Phosphorus recovery from industrial wastewaters offers a promising pathway toward circular nutrient management; however, chemically precipitated phosphates typically exhibit low agronomic bioavailability. In this study, phosphate precipitates recovered from metal-finishing electropolishing wastewater via Ca-, Fe-, and Al-based chemical precipitation were microbially bioactivated using phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (Pseudo-monas stutzeri and Priestia megaterium) and evaluated as waste-derived fertilizers in wheat pot experiments under controlled conditions. Mineralogical analyses revealed that Ca-based precipitates were predominantly low-crystalline to amorphous, whereas Al-based materials exhibited higher crystallinity. Microbial bioactivation significantly enhanced phosphorus availability and plant performance, with Ca-based precipitates showing the strongest response (up to 108% increase in P uptake and 2.3-fold biomass improvement). In contrast, Fe-based precipitates exhibited limited responsiveness. Despite high phosphorus content, trace metal concentrations (Zn, Ni, Cr) exceeded regulatory thresholds, highlighting the need for post-treatment prior to agricultural application. These findings demonstrate that microbial bioactivation can upgrade Ca-rich precipitates into functional circular fertilizers, while emphasizing the importance of material stabilization strategies for safe reuse.

The objective of this study was to assess the potential of endophytic bacteria isolated from lichens consortium on the biodegrade of 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP), alleviate its detrimental impacts on crop growth. Additionally, the study evaluated the influence of byproducts formed during the degradation process through the isolates crop growth. After finding that these bacteria could use 2,4-DCP as the sole carbon source and tolerate its concentrations up to 2000 ppm, they were applied to wheat seedlings exposed to 500 ppm 2,4-DCP under hydroponic conditions. LC-MS analysis findings revealed that all these isolates were able to degrade 2,4-DCP at impressive rate of approximately 99 % by predominantly producing the same degradation byproducts. Following this, the seedlings were also subjected to testing for the effects of degradation byproducts of 2,4-DCP by the same isolates. 2,4-DCP alone had negative impact on photosynthesis, plant growth, but the bacterial isolates reduced these adverse effects. Degradation byproducts of 2,4-DCP also improved the same parameters compared to both control and 2,4-DCP alone. 2,4-DCP induced oxidative stress by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species, decreasing antioxidant enzyme activities leading to damage to cell membranes through lipid peroxidation. Both isolates and the degradation products of 2,4-DCP significantly modulated the activities of antioxidant enzymes, thus alleviating oxidative stress in the seedlings exposed to 2,4-DCP. These results suggest that the endophytic bacteria isolated from the lichen consortium have promising potential for the biodegradation of 2,4-DCP and amelioration of its detrimental effects on crop growth, indicating their potential applications in sustainable agricultural practices

Nickel’s versatile properties and growing demand, particularly in stainless steel and electric vehicle industries, highlight the need for environmentally sustainable recovery methods amid depleting high-grade reserves. This study explores the bioleaching potential of Trametes versicolor OG2 for nickel extraction from chromite tailings, olivine, and serpentine under varying pH (4.5–6.3) and retention times (3 and 7 days). Optimal recovery from olivine (41.82

Insects, leading the richest group in species diversity in the world of living organisms, display the largest diversity in feeding, habitat and adaptation to different living environments. In addition to studies related to the use of insects in the search for alternative foods in the world in general, the focus has been on toxicological and pathogenic research about insects. The habitats of aquatic beetles are the water sources used for both agricultural and drinking water, so aquatic beetles gain further importance. This study collected aquatic insects from different localities in Erzurum and its surroundings. After insect species were identified and their digestive tracts were dissected under aseptic conditions, microbiological analyses were performed. Isolates were identified by analyzing molecular and conventional data together. In addition to conventional analyses, 16S rRNA gene sequences were amplified with PCR reaction and DNA sequencing analyses were performed. GenBank accession numbers were obtained after BLAST analyses of the obtained DNA sequences. This study aimed to identify definite and potential human pathogens in bacteria isolated from the intestinal microbiota cultures, characterized by conventional and molecular methods of the aquatic insects.

Commercial denture cleansers for biofilm removal in dental acrylic resin reduce gloss, alter surface hardness and roughness, and cause discoloration. The present study aims to investigate the effects of different essential oils, Rosmarinus officinalis (ROEO), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (CZEO), and Pelargonium graveolens (PGEO), on the preformed biofilm of Candida albicans in dental resin samples in vitro and in silico. The concentration of essential oils was evaluated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Sterile polymethyl methacrylate samples were treated with essential oils and a chemical denture cleaner tablet (DCT) to remove adhering C. albicans. The essential oil activity was analyzed via absorbance at 600 nm, with cytotoxicity assessed by 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. In silico studies elucidated the molecular mechanism of the anticandidal effect. The anticandidal effect of CZEO was highest at a low concentration, while that of CZEO, PGEO, and ROEO at a high concentration was similar but higher than that of DCT. In NIH/3T3 cells, ROEO, CZEO, and PGEO showed cytotoxic effects at concentrations of 5, 1.25, and 2.5 μg/mL and higher, respectively, after 24 h. According to the in silico studies, secreted asparagine proteinase (SAP‐2) inhibition was higher at a 2% concentration of CZEO. For PGEO and ROEO, higher SAP‐2 inhibition was observed at a concentration of 5%. At a concentration of 2% and 5%, PGEO, CZEO, and ROEO effectively suppressed the activity of SAP‐2 protein and inhibited the development of C. albicans biofilms on acrylic resin. The in silico study showed that the most effective inhibition can be attributed to the presence of carvacrol in CZEO.

Denture hygiene is crucial for preventing oral infections, with Candida albicans being a common fungal pathogen that can colonize denture surfaces. This in vitro study evaluated the adherence of C. albicans on two denture base materials—polyamide and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)—and assessed the antifungal efficacy of various chemical and natural cleansers. A total of 100 polished specimens were inoculated with C. albicans and treated with chemical agents (Listerine at 2%, 20%, 50%; Corega®, Block Drug Company, Jersey City, NJ, USA); Protefix®, Queisser Pharma, Flensburg, Germany and natural products (15% apple vinegar, 2% tea tree oil, 2% peppermint oil) for different durations (5, 15, 30, 480 min). Chlorhexidine (2%) and untreated samples served as positive and negative controls, respectively. Corega® and 15% vinegar eliminated C. albicans within 5 min on both materials. 50% Listerine was effective after 5 min on PMMA but required 480 min on polyamide. Protefix® showed full efficacy in 5 min on PMMA and 30 min on polyamide. Tea tree oil required 30–480 min for activity, while peppermint oil showed minimal effect throughout. Under the tested conditions, Corega® appeared most effective. Natural cleansers, particularly vinegar and tea tree oil, also showed considerable anticandidal potential, suggesting they may serve as alternative agents for denture hygiene applications.

Cymbopogon martini, Syzygium aromaticum, and Cupressus sempervirens are used for antimicrobial purposes in the worldwide. Both their extracts and essential oil contents are rich in active ingredients. The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of Cymbopogon martini essential oil (CMEO), Syzygium aromaticum essential oil (SAEO) and Cupressus sempervirens essential oil (CSEO) on Candida albicans biofilm formation on heat-polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) samples in vitro and in silico. Essential oil contents with anticandidal potential were determined by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Following C. albicans adhesion, PMMA samples were treated independently with Corega® and each essential oil. The anticandidal activity of the essential oils was determined by spectrophotometric absorbance measurement at 600 nm, taking into account the cultures of each sample. The cytotoxicity evaluation of essential oils was performed by MTT Colorimetric assay. The software package AutoDockTools (1.5.6) was used for the in silico studies. The effect of essential oil content on the inhibition of Secreted aspartic proteinase (SAP2) was evaluated considering the Ligand@SAP2 complex formation. 2

The enzyme L-asparaginase is used in medicine and food to reduce the risk of cancer by both increasing the breakdown of acrylamide and preventing its formation. In the study, Cleistothelebolus nipigonensis was used as a new source of L-asparaginase. L-asparaginase from this fungus was partially purified and its degradation potential was investigated using pure acrylamide. Potatoes were fried using this method to determine the potential use of L-asparaginase in the food industry. Acrylamide formation and degradation were determined by LC-MS/MS. As a result of the study, it was found that purified L-asparaginase prevented acrylamide formation by 100% and degraded acrylamide by 90% when applied to potatoes. The tests carried out with L-asparaginase isolated from the fungus C. nipigonensis, which was used for the first time in this study as a new source, showed that it can be successfully used to prevent acrylamide formation in food applications.

Diltiazem and Verapamil are two important drug molecules in a separate group of Calcium Channel Blockers. The purpose of this work is to determine and compare the structural and spectroscopic properties of these two molecules using a number of experimental techniques and quantum chemical calculations. Compounds were characterized spectroscopically using FT-IR, Raman, NMR (1H, 13C, and DEPT), and UV-vis methods. Further-more, the Density Functional Theory (DFT) method, Becke's three-parameter hybrid functional (B3LYP), and the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set were used to determine the ground state geometric structures of molecules, and the spectroscopic properties of the obtained optimum structures were investigated computationally. The optimization studies performed under vacuum circumstances and for the isolated molecules were found to be very close to the experimental results. In fact, r.m.s. values were discovered for Diltiazem and Verapamil with bond lengths of 0.013 and 0.024, and bond angles of 1 degrees and 2 degrees, respectively. The vibration characteristics of the compounds were discovered using the collected FT-IR and Raman spectra, and significant vibrational modes were assigned. After scaling, it was revealed that the quantum chemical data was congruent with the experimental ones, and that the characteristic vibrational modes were appropriately predicted. DFT calculations effectively determine molecules' structures due to internal consistency, despite being slightly distant from experimental data. Theoretical values for carbon and hydrogen atoms are better in agreement with observed values when scaling with 0.92 and 0.90. From the UV-vis spectra, Diltiazem HCl absorbance peaks were found at 207 and 237 nm, whereas Verapamil HCl absorbance peaks were identified at 203, 229, and 278 nm. When the theoretical calculations and experimental findings were compared, the anticipated absorption peaks were found to have shifted nearer the visible area. Furthermore, Hirshfeld surfaces and Molecular Electrostatic Potential surfaces were obtained and analyzed in order to better understand the electronic characteristics. The TDOS and PDOS (total and partial density of state) spectra were also studied. Finally, using the HOMO and LUMO energy values, the critical chemical parameters were evaluated, and it was discovered that both molecules had positive electron affinity and electro-negativity values, indicating that they will accept electrons when the electron-nucleus attraction exceeds the electron-electron repulsion.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2020.04.011.].

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı protez kaide materyalinde Candida albicans tutulumu üzerine, farklı konsantrasyonlarda kullanılan kimyasal protez temizleyici ajanın farklı sürelerdeki antifungal etkinliğinin in vitro olarak değerlendirilmesidir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Çalışma için C. albicans (ATCC 1023) straini kullanılmıştır. Temizleme tabletleri steril saf su ile hazırlanmış ve çözüldükten hemen sonra otoklanarak steril edilmiş protez kaide materyali polimetilmetakrilat örneklerine 3dk, 5dk, 15dk, 30dk ve 8 saat süre ile uygulama yapılmıştır. 1, 2 ve 3 adet temizleme tableti ile uygulamalar 8 saat süresince yapılmıştır. Örnekler tüm uygulamalar sonunda tekrar steril izotik çözelti ile hafifçe yıkanmıştır. Steril tüplere aseptik koşullara uygun olarak alınan parçaların üzerine 10 mL steril SDB eklenmiş ve 120 rpm 35 ˚C’de 36 saat süre ile inkübe edilmiştir. Süre sonunda kültür homojen olacak şekilde karıştırılmış ve gelişmekte olan kültürlerden izotonik çözelti içerisinde dilüe (10-5’e kadar) edilmiştir. Kültürler ve dilüsyonlardan yayma plak ekimleri yapılmış ve 35 ˚C’de 36 saat inkübe edilmiştir. Süre sonunda sayıma uygun dilüsyon ekimlerinin koloni sayımları yapılmıştır. Bulgular: Yapılan koloni sayımlarında temizleyici ajanın bekleme süresinin etkili olduğu ancak, konsantrasyon farklılığın kaide materyaline tutunan mikroorganizma miktarını etkilemediği görülmüştür. Sonuç: Kimyasal protez temizleme tabletlerinin 5 dakika ve üzeri sürede iyi antifungal özellik sergilerken, kimyasal temizleyici konsantrasyonunu artırmak sonucu etkilememiştir. Ürün kullanım talimatında belirtilen süre ve konsantrasyonun yeterli olduğu görülmüştür.

This study aimed to determine whether the essential oils of thyme, ginger, and mint from medicinal aromatic plants can provide resistance to the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum in the maize plant. To this end, the antifungal effect of 0.1 ml, 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, and 1 ml essential oil amounts was determined by the agar disc diffusion method. It was determined that concentrations containing 0.1, and 0.25 ml essential oil showed no antifungal effects, however, concentrations containing 0.5 and 1 ml essential oil had antifungal effects. The most effective concentration was found to be 1 ml of essential oil in all three species. The maize was grown under hydroponic conditions. Thyme, ginger, and mint essential oils (1 g/100 ml) were applied to the root medium of the grown maize plant on the 8th day. An F. oxysporum suspension containing 107 spores was applied after 24 hours and harvested 3 days later. When the reactive oxygen species (H2O2) and MDA amounts of the harvested plants were examined, it was observed that there was an increase in the population of F. oxysporum. However, applications of thyme, ginger, and mint essential oil have been observed to significantly reduce these. It was also determined that essential oils protected the plant against F. oxysporum by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. Although these three essential oils applied have antifungal properties, it has been observed that the best effect belongs to thyme essential oil. The results show that essential oils of thyme ginger and mint can be used as potential fungicides against the pathogen F. oxysporum in maize cultivation

As a result of climate change and the ozone layer spoilage, harmful rays of the sun such as UV reach the world more and harm agricultural production. To be protected from the harmful effects of UV, not only human beings, but all living organisms have developed different characteristics. In recent years, pigments with radiation absorbing and antioxidant properties have been used against UV damages. In this study, the effect of carotenoid pigments obtained from bacteria and fungi on the lettuce plant (Lettuce Yedikule 5701) was investigated due to its high antioxidant and UV protection properties. Pigment solutions partially purified from microorganisms were sprayed onto the plants. While an increase was detected in the amounts of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the lettuce plant with the effect of UV, a decrease was observed in these parameters when applied with pigment solutions. With the same application, microbial pigments protected the plant against the harmful effects of UV by increasing the antioxidant enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) and the amount of chlorophyll. As a result of this study; It has been determined that microbial pigments, which can be obtained easily and with low costs, have protection properties against the harmful effects of UV and provide the plants with properties to resist the stress.

This study investigated the effect of Pseudomonas stutzeri inoculation on Lemna minor treated with Cu(OH)2 nanopesticide (NP). The results showed that P. stutzeri inoculation increased the relative growth rate (RGR) in NP-treated plants. Although chlorophyll and carotenoid contents decreased significantly in NP-treated plants, P. stutzeri inoculation led to an increase in chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in NP-treated plants. Copper (Cu) content increased with increasing NP concentration, but it decreased significantly in the presence of P. stutzeri. NP treatment caused increased H2O2 and TBARS levels, as well as proline levels. However, P. stutzeri inoculation led to decreased H2O2 and TBARS levels and increased SOD, POX, GST, GR, GPX, and DHAR activities. The expression of genes encoding SOD, GST, metacaspase-1, and chlorophyllase was upregulated by NP treatment alone. Additionally, when plants were inoculated with P. stutzeri, the expression of these genes was further enhanced. In conclusion, P. stutzeri inoculation had a positive effect on the growth and antioxidant system of L. minor treated with NP as it enhanced RGR, increased chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and decreased Cu content and oxidative stress. These findings suggested that P. stutzeri has the potential to promote aquatic plant growth and counteract the negative impacts of NP on these plants.

Çalışmamızda, devletlerin biyolojik silah programları, geçmiş-ten günümüze biyolojik ajanların sebep olduğu salgınları ve bu ajanların genel özellikleri, uluslararası yapılan çalışmalar, geli-şen biyoteknolojinin biyo-silahların gelişimine etkisi ve Türki-ye’nin biyolojik silahlar ile ilgili yasal mevzuatı hakkında bil-giler verilmiş ve tartışılarak yeni çalışmalara temel bir kaynak hazırlanmıştır.

In this study, carmine films were deposited on glass slides and n-Si substrates using a spin coater. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and absorbance analyses of the deposited carmine film on glass were performed. Twenty-four (24) Au/Carmine/n-Si/Ag dots were identically fabricated, and their current-voltage (I-V) char-acteristics were taken at room temperature, both in the dark and under daylight. It was seen that all diodes exhibited a rectifying behavior. The ideality factor (n, IF), barrier height (phi b, BH), rectification ratio (RR), and series resistance (Rs) of each dot were determined using the thermionic emission (TE) theory and modified Norde's functions, respectively. Although the dots were prepared on the same substrate, there was a difference from one dot to the next. The n and phi b values of the 24 dots were found in the range of 1.52-2.72 and 0.76-0.85 eV in the dark, respectively. Furthermore, a high current rectification ratio of 104 was achieved for the 11 dots in the dark. The photovoltaic and photodiode properties of one (labeled as D18) of the Au/Carmine/n-Si/Ag dots under the different light intensities varied from 30 to 100 mW/cm2 at room temperature, and its capaci-tance-voltage (C-V) characteristics were investigated only in the dark. The D18 dot exhibited typical photodiode behavior with a fill factor (FF) value of 36.2 % and an experimental efficiency (LATIN SMALL LETTER ENG) of 2.45 % under 30 mW/cm2 light intensity, respectively. It also has a high ON/OFF current (Ion/Ioff) ratio of 7.45x103. Because the maximum current value of the Au/Carmine/n-Si/Ag photodiode has not changed, it exhibits good stability for 12 on/off cycles. According to these experimental findings, the high-performing Au/Carmine/n-Si/Ag diode displays good photodiode behavior, and photodiodes based on the carmine thin film can be used to develop future optoelec-tronic devices.

In recent years, biocementation has emerged as a promising technology for soil improvement research. This eco-friendly and sustainable approach involves a range of biochemical treatments, and its effectiveness is influenced by various factors. In this study, the effects of soil grain sizes, treatment duration (3, 6, and 11 days) and cementation solution flow rate (0.266, 0.400, and 0.666 ml/sec) on the engineering properties of treated soil were investigated by using the biocementation technique. The strength, calcite percentages, permeability, morphological appearance and structures of the treated sand soils were examined. According to the results, for each soil, different results were obtained with the same flow rates and treatment times. The highest strength value determined as 2406 kPa in the 11 day treatment at 0.400 ml/sec flow rate for smaller particle size of soil whereas the highest strength value obtained as 1504 kPa in the 11 day treatment at 0.266 ml/sec flow rate for larger particle size of soil. Higher strength results were obtained at lower flow rates (0.266 ml/sec) in samples with large grain diameter while strength results could not be obtained from it after treatment at higher flow rates (0.400, 0.666 ml/sec). In addition, strength results were obtained with a smaller grain diameter at a high flow rate (0.666 ml/sec), but decreased from 1599 to 1190 kPa when raising the treatment duration from 3 to 11 days. The flow rate and treatment duration in studies should therefore be chosen according to the particle size distribution of the soil.

Effect of Alternaria alternata (OG14) isolated from a rock lichen (Xanthoria sp.) was investigated on the relief of boron stress in wheat. To determine the tolerance level to B stress, the fungus was grown at increasing boric acid (BA) concentrations in the range of 0.0-2.5 M. No significant change in colony development of the fungus was observed up to 1 M BA application compared to the control but after this dose, it decreased depending on the increase in the BA dose. When the element content of wheat seedlings was evaluated by ICP-MS, BA application increased B content together with Mg, P, K, Fe contents of the seedlings to very high levels compared to the control. However, fungus + BA treatments decreased the content of B and the other elements in the seedlings. The BA applications resulted in an increase in the levels of reactive oxygen species, including H2O2 and O2.-as well as lipid peroxidation in the seedlings. However, when the fungal inoculation was performed under the same BA conditions, the levels of these parameters decreased. The fungus inoculation stimulated the activity of all studied enzymes compared to BA applications. BA applications alone increased non - enyzmatic the oxidized ascorbate level more than the reducing ascorbate, leading to a decrease in the AsA/DHA ratio. The results show that A. alternata treatment can mitigate the negative effects of B stress on wheat seedlings by reducing ROS, LPO, B content, increasing the capacity of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, and improving root and shoot length.

OBJECTIVES:Periodontal abscesses, which are part of the acute periodontal disease group characterized by the destruction of periodontal tissue with deep periodontal pockets, bleeding on probing, suppuration, and localized pus accumulation, cause rapid destruction of tooth-supporting tissues. This study aimed to evaluate the microbial content of periodontal abscesses by specific and culture-independent qPCR. METHODS:This study was conducted on 30 volunteers diagnosed with periodontal abscesses and presenting with complaints of localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the gingiva. Genomic DNA was isolated from the samples taken. Escherichia coli bacteria were used for the standard curve created to calculate the prevalence of target bacteria in the total bacterial load. 16S rRNA Universal primers were used to assess the total bacterial load and prevalence. Bacterial counts were analyzed with Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (ρ) matrix. RESULTS:From the analysis of Real-Time PCR, Porphyromonas gingivalis (30, 100%), Prevotella intermedia (30, 100%), and Fusobacterium nucleatum (30, 100%) were detected in all samples. Campylobacter rectus (29, 96.6%), Porphyromonas endodontalis (29, 96.6%), Tannerella forsythia (28, 93.3%), Filifactor alocis (28, 93.3%), and Actinomyces naeslundii (28, 93.3%) were also frequently detected. CONCLUSIONS:Periodontal abscesses were found to be polymicrobial, and not only periodontal pathogens appeared to be associated with the development of periodontal abscesses. The presence, prevalence, and number of Porphyromonas endodontalis and Propionibacterium acnes in the contents of periodontal abscesses were determined for the first time in our study. Further studies are needed to better understand the roles of bacteria in periodontal disease, including abscesses.

‘ Matematik ve Fen bilimleri Üzerine Araştırmalar’ başlıklı kitabın hazırlanmasındaki temel amaç, matematik, fizik, kimya, biyoloji gibi temel bilimlere ait güncel bilgileri veya araştırma bulgularını bir araya getirmektir. Kitap ile sunulan bölümler, sonrasındaki çalışmalar için kaynak niteliğinde olup yeni araştırmalar ve fikirler için ışık tutacaktır. Farklı disiplinleri bira araya getiren bu kitap ile başta lisans öğrencileri olmak üzere akademisyenlerin ve araştırmacıların çalışmalarına önemli katkılar sağlayacaktır. Kitabın hazırlanmasında emeği geçen tüm bölüm yazarlarına ve kitabı okuyucuları ile buluşturma fırsatı sunan ‘Özgür Yayınları’’nın tüm bireylerine teşekkür ederim.