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Abstract: Obesity is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a body mass index equal to 30 kg/m2 or greater. It is an important and escalating global public health problem. Obesity is known to cause low-grade chronic inflammation, increasing the burden of noncommunicable and possibly communicable diseases. There is considerable evidence that obesity is associated with an increased risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection as well as significantly higher COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. It appears plausible that controlling the chronic systemic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity may have a positive impact on the symptoms and the prognosis of COVID-19 disease in obese patients. Astaxanthin (ASTX) is a naturally occurring carotenoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities. As a nutraceutical agent, it is used as a preventative and a co-treatment in a number of systemic neurological, cardiovascular, and metabolic diseases. This review article will discuss the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection and the effect of ASTX on obesity and obesity-related inflammation. The potential positive impact of ASTX anti- inflammatory properties in obese COVID-19 patients will be discussed.

Background Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) causes systemic oxidative stress response and endothelial damage in systemic organs. We investigated the effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and mechanical ventilation (MV) applications on oxidative stress in CPB. Methods Seventy-one patients were recruited and 60 completed the study. Randomized groups: MV off (Group 1); MV on, tidal volume (TV) at 3–4 mL.kg-1 (Group 2); MV on, TV at 3–4 mL.kg-1, PEEP at 5 cmH2O (Group 3), n = 20 in each group. As oxidative stress markers, we used glutathione peroxidase (GPx), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), total and native thiol (TT, NT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and catalase. We also investigated the correlation between oxidative stress and postoperative intubation time. Results The postoperative GPx levels in Group 2 were higher than Group 3 (p = 0.017). In groups 2 and 3, TAS levels were higher postoperatively than intraoperatively (p = 0.001, p = 0.019, respectively). In Group 2, the TT levels were higher postoperatively than preoperatively and intraoperatively (p = 0.008). In Group 3, the postoperative MDA levels were higher than preoperatively (p = 0.001) and were higher than both postoperative levels of Group 1 and 2 (p = 0.043, p = 0.003). As the preoperative TAS (Group 2) decreased and the postoperative NT (Group 2) and catalase (Group 3) increased, the postoperative intubation time lengthened. Conclusion MV ( 3–4 mL.kg-1) alone seems to be the most advantageous strategy. Prolonged postoperative intubation time was associated with both increased NT and catalase levels.

Surface sediment samples were collected at 104 stations in 34 different locations in seasonal periods in 2013–2014 on the southeastern coasts of the Black Sea. Nickel concentrations were measured with ICP-MS after microwave digestion and were higher in two seperate region than that of others. Relatively high Ni concentrations were found in Bafra (148 ± 18 mg/kg), Derekoy (147 ± 24 mg/kg), Canik (95 ± 35 mg/kg), Caltiburnu (129 ± 13 mg/kg), Carsamba (127 ± 4 mg/kg), Terme/Unye (94 ± 28 mg/kg), Akcaabat (95 ± 13 mg/kg), Carsibasi (77 ± 14 mg/kg), Vakfikebir (64 ± 5 mg/kg) and Gorele (53 ± 15 mg/kg). Nickel concentrations were higher than Effects Range-Medium (ERM) limits in the western and middle part of the region. Ni enrichment levels in sediments were calculated from both core data and earth crust values as a background. It was determined that the enrichment factors found by using earth crust values produced quite misleading results due to the geological variation of the region. It is also concluded that Ni concentrations in marine sediments of the southeastern coasts of the Black Sea are related to terrestrial geological structure.

A conductive composite binder made of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) and polyethylene oxide is utilized in a freestanding electrospun anode, loaded with high a...

In this study, the effect of impregnation with natural extracts on decay resistance and color change of pine and beech wood was analyzed. Flowers of Rhododendron luteum and Rhododendron ponticum plants were extracted according to the decoction method and aqueous solutions were prepared at different concentration levels (2 %, 4 % and 7 %). In addition, ferrous sulfate, copper sulfate and aluminum sulfate mordants were added to the solution to improve the properties of the extracts. Then the wood specimens were impregnated with the prepared solutions. The results indicated that the effect of plant species on the mass loss of specimens exposed to T. versicolor (white-rot fungus) was insignificant. Non-mordant extracts had a slight effect on the mass loss of the specimens. However, in pine and beech specimens impregnated with mordant-added (especially ferrous sulfate-added) extracts, mass loss was significantly reduced and resistance to fungal rot was almost completely achieved. The concentration level did not have a significant effect on the mass loss of specimens treated with mordant-added extracts. After impregnation, the L* value of all specimens (especially those treated with ferrous sulfate-added extracts) decreased and the specimens darkened. The a* and b* values increased in specimens treated with non-mordant and aluminum sulfate-added extracts and these specimens tend to have a red-yellow color. The a* value decreased and the b* value increased in wood specimens treated with copper sulfate-added extracts. The green-yellow color trend of these specimens increased. Both the a* and b* values of the specimens treated with ferrous sulfate-added extracts decreased and the green-blue color tendency increased in these specimens. The increase in the concentration level positively affected the determined color changes. The total color change (ΔE*) was higher in wood specimens (especially pine) treated with ferrous sulfate-added R. ponticum extracts., U istraživanju je analiziran utjecaj impregnacije borovine i bukovine biljnim ekstraktima na otpornost na propadanje. Cvjetovi biljaka Rhododendron luteum i Rhododendron ponticum ekstrahirani su metodom dekocije te su pripremljene vodene otopine različitih koncentracija (2 %, 4 % i 7 %). Osim toga, otopini su dodani fiksatori željezov sulfat, bakrov sulfat i aluminijev sulfat radi poboljšanja svojstava ekstrakata. Zatim su uzorci uzoraka izloženih djelovanju T. versicolor (gljivi bijele truleži) bio neznatan. Ekstrakti bez fiksatora imali su mali učinak na gubitak mase uzoraka. Međutim, znatno je smanjen gubitak mase uzoraka borovine i bukovine impregniranih ekstraktima s dodatkom fiksatora (osobito željezova sulfata), a postignuta je gotovo potpuna otpornost na gljive truležnice. Koncentracija otopine nije imala znatniji utjecaj na gubitak mase uzoraka zaštićenih ekstraktima s dodatkom fiksatora. Nakon impregnacije smanjila se L* vrijednost svih uzoraka (posebno onih zaštićenih ekstraktima s dodatkom željezova sulfata) i uzorci su potamnjeli. Povećale su se vrijednosti a* i b* uzoraka impregniranih ekstraktima bez dodatka fiksatora i ekstraktima s dodatkom aluminijeva sulfata i ti su uzorci poprimili crvenožutu boju. Vrijednost a* uzoraka drva premazanih ekstraktima s dodatkom bakrova sulfata smanjila se, a vrijednost b* se povećala. Udio žutozelene komponente na tim se uzorcima povećao. Vrijednosti a* i b* uzoraka premazanih ekstraktima s dodatkom željezova sulfata smanjile su se i povećao se udio zelenoplave komponente. Povećanje koncentracije otopine kojom su uzorci impregnirani pozitivno je utjecalo na promjenu boje. Ukupna promjena boje (ΔE*) bila je veća na uzorcima drva (osobito borovim) impregniranim ekstraktima R. ponticum s dodatkom željezova sulfata.

Problem-solving is an important skill in analytical chemistry. This study aims to determine how chemistry teacher candidates use volumetric analysis problems and reveal the errors made. The research employs a descriptive survey model. The sample of the study consists of seven chemistry teacher candidates studying in the chemistry teaching programme. Questions requiring comparing the volume spent in NaOH and HNO3, H2SO4, and H3PO4 titrations were asked within the scope of the study. The solution to the problem and explanations were recorded in a video. The results show that there are problems in determining the volume of NaOH. Many students wrote the titration reactions correctly, but there were problems with the effect values. It is noteworthy that those who made mistakes did not understand the first step of the problem. The students can prevent such mistakes with the help of a diagram summarizing the steps to be followed in the titration process.

Summary Pathogenic fungi cause major postharvest losses. During storage and ripening, fruit becomes highly susceptible to fungi that cause postharvest disease. Fungicides are effective treatments to limit disease. However, due to increased public concern for their possible side effects, there is a need to develop new strategies to control postharvest fungal pathogens. Botrytis cinerea, a common postharvest pathogen, was shown to uptake small double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules from the host plant. Such dsRNA can regulate gene expression through the RNA interference system. This work aimed to develop a synthetic dsRNA simultaneously targeting three essential transcripts active in the fungal ergosterol biosynthesis pathway (dsRNA‐ERG). Our results show initial uptake of dsRNA in the emergence zone of the germination tube that spreads throughout the fungus and results in down‐regulation of all three targeted transcripts. Application of dsRNA‐ERG decreased B. cinerea germination and growth in in vitro conditions and various fruits, leading to reduce grey‐mould decay. The inhibition of growth or decay was reversed by the addition of ergosterol. While dual treatment with dsRNA‐ERG and ergosterol‐inhibitor fungicide reduced by 100‐fold the required amount of fungicide to achieve the same protection rate. The application of dsRNA‐ERG induced systemic protection as shown by decreased decay development at inoculation points distant from the treatment point in tomato and pepper fruits. Overall, this study suggests that dsRNA‐ERG can effectively control B. cinerea growth and grey‐mould development suggesting its efficacy as a future method for postharvest control of fungal pathogens.

La1-x Srx CoO3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) nanoparticles were prepared by spray-flame synthesis and applied in the liquid-phase oxidation of cyclohexene with molecular O2 as oxidant under mild conditions. The catalysts were systematically characterized by state-of-the-art techniques. With increasing Sr content, the concentration of surface oxygen vacancy defects increases, which is beneficial for cyclohexene oxidation, but the surface concentration of less active Co2+ was also increased. However, Co2+ cations have a superior activity towards peroxide decomposition, which also plays an important role in cyclohexene oxidation. A Sr doping of 20 at. % was found to be the optimum in terms of activity and product selectivity. The catalyst also showed excellent reusability over three catalytic runs; this can be attributed to its highly stable particle size and morphology. Kinetic investigations revealed first-order reaction kinetics for temperatures between 60 and 100 °C and an apparent activation energy of 68 kJ mol-1 for cyclohexene oxidation. Moreover, the reaction was not affected by the applied O2 pressure in the range from 10 to 20 bar. In situ attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy was used to monitor the conversion of cyclohexene and the formation of reaction products including the key intermediate cyclohex-2-ene-1-hydroperoxide; spin trap electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy provided strong evidence for a radical reaction pathway by identifying the cyclohexenyl alkoxyl radical.

Nanotechnology-based drugs show superiority over conventional medicines because of increased bioavailability, lower accumulation in non-target tissues, and improved therapeutic index with increased accumulation at target sites. However, it is important to be aware of possible problems related to the toxicity of these products, which have therapeutically superior properties. Accordingly, the present study was designed to investigate the safety profile of amoxicillin nanoparticles (AmxNPs) that we developed to increase the oral bioavailability of amoxicillin (Amx) in poultry. In the first part of the study, the genotoxicity potential of AmxNPs was evaluated using the Ames test and the in vitro comet assay. The results of Ames test showed that none of the tested concentrations of Amx and AmxNPs cause a significant increase in the revertant number of Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, and TA100, either with or without metabolic activation. Similarly, the comet assay revealed that AmxNPs did not induce DNA damage at any of the concentrations used, whereas high-dose (200 μg/mL) of Amx caused a significant increase in the percentage of DNA in the tail. In the second part of the study, the toxicity potential of AmxNPs on broilers was investigated by measuring biochemical parameters. In vivo results demonstrated that AmxNps did not cause a significant change in biochemical parameters, whereas Amx increased ALT, glucose, and cholesterol levels at certain sampling times. The obtained findings suggest that AmxNPs could be a safe promising potential drug in drug delivery systems.

Thiamethoxam (Thmx) is a globally used neonicotinoid pesticide contaminated in freshwater ecosystems with residues detected in fishery products. Astacus leptodactylus is a popular freshwater crustacean that is cultivated and exported in many countries. In this study, we investigated the acute toxic effects of Thmx on A. leptodactylus using various biomarkers (acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and adenosinetriphosphatases). The 96-h LC50 value of Thmx was calculated as 8.95 mg active ingredient L–1. As the dose of Thmx increased, oxidative stress was induced by the inhibition/activation of antioxidant enzymes, while the activities of acetylcholinesterase, carboxylesterase and adenosinetriphosphatases were inhibited. As a result, it can be said that Thmx has highly toxic effects on crayfish, therefore they are under threat in the areas where this pesticide is used.

Hierarchically porous materials are promising as catalyst supports in fuel cells and batteries as they increase overall mass transfer and active site density. In this work, a hierarchically porous catalyst support for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media has been developed by a bottom-up approach. Graphene oxide (GO) was introduced during synthesis conditions of zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to produce hybrid material of ZIF-8/GO. Successful nanocomposite formation was realized by preserved crystallinity and chemical interaction between species as revealed by X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Introduction of GO and pyrolysis of resulting hybrid structure causes emergence of disordered meso/macropores with an accompanying increase in pore volume as revealed by N2 sorption experiments. Pt nanoparticle deposition on pyrolyzed hybrid material by polyol method results in electrocatalyst Pt/NC-1, which shows greatly improved mass activity (182 vs 86 A g−1Pt) and specific activity (467 vs 186 μA g−1Pt) at 0.8 V for ORR against reference electrocatalyst Pt/r-GO and improved specific activity against Pt/C.

Aimed to investigate in an animal model the efficacy of humic acid by showing its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effect comparing with the histopathological and neurological outcomes for the hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.28 Wistar-Albino rats who were on the 7th postnatal day and weighting between 9 and 19 g randomly divided into four groups with developed HIE model under the gas anesthesia. 20 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg intraperitoneal HA were given to Group I and II respectively. Saline was given to Group III and the sham group was Group IV. The brain tissues were stained with cresyl-violet histochemistry for grading neuronal cell injury and caspase immunohistochemistry.The neuronal cell injury was statistically lower in all neuroanatomical lands in HA treatment groups. The degree of ischemia was significantly smaller in HA groups. Caspase-3 immunoreactivity was decreased in the HA groups compared with the saline group. When the groups were compared, there were no serious neuronal injury in Group I.This is the first study which investigates the role of HA in HIE model. HA reduces apoptosis and neuronal injury in cerebral tissue of the rats. This findings suggest that HA may be viable protective agent against HIE.

This double-blinded and split-mouth design, randomized feasibility study aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic and therapeutic use of a new age NitrAdineTM-based brushing solution (PerioTabs®) on the clinical parameters before and after periodontal therapy. Four subjects were randomly assigned to two treatment groups according to periodontal infection: PerioTabs® and placebo. At the first appointment, a split-mouth scaling was performed in all participants. All oral care instructions concerning the use of effervescent tablets were explained to the participants in detail. The morning after the tablets were finished, a full-mouth scaling was completed in all participants. All parameters were recorded at 0, 11, and 40 days. According to the results, both the therapeutic and prophylactic interventions showed similar impacts on the gingival index and probing depth compared to the placebo in all patients. The bleeding on probing was further reduced at the PerioTabs® group at baseline until day 40 compared to the placebo in the gingivitis patients with both interventions; at both 11 and 40 days in the periodontitis patients receiving the therapeutic intervention; and at baseline to day 40 in the periodontitis group receiving the prophylactic intervention. While the preliminary results of this new-age brushing solution appear to be a promising approach for a future therapy of periodontal diseases, further research on a larger sample size is needed to draw firm conclusions.

Global sorunumuz olan koronavirüs hastalığı 2019 (Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)) klinik seyri değişkendir. İleri yaş, hipertansiyon, diyabet, kronik akciğer hastalığı, astım, kronik böbrek hastalıkları, karaciğer hastalıkları, kanser, obezite ve sigara kullanımı risk faktörleridir. COVID19 hastaların yaklaşık % 15'inde orta ila şiddetli hastalık gelişebilir ve hastaneye yatabilirler. Destek tedavisi olarak oksijen (O2) desteğine ihtiyaç duyabilirler. COVID-19 hastalarının % 5'inin ise bir yoğun bakım ünitesine (YBÜ) ihtiyacı olabilir. Arteriyel hipoksemi (arteriyel oksijen satürasyonu (SpO2) < %90, parsiyel O2 basıncı (PaO2) < 60 mmHg) varlığında akut oksijen tedavisi endikasyonu vardır. Hipotansiyon, metabolik asidoz ve solunum sıkıntısı durumlarında doku hipoksisi meydana gelir ve oksijen tedavisi gerekir. COVID-19 hastalarında dirençli bir hipoksi mevcuttur. Dirençli hipoksi hastalarda, nefes darlığı olmaksızın yaşamla uyumsuz SpO2 seviyeleri olarak tanımlanmaktadır. Bu durum hastaların yoğun bakım takip edilme isteklerini artırabilir. Fakat yoğun bakımların etkin ve efektif kullanılabilmesi için doğru endikasyondaki COVID-19 tanılı hastanın alınması ve servislerde takip edilebilecek hastaların servis takibi yapılması daha doğru bir yaklaşımdır. COVID-19 hastalarının özellikle riskli grubun nabız oksimetre ile SpO2 takibi önemlidir. Hastaların semptom vermeden önce tanı konularak etkin ve efektif O2 tedavisine başlanması sağlanmış olur., The clinical course of our global problem, coronavirus-associated disease 2019 (COVID-19), is variable. Older age, hypertension, diabetes, chronic lung disease, asthma, chronic kidney diseases, liver diseases, cancer, obesity and smoking are risk factors. Approximately 15% of patients with COVID-19 develop moderate to severe illness and require hospitalization and O2 support; 5% may need an intensive care (ICU). Approximately 15% of patients with COVID-19 develop moderate to severe disease and require hospitalization and O2 support; 5% may need in intensive care units (ICUs). Acute O2 therapy is indicated in cases of arterial hypoxemia (arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2)

Aim: It was aimed to examine the effects of Red Ginseng (RG), which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, on the histopathological alterations and lipid metabolism following splenectomy. Methods: Rats were randomly divided into 3 groups of 10 rats each. Only laparotomy was conducted in group 1 (sham). In group 2 (control), splenectomy was performed but no therapy was offered. Splenectomy was performed and RG extract was supplied orogastrically at a dosage of 100mg/kg/day for 28 days in group 3 (RG group). At the end of the 28-day period, tissue samples were obtained for the assessment of histopathological alterations in the vascular, intestinal, and lung tissues, and blood samples were obtained for biochemical analysis. Results: The RG group had reduced significantly total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels than the control group (p

Background This study aimed to determine the histological, biochemical, and biomechanical efficacy of fibrin clot and vitamin C in the healing of Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) in a rat model. Methods 52 adult Wistar-Albino rats (300–450 g) were used in the study. 12 rats were divided into four groups as Monitor (Group I), Control (Group II), Fibrin Clot (Group III), Fibrin Clot with vitamin C (Group IV). Four rats were used for fibrin clot preparation. Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) were measured on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days. Four rats were sacrificed on the 21st day from each group for histological evaluation. The rest of the rats were sacrificed at 42nd day, half for biomechanical and a half for histological evaluation. Results The 42nd-day HSS score of group IV was significantly lower than those of group I, group II and group III (p = 0.036, p = 0.019, and p = 0.036, respectively). Group IV showed a significantly higher Maximum force N value than those of group I, group II and group III (p = 0.034, p = 0.034 and, p = 0.025, respectively). The blood FGF and VEGF levels of group III and group IV on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, and 21st days were higher than those of group I and group II (p Conclusion Fibrin clot and vitamin C produced a stronger tendon structure in terms of biomechanics while providing histological and biochemically better quality tendon healing in the surgical treatment of ATR. This model can be used to accelerate high-quality tendon healing after ATR. Level of Evidence Level II, experimental study.

This study aimed to compare the dietary intake of carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, and dietary total antioxidant capacity (dTAC) and to evaluate relationship of dTAC with serum inflammatory biomarkers in patients with gastrointestinal system (GIS) and non-GIS cancer. In total, 104 adult cancer survivors (52 GIS and 52 non-GIS cancer cases) were included. 24-hour dietary recalls were obtained and dTAC was calculated on the basis of oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter (TRAP), ferric reducing antioxidant potential (FRAP), and vitamin C equivalents (VCE). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were used as inflammatory biomarkers. Routinely analyzed serum CRP, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet levels every day in hospital biochemistry laboratory were obtained from patients' file. There was no significant difference between patients with GIS and non-GIS cancer in terms of dietary intake of carotenoids, tocopherols, and flavonoids. While there was no significant difference between groups in terms of the mean dietary ORAC, TEAC, and FRAP, the mean TRAP of patients with GIS cancer was significantly higher than patients with non-GIS cancer. Serum inflammatory markers (CRP and NLR) were found to have an inverse relationship with dTAC.

This study investigates the effect of using a multifunctional epoxide chain extender (Joncryl® ADR 4468) on the thermal stabilization and rheological properties of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R-PET) and its blends with polybutylene terephthalate (PBT). The R-PET samples were prepared without and with chain extender (CE) contents of 0.4 wt% and 0.8 wt%. R-PET/PBT blends with weight ratios of 75w/25w, 50w/50w and 25w/75w were also prepared without and with a given CE content of 0.2 wt%. The thermal stability of the melt blended samples was analyzed through small amplitude oscillatory shear (SAOS) rheological experiments. The structure of the samples was evaluated using a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. While the dynamic rheological properties of R-PET were improved with the addition of Joncryl and by blending with PBT, during the SAOS rheological experiments, the complex viscosity of R-PET further increased due to the concurrent polycondensation of R-PET and the resumption of Joncryl reaction with R-PET molecules. These reactions during the rheological experiments were further expedited with increasing the testing temperature. On the other hand, in R-PET/PBT blends, the reactivity of Joncryl was more noticeable in blends with higher R-PET contents due to the higher available internal reactive sites of much shorter R-PET molecules. It was observed that the addition of only 0.2 wt% Joncryl to the blends of R-PET/PBT (75w/25w) dramatically improves the thermal stability and dynamic rheological properties of R-PET and most likely its processability.

Lithium lanthanum zirconates (LLZOs) are a family of solid electrolytes that have been increasingly under development since 2007. The high-temperature cubic LLZO has been the focus of the study due to its excellent ionic conductivity, higher stability against electrodes, and ease of fabrication in comparison to other solid electrolytes. Many advancements have been achieved in this area; however, still, there is room for further improvements. Recent findings have suggested the idea of using supervalent dopants such as (Ba2+, Sr2+, Eu2+, Al3+, Ga3+, Gd3+, Fe3+ Sc3+, Sm3+, Y3+, Eu3+, Ge4+, Ce4+, Sb5+ Ta5+, Nb5+, and W6+) to tailor the properties of LLZOs and therefore, make them applicable in different areas such as all-solid-state batteries, solid oxide fuel cells, and electrochemical sensors. Many results concerning the structure and consequently, the site preference of compositional ions (Li+, La3+, and Zr4+) of LLZO electrolytes have been published in recent years, but the diversity is such high that might confuse the reader when choosing the right topic of study. Therefore, in this review, we are aiming to summarize, categorize, and clarify recent advances in cubic LLZO solid electrolytes. A further aim of this review is to give a more in-depth insight into the structure and, therefore, the origin of the ionic conductivity in cubic LLZO.

In this study, methanol extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) of Angelica purpurascens (Ave-Lall.) Gill obtained from different parts (root, stem, leaf, and seed) were evaluated in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolics, compositions of phenolic compound, and essential oil with the methods of 2,2-azino-bis(3ethylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ARTS center dot(+)), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH center dot) radical scavenging activities, and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin-Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The root extract of A. purpurascens exhibited the highest ABTS center dot(+), DPPH center dot, and FRAP activities (IC50: 0.05 +/- 0.0001 mg/mL, IC50: 0.06 +/- 0.002 mg/mL, 821.04 15.96 mu M TEAC (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity), respectively). Moreover, EO of A. purpurascens root displayed DPPI scavenging activity (IC50: 2.95 +/- 0.084 mg/mL). The root extract had the highest total phenolic content (438.75 +/- 16.39 GAE (gallic acid equivalent), mu g/mL)). Twenty compounds were identified by LC-MS/MS. The most abundant phenolics were ferulic acid (244.39 +/- 15.64 mu g/g extract), benzoic acid (138.18 +/- 8.84 mu g/g extract), oleuropein (78.04 +/- 4.99 mu g/g extract), and rutin (31.21 +/- 2.00 mu g/g extract) in seed, stem, root, and leaf extracts, respectively. According to the GC-MS analysis, the major components were determined as alpha-bisabolol (22.93%), cubebol (14.39%), alpha-pinene (11.63%), and alpha-limonene (9.41%) among 29 compounds. Consequently, the MEs and EO of A. purpurascens can be used as a natural antioxidant source.

Trauma, congenital abnormalities or cancer-induced bone defects can be treated with tissue engineering products. Graphene oxide-containing polymeric scaffolds are used as an artificial extracellular matrix, acting as an environment where cells can grow and turn into living tissues. In the presented study, primarily cytotoxicity of graphene oxide was determined depending on the concentration. According to the cytotoxicity results, two different scaffolds containing low and high concentrations of GO were prepared and usability in bone tissue engineering was examined. For this purpose, water uptake, in vitro degradation and mechanical properties of the scaffolds were determined. On the predetermined days, MC3T3 cells proliferation and ACTB, COL1A1, OCN, OPN, RUNX2 gene expression were determined. According to the results, MC3T3 cell proliferation was increased when the incubation time increased, and also, gene expression related to bone tissue formation was increased.

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) in cases with metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in different lines of treatment. Method: Retrospective analysis of T-DM1 results of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) positive 414 cases with mBC from 31 centers in Turkey. Findings: Except 2, all of the cases were female with a median age of 47. T-DM1 had been used as second-line therapy in 37.7% of the cases and the median number of T-DM1 cycles was 9. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) times were different according to the line of treatment. The median OS was found as 43, 41, 46, 23 and 17 months for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th line, respectively (p = 0.032) while the median PFS was found as 37, 12, 8, 8 and 8 months, respectively (p = 0.0001). Treatment was well tolerated by the patients. The most common grade 3–4 adverse effects were thrombocytopenia (2.7%) and increased serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (2%). Discussion: The best of our knowledge this is the largest real-life experience about the safety and efficacy of T-DM1 use in cases with mBC after progression of Her2 targeted treatment. This study suggests and supports that T-DM1 is more effective in earlier lines of treatment and is a reliable option for mBC. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

The autologous bone grafts still have been used as the gold standard to initiate and facilitate bone healing in cases with bone defects. Because of some disadvantages of autologous bone grafts, the new biocomposite grafts have been researched. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) loaded into a biocomposite scaffold enhance bone regeneration.In our study, a 10 mm osteoperiosteal segmental bone defect was created in the middle of the right and left ulnar bones of eight rabbits. The created defects were filled in the right ulnar bones of eight rabbits (Group I) with BM-MSCs loaded onto a bio-composite scaffold (Plexur PTM, Osteotech, Eatontown, NJ, USA) and in the other ulnar bones of the same rabbits (Group II) with only biocomposite graft. Radiographs of each forelimb were taken postoperatively at the end of the 6th week. Then, the rabbits were euthanized pharmacologically for histopathological evaluation.Were scored using a modified Lane and Sandhu scoring system. All defects healed in both groups. Radiological and histo-logical total scores were slightly better in Group I, but statistical tests did not reveal any significant differences between the two groups at the end of the 6th week radiologically and histologically (p0.05).The results of our study demonstrated that in rabbit ulnar segmental bone defect model was obtained satisfactory regeneration with using biocomposite graft with or without BM-MSCs.

Fruits of nonastringent persimmon cultivars, as compared to astringent ones, were more resistant to Alternaria infection despite having lower polyphenol content. Metabolic analysis from the pulp of nonastringent "Shinshu", as compared to the astringent "Triumph", revealed a higher concentration of salicylic, coumaric, quinic, 5-o-feruloyl quinic, ferulic acids, β-glucogallin, gallocatechin, catechin, and procyanidins. Selected compounds like salicylic, ferulic, and ρ-coumaric acids inhibited in vitro Alternaria growth, and higher activity was demonstrated for methyl ferulic and methyl ρ-coumaric acids. These compounds also reduced in vivo Alternaria growth and the black spot disease in stored fruits. On the other hand, methyl gallic acid was a predominant compound in the "Triumph" pulp, as compared to the "Shinshu" pulp, and it augmented Alternaria growth in vitro and in vivo. Our results might explain the high sensitivity of the cultivar "Triumph" to Alternaria. It also emphasizes that specific phenolic compounds, and not the total phenol, affect susceptibility to fungal infection.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a plant species that has gradually started to be included in the plant pattern in the Mediterranean and Southeastern Anatolia regions in recent years. In these regions where boron (B) deficiency may be common in terms of soil and environmental factors, it is very important to determine the B nutritional level of the plants, especially the Pistachio which is sensitive to B deficiency. Based on this point, within the scope of this research, the shoot B concentration of the pistachio plant in increasing doses of B (0%; 0.2%; 0.4%; 0.6% and 0.8%) application from the leaf in two different periods when the bream explosion was 20% and the fruit was in the lentil size period and its effects on nutrients have been investigated. For this purpose, trial random blocks in the production areas where two pistachio varieties (Uzun and Kirmizi) were grown under garden conditions were carried out according to the trial plan. As a result of the research, it was determined that plant varieties and applied fertilizer doses had a significant effect on B concentration. Under all B applications according to plant varieties, it was determined that the B concentration was higher in the Kirmizi (21%) variety than in the Uzun variety (8.3%), the average B concentration was 200.3 mg kg-1in the Kirmizi variety and 176.3 mg kg-1 in the Uzun variety. It was determined that the B concentration in the shoot of the plant increased with increasing doses of B application, and these increases (36.8%) were statistically significant at only 0.6% B dose application compared to the control. No statistically significant effect of boron application on the analyzed macro (N, K) and micro (Zn, Fe, Mn) element concentrations was found.

Recently, lanthanides have been employed by researchers to examine their impact on the structure and properties of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) garnets. In this regard, we developed Europium oxide (Eu2O3) doped LLZO (Li7+δEuxLa3−δZr2−δO12−δ) solid electrolyte which demonstrates a cubic phase with the symmetry of Iaurn:x-wiley:00027820:media:jace17846:jace17846-math-0001d (No.230) at room temperature. In this investigation, different concentrations of Eu ranging from 0.1 to 0.6 atoms per formula unit (pfu) were doped into Li7La3Zr2O12 to evaluate the impact of Eu on the stability of the cubic phase and thereby the ionic conductivity. The results unveiled that upon doping Eu3+ ions, the Eu2+ state is also formed and is then self-doped into the structure in which Rietveld refinement coupled with XPS, EPR, and solid-state NMR suggests that Eu3+ ions most probably partially occupy Zr4+ (16a) site, the Eu2+ ions occupy La3+ (24d) site, and the Li+ ions occupy two different sites (24d and 96h). It was further found that such a site preference induces distortion at LaO8 polyhedrons opening up the neck for Li-ions diffusion, thereby enhancing the ionic conductivity. Moreover, it was revealed that Li-ions probably hop from 96h to 24d and then to 96h site to generate the Li-ion movement. Overall, by introducing Eu ions into the LLZO structure, an enhanced bulk ionic conductivity of 0.30 × 10−3 S/cm at 298 K with a minimum electronic conductivity of 2.547 × 10−9 S/cm at 298 K was achieved.

An indirect bonding method was developed to solve the problems likely to be encountered during proper positioning of the brackets. The aim of this study is to compare two different indirect bonding methods on the bond strength of the brackets. A 160 extracted human lower incisors were assigned into two groups. Transparent silicone material and bioplast material were used in transfer tray preparation in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Transbond XT adhesive system was used to bond brackets to teeth in both groups. A high intensity LED light source was used for 3 s for adhesive polymerization. Brackets were subjected to shear forces with universal test machine under 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed until failure. Adhesive Remnant Index was used to assess the amount of adhesive remnant on enamel surface after shear test under 10× magnification. Two subjects from both groups were evaluated for enamel surface characteristics with scanning electron microscope (SEM). Mean shear bond strengths were found to be 5.13 ± 1.8 MPa and 5.93 ± 2.19 MPa for silicone and bioplast groups, respectively. Bioplast group showed significantly greater shear bond strength than that of the silicone group. Maximum ARI score, assessed under ×10 magnification was 3 in both groups. A score of 3 was significantly more frequent in bioplast group. Differences were seen between the groups in terms of enamel surface characteristics under SEM evaluation. It was determined that bioplast material, which is considered to be the gold standard for the indirect bonding method, has greater shear bond strength than silicone material.

Objective: Phthalates, despite their endocrine disrupting effects, are widely used as plastifiants. Environmental exposure of phthalates was demonstrated to cause fetal death and reproductive toxicity in human beings, as well as in laboratory animals. However, underlying mechanisms are not clear. Material and Methods: Here, we examine the impact of di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP)on rat lungs, brain and heart by scanning acoustic microscopy (SAM) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). First, we evaluate tissues of mother rats and we show that the acoustic impedance values oftissues of DEHP and DBP delivered rats differ from those of tissues of the control rat. Then, element level analyses withinthese tissues are done and element levels within tissues of DEHP and DBP delivered pregnant rats are found to be higherthan those within tissues of the control pregnant rat. We then evaluate the tissues of offspring female rats. Results: It is shown that acoustic impedance values of tissues of offspring rats of DEHP and DBP delivered mother rats are higher than those of tissues of the control offspring rats of the control mother rat. Besides, element analysis revealshigher element levels in the tissues of offspring rats of DEHP and DBP delivered mother rats. Conclusion: Therefore, we can conclude that phthalates cause structural and functional changes within rat internal organs such as lungs, brain and heart. In summary, both modalities are confirmatory in a way that tissues of DEHP and DBP exposed pregnant rats and their offspring rats are differentiated by different acoustic impedance values obtained by SAM and higher element levels specified by ICP-OES.

Herein we report a facile redox deposition method for the construction of a hybrid assembly composed of ultrafine Fe3O4 particles on partially reduced graphene oxide (Fe3O4@PrGO) for Li-ion battery anodes, at which Fe3O4 particles of 20–30 nm size have effectively decorate the PrGO aerogel. The hybrid structure improves the number of active material sites accessible by the electrolyte, and provides an enhanced lithium and electron transport pathway. The material has demonstrated up to 2136 mAhg−1 reversible capacity after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.5 Ag-1 and excellent cyclability at 1 Ag-1 even after 600 cycles of operation. The superior lithium-ion transport kinetics, which is mainly due to effective attachment of the pulverized Fe3O4 particles of 1–2 nm size to the 3D PrGO network, enabled the cell to exhibit 480 mAhg−1 capacity even at a very high discharging rate of 10 Ag-1. The achieved capacity upon electrochemical cycling has been fully recovered even after a long time of ageing, highlighting its potential to replace the conventional graphite as a robust and high-performance anode material.1

Use of organic and organomineral liquid fertilizers as alternative plant nutrition products is being more common in horticultural crops. For this reason it is thought that it can be good to use these fertilizers at some of the important grape varieties for the viticultural regions. This research was conducted in Prima grape variety. In the study, the effects of separate and combined applications of organic (BioGas, 400 cc 100 L-1 and 4 L da-1, respectively) and organomineral (AminoSEL-K, 300 cc 100 L-1 and 4 L da-1, respectively) liquid fertilizers from leaves and soil were compared. To determine the effect of fertilizer applications, grape yield and quality, and plant nutrition characteristics were examined. The highest yield, cluster weight and total soluble solids values (9251 g vine-1, 462.6 g and 15.58%, respectively) were recorded in organomineral application. Organic+organomineral applications when applied separately and together increased berry size compared to control application. It is seen that organic and organomineral fertilizer application from soil increased cluster and berry size. Effect of application method (to soil and to leaf) on mineral concentrations of soil and leaf was not significant. Organic+organomineral fertilizer for Potassium in soil; organic fertilizer application for magnesium, iron, zinc and copper in soil was found to be higher. As a result, it is determined that at Prima variety different fertilizer and different application methods showed different effects. However, it would be appropriate to continue the study in the following years in order to reach more definite conclusion on the effect of these fertilizers.

Ozone is a highly effective oxidant. In its gaseous form, ozone is not a stable compound; however, stability and effectiveness are sustained for a long period, when stored in vegetable oils. In thi...

A straightforward, one-step route has been established to fabricate reduced- (rGO) and nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (NrGO) with remarkable lithium-ion storage properties. The graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized as starting material by improved Hummers’ method. Thereafter, thermally annealing GO with NH3 at elevated temperature to synthesize NrGO was yielded a more open structure with nitrogen sites suitable for enhanced Li intercalation. NrGO exhibited a reversible capacity of 240 mAhg−1 at 10 Ag-1 after 500 cycles with 90% capacity retention, which is the best result achieved among graphene oxide-based anodes at this current density. In contrast to rGO, NrGO cells exhibited a gradually increasing capacity profile, reaching up to 114% of the initial capacity at 0.1, 2, and 10 Ag-1 current densities. Results showed that high occupancy of pyridinic N within NrGO enhanced battery performance and cell kinetics upon cycling which offers long-time operability at high current density.

Introduction: The efficacy and tolerability of Enzalutamide and Abiraterone Acetate have been reported in elderly patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, there is no randomized study directly comparing antitumor effects between these 2 agents in geriatric patients. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Enzalutamide (ENZA) and Abiraterone Acetate (AA) as a first-line treatment of mCRPC in elderly patients. Materials and methods: The geriatric patients (≥75 years of age) with a diagnosis of mCRPC and treated with first-line ENZA or AA were included. The impacts of clinical parameters and treatment modalities on overall survival (mOS) were analyzed retrospectively and Cox regression analysis was performed. Results: One hundred thirty-four mCRPC patients (77 in AA, 57 in ENZA), with a median age of 81 (75–93) were analyzed. The patient and disease characteristics were similar between arms. While there were more grade 1–2 toxicities in AA arm (45.5% vs 17.5%, P = 0.001), the discontinuation due to toxicity was similar between groups (8.5% vs 5.9%, P = 0.81). The mOS was 18.0 months (95% CI, 15.2–20.7) in AA, and 20.0 months (95% CI, 4.4–35.5) in ENZA arm (P = 0.47). In multivariate analysis, high Gleason score (≥8) (HR: 2.0 (95% CI, 1.1–3.4), P = 0.009) and high initial PSA values (≥100 ng/mL) (HR: 2.6 (95% CI, 1.5–4.8), P = 0.001) were poor prognostic factors. The choice of AA vs ENZA was insignificant as a predictor of OS (HR: 0.87 (95% CI, 0.48–1.56), P = 0.65). Conclusion: In the first-line treatment of mCRPC in elderly (≥75) patients, AA and ENZA showed similar results in terms of mPFS and mOS. The clinical impacts of second-generation androgen receptor pathway inhibitors in the elderly population should be tested in prospective randomized studies.

Bu çalışmada, Türkiye’nin Ege Bölgesi’nde yer alan Aydın Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Ziraat Fakültesi deneme alanında yetiştirilen karabuğday (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)’dan hazırlanan silaj örneklerindeki laktik asit bakteri (LAB) profillerinin M13 ve (GTG)5 tekrarlı dizi primerleri ile PCR-DNA-parmak izi tekniği kullanılarak belirlenmesi ve baskın suşlar hakkında veri elde edilmesi hedeflenmiştir. Çalışmada, farklı kuru madde (KM) içeriklerine sahip karabuğday örneklerine 2 farklı konsantrasyonda (1.5x105-1.5x106 kob g-1) inokulant ve 2 farklı konsantrasyonda (4-6 L t-1) formik asit ilave edilerek hazırlanan 15 farklı silaj örneği kullanılmıştır. İlk olarak 15 farklı silaj örneğinin KM, pH ve Fleig puanları, daha sonra bu örneklerin toplam LAB sayıları ve LAB’ların cins düzeyinde çeşitliliği belirlenmiştir. Silaj örneklerinden laktik asit bakterileri olduğu tespit edilen 50 izolat elde edilmiş ve LAB çeşitliliğini tür düzeyinde tespit etmek amacıyla (GTG)5 ve M13 primerleri kullanılarak bu izolatların Polimeraz Zincir Reaksiyonu (PZR) parmak izi profilleri elde edilmiştir. Çalışmada kullanılan 50 LAB izolatı için M13 primeri ile toplamda 52 lokus, (GTG)5 primeri ile 39 lokus üretilmiştir. Markör [M13 ve (GTG)5] sistemi, farklı LAB türlerine ait izolatlar arasında önemli bir değişkenlik sağlayan çok sayıda fragment üretmiştir. Kluster ve ayrım gücü analizi sonuçlarına göre silaj örneklerinin LAB profilinin moleküler karakterizasyonu için her iki primerin de [M13 ve (GTG)5] kullanılması gerektiği belirlenmiştir. Farklı KM oranına (% 20, % 30, % 40) sahip örnekler mikrobiyal çeşitlilik ve kalite açısından incelendiğinde, % 30 KM içeriği ön plana çıkmaktadır. Çalışmada, % 30 ve % 40 KM içerikli örneklerde Enterococcus sayısının artması ve buna paralel olarak silaj kalitesinin de artması silaj kalitesi üzerine Enterococcus sayısının etkili olabileceğini göstermektedir. Bu çalışmada elde edilen izolatlardan iki tanesinin silaj starteri olabilme potansiyeli bulunmaktadır. Bu veriler ışığında % 30 KM içeren karabuğday silajının yüksek LAB çeşitliliğine sahip kaliteli bir silaj ve alternatif kaba yem olacağı söylenebilir., In this study, it was aimed to obtain data about dominant strains and to determine lactic acid bacteria (LAB) profile in the silage samples prepared from buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), grown in fields of the Faculty of Agriculture of Aydın Adnan Menderes University in Turkey's Aegean region, by using PCR-DNA-fingerprinting technique through M13 and (GTG)5 repeating sequence primers. In the study, 15 different silage samples prepared by adding 2 different concentrations (1.5x105-1.5x106 cfu g-1) of inoculant and 2 different concentrations (4-6 L t-1) of formic acid to buckwheat samples with different dry matter (DM) contents were used. First, DM, pH and Fleig points of 15 different silage samples, then total LAB numbers and the variety of LABs at genus level of these samples were determined. 50 isolates which were detected to be LAB from silage samples were obtained and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) fingerprint profiles of these isolates were obtained using primers (GTG) 5 and M13 to detect LAB variety at species level. For the 50 LAB, a total of 52 loci with the M13 primer and 39 loci with the (GTG)5 primer were produced. The markers [M13 and (GTG)5] produced many different fragment profiles. According to the results of cluster and separation analysis, it was determined that both primers [M13 and (GTG)5] should be used for molecular characterization of LAB, isolated from silage samples. When samples with different DM ratio (20%, 30%, 40%) were examined in terms of microbial diversity and quality, 30% DM content came into prominence. The rise of the number of Enterococcus in samples with 30% and 40% DM content and the increase in silage quality in parallel shows that Enterococcus number can be effective on silage quality. Two of the isolates obtained in this study have the potential to become a silage starter. In the light of these data, it can be said that buckwheat silage containing 30% DM will be a quality silage with high LAB diversity and an alternative roughage.

Alcohol and tobacco use are risky factors that are associated with one another. High alcohol and tobacco use are significant public health problems with social and economic costs and one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease. The aim of this study was to determine the sociodemographic and economic factors on alcohol and tobacco concurrent use. In this study, a bivariate probit model was employed to determine the factors affecting alcohol and tobacco concurrent use among individuals aged 15 and above who were living in Turkey. The data used in this study was obtained from the Turkey Health Survey conducted in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016 by the Turkish Statistical Institute. The data were gathered from a total of 77,327 individuals. Empirical findings suggest that factors affecting alcohol and tobacco use were simultaneous. Also, the results revealed that several key variables such as age, gender, educational status, marital status, household monthly income level, and survey year were significant determinants of alcohol and tobacco concurrent use. Psychosocial support is significant for only tobacco use. In the last decade, a number of restrictions aimed to combat alcohol and tobacco use have been associated with reducing the usage habits of individuals. This is the first study that simultaneously compared both alcohol use and tobacco use using a Turkish sample.

*Karaşahin, Tahir (Aksaray, Yazar ) *Dursun, Şükrü (Aksaray, Yazar ), In this study, the effect of serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity on superovulation response and embryo yield was evaluated. The study material comprised 50 Holstein cows aged 3–4 years on postpartum day 90–120 with a body condition score of 3–3.25. A progesterone-based estrus synchronization protocol was initially administered to the selected donors. For this purpose, progesterone source was inserted intravaginally (day 0) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone injection was performed (day 6). Seven days after the insertion of progesterone device, follicle-stimulating hormone injections (total dose of 500 µg in decreasing doses for 4 days) were administered for superovulation. On the morning of the ninth day, prostaglandin (PG) F2α was administered, and the progesterone device was removed from the vagina in the evening on the same day. Two days after PGF2α administration, fixed-time artificial insemination was performed in the morning and in the evening. On the day of artificial insemination, blood samples were taken from the donors to determine the serum PON-1 activity. Uterine flushing was performed seven days after insemination. The results revealed that the serum PON-1 activity (mean ± SD, 562.71 ± 140.23 U/l) of the cows that responded to superovulation (donors with total corpus luteum count of ≥3 in both ovaries) was higher than those (389.91 ± 80.51 U/l) that did not (P

High Pt loading has better tradeoff in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) in terms of improved performance and operational longevity. But, to employ low amounts of Pt electrocatalysts via an alternative carbon-based support and utilization technique is vital. This study presents the use of a one-step novel technique, an electrophoretic deposition (EPD) method, through which reduced graphene oxide (rGO) supported Pt nanoparticles have been directly fabricated onto carbon paper to form electrodes for PEMFC. Our process involves simultaneous synthesis and deposition of Pt-reduced GO nanocomposites onto oxygen plasma pre-treated carbon paper in an organo-aqueous media at various deposition time. Through this technique, homogenously distributed Pt nanoparticles ranging from 5 to 6 nm in size on graphene support were successfully synthesized to form catalyst layer on carbon paper. The characteristics of fabricated electrodes were investigated ex-situ by Raman spectroscopy, FE-SEM, XPS, ICP, FIB, TEM. Furthermore, catalytic activity towards hydrogen oxidation reaction was evaluated via CV measurements and fuel cell performance tests were also conducted. The highest ECSA value of 27.4 m2g-1 and the Pt utilization efficiency of 1.48 kW/gPt−1 were achieved at an optimized Pt loading of 0.129 mg cm−2. A maximum power density of 280 mW cm−2 was obtained with increasing EPD time and Pt precursor concentration at the same time. The achieved results are attributed to the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles on rGO nanosheets displaying synergetic performance as catalyst necessary for PEMFCs, thanks to the EPD technique's viability, ease in handling, and reproducibility in the synthesis route. In the previous studies on Pt/GO based fuel cell electrodes by EPD, on one hand, Pt NPs were synthesized on GO by chemical methods first and electrodes were fabricated by a subsequent EPD. On the other hand, the fuel cell performances of those electrodes have been rarely shown. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time in literature not only about the use of EPD technique for the fabrication of fuel cell electrodes in one-step but also the evaluation of fuel cell performance of the electrodes fabricated by EPD.

Background/aim: Premature birth is a major problem that results in an increased risk of mortality and morbidity. The management of such infants consists of supraphysiological oxygen therapy, which affects brain development due, in part, to the deterioration caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS). We showed previously that exogenously administered uridine provides neuroprotection in a neonatal rat model of hyperoxic brain injury. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of uridine on ROS in the same setting. Materials and methods: Hyperoxic brain injury was induced by subjecting a total of 53 six-day-old rat pups to 80% oxygen (the hyperoxia group) for a period of 48 h. The pups in the normoxia group continued breathing room air (21% oxygen). Normoxia + saline or hyperoxia + saline or hyperoxia + uridine 100 mg/kg or hyperoxia + uridine 300 mg/kg or hyperoxia + uridine 500 mg/kg was injected intraperitoneally (i. p.) 15 min prior to the hyperoxia procedure. The pups were decapitated and the brains were homogenized to analyze superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) enzymes as well as DJ-1 (protein deglycase DJ-1) — an oxidative stress-sensitive protein. Results: Hyperoxia-induced may cause overproduction of oxygen radicals and the oxidant/antioxidant balance may be disturbed in the brain. Brain MPO and MDA levels were significantly increased in saline-receiving pups exposed to hyperoxia. Brain SOD and GSH-Px levels were significantly decreased in saline-receiving pups exposed to hyperoxia. Our results showed that uridine administration prevented the hyperoxia-induced decrease in SOD and GSH-Px while counteracting the hyperoxia-induced increase in MPO and MDA in a dose-dependent manner. Uridine also increased the DJ-1 levels in brains of rat pups subjected to hyperoxia. Conclusion: These data suggest that uridine exhibits antioxidative properties which may mediate the protective effects of uridine in a neonatal rat model of hyperoxic brain injury. Bursa Uludag University Scientific Research Projects Council

Preparation and characterization of some new thermochromic microcapsules with surface reactivity, material safety and their incorporation to cotton, and wool fabrics were performed in this work. Poly(methyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) P(MMA-co-MAA) was the shell of microencapsulated thermochromic system (TS). The TS acting as a core substance consisted of n-tetradecanol (TD) as solvent, crystal violet lactone (CVL) as a leuco dye and phenolphthalein (PP) as color developer. Particle photographs and average size distribution were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and particle size instruments, respectively. Microcapsules morphology was spherical and particle size average was 13.67 mu m. Thermal treatment for thermophysical properties and degradation were performed by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). DSC and TGA results indicated that microcapsules absorbed 203.6 J/g of latent heat and had good thermal stability for textile applications. Meanwhile, microcapsules had thermo-regulation property due to phase changing of the TD solvent, which was a solvent component of TS. Microencapsulation of TS into P(MMA-co-MAA) shell was proven by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. For thermally stimulated color change determination, UV-visible spectroscopy analysis and photographs taken at 25 degrees C and 50 degrees C were used during temperature increase. Some cotton and wool fabrics imparted microcapsules were prepared by exhaustion technique. The heat absorbance capacities of fabrics during melting were measured as 68.2 J/g for cotton fabric and 72.5 J/g for wool fabric. From T-history measurements, it was resulted that fabrics exhibited cooling and heating effect owing to the released or absorbed latent heat by TD. The color measurements based on CIELab system and photographs of fabrics taken at different temperatures showed that color of fabrics transformed from blue to colorless with increasing temperature. It was seen that the synthesized bifunctional thermochromic and energy storing microcapsules had great potential for production of textile materials, which served as reversible color change and thermal indicator.