The composition of essential oil of Veronica persica Poir. from Istanbul

Previously, phenylethanoid and iridoid glycosides were reported from Veronica persica Poir. (Plantaginaceae) [1]. However, to the best of our knowledge, there are no reports on its essential oil or volatiles’ composition. The aim of the current study was to determine the essential-oil composition of Veronica persica to provide information on the chemistry of volatiles of this species. The plant material used in this study was collected from Kanuni Sultan Süleyman City Forest in Istanbul in January 2015. The essential oil of air-dried aerial parts of V. persica was obtained by hydrodistillation (3 h) using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The essential-oil yield obtained from the distillation of 16.5 g of plant material was below 0.01 mL. The essential oil was trapped in n-hexane (1 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The essential oil was analyzed without further dilution by GC-MS. The essential oil was analyzed with an Agilent 5977 MSD GC-MS system operating in EI mode; injector and MS transfer line temperatures were set at 250 °C. Splitless injection was used in the analysis. Innowax FSC column (60 m x 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm film thickness) and helium as the carrier gas (1 mL/min) were used in GC-MS analyses. The oven temperature program was: 60 °C for 10 min and then raised to 220 °C at a rate of 4 °C/min, afterward the temperature was kept constant at 220 °C for 10 min and then raised to 240 °C at a rate of 1 °C/min. Mass spectra were recorded at 70 eV with the mass range m/z 35-425. Relative amounts of the separated compounds were calculated from the integration of the peaks in MS chromatograms. Identification of essential-oil components was carried out by comparison of their retention indices (RI), relative to a series of n-alkanes (C5 to C30), with the literature values, as well as by mass spectral comparison. Veronica persica oil was mainly composed of the diterpene trans-phytol and n-alkanes. Seventeen compounds were identified representing 92.1% of the detected oil constituents. The main components of the oil were trans-phytol (24.4%), nonacosane (15.9%), heptacosane (13.1%), and hentriacontane (7.2%). The essential oil did not contain any monoterpenes but contained sesquiterpenes in only minor amounts. We believe the existence of the diterpene trans-phytol in high quantity points to the possibility that other monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes might also be present in the plant, but that they might be observed through headspace or SPME sampling

The essential-oil composition of Crocus pestalozzae Boiss. from Istanbul

Crocus (Iridaceae) species are well-known for their use as spices. In Turkey, the genus Crocus is represented with 62 taxa. In the literature, there is no particular report on the chemistry of volatile or non-volatile secondary metabolites of C. pestalozzae Boiss. The aim of the current study was to contribute novel information on the chemistry of the volatile secondary metabolites of C. pestalozzae. The plant material used in this study was collected from Kanuni Sultan Süleyman City Forest in Istanbul in January 2016. The essential oil of air-dried aerial part of C. pestalozzae was obtained by hydrodistillation (3 h) using a Clevenger-type apparatus. The obtained essential-oil yield was below 0.01 mL. The essential oil was trapped in n-hexane (1 mL) and dried over anhydrous Na2SO4. The essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS without further dilution. The essential oil was analyzed with an Agilent 5977 MSD GC-MS system operating in EI mode; injector and MS transfer line temperatures were set at 250 °C. Splitless injection was used in the analysis. Innowax FSC column (60 m x 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm film thickness) and helium as the carrier gas (1 mL/min) were used in GC-MS analyses. The oven temperature program was: 60 °C for 10 min and then raised to 220 °C at a rate of 4 ˚C/min, afterward the temperature was kept constant at 220 °C for 10 min and then raised to 240 °C at a rate of 1 °C/min. Mass spectra were recorded at 70 eV with the mass range m/z 35-425. Relative amounts of the separated compounds were calculated from the integration of the peaks in MS chromatograms. Identification of essential-oil components was carried out by comparison of their retention indices (RI), relative to a series of n-alkanes (C5 to C30), with the literature values, as well as by mass spectral comparison. Fifty-four compounds were identified representing 86.2% of the detected oil constituents. The main components of the oil were heptacosane (18.2%), pentacosane (17.0%), nonacosane (13.1%), heneicosane (7.2%), and 1-docosanol (5.3%). Safranal and its derivatives were detected in the essential oil but only in very small amounts. Due to the low amounts of safranal and other commonly observed volatile compounds of Crocus species [1], one would expect to observe a different volatile secondary metabolite profile if headspace or SPME sampling were employed

Chemical water parameters of end pit lakes in abandoned coal mines

Open-pit mines have significant adverse water quality impacts and end pit lakes formed from abandoned open-pit coal mines have commonly environmental problems. Determining and monitoring of the chemical water characteristics of end pit lakes are very important and play a key role in understanding the anthropogenic impact. The purpose of this study was to determine the amount of different macro-elements (potassium (K), calcium (Ca), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), phosphorus (P)), heavy metals (iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn)), and different water parameters (acidity (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), temperature (degrees C), and dissolved oxygen (O-2)) in 11 end pit lakes formed after coal mining operations in Agacli-Istanbul, Turkey. All investigated characteristics in lake waters showed significant differences in temporal and between lakes. When the relationships between element concentrations and other parameters (pH, EC, degrees C, and O-2) were examined, pH emerged as the most effective factor has a wide range, and has a negative correlation with P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Al, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Mn. The EC in the lake waters was positively correlated with the changes of Ca, Mg, K, and P, while it showed a negative correlation with Na concentration. Besides, dissolved O-2 content was positively related to Fe and Cu and negatively related to water temperature change. Results showed that monitoring the water characteristics of end pit lakes is essential indicating the major concern with water pH. The results on water parameters may be a valuable basis for the preparation of management plans of the post-mining landscape

A MODEL FOR URBAN FOREST MANAGEMENT PLANNING: ISTANBUL CASE STUDY

Urban forests have become important elements of cities' green fabric providing many ecosystem services including recreation. In this study, we proposed a model for urban forest management planning in the example of Istanbul, where urban sprawl has transformed the green infrastructure of the city dramatically. To this purpose, a total of 201 surveys were conducted through face-to-face interviews including those working as managers and technical staff in the forestry organization in Istanbul, academicians and NGOs. Subjects to be surveyed were determined according to the layered-simple random sampling method. The data were evaluated by descriptive statistics based on a variety of opinions about urban forest management planning in Turkey along with various socio-economic variables (gender, profession and experience). Whether there was any statistically significant difference between the groups was determined by Kruskal-Wallis H-Test. In case a difference was found, Duncan's Multiple Range Test was applied to detect the group(s) significantly different from each other. The results revealed that mainly males agreed on the purpose of urban forests as addressing recreational and social needs. All groups highlighted the lack of coordination and poor management system as main problems, while experienced and male subjects addressed that a new urban forest law is necessary. Mainly academicians and representatives of NGO's and related institutions suggested redefining the concept and restructuring the legislation concerning urban forests. In terms of activities, the majority favored hiking and sightseeing activities (51%), photograplty (42%), and extreme sports (27%). There was an emphasis on the need for sufficient number of hiking, climbing and cycling trails and botanical gardens. As a result, a model plan based on sustainable resource management ensuring multi-purpose utilization was proposed

Image_1_The effect of multiple outgrowths from bronchial tissue explants on progenitor/stem cell number in primary bronchial epithelial cell cultures from smokers and patients with COPD.JPEG

BackgroundAlthough studies suggest a deficiency in stem cell numbers in chronic airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the role of bronchial epithelial progenitor/stem (P/S) cells is not clear. The objectives of this study were to investigate expression of progenitor/stem (P/S) cell markers, cytokeratin (CK) 5, CK14 and p63 in bronchial epithelial explants and cell cultures obtained from smokers with and without COPD following multiple outgrowths, and to study this effect on bronchial epithelial cell (BEC) proliferation.MethodsBronchial epithelial explants were dissected from lung explants and cultured on coverslips. Confluent cultures were obtained after 3–4 weeks’ (transfer, Tr1), explants were then transferred and cultured for a second (Tr2) and third (Tr3) time, respectively. At each stage, expression of CK5, CK14 and p63 in explants and BEC were determined by immunostaining. In parallel experiments, outgrowing cells from explants were counted after 4wks, and explants subsequently transferred to obtain new cultures for a further 3 times.ResultsAs the transfer number advanced, CK5, CK14 and p63 expression was decreased in both explants and BEC from both smokers without COPD and patients with COPD, with a more pronounced decrease in BEC numbers in the COPD group. Total cell numbers cultured from explants were decreased with advancing outgrowth number in both groups. Smoking status and lung function parameters were correlated with reduced P/S marker expression and cell numbers.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the number of P/S cells in airway epithelium may play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD, as well as a role in the proliferation of airway epithelial cells, in vitro.</p

Table_1_The effect of multiple outgrowths from bronchial tissue explants on progenitor/stem cell number in primary bronchial epithelial cell cultures from smokers and patients with COPD.docx

BackgroundAlthough studies suggest a deficiency in stem cell numbers in chronic airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the role of bronchial epithelial progenitor/stem (P/S) cells is not clear. The objectives of this study were to investigate expression of progenitor/stem (P/S) cell markers, cytokeratin (CK) 5, CK14 and p63 in bronchial epithelial explants and cell cultures obtained from smokers with and without COPD following multiple outgrowths, and to study this effect on bronchial epithelial cell (BEC) proliferation.MethodsBronchial epithelial explants were dissected from lung explants and cultured on coverslips. Confluent cultures were obtained after 3–4 weeks’ (transfer, Tr1), explants were then transferred and cultured for a second (Tr2) and third (Tr3) time, respectively. At each stage, expression of CK5, CK14 and p63 in explants and BEC were determined by immunostaining. In parallel experiments, outgrowing cells from explants were counted after 4wks, and explants subsequently transferred to obtain new cultures for a further 3 times.ResultsAs the transfer number advanced, CK5, CK14 and p63 expression was decreased in both explants and BEC from both smokers without COPD and patients with COPD, with a more pronounced decrease in BEC numbers in the COPD group. Total cell numbers cultured from explants were decreased with advancing outgrowth number in both groups. Smoking status and lung function parameters were correlated with reduced P/S marker expression and cell numbers.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the number of P/S cells in airway epithelium may play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD, as well as a role in the proliferation of airway epithelial cells, in vitro.</p

Image_3_The effect of multiple outgrowths from bronchial tissue explants on progenitor/stem cell number in primary bronchial epithelial cell cultures from smokers and patients with COPD.JPEG

BackgroundAlthough studies suggest a deficiency in stem cell numbers in chronic airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the role of bronchial epithelial progenitor/stem (P/S) cells is not clear. The objectives of this study were to investigate expression of progenitor/stem (P/S) cell markers, cytokeratin (CK) 5, CK14 and p63 in bronchial epithelial explants and cell cultures obtained from smokers with and without COPD following multiple outgrowths, and to study this effect on bronchial epithelial cell (BEC) proliferation.MethodsBronchial epithelial explants were dissected from lung explants and cultured on coverslips. Confluent cultures were obtained after 3–4 weeks’ (transfer, Tr1), explants were then transferred and cultured for a second (Tr2) and third (Tr3) time, respectively. At each stage, expression of CK5, CK14 and p63 in explants and BEC were determined by immunostaining. In parallel experiments, outgrowing cells from explants were counted after 4wks, and explants subsequently transferred to obtain new cultures for a further 3 times.ResultsAs the transfer number advanced, CK5, CK14 and p63 expression was decreased in both explants and BEC from both smokers without COPD and patients with COPD, with a more pronounced decrease in BEC numbers in the COPD group. Total cell numbers cultured from explants were decreased with advancing outgrowth number in both groups. Smoking status and lung function parameters were correlated with reduced P/S marker expression and cell numbers.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the number of P/S cells in airway epithelium may play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD, as well as a role in the proliferation of airway epithelial cells, in vitro.</p

Image_2_The effect of multiple outgrowths from bronchial tissue explants on progenitor/stem cell number in primary bronchial epithelial cell cultures from smokers and patients with COPD.JPEG

BackgroundAlthough studies suggest a deficiency in stem cell numbers in chronic airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the role of bronchial epithelial progenitor/stem (P/S) cells is not clear. The objectives of this study were to investigate expression of progenitor/stem (P/S) cell markers, cytokeratin (CK) 5, CK14 and p63 in bronchial epithelial explants and cell cultures obtained from smokers with and without COPD following multiple outgrowths, and to study this effect on bronchial epithelial cell (BEC) proliferation.MethodsBronchial epithelial explants were dissected from lung explants and cultured on coverslips. Confluent cultures were obtained after 3–4 weeks’ (transfer, Tr1), explants were then transferred and cultured for a second (Tr2) and third (Tr3) time, respectively. At each stage, expression of CK5, CK14 and p63 in explants and BEC were determined by immunostaining. In parallel experiments, outgrowing cells from explants were counted after 4wks, and explants subsequently transferred to obtain new cultures for a further 3 times.ResultsAs the transfer number advanced, CK5, CK14 and p63 expression was decreased in both explants and BEC from both smokers without COPD and patients with COPD, with a more pronounced decrease in BEC numbers in the COPD group. Total cell numbers cultured from explants were decreased with advancing outgrowth number in both groups. Smoking status and lung function parameters were correlated with reduced P/S marker expression and cell numbers.ConclusionOur findings suggest that the number of P/S cells in airway epithelium may play a role in the pathogenesis of COPD, as well as a role in the proliferation of airway epithelial cells, in vitro.</p

COVID-19 pandemic and the global perspective of Turkish Thoracic Society

It has been more than 3 months now since the first case of COVID-19 was reported in Turkey. Globally, the number of confirmed cases and deaths reached 9,653,048 and 491,128 respectively, as reported by 216 countries by June 27, 2020. Turkey had 1,396 new cases, 194,511 total cases, and 5,065 deaths by the same date. From the first case until today, the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS) has been very proactive in educating doctors, increasing public awareness, undertaking academic studies, and assisting with public health policies. In the present report, social, academic, and management perspectives of the pandemic are presented under appropriate subtitles. During this critical public health crisis, TTS has once again demonstrated its readiness and constructive stance by supporting public health, healthcare workers, and the environment. This review summarizes the perspective of TTS on each aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic and casts light on its contributions