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While there are well-known synthetic methods in the literature for finding the image of a point under circular inversion in l 2 -normed geometry (Euclidean geometry), there is no similar synthetic method in Minkowski geometry, also known as the geometry of finite-dimensional Banach spaces. In this study, we have succeeded in creating a synthetic construction of the circular inversion in l 1 -normed spaces, which is one of the most fundamental examples of Minkowski geometry. Moreover, this synthetic construction has been given using the Euclidean circle, independently of the l 1 -norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detailed anatomical and chemical features of the bark from endemic Quercus vulcanica in Turkey are reported here for the first time and discussed in the perspective of integration into a bark-based biorefinery system. The bark of Q. vulcanica trees was collected and studied through observations using light and scanning electron microscopy, wet-chemical analysis, inorganic elemental and FTIR analyses, GC–MS determinations of lipophilic extractives and suberin monomers, as well as TBARS antioxidant activity of hydroethanolic extracts. The bark of Q. vulcanica comprises phloem and a rhytidome with thin periderms and a few cork layers. The ash content is high (16.4%), primarily consisting of calcium oxalate crystals. Extractives were present in a high amount (23.1%) of which 88% corresponded to hydrophilic extractives (10.3% ethanol, and 10.1% water solubles). The suberin content is low (3.7%), which aligns with the small proportion of cork in the bark rhytidome. The composition of suberin is characterized by similar proportions of α, ω-alkanoic diacids and ω-hydroxyalkanoic acids, with 18-hydroxy-9-octadecenoic acid (26% of monomers) and octadec-9-enedioic acid (20.6%) as the main monomers. The lignin content is 21.9%, and the monomeric composition of polysaccharides includes glucose, xylose, arabinose, galactose, rhamnose, and acetyl groups. The lipophilic extractives are mainly composed of terpenoids (72.2% of all compounds), with friedelin and friedelanol as the main compounds. Hydroethanolic extracts, obtained under mild conditions with a yield of 10.2%, exhibited antioxidant activity (TBARS assay, EC50 value of 55 μg/mL). The overall chemical and structural properties of Q. vulcanica bark indicate promising potential for biorefineries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asymmetric information is one of the approaches to explain financial crises. According to the asymmetric information approach, the information asymmetry between the lender and the borrower is the root cause of financial crises. In the presence of information asymmetry, the resources injected into the economy flow to areas that cannot be used effectively. Unlike the approach, this study draws attention to the information difference between the regulatorysupervisory authority and the regulated-supervised sectors. The study claims that the information asymmetry is the main reason why financial crises cannot be prevented. According to the study, the incomplete information level of the regulatory authority makes it difficult to take measures for risky activities of financial markets that may lead to a crisis. As a result, the ineffectiveness of the measures taken causes financial crises to recur, as in 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a result of the deregulation and liberalization policies implemented after the 1980s, there has been a great increase in the number of banking crises and the speed of their spread. The global financial crisis that emerged in 2008 is one of the latest examples of this. The global crisis took place especially in developed economies, which are believed to have developed supervisory and regulatory mechanisms. This is proof of the inadequacy of traditional measures to prevent banking crises. After the crisis, studies have been carried out to develop traditional measures. However, these studies have been remained limited to decisions on more intense Keynesian policies. More reformist and more radical decisions could not be taken. The aim of this study is to develop suggestions that complement traditional measures in the prevention of banking crises. In this study, it has been drawn attention that bank associations, which are between banks and the public authority and are an umbrella organization for banks, can play a complementary role in preventing banking crises. In the study, it is emphasized that a more successful mechanism can be created against banking crises with the additional duties and responsibilities that bank associations will undertake. The complementary roles that bank associations should undertake are grouped under six headings. These are regulationsupervision-supervision, public effectiveness, in-bank measures, self-control, intermediation and democratic participation, and social benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the possible protective and therapeutic effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis ethanol extract (MC) in aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and D-galactose (D-Gal) induced Alzheimer's disease in rats. MC was orally given to rats as a protective treatment for 90 days and, in other two groups starting from the 60th day MC (100-200 mg/kg) was administered, concomitantly with AlCl3 and D-Gal. Learning and memory functions were evaluated by the behavioral tests. Biological activities of MC treatment were examined in hippocampal tissues by ELISA tests. D-Gal and AlCl3-treated rats showed increased amyloid beta (Aβ) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8- OHdG) levels, acetylcholinesterase activity and decreased neprilysin, Na+-K+ATPase and SOD levels in parallel with a decrease in Novel Object Recognition Test, Morris Water Maze and Passive Avoidance Test scores. On the other hand, MC administration reversed the behavioral impairments and improved learning and memory. Moreover, MC treatment decreased Aβ and 8-OHdG levels and acetylcholinesterase activity and increased neprilysin levels, Na+-K+ATPase and SOD levels. Our results suggest that MC has beneficial effects on cognitive and neuronal functions through its anticholinesterase and antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prothrombotic and inflammatory state plays a significant role in the occurrence of cardiovascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this study, the antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and antiplatelet potentials of the extracts obtained from Ribes rubrum were investigated. The antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of the ethanol and water extracts of R. rubrum were evaluated by in vitro methods. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were also determined. The experimental diabetes model in rats was induced with streptozotocin (STZ). After hyperglycemia occurred, the ethanol extracts of R. rubrum (RRE, at 100 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg doses) were administered to the treatment groups for 14 days. Blood glucose, lipid profile, plasma, and pancreas tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) levels were determined and compared at the end of the experiments. P‐selectin levels and mitochondrial membrane polarization (MMP) of platelets were also measured. In vitro study, the RRE showed potent anti‐inflammatory activity. Administration of RRE (at 100 mg/kg doses) to diabetic rats lowered blood glucose level insignificantly. The results showed that there was an increment in levels of TNF‐α in plasma and pancreas tissue of the diabetic group compared to the control group. R. rubrum extract regulated and normalized their levels in plasma and pancreatic tissue. RRE at both doses significantly decreased platelet P‐selectin levels and prevented STZ‐induced loss of MMP in platelets. The results of current research indicate that RRE extract has potent anti‐platelet and anti‐inflammatory effects and may be beneficial in preventing diabetic complications. Practical applications: Hyperglycemia causes dyslipidemia, advanced oxidative stress, platelet activation, and inflammation in diabetes mellitus. Plants with various medicinal properties are of worldwide interest for the treatment of diseases due to their biological activities. In this study, the antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of extracts of Ribes rubrum (%100 ethanol, 50% ethanol, water) were evaluated by in vitro and in vivo methods. The diabetes model was induced with streptozotocin (STZ). The rats were divided into control, diabetic control, R. rubrum‐100 mg/kg, and R. rubrum‐500 mg/kg doses groups. Blood glucose levels, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), platelet P‐selectin levels, mitochondrial membrane polarization of platelets were examined. The present study has shown that R. rubrum has anti‐inflammatory and antiplatelet activity. R. rubrum may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of DM complications due to its anti‐inflammatory and antithrombotic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to determine whether Platanus orientalis (PO) which has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and diuretic properties and used in the treatment of kidney stones as traditional folk medicine, will reduce or prevent the stone formation in the urinary system. To simulate the urolithiasis model 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% ammonium chloride (AC) were applied to Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were divided into four groups (n=8). The control group was given standard drinking water for 5 weeks. EG group received 0.75% EG in their drinking water containing 0.75% EG and 1% AC. PO extract (100 mg/kg) was given orally for 5 weeks to the preventive group and for last 2 weeks to the therapeutic group, respectively. At the end of experiment, 24-hour urine and kidney samples were obtained. In urine samples, calcium and citrate levels were decreased and oxalate level was increased in the EG group. In kidney samples myeloperoxidase, caspase-3, N-acetyl-ß-glycosaminidase (NAG) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor-a and interleukin-1ß levels were increased while superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels were decreased in the EG group. These biochemical parameters returned to control levels in both PO treatment groups. Histological findings also correlate with these results. Our findings are suggested that PO treatments is effective in both preventive and therapeutic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, methanol extract (CSM) and their hexane (CSH), chloroform (CSC), ethyl acetate (CSEA) and aqueous methanol fractions (CSAM) prepared from aerial parts of Centaurea saligna (K.Koch) Wagenitz were investigated for in vitro antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammatory activities of these extracts were carried out by MTT, DPPH-ABTS, 5-lipoxygenase methods, respectively. Methanol extract and its fractions of C. saligna were evaluated for their cytotoxicity against MCF-7, A549, HeLa, HT-29, PC-3 cell lines at a concentration of 50 µg / ml. Total flavonoid and phenolic contents of extracts were detected by AlCI3 and Folin-Ciocalteu methods, respectively. Analysis of phytochemical of CSEA, showing a strong anti-inflammatory activity with good antioxidant activity, was performed by LC-MS/MS. CSC exhibited the best antiproliferative activity against HeLa, HT-29, MCF-7 cell lines with 50.18%, 46.88%, 45.42% mortality, respectively. CSEA showed the highest antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 82.05 µg/ml and 108.4 µg/ml against ABTS and DPPH radicals, respectively. The highest total phenolic amounts have been determined in CSEA with value of 379.2 mg GAE/g extract. In the same way, the highest total flavonoid amounts have been observed in CSEA with values of 170.3 mg QE/g extract. CSEA showed strong anti-inflammatory activity with IC50 value of 0.10 µg/ml when compared to indomethacine as standard (22.39 µg/ml). Analysis of CSEA by LC-MS/MS revealed that the major compounds were quinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, apigenin C-hexoside-C-pentoside, p-coumaroylquinic acid, quercetin glucoside, di-caffeoylquinic acid, isorhamnetine glucoside, isorhamnetin glucuronide and isorhamnetin derivative. These results proved that CSEA has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and CSC has good antiproliferatif activity. Also, the results demostrate that CSEA and CSC are a good source for further bioactivity-guided isolation in discovering new active antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of essential oils of aerial parts of Daucus carota (DEO) and Foeniculum vulgare (FEO) was specified by GC/MS. Antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities of oils were tested by α-glucosidase inhibitory, 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory, DPPH/ABTS radical scavenging, and broth microdilution methods, respectively. Thirty components were identified in DEO (87.7%). Carotol (27.7%), elemicin (18.1%), and limonene (16.0%) were determined as the main compounds in DEO. Seventeen constituents were identified in FEO (100.0%). Estragole (34.0%), limonene (27.1%), and α-pinene (19.5%) were found as major components in FEO. Both oils displayed weak antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria. However, the oils were not effective on Grampositive bacteria. DEO with IC50 values of 1359 and 1579 µg/mL and FEO with IC50 values of 3106 and 1654 µg/mL showed weak antioxidant activities against DPPH and ABTS radicals, respectively. DEO and FEO exhibited good antilipoxygenase activities with IC50 values of 87.24 and 58.35 µg/mL, respectively. DEO presented significantly α-glucosidase inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 44.78 µg/mL while FEO displayed poor activity with an IC50 value of 1967 µg/mL. This study is the first report on the 5-lipoxygenase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities of aerial parts of DEO as well as on the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of aerial parts of FEO. These results indicated that DEO, which has a good antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activity, is rich in oxygenated sesquiterpene and monoterpene. Also, it showed that FEO, which has a significant anti-inflammatory activity, is rich in monoterpene and phenylpropanoid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro cytotoxic effects of previously isolated compounds (taraxasterol, salvigenin, 3'-O-methyleupatorin, oleanolic acid, jaceosidin and pectolinarigenin) from Centaurea kilaea chloroform extract on hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines, HepG2 and Hep3B, as well as to evaluate the effect on the normal cell line, NIH3T3. In vitro antihepatocellular carcinoma activity of compounds was assessed by MTT method. All compounds except pectolinarigenin caused more inhibition on HepG2 rather than Hep3B. Among these compounds, it was found that Jaseosidin had the highest anticancer activity with IC50 values of 137.66 µg/mL and 147.66 µg/mL on the HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines, respectively. 3'-O- methyleupatorin showed the second highest cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 151.98 µg/mL and 159.24 µg/mL against the HepG2 and Hep3B cell lines, respectively. The results indicated that Jaseosidin and 3'-O- methyleupatorin, had the best antiproliferative activity against hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Also, according to our best knowledge, this study is first report on antihepatocellular carcinoma activity of Jaseosidin and 3'-O- methyleupatorin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nephrolithiasis is common urological problem and stone formation has multiple underlying pathogenetic factors. We investigated the possible preventive and therapeutic effects of Urtica dioica ethanol extract (UD) on ethylene glycol-induced nephrolithiasis model in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). The control group was given normal drinking water for 8 weeks and was administered vehicle by gastric gavage. Stone formation was induced by adding 0.75% ethylene glycol (EG) to their drinking water. UD (700 mg/kg) was given orally for 8 weeks to the preventive group and for last 4 weeks to the treatment group, respectively. At the end of the experiment, urine, blood samples and kidney tissues were obtained. In 24-hour urine samples, calcium and citrate levels were decreased and oxalate levels were increased in EG group whereas UD treatment groups reversed these parameters back to control levels. In addition, serum levels of creatinine and urea were increased in EG group, while UD significantly reduced these parameters. Malondialdehyde, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and tumor necrosis alpha levels, and caspase- 3 and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase activities were elevated in EG group and showed a decrease in UD treated groups. Glutathione level was decreased in EG group, whereas it was increased in UD preventive group. Histological examination showed an improvement in UD treated groups. Our results suggest that UD is effective both in prevention and treatment for kidney stones. The mechanism underlying this effect may be the antioxidant effect of UD and the effect on the concentration of stone-forming components in the urine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractIntroductionMethodsResultsConclusionPostmenopausal diabetes is a condition that affects millions of women and their quality of life. Also, kidney and small intestine tissues are damaged due to diabetes. The present study aimed to examine the protective effects of an extract prepared from Myrtus communis leaves on kidney and small intestine tissues against experimentally created postmenopausal diabetes.For this purpose, experimental rats were randomly divided into six groups (Control; ovariectomy:OVX, diabetic:D, ovariectomy + diabetic:OVX + D, ovariectomy + diabetic + oestrogen:OVX + D+E2, ovariectomy + diabetic + MC: OVX + D+MC) and kidney and small intestine tissues were taken after the experimental procedure.Evaluations of biochemical parameters (glutathione and glutathione-related enzymes, antioxidant enzymes, etc.) showed that MC had a protective effect on kidney and small intestine tissues in diabetes and ovariectomy groups.It can be suggested that MC extract has a protective effect on small intestine and kidney tissues in postmenopausal diabetes and may be a good herbal source for this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Beaucarnea recurvata Lemaire (Ponytail palm) cork studied for the first time. • It has a low suberin content and enhanced lignocellulosic nature. • Suberin contains high amount of alkanoic acids and differs from Quercus suber Linnaeus cork. • Lignin composition shows a HGS-type of lignin. • Cellular structure is typical of corks but cells are large and thick-walled. Abstract Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata Lemaire) is a succulent plant indigenous to Mexico frequently used as an ornamental plant throughout the world. The mature trees develop a thick corky outer bark that was studied here for the first time and compared with cork of Quercus suber Linnaeus (cork oak) and other species. The anatomical structure of ponytail palm cork showed a typical honeycomb structure in the tangential section and a brick-wall layer in the transverse section. The cells were larger and had thicker cell walls than those of Q. suber cork. Ponytail palm cork had a distinct growth ring pattern but the cell wall undulation lacked the regular wave pattern as in Q. suber cork. Fiber-like cellular structures were present protuberating from the lenticular channels. Ponytail palm cork chemically differs from Q. suber and other corks by a much lower content of suberin and enhancement of the lignocellulosic nature (18.2% extractives, 11.8% suberin, 29.7% lignin and 39.0% polysaccharides). Although in general similar to that of Q. suber cork, suberin composition of ponytail palm cork has specific features namely regarding the ratio of ɑ,ω-diacids and ω-substituted hydroxyacids and presence of higher amounts of alkanoic acids. The lignin of ponytail palm cork is a HGS-type of lignin (1:12:5) with a S/G ratio of 0.4. These results add to data showing that monomeric composition of suberin and lignin of corks are species' specific. The lipophilic extractives included mainly saturated alkanoic acids and sterols while the polar extractives showed overall low amount of phenolics and unremarkable antioxidant properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it is aimed to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts and their n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous ethanol fractions of the fruits, leaves, and branches of Paliurus spinachristi P. Mill. (Rhamnaceae). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested by DPPH and ABTS methods and the results were expressed as IC50 values. The total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the results were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalent per g dry extract. Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts were evaluated against 5- lipoxygenase enzyme. In particular, all extracts obtained from branches of P. spina-christi, except hexane extract, showed strong antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of branches of P. spina-christi showed the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays with IC50 values of 15.54 and 22.06 µg/ml, respectively. Also, the highest total phenol content was found in the ethyl acetate extract of branches of P. spina-christi (286.6 mg/g). Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of leaves of P. spina-christi with IC50 values of 66.28 and 76.75 µg/ml were found to have the best anti-inflammatory activity in the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assay used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activities of extracts. These results demonstrate that ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts from branches and leaves of Paliurus spina-christi have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Also, these results confirm the folk use of the plant as an antiinflammatory medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it is aimed to investigate antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts and their n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and aqueous ethanol fractions of the fruits, leaves, and branches of Paliurus spinachristi P. Mill. (Rhamnaceae). The antioxidant activity of the extracts was tested by DPPH and ABTS methods and the results were expressed as IC50 values. The total phenolic content was determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method and the results were expressed as mg of gallic acid equivalent per g dry extract. Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts were evaluated against 5-lipoxygenase enzyme. In particular, all extracts obtained from branches of P. spina-christi, except hexane extract, showed strong antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS radicals. Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of branches of P. spina-christi showed the highest antioxidant activity in DPPH and ABTS assays with IC50 values of 15.54 and 22.06 µg/ml, respectively. Also, the highest total phenol content was found in the ethyl acetate extract of branches of P. spina-christi (286.6 mg/g). Ethyl acetate and ethanol extracts of leaves of P. spina-christi with IC50 values of 66.28 and 76.75 µg/ml were found to have the best anti-inflammatory activity in the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibition assay used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activities of extracts. These results demonstrate that ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts from branches and leaves of Paliurus spina-christi have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Also, these results confirm the folk use of the plant as an antiinflammatory medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Turkish oak ( Quercus cerris ) cork is an interesting source of friedelin, a bioactive triterpenoid. In this work, the supercritical fluid extraction of Q. cerris cork was carried out in order to measure cumulative curves for both total and friedelin extraction yields ( η total and η friedelin ). The influence of particle size and ethanol (CO 2 modifier) content were assessed in the ranges of coarse particles to >80 mesh size, and 0–5 wt.%. The 14 experimental curves were modeled using the broken plus intact cells model, being attained global errors of only 4.43% ( η total ) and 4.25% ( η friedelin ). Moreover, an analysis of the extraction periods allowed to get insights on the impact of the operating conditions on the duration and yields attained under the constant extraction rate (CER) period. Finally, an assessment of the selectivity to friedelin was also accomplished, being concluded that intermediate particle sizes (40–60 to 60–80 mesh) are preferable for uptaking friedelin, and also that the ethanol addition favors the competitive removal of this compound but only up to a limiting extent. In the whole, this article documents the influence of particle size and ethanol content can affect the production of friedelin-enriched extracts by supercritical fluid extraction, enhancing η total up to 230% and η friedelin upto 353%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the antimicrobial and anti-proliferative activities of n-hexane, chloroform, methanol and aqueous methanol extracts obtained from Tanacetum argenteum subsp. argenteum aerial parts. Anti-proliferative activity was tested in vitro against four human cancer cell lines (A549: lung adenocarcinoma, Hela; cervix adenocarcinoma, HT-29: colon adenocarcinoma, MCF-7; breast adenocarcinoma) using MTT assay. Antimicrobial activity was assessed by micro-broth dilution technique against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 4352, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Proteus mirabilis ATCC 14153, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Hexane extract inhibited proliferation of HT-29 and MCF-7 by 75 and 74% while chloroform extract against the same cancer cell lines displayed inhibition of 89 and 73% at the concentration of 30 µg/mL, respectively. Also, chloroform extract at the same concentration showed significant anti-proliferative activity against A-549 and HeLa with inhibition values of 75% and 62%. Chloroform extract exhibited moderate antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and S. epidermidis with the MIC values of 625 μg/mL. Methanol and aqueous methanol extracts showed weak antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Candida albicans with MIC values of 1250 μg/ml. The results showed that n-hexane and chloroform extracts have significant anticancer activity against cancer cell lines used in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cork-rich Quercus cerris bark collected from Turkey was fractionated in a laboratory and in a pilot-scale equipment to obtain cork and phloem fractions. After a primary trituration as a field post-harvest operation, the cork-rich bark granules were mainly concentrated in the big granules (>12 mm) indicating different mechanical properties of cork and phloem. The smaller granules (<4 mm) could be fractionated using water flotation by separating a floating cork fraction. The pilot-scale fractionation consisted of a mechanical grinding of the whole bark fractions followed by a granulometric and a densimetric separation. The operation was quite efficient and as a result, pure cork (8.4% wt) and cork-rich (18.5% wt) fractions were obtained. The colour analysis and FTIR spectroscopy showed the separation efficiency of the cork fractions. The results show the potential of Q. cerris bark for production of valuable cork fractions and the efficiency of combined granulation and fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of active ethanol extract obtained from the leaves of Rubus tereticaulis (RTME) against colitis, and to purify major compounds from this extract by bioassay-directed isolation. Rats with colitis induced via intra-rectal acetic acid administration (5%, v/v) received RTME or sulfasalazine for three consecutive days. On day four, all rats were decapitated, and the colonic tissue samples were collected for macroscopic score, colon weight, reduced glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) analyses. The active compounds and chemical composition of RTME were determined by bio-guided isolation and LC-MS/MS, respectively. Compared to the colitis group, the rats treated with RTME displayed significantly lowered macroscopic scores and colon wet weights (p < 0.001). These effects were confirmed biochemically by a decrease in colonic MPO activity (p < 0.001), MDA levels (p < 0.001), and an increase in GSH levels (p < 0.001). Kaempferol-3- O -β- d -glucuronide (RT1) and quercetin-3- O -β- d -glucuronide (RT2) were found to be the major compounds of RTME, as evidenced by in vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity-guided isolation. Their anti-inflammatory/antioxidant activities were also predicted by docking simulations. Additionally, quinic acid, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, quercetin pentoside, quercetin glucoside, quercetin-3- O -β- d -glucuronide, kaempferol-3- O -β- d -glucuronide, and kaempferol rutinoside were identified in RTME via using LC-MS/MS. RT2, along with other compounds, may be responsible for the observed protective action of RTME against colitis. This study represents the first report on the beneficial effects of RTME in an experimental model of colitis and highlights the potential future use of RTME as a natural alternative to alleviate colitis. • First study on the phytochemical composition & anti-colitis activity of Rubus tereticaulis (RT). • New report on anti-lipoxygenase activity of kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucuronide and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucuronide. • RT significantly improved biochemical & macroscopic parameters in a rat model of colitis. • Major components of RT were predicted to bind pro-oxidant/pro-inflammatory enzymes in silico. • Overall, RT may serve as a promising agent in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of the tourism sector in terms of the economic sense, that is to say, tourism receipts should be increased to benefit more from the positive economic impacts of tourism. In order to increase tourism receipts, the factors affecting tourism receipts are to be analyzed well. Surely, there are many factors that affect tourism receipts (economic, social, technological, demographic, environmental, etc.). However, effects of real exchange rate that is of an economic factor on tourism receipts are only discussed in this study. For this purpose, effects of real exchange rate variable on tourism receipts in Turkey have been analyzed with unit root tests, Frequency Domain causality test, Toda-YamamotoandBootstrapBasedToda-Yamamoto causality tests by using monthly data between 2000 and 2012. As a result it was determined that the real exchange rate has an effect on Turkey's tourism receipts. Besides, tourism receipts affect the real exchange rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was applied for the first time to Quercus cerris cork, and compared with Soxhlet with dichloromethane (DCM). Novel triterpenes, viz. betulin and squalene, and β-sitosterol were identified for the first time in the lipophilic extracts. The SFE at 300 bar and 40–80 °C provided extracts much richer in friedelin–the major compound from both SFE and DCM extracts – with concentrations up to 40.6 wt%, against 26.0 wt% for DCM. The SFE yields ranged between 0.97 and 1.81 wt% with pure CO 2 , and attained 2.83 wt% when ethanol was introduced as cosolvent (10 wt%). In this case, however, the friedelin concentration dropped significantly due to the additional removal of non-target compounds. In general, the experimental data and their trends were in accordance with the theoretical predictions of kinetic and equilibrium properties estimated in this work for the friedelin/SC-CO 2 system. This study demonstrates that the SFE of Q. cerris cork arises as a prospective pathway for a green and enhanced friedelin production process under the biorefinery concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Thermal decomposition of corks from Quercus cerris and Quercus suber is similar. [•] Cork undergoes two exothermal reactions at approximately 313°C and 445°C. [•] Suberin has a key role in the thermal stability of corks. [•] Q. cerris cork granulates with phloem remains have potential for insulation. [•] Extractives contribute to shielding against heat-induced degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We suggest a new clustering approach to classify focal mechanisms from large moment tensor catalogues, with the purpose of automatically identify families of earthquakes with similar source geometry, recognize the orientation of most active faults, and detect temporal variations of the rupture processes. The approach differs in comparison to waveform similarity methods since clusters are detected even if they occur in large spatial distances. This approach is particularly helpful to analyse large moment tensor catalogues, as in microseismicity applications, where a manual analysis and classification is not feasible. A flexible algorithm is here proposed: it can handle different metrics, norms, and focal mechanism representations. In particular, the method can handle full moment tensor or constrained source model catalogues, for which different metrics are suggested. The method can account for variable uncertainties of different moment tensor components. We verify the method with synthetic catalogues. An application to real data from mining induced seismicity illustrates possible applications of the method and demonstrate the cluster detection and event classification performance with different moment tensor catalogues. Results proof that main earthquake source types occur on spatially separated faults, and that temporal changes in the number and characterization of focal mechanism clusters are detected. We suggest that moment tensor clustering can help assessing time dependent hazard in mines. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant, antimicrobial activities and total phenolic contents of ten methanol extracts obtained by maceration from capitulums and aerial parts (except for capitulum) of five Centaurea species (C.stenolepis, C.kilaea, C.cuneifolia, C.iberica, C.solstitialis subsp. solstitialis). Free radical scavenging activities and total phenolic contents of the species were assayed by DPPH method and Folin-Ciocalteu method, respectively. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts were tested by the micro-broth dilution method against seven microbial species. In the DPPH radical scavenging assay, the IC50 values of tested ten methanol extracts were in range 1.767-4.665 mg while the total phenol contents of four extracts were found to range between 4.825 and 12.460 mg GAE/g dry material. Four extract showed moderate activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC: 312 μg/ml), while six out of ten extracts exhibited moderate activity against Candida albicans (MIC: 312 μg/ml). The methanol extract prepared from the aerial parts of C.cuneifolia possessed weak activity against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC: 625 μg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chromium (VI) removal and its reduction to chromium (III) from aqueous solution by untreated and heat-treated Quercus cerris and heat-treated Quercus suber black agglomerate cork granules was investigated. Initial screening studies revealed that among the sorbents tested, untreated Q. cerris and Q. suber black agglomerate are the most efficient in the removal of Cr(VI) ions and were selected for adsorption essays. Heat treatment adversely affected chromium adsorption and chromium (VI) reduction in Q. cerris cork. The highest metal uptake was found at pH 3.0 for Q. cerris and pH 2.0 for black agglomerate. The experimental data fitted the Langmuir model and the calculated qmax was 22.98 mg/g in black agglomerate and 21.69 mg/g in untreated Q. cerris cork. The FTIR results indicated that while in black agglomerate, lignin is the sole component responsible for Cr(VI) sorption, and in untreated Q. cerris cork, suberin and polysaccharides also play a significant role on the sorption. The SEM-EDX results imply that chromium has a homogenous distribution within both cork granules. Also, phloemic residues in Q. cerris granules showed higher chromium concentration. The results obtained in this study show that untreated Q. cerris and black agglomerate cork granules can be an effective and economical alternative to more costly materials for the treatment of liquid wastes containing chromium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A study of chemical transformations of cork during heat treatments was made using colour variation and FTIR analysis. The cork enriched fractions from Quercus cerris bark were subjected to isothermal heating in the temperature range 150–400°C and treatment time from 5 to 90min. Mass loss ranged from 3% (90min at 150°C) to 71% (60min at 350°C). FTIR showed that hemicelluloses were thermally degraded first while suberin remained as the most heat resistant component. The change of CIE-Lab parameters was rapid for low intensity treatments where no significant mass loss occurred (at 150°C L* decreased from the initial 51.5 to 37.3 after 20min). The decrease in all colour parameters continued with temperature until they remained substantially constant with over 40% mass loss. Modelling of the thermally induced mass loss could be made using colour analysis. This is applicable to monitoring the production of heat expanded insulation agglomerates. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The effects of temperature on anatomical and chemical characteristics of Quercus cerris cork were examined. Cork samples were subjected to isothermal air heating between 150°C and 400°C and analyzed for mass loss, cellular structure and chemical composition. The thermal decomposition of Q. cerris cork is similar to that of Q. suber cork. Cork is thermally stable below 200°C and after that degradation depended on temperature and heating time with increasing mass loss, i.e. 3% at 200°C 10min and 46% at 350°C 60min. With temperature and starting at 200°C, cells expanded, cell wall thickness was reduced and corrugations were lost. Extractives degraded at lower temperatures, although aliphatic extractives were found to be more stable. Suberin from Q. cerris was more heat resistant than Q. suber suberin, while lignin showed similar resistance. These results provide a basis for studies on the production of Q. cerris bark expanded cork agglomerates for insulation purposes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cork in the outer bark of trees is among the valuable raw materials of biological origin due to properties that result mainly from its cellular structure. Large scale commercial utilization of cork has been only achieved with cork from Quercus suber. Another oak species, Quercus cerris, also contains substantial, albeit not continuous, regions of cork that are clearly visible to the naked eye but are so far considered as a waste material. Bark samples of Q. cerris var. cerris trees were collected from the Andırın province, Turkey. Cork portions were separated and their cellular structure was investigated with optical and electron scanning microscopy observations. The results were compared with Q. suber cork. Q. cerris cork has the typical features of cork tissues with a regular and radially aligned structure of suberized cells without intercellular voids, showing a ring structure and a distinction of earlycork and latecork cells. Solid volume fraction was estimated at 25% (22% in earlycork, 36% in latecork). In Q. cerris cork cells are smaller, cell wall thickness and solid volume fraction are higher, and the tissue is less homogeneous with a higher content of lignified inclusions than in Q. suber cork. These factors will negatively influence quality in regard to density and mechanical properties associated to elasticity. However, this does not impair its use for production of granulates and agglomerates, e.g. for insulation and energy absorption. Separation of the cork fraction from the bark is a step required before further processing and use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Quercus cerris is an important oak species in Eastern Europe and Minor Asia that has a thick bark with a substantial content of cork tissues in its rhytidome. The chemical composition of the cork and of the interspersed phloemic tissues in the rhytidome of Q. cerris var. cerris from mature trees from Turkey was investigated in relation to summative composition, monomeric composition of suberin, non-polar extractives composition, elemental analysis and ash composition. Q. cerris cork has 2.6% ash, 16.7% extractives, 28.5% suberin (fatty monomers) and 28.1% lignin. The non-cellulosic monosaccharide composition shows the predominance of xylose (27.8% of total neutral sugars) with arabinose and galactose (11.5% and 7.9%). Suberin is composed mainly by long-chain ω-hydroxyacids representing 90% of all long-chain monomers and include α,ω-diacids (less than 8%), and small amounts of alkanoic acids in C16 and C18 and alkanols in C20, C22 and C24. The phloemic tissues have a different composition with a high content of ash (13.0%) and a lignin–cellulose–hemicellulose cell wall composition. Separation of cork from phloem will therefore be a pre-requisite for use of Q. cerris cork. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study explains the extent of intra-industry trade (ITT) in Turkey's foreign trade with the world and specially its main trading partner, the European Union (EU). The results mainly offer that, as parallel to Turkey's trade with the world, her trade with the EU also getting towards to intra-industry type trading. Moreover, the growth of ITT between Turkey and the EU also shows that Turkey's industrial base is dramatically changing from low technology products group to high technology industries, specially since the Customs Union agreement with the EU has been put into effect in 1996. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cement production facilities are often located in rural areas and close to quarries, where the raw materials required for cement production are present, i.e. limestone and shale.Although energy analysis, based on the first law of thermodynamics, is used to reduce heat losses or enhance heat recovery, it does not give any information on the degradation of energy that occurs in the process. Exergy analysis, based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics, facilitates improvement of the operation or technology by clearly indicating the locations of energy degradation in the process.In this study, the applications of energy and exergy analyses are examined for a dry system rotary burner (RB) with pre-calcinations in a cement plant of an important cement producer in Turkey. The RB includes thermal and chemical processes. Besides, real figures of the cement factory have been used in this work. In conclusion, the values of the first and second law efficiencies have been found and compared. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The overall aim of the present research is to evaluate for the first time the curative effect of Cotinus coggygria leaves on burn injury in an experimental burn model along with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity potential. Also, phenolic compounds of C. coggygria were characterised by LC-MS/MS. Wistar albino rats weighing 200-250 g were exposed to 90°C bath for 10 s to induce burn injury, involving 30% of the total body surface area. In the treatment groups, 5% C. coggygria ethanol extract was applied topically as a cream immediately after the burn. Blood and skin tissue samples were taken after decapitation at the 4th and 48th hours following the burn procedure. Interleukin 1-β (IL-1β) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) were determined in serum samples, and hydroxyproline, prostoglandin E2 (PGE2), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG) levels were determined in skin tissue samples. Increased levels of serum cytokines were decreased with C. coggygria treatment in both periods. MPO activity, prostaglandine (PGE2), and 8-OhdG levels increased, while hydroxyproline levels decreased due to burn damage. On the other hand, these parameters were returned to its normal levels with C. coggygria treatment. In addition, the tissue histology of animals treated with C. coggygria showed a complete epithelialization with increased collagenation. As a result, C. coggygria may be an alternative treatment approach for burns-induced skin damage and wounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review and meta‐analysis examines the effectiveness of science‐based mobile apps for reducing anxiety. A systematic review was employed to identify experimental studies on science‐based mobile applications developed anxiety disorders. International databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS and ProQuest were searched to locate relevant articles. After the systematic review, 16 (k = 20) experimental studies on the effectiveness of science‐based mobile apps for reducing anxiety that met the inclusion criteria were included in the meta‐analysis study. The analysis findings concluded that science‐based mobile apps have a noteworthy impact on reducing anxiety symptoms. Additionally, the moderator analysis indicated that various factors, including participant characteristics (such as gender and age), methodological factors (such as the measurement tool for anxiety and type of control group) and the intervention duration, play a crucial role in this impact. These findings suggest that science‐based mobile apps can provide a helpful tool for individuals seeking to manage their anxiety symptoms and that a range of therapeutic techniques, such as mindfulness, cognitive restructuring and psychoeducation, can be effectively employed in these apps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Nutritional obesity causes oxidant damage in the body and cataract formation in the lenses by increasing the formation of free radicals. Myrtus communis leaf extracts (Myr) have antioxidant properties, and apocynin (Apo) is an effective NADPH-oxidase inhibitor. The data on tissue boron levels are quite lacking. The aim of this novel study was to investigate the effects of Myr and Apo treatment on boron levels and oxidative lens damage in rats fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Materials and Methods: Wistar albino male rats were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, HFD group, HFD + Myr group, and HFD + Apo group. Body weight and blood lipids were determined before and after the experiment. After decapitating the rats, the lenses were removed and homogenized. Catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and boron, malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in the lens homogenates were determined. Results: The HFD increased serum triglyceride (p<0.05), total cholesterol level (p<0.001), body weight (p<0.001), and lens MDA levels (p<0.01) and decreased lens GSH (p<0.05) and boron level (p<0.01), SOD (p<0.001), and CAT activity (p<0.001). However, Myr and Apo treatment reduced the rats' body weight (p<0.001), serum triglyceride (p<0.05), and total cholesterol level (p<0.001) and increased lens boron (p<0.01; p<0.001), GSH levels (p<0.05; p<0.01), and CAT activity (p<0.001). Conclusion: Both Myr and Apo may be able to reduce oxidative stress in the lenses of obese rats caused by HFD by increasing boron levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Inflammation is the cause of many diseases such as Alzheimer, heart diseases and rheumatism. • Anthemis sp. are used in traditional folk medicine for inflammatory diseases. • Inhibition of lipoxygenase enzymes is important for the prevention of inflammation. • Active molecules derived from plants are precursors for new chemical drugs. • Anthemis sp. carry compounds with drug potential. Recent studies have focused on Anthemis sp. because of their rich chemical composition and application in the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation. The purpose of this study was to determine the active chemicals responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of Anthemis cotula, A. tomentosa, A. austriaca , and A. tinctoria var. tinctoria. Therefore, the 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) was used to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of methanol extracts that were extracted from the aerial parts of the mentioned species, with an IC 50 value of 23.88 μg/mL, the methanol extract of A. tinctoria var. tinctoria demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects close to the standard (Indomethacin, IC 50 : 18.05 μg/mL). Compared to the other extracts, the methanol extract of A. tinctoria var. tinctoria demonstrated significantly greater anti-inflammatory activity. A. tinctoria var. tinctoria and A. tomentosa methanol extracts, which were the most active in comparison to other extracts, were fractionated using the bioactivity-guided fractionation method. Their anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated to determine the compounds responsible for the activity. With an IC 50 value of 3.44 μg/mL, the ethyl acetate fraction of A. tinctoria var. tinctoria (ATiEA) was found to be the most active of all the fractions. After ATiEA was further fractionated using column chromatography, it was found that ATiEA-II, one of its sub-fractions, was more effective than other sub-fractions against the 5-LOX, with an IC 50 value of 2.93 μg/mL. Furthermore, the sub-fractions' total phenol and flavonoid contents were examined to confirm their anti-inflammatory properties. The sub-fraction ATiEA-II exhibited higher total flavonoid content (743,86 μg QE/g dry weight) and total phenol content (4659.36 μg GA/g dry weight) than other sub-fractions, which was in line with its anti-inflammatory activity. GC/MS and LC-MS/MS were used to clarify the effective compounds of the sub-fraction ATiEA-II. Experiments on the anti-inflammatory properties of different Anthemis sp. have demonstrated the good anti-inflammatory potential of this species. Specifically, ATiEA-II, a sub-fraction of A. tinctoria var. tinctoria , may contain a novel anti-inflammatory drug molecule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Refuse Derived Fuel was subjected to hydrothermal carbonization. • Longer residence times at lower temperatures gave higher hydrochar yields. • Hydrochars showed reduced chlorine and ash contents and higher HHV. • Process water samples presented acidic pH and high COD values. • Lower water amount in the reactorwater water amoun improved process efficiency. In this study, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) was used as a thermochemical conversion process to upgrade Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF). The effect of process temperature (250 °C, 275 °C and 300 °C), residence time (30 min and 120 min), and RDF-to-water ratio (1:15 and 1:5) on the main characteristics of the produced hydrochars and process waters was assessed. The HTC process yielded hydrochars with enhanced fuel properties when compared to the original feedstock, namely higher carbon content and heating value. The hydrochars also presented reduced oxygen and ash contents. The hydrochar produced at 300 °C for 120 min presented the lowest ash content (3.3 wt%, db) whereas the highest heating value was found for the hydrochar obtained at 275 °C for 120 min (28.1 MJ/kg, db). The HTC process was also responsible for a significant reduction in chlorine concentration, showing dechlorination efficiencies between 69.2 and 77.9%. However, the HTC process generated acidic process waters with high COD values (maximum 27.2 gO 2 /L), which need to be further managed or valorized. Energy calculations were also performed, revealing that lower water amounts, lower temperatures, and longer residence times, represent optimal conditions for higher hydrochar yields and consequently good process efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• SFE of friedelin from Quercus cerris cork with pure/modified CO 2. • Experimental conditions tested: 40–60 °C, 0–5 wt% ethanol, 5–11 g C O 2 m i n - 1 . • Optimization of the SFE following DoE and RSM approaches. • Total yield, friedelin concentration and selectivity to friedelin were measured. Optimization of the supercritical fluid extraction of Quercus cerris cork was carried out using Box-Behnken design of experiments and response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized process variables were temperature (T : 40, 50 and 60 °C), ethanol content (EtOH: 0.0, 2.5 and 5.0 wt%) and CO 2 flow rate (Q C O 2 : 5, 8 and 11 g m i n - 1 ). The studied responses were total extraction yield (η T o t a l), friedelin concentration of the extract (C F r i e d e l i n), and selectivity towards friedelin (α F , n F). The linear effect of EtOH was by far the most influent operating condition (Pareto analysis) and the highest yield (η T o t a l = 2.2 wt%) was attained with 5.0 wt% EtOH. The RSM model estimates maximum friedelin concentration in the extracts (38.2 wt%) to occur without cosolvent (0 wt% EtOH) for the lowest T (40 °C) and Q C O 2 (5 g C O 2 m i n - 1 ). As for selectivity, the experimental α F , n F values were always higher than 1.0 and reached 3.1 (at 50 °C, 5 wt% EtOH, 11 g C O 2 m i n - 1 ). Altogether, these results suggest friedelin can be selectively removed from Quercus cerris cork by supercritical fluid extraction within the range of experimental conditions studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Extraction of Quercus cerris cork, aiming at friedelin rich extracts. • Experimental work involving Soxhlet extraction, batch SLE and SFE. • Studied effects: type of solvent, temperature and type of extraction. • Analysis of extracts by GC–MS and FTIR-ATR. • Chemical similarity analysis by multidimensional scaling (MDS). This work encompasses a comparison of the extraction of Quercus cerris cork with methanol, ethanol, dichloromethane, and petroleum ether by Soxhlet and room temperature batch solid-liquid extraction (SLE) and with supercritical carbon dioxide modified with ethanol. The maximum total extraction yield ( η Total ) was attained by Soxhlet extraction with methanol ( η Total = 13.8 wt.%) and the minimum for batch SLE with petroleum ether ( η Total = 0.35 wt.%). For the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) runs η Total ranged from 1.2 to 1.7 wt.%. In terms of friedelin extraction yields ( η Friedelin ) the results ranged from 0.12 wt.% (batch SLE with petroleum ether) to 1.68 wt.% (Soxhlet with methanol). The best performing assays in terms of friedelin concentration in the extracts ( C Friedelin ) were those involving weakly polar or nonpolar solvents. Batch extractions at room temperature reached C Friedelin values significantly lower than Soxhlet extractions with the same solvent due to the unfavourable effect of temperature on the solubilisation of friedelin. The extracts were analysed by FTIR-ATR and GC–MS and the data used for similarity analysis using multidimensional scaling (MDS). The results unveil that more than the extraction method (Soxhlet, Batch, or SFE) it is the intrinsic polarity of the solvent that defines the ensuing chemical composition of the extracts. For this reason, this study contributes for the selection of solvents and extraction methods of future industrial applications targeting Q. cerris cork valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity causes cognitive weakening and increases the risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Myrtus communis extract (MC) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In this study, it is aimed to investigate the effects of Myrtus communis on oxidative brain damage caused by a high-fat diet (HFD), using behavioral and biochemical parameters. Twenty-four Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were divided into three groups. The control group (C) received a standard diet, while HFD groups were received HFD for 16 weeks. MC (100 mg/kg, oral) was given to the HFD + MC group for the last 4 weeks. At the end of the study, the novel object recognition test (NORT) was performed and the hippocampus and blood samples were collected. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Na+/K+- ATPase activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels were measured in the hippocampal samples and cholesterol levels were analyzed in sera. Findings have shown that NORT performance of the HFD group was reduced, while administration of MC prevents this reduction and in parallel, increased AChE and decreased Na+/K+ -ATPase activities were ameliorated by administration of MC. Increased MDA and 8-OHdG levels observed in the HFD group, were decreased in the MC treated HFD group. Our results point out that MC has ameliorative effects on hippocampal oxidative stress and cognitive impairment in high fat nutritioninduced obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Bu çalışmada genitoüriner sistem (over, mesane, böbrek) dokularında iyonizan radyasyona bağlı hasarın azaltılmasında Myrtus communis ekstresinin koruyucu etkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Rattus türü Norvecigus cinsi olan, dişi sıçanlar (n=30) dört gruba ayrıldı. Kontrol grubuna (n=6) sadece 4 gün süre ile oral serum fizyolojik (SF) uygulandı. İyonizan radyasyon (IR) grupları uygulama günü başlanarak 4 gün oral SF verilen "IR grubu" (n=8), IR günü başlanarak 4 gün oral Myrtus communis (MC) ekstresi uygulanan "MC tedavi grubu" (n=8), IR'den 4 gün önce başlanarak toplam 8 gün oral MC uygulanan "MC ön tedavi grubu" (n=8) olarak düzenlendi. Myrtus communis, oral gavaj yöntemiyle 100 mg/kg dozunda sabah saatlerinde günde bir kez verildi. Işınlama ketamin anestezisi altında lineer akseleratör cihazında 6 MV foton enerjisiyle ön-arka iki alandan tek fraksiyonda 10 Gy tüm vücut olarak uygulandı. Deneyin dördüncü gününde tüm denekler sakrifiye edilerek alınan dokularda Hematoksilen ve Eozin boyamasıyla histopatolojik incelemeler yapıldı. Apapitozis değerlendirmesinde Kaspaz-9/β-aktin ile Kaspaz-3/β-aktin düzeylerine bakıldı. Grupların karşılaştırmasında istatistiksel olarak t testi kullanıldı. Anlamlılık olarak p<0.05 seçildi. Bulgular: Over, mesane ve böbrek dokularında, apopitoz belirteci olan Kaspaz-9/β-aktin ile Kaspaz-3/β-aktin düzeylerinde kontrol grubuna göre IR grubunda artma (p<0.001); IR grubuna göre MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında anlamlı olarak azalma izlendi (p<0.01). Histopatolojik incelemede böbrek dokularında IR grubunda Bowman boşluğunda genişleme, glomerüler ve interstisyel konjesyon, proksimal tübül yapısında orta düzeyde hasar görülürken ön tedavi ve tedavi gruplarında ise orta düzeyde glomerüler ve interstisyel konjesyon, hasarlı proksimal tübül yapılarında azalma gözlenmiştir. Mesanenin ışık mikroskopi değerlendirmesinde, kontrol grubuna göre IR grubunda orta düzeyde ürotelyum hasarı ve yer yer dökülme, lamina propriada vasküler konjesyon; ön tedavi grubunda oldukça düzenli morfolojide ürotelyumun varlığı; tedavi grubunda ise hafif düzeyde ürotelyum hasarı ve bazı alanlarda apikal ürotelyal hücrelerde dökülme görülmüştür. Ovaryumun IR grubunda primordiyal, primer, sekonder ve tersiyer folikül yapılarında hasar izlenirken; tüm tedavi gruplarında bütün dönemlerdeki folikül sayılarında ve morfolojilerinde oldukça fazla düzelme görülmüştür (Şekil 1). Sonuç: Myrtus communisin sıçan genitoüriner sistem dokularında, özellikle overde daha fazla olmak üzere mesane ve böbrekte iyonizan radyasyonun inflamatuar etkilerine bağlı hasarı anlamlı olarak azalttığı görülmüştür. Çalışmamız bu bitkinin klinikte yeni bir radyoprotektan ajan olarak uygulanabilirliği konusunda in vivo öncü bir çalışma niteliğindedir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Bu çalışmada kardiyopulmoner sistem dokularında iyonizan radyasyona bağlı hasarın azaltılmasında Myrtus communis (MC) ekstresinin koruyucu etkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Rattus türü Norvecigus cinsi dişi sıçanlar (n=30), Kontrol (n=6) (4 gün süre ile oral serum fizyolojik SF), IR (n=8) (IR günü başlanarak 4 gün oral SF), MC tedavi (n=8) (IR günü başlanarak 4 gün oral MC) ve MC ön tedavi (n=8) (IR gününden 4 gün önce başlanıp ışınlama sonrası 4 gün oral MC) grubu olarak ayrıldı. MC ekstresi 100 mg/kg dozunda gavaj ile sabah saatlerinde günde bir kez verildi. Işınlama ketamin anestezisi altında lineer akseleratörde 6 MV foton enerjisiyle ön-arka iki alandan tek fraksiyonda 10 Gy tüm vücut olarak uygulandı. Işınlamanın dördüncü gününde tüm denekler sakrifiye edildi. Kalp ve akciğer dokularına histopatolojik değerlendirme için Hematoksilen ve Eozin boyası uygulandı. Biyokimyasal olarak malondialdehit (MDA), glutatyon (GSH), miyeloperoksidaz (MPO), nitrik oksit (NO), trans yağ asidi (TFa), süperoksit dismutaz (SOD) ve Glutatyon S-Transferaz (GST) düzeylerine bakıldı. Grupların karşılaştırmasında t testi kullanıldı, p<0.05 anlamlı kabul edildi. Dokularda protein yapılarındaki değişimlerde SDS-poliakrilamid jel elektroforezi uygulandı. Bulgular: Akciğer ve kalp dokularında GSH, GST, SOD düzeylerinde IR grubunda Kontrol grubuna göre azalma (p<0.001), MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi grubunda IR grubuna göre anlamlı artış görüldü (p<0.001). MDA seviyesi MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında IR'e göre azalmışken (p<0.001) MC ön tedavi grubunda MC tedavi grubuna göre daha anlamlıydı. (p<0.05, p<0.001). MPO aktivitesi MC ön tedavi grubunda IR'ye göre kalp ve akciğer dokusunda anlamlı artmışken, MC tedavi grubundaki artış akciğer dokusunda anlamlıydı. (p<0.001). Kalp ve akciğerde TFa düzeyinde MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi grubunda IR ve Kontrol grubuna göre artış izlendi. (p<0.001). NO düzeyinde MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi grubunda IR'ye göre her iki dokuda azalma (p<0.001) varken MC ön tedavi grubundaki azalma MC tedavi grubuna göre daha anlamlıydı (p<0.05, p<0.01). Histopatolojide kalpte, IR grubunda ciddi vasküler konjesyon, miyofibril yapıları bozulmuş hasarlı kardiyomiyositler, MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında ise orta düzeyde hasarlı kardiyomiyositler görüldü. Akciğerde IR grubunda ciddi vasküler konjesyon, alveol organizasyonunda ve yapısında hasar varken MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında sırasıyla orta ve hafif düzeydeydi. Elektroforezde; kalpte IR grubunda, kontrol grubuna göre 84 kDa, 77 kDa, 70 kDa, 66 kDa ve 21 kDa protein bantlarının moleküler ağırlıklarında ve bant yoğunluğunda azalma; MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında 84 kDa, 77 kDa, 70 kDa, 32 kDa ve 21 kDa protein bantlarında artma izlendi. Akciğerde IR grubunda kontrol grubuna göre 73 kDa protein bant yoğunluğunda azalma, 85 kDa, 80 kDa, 50 kDA ve 28 kDa bant yoğunluklarında artma görüldü (Şekil 1). Sonuç: Myrtus communisin sıçan kalp ve akciğer dokularında iyonizan radyasyona karşı koruyucu olduğu görülmektedir. Çalışmamız bu bitkinin klinikte yeni bir radyoprotektan ajan olmasında in vivo öncü bir çalışma niteliğindedir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Bu çalışmada santral sinir sisteminde iyonizan radyasyona bağlı hasarın azaltılmasında Myrtus communisin ekstresinin koruyucu etkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Rattus türü Norvecigus cinsi dişi sıçanlar (n=30) dört gruba ayrıldı. Kontrol grubuna (n=6) sadece 4 gün süre ile oral serum fizyolojik (SF) uygulandı. İyonizan radyasyon (IR) grupları uygulama günü başlanarak 4 gün oral SF verilen "IR grubu" (n=8), IR günü başlanarak 4 gün oral Myrtus communis (MC) ekstresi uygulanan "MC tedavi grubu" (n=8), IR'den 4 gün önce başlanarak toplam 8 gün oral MC uygulanan "MC ön tedavi grubu" (n=8) olarak düzenlendi. Myrtus communis, oral gavaj yöntemiyle 100 mg/kg dozunda sabah saatlerinde günde bir kez verildi. Işınlama ketamin anestezisi altında lineer akseleratörde 6 MV foton enerjisiyle ön arka iki alandan tek fraksiyonda 10 Gy tüm vücut bölgesine yapıldı. Tüm denekler ışınlamadan sonra dördüncü günde sakrifiye edilerek alınan dokularda Hematoksilen ve Eozin boyamasıyla histopatolojiye ve biyokimyasal olarak malondialdehit (MDA), glutatyon (GSH), miyeloperoksidaz (MPO), nitrik oksit (NO), trans yağ asidi (TFa) ve süperoksit dismutaz (SOD) düzeylerine bakıldı. Ayrıca beyin dokusunda Laemmli yöntemine göre SDS-poliakrilamid jel elektroforezi gerçekleştirildi. Grupların karşılaştırmasında istatistiksel olarak t testi kullanıldı. Anlamlılık olarak p<0.05 seçildi. Bulgular: Beyin dokusunda kontrol grubuyla karşılaştırılınca IR grubunda NO seviyesinde anlamlı artış, MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında anlamlı azalma izlendi (p<0.001). MDA ve MPO aktivitesinde IR grubunda kontrol grubuna göre anlamlı artış izlenirken (p<0.001); GSH seviyesinde anlamlı azalma görüldü (p<0.001). MDA ve NO seviyesinde IR grubuna göre MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında anlamlı azalma izlendi (p<0.01). GSH seviyesinde ise IR gruba göre hem MC tedavi (p<0.01) hem de MC ön tedavi (p<0.001) gruplarında anlamlı azalma izlendi. SOD aktivitesinde MC ön tedavi grubunda IR grubuna göre anlamlı artış izlenirken (p<0.001); MC tedavi grubu ile IR grubu arasında anlamlı farklılık bulunamadı (p>0.05). TFa aktivitesinde IR grubunda kontrol grubuna göre anlamlı bir artış izlenirken (p<0.01); MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında da anlamlı bir artış saptandı (p<0.05). Elektroforez incelemesinde IR grubunda kontrol grubuna göre 72 kDa, 52 kDa, 46 kDa protein bantlarının molekül ağırlıklarında artış, 23 kDa ve 17 kDa protein bantlarında ise azalma saptandı. MC ön tedavi grubunda 72 kDa, 52 kDa, 46 kDa ve 17 kDa protein bantlarında azalma saptanırken, 23 kDa protein bandında artış gözlendi. Beynin histolojik değerlendirmesinde kontrol grubunda düzenli morfolojide nöronları içeren serebral korteks yapısı; IR grubunda normal morfolojinin yanısıra artmış hasarlı nöronlar; MC ön tedavi ve MC tedavi gruplarında ise hasarlı nöronlarda azalma olduğu görülmüştür (Şekil 1). Sonuç: Myrtus communis sıçan beyin dokusunda iyonizan radyasyon hasarında tedavi öncesi uygulamada daha belirgin olmak üzere antiinflamatuvar bir etkiye sahip olabilir. Çalışmamız yeni bir radyoprotektan ajan adına in vivo öncü bir çalışma niteliğindedir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amaç: Bu çalışmada batın bölgesi yerleşimli organlardan ileum, kolon, karaciğer ve pankreasta iyonizan radyasyona bağlı hasarın azaltılmasında Myrtus communis ekstresinin koruyucu etkilerinin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Gereç ve Yöntem: Rattus türü Norvecigus cinsi olan, dişi sıçanlar (n=30) dört gruba ayrıldı. Kontrol grubuna (n=6) sadece 4 gün süre ile oral serum fizyolojik (SF) uygulandı. İyonizan radyasyon (IR) grupları uygulama günü başlanarak 4 gün oral SF verilen "IR grubu" (n=8), IR günü başlanarak 4 gün oral Myrtus communis (MC) ekstresi uygulanan "MC tedavi grubu" (n=8), IR'den 4 gün önce başlanarak toplam 8 gün oral MC uygulanan "MC ön tedavi grubu" (n=8) düzenlendi. Myrtus communis, oral gavaj yöntemiyle 100 mg/kg dozunda sabah saatlerinde günde bir kez verildi. Işınlama ketanmin anestezisi altında lineer akseleratör cihazında 6 MV foton enerjisiyle ön-arka iki alandan tek fraksiyonda 10 Gy tüm vücut olarak uygulandı. Deneyin dördüncü gününde tüm denekler sakrifiye edilerek alına dokularda Hematoksilen veEozin boyamasıyla histopatolojiye ve biyokimyasal olarak malondialdehit (MDA), glutatyon (GSH), miyeloperoksidaz (MPO) seviyeleri ve Na-K ATPaz aktivitelerine bakıldı. Grupların karşılaştırmasında istatistiksel olarak t testi kullanıldı. Anlamlılık için p<0.05 seçildi. Bulgular: Pankreas, karaciğer ve ileum dokularında, kontrol grubuna göre IR grubunda artma (p<0.001) MPO aktivitesi ve MDA seviyesinde IR grubuna göre MC tedavi ve MC ön tedavi gruplarında anlamlı olarak azalma izlendi (p<0.01). Kontrol grubuna göre IR grubunda azalan GSH seviyesi ve NaK ATPaz aktivitesi, MC tedavi hem de MC ön tedavi grubunda anlamlı olarak artmıştı. Histopatolojik incelemede ileum ve kolon dokularında IR grubunda ciddi düzeyde izlenen villus ve mukozal glandular hasarın ön tedavili ve tedavili MC gruplarında azaldığı izlendi. Pankreasta IR grubunda ekzokrin pankreas asinus yapılarında düzensizlik ve hücre hasarı, Langerhans adacıklarında hücre organizasyonunda düzensizlik ve hücreler arasında genişleme izlenirken MC eklenen gruplarda bu etkilerde azalma izlenmiştir. Karaciğerde IR grubunda sinusoidal konjesyon, hepatik kordların organizasyonunda bozulma ve hepatosit hasarı izlenirken MC eklenen gruplarda oldukça azalmış sinuzoidal konjesyon hasarlı hepatositlerin sayında azalma olduğu görüldü (Şekil 1). Sonuç: Myrtus communisin sıçan gastrointestinal sistem dokularında iyonizan radyasyonun inflamatuvar etkilerine bağlı hasarı anlamlı olarak azalttığı görülmektedir. Çalışmamız bu bitkinin klinikte yeni bir radyoprotektan ajan olarak uygulanabilirliği konusunda in vivo öncü bir çalışma niteliğindedir. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of aqueous‐ethanol extract of Horse chestnut (HCE) on MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 expressions during cutaneous wound healing in diabetic rats were investigated in this study. The expressions of MMP‐1 and MMP‐9, wound closure, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, hydroxyproline, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in wound tissue were measured. Quercetin glucuronide in HCE was identified as main compound using a LC‐MS/MS. The hydroxyproline level was significantly increased in the treated group versus control after the 3rd and 7th days (p < 0.05). The MDA level and MPO activity were significantly lower in the treatment group (p < 0.05). MMP‐1 gene expression level in treated rats was increased in the 7th day while it was reduced in 14th day. MMP‐9 gene expression level in treated rats was decreased in 7th, and 14th days compared to control (p < 0.05). These results show that HCE accelerated the cutaneous wound‐healing process in diabetic rats via MMP‐1 and MMP‐9 regulation. Practical applications: The main function of MMPs is to degrade and deposite the various components of the extracellular matrix. Also, they participate physiological processes such as inflammation, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling. Horse chestnut seeds (HC) are known to be rich in saponins and flavonoids. HC are used for the treatment of abdominal pain, stomach ache, cold, hemorrhoids, arterial stiffness, rheumatism, oedema, diarrhea, chronic venous insufficiency and also as an antihemorrhagic and antipyretic in traditional medicine. It has been shown that HC has anti‐inflammatory, antioedema, vessel protective, and free radical scavenging properties. This study indicates that HCE could be an effective agent for wound healing in diabetic wound model via its ability to suppress the MMP‐9 gene expression and regulates MMP‐1 gene expression besides its antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder causing common health problem with increasing age. Evidences show that the key symptoms of AD are mainly caused by cholinergic system dysfunction which has a role in cognitive disorders. Cholinergic pathways especially muscarinic receptors like M 1 subtype also have a major role in learning, memory, cognitive functions and emotional state. There is no available permanent treatment currently to cure AD or to change its progression. This study was designed to investigate the factors that play important role in pathogenesis of AD and to compare the effects of Galantamine treatment with effects of Myrtus communis treatment. The expression level of M 1 , ACh, BDNF; AChE activity, GSH level, MDA and MPO activity and AChE gene expression were investigated in scopolamine-induced rat model. Results showed that, administration of MC significantly improves the SCOP-induced reduction of latency and object recognition time; increasing BDNF, M 1 and ACh receptor expression levels in the different brain regions. Additionally, MC showed an increased in AChE by enhancing GSH activity and reducing MDA level and MPO activity. In conclusion MC considered as a possible novel therapeutic approach that can be a valuable alternative way in the prevention and treatment of AD. Highlights • Myrtus communis treatment ameliorated short and long term memory in SCOP model. • Myrtus communis possibly be helpful for preventing oxidative stress in brain tissue. • Myrtus communis treatment may be used as effective as the Galantamine. • Myrtus communis treatment reduced acetylcholinesterase activity in brain. • Myrtus communis treatment was ideal in recovering the reduced M 1 and BDNF levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Myrtus communis subsp. communis showed beneficial effects against the disturbances of cognitive functions in Alzheimer-disease-like pathologies. • Myrtus communis subsp. communis has anticholinesterase and hypoglycemic effects. • MC may be useful as a supportive agent for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, by enhancing cholinergic transmission and neurogenesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of Myrtus communis subsp. communis (MC) on cognitive impairment in ovariectomized diabetic rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups consisting of 15 rats each; Control (C), Diabetes (D), Ovariectomy and diabetes (OVX + D), Ovariectomy, diabetes and donepezil (OVX + D + Don), Ovariectomy, diabetes and Myrtus communis subsp. communis (OVX + D + MC). Blood glucose measurements were made at the beginning and end of the experiments. The animals underwent the novel object recognition test (NORT) and their performance was evaluated. In hippocampal tissues; amyloid beta (Aβ) and neprilysin levels, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activities, polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), α7 subunit of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expressions were examined. Animals with ovariectomy and diabetes showed increased levels of blood glucose, AChE activity and Aβ levels, and decreased neprilysin levels, ChAT activity, α7-nAChR, PSA-NCAM and BDNF gene expressions in parallel with a decrease in NORT performance score. On the other hand, in the MC-treated OVX + D group, there was a significant decrease observed in blood glucose levels and AChE activities while there was improvement in NORT performances and an increase in hippocampal ChAT activity, neprilysin levels, α7-nAChR, PSA-NCAM and BDNF expressions. These results suggest that MC extract could improve cognitive and neuronal functions with its anticholinesterase and antihyperglycemic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]