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Beyond the Gut: the Overlooked Impact of Constipation on Functional Mobility and Quality of Life in Community-Dwelling Elders - a Cross-Sectional Study
No full textAim Constipation is common in the elderly and may impair functional mobility. This study examined its prevalence and impact on mobility in community-dwelling elders. Methods A total of 630 elders (340 females, 290 males; mean age 70.78 +/- 4.88 years) with adequate cognitive function were evaluated. Constipation was defined via self-report according to the Rome IV criteria and quantified with the Constipation Severity Instrument (CSI). Lower limb mobility was measured using the Five-Times Sit-to-Stand Test (FTSST), while rectal pain and quality of life (QoL) were assessed using 10-cm visual analog scales. Results Constipation was self-reported by 82.7% of participants. Compared with non-constipated elders, those with constipation had significantly prolonged FTSST times, higher rectal pain scores, and lower QoL (all P 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that greater constipation severity (CSI scores) was strongly associated with poorer QoL (r = 0.71, P 0.001) and rectal pain (r = 0.87, P 0.001), and negatively correlated with cognitive function (r = -0.14, P 0.001). Additionally, CSI scores were positively correlated with FTSST time (r = 0.21, P 0.001) and rectal pain (r = 0.69, P 0.001). Conclusions Constipation in community-dwelling elders is strongly linked to increased rectal pain, reduced lower limb functional mobility, and poorer QoL. These results support the need for integrated gastrointestinal and physiotherapy interventions, and future studies should use longitudinal and interventional designs to confirm causality and optimize treatment strategies
Influence of Jerusalem Artichoke on Microbial and Chemical Characteristics of Water Kefir Production
No full textMitaf, Naciye Afranur/0000-0002-7333-1295The objective of this study is to assess the microbiological, chemical, and sensory attributes of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) based water kefir, a novel formulation aimed at producing a synbiotic beverage. The addition of JA resulted in an initial pH of 7.14, which decreased to 3.59 after 36 h of fermentation, compared to a decrease from 7.51 to 5.28 in the control sample. Similarly, the titratable acidity increased to 0.89 g/L in the JA-based sample versus 0.62 g/L in the control, with no statistically significant difference observed in the acidification rate (p > 0.05). The JA-based water kefir exhibited significantly higher LAB populations, with Lactobacillus sp. and Lactococcus sp. counts reaching 8.52 log CFU/mL and 7.14 log CFU/mL, respectively, compared to 5.65 log CFU/mL and 5.57 log CFU/mL in the control. DGGE analysis confirmed this trend by revealing a more diverse LAB community in the JA-based sample at the end of fermentation. Notably, Leuconostoc mesenteroides emerged as the dominant LAB species in JA-based water kefir, representing approximately 65% of the LAB population at the end of fermentation, with its count reaching 5.54 log CFU/mL out of the total 8.52 log CFU/mL for Lactobacillus sp. Regarding chemical constituents, the principal volatile compounds identified in JA-based water kefir included ethyl acetate, 3-Methyl-1-butanol, Phenethyl alcohol, nonanoic acid, capric acid, and myristic acid. Furthermore, the addition of JA to water kefir significantly increased the presence of prebiotic compounds such as inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), as evidenced by the fructan content, which reached 0.546 g/100 mL during fermentation. A strong positive correlation was observed between the fructan content and LAB growth during fermentation (Pearson's r = 0.92 for Lactobacillus sp. and r = 0.89 for total LAB counts), demonstrating the impact of JA on the fermentation process and microbial proliferation. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a significant correlation between the utilization of JA as a substrate and the duration of fermentation. In conclusion, Jerusalem artichoke, with its fructan content reaching 0.546 g/100 mL, serves as a significant substrate for water kefir fermentation, enriching the beverage with inulin-type fructans and, combined with enhanced LAB proliferation, establishing its symbiotic nature.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) program 2209- [1139B412100600]This study was supported by The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) program 2209-B (project number 1139B412100600)
Stochastic Convergence Behaviour in Carbon Dioxide Emissions: Fourier Panel Unit Root Approach
No full textThis study examines the convergence of per capita carbon dioxide emissions using two Fourier-based panel unit root tests allowing for smooth transitions. Additional panel unit root tests without structural breaks and with sharp shifts were conducted for comparison. The analysis spans 68 countries from 1965 to 2019. Results reveal non-stationarity in emissions for low- and middle-income countries, while emissions in high-income countries were stationary under constant and trend components. Evidence indicates limited convergence, with constrained forms observed only in high-income nations. These findings align partially with the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis. This study offers nuanced insights into global carbon dioxide emission dynamics and enriches the empirical discourse on environmental sustainability
Childhood Emotional Maltreatment and Adult Psychological Distress Symptoms: The Role of Irrational and Rational Beliefs
No full textThe association between emotional maltreatment in childhood and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood is well documented in the existing literature. Given the available evidence, it is important to examine the factors that contribute to the association between childhood emotional maltreatment and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood. The current study examined the role of vulnerability of irrational beliefs and the protective role of rational beliefs in the relationship between childhood emotional maltreatment and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood. A total of 342 participants (Mage = 37.38, SD = 10.71, age range: 18-65) participated in the present study. Participants completed questionnaires on childhood emotional maltreatment, psychological distress symptoms (anxiety and depression), and irrational/rational beliefs. The current findings suggest that irrational and rational beliefs moderate the association between childhood emotional maltreatment and psychological distress symptoms in adulthood. The results also suggest that high levels of rational beliefs buffer psychological distress against the interaction effect of emotional maltreatment and irrational beliefs. The current study provides some evidence for rational emotive and behavioral therapy by demonstrating the role of irrational and rational beliefs in the relationship between early stressful life events and later psychological symptomatology
An Ab Initio Study on the Elasticity and Optical Features of Semiconductor Lithium-Based Germanate Chalcogenides (li8ges6 and Li8gese6)
No full textThis research presents the distinctive attributes of orthorhombic Li8GeCh6 (Ch = S and Se) compounds. The study delves into its structural and elastic properties, electronic behavior, and optical characteristics. Especially structural and mechanical features of the compounds have been analyzed by spin-effect computations, within Density Functional Theory (DFT), employing both local density approximation (LDA) and generalized gradient approximation (GGA). By optimizing the Wyckoff positions of atoms within its orthorhombic structure of crystal, it has been understood from Born's stability criteria and formation energies that both of the compounds are energetically synthesizable and structurally and mechanically stable. Additionally, first-principles calculations have been employed to examine the density of electronic states with the inclusion of orbitals and the electronic band structure for spin-up and spin-down states, revealing that compounds exhibit semiconductor character, with a direct band gap for both spin states. It is also seen that the band gap Eg is 2.10 eV for Li8GeS6 and 1.18 eV for Li8GeSe6 compound. Finally, complex dielectric functions as a function of frequency have been computed to assess its optical features, providing insights into both real and imaginary components of the dielectric function.TUBITAK (The Scientific ; Technological Research Council of Turkey)This research was supported in part by TUBITAK (The Scientific ; Technological Research Council of Turkey) through TR-Grid e-Infrastructure Project, part of the calculations has been carried out at ULAKBIM Computer Center
Gegenbauer Wavelet Collocation Method for the Fractional Unsteady Squeezing Flow of Casson Fluid
No full textGegenbauer (Ultraspherical) wavelets operational matrices play a main role in the approximate solution of ordinary and partial differential equations. This study presents operational matrices of Caputo fractional derivatives of Gegenbauer wavelets for the first time. The proposed method is based on the approximation by the truncated Gegenbauer wavelet series. Components of operational matrices of Caputo fractional derivatives have been obtained as some series. The present method has transformed the differential equation into an algebraic equation system by using the collocation points. The proposed Gegenbauer wavelet collocation method has been applied to the fractional unsteady squeezing flow of Casson fluid problem using quasilinearization technique to show the feasibility and accuracy of the present method. The computed results well match the results given in the literature. These calculations demonstrate that the accuracy of the Gegenbauer wavelet collocation method is quite good even for a small number of grid points. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature India Private Limited 2024
Plasma Metabolomic Signatures After Oral Administration of Ritonavir in Covid-19 Treatment Via Chemometrics-Assisted Uplc/Q-tof
No full textUnderstanding the pharmacodynamics of ritonavir through metabolomics offers insights into its side effects and helps in the development of safer therapies. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ritonavir treatment on the metabolic profiles of rabbits via a metabolomics approach, with the objective of elucidating its impact on various biochemical pathways and identifying relevant biomarkers. The rabbits were divided into control and ritonavir-treated groups, and their plasma samples were analyzed via ultra-performance liquid chromatography/ quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF/MS/MS). Metabolites were identified on the basis of the mass-charge ratio (m/z) and validated via XCMS software. Metabolites with a fold change >= 1.5 and P = 0.01 were analyzed via principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) to distinguish between the groups. MetaboAnalyst 6.0 was used for pathway analysis to identify metabolic pathways affected by ritonavir. The PCA and OPLS-DA models revealed clear separation between the control and ritonavir-treated groups, with high R2 and Q2 values indicating robust model performance. Pathway analysis revealed that ritonavir treatment significantly affected several metabolic pathways, including those related to ether lipid, phenylalanine, sphingolipid, and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Particularly significant changes were observed in metabolites related to lipid metabolism, oxidative stress responses and cellular signaling. Ritonavir significantly impacts metabolic pathways, particularly those involved in lipid metabolism, and oxidative stress responses, which may influence immune responses and drug interactions. This study also highlights the potential of integrating metabolomics with personalized medicine approaches to optimize ritonavir treatment strategies and reduce adverse effects. These findings indicate that ritonavir significantly influences cellular homeostasis and metabolic processes in addition to its antiviral properties. This highlights the necessity of comprehending the metabolic effects of ritonavir to enhance its clinical application, especially in the management of COVID-19. Further research is warranted to explore these alterations and their implications for therapeutic strategies.BOLD>Funding/BOLD> This study was supported by TUBITAK (Project No: 2209-A/1919B012312117) .TUBITAK [2209-A/1919B012312117
Bioactive Compounds and Fatty Acids in Hazelnuts (i>corylus Avellana/I> L.) Changes With Increasing Root Age
No full textKey messageAs the age of hazelnut orchards increases, the amount of fatty acid composition and bioactive compounds beneficial for health significantly decreases, therefore renewal of old hazelnut orchards is recommended. AbstractThis study was carried out to determine how ocak planting age affected bioactive compounds and fatty acid composition in the Tombul hazelnut cultivar. Ocak planting age (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 years) significantly affected bioactive compounds and fatty acid composition. As ocak planting age increased, total fat, free fatty acids, oleic acid, stearic acid, antioxidant activity, total phenolic and dry matter content decreased. On the other hand, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, and palmitic acid content increased in parallel with the increase in planting age. In addition, the increase in the age of ocak affected the oleic/linoleic acid ratio and caused a decrease in this ratio in 50 and 60 years old ocaks. Correlation analysis showed a high correlation between bioactive compounds and fatty acid composition. According to the results of heatmap clustering analysis, 20, 30, 40, and 50 age groups were clustered together (A), while 60 age groups were clustered in a separate branch (B). Similarly, oil ratio, stearic acid, oleic acid, dry matter content, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content were categorized as the first group and other components as the second group. As a result, ocak planting age significantly affected the bioactive compounds and fatty acid composition of hazelnut, which are beneficial for human health
Alternative Day Fasting Protocol Attenuates High Fructose-induced Activation Of The Tgf-beta/smad Signaling Pathway
No full textPurpose: This study aims to explore the protective effects of alternate-day fasting (ADF) against metabolic disturbances induced by high fructose (HF) intake, with a particular focus on modulating the transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) / mother against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2) signaling pathway. Materials and methods: Four groups of rats (n=7 per group) were included: Control, ADF, HF (20% fructose in drinking water), and HF+ADF. The ADF protocol was applied with 24 hours of ad libitum feeding followed by 24 hours of fasting over a 5-week period. After five weeks, body weight (BW), muscle, and fat mass were measured. Serum samples were analyzed using ELISA to assess levels of TGF-β1, Smad2, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and total oxidant-antioxidant status (TOS-TAS). Results: Results indicated that HF significantly increased final BW, and ADF reduced this weight gain (p=0.001). ADF also led to lower gastrocnemius-soleus muscle weights compared to controls (p=0.001), but mitigated fructose-induced retroperitoneal fat accumulation. TAS levels were higher (ADF vs control (p=0.01); HF vs HF+ADF (p=0.001)), and TOS levels were lower (ADF vs control (p=0.022); HF vs HF+ADF (p=0.001)) in the ADF groups, showing an antioxidant shift. Moreover, ADF significantly attenuated the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway activation by decreasing serum TGF-β1 (ADF vs control (p=0.011); HF vs HF+ADF (p=0.008)), Smad2 (ADF vs control (p=0.001); HF vs HF+ADF (p=0.001)), and CTGF (ADF vs control (p=0.018); HF vs HF+ADF (p=0.001)) levels, suggesting a protective role against fructose-induced metabolic dysregulation. Conclusions: These findings suggest that ADF could be an effective dietary intervention for mitigating the metabolic impact of excessive fructose intake, particularly by regulating oxidative stress and the TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway. © 2025, Pamukkale University. All rights reserved
Evaluation of the Sustainability of Water Consumption in Turkiye Within the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis2
No full textWater demand, as a natural resource, increases with economic development. Due to its different regional distribution, it is difficult for everyone to have equal access to water. Metropolitan cities, where economic activities grow, become centres of attraction, and their populations increase. This study investigates the relationship between total water consumption per capita, GDP per capita and urban population between 1992-2019 for T ; uuml;rkiye within the scope of the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis. Johansen's cointegration test was applied to the model, and it was concluded that there is cointegration between the variables. As a result of the application of CCR, FMOLS and DOLS tests, it is concluded that the EKC hypothesis is not valid in T ; uuml;rkiye. According to the model results, the EKC is U-shaped