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Factorial experimental design for removal of Indigo Carmine and Brilliant Yellow dyes from solutions by coagulation

Textile and food industries produce huge amounts of wastewaters containing dye residues. When these wastewaters are discharged to receiving surface waters like as lakes and rivers, aesthetically unpleasant situations form. Therefore, these wastewaters should be treated. Wastewater treatment is sometimes an expensive operation and cheap methods should be developed. The removal of Indigo Carmine (I.C., Acid dye) and Brilliant Yellow (B.Y., Azo dye) from synthetically prepared solutions was studied by coagulation using iron chloride salt in a batch reactor at room temperature. As an experimental approach, two leveled factorial design with three factors was applied as a function of pH (4-12), iron chloride amount (0.1-0.4 g/500 mL) and dye concentration (100-200 mg/L). Low pHs supported to removal of these two dyes. The results showed that 100% I.C. dye removal and 90.5% B.Y. dye removal were achieved. The all parameters were statistically insignificant for both the dyes. Indigo Carmine and Brilliant Yellow dyes were removed from solutions successfully. The applied treatment method was evaluated as promising due to low sludge production, low cost, low coagulation duration and high performance. A time span of 5 minutes was found as enough for removals of both of the dyes. After treatment of I.C. and B.Y. dyes by coagulation, the coagulated dyes were determined as unreusable due to iron complex by these dyes. Flocculation was found to be ineffective. A continuous flow reactor was successfully adopted for these dyes.

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Comparison of 2 different fixation techniques of comminuted acetabular quadrilateral surface fractures using square bracket-shaped tubular plate or interfragmentary screws in addition to supra/infrapectineal plate fixation: An observational study.

The management of comminuted quadrilateral fractures remains challenging, and treatment options are constantly evolving. The purpose of the present study was to examine the outcomes of 2 different fixation techniques in the management of comminuted quadrilateral fractures. Twenty-two patients with comminuted quadrilateral acetabular fractures were surgically treated with interfragmentary lag screw (group 1) and square bracket-shaped tubular (SBST) plate technique (group 2), in addition to suprapectineal and infrapectineal pelvic reconstruction plate fixation between January 2016 and July 2019 at our clinic. 2 years follow-up control data of each group were compared in terms of radiological and functional results, and complications. According to the functional score comparison, the mean Merle d'Aubigne Postel scoring system (MAP) score was 15.2/15.6 (P = .632), and the mean Harris hip scoring (HHS) system score was 74.65/77.3 (P = .664) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Radiological comparison was performed according to matta radiological criteria (MRC), and 2 excellent, 6 good, 2 poor, 4 excellent, 4 good, and 4 poor radiological results were observed in groups 1 and 2, respectively. intraarticular screw penetration was detected in 3 patients in group 1, while there was no articular implant penetration in group 2 (P = .001). We believe that satisfactory results can be obtained with the SBST plate technique, offering functional and clinical outcomes that are similar to those of the interfragmentary screw technique. The SBST plate technique is superior in terms of avoiding intraarticular screw penetration and related revision surgery.

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Rare heterozygous genetic variants of NRXN and NLGN gene families involved in synaptic function and their association with neurodevelopmental disorders.

The interaction of neurexins (NRXNs) in the presynaptic membrane with postsynaptic cell adhesion molecules called neuroligins (NLGNs) is critical for this synaptic function. Impaired synaptic functions are emphasized in neurodevelopmental disorders to uncover etiological factors. We evaluated variants in NRXN and NLGN genes encoding molecules located directly at the synapse in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders using clinical exome sequencing and chromosomal microarray. We presented detailed clinical findings of cases carrying heterozygous NRXN1 (c.190C>T, c.1679C>T and two copy number variations [CNVs]), NRXN2 (c.808dup, c.1901G>T), NRXN3 (c.3889C>T), and NLGN1 (c.269C>G, c.473T>A) gene variants. In addition, three novel variants were identified in the NRXN1 (c.1679C>T), NRXN3 [c.3889C>T (p.Pro1297Ser)], and NLGN1 [c.473T>A (p.Ile158Lys)] genes. We emphasize the clinical findings of CNVs of the NRXN1 gene causing a more severe clinical presentation than single nucleotide variants of the NRXN1 gene in this study. We detected an NRXN2 gene variant (c.808dup) with low allelic frequency in two unrelated cases with the same diagnosis. We emphasize the importance of this variant for future studies. We suggest that NRXN2, NRXN3, and NLGN1 genes, which are less frequently reported than NRXN1 gene variants, may also be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders.

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Safflower protein as a potential plant protein powder: optimization of extraction and spray-drying process parameters and determination of physicochemical and functional properties.

The research about sustainable and alternative plant protein sources has accelerated with the increasing need for protein. Safflower meal has a potential to be used in protein production due to its high protein content. This research aimed to produce an alternative plant-based protein powder using safflower meal. Both extraction and spray-drying parameters of safflower protein powder production were optimized using response surface methodology to achieve maximum yield. Moreover, the physicochemical and functional properties of safflower protein were determined and compared with those of commercial protein powders (soy, sunflower, pea, fava bean, and rice). The optimum extraction conditions were found to be 33.06:1 mL-1 g solvent-to-meal ratio, pH 11.00, 23.34 °C extraction temperature, and 30.86 min extraction time, which were achieved with a protein yield response of 75.21%. The highest powder yield (51.28%) was recorded for drying conditions of inlet air temperature of 160.11 °C, aspiration rate of 54.17 m3 h-1, and feed flow rate of 16.01 mL min-1. According to the amino acid profile of safflower protein, the glutamic acid content (14 475 mg (100 g)-1) was highest, while the methionine content (96 mg (100 g)-1) was lowest. Moreover, safflower protein can be regarded as a high-quality protein due to its high essential amino acid ratio (41.55%). The experiments showed that safflower protein had high solubility and good foam and emulsifying properties. Safflower protein could be a nutritional and functional protein source for the food industry. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

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Morphometric, Macroscobic and Microscobic Investigation of Glandulae Uropygiale in Turkeys ( Meleagris Gallopavo )

This study was carried out to investigate the macro-anatomical, morphometric, histological and electron microscopic characteristics of the uropygial gland in adult male and female turkeys (Meleagris Gallapova). The glandula uropygialis of thirteen adult turkeys (6 males, 7 females) were used for this study. It was determined that this glandular structure located dorsal to the last caudal vertebrae was heart-shaped and consisted of two lobes and a papilla system. As a result of statistical evaluation, significant differences were found between the sexes in the parameters of lobe length, papilla width and papilla height (P<0.05). Also, PUI value had a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Tissue samples taken to determine the histological structure of the gland were stained with Haematoxylin & Eosin, Crossman’s and Periodic Acid Schiff. Histological examination revealed that the gland had a two-lobed structure surrounded by a capsule composed of connective tissue. It was determined that the gland had a tubuloalveolar-holocrine structure and the epithelial layer consisted of cellular layers as germinative layer, intermediate layer, secretory layer and degenerative layer from the periphery to the centre. In the scanning electron microscope examination, the lobe structure of the gland consisted of different shaped follicles protruding from the surface. It was observed that these glandular follicle structures were gathered together in different ways or mostly disorganised. As a result of the study, it was determined that the morphological and histological structure of the uropygial gland in turkeys was similar to that of other bird species, but showed some species-specific and habitat-dependent differences in general. Research Highlights: The uropygial gland consisted of a system of two lobes and one papilla in each of male and female turkeys. The glandular lobes consisted of follicles surrounded by connective tissue, while the follicles were connected to each other by interfollicular septae. The results obtained in morphometric measurements revealed statistical differences between male and female birds. Histological examination showed PAS (+) reaction in the basal membranes of tubule epithelial cells and secretion. Lymphoid cell communities were found in both connective tissue and intertubular regions.

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Developing a Health Belief Model Scale for Smoking Behaviour During Pregnancy: Validity and Reliability Study

Objective: The Health Belief Model, which is one of the most frequently used models in explaining health behaviours, reveals the determinants of performing preventive health behaviours. Since our perceptions play an active role in changing a behaviour, a measurement tool is needed to evaluate the pregnant woman perceptually within the scope of HBM. Our study was conducted to analyze the perceptions of pregnant women about quitting smoking by developing a scale within the scope of Health Belief Model and analyze the validity and reliability of the scale within Turkish context. Methods: In the methodological study, which was conducted at the gynecology polyclinic of an university hospital between 15.05.2018 - 30.04.2019, the data were collected by applying a questionnaire to pregnant women who smoked at least one cigarette per day. The sample of the study consists of 289 pregnant women who applied to the clinic for routine pregnancy follow-ups. The content validity of the scale was evaluated by taking the opinions of nine experts in the field of public health nursing. Descriptive and confirmatory factor analysis methods were used in the analysis of the data. Results: 24.6% of the participants are high school graduates, 56.7% are not employed, 49.1% have a history of unplanned pregnancy, and 1% have started smoking during their current pregnancy. Cronbach Alpha values of the sub-dimensions of the scale ranged between .90 and .70, respectively. Confirmatory factor analysis fit indices were found as RMSEA = 0.066, CFI = 0.904 and NFI = 0.842. Conclusion: The scale is a valid and reliable measurement tool for measuring perceptions of pregnant women about smoking cessation behavior smoking behaviours. It is recommended to use the assessment of perceptions of smoking cessation behavior among pregnant smokers.

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Kentsel Dönüşüm Süreçlerinin İzmir’deki Cemevleri Üzerine Olası Etkileri

Bu çalışma, İzmir anakent örneğinde kentsel dönüşüm projelerinin ve uygulama süreçlerinin cemevleri üzerine olan olası etkisine odaklanmaktadır. Çalışmanın temel iddiası, neoliberal kentleşmenin cemevlerinin üretimini ve yapımını zorlaştırdığı yönündedir. Çalışma, cemevlerinin kuruluş öyküsüne odaklanmakta; geçmiş dönem ile güncel kentleşme dinamiklerinin cemevinin üretimi açısından gösterdiği farklılaşmaya dikkat çekmektedir. Ayrıca Aleviliğin kamusal görünürlüğünün sembolik ve simgesel yeni mekânları olarak cemevlerinin ortaya çıkış nedenleri tarihsel bağlamıyla ele alınmakta ve temsil mekânı olarak değişen anlamına dikkat çekilmektedir. Çalışmanın saha bulguları, 2000 yılı öncesinde göç ve hızlı kentleşmenin beraberinde getirdiği enformel dayanışma ilişkilerinin cemevi için gerekli maddi ve sosyal kaynakları mümkün kıldığını ancak yeni kentleşme modeli ile beraber bu maddi ve sosyal kaynakların işlevsiz kaldığını göstermektedir. Kent toprağının metalaşmasıyla artan piyasa baskısı, kentsel dönüşüm projelerinin çoğunlukla merkezi hükümet kanallarıyla gerçekleştirilmesi ve muhafazakâr kent inşasına dönük güçlenen ulusal siyasetin varlığı gibi gelişmeler altında söz konusu bu maddi ve sosyal sermaye kaynaklarının işlevsiz kaldığını, cemevlerinin üretiminin zorlaştığını ortaya koymaktadır.

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