Search Results (25)

In this study, nine different Propionibacterium freudenreichii strains were isolated from Kars Gravyer produced by traditional methods in Turkey and identified by sequencing the 16S–23S intergenic region using species-specific primers. The isolated strains were examined in vitro for the presence of the β-galactosidase enzyme, autoaggregation ability, sensitivity against eight selected antibiotics and survivability under harsh conditions in order to determine their potential probiotic properties. After probiotic potentials were evaluated, an experimental design was made to optimize the production of vitamin B12 in a 3 L glass bioreactor P. freudenreichii NUV774. While all strains showed similar resistance (92–98%) to gastric juice (0.3% pepsin, pH 3.0), they showed resistance to intestinal fluid (0.1% pancreatin, 0.3% bile salt, pH 8.0) between 60% and 92%. It was determined that the viability after 3 and 6 h of incubation in 0.5% and 1% bile salt differed between strains. All isolates exhibited resistance to ciprofloxacin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim–sulphamethoxazole; however, most were sensitive to ofloxacin. Overall, P. freudenreichii strains showed resistance to the gastrointestinal tract, tolerance to pH 3.0, and high tolerance to bile salts. As a result of optimization, maximum vitamin B12 production was found to be 156.8 mg/L. The optimum operating conditions were calculated as temperature = 36.9 °C, aeration = 2.430 vvm, and agitation = 159.120 rpm. Hence, P. freudenreichii, as future probiotic strain candidates, will offer an alternative source to Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and some Bacillus spp. In addition, this study denoted that the alteration of the production of active vitamin B12 by P. freudenreichii occurs in a strain-dependent manner. Full article

In terms of ensuring the sustainability of vernacular building culture, the evaluation of buildings should consider not only visual and cultural values but also energy efficiency, environmental impact, and indoor thermal comfort. This study comparatively examines the performance of stone and adobe wall materials, widely used in Anatolia, under different climatic conditions. In the simulations conducted using DesignBuilder software, building geometry and indoor use scenarios were kept constant, while only exterior wall material and climate data were treated as variables. Annual data for the year 2023 were analyzed. The findings indicate that adobe-walled structures stand out in hot and transitional climates with lower heating and cooling energy demands, reduced electricity consumption, lower carbon emissions, and better thermal comfort conditions. In Kars, representing a cold continental climate, both materials remained outside comfort thresholds; however, adobe structures performed better in terms of energy use, environmental impact, and thermal comfort. This comprehensive evaluation highlights the potential of climate-responsive use of local materials and offers valuable contributions to design strategies focused on sustainability and cultural heritage. The results present not only context-specific insights for Anatolia but also universally applicable, generalizable recommendations for other regions with similar climatic conditions and vernacular building cultures. Full article

The wolf fish Hoplias malabaricus is a Neotropical species characterized by remarkable karyotypic diversity, including seven karyomorphs (KarA-G) with distinct sex chromosome systems. This study investigated the homologous XY (KarF) and XY₁Y₂ (KarG) sex chromosome systems present in this species by integrating cytogenetics and genomics to examine sex chromosomes’ composition through characterization of repeatome (satellite DNA and transposable elements) and sex-linked markers. Our analysis indicated that both karyomorphs are little differentiated in their sex chromosomes content revealed by satDNA mapping and putative sex-linked markers. Both repeatomes were mostly composed of transposable elements, but neither intra- (male versus female) nor interspecific (KarF x KarG) variations were found. In both systems, we demonstrated the occurrence of sex-specific sequences probably located on the non-recombining region of the Y chromosome supported by the accumulation of sex-specific haplotypes of HmfSat10-28/HmgSat31-28. This investigation offered valuable insights by highlighting the composition of homologous XY and XY₁Y₂ multiple sex chromosomes. Although homologous, the large Y chromosome in KarF corresponds to two separate linkage groups (Y₁ and Y₂) in KarG implying a specific meiotic arrangement involving the X chromosome in a meiotic trivalent chain. This scenario likely influenced recombination rates and, as a result, the genomic composition of these chromosomes. Full article

A multiproxy methodology has been employed to characterise two granite anchors discovered on the seabed near the island of Nueva Tabarca (Alicante, Southeast Spain). According to the significant archaeological context where they were found, the studied anchors can be dated from the Roman ages (late Republican period). One of the most interesting aspects is the absence of regional geological outcrops with rocks compatible with the granite used in the production of the anchor, which shows a foreign origin consistent with the connection of the anchor to maritime transport across the Mediterranean Sea. The lack of precise information about the artifact’s origin underscores the interest and need for the application of petrological techniques to determine its provenance. The methodology utilised encompasses five distinct techniques: (1) non-destructive textural analysis using X-ray microcomputed tomography; (2) K–Ar dating; (3) petrological characterisation through optical microscopy; (4) geochemical characterisation using X-ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrometry. The results allow for a comparison of the anchor rock’s characteristics with various granite outcrops along the Mediterranean coasts (Eastern, Central, and Western sectors), suggesting potential source areas based on petrological compatibility with the material under study. The findings point to the origin of the Nueva Tabarca granite anchor being granite outcrops in Southern Italy (Calabria), reinforcing the connection between the Spanish southeastern coasts and Southern Italy. These results highlight the utility and significance of multiproxy petrological methodologies in the geoarchaeological study of decontextualised artifacts. Full article

The continuous provision of nitrogen (N) to the crop is critical for optimal cotton production; however, the constant and excessive application of synthetic fertilizers causes adverse impacts on soil, plants, animals, and human health. The current study focused on the short-term effects (one-year study) of adding different rates of clinoptilolite zeolite, as part of an integrated nutrient management plan, and different rates of inorganic N fertilizer to improve soil and crop performance of cotton in three locations (ATH, MES, and KAR) in Greece. Each experiment was set up according to a split-plot design with three replications, three main plots (zeolite application at rates of 0, 5, and 7.5 t ha⁻¹), and four sub-plots (N fertilization regimes at rates of 0, 100, 150, and 200 kg N ha⁻¹). The results of this study indicated that increasing rates of the examined factors increased cotton yields (seed cotton yield, lint yield, and lint percentage), with the greatest lint yield recorded under the highest rates of zeolite (7.5 t ha⁻¹: 1808, 1723, and 1847 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively) and N fertilization (200 kg N ha⁻¹: 1804, 1768, and 1911 kg ha⁻¹ in ATH, MES, and KAR, respectively). From the evaluated parameters, most soil parameters (soil organic matter, soil total nitrogen, and total porosity), root and shoot development (root length density, plant height, leaf area index, and dry weight), fiber maturity traits (micronaire, maturity, fiber strength, and elongation), fiber length traits (upper half mean length, uniformity index, and short fiber index), as well as color (reflectance and spinning consistency index) and trash traits (trash area and trash grade), were positively impacted by the increasing rates of the evaluated factors. In conclusion, the results of the present research suggest that increasing zeolite and N fertilization rates to 7.5 t ha⁻¹ and 200 kg N ha⁻¹, respectively, improved soil properties (except mean weight diameter), stimulated crop development, and enhanced cotton and lint yield, as well as improved the fiber maturity, length, and color parameters of cotton grown in clay-loam soils in the Mediterranean region. Full article

The high-altitude region in northeastern Türkiye is known as the Erzurum–Kars Plateau. The Ardahan, Erzurum, and Kars provinces are its most important settlements, established at an altitude of approximately 1800 m on the plateau. In this region, where the continental climate prevails, the relationships between the PM₁₀ concentration levels recorded between 2010 and 2022 and meteorological variables were investigated. During the study, the average daily PM₁₀ levels for Ardahan, Erzurum, and Kars in the winter seasons were 73.3, 76.7, and 72.2 µg/m³ respectively. In the same period, the daily average temperature (and humidity) was determined as −6.9 °C (75.0%), −7.1 °C (82.9%), and −6.3 °C (75.7%), respectively, and the average wind speed was determined as 0.9 m/s, 2.2 m/s, and 1.7 m/s, respectively. For these provinces, the highest correlation coefficients between PM₁₀ and temperature (and wind speed) in winter were calculated as −0.47 (−0.36), −0.49 (−0.60), and −0.52 (−0.54), respectively, while the correlation coefficients between PM₁₀ and temperature (and humidity) in summer were calculated as 0.32 (−0.32), 0.39 (−0.35), and 0.55 (−0.48), respectively. In the analysis performed using the wavelet coherence approach, it was possible to determine the relationships between PM₁₀ and meteorological parameters not only in annual cycles, but also in seasonal and even monthly cycles. Full article

Precise dating of prehistoric volcanic eruptions is essential for reconstructing eruption sequences and assessing volcanic hazards. The timing of the onset and termination of volcanic activity in the Xilinhot volcanic field (XVF) has been a topic of debate for years. Volcanic eruptions in this area began during the Pliocene, with the K-Ar (Ar-Ar) method providing reliable ages for early formed volcanic rocks; however, this method is less effective for dating younger volcanic events that occurred since the Late Pleistocene. For younger volcanoes, sediments baked by volcanic materials, organic sediments, and silty mudstones entrapped in lava serve as excellent geological carriers for dating. In this study, suitable samples collected from the XVF were dated using ¹⁴C and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) methods. The ¹⁴C ages obtained for the Gezishan volcano are ~6.8 cal. ka BP, while its OSL age is ~7.8 ka. The ages dated by these two methods, combined with volcano–sedimentary stratigraphic relationships and volcanic topography, confirm the Holocene eruptions of the Gezishan volcano, categorizing it as a broadly active volcano. The upper boundary age of the sandy loam layer beneath the Gezishan lava flow is ~15.5 ka, indicating that the south lava of the Gezishan effusion occurred later than the late stage of the Late Pleistocene. Additionally, the OSL ages of baked sediments at the bottom of the base surge deposits from a Maar-type volcano and aeolian sand interlayers within a Strombolian-type scoria cone in the study area are ~50 ka and ~60 ka, respectively, representing eruptions in the middle Late Pleistocene. These findings demonstrate that volcanic activity in the XVF remained vigorous during the Late Pleistocene to Holocene. This study provides significant insights for reconstructing the evolutionary history of Xilinhot volcanic activity and assessing regional volcanic hazards. Full article

Environmental contamination with Bacillus anthracis spores poses clear threats to livestock that play key roles in the economies of pastoral communities. Regular monitoring of contaminated sites is particularly important in anthrax-endemic parts of the world, such as Kars province in eastern Türkiye, where the Veterinary Microbiology Department of Kafkas University has conducted an anthrax surveillance programme for over 30 years. We reviewed the microbiological results of 232 soil samples collected during 2009–2023, from sites known to be contaminated with B. anthracis spores following burial or butchering of infected animal carcasses. Twenty-five contaminated sites in 16 villages were studied. Samples were taken from a total of 61 different positions within these sites and viable spores were detected in 136 (58.6%) of the samples examined. Of the 96 samples from which spores were not recovered, subsequent samples from the same positions proved positive on 21 occasions. Using a standardised sampling plan, it was discovered that samples taken 1–2 m on a downward slope from the centre-point of contamination had higher (p < 0.001) spore concentrations than those taken from other positions. Although spore concentrations at some sampling positions varied over time, the overall values remained stable. This finding contrasts with observations in other parts of the world where spore concentrations tend to decline with time and may reflect regional differences in soil composition that permit more prolonged spore persistence. Concentrations of >100 spores/g soil were found in 10 (66.7%) of the 15 samples taken 10–13 years following a contamination event. These results demonstrate the longevity of viable anthrax spores in the soil of agricultural environments following decomposition of infected animal carcasses, and therefore the need for prolonged bacteriological monitoring of contaminated sites. Furthermore, they underline the importance of appropriate decontamination, as burial on its own does not eliminate all spores. Full article

Schizophrenia is a frequently debilitating and complex mental disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population, characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thoughts and behaviors, cognitive dysfunction, and negative symptoms. Traditional treatment has centered on postsynaptic dopamine antagonists, commonly known as antipsychotic drugs, which aim to alleviate symptoms and improve functioning and the quality of life. Despite the availability of these medications, significant challenges remain in schizophrenia therapeutics, including incomplete symptom relief, treatment resistance, and medication side effects. This opinion article explores advancements in schizophrenia treatment, emphasizing molecular mechanisms, novel drug targets, and innovative delivery methods. One promising approach is novel strategies that target neural networks and circuits rather than single neurotransmitters, acknowledging the complexity of brain region interconnections involved in schizophrenia. Another promising approach is the development of biased agonists, which selectively activate specific signaling pathways downstream of receptors, offering potential for more precise pharmacological interventions with fewer side effects. The concept of molecular polypharmacy, where a single drug targets multiple molecular pathways, is exemplified by KarXT, a novel drug combining xanomeline and trospium to address both psychosis and cognitive dysfunction. This approach represents a comprehensive strategy for schizophrenia treatment, potentially improving outcomes for patients. In conclusion, advancing the molecular understanding of schizophrenia and exploring innovative therapeutic strategies hold promise for addressing the unmet needs in schizophrenia treatment, aiming for more effective and tailored interventions. Future research should focus on these novel approaches to achieve better clinical outcomes and improve the functional level and quality of life for individuals with schizophrenia. Full article

The formation of Fe-Ti oxides-rich layers is commonly associated with open-system magma chamber dynamics. These processes are widely discussed due to the economic importance of Fe-Ti-(V) deposits, although an alkaline-system approach to the matter is still scarce. In this study, we use petrography, mineral chemistry, X-ray diffraction and elemental geochemical analyses (whole-rock and Sr isotopes) to discuss the process associated with the formation of Fe-Ti-(V) oxide-rich clinopyroxenite (OCP, 7–15 vol.%) and magnetitite (MTT, 85 vol.%) from the Ponte Nova alkaline mafic–ultramafic massif (PN, K-Ar 87.6 Ma). Ilmenite and Ti-magnetite from both OCP and MTT exhibit higher MgO contents (MgO > 5.0 wt%) than other PN rocks. OCP shows high ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr_i ratios, equivalent to crustal-contaminated lithotypes of the PN Central Intrusion, while MTTs are less radiogenic. The oxide supersaturation in silicate mafic magmas is typically associated with the dislocation of the liquid cotectic evolution line, shifting to Fe-Ti-(V) oxide minerals stability field, mainly Ti-magnetite. Different magmatic processes can lead to these changes such as crustal contamination and magma recharge. For the PN massif, the OCP was formed by the assimilation of crustal contaminants in a mush region, near the magma chamber upper walls, which was associated with the evolution of the main pulse. Differently, the MTT would have its origin related to the interaction between magma chamber evolved liquids and more primitive liquids during a new episode of magma recharge. Lastly, post-magmatic events were superimposed on these rocks, generating sulfides. Full article

The Osumi Granodiorite, located on the Osumi Peninsula in southwest Japan, is an example of outer zone granites that were formed during a limited period (13–15 Ma) in response to the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate. This event, which is linked to the separation of southwest Japan from continental Asia, resulted in unique igneous activity. The Osumi Granodiorite is the largest Miocene granite body in the region. It intrudes into the Mesozoic to Paleogene accretionary complex of the Shimanto Belt and affects contact metamorphism. Despite considerable research on the Osumi Granodiorite, limited geochemical studies, especially on trace and rare earth element (REE) analyses, have been conducted. Furthermore, there are insufficient data on the Rb–Sr isotopic system, leaving the formation process unclear. This study presents whole-rock geochemical and Rb-Sr isotopic data to investigate the petrogenesis of the Osumi Granodiorite. The results suggest a common magma origin for this pluton, as indicated by linear trends on the Harker diagrams and similar REE patterns. The presence of a relatively large Eu anomaly implies formation under a reducing environment. The AKF diagram indicates predominant contamination by pelitic rocks of the Shimanto Belt during magma formation. The Rb–Sr whole-rock isochron diagram and SrI–1000/Sr diagram suggest that the Osumi Granodiorite body was formed by heterogeneous assimilation of magma into the Shimanto Belt. Furthermore, the whole-rock isochron age is 64.3 Ma, which differs by approximately 50 My from the previously reported biotite K–Ar age (14–22 Ma). This age is considered to be a pseudo-isochron age, rather than the consolidation age. During the middle Miocene, the compressive stress field in the outer zone south of the Butsuzo Tectonic Line made it difficult for magma to rise. As a result, it reacted with the sedimentary rocks of the Shimanto Belt to various degrees. The Osumi Granodiorite underwent magma differentiation upon intrusion into the Shimanto Belt. It subsequently ascended, cooled, and interacted with pelitic rocks under stable geological conditions. Full article

Atmospheric pollen was investigated using the Lanzoni VPSS 2000 (Lanzoni, Bologna- Italy) device for 2 years between 2012 and 2013 in the Sarıkamış district of Kars province, one of the highest regions of Türkiye. A total of 37,909 pollen grains were collected: 15,298 pollen grains in 2012 and 22,611 pollen grains in 2013. Out of 43 identified taxa, 21 were arboreal, and 22 were non-arboreal. Pollen from arboreal plants accounted for 36.34% (13,778 pollen grains) of the total, while pollen from non-arboreal plants accounted for 63.56% (24,095 pollen grains). Additionally, 0.10% (36 pollen grains) belonged to unidentified pollen. The most frequent arboreal plant pollen in the Sarıkamış atmosphere were Pinaceae (29.79%), Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (2.54%), and Morus (1.30%). The main non-arboreal plant pollen in the atmosphere of Sarıkamış were Poaceae (44.60%), Artemisia (2.98%), Amaranthaceae (2.79%), Rumex (2.41%), Urticaceae (2.33%), Plantago (2.19%), and Boraginaceae (1.40%). The maximum pollen concentration was observed in June and was associated with the pollination of Pinaceae and Poaceae. Full article

Slave Province in Canada is an Archean granite–supracrustal terrane at the northwestern corner of the Canadian Shield. It is bordered by the Thelon–Taltson orogen (2.0 to 1.9 Ga) to the southeast and the Wopmay orogen (1.9 to 1.8 Ga) to the west. Acasta gneisses, exposed in the westernmost Slave Province, and the Wopmay rocks, located close to the gneisses, were systematically collected for K–Ar and laser step-heating ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar single-crystal analyses of the biotite and amphibole. The K–Ar biotite ages of the four Wopmay samples range from 1816 ± 18 Ma to 1854 ± 26 Ma. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar biotite analyses of the three Wopmay samples yield plateau ages of 1826 ± 21 Ma, 1886 ± 13 Ma, and 1870 ± 18 Ma. These ages fall within the reported U–Pb zircon age range of the Wopmay orogen. The K–Ar biotite ages of the fifteen Acasta gneisses range from 1779 ± 25 Ma to 1877 ± 26 Ma, except for one younger sample (1711 ± 25 Ma). The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar analyses of the biotite crystals from three samples give the plateau ages of 1877 ± 8 Ma, 1935 ± 14 Ma, and 1951 ± 11 Ma. The K–Ar amphibole ages from twelve samples range from 1949 ± 19 Ma to 1685 ± 25 Ma. Two samples of them give ages older than the zircon U-Pb age of Hepburn plutons. The ⁴⁰Ar/³⁹Ar analyses of the amphibole crystals show varied age relations. The two samples give plateau ages of 1814 ± 22 Ma and 1964 ± 12 Ma. Some samples exhibit apparent old ages of ~2000 Ma in the middle temperature fractions. These old fractions result from the amphibole crystals, originally formed in the Archean, being affected by the thermal events during the Wopmay orogeny but not fully resetting. These observations suggest that the K–Ar system ages of the biotite and amphibole in the Archean Acasta gneiss were rejuvenated during the Paleoproterozoic ages. The Discussion explores the possibility that the heat source rejuvenating the K–Ar system ages may have arisen due to asthenospheric extrusion into the wedge mantle, a process likely triggered by subduction rollback. Full article

Plutella xylostella, a destructive crucifer pest, can rapidly develop resistance to most classes of pesticides. This study investigated the molecular resistance mechanisms to chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate pesticide. Two P. xylostella genes, ace1 and ace2, were described. The nucleotide sequence results revealed no variation in ace2, while the resistant strain (Kar-R) had four amino acid alterations in ace1, two of which (A298S and G324A) were previously shown to confer organophosphate resistance in P. xylostella. In the present study, the 3D model structures of both the wild-type (Gu-S) and mutant (Kar-R) of P. xylostella ace1 strains were studied through molecular dynamics (MDs) simulations and molecular docking. Molecular dynamics simulations of RMSD revealed less structural deviation in the ace1 mutant than in its wild-type counterpart. Higher flexibility in the 425–440 amino acid region in the mutant active site (Glu422 and Acyl pocket) increased the active site’s entropy, reducing the enzyme’s affinity for the inhibitors. Gene expression analysis revealed that the relative transcription levels of ace1 were significantly different in the Kar-R strain compared with the Gu-S strain. This study enhances the understanding of the mechanisms governing ace1′s resistance to insecticide and provides essential insights for new insecticides as well as valuable insights into environmentally conscious pest management techniques. Full article

Environmental contamination with Bacillus anthracis spores poses uncertain threats to human health. We undertook a study to determine whether inhabitants of the anthrax-endemic region of Kars in eastern Türkiye could develop immune responses to anthrax toxins without recognised clinical infection. We measured anti-PA and anti-LF IgG antibody concentrations by ELISA in serum from 279 volunteers, 105 of whom had previously diagnosed anthrax infection (100 cutaneous, 5 gastrointestinal). Of the 174 without history of infection, 72 had prior contact with anthrax-contaminated material. Individuals were classified according to demographic parameters, daily working environment, and residence type. All villages in this study had recorded previous animal or human anthrax cases. Stepwise regression analyses showed that prior clinical infection correlated strongly with concentrations at the upper end of the ranges observed for both antibodies. For anti-PA, being a butcher and duration of continuous exposure risk correlated with high concentrations, while being a veterinarian or shepherd, time since infection, and town residence correlated with low concentrations. For anti-LF, village residence correlated with high concentrations, while infection limited to fingers or thumbs correlated with low concentrations. Linear discriminant analysis identified antibody concentration profiles associated with known prior infection. Profiles least typical of prior infection were observed in urban dwellers with known previous infection and in veterinarians without history of infection. Four individuals without history of infection (two butchers, two rural dwellers) had profiles suggesting unrecognised prior infection. Healthy humans therefore appear able to tolerate low-level exposure to environmental B. anthracis spores without ill effect, but it remains to be determined whether this exposure is protective. These findings have implications for authorities tasked with reducing the risk posed to human health by spore-contaminated materials and environments. Full article