State diagrams of green peas (Pisum sativum L.) powders with different maltodextrin additions.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of maltodextrin addition on the physical stability of powdered green peas. The evaluation of the physical state of the material was based on the equilibrium water content of the monolayer (Xm) and the glass transition temperatures of the powders at room temperature (Tg) and in the frozen state (Tg'). Graphical sorption characteristic at 25°C was determined using static-gravimetric method while capacity of the monolayer values was calculated from the mathematical GAB model. Differential scanning calorimetry was carried out in order to determine glass transition lines and freezing curves which combine together were used to plot state diagrams. Relationship between Tg and solid content were shown by using Gordon-Taylor model. Freezing data were modeled employing the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and its development-Chen model. Sorption isotherms showed sigmoidal shape characteristic for high-molecular weight materials. Monolayer moisture content varied between 0.047 and 0.106 g water/g solids. The glass transition temperature of anhydrous green peas increased in from 89.9 to 175.6°C while Tg' value changed from -43.4 to -26.6°C to as a result of 75% polysaccharide addition. The ultimate maximum-freeze-concentration conditions of the powders were observed in range from 0.783 to 0.814 g solids/g sample. Monolayer capacity, Tg and Tg' values increased with increasing maltodextrin amount in the sample which indicates that the addition of starch hydrolysate has a beneficial effect on the stability of powders stored frozen and at room temperature.

Partial replacement of saturated fats in liver pâté by an olive oil-in-water emulsion containing ß-glucan shows no compromise in sensory and storage oxidation of lipids and protein.

BACKGROUND: The consumption of olive oil has been shown to have a positive effect on preventing obesity and hypertension. At the same time, it is recommended to avoid processed meat products as they contain saturated fats. The inclusion of highly unsaturated lipids in food products can lead to rapid oxidation and deterioration of sensory characteristics. The objective of the current work was to encapsulate olive oil and incorporate it into traditional Polish liver pâté. The oil-in-water emulsions were formulated with varying levels of oat ß-glucan and were evaluated for droplet size, pH, encapsulation efficiency and rheology. The liver pâtés made using the emulsions with and without ß-glucan were then evaluated for pH, texture, colour, lipid and protein oxidation, thermal stability and sensory properties. RESULTS: The results showed that the oil-in-water emulsions had a 100% encapsulation rate of olive oil after 30 days of storage at 4 °C, regardless of the presence of ß-glucan. Although the texture of the emulsion-enriched liver pâté was different from that of the control, this difference was reduced when ß-glucan was added to the emulsion and then to the pâté matrix. CONCLUSION: Replacing 50% of animal fat with an olive oil emulsion enriched with ß-glucan did not result in any compromise of sensory properties, increase lipid or protein oxidation. These results suggest that it is possible to replace saturated lipids with omega-3-rich olive oil. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Comparative tolerability of targeted therapies in pulmonary hypertension.

Introduction: The objective of this study was to estimate the safety profile of pulmonary hypertension-specific therapies using placebo-controlled and active comparator trials. Material and methods: The search corpus comprised Medline, Scopus, Embase and Clinical Trials databases. A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to assess the relative risk of severe events and discontinuations as well as of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) classified into 26 categories and 21 subcategories defined by the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities (MedRA). Results: Pulmonary hypertension-specific therapies had the greatest effect on such events as flushing and headache as well as jaw pain, limb pain and myalgia or gastrointestinal disorders. The relative risk for ADRs in patients receiving monotherapy (vs. placebo/supportive therapies) and combined regimens (vs. monotherapy) was significantly increased. The risk of cessation for the combined regimen was slightly higher (Qinter-group, p = 0.0778). Such ADRs as blood and lymphatic system disorders with the anemia subgroup, gastrointestinal disorders with diarrhea and nausea subgroups, respiratory and thoracic diseases or nervous system disorders with headache tended to occur more often in combination regimens as compared to monotherapy. Conclusions: About half of the main categories and subcategories of adverse reactions according to MedRA were associated with a relatively high frequency and hazard ratio. Their risk can be increased when combination regimens are used, especially.

Sugar-Free, Vegan, Furcellaran Gummy Jellies with Plant-Based Triple-Layer Films.

Increasing consumer awareness of the impact of nutrition on health and the growing popularity of vegan diets are causing a need to look for new plant-based formulations of standard confectionery products with high energy density and low nutritional value, containing gelatin. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop vegan and sugar-free gummy jellies based on an algae-derived polysaccharide-furcellaran (FUR). Until now, FUR has not been used as a gel-forming agent despite the fact that its structure-forming properties show high potential in the production of vegan confectionery. The basic formulation of gummy jellies included the addition of soy protein isolate and/or inulin. The final product was characterized regarding its rheological, antioxidant, mechanical and physicochemical properties. Eco-friendly packaging for the jellies composed of a three-layer polymer film has also been developed. It was observed that the highest values of textural parameters were obtained in jellies containing the addition of soy protein isolate, whose positive effect was also found on antioxidant activity. Before drying, all furcellaran-based gel systems showed G' and G" values characteristic of strong elastic hydrogels. Storing jellies for a week under refrigeration resulted in an increase in hardness, a decrease in moisture content and reduced water activity values. Overall, our study indicates the high potential of furcellaran both as a gelling agent in confectionery products and as a base polymer for their packaging.

A Relation between Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Pregnancy and Delivering Small for Gestational Age Infant-A Systematic Review.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) during pregnancy can negatively affect both the mother and the baby. Our main goal is to show whether there is an association between OSA during pregnancy and delivering small for gestational age (SGA) infants. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 statement using three databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. All databases were last accessed on 1 June 2023. The implemented systematic literature search identified 744 articles. After excluding reviews, meta-analyses, book chapters, case reports, and letters, 47 studies were analyzed, 18 of which finally met the inclusion criteria. The included studies mainly indicate that OSA during pregnancy may not significantly impact SGA, but some of them have shown the existence of this relation. Nevertheless, it is recommended that all pregnant women should be screened for symptoms of OSA and that sleep tests should be performed on those who show signs of it. Detecting and treating OSA early in pregnancy can help reduce the condition's negative effects. However, more extensive studies are still needed to gather clear evidence on the impact of an OSA diagnosis on mothers and babies.

Unveiling the Electrocatalytic Activity of the GdBa0.5Sr0.5Co2-xCuxO5+δ (x ≥ 1) Oxygen Electrodes for Solid Oxide Cells.

The A-site cation-ordered GdBa0.5Sr0.5Co2-xCuxO5+δ (GBSCC) double perovskites are evaluated regarding the development of high-performance oxygen electrodes for reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs). The aims are to maximally decrease the content of toxic and expensive cobalt by substitution with copper while at the same time improving or maintaining the required thermomechanical and electrocatalytic properties. Studies reveal that compositions with 1 ≤ x ≤ 1.15 are particularly interesting. Their thermal and chemical expansions are decreased, and sufficient transport properties are observed. Complementary density functional theory calculations give deeper insight into oxygen defect formation in the considered materials. Chemical compatibility with La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM) and Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ (GDC) solid electrolytes is evaluated. It is documented that the GdBa0.5Sr0.5Co0.9Cu1.1O5+δ oxygen electrode enables obtaining very low electrode polarization resistance (Rp) values of 0.017 Ω cm2 at 850 °C as well as 0.111 Ω cm2 at 700 °C, which is lower in comparison to that of GdBa0.5Sr0.5CoCuO5+δ (respectively, 0.026 and 0.204 Ω cm2). Systematic distribution of relaxation times analyses allows studies of the electrocatalytic activity and distinguishing elementary steps of the electrochemical reaction at different temperatures. The rate-limiting process is found to be oxygen atom reduction, while the charge transfer at the electrode/electrolyte interface is significantly better with LSGM. The studies also allow elaborating on the catalytic role of the Ag current collector as compared with Pt. The electrodes manufactured using materials with x = 1 and 1.1 permit reaching high power outputs, exceeding 1240 mW cm-2 at 850 °C and 1060 mW cm-2 at 800 °C, for the LSGM-supported cells, which can also work in the electrolysis mode.

Effect of Organic Compounds on the Special Properties and the Microstructure of Autoclaved Brick.

After a long decomposition process, organic matter turns into humic substances. In humus, carbon dioxide (CO2) bound in photosynthesis is brought back to the soil, where it should be used by its ecosystem. This is important because similar relationships are found in modern concretes and concretes designed with the use of geochemical modeling (possibility of the C-S-H phase for storing harmful substances). The aim of the article was to investigate the possibility of using humus (Humus Active-HA) and vermicompost (Biohumus Extra Universal-BEU), i.e., organic matter resulting from a long process of biological decomposition in the production of autoclaved bricks containing only ecological materials, i.e., sand, lime, and water. Tests of compressive strength, density, microstructure based on SEM, XRD, and micro-CT analysis were performed. The results of the research indicate that humus and vermicompost can be successfully used in their production. The paper compares traditional products and products made of raw material mass containing 3%, 7%, and 11% of humus and vermicompost, using the apparatus of mathematical experiment planning. Compressive strength, volumetric density, water absorption, and wicking, porosity, and material microstructure were tested. The best results were obtained for samples with the addition of 7% humus and 3% vermicompost. The compressive strength increased to 42.04 MPa (compared to standard bricks, whose strength is 15-20 MPa), and the bulk density increased by about 55%, to the value of 2.11 kg/dm3, which indicates the densification of the material's microstructure. They were characterized by the highest compressive strength, moderate water absorption, and a high proportion of closed pores in the sample.

Influence of Waste Basalt Powder Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Autoclave Brick.

In the production of building materials, there has been an increased interest in the use of by-products and industrial waste in recent years. Such modifications make it possible to solve not only technical and economic problems, but also environmental problems. This article describes the use of basalt powder waste in sand-lime products (silicates). The aim of the study was to manage basalt powder waste and to investigate the changes it causes in sand-lime products. The article describes the planning of the experiment, which directly determines the number of samples and their composition, which was necessary to conducting a full analysis and correctly illustrating the relationships occurring in the samples. Basic tests were carried out: compressive strength, density and water absorption, as well as optical tests and scanning microscopy. Based on the research conducted, it was concluded that the use of basalt powder as a component of sand-lime products has positive effects. Studies show that the best results are achieved with a proportion of powder in the raw material mass of about 10%-the compressive strength reaches almost 30 MPa, which is almost twice that of traditional silicate.

Application of the Computed Tomography Method for the Evaluation of Porosity of Autoclaved Materials.

This article describes the use of recycled glass sand in the production of autoclaved products. Traditional autoclaved bricks consist of crystalline sand, lime and water. The conducted research aimed at the complete elimination of quartz sand in favor of glass sand. This work focuses on porosity as the functional property of the materials. The aim of this article is to determine the number and structure of the pores of autoclaved bricks. Two types of research were carried out: (a) non-destructive, i.e., computed tomography examination as a pictorial and quantitative method and (b) mercury porosimetry as a quantitative method, i.e., a test that exposes the porous skeleton of the material for destruction. The tests showed the presence of pores with a size in the range of 0.1 ÷ 100 µm, and the volume of voids in the material was determined at the level of about 20% for the sample modified with glass sand (GS) and for the reference sample made of traditional silicate brick. In order to complete the research on the internal structure of autoclaved bricks, microstructure studies were performed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The tests showed the presence of tobermorite in the reference sample (with 90% QS-quartz sand) and the presence of natrolite and gyrolite in the sample modified by glass sand (90% GS).

Synthesis and Properties of the Gallium-Containing Ruddlesden-Popper Oxides with High-Entropy B-Site Arrangement.

For the first time, the possibility of obtaining B-site disordered, Ruddlesden-Popper type, high-entropy oxides has been proven, using as an example the LnSr(Co,Fe,Ga,Mn,Ni)O4 series (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, or Gd). The materials were synthesized using the Pechini method, followed by sintering at a temperature of 1200 °C. The XRD analysis indicated the single-phase, I4/mmm structure of the Pr-, Nd-, and Sm-based materials, with a minor content of secondary phase precipitates in La- and Gd-based materials. The SEM + EDX analysis confirms the homogeneity of the studied samples. Based on the oxygen non-stoichiometry measurements, the general formula of LnSr(Co,Fe,Ga,Mn,Ni)O4+δ, is established, with the content of oxygen interstitials being surprisingly similar across the series. The temperature dependence of the total conductivity is similar for all materials, with the highest conductivity value of 4.28 S/cm being reported for the Sm-based composition. The thermal expansion coefficient is, again, almost identical across the series, with the values varying between 14.6 and 15.2 × 10-6 K-1. The temperature stability of the selected materials is verified using the in situ high-temperature XRD. The results indicate a smaller impact of the lanthanide cation type on the properties than has typically been reported for conventional Ruddlesden-Popper type oxides, which may result from the high-entropy arrangement of the B-site cations.

The Thermal Characteristics, Sorption Isotherms and State Diagrams of the Freeze-Dried Pumpkin-Inulin Powders.

Powders based on plant raw materials have low storage stability due to their sorption and thermal properties and generate problems during processing. Therefore, there is a need to find carrier agents to improve their storage life as well as methods to evaluate their properties during storage. Water adsorption isotherms and thermal characteristics of the pumpkin powder with various inulin additions were investigated in order to develop state diagrams. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to obtained glass transition lines, freezing curves and maximal-freeze-concentration conditions. The glass transition lines were developed using the Gordon-Taylor model. Freezing data were modeled employing the Clausius-Clapeyron equation and its development-Chen model. The glass transition temperature of anhydrous material (Tgs) and characteristic glass transition temperature of maximum-freeze-concentration (Tg') increased with growing inulin additions. Sorption isotherms of the powders were determined at 25 °C by the static-gravimetric method and the experimental data was modeled with four different mathematical models. The Peleg model was the most adequate to describe the sorption data of the pumpkin-inulin powders. Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) monolayer capacity decreased with increasing inulin concentration in the sample.

Biological Role of Vitamin K-With Particular Emphasis on Cardiovascular and Renal Aspects.

Vitamin K (VK) plays many important functions in the body. The most important of them include the contribution in calcium homeostasis and anticoagulation. Vascular calcification (VC) is one of the most important mechanisms of renal pathology. The most potent inhibitor of this process-matrix Gla protein (MGP) is VK-dependent. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, both non-dialysed and hemodialysed, often have VK deficiency. Elevated uncarboxylated matrix Gla protein (ucMGP) levels indirectly reflected VK deficiency and are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events in these patients. It has been suggested that VK intake may reduce the VC and related cardiovascular risk. Vitamin K intake has been suggested to reduce VC and the associated cardiovascular risk. The role and possibility of VK supplementation as well as the impact of anticoagulation therapy on VK deficiency in CKD patients is discussed.

Formation of Solid Solutions and Physicochemical Properties of the High-Entropy Ln1-xSrx(Co,Cr,Fe,Mn,Ni)O3-δ (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm or Gd) Perovskites.

Phase composition, crystal structure, and selected physicochemical properties of the high entropy Ln(Co,Cr,Fe,Mn,Ni)O3-δ (Ln = La, Pr, Gd, Nd, Sm) perovskites, as well as the possibility of Sr doping in Ln1-xSrx(Co,Cr,Fe,Mn,Ni)O3-δ series, are reported is this work. With the use of the Pechini method, all undoped compositions are successfully synthesized. The samples exhibit distorted, orthorhombic or rhombohedral crystal structure, and a linear correlation is observed between the ionic radius of Ln and the value of the quasi-cubic perovskite lattice constant. The oxides show moderate thermal expansion, with a lack of visible contribution from the chemical expansion effect. Temperature-dependent values of the total electrical conductivity are reported, and the observed behavior appears distinctive from that of non-high entropy transition metal-based perovskites, beyond the expectations based on the rule-of-mixtures. In terms of formation of solid solutions in Sr-doped Ln1-xSrx(Co,Cr,Fe,Mn,Ni)O3-δ materials, the results indicate a strong influence of the Ln radius, and while for La-based series the Sr solubility limit is at the level of xmax = 0.3, for the smaller Pr it is equal to just 0.1. In the case of Nd-, Sm- and Gd-based materials, even for the xSr = 0.1, the formation of secondary phases is observed on the SEM + EDS images.

Change in γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activity as a useful tool in identifying a group of patients with elevated risk of hepatocellular carcinoma development after DAA treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence will be diminishing due to use of direct acting antiviral agents (DAA), but there is still constant risk for HCC development. Elevated serum g-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity is associated with increased risk of liver cancer. In our study we tried to determine whether change in GGT activity may be useful in identifying patients with elevated risk of HCC development after DAA treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 111 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) treated with DAA. Laboratory tests [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), GGT, a-fetoprotein (AFP)] and liver stiffness measurement (using FibroScan) were performed at the beginning and at the end of therapy. RESULTS: Pre-treatment ALT activity, GGT activity and AFP concentration in patients with CHC were directly associated with the stage of liver fibrosis. Elimination of HCV after DAA treatment caused significant reduction in serum GGT activity and was not associated with pre-treatment liver fibrosis. AFP concentration was significantly lower after treatment. It was observed regardless of pre-treatment AFP concentration, but the largest reduction was demonstrated in the group of patients with advanced fibrosis. In multivariate analysis there was no significant difference in GGT activity after treatment only in patients with pre-treatment normal AFP concentration and advanced liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who after achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) did not lower both AFP concentration and GGT activity may have higher risk of HCC development. Special monitoring may be required in patients with advanced liver fibrosis and normal AFP concentration before treatment.

Genetically determined telomere length and multiple myeloma risk and outcome.

Telomeres are involved in processes like cellular growth, chromosomal stability, and proper segregation to daughter cells. Telomere length measured in leukocytes (LTL) has been investigated in different cancer types, including multiple myeloma (MM). However, LTL measurement is prone to heterogeneity due to sample handling and study design (retrospective vs. prospective). LTL is genetically determined; genome-wide association studies identified 11 SNPs that, combined in a score, can be used as a genetic instrument to measure LTL and evaluate its association with MM risk. This approach has been already successfully attempted in various cancer types but never in MM. We tested the "teloscore" in 2407 MM patients and 1741 controls from the International Multiple Myeloma rESEarch (IMMeNSE) consortium. We observed an increased risk for longer genetically determined telomere length (gdTL) (OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.36-2.11; P = 2.97 × 10-6 for highest vs. lowest quintile of the score). Furthermore, in a subset of 1376 MM patients we tested the relationship between the teloscore and MM patients survival, observing a better prognosis for longer gdTL compared with shorter gdTL (HR = 0.93; 95% CI 0.86-0.99; P = 0.049). In conclusion, we report convincing evidence that longer gdTL is a risk marker for MM risk, and that it is potentially involved in increasing MM survival.

Gestational weight gain and glycemic control in GDM patients with positive genital culture.

OBJECTIVE: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is related to many complications of pregnancy. The aim of the study was the assessment of cervical colonization in GDM patients and its correlation with inappropriate glycaemic control and gestational weight gain (GWG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 483 women with GDM in a singleton pregnancy who delivered at term. Cervical smears samples were collected >35th week of gestation and cultured for aerobic and aerobic bacteria, and fungi. The patients were divided into two groups on the basis of cervical culture test results: women with negative and positive cervical culture results. Gestational weight gain was estimated in both groups as inadequate, adequate or excessive based on pre-gestational body mass index (BMI) according to the Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines. GWG and need of insulin therapy were used as an indicator of complying with dietary recommendations. RESULTS: Patients with positive cervical culture results more frequently had pre-pregnancy BMI >35kg/m2 (4.9% vs 9.5%, p = 0.0508) than patients who had negative cervical culture results. One third (32.1%) of patients had one, and 9.3% had at least two microorganisms in their genital tracts. The most frequent bacteria species isolated was Streptococcus agalactiae (20.1%). Fungi were present in 14.1% of the cervical cultures. Patients with GDM with inadequate GWG more often had genital tract's colonization with Enterococcus spp. (6.83% vs. 1.19% vs. 1.83%, in group with inadequate GWG vs. adequate GWG vs. excessive GWG respectively p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Insulin therapy in GDM patients was not correlated with the presence of microorganisms in genital tracts. Inadequate GWG in GDM may be linked to genital tract colonization with Enteroccocus spp. Genital colonization during pregnancy among patients with GDM is more often among patients' with pre-pregnancy BMI >35 kg/m2.

The influence of the extrusion process on the nutritional composition, physical properties and storage stability of black chokeberry pomaces.

The study examined the influence of the process of extrusion on the physical properties and nutritional composition of black chokeberry pomaces. It has been determined that the extrusion process resulted in a reduction of the content of anthocyanins and fibre, but an increase of the contribution of simple sugars. In order to assess the phase transitions occurring in the products, a state diagram was utilized, which was constructed using the freezing and vitrification curve and values characterizing the conditions of maximum cryoconcentration. The determined values of critical water activity (based on water activity concepts) indicate that pomaces and extrudates retain crispiness in storage under moderate environmental relative humidity conditions. However, in the case of the glass transition concept, the determined values of water activity indicate that products stored in room temperature must be protected against the influence of humidity.

Common gene variants within 3'-untranslated regions as modulators of multiple myeloma risk and survival.

We evaluated the association between germline genetic variants located within the 3'-untranlsated region (polymorphic 3'UTR, ie, p3UTR) of candidate genes involved in multiple myeloma (MM). We performed a case-control study within the International Multiple Myeloma rESEarch (IMMEnSE) consortium, consisting of 3056 MM patients and 1960 controls recruited from eight countries. We selected p3UTR of six genes known to act in different pathways relevant in MM pathogenesis, namely KRAS (rs12587 and rs7973623), VEGFA (rs10434), SPP1 (rs1126772), IRF4 (rs12211228) and IL10 (rs3024496). We found that IL10-rs3024496 was associated with increased risk of developing MM and with a worse overall survival of MM patients. The variant allele was assayed in a vector expressing eGFP chimerized with the IL10 3'-UTR and it was found functionally active following transfection in human myeloma cells. In this experiment, the A-allele caused a lower expression of the reporter gene and this was also in agreement with the in vivo expression of mRNA measured in whole blood as reported in the GTEx portal. Overall, these data are suggestive of an effect of the IL10-rs3024496 SNP on the regulation of IL10 mRNA expression and it could have clinical implications for better characterization of MM patients in terms of prognosis.

Influence of Replacement Part of Starch with Inulin on the Rheological Properties of Pastes and Gels Based on Potato Starch.

The objective of the present study was to determine the influence of replacement part of starch with inulin on the rheological characteristics of pastes and gels obtained on the basis of potato starch. Replacement of the starch by inulin varied from 0 to 40%. Flow curves for pastes and gels were determined, and the viscoelastic properties were characterized using dynamic tests and creep and recovery tests. It was determined that the replacement of part of potato starch with inulin significantly modifies rheological properties of starch pastes and gels, weakening their structure. With the increasing amount of inulin, an increase of viscous properties was becoming more apparent. Moreover, an irregular influence of inulin addition on the parameters of rheological characteristics was determined. Initially, the differences were minor, and the differences at the lowest addition were typically statistically insignificant, followed by strong increase with local restrictions to structural weakening.