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Associations Between Body Composition, Physical Fitness and Cardiometabolic Risk Level in Sedentary Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
No full textAydin, Gamze/0000-0002-4952-2825; Surenkok, Ozgur/0000-0003-1558-8989Purpose To examine the relationship between body composition, physical fitness and cardiometabolic risk level in sedentary adults. Methods This cross-sectional study included 125 participants, with a mean age of 31.86 +/- 9.21 years. Participants' body composition was assessed through Body Mass Index (BMI), physical fitness were measured using the Senior Fitness Test Battery; cardiometabolic risk was evaluated by recording resting heart rate, blood pressure, lipid markers, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and the Framingham Risk Score (FRS). Results BMI showed negative correlations with the 6-min walk test (6-MWT), 30-s-chair-stand test and sit-and-reach test ((r = - 0.530, r = - 0.494; r = - 0.214, p < 0.05, respectively). The BMI was found to have a correlation with total cholesterol, LDL/HDL cholesterol, systolic/diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose level, HbA1c, FRS, and its percentage(r = 0.358, r = 0.464, r = - 0.352, r = 0.340, r = 0.298, r = 0.428, r = 0.539, r = 0.489; r = 0.380; p < 0.05, respectively). In the regression analysis, HbA1c and FRS were factors predicting BMI in a positive direction (beta = 2.802, p < 0.001;beta = 0.203, p < 0.001, respectively) and the 6-MWT, 30-s-chair-stand test, and 8-foot-up-and-go test (beta = - 0.015, p < 0.001;beta = - 0.231, p = 0.013;beta = - 0.321, p = 0.035, respectively) were parameters predicting BMI. Conclusions BMI was associated with adverse cardiometabolic risk and reduced physical fitness, with HbA1c, FRS, 6-MWT, 30-s-chair-stand test, and 8-foot-up-and-go test identified as key predictors, highlighting the interplay between body composition and health outcomes in sedentary adults
Nattokinase-Related Aggravation of Histamine Intolerance in Diamine Oxidase Deficiency: A Rare Clinical Observation
No full textPolystyrene Biodegradation by Serratia Marcescens Isolated From a Freshwater Reservoir
No full textPolystyrene (PS) is a persistent fossil fuel-based polymer that accumulates in freshwater systems, yet its microbial degradation in such environments remains insufficiently understood. In this study, freshwater bacteria were isolated from Palandoken Dam (T & uuml;rkiye) and screened for their ability to degrade PS under controlled laboratory conditions. Among eleven bacterial isolates, S. marcescens V9 exhibited the highest PS degradation efficiency under laboratory freshwater conditions. Quantitative analysis showed progressive PS weight losses of 5.5 %, 6.9 %, and 13.3 % after 30, 60, and 90 days, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed biofilm formation and surface erosion, while attenuated total reflectance-Fourier (ATR-FTIR) transform infrared and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) indicated the formation of new oxygenated functional groups and reduced thermal stability, respectively. Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) revealed a 28-30 % reduction in both number-and weight-average molecular weights, reflecting polymer-chain scission. Mass balance calculations suggested partial conversion of PS carbon into biomass and oxidized products, although direct CO2 evolution was not quantified and complete mineralization could not be confirmed. Collectively, these findings support an oxidative, biofilm-associated biodegradation mechanism and provide integrated evidence for PS depolymerization by a freshwater bacterial isolate, highlighting the potential role of S. marcescens V9 in environmentally relevant plastic degradation processes
Female Sexual Function Before and After Labiaplasty
No full textBackground Labiaplasty, a surgical procedure aimed at reducing the size of the labia minora, represents the most frequently performed female genital cosmetic surgery. This study aimed to systematically investigate the factors motivating women to undergo labiaplasty and to assess the surgery's impact on body image, genital self-image, sexual satisfaction, and body confidence, both pre- and postoperatively. Methods This prospective study included 88 patients who underwent labiaplasty, all performed by the same surgical team. Postoperative follow-up assessments were carried out during the first week, first month, and third month. All patients were allowed to practice sexual intercourse one month after the surgery. Any complications or cases requiring revision surgery were documented. All patients completed the 19-item Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the 7-item Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS) questionnaires before the surgery and at the third month postoperatively. Results When comparing the preoperative and postoperative total scores of the Female Genital Self-Image Scale (FGSIS), the postoperative score indicated a statistically significant improvement. The total score of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) increased from 15.8 +/- 2.6 preoperatively to 28.2 +/- 2.7 postoperatively, also showing statistical significance (p < 0.001). Conclusions In our study, both total FSFI and total FGSIS scores were significantly higher post-surgery. This improvement can be attributed to the psychological recovery and confidence gained by the patients, leading to greater sexual and social fulfillment
Investigation of Antioxidant Properties of Propolis Products Collected From Different Regions
No full textÇetin, Aynur/0009-0009-9348-1213Propolis, a sticky bee hive product collected from resinous plant sources by Apis mellifera bees, exhibits a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties, primarily attributed to its rich composition of bioactive constituents, including phenolic acids, esters, and flavonoids. In this study, the antioxidant properties of 76 liquid propolis solutions from 18 different countries were investigated based on their dry matter, total phenolic and total flavonoid contents, antioxidant capacities, and phenolic profiles. The antioxidant activities of propolis from various geographic regions, including Latvia, Croatia, New Zealand, San Marino, Russia, France, Romania, Italy, Estonia, Brazil, Belgium, Germany, Slovenia, Japan, the United States of America (USA), the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Spain, and Korea, were compared. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents, as well as total antioxidant capacity (Cupric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity-CUPRAC method), were analyzed by spectrophotometry, and the major constituents were investigated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Antioxidant test results indicated that 29 products scored below 10 mg Trolox equivalent (TE)/mL, and only 14 were scored above 100 mg TE/mL. The results showed that the total phenolic content of the samples ranged from 0.1 to 107.5 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mL, while total flavonoid content varied between 0.1 and 174.5 mg Catechin equivalent (CE)/mL. Based on the CUPRAC assay, total antioxidant capacity values ranged from 0.1 to 492.3 mg TE/mL. Among the 76 analyzed samples, nine products exhibited antioxidant capacity values exceeding 150 mg TE/mL. In all of these samples, phenolic profiling confirmed the presence of propolis, and the analytical results were consistent with the information declared on the product labels. Hence, this study provides a comprehensive, real-market evaluation of commercial propolis products by integrating spectrophotometric assays with LC-MS-based targeted metabolomics profiling, highlighting formulation- and product type-driven differences in phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity beyond geographical origin.Scientific Biosolutions (SBS)This study was financially supported by Scientific Biosolutions (SBS). The funder had no role in the study design, the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data, the writing of the manuscript, or the decision to publish the results
A Novel Method Using Roasting and Leaching for Extracting Vanadium from the Slag Produced by the Electric Arc Furnace
No full textOne of the primary methods for producing vanadium globally is the utilization of steel slag that contains vanadium. This study investigated methods for extracting vanadium from the slag produced by the electric arc furnace (EAF). Roasting and leaching are part of the experimental setting for this study's vanadium recovery. When roasting the EAF slag samples, they were mixed with different concentrations of sodium carbonate. Additionally, at this stage, it was determined that the ideal conditions for roasting were 15 % sodium carbonate, 1100 degrees C, and 45 min for the percentage of sodium carbonate, temperature, and time. During the second step (the leaching process), sodium carbonate and NaOH were among the most essential and effective leaching agents. Additionally, the optimal conditions for leaching were a sodium carbonate-to-NaOH ratio of 50:10, a leaching time of 60 min, a temperature of 90 degrees C, and a carbonate mesh size of 120-140 mu m. These settings recovered approximately 90 % of the vanadium. Additionally, this innovative method enables steelmaking enterprises to recover vanadium from steel slag, enabling its use as a renewable resource. It is believed that the technique presented in this study for extracting vanadium from steel slag may simplify the acquisition of vanadium from other materials and serve as a long-term source of this element.Science Citation Index Expande
Solar Stills With Thermoelectric Cooling: A Systematic Review of Design Modifications and Performance Enhancements
No full textAmeen, Arman/0000-0002-8349-6659;The present review focuses on the issue of freshwater shortage and growing global request for freshwater, which requires a serious need for original technologies, predominantly solar stills combined to thermoelectric cooling (TEC) to improve desalination competence. The originality of this paper lies in directing a methodical review to analytically inspect design optimizations and performance enhancements in solar stills engaging TEC. Therefore, it goes beyond the prior efforts by resolving the insistent encounters of low productivity and energy inefficiency of conservative systems and discovering the developments made by the combined solar stills and TEC. Similarly, this review emphasizes appraising the helpfulness of different layouts and materials used in these systems through energy and exergy analyses. Important results elucidate that integrated TEC can meaningfully increase freshwater productivity, with reported gains of more than 570%. Effectiveness enhancements are ranged between 11.2 and 76.4%. Furthermore, the incorporation of nanofluids, mainly copper oxide nanoparticles at a 0.08% concentration, has improved freshwater productivity by 81% and exergy efficacy by 112.5%. Further benefits are stated by presenting hybrid designs that incorporate photovoltaic panels, phase change materials (PCMs), and heat pipes. Specifically, the hybrid designs afford the possibility of continuous 24-h operation at reduced freshwater production cost of less than $0.031 per liter. Referring to energy and exergy analyses, it can be assured that TEC can play an essential role in minimizing exergy destruction and maximizing thermal gradients within the system. Thus, it can be determined that TEC-integrated solar stills can offer a wonderful solution for sustainable freshwater production to tackle the progressive water scarcity issue. However, some other barriers are still existed that related to high energy consumption and economic viability that must be resolved. Future investigation should therefore put efforts toward developing optimal designs of TEC-integrated solar stills to ensure a balance between performance, cost, and scalability to enable broader implementation.University of GvleOpen access funding provided by University of Gavle
Stability and Dynamics of Fractional Order Frogeye Leaf Spot Infection Model with Fungal Density Function
No full textThis article presents a fractional-order model for frog eye leaf spot in soybean plants using the Caputo fractional derivative. The study validates the model, estimates solutions using reliable numerical algorithms. Comparing numerical simulations to earlier integer-order models demonstrates how well fractional calculus captures the intricacy of disease dynamics. The research aims to enhance soybean crop health and yield through improved disease control strategies and mathematical modeling of plant pathology. Using fractional calculus, the model is analyzed to determine its boundedness, positivity, and unique solutions. The existence and uniqueness of the exact solution are further validated using fixed-point theory and the Lipschitz condition. Lyapunov functions are employed to verify the global stability of both the disease-free and endemic equilibrium points. The study explores the influence of the Caputo operator by solving the generalized power law kernel using a two-step Lagrange polynomial method. Fractional-order model outperforms integer-order models by accounting for biological memory effects and past disease history. It produces more accurate simulations that fit better with real-world data, improving their performance. The model's adaptability allows it to predict outbreaks and evaluate treatment strategies like crop rotation, fungicide use, and genetic resistance. It can also be used to treat other plant diseases. The model aids researchers in analyzing climate change's impact on disease transmission, promoting sustainable farming and food security, benefiting farmers, the agricultural sector, and the environment.Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University [PSAU/2025/R/1446]This study is supported via funding from Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University project number (PSAU/2025/R/1446) .Science Citation Index Expande
Technical and Thermodynamic Impacts of Heat Recovery Steam Generator Interior Layout Arrangement in the Full Repowering of an Operating Natural Gas-Fired Steam Power Plant
No full textThe present research paper investigates the technical and thermodynamic impacts of heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) interior layout arrangement in the full repowering of an operating 200 MW steam power plant. To do so, two main layouts are considered. In the first layout, a single HRSG and a 425 MW gas turbine (GT) are selected. In the second layout, two HRSGs and two GTs are investigated. In the case of using two HRSGs, different model GTs are used and examined. Single, double, and triple-pressure level HRSGs are tested in both layout arrangements. The impacts of pressure levels on how the new cycle performs and the negative results of implementing each case in repowered power plants are studied. Three new parameters are defined to evaluate the technical effect of each case. First, by assessing the impacts of each GT, the optimum one is determined, and then various effects of HRSG layout arrangement on the cycle performance are analyzed. The performance of the cooling tower, along with an existing steam turbine, mainly depends on HRSG pressure levels, particularly the number of pressure levels. This is why it is necessary to consider the performance of other components when determining the number of HRSG pressure levels. For the best efficiency while using two HRSGs, the GT model Siemens V84.3A is recommended. In this case, energy and exergy efficiencies increase to 58.5% and 57.57%, respectively. For the case of using one HRSG, using the GT model Siemens SGT5-8000H is highly advisable due to a 59.45 % and 57.41 % increase in energy and exergy efficiency, respectively.Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University [RGP 2/34/46]The authors extend their appreciation to the Deanship of Research and Graduate Studies at King Khalid University for funding this work through Large Research Project under grant number RGP 2/34/46.Science Citation Index Expande
Chitosan Nanoplatforms as Carriers for Photodynamic and Photothermal Therapies in Cancer, Wound Healing, and Antimicrobial Applications
No full textChitosan (CS)-based nanoplatforms have emerged as transformative tools in photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) therapies, offering targeted, biocompatible solutions for cancer treatment, wound healing, and antimicrobial applications. Recent advancements include the design of multifunctional CS nanocomposites that enhance photosensitizer delivery, improve light-triggered efficacy, and enable synergistic therapies with reduced side effects. These developments address critical challenges in precision medicine, such as drug resistance and tissue regeneration, making this area of significant interdisciplinary interest. The tunable physicochemical properties of CS, combined with its biodegradability and antimicrobial activity, position it as a key material for next-generation therapeutic platforms. The future of this field depends on optimizing nanoplatform specificity, scalability, and clinical translation, with insights from this review guiding the rational design of advanced biomaterials. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the recent advancements in CS-based nanomaterials specifically for PTT and PDT, while also addressing the associated challenges that hinder their clinical application. Moreover, it aims to highlight future perspectives that could enhance the effectiveness and applicability of chitosan-based therapies in cancer treatment. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd.Science Citation Index Expande