Spatiotemporal variations, health risk assessment, and sources of potentially toxic elements in potamic water of the Anday Stream Basin (Türkiye), Black Sea Region.

Monitoring and protecting freshwater habitats are paramount for a sustainable water management perspective. This study investigated potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the potamic water of the Anday Stream Basin (Türkiye), Black Sea Region, for a hydrological year (from May 2020 to April 2021). Among PTEs, the highest average values were recorded for sodium (Na) at 41.3 mg/L and the lowest for mercury (Hg) at 0.009 µg/L and noted under quality guidelines. The stream was found to be at the level of "Low Heavy Metal Pollution" and "Low Contamination" based on the ecotoxicological risk indices. The highest calculated hazard quotient (HQ) value of 1.21E-02 for Cd was noted in the children via the dermal pathway and the lowest of 6.91E-06 for Fe in adults via the ingestion pathway. Results revealed a higher hazard index (HI) value of 1.50E-02 for Cd to children and the lowest of 1.98E-05 for Fe to adults. As a result of applying agricultural risk indices, the stream showed sodium adsorption ratio values less than 6 and was found to be "Excellent" for agriculture. However, the sodium percentage values were less than 20 and found "Permissible" and the magnesium hazard > 50 and noted as "Unsuitable" for agriculture. Statistical analysis revealed that natural factors mainly attributed to PTE contamination of the Anday Stream Basin.

In vitro antifungal susceptibility of the dermatophytes: a single center study from Eastern Black Sea Region of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: A large number of patients applying to the dermatology clinics are affected by fungal diseases, and a significant portion of which are superficial fungal infections. Dermatophyte infections are a notable public health concern and frequently encountered in clinical practice. Dermatophytosis not only compromises the quality of life but also predisposes individuals to various comorbidities due to its role as a gateway for secondary bacterial agents. This study aims to determine the species distribution of dermatophytes prevalent and assess their susceptibility to antifungal drugs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Skin, nail, and hair samples were obtained from patients with a clinical diagnosis of dermatophytosis. Samples were all cultured to isolate and identify the species. In vitro liquid microdilution tests were conducted to assess the susceptibility of the isolated strains against terbinafine, fluconazole, griseofulvin, and butenafine. RESULTS: A total of 353 samples were obtained from the hair, skin, and nail lesions of 326 patients. Dermatophyte was isolated in 71 of the samples (20.1%). The cultured dermatophyte subtypes included Trichophyton rubrum (13.8% in 49 samples), Microsporum audouini (5.7% in 20 samples), and Trichophyton mentagrophytes (0.6% in 2 samples). Antifungal susceptibility testing revealed that terbinafine was the most effective antifungal drug against all dermatophyte species, while fluconazole exhibited the highest resistance. CONCLUSIONS: The most common dermatophytosis agent in our region is T. rubrum. The least antifungal resistance was found against terbinafine. Conducting antifungal susceptibility tests is crucial for selecting effective treatment regimens and early detection of resistance development.

Comprehensive molecular-isotopic characterization of archaeal lipids in the Black Sea water column and underlying sediments.

The Black Sea is a permanently anoxic, marine basin serving as model system for the deposition of organic-rich sediments in a highly stratified ocean. In such systems, archaeal lipids are widely used as paleoceanographic and biogeochemical proxies; however, the diverse planktonic and benthic sources as well as their potentially distinct diagenetic fate may complicate their application. To track the flux of archaeal lipids and to constrain their sources and turnover, we quantitatively examined the distributions and stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ13 C) of intact polar lipids (IPLs) and core lipids (CLs) from the upper oxic water column into the underlying sediments, reaching deposits from the last glacial. The distribution of IPLs responded more sensitively to the geochemical zonation than the CLs, with the latter being governed by the deposition from the chemocline. The isotopic composition of archaeal lipids indicates CLs and IPLs in the deep anoxic water column have negligible influence on the sedimentary pool. Archaeol substitutes tetraether lipids as the most abundant IPL in the deep anoxic water column and the lacustrine methanic zone. Its elevated IPL/CL ratios and negative δ13 C values indicate active methane metabolism. Sedimentary CL- and IPL-crenarchaeol were exclusively derived from the water column, as indicated by non-variable δ13 C values that are identical to those in the chemocline and by the low BIT (branched isoprenoid tetraether index). By contrast, in situ production accounts on average for 22% of the sedimentary IPL-GDGT-0 (glycerol dibiphytanyl glycerol tetraether) based on isotopic mass balance using the fermentation product lactate as an endmember for the dissolved substrate pool. Despite the structural similarity, glycosidic crenarchaeol appears to be more recalcitrant in comparison to its non-cycloalkylated counterpart GDGT-0, as indicated by its consistently higher IPL/CL ratio in sediments. The higher TEX86 , CCaT, and GDGT-2/-3 values in glacial sediments could plausibly result from selective turnover of archaeal lipids and/or an archaeal ecology shift during the transition from the glacial lacustrine to the Holocene marine setting. Our in-depth molecular-isotopic examination of archaeal core and intact polar lipids provided new constraints on the sources and fate of archaeal lipids and their applicability in paleoceanographic and biogeochemical studies.

Microplastic pollution in stream sediments discharging from Türkiye's eastern Black sea basin.

Rivers are the principal route for terrestrial microplastics to reach the marine environment. The Black Sea exhibits a notable representation because it has a drainage zone almost six times the surface area and is semi-closed, meaning that microplastics tend to gather there. To mitigate MP pollution, it is necessary to identify the contamination sources and then raise public awareness. Thus, the current study focused on the MP presence in the sediment of streams running into the SE Black Sea. 594 MPs were observed in sediment samples from 16 stations along the 350 km coastline. The abundance of MP was higher, particularly in streams that pass through locations with high tourism and industrial activity levels. Detected MPs ranged between 0.1 and 5 mm, while the overall density was smaller than 1 mm. Fragments and fiber MPs were regularly detected, although the presence of films was rarely recorded. The polymer structures that were most commonly observed in the analyzed pollutants were PET and PE. The current study uncovered MP contamination in stream sediments originating from Türkiye's Eastern Black Sea basin and might be a baseline work for future inland water studies.

The effect of viral infection on the Black Sea microalgae Tetraselmis viridis: the role of nutrients and copper ions.

The TvV-SM2 virus, isolated from the coastal waters of the Black Sea, causes lysis of its host, the algae Tetraselmis viridis (Chlorophyta). Under optimal conditions for nutrients, an increase in the initial abundance of algae cells by four times caused a 3-fold reduction in the latent period of viral infection. During the period of the most rapid cell lysis of T. viridis , nitrogen deficiency leads to a decrease in the average daily rate of death of cells affected by the virus by 3.2times relative to the replete conditions, while in the case of phosphorus deficiency, this process slows down by up to 2.4times. Under deplete conditions, the rate of cell death was only 34% lower than under replete conditions. The effect of copper ions (100µgL-1 ) on the viral suspension for 6h led to the complete suppression of its activity. In the presence of the host of this virus, its activity is only partially suppressed. As a result, cell lysis under the influence of a viral infection occurred in two stages. The first stage was noted only during the first 6h of the experiment. The second main stage took place within 78-170h. This study showed that in conditions of nutrient deficiency and in the presence of copper ions in seawater, the impact of viruses on microalgae will be weaker.

Effects of environmental parameters on spatial and temporal distribution of marine microbial communities in the southern Black Sea.

The Black Sea is a unique environment with strong and permanent vertical stratification, with a thin layer of oxic zone above and a permanent anoxic zone below. Few high-throughput genomic surveys have been conducted to examine microbiota in the Black Sea. Yet, there is no study on the seasonal and vertical variation in microbial community compositions, driving forces and mechanisms of community assembly. In this study, seasonal, vertical, and spatial microbial assemblages were studied in terms of diversity, abundance, and community structure using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. 16S rRNA metabarcoding confirmed seasonal changes in microbial communities and the presence of distinct microbial groups among different water layers. Taxa belonging to Cyanobiaceae contributed a large fraction of the total biomass and were the most abundant autotrophic bacteria found across the whole water column, including hydrogen sulfide-containing anoxic zone. Temperature, salinity, water density, conductivity, light, chlorophyll-a, O2, NO3, NH3, PO4, Si, and H2S had a significant influence on the vertical bacterial community assemblages. The copper mine discharge system at 180 m did not affect microbial community structure and composition. Temperature seemed to be a primary factor in the variance between shallow depths. In conclusion, the lack of light, low dissolved oxygen levels, and low temperature do not restrict microbial diversity, as proven by the higher diversity observed in deeper zones. Wastewater in Black Sea region may be discharged into the Black Sea to depth of 180 m or deeper without impacting microbial ecology.

An assessment of seismicity and near surface geophysical characteristics of potential solid waste landfill sites in the Eastern Black Sea Region of Türkiye.

This study aimed to assess the suitability of the potential solid waste landfill sites in seven provinces (Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Gümüshane, Bayburt and Artvin) in the Eastern Blacksea Region of Türkiye. The earthquake hazard analysis for two major earthquakes which occurred in the region was first carried out. Then, the geophysical methods including seismic refraction tomography (SRT), electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) were conducted to find out the structural and physical properties of the subsurface which include the layering, soil classification based on VS30 and the groundwater content at 25 locations of 13 in target provinces. The integrated interpretation of whole data sets demonstrates that Isiktepe, Esence, Çamburnu and Kazantas which are characterized by VP > 1200 m/s, VS30 ≥ 400 m/s, ρ > 70 Ohm-m, low earthquake hazard and seismicity are more suitable among others. Vezirköprü, Sebinkarahisar, Yenice, Bayburt-Center, Balkaynak and Murgul will be suitable after a geotechnical reclamation due to moderate seismic velocities and electrical resistivity which are 900 < VP ≤ 1200 m/s, 200 < VS30 < 400 m/s and 10 < ρ ≤ 70 Ohm-m representing stiff and wet soils. In addition, Bafra, Agalik and Ovacik were considered to be unsuitable due to the presence of thick, water-saturated soft soil and extremely weathered rocks. Finally, this study shows that the joint interpretation of seismicity and geophysical data in potential waste landfill sites, extremely important for the planning and development of a city, can provide the valuable information which will enable to prevent possible deformations, environmental problems and economic losses after waste landfill.

Population genomics of post-glacial western Eurasia.

Western Eurasia witnessed several large-scale human migrations during the Holocene1-5. Here, to investigate the cross-continental effects of these migrations, we shotgun-sequenced 317 genomes-mainly from the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods-from across northern and western Eurasia. These were imputed alongside published data to obtain diploid genotypes from more than 1,600 ancient humans. Our analyses revealed a 'great divide' genomic boundary extending from the Black Sea to the Baltic. Mesolithic hunter-gatherers were highly genetically differentiated east and west of this zone, and the effect of the neolithization was equally disparate. Large-scale ancestry shifts occurred in the west as farming was introduced, including near-total replacement of hunter-gatherers in many areas, whereas no substantial ancestry shifts happened east of the zone during the same period. Similarly, relatedness decreased in the west from the Neolithic transition onwards, whereas, east of the Urals, relatedness remained high until around 4,000 BP, consistent with the persistence of localized groups of hunter-gatherers. The boundary dissolved when Yamnaya-related ancestry spread across western Eurasia around 5,000 BP, resulting in a second major turnover that reached most parts of Europe within a 1,000-year span. The genetic origin and fate of the Yamnaya have remained elusive, but we show that hunter-gatherers from the Middle Don region contributed ancestry to them. Yamnaya groups later admixed with individuals associated with the Globular Amphora culture before expanding into Europe. Similar turnovers occurred in western Siberia, where we report new genomic data from a 'Neolithic steppe' cline spanning the Siberian forest steppe to Lake Baikal. These prehistoric migrations had profound and lasting effects on the genetic diversity of Eurasian populations.

Influence of methane and other hydrocarbon gases on foraminifera and nematodes in the Northwestern part of the Black Sea.

This study investigates the response of foraminifera and nematodes to different types of methane and other hydrocarbon gases (alkanes, alkins) in bottom sediments of the northwestern shelf and continental slope of the Black Sea. Foraminifera are represented by 39 species from six orders, 13 families, 24 genera. Nematoda are represented by 48 species from six orders, 17 families, 27 genera. Both groups of meiobenthos are characterized by impoverished simple diversity and abundance/density as well as by much smaller sizes of foraminiferal tests compared to those from areas not affected by hydrocarbon gases, indicating stressful conditions for their life in the study areas. Among foraminifera, calcareous hyaline taxa dominate, but agglutinated forms are present as well and occasionally play a dominant role. A significant number of the identified nematode species belong to the tyobiotic type from the families Comesomatidae and Linhomoidae. They are characterized by a long, thin body and a small or completely undeveloped oral cavity, indicating their feeding on small particles of sediment or bacteria. Nine groups of foraminifera and nematodes were identified according to their tolerance and sensitivity to methane (15 species), ethane (five species), propane (eight species), butane (10 species), pentane (11 species), ethylene (20 species), propylene (two species), acetylene (three species), and isobutylene (one species). This study provides evidence for the first time that different types of methane, its homologues, and other hydrocarbon gases affect the reproduction, diversity, abundance, and growth of foraminifera, as well as density and simple diversity of nematodes.

Assessment of the water quality using multivariate statistics and the water quality index: a case study of the Yaglidere Stream (Giresun) in the Eastern Black Sea region, Turkey.

In this study, the water quality of the Yaglidere Stream passing through Espiye (Giresun-NE Turkey) and Yaglidere districts, where old and new mining activities are present, was evaluated, and characterized by using the water quality index (WQI), multivariate statistical, and GIS techniques. The downstream aquifer of the Yaglidere Stream, which originates from Erimez Mountains and reaches the sea from the west of Espiye district, meets the domestic and drinking water needs of Yaglidere and Espiye districts. In addition, activities such as energy production and fish farming are carried out along the stream. Therefore, it is of great importance to investigate the water quality of the stream. In order to evaluate the water quality, 50 water samples were taken from 10 sampling points (5 periods) along the flow direction of the stream. Parameters other than T, DO, Mg, F, NH3, CN, and HS show significant spatial variations indicating the influence of geogenic and anthropogenic activities. Some of the investigated parameters (T, DO, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42-, NH3, CN, Fe, Se) exhibit important seasonal variations due to high seasonality in water temperature and water flow. Principal component analysis/factor analysis reveals that the parameters responsible for water quality changes in the Yaglidere Stream are mainly related to the geogenic structure, mining wastes, agricultural activities, and domestic wastes. According to the WQI values, the water samples taken from the upstream and middle part of the stream are in the water quality between "Excellent" and "Good", on the other hand, in the downstream regions where anthropogenic and geogenic effects are dominant, the water samples are in the quality of "Poor water" and "Unsuitable for drinking". The most effective water quality parameters on WQI are Al, Fe, and Mn and the water quality in the basin is negatively affected by geogenic and anthropogenic effects.

The expanding range of emerging tick-borne viruses in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea Region.

We analysed both pooled and individual tick samples collected from four countries in Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region, using metagenome-based nanopore sequencing (NS) and targeted amplification. Initially, 1337 ticks, belonging to 11 species, were screened in 217 pools. Viruses (21 taxa) and human pathogens were detected in 46.5% and 7.3%, respectively. Tick-borne viral pathogens comprised Tacheng Tick Virus 2 (TTV2, 5.9%), Jingmen Tick Virus (JMTV, 0.9%) and Tacheng Tick Virus 1 (TTV1, 0.4%). An association of tick species with individual virus taxa was observed, with the exception of TTV2, which was observed in both Dermacentor and Haemaphysalis species. Individual ticks from pools with pathogen detection were then further screened by targeted amplification and then NS, which provided extensive genome data and revealed probable pathogen Haseki Tick Virus (HTV, 10.2%). Two distinct TTV2 clades were observed in phylogenetic analysis, one of which included closely related Dermacentor reticulatus Uukuviruses. JMTV detection indicated integrated virus sequences. Overall, we observed an expansion of newly documented pathogenic tick-borne viruses into Europe, with TTV1 being identified on the continent for the first time. These viruses should be included in the diagnostic assessment of symptomatic cases associated with tick bites and vector surveillance efforts. NS is shown as a useful tool for monitoring tick-associated pathogens in pooled or individual samples.

Premarital hemoglobinopathy screening program results of a province in the Black Sea region of Turkey: three years' experience.

OBJECTIVES: Hemoglobinopathies are a global public health problem with high mortality and morbidity and very expensive treatment. Disease can be reduced and prevented with hemoglobinopathy screening tests. It is possible to identify carriers with the hemoglobinopathy screening program applied in many countries of the world and in Turkey. This study aims to evaluate the results of the national premarital hemoglobinopathy screening program carried out in primary healthcare institutions. METHODS: The research is of epidemiological and cross-sectional type. Electrophoresis results examined within the scope of the premarital hemoglobinopathy screening program in Samsun between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Age, gender, year of screening, and hemoglobinopathy screening results were obtained from the records. In the statistical analysis of the data, p < 0.05 was accepted. RESULTS: The median age of 52,338 people screened under the hemoglobinopathy screening program was 29.0 (16.0-86.0) years. About 54.1% (n = 28,309) of those who were screened were female, and it was found that the least screening was done in 2020 (n = 15,765 (30.1%)). As a result of the screening, the frequency of the ß-thalassemia (ß-thal) trait was 1.37% (n = 676), the frequency of the abnormal HbS was 0.04% (n = 20). The frequency of ß-thal trait was statistically significantly higher in 2020 (1.5%) compared to other years (p = 0.029). When the results were analyzed by gender, the rate of women with abnormal HbS (3.7%) was significantly higher than the others (p = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the results of the national hemoglobinopathy screening program in Northern Turkey and the ß-thal and the abnormal HbS rates were found to be low. The data obtained will be useful in monitoring hemoglobinopathy disorders and evaluating the current program's effectiveness in the future. It will allow decision-makers to implement policy changes and prioritize new programs.

Fall-winter sea surface temperature anomalies affect subsequent spring-summer phytoplankton succession and bioluminescence patterns in the Black Sea coastal waters near Crimea.

Seasonal and interannual dynamics of bioluminescence intensity and succession of the major phytoplankton taxonomic groups were analyzed using the six-year monitoring of Crimean coastal waters (the northern Black Sea) in 2009-2014. Monitoring program included regular CTD and bioluminescence intensity casts in the upper 60 m layer by means of "Salpa-M" sonde accompanied with phytoplankton sampling from subsurface (∼0.2 m) and from the layer of maximal bioluminescence intensity. Years with anomalous warm and cold preceding fall-winter periods were defined on the basis of remotely sensed monthly sea surface temperature (SST) and long-term records on coastal SST measuring station. It was shown that succession of phytoplankton and net vertical bioluminescence patterns in subsequent spring-summer seasons depend upon the SST anomaly during preceding fall-winter period. In "cold" years a minimal bioluminescence intensity associated with a diminished biomass and species abundance of luminous dinoflagellates as well as diatoms and dinoflagellates groups as a whole were observed. A number of luminous dinoflagellate species dropped out of spring phytoplankton community (e.g., Scrippsiella cf. acuminata). As a result, a typical spring peak of bioluminescence in the upper mixed layer has not been observed during these years. In contrast maximal bioluminescence intensity and phytoplankton abundance in spring-summer was observed in "warm" years; biomass and bioluminescence intensity peaks shift to earlier month (April) in comparison to "moderate" years; period of dinoflagellate dominance was more extended during the spring-summer succession phase. Overall, group of dinoflagellates including luminous species, seems to be the most sensitive group of algae to climatic SST anomalies in coastal waters of the northern Black Sea. Hence, the bioluminescence in the upper sea layer can act as an indicator of climate-induced phytoplankton community restructuring.

Improving health-care planning for fracture patients in Türkiye: insights from a nationwide study.

BACKGROUND: The distribution of fractures may vary according to age and gender. In a country like Türkiye, which has high population density and covers a large geographical area, it is important to understand the regional variations in fractures and identify the health institutions in which patients seek treatment to plan new health-care investments effectively. The objective of our study was to investigate the distribution of fractures across the seven regions of Türkiye considering age, gender, and the level of health institutions the patients visited. METHODS: Between January 2021 and May 2023, the total number of fractures, locations of the fractures, patient age and gender, geographical regions, and levels of the health-care institutions to which the patients presented were examined through the e-Nabiz personal health record system. Age groups were divided into pediatric (0-19 years), adult (20-64 years), and geriatric (≥65 years) categories. Geographical regions included the Marmara, Central Anatolia, Black Sea, Eastern Anatolia, Aegean, Mediterranean, and Southeastern Anatolia regions. RESULTS: A total of 2,135,701 patients with 2,214,213 fractures were analyzed. Upper extremity fractures were the most common among all considered fracture groups (1,154,819 fractures, 52.2%). There were 643,547 fractures in the pediatric group, 1,191,364 fractures in the adult group, and 379,302 fractures in the geriatric group. While the total number of fractures was higher among men with 1,256,884 fractures (58.9%), the rate among women was higher in the geriatric group (67.2%). Geographically, the highest number of fractures was observed in the Marmara region (714,146 fractures), and 67.92% of all patients presented to secondary health-care institutions (1,500,780 fractures). The most commonly diagnosed fracture in the study population was distal radius fractures. The most common fracture in the geriatric group was femur fractures while distal radius fractures were the most common fractures in the adult and the pediatric groups. CONCLUSION: By understanding the distribution of fractures in Türkiye based on fracture site, geographical region, age, and gender, it becomes possible to improve the planning of patient access to health-care services. In regions with limited health resources, a more successful resource distribution can be achieved by considering fracture distributions and age groups.

Assessment of beach macrolitter using unmanned aerial systems: A study along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.

Over the years, the Black Sea has been impacted by the issue of marine litter, which poses ecological and health threats. A mid-term monitoring program initiated in 2018 assessed the abundance, density, and composition of beach litter (BL) on 40 frequently visited beaches. From 2018 to 2022, there was a significant increase in average abundance, rising by 261 %. Artificial polymer materials accounted for the majority (84 %) of the litter. Land-based sources dominated 77 % of the litter. The Clean Coast Index (CCI) categorized the beaches as "moderate" with an average value of 8.9 for the period between 2018 and 2022. However, the years 2021 and 2022, during the COVID-19 epidemic, were identified as the "dirtiest period" with 11 beaches classified as "extremely dirty" due to high domestic tourist pressure. The study demonstrates a successful combination of standard in situ visual assessment supported by unmanned aerial systems for beach litter surveys.

Rare earth elements in different body parts of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Crimea, Black Sea) and assessment of associated human health risks from its consumption.

The rare earth element (REE) pollution in the hydrosphere has become a matter of serious concern lately. In this study, using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, the REE contents in soft tissue, byssus and shell liquor of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis, as a potential REE pollution bioindicator, in the Black Sea were determined for the first time. The highest REE levels were observed in mussels from the seabed. The REE contents in byssus and shell liquor were higher than in soft tissue. In byssus, the contents of Y, La, Ce, Nd and Dy were the highest, whereas in shell liquor, the heavier REE and Sc were the most concentrated. No likely REE-associated risks from the mussel meat consumption were detected. In soft tissue and byssus, REE contents significantly correlated with that of silicon.

First report of human infection with Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava in the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey.

Leptospirosis is one of the most common zoonotic bacterial infections worldwide. It is an infection that usually affects people with low socioeconomic status, with morbidity and mortality risk. The clinical course of the disease may range from mild, featuring nonspecific clinical signs and symptoms, to severe, resulting in death. The respective studies conducted in Turkey indicate that leptospirosis seropositivity in animals and humans is higher in coastal and rural areas. Turkey's Eastern Black Sea Region has a humid climate with heavy rainfalls and a large population of mice and other rodents. However, a Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava case is yet to be reported in this region. This article reports the case of a 38-year-old patient who presented fever and acute renal failure and was diagnosed with Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava after hospitalization.

Ecotoxicological evaluation of organic contamination in the world's two significant gateways to the Black Sea using GIS techniques: Turkish Straits.

This study was carried out to determine the spatial-temporal distributions of limnological parameters of Çanakkale Strait (ÇS) and Istanbul Strait (IS), Turkiye. Fluvial (n = 11) and lacustrine (n = 4) habitats water samples were collected in the dry and rainy seasons of 2022-2023. Among limnological parameters, the highest mean electrical conductivity values of 6063 µS/cm were noted in the IS basin during the rainy season and the lowest was 0.04 mg/L for nitrite in the ÇS basin. Generally, the levels of organic contaminants and ecological risk indices were as follows: rivers of IS > rivers of ÇS > Alibey Dam Lake (IS) > Atikhisar Dam Lake (ÇS). The highest non-carcinogenic health risks of 0.88 were noted for children in the ÇS basin during the dry season and the lowest of <0.01 in Atikhisar Dam Lake during the rainy season. Multivariate statistical techniques were applied to data to categorize investigated ecosystems and sources apportionment of contaminants and geospatial distribution.

Frequency of thyroid pathologies in the central Black Sea Region: Ultrasound-based field study.

Background: Thyroid pathologies are very common diseases. The most common thyroid pathologies are goiter and thyroid nodules. Thyroid ultrasonography is the most widely used examination method in the evaluation of thyroid pathologies. The aim of this field study is to determine the frequency of thyroid pathologies in the province of Tokat and to evaluate its relationship with some factors such as gender and dietary habits. Materials and Methods: In this population-based prospective study, thyroid US examination was performed on a total of 822 patients. The examination procedure was carried out by one radiologist with at least 10 years of experience. During the examination, thyroid dimensions, parenchyma echo, presence of nodule, echo if any, number, size, and localization were evaluated. The relationships between thyroid pathologies and age, gender, body mass index (BMI), and chronic diseases in the participants were evaluated. Results: Up to 45.2% (n = 372) of the participants were male and 54.8% (n = 417) were female. The ages of the participants ranged from 20 to 87 years. The mean age of the participants was 47.2. Up to 9.8% of the participants had an increase in thyroid size, defined as goiter. Parenchyma was homogeneous in 72.1% of the participants and heterogeneous in 27.9%. Thyroid nodules were present in the thyroid gland in 40.8% of the participants. There was a statistically significant relationship between thyroid pathologies and female gender, age, and obesity. Conclusion: Thyroid diseases show regional differences. Older age, female gender, and obesity increase the frequency of thyroid pathologies.

Anatomical, Morphological, and Chemical Characterizations and Biological Activities of Gagea taurica Steven (Liliaceae): A New Record for the Turkish Flora.

Gagea genus, which is native to the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions, has attracted significant attention due to its biodiversity and potential health benefits. In this study, the biochemical composition and biological activities of methanol extracts from various parts of G. taurica were investigated, along with their anatomical and morphological characteristics. The best antimicrobial activity was found to be MeOH extracts of corm and leaf against several Candida strains with MIC=640 µg/mL. The highest level of phenolics together with significant results of antioxidant activities were observed in flowers extracts. The α-amylase inhibition assay results showed that the highest inhibition percentage was observed with acarbose (59 %), followed by leaf extract (43 %). Leaf exhibited the most effective inhibitory activity in AChE inhibition assay, whereas flower demonstrated the most significant inhibitory activity in BChE inhibition assay. Hesperidin was found as 1621.0001 ng/ml value in flower extract and 283.9339 ng/ml value leaf.