Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma Amaçları

Yazarlar

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Global Financial Architecture Under Geopolitical, Financial and Policy Pressures: A Capacity-Pressure Index of Financial Resilience

    Kuzu, Mehmet; Kocaoglu, Fatih

    Financial resilience depends on both prevailing pressures and the resources available to maintain financial functions. This study proposes a Global Financial Resilience Index (GFRI) that combines selected structural indicators with the inverse of geopolitical, policy, and market pressures. The formal retrospective sample covers January 2000-June 2026; July-August extensions are reported separately. Fixed-reference standardisation and geometric aggregation produce a transparent capacity-pressure composite, not a measure of environmental, social or intergenerational sustainability. Fixed-basket comparisons retain some capacity improvement, but a balanced five-indicator panel covers only 20 economies and 12.4-16.0% of global GDP. Country selection and calibration alter the pandemic-era ranking. The OECD growth-cycle mean difference is -8.30 points with HAC(12) p = 0.055. Classification AUC is 0.658, with a 12-month block-bootstrap 95% interval of 0.468-0.821, and does not improve on matched stress benchmarks. The incremental explanatory power of industrial production is negligible. Weight simulations and publication-lag tests reveal uncertainty in material construction. The index offers a reproducible description of selected capacity and pressure conditions; the evidence does not support operational policy bands, superior crisis prediction or comprehensive sustainability claims.

  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Seasonal and Meteorological Variability of Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) in the Semi-Urban Atmosphere of Bayburt: An Integrated Assessment Based on OpenAir, PCA, and HYSPLIT

    Paloluoglu, Cihan; Akmese Tarlan, Yasemin; Bayar, Serkan

    In this study, atmospheric Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSP) concentrations in a semi-urban area of Bayburt Province were evaluated in terms of seasonal variation, temporal behavior with meteorological factors, and air-mass transport characteristics. TSP sampling was conducted using the active sampling method over 118 days during the cold and warm-seasons sampling campaign of 2022. A high-volume air sampler (HVAS) and glass fiber filters (GFFs) were used, and TSP concentrations were determined gravimetrically. The mean TSP concentration was 29.13 +/- 29.39 & micro;g/m(3) in cold-season sampling campaign and 43.69 +/- 27.62 & micro;g/m(3) in warm-season sampling campaign. According to standard tests, the seasonal difference was nominally statistically significant (p < 0.05; Cohen's d approximate to 0.51; Cliff's delta approximate to 0.38). However, this significance did not persist after adjusting for serial autocorrelation in the AR(1) model (p = 0.151). However, this comparison should be interpreted not as validated seasonal climatological data, but as a comparison between intermittent sampling studies conducted within a single calendar year. This is because the transition period from spring to summer was not included in the sampling, and the studies were not repeated from year to year. OpenAir analyses showed that high TSP concentrations were particularly associated with easterly and southerly airflows. No clear weekday/weekend difference was observed, although episodic increases occurred on several days. The first two principal components explained 77.8% of the total variance, while the high TSP loading on PC3 indicated complementary variability. NOAA-HYSPLIT backward air-mass trajectory analyses indicated regional transport pathways in most high-TSP episodes, whereas local atmospheric stagnation was prominent in one episode. Overall, the findings show that TSP variability in semi-urban areas should be evaluated together with seasonal-meteorological variability, potential local emission effects, and regional air-mass transport.

    • SDG 13 · İklim Eylemi
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Effect of Perioperative Supplementation with Arginine and Omega-3 on Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Cancer Surgery: A Pilot Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial

    Sakhri, Saida; Othman, Rym Ben; Jerbi, Chaima; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Naija, Lamia; Zemni, Ines; Jamoussi, Henda; Dhiab, Tarek Ben; Ceylan, Nagihan Burcak; Stefanica, Valentina

    Background: Perioperative immunonutrition, including arginine and omega-3 fatty acids, has been proposed to support postoperative recovery by modulating immune function. Aim: To evaluate the effects of perioperative arginine and omega-3 supplementation on postoperative infectious complications, mortality, hospital length of stay, intensive care unit duration, and inflammatory markers in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Methods: In this Pilot Open-Label randomized trial, 35 adult patients scheduled for elective gastrointestinal cancer surgery at Salah Azaiez Institute were randomly assigned to receive either perioperative immunonutrition (n = 18; three daily capsules of omega-3 and one sachet of Arginine+ for 7 days preoperatively and 7 days postoperatively) or standard care (n = 17). Primary endpoints were postoperative infectious complications and 1-month mortality. Secondary endpoints included hospital length of stay, ICU duration, and postoperative biochemical markers. Results: No statistically significant differences were observed between groups in 1-month mortality (p = 0.324), hospital length of stay (median 7 vs. 7 days, p = 0.392), or ICU duration (median 5 vs. 6 days, p = 0.601). Urinary tract infection (5.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.939) and wound infection rates (5.9% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.581) were comparable. Importantly, postoperative C-reactive protein and other inflammatory markers did not differ significantly between groups (CRP: 165 vs. 175 mg/L; intergroup p = 0.798). Conclusions: In this trial, perioperative immunonutrition with arginine and omega-3 fatty acids did not improve postoperative clinical outcomes or inflammatory markers in patients undergoing gastrointestinal cancer surgery. At the administered dose and within a small, heterogeneous cohort, immunonutrition did not provide additional benefit beyond standard care. Larger, adequately powered multicenter trials with optimized dosing are required to clarify its role in gastrointestinal oncology.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus3WoS2OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    Acute Caffeine Ingestion, Calendar-Based Menstrual-Cycle Window, Time of Day, and Match-Induced Fatigue Independently and Interactively Influence Psychophysiological, Cognitive, and Physical Performance in Elite Female Volleyball Players: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Crossover Design Study

    Seddik, Meher; Dhahbi, Wissem; Bessifi, Manel; Moussa-Chamari, Imen; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Ceylan, Nagihan Burcak; Muntean, Raul Ioan; Cular, Drazen; Souissi, Nizar

    Aim: Female athletic performance is shaped by the convergence of menstrual-cycle timing, circadian rhythms, fatigue, and ergogenic supplementation; yet no prior study has examined these factors simultaneously in a sport-specific setting. This study investigated the independent and combined effects of acute caffeine ingestion, calendar-based testing window, time of day, and match-induced fatigue on psychophysiological, cognitive, and physical performance in trained female volleyball players. Methods: Thirteen elite eumenorrheic female volleyball players (age: 24.23 +/- 4.06 years) completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover protocol comprising 12 sessions corresponding to all combinations of testing window (menstrual, follicular, luteal), supplementation (caffeine 6 mg & centerdot;kg(-1) vs. placebo), and time of day (08:00 h vs. 18:00 h). Assessments included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Spiegel questionnaire, Profile of Mood States, Hooper Index, Stroop task, Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Modified Agility T-Test (MAT), and Reactive Agility Test (RAT), administered before and after a one-hour simulated match. Results: Significant main effects of testing window, caffeine, time of day, and fatigue state were observed across all outcome domains (all p < 0.05). Caffeine reduced daytime sleepiness (F(1,12) = 23.84, p < 0.001, eta p(2) = 0.665), enhanced vigor (F(1,12) = 114.10, p < 0.001, eta p(2) = 0.905), and improved MAT performance (F(1,12) = 33.27, p < 0.001, eta p(2) = 0.735). The follicular window was associated with superior cognitive, neuromuscular, and mood-related outcomes relative to the menstrual and luteal windows. Exploratory higher-order interactions suggested condition-specific caffeine benefits for MAT, RAT, and CMJ, particularly in afternoon post-fatigue conditions; these patterns require replication in larger samples. Conclusions: Acute caffeine ingestion improved several psychophysiological, cognitive, and neuromuscular outcomes in trained female volleyball players, with effects that varied across calendar-based testing windows, time of day, and fatigue state. Individualized supplementation strategies incorporating cycle timing and circadian context remain investigational; prescriptive recommendations require replication in larger, hormonally verified samples before clinical or applied adoption.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus1WoS1OpenAlex2
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2026Scopus SJRQ1
    High Prevalence of Malnutrition and Sarcopenia with Inadequate Nutritional Support in Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Prospective Observational Study of Clinical Outcomes

    Ben Othman, Rym; Cherni, Asma; Dergaa, Ismail; Ceylan, Halil Ibrahim; Ceylan, Nagihan Burcak; Stefanica, Valentina; Sedghiani, Ines; Borsali, Nebiha; Jamoussi, Henda

    Background: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in intensive care settings and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the association between nutritional care, nutritional status, and patient outcomes in intensive care units. Methods: This prospective observational study at a Tunisian tertiary hospital investigated nutritional status and management of 100 intensive care unit patients, each of whom was followed for seven days after ICU admission. Malnutrition Risk was assessed by NUTRIC and MNA scores. The severity of disease was assessed using the APACHE II and SOFA scores. Malnutrition was diagnosed using body mass index and weight loss. Sarcopenia was assessed through grip strength, calf circumference, and psoas muscle area. Nutritional management was evaluated using calculations of caloric and protein intake. Clinical outcomes included the need for intubation, difficulty with oxygen weaning, healthcare-associated infections, and the development of pressure ulcers. Results: The participants had a mean age of 54.85 +/- 17.25 years, with a slight male predominance (53 males, 47 females). Pre-existing metabolic conditions affected 80% of patients, including hypertension (40 patients), diabetes (36), and obesity (18). The primary reasons for admission were respiratory disorders (25%), infectious diseases (23%), and metabolic disorders (16%). The mean APACHE II score was 15.91 +/- 6.84, and the mean NUTRIC score was 3 +/- 1.66; 27% were classified as at high risk of malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition reached 50% (28% moderate, 22% severe). Only 31% received adequate caloric intake, while 84% had insufficient protein intake. Malnourished patients required intubation more frequently (50% versus 22.5%; p = 0.014), experienced greater difficulty with oxygen weaning (78.4% versus 48.6%; p = 0.008), and developed pressure ulcers more often (43.5% versus 6%; p < 0.001). Sarcopenic patients showed similar patterns for intubation (51.4% versus 18.9%, p = 0.003), oxygen weaning difficulty (77.5% versus 46.9%, p = 0.007), and pressure ulcers (39.2% versus 6.7%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in intensive care patients and are associated with severe complications, including prolonged mechanical ventilation and pressure ulcer development. Inadequate nutritional support remains common despite known consequences. Early comprehensive nutritional assessment and appropriate management from admission are essential to improve outcomes in critically ill patients.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus2WoS1OpenAlex3
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2025Scopus SJRQ1
    Characterizations and In Vitro Gut Microbiome Modulatory Effects of Gluco-Oligosaccharides Synthesized by the Acceptor Reactions of Glucansucrase 53

    Bayaman, Rabia Yusra; Alkay, Zuhal; Ispirli, Humeyra; Arioglu-Tuncil, Seda; Dere, Sevda; Can, Hasan; Gonzales, Miguel Angel Alvarez; Sagdic, Osman; Lindemann, Stephen R.; Tuncil, Yunus Emre

    The production of novel oligosaccharides with potential prebiotic effects is of interest to expand the current market and explore the effectiveness of new functional carbohydrate forms. The utilization of glucansucrases is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly biotechnological strategy for producing novel gluco-oligosaccharides through acceptor reactions. In this study, an active glucansucrase (GS53) was used to produce gluco-oligosaccharides via its acceptor reactions with glucose, maltose, and maltotriose, and these oligosaccharides were tested in terms of structure and their gut microbiome modulatory effects. The formations of oligosaccharides were monitored by TLC analysis, and GS53 was active for the three acceptors but not for the other sugars tested. The structural characterization of the gluco-oligosaccharides by 1H NMR analysis revealed the glycosylation of each acceptor with alpha-(1 -> 3) and alpha-(1 -> 6) linkages, whereas LC-MS analysis demonstrated the formations of DP 8, DP 7, and DP 6 oligosaccharides with acceptors maltose, maltotriose, and glucose, respectively. In vitro fecal fermentation analysis, in which microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and microbial compositional changes were assessed using gas chromatography and 16S rRNA sequencing, respectively, demonstrated that the gluco-oligosaccharides formed SCFAs-particularly propionate and butyrate-at levels comparable to those observed with inulin, a well-established prebiotic. Additionally, the gluco-oligosaccharides were found to promote the growth of Bifidobacterium adolescentis and Blautia OTUs, which are known to have important physiological functions beneficial to human health. Overall, these results demonstrate that gluco-oligosaccharides synthesized using GS53 through acceptor reactions exhibit prebiotic potentials and could be utilized in the future as dietary supplements as well as in the development of functional foods targeting colonic health.

    AtıfScopus3WoS3OpenAlex3
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleYayıncıda açık erişim2024Scopus SJRQ2
    The ARK2N (C18ORF25) Genetic Variant Is Associated with Muscle Fiber Size and Strength Athlete Status

    Çigirtas, Rukiye; Bulgay, Celal; Kazan, Hasan Hueseyin; Akman, Onur; Sporis, Goran; John, George; Yusupov, Rinat A.; Sultanov, Rinat I.; Zhelankin, Andrey V.; Semenova, Ekaterina A.

    Background: Data on the genetic factors contributing to inter-individual variability in muscle fiber size are limited. Recent research has demonstrated that mice lacking the Arkadia (RNF111) N-terminal-like PKA signaling regulator 2N (Ark2n; also known as C18orf25) gene exhibit reduced muscle fiber size, contraction force, and exercise capacity, along with defects in calcium handling within fast-twitch muscle fibers. However, the role of the ARK2N gene in human muscle physiology, and particularly in athletic populations, remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was threefold: (a) to compare ARK2N gene expression between power and endurance athletes; (b) to analyze the relationship between ARK2N gene expression and muscle fiber composition; and (c) to investigate the association between the functional variant of the ARK2N gene, muscle fiber size, and sport-related phenotypes. Results: We found that ARK2N gene expression was significantly higher in power athletes compared to endurance athletes (p = 0.042) and was positively associated with the proportion of oxidative fast-twitch (type IIA) muscle fibers in untrained subjects (p = 0.017, adjusted for age and sex). Additionally, we observed that the ARK2N rs6507691 T allele, which predicts high ARK2N gene expression (p = 3.8 x 10-12), was associated with a greater cross-sectional area of fast-twitch muscle fibers in strength athletes (p = 0.015) and was over-represented in world-class strength athletes (38.6%; OR = 2.2, p = 0.023) and wrestlers (33.8%; OR = 1.8, p = 0.044) compared to controls (22.0%). Conclusions: In conclusion, ARK2N appears to be a gene specific to oxidative fast-twitch myofibers, with its functional variant being associated with muscle fiber size and strength-athlete status.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus8WoS7OpenAlex8
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ1
    The Phenolic Profile and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ethanolic Extract of Polish Propolis on Activated Human Gingival Fibroblasts-1 Cell Line

    Kurek-Górecka, Anna; Klósek, Malgorzata; Pietsz, Grazyna; Czuba, Zenon P.; Kolayli, Sevgi; Can, Zehra; Balwierz, Radoslaw; Olczyk, Pawel

    Propolis, owing to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, acts as a cariostatic agent, capable of preventing the accumulation of dental plaque and inhibiting inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of propolis are attributed to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), which is present in European propolis. The objective of the conducted study was to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of the Polish ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) and isolated CAPE on stimulated with LPS and IFN-alpha, as well as the combination of LPS and IFN-alpha. The cytotoxicity of the tested compounds was determined using the MTT assay. The concentrations of specific cytokines released by the HGF-1 cell line following treatment with EEP (25-50 mu g/mL) or CAPE (25-50 mu g/mL) were assessed in the culture supernatant. In the tested concentrations, both CAPE and EEP did not exert cytotoxic effects. Our results demonstrate that CAPE reduces TNF-alpha and IL-6 in contrast to EEP. Propolis seems effective in stimulating HGF-1 to release IL-6 and IL-8. A statistically significant difference was observed for IL-8 in HGF-1 stimulated by LPS+IFN-alpha and treated EEP at a concentration of 50 mu g/mL (p = 0.021201). Moreover, we observed that CAPE demonstrates a stronger interaction with IL-8 compared to EEP, especially when CAPE was administered at a concentration of 50 mu g/mL after LPS + IFN-alpha stimulation (p = 0.0005). Analysis of the phenolic profile performed by high-performance liquid chromatography allowed identification and quantification in the EEP sample of six phenolic acids, five flavonoids, and one aromatic ester-CAPE. Propolis and its compound-CAPE-exhibit immunomodulatory properties that influence the inflammatory process. Further studies may contribute to explaining the immunomodulatory action of EEP and CAPE and bring comprehensive conclusions.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfWoS17OpenAlex19
    Web of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ1
    Catecholaminergic and Cholinergic Systems Mediate Beneficial Effect of Vortioxetine on Diabetes-Induced Neuropathic Pain

    Turan Yücel, Nazlı; Kandemir, Ümmühan; Üçel, Umut İrfan; Demir Özkay, Ümide; Can, Özgür Devrim

    The therapeutic potential of vortioxetine on mechanical hyperalgesia/allodynia was investigated in rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes, and its possible mechanism of action was elucidated in this study. The obtained findings demonstrated that subacute vortioxetine treatment (5 and 10 mg/kg for 2 weeks) increased the reduced paw-withdrawal thresholds of diabetic rats both in the Randall–Selitto and Dynamic plantar tests. Moreover, the falling latencies of animals did not change in the Rota-rod assessments. These results suggest that vortioxetine administration significantly improved diabetes-induced hyperalgesia and allodynia responses in the rats without affecting their motor coordination. The vortioxetine (5 mg/kg)-induced antihyperalgesic and antiallodynic effects were reversed by AMPT, yohimbine, ICI 118,551, sulpiride and atropine pre-treatments, suggesting the involvement of the catecholaminergic system, α2- and β2-adrenoceptors, D2/3 dopaminergic receptors and cholinergic muscarinic receptors in the exhibited pharmacological activity, respectively. Moreover, the data from the immunohistochemical studies indicated that the inhibition of c-Fos overexpression in dorsal horn neurons also mediates the beneficial effect of this drug. Vortioxetine induced no difference in plasma glucose levels in diabetic rats. If clinical studies confirm these findings, the concomitant beneficial effect of vortioxetine on mood disorders and its neutral activity profile on glycemic control may make it an alternative drug for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus6WoS4OpenAlex6
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ1
    Evaluation of Groundwater Vulnerability in the Upper Kelkit Valley (Northeastern Turkey) Using DRASTIC and AHP-DRASTICLu Models

    Yıldırım, Ümit

    This study aimed to investigate groundwater vulnerability to pollution in the Upper Kelkit Valley (NE Turkey). For this purpose, vulnerability index maps were created using the generic DRASTIC and AHP-DRASTICLu models. The latter model was suggested by adding a parameter to the DRASTIC model and weighting its parameters with the analytical hierarchy process with the GIS technique. The results showed that areas with high and very high vulnerabilities are concentrated around the Kelkit Stream, which flows from east to west in the central part of the study area. In contrast, areas with low and very low vulnerability classes are located in the northern and southern parts of the study area. To validate the model results, a physicochemical characterization of groundwater samples and their corresponding vulnerability index values were statistically compared using the Spearman correlation method. In addition, the single-parameter sensitivity method was applied to analyze the models’ sensitivities. Results revealed a stronger correlation between the vulnerability index values of the AHP-DRASTICLu model (compared to the DRASTIC model) in terms of sulfate (R2 = 0.75) and chloride (R2 = 0.76), while there was a slightly weaker correlation for the electrical conductivity (R2 = 0.65) values of the groundwater samples. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the vadose zone, aquifer media, and land use are the most influential parameters responsible for the highest variation in the vulnerability index. Generally speaking, the results indicated that the AHP-DRASTICLu model performs better than the DRASTIC model for investigating groundwater vulnerability to pollution in the Upper Kelkit Valley.

    • SDG 6 · Temiz Su ve Sanitasyon
    AtıfScopus9WoS5OpenAlex9
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ2
    Cheaper, Wide-Band, Ultra-Thin, and Multi-Purpose Single-Layer Metasurface Polarization Converter Design for C-, X-, and Ku-Band Applications

    Kaya, Yunus

    This article presents the design of wide-band, ultra-thin, and multi-purpose polarization converter utilizing metasurface for C-, X-, and Ku-band applications. Having a topology on a FR-4 substrate with metasurface metallic patterns on the front and an all-metallic surface finish on the back, the unit cell of converter design has symmetry in the (Formula presented.) plane with unique features of having both linear polarization (LP) and circular polarization (CP) property. While the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) of converter in normal incidence case is more than 90% in three different frequency bands of 6.46–6.78 GHz, 10.52–11.85 GHz, and 16.49–17.37 GHz, it shows linear-to-linear polarization feature and a linear-to-circular polarization feature with left-handed circular polarization (LHCP) for the frequency range between 7.28 and 9.40 GHz and right-handed circular polarization (RHCP) for the frequency range between 13.38 and 15.19 GHz. It is also seen that the converter has a PCR value of around 90% for oblique incidence case with incidence angles up to 45 (Formula presented.). Extensive simulations have been conducted to prove the performance of suggested converter with the aid of a commercially-available simulation platform, called CST Microwave Studio. The advantages of suggested polarization converter are low-cost, wide-band, ultra-thin, and having both LP and CP conversion in C-, X-, and Ku-bands.

    AtıfScopus13WoS10OpenAlex15
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ2
    Characterization of Bee Bread Produced with Defined Starter Cultures Mimicking the Natural Fermentation Process

    Poyraz, Fatmanur; Yalmanci, Dilara; İspirli, Hümeyra; Dertli, Enes

    Bee bread is a product with unique properties for humans and bees that is produced through the fermentation of pollen in the honeycomb, mainly caused by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast strains present in the environment. It is a rich source of nutrients such as proteins, polyphenols and vitamins. Despite the potential nutritional value of bee bread, it is consumed at low levels, as harvesting bee bread from the hives is costly and difficult. This study aimed to produce a standard bee bread by using different strains of the fructophilic lactic acid bacteria (FLAB) Lactobacillus kunkeei and the yeasts Starmeralla magnolia MP-2 and Zygosaccharomyces siamensis MP-14, previously isolated from bee products. In this context, bee bread was produced from pollen by solid-state fermentation using selected FLAB and yeast species, which were then compared with spontaneously developed and commercially available bee bread in terms of microbial stability, physicochemical properties, total phenolic component amounts, in vitro digestibility and amino acid profiles. As a result, it was determined that bee bread made from bee pollen fermented with starter cultures showed improved characteristics than commercial bee bread and was more advantageous in terms of absorption as well as production processes.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    AtıfScopus19WoS17OpenAlex18
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ1
    Green Synthesis, Characterization, Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Enzyme Inhibition Effects of Chestnut (Castanea sativa) Honey-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles

    Keskin, Merve; Kaya, Gülşen; Bayram, Sinan; Kurek-Górecka, Anna; Olczyk, Paweł

    In this study, chestnut honey-based silver nanoparticles (CH-AgNPs) were synthesized at different temperatures (30, 60 and 90 °C) and these nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques such as UV–vis spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The DPPH free radical scavenging assay was used to determine the antioxidant activity of the obtained nanoparticles. The inhibition effects of these nanoparticles for some clinically important enzymes such as myeloperoxidase and collagenase were investigated. In addition, the disk diffusion method (DDM), agar well diffusion (AWD), and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) techniques were used to determine the antibacterial activity of CH-AgNPs. In honey-based silver nanoparticle production processes using green synthesis, it was determined that the nanoparticle sizes decreased from 55 to 27 nm with an increase in temperature. In addition, it was determined that the rate of inhibition of myeloperoxidase (36.4% to 34.0%) and collagenase enzymes (74.2% to 68.7%) increased with a decrease in particle size. As a result of the antibacterial activity tests, it was observed that CH-AgNPs have antibacterial activity against all target pathogens including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The obtained results show that CH-AgNPs produced using chestnut honey have the potential to be used in fields such as medicine, pharmacy and cosmetic technology.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus48WoS41OpenAlex42
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ2
    Exome-Wide Association Study of Competitive Performance in Elite Athletes

    Bulgay, Celal; Kasakolu, Anil; Kazan, Hasan Hueseyin; Mijaica, Raluca; Zorba, Erdal; Akman, Onur; Bayraktar, Isik; Ekmekci, Ridvan; Koncagul, Seyrani; Ulucan, Korkut

    The aim of the study was to identify genetic variants associated with personal best scores in Turkish track and field athletes and to compare allelic frequencies between sprint/power and endurance athletes and controls using a whole-exome sequencing (WES) approach, followed by replication studies in independent cohorts. The discovery phase involved 60 elite Turkish athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 ethnically matched controls. The replication phase involved 1132 individuals (115 elite Russian sprinters, 373 elite Russian endurance athletes (of which 75 athletes were with VO2max measurements), 209 controls, 148 Russian and 287 Finnish individuals with muscle fiber composition and cross-sectional area (CSA) data). None of the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) reached an exome-wide significance level (p < 2.3 x 10(-7)) in genotype-phenotype and case-control studies of Turkish athletes. However, of the 53 nominally (p < 0.05) associated SNPs, four functional variants were replicated. The SIRT1 rs41299232 G allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish (p = 0.047) and Russian (p = 0.018) endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes and was associated with increased VO2max (p = 0.037) and a greater proportion of slow-twitch muscle fibers (p = 0.035). The NUP210 rs2280084 A allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish (p = 0.044) and Russian (p = 0.012) endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes. The TRPM2 rs1785440 G allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish endurance athletes compared to sprint/power athletes (p = 0.034) and was associated with increased VO2max (p = 0.008). The AGRN rs4074992 C allele was significantly over-represented in Turkish sprint/power athletes compared to endurance athletes (p = 0.037) and was associated with a greater CSA of fast-twitch muscle fibers (p = 0.024). In conclusion, we present the first WES study of athletes showing that this approach can be used to identify novel genetic markers associated with exercise- and sport-related phenotypes.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus20WoS23OpenAlex27
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ2
    Evaluation of the Association of VDR rs2228570 Polymorphism with Elite Track and Field Athletes' Competitive Performance

    Bulgay, Celal; Bayraktar, Isik; Kazan, Hasan Huseyin; Yildirim, Damla Selin; Zorba, Erdal; Akman, Onur; Ergun, Mehmet Ali; Cerit, Mesut; Ulucan, Korkut; Eken, Ozgur

    The present study aimed to examine the vitamin D receptor (VDR), rs2228570 polymorphism, and its effect on elite athletes' performance. A total of 60 elite athletes (31 sprint/power and 29 endurance) and 20 control/ physically inactive, aged 18-35, voluntarily participated in the study. The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) score scale was used to determine the performance levels of the athletes' personal best (PB). Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed by the genomic DNA isolated from the peripheral blood of the participants. Sports type, sex, and competitive performance were chosen as the parameters to compare within and between the groups by linear regression models. The results showed no statistically significant difference between the CC, TC, and TT genotypes within and between the groups (p > 0.05). Additionally, our results underlined that there were no statistically significant differences for the association of rs2228570 polymorphism with PBs within the groups of the (p > 0.05) athletes. The genetic profile in the selected gene was similar in elite endurance, sprint athletes, and in controls, suggesting that rs2228570 polymorphism does not determine competitive performance in the analyzed athlete cohort.

    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus11WoS10OpenAlex15
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2023Scopus SJRQ1
    Reproductive Effects of S. boulardii on Sub-Chronic Acetamiprid and Imidacloprid Toxicity in Male Rats

    Sevim, Cigdem; Akpinar, Erol; Aksu, Emrah Hicazi; Ömür, Ali Dogan; Yildirim, Serkan; Kara, Mehtap; Bolat, Ismail; Tsatsakis, Aristides; Mesnage, Robin; Golokhvast, Kirill S. S.

    The potential health-promoting effects of probiotics against intoxication by pesticides is a topic of increasing commercial interest with limited scientific evidence. In this study, we aimed to investigate the positive effects of probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii on the male reproductive system under low dose neonicotinoid pesticide exposure conditions. We observed that acetamiprid and imidacloprid caused a degeneration and necrosis of the spermatocytes in the tubular wall, a severe edema of the intertubular region and a hyperemia. This was concomittant to increased levels of 8-hydroxy-2 '-deoxyguanosine reflecting oxidative stress, and an increase in caspase 3 expression, reflecting apoptosis. According to our results, Saccharomyces boulardii supplementation mitigates these toxic effects. Further in vivo and clinical studies are needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms of protection. Altogether, our study reinforces the burden of evidence from emerging studies linking the composition of the gut microbiome to the function of the reproductive system.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    • SDG 3 · Sağlık ve Kaliteli Yaşam
    AtıfScopus20WoS19OpenAlex24
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2022Scopus SJRQ1
    Screening of plant pollen sources, polyphenolic compounds, fatty acids and antioxidant/antimicrobial activity from bee pollen

    Gercek, Yusuf Can; Celik, Saffet; Bayram, And Sinan

    In this study, the botanical origin, total flavonoid and phenolic content, antioxidant activity, phenolic profile and fatty acid composition of mixed bee pollen loads collected in Bayburt, Turkey, were determined. In addition to these assays, antibacterial activity of bee-collected pollen extract (BCPE) against a variety of food-borne pathogenic bacteria was determined in vitro. Pollen loads were classified into five botanical families based on their color: Asteraceae, Fabaceae, Campanulaceae, Cistaceae and Rosaceae. Total flavonoid, total phenolic, CUPRAC and CERAC concentrations were 173.52 mg GAE/g, 79.21 mg QE/g, 85.59 mg Trolox/g and 118.13 mg Trolox/g, respectively. Twenty-three phenolic compounds were scanned in bee pollen extract by LC-MS/MS, with rutin being the most abundant. Cis-4,7,10,13,16,19 docosahexaenoic acid was the predominant fatty acid, followed by cis-11-eicosenoic acid, palmitic acid, and alfa linolenic acid. In addition, the agar well diffusion (AWD) and micro-broth dilution methods were used to determine of the antibacterial activity of the BCPE sample. MIC values were observed to vary between 2.5–5 mg/mL for Gram-positive bacteria and 5–10 mg/mL for Gram-negative bacteria. These findings indicate that bee pollen could be a potential source of antioxidants and antimicrobials.

    • SDG 2 · Açlığa Son
    AtıfScopus62WoS56OpenAlex71
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2022Scopus SJRQ1
    Conventional and Microcellular Injection Molding of a Highly Filled Polycarbonate Composite with Glass Fibers and Carbon Black

    Yilmaz, Galip; Devahastin, Apichart; Turng, Lih-Sheng

    Conventional solid injection molding (CIM) and microcellular injection molding (MIM) of a highly filled polycarbonate (PC) composite with glass fibers and carbon black were performed for molding ASTM tensile test bars and a box-shape part with variable wall thickness. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the microstructure at the fractured surface of the tensile test bar samples. The fine and uniform cellular structure suggests that the PC composite is a suitable material for foaming applications. Standard tensile tests showed that, while the ultimate strength and elongation at break were lower for the foamed test bars at 4.0–11.4% weight reduction, their specific Young’s modulus was comparable to that of their solid counterparts. A melt flow and transition model was proposed to explain the unique, irregular “tiger-stripes” exhibited on the surface of solid test bars. Increasing the supercritical fluid (SCF) dosage and weight reduction of foamed samples resulted in swirl marks on the part surface, making the tiger-stripes less noticeable. Finally, it was found that an injection pressure reduction of 25.8% could be achieved with MIM for molding a complex box-shaped part in a consistent and reliable fashion.

    • SDG 9 · Sanayi, Yenilikçilik ve Altyapı
    AtıfScopus2WoS2OpenAlex3
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2022Scopus SJRQ1
    Assessment of Climate Change Impact on Discharge of the Lakhmass Catchment (Northwest Tunisia)

    Ben Nsir, Siwar; Jomaa, Seifeddine; Yıldırım, Ümit; Zhou, Xiangqian; D’Oria, Marco; Rode, Michael; Khlifi, Slaheddine

    The Mediterranean region is increasingly recognized as a climate change hotspot but is highly underrepresented in hydrological climate change studies. This study aims to investigate the climate change effects on the hydrology of Lakhmass catchment in Tunisia. Lakhmass catchment is a part of the Medium Valley of Medjerda in northwestern Tunisia that drains an area of 126 km². First, the Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning light (HBV-light) model was calibrated and validated successfully at a daily time step to simulate discharge during the 1981–1986 period. The Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency and Percent bias (NSE, PBIAS) were (0.80, +2.0%) and (0.53, −9.5%) for calibration (September 1982–August 1984) and validation (September 1984–August 1986) periods, respectively. Second, HBV-light model was considered as a predictive tool to simulate discharge in a baseline period (1981–2009) and future projections using data (precipitation and temperature) from thirteen combinations of General Circulation Models (GCMs) and Regional Climatic Models (RCMs). We used two trajectories of Representative Concentration Pathways, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, suggested by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Each RCP is divided into three projection periods: near-term (2010–2039), mid-term (2040–2069) and long-term (2070–2099). For both scenarios, a decrease in precipitation and discharge will be expected with an increase in air temperature and a reduction in precipitation with almost 5% for every +1 °C of global warming. By long-term (2070–2099) projection period, results suggested an increase in temperature with about 2.7 °C and 4 °C, and a decrease in precipitation of approximately 7.5% and 15% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. This will likely result in a reduction of discharge of 12.5% and 36.6% under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. This situation calls for early climate change adaptation measures under a participatory approach, including multiple stakeholders and water users.

    • SDG 6 · Temiz Su ve Sanitasyon
    • SDG 13 · İklim Eylemi
    AtıfScopus11WoS11OpenAlex14
    ScopusWeb of Scienceİncele
  • MakaleAçık Erişim2022Scopus SJRQ1
    Optimization of Ultrasonic Extraction of Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Compounds from Bee Pollen with Deep Eutectic Solvents Using Response Surface Methodology

    Çelik, Saffet; Kutlu, Naciye; Gerçek, Yusuf Can; Bayram, Sinan; Pandiselvam, Ravi; Bayram, Nesrin Ecem

    In recent years, there has been increasing interest in green extraction methods and green solvents due to their many advantages. In this study, the effects of an ultrasonic extraction method and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) on the extraction of different bioactive substances from bee pollen were investigated. In this regard, the effects of process variables such as the molar ratio of the DES (1, 1.5, and 2), sonication time (15, 30, and 45 min), and ultrasonic power (90, 135 and 180 W) on total individual amino acids, total individual organic acids, and total individual phenolic compounds were investigated by response surface methodology (RSM). The optimal conditions were found to be a molar ratio of 2, sonication time of 45 min, and ultrasonic power of 180 W (R2 = 0.84). Extracts obtained via the maceration method using ethanol as a solvent were evaluated as the control group. Compared with the control group, the total individual amino acid and total individual organic acid values were higher using DESs. In addition, compounds such as myricetin, kaempferol, and quercetin were extracted at higher concentrations using DESs compared to controls. The results obtained in antimicrobial activity tests showed that the DES groups had broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against all bacterial samples, without exception. However, in yeast-like fungus samples, this inhibition effect was negligibly low. This study is the first to evaluate the impact of DESs on the extraction of bioactive substances from bee pollen. The obtained results show that this innovative and green extraction technique/solvent (ultrasonic extraction/DES) can be used successfully to obtain important bioactive compounds from bee pollen.

    AtıfScopus33WoS28OpenAlex36
    ScopusWeb of SciencePubMedİncele