Süleyman Demirel University

The study compared the effects of hexane and 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) on oil yield, stability and bioactive compounds in fig, black cumin and rosehip oils. MeTHF increased oil yield in fig (11.7 %), black cumin (28.3 %) and rosehip (13.2 %). Solvent type did not change fatty acid and tocopherol composition and 18 fatty acids were identified. MeTHF increased number of phenolic compounds from 9 to 16 and amount of total tocopherol, phenolics, chlorophylls and carotenoids in oils. The antioxidant activity of oils was measured by CUPRAC and DPPH assays and MeTHF extracted oils had significantly higher antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stability test revealed that hexane-extracted oils peroxide value (PV) increased dramatically in fig (182.7 %) and rosehip (221.1 %) oils, while PV of MeTHF extracted oils was not significant in fig and rosehip oils. Black cumin oil was stable for both solvents. Results show that MeTHF is more efficient for obtaining oils with bioactive molecules to improve stability and quality.

Purpose Bonding refers to the development of an emotional relationship between a mother and her baby, which forms a strong and continuous bond that provides the baby with a sense of security and plays an important role in its mental well-being throughout life. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between cognitive distortions, attitudes towards motherhood and postpartum depression, which have not been studied before, as well as to elucidate their impact on the mother-infant bonding process. Patients and Methods The sample of the study was created between November 2018- June 2019 using the non-discriminatory multiplicity snowball sampling technique through social media. Women with infants aged 0–1 year residing in Turkey were asked to participate in the online survey. A sociodemographic data form, the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale, Attitudes Towards Motherhood Scale (AToM), Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), and Cognitive Distortions Scale (CDS) were applied to the sample via social media. Results The study sample consisted of 387 women with infants aged 0–1 years, and the rate of impairment bonding was found to be 11.4%. CDS, ATOM and depression scores were significantly higher in the impaired attached group (p < 0.05). The findings indicated that an individual with a psychiatric diagnosis was 2.653 times more likely to exhibit impaired bonding (OR: 2.653, 95% CI: [1.08–6.517]; p = 0.033), and those with a higher AToM score were 1.044 times more likely to display impaired bonding (OR: 1.044, 95% CI: [1.013–1.075]; p = 0.004). Conclusion The cognitive structure of the mother is associated with impaired mother-baby bonding. Eliminating the mentioned cognitive elements with psychotherapy interventions will be protective in terms of impaired bonding related to psychopathologies and/or interpersonal relationship problems.

This study presents the results of archaeometallurgical investigation of iron objects from the Sanctuary of Apollo in ancient Didyma, dating to the Archaic period (7th to the early 5th centuries BCE). The analysed precision work tools and semi-formed objects exhibit distinct material characteristics that differentiate them from other iron-steel artefacts of both small and large formats (weapons, implements, and architectural fittings) so far investigated in the Aegean. They were made of medium, high, and ultra-high carbon steel. Three objects belonging to this latter category consist of remarkably clean, homogeneous, and high-quality steel. After presenting the analytical results, this article discusses various explanatory models for the production of these objects and attempts to answer questions about the motivations for this innovation, highlighting their functional characteristics and context of production and consumption.

Objective We evaluated the effect of brushing motion on microcrack formation in round distal canals after using multi-file rotary(MFR), single-file rotary(SFR), and single-file reciprocation(SFRc) systems via micro-computed tomography(micro-CT). Materials and methods Thirty-six mandibular molars were used. Samples were allocated according to files and preparation patterns (n = 12); pecking (P) and brushing (B): Group-MFR-P, Group-MFR-B, Group-SFRc-P, Group-SFRc-B, Group-SFR-P, Group-SFR-B. MFR was ProTaper Next, SFR was TruNatomy, and SFRc was WaveOne Gold. Mesial and distal were prepared using pecking motion, and additional brushing motion. Brushing motions were performed after the pecking motions with 6 strokes. Pre-and-post-instrumentation scans were obtained. Wilcoxon, Krukal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney-U were performed. Results No differences were between pre-and-post-instrumentation scans (p > 0.05). Post-instrumentation microcracks were not different in Group MFR-P and Group MFR-B, Group SFRc-P and Group SFRc-B, Group SFR-P and Group SFR-B (p > 0.05). Conclusion The brushing motion followed by the pecking motion did not cause microcracks. None of the file systems examined in the study induced microcracks.

Health anxiety is frequently observed in university students in all segments of society. Health anxiety is also frequently encountered in health sciences students, who will play the most effective role in developing and protecting public health in the future. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the relationships between digital health literacy, distrust in health systems, and health anxiety and the effects of these two factors on health anxiety in students studying health sciences. The cross-sectional study population comprised students from the Health Sciences departments at Kutahya Health Sciences University during the 2024–2025 academic year. The study data were collected using a questionnaire form prepared online for the students studying in these departments. A total of 752 questionnaire forms were analyzed. The average age of the students who participated in the study was 21.42 ± 1.68 years, and 71% of the students were female. A total of 15.16% of the students were studying in the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and 97.47% of them accessed the Internet via mobile phones. According to the correlation analysis, there was a positive correlation between health anxiety and distrust in health systems and a negative correlation between health anxiety and digital health literacy. According to the multiple regression analysis results, digital health literacy and distrust in health systems explained 21.9% of the change in health anxiety. As a result, health anxiety decreases significantly as the level of digital health literacy increases. Therefore, it is recommended that students studying in these departments receive continuous education on digital health.

This study investigated the physical, chemical, and phenolic properties of watermelon peel powder (WPP), watermelon rind powder (WRP), and watermelon seed powder (WSP) derived from watermelon (Crimson sweet) by‐products (WBP). As these by‐products are typically discarded as waste, the aim was to enhance their added value and explore their potential as sustainable functional food additives. WSP has the largest particle size among the samples. The highest water holding capacity was observed in WRP (8.89%) and oil holding capacity in WPP (4.09%), while WSP had the lowest (6.69% and 2.06%). WRP exhibited better rehydration and solubility, whereas WSP had lower values. WSP contained higher protein and lipid levels (29.46% and 43.0%), while WPP and WRP had greater dietary fiber (78.55% and 48.66%). In terms of mineral matters, Mg and K were substantially greater in WBP than Fe and Na; furthermore, WRP had more K and Mg than the rest. The total phenolic content was determined to be 2855, 3330, and 4196.5 mg GAE/100 g for the WRP, WSP and WPP, respectively. The antioxidant activity as measured by IC50 values, varied between 44.42 (WPP) and 121.29 mg/mL (WRP). A total of 47 phenolic acids were characterised, with genistein being the most abundant compound identified at 10147.1 µg/kg throughout all three powders. In conclusion, these findings highlight the potential of WBP as a sustainable ingredient for the food industry, offering both high nutritional value and functional properties. By valorizing watermelon by‐products, this study contributes to waste reduction and supports the development of eco‐friendly, nutrient‐rich food formulations.

Nanoparticles (NPs) are well‐known biostimulants in plant biotechnology, utilised to enhance the physical properties of plants and exhibit positive effects on them. The important key role is the most suitable type, effective dose and size of NP to be used in plant tissue culture systems. In this study, various concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs; 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 μg L ⁻¹ ) were tested as elicitors in callus culture with the aim of enhancing secondary metabolite production in lemon balm ( Melissa officinalis L.). According to the results obtained, callus formation rates have shown an increase in all applications compared to the control group. The highest callus formation, weight and diameter were observed in 50 μg L ⁻¹ application. In this application, the callus structure was compact and its colour was green. However, the aromatic compounds, neral and geranial increased significantly in 25 μg L ⁻¹ application. The maximum increase in phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, proto‐catechic acid, hesperidin and p ‐coumaric acid was observed in the 75 μg L ⁻¹ AgNP and the highest increase in rosmarinic acid compound was determined in the 50 μg L ⁻¹ application. The study found that AgNP applications are an effective method for increasing the production of secondary metabolites in medicinal and aromatic plants, such as lemon balm, in vitro.

Anthropogenic litter pollution is recognized as a critical environmental issue by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), with factors like climate change and population growth intensifying the issue. This study aims to assess the abundance and pollution status of macro litter (> 3 cm) in two key freshwater basins in the Mediterranean region of Turkey: Lake Eğirdir and Lake Kovada. Macro litter sampling was conducted along the shorelines of both lakes, and pollution levels were measured using the Clean Coast Index (CCI), Clean Environment Index (CEI), and Cigarette Butt Pollution Index (CBPI). In total, 6688 litter items were collected from Lake Eğirdir, and 10,313 from Lake Kovada. Plastic and polystyrene materials dominated the litter composition in both lakes, with mixed packaging being the most common source. However, at the C2 station in Lake Kovada, domestic litter was the most abundant. According to the CCI, all stations except E5 were classified as “dirty-very dirty.” The CEI results showed that stations E1, E7, K1, C1, and C3 had similar pollution levels. Based on the CBPI, stations E1 and C3 were considered “polluted.” Given the potential volume and sources of plastic litter, it is crucial for the government to collaborate with local stakeholders, including farmers, fisheries, industries, hotels, and tourism operators along the shores of Lake Eğirdir and Lake Kovada. For instance, plastic bottles and bags, which are commonly discarded from hotels and recreational areas, represent a major source of pollution in both regions. This research represents the first study on anthropogenic litter in these freshwater ecosystems. The findings emphasize the need for immediate policy actions and effective waste management strategies to reduce macro litter pollution in these critical freshwater habitats of the Mediterranean region.

This study analyzes the dynamic relationships among economic growth, international tourism, renewable energy use, and carbon emissions in the member countries of the Central American Inter-American Integration System (SICA). Conducted using a panel dataset, it was found that economic growth and international tourism increased carbon emissions. On the other hand, it was found that renewable energy usage significantly reduced emissions. The study evaluates the environmental impacts of economic growth in the context of the environmental Kuznets curve and carbon intensity theory. The study also suggests that low-carbon and renewable energy-based tourism practices strengthen both environmental sustainability and long-term economic resilience within the scope of the Energy Transition Theory. In the study, a panel dataset consisting of 140 observations from SICA countries from 2001 to 2020 was used, and the feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) model was applied. As a result, the long-term relationships between the variables were verified with the help of panel cointegration tests. The findings reveal that holistic and long-term policy strategies based on the interaction of economic growth, renewable energy use, and the tourism sector should be developed in order to achieve sustainable development goals in SICA countries.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory liver injury can cause significant tissue damage and apoptosis. Homeopathic formulations such as Tarantula cubensis venom show potential in regulating inflammation. This study’s objective was to assess theranecron’s (THE) impact on inflammation and oxidative stress in a model of liver injury caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Wistar albino female rats were used in this investigation, and they were split up into four groups of eight each: Control, LPS, LPS+THE, and THE. Single-dose treatments were administered to the respective groups on the same day. Liver tissues were collected 6 h after LPS treatment for histopathological, immunohistochemical, biochemical, and genetic evaluations. Total antioxidant status (TAS) was lower, total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were higher, and the LPS group had higher levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and macrophage antigen-1 (CD11B). Significant liver damage was also seen in this group, as evidenced by elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and decreased albumin. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) were all found to be downregulated by gene expression analysis. However, THE therapy was shown to reverse all of these findings in the LPS+THE group. The THE group similarly maintained baseline levels of these markers and showed no adverse effects. In conclusion, Theranekron showed hepatoprotective effects in LPS-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation and regulating antioxidant gene expression, possibly through IL-6 and TNF-α.

Doxorubicin (DOX) and lapatinib (LAP) have been reported to cause liver toxicity. The roles of mitochondrial and cellular responses in DOX and LAP mediated-hepatotoxicity have not been investigated with or without quercetin (QUE) in HepG2 cells sensitive to mitochondrial damage (high-glucose or galactose media) in addition to in silico studies. Our results revealed that cytosolic pathways might play role a in DOX-induced cytotoxicity rather than mitochondria. QUE exacerbated DOX-induced ATP depletion in both environments. Our data also indicated that cytosolic and mitochondrial pathways might play a role in LAP-induced cytotoxicity. Incubating QUE with LAP increased ATP levels in high-glucose media. Therefore, QUE might have protective effect against LAP-induced cytotoxicity resulting from cytosolic pathways. The findings from in vitro experiments that QUE increased DOX or LAP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction were confirmed by the results from in silico studies indicating that QUE incubated with LAP or DOX might increase mitochondrial dysfunction.

This study carried out quantum chemical calculations and molecular modeling studies of five diimine‐dioxime molecules (1–5). The optimized molecular geometries, HOMOs–LUMOs and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) diagrams of the molecules were calculated at the DFT/B3LYP/6–311G(d,p) level of theory. The calculated global reactivity parameters revealed that the hardest and most stable molecule is 1 (η = 1.897 eV), while the softest and most chemically reactive molecule is 2 (S = 1.621 eV⁻¹). All compounds in silico ADMET and drug‐likeness parameters were generally within acceptable limits and all compounds except 3 were considered to have good oral bioavailability. Molecular docking studies were also performed using VEGFR2 (PDB ID: 2XIR) and EGFR (PDB ID: 1M17) proteins to predict the potential anticancer properties of the molecules. All binding energies obtained in molecular docking studies were between −7.8 and −9.7 kcal/mol. The behavior of the 2–2XIR complex with the best binding energy value of −9.7 kcal/mol under physiological conditions was performed by molecular dynamics (MD) simulation for 100 ns. The RMSD, RMSF, SASA, Rg, and hydrogen bonding parameters obtained by MD simulation confirmed the conformational stability of the 2–2XIR complex. All the results indicated that molecule 2 has the potential to contribute to studies on discovering new anticancer agents.

Because the air conditioning systems in hospital operating rooms, which are among the most difficult work environments in the healthcare sector, require a certain level of quality in the settings, their installation, operation, maintenance, and design have become an important part of engineering applications. The main functions of these systems are air distribution (air velocity, air flow patterns, flow direction), humidification, and filtering (removal of dust particles, bacteria, viruses, and fungi), and these functions serve to preserve the surgical macro and micro settings and provide the ideal conditions to prevent contamination. The factors that affect the design of ventilation systems in operating rooms include surgical lights, medical equipment, and personnel. Among these factors, thermal loads and the presence of obstacles are particularly important. The design of the air flow patterns in operating rooms is crucial for ensuring air quality and providing patients and surgical team members with a healthy environment. Some situations that affect the performance of ventilation systems in hospitals, especially operating rooms, may be listed as the number of employees, door openings and the associated rate of increase in particle concentrations in the environment, corridors, the frequency at which doors are opened and closed, as well as the air flow rate changing depending on this frequency, and operating room contaminations. In this study, particulate matter (PM) measurements were made for PM 0.3 , PM 0.5 , PM 1 , and PM 5 concentrations in Operating Room 19 at Akdeniz University Hospital, which is world-famous for face transplants, in Turkey, and these measurements were analyzed using the GIS (geographic information system) method and the ANSYS CFD (computational fluid dynamics) package program. The results were evaluated from an engineering perspective. Accordingly, it was determined that spatial maps of factors that affect indoor air quality, including temperature, humidity, PM, and VOC, could be produced using the GIS method, and the results could be evaluated better using a CFD package program. It is seen that PM distributions in an operating room could be evaluated from an engineering perspective using the GIS and CFD methods together. The unique aspect of the study is the fact that spatial distribution maps of PM reaching an operating table in an operating room were created, and different analysis techniques were used to investigate relevant parameters.

Today’s awareness of environmental pollution and the idea of creating a reuse area for waste is one of the trend topics. The base opinion, regarding the reuse of any material is that all resources are inherently limited in the world. In the ethical approach, it is a moral issue that people take responsibility for future generations to protect nature. Eggshells are one of the most used natural biomasses. And natural harmless eggshells deserve to be researched to reveal their potential. The aim of this study, blending the characterization processes with the research published until now, finding criteria for the unique structures and application capacities of eggshell species, ensures choosing the right type as biomass in the industry, and directing the eggshell usage to the appropriate applications and industries. In many industries, finding benchmarks of eggshell types in their unique structures and application capacity gives a clue to selecting the right type and directing the eggshells to a suitable place. In this study, different species of eggshell (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica, Anser Anser, Denizli Hen, Alectoris Chukar, and Struthio Camelus) were characterized by XRD, FTIR, AFM, Stereo Microscope, SEM, XRF, and TGA analysis. Calcined forms of eggshell samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, and XRF analysis. TGA analysis results are used as a precursor to determine the temperature of calcination (800–900°). XRD results show that the CaCO3 peak is 2Ɵ=29.58° for all eggshells. The reason why this peak is not observed after the calcination process is that the entire CaCO3 structure is converted to CaO. In FTIR results, the C-O stretching band which is observed at 1424 cm− 1 is the main characteristic band of selected eggshell species. When AFM images are examined, it is seen that the surface of small eggshells is rougher, while the surface of the eggshell becomes smoother as the egg size increases. SEM and stereo microscope images show that the shell thickness increases as the egg size increases.

This study was conducted to determine the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), anti-quorum sensing potential, and anticancer activity of extracts obtained from Berberis crataegina fruits by the maceration method. Moreover, the mode of action for the antioxidant activity was explored by molecular modeling. For this purpose, we performed DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC methods to measure the antioxidant ability of the extracts. The total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracts was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The cytotoxic activity of the crude extracts on the A549 lung cancer cell line was evaluated using the MTT assay. The TAC values of the extract were found to vary between 0.744 and 1.763 mmol TE/g-extract for FRAP, CUPRAC, and DPPH assays. The TPC of extract was determined as 80.76 mg GAE/g. Extract induced inhibition of virulence factors elastase and pyocyanine by 85.8% and 57%, respectively. Results provided evidence that the extracts exhibited significant cytotoxicity against A549 human lung cancer cells with an IC50 value of 215.99 μg/mL (p<0.05). Additionally, computational studies revealed that the major compounds of the extract, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, could bind to target enzymes and form stable complexes. These findings significantly promote the development and application of Berberis crataegina fruits.