The role of carotenoids in bone health-A narrative review

Osteoporosis constitutes a serious challenge for public health. Dietary patterns belong to important, modifiable risk factors of this disease. Therefore, what and in what quantities we consume on a daily basis are extremely relevant. It is commonly known that bone health is positively affected by vitamins (e.g., vitamin D and vitamin K) as well as mineral components (e.g., calcium and magnesium). However, the human diet consists of many other groups of compounds that exhibit a potential antiosteoporotic and supporting bone-building effect. These dietary components include carotenoids. This paper presents a broad review of studies on the influence of particular carotenoids (β-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, and lycopene) on bones. The paper discusses up-to-date in vitro experiments and research on animal models and presents how the results translate into clinical effect in humans.

Innovative Application of Chicken Eggshell Calcium to Improve the Functional Value of Gingerbread

Food waste, such as eggshell, can be an environmental problem if it is not properly managed. One of the ways to solve this is by using the eggshell as the cheap calcium source in food products. Polish gingerbread fortified with chicken eggshell powder (ESP) calcium was developed to solve the eggshell waste problem and to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. This study focused on the effect of ESP addition on basic composition, sensory evaluation, and antioxidative activity of gingerbread. Two samples of gingerbread without and with 3% (w/w of wheat flour) ESP, with controlled green tea powder (4% w/w of white chocolate) were analyzed. Results of the research showed that the addition of 3% ESP significantly increased the ash and calcium content (p < 0.05) without changing the appearance, aroma, texture, taste profiles, and the hedonic score of gingerbread. The gingerbread samples were then stored for 2 months and were analyzed every month. The hedonic evaluation of the aroma of both gingerbread samples decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during storage. During 2 months of storage, the antioxidative activity of gingerbread fortified with 3% ESP was not significantly different compared to the control (p > 0.05), particularly in ABTS and ORACFL assay. The ABTS, DPPH, and ORACFL assays showed decreasing antioxidative activity during storage, which was also in accordance with decreasing total phenolic content of both gingerbread samples. In PCL assay, the lipid-soluble antioxidant activity in gingerbread with 3% ESP was significantly higher during 2 months of storage, compared to the control (p < 0.05). The developed product might be a potential alternative to improve the calcium (26% daily value (DV) recommendation per 100 g) and antioxidant intake in order to prevent calcium deficiency. Gingerbread enriched with an organic source of calcium may become an innovative product to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis in the elderly population, having potential health and economic significance, given the incidence of osteoporosis and the costs of treating this disease.

Food Recipe Ingredient Substitution Ontology Design Pattern

This paper describes a notion of substitutions in food recipes and their ontology design pattern. We build upon state-of-the-art models for food and process. We also present scenarios and examples for the design pattern. Finally, the pattern is mapped to available and relevant domain ontologies and made publicly available at the ontologydesignpatterns.org portal.

Antioxidant Activity, Probiotic Survivability, and Sensory Properties of a Phenolic-Rich Pulse Snack Bar Enriched with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum

Pulse-based snack bars incorporated with probiotics were developed to provide an overview for the preparation of simple functional food concerning the antioxidant load and iron status improvement. The study focused on the application of microencapsulated probiotics in dry matrices, such as chickpeas and green lentils, in snack bars. The study aims to analyse the products’ antioxidative activities, chemical and sensory properties, as well as the probiotic survivability in the dry matrices. The basic chemical composition showed that 100 g of product can fulfil up to 4.4% and 3.3% of the daily iron value from chickpeas and green lentils, respectively (assuming the iron bioavailability is 23%). Sensory evaluation and hedonic analysis of the fresh pulse snack bar showed that panelists preferred the chickpea snack bar over the green lentil snack bar. For storage analysis, snack bars were stored at 20 °C and were vacuum packaged in sealed low density polyethylene (LDPE) pouches with no light exposure for two months. Hedonic analysis during storage showed significant differences in the aroma of the snack bars (p < 0.05). Generally, the antioxidant activities decreased during the two months of storage. A strong correlation was observed between total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity assays: ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt), PCL (Photochemiluminescence,). Moreover, after two months of storage, a 1-log decrease of probiotic viable cells was observed in both snack bars. To meet the dietary requirement of probiotics, it is suggested that people consume five portions and 9.4 portions of the chickpea and green lentil snack bars, respectively. The resulting products have promising properties with respect to probiotics and antioxidant potential in an unconventional way.

Puerarin-an isoflavone with beneficial effects on bone health

Puerarin is a compound from the group of isoflavones, naturally occurring in plants of the genus Pueraria, whose representatives include, among others, Pueraria lobata and Pueraria mirifica. Relatively many scientific studies on the biological activity of puerarin have been conducted so far. It seems that most attention was paid to the effect of puerarin on bone health. However, until now, no published studies have been collected and discussed in that regard. Based on the available data obtained from in vitro studies and on the animal model, it can be clearly shown that puerarin is an effective compound in inhibiting bone resorption and improving bone structure. Consumption of puerarin may be associated with the prevention of bone mass loss and thus can reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis. However, it is necessary to conduct human intervention studies to confirm the effectiveness of such action.

The effect of osmotic dehydration conditions on the calcium content in plant matrice

Osmotic dehydration is used as a pre-treatment before drying. This process can also be used as a method of modulation of the sensory values of plant components and fortifying them with selected components. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of osmotic dehydration as a method of pumpkin flesh 'Melon Yellow' (Cucurbita maxima) fortification with calcium. The studies showed for the first time that by selecting the appropriate process conditions it is possible to significantly increase the level of calcium in plant matrice. The highest calcium content was found in the pumpkin pulp dehydrated in 50% xylitol and inulin solutions with a calcium carbonate (5%), where the process was conducted for 120 min at 30 °C (1,380.4 and 1,328.4 mg Ca/100 g). Therefore, study has shown an innovative application of the osmotic dehydration process for the design of food with health-promoting properties, including for those at risk of osteoporosis.

Degradation of Tocopherol Molecules and Its Impact on the Polymerization of Triacylglycerols during Heat Treatment of Oil

The aim of the study was to analyze the influence of the surface area to volume ratio of pressed and refined rapeseed oils on the changes in tocopherol content and polymerization of triacylglycerols during heating. In the study the pressed and refined rapeseed oil was heated at 170 °C, during 6, 12, and 18 h with three different surface area to volume (s/v) ratios (0.378, 0.189, and 0.126 cm-1). During heating, a decrease in tocopherols and increases in dimers, trimers, and oligomers of triacylglycerols were observed. However, the changes were dependent on the surface area to volume ratio used, type of oil and time of heating. The biggest changes were observed in oil with the biggest s/v ratio (0.378 cm-1), and the lowest when the s/v ratio was 0.126 cm-1. The pressed oil was characterized by faster degradation of tocopherols and slower increase of triacylglycerol polymer levels compared to refined oil.

The Chemical Composition and Nutritional Value of Chia Seeds-Current State of Knowledge

Chia (Salvia hispanica) is an annual herbaceous plant, the seeds of which were consumed already thousands of years ago. Current research results indicate a high nutritive value for chia seeds and confirm their extensive health-promoting properties. Research indicates that components of chia seeds are ascribed a beneficial effect on the improvement of the blood lipid profile, through their hypotensive, hypoglycaemic, antimicrobial and immunostimulatory effects. This article provides a review of the most important information concerning the potential application of chia seeds in food production. The chemical composition of chia seeds is presented and the effect of their consumption on human health is discussed. Technological properties of chia seeds are shown and current legal regulations concerning their potential use in the food industry are presented.

Enriching novel dark chocolate withBacillus coagulansas a way to provide beneficial nutrients

The aim of the present study was to develop a novel type of probiotic chocolate with the additiveBacillus coagulansbacteria and determine the concentration of polyphenols and their bioaccessibility.

Antiradical capacity and polyphenol composition of asparagus spears varieties cultivated under different sunlight conditions

BACKGROUND

Asparagus officinalis has a high nutritional value. Asparagus is rich in a number of bioactive compounds, mainly flavonoids (quercetin), glutathione, vitamin C, vitamin E, fructans (inulin and fructooligosaccharides) and phytosterols (b-sitosterol). These compounds may play an important role in human health. The purpose of this study was to examine the antioxidant potential and polyphenol composition of white, pale-colored and green asparagus spears of different cultivars.

METHODS

Investigations were conducted on different asparagus spear extracts. The study included three colors of asparagus (white, pale-colored and green) from five different cultivars subjected to the ethanol extraction procedure. Total phenolic content was also determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Polyphenol (phenolic acids and flavonols) composition was estimated using the HPLC method. The antioxidant properties of extracts were examined using DPPH, ABTS and metal ion chelating assays.

RESULTS

The highest contents of phenolic and flavonoids were observed in green asparagus from Grolim and the lowest in pale-colored asparagus from Gyjmlin. It was found that both the color of asparagus and the cultivar had a significant effect on the composition of phenolic acid and flavonols. Radical scavenging activity toward DPPH• and ABTS was highest for green asparagus cv. Grolim and Eposs. The greatest number of Fe ions was chelated by samples of green asparagus cv. Grolim and Huchel's Alpha and pale-colored asparagus cv. Huchel's Alpha.

CONCLUSIONS

It was shown that the antioxidant activity of asparagus spears measured by antiradical and chelating activity test depends on variety and color. The highest activity was found in green asparagus and the lowest was identified in white asparagus extracts. It has also been clarified that changes in flavonol and phenolic acid composition and increases in their diversity depends on growing with sunlight and variety. Asparagus can provide a valuable source of phenolic compounds in the human diet.

Effect of Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) Extract Supplementation in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats Fed with a High-Fat Diet

Elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.) lipophilic and polar extract dietary supplementation effects were evaluated according to diabetes management indices, using an in vivo model. A research pipeline was constructed, that ranged from extract preparation, partial chemical characterization and toxicity evaluation, to examining the elderberry extract dietary supplementation effects on biofluid and tissues. Extracts toxicity was screened using an Aliivibrio fischeri bioluminescence model. A concentration of up to 60 mg/L was selected, and rat doses for oral supplementation were computed applying the interspecies correlation between A. fischeri and rats. Wistar type 2 diabetic rats, induced by streptozotocin (STZ), were fed a high-fat diet and supplemented for 4 weeks at doses of 190 and 350 mg/kg body weight/day of lipophilic and polar extract, respectively. As far as we know, lipophilic elderberry extract supplementation was assessed for the first time, while polar extract was administrated at higher doses and for a shorter period compared to previous studies, aiming to evaluate subacute supplementation effects. The polar extract modulated glucose metabolism by correcting hyperglycemia, while the lipophilic extract lowered insulin secretion. Both extracts lowered insulin resistance, without remarkable alterations to hematological indices, sera lipids and sera and tissular trace element homeostasis. In conclusion, elderberries are a potential source of bioactive compounds for formulations to be used as co-adjuvants in diabetes management.

The importance of selected spices in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Literature data indicate that, due to these diseases, approximately 17.5 million people died in 2012. Types of cardiovascular disease include ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, congenital heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, cardiomyopathy and arrhythmia. Proper nutrition is an important factor in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events. An interesting element of our diets is spices. For thousands of years, they have been used in the treatment of many diseases: bacterial infections, coughs, colds, and liver diseases. Many studies also demonstrate their antioxidant, chemopreventive, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. This paper focuses on discussing the importance of selected spices (garlic, cinnamon, ginger, coriander and turmeric) in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

[Intracranial complications of sinusitis in the material of the Otolaryngology Department, K. Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań in the years 1964-1999]

In the period of 35 years 25 patients with intracranial complications of paranasal sinusitis were treated in the Department of Otolaryngology of the Karol Marcinkowski University School of Medical Sciences in Poznań. In the past 15 years the number of complications decreased annually by half. Intracranial sinusal complications were more frequently present in young men. In 25 patients abscesses of the frontal lobe and epidural abscesses were most often diagnosed. Surgical treatment was carried out in each case when the inflammation process spread into the bony parts or into intracranial space. The method of choice in treatment of frontal lobe abscess and subdural abscesses is elimination of sinuses inflammatory foci with a simultaneous evacuation of the abscess by puncturing of the abscess and gradual exchange of its content into antibiotic solution. Intensive antibiotic therapy was carried out for the period of 4 weeks. Mortality rate in our material concerned patients with the brain frontal lobe abscesses and amounted to 12%. In the last 15 years we succeeded to treat all 17 patients.

[Latent otogenic cerebellar abscess]

A case of latent otogenic cerebellar abscess is presented during chronic otitis media with cholesteatoma, in 42-year-old woman. Good results of the treatment were obtained by draining and substituting the content of abscess into antibiotic solution.

[Development of second primary malignant neoplasms in patients treated for laryngeal cancer in the Otolaryngology Clinic of the University School of Medical Sciences in Poznan 1981-1999]

Second malignancies are the important cause shorting survival of patients with laryngeal cancer. We noted 51 patients with second malignant neoplasm after treatment for laryngeal cancer. The incidence of second neoplasms in lung, next in tonsils and the incidence of cancer of skin was the highest. Early detection of precancerous lesions would correct the prevention against second malignancies and by this way--correct the survival among patients with laryngeal cancer. The rate of incidence of the second primary tumors among patients after total laryngectomy with radiotherapy was 2.9%.

[Treatment results of patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma in the Otolaryngology Department at the University School of Medical Sciences in Poznań between 1958-1999]

In the years 1958-1999 the ENT Department at the University School of Medical Sciences in Poznań treated 125 patients suffering from adenoid cystic carcinoma located in the head and neck area. The aim of this study was to assess treatment results over a span of 41 years. The cases treated included 68 women and 57 men. The highest incidence of the disease was observed in men in their 70's--16 cases and women in their 50's--19 cases. In a majority of cases, the cancer started in major salivary glands, specifically parotid--51, submandibular--11, sublingual--4. Other places included minor salivary glands located in the palate--15, cheek--8, oral cavity--5 and tongue--4. Other glands affected by the tumor were those in the ethmoidomaxillary area--23. The treatment of choice was surgery with subsequent radiation. All patients were subjected to surgical treatment, 89 of them being subsequently radiated. Local recidivation was observed in 12 patients (i.e. 10%), metastases to neighbouring lymph nodes in 9 patients (i.e. 7%). Distant metastases affected the lungs--4 cases, liver--1 and bone--1.

[Second primary malignant tumor in patients with nasopharyngeal cancer]

Clinical analysis of 90 patients with malignant nasopharyngeal tumors treated in 1985-1996 was performed. The real frequency of second tumors, immunity to second malignant tumor, therapy and genetical factors were described. Second malignant nasopharyngeal tumors occur rarely than in other head and neck tumors (in our material approx. 4%). An attention should be paid to the young age of our patients, mean 46 years.

[Hearing loss, disorders of sound localization with the preservation ofsmell and taste in diabetics]

Diabetes is often complicated by serious medical conditions which could be related to the development of auditory system and cranial nerves lesions, disorder of sound localisation and decreased olfactory and taste ability. Cranial nerve palsies in diabetes are considered as an integral part of the main disease. Twenty nine children with diabetes and non-diabetics control group, without a history of exposure to noise, ototoxic drugs, or ear disease aged 4-19 years old were examined. Hearing impairment may be present in children with disease duration above 3-5 years and in children with other complications. Sound localisation tests were performed by the method of Zakrzewski from a free auditory field, measuring the angle of directional hearing acuity in 35 diabetics age from 16 to 78 years. Longer duration of diabetes was associated with higher directional hearing acuity. Higher hearing loss was observed with higher directional values in diabetics. The authors investigated smell and taste in 35 diabetics. All patients were treated with insulin. Impairment value of smell identification thresholds was much more frequent than impairment of smell perception. In no case raised threshold of taste perception.

[Craniofacial bone dysplasia]

The case of fibrous dysplasia localised in the maxilla in 7 years old girl was described. Attention was paid to etiology, symptoms and treatment. The differential diagnosis was discussed. The diagnosis was wet set on the bases of clinical examination, X-ray, scyntygraphy and histological examination.

[Pleomorphic adenomas in the materials of the Department of Otolaryngology of the Academy of Medical Sciences in Poznań]

In the years 1958-1997 were surgically treated in the Department of Otolaryngology Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań 365 patients with pleomorphic adenomas. Majority of the tumors originated of the major salivary glands was parotid gland (273 cases). The given materials confirms the viewpoint that enucleation in the pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid salivary gland--based on total removal of the tumor together with the capsule and pouch constitute a completely sure surgical procedure.

[Adenoid cystic carcinomas of the head and neck (cylindromas)]

In the years 1958-1997 111 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma in the head and neck of different localization were treated at the Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery. Majority of the tumors originated of the major salivary glands, mainly in the parotid gland (47 cases). The most common location among the tumor of the minor salivary glands was the palate (14 persons). The tumors arising from other mucous glands, most frequently has located in the maxillo-ethmoideal complex (20 cases). The authors stress diagnostic difficulties, the necessity of a proper selection of the surgical method and postoperative radiotherapy, describing the treatment results in the patients. Radial surgical procedure of the adenoid cyctic carcinoma yelds optimal local control and survival rates.

A comprehensive analysis of selected diagnostic methods with respect to their usefulness in evaluating the biology of neoplastic cells in patients with laryngeal cancer

The difficult and complicated mechanism of cancer development with little knowledge about the biology of existing cancers can lead to a permanent search for new examination techniques to improve the precision of life expectancy in patients and the selection of the most efficient methods of treatment. The aim of this study was to analyze certain prognostic factors, i.e., p53, Ki67, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), DNA ploidy and cell proliferating activity, as well as the degree of morphological differentiation and cell maturity evaluated on an ultrastructural level in patients with laryngeal cancers in connection with data obtained from follow-up examinations and the clinical course of the disease. Neoplastic tissue was taken from 120 patients with laryngeal cancers. All underwent surgical treatment, radiotherapy and combined treatment in the Department of Otolaryngology. Karol Marcinkowski University School of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland, and the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Haukeland University, Bergen, Norway. Before beginning treatment all patients underwent histological verification of their neoplastic tissues. Histopathological examination proved that the majority of cases (95%) had a squamous cell carcinoma. The occurrence of changes within the lymph nodes of the neck (N) was significantly correlated with T, S, Ki67, metastases to lymph nodes, DNA ploidy, site and surgery performed. The degree of clinical progression (S) was intercorrelated with T, N, p53, Ki67, PCNA, DNA ploidy, site and laryngectomy. The occurrence of oncoprotein p53 in neoplastic cells was measured by the staining degree of their nuclei and was correlated with T, S, DNA ploidy, metastases to lymph nodes, PCNA and site. The degree of staining of neoplastic cells for the nuclear antigen Ki67 was correlated to T, N, G, S, DNA ploidy, metastases to lymph nodes and surgical treatment. The proliferative antigen PCNA in the examined population of patients was intercorrelated with T, p53, Ki67, metastases to lymph nodes and surgical treatment. The results obtained from DNA flow cytometry could be associated with N, G, p53, Ki67 and metastases to lymph nodes. On the basis of the results obtained, the techniques suggested for the morphological and biological evaluation of neoplastic cells in cancer of the larynx should include TNM classification + G + DNA + p53 + Ki67.

[On the problem of rhinophyma management]

On the basis of cases of their own and the literature the authors review the etiology, pathophysiology and management of rhinophyma.

[Diagnostic problems in coexistence of paranasal sinusitis with cerebral tumor]

Differential diagnosis between the intracranial complications of paranasal sinusitis and cerebral tumor belongs to very difficult tasks in otolaryngology and neurosurgery. Complications of sinusitis, such as intracranial abscess formation, are uncommon and often clinically unremarkable. The arising difficulties are even greater in inflammatory intracranial complications of sinusitis, giving symptoms similar to those of cerebral tumors. The illustrative case report was presented.

[Results of surgical treatment of laryngeal cancer in elderly patients in 1946-95]

In the years 1946-1995 in Karol Marcinkowski University School of Medical Sciences, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery the long term results on 2223 patients with laryngeal cancer treated surgically according to the age were evaluated. Five year survival rates after total laryngectomy in elderly persons was 44.2%. Five year survival rates (67.7%) after partial laryngectomy justify their application in suitably chosen cases of cancer of the larynx.

[Osteomas of the paranasal sinuses in the Department of Otolaryngology of Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznań in 1959-1995]

In years 1959-1995 in the Department of Otolaryngology of University of Medical Sciences in Poznań 112 patients were treated for osteoma within paranasal sinuses. In our material there was 59 men and 52 women. The age range was 13 to 79. Quantitative analysis showed most cases of osteoma in frontal sinus, the second place was taken by ethmoidal cells and very rarely was osteoma observed in maxillary sinus and sphenoid sinus. Operation procedure was performed on all the patients.

[Acute fibromatosis from the standpoint of otolaryngology]

Aggressive fibromatosis in the otolaryngological region is a curious clinical entity, demanding accurate histopathologic interpretation. It is rare connective tissue tumor, which growth infiltratively with a destructive biological behaviour similar to malignant tumours and a high recurrence rate. Morphologically reactive fibromatosis and fibrosarcoma should be considered amongst others in differential diagnosis. CT and MR scans are useful in determining the extent of the tumors and help to distinguish the tumor from nerves, vessels and bone. Surgery is the treatment of choice. Our observations of the course of disease in the maxillary sinus, nasal cavity and nasopharynx confirmed the date in literature.

[Psychophysical and objective investigation of hearing in presbyacusis]

In 30 individuals aged 50 to 82 the following audiologic examinations were performed: tonal audiometry (air/bone conduction), impedance audiometry (tympanometry and registration of stapedius reflex to pure tone of 0.5-4 kHz and noises) and ERA tests after acoustic stimulation from different levels of the hearing pathway (BERA, MLR and SP). The assessment of the results showed:--1. the threshold values in the objective methods are proportional to those obtained in tonal audiometry;--2. in ERA an interpersonal lability of latencies at different levels of the hearing pathway was observed including shortening, elongation and normal values;--3. in 70% of the examined aged 50-82 SRT were below 70 dB SL and loudness sumation below 25 dB;--4. shortening of the SP latencies was in 100% correlated to the low values of the loudness summation and recruitment found in psychophysical examinations.

[Incidence of second primary malignant neoplasms in patients treated for laryngeal cancer]

Although the survival rates reported for patients with laryngeal cancer are quite good, there is a risk of developing second malignant tumors in this population. From a total analyzed of 1268 patients with laryngeal cancer, the second malignant tumors in 30 persons group were identified. The prognosis for second malignant tumors is poor, especially with tumors of the lung and oesophagus. Vitamin A and carotenoids are promising for second malignancies prevention.

[Adenoid cystic carcinoma in patients in the ENT Department of the K. Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences in Poznan in years 1980-1995]

In the years 1980-1995 60 patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma in the head and neck of different localization were treated at the Department of Otolaryngology. Majority of the tumors originated of the major salivary glands was parotid gland (24 cases). The most common location among the tumor of the minor salivary glands was the palate (5 cases). The tumors arising from others mucous glands, most frequently has located in the maxillo-etmoideal complex (12 cases). The authors stress diagnostic difficulties, the necessity of a proper selection of the surgical method and postoperative radiotherapy, describing the treatment results in the patients. Radical surgical procedure of the adenoid cystic carcinoma yields optimal local control and survival rates.