventitive measures should be high priority and risks should be minimized.Rezumat. Studiile privind efectele potențiale ale câmpului electromagnetic asupra corpului uman cresc în fiecare zi. Această lucrare încearcă să explice noile cercetări din domeniu pornind de la literatura relevantă. În multe studii se arată că undele electromagnetice, precum și câmpul electromagnetic oferit de unele dintre echipamentele pe care le folosim, creează efecte negative asupra sistemelor biologice ale oamenilor. În plus, s-a stabilit că există o influență a căilor moleculare, cum ar fi stresul oxidativ asupra bolilor induse de câmpul electromagnetic. Sunt efecte pe termen scurt și efecte pe termen lung. Măsurile preventive ar trebui să fi e prioritare, iar riscurile ar trebui reduse la minimum.Резюме. Исследования о потенциальном воздействии электромагнитного поля на человеческий организм увеличиваются день ото дня. В этом исследовании; новые исследования в этой области пытались объяснить с помощью литературы. Во многих исследованиях показано, что электромагнитные волны, а также электромагнитное поле, излучаемое некоторым оборудованием, которое мы используем, оказывают негативное воздействие на биологические системы человека. Более того; был сделан вывод о роли молекулярных путей, таких как окислительный стресс, в заболеваниях, вызванных электромагнитным полем. Эти эффекты представляют собой краткосрочные и долгосрочные эффекты. Превентивные меры должны быть приоритетными, а риски должны быть сведены к минимуму

Antioxidative activity and phytochemical composition of dried apricot

In this study, the phytosterol and vitamin values of apricot fruits, which had been dried with different methods, and the antioxidant activity against iron (II) chloride (FeCl2) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced in vitro hepatitis oxidation have been determined. In addition, antioxidant capacity of apricots was determined by using DPPH free radical. As a result, apricot extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation and protected amount of total protein. Additionally, DPPH free radical scavenging effect of the species showed a parallel increase in dose. We think that rich phytochemical compounds of apricot fruits (for example; phytosterols, flavonoids, polyphenols and vitamins) play a role in this effect.Bu çalışmada, farklı yöntemlerle kurutulmuş kayısı meyvesinin fitosterol ve vitamin seviyeleriyle, demir (II) klorür ve hidrojen peroksitle indüklenen in vitro karaciğer oksidasyonuna karşı antioksidan aktivitesi belirlendi. Ayrıca kayısının antioksidan kapasitesi DPPH serbest radikali kullanılarak belirlendi. Sonuçta, kayısı ekstraktları lipid peroksidasyonunu önledi ve total protein miktarını korudu. Buna ek olarak, türlerin artan doza paralel olarak DPPH serbest radikali temizleme etkisi görüldü. Biz bu etkinin kayısı meyvesindeki zengin fitokimyasal kompozisyonun (örneğin; fitosteroller, flavonoidler, polifenoller ve vitaminler) rol oynadığını düşünüyoru

Three versus five intravitreal aflibercept injections as the initial loading phase in the treatment of diabetic macular edema: one-year results

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of three initial monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by pro re nata (3+PRN) dosing versus five initial monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by pro re nata (5+ PRN) dosing in patients with diabetic macular edema. Methods: A total of 60 treatment-naive patients with macular edema who underwent intravitreal aflibercept injections (2 mg/0.05 mL) with at least one year of follow-up were analyzed in this retrospective and comparative study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the number of intravitreal aflibercept injections administered in the loading phase. The 3+PRN group comprised 27 patients, whereas the 5+PRN group comprised 33 patients. The visual and anatomical outcomes were compared between the two groups at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: Both 3+ PRN and 5+ PRN, showed statistically significant improvements in the best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thicknesse throughout the study period (p<0.001 and, p < 0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (p=0.453 and, p=0.784, respectively). The mean number of intravitreal aflibercept injections was significantly greater in the 5+PRN group (6.1 +/- 0.8) than in the 3+PRN group (3.9 +/- 0.8) (p<0.001). Conclusion: The 3+PRN and 5+PRN regimens showed similar 12-month visual and anatomical outcomes following treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injections in patients with macular edema

“Being COVID-19” A Qualitative Study: Experiences, Needs, Recommendations

Amaç: Bu araştırma COVID-19 enfeksiyonu sebebiyle hastanede yatışı olan bireylerin, COVID-19 sürecine ilişkin deneyimlerinin kronolojik olarak keşfedilmesi amacı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Gereç ve Yöntem: Araştırma nitel araştırma yöntemi kapsamında anlatı araştırması olarak tasarlanmıştır. Araştırma katılımcılarının belirlenmesinde, dahil olma kriterleri içinde yer alan X hastanesinde COVID-19 tanısı almış, yoğun bakımda tedavi görmüş, taburculuk süresi en fazla 1 ay olan, 18 yaş ve üzerinde gönüllü kişilerden oluşması esas alındı. Katılımcılar, nitel araştırmalarda kullanılan amaçlı örnekleme kapsamında belirlenmiş olup 15 gönüllü katılımcı ile derinlemesine görüşme tekniği kullanılarak araştırma gerçekleştirilmiştir. Görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler MAXQDA20 programıyla analiz edilmiştir. Bulgular: COVID-19 enfeksiyonu sonucu hastanede yatışı olan bireylerin deneyimleri incelendiğinde üç ana tema karşımıza çıkmıştır. Bu temalar özellikle katılımcıların hastalık süreçlerine ilişkin, tanı öncesi, tanı-tedavi sırası ve tanı sonrası deneyimleridir. Bunlarla birlikte katılımcıların önerileri de analiz edilmiştir. Katılımcıların çoğunluğu, COVID-19’a yakalanmadan önce bu hastalığa ilişkin çoğunlukla korku ve endişe duygularını yaşadığı ortaya çıkmıştır. Yaşanılan korku veya endişe durumlarının da daha çok hastalığa yakalanma, hastalığı başkalarına bulaştırma ve ölüm korkusu şeklinde olduğunu görülmektedir. Tanı ve tedavi süreçlerine ilişkin elde edilen sonuçlar, katılımcıların çoğunlukla yoğun bakım sürecinde zorlandıklarını göstermektedir. Bu süreçte katılımcılar güçlü yönlerini “sağlık çalışanlarının ilgisi” olarak belirtmiştir. Katılımcıların taburculuk sonrasında, nefes darlığı, mide bulantısı, halsizlik gibi fiziksel etkiler yaşadıkları ortaya çıkmıştır. Sonuç: Her aşamada katılımcılara korku hakim olduğu, yoğun bakım sürecinin zor olduğu, hastalıktan korunmaya daha da dikkat ettikleri ortaya çıkmıştır

Post-traumatic stress disorder after terrorist attack in healthcare professionals

INTRODUCTION: On the date of 15 July 2016 a terrorist organization launched a terrorist attack using helicopters and heavy combat weapons in the city centers of Istanbul and Ankara simultaneously. Numerous civilian were hurt and many of them lost their lives during the attacks. Terrorism is a form of combat designed to cause the highest psychological influence on the masses. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological disorders after such disasters. The aim of this study is to determine the associated risk factors and PTSD rates in healthcare professionals who were on call during the 15 July 2016 terrorist attacks. METHOD: Since the hospital is in a neighbouring the street to where terror attacks occurred, all healthcare professionals ≥ 18 years of age who were on duty that night in the Dr. Ridvan Ege Training and Research Hospital and were auditory or visual witnesses of the event were included in the study as the first group while healthcare professionals who work in the same hospital but were not on duty that night were included as the control group. RESULTS: The mean post-traumatic diagnostic scale stress score of the control group was 11.87. The mean post-traumatic diagnostic scale stress score of the Group 1 was 21.91. There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of posttraumatic diagnostic scale stress score (p &lt; 0.05). While the healthcare professionals on duty on July 15, 2016 (Group 1) had moderate-severe (21.91 ± 5.11) stress disorder, the healthcare professionals who were not at the hospital on July 15, 2016 (Control Group) had moderate stress disorder (11.87 ± 6.86). CONCLUSION: Our country is at risk from the fact that such attacks may be experienced again because of its unique conditions. The results of our work support the data on the high level of exposure to PTSD when exposed to a terrorist attack. For this reason, the identification of the characteristics of pre-traumatic health individuals at risk is useful in planning the presentation of preventive and curative health services. At the same time, there is a need for longer-term work and wider samples to reveal the psychological consequences of such attacks

Comparison of one and three initial monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injection in patients with macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion

AIM: To compare three initial monthly intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections followed by pro re nata (PRN) dosing with one initial monthly IVR injections followed by PRN dosing for macular edema (ME) secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 42 patients who had IVR injections for BRVO were retrospectively studied. Eighteen eyes received 1 initial IVR injection (1+PRN group) and 24 eyes received 3 monthly IVR injections (3+PRN). At 1, 3, 6 and 12mo; spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) was performed. Central macular thickness (CMT), the integrity of the external limiting membrane (ELM), the presence of subretinal fluid, cyst size, the presence of inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) defect were determined. RESULTS: At baseline the mean CMT was 521.3±153.2 µm in the 3+PRN group while it was 438.1±162.4 µm in 1+PRN group. At the final visit, mean CMT was 278.3±87.8 µm in the 3+PRN group and 285.2±74.2 µm in the 1+PRN group (P=0.079). The changes in CMT over the entire study period were also comparable in both groups (243±160 µm in the 3+PRN group, and 152.9±175.3 µm in the 1+PRN group; P=0.090). At baseline, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.92±0.60 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) in the 3+PRN group, while it was 0.72±0.46 logMAR in the 1+PRN group. Final BCVA was 0.42±0.55 logMAR in the 3+PRN group and 0.38±0.50 logMAR in the 1+PRN group (P=0.979). Additionally, the BCVA changes from baseline to final visit were not significantly different (-0.50±0.45 logMAR in the 3+PRN group, and -0.33±0.39 logMAR in the 1+PRN group; P=0.255). CONCLUSION: No significant differences in the anatomical or functional results are found between 3+PRN and 1+PRN regimens in the patients receiving ranibizumab for ME secondary to BRVO. Intact IS/OS and baseline BCVA are good predictor of the visual gain, while baseline CMT is a good predictor of the anatomical gain

Real-World Outcomes of Anti-VEGF Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Turkey: A Multicenter Retrospective Study, Bosphorus Retina Study Group Report No: 1

Objectives: To evaluate the real-world outcomes of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. Materials and Methods: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional, non-comparative study. The records of nAMD patients treated with an anti-VEGF agent on a pro re nata treatment regimen basis between January 2013 and December 2015 were reviewed. The patients who completed a follow-up period of 12 months were included. Primary outcome measures of this study were the visit and injection numbers during the first year. Results: Eight hundred eighty eyes of 783 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Mean number of visits at month 12 was 6.9±2.5 (range: 1-15). Mean number of injections at month 12 was 4.1±1.9 (range: 1-11). Mean visual acuity at baseline and months 3, 6, and 12 was 0.90±0.63 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), 0.79±0.57 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), 0.76±0.57 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), and 0.79±0.59 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), respectively. Mean central retinal thickness at baseline and months 6 and 12 was 395±153 μm (range: 91-1582), 330±115 μm (range: 99-975), and 332±114 μm (range: 106-1191), respectively. Conclusion: The numbers of visits and injections were much lower than ideal and were insufficient with the pro re nata treatment regimen