Different Locations In Turkey Research Articles

The needle penetration index for estimating the physico-mechanical properties of pyroclastic rocks

Preparation of suitable core specimens for physico-mechanical testing s not always possible, particularly for soft and clay-bearing rocks. Although several indirect test methods have been proposed to predict the properties of rocks, specimen preparation from soft rocks for some indirect tests is still difficult. For such cases, the needle penetration test has been developed. In this paper we present a study on the predictability of the physico-mechanical properties of pyroclastic rocks from the needle penetration index (NPI). The NPI, uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Brazilian tensile strength (BTS), density, and porosity tests were performed in the laboratory on specimens from ten different locations in Turkey. Correlations were established between the NPI values and the physico-mechanical properties. Strong correlations were observed between NPI and both UCS and BTS. General correlations were found between NPI and both density and porosity.

Citrus Honeys from Three Different Regions of Turkey: HPLC-DAD Profiling and in Vitro Enzyme Inhibition, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties with Chemometric Study.

The objectives of the present study are to compare the phenolic profiles and biological activities of 15 citrus honey samples from three different locations in Turkey using a chemometric approach. The HPLC-DAD analysis was used to determine phenolic profiles. Nineteen phenolic compounds were identified. Gallic acid (107.14-717.04 μg/g) was recorded as the predominant compound. AF (Antalya-Finike) had the highest antioxidant activity in ABTS⋅+ (IC50 : 18.01±0.69 mg/mL), metal chelating (IC50 : 6.20±0.19 mg/mL) and CUPRAC (A0.50 : 12.05±0.68 mg/mL) assays, while it revealed the best anti-inflammatory activity against COX-2 (17.28±0.22 %) and COX-1 (43.28±0.91 %). AM (Antalya-Manavgat) was the most active in β-carotene-linoleic acid (IC50 : 10.05±0.19 mg/mL), anti-urease (38.90±0.69 %), anti-quorum sensing and antimicrobial activities. AKO1 (Adana-Kozan-1) in DPPH⋅ (IC50 : 34.25±0.81 mg/mL) assay, AKU1 (Antalya-Kumluca-1) in tyrosinase inhibition activity (37.73±0.38 %) assay, AKU2 (Antalya-Kumluca-2) in AChE (10.55±0.63 %) and BChE (9.18±0.45 %) inhibition activity assays showed the best activity. Chemometric tools were applied to the phenolic compositions and biological properties. PCA and HCA ensured that 15 citrus honey samples were grouped into 3 clusters. The results showed that myricetin, kaempferol, vanillin, protocatechuic acid, rosmarinic acid, rutin, vanillic acid, gallic acid, catechin and p-hydroxyphenyl acetic acid are phenolic compounds that can be used in the classification of citrus honeys.

Site selection for floating photovoltaic system on dam reservoirs using sine trigonometric decision making model

Floating photovoltaic is a great alternative to traditional solar energy because it can increase current electricity production while working compatible with hydropower plants and the power infrastructure. The aim of this study is to present a site selection suitability analysis using fuzzy sine trigonometric based Ordinal Priority Approach and Distance from Average Solution method. Ten site selection criteria related to the technical, economic and social aspects were identified and a questionnaire was conducted among the field experts of solar energy. Then, a consensus analysis was carried out using consistent questionnaire results to reach a definitive decision of experts. This analysis gives the relative weights of each site selection criterion. After that, 8 dam reservoirs, which are utilized for energy production were selected in different locations in Turkey to deploy floating photovoltaics. The solar energy experts filled out another questionnaire to evaluate each selected site for each site selection criterion. Then a new consensus analysis is performed for selected sites. According to the result of the study, although the weights of selected sites seem close to each other, BayramhacılıDam, located in Aydın, Western Turkey, is found as the most feasible site among other alternatives to establish a floating photovoltaic.

Morphological and molecular characterization of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) accessions obtained from different locations in Turkey

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the most significant industrial crops due to its oil and fiber, which have a plethora of uses. Because of this, the characterization and introduction/adaptation of flax crops are of great interest. For this reason, we aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and patterns of flax cultivars/genotypes (a 63-cultivar/genotype was used) employing single sequence repeat microsatellite markers via 16 strong amplicon loci, and by estimating their morphological attributes. We determined the quality of the flax, in terms of oil content and composition, and its fiber quality using scanning electron microscopy and strength-linked attributes. For assessment, a series of statistical analyses were carried out in order to cluster and scatter the relevant parameters corresponding to the cultivars/genotypes. Of the assayed flax cultivar/genotypes, Eckendorfi was found to have promising agromorphological values. The average polymorphic information content values were recorded (= 0.689), and the smallest and largest loci with allele dimensions were Lu9(2) and Lu19-Lua613(6) respectively. Overall, the agromorphological attributes were consistent with the microsatellite-based markers in decoding the genetic diversity and population structure of the flax germplasm.

Chemical Profile and Cytotoxicity Evaluation of Aerial Parts of Marrubium vulgare L. From Different Locations in Turkey.

Marrubium vulgare L. (Lamiaceae) is used for respiratory and gastrointestinal system disorders in folk medicine. According to European Pharmacopoeia criteria, standardization of the plant is defined by its marrubiin content. In present study, phenolics, marrubiin and essential oil compositions of M. vulgare from different locations in Turkey were analyzed quantitatively by UPLC, GC and GC/MS. Besides, their cytotoxic potentials were evaluated. In the samples, forsythoside B (77-400 mg/100 g dw), arenarioside (forsythoside F) (0-241 mg/100 g dw), verbascoside (acteoside) (171-416 mg/100 g dw) and apigenin-7-O-glucoside (0-17 mg/100 g dw) were determined in different ranges. Marrubiin contents (0.58-1.46 %) of some samples were two times higher than European Pharmacopoeia standards (0.7 %). β-Caryophyllene (7.24-20.34 %), (Z)-β-farnesene (1.58-34.85 %), germacrene D (9.8-13.37 %), bicyclogermacrene (1.71-8.63 %) and β-bisabolene (0-16.68 %) were detected as major compounds in essential oils. The sample from the west of Aegean Region showed cytotoxicity against human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cell lines (IC50 : 59.80 μg/mL) although it has no effect on non-cancerous NIH-3T3cell lines. This is the first report on phenolic profiles of M. vulgare populations from Turkey. Their potential as marrubiin source for pharmaceutical industry should be considered.

Genotyping and antimicrobial resistance profiles of chicken originated Salmonella Enteritidis isolates.

Salmonellosis is a common foodborne zoonosis worldwide. The most common Salmonella serovar in humans is Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis (50.3%) in the world. The main transmission route for S. Enteritidis is consumption of contaminated poultry products. Therefore, it is important to determine the diversity and spread of chicken-originated S. Enteritidis isolates in order to monitor and control salmonellosis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multiple locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) are frequently used for typing of S. Enteritidis isolates. This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profiles and MLVA and PFGE genotypes of chicken-originated S. Enteritidis isolates. A total of 200 S. Enteritidis isolated from chicken broiler, layer, and breeder flocks from different locations in Turkey were investigated by Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, PFGE, and MLVA. The AMR test indicated that 57% of the S. Enteritidis isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials, while 39% were resistant to at least one antimicrobial. The highest resistance (25%) was against ampicillin. Multi-drug resistance rate was low (21%) and mostly from broiler flocks (93%). All isolates were genotyped into 32 different PFGE genotypes (PT) and 34 different MLVA genotypes (MT). The dominant genotypes were PT6 (12.5%) and MT22 (50%). In specific sample groups, there was a correlation between genotypes, breeding type, geographic location, and isolation years of the isolates. There was no significant difference in the discrimination power of PFGE and MLVA. However, MLVA was more suitable for large sample groups and routine genotyping because it was easier, quicker, and less labor-intensive to use.

Performance improvement potential of a PV/T integrated dual-source heat pump unit with a pressure booster ejector

• Ejector enhanced PV/T air dual-source heat pump is presented. • Optimum PV/T evaporation temperature is determined. • The COP of the heat pump can be improved by 22.6% when 15 m 2 PV/T collector is used. • Consumed electricity from the grid for heating can be reduced by 75% when 15 m 2 PV/T collector is used. Dual-source heat pump unit can utilize the evaporation of the refrigerant at two different pressures. By adopting an ejector, high-pressure refrigerant stream can be used to lift compressor inlet pressure which results in a higher coefficient of performance (COP). This study proposes a renewable energy sourced and high-efficiency heat pump system which can be easily building integrated to offer a renewable heating solution. The system is devised on the complementation of dual thermal sources; one is air and the other one is solar, to maximize the utilization of ambient energy for highly efficient operation of heat pump. Using the advantage of the relatively lower operating temperature in the solar collector line, the thermal efficiency of the collector would be sufficient in winter. Adaptation of photovoltaics in the collector as a PV/T unit, will benefit the system from the produced electricity for further reduction of the demand from the grid. Along with the use of PV/T collector, the system can be potentially carbon neutral for larger collector areas. In this study, the performance improvement potential of a dual-sourced heat pump unit with an ejector as a booster is investigated for different locations in Turkey which presents different solar and weather profiles. The optimum collector evaporation temperatures are determined, and COP improvement potentials are discussed for different conditions. For a heating supply of 5 kW, the COP of the system can be improved by 22.6% under 400 W/m 2 and 10°C ambient using 15 m 2 PV/T collector. Including the electricity generated from the PV, reduction of the electricity demand from the grid can reach to 75% for the same conditions.

Characterization of Boğazkere wines from different locations in Turkey relating aroma and sensory properties using chemometrics

Boğazkere (BG) is one of the primary grape varieties that Turkey utilizes to produce premium red wine. Using chemometrics, this research was to investigate the aroma composition and sensory attributes of BG wines from various vintages and locations (Çermik/Diyarbakır, Güney/Denizli, and Pendore/Manisa). Using GC/MS/FID, GC-O, and Descriptive Analysis, aroma, aroma-active compounds, and sensory evaluations were identified and quantified, respectively. To determine the relationship between chemical result and sensory perception, PLS Regression (PLSR) was used. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate the sensory results. There have been identified 93 aroma compounds, 29 of which are aroma-active compounds for which modified frequency (MF%) values have been determined. Compounds with high MF% values in BG wines include ethyl-3-methyl-butanoate/ethyl-2-methyl-butanoate (86), ethyl-2-methyl-propanoate (83), isoamylalcohol (82), ethylhexanoate (80), diethylsuccinate (77), and 2-phenylethylalcohol (75). The most prominent attributes associated to these compounds are those of black-fruit, red-fruit, strawberry, raspberry, banana, dry-fruit, cheery and spicy. PCA indicated that the most prevalent aroma descriptors for BG wines are black fruit, dried fruit, red fruit, confectionery, and spicy. Although dry-fruit, black-fruit, and spicy notes are more prevalent in wines from Diyarbakır, red-fruit and confectionary odours are more prevalent in wines from Denizli and Manisa. Red-fruit attributes in wines were positively correlated with diethyl-dl-malate, ethyl-butanoate, ethyl-hexanoate, ethyl-octanoate, ethyl-decanoate, ethyl-3-methylbutanoate, and ethyl-2-methylbutanoate, depending on PLSR. Ethyl-2-hydroxy-methylpentanoate, 4-ethoxycarbonyl-gamma-butyrolactone, gamma-nonalactone, pantolactone, and ethyl-2-methyl-propanoate were positively correlated with the dark fruit attribute of wines. Ethyl-2-hydroxy-4-methyl-pentanoate and gamma-nonalactone compound, which gives the odours of black fruit (blackberry), is particularly noticeable in Diyarbakır wines.

Assessment of Mineralogical Characteristics of Clays and the Effect of Waste Materials on Their Index Properties for the Production of Bricks.

Significant research investigations on the characteristics of unexplored clay deposits are being conducted in light of the growing need for clay in the ceramic industry and the variable chemistry of clays. Parallel to this, the generation of waste materials like fly ash, ferrochrome slag, and silica fume is also increasing, responsible for environmental degradation. This paper aims to study the mineralogical properties of pure clays (one specimen from Siberia and five specimens from different locations in Turkey), and the effect of mentioned waste materials on the index properties of clays obtained. This study is divided into two phases, wherein in the first phase, the pure clay specimens are analyzed against mineralogical properties (i.e., chemical composition, thermal analysis, and particle size distribution). While in the second phase, index properties of pure clay specimens and clay specimens modified with 0-50% fly ash, ferrochrome slag, and silica fume are analyzed. The results reveal that the clay specimens from Turkey (USCS classification: CL) are fit for the ceramic industry and bricks production, and incorporation of waste materials can further improve their index properties. It is also observed that incorporation of 10-30% fly ash and ferrochrome slag have higher efficiency in reducing the plasticity index of clays studied as compared to the addition of silica fume.

Evaluation of control for the management of four pest species (Rhagoletis cerasi L., Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae)) in organic cherry-growing area.

In recent years, the fruit flies Rhagoletis cerasi L., Ceratitis capitata Wied. (Diptera: Tephritidae), Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) and Zaprionus indianus (Gupta) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) (Tephritidae and Drosophilidae) have become an increasingly serious problem for cherry production in Turkey, which ranks first among cherry-producing countries. Intensive chemical control of these pests is used and little information about alternative methods of control is available for these pests, especially in organic farming. The purpose of our study was to determine a new, cost-efficient and more ecofriendly method of pest control. The study was carried out during 2019-2020 at two different locations in Turkey: Adana-Pozantı (Alpu, 1070 m, and Belemedik, 700 m). This study investigated the effectiveness against fruit flies of netting covering trees, a mass capture technique and an insecticide suitable for use in organic agriculture (spinosad). A comparative insecticide (thiacloprid) was also applied. The methods performed quite differently from the control and were shown to be particularly effective against R. cerasi and D. suzukii. The most effective control method against the four pest species was the application of netting (100% effect). The other methods of control included in the experiment may also be useful in organic cherry cultivation. The methods presented here meet the requirements for conventional and organic production. Application of netting in particular can form the basis of organic production requirements for the management of fruit flies. It has been observed that fruits ripen a little later, and fruit monilia and aphid damage are less in trees protected by netting. This is a commercial advantage, especially for late maturing varieties, and additional studies are needed for these varieties. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Additions to the knowledge of the diversity of darkling beetles (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) from Turkey with new records and taxonomic notes

This study is based on the material of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) collected from different localities of Turkey between 1966 and 2020 and deposited in Biodiversity Science Museum, Atatürk University (Erzurum, Turkey). In total, 80 species and subspecies of the family Tenebrionidae were listed. The following five species are recorded for Turkey for the first time: Cyphostethe (Cyphostethoides) semenovi Bogatchev, 1947, Zophosis (Septentriophosis) rugosa Faldermann, 1837, Penthicus (Discotus) dilectans (Faldermann, 1836), Penthicus (s. str.) rufescens rufescens (Mulsant et Rey, 1859) and Scleropatroides hirtulus (Baudi di Selve, 1876). In addition, new localities have been indicated for many species and subspecies, which have already been reported from Turkey. The new synonymy is proposed: Blaps tibialis Reiche & Saulcy, 1857 = Blaps ecaudata Seidlitz, 1893, syn. nov. The invasive population of the Mediterranean species Euboeus mimonti Boieldieu, 1865 was found in Erzurum but the species has not naturalised in Eastern Anatolia.

Comparing Urban Parks’ Woody Plant Diversity in Seven Different Locations of Turkey

Comparing Urban Parks’ Woody Plant Diversity in Seven Different Locations of Turkey

New locality records for Xylocopa (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae) fauna of Turkey

Background. The article presents the results of the research on carpenter bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Xylocopinae: Xylocopa) housed in the Lodos Entomological Museum (Ege University, Izmir, Turkey). There are 10 species of Xylocopa occurring on the territory of Turkey. Three of them are common and abundant (X. violacea, X. valga and X. iris) and the other species are moderately common or rare. The aim of this study is to present new locality records of the material on the Xylocopa fauna of Turkey preserved in the Lodos Entomological Museum, Turkey. Material and Methods. The objects of our research were carpenter bees collected from different localities of Turkey between 1975 and 2018 and housed in the Lodos Entomological Museum. Insects were collected by researchers, students and amateurs. We used stereoscopic microscope Bresser Advance ICD 10x-160x and specialized keys for Xylocopa identifi­cation. Results. We analyzed 262 specimens of carpenter bees that belong to four species (Xylocopa iris, X. pubescens, X. valga and X. violacea). The information on the specimens’ location and brief notes on the plants on which they were foraging is provided. Three of the analyzed species namely X. iris, X. valga and X. violacea are listed in the category “Least Concern” of the IUCN Red List. Conclusions. We found new locality records for three Xylocopa species: X. iris reported from Manisa pro­vince for the first time, X. valga – from Antalya, Aydın, Denizli and Manisa and X. violacea – from Balıkesir, Denizli, Manisa and Tekirdağ pro­vinces of Turkey. Further studies aiming to improve the knowledge on Xylocopa fauna should focus on collecting in little-known areas and some specific habitats of Turkey.

Seasonal variation in alkaloid content, phenolic constituent and biological activities of some Leucojum aestivum L. populations in Turkey

Summer snowflake (Leucojum aestivum L.), a bulbous plant in the Amaryllidaceae family, is a well-known source of two pharmaceutically significant alkaloids: galanthamine that is used to treat Alzheimer's disease and lycorine that has potent antiviral properties, especially against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). Environmental factors such as temperature, light, soil, and so on, as well as harvest time and plant parameters such as genotype and plant parts, all have a quantitative and qualitative impact on secondary metabolite production such as alkaloids and phenols. This study hypothesized that different populations (genotype), growing seasons, environmental temperature and soil type can change the alkaloid (galanthamine and lycorine) and phenolic content, and biological activities (antioxidant and antibacterial) in the bulbs and leaves of this plant. Summer snowflakes were collected from 6 different locations in Turkey (Gölcük-Bolu, Yeniçağa-Bolu, Kaynarca-Sakarya, Delmece-Yalova, Uluabat-Bursa and Terkos-İstanbul) at 3 different growing periods (vegetative, reproductive and ripening). Methanol extract of the plant parts were quantitatively analyzed for their alkaloid content with HPLC-DAD, and for their antioxidant capacity and total phenol-flavonoid content with spectrophotometric determination. Besides, antibacterial activity was investigated with disc diffusion assay. The locations of Delmece-Yalova and Gölcük-Bolu provided galanthamine-rich population and optimal growing conditions for the cultivation of this species. Generally, vegetative and ripening periods were the most effective in alkaloid production. But, phenolic content accumulation was unrelated to the growing seasons. Higher temperatures in the bulbs and lower temperatures in the leaves supported the galanthamine and lycorine production. It was noticeable that alkaloid and total phenol accumulation in the bulbs showed similar tendency in that the highest temperature caused the highest alkaloid levels and phenolic content. Also, neutral to slightly alkaline soils with high organic matter content were effective in enhancing the alkaloid content and phenolic constituents. Moderate antioxidant activity and no antibacterial potential were observed with L. aestivum. The results found can be a guide for revealing the best population and environmental conditions for the cultivation of this plant, as well as showing the correct harvest time for bulbs and leaves to get the best galantamine and lycorine content.

Morphological, molecular and pathogenic characterization of Rhizoctonia bataticola isolates causing dry root rot of chickpea in Turkey

Nineteen chickpea isolates of R. bataticola were obtained from different locations of Turkey in 2016–2017. The isolates were examined for their morphology, genetic and virulence characteristics. The colony color of 10 isolates was grayish black and rest of them was black. Eleven isolates had appressed colony texture, while 3 isolates had velvety and 5 isolates had fluffy. Eight isolates produced aerial mycelium and the other did not. Eight isolates were categorized as fast growing, 8 isolates were categorized as medium growing and 3 isolates were categorized as slow growing. The mean sclerotial sizes of the isolates varied between 65.6 and 127.4 µm. The sclerotia of the 11 isolates were round, 3 isolates were ovoid and 5 isolates were irregular shaped. The size of the PCR products varied from 435 to 518bp and the isolates showed between 99.61 and 100% identity with the reference. The isolates were highly variable in their morphological, molecular and virulence characteristics.

Determination of essential oil and biological activities of Hypericum ternatum Poulter and H. scabrum L. species collected from different localities: is H. scabrum an alternative to multifunctional species ST JOHN'S WORT (H. perforatum)?

The importance of Hypericum L. species, being used in traditional medicine, in the scientific world is increasing day by day. Hypericum species are plants that have been used in the treatment of many diseases for a long time and have healing properties. In the current study, the essential oil compositions of Hypericum scabrum L. and H. ternatum Poulter collected from different localities in Turkey were determined by GC-MS/FID. In addition, their antioxidant, cytotoxic, and antimicrobial activities with their enzyme inhibitory potentials (cholinesterase, urease, tyrosinase, elastase, and collagenase) were investigated. Also, in vitro and in silico studies of the major components of the species have been carried out on the studied enzymes. It was determined that four H. scabrum samples mainly contained α-pinene (55.99%-62.80%) while three H. ternatum samples contained 2-methyloctane (9.45%-22.39%) and α-pinene (12.75%-33.08%). While H. scabrum essential oils possessed significant biological activity potential except for the antimicrobial activity, H. ternatum samples did not. All essential oil samples of H. scabrum exhibited a high cytotoxic effect (IC50 21.67 ± 0.34 to 34.67 ± 0.45 μg/mL) against colon cancer cell line (HT-29) and indicated higher acetyl-(Inhibiton% 83.30 ± 1.90 to 93.08 ± 1.04) and butyryl-cholinesterase (Inhibiton% 80.58 ± 1.19 to 93.28 ± 1.99) inhibitory activity than the standard compound, galantamine. Furthermore, all samples of H. scabrum showed high tyrosinase (Inhibiton% 69.00 ± 1.64 to 95.25 ± 1.42) and elastase (Inhibiton% 27.58 ± 0.34 to 36.69 ± 0.18) inhibitory effects. These biological activity results indicated that H. scabrum essential oil could be used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.

İran safranı (Crocus sativus L.) ile Türkiye'nin makro ve mikro lokasyonlarda yetiştirilen safranın kalite özelliklerinin karşılaştırılması

In this study, volatile and bioactive compositions of saffron samples collected from Khorasani region in Iran Razavi and different locations in Turkey containing Hatay (Kırıkhan, Iskenderun, Hassa and Yayladağı counties), Karabük (Safranbolu county Yukarıbucak and Ovacuma villages), Ankara (Ayaş, Nallıhan and Polatlı counties), Çukurova region (Adana-Cukurova, Mersin-Tarsus and Osmaniye-Kadirli counties) and Antalya (Korkuteli county) were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/FID and GC-MS/MS) for identification and quantification of volatile compounds. Ultrasound-assisted extraction method using methanol:ethyl acetate solvent mixture was used to isolate the volatile components of saffron. This study revealed that the amounts of the volatile and bioactive compounds of saffron veried between different geographical locations. The most important bioactive compounds of saffron, safranal, crocin and crocetin, were also quantitatively analyzed in all saffron samples. The highest amount of safranal and crocin were observed in Hatay yayladağı saffron with 22532.97 mg kg-1 and 647.26 mg/kg, respectively. The highest amount of crocetin was obtained with 6.73 mg/kg in Ankara Ayaş saffron. While Hatay kırıkhan saffron contained the highest fraction of fatty acid content with 23.56%, the highest fraction of bioactive components was discovered in Karabük safranbolu ovacuma saffron with 90.84%. According to the obtained outcomes, the highest qualities saffron were determined to be observed in Hatay yayladağı and Karabük safranbolu ovacuma saffron, respectively.

A comprehensive study to evaluate the wound healing potential of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fruit

Ethnopharmacological relevanceOkra fruit (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) has been extensively used for the treatment of skin damage and subcutaneous tissue abscess for many years in Turkish folk medicine. Aim of studyIn this study, we aimed to investigate the wound healing potential of okra fruit by in vitro and in vivo experimental models in detail. Furthermore, based on the results of experiments, a wound healing formulation was developed and its activity profile was studied. Materials and methodsFor this purpose, the phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents and chemical profile of aqueous and ethanolic extracts prepared from okra fruits cultivated in two different locations of Turkey, i.e. Aegean and Kilis regions, were comparatively determined and the tryptophan levels, which is known to be an influential factor in wound healing, were measured. Antioxidant activity of the okra fruit extracts was determined by DPPH test, ABTS radical scavenger activity, iron-binding capacity, total antioxidant capacity and copper reduction capacity assays. Moreover, antibacterial activity potentials of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of okra fruits were determined. The protective effect of the extracts against H2O2-induced oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory activity were assessed in HDF (human dermal fibroblast) cells and in RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, respectively. The biocompatibility of the gel formulations prepared with the best performing extract were evaluated by human Epiderm™ reconstituted skin irritation test model. Wound-healing activity was investigated in rats by in vivo excision model and, histopathological examination of tissues and gene expression levels of inflammation markers were also determined. ResultsAccording to our findings, the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of okra fruits were found to possess a rich in phenolic content. Besides, isoquercitrin was found to be a marker component in ethanolic extracts of okra fruits. Both extracts exhibited antioxidant activity with significant protective effect against H2O2-induced damage in HDF cells by diminishing the MDA level. Also, the highest dose of ethanolic extracts has displayed a potent anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. Besides, both water and ethanolic extracts were shown to possess antimicrobial activity. On the other hand, the formulations prepared from the extracts were found non-irritant on in vitro Epiderm™-SIT. In vivo excision assay showed that tissue TGF-β and IL-1β levels were significantly decreased by the 5% okra ethanolic gel formulation. The histopathological analysis also demonstrated that collagenisation and granulation tissue maturation were found higher in 5% (w/v) okra ethanolic extract-treated group. Conclusion5% of okra ethanolic extract might be suggested as a potent wound healing agent based on the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory tests. The proposed activity was also confirmed by the histopathological findings and gene expression analysis.

Investigation of the relationships between basic physical and mechanical properties and abrasion wear resistance of several natural building stones used in Turkey

From the past to the present, natural building stone has been used as construction materials in important buildings, architectural works, and civil engineering projects due to its characteristics, which include hardness, durability, decorative appearance, and easy shaping. Nevertheless, there are several significant properties such as abrasion resistance that limit its usability. Since natural stone wears over time, its abrasion wear resistance should be determined before use. One of the most widely used methods for testing to determine the abrasion resistance of natural stone is the Böhme abrasion test. However, this method has a number of disadvantages including sample preparation, labor, and difficult test procedures. Moreover, this testing device is not typically available in all laboratories or analysis centers. The aim of this study was to establish equations based on the basic physical and mechanical properties of natural building stone in order to estimate the abrasion wear resistance. Therefore, the relationships between the Böhme abrasion test results and the basic physical and mechanical properties such as porosity, percentage of water absorption by weight, dry unit weight, density, and uniaxial compressive strength of 22 different natural building stones, collected at different locations in Turkey, are analyzed statistically. Simple and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify the best relationships, and all the obtained equations were assigned correlation coefficient (R2) values. The results indicated that there are strong correlations between the Böhme abrasion test results and the basic physical properties of natural building stone, and a moderate relationship with uniaxial compressive strength.

Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Some Characteristic Features of People Recovered from COVID-19 in Turkey.

Background and objectives: The whole world is spending an extraordinary effort by implementing various measures to control and prevent the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of the preventive measures is greatly influenced by the public’s knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) towards the disease. In this study, KAP values and some characteristic features of people recovered from COVID-19 were determined by conducting a questionnaire survey. Materials and Methods: The questionnaire survey was conducted between 1 and 10 January 2021 on people who recovered from COVID-19 in a total of 150 different locations in Turkey. The questionnaire consisted of 46 questions: 14 for determining demographic and some characteristic features of the participants, and 32 for determining their knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The data obtained were evaluated using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: It was determined that 63% of the participants had at least one chronic illness, 3.9% suffered from the disease twice, and 45.2% changed their smoking habits. The average knowledge score of the participants about COVID-19 was calculated as 10.25 (SD = 2.37; range 0–15). The participants were found to have a high level of knowledge about the symptoms and prevention methods in general, and positive changes in post-illness attitudes and behaviors. However, there was a great instability regarding the drugs and vaccines used in the treatment of COVID-19. Conclusions: This was the first study carried out in Turkey to determine knowledge, attitudes, practices, and some characteristic features of people who recovered from COVID-19. It was suggested that health authorities in the country need to develop more effective strategies and policies to find out permanent solutions in order to control and prevent the COVID-19 pandemic by taking into account the concerns of the public, particularly with regards to the drugs used in the treatment and vaccination.