Search

Abstract In this study, the pollution intensity, spatial distribution, and index-based risk distribution in campuses, which are a small prototype of cities, were mapped and the sources of heavy metals in the soil were investigated. Soil samples were taken from 9 different points from the Aksaray University Central campus, which was determined as the study area. It has been determined that the pH value in the collected soil samples varies between 8.7 and 11.0. This situation created an effect on reducing the accumulation and mobility of heavy metals in the soil. When the study area was evaluated based on the geo-accumulation index, Pb heavy metal was much denser in the places indicated as circulation areas and where students were actively present. Based on the pollution load index, it was concluded that 75% of the study area was moderately/highly polluted, and the rest consisted of unpolluted soils. Pearson correlation analysis and APCS-MLR analyses conducted to determine the source distribution showed that the contributions of natural sources, mixed sources of industrial and traffic activities, agricultural activity-based sources, and other sources were 57.49%, 21.44%, 12.67%, and 8.40%, respectively. Pb is mainly related to the mixed sources of industrial and traffic activities. Therefore, to clear up its long-term impact on the accumulation of heavy metals in the soil, it is important to conduct continuous heavy metal monitoring in the soil throughout the campus. more...

Abstract Cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency (CBSD) is the most prevalent inherited disorder of homocysteine metabolism in the transsulphuration pathway. Research have suggested oxidative stress and inflammation as candidate pathogenic mechanisms in CBSD. This study aims to evaluate mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress biomarkers in cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency (CBSD) patients, which may aid in understanding the pathogenesis of CBSD and improving treatment. The study group comprised 23 patients with a diagnosis of CBSD and healthy controls. We analysed serum levels of NAD+ and NADH by fluorometric assay, FGF-21 and GDF-15 by ELISA, mitochondrial DAMPs by real time qRT-PCR, total homocysteine levels in plasma by enzymatic test and compared the results in CBSD group with healthy controls. In patient group, a positive correlation was found between the total homocysteine level and both GDF-15 and NAD+/NADH levels. Furthermore, there was a negative correlation between total homocysteine levels and both total NAD++NADH and NADH levels. The alterations in NAD+, FGF-21, GDF-15 levels, and NAD+/NADH ratio in patients suggest that oxidative damage coexists with mitochondrial dysfunction in CBSD. Assessment of oxidative damage and addition of anti-oxidant therapy together with mitochondrial support may have additional benefits in reducing long-term morbidity in CBSD patients. more...

The study focused on converting tea bag waste into strong fluorescence carbon quantum dots (TBW-CQDs) for the detection of acrylamide in drinking water, antimicrobial activity, and photocatalytic degradation. The TBW-CQDs exhibited blue luminescence and maximum absorbance at 287 nm under UV light and distinctive fluorescence emission and excitation wavelengths at 425 nm and 287 nm, respectively. TBW-CQDs revealed a particle size of 8.12 ± 0.06 nm with a spherical morphology followed by an abundance of 59.29 % carbon and 39.82 % oxygen. For acrylamide extraction from water, the QuEChERS method was established, which exhibited a recovery rate of 97 to 99 %. The fluorescence-based sensor exhibited a low limit of detection of 0.35376 ppm, which was validated by HPLC-PDA (LOD 0.300688 ppm). TBW-CQDs degraded 90.62 % of indigo carmine and 93.19 % of methylene blue under bright sunlight. In conclusion, the fabricated TBW-CQDs provide a promising, cost-effective, and precise approach to acrylamide detection in drinking water. more...

Abstract Alpha‐methylacyl‐CoA‐racemase (AMACR) deficiency (MIM#604489) is a peroxisomal disorder resulting in the accumulation of pristanic acid, dihydroxycholestanoic acid (DHCA), and trihydroxycholestanoic acid (THCA), with variable clinical features and age of onset from infancy to late adulthood. The purpose of this report is to define clinical variations and follow‐up data in AMACR deficiency emphasizing treatment with a review of cases reported in the literature. Here, four patients, from two families, diagnosed with AMACR deficiency and showing phenotypic heterogeneity are presented. A 10‐month‐old‐female presented with coagulopathy, hepatic dysfunction, and elevated pristanic acid, DHCA, and THCA levels. Genetic testing confirmed a homozygous variant c.596G>A in the AMACR gene. Her brother who had macrovesicular hepatosteatosis and elevated pristanic acid levels was diagnosed with family screening. The third patient presented with rhabdomyolysis following a strenuous exercise without any other complaint. Homozygous novel c.1006G>A variant was found on the AMACR gene. His asymptomatic sister carrying the same variant also had elevated pristanic acid levels. They had normal neuropsychologic evaluation. Dietary treatment with low phytanic and pristanic acid content was recommended to the patients but all showed poor compliance. The sibling pairs were followed for periods of 11 and 7 years, respectively. AMACR deficiency is usually described as an adult‐onset disorder with neuropsychological problems. The characterization of natural history and new clinical phenotypes may support earlier diagnosis and treatment. more...

Phenylketonuria (PKU) results from a deficiency in phenylalanine hydroxylase, catalyzing the conversion of phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) consists of physical, behavioral, and emotional symptoms occurring during the last week of luteal phase. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence of PMS, and document menstrual cycle characteristics of PKU patients to reveal the relationship with blood Phe levels. The study was conducted on 74 patients with a mean age of 21.7 ± 5.4 years. The mean age at menarche was 12.7 ± 1.3 years and 82.4 % had regular menstrual cycles. The periods of most patients (47.2 %) lasted 4–5 days. Menstrual cycles of 21–28 days were reported by 73 %, less than 21 days by 8 %, and more than 28 days by 19 % of women. Menorrhagia and dysmenorrhea was observed in 6.7 % and 71.6 % respectively. Adherence to diet was lost in 7 patients during the menstrual period. No significant relationship was found between Phe levels and PMS symptoms (p > 0.05). According to PMSS subscales, 52.7 % of patients with PKU had depressive feelings, 16.2 % anxiety, 55.4 % fatigue, 52.7 % irritability, 28.3 % depressive thoughts, 39.1 % pain, 59.4 % changes in appetite, 28.3 % changes in sleeping habits and 43.2 % had swelling. The findings of the study revealed that PMS prevalence was 39.1 % among PKU women. Awareness about this syndrome, will improve the quality of life in women with PKU by evaluating and taking measures for PMS. Synopsis: Evaluating menstrual cycle characteristics and premenstrual syndrome in phenylketonuria patients provides valuable insights for enhancing their overall health profile and personalizing treatment and management plans. more...

The labor-intensive, time-consuming, and uneconomical nature of manually extracting banana (Musa acuminata) fibers from pseudo-stem sheaths has prompted the exploration of automation as a solution. This study focuses on automating the feeding process of banana pseudostem sheaths using a quick return mechanism, which is more effective than other approaches. A comprehensive study was conducted to assess the impact of key process parameters, namely the decorticator (480–540 rpm), roller speed (50–80 rpm), and clearance between rollers (2–4 mm), on the mechanical properties of the extracted banana fiber. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was employed for the experimental design and analysis of data, and the mechanical properties under investigation included the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and strain percentage of the banana fiber. The results revealed that the decorticator speed, roller speed, and clearance between rollers are significantly influenced by their mechanical properties. Herein, the optimal process parameter values are identified as follows: a decorticator speed of 510 rpm, roller speed of 65 rpm, and clearance of 3 mm between rollers. The mechanical characterization of the optimized banana fiber exhibited impressive properties, with an ultimate tensile strength of 679.48 MPa, Young's modulus of 25.47 GPa, and strain of 3 %. This study demonstrates that automation coupled with systematic parameter optimization can enhance the mechanical attributes of banana fibers. This research not only addresses the challenges of manual extraction, but also advances the understanding of how process parameters affect banana fiber quality, thereby facilitating the utilization of this natural fiber in various industrial applications. more...

This study aimed to utilize different plant-derived mucilage as a fat substitute in yogurt production. Colocasia esculenta rhizome mucilage (CEM), Cordia dichotoma fruit mucilage (CDM), and Psyllium husk mucilage (PHM) were extracted using different extraction process, and spray dried to acquire nano-scaled mucilage particles (100–300 nm). Seven different types of yogurts were prepared with the addition of varied mucilage concentrations (1–10 % w/v). Results showed that the yogurt with 4.5 % PHM exhibited suitable viscosity, higher water holding capacity, and reduced syneresis over the 16 days of storage. Furthermore, selected yogurt sample revealed similar physicochemical, textural, and color attributes as compared to control (full-fat and skimmed-milk yogurt). Moreover, this study showed that consumers highly accepted mucilage-formulated yogurt, with a mean score of 97.16 ± 1.58 %. Overall, nano-mucilage holds potential as a sustainable biomaterial for producing low-fat yogurt. more...

In this study, zein-pectin nanoparticles loaded with Wampee [Clausena lansium (Lour.) Skeels] (WEO) were developed. The particle size of the nanoparticles is 515.9 nm, polydispersity index is 0.4 and zeta potential is −39.3 mV. Subsequently, the ZWP was incorporated into sodium alginate (SA)-based film (ZWP-S). The films were then analyzed to determine their physical properties and thermal stability, and also to examine their microstructure and intermolecular forces using SEM, FTIR, and XRD techniques. Additionally, the films were evaluated for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, as well as their ability to sustain the release of WEO. Overall, the ZWP-S film conferred excellent functional properties, including UV barrier performance, mechanical properties (21 % increase in tensile strength), water sensitivity, stability, more compact structure, high antioxidant activity and long-lasting antimicrobial activity, surpassing those of the control film. Consequently, it was applied as a novel coating for preserving strawberries, rotting rate of strawberries was reduced by 43 % at 6d, yielding promising results in prolonging the freshness of the fruit. more...

Aegle marmelos (AM) fruit shell, considered waste, is an excellent source of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides. Therefore, this study focuses on the extraction of AM polysaccharides using an ultrasonication-assisted approach. Different parameters, including ultrasonic power (200–600 W), time (5–15 min), and solid-to-solvent ratio (10–20 mg/mL), were employed, and significantly (p more...

This study investigated the physicochemical, low glycemic index, and mineral uptake of functional noodles added with varying concentrations (0–10 %) of Lentinus edodes (also known as shiitake) powder. Noodles with 4 % mushroom powder (L3) exhibited comparable sensory attributes in comparison with control noodles. The L3 showed significantly higher protein (1.92 ± 0.035 %), decreased carbohydrate content, improved cooking characteristics. The L3 exhibited darker color with lower hardness, adhesiveness, higher mineral content and bioavailability of iron (59.22 ± 0.49 %). As well, L3 showed a significantly higher mineral transport, retention, and uptake of minerals followed by increased ferritin content (29.17 ± 0.52 ng/mg cell protein). Mushroom powder incorporation in noodles significantly decreased the area under the curve of reducing sugar release correlating with lower glycemic index and thus a potential impact on blood sugar levels. This study illustrates the efficacy of mushroom powder as a functional component in noodles, offering both augmented nutritional advantages and increased glycemic regulation. more...

Macro-fungi are recognized for food, medicinal, and environmental applications, therefore, the study focuses on multifaceted nutritional, techno-functional, and bioremediation-related uses of Agaricus bisporus and Ganoderma lucidum powders. Herein, A. bisporus exhibited 11.43 % significantly higher protein content, whereas, G. lucidum exhibited 63.55 % higher fiber content. For both mushrooms, spherical porous and fibrous interconnected structural morphology was observed, which led to distinguishing crystallinity and techno-functional properties. G. lucidum demonstrated 75.89 % higher iron, and 19.22 % higher zinc bioavailability while A. bisporus displayed 45.36 % higher calcium bioavailability. G. lucidum absorbed significantly higher zinc and calcium during cellular uptake, while A. bisporus revealed higher iron uptake. Both macro-fungi enhanced iron storage, with G. lucidum achieving 28.68 ± 0.61 ng ferritin/mg cell protein. A. bisporus degraded 88.69 ± 0.12 % Malachite Green while G. lucidum degraded 90.51 ± 0.19 %, maintaining efficiency in both sunlight and UV light. The research indicates that these matrices may serve as valuable nutritional sources and potential substitutes for additives. more...

Construction professionals recognize rework’s negative impact on project performance, yet a comprehensive understanding of its critical factors still needs to be provided. Consequently, this study sought to inquire deeply into the causes of construction rework. A systematic framework was employed to achieve the research objectives. Initially, potential causes of rework were identified through a systematic literature review. Subsequently, a survey was developed and emailed to the sample group. Exploratory factor analysis was used to extract critical rework factors (CRFs) and normalized mean value analysis was used to evaluate the criticality of the obtained causes. Structural equation modeling was used to quantify and simulate the effect sizes of the components that were collected. Out of 43 possible causes, this study found 21 critical causes why rework occurs in the Turkish construction sector. Additionally, it uncovered four original CRFs, namely “management and planning deficiencies”, “design and time constraints”, “labor quality and compliance issues”, and “project dynamics and communication challenges”. While numerous studies have explored rework causes using different approaches and methodologies, there remains a lack of insight into the key factors leading to rework. Unlike earlier research, this study offers a thorough and quantitative identification of four distinct critical rework factors in Turkey. more...

Fruit mousses, as low-processed products, are highly susceptible to external conditions, and storage leads to the degradation of bioactive compounds, particularly phenolic compounds and vitamins, as well as promoting the growth of yeasts and molds. This study investigated the impact of storage conditions on the microbiological quality and degradation of selected bioactive compounds in fruit mousses from various producers (from apples, pears, and multi-components). Total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents, vitamin C level, antioxidant capacity (AC, measured by the DPPH assay), and concentrations of macro- and microminerals were evaluated in fresh mousses and those stored for 48 h at 23 °C and 4 °C. Changes in total aerobic mesophilic bacteria (TAMB), yeast and mold counts, and selected microbial groups were also checked. It was found that the analyzed compounds varied depending on the components of the mousses. Multi-component mousses contained the highest levels of TPC, TFC, and vitamin C, and had 2–5 times higher AC values compared to apple and pear mousses. Storage at room temperature resulted in TFC lowering of up to 25% in apple mousses and vitamin C reductions of up to 22% in multi-component mousses. During refrigerated storage, the highest losses were observed in pear mousses, with TPC decreasing by up to 13% and vitamin C by up to 11%. Among the minerals, magnesium and zinc levels decreased most significantly in apple mousses stored at 23 °C (up to 33% and up to 29%, respectively). Microbiological analysis revealed variability in TAMB, yeast, and mold counts, with refrigeration (4 °C) generally limiting microbial growth compared to room temperature (23 °C). Notably, no pathogenic bacteria were detected under any storage conditions, and the mousses retained a high microbiological quality even after room-temperature storage. more...

Non-thermal technologies, primarily employed for microbial inactivation and quality preservation in foods, have seen a surge in interest, with non-thermal plasma garnering particular attention. Cold plasma exhibits promising outcomes, including enhanced germination, improved functional and rheological properties, and microorganism destruction. This has sparked increased exploration across various domains, notably in hydration and rheological properties for creating new products. This review underscores the manifold benefits of applying cold plasma to diverse food materials, such as cereal and millet flours, and gums. Notable improvements encompass enhanced functionality, modified color parameters, altered rheological properties, and reduced anti-nutritional factors. The review delves into mechanisms like starch granule fragmentation, elucidating how these processes enhance the physical and structural properties of food materials. While promising for high-quality food development, overcoming challenges in scaling up production and addressing legal issues is essential for the technology's commercialization. more...

Türkiye’s earthquake zone, primarily located along the North Anatolian Fault, is one of the world’s most seismically active regions, frequently experiencing devastating earthquakes, such as the one in Hatay in 2023. Therefore, reconstructing energy-efficient buildings after major earthquakes enhances disaster resilience and promotes energy efficiency through retrofitting, renovation, or demolition and reconstruction. To this end, this study proposes implementing energy-efficient design solutions in dwelling units to minimize energy consumption in new buildings in Hatay, Southern Turkiye, an area affected by the 2023 earthquake. This research focused on a five-story residential building in the district of Kurtlusarımazı, incorporating small-scale Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) with thin-film photovoltaic (PV) panels, along with the application of a green wall surrounding the building. ANSYS Fluent v.R2 Software was used for a numerical investigation of the small-scale IceWind turbine, and DesignBuilder Software v.6.1.0.006 was employed to simulate the baseline model and three energy-efficient design strategies. The results demonstrated that small-scale VAWTs, PV panels, and the application of a green wall reduced overall energy use by 8.5%, 18%, and 4.1%, respectively. When all strategies were combined, total energy consumption was reduced by up to 28.5%. The results of this study could guide designers in constructing innovative energy-efficient buildings following extensive demolition such as during the 2023 earthquake in Hatay, Türkiye. more...

Lecithin is potentially used in various food applications due to its emulsifying and stabilizing properties. However, overconsumption of lecithin may cause several diseases and side effects in the human body. Therefore, in this study, we used a blend of guar and acacia gums as a partial replacement for lecithin in white chocolate. Different concentrations of the blend (25–75 %) were used to replace lecithin and white chocolate containing 75 % lecithin, 15 % acacia gum and 10 % guar gum blend (75GAGL) exhibited comparable rheological properties as compared to the control sample. Consequently, the selected sample was characterized using different analytical techniques. FTIR results showed a similar peak of various functional groups of sugars, proteins, and uronic acids for 75GAGL and control samples. Physicochemical analysis and shelf-life evaluation were conducted during the 150-day storage period. Lower fat content (41.64 ± 1.23 %) and highest protein content (5.41 ± 0.08 %) were observed for the 75AGGL sample as compared to the control on the 0th day and a non-significant difference was shown on the 150th day. Overall, physicochemical data revealed minor changes in the nutritional aspects for both control and 75GAGL samples. DSC and TGA data proved that 75GAGL and the control sample have similar heat stability (melting point) and the peak was observed at 36.93 °C for 75GAGL and 37.11 °C for control. The addition of gum blend in chocolate 75GAGL (9985 g force in 2.24 Sec) displayed similar hardness as compared to the control sample (12,448 g force in 2.68 Sec). Results of texture analysis for 5AGGL and control samples exposed similar hardness values. Furthermore, the color assessment showed a non-significant difference in color values of both chocolates during 150 days of storage. 75AGGL received comparable scores to the control sample during sensory analysis. Overall, it could be proven that plant-derived gums can be effectively used for the partial replacement of lecithin for white chocolate production with desirable textural and sensory properties. more...

Edible seaweed is a worthwhile source of natural pigments (NPs) such as carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phycobiliproteins, and these functional ingredients have been well-acknowledged due to their beneficial therapeutic properties. Green extraction techniques are the best option to generate them more effectively by shorter extraction times, lower operational temperatures, reduced solvent use, and process automation aid in efficient compound retrieval. These NPs show valuable biological properties such as neuroprotective, anti-cancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-angiogenic, and anti-obesity activities—the therapeutic potential of NPs highlights their potential applications in food industries. NPs are frequently used as food colorants, providing nutritional value and enhancing the sensorial and techno-functional properties of the final product. Also, the use of these NPs is presently being expanded to intelligent food packaging to observe food freshness and as a time-temperature indicator to improve the food properties and shelf life. Properly using seaweed in foods could incline a novel segment of seaweed-based hybrid/composite health foods. This review critically analyzes the recent advances from 2015 to 2023 in seaweed NPs' green extraction, their therapeutic properties, potential techno-functional properties ensuing in food items, and their role in intelligent food packaging systems. more...

The world faces many critical challenges in food supply, including burgeoning population growth, the looming specter of climate change, rampant land degradation, diminishing water resources, and unsustainable agricultural practices. Increasing environmental consciousness, heightened awareness of animal welfare, health considerations, and a growing desire for sustainable dietary choices have precipitated a surge in demand for plant-based proteins. The food industry is actively responding to this burgeoning trend by expanding its repertoire of plant-based protein offerings and investing substantially in research and development efforts. However, plant-based proteins encounter unique challenges, ranging from sensory attributes to nutritional profiles, solubility issues, textural and structural complexities, allergenic potential, and concerns regarding supply chain sustainability. To surmount these obstacles, a cocktail of innovative formulation techniques, strategic fortification, optimization of processing conditions, incorporation of stabilizing agents, and vigilant allergen management is required. This concise review offers a broad perspective on current scientific knowledge regarding plant-based foods, highlighting key areas that warrant additional research. The focus is specifically on plant ingredients' chemical, physical, and functional attributes. It delves into processing techniques that can be utilized to convert these ingredients into consumable products. The exploration extends to the scientific intricacies of crafting familiar plant-based alternatives such as meat, eggs, and milk analogs. By shedding light on the challenges encountered and proposing strategies to optimize plant proteins, our aim is to actively participate in the ongoing discourse on food security amid the dynamic changes in our world. more...

The present study investigated dehydrated beetroot powder's nutritional, antioxidant, and physicochemical potential in developing nutritionally enriched supplemented hard candies. The data on the nutritional composition of beetroot powder (Devadiga & Ahipa) elucidated significantly (Lim) higher magnitudes of proteins (13 %), ash (10 %), dietary fiber (20 %), K (27 mg.100 g−1) and Na (6.6 mg.100 g−1). Likewise, the nutritional profile of the supplemented hard candies exhibited significant (p more...

Bu araştırmanın amacı, yeme arzusu ve yeme tutumu düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkide beden imgesi baş edebilme stratejilerinin aracılık rolüne ilişkin geliştirilen teorik modelin test edilmesidir. Araştırmanın çalışma grubu 18- 40 yaş aralığındaki (Ort.= 23.5) 372’si (%79) kadın, 99’u (%21) erkek olmak üzere toplam 471 kişi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Veri toplama aracı olarak Yeme Arzusu Ölçeği Kısa Formu, Yeme Tutum Testi (YTT-26) ve Beden İmgesi Baş Edebilme Stratejileri Ölçeği kullanılmıştır. Çalışmada önerilen teorik model Yapısal Eşitlik Modeli ile test edilmiştir. Analizler sonucu elde edilen bulgular, yeme arzusu ile yeme tutumu ve beden imgesi baş edebilme stratejileri arasında pozitif yönlü bir ilişki olduğu yönündedir. Benzer şekilde beden imgesi baş edebilme stratejileri ile yeme tutumu arasında da pozitif bir ilişki bulunduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Ayrıca beden imgesi baş edebilme stratejilerinin yeme arzusu ve yeme tutumu arasındaki ilişkide kısmi aracı değişken olarak rol oynadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Bu sonuç da beden imgesi baş edebilme stratejilerinin önemini ortaya koymaktadır. more...

Importance of nanotechnology may be seen by penetration of its application in diverse areas including the food sector. With investigations and advancements in nanotechnology, based on feedback from these diverse areas, ease, and efficacy are also increasing. The food sector may use nanotechnology to encapsulate smart foods for increased health, wellness, illness prevention, and effective targeted delivery. Such nanoencapsulated targeted delivery systems may further add to the economic and nutritional properties of smart foods like stability, solubility, effectiveness, safeguard against disintegration, permeability, and bioavailability of smart/bioactive substances. But in the way of application, the fabrication of nanomaterials/nanostructures has several challenges which range from figuring out the optimal technique for obtaining them to determining the most suitable form of nanostructure for a bioactive molecule of interest. This review precisely addresses concepts, recent advances in fabrication techniques as well as current challenges/glitches of nanoencapsulation with special reference to smart foods/bioactive components. Since dealing with food materials also raises the quest for safety and regulatory norms a brief overview of the safety and regulatory aspects of nanomaterials/nanoencapsulation is also presented. more...

Cancers of the lung, colon, liver, stomach, and breast are common worldwide and have significant fatality rates. Cachexia caused by cancer is the major cause of death in cancer patients, and malnutrition and metabolic illnesses have become more widespread in recent years. To combat these health conditions, proper nutrition is essential. Chickpeas include a variety of bioactive components, including antioxidants, phytochemicals, and bioactive peptides, all of which have preventative and protective health effects. This review summarizes the evidence-based studies on chickpeas’ ability to serve as a valuable source of bioactive chemicals that can help protect against many types of cancer. Chickpeas include secondary metabolites including quercetin and myricetin, as well as phenolic acids and vitamins A, B, and E, which may protect the body from free radicals. Chickpeas have the highest total phenolic content and essential amino acid concentration of any germinated seed. Chickpea storage proteins, such as globulins, glutelins, albumins, and prolamins, are high in protein and can help with cachexia. These proteins contain angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory and anti-proliferative capabilities, making them useful in the treatment of a wide range of cancers. As a result, this article provides advice to consumers on improving their eating habits to protect against and fight cancer and may serve as a foundation for future clinical studies. more...

Currently, sustainability is one of the most critical issues confronting society today. The growing of macroalgae in ocean farms appears more sustainable than agriculture on land due to it does not require any fresh water, chemical fertiliser, or soil. Macroalgae have been shown to be a sustainable marine source of amino acids, novel bioactive phenolic and aroma compounds that can be exploitation in food, cosmetic, nutraceuticals, pharmacological applications. Despite starting the huge cultivation of macroalgae in world, bioactive compounds in the edible macroalgae have not been well characterized. Ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE) and conventional extraction (CE) techniques were compared and red macroalgae, L. papillosa extracts were characterized. The highest amount of amino acid was glutamic acid (GLU) and composed of 35% was essential amino acids. UAE at 10% amplitude for 15 min showed significantly highest (p more...

The purpose of this study was to examine plasma-activated buffer solution (PABS) and plasma-activated water (PAW) combined with ultrasonication (U) treatment on the reduction of chlorothalonil fungicide and the quality of tomato fruits during storage. To obtain PAW and PABS, an atmospheric air plasma jet was used to treat buffer solution and deionized water at different treatment times (5 and 10 min). For combined treatments, fruits were submerged in PAW and PABS, then sonicated for 15 min, and individual treatment without sonication. As per the results, the maximum chlorothalonil reduction of 89.29% was detected in PAW-U10, followed by 85.43% in PABS. At the end of the storage period, the maximum reduction of 97.25% was recorded in PAW-U10, followed by 93.14% in PABS-U10. PAW, PABS, and both combined with ultrasound did not significantly affect the overall tomato fruit quality in the storage period. Our results revealed that PAW combined with sonication had a significant impact on post-harvest agrochemical degradation and retention of tomato quality than PABS. Conclusively, the integrated hurdle technologies effectively reduce agrochemical residues, which helps to lower health hazards and foodborne illnesses. more...

The aim of the study was to evaluate digital stories prepared by preservice teachers in the frame of their planning, content, mechanics, story structure, and use of technology dimensions. Additionally, the study aimed to reveal differences among the aforementioned dimensions’ scores. In order to achieve this, the study’s participants attended a course on theoretical and technological process and tools implemented in digital story creation. A total of 46 digital stories were scored via a rubric and then analyzed. From the analysis, only the content dimension received a high score, whilst all other dimensions were scored at the medium level. The results revealed a significant difference among the digital storytelling dimensions, with mechanics, story structure, and use of technology dimensions negatively differentiated from content and planning. These findings support the use of digital storytelling content that is primarily based on the use of technology and basic digital storytelling principles for science teacher education programs. From this point of view, it can be strongly said that both in field education courses and for instructional technology and vocational courses, the potential for preservice teachers to graduate with having acquired higher skill levels may be realized through digital storytelling. So, teacher education programs should be supported by digital storytelling activities and instructions. more...

Today, people around the world put more time and effort into exploring healthy foods and herbal medicines for improving health and disease prevention. Foods are expected to render physiological benefits beyond their traditionally nutritional value. An immense number of food components with medicinal activities beside nutrients have been found in various natural plants. Pouteria campechiana has been distributed throughout Central America, the Caribbean, some regions of Southeast Asia, and areas of Africa. Fruit of P. campechiana contains a broad spectrum of nutrients and plant bioactives. P. campechiana is utilized by local people as a useful medicinal resource for several therapeutic treatments. This paper provides a comprehensive review of P. campechiana from updated research literature. Botanical information, nutrient values, phytochemistry, as well as bioactivities are covered. The processes, proposals for product development, and toxicity of P. campechiana are also discussed. more...

Sonication is an emerging sustainable and eco-friendly technology that has been broadly explored in food processing and preservation. Sonication has the edges of low energy consumption and high efficiency than conventional decontamination methods and would not pass on secondary pollutants. In the current research, we analyzed the impact of sonication on anilazine fungicide reduction, bioactive compound, antioxidant activity, colloidal stability, and enzymatic and microbial load of tomato juice. Sonicated treatments were carried out at 40 kHz, 480 W, 30 ± 2 °C for 0, 8, 16, 24, 32, and 40 min in an ultrasonic bath cleaner. The GC–MS outcomes revealed that the anilazine maximum reduction in tomato juice attained 80.52 % at 40 min of sonication. The anilazine concentration reduced significantly (p ≤ 0.05) with increased sonication time. In contrast, sonication treatments have acquired the highest TFC, TPC, ascorbic acid, carotenoids, lycopene, ABTS, and ORAC assay than the untreated sample. The Sonication process significantly improved (p ≤ 0.05) colloidal stability by reducing particle size distribution, apparent viscosity, and sedimentation index. Sonication prolonged tomato juice's shelf life by reducing the total viable count from 6.31 to 1.91 log CFU/mL. Polygalacturonase and pectin methyl esterase of the sonication sample at 40 min were inactivated by 44.32 % and 64.2 %, respectively. Considering this issue from a future perspective, sonication processing can be used industrially to enhance fruit juice's nutritional properties and shelf life and reduce pesticides and other organic residues. more...

Among different novel technologies, sonochemistry is a sustainable emerging technology for food processing, preservation, and pesticide removal. The study aimed to probe the impact of high-intensity ultrasonication on chlorothalonil fungicide degradation, reduction pathway, and bioactive availability of spinach juice. The chlorothalonil fungicide-immersed spinach juice was treated with sonication at 360 W, 480 W, and 600 W, 40 kHz, for 30 and 40 min at 30 ± 1 °C. The highest reduction of chlorothalonil fungicide residues was observed at 40 min sonication at 600 W. HPLC-MS (high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy) analysis revealed the degradation pathway of chlorothalonil and the formation of m-phthalonitrile, 3-cyno-2,4,5,6-tetrachlorobenamide, 4-dichloroisophthalonitrile, trichloroisophtalonitrile, 4-hydoxychlorothalonil, and 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorochlorobenzonitrile as degradation products. High-intensity sonication treatments also significantly increased the bioavailability of phenolic, chlorophyll, and anthocyanins and the antioxidant activity of spinach juice. Our results proposed that sonication technology has excellent potential in degrading pesticides through free radical reactions formation and pyrolysis. Considering future perspectives, ultrasonication could be employed industrially to reduce pesticide residues from agricultural products and enhance the quality of spinach juice. more...

In the current study, cornstarch-based antimicrobial and edible films were designed using solution-casting methods. The medicinal plants (Acontium heterophyllum, Artemisia annua, and Thymus serpyllum) reinforced the gelatinized solution in different concentrations as fillers. The effect of plant extracts on antimicrobial and antioxidant potential, microstructure, barrier, thermal and mechanical properties of cornstarch-based films (SBFs) was investigated using antimicrobial activity, DPPH free radical scavenging values, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, water vapor transmission rate, differential scanning calorimetry, and tensile strength. Likewise, it was depicted that the geometric and crystalline structures of medicinal plants’ reinforced films remained the same even after processing. The mechanical tests indicated that the plant extracts effects are associated with reduced elongation, increasing tensile strength, and Young’s modulus. Morphological analysis revealed the generation of uniform and the compact surfaces. However, films with 10% concentration of plant extracts have the lowest water vapor permeability values, and emerged better barrier properties. Moreover, these films showed the significant antioxidant potential and antimicrobial activity. more...

Sonication and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma are sustainable emerging food processing technologies. The study investigates the impact of sonication, DBD-plasma, and thermal treatment (TT) on wheat sprout juice. The obtained results indicated a significant (p more...

This expert-opinion-based document was prepared by a group of specialists in pediatric inherited metabolic diseases and infectious diseases including administrative board members of Turkish Society for Pediatric Nutrition and Metabolism to provide guidance for the care of children with lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs) during the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. The experts reached consensus on key areas of focus regarding COVID-19-based risk status in relation to intersecting immune-inflammatory mechanisms and disease patterns in children with LSDs, diagnostic virus testing, particularly preventive measures and priorities during the pandemic, routine screening and diagnostic interventions for LSDs, psychological and socioeconomic impact of confinement measures and quarantines and optimal practice patterns in managing LSDs and/or COVID-19. The participating experts agreed on the intersecting characteristics of immune-inflammatory mechanisms, end-organ damage and prognostic biomarkers in LSD and COVID-19 populations, emphasizing the likelihood of enhanced clinical care when their interaction is clarified via further studies addressing certain aspects related to immunity, lysosomal dysfunction and disease pathogenesis. In the context of the current global COVID-19 pandemic, this expert-opinion-based document provides guidance for the care of children with LSDs during the COVID-19 pandemic based on the recent experience in Turkey. more...

The study aimed at evaluating the influence of water-chestnut starch-based coatings loaded with rosemary essential oil (REO) at concentrations of 0.10%, 0.25% and 0.50% (w/v) on postharvest cold storage stability of apple var. Golden delicious for 120 days. Average droplet diameter of nanoemulsions was in range of 315–450 nm and it increased with increase in the REO concentration. Minimum weight loss was observed in fruits treated with coating material containing 0.50% REO. Samples coated with starch+0.50% REO exhibited highest firmness value of 68.22 ± 1.02 N under controlled atmosphere storage (CAS). Anthocyanins, ascorbic acid, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were retained in all samples coated with formulated emulsion. Antifungal assay against Pencillium expansum indicated that 0.50% REO had maximum antifungal activity. Increase in REO concentration from 0.10 to 0.50% in starch coating formulations resulted in reduced lesion diameter in coated samples under both the storage conditions. Lesion diameter (LD) was found highest in control (39.40 ± 0.20 mm) under ambient conditions. Coated fruit samples showed a significant (p≤0.05) reduction in LD under both the ambient and CAS conditions however, more pronounced effect was reported under CAS. Fruits coated with edible coatings enriched with different REO concentrations under CAS exhibited significantly (p≤0.05) lower chilling injury index (ST+0.50%REO more...

Taro rhizomes are a rich source of polysaccharides, including starch and mucilage. However, mucilage has excellent anti-microbial efficacy, and unique gel-forming and techno-functional properties. Therefore, this study aimed to extract and utilize taro mucilage (TM), which is viscous and has a gel-like texture, for the shelf-life enhancement of fresh-cut brinjals (eggplants). Mucilage was extracted using hot-water extraction and the yield was calculated to be 6.25 ± 0.87% on a dry basis. Different formulations of coating gel solutions were prepared: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7%. The selection of the coating gel solution was carried out based on particle size. The smallest particle size was observed in treatment T5 (154 ± 0.81 nm) and zeta potential −27.22 ± 0.75 mV. Furthermore, cut brinjals were coated with the prepared mucilage gel solution and this showed a significant effect on the overall physicochemical properties of cut brinjals. Maximum weight loss occurred on the 10th day (12.67 ± 0.24%), as compared with coated brinjals (8.99 ± 0.42%). Minor changes were observed in pH, for the control sample significantly decreased from 4.58 ± 0.45 to 2.99 ± 0.75 on the 0th day to the 10th day, respectively. Titrable acidity of coated and uncoated cut brinjals was found to be at 0.31 ± 0.44% on the 0th day, which increased up to 0.66 ± 0.20% for the control and 0.55 ± 0.68% for coated brinjals on the 10th day. The taro mucilage coating gel (TMCG) solution showed pseudo-plastic behavior or shear-thinning fluid behavior. FTIR data confirmed the existence of several functional groups including various sugars, proteins, and hydroxylic groups. Antioxidant activity of coated and uncoated cut brinjals was found to be 22.33 ± 0.37% and 22.15 ± 0.49%, respectively. The TMCG solution showed effective results towards the various food pathogenic microorganisms. Overall, it is a natural, renewable resource that is biodegradable. This makes it an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic additives or thickeners. It is cost effective, easily available, eco-friendly, and non-toxic. This can be an attractive feature for consumers looking for sustainable and eco-friendly options. more...

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare chronic disease of the small pulmonary arteries that causes right heart failure and death. Accurate management of PAH is necessary to decrease morbidity and mortality. Understanding current practices and perspectives on PAH is important. For this purpose, we intended to determine physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practice patterns in adult pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in Turkey. Materials and Methods: Between January and February 2022, an online questionnaire was sent via e-mail to all cardiologists and pulmonologists who were members of the Turkish Society of Cardiology (TSC) and the Turkish Thoracic Society (TTS). Results: A total of 200 physicians (122 pulmonologists and 78 cardiologists) responded to the questionnaire. Cardiologists were more frequently involved in the primary diagnosis and treatment of PAH than pulmonologists (37.2% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.042). More than half of the physicians had access to right heart catheterization. In mild/moderate PAH patients with a negative vasoreactivity test, the monotherapy option was most preferred (82.8%) and endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) were the most preferred group in these patients (73%). ERAs plus phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE-5 INH) were the most preferred (69%) combination therapy, and prostacyclin analogues plus PDE-5 INH was preferred by only pulmonologists. Conclusions: Overall, clinical management of patients with PAH complied with guideline recommendations. Effective clinical management of PAH in specialized centers that having right heart catheterization achieve better outcomes. more...

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a prominent cause of death worldwide, posing a threat to the global economy and public health. A mechanism that causes the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) is associated with metabolic abnormalities. Various processes are involved in oxidative stress (OS) of lipoprotein. Although the concept of the syndrome has been fiercely debated, this confluence of risk factors is associated with a higher chance of acquiring type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance has been found to play a significant role in the progression of these metabolism-associated conditions. It causes lipid profile abnormalities, including greater sensitivity to lipid peroxidation, contributing to the increased prevalence of T2DM and atherosclerosis. This review aims to cover the most recent scientific developments in dietary OS, the consequence of metabolic disorders, and their most significant clinical manifestations (T2DM and atherosclerosis). It will also emphasize the effects of dietary approaches in alleviating OS in MS. more...

Bu çalışmada Yeme Arzusu Ölçeği Kısa Formunun (FCQT-R) geçerliğini, güvenirliğini test etmek ve psikometrik özelliklerini incelemek amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamına yaşları 18 ile 40 arasında çoğunluğu üniversite öğrencilerinden oluşan iki farklı çalışma grubunda yer alan toplam 500 (150+350) kişi alınmıştır. Birinci grupla gerçekleştirilen açımlayıcı faktör analizi sonuçlarına göre FCQT-R’nin Türkçe formunun orijinalindeki tek boyutlu yapının aksine, “yeme düşüncesiyle meşgul olma” ve “yeme üzerinde kontrol kaybı” olmak üzere iki boyutlu yapıyı ölçtüğü özellikle ilgili toplam varyansın %68.50’ini açıkladığı görülmüştür. Doğrulayıcı faktör analizi sonucu ölçeğin uyum iyiliği değerleri χ²/sd=4.89, RMSEA=.07, CFI=.94, GFI=.91, NFI=.93 ve SRMR=.036 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Ayrıca madde faktör yükleri .66 ile .89 arasında değişkenlik göstermektedir. Eşdeğer ölçek (ölçüt) geçerliği çalışmasında Yeme Arzusu Ölçeği Kısa Formu (FCQT-R) ile Duygusal Yeme Ölçeği ve Yeme Tutum Testi ( YTT-26) arasında sırasıyla r= .79, .48 ilişkiler tespit edilmiştir. Cronbach alfa iç tutarlık katsayısı .94, Guttman iki yarı test güvenirlik katsayısı .93 olarak bulunmuştur. Düzeltilmiş madde toplam korelasyon katsayıları .65 ile .85 arasında değişmektedir. Tüm bu sonuçlar, Yeme Arzusu Ölçeği Kısa Formunun (FCQT-R) Türk kültüründe kullanılabilecek geçerli ve güvenilir bir ölçme aracı olduğunu göstermiştir. more...

The purpose of this study was to explore the film-forming properties of cinnamon essential oil (CEO) and chitosan (CS) and the effect of their composite coating on postharvest apple diseases. The results demonstrated that the composite coating exhibits favorable film-forming properties at CEO concentrations below 4% (v/v). The effectiveness of the composite coating in disease control can be attributed to two factors: the direct inhibitory activity of CEO against pathogens in vitro and the induced resistance triggered by CS on the fruits. Importantly, the incorporation of CEO did not interfere with the induction of resistance by CS in harvested apples. However, it is noteworthy that the inhibitory effect of the CS–CEO composite coating on apple diseases diminished over time. Therefore, a key aspect of enhancing the preservation ability of fruits is improving the controlled release properties of CEO within CS coatings. This will enable a sustained and prolonged antimicrobial effect, thereby bolstering the fruit preservation capabilities of the composite coatings. more...

Apples, rich in phenolic compounds, are widely grown in abundance and consumed as fruit which reduces the risk of many illnesses. In this study, physico-chemical properties old apple cultivars from east of Turkey were investigated. Identification and quantification of phenolic compounds of freeze dried fresh apple varieties (fruit, pulp and peel) were analysed by using the HPLC method. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of samples was also found in 25.00-11.63 mg GAE/g DW and 49.86-86.12 µmol TE/g DW. The highest antioxidant activity was identified in the peel of the Kara Sakı apple whereas the lowest was identified in the pulp of Ak Sakı. Varieties of apple differ significantly in terms of ferulic acid and hidroxycinnamic acid. (-)-Epicatechin was found in the peel of Kara Sakı apple at the very most and p- coumaric acid was found in the pulp of Kara Sakı at the very least. Hidroxycinnamic acid was identified only in the peel. It is approved to these cultivars show unique long shelf life (unusual for apples) without any storage condition due to the significantly presence of ferulic acid. more...