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Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) are frequently applied to different anatomic areas with different protocols to increase skeletal effects and anchorage in orthodontic treatment planning. It has been reported in many literatures that primary stability for orthodontic TADs is significant for long-term survival rate. For this reason, different areas of the palatal region, which has many indications, have been widely used in the studies. In this evaluation where bone quality and thickness are important, density, bone thickness, and fractal dimension (FD) on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) will provide more predictable clinical results. The aim of this study was to evaluate bone thickness, density, and FD in the palatal region of the first, and second premolars, and first molars. There was a remarkable difference (p < 0.05) between the parameters of FD, thickness and density of bone in the identified areas in the palatal region. In terms of thickness and FD, the 1st premolar region had significantly higher values than the other regions (p < 0.05). In terms of density, the values in the right 1st molar and right 1st premolar regions were significantly higher (p < 0.05). The 1st premolar region is an ideal site for placement of palatal TADs. CBCT-assisted preliminary evaluation of FD value, bone density, and thickness may increase clinical success when selecting the location of TADs to be applied to the palatal bone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the usability of morphometric features obtained from mandibular panoramic radiographs in gender determination using machine learning algorithms. Materials and methods: High-resolution radiographs of 200 patients aged 20–77 (41.0 ± 12.7) were included in the study. Twelve different morphometric measurements were extracted from each digital panoramic radiography included in the study. These measurements were used as features in the machine learning phase in which six different machine learning algorithms were used (k-nearest neighbor, decision trees, support vector machines, naive Bayes, linear discrimination analysis, and neural networks). To evaluate the reliability, we have performed tenfold cross-validation and we repeated this 10 times for every classification process. This process enhances the reliability of the results for other datasets. Results: When all 12 features are used together, the accuracy rate is found to be 82.6 ± 0.5%. The classification accuracies are also compared using each feature alone. Three features that give the highest accuracy are coronoid height (80.9 ± 0.9%), condyle height (78.2 ± 0.5%), and ramus height (77.2 ± 0.4%), respectively. When compared to the classification algorithms, the highest accuracy was obtained with the naive Bayes algorithm with a rate of 84.0 ± 0.4%. Conclusion: Machine learning techniques can accurately determine gender by analyzing mandibular morphometric structures from digital panoramic radiographs. The most precise results are achieved by evaluating the structures in combination, using attributes obtained from applying the MRMR algorithm to all features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbiological applications in controlling plant diseases offer a powerful alternative to chemicals. The present study aimed to develop bacterial formulations with a suitable solid carrier and investigate their usability as biocontrol agents against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum, which causes Fusarium root and stem rot disease in cucumber. The present study determined the antifungal efficacy of bioagent bacteria (MF-1, TV-6 F, TV-17 C, C-37 A) on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. radicis-cucumerinum and identified using 16 S rDNA sequence analysis. Twelve formulations were created by determining pH and temperature conditions under which those bacteria grow optimally. The efficacy of formulations against the disease at different doses was tested on cucumber plants under greenhouse conditions. Also, the twelve formulations' shelf lives were examined at room and 4 oC temperatures for six months. Using the endospores of Bacillus subtilis isolates TV-6 F, TV-17 C, and Pseudomonas chlororaphis isolates MF-1, C-37 A, the bacterial formulations were created in the range of 1.6 × 109 – 4 × 107 CFU g− 1. In general, it was determined that the antifungal efficacy of the formulations against the disease was higher than that of the synthetic seed treatment. In the shelf life studies of the formulations, bacterial counts after 6 months were found in the range of 8.9 × 109 – 9.3 × 106 CFU g− 1. The biological products developed in the present study against Fusarium root and stem rot disease in cucumber can be used as an alternative due to their significant advantages over synthetic fungicides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor is presented based on one-dimensional ultrathin manganese oxide nanowires/two-dimensional molybdenum titanium carbide MXene (MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 MXene) for fenitrothion (FEN) determination. After the synthesis of MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 MXene ionic nanocomposite was successfully completed with a facile hydrothermal and the pillaring methods, a new type molecular imprinted electrochemical sensor based on MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 MXene was constructed with cyclic voltammetry (CV) polymerization including pyrrole monomer and FEN target molecule. After the characterization studies including spectroscopic, electrochemical and microscopic methods, the analytical applications of the prepared sensor were performed. A linearity of 1.0×10−9–2.0×10−8 mol L−1 was obtained and the values of the quantification limit (LOQ) and the detection limit (LOD) were 1.0×10−9 mol L−1 and 3.0×10−10 mol L−1, respectively. The studies of selectivity, stability and reproducibility of the constructed sensor based on MnO2NWs@Mo2TiC2 nanocomposite and molecularly imprinting polymer (MIP) were carried out in detail. Finally, the developed sensor was applied to white flour samples with the values close to 100%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted for identifying phylogenetic relationships between 15 scab-causing Streptomyces species including S. bottropensis, S. europaeiscabiei, S. scabiei, S. stelliscabiei and, other 11 Streptomyces sp. All of the strains were originally isolated from symptomatic potatoes in Erzurum Province, The Eastern Anatolia Region of Turkey. Some morphological and biochemical properties of the strains were defined in our former research. Then, 16 s rRNA regions of them were sequenced. After the sequence data assembly, phylogenetic analyzes were performed. The phylogenetic analyses revealed that the strains are involved in the same major group and, substantially similar to reference strains. Additionally, some subgroup formations were also recorded. Moreover, Repetitive element-based PCR (Rep-PCR), Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC-PCR), and BOX-PCR fingerprinting molecular typing methods were used for as molecular typing methods. According to our knowledge, this is the first report on phylogenetic relationships of scab-causing Streptomyces species from Turkey. However, the identification of most pathogenic strains remained at the species level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotranslational protein folding depends on general chaperones that engage highly diverse nascent chains at the ribosomes. Here we discover a dedicated ribosome-associated chaperone, Chp1, that rewires the cotranslational folding machinery to assist in the challenging biogenesis of abundantly expressed eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A (eEF1A). Our results indicate that during eEF1A synthesis, Chp1 is recruited to the ribosome with the help of the nascent polypeptide-associated complex (NAC), where it safeguards eEF1A biogenesis. Aberrant eEF1A production in the absence of Chp1 triggers instant proteolysis, widespread protein aggregation, activation of Hsf1 stress transcription and compromises cellular fitness. The expression of pathogenic eEF1A2 variants linked to epileptic-dyskinetic encephalopathy is protected by Chp1. Thus, eEF1A is a difficult-to-fold protein that necessitates a biogenesis pathway starting with dedicated folding factor Chp1 at the ribosome to protect the eukaryotic cell from proteostasis collapse. Here the authors discover a dedicated ribosome-associated chaperone, Chp1, that assists in the challenging biogenesis of eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1A (eEF1A) by cotranslationally stabilizing the growing GTPase domain of eEF1A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to increase the limited formability of the Ti-6Al-4V sheet at room temperature using the pulsating hydraulic bulging and to investigate the microstructural reasons for the increased formability. Accordingly, monotonic and pulsating hydraulic bulge tests (HBTs) were applied to Ti-6Al-4V sheets with 0.55 mm thickness at room temperature, and the underlying microstructural reasons for the improved formability were investigated by conducting detailed microstructural characterizations. The experimental results showed that the pulsating HBT samples reached 15.4% higher bulge dome height than the monotonic HBT samples, and a more homogeneous thickness distribution was achieved by pulsating bulging. The thickness and microhardness distributions, dislocation density estimations, and fracture surface analysis were utilized to correlate the increased formability with the microstructure. It was determined that stress relaxation occurred during the pulsating HBT, resulting in the achieved improved formability. The decrease in the dislocation density in the early stage of forming prevented the locking of the dislocations and delayed the occurrence of the damage, i.e., leading to the increased bulge dome height. The higher plastic deformation resulting from the increased formability also increased the hardness along the cross-section. The increased formability of the Ti-6Al-4V sheet during the pulsating HBT and the underlying microstructural phenomena elaborated in this study are expected to make significant contributions to the current literature on the sheet metals with limited formability at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti–6Al–4 V sheets possess limited formability at room temperature due to low ductility with almost no strain hardening. Pressure pulsation during hydroforming may bring significant improvement as an alternative to the widespread solution hot forming. However, much uncertainty exists on the deformation mechanism and effects of pulsating on difficult-to-form materials. In this study, the effect of pulsating pressure on the hydraulic bulge test was investigated to increase the limited formability of the Ti–6Al–4 V sheet at room temperature. Experimental results of thickness distribution and bulge height obtained from the bulge tests were compared with the finite element simulation results. The results show that the tests with pulsation allow a higher thickness reduction with a slightly more homogenous thickness distribution. Pulsation causes a delay in the material's failure resulting in a 15.4% increase in the dome height with a 17% increased burst pressure compared to monotonic loading. The underlying microstructural phenomena of increased formability were elaborated using dislocation estimations, fracture surface analysis, and hardness. Test results suggest that pulsation improves formability by 47% in terms of maximum elongation due to stress relaxation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The motivation of this work is to increase the grain size stability of nanocrystalline CoCrFeNi high entropy alloys (HEA) with Y and Y2O3 additions to strike a balance between thermodynamic and kinetic stabilizations. The nanocrystalline HEAs prepared by mechanical alloying were annealed at different temperatures and characterized by X-ray diffraction, focused ion beam microscopy and micro-hardness test. The results revealed that as-milled nanostructured grain size yielded grain growth upon annealing reaching to 350 nm and 1.3 μm after annealing at 900 °C and 1100 °C, respectively, while the addition of Y and Y2O3 appeared to stabilize the grain size in the nano-range after annealing at the same temperatures. Consequently, while the as-milled hardness of CoCrFeNi HEA dropped from 475 HV to around 200 HV after annealing at 1100 °C, the elevated hardness of 430 HV was retained with Y and Y2O3 additions after annealing at the same temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is an extremely fatal and relatively rare gastrointestinal system malignancy. This study aimed to investigate the factors affecting survival in operated patients with ESCC. Materials and Methods: We included 110 patients (38 [34.5%] male; 72 [65.5%] female) aged ≥ 18 (median age, 54 [26–77]) years who were operated without any signs of metastases and followed up at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University Dursun Odabaşı Medical Center between 2004 and 2019. Results: Initially, 39 (35.5%) patients were clinical lymph node-positive and 71 (64.5%) patients were negative. Thirty-five (31.8%) patients underwent surgery after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT), and 75 (%68.2) patients underwent direct surgery without nCRT. Five-year overall survival (OS) was 84.4% and 59.2% in patients who underwent surgery after nCRT and in those who underwent direct surgery, respectively. Median OS was significantly longer in patients who underwent surgery after nCRT (p = 0.003). There was a statistically significant difference in OS in patients who underwent surgery after nCRT depending on tumor response (p = 0.04). In multivariate analysis, advanced pathologic stage (p = 0.002) adversely affected survival, whereas nCRT administration (p = 0.031) positively affected OS. Conclusion: We suggest that nCRT should be administrated before surgery, especially in locally advanced ESCCs. In addition, we believe that nCRT response can be used as a good parameter for survival. These results, however, should be supported by prospective studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-doped, defect-rich activated carbons (ACs) were prepared using high-energy ball milling (BM) followed by a heat treatment to prepare metal-free, highly active carbon-based electrocatalysts. To investigate the effect of milling process on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties, a series of milling durations ranging from 2.5 to 15 min were applied. It was seen that while 2.5-min milling process was insufficient to destroy the AC structure and achieve high defect concentration, 5-min milling process yielded a significant change in the X-ray diffraction reflection. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results suggested that contents of N-binding sites were altered depending on the milling time. Electrochemical performance results indicated that both N doping and ball milling processes had significant effects on the H2O2 reduction capabilities. N-AC-5BM-based sensors showed a high sensitivity of 301.24 μA mM−1 cm−2, which is 2.5 and 1.7 times greater than pristine AC (119.3 μA mM−1 cm−2) and N-doped AC (180.6 μA mM−1 cm−2), respectively. In addition, 5-min ball-milling process widened the linear range profoundly, and a wide linear range of 0.1–52 mM was obtained. The performance of the sensors was compared with both metal-free and noble-metal containing sensors and the findings displayed that N-AC-5BM-based sensors had higher performances than even noble metal-containing sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolism has a role in determining the time of pubertal development and fertility. Nonetheless, molecular/cellular pathways linking metabolism/body weight to puberty/reproduction are unknown. The KNDy (Kisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin) neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus constitute the GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone) pulse generator. We previously created a mouse model with a whole-body targeted deletion of nescient helix-loop-helix 2 (Nhlh2; N2KO), a class II member of the basic helix-loop-helix family of transcription factors. As this mouse model features pubertal failure and late-onset obesity, we wanted to study whether NHLH2 represents a candidate molecule to link metabolism and puberty in the hypothalamus. Exome sequencing of a large Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism cohort revealed obese patients with rare sequence variants in NHLH2, which were characterized by in-silico protein analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays. In vitro heterologous expression studies demonstrated that the variant p.R79C impairs Nhlh2 binding to the Mc4r promoter. Furthermore, p.R79C and other variants show impaired transactivation of the human KISS1 promoter. These are the first inactivating human variants that support NHLH2's critical role in human puberty and body weight control. Failure to carry out this function results in the absence of pubertal development and late-onset obesity in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stainless steels with Fe/Cr/Ni ratios of 74/18/8, 71/17/12, and 55/20/25 were produced from elemental powders by high energy mechanical alloying at both room and cryogenic temperatures. The effect of mechanical alloying temperature on martensitic transformation, the reversion of deformation-induced martensite-to-austenite upon annealing, and the influence of cooling rate on the thermal stability of reversed austenite upon cooling to room temperature were investigated in detail by in-situ and ex-situ X-ray diffraction (XRD) experiments, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Thermo-Calc simulations. A relative comparison of stainless steels after room temperature mechanical alloying indicated that the low nickel-containing steel underwent an almost complete martensitic transformation. However, martensitic transformation by deformation through mechanical alloying at room temperature would not be possible with increasing nickel contents but was created partially at cryogenic temperature, the degree of which depended on the steel composition. The in-situ XRD studies exhibited that the deformation-induced martensite completely transformed to austenite at elevated temperatures. The complete reverse transformation temperature simulated by Thermo-Calc software was found to be lower than that of the experimentally determined ones. Additionally, the different cooling rates from the reversed austenite demonstrated that the slower cooling increased the thermal stability of reversed austenite at room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been planned to minimize the yield and quality impairment of the seed corn, which is strategically important in the world, by pests under storage conditions with a biological product produced with a biotechnological approach. In this context, the present study aimed to control the maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais, known as a warehouse pest, using a nanoformulation. In the study, the chitinase enzyme from Lactobacillus coryniformis was purified first using ammonium sulfate precipitation and then by using the HiTrap Capto DEAE column, and the molecular mass of the purified enzyme was determined to be ~ 33 kDa, and the optimum pH and the values as pH 6.0 and 65–75 °C, respectively. Five different doses of nanoformulation (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg/L) were applied to corn grains by the spraying method with three repetitions so that the insect can ingest the formulation through feeding. The effects of the applications on the death rate and mean time of death of Sitophilus zeamais were determined. According to these findings, it was concluded that the best practice was nanoformulation with 6 mg/L, considering both the mortality rate (100%) and the average death time (2.4 days). Chitinase from L. coryniformis is a promising candidate for corn lice control and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioremediation is widely used to remove water pollution as environmentally friendly smart solutions. In this study, Bacillus isolates were investigated in terms of the effectiveness of single and multiple cultures in eliminating aquatic pollution related to aquaculture activities. In the established experimental setups, the environments where Bacillus isolates were inoculated with single and multiple cultures at 1 × 107 CFU/mL were evaluated comparatively with control groups without these isolates, and total aerobic mesophilic bacterial counts were performed in the petri dish by inoculation method. At the end of the 6 days of the experiment, in the environment in which single and multiple cultures of Bacillus isolates were presented with 17–20 ± 0.05 °C temperature and 5.1–8.1 pH 2–4.6 mg/l dissolved oxygen values (O2), 2% increase in total phosphorus (TP) value was observed. On the other hand, 4% removal of Ammonia-nitrogen (NH3–N), 80% removal of Nitrite-nitrogen (NO2–N), and 100% removal of Nitrate-nitrogen (NO3–N) were observed. In the changes in heavy metal concentrations, the removal of Ni, Cr, Se, Al, Cd, Mn, Fe, and B was observed from highest to lowest as 57%, 50%, 50%, 43%, 40%, 23%, 5%, and 2%, respectively. It also has been seen that B. thuringiensis isolate was observed to be more effective than B.subtilis in metal removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The key requirement to consolidate high-energy mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline powders is to achieve densification and particle bonding without impairment in the mechanical properties. Recent demonstrations of consolidation methods involving high shear, pressure and temperature have shown promising results for bonding high strength particulate materials produced by mechanical alloying. In this study, we report the ability of multi-pass high temperature equal channel angular extrusion to produce bulk ferritic alloys from nanocrystalline Fe–Ni–Zr powders. Subsequent microstructural characterizations indicate limited grain growth as the average grain sizes remain smaller than 100 nm after processing temperatures of 600 °C and 700 °C, above which grains reach micron sizes. The compression test results reveal that the alloys exhibit high mechanical strength at room and moderately high temperatures compared to the pure Fe and Fe–Ni alloys without Zr addition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrus fruit can be infected by many fungal pathogens, and these pathogens cause considerable losses during storage and transportation. Recently, biological control methods of postharvest diseases are getting more prevalent due to the effects of chemical residues on fruits. The present study was carried out to determine the antifungal activities of a total of four candidate biocontrol bacterial strains (Bacillus subtilis TV-6F, B. subtilis TV-17C, Pseudomonas flourescens RK-1105 and Agrobacterium rubi RK-33) against some pathogenic fungi (Alternaria alternata, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Pythium ultimum, Penicillium digitatum and P. italicum) on Petri plate assays. They were also tested to evaluate the potential application of the bacteria to bio-control postharvest decay on mandarin fruits during storage. In addition, they were tested to investigate the enzyme activities of the bacteria. The results of the present study showed that all non-pathogenic bacterial strains showed less or more antifungal activity against the tested pathogens on Petri plate assays. They were also significantly reduced disease severity on mandarin fruits during storage. Chitinase, glucanase and protease enzyme activities of the bacteria were positive except A. rubi RK-33. B. subtilis TV-17C and A. rubi RK-33 strains were the most effective bacteria. In controlling postharvest decay of mandarin fruit, these bacterial strains can be used as new bio-control agents. Hence, further study is necessary to develop a long-term carrier material, to complete cytotoxicity using human cell, ecotoxicity and toxicity tests of these bacterial strains on target organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2-[(2-Sulfanyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazol-5-yl)iminomethyl]phenyl naphthalene-2-sulfonate was obtained as a result of the reactions of 5-amino-2-sulfanylbenzimidazole with 2-(2-naphthylsulfonyloxy)benzaldehyde. The newly synthesized compound was characterized using IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Theoretical investigations of the thione–thiol tautomerism of the molecule were performed using DFT/ B3LYP calculations with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The NMR chemical shifts were calculated by the gauge-invariant atomic orbital (GIAO) method and compared with the experimental data. Additionally, the frontier molecular orbital (HOMO-LUMO), MEP, and NLO analyses were performed for the optimized structure. The NLO analysis showed that the thiol form of the molecule is more stable than the thione form and is a good non-linear optical compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, the effects of orange fibre (OF) supplementation at four different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2%) on some quality properties of probiotic set yogurt produced with ABT-2 culture (containing Streptococcus thermophilus ST-20Y, Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12) were evaluated, during 21 days of storage. The in vitro angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory activity and antoxidant capacity as well as some physicochemical and microbiological analyses of probiotic yogurts were analysed and compared with plain yogurt. At the beginning of storage, yogurt samples had high survivability for probiotic bacteria leading to viable counts (> 107 CFU/g) higher than the minimum therapeutic threshold (106 CFU/g). A significant influence (p < 0.05) of OF supplementation on S. thermophilus ST-20Y and B. lactis BB-12 counts was observed. While OF addition enhanced the viability of B. lactis BB-12, it caused a decrease in S. thermophilus ST-20Y counts. OF addition up to 1.5% concentration affected positively the syneresis, apparent viscosity and consistency index values of yogurt samples. ACE-inhibitory activity showed an increasing trend throughout the storage. Control yogurt had the lowest ACE-inhibitory activity at 1 day of storage, and the highest activity was obtained in yogurt containing 1% OF at the end of the storage. Also, yogurts with OF had higher antioxidant activity than the control sample at all days of storage (p < 0.05). Antioxidant activity increased until 14 days of storage in all yogurt batches, while it was decreased 21th days of storage. Briefly, this study reflected the performance of using OF as an alternative hydrocolloid to improve the quality properties and bioactivity of bio-yogurt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cannabis is the most prevalent illicit drug used in the world. We aimed to determine prevalence and some characteristics of cannabis use in Turkey. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey conducted with a nationally representative sample of 8045 individuals with in-house interviews. The life-time prevalence of substance use was found as 2.8%. Cannabis with 0.7% life-time prevalence, was the most commonly used substance. Cannabis users were concerned about some adverse outcomes such as anxiety with withdrawal (14%), losing control about using the drug (14%), daily performance problems (10.9%) and problems about interpersonal violence (6.9%). 35.1% of them wanted to quit and 18% regretted using cannabis. Prevalence of cannabis use is lower in Turkey compared with most of the other countries in the world. Nevertheless, it is a significant health concern. Identifying characteristics and attitudes related with cannabis use may help to improve policies about protective measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effects of trazodone, mirtazapine and hydroxyzine on sleep profiles of dysthymic disorder ( DD) women with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI) treatment and compare their polysomnographic measurements with controls. Among 36 patients trazodone receiving ( n = 9), mirtazapine receiving ( n = 8), hydroxyzine receiving ( n = 8) and only SSRI receiving ( n = 11) patients were compared to each other and to controls in terms of polysomnographic ( PSG) findings. Rapid eye movements ( REM) ratio and sleep onset time ( SO) were higher; slow wave sleep (non- REM3) ratio and total sleep duration ( TSD)) and sleep efficiency ( SE) were lower in patients when compared with controls. Increased REM ratio and SO; decreased non- REM3 ratio and TSD and SE were found in both only SSRI receiving patients and hydroxyzine receiving patients when compared with controls. Only SSRI receiving patients also showed increased non- REM1 ratio. Trazodone or mirtazapine receiving patients showed no difference than controls. When PSG assessment is considered, it can be suggested that both trazodone and mirtazapine improve sleep problems in DD patients with SSRI treatment, but hydroxyzine does not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to identify the help seeking behaviours of patients from two geographically distinct provinces of Turkey. A questionnaire about sociodemographic characteristics and help seeking ways was applied to 49 schizophrenia patients from Van, 99 from Ankara. The ratio of patients seeking psychiatric help at the beginning of their illness was 76% in Ankara, the capital city, in contrast to 54% in Van (p = 0.01). Twenty-two percent of patients from Ankara and 69% from Van reported that non-psychiatric help seeking was the choice of their families (p < 0.001). Thirty-five percent of all patients sought religious support when their symptoms started. Patients with lower education levels sought more religious help (p = 0.002). Help seeking behaviours show regional variations. Religious help seeking behaviour is a major way of dealing with the illness. Psychoeducation is a crucial need both for patients and families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olfactory dysfunction and migraine has been associated for a long time. In this study, we planned to compare olfactory functions in patients with migraine and osmophobia with patients having migraine but no osmophobia, in addition with a normal control group using 'Sniffin' Sticks' test. The main distinction of this study is that all qualitative and quantitative properties of olfactory functions; threshold, discrimination and identification, are evaluated separately and jointly. Thirty healthy person aged between 16 and 56 (18 women, 12 men) and 60 migraine patients aged between 15 and 54 (39 women, 21 man) were included in the study. All patients have been inquired about osmophobia and have been assessed with Hedonic tone assessment. Osmophobia has been tested for perfume, cigarette smoke, leather, stale food, soy sauce, fish, spices and coffee smells. Olfactory functions has been assessed with 'Sniffin' Sticks' smell test. Thresholds, discrimination and identification have been determined for each patient. In migraine patients with osmophobia, threshold was 7.75 ± 2.3, in migraine patients without osmophobia threshold was 8.25 ± 1.5 and threshold was 10.75 ± 1.3 for the control group. Discrimination score was 6 ± 1.2 in migraine patients with osmophobia, 9 ± 0.8 in patients without osmophobia and was 12 ± 1.4 in the control group. In migraine patient with or without osmophobia Threshold/Discrimination/Identification (TDI) scores were lower than the control group. The most important parameter in our study is that discrimination scores were especially lower in patients with osmophobia. We believe that this decrease in discrimination in migraine patients with osmophobia; who claim that they smell everything and they are sensitive to all smells, is significant. Further studies about smell discrimination will help better understand some conditions; especially anosmia and hyposmia after upper respiratory tract infections and parosmia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Afferent somatosensory information is modulated before the afferent input arrives at the primary somatosensory cortex during voluntary movement. The aim of the present study was to clarify the effect of muscular contraction strength on somatosensory evoked fields (SEFs) during voluntary movement. In addition, we examined the differences in gating between innervated and non-innervated muscle during contraction. We investigated the changes in gating effect by muscular contraction strength and innervated and non-innervated muscles in human using 306-channel magnetoencephalography. SEFs were recorded following the right median nerve stimulation in a resting condition and during isometric muscular contractions from 10 % electromyographic activity (EMG), 20 and 30 % EMG of the right extensor indicis muscle and abductor pollicis brevis muscle. Our results showed that the equivalent current dipole (ECD) strength for P35m decreased with increasing strength of muscular contraction of the right abductor pollicis brevis muscle. However, changes were observed only at 30 % EMG contraction level of the right extensor indicis muscle, which was not innervated by the median nerve. There were no significant changes in the peak latencies and ECD locations of each component in all conditions. The ECD strength did not differ significantly for N20m and P60m regardless of the strength of muscular contraction and innervation. Therefore, we suggest that the gating of SEF waveforms following peripheral nerve stimulation was affected by the strength of muscular contraction and innervation of the contracting muscle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify characteristics of each human somatosensory evoked field (SEF) component following passive movement (PM), PM1, PM2, and PM3, using high spatiotemporal resolution 306-channel magnetoencephalography and varying PM range and angular velocity. We recorded SEFs following PM under three conditions [normal range-normal velocity (NN), small range-normal velocity (SN), and small range-slow velocity (SS)] with changing movement range and angular velocity in 12 participants and calculated the amplitude, equivalent current dipole (ECD) location, and the ECD strength for each component. All components were observed in six participants, whereas only PM1 and PM3 in the other six. Clear response deflections at the ipsilateral hemisphere to PM side were observed in seven participants. PM1 amplitude was larger under NN and SN conditions, and mean ECD location for PM1 was at primary motor area. PM3 amplitude was larger under SN condition and mean ECD location for PM3 under SS condition was at primary somatosensory area. PM1 amplitude was dependent on the angular velocity of PM, suggesting that PM1 reflects afferent input from muscle spindle, whereas PM3 amplitude was dependent on the duration. The ECD for PM3 was located in the primary somatosensory cortex, suggesting that PM3 reflects cutaneous input. We confirmed the hypothesis for locally distinct generators and characteristics of each SEF component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate the effect of thymoquinone on the healing of experimental left colon anastomosis in rats. Methods: Forty Wistar albino rats weighing 250-300 g were randomly divided into four groups (10 rats/group). Group 1 (control group) rats were not administered Thymoquinone (TQ) for 3 days after the operation. Group 2 was administered daily TQ for 3 days starting from the first day after the operation. Group 3 was not administered TQ for 7 days after the operation. Group 4 was administered daily TQ for 7 days starting from the first day after the operation. Thymoquinone was administered as a single dose oral gavage through a 4F feeding catheter per each day. The bursting strength of the anastomosis was measured on 3rd and 7th postoperative days (POD) and resection was performed. Subsequently, the hydroxyproline level in the resected tissue was measured and a histological evaluation was performed. Results: The bursting pressures of the anastomoses were measured to be statistically significantly greater on 7th POD in TQ administered groups compared to those without TQ administration. Tissues were stained with Masson's trichrome dye in order to evaluate the amount of fibrous tissue reaction for histopathological examination; there was no significant difference in the amount of fibrous tissue between groups 1 and 2, while a very marked increase in the fibrous tissue was detected in groups 3 and 4. Mean tissue hydroxyproline levels of the groups 3 and 4 on 7th POD were 1.30 and 2.72 μg/g-protein, respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusions: TQ significantly increased the bursting pressure of the anastomosis, tissue hydroxyproline level, and fibrous tissue production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, an electrocatalyst based on 2-thiolbenzimidazole (TBI) functionalized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with platinum and palladium nanoparticles (Pt-PdNPs) was synthesized. The successful synthesis of nanomaterials and the prepared glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surfaces were confirmed by transmission electron microscope, X-ray photo electron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction method. The effective surface areas of TBIrGO/GCE, PdNPs/TBIrGO/GCE, PtNPs/TBIrGO/GCE and Pt-PdNPs/TBIrGO/GCE were calculated to be 324, 578, 667 and 1189 cm/mg, respectively. According to the results, the electrochemical surface area of the Pt-PdNPs/TBIrGO is 3.67, 2.06 and 1.78 times higher than those of TBIrGO, PdNPs/TBIrGO and PtNPs/TBIrGO, respectively. The Pt-PdNPs/TBIrGO/GCE also exhibited higher peak current for methanol oxidation than those of comparable TBIrGO/GCE, PdNPs/TBIrGO/GCE, PtNPs/TBIrGO/GCE modified GCEs, thus providing evidence for its higher electro-catalytic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of an experimental study of the effects of blast furnace slag, different water/(cement+mineral additive) ratios and pumice aggregates on some physical and mechanical properties of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete. In this study, pumice was used as lightweight aggregate. Several properties of self-compacting pumice aggregate lightweight concretes, such as unit weight, flow diameter, T50 time, flow diameter after an hour, V-funnel time, and L-box tests, 7, 28, 90 and 180-day compressive strength, 28-day splitting tensile strength, dry unit weight, water absorption, thermal conductivity and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests, were conducted. For this purpose, 18 series of concrete samples were prepared in two groups. In the first group, pumice aggregate at 100% replacement of natural aggregate was used in the production of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete with constant w/(c+m) ratios as 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45 by weight. Furthermore, as a second group, pumice aggregate was used as a replacement of natural aggregate, at the levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% by volume. Flow diameters, T50 times, paste volumes, 28-day compressive strengths, dry unit weights, thermal conductivities and ultrasonic pulse velocity of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete were obtained over the range of 600-770 mm, 3-9 s, 435-540 l/m3, 10.6-65.0 MPa, 845-2278 kg/m3, 0.363-1.694 W/mK and 2617-4770 m/s respectively, which satisfies not only the strength requirement of semistructural lightweight concrete but also the flowing ability requirements and thermal conductivity requirements of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the stability and microstructural evolution, including grain size and hardness of nanocrystalline FeNiZr alloyed powders, produced by ball milling, were investigated after annealing at 900 and 1000 °C for up to 24 h. Results indicate that rapid grain growth to the micron scale occurs within the first few minutes of exposure to the elevated annealing temperatures. However, despite the loss of nanocrystallinity, an extremely stable and efficient hardening effect persists, which has been found to be equal to that predicted by Hall-Petch strengthening even at the smallest grain sizes. The mechanical properties of the samples consolidated to bulk via equal channel angular extrusion at 900 °C were evaluated by uniaxial compression at room and elevated temperatures. Results reveal high compressive yield stress as well as the appearance and disappearance of a yield drop indicating the presence of coherent (GP zone like) precipitates within the microstructure. Such a hardening mechanism has implications for developing new Fe-Ni-based alloys exhibiting a combination of high strength and ductility for high temperature applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of an experimental study on the effects of fly ash, different water/(cement + mineral additive) ratios and pumice aggregates to some physical and mechanical properties of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete. In this study, pumice had been used as lightweight aggregates. Several properties of self-compacting pumice aggregate lightweight concretes like the unit weight, flow diameter, T50 time, flow diameter after an hour, V-funnel time, and L-box tests, 7, 28, 90 and 180-day compressive strength, 28-day splitting tensile strength, dry unit weight, water absorption, thermal conductivity and ultrasonic pulse velocity tests were investigated. For this purpose, 18 series of concrete samples were prepared in two groups. Pumice aggregate was used as a replacement of natural aggregate, at the levels of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% by volume. Furthermore, a second series of 100% pumice aggregate was used for the production of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete with constant w/(c+m) ratios as 0.35, 0.40, and 0.45 by weight. The flow diameters, T50 times, paste volumes, 28-day compressive strengths, dry unit weights and thermal conductivities of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete were obtained in the range of 600-800 mm, 2-8 s, 471-572 lt/m3, 9.2-53.26 MPa, 839-2156 kg/m3 and 0.321-1.508 W/mk, respectively, which satisfies not only the strength requirement of semi-structural lightweight concrete but also the flowing ability requirements and thermal conductivity requirements of self-compacting lightweight aggregate concrete. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal stability of nanostructured FeNiZr alloys with Zr additions up to 4 at.% was investigated. This expands upon our previous results for Fe-Ni base alloys that were limited to 1 at.% Zr addition. Emphasis was placed on understanding the effects of composition and microstructural evolution on grain growth and mechanical properties after annealing at temperatures near and above the bcc-to-fcc transformation. Results reveal that microstructural stability can be lost due to the bcc-to-fcc transformation (occurring at 700 °C) by the sudden appearance of abnormally grown fcc grains. However, it was determined that grain growth can be suppressed kinetically at higher temperatures for high Zr content alloys due to the precipitation of intermetallic compounds. Eventually, at higher temperatures and regardless of composition, the retention of nanocrystallinity was lost, leaving behind fine micron grains filled with nanoscale intermetallic precipitates. Despite the increase in grain size, the in situ formed precipitates were found to induce an Orowan hardening effect rivaling that predicted by Hall-Petch hardening for the smallest grain sizes. The transition from grain size strengthening to precipitation strengthening is reported for these alloys. The large grain size and high precipitation hardening result in a material that exhibits high strength and significant plastic straining capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from the literature and our laboratory have been reviewed regarding the maximum homologous temperatures that can be attained by the addition of solute elements that may induce thermodynamic or kinetic (Zener pinning) stabilization of a nanocrystalline grain size (<100 nm) to elevated temperatures. The results of this review suggest that kinetic stabilization by Zener pinning by nanoscale second phases may be the more effective strategy for keeping a nanoscale grain microstructure at the highest homologous temperatures. More research is necessary to confirm this suggestion and to determine the influence of nanoscale grain boundary second phases on the mechanical behavior of the nanocrystalline matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grain growth and microstructural evolution of thermally stabilized FeNiZr were investigated by in situ and ex situ studies. Our investigations suggest that the microstructural evolution is fairly slow and the microstructure shows stabilization up to about 700 °C. Above this temperature, a certain fraction of grains grow abnormally into the nanocrystalline matrix, resulting in a bimodal microstructure and causing the complete loss of thermal stability. The reason for abnormal grain growth and the loss of thermal stability is identified as the appearance of the fcc γ-phase and consequent reduction in the total area of grain boundaries and the overall stored energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of steroid injection for the treatment of the carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), with F-wave parameters and sympathetic skin response (SSR). Seventeen hands of 10 women patients were treated with local steroid injection with 2-month follow-up. All patients underwent single injection into the carpal tunnel. Response to injection was measured nerve conduction studies (NCSs), median nerve F waves, and SSR before and after treatment. To determine the normal values, 42 hands of 21 healthy women were also studied. There was a significant improvement of sensory and motor nerve conduction values when compared to baseline values ( P < 0.01). At the end of follow-up period, the median sensory distal latency and the sensory latency differences between the median and the ulnar nerve were improved 35 and 65%, respectively. The maximum, mean F-wave amplitudes and chronodispersion showed a slight improvement with respect to baseline values and controls, but statistical significance was not achieved after treatment. Although no statistically significant improvements were observed in SSR parameters, slightly decreased amplitudes and increased habituation of SSR were noted at the end of the treatment. The present study shows that the local steroid injection results in improvement in NCSs values, but the F-wave parameters were not effectual in short-term outcome of CTS treatment. These findings suggest that the sensory latency differences between the median and the ulnar wrist-to-digit 4 are better parameters in the median nerve recovery after treatment than the median sensory distal latency. Furthermore, the SSR does not seem to be a sensitive method in follow-up of CTS treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nifedipine is a therapeutic drug in acute attacks of hypertension because of its rapid absorption from oral mucosa. Taste receptors are innervated by glossopharyngeal nerves (GPN) as well as by facial and vagal nerves. Sensory neurons of the GPNs are localised in the petrous ganglion (PG). Transection of the taste sensitive GPN fibres causes taste bud and PG degeneration and spontaneous hypertension. In this study, the role of chemical stimulation of the taste buds of the GPN by nifedipine and its role in treatment of hypertension were investigated in rabbits. Nifedipine was dropped sublingually (20 mg) for 4 days in the study group, followed by measuring blood pressures again. Then, the lingual branches of GPNs were cut. One month later, blood pressures were measured for 4 days. All animals were sacrificed humanely at the end of the experiment, and normal and degenerated neuron densities in the petrosal ganglions were enumerated stereologically. The antihypertensive effect of nifedipine decreased after GPNs denervation, in accordance with the increase of degenerated neurons in the PG. The chemical stimulation of taste buds of the GPNs by nifedipine may be an important effect of nifedipine application in addition to its calcium channel blocking effect. The rapid decrease in blood pressure following sublingual use of nifedipine may also result from the direct stimulation of taste buds innervated by the GPNs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timely secretion of gonadal sex steroids is essential for the initiation of puberty, the postpubertal maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics and the normal perinatal development of male external genitalia. Normal gonadal steroid production requires the actions of the pituitary-derived gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. We report four human pedigrees with severe congenital gonadotropin deficiency and pubertal failure in which all affected individuals are homozygous for loss-of-function mutations in TAC3 (encoding Neurokinin B) or its receptor TACR3 (encoding NK3R). Neurokinin B, a member of the substance P–related tachykinin family, is known to be highly expressed in hypothalamic neurons that also express kisspeptin, a recently identified regulator of gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. These findings implicate Neurokinin B as a critical central regulator of human gonadal function and suggest new approaches to the pharmacological control of human reproduction and sex hormone-related diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During 1997 and 1998, serious outbreaks of bacterial leaf spot disease were observed on zinnia plants grown in home and commercial gardens in Ohio, USA. Twenty-two strains of Xanthomonas campestris pv. zinniae, isolated from diseased zinnia plants and contaminated seeds, were identified based on morphological, physiological and biochemical tests, fatty acid methyl ester analyses and pathogenicity tests on zinnia cv. Scarlet. Host range studies indicated that all of the X. campestris pv. zinniae strains were pathogenic on zinnia and tomato, but not on cabbage, lettuce, pepper and radish. The phenotypic and genotypic relationships among the strains determined based on serological reaction pattern, fatty acid profiles, repetitive extragenic palindromic-polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) fingerprints and sequence analysis of the 16S–23S rDNA spacer region suggested that X. campestris pv. zinniae strains were closely related to each other, but clearly distinct from other Xanthomonas species including X. campestris pv. campestris, X. axonopodis pv. vesicatoria, X. vesicatoria and X. hortorum pv. vitians tested in this study. The results also demonstrated that rep-PCR fingerprinting is rapid, reliable and the most practical method for routine detection and identification of X. campestris pv. zinniae strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malignant fibrous histiocytoma occurs most commonly in the extremities and trunk, but rarely in the visceral organs. Malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the small intestine is an extremely rare condition. To our knowledge, only ten cases of primary tumors involving the small intestine have been described up to now. Among them only one case has been reported to lead to intussusception. This case report documents the appearance of a storiform-pleomorphic type primary malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the ileum, which led to intussusception, in a 58-year-old man with a 3-month history of dyspepsia, weight loss, general fatigue, and nonspecific abdominal pain. The patient was well with no sign of disease at 8 months after surgery. The clinical and pathologic characteristics of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the small intestine as found in the literature are also reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the case of a simultaneous occurrence of papillary intrafollicular and microcarcinomas with bilateral medullary microcarcinoma of the thyroid in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A. The concurrent presence of two thyroid carcinomas is rare. The simultaneous occurrence of two different tumors in the same thyroid each being multifocal and smaller than 1 cm in diameter has not been previously reported in the literature. Furthermore, we define the first case of intrafollicular papillary thyroid carcinoma (carcinoma in situ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Buxus sempervirens (Boxwood) is a type of plant that has economic and cultural significance, danger of extinction due to various factors. Cydalima perspectalis (Walker, 1859) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), an invasive species, has an important role as a boxwood pest. The inadequacy of the pheromone trap methods recommended to control the pest or the negative effects of chemical insecticides on the environment have led to seeking alternative approaches in this regard. In this study, it was conducted to determine whether entomopathogens can be applied in pest control, the insecticidal effects of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kenyae (FDP-8), Bacillus cereus (FD-63), Brevibacillus brevis (FD-1) and Vibrio hollisae (FD-70) bacterial strains at the concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/ml and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Cordycipitaceae) (ET 10) fungal isolate at the concentrations of 1 × 106, 1 × 107 and 1 × 108 conidia/ml were tested under controlled conditions. Results: As compared the results of the bacterial strains and fungal tested, it was determined that the best results were obtained from in the fungal isolate at the concentration of 1 × 108 conidia/ml. After 192 and 216 h. of observation, the 1 × 108 CFU/ml of bacterial strains: B. cereus FD-63, B. brevis FD-1 and V. hollisae FD-70; also, 1 × 108 conidia/ml concentration of ET 10 fungal isolate of B. bassiana control C. perspectalis caused mortality rate of 100% under laboratory conditions. Conclusion: Future studies of these microorganisms against this pest in the field, may be an important alternative method to control this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Sainfoin, alfalfa and clover are important forage crop plants in terms of their food value, efficiency and adaptation capabilities. Cymbalophora rivularis (Menetries, 1832) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) causes significant damage to these plants. Chemicals are not recommended for pest control. Cultural pest control practices also remain insufficient. In this study, which was conducted to determine whether biological control can be applied in pest control, the pathogenic effects of Pseudomonas putida K-19B, Pantoea agglomerans RK-79 and RK-92, Bacillus megaterium TV-3D, P. fluorescens RK-1979, B. pumilus RK-1980 bacterial strains at a concentration of 1 × 108 CFU/ml and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv.) Vuill. (Cordycipitaceae) ET 10 fungal isolate at a concentration of 5.7 × 105 conidia/ml were tested under controlled conditions. Results: According to the results of this study, at the end of 216 h, the tested biological control agent showed an efficacy ranged from 43.33 to 96.67% in the 1st and 2nd larval instars and 70 to 95% in the last instar larvae of C. rivularis. In the case of applications to 1st and 2nd larval instars, after 216 h, the efficacy of ET 10 fungal isolate was 96.67 and 83.33% of K-19B bacterial strain. In the last instar larvae, after 216 h, the efficacy of the strains TV-3D, K-19B and RK-1979 was 95, 90 and 90%, respectively. The efficacy of ET 10 and K-19B applications was found to be statistically not different from the efficacy of pathogenic application. Conclusion: Environmentally friendly P. putida and B. megaterium bacterial strains and B. bassiana fungal isolate were determined and can be successfully used in the biological control of this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is an invasive harmful pest species due to its economic losses. Its wide host range and continuous movement make its control difficult with insecticides. Biological control has recently gained importance due to the negative aspects of chemical control. The study evaluated the biological control tools by testing the entomopathogens against the pest by 11 bacteria strains and 1 fungal isolate. Brevibacillus, Bacillus, Pantoea, Vibrio, Pseudomonas, and Beauveria were tested against the nymphs of H. halys under controlled conditions. All applied entomopathogens had potentials for controlling H. halys. Mortality rates of 75 and 100% were obtained by the bacteria strains and 76.19% by the fungus, B. bassiana. Successfully reaching a 100% control rate, the bacterial isolates of the Bacillus cereus GC subgroup B and Pantoea agglomerans GC subgroup were recorded to have a greater potential than the others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]