The fatty acid composition, phytochemicals and antioxidant potential of wild edible Smilax excelsa L. shoots.

The present study examines the fatty acid composition, phytochemicals content and antioxidant potential of Smilax excelsa L. shoots, which grows spontaneously and is consumed as food in rural areas of Düzce (Türkiye) province, was investigated. DPPH, ABTS and OH radical scavenging tests were utilized to put forth the antiradical properties of the extracts of this plant. In addition, the metal chelating potential of this plant was also evaluated. The higher the inhibition % value calculated in these tests, the higher the antioxidant activity was considered and the results were evaluated. The average ABTS radical cleaning test results of Smilax excelsa extracts prepared in different concentrations of methanol, ethanol and pure water were found to be 98.14%, 98.16%, 90.20%, respectively. The average DPPH radical cleaning test results of the extracts of this plant prepared in different concentrations of methanol, ethanol and pure water were determined as 87.48%, 76%, 46.53%, respectively. The OH radical cleaning test results of methanol, ethanol and pure water extracts of the Smilax excelsa were determined as 54.79%, 72.54%, none, respectively. In addition, the metal chelation test results of methanol, ethanol and pure water extracts of this plant were determined as 87.26%, 89.36%, 53.70%. The highest protein (85.91 mg BSA/g), proanthocyanidin (55.39 mg CE/g) and phenolic (4957.57 μg GAE/g) content of Smilax excelsa pure water extract was determined. It has been determined that gallic acid (117.33 μg/g), vanillic acid (33.89 μg/g), caffeic acid (4.55 μg/g), ferulic acid (93.78 μg/g), rosmarinic acid (0.33 μg/g) and hydrocynamic acid (0.33 μg/g) are found in different proportions in the Smilax excelsa. It has been stated that Smilax excelsa is an important source of palmitic acid (20.52%), stearic acid (4.95%), oleic acid (4.74%), linoleic acid (20.99%), γ-linolenic acid (2.26%), alpha-linolenic acid (34.29%) and docosahexaenoic acid (2.79%). It has been found that this plant has a low content of fat-soluble vitamins and phytosterols, with the exception of β-sitosterol (6.43μg/g).The present study examines the fatty acid composition, phytochemicals content and antioxidant potential of Smilax excelsa L. shoots, which grows spontaneously and is consumed as food in rural areas of Düzce (Türkiye) province, was investigated. DPPH, ABTS and OH radical scavenging tests were utilized to put forth the antiradical properties of the extracts of this plant. In addition, the metal chelating potential of this plant was also evaluated. The higher the inhibition % value calculated in these tests, the higher the antioxidant activity was considered and the results were evaluated. The average ABTS radical cleaning test results of Smilax excelsa extracts prepared in different concentrations of methanol, ethanol and pure water were found to be 98.14%, 98.16%, 90.20%, respectively. The average DPPH radical cleaning test results of the extracts of this plant prepared in different concentrations of methanol, ethanol and pure water were determined as 87.48%, 76%, 46.53%, respectively. The OH radical cleaning test results of methanol, ethanol and pure water extracts of the Smilax excelsa were determined as 54.79%, 72.54%, none, respectively. In addition, the metal chelation test results of methanol, ethanol and pure water extracts of this plant were determined as 87.26%, 89.36%, 53.70%. The highest protein (85.91 mg BSA/g), proanthocyanidin (55.39 mg CE/g) and phenolic (4957.57 μg GAE/g) content of Smilax excelsa pure water extract was determined. It has been determined that gallic acid (117.33 μg/g), vanillic acid (33.89 μg/g), caffeic acid (4.55 μg/g), ferulic acid (93.78 μg/g), rosmarinic acid (0.33 μg/g) and hydrocynamic acid (0.33 μg/g) are found in different proportions in the Smilax excelsa. It has been stated that Smilax excelsa is an important source of palmitic acid (20.52%), stearic acid (4.95%), oleic acid (4.74%), linoleic acid (20.99%), γ-linolenic acid (2.26%), alpha-linolenic acid (34.29%) and docosahexaenoic acid (2.79%). It has been found that this plant has a low content of fat-soluble vitamins and phytosterols, with the exception of β-sitosterol (6.43μg/g)

Strength and Durability Performance of Clayey Soil Stabilized with Lime and Marble Powder

This paper investigated the effect of freezing-thawing and wetting-drying cycles on the strength and durability of clay soil stabilized with lime and marble powder. The test samples were prepared by adding 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of marble powder, without and with 6% lime to the soil which is a high plasticity clay (CH) according to the Unified Soil Classification System. Unconfined compressive strength tests were performed after 7 and 28 days of curing periods. The durability behavior of the samples was examined by applying freezing-thawing and wetting-drying cycles to the prepared samples. The results of this study show that the presence of marble powder in the soil mixture has an important role in the improvement of strength. An increase in the number of wetting-drying cycles does not decrease the volumetric stability of the samples stabilized with marble powder. The use of lime and marble powder together increased the strength values compared to the natural soil and the use of lime only. It was concluded that the co-use of lime and marble powder had a positive effect on the strength and durability behavior of high plasticity clayey soil

The effects of treadmill exercise on oxidative stress in Mongolian gerbils with penicillin-induced epilepsy

Aim: To evaluate the role of treadmill exercise on the oxidative stress in Mongolian gerbils with penicillin-induced epilepsy. Methods: This experimental study included 18 male Mongolian gerbils which were divided into three groups; sham-control group, penicillin group (500 units) and exercise + penicillin (500 units) group. Each animal group was composed of six Mongolian gerbils. The epileptiform activity was verified by electrocorticographic recordings.  Results: The latency of the penicillin+exercise group was longer than the penicillin group, but this difference was not statistically significant. Following the penicillin administration, spike wave frequencies of epileptiform activity in the 10, 30, and 35 minutes were significantly lower in the penicillin+exercise group, compared with the penicillin group. There were generally significant decreases in the spike wave amplitude medians in the penicillin+exercise groups compared with the penicillin group in all time periods between 0 and 5 minutes. The serum superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase levels increased in the penicillin+exercise group compared with those in the penicillin group.  Conclusion: The results of present study indicate that regular exercise may contribute to the amelioration of epileptic activity by increasing the antioxidant effect. Keywords: Penicillin-induced epilepsy; treadmill exercise; oxidative stress; Mongolian gerbils.                  &nbsp

Electrochemical Applications for the Antioxidant Sensing in Food Samples Such as Citrus and Its Derivatives, Soft Drinks, Supplementary Food and Nutrients

Although there are many definitions of antioxidants, the most general description; antioxidants are carried a phenolic function in their structure and prevent the formation of free radicals or intercept from damage to the cell by scavenging existing radicals. Moreover, they are one of the most effective substances that contain essential nutrients for healthy individuals. The importance of these antioxidants, which have an incredible effect on the body and increase the body’s resistance, is increasing day by day for healthy individuals. Numerous studies have been carried out for antioxidants with excellent properties and however new, reliable, selective, sensitive and green analytical methods are sought for their determination at trace levels in food samples. Along with the latest developments, electrochemical methods are of great interest in the world of science because they are fast, reliable, sensitive and environmentally friendly. Electrochemical methods have been frequently applied to analyze antioxidant capacity in many nutrients samples found in different forms such as solid, liquid without any pretreatment applications in the last decade. Furthermore, these methods are preferred because of the short analysis time, the ability to lower detection limits, reduction in a solvent, high sensitivity, portability, low sample consumption, wide working range, and more economical than existing other traditional analytical methods. The antioxidant sensing applications by modern electrochemical methods such as cyclic, square wave, differential pulse, and combined with stripping voltammetric techniques were used to deduce antioxidant capacity (AC) in critical nutrients. Moreover, this chapter includes a description of the classification of electrochemical methods according to the working electrode type, dynamic working range, limit of determination (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), sample type, and using standard analyte and so forth for each voltammetric methods. While many articles applied for the determination of antioxidant sensing by electrochemistry have gained momentum in the last two decades, we focused on the studies conducted over the last 4 years in this chapter

Vibration analysis of sandwich beams with variable cross section on variable Winkler elastic foundation

In this study, free vibration behavior of a multilayered symmetric sandwich beam made of functionally graded materials (FGMs) with variable cross section resting on variable Winkler elastic foundation are investigated. The elasticity and density of the functionally graded (FG) sandwich beam vary through the thickness according to the power law. This law is related to mixture rules and laminate theory. In order to provide this, a 50-layered beam is considered. Each layer is isotropic and homogeneous, although the volume fractions of the constituents of each layer are different. Furthermore, the width of the beam varies exponentially along the length of the beam, and also the beam is resting on an elastic foundation whose coefficient is variable along the length of the beam. The natural frequencies are computed for conventional boundary conditions of the FG sandwich beam using a theoretical procedure. The effects of material, geometric, elastic foundation indexes and slenderness ratio on natural frequencies and mode shapes of the beam are also computed and discussed. Finally, the results obtained are compared with a finite-element-based commercial program, ANSYS®, and found to be consistent with each other

Electrochemical strategies for determination of tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) in food samples

Tert-butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ) is a member of the synthetic phenolic antioxidant family that prevents the formation of free radicals and prevents radicals from damaging cells by trapping them. In addition, TBHQ is widely preferred as an additive in foods and vegetable oils because of its low cost and high chemical stability. TBHQ is not only a food preservative but is also frequently used as a stabilizer to prevent auto-polymerization in cosmetics, biodiesel, pharmaceuticals, coating products, and different application areas. TBHQ has been shown to cause diseases, such as DNA damage, carcinogenesis, and cell apoptosis, when administered at high doses. Excessive consumption of TBHQ causes adverse effects, such as stomach tumors, liver damage, and underdevelopment of the reproductive system. Different analytical methods have been used to detect TBHQ in food samples. The most important of these methods are traditional analytical methods such as chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods. However, these methods have basic shortcomings such as high analysis costs, long pre-processing, expensive equipment, need for many organic solvents, requiring expertise, and long detection times. In recent years, electrochemical sensors have attracted attention in the scientific world owing to their high sensitivity, fast analysis time, portability, low cost, and convenience of miniaturization. This review discusses electrochemical studies performed to date for the determination of TBHQ in food samples. The methods used in these studies have been evaluated in a wide range of aspects, such as the electrode, working range, detection limits, and analytical applications. © The Author(s) 2024

Yield, quality and plant nutrient contents of lettuce under different deficit irrigation conditions

This research was carried out in two separate periods (spring and autumn) in 2018 to reveal the lettuce response of yield, some quality, and plant nutrient content under different water stress conditions. In the study, the effects of different irrigation levels applied with traditional deficit irrigation (TI) and partial rootzone drying (PRD) techniques on lettuce growing were investigated. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa cv. ‘Campania’) was used as plant material. There were traditional farmers’ method of irrigation (TF), 125% traditional irrigation (TI-125), 100% traditional irrigation (TI-100), 75% traditional irrigation (TI-75), 50% traditional irrigation (TI-50), 125% partial root-zone drying technique (PRD-125), 100% partial root-zone drying technique (PRD-100), 75% partial root-zone drying technique (PRD-75), 50% partial root-zone drying (PRD-50) technique treatments. According to the results of the research, it was determined that different water stress applications were effective on the criteria examined in lettuce. The highest total and marketable yield values were obtained from the TF application, the second-highest values from the TI-125 application, and the lowest yield from the PRD-50 in the autumn period. In the spring season, the lowest yield was obtained from TI-50 and PRD-50 applications. Based on the treatments, the yield values were decreased and changes were experienced with the increase of the water stress in other examined criteria.This research was carried out in two separate periods (spring and autumn) in 2018 to reveal the lettuce response of yield, some quality, and plant nutrient content under different water stress conditions. In the study, the effects of different irrigation levels applied with traditional deficit irrigation (TI) and partial rootzone drying (PRD) techniques on lettuce growing were investigated. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa var. crispa cv. ‘Campania’) was used as plant material. There were traditional farmers’ method of irrigation (TF), 125% traditional irrigation (TI-125), 100% traditional irrigation (TI-100), 75% traditional irrigation (TI-75), 50% traditional irrigation (TI-50), 125% partial root-zone drying technique (PRD-125), 100% partial root-zone drying technique (PRD-100), 75% partial root-zone drying technique (PRD-75), 50% partial root-zone drying (PRD-50) technique treatments. According to the results of the research, it was determined that different water stress applications were effective on the criteria examined in lettuce. The highest total and marketable yield values were obtained from the TF application, the second-highest values from the TI-125 application, and the lowest yield from the PRD-50 in the autumn period. In the spring season, the lowest yield was obtained from TI-50 and PRD-50 applications. Based on the treatments, the yield values were decreased and changes were experienced with the increase of the water stress in other examined criteria

Free vibration and buckling analysis of the laminated composite beams by using GDQM

In this study, effects of stacking sequences of composite laminated beams on natural frequencies and buckling behaviour have been analyzed by Generalized Differential Quadrature Method (GDQM) and Finite Element Method (FEM). Mode shapes were also investigated for one mode of buckling and three modes of free vibration analyses. In addition, variations of mode shapes for different boundary conditions were presented in details. Numerical results show that the effective stiffness of the laminated composite beam can be altered through an adjustment in the stacking sequence. Thus, such an adjustment in stacking sequences allows operations in desired natural frequencies and load carrying capacity without changing its geometry drastically or without changing its weight