Universidad Internacional del Ecuador
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Evaluating the nutritional and sensory qualities of jackfruit byproducts flour as functional food ingredients
No full textJackfruit ( Artocarpus heterophyllus ) is a big fruit with numerous bulbs where yellow fleshy bulb is the main edible part while the rest parts of a fruit are non-edible and considered as waste. Therefore, turning this waste into valuable goods through valorization process has drawn the attention as an environment friendly approach of jackfruit waste management. This study compares the nutritional and sensory properties of underused byproducts such jackfruit rag flour (JRagF), rind flour (JRindF), and spadix flour (JSF) to wheat flour (WF). JRagF had the greatest quantities of crude fat (0.91 %), carbohydrates (73.5 %), total phenolic content (19.91 mgGAE/100 g), β-carotene (88.7 μg/100 g), vitamin C (8.2 mg/100 g), calcium (92.34 mg/100 g), and iron (4.59 mg/100 g) among the flours tested. It has high quantities of protein (6.4 %), fiber (5.5 %), energy (327.8 Kcal/100g), and antioxidant activity (9.44 μg/ml) as well compared to other jackfruit flours. JRagF's sensory acceptability score of 8.5 was similar to WF's 8.9 despite its poorer color indices. Principal component and cluster studies confirmed JRagF's nutritional and sensory attributes better than compared to other jackfruit byproducts derived flours. Therefore, JRagF's potential as a sustainable, nutrient-rich component for functional foods suggests environmentally responsible valorization of jackfruit waste
Quantification of the impact of innovation and human capital on sustainable development: a panel data analysis for newly industrialized countries
No full textTechnological innovation and human capital are frequently seen as powerful tools for addressing the climate crisis. However, there is no consensus among researchers on how technological innovation and human capital drive sustainable development. Therefore, this study quantifies the impact of technological innovation and human capital in newly industrialized countries from 2000 to 2019 using panel data analysis that accounts for cross-sectional dependence. The empirical results show that economic growth and energy consumption reduce the load capacity factor while human capital accumulation increases it. Lastly, an empirical analysis using various technological innovation proxies shows that technological innovation can decrease the load capacity factor in newly industrialized countries. One of the policy implications of the results is that technological innovation, such as patent applications, research, and development, provides credible pathways to achieve sustainable development
Effect of Organic and Mineral Fertilizers on Essential Oil Yield and Composition of Thymus syriacus Boiss. Cultivated Under the Mediterranean Conditions
No full textThymus syriacus Boiss. It is an evergreen, perennial sub-shrub that isdistributed throughout the Eastern Mediterranean, including Türkiye.Research ArticleThe use of organic and mineral fertilizers differs in their contributions tosustainability and soil fertility. While the mineral fertilizers are believedArticle Historyto ensure rapid nutrient availability, organic fertilizers play a vital roleReceived : 28.05.2025in maintaining long-term soil health and supporting sustainableAccepted : 30.10.2025production systems. In the present study, a field experiment on T.syriacus Boiss. was conducted to examine the effects of organic andKey Wordsmineral fertilizers on essential oil (EO) content and composition in theCarvacrolEastern Mediterranean Region of Türkiye. The treatments includedEssential oilcontrol (no fertilizer), manure (25 ton ha-1), vermicompost (10 ton ha-1),Fertilizerand mineral fertilizer (0.4 ton ha-1). Treatments were found to beThymesignificantly effective on EO content and components (p<0.05). In bothVermicompostyears, control had lower EO content (1.12-1.87%); furthermore,vermicompost had the highest EO content (1.30-2.57%). In the 2nd year,fertilizer applications had significantly improved essential oil contentcompared with the control. Carvacrol and o-cymene were found as themain components. Carvacrol content ranged from 62.98% to 84.56%, withthe highest observed in second-year vermicompost-applied samples. As aresult, vermicompost organic fertilizer can be recommended for thesustainable cultivation of T. syriacus , as it improves soil health whilemaintaining high essential oil yield and carvacrol content similar to oreven greater than those achieved with mineral fertilizers.</p
Effect of post-mating TAK-683 (Kisspeptin analog) treatment on luteal morphology and function in suckling goats with lactational anestrus
No full textThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of TAK-683 administered to suckling goats in lactational anestrus on the 4th day (D4) after mating on luteal function, serum progesterone (P-4) levels, and reproductive performance. Forty-five Aleppo goats were treated with intravaginal sponges containing medroxyprogesterone acetate for 7 days and were injected intramuscularly with 500 IU eCG and 75 mu g d-cloprostenol on the day of sponge removal. Thirty-seven goats showed estrus and were mated with fertile bucks (D0). The mated goats were randomly divided into groups to receive subcutaneous administration of saline (Control, n = 12), 5 mu g TAK-683 (TAK-5, n = 12) or 25 mu g TAK-683 (TAK-25, n = 13) on D4. Transrectal ovarian ultrasonography and blood sampling were performed on D4, D7, D14, D17, and D21, and pregnancy was diagnosed on D35. Regardless of dose, TAK-683 treatment induced the formation of accessory corpora lutea (aCL) and significantly increased original CL (oCL) diameter, luteal area (LA), and Doppler area (DA) compared with controls (P 0.05). Serum P-4 levels were significantly higher in TAK-25 from D7 to D21 (P < 0.001), while TAK-5 showed a delayed increase from D17. Luteal morphological parameters were strongly and positively correlated with circulating P-4 levels, confirming the luteotropic effect of TAK-683. TAK-683 treatment had no significant effect on fertility parameters (P < 0.05). In conclusion, although TAK-683 treatment enhanced luteal function and increased circulating P-4 concentrations, it failed to improve fertility outcomes in suckling goats under lactational anestrus conditions
Is the psychiatric symptom burden higher in individuals with post-earthquake tension-type headache?
No full textEffects of balance training on different surfaces on ankle proprioception and functional balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy: a single-blind randomized controlled trial
No full textBackground: Balance training on different surfaces is important in the rehabilitation of children with spastic cerebral palsy. However, the impact of balance training on different surfaces on ankle proprioception has not yet been investigated. This study aims to investigate the effects of balance exercises performed on rough and smooth unstable surfaces on ankle proprioception and dynamic balance in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Methods: The study included 16 children aged 5–10 years with spastic hemiplegic and diplegic type cerebral palsy who were at the Gross Motor Function Classification System Level I and II. The children participating in the study were randomly assigned to two groups. One group performed balance exercises comprising six movements on a balance board for an average of 10 min following a 45-minute physical therapy session on a smooth surface, while the other group performed the same exercises on a rough surface. The intervention was conducted twice weekly for a duration of eight weeks. Balance was assessed using the Pediatric Balance Scale, the Functional Reach Test, and the Single Leg Stance Test. A digital goniometer was used to assess ankle joint proprioception. Results: Significant improvement was observed in balance test scores in both groups. However, in the joint position sense tests for 15° dorsiflexion and plantar flexion on both the dominant and non-dominant sides, significant improvement was observed only in children who performed exercises on the rough balance surface (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Balance training on unstable surfaces was found to be effective in improving balance parameters, with training on rough surfaces demonstrating greater efficacy than training on smooth surfaces in enhancing ankle proprioception. Trial registration: NCT05676983 (03/01/2023; retrospectively)
Prevalence of bluetongue virus (BTV) infection in various domestic ruminant species in the Eastern Mediterranean region, Türkiye
No full textBluetongue is an arthropod-borne viral disease affecting both wild and domestic ruminants, with clinical signs most frequently observed in sheep, cattle, and goats. The causative agent, bluetongue virus (BTV), belongs to the genus Orbivirus within the family Sedoreoviridae and has a global distribution. To date, 31 distinct BTV serotypes have been identified. The present study was conducted between 2015 and 2017 in the Eastern Mediterranean provinces of Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Osmaniye in Türkiye. Using both serological and molecular methods, the study investigated the prevalence of BTV in domestic ruminant herds with a history of abortion and/or congenital abnormalities. Blood samples were collected from unvaccinated cattle, sheep, and goats, and tested for BTV antibodies using competitive ELISA (Ab-ELISA) and for viral RNA using real-time RT-PCR. Although the presence of BTV infection in Türkiye has been reported in several studies, research specifically focusing on the Eastern Mediterranean region is limited, particularly regarding prevalence, circulating serotypes, vector species, and spatial distribution. The climatic and geographic characteristics of this region provide favorable conditions for the survival, reproduction, and spread of Culicoides vectors. Therefore, investigating BTV circulation in this area is essential for generating updated epidemiological data and strengthening surveillance and control strategies. The serological results indicated BTV seropositivity rates of 47.65% (426/894) in cattle, 43.51% (114/262) in sheep, and 38.01% (165/434) in goats, with an overall seroprevalence of 44.33% (705/1,590) across all sampled animals. Cattle exhibited the highest seropositivity rate among the species tested, while the highest regional prevalence was recorded in Kahramanmaraş province. Temporal analysis revealed that seropositivity peaked on May and October. Despite substantial serological evidence of prior BTV exposure, real-time RT-PCR did not detect viral RNA in any of the tested samples
Unlocking surgical precision: intraoperative MRI in endoscopic skull base surgery, a meta-analysis
No full textObjective: Intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging (iMRI) is increasingly used in purely endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery (EESBS) to improve surgical accuracy. Given its high cost and logistical demands, quantifying its clinical utility is essential for evidence-based implementation. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the clinical efficacy of iMRI in purely endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery. Methods: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The last search was conducted on November 7, 2024. Eligible studies were original research articles reporting outcomes of ≥ 6 patients undergoing purely endoscopic endonasal skull base surgery with iMRI. Studies using microscopic or combined approaches were excluded. Primary outcomes included gross-total resection rates, iMRI-detected residual tumor, and rates of additional resection prompted by intraoperative imaging. Results: Twenty-seven studies involving 1,871 patients were included. iMRI increased overall GTR by 19.6% (95% CI, 3.7%-35.5%) and by 18.4% (95% CI, 13.9%-22.8%) in pituitary adenomas. Unexpected residual tumor was detected in 19.7% of cases initially presumed complete, leading to immediate further resection in 32.4% of patients. False-positive rates were negligible, and false-negative rates were low (3.5%). Conclusion: Intraoperative MRI significantly improves the extent of resection and intraoperative decision-making in purely endoscopic skull base surgery, particularly for pituitary tumors. However, evidence for rarer pathologies such as craniopharyngiomas and chordomas remains limited. Standardized selection criteria and randomized controlled trials are needed to define optimal use and assess cost-effectiveness
Pharmacokinetics, plasma protein binding and bioavailability of Ketoprofen in Pekin ducks after different routes of administration
No full text1. Although the anti-inflammatory drug Ketoprofen has been used in ducks, there has been no research on its pharmacokinetics. This study examined the disposition kinetics and bioavailability of Ketoprofen in Pekin ducks after intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM) and oral administration for the first time.2. A total of 18 ducks were split into three equal groups (n = 6) and were given a single dose of Ketoprofen (5 mg/kg) via IV, IM or oral routes. Blood samples were collected at 16 different time points up to 24 h post-administration to determine the change in Ketoprofen plasma concentration over time by high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection.3. Following IV injection, total clearance, volume of distribution at steady state and elimination half-life were 0.31 l/h/kg, 0.32 l/kg and 0.95 h, respectively. Following IM and oral administrations, peak plasma concentrations of 13.82 and 6.76 mu g/ml were attained at 0.34 and 0.48 h, respectively. Bioavailability was 106 and 63% for IM and oral route, respectively, and average plasma protein binding was 98.8 +/- 2.4%.4. Ketoprofen showed small volume of distribution and rapid elimination in Pekin ducks. The IM injection resulted in higher plasma concentration and bioavailability than oral administration. This information contributes to the use of Ketoprofen in ducks in an appropriate dosage regimen, but efficacy needs to be demonstrated in experimental inflammation models