Essential Amino Acids in the Diet of Children and Adolescents.

The increasing requirement for energy and nutrients as a child grows older may result in nutritional deficiencies. The research was to assess the intake level of essential amino acids in the daily diet of children and adolescents living in rural areas. The research was conducted using a questionnaire that analysed food products consumed every day. The questionnaires were completed with the help of the researcher over a period of 7 d. Anthropometric measurements were carried out on every research participant. The participants' financial situation was calculated using a 5-degree scale, where 5 meant very good and 1 very bad. Insufficient body mass was recorded in the study group in 11.1% of boys and 14.7% of girls. Excessive body mass occurred more often among the girls (31%) than the boys (27.9%). Among boys aged 7-15 y old, protein provided 12.8% of the calorie requirement, while for the girls the figure was 13.6%. Among pupils aged 16-18 y old, the figures were 14.06% for boys and 14.33% for girls. Analysis of the results showed that irrespective of age or gender, no insufficient intake of amino acids was recorded among the study participants. In the study group of children and adolescents from rural areas, every third study participant suffered from excess body weight. Due to the fact that the intake of essential amino acids exceeded recommended RDA, it is vital that educational programmes are implemented on how to maintain a correctly balanced diet.

Ferroptosis, Acyl Starvation, and Breast Cancer.

To maintain their growth rate, cancer cells must secure a supply of fatty acids, which are necessary for building cell membranes and maintaining energy processes. This is one of the reasons why tissues with intensive fatty acid metabolism, such as the mammary gland, are more likely to develop tumors. One natural or induced defense process against cancer is ferroptosis, which interferes with normal fatty acid metabolism. This leads to the oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which causes a rearrangement of the metabolism and damages cell membranes. As a consequence of this oxidation, there is a shortage of normal polyunsaturated fatty acids, which disturbs the complicated metabolism of fatty acids. This imbalance in metabolism, resulting from the deficiency of properly structured fatty acids, is called, by these authors, "acyl starvation." When cancer cells are exposed to alternating hypoxia and reoxygenation, they often develop resistance to neoadjuvant therapies. Blocking the stearoyl-CoA desaturase - fatty acid-binding protein 4 - fatty acid translocase axis appears to be a promising pathway in the treatment of breast cancer. On the one hand, the inhibition of desaturase leads to the formation of toxic phospholipid hydroperoxides in ferroptosis, whereas on the other hand, the inhibition of fatty acid-binding protein 4 and translocase leads to a reduced uptake of fatty acids and disruption of the cellular transport of fatty acids, resulting in intracellular acyl starvation. The disruption in the metabolism of fatty acids in cancer cells may augment the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Regulation of the metabolism of fatty acids in cancer cells seems to be a promising therapeutic direction. Studies show that the induction of ferroptosis in cancer cells, combined with use of neoadjuvant therapies, effectively inhibits the proliferation of these cells. We link the process of ferroptosis with apoptosis and SCD1-FABP4-CD36 axis and propose the term "acyl starvation" for the processes leading to FA deficiency, dysregulation of FA metabolism in cancer cells, and, most importantly, the appearance of incorrect proportions FAs.

Placental expression of Fatty Acid Desaturases 1, 2 and 3 in selected pregnancy pathologies.

Intrauterine development is a key period in human life. The foetal progress largely depends on the function of the placenta, whose responsibility is transportation and biosynthesis of fatty acids. Desaturation enzymes play a key role in placental fatty acid metabolism. Expression of genes coding for desaturases may be associated with pregnancy abnormalities. The objective of this study was to determine the transcriptional activity of the placental genes Fatty Acid Desaturases 1, 2 and 3 (FADS 1, 2 and 3) in women who gave birth to the infants appropriate for gestational age, large for gestational age, small for gestational age, with intrauterine growth restriction and born preterm. 34 pregnant women aged 21-37 years old participated in the study. The placental samples were taken from a site located 2-3 cm away from the umbilical cord attachment. The collected tissue sections were stored in RNAlater according to the manufacturer's protocol, until required for molecular analysis. The expression profiles of FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 were determined with RT-qPCR. There was no difference in FADS1 and FADS2 expression between the groups. However, the differences in the expression of the FADS3 were found. Analysis of the FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3 transcription showed significant differences between most of the examined groups. Our findings suggest that the transcriptional activity of FADS genes changes with the severity of intrauterine disorders and is associated with foetal lipid disorders linked to a greater accumulation of fat in the foetal tissues.

Lipid bands of approx. 1740 cm-1 as spectral biomarkers and image of tissue oxidative stress.

Studies with the use of FTIR and FTR methods to find spectroscopic biomarkers within the 1740 cm-1 band of pathological tissues found that oxidative stress, including damage to epidermis and structural changes in pathological amnion and placenta tissue, are associated with the occurrence of products of lipid peroxidation and have impact on fluidity and transport function of membranes. In particular, the findings show that the absence of a marker lipid band of approx. 1743 cm-1 and the occurrence of a minimum of 1764 cm-1 (FTIR) and 1734 cm-1 (FTR) testify to the integrity and absence of damage in the allogeneic dermis, while the presence the 1743 or 1747 cm-1 bands indicates denaturation of the thermally or electrically burned epidermis. The absence of a marker lipid band of approx. 1736-1740 cm-1 for a healthy placental and amniotic tissue and the presence of a band of 1740 cm-1 indicate placental gestosis, while the presence of a band of 1742 cm-1 indicates hypotrophy. The 1738 cm-1 bands indicate amniotic macrosomia. Structural changes caused by tissue modification with antioxidants, which were observed on individual samples: the L-ascorbic acid (presence of a lipid band marker at a frequency of 1755 cm-1), sodium ascorbate (disappearance of the marker band), orthosilicic acid (disappearance or decrease in the intensity of the marker band with a decrease in the concentration of the modifier), as well as graphene oxide (separation of the marker lipid band of 1755 cm-1), inform us about the effect of modifiers on the tissue repair process. The studies also tracked spectral changes identified in serum. Withing the range of the lipid band and the amide I and II bands (α â†’ ß conversion), there are clear differences between normal and pathological serum lyophilisates and a sample analyzed from the solution.

Graphene Oxide as a Collagen Modifier of Amniotic Membrane and Burnt Skin.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this interdisciplinary study was to answer the question of whether active antioxidants as graphene oxide (GO), sodium ascorbate, and L-ascorbic acid modify at a molecular and supramolecular level the tissue of pathological amnion and the necrotic eschar degraded in thermal burn. We propose new solutions of modifiers based on GO that will become innovative ingredients to be used in transplants (amnion) and enhance regeneration of epidermis degraded in thermal burn. METHODS: A Nicolet 6700 spectrophotometer with Omnic software and the EasiDiff diffusion accessory were used in FTIR spectroscopic analysis. A Nicolet Magna-IR 860 spectrometer with an FT Raman accessory was used to record the Raman spectra of the samples. The surface of the samples was examined using a Phenom ProX scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy detector to diagnose and illustrate morphological effects on skin and amnion samples. SAXS measurements were carried out with a compact Kratky camera equipped with the SWAXS optical system. RESULTS: Characterisation of amide I-III regions, important for molecular structure, on both FTIR and FTR spectra revealed distinct shifts, testifying to organization of protein structure after GO modification. A wide lipid band associated with ester-group vibrations in phospholipids of cell membranes and vibrations of the carbonyl group of GO in the 1,790-1,720 cm-1 band were observed in the spectra of thermally degraded and GO-modified epidermis and pathological amnion. SAXS studies revealed that GO caused a significant change in the structure of the burnt skin, but its influence on the structure of the amnion was weak. CONCLUSION: Modification of burn-damaged epidermis and pathological amnion by means of GO results in stabilization and regeneration of tissue at the level of molecular (FTIR, FTR) and supramolecular (SAXS) interactions.

Graphene Oxide and Stabilized Ortho-Silicic Acid as Modifiers of Amnion and Burn Affected Skin: A Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oxidative tissue damage caused by reactive oxygen species results in a significant decrease in the total antioxidant capacity of the biological system. The aim of this interdisciplinary study was to answer the question of whether active antioxidants modify, at a molecular and supramolecular level, the tissue of pathological amnion and the necrotic eschar degraded in thermal burn. METHODS: A Nicolet 6700 Fourier-transform spectrophotometer with OMNIC software and the EasiDiff diffusion accessory were used in the FTIR spectroscopic analysis. A NICOLET MAGNA-IR 860 spectrometer with FT-Raman accessory was used to record the Raman spectra of the samples. The samples were exposed to bacteria capable of causing nosocomial infections, ie Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Whereas samples of hypotrophic amnion interacted with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. The obtained flame retardant effect of placentas was evaluated using the method of the limiting oxygen index (LOI). RESULTS: The infrared spectroscopy analysis proved that after modification of the amniotic samples in graphene oxide and ortho-silicic acid, the amide II band is split into two components. Incubation of samples in modifier solutions: graphene oxide, sodium ascorbate and L-ascorbic acid results in shifts and changes of intensity within the broadly understood lipid band 1743-1745-1747 cm-1. The oxidising changes observed within the lipid and amide bands are affected by the incubation effect of graphene oxide as a modifier, possibly adsorbing on the surface of the amniotic membrane. On the basis of microbiological studies, pathogenic bacteria commonly causing amniotic infections and growing in burn wounds were found to have particularly good resistance to stabilized ortho-silicic acid (E. coli) and lactoferrin (S.aureus). CONCLUSION: This thermogravimetric study found the highest stability of the analysed tissues (hypotrophic amnion and burnt epidermis) after modification with graphene oxide and sodium ascorbate.

Stabilized Ortho-Silicic Acid as a Modifier of Tissue-Preliminary Comparative Biomaterial Studies.

The ortho-silicic acid (H4SiO4) plays an essential role in delivering silicon to body cells and the monomeric ortho-silicic acid is the most bioavailable source of silicon for humans. This study reveals that the ortho-silicic acid (OSA) modifies the tissue of a healthy and pathological hypotrophic amnion, thermal burn skin and, additionally, the OSA-incubated serum. Changes in the tissue modified by the ortho-silicic acid were traced on the molecular level with the use of FTIR spectroscopy. The most interesting area of tissue modification with the use of OSA acid solutions is the appearance of the 1085 cm-1 Si-O-Si band which is optimal for the 1:6000 OSA concentration. Microbiological studies aiming at anticipating anti-inflammatory and antibacterial bioactivity revealed that the skin samples and amniotic samples were characterised by good resistance to the following bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (medium growth inhibition zone: 0.5-4 mm). The present study determined the concentration and the composition of the solutions to be used in the future to create innovative modifiers (active dressings or new dietary supplements) enhancing tissue regeneration.

The differences in the consumption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the diet of pregnant women diagnosed with arterial hypertension or arterial hypertension and hypothyroidism.

BACKGROUND: Excessive body weight induces the occurrence of arterial hypertension. The risk associated with irregularities during the perinatal period is increased in women with diagnosed hypothyroidism. Disorders of thyroid functions during pregnancy may cause higher body weight gains. The aim of this project was to determine the differences in the average daily intake of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in women with arterial hypertension and with hypothyroidism. METHODS: The control group (Group I) included healthy women. In this group, no complications during the course of pregnancy were observed and the delivery was on the due date. Group II was comprised of patients with arterial hypertension. Group III included patients with arterial hypertension, who were diagnosed with hypothyroidism before pregnancy. The women's eating habits and dietary composition were analyzed based on a dietary assessment. RESULTS: Women with arterial hypertension (Group II) consumed the highest number of calories per day, while women with a normal pregnancy consumed the lowest amount of calories. The daily consumption of vegetable protein was similar in all study groups. The average daily consumption of fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates was the highest among women with diagnosed arterial hypertension. Women with arterial hypertension and hypothyroidism more frequently gave birth before the 38th week of pregnancy. The average daily intake of Arginine, Lysine, Methionine and Tryptophan was lower in the group of women with a normal pregnancy than in the two other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive calorie intake causing significant body weight gain fostered the occurrence of arterial hypertension during pregnancy.

A new approach to the production of a biovital skin graft based on human acellular dermal matrix produced in-house, in vitro revitalized internally by human fibroblasts and keratinocytes on the surface.

Patients with extensive and deep burns who do not have enough donor sites for autologous skin grafts require alternative treatment methods. Tissue engineering is a useful tool to solve this problem. The aim of this study was to find the optimal method for the production of a biovital skin substitute based on acellular dermal matrix (ADM) and in vitro cultured fibroblasts and keratinocytes. In this work, nine methods of ADM production were assessed. The proposed methods are based on the use of the following enzymes: Dispase II, collagenase I/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), collagenase II/EDTA, and mechanical perforation using DermaRoller and mesh dermatome. The obtained ADMs were examined (both on the side of the basement membrane and on the "cut-off" side) by means of scanning electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry tests and strength tests. ADM was revitalized with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes. The ability of in-depth revitalization of cultured fibroblasts and their ability to secrete collagen IV was examined. The obtained results indicate that the optimal method of production of live skin substitutes is the colonization of autologous fibroblasts and keratinocytes on the scaffold obtained using two-step incubation method: Trypsin/EDTA and dispase II.

The Effect of Lauric Acid on Pathogens Colonizing the Burn Wound: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Some of the most serious complications of burns include septic infections. Instead of fulfilling the function of a protective barrier, tissues damaged by high temperature create a niche that serves as an environment and source of nourishment for pathogens. An accepted practice is to use antibiotics to inhibit development of pathogens. Taking into consideration the characteristics of the burn wound and increasing antibiotic resistance, the search for new substances that have both antimicrobial and regenerative effects seems justified. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of lauric acid on bacteria-colonizing tissue samples taken during surgical treatment of burns. METHODS: Lauric acid was combined with 5 different ointment bases: Anhydrous Eucerin DAB, Anhydrous Eucerin II, Hydrophilic Vaseline, White Vaseline, and Lekobaza. The content of lauric acid in the ointment bases was 10% to 20% w/w. The preparations were applied onto samples of burnt skin collected during surgery. The samples were subsequently subjected to a microbiological test with the use of model strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. RESULTS: With one exception (White Vaseline), lauric acid showed a more pronounced effect on bacteria in 20% w/w concentration. In a 10% lauric acid concentration, no effect on bacteria was observed on the Hydrophilic Vaseline ointment base. Lauric acid had the strongest inhibiting effect on microbial growth of Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. Satisfactory zones of inhibition were also observed in the case of Escherichia coli. Growth inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed only when pure lauric acid was used. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its aseptic and regenerative effect on chemically damaged tissues, lauric acid can be a promising modifier of the burn healing process.

FT Raman spectroscopy in the evaluation of biomarkers of normal and pathological placenta tissue.

The basic precondition of proper intrauterine growth is appropriate supply of nutrients transported through placenta. Placenta capacity in the scope of transportation is dependent on transport systems and the structure of the basement membrane and syncytiotrophoblast microvillous membrane. The present pilot study demonstrates preliminary results of the analysis of placenta structure in the course of selected pathologies by FT Raman spectroscopy analysis. The observed changes of the molecular structure in the so-called average spectra, independent of methodical processing, may be an indicator of the efficiency of transportation controlled by syncytiotrophoblast. In particular, an increase in the intensity of dispersion and transfer within the frequency of 3425-3300 cm-1 demonstrate the dynamics of the interaction in the scope of hydrogen bonds in healthy tissues. Changes in the molecular structure within the frequency of 950-750 cm-1 and conformational changes within disulphide bonds differentiate the healthy tissue from the pathological one. Changes in the molecular structure observed in the FTR spectra are a spectroscopic image of placenta functions in the course of various pathologies. They also document a complex goal of our research that is finding spectroscopic biomarkers of regular and pathological placental tissue.

A Histologic Perspective on Electrical and Thermal Burn-Injured Human Skin.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze specific spectroscopic (FT-Raman) and thermal (limiting oxygen index) aspects of skin samples exposed to electrical injury compared with thermal injury. METHODS: An observational case-control study was conducted at the Dr Stanislaw Sakiel Center for Burns Treatment in Siemianowice, Silesia, Poland. A scanning electron microscope was used to diagnose and illustrate the topography of skin samples from electrical and thermal burns and the morphologic effects on damaged versus undamaged skin surfaces. In particular, researchers attempted to detect spectroscopic and thermal changes at the molecular level, namely, specific biomarkers of tissue degeneration and their regeneration under the influence of the applied modifiers (antioxidants and orthosilicic acid solutions). RESULTS: Modification with L-ascorbic acid and hydrogel of orthosilicic acid caused an increase in the intensity of the amide I Raman peaks, whereas modification with sodium ascorbate and orthosilicic acid resulted in the separation of the band protein side chains (1,440-1,448 cm), which is a part of tissue regeneration. The best result was obtained when the skin was treated with 7% orthosilicic acid (limiting oxygen index, 26%). CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant treatment may be advantageous in minimizing injury in patients with thermal burns but not always in electrical burns.

Amniotic cells share clusters of differentiation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes, influencing their ability to proliferate and aid in wound healing while impairing their angiogenesis capability.

An alternative to cultured skin cell grafts usage in burn treatment is the graft of allogenic stem cells. We verified whether amniotic stem cells are better than the present therapeutic standard: grafts of autologous keratinocytes and fibroblasts along with autologous adipose-derived stem cells, and whether amniotic stem cells can support the growth of autologous keratinocytes and fibroblasts in the culture. The study was performed on the material from 18 amnia. Skin cells were obtained from 3 patients. In order to assess the influence of stem cells on keratinocytes and fibroblasts, the following experiments were performed: impact on viability and cell cycle, wound healing capability, angiogenesis capability, influence on the proliferation speed and capability to differentiate into skin cells. We demonstrated that human amniotic membrane-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMMSCs) share amniotic proteins with skin cells. Amniotic stem cells may replace skin fibroblasts in grafts due to the close similarity in their surface antigens, with significantly larger proliferative potential and ability to stimulate wound healing. It was shown that adding amniotic cells to both keratinocytes and fibroblast cultures accelerates directional migration by ≥ 40%. We confirmed in this study the influence of amniotic cells on the proliferation and cell cycle of fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Amniotic stem cells can be successfully used not only as a first choice graft but also to replace 3T3 line cells, supporting the proliferation of the cells during the culturing, as well as a supplementary graft supporting an autologous graft of keratinocytes and fibroblasts.

Sodium ascorbate (SA) and l-ascorbic acid (AA) as modifiers of burn affected skin - A comparative analysis.

Proper functioning of living organisms requires controlling the factors which govern the level of oxidative stress in the system, that is presence of free radicals at a given, rather low, level and preventing their excess. In this work it is shown that SA and AA active antioxidants, governing the oxidative stress in the wound, modify standard serum solution as well as burn affected necrotic eschar at the molecular structure level. In the case of incubation of skin fragments in SA and AA, the following findings were reported: modification of serum, that is appearance of low molecular weight oligomer bands in AA and recreation of native serum bands in SA. In frozen serum solutions modified by AA FTIR 1759 and 1420-1053 cm-1 bands are observed, whereas in SA FTIR 1603, 1411-1054 and 536 cm-1 bands appear. In the case of modification of the burn affected necrotic eschar in SA and AA - frequency shifts in the fingerprint region 1780-1000 cm-1 can be biomarkers indicating tissue regeneration process under the influence of antioxidants. 1780-1580 cm-1 and 1418-1250 cm-1 regions on the Raman spectra are particularly rich in spectral information. Modification of samples of skin burnt with AA activates the regions of the ß-sheet aggregates whereas treatment of the samples with SA ascorbate demonstrates changes which testify to reconstruction of α-helix structure (SAXS studies).

The role of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in ex-vivo examination of human skin burn injury treatment.

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) is one of the most versatile solvents in biological science, therefore it is frequently used as a solvent in biological studies and as a vehicle for drug therapy. DMSO readily penetrates, diffuses through biological membranes and ipso facto increases fluidity of liposomal membranes modelling stratum corneum. Thermal injury is associated with the appearance of lipid peroxidation products in the burned skin. The influence of DMSO on protein structure and stability is concentration and temperature dependant. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of DMSO on human burn wounds and examine the interactions between DMSO and skin surface. The real problem in burn treatment is hypoalbuminemia. At the level of the laboratory studies there was an attempt at answering the question of whether the DMSO will modify the standard serum solution. In the case of the incubation of skin fragments in 1%-100% DMSO, the following findings were reported: modification of the serum, appearance of low molecular weight oligomer bands, disappearance of albumin bands or reconstruction of native serum bands during incubation in antioxidant solutions. The result of the modification is also the exposure of FTIR 1603 and 1046cm-1 bands observed in frozen serum solutions. In the case of modification of the burned skin by DMSO solutions or antioxidants - frequency shifts, an increase in the intensity of amide I band as well as the appearance of the 1601cm-1 band can be specific biomarkers of the tissue regeneration process. In this study the areas 1780-1580cm-1 and 1418-1250cm-1 on the Raman spectra are particularly rich in spectral information.

Surface structure changes of pathological placenta tissue observed using scanning electron microscopy - a pilot study.

Structural changes within the placenta are observed in the course of pathological pregnancy. The aim of the study was to perform initial assessment of morphological features of placenta. The analysis was conducted by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Samples of placenta of women who delivered neonates appropriate for gestational age were characterized by a homogenous surface texture with natural corrugation. The surface of IUGR placenta from the group of mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension was definitely heterogeneous - noticeable swelling of tissue surface was observed. Samples from LGA group also demonstrated a number of surface bulges and heterogeneities which were, nonetheless, characterized by a certain repeatability.

The role of topically applied l-ascorbic acid in ex-vivo examination of burn-injured human skin.

Wound treatment and healing is complex and is comprised of an elaborate set of processes including cellular, spectroscopic and biochemical ones as well as the "reaction" of local tissue to thermal injury. Vitamin C as l-ascorbic acid (LA) prevents injurious effects of oxidants because it reduces reactive oxygen species to stable molecules, it becomes oxidized to the short-lived ascorbyl radical. As a result, antioxidant treatment may contribute to minimizing injury in burn patients. The aim of this study is to assess changes in molecular structure of collagen extracted from human epidermis burn wound scab during incubation of the epidermis in l-ascorbic acid solution. The study will be performed using FTIR and FT Raman spectroscopies. During this research it was observed that the intensity of Raman peaks increased where healing was being modified by LA. The intensity of the amide III band at 1247cm-1 relative to the intensity at 1326cm-1 was used to test tissue repair degree at the incision site. FTIR spectra were recorded from frozen specimens of serum modified by LA; an analysis of shifts in the amide I band position was conducted. The appearance of a new band for frozen samples modified by LA was observed around 1149-1220cm-1. The above conclusions confirmed the creation of hydrogen bonds between NH stretch and CO. Samples being incubated in solutions of l-ascorbic acid demonstrated the absence of electrophoretic bands of albumin. Alterations in the surface of the skin incubated in l-ascorbic acid were investigated with the use of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A decrease in external symptoms of burn injury was noted in the damaged epidermis incubated in l-ascorbic acid.

The dietary composition of women who delivered preterm and full-term infants.

OBJECTIVES: Literature data show that excess and primary deficiency in particular nutrients, vitamins and minerals may lead to pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, hypertension and neural tube defects in the foetus. The aim of the study was to determine differences in average daily consumption of selected nutrients during pregnancy in women who did not supplement their diet and to evaluate the influence of dietary habits on the occurrence of pre-term delivery and hypertension in pregnant women. SAMPLE GROUP AND METHODS: Information on the course of pregnancy and the newborn's health status at birth was derived from the Charter of Pregnancy and documents recorded by the hospital. Women's eating habits and dietary composition were analyzed on the basis of a dietary questionnaire. The sample group was divided into four groups: women who delivered neonates appropriate for gestational age (AGA), women with gestosis who delivered AGA neonates by means of caesarean sections, women who delivered pre-term neonates (PTB) and women with gestosis who delivered PTB by means of caesarean sections. RESULTS: In the case of women with vaginal delivery at term the average intake of iodine was always higher than in other groups. Analysis of average daily intake of folates revealed a higher intake in the group of women who gave birth to full-term neonates with proper neonatal weight in comparison with the groups of women with pre-term delivery. P≤0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant differences in average daily intake of folates, iodine, retinol, magnesium and iron were observed between the group of women with vaginal delivery at term and the groups of women with diagnosed hypertension who delivered preterm. Correlation was demonstrated between average daily intake of iodine and vitamin D and the occurrence of arterial hypertension. Supplementation of the diet of women in the preconception and prenatal period with minerals and vitamins should be considered.

Active antioxidants in ex-vivo examination of burn wound healing by means of IR and Raman spectroscopies-Preliminary comparative research.

Being a complex traumatic event, burn injury also affects other organ systems apart from the skin. Wounds undergo various pathological changes which are accompanied by alterations in the molecular environment. Information about molecules may be obtained with the use of Raman spectroscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and when combined, both methods are a powerful tool for providing material characterization. Alterations in the molecular environment may lead to identifying objective markers of acute wound healing. In general, incubation of samples in solutions of l-ascorbic acid and 5% and 7% orthosilicic acid organizes the collagen structure, whereas the increased intensity of the Raman bands in the region of 1500-800cm-1 reveals regeneration of the burn tissue. Since oxidative damage is one of the mechanisms responsible for local and distant pathophysiological events after burn, antioxidant therapy can prove to be beneficial in minimizing burn wounds, which was examined on the basis of human skin samples and chicken skin samples, the latter being subject to modification when heated to a temperature sufficient for the simulation of a burn incident.

Inhibitors of thermally induced burn incidents ­ characterization by microbiological procedure, electrophoresis, SEM, DSC and IR spectroscopy.

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric (TGA) investigations, acetate electrophoresis (CAE), Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis and microbiological procedures were all carried out after heating the samples to a temperature sufficient for simulating a burn incident. In particular, the purpose of the present study was to analyze the effect of antioxidants, such as fucoidan from brown seaweed and flame-retardant cyclic organophosphates and phosphonates, on an organic chicken skin that gets changed by a burn incident. DSC was considered to be a useful tool in assessing in vitro temperature-mediated cross-linking; an innovative analytical conclusion was obtained from the experimentation described in the paper. FTIR tests revealed that heating a dry organic chicken skin to the boiling point leads to the disappearance of a wide band in the 1650-1550 cm(-1) area or the conversion of a band, which may be attributed to the intermolecular ß-sheet aggregates. Fucoidan from brown seaweed and flame-retardant cyclic organophosphates and phosphonates probably bind with the collagen that is changed by the burn (in addition to the influence of antioxidant solutions on samples of a blank or not boiled organic chicken skin) incident forming a polymer film with the collagen of the chicken skin surface (SEM analysis), decreasing the aggregation process and native collagen recovery. Good bacteriostatic properties were determined for fucoidan samples from brown seaweed and flame-retardant cyclic organophosphates and phosphonates against the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Thus, it was observed that the fucoidan incorporated into collagen films can be used as a therapeutically active biomaterial that speeds up the wound-healing process.