Identification of plasma miR-4505, miR-4743-5p and miR-4750-3p as novel diagnostic biomarkers for coronary artery disease in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are commonly coexisting clinical entities with still growing incidence worldwide. Recently, circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as novel molecular players in cardiometabolic diseases. This study aimed to identify a specific miRNA signature as a candidate biomarker for CAD in T2DM and to delineate potential miRNA-dependent mechanisms contributing to diabetic atherosclerosis. METHODS: A total of 38 plasma samples from T2DM patients with and without CAD, CAD patients and healthy controls were collected for expression profiling of 2,578 miRNAs using microarrays. To investigate the regulatory role of differentially expressed (DE)-miRNA target genes, functional annotation and pathway enrichment analyses were performed utilizing multiple bioinformatics tools. Then, protein-protein interaction networks were established leveraging the STRING database in Cytoscape software, followed by cluster analysis and hub gene identification. Reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was carried out for microarray data validation in the larger replication cohort of 94 participants. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic values of miRNAs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to develop miRNA-based diagnostic models. RESULTS: In the discovery stage, overexpression of hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p, hsa-miR-6846-5p, and down-regulation of hsa-miR-3613-3p, hsa-miR-4668-5p, hsa-miR-4706, hsa-miR-6511b-5p, hsa-miR-6750-5p, hsa-miR-4750-3p, hsa-miR-320e, hsa-miR-4717-3p, hsa-miR-7850-5p were detected in T2DM-CAD patients. The DE-miRNA target genes were significantly enriched in calcium ion binding, regulation of actin cytoskeleton, and gene expression. hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p, and hsa-miR-4750-3p were found to be involved in fatty acid metabolism, leukocyte transendothelial migration, and neurotrophin signaling pathway. Dysregulation of hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p, and hsa-miR-4750-3p in T2DM-CAD patients compared with T2DM subjects and controls (all p < 0.001) was further confirmed by RT-qPCR. All validated miRNAs demonstrated good discriminatory values for T2DM-CAD (AUC = 0.833-0.876). The best performance in detecting CAD in T2DM was achieved for a combination of three miRNAs (AUC = 0.959, 100% sensitivity, 86.67% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed a unique profile of plasma-derived miRNAs in T2DM patients with CAD. Potential miRNA-regulated pathways were also identified, exploring the underlying pathogenesis of CAD in T2DM. We developed a specific three-miRNA panel of hsa-miR-4505, hsa-miR-4743-5p and hsa-miR-4750-3p, that could serve as a novel non-invasive biomarker for CAD in patients with T2DM.

In Vitro Evaluation of Bioavailability of Cr from Daily Food Rations and Dietary Supplements from the Polish Market.

Only some of the nutrients consumed with food are able to be absorbed from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and enter the systemic circulation (blood). Because some elements are essential minerals for humans, their beneficial effect on the body depends significantly on their bioavailable amount (the fraction that can be absorbed and used by the organism). The term bioavailability, which is very often used to describe the part of nutrients that is able to be absorbed, is influenced by various factors of exogenous and endogenous origin. The main purpose of the study was to assess the relative bioavailability of Cr from selected dietary supplements in the presence of various types of diets, which significantly influence the level of bioavailability. The research was performed using a previously developed and optimized two-stage in vitro digestion model using cellulose dialysis tubes of food rations with the addition of pharmaceutical products. Cr was determined using the ICP-OES and GF-AAS methods, depending on its concentration in particular fractions. The determined relative bioavailability ranged between 2.97 and 3.70%. The results of the study revealed that the type of diet, the chemical form of the molecule, and the pharmaceutical form of preparations have a significant influence on the bioavailability of Cr.

Influence of Thermal Treatment on the Composition of Alpinia officinarum Rhizome.

Alpinia officinarum is a representative of the Zingiberaceae family, which is known for its wide use in the food and pharmaceutical industries also due to its precious pharmacological potential. The major aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of thermal treatment on the composition of the rhizome of Alpinia officinarum and its antioxidant activity. The fresh rhizome was subjected to various thermal treatment processes-boiling, frying and microwave heating during various time intervals-and their composition and antioxidant activity were determined using chromatographic (HPLC - High Performance Liquid Chromatography and HPLC-MS - High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry) and spectrophotometric (DPPH and TPC - Total Phenolic Content) methods. Pinobanksin was the main compound found in the extract of the fresh rhizome (537.79 mg/kg), followed by galangin (197.7 mg/kg) and zingerone (185.5 mg/kg). The effect of thermal treatment on the rhizome composition was varied. In general, thermal processing significantly decreased the content of active compounds in the rhizome. However, there were some exceptions-boiling for 4 min significantly increased the content of pinobanksin (1162.4 mg/kg) and galangin (280.7 mg/kg), and microwave processing for 4 min increased the content of pinocembrin (213 mg/kg). It was found that boiling and microwave treatment significantly increased the antioxidant activity of the processed rhizomes.

Pulp or Peel? Comparative Analysis of the Phytochemical Content and Selected Cosmetic-Related Properties of Annona cherimola L., Diospyros kaki Thumb., Cydonia oblonga Mill. and Fortunella margarita Swingle Pulp and Peel Extracts.

Fruit peels might be a valuable source of active ingredients for cosmetics, leading to more sustainable usage of plant by-products. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical content and selected biological properties of hydroglycolic extracts from peels and pulps of Annona cherimola, Diospyros kaki, Cydonia oblonga, and Fortunella margarita as potential cosmetic ingredients. Peel and pulp extracts were compared for their antiradical activity (using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging assays), skin-lightening potential (tyrosinase inhibitory assay), sun protection factor (SPF), and cytotoxicity toward human fibroblast, keratinocyte, and melanoma cell lines. The total content of polyphenols and/or flavonoids was significantly higher in peel than in pulp extracts, and the composition of particular active compounds was also markedly different. The HPLC-MS fingerprinting revealed the presence of catechin, epicatechin and rutoside in the peel of D. kaki, whereas kaempferol glucoside and procyanidin A were present only in the pulp. In A. cherimola, catechin, epicatechin and rutoside were identified only in the peel of the fruit, whereas procyanidins were traced only in the pulp extracts. Quercetin and luteolinidin were found to be characteristic compounds of F. margarita peel extract. Naringenin and hesperidin were found only in the pulp of F. margarita. The most significant compositional variety between the peel and pulp extracts was observed for C. oblonga: Peel extracts contained a higher number of active components (e.g., vicenin-2, kaempferol rutinoside, or kaempferol galactoside) than pulp extract. The radical scavenging potential of peel extracts was higher than of the pulp extracts. D. kaki and F. margarita peel and pulp extracts inhibited mushroom and murine tyrosinases at comparable levels. The C. oblonga pulp extract was a more potent mushroom tyrosinase inhibitor than the peel extract. Peel extract of A. cherimola inhibited mushroom tyrosinase but activated the murine enzyme. F. margarita pulp and peel extracts showed the highest in vitro SPF. A. cherimola, D. kaki, and F. margarita extracts were not cytotoxic for fibroblasts and keratinocytes up to a concentration of 2% (v/v) and the peel extracts were cytotoxic for A375 melanoma cells. To summarize, peel extracts from all analyzed fruit showed comparable or better cosmetic-related properties than pulp extracts and might be considered multifunctional active ingredients of skin lightening, anti-aging, and protective cosmetics.

Influence of Diet on the Bioavailability of Active Components from Zingiber officinale Using an In Vitro Digestion Model.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a plant known all over the world that is used as a spice and as an ingredient in drinks, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. The growing availability of its fresh rhizomes makes it even more likely to be used in the diet, mainly due to its beneficial health properties and high content of polyphenols (gingerols and shogaols). The main goal and motivation of the authors was to assess the bioavailability of active substances contained in the extract from ginger rhizomes in the presence of various types of diets using the in vitro digestion method, enabling simulation of the processes occurring during the digestion and absorption of metabolites in the small intestine. For the qualitative and quantitative analyses, the HPLC-MS (High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) and HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) techniques were used, respectively. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the best bioavailability of the selected ginger polyphenols (6-gingerol, 8-gingerdione, 8-shogaol, and 10-gingerdione) was estimated for a high-fiber diet, while the weakest results were obtained for standard and basic diets. In the case of the high-fiber diet, the bioavailability of the mentioned compounds was estimated as 33.3, 21.4, 6.73, and 21.0%, while for the basic diet, it was only 21.3, 5.3, 2.0, and 1.0%, respectively.

Impact of Thermal Processing on the Composition of Curcuma longa Rhizome.

Curcuma longa L. (Zingiberaceae), known as turmeric, is a perennial tuberous plant from the genus Curcuma, which includes about 100 plant species. The chemical composition of the turmeric rhizome is very diverse. Diarylheptanoid derivatives, also known as curcuminoids (of which curcumin, demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin are the most important representatives), are the major active constituents of the plant rhizome. Many extracts used in the food and pharmaceutical industries are produced from thermally processed rhizome, when there are significant changes in the composition of the main compounds. Therefore, the aim of the study was to compare how the type of thermal treatment affects the content of curcuminoids and the antioxidant properties of the rhizome. The plant material was subjected to three different methods of thermal processing-microwave heating, boiling and frying in different time intervals. The chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the processed rhizome was evaluated using LC-MS (liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry), HPLC (high-performance liquid chromatography) and spectrophotometric methods (a DPPH test and TPC assay). Obtained results revealed that curcumin was the major curcuminoid present in all samples (113.92 mg/g of the fresh rhizome). Significant correlation between the type and time of the thermal processing and the composition of turmeric samples was revealed. A traditional boiling process lasting for 10 min was the most beneficial process in terms of the curcuminoid content (204 mg/g of curcumin) and antioxidant activity of the samples.

Safety climate perceived by pre-hospital emergency care personnel-an international cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Improving patient safety is one of the most critical components of modern healthcare. Emergency medical services (EMS) are, by nature, a challenging environment for ensuring patient safety. It is fast-paced, physically dangerous, and highly stressful, requiring rapid decision-making and action. This can create risks not only for patients but also for employees. We assessed variations in perceptions of safety culture in prehospital emergency care among an international sample of paramedics and nurses. Methods: The Emergency Medical Services Safety Attitudes Questionnaire (EMS-SAQ) was used for the study. The instrument measures six domains of safety culture in the workplace: teamwork climate, job satisfaction, safety climate, working conditions, stress recognition, and perceptions of management. A total of 1,128 EMS from 9 countries participated in this study. Results: Safety Climate was 81.32/100 (SD 6.90), Teamwork Climate 84.14/100 (SD 8.74), Perceptions of Management 76.30/100 (SD 10.54), Stress Recognition 89.86/100 (SD 5.70), Working Conditions 81.07/100 (SD 9.75), and Job Satisfaction 70.71/100 (SD 7.21). There was significant variation in safety culture scores across countries for teamwork climate (TWC), working conditions (WC), and job satisfaction (JS). Among the individual variables (age, gender, level of education, and work experience), variations in safety culture scores were unaffected by age, gender, or work experience. Organizational characteristics: employment status and position type were linked to significant variations in safety culture domain scores. Conclusion: Participants' perceptions of the patient safety climate were not particularly satisfactory, confirming that there is still a need to develop a culture of patient safety in prehospital emergency care.

Twenty Novel MicroRNAs in the Aqueous Humor of Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma Patients.

The microRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs (19-25 nt) that regulate the level of gene expression at the post-transcriptional stage. Altered miRNAs expression can lead to the development of various diseases, e.g., pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG). In this study, we assessed the levels of miRNA expression in the aqueous humor of PEXG patients using the expression microarray method. Twenty new miRNA molecules have been selected as having the potential to be associated with the development or progression of PEXG. Ten miRNAs were downregulated in PEXG (hsa-miR-95-5p, hsa-miR-515-3p, hsa-mir-802, hsa-miR-1205, hsa-miR-3660, hsa-mir-3683, hsa -mir-3936, hsa-miR-4774-5p, hsa-miR-6509-3p, hsa-miR-7843-3p) and ten miRNAs were upregulated in PEXG (hsa-miR-202 -3p, hsa-miR-3622a-3p, hsa-mir-4329, hsa-miR-4524a-3p, hsa-miR-4655-5p, hsa-mir-6071, hsa-mir-6723-5p, hsa-miR-6847-5p, hsa-miR-8074, and hsa-miR-8083). Functional analysis and enrichment analysis showed that the mechanisms that can be regulated by these miRNAs are: extracellular matrix (ECM) imbalance, cell apoptosis (possibly retinal ganglion cells (RGCs)), autophagy, and elevated calcium cation levels. Nevertheless, the exact molecular basis of PEXG is unknown and further research is required on this topic.

In Vitro Evaluation of Bioavailability of Se from Daily Food Rations and Dietary Supplements.

Bioavailability refers to a fraction of a substance that is potentially absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and enters the systemic circulation (blood). This term is related to various substances, including minerals, that are present in a complex matrix of food which is consumed every day as natural products and pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., dietary supplements. The purpose of the study was to assess the bioavailability of Se from selected dietary supplements, with the simultaneous assessment of the effect the diet type (standard, basic and high-residue diets) has on relative bioavailability. The research included a two-stage in vitro model of digestion using cellulose dialysis tubes of the food rations with the addition of dietary supplements. Se was determined using the ICP-OES method. The bioavailability of Se from dietary supplements, in the presence of food matrix, was determined to be within the range of 19.31-66.10%. Sodium selenate was characterized by the highest value of this parameter, followed by organic forms and sodium selenite. The basic diet, characterized by moderate protein and high carbohydrate and fiber contents, positively influenced the bioavailability of Se. The bioavailability of Se was also influenced by the pharmaceutical form of the product-the highest was for tablets, followed by capsules and coated tablets.

Comparison of SOX2 and POU5F1 Gene Expression in Leukapheresis-Derived CD34+ Cells before and during Cell Culture.

Bone marrow is an abundant source of both hematopoietic as well as non-hematopoietic stem cells. Embryonic, fetal and stem cells located in tissues (adipose tissue, skin, myocardium and dental pulp) express core transcription factors, including the SOX2, POU5F1 and NANOG gene responsible for regeneration, proliferation and differentiation into daughter cells. The aim of the study was to examine the expression of SOX2 and POU5F1 genes in CD34-positive peripheral blood stem cells (CD34+ PBSCs) and to analyze the influence of cell culture on the expression of SOX2 and POU5F1 genes. The study material consisted of bone marrow-derived stem cells isolated by using leukapheresis from 40 hematooncology patients. Cells obtained in this process were subject to cytometric analysis to determine the content of CD34+ cells. CD34-positive cell separation was conducted using MACS separation. Cell cultures were set, and RNA was isolated. Real-time PCR was conducted in order to evaluate the expression of SOX2 and POU5F1 genes and the obtained data were subject to statistical analysis. We identified the expression of SOX2 and POU5F1 genes in the examined cells and demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05) change in their expression in cell cultures. Short-term cell cultures (<6 days) were associated with an increase in the expression of SOX2 and POU5F1 genes. Thus, short-term cultivation of transplanted stem cells could be used to induce pluripotency, leading to better therapeutic effects.

Assessment of Cucurbita spp. Peel Extracts as Potential Sources of Active Substances for Skin Care and Dermatology.

By-products of cultivated plants are one of the major environmental concerns worldwide. Due to the high concentration of bioactive chemicals, such waste may be considered hazardous due to the interference with the plant growth, deterioration of the drinking water quality or toxic effects on sensitive marine organisms. Moreover, plant-derived by-products, with proper handling, may represent a low-cost source of bioactive compounds potentially important for pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. The aim of the study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, the influence of tyrosinase activity, in vitro sun protecting factor and cytotoxicity of 15 extracts from peels of five cultivars of Cucurbita maxima and C. moschata. The extracts were prepared using "green solvents" (water, 50% propylene glycol, and 20% ethanol) and ultrasound-assisted extraction. The performed analysis showed that the peel extracts from various cultivars differ significantly in respect to the phytochemical content and activity. The type of solvent also had a significant impact on the extract's composition and bioactivity. Aqueous peel extracts contained the highest amounts of flavonoids, showed the greatest antioxidant potential and the most significant in vitro SPF values. In vitro studies showed that the analyzed peel extracts are not cytotoxic for human keratinocytes up to the concentration of 1000 µg/mL and thus might be considered as non-irritant for the skin. The study confirms the potential application of peel extracts from Cucurbita spp. cultivars in cosmetic products.

Small Nucleolar RNAs in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are small non-coding regulatory RNAs that have been investigated extensively in recent years. However, the relationship between snoRNA and glaucoma is still unknown. This study aims to analyze the levels of snoRNA expression in the aqueous humor (AH) of patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) compared to a control group and identify hypothetical snoRNA-dependent mechanisms contributing to PEXG. The AH was obtained from eighteen Caucasian patients, comprising nine PEXG and nine age-matched control patients. RNA was isolated, and a microarray system was used to determine the snoRNA expression profiles. Functional and enrichment analyses were performed. We identified seven snoRNAs, SNORD73B, SNORD58A, SNORD56, SNORA77, SNORA72, SNORA64, and SNORA32, in the AH of the PEXG and control group patients. Five snoRNAs showed statistically significantly lower expression in the PEXG group, and two snoRNAs had statistically significantly higher expression in the PEXG group compared to the control group. In addition, we identified two factors-CACNB3 for SNORA64 and TMEM63C for SNORA32, similar to PEX-related genes (CACNA1A and TMEM136). The enrichment analysis for four genes targeted by snoRNAs revealed possible mechanisms associated with glaucoma and/or PEX, but the direct role of snoRNAs in these biological processes was not proven.

Sleep Disturbances and Health Consequences Induced by the Specificity of Nurses' Work.

INTRODUCTION: Nursing staff working in a shift or night system are exposed to sleep disorders, which has a direct impact on the emergence of dangerous health consequences for them. Melatonin secretion is abnormal at night and the circadian rhythm is disturbed. The aim of the study was to assess the occurrence of sleep disorders and their consequences for the body in a group of representative nursing staff working in a shift and night system. PARTICIPANTS: The study was conducted among 126 nurses who are generally healthy, employed in health care facilities in the Malopolskie voivodship. METHODS: The Athens Insomnia Scale consisting of 8 test items was used to obtain research material: falling asleep, waking up at night, waking up in the morning, total sleep time, sleep quality, well-being the next day, mental and physical fitness the next day, and sleepiness during the next day. As well as an original questionnaire. RESULTS: The research showed significant negative consequences of shift work on the health of health-care workers. The subjects noticed symptoms related to the nervous system, such as increased nervous tension 53%, lack of patience in 62% of all respondents. As many as 85% pointed to the negative impact of shift work on their family life, 82% of all respondents on social life and 56% of all respondents on sex life. The other variables were not confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of insomnia are common among night-work nurses.

Dietary Intake of Toxic Heavy Metals with Major Groups of Food Products-Results of Analytical Determinations.

Food contains a complex matrix of various substances, including essential nutrients, non-nutritive substances, and toxins, including metals. The main purpose of the study was to evaluate the contribution of major groups of food products to an overall intake of toxic heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, and Ni) using a combination of the 24-dietary recall technique, the ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry) method, and chemometric tools. The obtained results reveal that there is a high potential risk of developing nephrotoxicity through the dietary intake of Pb in the case of both genders. The dietary intake determined for other elements (Cd, Hg, and Ni) was far below the limits established by European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) supported analytical determinations and revealed that cereals and vegetables were major contributors to a total intake of Cd (39.6 and 17.4% of the total exposure, respectively), Ni (40.4 and 19.3%), and Hg (16.8 and 19.6%), while water and beverages were major dietary sources of Pb (31% of the total daily intake). In contrast, eggs, fats and oils, and milk and dairy products provided the smallest amounts of Cd, Pb, and Ni. Despite containing high amounts of Hg, considering very low consumption, fish were not found to be an important source of this element.

Advances in Management of Bladder Cancer-The Role of Photodynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive and modern form of therapy. It is used in the treatment of non-oncological diseases and more and more often in the treatment of various types of neoplasms in various locations including bladder cancer. The PDT method consists of local or systemic application of a photosensitizer, i.e., a photosensitive compound that accumulates in pathological tissue. Light of appropriate wavelength is absorbed by the photosensitizer molecules, which in turn transfers energy to oxygen or initiates radical processes that leads to selective destruction of diseased cells. The technique enables the selective destruction of malignant cells, as the photocytotoxicity reactions induced by the photosensitizer take place strictly within the pathological tissue. PDT is known to be well tolerated in a clinical setting in patients. In cited papers herein no new safety issues were identified. The development of anti-cancer PDT therapies has greatly accelerated over the last decade. There was no evidence of increased or cumulative toxic effects with each PDT treatment. Many modifications have been made to enhance the effects. Clinically, bladder cancer remains one of the deadliest urological diseases of the urinary system. The subject of this review is the anti-cancer use of PDT, its benefits and possible modifications that may lead to more effective treatments for bladder cancer. Bladder cancer, if localized, would seem to be a good candidate for PDT therapy since this does not involve the toxicity of systemic chemotherapy and can spare normal tissues from damage if properly carried out. It is clear that PDT deserves more investment in clinical research, especially for plant-based photosensitizers. Natural PS isolated from plants and other biological sources can be considered a green approach to PDT in cancer therapy. Currently, PDT is widely used in the treatment of skin cancer, but numerous studies show the advantages of related therapeutic strategies that can help eliminate various types of cancer, including bladder cancer. PDT for bladder cancer in which photosensitizer is locally activated and generates cytotoxic reactive oxygen species and causing cell death, is a modern treatment. Moreover, PDT is an innovative technique in oncologic urology.

Analytical Assessment of Bioelements in Various Types of Black Teas from Different Geographical Origins in View of Chemometric Approach.

A comprehensive approach to the mineral composition of black teas of different origins was studied using the Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS) method, supported by chemometric tools including Principal Component Analysis PCA) and Classification and Regression Trees (CART). Significant differences between the teas from seven countries (Japan, Nepal, Kenya, Iran, Sri Lanka, India, and China) were shown. K was the main element determined in all teas, with an average concentration of 11,649 mg/kg, followed by Ca, Mg and Mn. In general, regarding all investigated black teas, the element content was ranked in the following order: K > Ca > Mg > Mn > Fe > Na > Zn > Cu. The applied chemometric methods allowed us to recognize black tea clusters based on their mineral composition and place of cultivation, and allowed us to find correlations between particular elements in black teas. The performed analyses revealed interesting correlations between the concentration of various elements in black teas: K was negatively correlated with Na, Fe, Mn and Cu; K was positively correlated with the content of Ca and Mg. Significant positive correlations between Mn and Fe and Mn and Zn in the studied black tea samples were also revealed. It was shown that mineral composition may be a significant factor regarding the origin of the black tea, not only considering the country, but also the region or province.

Analysis of the Diet Quality and Nutritional State of Children, Youth and Young Adults with an Intellectual Disability: A Multiple Case Study. Preliminary Polish Results.

(1) Background: Considering the limited amount of available data on the diet quality of children, adolescents, and young adults with an intellectual disability (ID) in Poland, as well as the higher incidence of nutritional disorders among people with ID in comparison to the general population, a study was conducted to assess the quality of diet in community-dwelling young individuals with ID. (2) Methods: A multiple-case study was carried out to obtain data on anthropometric parameters and food records over a three-day observation period for 18 subjects with ID. The nutritional value of the products and dishes consumed by the subjects was calculated using the commercial computer program Kcalmar.pro (Hermax, Poland), which contains the Polish database of the nutritional value of food products and dishes. The results presented here are those of a pilot study of a wider research project. (3) Results: The study group consisted of seven women (38.9%) and 11 men (61.1%) with an average age of 12.94 years (range 4.00-22.00) and an average BMI of 25.2 (range 14.5-35.4). The obtained results confirmed the suboptimal pattern of nutrition in children and adolescents with ID. Regarding energy intake and dietary macronutrients, only in 27.8% of cases, energy intake exceeded the Estimated Energy Requirement corresponding to age, sex, body weight, and height. Most of the respondents were characterized by correct intake of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates, and 83.3% showed excessive intake of saturated fatty acids. Excessive intake of vitamins B1, B2, and B6 was observed in all subjects, and that of vitamins B3 (niacin), B12, A, and C in the vast majority of subjects, while deficiency of vitamin D was observed in all individuals and folic acid in 22.2% of individuals. Excessive intake of minerals, such as sodium, phosphorus, and magnesium was noted among most of the respondents, while the intake of calcium and iodine was found to be insufficient. Compared to people with less severe ID (grades 1 and 2), people with grade 3 ID showed significantly lower intake/reference fulfillment of dietary components such as vitamin B6, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper, iodine, magnesium, and zinc. No significant differences were noted in the nutritional reference fulfillment for various nutrients among the groups distinguished by sex, nutritional status, or the cause of ID. (4) Conclusion: Health supervision guidelines proposed for persons with ID should take into account the dietary practices of the families caring for them, with an emphasis on the prevention and correction of irregularities that may reduce the effectiveness of rehabilitation and deteriorate the health of the affected people. Caregivers/parents of each person with ID who took part in the study were given individualized dietary advice aimed at correcting the dietary abnormalities.

Comparative Expression Analysis of Innate Immune Markers and Phagocytic Activity in Peripheral Blood of Dogs with Mammary Tumors.

Canine innate immune system role in cancer prevention and progression remains poorly understood. It has been revealed that innate immune cells could play a dual role in cancer immunology promoting or inhibiting tumor development and growth. Current immunotherapies target mainly the adaptive anti-tumor response and that may be a reason why they remain ineffective in a majority of patients. It is important to acquire detailed knowledge about innate immune mechanisms to broaden the diagnostic and therapeutic options and employ innate immune cells in anti-cancer therapies. In the present study, 21 female dogs of different breeds and types of spontaneous mammary tumors were investigated. The study aimed to find simple and cheap markers that can be used for preliminary diagnosis, prior to the surgical resection of the tumor. The differences in innate immune cell quantity and function were investigated between female dogs with malignant mammary tumors of epithelial and mesenchymal origin. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the percentages of CD5+ lymphocytes including CD5low lymphocytes, CD11b integrin expression on leukocytes, phagocytosis, and oxidative burst. The number of CD11b lymphocytes was increased in tumors with epithelial origin compared to the control group. No significant differences were found between the percentages of phagocytic cells neither for granulocytes nor for monocytes. However, the phagocytes of canine patients with tumors of epithelial origin showed increased phagocytosis compared to the control group. The percentages of granulocytes that produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to E.coli and PMA were not altered in patients with malignant tumors compared to control. A statistically significant difference between the number of ROS produced by the single granulocyte was demonstrated only between the group of bitches with epithelial tumors and the control group in case of E. coli stimulation. The obtained results suggest that some innate immune cells may be involved in anti-tumor immune mechanisms and have the potential to be supportive diagnostic markers in canine mammary tumors.

MicroRNAs in the aqueous humor of patients with different types of glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the frequency and the level of expression of selected miRNAs in the aqueous humor of patients with various types of glaucoma. METHODS: The studied group consisted of 42 patients with glaucoma: 19 with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 14 with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG), 9 with primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG), and the control group of 36 patients with senile cataract without glaucoma. The real-time polymerase chain reaction method was used to analyze the expression of miRNAs. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the frequency and the level of miRNA expression between various types of glaucoma. There was a tendency for hsa-miR-6722-3p and hsa-miR-184 to be expressed more frequently in PEXG and hsa-miR-1260b in POAG. The expression levels of hsa-miR-1260b and hsa-miR-6515-3p were correlated with age in POAG. Target annotation and functional analyses showed that genes targeted by the most frequently expressed miRNAs (hsa-miR-1202, -1260b, -184, -187-5p, -6515-3p, -6722-3p, and hsa-mir-4634) are involved mainly in response to hypoxia, cardiovascular system development, and apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Hsa-miR-1260b was the most abundantly expressed among studied miRNAs and may be a potential biomarker of clinical status in PEXG and PACG.

Contribution of Major Groups of Food Products to the Daily Intake of Selected Elements-Results from Analytical Determinations Supported by Chemometric Analysis.

Food is a major source of minerals for humans. The main objective of this study was to determine the intake level of 10 essential macro- (Na, K, Ca, and Mg) and trace elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, Cr, and Se) with major food groups among young adults. Dietary intake of elements was evaluated using the 24-h dietary recall technique in combination with F-AASand ICP-OES methods. A very high intake of sodium and a very low intake of calcium, combined with inappropriate sodium/potassium ratio, may be harmful to the health of the population. Dietary intake of trace elements was within the range of reference values in the subjects, with cereals being the major source of a majority of those elements, while meat (38% for Na), vegetables (25% for K), and milk products (75% for Ca) were the main contributors to the daily dietary intake of macroelements. PCA revealed several visible trends in the datasetAmong men, the intake of Zn, Cr Na and K was significantly correlated with the consumption of meat and vegetables, whereas Mg, Se, Fe and Cu with cereals and water and beverages. Among women, the intake of Mg was significantly correlated with the consumption of meat and vegetables.