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An Investigation On The Prevalence And Efficiency Of Immunochromatographic Testing In Suspected Malarial Patients Of Rawalpindi And Islamabad, Pakistan, Saima Jabeen, Sobia Kanwal, Mazhar Qayyum, Umair Farrukh, Shahzad Abdul Hameed

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The prevalences of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax are increasing rapidly in Pakistan, but recent data on the epidemiology of malaria are not properly reported with scarce diagnostic methods for quick diagnosis. This study was designed to determine the current prevalence and distribution of Plasmodium species in the vicinity of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and report on the validity of the immunochromatographic test (ICT) in diagnosing malarial infections. Materials and methods: A total of 1500 blood samples obtained from a local hospital were screened during the course of this study via microscopic examination and ICT. Results: It was seen that …

The Association Of Vaspin Rs2236242 And Leptin Rs7799039 Polymorphism With Metabolic Syndrome In Egyptian Women, Amina Alnory, Hoda Gad, Gehan Hegazy, Olfat Shaker

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Genetic predisposition is implicated in the etiology of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to investigate the1397645907association of vaspin rs2236242 and leptin rs7799039 polymorphisms with their serum levels and with the risk of developing metabolic syndrome in Egyptian women.1397645907 Materials and methods: This case control study included 100 Egyptian women with metabolic syndrome and 100 without metabolic syndrome. The genotypes of vaspin rs2236242 and leptin rs7799039 were detected by a methodology based on PCR-RFLP. Serum vaspin and leptin levels were determined by ELISA. Results: The metabolic syndrome group was associated with higher serum vaspin and leptin levels when compared to …

Lung Transplantation In Turkey: Lessons From Surgeons And Pulmonologists, Gül Dabak, Levent Dalar, Erdal Taşçi, Stephen Clark

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In order to actualize an efficient lung transplantation program, it is necessary to determine priorities and set up strategies. This study aimed to estimate the present situation in Turkey by determining the level of interest and knowledge of pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons regarding lung transplantation. Materials and methods: A questionnaire was prepared to establish the level of interest and knowledge of physicians on lung transplantation. It was sent to 2131 pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons, and 130 physicians completed the questionnaire. Results: Of the 130 physicians who responded, 42 were thoracic surgeons and 88 were pulmonologists. There was no significant …

The Increasing Incidence Of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Women In Turkey, Ati̇la Eroğlu, Yener Aydin, Bayram Altuntaş, Betül Gündoğdu, Ömer Yilmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study assessed the trend changes in the histological types of esophageal cancer in a 25-year period in eastern Turkey. Materials and methods: We searched all cases of esophageal cancer from 1990 to 2015 according to their histological diagnosis and sex, grouping the patients in 5-year time periods to evaluate time trends. Results: We identified 1462 cases of esophageal cancer. In terms of patient make-up, 742 were male and 720 were female. In general, 75.86% of the patients had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 19.56% of the patients had adenocarcinoma (ADC), and the remaining 4.58% patients were found to have …

Should Antibiotics Be Administered After Endoscopic Mucosalresection In Patients With Colon Polyps?, Zhimeng Shi, Hui Qiu, Huangang Liu, Honggang Yu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is widely used for treating gastrointestinal polypoid lesions. However, it is currently unclear whether antibiotic administration is necessary after EMR of colon polyps to prevent infection. We aimed to assess whether antibiotic administration is essential in such conditions. Materials and methods: In total, 115 patients with colon polyps were randomly assigned to 3 groups based on the treatment given after EMR: Group A, no antibiotics treatment after EMR (n = 38); Group B, administration of levofloxacin after EMR (n = 38); and Group C, administration of ceftazidime after EMR (n = 39). Results: The colon …

Applying The International Classification Of Functioning, Disability, And Health In Children With Low Vision: Differences Between Raters, Feri̇de Yarar, Uğur Cavlak, Bi̇lge Başakci Çalik

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study was conducted to analyze the agreement between International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) raters and to show its applicability in children with low vision. Materials and methods: Twenty children (mean age: 11.70 ± 1.92 years) were included. To evaluate the independency of the sample, the Northwick Park Activities Daily Living questionnaire was used. The Low Vision Quality of Life Scale was used to evaluate quality of life. An ICF core set was developed to be used in this study. The core set consisted of 13 items for body functions, 3 items for body structures, 36 …

Cryptogenic Organizing Pneumonia: Clinical And Radiological Features, Treatment Outcomes Of 17 Patients, And Review Of The Literature, Eli̇f Yelda Ni̇ksarlioğlu, Gülci̇han Zehra Özkan, Nur Di̇lek Bakan, Si̇bel Yurt, Lütfi̇ye Kiliç, Güngör Çamsari

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We evaluated patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP) who attended our clinic. Materials and methods: We retrospectively investigated the clinical and radiological findings, diagnostic methods, treatment, and follow-up outcomes of 17 patients who had been histopathologically diagnosed with COP. Results: The mean age of the patients was 49.8 ± 10.4 years. The most common symptom was cough (n = 15; 88.2%) and the most common radiological finding (n = 10) was consolidation in the inferior lobes on thoracic computed tomography. The diagnosis of COP was made by open lung biopsy in 11 (64.7%) patients, transbronchial biopsy in 5 (29.4%), …

Experiential Avoidance, Empathy, And Anger-Related Attitudesin Antisocial Personality Disorder, Kaasim Fati̇h Yavuz, Oktay Şahi̇n, Sevi̇nç Ulusoy, Okan Ufuk İpek, Erhan Kurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: In prevailing opinion, a strong relation exists between lack of empathy and antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). However, recent data fail to wholly clarify this relation, especially in consideration of empathy dimensions. In this study our aim was to address ASPD and social functionality from a contextual behavioral science viewpoint. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted with a sample of 34 individuals with ASPD and 32 healthy individuals as the control group. The participants were assessed with a sociodemographic form, Structured Clinical Interviews for DSM I and II (SCID-I and SCID-II), Social Functioning Scale (SFS), Acceptance and Action …

Regulation Of Chronic And Acute Inflammatory Disease By Microrna And Microbiota, Pegah Mehrpouya-Bahrami

Theses and Dissertations

Inflammation is implicated in cancer development, degenerative diseases, allergies as well as artherosecelorsis. Dysregulated immune responses lead to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. Finding the ways to terminate inflammatory responses when no longer needed, demands further investigation. Herein, we investigated the modulation of acute and chronic inflammatory disease models by inducing antiinflammatory state. Acute inflammatory model was induced with SEB, an enterotoxin produced by a ubiquitous Gram-positive coccus, Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), which exerts profound toxic effects on the immune system, which leads to the cytokine storm and adverse immune response. SEB is the main cause of nosocomial infections, acute …

Differences In Resting-State Functional Connectivity Of Chronic Migraine, With And Without Medication Overuse Headache, And The Effectiveness Of Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block As A Treatment For Repairing Dysfunctional Connectivity., Kaitlin Krebs

Theses and Dissertations

Chronic Migraine (CM) is a debilitating neurological condition that occurs when the migraine frequency progresses to a chronic state of more than 15 headache days per month. The overuse of analgesic medication (MOH) is one of the most prominent risk factor of this chronification and little is known about why it is a cause. The repetitive inhibition of the Sphenopalatine Ganglion is one promising treatment that is used to treat chronic migraine. The purpose of this study is to determine if a specific pattern of disruption is present for chronic migraine, both with and without medication overuse headache, and if …

The Role Of Epidermal Stem/Progenitor-Like Cells In Hpv-Mediated Pre-Neoplastic Transformation, Yvon L. Woappi

Theses and Dissertations

The role of epidermal basal stem cells in dysplasia is a matter of great interest in the human papillomavirus (HPV)-driven cancers. To assess the relationship between “stemness” and HPV-mediated transformation, we made use of 3-D suspension culture and fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) to purify stem/progenitor-like cells from primary normal human keratinocyte (NHKc) cultures. We found that NHKc cells derived from multicellular keratinocyte spheroids were enriched for a basal subpopulation of epidermal stem-like cells, that could be maintained for prolonged time in culture and used to conduct transfection experiments with full-length HPV16 DNA. Thus, by using these stem cell enrichment …

Non-Nad-Like Poly(Adp-Ribose) Polymerase-1 Inhibitors Effectively Eliminate Cancer In Vivo, Colin Thomas, Yingbiao Ji, Niraj Lodhi, Elena Kotova, Aaron Dan Pinnola, Konstantin Golovine, Peter Makhov, Kate Pechenkina, Vladimir Kolenko, Alexei V. Tulin

Publications and Research

The clinical potential of PARP-1 inhibitors has been recognized N10 years ago, prompting intensive research on their pharmacological application in several branches of medicine, particularly in oncology. However, natural or acquired resistance of tumors to known PARP-1 inhibitors poses a serious problemfor their clinical implementation. Present study aims to reignite clinical interest to PARP-1 inhibitors by introducing a new method of identifying highly potent inhibitors and presenting the largest known collection of structurally diverse inhibitors. The majority of PARP-1 inhibitors known to date have been developed as NAD competitors. NAD is utilized by many enzymes other than PARP-1, resulting in …

Epigenetics And Shared Molecular Processes In The Regeneration Of Complex Structures, Labib Rouhana, Junichi Tasaki

Biological Sciences Faculty Publications

The ability to regenerate complex structures is broadly represented in both plant and animal kingdoms. Although regenerative abilities vary significantly amongst metazoans, cumulative studies have identified cellular events that are broadly observed during regenerative events. For example, structural damage is recognized and wound healing initiated upon injury, which is followed by programmed cell death in the vicinity of damaged tissue and a burst in proliferation of progenitor cells. Sustained proliferation and localization of progenitor cells to site of injury give rise to an assembly of differentiating cells known as the regeneration blastema, which fosters the development of new tissue. Finally, …

The Effect Of Caffeine On Migraine Headaches, Deborah Shimshoni

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As the most widely consumed drug around the globe, there is a vast array of contradicting research available on caffeine. One of the most debated and researched topics on caffeine is its effect on the brain. Meanwhile, the data on the neurological condition of migraine has information scattered throughout countless research articles and experiments.

Although neither migraine or caffeine are completely understood by the medical world, this analysis attempts to give a more coherent understanding of the relationship between the two. This is done by first understanding the known and theorized mechanisms of caffeine as well as the pathologies of …

The Role Of Sod1 Acetylation In Neurodegeneration, Michael Kaliszewski

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder affecting motor neurons. Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1), a cytoplasmic free radical scavenging enzyme, is mutated in familial ALS (fALS) and post-translational modification of the wild-type protein has been associated with sporadic ALS (sALS). Proteomic studies indicate that SOD1 is acetylated at Lys123; however, the role of this modification remains unknown. To investigate its function, we generated antibodies for Lys123-acetylated SOD1 (Ac-K123 SOD1). Sod1 deletion in Sod1-/- mice, K123 mutation, or preabsorption with Ac-K123 peptide suppressed immunoreactivity, confirming antibody specificity. In the normal central nervous system, Ac-K123 SOD1 maps to glutamatergic …

Pre-Antibiotic Therapy Of Syphilis, Charles T. Ambrose

Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics Faculty Publications

The explosive increase in syphilis throughout China and Russia during the past several decades represents a global public health threat for several reasons. 1) Most cases are undertreated and thus collectively offer optimal conditions for the emergence of resistant strains of the syphilis spirochete, Treponema pallidum. No penicillin-resistant strains have been recognized to date, but strains resistant to the second line antibiotic agents are now common. 2) The recent discovery of plasmids in T. pallidumraises the likelihood of plasmid transfer from other bacteria of various resistance genes, especially those directed toward penicillin-type antibiotics, currently the drugs of choice for …

Is There A Difference Between Parkinson Disease Patients And A Control Group In Terms Of Urinary Symptoms And Quality Of Life?, Erdal Benli̇, Fahri̇ye Feri̇ha Özer, Yasemi̇n Kaya, Tuba Şazi̇ye Özcan, Ali̇ Ayyildiz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study is to research whether urinary symptoms and disruption of quality of life observed in Parkinson disease patients are different than those of their healthy peers. Additionally, whether these complaints were affected by characteristics such as age at onset of Parkinson disease, sex, disease duration, and severity was investigated. Materials and methods: This study comprised a total of 79 individuals, 39 Parkinson patients and a control group of 40 individuals. Parkinson diagnosis was provided by a neurology expert according to the UK Parkinson's Disease Society Brain Bank Criteria. All patients were evaluated by a urologist …

The Demographics And Histopathological Features Of Oral Cavity Cancers In Turkey, Mehmet Düzlü, Recep Karamert, Faruk Kadri̇ Bakkal, Raşi̇t Cevi̇zci̇, Hakan Tutar, Mehmet Ekrem Zorlu, Alper Di̇lci̇, Faki̇h Ci̇hat Eravci

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to examine the demographics and histopathological features of oral cavity cancers (OCCs) managed in our clinic. Materials and methods: Patients who were diagnosed with OCCs in the Gazi University Otorhinolaryngology Department between the years 1993 and 2013 were retrospectively enrolled in the study. Surgical archive charts and pathology records were reviewed in detail regarding the anatomical and histopathological profiles of the tumors, as well as the demographic data of the patients. Results: Out of 230 patients with OCCs, the most common anatomic location and histopathological diagnosis were found to be the oral tongue (41.4%) and squamous …

The Effects Of Balneotherapy On Acute, Process-Related, And Cumulative Peripheral Cardiac Responses And Pulmonary Functions In Patients With Musculoskeletal Disorders, Senem Şaş, Şeyda Toprak Çelenay, Derya Özer Kaya

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of balneotherapy on acute, process-related, and cumulative peripheral cardiac responses and pulmonary functions in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Materials and methods: Ninety-eight patients with musculoskeletal disorders referred to physiotherapy with balneotherapy were recruited. The patients received balneotherapy for 20 min 5 times per week for 2 weeks. Blood pressure and pulse were measured at the 0th, 5th, 10th, 20th, and 30th minutes during the 1st and 10th sessions. All patients were subjected to pulmonary function testing before balneotherapy and after the 10th session. Results: It was found that systolic blood pressure decreased …

Evaluation Of Epidemiological Characteristics And Risk Factors Affecting Mortality In Patients With Candidemia, Fatma Yilmaz Karadağ, Pinar Ergen, Özlem Aydin, Arzu Doğru, Berri̇n Tanidir, Mustafa Haluk Vahaboğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to determine epidemiologic characters of patients with candidemia and to evaluate risk factors that can affect mortality rates among these patients. Materials and methods: Patients admitted to the İstanbul Medeniyet University Göztepe Training Hospital between 2009 and 2011 who had a positive blood culture for Candida spp. during hospitalization were studied retrospectively for demographic characteristics and risk factors. Statistical comparisons were estimated with the Stata 12 package. Independent variables associated with mortality were estimated by Cox regression analyses. Results: A total of 89 patients were identified with a positive blood culture. Of the …

Sleep Quality In Opioid-Naive And Opioid-Dependent Patientson Methadone Maintenance Therapy In Malaysia, Zalina Zahari, Muslih Abdulkarim Ibrahim, Soo Choon Tan, Nasir Mohamad, Rusli Ismail

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Sleep disturbances may contribute to poor treatment outcomes in opioid-dependent patients. The extent to which the sleep profiles of opioid-dependent patients differ from those of the general Malaysian population is not documented. This study compared opioid-naive subjects and opioid-dependent patients on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) in terms of their sleep quality. Materials and methods: Participants comprised Malay male opioid-naive subjects (n = 159) and opioid-dependent patients (n = 160) from MMT clinics in Kelantan, Malaysia, between March and October 2013. Sleep quality was evaluated using the translated and validated Malay version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: …

Does Cpap Treatment Affect The Voice?, Güleser Saylam, Mustafa Şahi̇n, Di̇lek Demi̇ral, Ömer Bayir, Meli̇ke Bağnu Yüceege, Emel Çadalli Tatar, Mehmet Hakan Korkmaz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to investigate alterations in voice parameters among patients using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Materials and methods: Patients with an indication for CPAP treatment without any voice problems and with normal laryngeal findings were included and voice parameters were evaluated before and 1 and 6 months after CPAP. Videolaryngostroboscopic findings, a self-rated scale (Voice Handicap Index-10, VHI-10), perceptual voice quality assessment (GRBAS: grade, roughness, breathiness, asthenia, strain), and acoustic parameters were compared. Results: Data from 70 subjects (48 men and 22 women) with a mean …

Acute Exudative Tonsillitis In Adults: The Use Of The Centor Scoreand Some Laboratory Tests, Yavuz Furuncuoğlu, Fi̇li̇z Sağlam, Ahmet Kutluhan

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of our study was to determine the usefulness of the Centor score and some basic laboratory tests (complete blood count and C-reactive protein) for the differential diagnosis of exudative tonsillitis due to Group A β-hemolytic streptococcus (GABHS) or due to non-GABHS agents. Materials and methods: The data of clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients diagnosed with exudative tonsillitis were collected and statistically compared between those having positive GABHS throat culture result and those who were negative for any bacterial agent. Results: Totally 899 adult patients were included in our study; 56 (6.2%) of them were positive …

Comparison Of Wire-Guided Localization And Radio-Guided Occult Lesionlocalization In Preoperative Localization Of Nonpalpable Breast Lesions, Nazim Bariş Kanat, Murat Tuncel, Tamer Aksoy, Ayşegül Firat, Fi̇gen Demi̇rkazik, Demi̇rali̇ Onat, Meltem Çağlar Tuncali, Bi̇ray Emi̇ne Caner

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Breast lesions that are not palpable on physical examination but considered suspicious for malignancy on mammography or ultrasonography should be marked before surgery. Wire-guided localization (WGL) is the most frequently used method for preoperative marking of nonpalpable breast lesions (NPBLs). An alternative is marking by a radioactive agent (radio-guided occult lesion localization; ROLL). The present study aimed to compare WGL and ROLL for preoperative marking. Materials and methods: The study included 25 patients marked by ROLL and 11 patients marked by WGL. The groups were compared in terms of patient and lesion characteristics, method-related characteristics, hospital stay duration, complications, …

Do Anxiety And Depression Statuses Differ In Differentpolycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes?, Derya Akdağ Ci̇ri̇k, Berna Di̇lbaz, Sezi̇n Ertürk Aksakal, Zeynep Kotan, Runa Özelçi̇, Funda Akpinar, Leyla Mollamahmutoğlu

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: To evaluate psychological parameters and health quality profiles in women with reproductive polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) phenotypes and age matched controls. Materials and methods: The study groups included 101 women with PCOS (54 with the National Institutes of Health [NIH] phenotype and 47 with the non-NIH phenotype) and 49 healthy female controls. The participants completed anxiety and depression scales and four quality of life domains. Results: We identified the women with PCOS as having a 3.39 times increased risk for depression (subscale ≥ 7) and a 3.64 times increased risk for anxiety (subscale ≥ 10) compared to the controls. …

Emergency Department Visits Caused By Adverse Drug Reactions: Results Of Aturkish University Hospital, Mehmet Can Gi̇rgi̇n, Sedat Yanturali, Mualla Ayli̇n Arici, Neşe Çolak Oray, Özgür Doylan, Yücel Demi̇ral, Yeşi̇m Tunçok

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: We aimed to evaluate adverse drug reaction (ADR)-related emergency department (ED) visits in the ED of the Dokuz Eylül University Hospital prospectively. Materials and methods: Patients who were admitted to the ED during 1-week periods of four different seasons between July 2010 and April 2011 were enrolled. Demographics of patients, previous ADR history, clinical progress, and outcomes were recorded. Causality assessment was done according to World Health Organization Uppsala Monitoring Centre categories. ADRs were categorized as certain, probable, or possible. Results: Patients who were on medications (26.5%, n = 1838) were evaluated for ADR-related ED admissions. ADRs accounted for …

Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile Scores Are Not Associatedwith Obesity In High School Students, Gi̇zem Li̇mni̇li̇, Ni̇lgün Özçakar, Mehtap Kartal

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: Obesity is a cause of preventable morbidity and mortality with an increasing prevalence. Health promoting lifestyle activities maintain or improve an individual?s health and in adolescence many habits are configured. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents and the relation between obesity and health promoting behaviors. Materials and methods: This is a cross-sectional study including 848 high school students aged 15?17. All students were administered a questionnaire including the Health Promotion Life-Style Profile Scale. Weight and height were measured and body mass index was calculated. Descriptive analysis, Pearson?s chi-square test, …

Transesophageal Echocardiography Experience In Thepediatric Age Group In A Tertiary Cardiac Center, Peli̇n Ayyildiz, Alper Güzeltaş, İbrahi̇m Cansaran Tanidir, Taner Kasar, Erkut Öztürk, Yakup Ergül

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Background/aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) findings of pediatric patients in a tertiary center where complex congenital heart surgery and interventional procedures have been performed. Materials and methods: All TEE studies performed between December 2009 and December 2014 were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups: perioperative, during interventional procedures, and due to other reasons. Demographic features, transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) reports, TEE reports, change in decision after TEE evaluation, and related complications were recorded. Results: A total of 703 patients who had TEE evaluation were included in the study; 51% were female …

Evaluation Of A Diabetes Self-Management Program For Hispanics In Lexington Kentucky: A Pilot Study, Miguel A. Gamboa Oropeza

Theses and Dissertations--Nutrition and Food Systems

Hispanics are more affected by diabetes than non-Hispanic whites and they tend to experience more severe complications. Research shows that although self-management is poor among ethnic minorities, it is even more so among Hispanics. The “Taking Ownership of Your Diabetes” (TOYD) program has been shown to be successful in helping individuals manage their diabetes. However, no work has been conducted with Hispanic audiences in Kentucky. TOYD program allows individuals to modify lifestyle risks and solve problems related to diabetes management. The program was translated from English to Spanish. Hispanics males and females between ages 19 to 75 years …

Biophysical Sources Of 1/F Noises In Neurological Tissue, Alan Paris

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of random noise are a defining characteristic of neurological signals at all levels, from individual neurons up to electroencephalograms (EEG). These random signals degrade the performance of many methods of neuroengineering and medical neuroscience. Understanding this noise also is essential for applications such as real-time brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), which must make accurate control decisions from very short data epochs. The major type of neurological noise is of the so-called 1/f-type, whose origins and statistical nature has remained unexplained for decades. This research provides the first simple explanation of 1/f-type neurological noise based on biophysical fundamentals. In addition, noise …