On the possibility of grafting conducting polymers into insulating ones

The possibility of grafting between conducting polymers, like polypyrrole (PPy) and polyaniline (PAn), and insulating polymers, such as polybisphenol A carbonate (PC) and polyamide (PA), is studied via semi-empirical methods using the AM1 parametrization. Several experimental studies on the issue have previously revealed that a chemical interaction exists between the couples (PAn-PC, PPy-PC and PPy-PA) during the electrochemical synthesis of PAn and PPy in the insulating host matrices. Here we present additional theoretical evidence indicating that such grafting is possible, at least for small oligomers

Hydrogen bonding in polyanilines

Hydrogen bonding between poly(bisphenol A carbonate) (PC) and polyaniline (PAn) is analyzed using semi-empirical quantum methodology. Fully optimized AM1 molecular orbital calculations are reported for various aniline structures (monomer, dimer and trimer), the monomer of the PC and the hydrogen-bonded model of PAn-PC oligomer

Prematür ejakülasyon hastalari{dotless}nda mizaç ve karakter farkli{dotless}li{dotless}klari{dotless}

Introduction: The debate on the etiology of premature ejaculation is still ongoing although there was huge amount of biological and psychological theories. We aimed to investigate the personality structure of patients with premature ejaculation via temperament and character inventory. Methods: Forty patients with premature ejaculation and a matched number of healthy people were included. Participants were asked to fill out a questionnaire booklet with separate sections for general demographic information and the temperament and character inventory. Results: Total novelty seeking scores and subscale 1 (exploration-excitability) scores in premature ejaculation patients were significantly higher than in control groups (p<0.05). Total harm avoidance scores and harm avoidance subscale 2 (fear of uncertainty) scores in premature ejaculation patients was found significantly lower than in control group (p<0.05). Beck depression score was significantly higher in patients with premature ejaculation than in control groups. Discussion: Men with premature ejaculation are more impulsive (excitant), more tempered, more excitable and less prone to harmful behavior. Current findings tend to reinforce premature ejaculation based upon combination of neurobiological and psychological reasons. © Archives of Neuropsychiatry, published by Galenos Publishing

The role of nesfatin-1 in impaired appetite in patients with major depressive disorder

Aim The aim of the present study was to explore whether plasma nesfatin-1 levels are associated with impaired appetite in major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods Patients were recruited from outpatients who consecutively sought treatment in the psychiatric outpatient clinic of the University Hospital since March 2012. All patients were diagnosed with major depressive disorder according to DSM-IV. The appetite of patients was assessed by specific questionnaire. We categorized patients into two groups according to their appetite. Study group consisted of 30 patients with increased appetite (MDD-IA), 28 patients with decreased appetite (MDD-DA) and 28 healthy controls. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Results There was no statistically significant difference in nesfatin-1 between groups. The mean serum nesfatin-1 level did not show any correlation with age, BMI, HAM-D scores and fasting blood glucose in patients groups. Conclusion Our findings suggest that fasting plasma nesfatin-1 levels are unchanged in untreated MDD patients and there is no evidence for nesfatin-1 playing a role in impaired appetite in patients with MDD. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH