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Turkey has a high diversity of native and commercially grown plants. European cranberrybush, a fruit species grown commercially in the country, is of interest because of its health benefits. This study aimed to determine genetic diversity uisng morphological, molecular, and phytochemical markers in twenty-four different genotypes of European cranberrybush from Kayseri province, which is an important region in the production of plant in Turkey. The results show wide variations among genotypes in the morphological parameters. The G13 genotype was the prominent genotype compared to other genotypes in leaf length (130.69 mm), leaf width (135.76 mm) and fruit length (10.01 mm). The fruit weights of genotypes varied between 0.16 g and 0.80 g. In ISSR marker analysis, out of 73 scoreable bands obtained from 11 different primer sets, 44 were polymorphic. The average polymorphism rate in the study was 60.27%, and the similarity index of the genotypes varied between 0.77 and 0.95. Total flavonoid, phenolic and anthocyanin content ranged from 106.28 mg CAE/100 g to 318.87 mg CAE/100 g, 451.23 mg GAE/100 g to 679.57 mg GAE/100 g, and 16.48 mg cyn-3-gluc /100 g to 21.36 mg cyn-3-gluc /100 g, respectively. The results of this study can be useful to plant breeders interested in developing and conserving the species and provide a baseline for new studies on European cranberry.

The roles of metals in the development and inhibition of cancer have a complex character and have risen many questions because of their essential and toxic effects on human health. Question of whether trace metal concentrations in tissues are increased or decreased in cancerous patients in comparison with noncancerous patients has not been answered yet, due to the fact that the data known in this field is rare and have contradictory results. Although Zn and Cu concentrations in serum and tissues of cancerous patients have been extensively studied, the precise role of these metals in carcinogenesis is not clearly understood. On the other hand, the comprehensive review on trace metal concentrations in cancerous and non-cancerous tissues is uncommon. The differences in literature on the increases or decreases in trace metal concentrations of cancerous tissues in comparison with non-cancerous tissues may be attributed to a few reasons such as the tissue basis-dry or wet weight, different sensitivities and basis of analysis methods that affect the accuracy, and the difficulties in taking of the sample representing the cancerous or non-cancerous area. In this study, the data published up to now have been reviewed. Comparison of results was done according to tissue and cancer types and trace metal species. The probable causes of differences in literature data were discussed. Especially, the published studies in recent years needed such a review.

This study aims to synthesize and characterize an economical and ecological adsorbent with high adsorption capacity. For this purpose, the peanut shells (Pistacia vera L.) were modified chemically. After the synthesis of activated carbon (AC), the optimum conditions for enrichment steps were performed using parameters: pH and contact time for uranium in the model solutions. The measurements were carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). From the shapes of the BET isotherms, the AC obtained exhibits type I. The study indicated that the surface area and total pore volume of the AC were found to be 679.9 m2 g−1 and 0.31 cc g−1, respectively. The adsorption capacity was found to be 260 mg g−1. The optimum pH was found to be 6.0 for enrichment using the AC obtained by sulfuric acid as a chemical-modifier. The optimized method was applied to enrichment of U at ppb levels in the model solutions.

In this study, Fe and Zn contents in the muscle of different fish species (Engraulis encrasicolus, Trachurus trachurus, Mullus barbatus, Mugil cephalus, Pomatomus saltatrix, Dicentrarchus labrax, Scomber scombrus, Sparus aurata) were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The highest Fe and Zn contents among studied fish species were found in Engraulis encrasicolus (7.13 ± 0.19 mg/kg) and Sparus aurata (11.00 ± 0.28 mg/kg). The lowest Fe and Zn contents were determined in Dicentrarchus labrax (3.12 ± 0.09 mg/kg) and Pomatomus saltatrix (5.50 ± 0.05 mg/kg). Moreover, the results were evaluated considering the estimated daily intakes (EDI) of these elements for adults. The estimated daily intakes were varied from 0.0101 to 0.0231 mg/kg bw/day for Fe and 0.0178 to 0.0357 mg/kg bw/day for Zn in fish species. In addition, the hazard quotient (HQ) and the hazard index (HI) values were calculated for risk assessment, and it was determined that these values were below 1 for fish species.

Background Almond ( Prunus dulcis ) is one of the most important nut crops cultivated worldwide, valued for its nutritional content and economic significance. Local landraces, particularly those from ecologically diverse regions, harbor valuable genetic variation that can be exploited in breeding programs. This study aimed to assess the morphological, biochemical, and molecular diversity of local almond genotypes collected from a natural population located along the Türkiye–Syria border. Results Eighteen promising genotypes were evaluated using morphometric traits, biochemical composition, and SSR markers. Nut weight ranged from 1.50 g to 2.18 g, kernel weight from 0.59 g to 1.50 g, and kernel ratio from 16.43 to 54.99%, indicating considerable phenotypic variation. Genotype G11 stood out with a high kernel weight (> 1.2 g), soft shell, and the highest kernel ratio (54.99%). Oil content varied across genotypes, with G2 having the highest (56.25%) and G15 the lowest (45.85%), and an overall average of 51.50%. Molecular analysis using 16 SSR markers revealed a high polymorphism rate (99.4%), reflecting substantial genetic variability. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and UPGMA clustering distinguished genetically diverse individuals, while STRUCTURE analysis grouped the genotypes into two main genetic clusters. Conclusions The high morphological, biochemical, and molecular diversity observed in this almond population highlights the importance of the conservation of local genetic resources. Genotypes such as G11 and G2 show strong potential for use in breeding programs due to their favorable nut quality and oil content. Future work will focus on field evaluations of these genotypes under standard cultivation to assess their agronomic performance.

Background One of the wild fruit species with a natural distribution in Türkiye, and historically used for medicinal purposes due to its rich composition, is Berberis crataegina DC. Various parts of the plant, including its roots, bark, leaves, flowers, and fruits, have been utilized in traditional medicine, while its fruits are also consumed in various forms as food. This study aimed to characterize the morphological, biochemical, and molecular traits of B. crataegina genotypes naturally growing in the Kayseri region, located in central Türkiye. Results The fruit weight of the genotypes ranged from 0.047 to 0.137 g, fruit width from 3.06 to 4.64 mm, and fruit length from 5.80 to 9.05 mm. Similarly, the leaf traits of the genotypes exhibited wide variation. The total phenolic content ranged from 190.53 to 297.55 mg GAE/100 g, total flavonoid content from 82.03 to 203.89 mg QE/100 g, total anthocyanin content from 4.54 to 11.76 mg cyn-3 gluc/100 g, and total antioxidant capacity between 57.76 and 87.93%. A principal component analysis (PCA) of 11 traits identified four principal components with eigenvalues greater than 1. The first four components accounted for 71.89% of the total variation, with PCA1 explaining 23.48%, PCA2 18.68%, PCA3 16.39%, and PCA4 13.34%. ISSR molecular analysis using nine markers revealed a band count ranging from 4 to 13, polymorphic band count between 3 and 10, and polymorphism rates from 61.54 to 100%, with band lengths ranging from 200 to 1000 base pairs. According to the UPGMA dendrogram based on molecular analyses, the genetic similarity between the genotypes ranged from 0.64 to 1.00, with B2 and B13 being the most similar genotypes. Conclusions In conclusion, the Kayseri region is rich in B. crataegina genotypes with wide genetic variation. The genotypes identified in this region may serve as valuable genetic resources for future studies.

● The compliance status of 488 BATs was investigated in the Turkish textile sector. ● Full-scale BAT implementation ratios (IR) were evaluated under 17 headings. ● It was found that 37% of the BATs was already implemented full-scale. ● 63% of BATs was potentially to be implemented and not projected to be implemented. ● It was found that 60 BATs had lower IR values (0%-43%). The draft Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC) regulation mandates compliance with best available techniques (BATs) for textile manufacturers. A study in Turkish textile facilities, covering 56 units across four sub-sectors, assessed the status of 488 BATs through on-site visits and surveys. The aim was to gauge the sector's adherence to BATs. The findings revealed that 37% of surveyed BATs were fully implemented, rising to 88% when considering potential future implementations. This suggests a strong industry inclination toward adopting BATs for cleaner production and competitiveness. The study highlighted significant BAT-related investments in the textile sector, driven by environmental concerns, regulations, customer demands, resource efficiency, competition, and cost-benefit considerations. However, the study results also indicated that there is still much work to do for the implementation of some BATs. It was found that 60 BATs had lower implementation ratios (IR: 0%-43%). Lower IR values for these BATs are mainly due to factors like specificity, high costs, long payback periods, operational difficulties, limited expertise, space constraints, customer requirements, quality concerns, operational issues, and sector-specific challenges. The study recommends similar assessments in other European industrial sectors to evaluate compliance with mandatory BATs outlined in the Industrial Emissions Directive. The insights from this study on the Turkish textile sector can serve as a valuable guide for future evaluations.

Cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica Mill.) is a resilient fruit species gaining importance due to its nutritional and health-promoting properties, especially in arid and semi-arid regions like Türkiye. Despite its growing significance, limited comprehensive research exists on the variability in its biochemical and nutraceutical traits. This study aimed to assess 100 wild cactus pear accessions collected from Hatay province, Türkiye evaluating a broad range of traits, including biochemical properties, antioxidant activities, fatty acid profiles, organic acid, mineral compositions, and sensory characteristics. Extensive variability was observed among the accessions. Total phenolics ranged from 68.17 to 109.92 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹ FW, antioxidant activity (ABTS) from 13.74 to 35.40 mmol Trolox kg⁻¹ DW, and β-carotene from 3.11 to 6.87 µg β-CE 100 g⁻¹ FW. Notably, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid were the predominant fatty acids, while citric acid was the major organic acid. High levels of essential minerals such as potassium (1473.21–2113.57 mg kg⁻¹ DW) and calcium (201.77–325.91 mg kg⁻¹ DW) were found. Sensory evaluations revealed accessions with high aroma, sweet taste, and juiciness. Significant positive correlations were detected between total phenolics and antioxidant activity (DPPH, r  = 0.45, p  ≤ 0.01) and β-carotene and antioxidant activity (ABTS, r  = 0.55, p  ≤ 0.01). A total of 20 superior genotypes were identified based on their exceptional biochemical and organoleptic traits. The first five of these genotypes are ‘CP53’, ‘CP61’, ‘CP6’, ‘CP44’, and ‘CP15’. Principal component analysis (PCA) results showed that the first three components explained 26.40% of the total variation, with PC1 and PC2 being key for distinguishing cactus pear genotypes based on nutritional and sensory traits relevant to breeding programs. Within the framework of hierarchical cluster analysis, the similarity index ranged from 0.59 to 0.94, with the highest similarity observed between the genotypes ‘CP50’ and ‘CP56’. The cactus pear accessions studied demonstrated significant potential for use in breeding programs aimed at enhancing fruit quality for nutritional and industrial purposes. These findings contribute valuable insights for the conservation and utilization of wild cactus pear genetic resources, supporting the development of functional food products and sustainable cultivation strategies in Mediterranean climates.

In this study, 40 walnut ( Juglans regia L.) samples including international cultivars, national cultivars and local genotypes were analyzed in terms of detailed morphological traits, molecular characteristics, and biochemical (fatty acids) features. The results showed high morphological diversity among the genotypes, and the kernel ratio was found to have major contribution for the principal component analysis (PCA). Molecular results showed that the 19 SRAP primer combinations produced, on average, 171 bands in the accessions examined, of which 156 (90.6%) were polymorphic and DICE’s similarity coefficient ranged from 0.49 to 0.94 indicating high genetic diversity. The polymorphism ratio of 11 primers was 100% while the lowest polymorphism was 66.7%. There were no significant differences in terms of correlation coefficient between the similarity matrices of the morphological traits and SRAP (r = 0.03). The main fatty acids of walnut kernel oils were found to be linoleic acid (C 18:2 ) followed by oleic acid (C 18:1 ) and linolenic acid (C 18:3 ). The polyunsaturated fatty acids constitute the main group of fatty acids in walnut kernel oils, and these ratios varied between 85.99–92.19%. It has been determined that the morphological and biochemical data may be insufficient alone in identification of genetic diversity and relativeness in walnut because they should be supported by molecular data.

The concentrations of lead, cadmium and copper in roadside soil and plants in Elazig, Turkey were investigated. Soil samples were collected at distances of 0, 25 and 50 m from the roadside. The concentrations of lead, cadmium and copper were measured by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (FAAS). A slotted tube atom trap (STAT) was used to increase the sensitivity of lead and cadmium in FAAS. Lead concentrations in soil samples varied from 1.3 to 45 mg kg-¹ while mean lead levels in plants ranged from120 ng g-¹ for grape in point-4 to 866 ng g-¹ for apple leaves in point-2. Lead analyses showed that there was a considerable contamination in both soil and plants affected from traffic intensity. Overall level of Cd in soil samples lies between 78 and 527 ng/g while cadmium concentration in different vegetations varied in the range of 0.8-98.0 ng g-¹. Concentrations of copper in soil and plant samples were found in the range of 11.1-27.9 mg kg-¹ for soil and 0.8-5.6 mg kg-¹ for plants. Standard reference material (SRM) was used to find the accuracy of the results of soil analyses.