Characterization of Flocs in Dewatering of Coal Plant Tailings

Flocculation is a widely used method for dewatering fine coal tailings. Flocs must resist to the shear stresses during the following processes such as flotation, cyclone separation, and pumping. Therefore, the strength of the flocs must be considered during flocculation. In this study, the fine coal tailings were dewatered with an anionic flocculant SNF-923 at various dosages, and the floc size of the coal tailings was characterized using a laser diffraction particle size analyzer with respect to time in order to determine the change in the floc size and hence the floc strength. The results of this study clearly indicated that the determination of the floc size with a laser particle size analyzer could be a simple and good method to observe the flocculation efficiency in terms of the floc strength

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Translation of the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale

This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish translation of the Yale pharyngeal residue severity rating scale. The scale measures the severity of residue in the vallecula and pyriform sinus. The original scale was translated into Turkish by two bilingual English-Turkish translators, and the Turkish version was translated back into English by two qualified professional translators to assess accuracy. The evaluators were divided into two groups (training and no-training) and two subgroups according to their experience. Intra-rater, inter-rater, and intra-class correlation coefficient measurements were analyzed by calculating agreement rates, kappa, and p values. In the analysis of the reliability, intra-class correlation coefficient values in the overall ratings for both the vallecula and the pyriform sinus were 0.9996 (95% CI 0.9992-0.9998) and 0.9997 (95% CI 0.9995-0.9999), respectively (p 95%) and perfect Fleiss kappa values were obtained for the vallecula and pyriform sinus ratings in the inter-rater initial assessments (kappa = 0.959 and kappa = 0.967, respectively). Perfect kappa values were found in the intra-rater results for both the vallecula and pyriform sinus (alpha = 0.9959 and kappa = 0.9959, respectively). In the inter-rater secondary analysis, the vallecula and pyriform sinus kappa values were perfect (kappa = 0.959 and kappa = 0.967, respectively). In the intra-rater analysis, perfect kappa values were obtained for the vallecula and pyriform sinus in the no-training group and less-experience subgroup (kappa = 0.9918 and kappa = 1.0 for the vallecula, and kappa = 1.0 and kappa = 0.9902 for the pyriform sinus, respectively) In the inter-rater analysis, perfect kappa values were obtained for the vallecula and pyriform sinus in the no-training group and less-experience subgroup (kappa = 0.9507 and kappa = 0.9606 for the vallecula, and kappa = 0.9836 and kappa = 1.0 for the pyriform sinus, respectively). The Turkish translation of the Yale pharyngeal residue severity rating scale demonstrated high validity and reliability scores in determining pharyngeal residue location and value in the fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing

Use of HCRP and Cystatin C as inflammation markers in the follow-up of kidney functions in obesity Enflamatuvar belirteç olarak HCRP ve Sistatin C’nin obezitede böbrek fonksiyonları izleminde kullanılması

© 2022. Turk Hijyen ve Deneysel Biyoloji Dergisi. All Rights Reserved.Objective: Determination of glomerular filtration rate is essential for kidney functions in obesity. Creatinine and cystatin C are used to determine glomerular filtration rate. Cystatin-c increases with the increase of adipose tissue. The study investigates the use of cystatin C in calculating the glomerular filtration rate in obese individuals. Methods: One hundred thirteen obese women were used in the study. The height of the patients was measured barefoot on a flat surface. A whole-body analysis was performed by bioimpedance device (Tanita-BC418), and body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat percentage, fat mass, fat-free mass were detected. Biochemical data were evaluated retrospectively. CKD-EPI-GFR (Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration equation glomerular filtration rate), GFRepi-cr (creatinine-GFR), GFR-epi-cysc (cystatin C-GFR) and GFR-epi-cr-cysc (combined-GFR) values were calculated from the measured cystatin-c and creatinine values. Results: We found that GFR-epi-cr decreased with age and BMI, increased with height, GFR-epi-cysc decreased with age, BMI, fat percentage, fat mass, increased significantly with height, GFR-epi-cr-cysc decreased with age, BMI, fat percentage, fat mass. GFR-epi-cr, GFR-epi-cysc, GFR-epi-cr-cysc decreased with HCRP (High-C-reactif protein). Creatinine increased with age and decreased with GFR-epi-cr, GFR-epi-cysc, GFR-epi-cr-cysc. Cystatin-c increased with age, body weight, BMI, fat percentage, fat mass, and decreased GFR-epi-cr, GFR-epi-cysc, GFR-epi-crcysc. Conclusion: Cystatin C can pass through kidney glomeruli easily and used in GFR calculation. We found that while cystatin-c increases with increased adipose tissue in obese individuals, GFR-epi–cysc ve GFRepi-cr-cysc decreased. As well, HCRP increased with the fat percentage and fat mass. These results are essential in terms of inflammation, which is evident with the increase in adipose tissue, affects kidney functions in obese individuals. Our study is essential in raising awareness about GFR calculation and parameters used in the follow-up of kidney functions in obese individuals.Our study shows that to use of cystatin Cmay give wrong results to calculate GFR and follow up of kidney functions in obese individuals.Amaç: Obezitede böbrek fonksiyonlarının takibinde glomerüler filtrasyon hızı (GFR)’nın belirlenmesi önemlidir. GFR belirlenmesinde kreatinin ve sistatin C kullanılmaktadır. Sistatin C yağ dokusu artışıyla orantılı olarak artmakta olup bu çalışmada amacımız obez bireylerde GFR hesaplanırken sistatin C kullanımının uygunluğunu araştırmaktır. Yöntem: Çalışmaya obezite şikayeti ile başvuran kadın hastalar dahil edildi (n=113). Bireylerin düz bir zeminde çıplak ayakla ve sırtları duvara gelecek şekilde dururken boy uzunlukları ölçüldü. Daha sonra biyoimpedans cihazında tüm vücut analizi yapılarak toplam vücut ağırlığı, beden kütle indeksi (BMI), yağ yüzdesi, yağ ağırlığı ve yağsız ağırlıkları tespit edildi. Hastaların biyokimyasal verilerine geriye yönelik olarak ulaşılarak değerlendirme yapıldı. Sistatin C, kreatinin değerleri ölçülmüş olan hastaların CKD-EPİ-GFR (Chronic Kidney Disease- Epidemiology Collaboration equationglomerular filtration rate), GFR-epi-cr (kreatininGFR), GFR-epi-cysc (sistatin C-GFR) ve GFR-epi-cr-cysc (kombine-GFR) değerleri hesaplandı. Bulgular: GFR-epi-cr değerinin yaş ve BMI ile azaldığını, boy uzunluğu ile arttığını, GFR-epi–cysc değerinin yaş, BMI, yağ yüzdesi, yağ ağırlığı ile azaldığını, boy uzunluğu ile anlamlı olarak arttığını, GFR-epi-cr-cysc değerinin yaş, BMI, yağ yüzdesi, yağ ağırlığı ile azaldığını tespit ettik. GFR-epi-cr, GFR-epi–cysc, GFR-epi-cr-cysc değerlerinin HCRP (High-C-reactif protein) ile azaldığını tespit ettik. Kreatinin değerinin yaş ile arttığını, GFRepi-cr, GFR-epi–cysc, GFR-epi-cr-cysc ile azaldığını tesbit ettik. Cystatin C değerlerinin yaş, vücut ağırlığı, BMI, yağ yüzdesi, yağ ağırlığı ile arttığını, GFR-epi-cr, GFR-epi–cysc, GFR-epi-cr-cysc ile azaldığını tesbit ettik. Sonuç: Sistatin C böbrek glomerüllerinden rahatlıkla geçebilen bir madde olup GFR hesaplamasında kullanılırken, obez bireylerde yağ dokusuyla artışı ile orantılı olarak sistatin C’nin arttığını ve GFR-epi–cysc ve GFR-epi-cr-cysc azaldığını tesbit ettik. Aynı zamanda yağ yüzdesi ve yağ dokusu artışı ile daha belirgin olmak üzere HCRP’nin artığını tesbit ettik. Bu sonuçlar obez bireylerde yağ dokusu artışı ile belirginleşen enflamasyonun böbrek fonksiyonlarını etkilediğini düşündürmesi açısından önemlidir. Çalışmamızdan elde ettiğimiz veriler, obez bireylerde GFR hesaplama ve böbrek fonksiyonlarını takipte kullanılan parametrelerin kullanımı konusunda farkındalık oluşturması açısından önemli görünmektedir. Çalışmamız göstermiştir ki, sistatin C’nin obez bireylerde GFR hesaplama ve böbrek fonksiyonlarını takipte kullanımı yanlış sonuçlar verebilir

Metagenomic analysis of black-stained plaques in permanent dentition

Objectives: We aimed to determine the aetiologic agent responsible for black staining of permanent dentition using next-generation sequencing and determine the relationship between caries and black stains. Materials and methods: A total of 52 systemically healthy patients with black-stained and caries-free (n = 13), black-stained and carious (n = 13), black stain-free and caries-free (n = 13), and black stain-free and carious (n = 13) teeth were enrolled in the study. The International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS II) was used for caries classification. Between 08:00 and 10:00, supragingival plaque samples were collected after a minimum of 8-12 h of accumulation and DNA samples were isolated. The samples were processed using the ZymoBIOMICS (TM) Service. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using mothur at usegalaxy.org. Data were analysed statistically using the Pearson chi-square and Fisher tests. Results: The number of caries-free teeth (ICDAS 0, 1, and 2) was significantly higher in patients with black stains (p = 0.007).Capnocytophaga (4.8 %), Corynebacterium (3.9 %), and Neisseria (5.4 %) species were the most abundant among all black-stained plaques (carious and caries-free) (p < 0.05). Capnocytophaga (10.8 %), Cardiobacterium (3.6 %), and Rothia (1.72 %) species were detected in the black-stained plaques of caries-free patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study is one of the first studies examining the microbial composition of dental plaques with black staining in carious and caries-free adult patients using next generation sequencing technology. In the presence of black staining, plaques have an ultimate complex microbial structure. A lower caries burden was noted in the presence of black staining

The Factors Associated with Mothers' Preventive Measures Against Home Accidents: A Descriptive Study from Istanbul, Turkey

Objective: One of the most common causes of death among children in Turkey is accidents, and of this, 18-25% caused by home accidents. This study aims to identify the factors associated with safety measures against home accidents, that are taken by mothers who have children between 0-6 years of age. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted among the mothers who admitted to three Family Health Centers in Istanbul, Turkey, in 2017. The data was collected with a questionnaire including The Scale for Mother's identification of Safety Measures Against Home Accidents for Children of 0-6 Years Age Group. The data was analyzed with SPSS program using Chi square, Mann Whitney-U and Spearman correlation tests (p<0,05 considered significant). 224 mothers participated in this study. Results: The most frequent home accidents were falling (48.9%), finger jam (36.6%) and crashing (30.6%). There was a weak positive correlation between the scale score and family's income (p=0.039; r=0.157); and a weak negative correlation between the scale score and child's age (p=0.001; r=-0.331). There was no association between education level of parents and safety measures. However, the scale scores were significantly higher among those who have specifically been educated about home accidents compared to those who haven't (p=0.013). Conclusion: The current education program may not be sufficient to prevent home accidents. We believe that specific courses about home accidents and safety measures are needed; even if these courses can be integrated to secondary school or university curricula it can be more beneficial

Mentalexo approach for diagnosis of psychiatric disorders

Introduction: Psychiatric disorders cause a high burden of disease and disability for the society. Liquid biopsies provide potent opportunities for screening programs, diagnosis, prognostic stratification and treatment monitorization. Previously, the liquid biopsy studies were mainly focused on the several malignancies without proper screen methods, but this approach has also a strong potential for decreasing disease burden in CNS pathologies. The main restriction for the diagnosis of CNS diseases is the lack of the methods to receive biochemical/functional information form a tightly enveloped compartment. The hypothesis/theory: In this proposal, we aim to develop a fast and cheap diagnostic platform based on the detection of exosomes originating from the central nervous system (CNS) cells. We intended to develop a sensor device with minimum maintenance costs, which is highly specific and sensitive for psychiatric diseases. Evaluation of the hypothesis/idea: In order to give background information for our proposal; we began with reviewing the concept of liquid biopsies and adaptation of this concept for psychiatric disorders. Then we discussed the conventional and novel methods for the detection of extracellular vesicles (EV). Furthermore, we discussed the detection of exosomes originating from central nervous system and methods analyzing the content of the EVs. Additionally, we reviewed the imaging techniques for detection and visualization of EVs. Empirical data: We used in silico research tools (MetaCore (TM) version 6.37, Clarivate Analytics, and ExoCarta database) to detect appropriate disease specific exosomal markers. We proposed our design for the detection of EVs based on the immune-capture of EVs and detection of surface antigens via the antibody conjugated fluorophores. We also proposed a design to increase the channels for detection of exosomal antigens by using bioinformatics methods, including pathway networks, RDOC matrices and exosome databases which we called Mentalexo approach. We applied this approach on depression and addiction disorders in order to find appropriate exosomal markers. Consequences of the hypothesis and discussion: We believe that our proposal may contribute to the conception of new diagnostic devices focusing on the detection of exosomes in psychiatric conditions

Evaluation of direct 16S rRNA PCR from clinical samples for bacterial detection in normally sterile body sites

Introduction: In addition to antibiotic treatment, slow-growing and non-cultivable bacteria can lead to false-negative results for sterile body site infections. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of 16S rRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for such infections. Methodology: Following routine culture procedures, 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) PCR was performed for samples collected from sterile body sites between July 2017and September 2018. The samples were separated into two groups for likely (group 1) and unlikely infections (group 2) based on clinical and laboratory findings, as well as clinician opinion. Sequence analysis was performed for PCR-positive samples using 16S rRNA primers. Mixed chromatograms were analyzed with the RipSeq Mixed program, and Stata 15.1 was used for statistical analysis. Results: Eighty-seven of 139 samples collected from 116 patients were placed in group 1, and 52 were placed in group 2. Compared with culture as the reference method, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for 16S rRNA PCR were 89.8%, 85.6%, 77.2%, and 93.9%, respectively. 16S rRNA PCR identified infections in 13 culture-negative samples. Among these, three had Bartonella quintana, Mycoplasma salivarium, and Mycobacterium avium complex infections, which cannot be detected with commercial multiplex PCR kits. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that 16S rRNA PCR is effective for the diagnosis of sterile body site infections, especially for cases of meningitis and infective endocarditis where routine cultures fail

Association of the changes in pulmonary artery diameters with clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional study

Objective: Enlarged pulmonary artery diameter (PAD) can be associated with mortality risk in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Our aim is to find the factors that cause changes in PAD and the relationship between radiological findings and clinical outcomes in COVID-19 patients

Capillary microarchitectural changes in Cushing's syndrome

Purpose: Macrovascular alterations are prominent in Cushing's syndrome (CS). Microvascular abnormalities are yet to be established. This cross-sectional observational study aimed to evaluate microvascular changes in nailfold capillaries and their association with disease status and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) as a marker of atherosclerosis. Methods: A total of 70 patients with CS [46 (65.7%) ACTH-dependent pituitary adenoma and 24 (34.3%) adrenocortical adenomas] and 100 healthy controls were enrolled. The microvascular structure was evaluated using nailfold video-capillaroscopy (NVC). Results: The median number of capillaries was less [10 mm (IQR: 2, min-max:7–14) vs. 11 mm (IQR: 2, min-max:9–19) (p < 0.001)], the median limb diameter and capillary width were wider in the CS group than in the controls (p = 0.016 and p = 0.002, respectively). Microhemorrhages within limited areas were more frequent in the CS group than in the controls (p = 0.046). Observed capillary changes were similar among the patients with CS with remission or active disease. CIMT levels were higher in the CS group than in the controls and similar in subjects with active disease and remission. Univariate logistic regression analyses revealed that the number of capillaries and capillary widths were associated with body mass index (BMI), the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, HbA1c, and CIMT. Conclusion: Morphologic alterations present similarly in nailfold capillaries in subjects with CS regardless of disease status, resembling changes in chronic atherosclerotic diseases. Microvascular changes in nailfold capillaries measured using NVC can be used as a marker in the assessment of cardiovascular risk in patients with CS. © 2022 Elsevier Inc