The aim of this review is to provide information concerning the types of chestnut shells (inner and outer), their compositions and bioactive compounds, as well as to mention industrial peeling applications. These shells are comprised of high-valued natural active compounds, such as polyphenols (phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, hydroxycoumarins -scopoletin, scoparone-), pigments (melanin) and minor compounds (minerals, dietary fiber, vitamin C and E, essential amino acids and fatty acids). The total phenolic acids and flavonoid content of C. sativa shell were ranged between 119.17-223.62 mg/kg db and 330 – 503 mg CE/g. It is also a good source of vitamin C with reported levels of 15.57 and 28.97 mg AA/100 mg db in water and ethanol extracts, respectively. The shells are used as food additives due to their colorant, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The shells are exposed by the peeling process applied to obtain the fruit without the shell which is mainly used. The most frequently used technique in chestnut peeling is the Brulage peeling method. However, in this technique, used peeling mechanism is insufficient to obtain both inner and outer shells separately at the same time. Moreover, further research is needed to obtain the shells individually, to analyse each shell in detail, and to increase the industrial use of shells.

Kombucha is a slightly acidic sugary drink made by fermenting sweetened tea. It is known for its numerous health advantages. The objective of this study is to explore the possible effects of Salvia officinalis on enhancing the biochemical characteristics of kombucha. The present investigation compared traditional kombucha, produced using green and black tea, with kombucha derived from S. officinalis, examining their antioxidant properties, total phenolic, and total flavonoid content. The fermentation process lasted for a duration of 14 days. The present study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant activity of fermented S. officinalis. The antioxidant potential was assessed using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and copper (II) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) techniques. The DPPH radical reduction percentages were determined to be 93.5±1.65% for kombucha of green tea, 90.6±1.51% for kombucha of black tea, and 88.5±1.68% for kombucha of S. officinalis. According to the CUPRAC results, green tea kombucha was found to have 321.58±2.12 mg TE/g, black tea kombucha 305.91±1.98 mg TE/g and S. officinalis kombucha 301.97±1.78 mg TE/g. Total phenolic content was 154.15±1.22 mg GAE/g for kombucha of green tea, 145.41±1.31 mg GAE/g for kombucha of black tea, and 124.52±1.25 mg GAE/g for kombucha of S. officinalis. The determined value for the total flavonoid content was 101.12±0.98 mg QE/g for kombucha of green tea, 99.41±0.97 mg QE/g for kombucha of black tea, and 92.73±0.78 mg QE/g for kombucha of S. officinalis. The findings indicate that S. officinalis can serve as a substitute medium for kombucha fermentation, resulting in the development of a novel kind of kombucha with similar chemical characteristics.

Biochar is now gaining awareness as a sustainable tool for soil health improvement, boosting carbon (C) storage and the enhancement of nutrient cycling in agricultural soils. This study assesses the effects of biochar on soil respiration, pH, and electrical conductivity (EC) in savanna soils over a 45-day incubation trail in the laboratory. Four different biochar treatments (0, 2, 4, and 6 t/ha) were used in the study. The treatments were established at 26°C, and after 2, 5, and 10 days, the CO2 levels were recorded. After incubation for 0, 5, 10, and 45 days, the EC and pH were assessed. As the rate of application of biochar increased, the rate of CO2 evolution increased as well. During the first two days of incubation, the CO2 evolution rate rose by a value of 129 at 2 t/ha biochar, 146 at 4 t/ha biochar, and 168 ug CO2/g soil/d at 6 t/ha biochar above the 0 t/ha biochar. Following five days of incubation, the amounts of CO2 evolution that were higher than the control were 99 with 2 t/ha, 116 with 4 t/ha, and 120 ug CO2/g soil/d with 6 t/ha of biochar. The increase in CO2 evolution above the control treatment at 10 days of incubation was 61 with 2 t/ha, 79 with 4 t/ha, and 87 ug CO2/g soil/d with 6 t/ha of biochar. Analogously, rising patterns in CO2 emissions were noted. Throughout the whole incubation period, the biochar treatments' soil EC and pH were greater than those of the control treatment. After applying biochar, there were increases in the evolution of CO2, however after 10 days of incubation, the percentage of C evolved from the addition of biochar decreased as the rates of biochar increased. At two t/ha, four t/ha, and six t/ha, the percentage C developed was 1.74 %, 1.66%, and 0.82% of the applied biochar C, respectively. Although the CO2 evolved ratio to the total amount of biochar C typically reduced with increasing biochar rates, this study shows that the addition of biochar increases soil respiration, EC, and pH.

Bu çalışmada, Burdur (Türkiye) ilinde endüstriyel ve ekonomik yönden yetiştiriciliği yaygın şekilde yapılan evcil keçi (Capra hircus) ve koyun (Ovis aries) ırklarından olan 6 adet Akkaraman ırkı koyunları ile 5 adet Honamlı ırkı keçilerinin doğum sonrası 1., 2. ve 3. gün kolostrumları ve 15. gün olgun süt örnekleri fizikokimyasal ve biyoaktif özellikler yönünden analiz edilmiştir. Koyun kolostrumunun keçi kolostrumuna kıyasla daha yüksek düzeyde total protein, kurumadde ve yağ içerdiği saptanmıştır (p<0,05). İki farklı ırkın kolostrum örneklerinde yararlı mikroorganizma içeriği doğumdan sonraki ilk 3 günlük süre boyunca >7 log kob/mL düzeyinde saptanmıştır. Koyun ve keçi kolostrum örneklerinde sırasıyla; toplam aerobik mezofilik bakteri (TAMB) düzeyi 8,82-8,03; 8,52-8,33 log kob/mL, Bifidobacterium spp. 8,41-8,12; 8,15-7,97 log kob/mL ve Lactobacillus acidophilus 7,61-6,78; 7,85-7,61 log kob/mL olarak tespit edilmiştir. Antioksidan aktivitenin ölçülmesinde 2,2¢-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis (3-etilbenzotiyazol-6-sülfonik asit) (ABTS) radikal katyonu, troloks eşdeğeri antioksidan kapasite tayin (TEAC) yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. ABTS ve TEAC antioksidan değerleri 1.gün alınan koyun ve keçi kolostrum örneklerinde en yüksek düzeyde sırasıyla 67,44; 71,32 ve 20,76; 24,65 değerlerinde belirlenmiştir (p<0,05). Koyun kolostrum örneklerinde en yüksek ACE-inhibitör aktivite %32,39 ile 2.gün belirlenirken, keçi kolostrumunda %42,29 ile 3.gün belirlenmiştir. Olgun süt örneklerinde ise her iki hayvan kolostrum örneklerine göre biyoaktif özellik değerlerinde düşüş gözlenmiştir. Bu çalışmada ACE-inhibitör ve antioksidan aktivitenin Honamlı ırkı keçi kolostrum örneklerinde yüksek olması keçi kolostrum örneklerinin peroksil radikallerinin oluşumuna karşı iyi bir koruma yeteneğine sahip olduğunu göstermiştir. Yapılan bu çalışma, biyoaktif özellikler ve yararlı mikroorganizma içeriği yönünden farklı küçükbaş hayvan türü kolostrumlarının değerlerini ortaya koymuştur.

The COI gene region is the most commonly employed method for species identification in insects, as in all animals. The importance of DNA isolation methods is increasing, and they are of great importance for identifying insects. Unlike other large animals, DNA isolation from insects, especially from agricultural pests with very small structures, is possible with expensive commercial kits. In this study, an expensive commercial kit and a fast and economical method were compared in terms of time, cost, DNA quantity and quality. It was found that the success of commercial kits in terms of DNA quality and quantity is unquestionable. However, it was determined that the modified ‘quick and dirty’ method can be successfully used to extract DNA from insects and insect parts of all sizes, especially in studies that do not require long-term storage of DNA. Average isolation time for Q&D was 45 minutes, compared to 4 hours or more for commercial kits. Finally, cost is the most important factor in today’s global economy. The unit cost of DNA isolation using the Q&D method is approximately 88% lower.

This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations in chromium (Cr) concentrations in Picea orientalis L., across different directions (north, east, south, and west) and plant organs (outer bark, inner bark, and wood) in a forested region. The research, conducted over eight age periods spanning 1980 to 2020, aimed to assess the effectiveness of Picea orientalis L. as a biomonitor for Cr pollution. The highest Cr concentrations were observed in the east direction, particularly in the inner bark and wood, while the lowest levels were found in the west. The study was conducted in an urban area near the industrial zone and highway, as well as in forested regions. A total of 100 trees were selected for the study, with samples collected from three different organs: outer bark (OB), inner bark (IB), and wood. Samples were taken from each organ at breast height (approximately 1.3 meters above the ground) to ensure consistency. The sampling covered various age periods, specifically 1980–2020, to analyze temporal changes in Cr concentrations. Statistical analysis revealed significant variations in Cr concentrations across most directions and periods, with notable increases during certain periods, especially in the west direction. These variations can be attributed to several factors, including the proximity to industrial sources of pollution, which typically release higher levels of chromium into the environment. The eastern direction likely experiences greater exposure to these emissions due to prevailing wind patterns and urban runoff, leading to increased accumulation in Picea orientalis L. Additionally, seasonal changes, temperature fluctuations, and soil characteristics may influence the bioavailability of chromium, affecting its uptake by the tree. The results suggest that Picea orientalis L. can effectively reflect Cr pollution levels, with significant directional and temporal variations that highlight the influence of these environmental factors on Cr accumulation. This study underscores the potential of Picea orientalis L. as a valuable tool for monitoring and managing Cr pollution in forested environments.

Bu araştırma, fesleğen bitki ekstraktının (O. basilicum odoratum) Kınalı keklik yumurtalarının inkübasyonunda kullanımının (Alectoris chukar) prenatal ve yeni çıkımı içeren postnatal dönemlerde olmak üzere, kuluçka sonuçları ile keklik davranışlarına etkisinin araştırılması amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Çalışmada 14 haftalık yaştaki kekliklerden elde edilen 160 adet yumurta kullanılmıştır. Yumurtalar inkübasyon sırasında püskürtme şeklinde uygulanan fesleğen kullanımına göre; püskürtme uygulanmayan kontrol (K), püskürtme uygulananlar saf su (F0), %1 ekstrakt (F1) ve % 5 ekstrakt (F5) şeklinde oluşturulmuştur. Grupların (K, F0, F1 ve F5) kuluçka randımanları sırasıyla %70,66±1,51, %75,00±0,01, %78,33±2,88 ve %81,00±1,00 olarak belirlenmiştir. Çıkım gücü ise en yüksek %98,41 ±1,12 ile F5 de, en düşük %93,00±1,00 ile K grubundadır. Çıkım ağırlığı üzerine etki gözlenmemiştir. F5 grubunda en yüksek Tona (98,92±0,23) ve Pasgar (9,57±0,08) skorları elde edilmiştir. Ayrıca çalışmada açık alan testin uygulanan civcivlerin merkezde geçirdikleri süre değerleri sırasıyla F1’de %3,64±0,11, F0’da %3,67±0,11, K’de %4,60±0,23 ve F5’de %5,71±0,14 olarak hesaplanmış, civcivlerin pist skor değerleri ise sırasıyla K’de 1,33±0,57, F0’da 2,23±0,27, F1’de 2,66±0,57 ve F5’te ise 3,66±0,57 olarak bulunmuştur. Sonuç olarak keklik yumurtalarına %5’lik fesleğen bitki ekstraktı uygulamasının kuluçka randımanı ve çıkım gücünü artırdığı, malformasyon oranını düşürdüğü, civciv kalitesi üzerinde olumlu bir etkiye sahip olduğu bulunmuştur. Ayrıca açık alan ve pist davranış testleri sonuçlarına göre yeni çıkan civcivlerde korku ve stresi azaltma potansiyeli görülmüştür.

Growth retardation and decreased vivid coloration are significant issues in the ornamental fish market, particularly among cichlids. This study investigates the effects of Schizochytrium sp. microalgae supplementation on the growth and skin coloration of the Jack Dempsey cichlid (Rocio octofasciata). Three experimental groups were established: a control group (C) with no supplementation, and two microalgae-supplemented groups with 0.5% (S05) and 1% (S10). The control group was fed a commercial diet, while the S05 and S10 groups received the microalgae mixed with the commercial feed via spraying. A total of 135 Jack Dempsey fish (mean initial weight: 1.17 ± 0.14 g) were stocked into nine glass tanks (100 L each), with three replicates per group. After a 60-day feeding trial, growth indices revealed significant differences (p<0.05) between the control and algae-supplemented groups. The S10 group exhibited the highest final weight (FW) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR). Additionally, the weight gain (WG) and specific growth rate (SGR) values for the S10 group were significantly higher than those of both the control and S05 groups (p<0.05). However, skin color parameters, including L* (brightness), a* (+red/-green axis), b* (+yellow/-blue axis), chroma (Ch), and hue angle (Hue), showed no statistical differences among the groups. This study demonstrates that a diet supplemented with 1% Schizochytrium sp. can enhance growth parameters and serve as a beneficial feed additive for Jack Dempsey cichlids.

Exposure to bisphenol A (BP), an environmental pollutant, is potentially harmful to both human health and the environment. The purpose of the current research was to evaluate the effectiveness of β-caryophyllene (CF) (200 mg/kg) on rat cerebellar tissues exposed to BP (250 mg/kg). Thirty-five randomly selected male rats were split into five groups as: control (CON), olive oil (OL), BP, CF, and CF+BP. On day 15 of the experiment, all rats' cerebellar tissues were immediately extracted, followed by stereological and histological examination. Our results revealed that MDA level was significantly elevated in the BP group compared to the CON group (p<0.05). While no significant difference was detected in the mean cerebellar volume among the experimental groups, the BP group’s the Purkinje cell number was significantly reduced when compared to the CON group (p<0.05). In the CF+BP group, we found a significantly lower level of MDA and higher number of Purkinje cells compared to the BP group (p<0.05). Histopathological examination revealed that the BP group had the marked neuronal deterioration; however, in the CF+BP group, this structural alteration was not as severe than the BP group. Our findings showed that exposure to BP caused oxidative damage to cerebellar tissues, and administration of CF attenuated BP-induced toxicity via improvement of oxidative stress.

Bitkisel hormon olarak da kabul edilen salisilik asit, fenolik maddelerin bir grubunu oluşturmakta, bitkilerde metabolik ve fizyolojik gibi birçok tepkiyi oluşturan ve dolayısıyla bitki büyüme ve gelişmesini etkileyen bir bitki büyüme düzenleyicisidir. Bu çalışma, ayçiçeği çeşitlerinin fizyolojik ve biyokimyasal özellikleri üzerine salisilik asit uygulamasının etkilerinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yürütülmüştür. Tesadüf Parselleri Deneme Desenine göre 3 tekrarlamalı olarak iklim odası koşullarında kurulmuştur. Çalışmada materyal olarak 11-TR-077, Deray ve P-64-LC-108 olmak üzere 3 ayçiçeği çeşidi ve salisilik asidin 5 dozu (kontrol, 0,5, 1, 1,5 ve 2 mM) kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar incelendiğinde ele alınan çeşitlerde salisilik asit uygulamasının spad, bitki boyu, yaprak sayısı, kök çapı, bitki yaş ağırlık ve bitki kuru ağırlık oranları yönünden Deray çeşidinde olumlu etki ettiği incelenmiştir.