The effect of sequential dental visits on dental anxiety levels of paediatric patients

AIM

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between sequential visits in dental caries treatments and dental anxiety levels of paediatric patients through the use of anxiety scales and physiological measurements.

METHODS

A total of 224 children aged 5-8 years who needed at least two bilateral restorative dental caries treatments of the mandibular first primary molar was included in the study. The treatment duration was approximately 20 minutes and time span between the two appointments was a maximum of two weeks. The Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (WBFPS) and The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) were used for subjective measurements and the objective measurement of dental anxiety was performed by measuring the heart rate using a portable pulse oximeter. Statistical analysis was carried out using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 (IBM corp. Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

Out of the 224 children, 117 were girls (mean age 6.4 ± 1.1 years) and 107 were boys (mean age 6.1 ± 1.2 years). The mean age of the patients was 6.26 ± 1.147 years, ranging from 5 to 8. There were no statistical significant differences between children’s age and genders with dental anxiety. However, there were statistical significant differences for the variables regarding the sequential visits. When comparing the MDAS scores statistically significant differences were observed between the first and second visits (p<0.001). Both preoperative and postoperative WBFPS scores were significantly higher at the first visit than at the second visit. Statistically significant differences were observed in the heart rate scores between the treatment sessions (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show a significant reduction in dental anxiety after sequental dental visits in children aged 5-8 years, which highlights the importance of the sequental visits in paediatric dentistry.

Boosting Tetracycline Degradation with an S-Scheme Heterojunction of N-Doped Carbon Quantum Dots-Decorated TiO2

N-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) derived from the Rumex crispus L. plant were incorporated into TiO₂ via a facile hydrothermal method. As-prepared materials were characterized and used in the photocatalytic tetracycline (TC) degradation under UVA light irradiation by examining several operational parameters involving the N-CQDs amount, initial TC concentration, pH, and photocatalytic reaction time. XRD analysis revealed the conversion of the rutile phase to the anatase phase after the incorporation of N-CQDs into the TiO₂ structure. The results revealed that the N-CQDs/TiO₂ photocatalysts demonstrated the highest efficiency in TC degradation compared to other processes of adsorption, photolysis (UVA), and photocatalysis with TiO₂ (TiO₂/UVA). Under optimized conditions, 10 mg/L TC at pH 5.15 with 0.2 g/L N-CQDs/TiO₂ catalyst showed 97.7% photocatalytic degradation for 120 min under UVA irradiation. The formation of an S-scheme heterojunction between N-CQDs and TiO₂ provided enhanced charge separation and strong redox capability, causing significant improvement in the photocatalytic performance of N-CQDs/TiO₂. Trapping experiments showed that O₂^•- and h⁺ are the predominant reactive species for the TC elimination in an aqueous solution.

The effect of Self-Regulation Based Cognitive Psychoeducation Program on emotion regulation and self-efficacy in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

AIM

This study aimed to determine the effect of Self-Regulation Based Cognitive Psychoeducation Program on emotion regulation and self-efficacy in children diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and receiving medication.

METHOD

The sample of this study with control group and pre-test, post-test and follow-up randomized experimental design consisted of children followed in the child and adolescent mental health outpatient clinic of a state hospital. The data were evaluated by parametric and non-parametric analyses.

RESULTS

A statistically significant increase was determined in the internal functional emotion regulation mean scores of children, who participated in the Self-Regulation Based Cognitive Psychoeducation Program, measured before, immediately after, and 6 months after the intervention (p < 0.05). A statistically significant increase was also found in their external functional emotion regulation mean scores measured before and 6 months after the intervention (p < 0.05). In addition, a statistically significant difference was found between their internal dysfunctional and external dysfunctional emotion regulation mean scores measured before and 6 months after the intervention; however the mean scores of those in the control group 6 months after the intervention were higher than those in the intervention group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase in their self-efficacy mean scores measured before and 6 months after the intervention (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Self-Regulation Based Cognitive Psychoeducation Program was found be effective in increasing the levels of emotion regulation and self-efficacy in children with ADHD.

Meta-analysis of the effect of psychosocial skills training on the quality of life of people with schizophrenia

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to synthesize the studies examining the effects of psychosocial skills training (PSST) on the quality of life of people with schizophrenia using a meta-analysis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Fifteen studies were included in the meta-analysis according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

FINDINGS

PSST was found to have a moderate effect on the overall score of quality of life of individuals with schizophrenia, a moderate effect on the psychological dimension, and a low effect on the physical dimension.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

It can be said that psychosocial skills training is an effective intervention that can be used to improve the quality of life of people with schizophrenia.

Development and validation of the Mental Health Promotion Scale

PURPOSE

This study aimed to develop and validate a scale that assesses adults' mental health promotion abilities.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This study was conducted in Istanbul from October 2016 to May 2018. Three rounds of the Delphi method were conducted to develop the scale.

FINDINGS

After the third Delphi round, the experts reached a consensus on 93 scale items. Forty-six items were excluded from the scale based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) results. In the last EFA of the 47-item scale, a 12-factor construct was found with an eigenvalue >1 that explained 64.3% of total variance. The overall Cronbach's alpha of the scale was .93.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This scale can be used to assess adults' mental health promotion abilities.

Investigation of the Online Game Addiction Level, Sociodemographic Characteristics and Social Anxiety as Risk Factors for Online Game Addiction in Middle School Students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the online game addiction (OGA) level and the risk factors involved in OGA among middle school students. The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at seven middle schools in the province of Istanbul. The data were collected with a questionnaire, the Computer Game Addiction Scale for Children (CGASC) and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC); 1174 students who played online computer games were included in the study. It was found that 5.7% of the sample group were addictive users, that 44% were problematic users and that an older age, a higher level of social anxiety (SA), having a mother who is employed, having parents who completed high school or a higher level of education, and the time spent on the computer are risk factors for OGA.

Development and preliminary psychometric properties of Mental Health Promotion Scale

Background

There is no valid and reliable scale for assessing mental health promotion ability for adults in Turkish language. The purpose of this study was to develop a scale to mental health promotion ability for adults and to test the validity and reliablity of this scale.

Methods

This methodological study was conducted in Istanbul over the period October 2016- May 2018. The three rounds of the Delphi study were cunducted to develop the items of the scale and to determine the content validity. Thirty- three experts were participated in the Delphi study. A convenience sample of 452 adult people was recruited. The scale was tested for construct validity with Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA), after which the scale’s reliability was evaluated for item-total correlations using Pearson’s correlation analysis and for internal consistency with Cronbach’s Alpha.

Results

At the end of the first Delphi round, 160 items were compiled. Experts reached consensus on 93 items of scale at the end of the third Delphi round. In the first EFA, twenty two factors with eigenvalues greater than 1 explained 65.2% of the total variance. Items with factor loadings of less than .30 and those that appeared in more than one factor with differences of less than %10 were removed from the scale one by one and the analysis was repeated. In the last EFA of the 47-item scale, twelve factor was found with an eigenvalue greater than 1 that explained 64.3% of total variance. The scale’s item-total correlations ranged between .36 - .62 and Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was calculated to be .93.

Conclusions

This scale was found to be valid and reliable. It can be used to assess the mental health promotion ability of adults who native Turkish speaker.

Key messages

The Mental Health Promotion Scale has been found to be valid and reliable. The Mental Health Promotion Scale can be used to assess of mental health promotion ability for adults.

Evaluation of a stress coping course for psychological resilience among a group of university nursing students

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to evaluate a stress coping course for psychological resilience among a group of university nursing students.

DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a quantitative study that had a pretest/posttest design without a control group. Data were collected from 78 first-year nursing students using a Stress Self-assessment Checklist and the Psychological Resilience Questionnaire (PRQ).

FINDINGS

A significant increase was determined in the subscales of self-perception and social resources of PRQ following the course (P ≤ 0.05).

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The findings emphasized that more attention should be given to the potential role of psychological resilience in dealing with the inevitable sources of stress in the education of nursing students.

The relationship between the type of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture and mobility in the elderly

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of uniform anti-rotational proximal femoral intramedullary nail (APFN) use on patient mobility status with the treatment of two different unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture groups of geriatric patients.

Methods

The study included patients aged > 65 years who underwent surgery with APFN. Group 1 comprised AO classification, AO/OTA 31-A22, and A23 patients, and group 2, A31 and A32 patients. The demographic data of the patients, postoperative complications, follow-up, mortality status, postoperative reduction, tip-apex distance (TAD), and the Parker-Palmer mobility (PPM) score were evaluated.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of gender, affected side, time from trauma to surgery, ASA score, anesthesia type, duration of hospitalization, duration of surgery, TAD values, reduction values, or mortality rate. The average age of patients in group 2 was significantly higher than that of patients in group 1 (p < 0.05). The mobility scores of group 1 patients were significantly higher than those of group 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

While no relationship was found between the TAD values and the reduction status of the cases, the PPM scores of the AO 31 A3 cases were determined to be significantly worse. Therefore, fractures with a preoperative classification of AO type 31 A3 can be expected to have worse results than A2 ITF fractures. The fracture type seems to have as great an effect as other factors on the postoperative mobility score.

Preparation of magnetite nanoparticles by high-energy planetary ball mill and its application for ciprofloxacin degradation through heterogeneous Fenton process

In this study, the heterogeneous Fenton oxidation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) in an aqueous solution was examined over the nano-sized magnetite (Fe₃O₄) as a catalyst supplied through high-energy planetary ball milling process. To characterize the magnetite samples after and before ball milling operation, the X-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis were applied. The catalytic properties of the magnetite were considerably improved because of the enhancement in its physical properties, resulted from milling process. The findings also indicated that 6 h ball-milled magnetite demonstrated better properties for elimination of CIP of about 89% following 120 min reaction at optimal conditions of H₂O₂ 12 mM, Fe₃O₄ 1.75 g L^-1, CIP 10 mg L^-1 and pH 3.0. The effects of various operational parameters, including the initial pH of the solution, H₂O₂ initial concentration, catalyst dosage, milling time and CIP initial concentration was investigated. Application of organic and inorganic scavengers considerably decreased the CIP removal efficiency. Correspondingly, with respect to the leached iron values at pH 3, it was concluded that CIP elimination was mainly occurred through heterogeneous Fenton procedure. This process included the adsorption and oxidation phases in which the hydroxyl radicals (OH) played a significant role. GC-MS analysis was used for recording of the generated intermediates of the CIP removal in the course of heterogeneous Fenton process.

Enhanced removal of basic violet 10 by heterogeneous sono-Fenton process using magnetite nanoparticles

The removal of basic violet 10 (BV10), which is known as a cationic dye, from aqueous solution was studied by employing a heterogeneous sono-Fenton process over the nano-sized magnetite (Fe₃O₄) which had been prepared by the milling of magnetite mineral using a high-energy planetary ball milling process. The magnetite samples were characterized using the X-ray diffraction (XRD), high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and inductively couple plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). It was found that the catalytic activity of the ball-milled magnetite sample was enhanced along with the improvement in its physicochemical properties; also, the ball-milled magnetite of 6 h displayed the highest catalytic activity in BV10 removal by the heterogeneous sono-Fenton process as compared with that for 4 h (66.12% after 120 min) and 2 h (48% after 120 min).The effect of operational parameters, namely, pH solution, catalyst dosage, the initial H₂O₂ concentration, ultrasonic power and the initial BV10 concentration, on the removal efficiency (RE%) of BV10 was investigated. The optimum conditions for the BV10 RE% were: the pH value of 3, the catalyst dosage of 1.5 g L^-1, the initial H₂O₂ concentration of 36 mM, the ultrasonic power of 450 W L^-1, and the initial BV10 concentration of 30 mg L^-1. The RE% of BV10 was 75.94% at these conditions after the reaction time of 120 min. The trapping experiments revealed that OH radicals were the dominant oxidative species, but O₂^-/HO₂ radicals also had a partial role in the removal of BV10.The reusability of the magnetite nanoparticles revealed about 28% decrease in the removal efficiency within five consecutive runs. The results obtained through GC-MS analysis also confirmed the efficient removal of BV10 molecules in the aqueous solution during the process.

Heterogeneous sono-Fenton-like process using magnetic cobalt ferrite-reduced graphene oxide (CoFe2O4-rGO) nanocomposite for the removal of organic dyes from aqueous solution

We report herein the synthesis of monodisperse cobalt ferrite (CoFe₂O₄) nanoparticles (NPs) via a surfactant-assisted high temperature thermal decomposition method and then their assembly on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to yield CoFe₂O₄-rGO nanocomposites, which displayed outstanding sonocatalytic activity for the removal of organic dyes from aqueous solutions under ultrasonic irradiation. As-prepared CoFe₂O₄-rGO nanocomposites were characterized by using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Micro-Raman spectroscopy, Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and inductively couple plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). To evaluate the sonocatalytic activity of the CoFe₂O₄-rGO nanocomposites, the sonocatalytic removal of several organic dyes (AO7, AR17, BR46 and BY28) was studied. The reaction conditions were optimized by studying the effects of various key operating parameters such as pH, catalyst dosage, H₂O₂ initial concentration, initial dye concentration, ultrasonic power and reaction time on the removal of AO7 dye. The maximum removal efficiency of 90.5% was achieved at pH 3 using 0.08gL^-1 catalyst, 3mM H₂O₂ and 10mgL^-1 AO7 dye under 350W ultrasonic power in 120min of reaction time span. Experimental results revealed that the kinetic of the removal process could be described using Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) kinetic model. The trapping experiments showed that O₂^·- radicals constitute the major reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the AO7 dye removal process. The reusability of the nanocomposites revealed about 22% drop in the removal efficiency within five consecutive runs. A possible sonocatalytic mechanism for the removal of organic dyes was also proposed. The intermediate by-products of the dye formed in the removal process were characterized by using the GC-MS technique.

The Effects of Psychoeducation on the Expressed Emotion and Family Functioning of the Family Members in First-Episode Schizophrenia

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the psychoeducation received by the family members of the patients with first-episode schizophrenia on the expressed emotion (EE) and the family functioning of the family members. This study has a quasi-experimental design with a control group. The sample of the study was 60 family members (30 experimental -30 control) of the patients with first-episode schizophrenia. The experimental group received 9 weeks of psychoeducation as a group. EE and family functioning were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the psychoeducation program. EE criticism/hostility and over involvement-protecting-intervention levels of the family members have decreased at the end of the psychoeducation (p < 0.05). Family functioning has changed too at the end of the psychoeducation (p < 0.05), and assessed as more healthy. Consequently, early psychoeducational groups may be effective in decreasing EE level and improving the family functioning for a family member of patient with first-episode schizophrenia.

Sexual dysfunctions and treatment compliance in individuals with psychotic disorder

Introduction

Sexual dysfunctions are more common in individuals with psychotic disorders and has a major impact on both quality of life and compliance.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether a relationship between sexual dysfunction and level of treatment compliance in individuals with psychotic disorders.

Methods

The sample group of the study consisted of 173 in-patients who agreed to participate were selected by random sampling method. The permission was obtained from the hospital's ethics committee. In this study, to assess the sexual functionality Golombok-Rust inventory of sexual satisfaction male and female form and to assess the treatment compliance; medical treatment compliance rate scale is used.

Results

When sexual problems and treatment compliance compared to gender, subscales of satisfaction (t = 4,423, P = 0.000), avoidance (t = 3.348, P = 0.001), touch (t = 2.165, P = 0.032) and overall total (t = 4.015, P = 0.000), although a statistically significant difference was found, there were no differences in treatment compliance. Aditionally, there is no relation between sexual problems and treatment compliance in men. It is also found that there is a weak negative statistical relation amongst treatment compliance and communication (r = −0.244, P = 0.027), avoidance (r = −0.270, P = 0.014), anorgasmia (r = −0.253, P = 0.022) and overall total (r = −0.249, P = 0.024) in women. According to these findings while sexual problems increase, treatment compliance decreases.

Conclusions

The level of compliance to the treatment and subscales of sexual problems; satisfaction, avoidance, and touch mean scores differ from each other. There was a weak negative correlation in between Women's compliance and sexual problems.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Investigation of internet dependent and depressive symptoms among secondary school students

Introduction

Internet use and depression is a significant problem regardless of social status and in almost all age groups. Internet addiction in adolescents is considered to be the most important risk groups.

Objectives

This study was conducted to determine correlation of Internet addiction and depressive symptoms among secondary school students.

Method

This research was conducted at two secondary public schools in İstanbul during 2015-2016 academic year. Ethics committee approval and permission was obtained from the Directorate of National Education Institutions. The population of the study was 2121 students. The sample group was 1312 students who completely filled in measuring instruments. The measuring instruments consisted of a personal information form, Internet Dependency Scale (IDS) and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). The data were analyzed with the descriptive statistical analysis and Pearson correlation test.

Results

The average of students’ age was 12.44 ± 1.20. 50.2% of the sample were women. 53.8% of the sample spent 1–2 hours per day in Internet. Mean IDS point was 38.942 ± 12.90 and mean CDI point was 12.52 ± 7.13. According to the IDS cutpoint; 80.9% of students were normal users, 18,4% of them were high-risk users and 0.6% of them were Internet dependents. According to the CDI cutpoint, 16.8% of the students had depressive symptoms. A statistically significant moderate correlation was found between mean scores of CDI and IDS (r = 0.414; P < 0.01).

Conclusions

There is a relation between Internet dependent and depressive symptoms. This finding supports the outcomes of previously performed studies.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Sonocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin using synthesized TiO2 nanoparticles on montmorillonite

TiO₂/Montmorillonite (TiO₂/MMT) nanocomposite as sonocatalyst was produced by immobilizing synthesized TiO₂ on the surface of montmorillonite. The characteristics of produced nanocomposite were investigated using XRD, XRF, FTIR, TEM, SEM, EDX, UV-vis DRS and nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses. The synthesized TiO₂ and TiO₂/MMT samples were applied as catalysts for sonocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP). The performance of the TiO₂/MMT was greater than pure TiO₂ sample in treatment of CIP solution. The degradation efficiency of the CIP by sonocatalytic process was affected by solution pH, catalyst dosage, initial CIP concentrations and ultrasonic power. Degradation efficiency of 65.01% was obtained at the pH of 6, catalyst dosage of 0.2gL^-1, initial CIP concentration of 10mgL^-1 and ultrasonic power of 650WL^-1. It was observed that the presence of inorganic and organic scavengers suppressed the performance of sonocatalytic process. The stability of the nanocomposite was studied in several successive experiments, and the degradation efficiency declined only 61.48% after 4 repeated experiments. The main degradation by-products were recognized by GC-MS method to propose the possible sonocatalytic mechanism for the degradation of CIP.

Ultrasound-assisted Fenton process using siderite nanoparticles prepared via planetary ball milling for removal of reactive yellow 81 in aqueous phase

Nano-sized siderite was used as catalyst for the heterogeneous Fenton process combined with ultrasonic irradiation to degrade reactive yellow 81 (RY-81) in the aqueous phase. As the most efficient process, nano-sized siderite prepared via ball milling was chosen to carry out the experiments. 6h milled siderite at initial pH of 3.0 led to the highest removal efficiency of 92.09% within the reaction time of 30min. At a short reaction time of 20min, increasing siderite nanoparticles dosage from 0.3 to 0.75g/L resulted in increasing removal efficiency from 49.82 to 79.86%, respectively, while further increase in the dosage caused a substantial decrease in the efficiency. In the case of the effect of solute concentration, increasing the dye up to 400mg/L led to a significant decrease in the removal efficiency (65.77%). The presence of 0.01M Na₂CO₃ and C₂H₅OH significantly diminished the decolorization efficiency of RY-81 (<10%) with initial concentration of 100mg/L. The intermediates produced during the treatment process were also identified using GC-MS analysis. This research suggested that ball milled siderite is a potential catalyst for the efficient decolorization of textile effluents via ultrasound-assisted Fenton process.

Combination of ultrasonic and Fenton processes in the presence of magnetite nanostructures prepared by high energy planetary ball mill

High energy planetary ball milling process was used to prepare magnetite nanostructures from natural magnetite. The natural and ball-milled magnetite samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results of EDX indicated the presence of main elements including Fe and O in the structure of both unmodified and milled magnetite samples. The specific surface area of catalyst increased from 0.9116m²/g to 28.692m²/g after ball-milling process. The catalytic activity of prepared magnetite nanostructures was evaluated towards degradation of Acid Blue 185 (AB185) in ultrasonic assisted heterogeneous Fenton reaction. 6h ball-milled catalyst exhibited the higher catalytic activity in degradation of AB185. The high degradation efficiency was obtained at initial pH of 3. Increasing the concentration of H₂O₂ from an optimum value of 15mM led to decrease in degradation efficiency because of scavenging effect of H₂O₂ on hydroxyl radicals. The optimized catalyst concentration was obtained 1.5g/L. Increasing initial dye concentration from 20 to 120mg/L led to decrease in degradation efficiency from 99 to 88%. The prepared magnetite nanostructures exhibited good stability in repeated cycles. The produced intermediates of the degradation of AB185 in ultrasonic assisted heterogeneous Fenton process were monitored by GC-MS analysis.

Modification of nanosized natural montmorillonite for ultrasound-enhanced adsorption of Acid Red 17

This work aims to modify montmorillonite (MMT) via dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTMA) and investigate its ability in ultrasound (US) assisted decolorization of a polluted solution. BET surface area of MMT was increased from 19.76 to 42.57 m(2)/g and basal spacing of MMT structural layers was increased from 1.13 to 1.69 nm by DTMA modification. The application of DTMA-modified MMT (DTMA-MMT) and US for the decolorization of Acid Red 17 (AR17) showed that US could improve the ability of DTMA-MMT on decolorization of AR17 solution due to simultaneous adsorption and sonocatalysis. The ability of US assisted DTMA-MMT was slightly decreased with pH, the initial dye concentration and the presence of inorganic anions.

Sonocatalytic removal of naproxen by synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles on montmorillonite

ZnO/MMT nanocomposite as sonocatalyst was prepared by immobilizing synthesized ZnO on the montmorillonite surface. The characteristics of as-prepared nanocomposite were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The synthesized samples were used as a catalyst for sonocatalytic degradation of naproxen. ZnO/MMT catalyst in the presence of ultrasound irradiation was more effective compared to pure ZnO nanoparticles and MMT particles in the sonocatalysis of naproxen. The effect of different operational parameters on the sonocatalytic degradation of naproxen including initial drug concentration, sonocatalyst dosage, solution pH, ultrasonic power and the presence of organic and inorganic scavengers were evaluated. It was found that the presence of the scavengers suppressed the sonocatalytic degradation efficiency. The reusability of the nanocomposite was examined in several consecutive runs, and the degradation efficiency decreased only 2% after 5 repeated runs. The main intermediates of naproxen degradation were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-Mass).

Heterogeneous photocatalytic ozonation of ciprofloxacin using synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles on a montmorillonite support: parametric studies, mechanistic analysis and intermediates identification

A titanium dioxide/montmorillonite (TiO₂/MMT) nanocomposite was prepared as a photocatalyst by a hydrothermal method.

Surfactant-modified montmorillonite as a nanosized adsorbent for removal of an insecticide: kinetic and isotherm studies

Surfactant-modified montmorillonites (MMT) were prepared using trimethyloctylammonium bromide (TMOAB) and employed as a nanosized adsorbent to remove diazinon from aqueous solutions. The prepared adsorbent was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX). The dependence of removal efficiency on initial diazinon concentration, amount of adsorbent, pH of the solution and ionic strength was investigated. The affinity sequence for ion adsorption on TMOAB/MMT was in the order: without anion> sodium carbonate> sodium bicarbonate> sodium sulphate> sodium chloride. The adsorption kinetic and isotherm were best fit by a pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models, respectively.

Artificial neural network modeling of photocatalytic removal of a disperse dye using synthesized of ZnO nanoparticles on montmorillonite

In this study, the photocatalytic ability of ZnO/Montmorilonite (ZnO/MMT) nanocomposite under UV-A, UV-B and UV-C radiation was investigated. ZnO nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of MMT and used as photocatalyst in decolorization of Disperse Red 54 (DR54) solution. Synthesized nanocomposite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherms curves. The average width of synthesized ZnO particles is in the range of 30-45 nm. Effect of UV light regions, initial dye concentration, initial dosage of nanocomposite, and reusability of catalyst was studied on decolorization efficiency. The highest decolorization efficiency was achieved under UV-C radiation. A three-layered feed forward back propagation artificial neural network model was developed to predict the photocatalysis of DR54 under UV-C radiation. According to ANN model the ZnO/MMT dosage with a relative importance of 49.21% is the most influential parameter in the photocatalytic decolorization process.

Sonocatalytic removal of an organic dye using TiO2/Montmorillonite nanocomposite

The sonocatalytic performance of the synthesized TiO2/Montmorillonite K10 (TiO2/MMT) nanocomposite was studied in removal of Basic Blue 3 (BB3) from water. The TiO2/MMT nanocomposite was prepared by hydrothermal method. Scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared were used to characterize the synthesized nanocomposite. The average size of TiO2 nanoparticles decreased from 60-80nm to 40-60nm through the immobilization of this semiconductor on the surface of MMT. The obtained results indicated that the sonocatalytic activity of TiO2/MMT nanocomposite was higher than that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles and MMT particles. Furthermore, the main influence factors on the sonocatalytic activity such as the BB3 concentration, pH of solution, TiO2/MMT dose, power of ultrasonic generator, and inorganic salts were studied. The intermediates of BB3 degradation during the sonocatalytic process in the presence of the TiO2/MMT nanocomposite have been monitored by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The frequency of body dysmorphic disorder in dermatology and cosmetic dermatology clinics: a study from Turkey

BACKGROUND

Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is a distressing and impairing preoccupation with a slight or imagined defect in appearance. There are few reports on the prevalence of BDD in the Turkish population.

AIM

To investigate the frequency of BDD in dermatology settings, and to compare the results from cosmetic dermatology with those from general dermatology settings.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 400 patients from cosmetic dermatology (CD) (n = 200) and general dermatology (GD) clinics (n = 200). A mini-survey was used to collect demographic and clinical characteristics, and the dermatology version of a brief self-report BDD screening questionnaire was administered. A five-point Likert scale was used for objective scoring of the stated concern, which was performed by dermatologists, and patients who scored ≥ 3 were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

In total, 318 patients (151 in the CD group and 167 in the GD group) completed the study, and of these, 20 were diagnosed with BDD. The CD group had a higher rate of BDD (8.6%) than the GD group (4.2%) but this was not significant (P = 0.082). The major concern focused on body and weight (40.0%), followed by acne (25.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The number of cosmetic procedures in dermatology practices is increasing Therefore, it is becoming more important to recognize patients with BDD. Although the rates of BDD found in the present study are in agreement with the literature data, population-based differences still exist between this study and previous studies.

A modified DCF regimen as primary treatment for patients with metastatic gastric cancer

PURPOSE

To retrospectively assess the efficacy and toxity of a modified docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil (mDCF) regimen as primary treatment in patients with metastatic gastric cancer (MGC).

METHODS

mDCF included folinic acid 400 mg/m(2) (day 1) + 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 400 mg/m(2) i.v. bolus (day 1) + 5-FU 2400 mg/m(2) 46-h infusion (days 1 and 2) + docetaxel 60 mg/m(2) (day 1) + cisplatin 50 mg/m(2) (day 1) and was administered once every two weeks in MGC patients.

RESULTS

Eighty-nine patients (median age 59 years, range 31-79) were enrolled. The median number of courses was 6 (range 2-12), and the total number was 492. The median follow-up duration was 8.6 months (range 2-14). Three (3.3%) patients showed complete response, 21 (23.6%) partial response, 36 (40.4%) stable disease, and progression was observed in 29 (32.6%) patients. The median progression- free survival (PFS) rate was 7 months (95% CI 5.7-8.2), and the median overall survival (OS) rate was 11 months (95% CI 9.7-12.2). The most common toxicity was neutropenia, which was observed in 52 (58.4%) patients.

CONCLUSION

mDCF with reduced drug doses, given every two weeks, is a rather efficient regimen for MGC patients.

The effects of exercise on portal venous system in splenectomized adults

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to assess the effects of exercise on the portal venous system in splenectomized adults.

BACKGROUND

Splenectomy is a surgical intervention commonly performed at surgery clinics and recognized as a cause of portal vein thrombosis. Intensive exercise increases blood flow to the contracting muscles, causes hypercoagulability and vasoconstriction in the splanchnic area, hence the portal vein diameter, blood flow velocity and discharge decrease.

METHODS

Forty adults participated in this investigation. Subjects were trained to run for twenty minutes on a treadmill at a velocity of 6 km/h and ten-degree elevation. We compared the white blood cell count, portal vein diameter, portal venous blood flow velocity and discharge of splenectomized and healthy adults before and after exercise.

RESULTS

After exercise, the blood leukocyte count was significantly increased and the portal vein diameter was significantly reduced in both groups (p<0.001) but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The portal venous blood flow rate in splenectomy group were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.001). Furthermore the portal venous blood flow rates in both groups were significantly reduced after exercise (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

Exercise in splenectomized individuals can cause serious problems in form of decreasing splanchnic flow and increasing blood viscosity. After splenectomy, both healthy individuals and patients with hematologic diseases ought to avoid intensive exercises (Tab. 2, Ref. 16).

Use of extracorporeal circulation and selective renal perfusion during the surgical correction of abdominal aortic coarctation

Coarctation of the abdominal aorta is a rare pathology. Stenosis of visceral and renal arteries may present together with coarctation, which requires specific operation techniques. We present the case of a patient with coarctation of the abdominal aorta associated with stenosis of the celiac trunk, the superior mesenteric and the right renal arteries. Distal aortic perfusion by extracorporeal circulation and selective right renal perfusion techniques were used during the operation to protect the spinal cord and kidney against hypoperfusion and ischemia.

Atypical MRI Findings of Synchronous Cerebral Metastasis

Intracranial metastases represent 7% to 17% of all brain tumors. Metastases may appear before, after or synchronously with the primary tumor. Synchronous tumor presentation means that that metastasis is found within two months of primary tumor diagnosis. A 60-year-old man was seen 15 days after the acute onset of confusion and gait disturbance. Results of a neurologic examination revealed disorientation, dysarthria, and left-sided ataxia. Results of nonenhanced computed tomography scanning of the brain were unremarkable. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple miliary, round, small (maximum diameter, 1 cm) lesions located infra- and supratentorially. Gradient-echo magnetic resonance images of these lesions were compatible with hemorrhage and were more pronounced compared with other sequences. Hemorrhagic cerebral metastases were suspected, and the patient was examined for primary tumors. Chest computerized tomography revealed a tumor in the posterior, superior lobe of the right lung; a cervical lymph node biopsy suggested a metastatic carcinoma. Our case illustrates that magnetic resonance imaging findings of synchronous cerebral multiple metastases presenting with neurologic symptoms may be atypical while the results of cerebral computerized tomography are normal. Contrast-enhanced cerebral magnetic resonance imaging, especially gradient-echo magnetic resonance sequences, should always be considered for diagnosing hemorrhagic metastases in patients presenting neurologic findings with a known or unknown cancer.

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura with Reversible Neurological Features: Brain Diffusion MRI with ADC Map, Spect and EEG Findings. A Case Report

Although nervous system involvement is common in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), abnormalities on computerized tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and electroencephalography are not encountered so frequently and if present, these abnormalities are often reversible. We describe a 39-year-old woman with recurring transient focal neurological findings found to have laboratory findings consistent with TTP. In cerebral diffusion weighted images (DWI), diffuse cortical hyperintensity was noted in right frontal lobe, but the ADC (apparent diffusion coefficient) map was normal. Electroencephalography demonstrated lateralized slowing and repeated DWI showed diffuse cortical hyperintensity in the right hemisphere. SPECT showed luxury perfusion in the right hemisphere areas. The patient's condition resolved with plasmapheresis. Our patient illustrates that diffuse hemispheric involvement can be seen in DWI and EEG, and SPECT may show luxury perfusion after resolution of neurological findings in TTP cases. To our knowledge, this is the first TTP case in which the ADC map was normal.

The adsorption kinetics of the cationic dye, methylene blue, onto clay

In this study, adsorption kinetics of a cationic dye, methylene blue, onto clay from aqueous solution with respect to the initial dye concentration, temperature, pH, mixing rate and sorbent dosage were investigated. In order to understand the adsorption mechanism in detail, zeta potentials and the conductivities of clay suspensions at various pH (1-11) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) were measured. Porosity and BET surface area of clay studied were determined. The results showed that the adsorption has been reached to equilibrium in 1 h. It was found that the amount adsorbed of methylene blue increases with decreasing temperature and also with increasing both sorbent dosage and increasing initial dye concentration. Adsorption capacity decreases with increasing pH, except for the natural pH (5.6) of clay suspensions. The adsorption kinetics of methylene blue has been studied in terms of pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order sorption and intraparticle diffusion processes thus comparing chemical sorption and diffusion sorption processes. It was found that the pseudo-second-order mechanism is predominant and the overall rate of the dye adsorption process appears to be controlled by the more than one-step.

Production of granular activated carbon from waste Rosa canina sp. seeds and its adsorption characteristics for dye

An activated carbon was developed from Rosa canina sp. seeds, characterized and used for the removal of methylene blue (basic dye) from aqueous solutions. Adsorption studies were carried out at 20 degrees C and various initial dye concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mg/L) for different times (15, 30, 60, and 120 min). The adsorption isotherm was obtained from data. The results indicate that the adsorption isotherm of methylene blue is typically S-shaped. The shape of isotherm is believed to reflect three distinct modes of adsorption. In region 1, the adsorption of methylene blue is carried out mainly by ion exchange. In region 2 by polarizations of pi-electrons established at cyclic parts of the previously adsorbed methylene blue molecules is occurred. However, it is not observed any change at the sign of the surface charge although zeta potential value is decreased with increase of amount adsorbed. In region 3, the slope of the isotherm is reduced, because adsorption now must overcome electrostatic repulsion between oncoming ions and the similarly charged solid. Adsorption in this fashion is usually complete when the surface is covered with a monolayer of methylene blue. To reveal the adsorptive characteristics of the produced active carbon, porosity and BET surface area measurements were made. Structural analysis was performed using SEM-EDS. The produced active carbon has the specific surface area of 799.2 m2 g-1 and the iodine number of 495 mg/g.