Wah Academia Journal of Health and Nutrition
Wah Academia Journal of Health and Nutrition (WAJHN) is a premier, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to advancing research and knowledge in health, nutrition, and related sciences. As part of the prestigious Wah Academia Journal family, WAJHN serves as a platform for academics, researchers, and practitioners to share cutting-edge insights, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, and drive innovation in the global health landscape. At WAJHN, we are committed to: Publishing high-quality, evidence-based research articles, reviews, and case studies. Promoting understanding of health and nutrition challenges through rigorous scientific discourse. Empowering the scientific community by bridging gaps between theory, research, and practice. Our mission is to contribute to healthier societies by disseminating impactful research that informs policy, improves healthcare delivery, and enhances nutritional practices worldwide. Join us in shaping the future of health and nutrition.
Copyright and Licensing Publication is open access Creative Commons Attribution License - CC BY- 4.0 Copyrights: The author retains unrestricted copyrights and publishing rights
mRNA-Based Viral Vaccines: Revolutionizing Prophylaxis through Biotechnological Innovations and Virological Insights
The post-genomic and post-pandemic era has brought about a paradigm shift in the realm of vaccinology, which has triggered a transition from empirical whole-pathogen strategies to rational information-driven molecular design. The sudden and spectacular rise of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines is a disruptive prophylactic technology, whose efficacy has been unequivocally proven on a global platform during the COVID-19 pandemic. The unprecedented success of mRNA vaccines is a direct result of the strategic convergence of synthetic biology, structural virology, and immunoengineering. As a form of programmable biological software, mRNA vaccines provide a precise set of genetic instructions for the in vivo production of antigens, thereby inducing a coordinated humoral and cellular immune response. The review article will cover the multi-disciplinary underpinnings of the technology, its translation from bench to global platform, and the future frontiers that will be enabled by the strategic integration of artificial intelligence and synthetic biology, which will firmly establish mRNA vaccinology as a cornerstone of 21st-century medicine.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ali Abbas, Faiqa Shakeel, Romisa Sattar, Amna Noor, Sidra Riaz, Kanwal Saeed, Muhammad Salman, Muhammad Sanish Arif (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Iklim Değişikliğinin Toprak Içeriği Ve Ürün Kalitesi Üzerine Etkileri
Bu makalede, iklim değişikliğinin Kazakistan’daki toprak koşulları ve tarımsal ürün kalitesi üzerindeki etkileri incelenmektedir. Sıcaklık artışı, yağış rejimindeki değişimler ve aşırı hava olayları gibi iklimsel faktörlerin, toprakların kimyasal bileşimi, fiziksel özellikleri ve biyolojik aktivitesi üzerindeki etkileri analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçları, toprak bozulması, humus içeriğinin azalması ve tuz birikiminin, ürün verimi ile tarımsal ürünlerin besin değerleri üzerinde olumsuz etkiler yarattığını ortaya koymaktadır. Ayrıca, iklim değişikliğinin tahıl, sebze ve kavun-karpuz gibi kültür bitkilerinde birim ürün kütlesinin, protein, vitamin ve mikro element içeriklerinin azalmasına neden olduğu belirlenmiştir. Kuraklığa dayanıklı çeşitlerin kullanımı, organik gübrelerin uygulanması, agro-ormanlaştırma önlemleri, sulama optimizasyonu ve toprak durumunun izlenmesi gibi adaptasyon stratejileri tartışılmıştır. Elde edilen bulgular, toprak kaynaklarının sürdürülebilir yönetimi ve iklim değişikliği koşullarında tarımın dayanıklılığının artırılması için bütüncül yaklaşımların önemini vurgulamaktadır. This article examines the effects of climate change on soil conditions and agricultural product quality in Kazakhstan. The impacts of climatic factors such as rising temperatures, changes in precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events on the chemical composition, physical properties, and biological activity of soils are analyzed. The research findings reveal that soil degradation, a decline in humus content, and salt accumulation have negative effects on crop yield and the nutritional value of agricultural products. Furthermore, climate change has been found to cause reductions in unit crop mass as well as in the protein, vitamin, and micronutrient contents of cereal, vegetable, and melon–watermelon crops. Adaptation strategies such as the use of drought-resistant varieties, application of organic fertilizers, agroforestry measures, optimization of irrigation, and monitoring of soil conditions are discussed. The findings emphasize the importance of holistic approaches for the sustainable management of soil resources and enhancing agricultural resilience under climate change conditions.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dilara K. Sunakbaeva (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Disruption of the Blood–CSF Barrier in Tuberculous and Non-Tuberculous Meningitis: Mechanisms, Diagnosis, and Clinical Impact
The blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) is an important interface in the central nervous system (CNS), controlling immune surveillance, waste removal, and pathogen invasion. Breakdown of the BCSFB is a characteristic of meningitis, such as tuberculous meningitis (TBM) and non-tuberculous meningitis (non-TBM), due to bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infection. This review examines the physiology and function of the BCSFB, its contribution to CNS homeostasis, and the mechanisms with which neurotropic pathogens violate the barrier to cause meningitis. We explain the differential pathophysiological profiles of TBM, including granulomatous inflammation, and non-TBM, having purulent or lymphocytic reactions, and their corresponding cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) profiles. Diagnostic issues are discussed, pointing out novel biomarker-based methods, like CSF metabolomics, to distinguish TBM from non-TBM. Clinical implication of the disruption of BCSFB, such as neuroinflammation, neuronal dysfunction, and elevated mortality, is assessed, stressing the necessity for more effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in order to reduce the global burden of meningitis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Ehsan, Muhammad Faizan, Ahram Hussain, Ahmad Ashraf, Sameen Gull, Emaan Khurshid, Rahim Ud Din, Musa Ibrar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Intratumoral Microbiota in Prostate Cancer: Mechanisms, Microbial–Androgen Crosstalk, and Urinary Exfoliative Signatures for Liquid Biopsy Development
Prostate cancer [PCa] is the second most prevalent malignancy diagnosed in men worldwide, constituting a considerable public health challenge due to the inadequacies of existing diagnostic methods focused on prostate-specific antigen [PSA] testing, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], and invasive biopsy. The recent paradigm shift towards viewing solid tumors as complex ecosystems has revealed the intratumoral microbiota, a community of bacteria, viruses, and fungi residing within the tumor microenvironment [TME] as a crucial regulator of carcinogenesis. The origin, spatial dynamics, and mechanistic functions of the prostate intratumoral microbiota are summarized in this thorough review. We present "The Prostate Microbial Triad," a novel conceptual framework that describes the co-evolutionary interaction of microbes, resident immune cells, and malignant epithelium. We explore particular mechanisms such as microbial reprogramming of tumor immunology and metabolism, the proposed "Microbial–Androgen Crosstalk Model" specific to PCa, and microbe-induced genomic instability. In order to create reliable liquid biopsies, we suggest a translational pipeline that connects tumor-resident microbes to urine signals through the "Microbial-Extracellular Vesicle [EV] Pathway," and we support multi-omics integration [metagenomics, metabolomics, and spatial transcriptomics] driven by machine learning. Decoding and utilizing the prostate intratumoral microbiome, according to this review, is a frontier with unmatched potential to transform PCa diagnostics by enabling accurate, non-invasive detection and risk stratification.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Faizan, Ahram Hussain, Ahmad Ashraf, Mutahar A Tunio, Abdul Ahad Mehboob (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessment of Awareness and Utilization of Rehabilitation Services among Persons with Physical Disabilities in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan
Background: Disability remains a major public health concern globally and disproportionately affects individuals’ quality of life, social participation, and economic productivity. Persons with physical disabilities (PWPDs) often experience barriers in accessing preventive and rehabilitation services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the level of awareness regarding disability and to evaluate the frequency of utilization of rehabilitation services among PWPDs attending a tertiary care rehabilitation facility in Pakistan. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Artificial Limb Centre, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January to March 2024. A total of 238 PWPDs aged 19–45 years were selected using systematic random sampling. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire covering socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitudes toward disability, and utilization of rehabilitation services. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive statistics were computed, and associations between awareness levels and service utilization were assessed using the Chi-square test at a 5% significance level. Results: Among the respondents, 61.3% were male and 38.7% were female. Most participants demonstrated awareness regarding the consequences and prevention of disability; however, knowledge about available rehabilitation programs was comparatively limited. Positive attitudes toward disability were observed at individual and family levels, with self-reliance reported by a majority of participants. Regular utilization of rehabilitation services was significantly associated with higher awareness levels (p < 0.05). Key barriers to utilization included affordability, limited accessibility, and inadequate availability of rehabilitation services. Conclusion: Although PWPDs showed reasonable awareness regarding disability and its prevention, gaps persist in knowledge and utilization of rehabilitation services. Addressing financial, infrastructural, and informational barriers is essential to improve service uptake and overall quality of life among PWPDs. Strengthening public awareness campaigns and integrating rehabilitation into primary healthcare may enhance equitable access.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shazia Asif, Prof Dr Atta Ur Rehman, Dr. Ali Asif Rana, Fatima Asif (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antibiogram Studies of Biofilm Forming Escherichia Coli and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Isolated from Clinical Mastitis Cases in Bovines
Mastitis is a common disease of dairy cattle. It is characterized by pathological changes in udder and bacteriological changes in milk, making it unfit for human consumption. In veterinary medicine, antibiotic treatment of mastitis has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To combat the treatment challenge of mastitis caused by Gram-negative bacteria, antibiogram profiling of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was done to select effective antibiotics against these bacteria. In this research, samples containing milk and puss were collected from affected quarter of udder of cattle and screening of mastitis was performed by using Surf field mastitis test. Samples tested positive for mastitis were used for culturing of bacteria. E. coli and P. aeruginosa were isolated and identified by using selective media and biochemical tests, respectively. The biofilm formation capacity of E. coli and P. aeruginosa was determined by performing biofilm assay. Both E. coli and P. aeruginosa isolates exhibited varied biofilm-formation capacities. E. coli isolates were classified as strong biofilm-formers (12%), moderate biofilm-formers (50%) and weak biofilm formers (38%). Furthermore, 20% of P. aeruginosa isolates were classified as strong biofilm-formers, 40% as moderate biofilm-formers and 40% as weak biofilm-formers Antibiogram of isolated bacteria was determined using disc diffusion test. Overall, E. coli isolates showed resistance to all the tested antibiotics except meropenem. P. aeruginosa isolates were found resistant to enrofloxacin, linezolid, cefixime and chloramphenicol, and susceptible to meropenem, vancomycin and azithromycin. These results suggest that meropenem could be an effective antibiotic against mastitis infections caused by E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Moreover, vancomycin and azithromycin could be used to treat mastitis infection caused by P. aeruginosa. These results indicate a dire need for the development of alternative therapeutic strategies for antibiotic-resistant biofilm-forming bacteria and surveillance of antibiotic resistance in treatment of mastitis infection in cattle.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iman Mustafa, Maryam Fatima, Faiqa Tabassum, Asfa Naeem, Muhammad Asad Ali, Muhammad Faizan, Ahram Hussain, Muhammad Ashraf (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Review of The Status of Skin Cancer in Pakistan And South Asia During Hot Weather – Is Climate Change Contributing?
Skin cancer is a growing public health concern in Pakistan, however, lack of cancer registry at national level makes availability of data scarce. Few regional reports from Karachi and Lahore have noted increase in its incidence. Skin cancers vary in pathophysiology and epidemiology as well as their possible causative factors. This perspective attempted to highlight a link between skin cancer and climate change. The main purpose was to give an overview and examine the existing literature on skin cancers in Pakistan and South Asia in this context. The available evidence on skin cancers from 2001 to 2025 was reviewed for finding these answers. The articles on skin cancers and its various sub-types like basal cell carcinoma, melanomas, and squamous cell carcinomas were retrieved from online databases sources like PubMed central, Google Scholar and Medline. The prevalence of skin cancers varies in different global regions with high proportions of 30 to 40% in US, Australia and European populations with melanoma being the most common of these cancers. Contrary to these high proportions, in South Asian region and Pakistan the prevalence of skin cancer varies between 2 to 4% with SCC and BCC being the most frequent types. Pakistan faces multiple climate related challenges; heatwaves, floods, and burden of infectious diseases. There are multifaceted links among skin cancer and climate change. The increased ultraviolet radiation exposure due to warm temperatures and longer day duration during summers, especially, as many people in rural and lower-income communities, work in agricultural and outdoor occupations. The longer day during summer encourage prolonged activities, thus, more sun exposure. There are biological effects as heat itself may amplify cancer-causing effects of UV rays. Another key issue is air pollution which can weaken skin protection barriers and exacerbate UV radiation. This multifaceted complex issue requires a multifaceted approach as solutions including public health campaigns to raise awareness, policy changes to promote sun safety, and investment in healthcare facilities to improve diagnostic and treatment capabilities. And above all, there needs detailed research investigations on this topic so that comprehensive data is available in the country and regions which may lead to improved policies and better situation through its implementation.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Tayyaba Masood, Dr. Antonio Gerbase, Prof Dr Atta Ur Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Ecological rehabilitation within the framework of the “One Health” concept
The article explores modern approaches to ecological rehabilitation of ecosystems within the framework of the “One Health” concept, emphasizing its interdisciplinary nature that unites human, animal, and environmental health. Innovative methods for restoring degraded areas are analyzed, including biotechnological practices for soil and species regeneration, as well as digital technologies for biodiversity monitoring using AI. Special attention is given to the role of biodiversity as a restorative resource and a key factor of ecosystem resilience. The paper examines real-world examples of ecosystem restoration projects that integrate One Health principles — from landscape rehabilitation to the reduction of zoonotic risks. It discusses how such initiatives contribute not only to strengthening ecosystem functions (water regulation, soil stabilization, population recovery) but also to improving public health and reducing environmental threats. The conclusions emphasize the necessity of a systemic, holistic approach combining scientific methods, government programs, community participation, and technological innovation. Such an approach ensures the long-term sustainability of ecosystem services, food systems, and health on a global scale — making One Health an effective tool for ecological rehabilitation in an era of growing global challenges.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sunakbaeva D.Kh. (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluation of Zinc and Iron deficiency in Children up to 12 years
This cross-sectional observational study assessed the frequency of iron and zinc deficits in 100 children at the Hayatabad Medical Complex in Peshawar, Pakistan, who were between the ages of three and twelve. Serum iron, ferritin, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum zinc, plasma zinc, and zinc protoporphyrin (ZPP) were among the anthropometric and biochemical characteristics measured. Significant micronutrient deficits were found in the children: 25% had hemoglobin levels suggestive of iron-deficiency anemia, 16% had low ferritin, and 20% had low serum iron. Additionally, common was zinc deficiency, which affected 30% of people based on serum zinc levels and 35% based on plasma zinc levels. A dietary analysis revealed inadequate intake of protein sources, fruits, and vegetables. The results show that this pediatric group has a significant burden of zinc and iron deficiencies, highlighting the need for focused nutritional treatments, public health initiatives, and increased dietary diversity to address these deficiencies and enhance health outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shahab Ud Din Chohan, Marwa Wasif, Abdul Razaq, Sawaira Batool, Sanam Nawaz (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Holistic Psychology: A New Paradigm for Integrating Consciousness, Culture, and Ecology in the Human Sciences
Contemporary psychology stands at a turning point. During the past century, its subfields—Clinical, Behavioural, Cognitive, Neuroscientific, and Social—have expanded rapidly, yet the discipline itself has become fragmented. Each school illuminates a segment of experience while the indivisible person, who thinks, feels, and acts as one, remains conceptually divided among them. Holistic Psychology emerges as a doctrinal response to this crisis of separation, proposing a unified science grounded in the principle that reality is relational and that awareness is a formative, not derivative, property of life. This paper establishes Holistic Psychology as a new paradigm that integrates consciousness, culture, and ecology within a single ontological framework. It revisits the philosophical foundations of psychology through four converging traditions: phenomenology’s return to lived experience, systems theory’s vision of self-organizing wholes, process philosophy’s dynamic view of interrelated events, and the contemplative psychologies of Asia that study awareness through disciplined observation. From this synthesis arise three first axioms—indivisibility of the person, interdependence as universal law, and analysis as servant of synthesis—which together redefine both knowledge and care as complementary movements of understanding. By linking contemporary research in neuroscience, ecological psychology, and cultural studies with timeless contemplative insight, Holistic Psychology constructs a coherent framework for studying well-being as harmony rather than mere adjustment. It seeks to restore unity between data and meaning, science and ethics, method and compassion. The doctrine thus inaugurates a scientific humanism fit for the complexity of the twenty-first century—a psychology not of fragments but of wholeness, relation, and renewal.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr Anoop Poomadam (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Lived Experiences of Mothers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders in Punjab, Pakistan
The purpose of this study is to investigate the lived experiences of women whose child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Punjab, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were used in a qualitative study approach to collect detailed information. Five mothers of children with autism made up the sample; they were chosen using non-probability purposive sampling from rural areas of Punjab. This study aims to comprehend the everyday struggles these moms encounter, the effects of raising a child with ASD on their personal and familial lives, and the coping mechanisms they use to deal with related social and psychological issues. Iterative coding and the creation of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) were used in data analysis to find important patterns in the tales. Results show that, in addition to trying to uphold their domestic responsibilities, moms of children with ASD experience severe social isolation, stigma, and emotional suffering. Despite these obstacles, individuals showed resilience by using community resources, self-care practices, and support systems. The study emphasizes the necessity for specialized support services by highlighting the intricate interactions between mom and ASD children in a culturally particular setting.
Copyright (c) 2025 Fatima Salman, Tehreem Arshad, Aisha Sitwat, Hadeeqa Anmol, Tehreem Talat, Rizwana Samreen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Impact of Postpartum Depression on Family Life of Women in Islamabad, Pakistan
Background: Postnatal blues, a prevalent condition observed in approximately 15% of women globally, emerges as a significant public health issue impacting both mothers and their families. In Pakistan, postnatal depression is frequently observed in women, with prevalence rates ranging from 28% to 63%, placing the country among the highest in Asia. Objective: To determine the risk factors associated with postpartum depression in women and its broader impacts on affected individuals' families. Methods: A total of 200 postnatal women with postpartum depression and one-year-old toddlers were included in this cross-sectional study through a multiphase selection strategy. The study was conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan. Results: Among postnatal women, the most common risk factors of postpartum depression were due to the difficulties faced by women during delivery and pregnancy (82% extreme depression, 40% mild depression), Gender biasness (81.5% extreme depression, and 40% mild depression) and health concerns of a baby throughout gestation period (81.5%, extreme depressed and 35%, mild depressed) Social stereotype associated with delivery methods and pregnancy(81%, extreme depressed and 40, mild depressed) and lactation difficulties (63%, extreme depressed and 33, mild depressed). Conclusion: After childbirth, the postpartum phase is a crucial period for mothers, and it is frequently underestimated and overlooked, leading to substantial health risks. This timeframe is particularly susceptible to various complications, i.e., a variety of mood disorders like PPD, which is a significant depressive episode that begins within 30 days of birth, and such disorders result in adverse outcomes that affect the mental health of a mother and disturb the entire family life. It is imperative to conduct early evaluations and offer personalized guidance regarding social support and coping strategies to identify and prevent postpartum depression in this particular demographic.
Copyright (c) 2025 Saria Saeed, Tariq Mehmood, Atta Ur Rehman (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of medical knowledge for understanding, treating, and counteracting orphan diseases
COVID-19 made it clear to us that not knowing the pathogens and risks associated with so-called orphan or rare diseases can cost us thousands of lives, including those of young and healthy individuals, who represent our human capital. This literature review analyzes the promotion of existing medical knowledge in medical students to understand, treat, and counteract orphan diseases. This analysis has been presented by many authors and researchers who recognize that medicine still has a lot to do and that it is in university classrooms where the mission of building knowledge that helps manage what ails human life must begin. Authors such as Klein & Nori, et al. [1,2] state that "around 7,000 identified rare diseases affect approximately 350 million people worldwide". The lack of knowledge of the new generations of doctors about orphan diseases makes it difficult to diagnose and treat patients who suffer from them in various parts of the world. According to Jacewicz [3], rare diseases affect approximately 400 million people worldwide. It is predicted that one in twenty people will be affected by a rare disease at some point in their lives. These statistics make it clear that academic medical institutions must promote the necessary knowledge to establish research on these conditions, thereby reinforcing the scientific skills of their students and advancing medicine for social welfare and the prevention of human resource loss in the productive stage.
Copyright (c) 2025 Caroline Correa-Mercado, Sandra Vélez-Candelario (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Kati Evsel Atiklarin Geri Dönüştürülmesinde Ekolojik Yönler Ve Modern Teknolojiler
Bu makale, katı evsel atıkların (KEA) bertarafı sırasında ortaya çıkan çevresel sorunların analizine ve bu alandaki modern teknolojik çözümlerin değerlendirilmesine adanmıştır. Atık yönetiminin temel yöntemleri — kompostlama, depolama, pnömatik taşıma ve yakma — ele alınmıştır. Özellikle, geleneksel bertaraf yöntemlerinin, özellikle de yakma işleminin, dioksinler, furanlar ve ağır metaller gibi toksik bileşiklerin salınımına yol açtığı, bunun da atmosfer, toprak ve su ekosistemleri üzerinde uzun vadeli olumsuz etkiler yarattığı vurgulanmaktadır. Yakma ürünlerinde, atık sularında ve kül ile cüruf kullanılarak üretilen yapı malzemelerinde kirletici madde içeriklerine ilişkin karşılaştırmalı veriler sunulmuştur. Çalışmada ayrıca, insan kaynaklı yükün azaltılmasına yönelik modern yaklaşımlar — özellikle aşırı adyabatik rejimde gazlaştırma prensiplerine dayalı yenilikçi termal işleme teknolojilerinin uygulanması — üzerinde durulmuştur. Bu süreçler, yüksek enerji verimliliği (yaklaşık %95’e kadar) sağlamakta, toksik bileşiklerin oluşumunu en aza indirmekte ve geniş bir atık yelpazesinin etkin şekilde geri dönüştürülmesine olanak tanımaktadır. Makale, geleneksel atık uzaklaştırma sisteminden kaynakların yeniden kullanımı ve artık atıkların en aza indirilmesini öngören döngüsel ekonomi modeline geçişin önemini tartışmaktadır. Sonuç olarak, atıkların ayrıştırılması, biyolojik geri dönüşümü, enerjiye dönüştürülmesi ve modern izleme sistemlerini içeren bütüncül bir yaklaşımın, sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve kentleşmiş bölgelerde çevresel güvenliğin sağlanması açısından temel koşul olduğu gösterilmektedir. This article is devoted to the analysis of environmental problems arising during the disposal of solid household waste (SHW) and to the evaluation of modern technological solutions in this field. The main methods of waste management—composting, landfilling, pneumatic transport, and incineration—are examined. Particular emphasis is placed on the fact that conventional disposal methods, especially incineration, lead to the release of toxic compounds such as dioxins, furans, and heavy metals, which have long-term adverse effects on atmospheric, soil, and aquatic ecosystems. Comparative data are presented on pollutant contents in incineration products, wastewater, and construction materials produced using ash and slag. The study also focuses on modern approaches aimed at reducing anthropogenic load, particularly the application of innovative thermal processing technologies based on gasification principles under super-adiabatic conditions. These processes provide high energy efficiency (up to approximately 95%), minimize the formation of toxic compounds, and enable the efficient recycling of a wide range of waste types. The article discusses the importance of transitioning from traditional waste disposal systems to a circular economy model that emphasizes resource reuse and the minimization of residual waste. In conclusion, it is demonstrated that a holistic approach incorporating waste separation, biological recycling, energy recovery, and modern monitoring systems is a fundamental requirement for sustainable development and for ensuring environmental safety in urbanized areas.
Exploiting Lysosomal Vulnerabilities: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy to Induce Immunogenic Cell Death in Oncogene-Addicted Cancers
Background: A significant challenge in oncology is the development of therapies that selectively eliminate cancer cells while engaging the immune system for durable protection. Oncogene-driven transformation has been shown to rewire cellular metabolism and organelle function, creating unique dependencies. Lysosomes, traditionally considered mere degradative centers, are emerging as critical regulators of cell survival and death. We hypothesized that oncogenic transformation, particularly by drivers like Her2, creates a lysosomal "Achilles' heel," priming these organelles for permeabilization and offering a novel therapeutic target. Methods: Using the MCF-10A-neoT model of oncogene-driven transformation, we first characterized lysosomal alterations. We then conducted a high-throughput screen for compounds inducing Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization (LMP), focusing on Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) inducers. Lead compounds were evaluated for their ability to trigger established markers of Immunogenic Cell Death (ICD), including surface calreticulin (CRT), ATP release, and HMGB1 release. Selectivity and efficacy were further validated in co-culture models and immunocompetent mouse models. Results: Oncogene-transformed cells exhibited significantly enlarged lysosomes, altered subcellular distribution, and increased cathepsin B/L activity compared to their non-transformed counterparts. Our screen identified several ROS-generating compounds that selectively induced LMP in cancer cells. Treatment with these lead compounds resulted in the robust exposure of CRT, and the extracellular release of ATP and HMGB1, confirming the induction of ICD. In co-culture, the compounds demonstrated a clear therapeutic window, preferentially killing cancer cells. In vivo studies in immunocompetent mice confirmed tumor regression and the establishment of a protective anti-tumor immune memory. Conclusion: Our findings validate that targeted LMP induction is a viable strategy for selectively killing oncogene-addicted cancer cells. Moreover, by triggering ICD, this approach not only directly eliminates tumor cells but also stimulates a systemic immune response, addressing the critical need for therapies that provide long-term anti-cancer immunity.
Lysosomal Membrane Permeabilization (LMP)
Copyright (c) 2025 Hafiz Muhammadismail Azher Syed (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Tuberculosis Meningitis: An Exploration of Cerebrospinal Fluid Biochemical Markers and Their Correlation with Gender and Age
The study evaluated the correlational barriers of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biochemical markers of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with gender in patients) at General Hospital Lahore. This study was conducted between the period of January 2024 and June 2025. It constituted 120 participants, with 68 male and 52 female participants. Significant differences were observed between genders: males had higher mean protein levels (126 mg/dL) than females (99 mg/dL, p < 0.001); meanwhile, females had lower glucose (34 mg/dL) as compared to that of males (47 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Chloride levels also showed a difference with male reading (118 mmol/L) versus female (109 mmol/L, p = 0.003). Lymphocyte predominance (86%) remained constant for both sexes. These findings were also validated statistically using t-tests and regression models, hence establishing the need for different diagnostic cut-offs based on sex. Limitations were encountered with this being a single-center study, thus necessitating multicentric research to validate the findings.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ahram Hussain, Tasra Bibi, Syed Wajeeh Ul Hassan, Muhammad Faizan, Faiqa Shakeel, Abdul Ahad Mehboob (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Navigating the Intersection of Mental Health and Nutrition in Adolescent Girls: Addressing the Dual Challenge – A short Review
Adolescent girls are especially vulnerable to the twin threats of nutritional inadequacy and mental illness, an interactive effect that has long-term consequences for physical and psychological development. Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, zinc, vitamin D, and common B-vitamins, not only impact growth and immune functioning but also compromise susceptibility to mood disorders, anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. Simultaneously, mental health conditions influence feeding patterns, e.g., inadequate nutrient consumption, infrequent or irregular meal frequency, or food restriction and disordered eating, which contribute additional nutrient deficiencies, perpetuating a vicious risk cycle. This review critically examines the complex interaction between nutrition and mental health in adolescent girls, the physiological, neurocognitive, and psychosocial mechanisms linking deficits to psychological outcomes. The article also identifies contextual influences like socio-economic status, cultural norms, and environmental stressors that may magnify vulnerability. Comprehensive strategies that integrate special nutrition interventions such as micronutrient supplementation, dietary diversification, and fortified foods with mental health support activities are recommended to develop resilience, improve cognitive capacity, and general wellbeing. By addressing both nutrition and mental health simultaneously, such strategies aim to mitigate long-term developmental, educational, and health consequences and instead promote adolescent girls to attain their optimal growth and psychological well-being at this critical stage of life.
Copyright (c) 2025 Salwa AL Majali, Mahsa Ebadi, Zeliha Selamoglu, Abdol Ghaffar Ebadi, Mehran Moslemi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Climate Change, Food Security, and Human Health: A Comprehensive Analysis of Global Problems and Sustainable Nutritional Plans
Climate change is a global phenomenon of widespread significance with far-reaching implications for food security and human health. Climate change—indicated by rising temperatures, shifts in precipitation patterns, and events of extreme weather—is heavily affecting agricultural productivity, availability of nutritious foods, and food system resilience. While simultaneously decreasing staple food nutritional content is matched by an increase in incidents of foodborne disease, it further exacerbates public health issues. This review provides an in-depth review of how climate change impedes food security and impinges upon human health, focusing on the multifaceted ways that climate variables affect nutrition. Focal areas of emphasis include a decline in crop productivity, a reduction in nutrient content of important crops, drought, and an intensified risk of pathogenic invasions of foods. Vulnerable populations including children, pregnant women, refugees, and those in low-income nations face a higher risk of undernutrition, stunting, micronutrient inadequacies, and an emerging dual threat of a potential obese-undernutrition dual burden. To address these challenges, this current review explores innovative and sustainable nutritional solutions. These measures include promoting plant-based diets, biofortification of major crops, reduction of waste, and integration of circular economy philosophy into food production systems. This work further explores the pivotal role of overarching global governance frameworks and policy drives led by international institutions like the WHO, FAO, and UN, while underscoring the role of climate-smart production methods. Future research directions underscore the urgent need for cross-disciplinary collaboration, integration of climate science with nutritional epidemiology, and application of emerging technologies such as AI and precision agriculture to create robust food systems. Finally, this review calls for a unified global effort to ensure food security, reduce health consequences of climate change, and promote sustainable nutrition in all populations, particularly against the growing climate crisis.
Copyright (c) 2025 Abdol Ghaffar Ebadi, Zeliha Selamoglu (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Engineering Cancer Resistance: A Novel Framework Inspired by Evolutionary Adaptations
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, characterized by cells that exhibit 'monster traits' such as uncontrolled proliferation, invasiveness, resistance to apoptosis, and immune evasion. Traditional therapies often target single hallmarks of cancer, leading to limited success and eventual resistance. This paper proposes a novel, integrative therapeutic framework inspired by evolutionary adaptations in species with remarkable cancer resistance, such as elephants (Loxodonta Africana). Elephants possess enhanced TP53-mediated cancer surveillance and DNA repair mechanisms, which contribute to their extremely low cancer incidence. We hypothesize that by synthetically recapitulating these 'anti-monster' factors—such as augmented p53 activity, enhanced DNA repair, and controlled inflammation—in human cells, we can reprogram malignant phenotypes towards benignity. Our proposed strategy combines synthetic biology, gene therapy (including CRISPR/Cas systems), and multi-targeted pharmacological approaches to simultaneously address multiple cancer hallmarks. By leveraging advanced *in vitro* organoid and *in vivo* models, this research aims to pioneer a new paradigm in oncology that moves beyond cytotoxic elimination towards cellular reprogramming and durable cancer prevention, potentially yielding a significant reduction in lifetime cancer risk.
Bioactivity Profile of Datura stramonium L. Seed Extracts: Collagenase and Tyrosinase Inhibition and Antioxidant Activity
Datura stramonium L., a member of the Solanaceae family, contains diverse phytochemicals with potential pharmacological applications, yet its enzyme inhibitory and antioxidant properties remain insufficiently characterized. In this study, ethanol and aqueous extracts of D. stramonium seeds collected from Belmebük village (Amasya, Turkey) were evaluated for collagenase and tyrosinase inhibition, as well as antioxidant capacity. Enzyme inhibition assays conducted at 20 μg/mL revealed that the ethanol extract inhibited collagenase and tyrosinase by 26.8 ± 0.099% and 59.5 ± 0.025%, respectively, while the aqueous extract showed higher activity with 52.1 ± 0.09% and 70.5 ± 0.012% inhibition. Compared to positive controls (epigallocatechin gallate: 88.09% collagenase inhibition; kojic acid: 98.13% tyrosinase inhibition), the extracts demonstrated moderate but significant activities. Antioxidant evaluations using DPPH and ABTS assays indicated IC₅₀ values of 0.0962 ± 0.0299 and 0.241 ± 0.052 mg/mL for the ethanol extract, and 0.0522 ± 0.0254 and 0.1974 ± 0.0156 mg/mL for the aqueous extract, respectively. Although less potent than standard antioxidants (BHT: 0.0148 ± 0.001 mg/mL; Trolox: 0.0153 ± 0.001 mg/mL), both extracts displayed notable radical scavenging effects, with the aqueous extract consistently outperforming the ethanol extract. These findings highlight that D. stramonium seed extracts possess dual bioactivity by inhibiting collagenase and tyrosinase while exerting antioxidant effects, suggesting their potential in preventing collagen degradation, hyperpigmentation, and oxidative damage. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on enzyme inhibitory activities of D. stramonium seed extracts, providing novel evidence for their potential utilization in pharmaceutical and dermocosmetic formulations.
Copyright (c) 2025 Eda SÖNMEZ GÜRER, Fatma Betül SÜREN, Rengin BAYDAR, Ayşe Esra KARADAĞ, Yavuz Bülent KÖSE, Ayhan ALTINTAŞ (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Antihypertensive Drugs’ Prescribing Pattern in Hypertensive Patients and Adherence with JNC Guidelines
This study aims to investigate the prescribing patterns of antihypertensive drugs among hypertensive patients across different cities and age groups in Pakistan. Hypertension is considered to be a major public health issue, requiring effective management to prevent severe complications like cardiovascular disease and stroke (16). The study attempts to reveals that healthcare providers in Pakistan generally adhere to the established guidelines, such as the JNC 8 recommendations (12), with a particular preference for calcium channel blockers (CCBs) as the initial choice of treatment. This adherence aligns well with the guidelines, which recommend CCBs for certain populations, specifically those at high cardiovascular disease risk. However, the study also uncovers a significant underutilization of thiazide diuretics, despite their strong recommendation as a first-line therapy for hypertension. Thiazide diuretics are well-known for their efficacy, affordability, and endorsement by major guidelines; still they are not being prescribed as frequently as expected. This divergence suggests that there may be some underlying factors influencing prescriber decisions, such as local clinical practices, patient preferences, or concerns about side effects. The findings reveal the need for further investigation into these factors to better understand the reasons behind this underutilization. The research emphasizes the importance of developing personalized treatment plans that not only adhere to the latest evidence-based guidelines but also consider individual patient characteristics and local practices. By addressing these discrepancies in prescribing patterns, healthcare providers can optimize hypertension management, leading to better patient outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Musfera Hashmi, Tahira Mumtaz (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The Influence of Exercise on Endometriosis Symptoms. Exploring Experiences and Practices among Colombo-Based Members of the Endometriosis Support Group in Sri Lanka
Endometriosis is a chronic and often devastating condition that affects a significant number of women global, triggering symptoms such as heavy menstruation, pelvic pain, and infertility. Even with its recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the designation of March 28 as Endometriosis Awareness Day, there remains no definitive cure or specific medication for the condition. The lack of effective treatment and the severe physical and emotional toll of endometriosis can significantly affect women’s quality of life. Even globally famous Public figures has committed suicide due to unbearable pain and emotions with endometriosis. This study aims to discover the experiences and applies of women with endometriosis in Colombo, Sri Lanka, specifically focusing on the role of general exercise as an empowering tool for handling symptoms and revised overall stranded of living. The study will focus on 70 women who are members of the Endometriosis Support Community Group in Colombo, aged 18 and above. A sample size determination table, a sample size of 59 women will be selected for the research. The main purposes of this study are to examine the effect of general exercise on both physical and mental health, identify the types of exercises trained, and explore how exercise can subsidize to symptom relief. A quantitative approach will be used, with data collected through structured interviews, which will be analyzed using thematic analysis. It is anticipated that the study will reveal that exercise plays a significant role in alleviating physical symptoms, reducing stress, and improving the sense of control over the disorder. The research expected to provide valuable understandings into how exercise can support to women with endometriosis in Sri Lanka, possibly leading to better health outcomes and enhanced stranded of living. This analysis suggests that increased exercise (as an intervention or pain management) is positively associated with symptom reduction. The model showed moderate ability to predict symptoms based on exercise, 46.8%*symptoms (R² = 0.468). The coefficient for exercise is 0.614, suggesting that for every 1-unit increase in exercise, symptom reduction increases by 0.614 units, indicating a positive relationship between the two. As exercise accounts for nearly 47% of the variance in symptoms, combining targeted exercise programs or interventions may improve health outcomes. Additionally, further research may help identify whether increased exercise may lead to better symptom management across different populations in Sri Lanka.
Copyright (c) 2025 D.G U. Gethmini (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nutritional profile and Health Benefits of Super Food Ragi (Finger millet): A powerhouse of Calcium
Ragi or Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an annually cultivated crop vastly found in the regions of Asia and Africa such as in Ethiopia, India and Srilanka. It ranks as the fourth most produced millet globally. It is densely packed with many nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and amino acids. It is rich in minerals like phosphorous, calcium and magnesium. Its rich calcium content makes it a powerhouse of Calcium. Ragi can be called as a superfood that conifers valuable health benefits such as enhancing digestion, reducing the risk of heart disease, slowing down aging, regulating diabetes etc. This study highlights the nutritional profile and health benefits of Ragi. Several factors that affect the bioavailability of calcium in ragi have also been discussed. The methods of its consumption and ways to improve the calcium absorbance from Ragi consumption has also been given. Thus, this study affirms that Ragi is a highly recommended crop to provide adequate calcium, especially for low-income groups.
Copyright (c) 2025 Dr. Hajera Sana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integrating Nutrition and Mental Health: Mechanistic Pathways, Clinical Evidence, and Public Health Policy Implications
Mounting evidence reveals a critical intersection of mental health and nutrition, with dietary consumption and nutrient availability influencing cognitive function, mood, and risk for psychiatric illness. This review takes the field a step further by integrating mechanistic pathways, clinical trial data, and public health policy implications into a single framework that differs from earlier reviews. Mechanistically, nutrition affects neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter synthesis, and the gut–brain axis. Key nutrients—omega-3 fatty acids, B-vitamins, minerals, and polyphenols—sustain neuronal integrity and modulate stress, whereas diets high in processed foods and added sugars make the individual more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Clinical trials offer proof that dietary quality interventions, specifically Mediterranean-style or nutrient-dense diets, improve mental health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations. Importantly, nutrition-based interventions can complement psychiatric treatments and enhance prevention. Policy-level integration, including mental health-specific dietary guidelines and regionally relevant implementation protocols, has the potential to substantially reduce the global disease burden. Research priorities are posited in the form of longitudinal studies, mechanistic trials, and precision nutrition. By establishing nutrition as a preventable risk factor for mental health, this review insists on its inclusion in evidence-based clinical practice and public health policy worldwide.
Copyright (c) 2025 Salwa AL Majali, Mahsa Ebadi, Zeliha Selamoglu, Abdol Ghaffar Ebadi (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Personalized Nutrition in the Genomics and Digital Age: Current Issues, Future Directions, and Evidence
Personalized nutrition represents a paradigm shift from standard one-size-fits-all dietetic advice to individually tailored intervention based on an individual's genetic profile, metabolic health, lifestyle, and environment. Advances in nutrigenomics and metabolomics have highlighted the role of genetic difference and molecular mechanisms in nutrient metabolism, food response, and disease risk for chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. At the same time, digital health technologies like mobile health applications, wearables, artificial intelligence–driven analytics, and continuous glucose monitoring are enabling real-time data capture and individualized feedback, thereby maximizing compliance and clinical impact of nutrition interventions. This review synthesizes evidence for the convergence of genomics and digital health into personalized nutrition, critically evaluating their common potential for better disease prevention and management. Emerging evidence shows that they can optimize dietary impacts, promote metabolic well-being, and facilitate precision-based preventive therapy but remain problems with respect to interpreting data, validating biomarkers, ethical considerations, access, and cost-effectiveness. By taking into account the current breakthroughs, challenges, and opportunities, this paper advocates for inter-disciplinary action among geneticists, clinicians, nutritionists, and digital health experts, and robust policy regulation to offer secure and equitable embracing of precision nutrition strategies. Future research involves further refining big data integration, optimizing predictive modeling, and translating results to scalable interventions that can be applied in both clinical and public health contexts around the globe, setting personalized nutrition as the basis for next-generation healthcare.
Aynısafa Bitkisi (Calendula officinalis L.) Fitobileşenlerinin Siklooksijenaz-2 Enzimi Üzerine Etkisinin İn Siliko İncelenmesi
Nonsteroidal antiiflamatuvar ilaçlar (NSAİİ), analjezik, antipiretik ve antiinflamatuvar etkiye sahip olup, siklooksijenaz – 2 (COX-2) enzim inhibisyonu yoluyla bu etkileri gösterdikleri belirlenmiştir. Birçok klinik çalışma sonucunda NSAİİ’lerin gastrointestinal ve kardiyovasküler yan etkiler oluşturduğu bulunmuştur. Aynısafa bitksi (Calendula officinalis L.) Asteraceae familyasından bir bitkidir. Bu bitkinin halk tıbbında oldukça sık kullanıldığı ve antitümör, antioksidan, antifungal, antiviral, antiinflamatuvar, antibakteriyel aktiviteler gösterdiği bilinmektedir. Mevcut literatürde Calendula bitkisine ait içerik raporları incelenmiştir (https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/). Bu çalışma kapsamında moleküler docking çalışması için bitkinin 1,4-Phthalazinedione; Metanephrine bis (trimethylsilyl) ether; Alpha-Cubebene; Beta-Copaene; Nitro-2H-chromene; Beta-Guaiene; Gamma-Muurolene; Isofucosterol, 5-Phytyltoluquınone gibi etken moleküller seçilmiştir. Protein Data Bank (PDB)’den çekilen COX-2 enziminin yapısı moleküler kenetleme (moleküler docking) analizleri ile değerlendirilmiş ve fitokimyasallar ile hedef proteinlerin etkileşimleri belirlenmiştir. Validasyon işlemi için redocking yapılmıştır. PDB (Protein Data Bank) da COX-2 enzimini en iyi temsil edecek şekilde 5KIR yapısı seçilmiştir. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) possess analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects, which have been shown to occur through inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. However, numerous clinical studies have reported that NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal and cardiovascular side effects. Marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) is a plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is widely used in traditional medicine and is known to exhibit antitumor, antioxidant, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities. In the current study, reports on the phytochemical content of Calendula were reviewed (https://phytochem.nal.usda.gov/). For molecular docking analyses, bioactive compounds of the plant, including 1,4-Phthalazinedione; Metanephrine bis(trimethylsilyl) ether; Alpha-Cubebene; Beta-Copaene; Nitro-2H-chromene; Beta-Guaiene; Gamma-Muurolene; Isofucosterol; and 5-Phytyltoluquinone, were selected. The COX-2 enzyme structure obtained from the Protein Data Bank (PDB) was evaluated using molecular docking analyses to determine the interactions between these phytochemicals and the target protein. Redocking was performed for validation purposes, and the PDB structure 5KIR was selected as the most representative structure of the COX-2 enzyme.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sevgi DURNA DAŞTAN, Şeyda KAYA, Sultan ERKAN, Taner DAŞTAN (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Evaluating Clinical Outcomes in Pregnant Women with Severe Mental Illness: A Retrospective Audit at University Hospitals Birmingham
Background: Severe mental illness (SMI) is a leading preventable cause of maternal death in the postpartum period with suicide and psychiatric illness contributing to over one third of deaths between 6 weeks and one year postpartum. The interplay of SMI and pregnancy confers complex clinical demands and a high-risk profile, necessitating early detection and risk stratification and a multi-disciplinary management approach. Objective: This aims to assess the clinical profile, therapeutic approaches and maternal/fetal outcomes of pregnant women with SMI clinically managed at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) from July 2021 to July 2024, to informance development of care pathways and strategies to improve the uptake of treatment. Methods: A retrospective review was performed using the electronic maternity record system BadgerNet. All pregnant women with SMI who were booked with UHB during the audit timeframe were included. Data collected included demographics, medication status, gestation or referral age to perinatal mental health (PNMH) services, the use of antipsychotics, obstetric monitoring and postnatal outcomes. Qualitative analyses were based on descriptive statistics of the clinical patterns and service gaps. Results: In a cohort of 1,060 pregnant women with a diagnosis of mental illness, 106 (10%) had evidence of SMI. 71 (67%) were receiving antipsychotics prior to pregnancy, whereas 35 (33%) were either medication-naive or data were unavailable. The audit found discrepancies in monitoring rules: ▪ GTT was performed in 100% of the patients on anti-psychotics. ▪ Growth scans were inconsistently performed. ▪ There was suboptimal Lithium and Lamotrigine monitoring: No patient on Lamotrigine had therapeutic levels monitored (0/4). ▪ There were no patients on Sodium Valproate or Lithium at the time of the audit. ▪ FMU referrals and psychiatric evaluations were infrequently noted. Conclusion: Pregnant woman with SMI needs close cross disciplinary care, particularly because of the elevated risks of preterm birth, low birth weight and postnatal relapse. The audit highlights the need for preconception counselling, safe pharmacotherapy, antenatal surveillance and comprehensive postnatal planning. Better compliance to the protocol together with earlier introduction of psychiatric care may result in better maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Copyright (c) 2025 Asia Khan (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Karnıyarık otunun (Plantago ovata Forsk) Gıda Sektöründe Kullanım Alanları
Karnıyarık otu (Plantago ovata Forsk), dünyanın tropikal bölgelerinde yaygın olarak yetiştirilen, fonksiyonel özellikleriyle öne çıkan tek yıllık bir bitkidir. Ana vatanı, Orta Asya olarak bilinen Karnıyarık otu Hindistan, Pakistan, İran ve Avrupa'da yaygın olarak yetiştirilmektedir. Psyllium cinsinin 200 türü, 56 alt türü bilinmekte olup, Hindistan’da 10, Mısır ve Türkiye’de 21 türü bulunmaktadır. Tohumlarının at kulağına benzetimesi nedeni Hindistan’da isabgol ve ülkemizde tohumun orta kısmındaki karık nedeni ile karnıyarık otu olarak isimlendirilmektedir. Plantoga ovata'nın tohum kabuğu içerdiği çözünür ve çözünmez lifler nedeni ile çeşitli gastrointestinal bozukluklar için terapötik etkinliğini göstermektedir. Ayrıca, Plantago ovata Forsk. antioksidan, immünomodülatör, antiproliferatif, antikanser ve antiviral etkilere sahip olması nedeni ile gıda, tıp ve endüstriyel kullanım alanları da olan bir bitkidir. Bu çalışmada karnıyarık otunun gıda sektöründeki kullanım alanları hakkında bilgiler paylaşılması amaçlanmıştır. Psyllium (Plantago ovata Forsk) is an annual plant widely cultivated in tropical regions of the world and is notable for its functional properties. Native to Central Asia, psyllium is commonly grown in India, Pakistan, Iran, and Europe. The genus Psyllium includes 200 species and 56 subspecies, with 10 species in India and 21 species in Egypt and Turkey. The seeds are referred to as “isabgol” in India due to their resemblance to a donkey’s ear, and in Turkey, they are called “karnıyarık otu” because of the groove in the middle of the seed. The seed husk of Plantago ovata exhibits therapeutic effects for various gastrointestinal disorders due to its soluble and insoluble fiber content. In addition, Plantago ovata Forsk. possesses antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, anticancer, and antiviral properties, making it valuable for applications in food, medicine, and industry. This study aims to provide information on the applications of psyllium in the food sector.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ümmügülsüm ERDOĞAN, Ceyhun TAŞ (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Beslenme ve Sağlık Ekseninde Doğal Ürünler- “Arı Ürünleri”
Doğal ürünler eskiden beri birçok ülkede tıbbi amaçla özellikle insan hastalıklarının önlenmesinde ve tedavisinde kullanılmaktadır. Son yıllarda doğal antioksidanların insan sağlığı bakımından önemini ortaya koyan çalışmalar yapılmaktadır. Bu amaçla araştırmalar en yararlı bitkileri ve doğal ürünlerin özütlerini tespit etmeye, insan ve çevre sağlığı üzerindeki önemini belirlemeye yoğunlaşmıştır. Dünyanın karşı karşıya kaldığı en önemli problemlerden biri de insanlara yeterli miktarda güvenilir gıda sağlayamamaktır. Günümüzde özellikle gelişmiş ülkelerde toplum bilincinin insan ve çevre sağlığına yoğunlaşması ve doğal ürün kullanımına yönelmesi güvenli gıda üretimini ve sentetik ajanlara alternatif olarak doğal antioksidanların kullanımını önemli kılmıştır. Aynı zamanda tarih boyunca toplumların ekonomik özgürlüğünün bir simgesi olan arıcılık; uygun coğrafi konum, uygun iklim şartları ve zengin bitki örtüsüne sahip ülkelerin sosyo-ekonomik yaşamının vazgeçilmez bir unsuru olmuştur. Bu çalışmada özellikle doğal ürünler arasında hem besin maddesi hem de sağlıklı bir ürün olarak sıkça kullanılan arı ürünleri ve biyolojik potansiyelleri hakkında bilgilere yer verilmiştir. Natural products have long been used in many countries for medicinal purposes, particularly in the prevention and treatment of human diseases. In recent years, studies have highlighted the importance of natural antioxidants for human health. Research in this area has focused on identifying the most beneficial plants and extracts of natural products, as well as determining their significance for human and environmental health. One of the major challenges facing the world today is providing people with sufficient quantities of safe and reliable food. In contemporary societies, particularly in developed countries, increased public awareness of human and environmental health and a shift toward natural products have made the production of safe food and the use of natural antioxidants as alternatives to synthetic agents increasingly important. Additionally, beekeeping, historically a symbol of the economic independence of societies, has been an indispensable component of the socio-economic life of countries with suitable geographic locations, favorable climate conditions, and rich vegetation. This study provides information on bee products—among natural products, frequently used both as nutritious food and as health-promoting products—and their biological potentials.
Copyright (c) 2025 Zeliha Selamoğlu, Elifsena Canan Alp Arıcı (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Development of Instant Keto Soup Powder by Incorporating Cauliflower for Weight Loss
Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable and a significant source of nutrients. Along with disease fighting properties, it has several weight loss friendly qualities. Being a superfood, its low caloric and high fiber content makes it worthy of the title. The aim of this study was to develop an instant keto soup powder incorporated with cauliflower in order to reduce the body weight. The proximate analysis evaluated the Moisture, Fat, Total carbohydrates, Crude protein, Energy, fiber content of the soup powder, likewise, TPC, TFC and DPPH tests analyzed the antioxidants activity of the finalized product. Various compositions T0, T1, T2 and T3 were formulated. The instant powder was obtained after dehydrating cauliflower and combining other essential ingredients that was reconstituted afterwards by boiling water for soup mix preparation. The results indicated that T3 was the most suitable composition. The findings suggested that 40% cauliflower powder is the best composition for instant soup mix.
Copyright (c) 2025 Shanza Mukhtar, Noor Fatima, Areeba Nazir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0