Does more energy consumption support economic growth in net energy-importing countries?

Purpose – This study aims to examine the effects of energy consumption on economic growth by means of a panel data analysis of 75 net energy-importing countries for the period 1990 to 2012. Design/methodology/approach – For the purpose of the analysis, the countries are classified into two groups, and each group is then classified into subgroups. The first group is formed based on the energy import dependence of the countries and is classified into two subgroups according to whether their dependence is greater than or less than 50 per cent. The second group is formed based on the income level of the countries and is classified into four subgroups, specifically, low-income economies, lower-middle-income economies, upper-middle-income economies and high-income economies. Findings – The findings obtained for both panel data and for each country indicate that there is a positive and statistically significant relationship between energy consumption and economic growth over the long term such that energy consumption contributes more to economic growth as the import dependence of the country decreases. Moreover, the effect of energy consumption on economic growth decreases as the income level of the country increases. This indicates that the efficient use of energy is as important as energy consumption, which is regarded as an important indicator of economic development. Originality/value – The authors expect that these findings will make a valuable contribution to the results of future studies, as they analyze the relationships among the variables by including the energy intensities of the countries.Propósito – Este estudio examina los efectos del consumo de energía en el crecimiento económico, mediante un análisis de datos de panel de 75 países importadores netos de energía para el período 1990-2012. Diseño/metodología/enfoque – A los efectos del análisis, los países se clasifican en dos grupos y cada grupo luego se clasifica en subgrupos. El primer grupo se forma en base a la dependencia de los países en materia de importación de energía y se clasifica en dos subgrupos según su dependencia sea superior o inferior al 50%. El segundo grupo se forma sobre la base del nivel de ingresos de los países y se clasifica en cuatro subgrupos: economías de ingresos bajos, economías de ingresos medios-bajos, economías de ingresos medios-altos y economías de ingresos altos. Hallazgos – Los hallazgos obtenidos, tanto para los datos de panel como para cada país, indican que existe una relación positiva y estadísticamente significativa entre el consumo de energía y el crecimiento económico a largo plazo, de modo que el consumo de energía contribuye más al crecimiento económico a medida que disminuye la dependencia de las importaciones del país. Además, el efecto del consumo de energía en el crecimiento económico disminuye a medida que aumenta el nivel de ingresos del país. Esto indica que el uso eficiente de la energía es tan importante como el consumo de la misma, que se considera un indicador importante del desarrollo económico. Originalidad/valor – Los autores esperan que estos hallazgos aporten una valiosa contribución para estudios futuros, ya que analizan las relaciones entre las variables mediante la inclusión de las intensidades de los países

Dermoscopic diagnosis of subungual hematoma: New observations

Introduction: There are very few studies focusing on the dermoscopic features of subungual hematoma which is one of the major imitators of subungual melanoma. Aim: To identify the dermoscopic findings of subungual hematoma, which will facilitate the diagnostic process by reducing the use of more invasive diagnostic methods like nail avulsion or biopsy. Material and methods: In this study, clinical and dermoscopic findings of the cases were reviewed. The diagnosis of subungual hematoma was confirmed by observing progression of the colour change to the distal edge of the nail plate in all the cases. Results: A total of 47 subungual hematomas were enrolled in the study. The most common colour was purple-black (53%). Blue-white colour was observed in 12 (26%) lesions. 9 (19%) lesions showed granular leukonychia. All of the lesions had a homogenous pattern. In 25 (53%) lesions, a globular pattern was observed. 14 (30%) lesions showed a streaks pattern. Peripheral fading and periungual haemorrhage were present in 14 (30%) and 9 (9%) lesions, respectively. Conclusions: We detected two new findings which have not been described previously for subungual hematoma: the first one is "blue-white colour" which is known as an important clue to melanoma. The second one is granular leukonychia localized on the hematoma. We suggest that in any case of the nail discoloration, a thorough dermoscopic examination should be performed. Moreover, progression of the colour change to the distal edge should be observed to ensure that a possible melanoma is not overlooked. © 2020 Termedia Publishing House Ltd.. All rights reserved

Vitamin B12: An underestimated cause of acneiform drug eruption

Dear Editor,Acneiform drug eruption is a type of adverse drug reaction character-ized by monomorphic papulopustular lesions. There are a limited num-ber of studies focusing on vitamin B12-induced acneiform eruption(BIAE) in the relevant literature.1,2In this study, we retrospectivelyanalyzed the clinical characteristics of BIAE in a consecutive series of32 patients who were admitted to the dermatology departments ofAhi Evran University and Kozan State Hospital over the last 3 years.Collected demographic and clinical data for each patient included age,sex, history of medication, previous experience with vitamin B12,symptoms, morphology, distribution and duration of the eruption, andthe treatment used. Causality assessment between vitamin B12intakeand BIAE was mainly based on the diagnostic criteria for drug reac-tions that have been originally proposed by Naranjo et al3For theselection of the 32 patients, the inclusion criteria were as follows..

The potential role of human HIV-1 TAT-Interactive Protein 2 levels in the pathogenesis of contact dermatitis

Background/aim: Human HIV-1 TAT interactive protein 2 (HTATIP2/TIP30) is a gene that is extensively expressed in human tissues as well as in tumor tissues. This study aimed to explore the potential role of HTATIP2/TIP30 in contact dermatitis (CD), which is one of the most common inflammatory cutaneous conditions. Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study involved adult patients with acute contact dermatitis who were admitted to the outpatient dermatology clinic of a tertiary hospital and healthy adult volunteers without any cutaneous or systemic diseases. The blood concentration of HTATIP2/TIP30 was measured using ELISA kits. Results: The research sample consisted of 31 patients with CD (18 males, 13 females) and 20 healthy control subjects (14 males, 6 females). The mean ages of the patients with CD and healthy volunteers were 37 and 30 years, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean value of serum HTATIP2/TIP30 levels in patients with CD was 1.65 ng ml–1, which is 0.60 ng ml–1 in the control group (p = 0.02) Conclusion: In this study, serum levels of HTATIP2/TIP30 were statistically significantly higher in patients with CD when compared to healthy controls. This outcome may indicate possible role of HTATIP2/TIP30 in the pathogenesis of CD. © TÜBİTAK

Relationship between apnea-hypopnea index and oxygen desaturation in REM-sleep period and morning headache in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Introduction: In patients with morning headache, REM sleep period decreases though little is known about its physiopathology. We evaluate the polysomnographic records of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients with the hypothesis that oxygen desaturations may be a better determinant in patients with morning headache, especially those in REM sleep periods. Methods: Patient group (group 1) with a total of 361 patients with OSAS and the controls (group 2) with 107 healthy individuals were evaluated. The presence of morning headache was compared between the groups, and sleep parameters were correlated with morning headache. Results: In group 1, patients with OSAS and morning headache, apneahypopnea index in the REM sleep period (26.7/hour, min-max: 0-108.4/hour) was higher than those in patients without morning headache (17.8/hour, min-max: 0-107.8/hour). The minimum oxygen saturation in REM sleep period and total sleep time (TST) was lower in patients with morning headache (REM sleep period: 82%, min-max: 50-94%; TST: 79%, min-max: 50-97%) in compared to patients without morning headache (REM sleep period: 84%, min-max: 50-93%; TST: 81%, min-max: 50-90%). Conclusion: Here we demonstrated that higher apnea-hypopnea index and lower oxygen saturation in REM sleep period were associated with morning headache in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome

Geçici Hiperglisemi anında Sevofluran ve Desfluranın Eritrosit Deformabilitesi Üzerine Etkilerinin Araştırılması

Aim: Micro and macrovascular complications due to long-term hyperglycemia are associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Erythrocytes exposed to hyperglycemia for a long time may cause morphological changes in erythrocytes such as decreased deformability and development of aggregation. As a result, complications such as shortening life span of erythrocytes, impairment of oxygen carrying capacity, tissue hypoxia may occur. In our study, we would like to investigate the effects of Sevoflurane and Desflurane on erythrocyte deformability during transient hyperglycemia. Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male Wistar albino rats were used. The animals were randomly divided into five groups, each contained 6 rats: Diabetic control (group DC), diabetic hyperglycemia group (group DH), diabetic hyperglycemia group with desflurane (group DH-D), and diabetic hyperglycemia group with sevoflurane (group DH-S) groups. Another 6 rats without diabetes were assigned as control group (group C). Streptozotocin- induced diabetic rats were kept 6 weeks, then transient hyperglycemia was created, and the administration of sevoflurane and desflurane were performed. After 24 hours blood samples were obtained and deformability measurements were performed in erythrocyte suspensions containing Htc 5% in a PBS buffer. Results: Diabetes mellitus was found to increase relative resistance in the control group (p <0.0001). Acute hyperglycemia increased relative resistance in diabetes control, relatively. Group DH, Group DH-D and Group DH-S deformability index were significantly different when compared to Group DC (p=0.007, p=0.025, p=0.016, respectively). It was found that administration of desflurane or sevoflurane did not alter erythrocyte deformability during acute hyperglycemia (p = 0.591, p = 0.739). Conclusion: As a consequence, we think that we can safely use inhalation anesthetics such as Desflurane and Sevoflurane during acute hyperglycemia attacks. But, it needs further investigation as both experimental and clinicalAmaç: Uzun süreli hipergliseminin oluşturduğu mikro ve makrovasküler komplikasyonlar mortalite ve morbidite artışı ile birliktedir. Eritrositlerin ise yaşam süreleri boyunca uzun süre hiperglisemiye maruz kalmaları morfolojik olarak eritrositlerde deformabilitede azalma ve agregasyon gelişmesi gibi bir takım değişikliklere neden olmaktadır. Bunun sonucunda eritrositlerin yaşam sürelerinde kısalma, oksijen taşıma kapasitesinde bozukluk, doku hipoksisi gibi komplikasyonlar meydana gelmektedir. Sevofluran ve desfluranın ise eritrosit deformabilitesi üzerine etkileri ile ilgili çeşitli çalışmalar mevcuttur. Biz de bu çalışmamızda geçici olarak oluşturulan hiperglisemi sırasında sevofluran ve desfluranın eritrosit deformabilitesi üzerine etkilerini araştırmayı amaçladık. Yöntem: Çalışma Gazi Üniversitesi Deneysel ve Klinik Araştırma Merkezi'nde Gazi Üniversitesi Deney Hayvanları Etik Kurulu onayı ile yapıldı. Çalışmaya 30 rat dahil edildi. Ratlar; kontrol grubu, diyabetik-kontrol, diyabetik hiperglisemi, diyabetik–hiperglisemi-sevofluran, diyabetik-hiperglisemi- desfluran olmak üzere 5 gruba ayrıldı. Streptozosin ile diyabet oluşturulan ratlar 6 hafta yaşatıldıktan sonra geçici hipergilisemi oluşturuldu ve sevofluran ve desfluran anestezisi uygulandı. 24 saat sonra kan örnekleri alındı ve santrifüj edildi. Eritrosit deformabilitesi sabit akım filtrometre sistemleri kullanılarak ölçüldü. Rölatif rezistansının artması eritrosit deformabilitesinin azalması olarak yorumlandı. Bulgular: Diyabet oluşturulmasının kontrol grubuna göre rölatif rezistansı arttırdığı bulundu (p<0.0001). Akut hiperglisemi, diyabet kontrol grubuna göre rölatif rezistansı arttırdı. Grup DH, Grup DH-D ve Grup DH-S deformabilite indeksi Grup DK ile karşılaştırıldığında anlamlı olarak farklı bulundu (p=0.007, p=0.025, p=0.016). Akut hiperglisemi sırasında Desfluran veya Sevofluran uygulanmasının ise eritrosit deformabilitesini değiştirmediği tespit edildi (p=0.591, p=0.739). Sonuç: Sevofluran ve Desfluran gibi inhalasyon ajanların akut hiperglisemi sırasında güvenle kullanılabileceğini düşünmekteyiz. Ancak bu bulguların daha detaylı ve geniş serilerde yapılacak klinik ve deneysel çalışmalarla desteklenmesi gerekmektedir

A Rare Cause of Precocious Puberty: Hepatoblastoma

Hepatoblastoma, an embryonal tumor, is one of the most common primary liver tumors in childhood. It secretes human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which can cause precocious puberty (PP). Herein, we present a case with PP who had enlarged penile size noticed during a diagnosis of hepatoblastoma. Laboratory examination revealed increased testosterone, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and hCG levels. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were within prepubertal ranges. The diagnosis of hepatoblastoma was made by liver biopsy. Chemotherapy was administered, and the patient was referred to surgery. Ten months later, testis volumes were below 4 ml bilaterally, and penile length was 5.5 cm. Serum testosterone, AFP, and hCG levels decreased. Resection of the tumor and chemotherapy are essential for the treatment of hepatoblastoma and they can eliminate the symptoms of PP

The views of provincial educational supervisors on the fifth grade students’ obstacles for reaching to objectives and acquisition of Turkish courseİl eğitim denetmenlerinin gözünden 5. sınıf öğrencilerinin Türkçe dersi amaç ve kazanımlarına erişmesinin önündeki engeller

This study was carried out for the aim of determining the 5th grade students’ obstacles for reaching to objectives and acquisitions of Turkish courses, from the viewpoints of provincial educational supervisors. This study was practiced with 19 provincial educational supervisors working in Adıyaman, Elazığ and Malatya, who check Turkish courses. The data were gathered by qualitative inquiry and semi-structured interviews were adopted. The data were analyzed by content analysis. Supervisor views were sub-categorized by coding. They were handled with from the main themes such as teacher, student, material, school managing; and 16 sub-themes related to main themes. Results indicated that teacher factor was determined the most important obstacle for students to reach to objectives and acquisitions of Turkish courses. This is followed by problems arising from student, material, and school managing. Ignorance of existing students’ problems by teachers, writing problems of students, course book problems, these problems were determined other sub-themes for students not to reach to objectives and acquisitions of Turkish courses. ÖzetBu araştırma, 5. sınıf Türkçe dersinin amaç/kazanımlarına öğrencilerin erişmesinin önündeki engelleri il eğitim denetmenlerinin görüşlerine dayalı olarak belirlemek amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırma; Adıyaman, Elazığ ve Malatya illerinde görev yapan ve Türkçe derslerini denetleyen 19 il eğitim denetmeniyle yürütülmüştür. Araştırmaya ilişkin veriler, nitel araştırma yöntemiyle toplanmış ve denetmenlerle yarı yapılandırılmış görüşmeler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Yapılan görüşmelerden elde edilen veriler, içerik analizi tekniği ile incelenmiştir.  Denetmen görüşleri, kodlanarak alt kategorilere ayrılmış; öğretmen, öğrenci, materyal, okul idaresi ana temaları ve bu temalarla ilişkili 16 alt temaya göre ele alınmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre; öğretmen faktörü, öğrencilerin Türkçe dersinin amaç/ kazanımlarına erişmesinin önündeki en önemli engel olarak tespit edilmiştir. Bunu; öğrenci, materyal ve okul idaresinden kaynaklanan sorunlar takip etmektedir. Öğrencinin gelişim özelliklerinin öğretmen tarafından bilinmemesi, öğrencinin yazma sorunu, ders kitabı ve okul idaresi denetleme sorunu ise 5. sınıf Türkçe dersinin amaç/kazanımlarına öğrencilerin erişmesinin önündeki engelleri oluşturan diğer alt temalar olarak tespit edilmiştir