High-Temperature Interactions Between Titanium Alloys And Strontium Zirconate Refractories

We investigated interactions between Ti6Al4V alloys and strontium zirconate (SrZrO3) ceramic to assess its potential as a refractory mold material in investment casting. We developed a robust yet simple procedure to examine both the liquid–solid and solid–solid interactions using pellets in drop casting and diffusion couple methods. Reaction layers were characterized using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The results were compared to alumina (Al2O3) which is still a common refractory ceramic for molds in investment casting. Our findings indicate that Ti6Al4V surfaces in contact with SrZrO3 had no apparent changes in surface chemistry nor microstructure. On the other hand, Ti6Al4V surfaces in contact with Al2O3 developed γ-TiAl and α 2-Ti3Al intermetallics with thicknesses of ~ 100 μm in diffusion couples and ~ 10 μm in drop-casting experiments. Nanoindentation results showed that the surface of Ti6Al4V in contact with Al2O3 was significantly harder compared to SrZrO3, confirming our conclusion. Given the time and costs associated with mechanical and chemical removal of reaction layers on Ti6Al4V castings, SrZrO3 can be a better choice for a mold material in the investment casting of titanium alloys

A Study on Civil Aviation Students' Evaluation of their Internship Experiences

Civil aviation is considered as a dynamic and continuously developing sector that requires highly qualified personnel due to its nature. It is critical for the students studying in this field to receive hands-on training as well as theoretical training in universities. Internship is one of the most important tools to meet this need for practical training and to increase the sectoral knowledge and experience of civil aviation students. In this respect, it plays a critical role both in terms of sector representatives' assessment of their potential employees and students' assessment of their future professional field of work. The aim of this study is to evaluate the internship experiences of the students studying in the aviation field, by focusing on the headings of personal evaluation, internship experience, working environment, and relationship with university. The research was conducted on site at the higher education institutions offering civil aviation education in Turkey by administering a questionnaire to a total of 229 students studying in 5 different aviation departments at 19 universities, and the research hypotheses were tested in this way. A positive and significant correlation was found for 4 of the 5 hypotheses proposed in the study. Overall, the internship satisfaction level of the trainee students who participated in the research was found to be high; however, some key factors were identified to be worthy of consideration to improve the internship experience

A rare condition: Ectopic liver tissue with its unique blood supply encountered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Introduction: Developmental abnormalities of liver including ectopic liver tissue (ELT) are rare conditions. Few cases presenting ELT have been reported in literature till now. Even though the most common area seen is gallbladder, it is detected both abdominal and thoracic sites. There is a relationship between HCC and ectopic liver that necessitates the removal. Presentation of case: A 51-year-old female was hospitalized because of abdominal pain. Gallstone and bile duct dilatation were determined during ultrasonographic (USG) evaluation. The patient was operated for cholecystectomy following a successful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). During operation, a mass located on gallbladder with its unique vascular support was identified and resected together with gallbladder. The mass had a separate vascular stalk arising from liver parenchyma substance and it was clipped with laparoscopic staples. The histopathological examination revealed that the mass adherent to gallbladder was ectopic liver confirming the intraoperative observation. The postoperative course of patient was uneventfull and she was discharged at the second day after the operation. Discussion: Ectopic liver tissue is incidentally found both in abdominal and thoracic cavity. ELT can rarely be diagnosed before surgical procedures or autopsies. It can be overlooked easily by radiological techniques. Although it does not usually produce any symptom clinically, it can rarely result in serious complications such as bleeding, pyloric and portal vein obstruction. ELT also has the capacity of malignant transformation to hepatocellular carcinoma that makes it essential to be removed. Conclusion: Although ELT is rarely seen, it should be removed when recognized in order to prevent the complications and malignant transformation

National guidelines on the management of venous thromboembolism: Joint guideline of the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and Phlebology Society

These evidence-based guidelines from the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery, National Society of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, and Phlebology Society intend to support clinicians in best decisions regarding the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The Editor was selected by the three national societies and was tasked with the recruitment of the recognized panel. All financial support was solely derived from the sponsoring societies without the direct involvement of industry or other external stakeholders. The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance for clinicians in terms of VTE. The panel agreed on 42 recommendations under 15 headings for the diagnosis, initial management, secondary prevention of VTE, and treatment of recurrent VTE events. Important recommendations included the use of ultrasonography, preference for home treatment over hospital treatment for uncomplicated VTE, preference for direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) over vitamin K antagonists for primary treatment of cancer and non-cancer-related VTE, extended or indefinite anticoagulation with DOACs in selected high-risk patients. Early catheter-directed thrombectomy was recommended in only young symptomatic patients with a diagnosis of fresh iliofemoral deep vein thrombosis

Risk factors for chronic venous insufficiency in nurses in Türkiye-NueVo TR

Aim: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that results from obstruction, valve insufficiency, dysfunction of calf muscle pump, or their combinations. This study analyzed the risk factors and demographic characteristics of CVI in nurses in Türkiye. Additionally, it seeks to identify the total number of patients treated at medical centers in 2022 and assess the prevalence of CVI. Material and Methods: This multicenter, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of nurses working in 18 centers. Nurses completed a questionnaire that included their demographic information and venous insufficiency risk factors, and the Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study-Quality of Life Questionnaire. Researchers also completed the Standard CEAP Form Section C. The cases were divided into 2 groups: CVI (-) group (n=776, 43.5%) and CVI (+) group (n=1010, 56.5%). Results: A total of 1786 nurses participated in this study. Older age (>30-39 years), female gender, ≥2 pregnancies, ≥2 childbirths, years in the profession (>5-15 years), family history, and night cramps were identified as risk factors for CVI (p0.05). Hypertension, diabetes, and a history of deep vein thrombosis were the most common coexisting diseases. With a one-unit increase in age, risk of CVI increased 1.1-fold, family history of VV increased CVI risk 1.9-fold and presence of nocturnal night cramps increased risk of CVI 2.6-fold. The prevalence of CVI in 2022 was found to be 22.66% in this study. Conclusion: Older age, female gender, ≥2 pregnancies, ≥2 childbirths, years in the profession, family history, and night cramps are identified as risk factors for CVI in nurses. Common comorbid diseases include hypertension, diabetes, and a history of DVT. Pregnancy, particularly with multiple occurrences, stands out as a critical period for CVI. Reported symptoms in CVI (+) nurses include leg pain, swelling, heaviness, restless legs, and throbbing. Nurses demonstrate a higher incidence of CVI compared to other professions, highlighting an occupational risk. These findings stress the importance of preventive measures for nurses

Clinical and hormonal profiles correlate with molecular characteristics in patients with 11β-hydroxylase deficiency.

Background: Given the rarity of 11 beta-hydroxylase deficiency (11 beta OHD), there is a paucity of data about the differences in clinical and biochemical characteristics of classic (C-11 beta OHD) and nonclassic 11 beta OHD (NC-11 beta OHD)