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2 Tablas.-- 3 Figuras, Biomass of the acidophilic green alga Coccomyxa onubensis may be used as a food source for animals without collateral toxic effects, as diet supplemented the microalga has significant hypoglycemic and hypocholesterolemic effects on healthy animals. Rats were fed for 108 days with a high-fat diet, and at the end of the experiment, they were overweight and had significantly increased serum levels of glucose (2.0-fold), total cholesterol (1.6-fold), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (7.7-fold). The supplement of C. onubensis powder (6.25% w/w dry weight) in the high-fat diet significantly protected the rats against cardiovascular risks by reducing the serum levels of glucose (38.47%), total cholesterol (22.65%), and LDL-cholesterol (26.70%). The protective effects of the microalga were comparable with that of 10 mg/kg body weight per day of atorvastatin. The high-fat diet decreased both ω–3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids in the brain tissue of rats; however, C. onubensis powder could not restrict these changes. Simultaneously, the high-fat diet increased the levels of both palmitic and arachidonic (ω–6) acids in the telencephalon tissue of rats; this was prevented when microalga biomass was used in the diet of rats., This study is funded by the University of Huelva and Andalusian Government (research project BIO–214).

WOS: 000431199600005, PubMed: 29654403, Insects' cuticles have a potential to be evaluated as a chitin source. Especially adults of aquatic insects like mayflies (order Ephemeroptera) swarm in enormous numbers in artificially lit areas while mating in spring and then die by leaving huge amounts of dead insects' bodies. Here in this study, mayfly corpses were harvested and used for production of low MW chitosan. Dried mayfly bodies had 10.21% chitin content; mayfly chitin was converted into chitosan with efficiency rate of 78.43% (deacetylation degree, 84.3%; MW, 3.69 kDa). Cytotoxicity and anti-proliferative activity of mayfly and commercially available shrimp chitosans (low, medium, and high MW) were determined on L929 fibroblast and three different cancer types including HeLa, A549, and WiDr. Apoptosis and necrosis stimulating potential of mayfly and commercial chitosans were also evaluated on A549 and WiDr cells using acridine orange and propidium iodide dual staining to observe morphological changes in nuclei and thus to reveal the predominant cell death mechanism. The effects of chitosans have varied depending on cell types, concentration, and chitosan derivatives. Mayfly and low MW chitosans had a cytotoxic effect at a concentration of 500 mu g mL(-1) on non-cancer cells. At concentrations below this value (250 mu g mL(-1)), mayfly and commercial chitosans except high MW one exhibited strong inhibitory activity on cancer cells especially A549 and WiDr cells. Mayfly chitosan induced early and late apoptosis in A549 cells, but late apoptosis and necrosis in WiDr cells. This study suggests that dead bodies of mayflies can be used for production of low MW chitosan with anti-proliferative activity.

WOS: 000410849000003, The new vessel formations play a vital role in growth and spread of cancer. Current anti-angiogenic therapies, predominantly based on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibition, can inhibit vascular development; however, they are usually ineffective against the primary tumor occurrence. The aim of this study was to assess anti-angiogenic effects of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) functionalized with Semaphorin (Sema) 3F protein. The polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated AuNPs were covalently functionalized with Sema 3F and labeled with the TAMRA fluorescent dye. The effect of the NPs on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is probed in the way of internalization and viability assays. AuNP-Sema 3F bioconjugates showed great endothelial cell uptake. AuNP-Sema 3F bioconjugates reduced VEGF(165)-induced endothelial cell proliferation more effectively than Sema 3F alone, suggesting that the therapeutic effects of Sema 3F can be improved by conjugation to AuNPs. Also, no significant toxicity effect was induced by bioconjugates. This is the first study that reports a covalent binding of full length Sema 3F to NPs. The exogenously administration of Sema 3F, which has both anti-angiogenic and antitumoral activity, to tumor vasculature via a carrying platform may not only lead to more effective antiangiogenic treatment but also may make current approach more applicable in clinical use like drug delivery system., Hacettepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit [010BIYP02604003, 014BIYP604004], This work was supported by the Hacettepe University Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit (project number: 010BIYP02604003 partially, 014BIYP604004).

WOS: 000369326900002, Chitin specimens from 16 arthropod species (13 of Insecta and 3 of Arachnida) were isolated for the first time using the same method. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and elemental analysis have been applied to determine how physicochemical properties of chitin specimens are affected by taxonomic relationship. The characterisation studies revealed that physicochemical nature of the chitin specimens differed greatly and were found partially specific to taxa. Significant differences in the surface morphologies of chitin specimens were observed even in the same order. However, the chitin contents were recorded to be specific to the order in the class Insecta. The highest chitin content was observed in Coleoptera (18.2-25.2 %) followed by Hemiptera (10.6-14.5 %), Odonata (9.5-10.1 %), Hymenoptera (7.8-9.3 %), Diptera (8.1 %), Blattodea (4.7 %). In addition, the crystalline index (CrI) values of chitin specimens from Coleoptera were found to be higher than the other orders in Insecta. This study revealed that the chitin contents and CrI values can be related to taxonomical relationships.

WOS: 000350230200002, The fatty acid composition and omega 3/omega 6 ratios in the muscle of wild and reared Oncorhynchus mykiss (rainbow trout) in the Tohma River (Sivas, Turkey) were determined by gas chromatography. There were quantitative differences between some fatty acids in the muscles of wild and reared rainbow trout. The most abundant fatty acids in both wild and reared fish were palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1 omega 9), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6 omega 3). The levels of omega 3 series and omega 6 series fatty acids in wild fish muscle were higher than in the reared fish. The omega 3/omega 6 ratios in muscle were found to be 1.92 (reared fish) and 2.28 (wild fish). The higher omega 3/omega 6 ratio in the wild fish might be a result of the season and the richer feeding conditions in the river under natural conditions. However, daily and continuously reared fish might be turned into more beneficial food for human consumption.

WOS: 000312435500071, PubMed ID: 23065225, This work aims to investigate the antiproliferative properties of Allium sivasicum (AS) on breast cancer. AS extracts were studied for cytotoxicity against the breast cancer cell lines. In vitro apoptosis studies of breast cancer cells were performed by annexin V staining in flow cytometry analyses. AS showed cytotoxicity to three cancer cell lines. Annexin-positive cells level in AS treated cell lines were higher than the untreated control cells. The expressions of caspase-7 protein and TUNEL positive cells were much higher for the rats treated by AS, compared with the untreated control group. The expressions of the Ki-67 decreased in treatment groups compared with the control group. In vivo studies showed that mean tumor volume inhibition ratio in AS treated group was 38 % compared with the untreated rats. These results indicate that A. sivasicum has antitumoral potential against breast cancer., Cumhuriyet University [T-383], This work has been supported by the Scientific Research Project Fund of Cumhuriyet University under the project number T-383.

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WOS: 000268190600017, Synema anatolica sp. n. (Araneae: Thomisidae) is described based on both sexes from Turkey. Differences between the new species and related species are discussed., Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) [106T133], We are very grateful to the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for financial support of this work (Project No. 106T133).

WOS: 000253527500007, PubMed ID: 18649023, This study was carried out to understand the preventive effect of selenium (Se4+) on heavy metal stress induced by lead and copper in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Variation in glutathione peroxidase (Se-GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver, spleen, heart, and brain tissues of rainbow trout after 72 h of exposure to Pb2+ and Cu2+ were investigated in the presence and absence of Se4+. In the presence of Se4+, Se-GSH-Px activity and SOD activity were found to be higher and MDA levels were lower compared with in its absence. Hematological parameters were also determined and it has been observed that total leukocyte count (WBC), mean cell volume (MCV), and mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) were increased and erythrocyte number (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit value (Hct; P < 0.05) were decreased in fish exposed to heavy metals in the absence of selenium. Selenium presence recovered hematological parameters to normal levels. In the light of our findings, it could be stated that Pb2+ and Cu2+ lead to dramatic changes in biochemical and hematological parameters and selenium caused these parameters to converge to control levels when it was administered concurrently with these heavy metals.

WOS: 000250722100014, PubMed ID: 17605044, Purpose Sulfotransferase 1A1 is a member of sulfotransferase family that plays an important role in the biotransformation of numerous carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds through sulfation. The present study has investigated the association between SULT1A1 polymorphism and primary brain tumor incidence. Methods SULT1A1 genotypes were successfully detected using the PCR-RFLP assay in 60 primary brain tumor patients and 156 hospital-based healthy control individuals with no history of cancer or precancerous disorder. Results There was a significant difference in genotypes distribution (GG vs. GA + AA) between brain tumor patients (GG genotype frequency = 48.3%) and control population (GG genotype frequency = 65.4%; OR = 2.019, 95% CI = 1.103-3.695; P = 0.022). In order to determine the association between SULT1A1 polymorphism and specific types of brain tumors, the patients were classified according to the type of brain tumors they suffer from: glial and non-glial. Results of the statistical analyses of each group of patients in comparison with the control individuals showed a significant difference only between SULT1A1 polymorphism and non-glial brain tumors (OR = 2.615; 95% CI = 1.192 5.739; P = 0.014) but glial tumors (OR = 1.535; 95% CI = 0.688-3.425; P = 0.293). When non-glial tumors were classifed as meningiomal and others (pituitary adenoma, craniopharyngioma, acoustic neuroma and hemangioblastoma), statistical analysis showed that this significance is only due to the meningiomal tumors (OR = 3.238; CI = 1.205-8.704; P = 0.015). We also estimated a reduced risk of brain tumor in non-smokers (OR = 1.700; CI = 0.800-3.615) in comparison to smokers (OR = 2.773; CI = 0.993-7.749), but this was not statistically significant. Conclusion Our findings have suggested that there was a significant association between brain tumor and SULT1A1*2 2 allele (A allele that is also known as His allele) and this allele is an important risk factor in the development of meningiomal brain tumors.

Dirmenci, Tuncay (Balikesir Author), The genus Nepeta (Lamiaceae) comprises about 300 species, most of which grow wild in Central and Southern Europe, North Africa, and Central and Southern Asia [1–3]. Recent studies have indicated that Nepeta species in Turkish flora are represented by 44 taxa, of which 22 are endemic to Turkey, and endemic and non-endemic species mostly grow in East Anatolia and the Taurus Mount [4].

WOS: 000258086500004, PubMed ID: 18665459, The main purpose of this study is to discuss the effect of Cd+2, Cr+3 and Se metals on biochemical parameters in liver tissue of Oncorhynchus mykiss. The rainbow trout were exposed to heavy metal stress ( Cd+2, Cr+3) at 2 ppm dosage. The present study was undertaken to determine the protective effect of selenium treatment at the same dosage ( 2 ppm) on some biochemical parameters. The activity of catalase ( CAT), glutathione peroxidase ( GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase ( SOD) and the changes in levels of malondialdehyde ( MDA) from biochemical parameters were determined in liver tissue of the fish groups exposed to heavy metals, especially for the selenium-applied groups. Results of this study showed that the activities of CAT, GSH-Px and SOD in the tissues of fish exposed to the stress of Cd+2 and Cr+3 were significantly lower than the control groups ( P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the closer values to the control groups were obtained in selenium-added groups ( Cr+3 + Se+4, Cd+2 + Se+4). For the level of MDA, the last production of lipid peroxidation showed increases ( P < 0.05) in the groups exposed to the metal stress, whereas significant decreases were obtained in selenium-applied groups. The result of the statistical evaluation showed that the negative effects occurring in the biochemical parameters of the applied groups exposed to the toxicity of heavy metal were significantly eliminated ( P < 0.05) as a result of selenium treatment.

WOS: 000463996700055, PubMed ID: 30762165, Hypericum lydium Boiss. is a perennial plant of the Hypericaceae family, which has been used in particular to treat depression. The aim of this study was to determine in vitro antioxidant, antimicrobial activities, anticholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase (AChE)/butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)), antidiabetic activities (-glucosidase/-amylase) and Tyrosinase inhibitor activity of methanol and water extracts of H. lydium. Also, gene expression has been evaluated in the shoot and root by microarray technology. So, in general, the purpose of this study is to study the active molecules such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, enzymes and genes in the plant, which is the first to be reported. The experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with three replications. In addition, gene expression was compared in the shoot and root parts. Expression profiling was carried out by microarrays. According to the results, the highest chemical components were determined in methanol extract rather than water extract. There was a difference between the obtained components. While the highest antioxidant activity was determined from the methanol extract of plant herbs for DPPH Free Radical Scavenging Activity, antioxidant activity was the same in both methanol and water extracts using the ABTS method. The methanol extract demonstrated stronger anticholinesterase (AChE and BChE) and -amylase inhibition activity. This study was complemented by the detection of antioxidant activity and some enzyme inhibition activity in the methanol extract. Microarray showed 10,784 genes had significantly different expression in root and shoot. There was a positive effect of methanol extract in respect of different activities compared to the water extract. Gene expression showed that the number of expressed genes in the root was greater than the shoot.

WOS: 000461554200022, …, Cumhuriyet University (Sivas, Turkey) [F-526], This research was supported by the Research Fund of Cumhuriyet University (Sivas, Turkey) (project number F-526).

WOS: 000462022300026 PubMed ID: 30406889 Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in young adults and children in the industrialized countries; however, there are presently no FDA approved therapies. TBI results in oxidative stress due to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species and overwhelming of the endogenous antioxidant mechanisms. Recently, it has been reported that antioxidants including phytochemicals have a protective role against oxidative damage and inflammation after TBI. To analyze the effects of a naturally occurring antioxidant molecule, allyl isothiocyanate (AITC), on the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) signaling pathways in TBI, a cryogenic injury model was induced in mice. Here, we showed that AITC administered immediately after the injury significantly decreased infarct volume and blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Protein levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL6), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and NF-kappa B were decreased, while Nrf2, growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) and neural cell adhesion molecule levels were increased with AITC when compared with vehicle control. Our results demonstrated that the antioxidant molecule AITC, when applied immediately after TBI, provided beneficial effects on inflammatory processes while improving infarct volume and BBB permeability. Increased levels of plasticity markers, as well as an antioxidant gene regulator, Nrf2, by AITC, suggest that future studies are warranted to assess the protective activities of dietary or medicinal AITC in clinical studies. OmniActive Health Technologies Inc.; Turkish Academy of Sciences This study was supported by OmniActive Health Technologies Inc. (NJ, USA). This work was also supported in part by the Turkish Academy of Sciences.

WOS: 000425615200008, Bacillus vallismortis and Bacillus mojavensis were loaded onto Amberlite XAD-4 resin and used for solid phase extraction (SPE) of uranium(VI). A quick and simple UV-Vis spectrophotometric method was used to determine U(VI) ion. The best experimental conditions were determined as being a pH of 5.0; a sample flow rate of 2.0 mL min(-1); 200.0 mg of biosorbent; 800 mg of Amberlite XAD-4, and 5.0 mL of 1 mol L-1 HCl as desorption solution for both immobilized bacteria. The preconcentration factors were achieved as 80 for both solid phase extractor. The developed methods were validated by applying to reference water and tea samples., Scientific Research Projects Unitof Siirt University, Turkey [BAP-2016-SIUFED-10], This study was supported by Scientific Research Projects Unitof Siirt University (Project code: BAP-2016-SIUFED-10), Turkey.

WOS: 000387773800004 PubMed ID: 27757710 Indigo blue is a natural dye used for thousands of years by civilizations to dye fabric blue and it is naturally obtained from Isatis tinctoria. I. tinctoria is not only used for extraction of indigo blue color but also used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine because of its active compounds. Sodium dithionite (Na2S2O4) is used in dye bath for indigo blue extraction, but this reducing agent and its derivatives are major pollutants of textile industry and subsequently have hazardous influences on public health. Herein, the present study was designed to obtain the high yield of natural indigo dye but with low possible toxic effect. In this context, genotoxic effects of particular combinations of natural dye solutions obtained from Isatis tinctoria subsp. tomentolla with Na2S2O4 as reducing agent were investigated. Dye solutions were obtained using two different pH levels (pH 9 and 11) and three different concentrations of Na2S2O4 (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/ml). In addition to the dye solutions and reducing agent, aqueous extracts of I. tinctoria were assessed for their genotoxicity on human lymphocytes. For in vitro testing of genotoxicity, chromosomal aberrations (CAs), sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) and mitotic indexes (MI) assays were used. Accordingly, Na2S2O4 caused significant increases in CA and SCE as well decrease in MI but the genotoxic effects of sodium dithionite were reduced with natural indigo dye. As a result, aqueous extracts of Isatis leaves removed the toxic effects of sodium dithionite and showed anti-genotoxic effect. For the optimal and desired quality but with less toxic effects of natural dye, 2.5 mg/ml (for wool yarn) and 5 mg/ml (for cotton yarn) of Na2S2O4 doses were found to be the best doses for reduction in the dye bath at Ph 9. Scientific And Technological Research Council of Turkey [109O655] The authors wish to thank for financial support from The Scientific And Technological Research Council of Turkey (Project number 109O655). We are also grateful to Prof. Dr. Ahmet ILCIM for his valuable assistance in taxonomic identification of the plant.

WOS: 000385480800008, Shock-like water stress using hydroponics and gradual water deficit in soil are the two widely used treatments to analyze transcriptional response of many crops to drought. In this study, we investigated the effects of shock drought (ShD) (0, 0.5, 1, 4, and 8 h) and slow drought (SDD) [soil water content (SWC) of 35 and 50 %] on the expression of well-known drought-responsive genes supplemented with physiological changes in barley. Two barley cultivars with contrasting leaf relative water content (RWC) and water loss rate (WLR) values were selected as Marti (MR; 60 % RWC and 0.046 gh(-1) g(-1) DW) and Erginel90 (ER; 38.3 % RWC and 0.350 gh(-1) g(-1) DW) under 38 % of SWC condition. According to the results, 0.5 h ShD was the critical time point for stress perception in leaves defined by the increase in WLR, ion leakage and H2O2 concentration. Expressions of antioxidant-related genes (Cu-Zn/SOD, HvCAT2, HvGST6, HvAPX) were rapidly induced in MR at 8 h shock, while only slightly upregulated in ER. We have also observed higher induction of expressions of HvBAS1, HvMT-2, HvABA7 and a photosynthesis-related gene HvLHCB during ShD compared to SDD. Contrarily, transcription factors (TFs), HvWRKY12 and HvDRF1 were expressed with lower values during shock-dehydration. Slow-drought treatments in both cultivars were characterized with high leaf RWCs and osmotic adjustment with low cell membrane damage, suggesting that barley maintains a basal tolerance to long-term water deficit. Our results confirmed that type of water stress treatment is crucial to measure gene expression, and a shock-like dehydration method should be the treatment of choice in evaluating barley plants with different physiological characteristics for water tolerance., Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University [BAP 4712], This work was supported by The Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University, Project Number BAP 4712. The authors thank to the staff of Dr. Maria von Korff's lab for experimental advice on stress applications and qRT-PCR.

WOS: 000378697800009, PubMed ID: 26852025, Chiral alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are rapidly becoming important synthetic building blocks, in particular for the production of pharmaceuticals and other fine chemicals. Chiral compounds of a variety of functionalities are now often derived using enzymes, and L-lactate dehydrogenase from the thermophilic organism Geobacillus stearothermophilus (bsLDH) has the potential to be employed for the industrial synthesis of chiral alpha-hydroxy acids. Despite the thorough characterization of this enzyme, generation of variants with high activity on non-natural substrates has remained difficult and therefore limits the use of bsLDH in industry. Here, we present the engineering of bsLDH using semi-rational design as a method of focusing screening in a small and smart library for novel biocatalysts. In this study, six mutant libraries were designed in an effort to expand the substrate range of bsLDH. The eight variants identified as having enhanced activity toward the selected alpha-keto acids belonged to the same library, which targeted two positions simultaneously. These new variants now may be useful biocatalysts for chiral synthesis of alpha-hydroxy acids., TUBITAK [213S099]; COST Action [CM1303], This work was supported by a grant from the TUBITAK (grant number 213S099) and special thanks to COST Action (grant number CM1303).

WOS: 000350874900003, PubMed: 25634326, The toxicity of permethrin on the fertilization and early development of sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus embryos were studied. Spermiotoxicity was evaluated on the basis of fertilization rate. Embryotoxicity was determined by comparing the frequency of normal development and malformations in embryos exposed to permethrin throughout their development. Permethrin inhibited fertilization success, and yielded IC25 and IC50 values of 0.58 (CL = 0.44-0.77) and 0.94 (CL = 0.92-0.95) A mu g/L, respectively. The embryotoxicity of permethrin was concentration dependent indicating a decreased percentage of normally developed plutei with increasing permethrin concentrations: IC25 = 0.195 A mu g/L (CL = 0.15-0.26) and IC50 = 0.346 A mu g/L (CF = 0.29-0.41). Associated with the decrease in normal pluteus frequency was an increase in larval malformations as skeleton deformities. The results suggest that permethrin is more highly toxic to embryos than to sperm, and that this insecticide may present a potential risk for the sea urchin in contaminated marine environments.

WOS: 000326632600009, Identification of intraspecific conservation units and incorporating the distribution of genetic diversity into management plans are crucial requirements for assessing effective protection strategies. This study investigates the phylogeographic structures of 33 bat species present in the Near East in order to evaluate the conservation implications of their intraspecific genetic diversity both at regional and large-scale levels. To compare Anatolian populations with the European ones, we utilized two commonly used mitochondrial markers, Cytb and ND1, and analysed them together with the available sequences from GenBank. The management requirements of the identified clades and their taxonomical relations were evaluated by analysing their distributions and the levels of their genetic differentiations. In 12 species and the large Myotis complex, we identified a total of 15 genetically distinct populations found in the Near East, some of which might represent biologically distinct taxa. Comparing the phylogeographic patterns of different taxa indicates that three regions, the Balkans, the Caucasus, and the southern Anatolia, harbour genetically divergent populations and should have higher priority in conservation practices. Considering that Turkey has one of the richest bat fauna in the Mediterranean region and the Anatolian populations of various species are genetically distinct, protecting populations in Turkey is critically important for preserving the genetic diversity of the bats in the Western Palaearctic. Both regional and large-scale conservation strategies, which incorporate the distribution of genetic diversity, should be assessed and further ecological studies are needed to clarify the taxonomic relations of the identified clades., Research Fund of Bogazici University [09S101, 10Y00P2]; Research Fund of Nigde University [01FEB023], We thank Yaman Ozakin, Yalin Emek Celik, Ismail Onur Gurses, Pinar Yildiz, Tomasz Postawa, Justyna Bachanek, Elif Icagasioglu, Zirve Yigit, Aysegul Karatas, Ferhat Toprak, Hasan Karakaya, and the members of Bogazici University Speleological Society and Bogazici International Speleological Society for their support during the field works. We also thank Arpat Ozgul for his comments on the manuscript. This research was supported by the Research Fund of Bogazici University (Grant No. "09S101'' to RB and "10Y00P2'' to AF) and the Research Fund of Nigde University (Grant No. "01FEB023'' to AK).

WOS: 000305532700005, PubMed ID: 22215196, Amebiasis is a severe illness caused by Entamoebachistolytica. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amebicidal activity of the rhizomes and aerial parts of Allium sivasicum, an endemic plant species from the flora of Turkey. Both extracts showed a time- and dose-dependent amebicidal action on the trophozoites. Among the extracts tested, rhizomes of A. sivasicum showed the strongest amebicidal effect on the trophozoites. In the presence of the rhizome extract at 2.0 mg/ml concentration, all of the trophozoites available in media have completely been killed within the 72nd hour. At 4.0 mg/ml extract concentration, all of the trophozoites available in media have completely been killed by the rhizome extract from the time of 24th hour. At 32.0 mg/ml extract concentration, 73.7% of the trophozoites were successfully killed by the extract within the first experimental hour. Aerial part extract at 4.0 mg/ml concentration completely killed the trophozoited within the 48th hour of the experimental procedure. At 8.0 mg/ml extract concentration, all of the trophozoites available in media have completely been killed by the aerial part extract from the time of 24th hour. At 32.0 mg/ml extract concentration, 67.7% of the trophozoites were successfully killed by the extract within the first experimental hour. These results suggest that the plant species evaluated here is a potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of Entamoeba infections, but it still needs to be evaluated quantitatively for determining the active phytochemicals., Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP), Sivas-TURKEY [F-346], This study is financially supported by the Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP), Sivas-TURKEY by the project numbered with F-346.

WOS: 000302814700023, PubMed ID: 22037826, Amoebic keratitis is difficult to treat without total efficacy in some patients because of cysts, which are less susceptible than trophozoites to the usual treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal activity of the methanolic extracts of Teucrium polium and Teucrium chamaedrys. In the presence of methanolic extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml), numbers of the viable Acanthamoeba castellani trophozoites and cysts were decreased during the experimental process. Both extracts showed time- and dose-dependent amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Among the extracts tested, T. chamaedrys showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites. In the presence of 16 mg/ml or above extract concentrations, no viable trophozoites were observed within 48 h. In the case of T. polium, no viable trophozoites were observed within 48 h at 32 mg/ml concentration. As expected, cysts were found more resistant to the extracts than the trophozoites., Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP), Sivas-TURKEY [F-346], This study is financially supported by the Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP), Sivas-TURKEY with the project number of F-346.

WOS: 000299521000018, PubMed ID: 21626154, Amoebic keratitis is difficult to treat without total efficacy in some patients because of cysts, which is less susceptible than trophozoites to the usual treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal activity of the methanolic extracts of Peucedanum caucasicum, Peucedanum palimbioides, Peucedanum chryseum, and Peucedanum longibracteolatum, which are endemic in Turkish flora except P. caucasicum. Extracts were evaluated for their amoebicidal activities using an inverted light microscope. In the presence of methanolic extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml), numbers of the viable Acanthamoeba castellani trophozoites and cysts were determined during the experimental process (72nd hour). All of the extracts showed a time and dose-dependent amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Among the extracts tested, P. longibracteolatum showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites and cysts. In the case of 32 mg/ml concentration of extract, no viable trophozoites or cysts were determined between 24th and 72nd hour. Similar results were obtained from the extract at 16.0 mg/ml concentration against trophozoites. At this concentration value, number of viable cysts was determined as 10.6 +/- 2.1 in the 24th hour. trophozoites were determined in the 48th hour. At the same concentration, 51% of the cysts were killed by the extract in the 72nd hour. As expected, cysts were found more resistant to the extracts than the trophozoites., Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP), We thank the Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP) for the financial support (Project Name: Investigation of the anti-parasitic and DNA damage protection potentials of some plant species growing in our country-Turkey).

WOS: 000299519800011, PubMed ID: 21735149, The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal activity of the aqueous extracts of Pastinaca armenea and Inula oculus-christi from Turkey. In the presence of aqueous extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml), numbers of the viable Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts were decreased during the experimental process. Both extracts showed a time- and dose-dependent amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Among the extracts tested, I. oculus showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites and cysts. In the presence of 32.00 mg/ml extract solution in the media, no viable trophozoites were determined from the time of 24 h. Moreover, in the presence of 16.00 mg/ml I. oculus-christi extract, no viable trophozoites were detected in 72 h of the experiment. Effectiveness of I. oculus-christi extract was found moderate against the cysts. In the presence of 32.00 mg/ml extract, only 25.3% of the total cysts were killed effectively. In the case of P. armenea, 40.3% and 23.0% of the trophozoites and cysts were killed in the presence of 32.00 mg/ml extract at the end of the experimental process (72 h), respectively., Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP), We thank the Research Council of Cumhuriyet University (CUBAP) for the financial support (Project name: Investigation of the anti-parasitic and DNA damage protection potentials of some plant species growing in our country-Turkey).

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WOS: 000282693600007, PubMed ID: 20835845, Heat shock protein 70 is a conserved protein among organisms. Hsp70 helps substrate proteins to fold correctly. Unfolded substrate proteins increase the probability of the aggregate formation. High level recombinant protein expression in biotechnology often leads insoluble inclusion bodies. To prevent aggregation and to obtain high levels of soluble proteins, Hsp co-expression with desired recombinant protein in yeast becomes a popular method. For this purpose, S. cerevesiae cytosolic Hsp70 (Ssa1) biochemical properties were characterized. Alteration of Ssa1 structure between ATP- and ADP-bound states regulates its function. Therefore, conformation-dependent Ssa1 hydrophobicity and as a result aggregation may also play a key role in Ssa1 function. Therefore, a combination of FTIR, acrylamide quenching, and ANS was used to investigate the effect of nucleotide binding on the structure of Ssa1. Ssa1 secondary structure alterations and hydrophobic properties in aqueous solutions with differing ionic strengths and temperature were also studied., Turkish Planning Organization [DPT-K.120220-2006]; Turkish National Academy of Sciences (TUBA-GE-BIP); Cumhuriyet University Graduate School, This work was funded partly by the Turkish Planning Organization (Grant DPT-K.120220-2006) and through seed grants from the Turkish National Academy of Sciences (TUBA-GE-BIP) and from Cumhuriyet University Graduate School for Derya Arslan.

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WOS: 000283904600007, This study is designed to examine the chemical composition and in vitro antioxidant activity of the hydrodistillated essential oil and the various extracts of alkanet (Alkanna tinctoria subsp. tinctoria). Gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the essential oil were resulted in the determination of 27 different compounds, representing 93.32% of the total oil. The major compounds detected in the oil, were pulegone (22.27%), 1,8-cineole (13.03%), alpha-terpinyl acetate (6.87%), and isophytol (6.83%), respectively. Antioxidant activities of thy samples were determined by 4 different test systems namely beta-carotene/linoleic acid, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power, and chelating effect. In all systems, essential oil showed the weakest activity profile. On the other hand, ethyl acetate and water extracts exhibited excellent antioxidant activities. As well as the antioxidant activities of the extracts, they were evaluated in terms of their total phenolic and flavonoid contents. In parallel to the experiments, ethyl acetate and water extracts were found to be rich-in these phytochemicals.

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WOS: 000260960900006, The study of phenotypic plasticity in host choice behavior is crucial to predict evolutionary patterns of insect-plant interactions. The presence of sufficient variation in plasticity may facilitate host race formation and sympatric speciation. In this study, 13 Aphis fabae Scopoli genotypes reared both on broad bean and nasturtium exhibited statistically significant genotypic variability in host selection behavior. Some genotypes displayed increase in preference and acceptance in a novel host plant through generations. There are also strong conditioning effects of nasturtium as nasturtium reared genotypes are more willing to choose nasturtium over broad bean while broad bean reared genotypes do not show differences in choosing between the two host plants. There are also positive relationships between fitness and host choice behavior particularly for nasturtium. Results of the study supported the hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity in host choice behavior may be one of the major determinants of the evolutionary trajectory of a parasitic species, such as aphids.

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