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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12428/2205

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Prediction of the Number of Firearm Shots by Using Lucilia sericata (Diptera: Calliphoridae) Larvae with an Inductively Coupled Plasma -Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Technique
(American Entomological Society, 2025) Çil, Merve; Mercan, Selda; Çakan, Hüseyin
Inforensic entomology, researchers utilize insects to determine the time of death, cause and location. This firearm-related study focused on two main objectives. The primary aim was to evaluate the relationship between the number of shots and gunshot residue (GSR) concentrations detected in larvae feeding on firearm-shotmeat samples using Lucilia sericata (Meigen, 1826) (Diptera: Calliphoridae). We also aimed to investigate the effect of GSR on the weights and lengths of larvae during feeding with GSR-containing meat samples. A short-barreled gun and 9x19 mm Parabellumtype bullets were used to produce gunshot residue on meat samples. Twenty-four pieces of meat were classified into four groups including control samples (n=3) (GSR0; larval feeding without shot), GSR1 (n=7) (larval feeding with one shot), GSR2 (n=7) (larval feeding with two shots), and GSR3 (n=7) (larval feeding with three shots). Lucilia sericata eggs were put into the bullet holes and incubated at 28 degrees C temperature for 72 hours. After the incubation period, the third-instar larvae samples were collected, and 10 larvae samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry to detect Sb, Ba, and Pb concentrations. Data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) in R software. Comparative results showed 0.817, 0.854 and 0.886 correlation coefficients for Sb, Ba and Pb, respectively, and significant increases in Ba and Pb concentrations were detected in larvae, depending on the number of shots, while developmental changes on lengths and weights were insignificant except GSR3. Simultaneous detection of Sb, Ba and Pb in larvae found in a crime scene contributes to the interpretation of firearm cases by considering other uncertainties.
In Vivo Wound Healing and Immune Response Studies of Chitosan Cryogels With Invertebrate Model Organism Galleria mellonella
(Wiley, 2025) Ekici, Sema; Kaya, Serhat; Durucu, Gürkan
In the present study, it was aimed to prepare single and double network chitosan (Ch) cryogels cross-linked with glutaraldehyde (G), which can be recommended for use as model wound dressings and hemostatic agents, and to reveal in vivo studies with Galleria mellonella. An in vivo study about Ch cryogels with these larvae was not declared in the literature, so our study is the first of its kind. G. mellonella was used to determine the effects of cryogels on immunity, oxidative stress, and wound healing. Cinnamic acid (CA) was loaded onto the cryogels, and the percent cumulative release data of CA were found to be in the range of 69%-80%. The results show that loading of CA onto [Ch-3]cry cryogels considerably improved immune responses; the [Ch-3]cry-CA group was the most successful in terms of immunological response, oxidative stress balance, and wound healing. In accordance with the 3R principles of ethical animal research, the use of G. mellonella in this study served as a scientifically relevant and ethically responsible alternative model to mammals for preliminary assessment of wound healing potential and innate immune activation. The porous structures, high mechanical strengths, and rapidly swelling-deswelling abilities of [Ch-2@Ch]cry and [Ch-3]cry cryogels indicated that these may be suitable for biomedical applications. Analysis of SEM micrographs indicated that the morphology of dual network cryogels prepared in the form of interpenetrating polymeric networks (IPNs) was more regular and homodispersed with respect to single network cryogels. The compressive elasticity modulus (E) values of IPNs cryogels (0.160 N/mm) is approximately 4.6 times that of Ch cryogels with a single network (0.035 N/mm).
Age Structure, Growth, and Survival Rates of an Insular Population of Hemidactylus turcicus
(Wiley, 2025) Altunışık, Abdullah; Kurtul, Didem; Gül, Çiğdem; Boran, Begüm; Tosunoğlu, Murat
The Mediterranean house gecko, Hemidactylus turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758), a widespread nocturnal lizard, exhibits diverse life-history traits, yet its insular populations in Türkiye are underexplored. This study examines how Bozcaada's insular environment shapes the age structure, body size, growth rates, and sexual dimorphism of H. turcicus, providing a detailed demographic and morphometric baseline. We sampled 30 individuals (19 males, 11 females) from Bozcaada, Çanakkale, Türkiye, measuring snout-vent length (SVL), body mass, and additional traits (head length, width, height, forearm, and hind leg length). Age was determined via skeletochronology, counting phalangeal Lines of Arrested Growth (LAGs). Results show a maximum longevity of 7 years for males (mean: 4.26 ± 0.33) and 6 years for females (mean: 3.91 ± 0.41). SVL averaged 45.19 ± 1.59 mm for males and 43.51 ± 2.33 mm for females, with growth rates of 3.10 ± 1.03 mm/year (males) and 3.58 ± 1.24 mm/year (females), modeled using the von Bertalanffy equation. Sexual dimorphism was subtle (SDI = 0.04, male-biased), with no significant differences in morphometric traits between sexes. Survival rates were 0.78 for males and 0.76 for females, yielding adult life expectancies of 6.06 years (males) and 5.80 years (females), indicating a stable population. These findings suggest that Bozcaada's insular conditions, including limited resources and reduced predation, influence size, growth, and survival. This study establishes a novel profile of H. turcicus in an insular habitat, highlighting ecological adaptations and providing a foundation for future research and conservation strategies for this adaptable species.
From Wastewater to Worth: Eco-Friendly Nanoparticle Synthesis Based on Microalgae Cultivated in Industrial Wastewater
(Wiley-V C H Verlag Gmbh, 2025) Kayan, İremsu; Şenol Bahçeci, Dilek; Güleç, Neslihan; Dalgıç, Büşra; Ayman Öz, Nilgün
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized in this study through the utilization of microalgae (MA). The bioactive compounds included in microalgae make them natural antibacterial and antifungal agents. However, cultivating microalgae typically necessitates specialized medium, hence elevating expenses. Consequently, to lower costs, this study utilized industrial wastewater, specifically cheese whey wastewater (CWW). Therefore, a form of wastewater recycling has been accomplished, and a sustainable production process has been implemented. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using Nannochloropsis sp., a type of microalgae, by the green synthesis process. Silver nanoparticles (MA + AgNPs, CWW + MA + AgNPs) derived from microalgae cultivated in both pure and cheese whey media have been synthesized. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) measurement have been conducted to observe the production of silver nanoparticles. Their biological actions have been compared. The results indicate that silver nanoparticles derived from microalgae exhibit significant antibacterial activity (inhibition zones up to 17 mm and minimum inhibition concentration [MIC] values down to 31.25 mu g/mL). The characteristics of silver nanoparticles derived from microalgae that influence antioxidant activity and DNA damage have been effectively demonstrated. This study reveals the biotechnological potential of microalgae and the environmental advantages of utilizing wastewater. These in vitro findings show that microalgae-derived nanoparticles display wide-spectrum antimicrobial activity even at very low concentrations and when this is considered in terms of sustainable production process, the mentioned nanoparticles may be promising materials that can be used in future medical and industrial application.
A novel high-resolution melting (HRM)-based approach to differentiate ancient wheat species from common bread wheat via custom primer design
(Springer, 2025) Kemeç Hürkan, Yasemin; Uygur Göçer, Emine; Hürkan, Kaan
Ancient wheat species such as Triticum monococcum L. (einkorn), Triticum dicoccum Schrank. (emmer), and Triticum spelta L. (spelt) are attracting increasing attention for their nutritional qualities, environmental adaptability, and cultural importance. However, ensuring the authenticity of these heritage grains is critical to prevent adulteration with modern bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), which may compromise both market value and genetic conservation. In this study, we developed and validated a high-resolution melting (HRM) assay targeting polymorphic regions of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) locus to differentiate ancient wheat species from T. aestivum. Newly designed HRM-compatible primers generated distinct species-specific melt curve profiles, enabling reliable discrimination among the studied wheat species. The assay successfully detected admixtures containing as little as 0.2% (1/500 w/w) T. aestivum in ancient wheat flours. Principal component analysis (PCA) of HRM difference curve data enhanced resolution and revealed clear clustering patterns separating pure ancient wheat samples from adulterated ones. Additionally, ITS-based phylogenetic analysis confirmed the correct taxonomic placement of all tested species, reflecting their evolutionary relationships from diploid T. monococcum to tetraploid T. dicoccum and hexaploid T. spelta and T. aestivum. These findings demonstrate that ITS-HRM analysis offers a rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective molecular tool for authenticating ancient wheat products, supporting regulatory traceability, food labeling accuracy, and the conservation of agrobiodiversity.
The first results on phylogeography and genetic structure of Rana dalmatina (Amphibia: Ranidae) in Türkiye
(Springer, 2025) Erğül Kalaycı, Tuğba; Bülbül, Ufuk; Tosunoğlu, Murat
We still have limited knowledge concerning the phylogeography of amphibians and reptiles from the Anatolian Peninsula. We focused on Rana dalmatina and conducted phylogenetic analyses to reveal the phylogeography of this species based on the cytochrome oxidase subunit-I (COI, 531 bp) gene differentiation. Consistent with the literature, we found a very low genetic variation among R. dalmatina specimens from Türkiye, ranging from 0.000 to 0.009. Additionally, we identified a suitable time for diversification for specimens from Türkiye and certain parts of Europe. The specimens from Türkiye are separated from those of European members in the middle to late Pleistocene (680,000 to 1.06 million years ago). Age of divergence and the level of currently observed genetic diversity are not compatible with each other. A low level of nucleotide diversity and a high level of haplotype diversity support rapid colonisation with limited gene variability in R. dalmatina. Based on Bayesian inference and ML trees, the specimens from Greece were located in different branches. In contrast, all specimens from the other localities from Europe (Germany, Austria, and Slovakia) and Türkiye shared the same branch. Here, we present the first study to enlighten the genetic differentiation level, phylogeography, and phylogenetic relationship of R. dalmatina with a considerably wide range of specimens.
Integrated analysis of trophic structure and feeding dynamics of invasive Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896 in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon using stable isotopes and digestive enzyme activity
(Elsevier Science Ltd, 2025) Acar, Seçil; Ertürk Gürkan, Selin; Ateş, A. Suat; Yalçın Özdilek, Şükran
The objective of this study is to examine the invasive characteristics of the blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896) and its potential impact on lagoon ecosystems. A total of 90 individuals were collected from the & Ccedil;anakkale Strait. A comprehensive suite of analytical techniques was employed, encompassing stomach content analysis, stable isotope analysis, and digestive enzyme profiling. The resulting data set was then subjected to rigorous statistical and bioinformatic analysis, with a particular focus on elucidating its correlation with morphometric characteristics. Stomach content analysis revealed that algae (47.19 %) and fish (25.37 %) constituted the primary dietary components. Isotope data further confirmed the species' omnivorous feeding strategy, with Ruditapes decussatus emerging as a dominant dietary component in isotopic signatures, although it was not directly observed in stomach contents. Adult male specimens exhibited a propensity for carnivorous feeding behaviour, as evidenced by isotopic patterns, which may be indicative of vestiges of their pelagic larval phase. A dietary niche overlap was identified between C. sapidus and the native green crab (Carcinus aestuarii) in the lagoon, with the former exhibiting a broader niche width. Despite the limited sample size, these findings contribute valuable preliminary insights into the feeding ecology and ecological interactions of C. sapidus in Mediterranean transitional waters, highlighting its potential invasive impact.
Biometrics, growth, and age of European eel, Anguilla anguilla in the Lake Bafa, Türkiye
(Cambridge Univ Press, 2025) Partal, Nurbanu; Ayyıldız, Hakan; Balkan, Emine İnci; Yalçın Özdilek, Şükran
This study aims to determine the age and growth of Anguilla anguilla from Lake Bafa, Türkiye. A total of 128 samples of European eel were purchased from a small-scale fisherman who caught them in Lake Bafa in November 2016 and 2017, using 34-mm mesh size and 15-m-long fyke nets. The total length (TL) and total weight were measured, and the sex, age, and life stage were identified. The mean TL for females was 54.1 ± 10.1 (36.1–76.2) cm, and for males 43.6 ± 3.7 (35.7–47.8) cm. Yellow and silver eel mean TLs were 48.9 ± 6.6 (35.7–63.7) and 61.9 ± 10.8 (39.9–77.2) cm, respectively, and for pooled data 53.3 ± 10.3 (35.7–77.2) cm. The growth for pooled samples was positive allometric. The age of eels varied from 2 to 9 years. The Von Bertalanffy growth parameters for pooled specimens were determined as L∞ = 71.9 cm, K = 0.25, and t0 = −0.11. The sex ratio (M:F = 1:11.2) was biased in favour of females. It is inferred from this and other studies that eels in Türkiye have comparable length and age distributions in similar habitats.
Investigating the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of Vortioxetine with in vivo and in silico methods
(Nature Portfolio, 2025) Çiçekliyurt, Meliha Merve; İnan, Pınar; Günay, Melih; Akkuş, Gülsüm; Çiçekliyurt, Altuğ
Vortioxetine is a multimodal antidepressant with reported benefits on cognitive functioning, social functioning, and fatigue, however its potential genotoxic risks have not been adequately studied. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of vortioxetine in vivo and in silico. Genotoxic effects were assessed using Chromosome aberration (CA) and micronucleus (MN) assays in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocyte. Cytotoxicity was evaluated through Mitotic index (MI), and DNA interaction was analysed by UV titration and agarose gel electrophoresis. In silico analyses were performed with Attraction Cavities and AutoDock Vina methods. Experimental results demonstrate that vortioxetine binds to Calf Thymus DNA (CT-DNA) through intercalative interactions and cleaves pBR322 DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. DNA binding studies indicated that groove binding is the effective interaction between vortioxetine and CT-DNA (Kb: 6.25 × 105 M− 1). It was also supported by molecular docking results, where binding affinities of vortioxetine and escitalopram were − 7.29 and − 7.69 kcal/mol for Attracting Cavities and − 6.01 and − 6.57 kcal/mol for AutoDock Vina. When comparing vortioxetine to escitalopram, both drugs were found to be potentially genotoxic. These findings suggest a potential genotoxic risk with prolonged use and provide valuable insight for clinicians in evaluating long-term safety.
Hemocytes: Central drivers of antimicrobial peptide expression and immune proteins in both cellular and humoral responses of Galleria mellonella
(Wiley, 2025) Kaya, Serhat; Turgut Genç, Tülay; Günay, Melih
Insects have an effective innate immune system that includes both cellular and humoral responses for defense against pathogens. Antimicrobial peptides like gallerimycin and galiomycin, as well as immune proteins like hemolin, are the important effectors of the humoral immune response in Galleria mellonella L. (Lepidoptera:Pyralidae). Encapsulation, on the contrary, is one of the important cellular immune responses. This study investigated the tissue-specific expression of an immune effector in G. mellonella larvae after injection with Candida albicans (C.P. Robin) (Ascomycota: Debaryomycetaceae) and silica beads. The gene expression of gallerimycin, galiomycin, and hemolin was examined in total larvae, hemocytes, and fat bodies at 4 and 24 h following injection. Our findings indicate that hemocytes serve as the main site for AMP synthesis, especially after bead injection, implying a more effective immune recognition mechanism relative to pathogen injection. Furthermore, we detected higher hemolin expression in hemocytes than fat tissue, indicating its role in hemocyte-mediated immune responses. Encapsulation rates were also evaluated in bead-injected larvae. At 4 h post-injection, most beads were weakly encapsulated, whereas by 24 h, the majority were strongly encapsulated, reflecting a time-dependent maturation of the immune response. These results show that G. mellonella has a unique immune system, with hemocytes playing a key role in regulating AMP production and immune responses during infection. This study provides deeper insights into the molecular and cellular mechanisms of insect immunity, positioning G. mellonella as a valuable model for studying host-pathogen interactions.
Microbial Diversity in Olive Mill Wastewater: Insights, Implications, and Future Directions
(Pleiades Publishing Inc, 2025) Hacıoğlu Doğru, Nurcihan; Hürkan, K.; Karakaş, İlke
When olives are processed into olive oil, olive mill wastewater (OMW) is produced, containing water, olive pulp, skin, and other organic materials. Rich in polyphenols and lipids, this complex waste can pollute soil and water sources due to its high organic and toxic compound content, acidity, salinity levels, and unbalanced nutrients. In this study, we focused on revealing the microbial diversity and physicochemical properties of OMW and discussed biotechnological potential. In this study, some physicochemical parameters of the OMW samples obtained from five different olive oil production enterprises in Çanakkale province and microbial diversity were determined by metabarcoding method using V3/V4 regions of 16S rRNA. It was observed that all OMW samples were classified as much polluted water in terms of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, total nitrogen, total organic carbon, and oil and grease values. It was determined that the rates of oleuropein, an important phenolic component, varied between 7.1 mg/L—117 ± 7 mg/L, and the highest rate was obtained from station IV. When the biodiversity data of all stations were compared, it was revealed that the first five families represented by the highest number of genera and species were Enterobacteriaceae (Gammaproteobacteria), Lactobacillaceae (Firmicutes), Acetobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria), Erythrobacteraceae (Alphaproteobacteria) and Prevotellaceae (Bacteroidetes). While the obtained physicochemical parameters reveal the disadvantages of releasing OMW samples into the environment without treatment, the high microbial diversity percentages in all OMW samples show that OMW is an important source for comprehensive microbial biotechnology studies.
A new species of Aphis Linnaeus, 1758 (Hemiptera: Aphididae) from the northwestern Türkiye with a key to the species of the subgenus Bursaphis Baker, 1934
(Magnolia Press, 2024) Kök, Şahin; Karabacak, Ersin; Yaşar, İpek; Kasap, İsmail; Barjadze, Shalva
The new aphid species-Aphis (Bursaphis) kazdagensis sp. nov. living on Papaver pilosum subsp. strictum (Papaveraceae) in Çanakkale Province, Türkiye, is described based on the apterous viviparous females. Diagnosis of the subgenus Bursaphis with respect to other species is given. Aphis popovi Mordvilko, 1932 is transferred from the subgenus Aphis to the subgenus Bursaphis. An updated identification key for apterous viviparous females to all Bursaphis species is provided.
Health assessment of fan mussels in the southern part of the Sea of Marmara
(Natl Centre Marine Research, 2025) Karadurmuş, Uğur; Ertürk Gürkan, Selin; Gürkan, Mert; Künili, İbrahim Ender; Turgay, Emre; Sarı, Mustafa
The fan mussel (Pinna nobilis Linnaeus, 1758), a critically endangered species in the Mediterranean Sea, has experienced mass mortality events (MME) due to various pathogens, particularly the protozoan parasite Haplosporidium pinnae. Despite these challenges, the Sea of Marmara (SoM) still has significant populations of fan mussels, with no infection-related MME reported so far. This study aimed to assess the general health status of fan mussels in the SoM and understand the factors that contribute to their survival. The samples were collected on September 25, 2023, around the Kapıdağ Peninsula in the southern part of the SoM, a critical area for fan mussel populations, where a total of 20 live specimens were included in advanced laboratory analysis from four stations. Findings revealed that Haplosporidium and Mycobacterium species were present in P. nobilis across all stations, with higher oxidative stress indicators in the digestive gland tissues. Results also observed different life stages of Haplosporidium in the mantle and digestive gland. Molecular analyses revealed the presence of haplosporidian parasites, Perkinsus sp., and Mycobacterium sp. in some samples. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Haplosporidium isolates form a distinct clade separate from H. pinnae, suggesting they belong to a different species. The detected Haplosporidium species in the SoM displayed genetic differences from H. pinnae found in the Mediterranean Sea, potentially indicating a less virulent variant. This study raised the question of whether interactions between the detected Haplosporidium parasite and other pathogens or region-specific ecological characteristics were effective in the absence of a mass mortality in fan mussels in the SoM.
Determination of Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Atropa belladonna L.
(Kastamonu University, 2025) Sayım, Merve Ülkü; Pala, Ruveyde; Yaman, Cenker; Gül, Gizem; Benek, Atakan; Turu, Dilay; Bozyel, Mustafa Eray
Aim of study: Bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics have become one of the major challenges facing global healthcare systems. This study evaluates the antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of Atropa belladonna extracts against an extended variety of microbial strains, addressing the urgent need due to increasing resistance. Material and method: In this study, disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration testing, and DPPH antioxidant analyses were conducted on the Atropa belladonna plant. Main results: Using the ethanol extract, antimicrobial activity was tested against 26 bacterial and one yeast strain by disc diffusion, showing inhibitory effects on six microorganisms (four standard strains and two food isolates). MIC assays identified activity against Bacillus subtilis DSMZ 1971, Candida albicans DSMZ 1386, and Enterococcus durans. The DPPH assay demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity at 200 mg/mL concentration, reaching 71.34%. Research highlights: The study results emphasize the need to consider Atropa belladonna's antimicrobial and antioxidant capacities. Therefore, the study should be combined with various doses, strains, or methods.
Micropropagation and Acclimatization of Hypericum aucheri
(Mdpi, 2025) Cambaz, Ebru; Çördük, Nurşen
Hypericum aucheri is a Hypericum species distributed in T & uuml;rkiye as well as Greece and Bulgaria with notable pharmacological potential. Its medicinal importance underlines the need for effective propagation strategies. This study developed an in vitro micropropagation protocol using nodal explants cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different concentrations of cytokinins-6-benzylaminopurine (BAP) (0, 1, 2 mg L-1) or kinetin (KIN) (0, 1, 2 mg L-1)-combined with 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) (0, 0.5, 1 mg L-1) for shoot induction. The highest shoot induction and multiplication (100% and multiplication coefficient of 10.0) were achieved with KIN (2 mg L-1). Rooting was most successful on MS medium supplemented with alpha-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) (1 mg L-1) and activated charcoal (AC) (1 mg L-1), resulting in 100% rooting. Acclimatized plantlets showed an 80% survival rate under ex vitro conditions. This study presents the first efficient micropropagation system for H. aucheri, contributing to its ex situ conservation and providing a foundation for future pharmacological and biotechnological research.
IV. International Eurasian Mycology Congress (EMC’24) Book of Proceedings
(Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart Üniversitesi, 2024) Bican Süerdem, Tülay; Özcan Ateş, Gülçin; Demirel Zorba, Nükhet N.; Asan, Ahmet; Bican Süerdem, Tülay; Özcan Ateş, Gülçin; Demirel Zorba, Nükhet N.; Asan, Ahmet
[No Abstract Available]
Effects of Different Doses of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) on Pubertal Development and Hormones in Male Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus)
(Wiley, 2025) Balkan, Emine İnci; Kıral, İlke Ceren; Gündüz, Bülent
AIM:The effects of lavender, known for its calming effect, on the nervous system and reproductive system are being investigated. This study examines the development of male offspring exposed to different doses of lavender extract from the pregnancy period onwards. METHODS:Eight adult female and forty adult male offspring Syrian hamsters in a long photoperiod (16L) were assigned to four groups: the control group, the groups that received 50 mg/kg, the groups that received 100 mg/kg, and the groups that received 200 mg/kg lavender extract applied. Lavender extract was injected to the pregnant females in the experimental group during the last week of pregnancy and throughout the lactation period. From the 15th day after birth, male offspring were separated into groups of 5, with blood samples taken at midday and midnight. The doses were injected for 40 days. Weekly testis measurements were taken. Changes in serum leptin and testosterone hormones taken at the end of the experiment were determined. Testis histology was examined. RESULTS:The experimental groups showed no significant difference in leptin levels (p>0.05), although testosterone levels remained lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Testicular weights in the 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg groups were significantly lower than in the control group (p<0.05). Additionally, there was a decrease in Leydig cells and spermatogenesis in testicular histology in these groups. CONCLUSIONS:The physiological effects of plant extracts are not well studied, despite the fact that lavender is being used more and more in various fields. However, it is also known that higher dosages lower testosterone hormone levels and suppress the reproductive system in mature animals. This study evaluated the effects of various doses of lavender on the reproductive development of pubertal offspring from pregnancy onward, and for the first time, it was found to have negative impacts on development.
Discrepancies in the number of lines of arrested growth (LAG) in the tissues of the humerus and phalanx of sea turtles
(Springer Heidelberg, 2025) Sandık, Emre; Sönmez, Bektaş; Yalçın Özdilek, Şükran
Information on the age of vertebrate species such as sea turtles is crucial for planning management and conservation actions. The age of sea turtles has been estimated by skeletochronological analysis using skeletal growth marks in different bones. This study focused on the consistency of the number of visible lines of arrested growth (LAG) observed from the humerus and phalanx bone used for age estimation in Chelonia mydas and Caretta caretta. We collected 67 humeri and phalanges of C. mydas (n = 47) and C. caretta (n = 20) from Samanda & gbreve; beach, eastern Mediterranean in 2020-2022. LAG in the humerus and phalanx of the same individual were counted by two readers, and their consistency with each other was determined by percent agreement (PA), average percent error (APE), and coefficient of variation (CV). The significance of the difference between them was determined by the McNemar test. The mean number of visible LAG counted from the humerus is greater than the mean number of visible LAG counted from the phalanx, i.e., the humerus contains more growth marks than the phalanx. However, in individuals up to 15 LAG in C. mydas and 10 LAG in C. caretta, the mean number of visible LAG observed in both bone tissues is compatible. This was supported by the differences in the resorption rates calculated in both bones, indicating that the number of LAG lost due to resorption may also differ between these two bone types. It is recommended that the back calculation and/or correction factor applied for the humerus be avoided for the phalanx.
Investigation of the probiotic effects of Lactobacillus sakei 2-3 and Candida zeylanoides Y12-3 strains in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum 1792)
(Springer, 2025) Taha, Mohanad Dheyaa; Didinen, Behire Işıl; Yılmaz, Sevdan; Gürkan, Mert; Kenanoğlu, Osman Nezih
This study aimed to assess individual and combined effects of candidate probiotic strains C. zeylanoides Y12-3 and L. sakei 2-3 on growth, hematological parameters, serum immunological parameters, serum biochemistry, histopathology, histomorphology, expression of immune and antioxidant enzyme genes, and disease resistance against L. garvieae in rainbow trout. The fish were fed four different feeds (control, L. sakei 2-3, C. zeylanoides Y12-3, and L. sakei 2-3 + C. zeylanoides Y12-3) for 60 days. At the end of the experiment, growth parameters, serum glucose levels, serum lysozyme activity, and expression of immune and antioxidant enzyme genes were significantly increased in the probiotic groups. Additionally, triglyceride levels decreased in the probiotic groups compared to the control group, whereas serum ALT levels did not change. The villus width and the number of goblet cells increased in the proximal intestines of the fish in C. zeylanoides and L. sakei + C. zeylanoides groups. L. sakei 2-3 showed higher superoxide anion production, expression of immune genes (IgM, IL-B1, lysozyme, TNF-alpha, HSP70) in the kidney, antioxidant enzyme genes (GPX, GST, SOD) in the liver compared to C. zeylanoides. TNF-alpha, HSP70), and antioxidant enzyme genes (GPX, GST, SOD) compared to C. zeylanoides. L. sakei and the combination of L. sakei + C. zeylanoides provided resistance to L. garvieae compared to the control group. However, C. zeylanoides was similar to the other two probiotic groups regarding disease resistance against L. garvieae. However, histopathological examinations revealed reversible changes in the proximal intestine, anterior kidney, and liver of fish in the C. zeylanoides and L. sakei + C. zeylanoides groups. Hence, future studies are still required to explore the effects of shorter-term use of the C. zeylanoides strain in rainbow trout to prevent undesirable effects on tissues. In brief, the findings, as mentioned above, showed that L. sakei 2-3 and C. zeylanoides Y12-3 could be potential probiotic candidates for use in rainbow trout farming. Moreover, the probiotic effects of both strains on different fish species should also be studied.
Genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of polystyrene nanoplastics on human lymphocytes: A comprehensive analysis
(Elsevier, 2025) Berber, Ahmet Ali; Akıncı Kenanoğlu, Nihan; Demir, Şefika Nur; Aksoy, Hüseyin
A growing amount of plastic waste is finding its way into natural ecosystems as a result of the widespread usage of plastics in modern society. These wastes degrade physically and biologically over time, transforming into microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). MPs and NPs emissions from the terrestrial environment then mix with rivers and eventually the seas, forming garbage. The cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of 50 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (PsNP) on human lymphocytes were assessed using the in vitro mitotic index (MI), micronucleus (MN), and comet assays. Both 24 and 48-h applications were performed for MI, and it was determined that 50 nm PsNP provided a statistically significant decrease in MI compared to the control at all concentrations and application times (except 0.001 and 0.1 mu g/mL at 24 h). According to the MN test results, the MN frequency increased significantly at all concentrations when compared to the negative control. In the comet test, a statistically significant increase of comet tail length was observed at 0.001, 10 and 100 mu g/mL concentration with 50 nm PsNP exposure. Tail moment also showed a statistically significant increase at the lowest concentration of 0.001 mu g/mL and the highest concentration of 1, 10, 100 mu g/mL compared to the negative control. All test results show that PsNP has both genotoxic and cytotoxic potential.

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