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Cross-over fermentation dynamics and proteomic properties of acid gels with indigenous Lactobacillus spp. isolated from cheeses
No full textThe present study examined the proteomic characteristics and fermentation dynamics of indigenous bacteria isolated from traditional Mihalic cheese in an acid gel matrix. Accordingly, autochthonous strains of Levilactobacillus brevis, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus were adapted to the gel matrix alongside commercial yogurt culture (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus). The study evaluated bacterial activity, proteolytic behavior, physicochemical characteristics, and textural and sensory properties in acid gel samples. The microorganisms demonstrated high survival rates (>7.35 log₁₀ cfu/g) in the fermented gel system and induced limited acidification throughout the product's shelf life. Regarding proteomic properties, the highest amino acid variation during the shelf life was observed in the FMB sample (28.20%). Furthermore, arginine, leucine, phenylalanine, aspartic acid, lysine, and cysteine reductions were noted in samples containing the isolated microorganisms. Including indigenous microorganisms in the fermented milk increased the levels of essential amino acids. Principal Component Analysis of sensory properties revealed that samples containing indigenous microorganisms differed significantly from the control sample (C), which contained only commercial yogurt culture. The results revealed the proteolytic changes associated with fermentation, including producing free amino acids as nutritional components, forming specific aroma compounds, and modifying textural and sensory properties. These results demonstrate the potential of utilizing local cultures to develop products enriched with novel bioactive components, offering consumers enhanced nutritional and sensory benefits
Characterization of tarhana produced using einkorn flour and sourdough chickpea starter
No full textBu çalışmada, un tipi (klasik buğday unu ve siyez buğday unu) ile iki farklı maya starterinin (ticari ekmek mayası ve ekşi nohut mayası) geleneksel fermente tahıl ürünü olan tarhananın kimyasal, mikrobiyolojik ve duyusal özellikleri üzerindeki etkileri araştırılmaktadır. Çalışmada %100 klasik buğday veya siyez buğday unları kullanılarak, her biri ticari ekmek mayası veya ekşi nohut mayası ile ayrı ayrı fermente edilen dört farklı tarhana çeşidi üretilmiştir. Örneklerde nem, kül, pH, titrasyon asitliği, protein içeriği, organik asit profili ve mikrobiyolojik analizlerin yanında, tarhana örneklerinden laktik asit bakterilerinin (LAB) izolasyonu ve karakterizasyonu ile izolatların antimikrobiyal aktivite ve ekzo-polisakkarit (EPS) üretim potansiyeli değerlendirilmiştir. Analiz sonuçları değerlendirildiğinde siyez buğday unlu tarhananın, klasik buğday unlu tarhanaya kıyasla daha yüksek nem, kül ve protein içeriğine sahip olduğu görülmüştür. Duyusal değerlendirmede, buğday unlu ve ekşi nohut mayalı tarhana en yüksek genel beğeniye ulaşırken, siyez unlu tarhana örnekleri renk açısından öne çıkmıştır. Tüm örneklerin yüksek LAB sayısına (3,14 ile 9,47 log kob/g aralığında) sahip olduğu ve ekşi nohut mayası ile fermente edilen tarhana çeşitlerinde en üst düzeyde (9,47 log kob/g) bulunduğu belirlenmiştir. Tarhana örneklerinden izole edilen LAB suşlarının, Staphylococcus aureus ve Escherichia coli’ye karşı antimikrobiyal aktivite gösterdiği belirlenmiştir. En yüksek düzeye EPS üretimi, buğday unu ve ticari maya kombinasyonu ile üretilen tarhana örneklerinden elde edilen izolatlarda görülmüştür. Sonuç olarak, siyez unu ve geleneksel ekşi nohut mayasının tarhana üretiminde bir arada kullanılması, ürünün besinsel, fonksiyonel ve duyusal özelliklerini artırmaktadır. Bu yaklaşım, antik tahıllar ve geleneksel fermantasyon tekniklerinin birleştirilmesinin, modern beslenme ve sağlık gereksinimlerine uygun fonksiyonel gıdaların geliştirilmesinde değerini ortaya koymaktadır.In this study, the effects of flour type (conventional wheat flour and einkorn wheat flour) and two different starter cultures (commercial baker’s yeast and chickpea sourdough starter) on the chemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of tarhana, a traditional fermented cereal product, were investigated. Four different tarhana varieties were produced using 100% conventional wheat or einkorn wheat flours, each fermented separately with either commercial baker’s yeast or chickpea sourdough starter. In addition to analyses of moisture, ash, pH, titratable acidity, protein content, organic acid profile, and microbiological characteristics, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated and characterized from tarhana samples, and the antimicrobial activity as well as exopolysaccharide (EPS) production potential of the isolates were evaluated. The results indicated that tarhana produced with einkorn flour exhibited higher moisture, ash, and protein contents compared to tarhana made with conventional wheat flour. In sensory evaluation, tarhana made with wheat flour and chickpea sourdough achieved the highest overall acceptability, while einkorn flour tarhana samples stood out in terms of color. All samples showed high LAB counts (ranging from 3,14 to 9,47 log CFU/g), with the highest levels (9,47 log CFU/g) observed in tarhana varieties fermented with chickpea sourdough. LAB strains isolated from tarhana samples demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The highest EPS production was observed in isolates obtained from tarhana produced with the combination of wheat flour and commercial yeast. In conclusion, Using einkorn flour with traditional chickpea sourdough enhances tarhana’s nutritional, functional, and sensory qualities, highlighting the value of ancient grains and traditional fermentation for modern functional foods
From addiction to pervasiveness: Validation of the smartphone pervasiveness scale in turkish adolescents
No full textThe present study aimed to adapt the Smartphone Pervasiveness Scale (SPS) into Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties among Turkish adolescents. To this end, two studies were conducted. Study 1 explored the factor structure of the SPS through exploratory factor analysis (EFA), using data collected from 216 adolescents (M-age = 14.50, SD = 1.55). Study 2 employed confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with multi-group analysis (MGA) on a separate sample of 314 adolescents (M-age = 13.87, SD = 2.10) to confirm the factor structure of the SPS and to assess measurement invariance across gender. In addition, Study 2 examined the associations between SPS scores and several external variables-problematic smartphone use, well-being, loneliness, psychological distress, and academic performance-as evidence of criterion-related validity. In both studies, Cronbach's alpha and composite reliability (CR) coefficients were calculated to assess reliability. EFA results in Study 1 supported a 7-item, single-factor structure, with factor loadings ranging from .46 to .67. CFA results in Study 2 confirmed this structure. Measurement invariance across gender was supported by the MGA. Moreover, criterion-related validity was demonstrated in Study 2: SPS scores were positively correlated with problematic smartphone use, loneliness, and psychological distress, and negatively correlated with well-being and academic performance. In both studies, Cronbach's alpha and CR coefficients were observed at .71 or higher. In conclusion, the Turkish version of the SPS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the pervasiveness of smartphone use among Turkish adolescents
Effect of hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count, and platelet (halp) score on survival of patients with metastatic thyroid cancer treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors
No full textTyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are crucial for improving the survival rates of individuals with metastatic thyroid cancer. Moreover, systemic inflammation and malnutrition are known to negatively affect metastatic thyroid cancer prognosis. Evaluating nutritional status at the start of treatment can improve survival rates. Purpose: This study investigated the correlation between the hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count, and platelet (HALP) score and prognosis of patients with metastatic thyroid cancer undergoing first-line TKI therapy. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 44 patients between January 2010 and June 2024. The primary outcomes evaluated in the study were time to treatment failure (TTF) and overall survival (OS); HALP scores were categorized as low (29.21) based on receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: The 1-year survival rate was significantly lower in the low HALP score group compared to the high HALP score group (50% vs. 96.3%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that low HALP scores, elevated leukocyte counts, and lymphopenia were independent predictors of shorter TTF (HR = 0.272, p = 0.011) and OS (HR = 0.208, p = 0.028). Conclusions: The results obtained in the present study demonstrate that the HALP score has prognostic significance for patients with metastatic thyroid cancer who are undergoing first-line TKI treatment. In metastatic thyroid cancer patients, interventions focused on improving nutritional status at the start, during initiation, and throughout the TKI treatment may enhance treatment effectiveness. However, further prospective studies involving larger patient cohorts are necessary to validate our results
Comparison of the acute effects of carbohydrate mouth rinse and coach encouragement on kinematic profiles during small-sided games in young male soccer players
No full textBackground: Carbohydrate mouth rinsing (CHOmr), a nutritional intervention for delaying fatigue and meeting the energy demands of soccer, and the motivational strategy of coach encouragement (CE) are widely recognized as effective approaches for enhancing athletic performance in soccer. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of CHOmr + CE, CHOmr, and CE on heart rate (HR) and kinematic profiles during four-a-side small-sided soccer games (SSGs). Methods: Twenty-four young soccer players (age: 17.2 +/- 0.8 years) played six bouts of four-a-side SSGs with CHOmr + CE, CHOmr, or CE at 3-day intervals in a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, or crossover study design. The HR and kinematic responses were continuously recorded during all games. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in peak heart rate (HRpeak) (p >= 0.05, F = 0.326, p = 0.723, eta 2 = 0.014) and mean heart rate (HRmean) (p >= 0.05, F = 0.845, p = 0.436, eta 2 = 0.035). No significant differences were found for distances in Zone 1 (p >= 0.05, F = 1.21, p = 0.306, eta 2 = 0.050), Zone 4 (p >= 0.05, F = 0.310, p = 0.735, eta 2 = 0.013), Zone 5 (p >= 0.05, F = 1.02, p = 0.368, eta 2 = 0.042), or Zone 6 (p >= 0.05, F = 0.161, p = 0.211, eta 2 = 0.055), nor acceleration (p >= 0.05, F = 0.208, p = 0.137, eta 2 = 0.083) and deceleration (p >= 0.05, F = 0.790, p = 0.460, eta 2 = 0.033). Similarly, although no significant differences were observed in the distance in Zone 3 (p >= 0.05, F = 3.12, p = 0.054, eta 2 = 0.119) or repeated sprint distance (p >= 0.05, F = 2.96, p = 0.062, eta 2 = 0.114), the CHOmr +CE group exhibited higher average values for these variables. However, a statistically significant difference was observed in the distance covered in Zone 2 (p <= 0.05, F = 3.89, p = 0.028, eta 2 = 0.145), with the CHOmr +CE group performing better, as confirmed by the post-hoc analyses. Conclusions: Although our findings indicate that CE alone may influence kinematic profiles during SSGs, similar to CHOmr or its combination with CE, further research should explore the underlying mechanisms and potential contextual factors influencing these outcomes. Therefore, we suggest that coaches prefer CE because it is easy to implement
Comparative efficiency and residue levels of spraying programs against powdery mildew in grape varieties
No full textPowdery mildew (Erysiphe necator Schw.) fungal disease in vineyards is becoming an increasingly important concern due to climate change and the emergence of resistant populations after heavy spraying. Recently, new disease control methods based on phenological development, disease development, and meteorological data have been established in T & uuml;rkiye. These models can provide sufficient protection with minimal fungicide use and minimize residue problems due to excessive fungicide use. In this study, the activities of the UC Davis risk index model, decision support strategy (DSS) models, and classical model, based on plant phenological development stages suggested by the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, were used to protect against powdery mildew. Three alternative control strategies were investigated for 2 years using two grape varieties. In addition, the amount of pesticide residue in the final product by the spraying models was also evaluated. The UC Davis risk index model was applicable in places with similar climatic conditions, such as Bursa Province, and showed better results than other spraying programs. Although the classical model proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is generally less effective than the UC Davis risk index model, once less spraying achieved high effectiveness rates each season. The UC Davis risk index model considerably lowered the disease incidence rate in clusters below the 5% limit. The DSS model provided poorer protection than the other two models evaluated in this study. Among the fungicides with active ingredients, thiophanate-methyl, kresoxim-methyl, and penconazole, only thiophanate-methyl exceeded the 0.1 ppm (mg/kg) limit specified in the European Union Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits and Turkish Food Codex Pesticide Maximum Residue Limits for both grape varieties. Alternating fungicides with different active ingredients instead of a single fungicide at regular intervals throughout the season can reduce residue problems of grapes and the risk of pathogen resistance to fungicides
Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection in cattle and yaks in the northern mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan
No full textNeospora caninum is a cyst-forming coccidian parasite, with dogs and a few other canids serving as definitive hosts, and a wide range of intermediate mammalian hosts, including cattle and other bovids. Neosporosis is distributed worldwide and represents a major cause of abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality in cattle. Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous country in Central Asia, has a predominantly small-scale agricultural economy. This study aimed to provide initial data on the occurrence of N. caninum infections in bovids in Kyrgyzstan. Plasma samples from 471 cattle and 27 yaks of both sexes and various ages, collected across ten rural communities in the northern mountainous regions of the country, were tested for N. caninum-specific antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IDEXX Neospora X2 Ag Test), following the manufacturer's instructions. Antibodies against N. caninum were detected in 71 cattle samples from nine of the ten communities, yielding an apparent seroprevalence of 15.1 % (95 % confidence interval: 11.9-18.6 %). The proportion of seropositive cattle was lower in communities located at altitudes above 1000 m compared to those located below 1000 m. Cattle in communities within the semi-arid climate zone had lower seroprevalence than those in the humid continental and Mediterranean-like continental climate zones. No significant association was found between seropositivity and the sex or age class of the cattle. One yak sample tested seropositive for N. caninum antibodies. This study is the first investigation into the occurrence of N. caninum infection in Kyrgyzstan, demonstrating that the pathogen is present among cattle in the mountainous region. Therefore, neosporosis should be considered a potential cause of reproductive disorders in cattle in the country. Further research is needed to identify risk factors and assess the clinical and economic impact of bovine neosporosis in Kyrgyzstan
Application of ozone during incubation period: Hatchability, chick quality and organ growth, bacterial load of feces, and first-week performance in broilers
No full textThis study was aimed to investigate the effects of ozone (O3) treatment during incubation period (IP) on hatchability, hatch window, chick quality and organ growth, bacterial load of feces and first-week growth performance in broilers. A total of 240 hatching eggs were weighed and randomly divided into control group (O3-IP (-)) and O3 treatment (O3-IP (+)). A commercial O3 generator was placed into the setter and O3 treatment (at the level of 0.050 ppm) was applied during 1 min per hour in a cyclic period of 3 days during the 18-day incubation period. The egg weight loss between 1 and 18 days ranged with values 8.59% in O3-IP (-) and 10.63% in O3-IP (+) group. The pipping time and incubation length was determined as 500.67 h and 527.33 h in O3-IP (-) and 489.67 h and 518.33 h in O3-IP (+) respectively. The yolk sac weight was found to be higher in the O3-IP (-) group compared to the O3-IP (+). In conclusion, O3 treatment during incubation period seems to be cause an acceleration for pipping time and shortening of total incubation period, unsteady effects for chick growth and quality, inhibitory effect for bacterial growth in feces
Investigatıon of the association of SIRT1/rs7895833 promoter varıant and protein levels of SIRT1 in obstructive sleep apnea
No full textObstrüktif uyku apnesi (OSA), yaygın bir uykuda solunum bozukluğu hastalığıdır. Hastalar uykularında üst solunum yollarında tıkanıklıklar ve arteriyel oksijen desatürasyonları yaşarlar. Hastalığın moleküler temeli üzerine çalışmalar yapılmış olsa da tam olarak açıklanamamıştır. Metabolizmada regülatör rol oynayan histon deasetilaz enzimi SIRT1’in OSA hastalarında tedavi sonrası protein seviyesinde artış literatürde gösterilmiştir. Bu tez çalışmasında SIRT1/rs7895833 varyantının OSA hastaları ve kontrollerde dağılımını araştırmayı ve SIRT1 plazma protein seviyeleri ile ilişkisini incelemeyi hedefledik. Örneklem, 2023 Haziran-2024 Temmuz arasında uyku laboratuvarında polisomnografik test uygulanan 18-65 yaş aralığındaki 199 gönüllüden oluşmaktadır. Gönüllülerden kan örneği alınmış, Epworth Uykululuk Ölçeği uygulanmış ve klinik parametreler toplanmıĢtır. Genotipleme PCR-CTPP yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilmiş, SIRT1 seviyesi ELISA yöntemi ile analiz edilmiştir. Çalışmamızda varyantın minör alel frekansı (MAF) erkeklerde 0.309 (n=149) ve kadınlarda 0.310 (n=50) olarak tespit edilmiĢtir. AHI’ye göre sınıflandırılmış gruplar arasında genotip ve alel frekansı dağılımı analizlerinde anlamlı bir farklılık gözlenmemiştir. Kadın grupta yapılan analizde minör alel rs7895833/G’nin kadın grupta hastalık şiddetiyle ilişkisi gözlenmiştir (p=0.034). Ek olarak ilerleyen yaşla birlikte ifadesi azaldığı bilinen SIRT1 protein seviyesiyle kurulan korelasyonlarda tüm grup (p=0.013) ve erkek grupta (p=0.018) yaş ile protein seviyesinin negatif yönlü korelasyonu görülmüştür. Özetle, sonuçlarımız SIRT1’in OSA patogenezinde cinsiyete bağlı olarak dolaylı bir etki potansiyeli olabileceğine dair veri sunmaktadır. SIRT1'in OSA'nın moleküler mekanizmalarındaki rolü ve hastalık yönetimindeki önemi hakkında daha kapsamlı sonuçlar elde etmek için cinsiyete dayalı farklılıkları göz önüne alarak tasarlanan geniş örneklemli çalışmalara ihtiyaç vardır.Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent sleep disease where patients experience upper respiratory tract obstruction and arterial oxygen desaturation during sleep. While several studies have explored the molecular basis of the disease, a comprehensive understanding remains elusive. Existing literature indicates that treating OSA patients leads to an increase in the protein levels of SIRT1. We aimed to investigate the distribution of the rs7895833 variant in patients with OSA compared to controls. We also examined its relationship with SIRT1 plasma protein levels. The study sample consisted of 199 individuals who underwent polysomnographic testing in a sleep laboratory between June 2023 and July 2024. Genotyping was performed using the PCR-CTPP method, and SIRT1 levels were assessed using the ELISA method. Our findings revealed a minor alele frequency (MAF) of 0.309 in men and 0.310 in women. No statistically significant difference was observed in the genotype and alele frequency distribution analyses among the groups classified by the AHI. However, in females, a statistically significant correlation was found between the minor alele rs7895833/G and disease severity (p=0.034). We also observed a negative correlation between age and SIRT1 protein levels in the entire study group (p=0.013) and males (p=0.018). Our research indicates that SIRT1 may indirectly influence obstructive sleep apnea's pathogenesis, with differing implications based on gender. More extensive studies that consider gender-based differences are necessary to gain a deeper understanding of the role of SIRT1 in the molecular mechanisms of OSA and its management
Urban transformation: A comparative analysis of building and population densities in urban housing settlements with diverse textures in terms of sustainability-the case of bursa osmangazi
No full textThe aim of this study is to evaluate the urban transformation processes in the context of urban sustainability by analyzing the population and building density trends of four different housing settlement textures that have developed in Bursa Osmangazi since the 1960s, when the industrialization process began in Turkey. The methods include a detailed analysis of population changes and building and population densities. The results show that, in the areas developed between 1960 and 2004, population growth has either stopped or declined, and there are irregularities in building and population densities. This situation indicates the problems arising from planning and infrastructure deficiencies in urbanization processes. The earthquake risk in housing areas from this period especially increases the urgency of renewal and transformation processes. This study emphasizes the necessity of urban-scale solutions to manage the urgency of renewal in earthquake-prone regions. It highlights the need to handle pre-2004 areas together in the urban transformation process to balance densities. In this context, the importance of density transfer, the protection of property rights, and the effective management of transformation processes are underlined for urban sustainability