Bingöl University

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered great attention due to their biocompatibility and environmental safety. However, no prior study has focused on the synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation of AgNPs prepared with Bingol propolis (PrAgNPs).

PrAgNPs were synthesized using a green chemistry approach and characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis confirmed the presence of predominantly cubic crystals, and TEM analysis revealed an average particle size of 14.45 ± 3.44 nm. Zeta potential measurements indicated a negative surface charge of - 24.6 mV, suggesting good colloidal stability. LC-MS analysis identified acacetin and etoposide as key phenolic compounds in the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP). The antioxidant activity of PrAgNPs was assessed by DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, showing significantly higher activity compared to EEP. The cytotoxicity and anticancer potential were evaluated in the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line using the WST-1 assay and Western blot analysis. PrAgNPs effectively inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis as evidenced by elevated levels of cytochrome c and pro-caspase-3 proteins.

This study demonstrated that PrAgNPs, synthesized by an environmentally friendly route, possess potent antioxidant and anti-cancer activities. These findings highlight the promising therapeutic potential of PrAgNPs for future applications in cancer treatment.

Composite materials comprising titanium diboride (TiB₂), unsaturated polyester resin, and pyrite (FeS₂) at varying weight percentages were fabricated and evaluated for their interaction with neutron and gamma radiation. This study adopts a comprehensive methodology, combining theoretical calculations, experimental measurements, and Monte Carlo simulations using PHITS and MCNP6. A strong correlation was observed among experimental results, WinXCOM data, and simulation outputs, with discrepancies remaining within approximately 5 %. To assess neutron shielding performance, fast neutron removal cross sections and partial neutron transmission rates were determined for both fast and thermal neutron energies, as well as across varying sample thicknesses. Additionally, secondary radiation effects were analyzed by quantifying the number and average energy of secondary neutrons and gamma photons generated from interactions with thermal and fast neutrons. Radiation damage parameters, including Total Ionizing Dose (TID) and Displacement Per Atom (DPA), were also evaluated. Gamma-ray shielding performance was assessed through experimental measurements, theoretical models, and Monte Carlo simulations, focusing on key parameters such as mass attenuation coefficients, kerma relative to air and concrete, and buildup factors. Among the composites, the sample labeled FeSTiB-50 demonstrated superior fast neutron attenuation capability-outperforming conventional concrete and approaching the shielding efficiency of paraffin-while all composites exhibited excellent attenuation of thermal neutrons. Furthermore, the FeSTiB-50 composite generated secondary radiation with lower average energy compared to other samples. However, the gamma-ray shielding performance was found to decrease with increasing TiB₂ content, indicating a trade-off between neutron and gamma shielding effectiveness.

Theileria annulata (T. annulata) is an important hemoprotozoan that causes high morbidity and mortality. Free amino acid levels, being associated with all organ systems, can provide valuable insights into disease processes. In this study, the role and prognostic significance of the amino acid profile in the pathogenesis of the disease in cattle infected with T. annulata were evaluated. In the study, a total of 46 cattle were used, including 31 T. annulata infected cattle (survivor n = 16, nonsurvivor n = 15) and 15 healthy cattle forming the control group. 1-Methylhistidine, 3-Methylhistidine, alanine, cystathionine, gamma aminobutyric acid, glutamic acid, histidine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, taurine, tyrosine, valine, and ethanolamine levels were found to be significantly lower in the control group compared to the survivor and nonsurvivor groups. Arginine, citrulline, glutamine, threonine, and tryptophan levels were found to be significantly higher in the control group compared to the survivor and nonsurvivor groups. In animals infected with T. annulata, it was determined that the risk of death increases 6.56 times when the isoleucine level is ≥ 132.69 µmol/L, 3.62 times when the arginine level is ≤ 111.15 µmol/L, 2.38 times when the tyrosine level is ≥ 127.57 µmol/L, and 1.91 times when the asparagine level is ≤ 26.56 µmol/L. Changes in the levels of 21 amino acids, which could play a role in the pathogenesis of the disease among 31 amino acids, were observed. Among these, it was concluded that high levels of isoleucine and tyrosine, as well as low levels of arginine and asparagine, could be used as prognostic indicators.