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Relationship between housing, oil, gold and stock markets: evidence from UK and Norway
No full textPurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the intricate relationship between oil prices, house prices in the UK and Norway, and the mediating role of gold and stock prices in both the short- and long-term, unraveling these complex linkages by employing an empirical approach.Design/methodology/approachThis study benefits from a comprehensive set of econometric tools, including a multiequation vector autoregressive (VAR) system, Granger causality test, impulse response function, variance decomposition and a single-equation autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) system. This rigorous approach enables to identify both short- and long-run dynamics to unravel the intricate linkages between Brent oil prices, housing prices, gold prices and stock prices in the UK and Norway over the period from 2005:Q1 to 2022:Q2.FindingsThe findings indicate that rising oil prices negatively impact house prices, whereas the positive influence of stock market performance on housing is more pronounced. A two-way causal relationship exists between stock market indices and house prices, whereas a one-way causal relationship exists from crude oil prices to house prices in both countries. The VAR model reveals that past housing prices, stock market indices in each country and Brent oil prices are the primary determinants of current housing prices. The single-equation ARDL results for housing prices demonstrate the existence of a long-run cointegrating relationship between real estate and stock prices. The variance decomposition analysis indicates that oil prices have a more pronounced impact on housing prices compared with stock prices. The findings reveal that shocks in stock markets have a greater influence on housing market prices than those in oil or gold prices. Consequently, house prices exhibit a stronger reaction to general financial market indicators than to commodity prices.Research limitations/implicationsThis study may have several limitations. First, the model does not include all relevant macroeconomic variables, such as interest rates, unemployment rates and gross domestic product growth. This omission may affect the accuracy of the model's predictions and lead to inefficiencies in the real estate market. Second, this study does not consider alternative explanations for market inefficiencies, such as behavioral finance factors, information asymmetry or market microstructure effects. Third, the models have limitations in revealing how predictors react to positive and negative shocks. Therefore, the results of this study should be interpreted with caution.Practical implicationsThese findings hold significant implications for formulating dynamic policies aimed at stabilizing the housing markets of these two oil-producing nations. The practical implications of this study extend to academics, investors and policymakers, particularly in light of the volatility characterizing both housing and commodity markets. The findings reveal that shocks in stock markets have a more profound impact on housing market prices compared with those in oil or gold prices. Consequently, house prices exhibit a stronger reaction to general financial market indicators than to commodity prices.Social implicationsThese findings could also serve as valuable insights for future research endeavors aimed at constructing models that link real estate market dynamics to macroeconomic indicators. Originality/valueUsing a variety of econometric approaches, this paper presents an innovative empirical analysis of the intricate relationship between euro property prices, stock prices, gold prices and oil prices in the UK and Norway from 2005:Q1 to 2022:Q2. Expanding upon the existing literature on housing market price determinants, this study delves into the role of gold and oil prices, considering their impact on industrial production and overall economic growth. This paper provides valuable policy insights for effectively managing the impact of oil price shocks on the housing market
Sesquiterpenes and prostate cancer
No full textProstate cancer is among the tumors that contribute to the increasing male mortality rate due to cancer worldwide. Treatment options for prostate cancer include active surveillance, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, focal therapy, and surgery. Ongoing research investigates alternative treatment modalities, such as traditional medicine and natural products, to address prostate cancer, drug resistance, and the side effects linked to current treatment options. Sesquiterpenes are a group of substances that are naturally made up of three isoprene units, hence fifteen carbons bound together. An extensive number of naturally occurring products-nearly 5000 in total-are categorised as secondary metabolites in the context of medicinal plants, marine organisms and fungi. Numerous of them possess many biological activities, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and especially cytotoxic activity. Sesquiterpenes are an interesting group that was investigated due to their widespread occurrence and promising effects. Several studies have shown significant effects of sesquiterpenes on many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Therefore, this review aims to include in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies of sesquiterpenes in prostate cancer. Based on the ring system, this review categorises sesquiterpenes as acyclic, monocyclic, bicyclic sesquiterpenes and other sesquiterpenes and their derivatives. A summary of sesquiterpenes' current status as cytotoxic with the potential for anticancer therapy agents is given concerning prostate cancer
Polatlı Bölgesı̇nde Yüzeylenen Paleojen Yaşlı Volkanı̇k Kayaçlarda Gözlenen Analsı̇mlerin Kökeni (Orta Anadolu, Ankara, Türkı̇ye) / Origin of Analcimes Observed in Paleogene Volcanic Rocks Outcropping in Polatli (Central Anatolia, Ankara, Turkey)
No full textMineralogical (microscopy, microprobe, SEM, XRD, DTA-TG) and geochemical studies of Paleogene(Eocene?) volcanic rocks in the Polatlı region, exposed as domes and dykes, revealed the formation mechanism ofanalcime minerals within these rocks. The analcimes in these basic rocks were observed with clinopyroxenes andfeldspars. The lack of aqueous minerals, aside from analcime, and the detection of residual leucite though XRD,DTA-TG, microprobe analyses, and microscopy, suggest that analcime formed through an ion-exchange processfrom leucite during post-magmatic evolution. SEM images further support this hypothesis, revealing rough, irregular,cracked, and microporous surfaces of analcime, which are characteristic of this ion-exchange transformation.Additionally, geochemical analyses show that the volcanic rocks were ultrapotassic at the time of their formation,with high K2O content not saturated with silica; thus, providing conditions conducive to leucite crystallization. Theseresults suggest that volcanic activity related to continental rifting and tectonic stress during the collision and post-collisional period after the closure of the northern branch of Neotethys produced the volcanic rocks in the Polatlıregion. The ultrapotassic characteristics of the Polatlı volcanic rocks, which are confined to a relatively limited area,suggest that they formed from a heterogeneous potassium-enriched mantle source. This source underwent partialmelting, incorporating high-K continental components added to the mantle during subduction; thus, enabling theformation of leucite and subsequently analcime in the later stages of magmatic evolution. In this study, the analcimeobserved in these volcanic rocks subsequently formed from leucite through ion exchange during post-magmaticprocesses.</p
POS1474-HPR PROFILE OF KNEELING ABILITY AND FEAR OF DAMAGE AFTER TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY
No full textAbstractBackground: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is an effective management option to improve pain and quality of life for end-state osteoarthritis [1]. Despite its benefits, one in five patients remain dissatisfied with the outcome of the surgery, especially regarding kneeling ability [2]. Kneeling is an important function in Asian cultures during dining, social participation, daily life occupations and religious practices, and patients rate it highly important to be able to do after TKA surgery [3].Objectives: To investigate the patients’ profiles regarding the condition of the knee after surgery, the ability of kneel, the presence of pain during kneeling, and the fear of damage to the artificial joint in patients after TKA.Methods: Ninety-one patients (mean age: 69,57±6,5; mean BMI: 32,22±5,12; 71,4% with unilateral TKA, 28,6% with bilateral TKA) with primary TKA were included in the study. A custom-made survey was used to assess patients, questioning the current condition of the knee compared to before surgery; ability to kneel, sit cross-legged, sit low; presence of pain during kneeling; and the thought that kneeling can damage the artificial joint if kneeled.Results: 81,1% of the patients reported that the knee condition was better compared to before surgery, 13,9% reported as same before surgery, and 5,1% reported worse. 41,8% of patients were not able to kneel, 46,2% were able to kneel partially (i.e., upright kneeling, single-stance kneeling), and 12,1% were able to kneel fully. Sitting cross-legged was impossible for 66,3% of the patients, and 8,8% were able to sit cross-legged fully. Sitting low was possible for 53,5% of the patients and impossible for 2,2%. 63,7% of the patients reported having pain during or trying to kneel. Lastly, 89,4% of the patients reported that kneeling can damage the artificial joint if kneeled.Conclusion: According to the results of this study, although patients are satisfied with the condition of their knees compared to before surgery, very few of them can kneel fully or sit cross-legged. However, sitting low was not a problem for half of the patients, which requires a high range of knee flexion like kneeling. The motivation to undergo surgery is to get rid of pain and have a better functional status, but there seems to be a fear factor for kneeling to avoid damaging the artificial joint. This avoidance might result from a lack of education and information for the patient after surgery or cause the patient to fear preventing the joint in the early stages of the post-op period. Among all, patients reported pain during kneeling or trying. These results show the importance of post-op rehabilitation to improve function and decrease pain, and the importance of patient education to prevent fear and avoidance to provide satisfaction after TKA surgeries.REFERENCES: [1] Shah OA, Spence C, Kader D, Clement ND, Asopa V, Sochart DH. Patellar resurfacing and kneeling ability after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Arthroplasty. 2023 Jun 3;5(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s42836-023-00184-5. PMID: 37268994; PMCID: PMC10238242.[2] Scott CEH, Howie CR, MacDonald D, Biant LC. Predicting dissatisfaction following total knee replacement: a prospective study of 1217 patients. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2010;92(9):1253–8[3] Amin RM, Vasan V, Oni JK. Kneeling after Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Knee Surg. 2020 Feb;33(2):138-143. doi: 10.1055/s-0038-1676801. Epub 2019 Jan 2. PMID: 30602194.Acknowledgements: NIL.Disclosure of Interests: None declared.https://doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2024-eular.5837</div
Adsorption of Silver from Aqueous Solution with High Capacity and Selectively by Using Ag plus Imprinted Polymeric Nanoadsorbent
No full textThe selective separation of precious metals from complex aqueous solutions is important in protecting the environment, aquatic ecosystems, water resources and recycling resources. In this study, cysteine-containing polymeric nanoparticles were synthesized using the molecular imprinting (MIP) technique with the mini-emulsion polymerization method. The basis of the polymer design is inspired by affinity of silver to cysteine in biological systems. The synthesized poly(HEMA-MAC) nanoparticles were characterized by elemental analysis, zeta sizer, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of pH, ionic strength and interaction time on adsorption of Ag+ ions were investigated. In experimental studies, the highest adsorption amount (196.9 mg g-1 nanoparticle) was reached in a short period of 40 min at pH 5.0 and 150 mg L-1 concentration. Selectivity studies of synthesized Ag+-IIP nanoparticles against silver (Ag+) ions were carried out in the presence of lithium (Li+), barium (Ba2+), mercury (Hg2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) ions. Experimental results indicate that nanoparticles adsorb Ag+ ions with high selectivity. Ag+-IIP nanoparticles have 3.7, 3.1, 2.4, and 2.6 times more selective or higher affinity for Ag+ ions compared to Li+, Ba2+, Hg2+ and Cd2+ ions, respectively, compared to Ag+-non-imprinted (NIP) nanoparticles
Kidney Replacement Therapies and Outcomes in Children With Crush Syndrome-Associated Kidney Injury
No full textImportance This study addresses the characteristics, kidney replacement therapy (KRT) modalities, and outcomes in children diagnosed with crush syndrome following an earthquake in Turkey. Objective To analyze the associations of different KRT modalities with long-term dialysis dependency and length of stay (LOS) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Design, Setting, and Participants This multicenter, prospective, and retrospective cohort study was conducted across 20 PICUs in Turkey. Participants included children diagnosed with crush syndrome after the 2023 Kahramanmara & scedil; earthquake, and eligibility criteria included age, diagnosis, and need for KRT. Data were analyzed from August to October 2024. Exposure Children diagnosed with crush syndrome who underwent KRT. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was dialysis dependency at discharge. Secondary outcomes included LOS in the PICU. Results The study included 183 pediatric patients (median [IQR] age, 158 (108-192) months; 49 [54.4%] males) with earthquake-related injury, of whom 90 required KRT. The median (IQR) time under the rubble was 25.7 (1-137) hours. At admission, 51 patients (56.6%) had stage 3 acute kidney injury, and the median (IQR) serum creatinine phosphokinase level was 15 555 (9386-59 274) IU/L. There was a significant association between the Kidney Disease-Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) stage at admission and serum creatinine phosphokinase level (area under the curve, 0.750; 95% CI, 0.621-0.879; P < .001). Among patients undergoing KRT, 33 (36.7%) received continuous venovenous hemodiafiltration, and 23 (25.6%) underwent intermittent hemodialysis (IHD). IHD treatment was the only independent factor associated with shorter PICU LOS (odds ratio [OR], 6.87; 95% CI, 1.54-30.67; P = .01). The dialysis dependency at discharge was higher in children who were transferred late to the PICU (beta = 0.003; 95% CI, 0.001-0.005; P < .001) and those with a high Pediatric Trauma Score (beta = 0.022; 95% CI, 0.003-0.041; P = 02). IHD was not statistically significantly associated with remaining dialysis-dependent at discharge (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 0.53-8.98; P = .28). The overall mortality rate in the cohort was 6 patients (6.6%). Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found that children who were transferred late to intensive care and those with a high trauma score after earthquake-related crush injury were more likely to remain dialysis-dependent at discharge. Furthermore, KDIGO stage at admission was associated with elevated serum creatinine phosphokinase levels. These findings highlight the critical importance of early intervention and appropriate treatment in children with AKI following prolonged entrapment
Morphometric Measurements of the Incomplete Partition Type II (IP-II) Cochlea and Implications on Cochlear Implantation
No full textHypothesisThe objective of this study is to obtain comprehensive morphometric measurements of the incomplete partition type II (IP-II) cochlea to provide a better understanding of intracochlear anatomy and important considerations for electrode selection and insertion.BackgroundIP-II is the most common bony inner ear malformation that often requires cochlear implantation. Currently, there is significant controversy on electrode selection due to a lack of research that can provide reliable, high-resolution measurements.MethodsThree-dimensional reconstructions of the cochlea were made from hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides from 11 archival human temporal bones from 8 adult IP-II patients (one paired) and 2 fetuses. Detailed measurements of the angular and linear length of the spiral ganglion neurons and cochlear duct at the modiolar and lateral wall of the scala tympani as well as cross-sectional areas and vertical height measurements of the scala tympani at 90-degree intervals were measured.ResultsThe spiral ganglia neurons terminated at 540.5 +/- 45.4 degrees, which corresponded to the beginning of the interscalar septal defect. The corresponding Rosenthal's canal length was 12.75 +/- 0.82 mm, and the lateral wall length was 23.95 +/- 1.04. The average cochlear duct length was 32.44 mm +/- 1.58 mm, corresponding to an average angular distance of 951.6 +/- 80 degrees. The modiolar height demonstrated less variation within the scala tympani but was significantly smaller at 0 and 90 degrees compared with the normal cochlea. The lateral wall height was also significantly smaller at 0, 180, and 540 degrees. There was a drastic decrease in lateral wall height at 540 degrees to 0.4 mm, which is smaller than the apical dimension of many electrodes.ConclusionThis is the first study to provide detailed morphometric measurements of the IP-II cochlea including spiral ganglion neuron length and scala tympani height. These measurements directly relate to electrode selection for cochlear implantation
Process capability indices: The allure and the perils of summarizing process performance in a single index
No full textFor many data analytics studies, summarizing the "bottom line" with only a few statistics is very tempting. This is often done to simplify communication and maximize the impact of the outcome. On the other hand, failing to consider the efforts behind the calculations of these statistics, or to fully understand the specifics in data collection and the assumptions used to make the inferences can lead to erroneous conclusions and missed improvement opportunities. The prevalent use of capability indices offers a prime example. These unitless measures of the ratio of the range of the engineering specifications to the natural variation in the process offer a very valuable summary of the capability of the processes yet they are all calculated based on a sample of observations and a set of assumptions. Ignoring all these and just focusing on the point estimates can be misleading. In this Quality Quandaries, we discuss some of the conditions and assumptions in the calculation of these indices, and for the violation of the normality assumption, we present two case studies highlighting potentially problematic issues
The Relationship Between Gender and Women's Tobacco Use: An Ecological Analysis with Country-level Data
No full textOBJECTIVE: Health and well-being are profoundly influenced by gender and its dimensions. This study explores the intricate relationship between gender roles and tobacco use. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study investigates correlations between the Gender Development Index (GDI), the Global Gender Gap Index (GGGI), and its sub-indicators-critical markers of gender equality-and tobacco prevalence and tobacco-related mortality. Statistical analyses, conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science and Microsoft Excel, involve Spearman correlation analysis for continuous numerical data and the Kruskal-Wallis H test for differences between means. RESULTS: As per the GDI, a decrease in gender inequality correlates with an increase in tobacco prevalence among women. The highest prevalence of tobacco use in women is found in countries within GDI group 1, with the lowest observed in group 5, characterized by pronounced gender inequality. A moderate positive correlation is identified between the prevalence of tobacco use in women and the GDI, GGGI, and the education sub-component of GGGI. Similarly, a moderate positive relationship is observed between tobacco- related mortality in women and the education subcomponent of GGGI. Education exhibits the highest correlation with both tobacco prevalence and tobacco-related mortality in women. CONCLUSION: The increased prevalence of tobacco use among women in countries with high education and socioeconomic status suggests the early stages of the tobacco epidemic. Smoking cessation remains a persistent challenge, especially for women. The study emphasizes the imperative for tailored gender-specific policies, highlighting the integration of gender considerations into health promotion and public health initiatives