Regulatory pathways to green energy transition for sustainable environment: The fostering role of human rights, banking sector development, economic complexity, and economic freedom.

Green energy transition directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13, which are among the 17 development goals determined by the United Nations. However, what are the determinants of this green energy transition? Researchers' answers to this question will assist in formulating policy prescriptions that will enable concrete steps toward achieving these goals. This study investigates how the development of the banking sector, human rights, economic complexity, and economic freedom affect the green energy transition in China, which is the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases globally but is also one of the leading countries in renewable energy production. The study covers the years 1995-2022. Advanced time series analysis methods were employed, and robust results were reported. According to the findings, Economic Freedom, Human Rights, and Economic Complexity have increased the transition to green energy in China. No effect of banking sector development was found. The country should improve economic freedom and human rights and increase knowledge/innovation-based production to accelerate China's transition to green energy and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Evaluation of apolipoprotein A5 variants: A cohort of patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia from Turkiye.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to show the clinical and biochemical features in patients with severe hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) associated with rare variants in the apolipoprotein A-V (APOA5) gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographics, blood lipid levels, body mass index (BMI) and APOA5 mutation subtypes were collected from the endocrinology clinic registry and analyzed for a retrospective cohort study of ten patients with severe HTG and APOA5 gene variants. RESULTS: Of the 10 cases, four were female, and six were male. The median age was 45.0 years (min-max: 21-60 years), the median triglyceride was 2429.5 mg/dL (27.5 mmol/L) (min-max: 1351-4087 mg/dL, 15.3-46.2 mmol/L), and the mean BMI was calculated as 30.4 ± 4.4 kg/m2 (min-max: 24.9-41.0 kg/m2). Four cases had diabetes mellitus (DM); two were on intensive insulin therapy, and two were on basal insulin therapy. The mean hemoglobin A1c was 9.2 ± 1.2 % (min-max: 8.3-11.0 %). Among the study group, eight different APOA5 gene mutations were detected. These variants were heterozygous in 2 patients and homozygous (bi-allelic) in 8 patients. One patient was homozygous for APOA5 p.Ser19Trp, a relatively common polymorphism that is a risk variant for HTG. CONCLUSION: We report a cohort of patients with biallelic and single copy APOA5 variants, who were diagnosed later in life. Most had secondary factors, such as DM or obesity with increased BMI. Most rare APOA5 variants found in our patients were of uncertain significance. Our results add to the growing evidence that rare variants in certain candidate genes may predispose to developing HTG, together with secondary factors such as obesity. The genetic basis of HTG in many other patients is still unknown and remains the subject of further investigation.

Evaluation of endoscopic ureteral stone treatments in the period of decreasing severity of COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, people's admissions to the hospital for their current illness were delayed. We aimed to reveal how this situation has affected the endoscopic treatment of ureteral stones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who were treated for 59 endoscopic ureteral stones in the pre-pandemic period between September 2019 and December 2019, and patients who were treated for 60 endoscopic ureteral stones between January 2022 and April 2022, when the effectiveness of the COVID-19 pandemic decreased, were evaluated in two groups. Pre-pandemic patients were classified as group 1, and patients treated during the period when the effectiveness of the pandemic decreased as group 2. The patients' ages, preoperative laboratory examinations and radiological findings, localization and size of the stones in the ureter, time until the operation, duration of the operation, length of hospital stay, preoperative ESWL history, complication rates according to the Modified Clavien classification were evaluated. The problems observed in the ureter during the operation were examined separately as edema, polyp formation in the ureter, distal ureteral stenosis, and adhesion of the stone to the mucosa. RESULTS: In group 1, 9 patients were female and 50 were male, with a mean age of 42.19 ± 14.06 years; in group 2, 17 patients were female and 43 were male, with a mean age of 45.23 ± 12.20 years. The stone size was found to be higher in group 2. Group 1 had more patients who did not develop complications in the Modified Clavien classification, and the proportion of group 2 patients in the grade I-II-IIIA-IIIB classification was higher. Considering the waiting time before hospitalization, it was determined that the rate of group 2 patients was higher in those with a waiting period of 31-60 days (33.9-48.3%) and ≥60 days (10.2-21.7%). Except for the development of ureteral polyps, all other problems rate were found to be higher in group 2 patients compared to group 1. CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a delay in the treatment of ureteral stones in patients. In the next period, as a result of this delay, negative effects on the ureteral mucosa were detected and, accordingly, an increase in the complication rates of the operation was observed.

Can preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte and platelet to lymphocyte ratios predict cervical stromal involvement in endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible relationships between preoperative inflammatory markers [neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR)] and cervical stromal involvement in endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts and pathology results of 639 women who were operated on for endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2013 in the present clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, laboratory, and clinical parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: 118 women (18.4%) had cervical stromal involvement. Lymph node positivity was significantly more frequent in the cervical stromal involvement group (p < 0.001). A threshold value of 2.41 for NLR had a sensitivity of 62.7%, specificity of 60.1%, PPV of 61.1%, and NPV of 61.8% for the presence of cervical stromal involvement. In multivariate analysis, increased NLR had a significant predictive value for cervical stromal involvement (p = 0.006, OR = 2.03), although PLR remained non-significant (p = 0.77, OR = 1.08). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative NLR assessment is a significant predictor for cervical stromal involvement in endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma.

The predictive value of lactate levels in vaginal fluid on the latent period in pregnant women with preterm premature rupture of membranes.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between lactate level in vaginal fluid and the latent phase of labour in pregnancies complicated by preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Seventy pregnant women with PPROM during 28-34 weeks' gestation were selected for this prospective observational study. All subjects underwent a pelvic examination involving the insertion of a vaginal speculum, and lactate levels were measured in vaginal fluid samples. The relationship between the lactate levels in the vaginal fluid and the latent phase of the labour was analysed using a logistic regression test. Of the patients, 48 (68.6%) had a latent period of 48 h or less, and 22 patients (31.4%) had a latent period longer than 48 h. The median lactate level was 3.81 mmol/L in patients with a latent period ≤ 48 h, and 3.36 mmol/L in patients with a latent period > 48 h. The lactate level in vaginal fluid was not found to be distinctive in the differentiation of patients according to the duration of the latent phase (receiver operating characteristic or ROC: 0.509; 95% confidence interval or CI: 0.361-0.657; p = 0.904). There was no significant correlation between the lactate level in the vaginal fluid and the transition from the latent phase to the active phase of labour in pregnancies complicated by PPROM.

Computational speed-up with a single qudit.

Quantum algorithms are known for providing more efficient solutions to certain computational tasks than any corresponding classical algorithm. Here we show that a single qudit is sufficient to implement an oracle based quantum algorithm, which can solve a black-box problem faster than any classical algorithm. For 2d permutation functions defined on a set of d elements, deciding whether a given permutation is even or odd, requires evaluation of the function for at least two elements. We demonstrate that a quantum circuit with a single qudit can determine the parity of the permutation with only one evaluation of the function. Our algorithm provides an example for quantum computation without entanglement since it makes use of the pure state of a qudit. We also present an experimental realization of the proposed quantum algorithm with a quadrupolar nuclear magnetic resonance using a single four-level quantum system, i.e., a ququart.

SIRE1 RETROTRANSPOSONS IN BARLEY (Hordeum vulgare L.).

Sireviruses are genera of copia LTR retrotransposons with a unique genome structure among retrotransposons. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an economically important plant. In this study, we used mature barley embryos, 10-day-old roots and 10-day-old leaves derived from the same barley plant to investigate SIRE) retrotransposon movements by Inter-Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism (IRAP) technique. We found polymorphism rates between 0-64% among embryos, roots and leaves. Polymorphism rates were detected to be 0-27% among embryos, 8-60% among roots, and 11-50% among leaves. Polymorphisms were observed not only among the parts of different individuals, but also on the parts of the same plant (23-64%). The internal domains of SIRE1 (GAG, ENV and RT) were also analyzed in the embryos, roots and leaves. Analysis of band profiles showed no polymorphism for GAG, however, different band patterns were observed among samples for RT and ENV. The sequencing of SIRE1 GAG, ENV and RT domains revealed 79% similarity for GAG, 96% for ENV and 83% for RT to copia retrotransposons. Comparison between barley retrotransposons and SIRE1 in barley indicated that SIRE1-GAG, ENV and RT might be diverge earlier from barley retrotransposons. SIRE1 sequences were compared with SIRE1 in barley, results showed the closest homologues were SIRE1-ENVand SIRE1-RTsequences, and SIRE1-GAG sequences was a sister group to sequences of Glycine max. This study is the first detailed investigation of SIRE1 in barley genome. The obtained findings are expected to contribute to the comprehension of SIRE1 retrotransposon and its role in barley genome.

Association between the ACE gene I/D polymorphism and osteoporosis in a Turkish population.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between osteoporosis and the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in a Turkish population. METHODS: The study group consisted of 238 unrelated women with osteoporosis and 124 unrelated healthy female controls. All participants, patients and healthy controls, were of Turkish origin from the central region of Turkey. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole venous blood samples using a commercial DNA isolation kit. The ACE gene I/D polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction and gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Frequencies of the DD, ID and II genotypes in the patients were 44.5, 41.2 and 14.3 %, and in the controls they were 25.0, 51.6 and 23.4 %, respectively. A significant difference was observed between patients and controls according to genotype frequency (p=0.001). D and I allele frequencies of the I/D polymorphism were 65.1 and 34.9 % in the patient group and 50.8 and 49.2 % in the control group, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The ACE gene I/D polymorphism could be a genetic factor associated with osteoporosis.

Mature cystic teratomas: relationship between histopathological contents and clinical features.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between pathological findings and clinical features in patients with ovarian mature cystic teratomas (MCTs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed and compared the demographic and clinical features of 32 patients confirmed pathologically as having MCT at a university hospital from 2009 to 2014, with MCT contents such as skin, hair, sebum, and cartilage. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 33.7 ± 13.4 years. The mean tumor diameter was 7.1 ± 3.3 cm (range: 2-15 cm). The mean serum CA-19.9 level was 37.5 ± 79.5 IU/ml and the mean serum CA-125 level was 29.1 ± 33.0 IU/ml. The postmenopausal and pregnancy status rates of participants were 18.8, and 15.6%, respectively. The mean age, postmenopausal and pregnancy status, tumor size, symptoms related to MCT and laterality of the tumor did not differ among the patients according to the MCT contents. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest no relationship between the clinical features and histopathological contents of MCTs.

Is lateral localisation of placenta a risk factor for adverse perinatal outcomes?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between placental localisation and perinatal outcomes. This study was performed in a tertiary centre hospital by retrospectively analysing the medical records of patients who were followed up and underwent delivery in the same hospital. The patients were divided into two groups according to the placental locations (central and lateral) in their routine sonographic findings between the 18 and 24 weeks' gestation. Out of 1,057 patients, 87.4% (n = 919) had centrally located placentas and 12.6% (n = 133) had laterally located placentas. Preeclampsia was found to be significantly higher in the lateral placental location group (4.5% vs. 1.6%; p = 0.027). There was a significant correlation with foetal growth restriction (FGR), preterm birth rates, low Apgar scores and need for neonatal intensive care unit in the lateral placental location group (p < 0.05). The pregnant women with laterally located placentas should be followed up promptly with special care for the risk of preeclampsia and FGR, and poor neonatal outcomes.

Surgical correction of female urinary incontinence: comparison of colporrhaphy, sling and suspension procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse clinical outcomes of three types of pelvic surgery for the correction of female mixed or stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: Women who underwent surgery for urinary incontinence between January 2000 and June 2010 were included in the study (n = 268). Patients were nonrandomly assigned to undergo colporrhaphy, suspension procedure or sling procedure according to their clinical situation. Perioperative parameters were recorded. Short- (< 5 years) and long-term (5-10 years) success rates were determined for each group. RESULTS: The short- and long-term complete cure rates were significantly lower, and the duration of catheterization significantly longer, in patients who underwent colporrhaphy compared with both other groups, but there were no significant differences between suspension or sling procedures. CONCLUSION: Sling and suspension procedures were equally effective in this study, and both were preferable to colporrhaphy.

Genetic factors that influence short-term neurodevelopmental outcome in term hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathic neonates.

It is difficult to predict outcome in neonates that experience perinatal hypoxic ischaemia. Morbidity and mortality may be affected by genetic factors that augment inflammatory and coagulative responses. This prospective study analysed the effects of proinflammatory cytokine gene polymorphisms (tumour necrosis factor-α [TNFA] 308G>A and interleukin-6 [IL6] 174G>C) and prothrombotic factor gene mutations (prothrombin G20210A, factor V Leiden G1691A and methylenetetra hydrofolate reductase [MTHFR] C677T) on the early neurological prognosis in 40 term hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathic neonates. There were significant relationships for Sarnat and Sarnat staging with electroencephalographic findings, transfontanelle ultrasound (US) results, early neonatal outcome and neurological morbidity. Genetic mutations in the prothrombotic proteins, the TNFA 308G>A polymorphism and the cerebrospinal fluid levels of TNF-α protein were not related to clinical stage, electroencephalography, transfontanelle US or neurological status at discharge or at postnatal months 6 and 12. The IL6 174GC genotype demonstrated a protective role, being significantly correlated with normal electroencephalography, transfontanelle US and normal neurological findings at discharge. In conclusion, the IL6 174GC gene polymorphism seems to play a role in determining the risk and/or severity of perinatal cerebral injury.

Impact of piroxicam beta-cyclodextrin on the efficacy of the intrauterine device in a rat model.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the effect of piroxicam beta-cyclodextrin (PbetaCD), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on the efficacy of the intrauterine device (IUD) in a rat model. METHODS: Forty nulliparous female Wistar rats were allocated to one of four groups, comprising each 10 of these animals. Group I: neither IUD nor medication; group II: IUD, but no medication; group III: IUD and PbetaCD; and group IV: PbetaCD only. In groups II and III, a string of 3/0 silk suture of 2 cm long was transcervically placed in one of the horns of the bicornuate uterus of the rat. Rats in group III were treated during the 18 days following IUD placement with 3 mg/kg/day PbetaCD administered via a feeding tube; group IV received PbetaCD for the same length of time, but had no IUD inserted. The rats were then mated. Thereafter, vaginal smears were taken and assessed daily, in the early morning, for the presence of spermatozoa. The day when spermatozoa were detected was considered to be the first day of gestation. On gestational day 19, both uterine horns of all rats were evaluated for the presence and number of embryos. RESULTS: In group II, mean embryo counts in the horn with or without IUD were 1.0 +/- 0.2 and 4.5 +/- 0.3, respectively (p < 0.01). The comparison of group II with group I showed that the presence of an IUD in one horn did not affect the mean embryo counts in the contralateral horn (4.5 +/- 0.3 versus 5.1 +/- 0.9, p > 0.05). In groups II and III, mean numbers of embryos in the horn with IUD were 1.0 +/- 0.2 and 2.7 +/- 0.4, respectively (p < 0.01). No difference in the mean embryo counts was observed between group I (5.1 +/- 0.9) and IV (4.8 +/- 0.9; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The IUD had a contraceptive effect in the rat model. The IUD in one horn did not affect the number of embryos in the contralateral horn. In this model, IUDs appear to exert a local effect, i.e. counteracted by PbetaCD. This drug had no adverse effect on the fertility of rats without IUD in situ.