Association between Psychopathological Symptoms and Aggression and Selected Biochemical Parameters in Adolescents with Behavioural and Emotional Disturbances.

Behavioural and emotional disturbances (F92.8) are the most recognized disorders in a developmental psychiatry. As the problem is still alarmingly increasing, the searches for their etiopathogenesis and more effective preventing and therapy methods are required. The aim of the study was to assess the association between the quality of life, some psychopathological features, concentrations of selected immunoprotective (brain-derived neurotrophin, BDNF), and endocrine (cortisol, F) factors while adolescent disturbances. The study was performed in 123 inpatients of a psychiatric ward with F92.8 diagnosis, aged 13-18 years. The complete patients' interview, physical examination, and routine laboratory tests, including serum F and BDNF tests, were performed. All patients completed standardized questionnaires to estimate: the severity of psychopathological symptoms (SCL-90), the level of aggression (Buss-Perry). The changes in the plasma BDNF and F concentrations were shown in patients raised in foster homes and institutions. The significantly lower BDNF was observed in youth from foster and suicide-experienced families. The more severe psychopathological symptoms, especially aggression and hostility, were found in these ones, who abused alcohol, attempted suicide, had lower self-esteem and cognitive processes, and were lacking safety in dysfunctional families.

Effect of Succinic Acid on Elimination of Salmonella in Chicken Meat.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of selected concentrations of succinic acid on the survival of Salmonella on microbiological media and on the surfaces of chicken carcasses. Samples were inoculated with Salmonella serovars Enteritidis, Typhimurium, Hadar, Infantis, and Virchow. Each strain from each dilution was plated on nutrient agar without chemical substances (pH 6.75, control) or with 0.02% (pH 5.73), 0.05% (pH 4.77), 0.1% (pH 4.42), or 0.25% (pH 3.90) succinic acid. The addition of 0.25% succinic acid in agar medium completely inhibited the growth of all Salmonella strains tested. The 150 samples of broiler chicken breasts were immersed for 2 min in 80 mL of a 107 CFU/mL Salmonella cocktail. The samples were then transferred to sterile beakers with 250 mL of 2 and 5% succinic acid for 5 min. With 2% succinic acid, Salmonella reductions (compared with the control) were 1.27 to 1.47 log CFU/g. With 5% succinic acid, reductions were 2.00 to 3.20 log CFU/g. The results indicate that it is possible to reduce the level of Salmonella on broiler chicken carcasses by immersing them in a 2% succinic acid solution.

[Fat and fatty acid content in selected powdered ready to eat dishes]. / Zawartosc tluszczu i sklad kwasów tluszczowych w wybranych daniach gotowych w proszku.

Fat content as well as fatty acids composition in 16 powdered ready to eat dishes from the market in Warsaw area in the year of 2001 has been analysed. We have found, that fat content in these products was from 5.2 to 24.1%. Saturated fatty acids were dominant in the fat derived of these products and also trans isomers unsaturated fatty acids, know from recent finding as having negative nutritional effect.

Evaluation of health value of fats and oils.

The fat content and fatty acid composition (saturated, mono- and polyunsaturated in cis and trans configuration) in selected food products was determined. From over 2000 products investigated in recent years, results are given for some soft and hard margarines, oils and butter as well as butter-like products. It has been found that food products are distinguished by very high diversification with regard to fat content, in terms of both quantity and quality. This differentiation was particularly evident in the groups of margarines, mixed fats and confectioner's products.

[Fatty acids content in selected edible oils]. / Sklad kwasów tluszczowych wybranych olejów jadalnych.

The four edible oils purchased on Warsaw marked in the years 1996-2002 were investigated. We confirmed that investigated oils contained relatively small amount of saturated fatty acids (7.0-13.4%) and only traces of trans isomers. In the same time they were characterized with high content unsaturated fatty acids, both mono- and polyunsaturated. The highest content of monounsaturated acids (65%) characterized rapeseed oil, whereas polyunsaturated ones--sunflower oil (68%). Polyunsaturated acids were represented mainly by linoleic acid (C18:2). The results of investigation show that oils available on the market despite of their different manufacturers ha got the good health value.

[Assessment of fatty acids content in margarines available on Polish market in the years 1996-2000]. / Ocena skladu kwasów tluszczowych w margarynach rynkowych z lat 1996-2000.

Fatty acids content in margarines from Polish market in the years 1996-2000 was investigated. 56 samples of low fat, 40 normal fat and 78 stick were examined derived from different producers. Considerable differences in amount of particular groups of fatty acids were observed during investigation period i.e. saturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and trans isomers in the same type of margarines. The low fat soft type of margarines showed the most desirable from nutritional point of view fatty acids content--such as low level of saturated acids as well as absence of trans isomers.

[The content of fat and fatty acids in selected snack products (nuts and seeds)]. / Zawartosc tluszczu i sklad kwasów tluszczowych wybranych rynkowych produktów przekaskowych (orzechy, nasiona).

The content of fat and fatty acids in 13 selected snack products (nuts and seeds) purchased on the marked in Warsaw region in 2000 have been investigated. The content of fat in examined products varied from 41% to 68%. The fat of nuts and seeds was rich in unsaturated fatty acids, except cocoa product.