Laser-Driven Rapid Synthesis of Metal-Organic Frameworks and Investigation of UV-NIR Optical Absorption, Luminescence, Photocatalytic Degradation, and Gas and Ion Adsorption Properties.

In this study, we designed a platform based on a laser-driven approach for fast, efficient, and controllable MOF synthesis. The laser irradiation method was performed for the first time to synthesize Zn-based MOFs in record production time (approximately one hour) compared to all known MOF production methods with comparable morphology. In addition to well-known structural properties, we revealed that the obtained ZnMOFs have a novel optical response, including photoluminescence behavior in the visible range with nanosecond relaxation time, which is also supported by first-principles calculations. Additionally, photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue with ZnMOF was achieved, degrading the 10 ppm methylene blue (MB) solution 83% during 1 min of irradiation time. The application of laser technology can inspire the development of a novel and competent platform for a fast MOF fabrication process and extend the possible applications of MOFs to miniaturized optoelectronic and photonic devices.

Synthesis and Characterization of ABA-Type Triblock Copolymers Using Novel Bifunctional PS, PMMA, and PCL Macroinitiators Bearing p-xylene-bis(2-mercaptoethyloxy) Core.

Syntheses of novel bifunctional poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-, poly(styrene) (PS)-, and (poly ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) macroinitiators derived from p-xylene-bis(1-hydroxy-3-thia-propanoloxy) core were carried out to obtain ABA-type block copolymers. Firstly, a novel bifunctional ATRP initiator, 1,4-phenylenebis(methylene-thioethane-2,1-diyl)bis(2-bromo-2-methylpropanoat) (PXTBR), synthesized the reaction of p-xylene-bis(1-hydroxy-3-thia-propane) (PXTOH) with α-bromoisobutryl bromide. The PMMA and PS macroinitiators were prepared by ATRP of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and styrene (S) as monomers using (PXTBR) as the initiator and copper(I) bromide/N,N,N',N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (CuBr/PMDETA) as a catalyst system. Secondly, di(α-bromoester) end-functionalized PCL-based ATRP macronitiator (PXTPCLBr) was prepared by esterification of hydroxyl end groups of PCL-diol (PXTPCLOH) synthesized by Sn(Oct)2-catalyzed ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-CL in bulk using (PXTOH) as initiator. Finally, ABA-type block copolymers, PXT(PS-b-PMMA-b-PS), PXT(PMMA-b-PS-b-PMMA), PXT(PS-b-PCL-b-PS), and PXT(PMMA-b-PCL-b-PMMA), were synthesized by ATRP of MMA and S as monomers using PMMA-, PS-, and PCL-based macroinitiators in the presence of CuBr/PMDETA as the catalyst system in toluene or N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) at different temperatures. In addition, the extraction abilities of PCL and PS were investigated under liquid-liquid phase conditions using heavy metal picrates (Ag+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, and Zn2+) as substrates and measuring with UV-Vis the amounts of picrate in the 1,2-dichloroethane phase before and after treatment with the polymers. The extraction affinity of PXTPCL and PXTPS for Hg2+ was found to be highest in the liquid-liquid phase extraction experiments. Characterizations of the molecular structures for synthesized novel initiators, macroinitiators, and the block copolymers were made by spectroscopic (FT-IR, ESI-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR), DSC, TGA, chromatographic (GPC), and morphologic SEM.

Thermal Conductivity and Phase-Change Properties of Boron Nitride-Lead Oxide Nanoparticle-Doped Polymer Nanocomposites.

Thermally conductive phase-change materials (PCMs) were produced using the crosslinked Poly (Styrene-block-Ethylene Glycol Di Methyl Methacrylate) (PS-PEG DM) copolymer by employing boron nitride (BN)/lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) methods were used to research the phase transition temperatures, the phase-change enthalpies (melting enthalpy (ΔHm), and crystallization enthalpies (ΔHc)). The thermal conductivities (λ) of the PS-PEG/BN/PbO PCM nanocomposites were investigated. The λ value of PS-PEG/BN/PbO PCM nanocomposite containing BN 13 wt%, PbO 60.90 wt%, and PS-PEG 26.10 wt% was determined to be 18.874 W/(mK). The crystallization fraction (Fc) values of PS-PEG (1000), PS-PEG (1500), and PS-PEG (10,000) copolymers were 0.032, 0.034, and 0.063, respectively. XRD results of the PCM nanocomposites showed that the sharp diffraction peaks at 17.00 and 25.28 °C of the PS-PEG copolymer belonged to the PEG part. Since the PS-PEG/PbO and the PS-PEG/PbO/BN nanocomposites show remarkable thermal conductivity performance, they can be used as conductive polymer nanocomposites for effective heat dissipation in heat exchangers, power electronics, electric motors, generators, communication, and lighting equipment. At the same time, according to our results, PCM nanocomposites can be considered as heat storage materials in energy storage systems.

A Cross-Sectional Survey Study on Homophobia Among Medical, Nursing, Pharmacy, and Other Health Sciences Students.

Since the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) community may be exposed to violence, discrimination, stigma, exclusion, and maltreatment due to their sexual orientation while accessing healthcare services, understanding, and improving the attitudes of future's health care professionals toward LGBTI individuals seem essential. This descriptive and cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the homophobia among medical, nursing, pharmacy, and healthcare sciences students and examine the related factors. The study included 2,531 students from medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and other health sciences (midwifery, nutrition and dietetics, physiotherapy, management of healthcare facilities) disciplines. Homophobia was measured with the Hudson and Ricketts Homophobia Scale. After getting ethical and institutional approvals, data were collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Medical students had the lowest homophobia score, and their mean score was significantly lower than other students. There was a significant difference between students' scores according to years of study, age, sex, acquaintance with LGBTI individuals, providing healthcare services to an LGBTI person, and opinions on providing care. Although homophobia scores of nursing, pharmacy, and other health sciences students were lower than the medical students', policies and expansive content regarding LGBTI should be in place in all health science educational institutes, including medical schools, to prevent students from holding homophobic and prejudicial attitudes against LGBTI individuals.

Sexual Dysfunction and Related Factors in Patients With Parkinson's Disease.

The current cross-sectional study investigated sexual dysfunction and related factors in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). The sample comprised 76 patients with PD in the neurology clinic of a training and research hospital. Data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale. Approximately nine (88.2%) in 10 participants had sexual dysfunction. Sexual dysfunction depended on sex, educational background, employment status, side effects, body image, difficulty falling asleep, self-care, and walking dependence. Sexual dysfunction was positively correlated with age and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Sexual dysfunction was more prevalent in females than males. Advanced age and high risk of depression resulted in increased prevalence of sexual dysfunction. Health care professionals should evaluate the causes of sexual dysfunction and plan and implement appropriate interventions for patients with PD. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 61(3), 45-55.].

Associations between knowledge level and attitudes towards cyber-dating abuse and dating violence in nursing students.

BACKGROUND: Dating violence is an increasing issue among young people and affects them psychologically. It also includes characteristics like controlling and/or monitoring. Cyber-dating abuse is dating violence characterized as harassing another person in a romantic connection via texting or online emails to control, threaten, or stalk them. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards dating, dating violence, and cyber-dating violence. DESIGN: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: The sample consisted of 448 nursing students from three universities in Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, the Dating Violence Knowledge Form (DVKF), the Dating Violence Scale (DVS), and the Cyber-Dating Abuse Questionnaire (CDAQ). RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 20.9 ± 1.9 years. Most participants were women (83.7 %). More than a quarter of the participants were involved in romantic relationships (30.6 %). Participants had a mean DVKF score of 82.0 ± 9.1. One in ten participants was subjected to dating violence (11.2 %). Participants had a mean DVS score of 4.69 ± 0.25. There was no significant difference in CDAQ scores between participants who used violence (28.3 ± 11.5) and those subjected to violence (27.0 ± 8.9). There was a negative correlation between participants' DVKF and CDAQ scores (p < 0.05). The results showed that participants had a high DVKF score and disapproved of dating violence. Participants with a higher DVKF score were less likely to use or be exposed to cyber violence. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we should develop interventions to strengthen young people's mental health because they are subjected to dating violence. Nurse educators and nurses should also plan interventions to protect young people's mental health and raise their awareness of cyber violence.

Genetic transformation of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) through Agrobacterium tumefaciens carrying Cry1Ab gene.

BACKGROUND: Seed beetles are one of the most important causes of yield loss in bean production. It is essential to develop resistant varieties in the fight against these pests. Agrobacterium-based gene transformation is the most widely used breeding method worldwide to develop insect-resistant varieties. METHODS AND RESULTS: Embryonic axes and plumule explants were obtained from Agrobacterium tumefciens treated mature zygotic embryos of low and high raw protein-based common bean cultivars Akman 98 and Karacasehir 90. Agrobacterium tumefaciens contained a synthetic Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal crystal protein gene (Bt Cry1Ab) controlled by the 35S promoter and NOS terminator sequences. The transformation event was genotype and explant dependent. The plumule explants could not withstand kanamycin-based selection pressure and died. It was possible to get two transgenic plants using embryonic axis explants of low protein cultivar Akman 98. These results were validated using GUS analysis, PCR, RT-PCR, bioassay analysis, and ELISA test from the samples taken from T0 and T1 generations. Bioassay tests showed that these plants were protected from the damage of legume seed insects (Bruchus spp.). CONCLUSIONS: The results are very encouraging and may help in producing better transgenic common bean germplasm leading to safe agriculture and reducing environmental pollutions.

Radiation Shielding Tests of Crosslinked Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol Block Copolymers Blended with Nanostructured Selenium Dioxide and Boron Nitride Particles.

In this work, gamma-ray shielding features of crosslinked polystyrene-b-polyethyleneglycol block copolymers (PS-b-PEG) blended with nanostructured selenium dioxide (SeO2) and boron nitride (BN) particles were studied. This research details several radiation shielding factors i.e., mass attenuation coefficient (µm), linear attenuation coefficient (µL), radiation protection efficiency (RPE), half-value layer (HVL), tenth-value layer (TVL), and mean free path (MFP). The irradiation properties of our nanocomposites were investigated with rays from the 152Eu source (in the energy intervals from 121.780 keV to 1408.010 keV) in a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector system, and analyzed with GammaVision software. Moreover, all radiation shielding factors were determined by theoretical calculus and compared with the experimental results. In addition, the morphological and thermal characterization of all nanocomposites was surveyed with various techniques i.e., nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Acceptable compatibility was revealed and observed in all nanocomposites between the experimental and theoretical results. The PS-b-PEG copolymer and nanostructured SeO2 and BN particles exerted a significant effect in enhancing the resistance of the nanocomposites, and the samples with high additive rates exhibited better resistance than the other nanocomposites. From the achieved outcomes, it can be deduced that our polymer-based nanocomposites can be utilized as a good choice in the gamma-irradiation-shielding discipline.

The Turkish validity and reliability of the Kiersma-Chen empathy scale.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to establish the Turkish validity and reliability of the Kiersma-Chen empathy scale (KCES) and determine its psychometric properties. DESIGN AND METHODS: This methodological study was carried out with 227 nursing students between April and May 2019. FINDINGS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the total scale is 0.854, the test-retest coefficient was high for the total scale (r = 0.989), and total-item correlations ranged between 0.398 and 0.712. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The KCES-TR is a valid and reliable scale to measure empathy in nursing students.

Attitudes and practice of Turkish mothers with babies between 0-24 months regarding infant nutrition: the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale / Atitudes e aplicações de mães turcas sobre a nutrição do bebê entre 0-24 meses: Iowa Nutrição do Bebê Atitude

ABSTRACT Objective This study aims to evaluate the behaviors and attitudes of mothers with 0-24-month-old babies towards infant feeding, depending on their sociodemographic characteristics. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, which was carried out with 300 mothers. Demographic characteristics of the mothers, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices, and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale were collected. As for the statistical evaluation, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 22 statistical package program was used. For the statistical analysis; percentages, mean values, Independent T-Test, One-Way ANOVA, Chi-Square test, and multinomial regression models analysis were used. Results 79.7% of the mothers gave human milk to their infants as the first food after delivery, 36.9% gave only human milk for the first 6 months, 52.0% started complementary feeding at 4-6 months. Of the mothers with a mean The Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale score of 64.38±8.43, 54.0% were positive towards breastfeeding. A significant relationship was found between education and income levels and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale scores level of the mothers, respectively (χ2=10.001, χ2=10.421, p<0.05). The mothers with a postgraduate degree as educational status (AOR=1.27, 95%CI:1.06-1.53) and mothers who had more income than expenditures (AOR=1.19, 95%CI:1.03-1.63) were associated with a higher positive towards of breastfeeding. Conclusion Although most of the mothers say that they have a positive attitude towards breastfeeding, the rate of those who only breastfeed for the first 6 months is low. As the education and income level of mothers increase, their positive attitude towards breastfeeding increases. Mothers should be informed to initiate and maintain successful breastfeeding.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os comportamentos e atitudes de mães com bebês de 0 a 24 meses em relação à alimentação infantil, em função de suas características sociodemográficas. Métodos Este estudo é um estudo transversal, realizado com 300 mães. Foram coletadas características demográficas das mães, práticas de amamentação e alimentação complementar e a Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. Quanto à avaliação estatística, foi utilizado o programa de pacote estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences versão 22. Para a análise estatística; percentagens, valores médios, Teste T independente, Anova de uma via, teste do qui-quadrado e análise de modelos de regressão multinominal. Resultados 79,7% das mães deram leite materno como primeiro alimento após o parto, 36,9% deram apenas leite materno durante os primeiros 6 meses, 52,0% iniciaram a alimentação complementar aos 4-6 meses. Das mães com escore médio Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale de 64,38±8,43, 54,0% eram positivas para amamentação. Encontrou-se relação significativa entre os níveis de escolaridade e renda e o nível dos Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale escores das mães, respectivamente (χ2=10,001, χ2=10,421, p<0,05). Mães com pós-graduação (AOR=1,27, IC 95%: 1,06-1,53) e mães que tinham mais renda do que despesas (AOR=1,19, IC 95%: 1,03 -1,63) foram associadas a maior positividade para amamentação. Conclusão Embora a maioria das mães diga que têm uma atitude positiva em relação à amamentação, a taxa das que amamentam apenas nos primeiros 6 meses é baixa. À medida que aumenta a escolaridade e o nível de renda das mães, sua atitude positiva em relação à amamentação aumenta. As mães devem ser informadas para iniciar e manter a amamentação com sucesso.

The effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract on acrylamideinduced brain injury in rats.

PURPOSE: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been shown in the pathogenesis of acrylamide neurotoxicity. Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract (HRE) has a cytoprotective effect by stabilizing the production of ROS, IL-1ß and TNF-α. The objective of the article was to investigate the effect of HRE on acrylamide-induced brain damage in rats biochemically and histopathologically. METHODS: To the HRE+acrylamide only (ACR) group (n=6) of the animals, HRE was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg / kg into the stomach by gavage. The same volume of solvent (olive oil) was administered orally to the ACR (n=6) and healthy (HG) (n=6) groups. One hour after HRE administration, acrylamide was given orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg to HRE+ACR and ACR groups in the same way. This procedure was repeated once a day for 30 days. At the end of this period, brain tissues extracted from animals killed with 50 mg/kg thiopental anesthesia were examined biochemically and histopathologically. RESULTS: It has been shown that HRE prevents the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1ß and TNF-α with acrylamide and the decrease of total glutathione (tGSH) and glutathione reductase (GSHRd) levels in brain tissue. CONCLUSIONS: HRE may be useful in the treatment of acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity.

Gamma Irradiation and the Radiation Shielding Characteristics: For the Lead Oxide Doped the Crosslinked Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol Block Copolymers and the Polystyrene-b-Polyethyleneglycol-Boron Nitride Nanocomposites.

This work aimed to research the efficiency of gamma irradiation and shielding characteristics on the lead oxide (PbO) doped the crosslinked polystyrene-b-polyethyleneglycol (PS-b-PEG) block copolymers and polystyrene-b-polyethyleneglycol-boron nitride (PS-b-PEG-BN) nanocomposites materials. The crosslinked PS-b-PEG block copolymers and PS-b-PEG-BN nanocomposites mixed with different percentage rates of PbO were used to research gamma-ray shielding characteristics. The synthesis of the copolymer was done by emulsion polymerization methods. The characterization and morphological analyses of irradiated samples were explored handling with the Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) methods. The gamma-rays that were emitted from the E 152u source were observed with a High Purity Germanium (HPGe) detector system and examined with a GammaVision computer program. Our samples, including the different percentage rates of the PS-b-PEG (1000, 1500, 10,000), BN, and PbO, were irradiated in various gamma-ray photon energy regions (from 121.78 keV to 1408.01 keV). Then, Linear-Mass Attenuation Coefficients (LACs-MACs), Half-Tenth Value Layer (HVL), Mean Free Path (MFP), and Radiation Protection Efficiency (RPE) values of the samples were calculated. Via crosschecking the acquired data from samples with and without PbO and BN, it was observed that, if the different percentage rates by weight nano-powder of PbO and BN are added in the polymer mixture, it can be used as a convenient shielding material against gamma rays.

Effect of different protein diets on weight loss, inflammatory markers, and cardiometabolic risk factors in obese women.

BACKGROUND: Reducing and maintaining body weight has become more important than ever as obesity is becoming increasingly common worldwide. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of diets with different protein contents administered to obese women on anthropometric measurements, inflammatory markers, and cardiometabolic risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with sixty volunteering obese women aged between 20 and 45 years. The subjects were divided into two groups in equal numbers. The high-protein (HP) group (n = 30) was administered an iso-caloric HP diet (25% protein, 30% fat, and 45% carbohydrate), and the control group (n = 30) an isocaloric low-protein diet (15% protein, 30% fat, and 55% carbohydrate), and both groups were followed up for 8 weeks. The subjects' descriptive data, anthropometric measurements, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), lipid profiles, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were analyzed. RESULTS: There was no significant difference at baseline (except for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]), and end-of-study (except for IL-6, systolic blood pressure [SBP], and diastolic blood pressure) values of parameters between the two groups; after adjusted for baseline measurements, a significant difference was observed between the groups for body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, HOMA-IR, LDL-C, hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and SBP (P = 0.004, P = 0.001, P = 0.003, P = 0.029, P = 0.004, P = 0.016, P = 0.004, P = 0.010, and P = 0.000, respectively) and were greater in the HP group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The HP diet was effective on improvement in HOMA-IR, SBP, LDL-C, hs-CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, and resulted in body weight loss.

The effect of adenosine triphosphate on bevacizumab-induced ovarian damage and reproductive dysfunction in rats.

We investigated the effect of ATP's protection against possible bevacizumab-induced ovarian damage and reproductive dysfunction in female albino Wistar rats. A total of 42 rats, 36 females, and 6 males were used in the experiment. Normal saline (0.9% NaCl) was injected as a solvent to the Bevacizumab (BVZ; n = 12) and Control (n = 6) groups. 25 mg/kg ATP was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) to the ATP + bevacizumab (ABZ; n = 12) group. One hour after ATP and solvent administration, 10 mg/kg bevacizumab was i.p. injected to the ABZ and BVZ groups. Bevacizumab was administered once a day every two weeks; ATP was administered one a day for 30 days. At the end of this period, six rats from each group were sacrificed with high dose of anesthesia (thiopental sodium 50 mg/kg) and biochemical and histopathological examinations were performed in ovarian tissues. Mature male rats were kept in the laboratory for two months to breed the remaining female animals. The values showed that the oxidant parameters increased in the ovarian tissue of the BVZ group compared to the healthy controls and the ABZ group, while antioxidant parameters decreased. The number of breeding animals was significantly decreased in the BVZ group compared to the Control and the ABZ groups. This result suggests that ATP may be effective in preventing oxidative damage to the ovaries and infertility induced by bevacizumab.

Effect of Dialysis Time on Dietary Intake, Body Composition, Muscle Strength, and Nutritional Status of Hemodialysis Patients.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term changes that occur in the nutrition status, dietary intake, biochemical values, anthropometric measurements, body composition, and muscle strengths of hemodialysis patients. A total of 60 patients aged between 18 and 64 who were on dialysis for six months were included in the study. During the four-year follow-up; 17 patients died, four were transferred, and 6 moved to other provinces. The patient's food intake, biochemical values, anthropometric measurements, body compositions, handgrip strengths (HGS), and physical activity status were reviewed and subjective global assessment (SGA) was assessed at the beginning and the end of the four-year follow-up period. A statistically significant difference was found between the baseline and end-of-period SGA classifications of the patients (P <0.05). While there were no statistically significant differences at the end of the follow-up period in terms of the body weight, body mass index, mid-upper arm circumference, mid-upper arm muscle circumference, body water, lean body mass, creatinine, energy intake, protein intake values of the patients; there were significant differences in terms of their triceps skin-fold thicknesses, percentage of body mass, HGS, blood urea nitrogen levels, total protein, and albumin values (P <0.05). Extended time on dialysis leads to decrease values of albumin and HGS, increased rates of malnutrition.

Evaluation of emotional (depression) and behavioural (nutritional, physical activity and sleep) status of Turkish adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate emotional (depression) and behavioural (nutritional behaviours, physical activity status and sleep patterns) of Turkish adult individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic period. DESIGN: Cross-sectional online survey. The participants filled out a questionnaire (developed by using Google Forms) that contained descriptive characteristics, nutritional behaviours, sleep patterns, physical activity status, anthropometric measurements, COVID-19-related level of knowledge and the questions of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale through e-mail or social media (WhatsApp). SETTING: Turkey. PARTICIPANTS: Totally, 1120 adult individuals who completed an online survey between April and May 2020. RESULTS: It was determined that 29·1 % of the individuals showed mild, 34·2 % moderate and 23·4 % severe depression symptoms during the pandemic period. A significant relationship was found between gender, age and educational status, marital status and depression levels of the individuals, respectively (χ2 = 35·292, χ2 = 103·46, χ2 = 24·524 and χ2 = 86·208, P < 0·05). The top three foods consumed most during the pandemic period are tea and coffee (66·6 %), pastry (e.g. cake and cookie) (56·4 %) and desserts (49·6 %). During the pandemic period, 42·5 % of the individuals stated that they slept more and 40·2 % stated that there was no change in their sleep patterns. Daily physical activity durations were determined as 8·25 ± 1·77 h for sleep, 4·21 ± 2·68 h for lying down, 5·42 ± 2·64 h for sitting and 6·16 ± 4·82 h for standing activities. CONCLUSION: It was determined that the individuals showed different levels of depression symptoms during the pandemic period. Especially, carbohydrate food consumption increased, and physical activity status and sleep patterns changed due to the increased time spent sitting and lying.

The effect of Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract on acrylamideinduced brain injury in rats

ABSTRACT Purpose: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) have been shown in the pathogenesis of acrylamide neurotoxicity. Hippophae rhamnoides L. extract (HRE) has a cytoprotective effect by stabilizing the production of ROS, IL-1β and TNF-α. The objective of the article was to investigate the effect of HRE on acrylamide-induced brain damage in rats biochemically and histopathologically. Methods: To the HRE+acrylamide only (ACR) group (n=6) of the animals, HRE was administered orally at a dose of 50 mg / kg into the stomach by gavage. The same volume of solvent (olive oil) was administered orally to the ACR (n=6) and healthy (HG) (n=6) groups. One hour after HRE administration, acrylamide was given orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg to HRE+ACR and ACR groups in the same way. This procedure was repeated once a day for 30 days. At the end of this period, brain tissues extracted from animals killed with 50 mg/kg thiopental anesthesia were examined biochemically and histopathologically. Results: It has been shown that HRE prevents the increase of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), IL-1β and TNF-α with acrylamide and the decrease of total glutathione (tGSH) and glutathione reductase (GSHRd) levels in brain tissue. Conclusions: HRE may be useful in the treatment of acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity.

Synthesis, Characterization of a New Polyacrylic Acid Superabsorbent, Some Heavy Metal Ion Sorption, the Adsorption Isotherms, and Quantum Chemical Investigation.

Poly(acrylic acid/Kryptofix 23-Dimethacrylate) superabsorbent polymer [P (AA/Kry23-DM) SAP] was synthesized by solution polymerization to remove Co, Ni, Cu, Cd, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Fe ions in water and improve the quality of the water. Kry23-DM cross-linker (1,4,7,13,16-Pentaoxa-10,19 diazo cyclohexene icosane di methacrylate) was synthesized using Kry23 and methacryloyl chloride. The characterization of the molecules was done by FTIR, TGA, DSC, and SEM techniques. The effects of parameters such as pH, concentration, and the metal ion interaction on the heavy metal ions uptaking of SAP was investigated. It was observed that P (AA/Kry23-DM) SAP has maximum water absorption, and the absorption increases with the pH increase. Adsorption rates and sorption capacity, desorption ratios, competitive sorption (qcs), and distribution coefficient (log D) of P(AA/Kry23-DM) SAP were studied as a function of time and pH with the heavy metal ion concentration. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms of the P (AA/Kry23-DM) SAP were investigated to verify the metal uptake. Molecular mechanic (MM2), Assisted Model Building with Energy Refinement (AMBER), and optimized potentials for liquid simulations (OPLS) methods. were used in quantum chemical calculations for the conformational analysis of the cross-linker and the SAP. ΔH0f calculations of the cross-linker and the superabsorbent were made using Austin Model 1(AM1) method.

Reliability and Validity of the Turkish Version of the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified.

AIM: The Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified aimed to evaluate students' perceptions about the effectiveness of learning within a simulation environment, to implement Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified to adapt to the Turkish language, and test for its reliability, validity, and psychometric properties. METHOD: This study was conducted in a methodological manner. The data were collected from 235 students who participated in the simulation-based learning experience in the Faculty of Nursing of 2 public universities in Istanbul between January and June 2019. In the data analysis, descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation, confirmatory factor analysis, item-total correlation, test-retest correlation, interclass correlation, Pearson correlation, Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and ceiling-floor effect analysis were conducted. RESULTS: Four factors stated that 62.2% of the total variance was a result of factor analysis. The item-total correlations of the Turkish version of the measurement tool ranged from r=0.47 to r=0.69. The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the tool was found to be 0.92. Test-retest correlations were found to be statistically significant for the total measurement tool and subscales. The measurement tool did not have ceiling-floor effects. CONCLUSION: The Turkish version of the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified is a reliable and valid measurement tool that can be used to evaluate perceptions on the effectiveness of learning within a simulation environment.