Phytolacca americana extract as a quality-enhancing factor for biodegradable double-layered films based on furcellaran and gelatin - Property assessment.

For the first time, novel active double-layered films based on furcellaran (FUR) and gelatin (GEL) with the addition of Phytolacca americana (PA) extract were obtained. The 1st layer consisted of FUR and GEL, while the aqueous extract of P. americana berries was added in three different concentrations to the 2nd FUR-based layer. The films were characterised by good mechanical (TS range of 0.0011-0.0013 MPa, EAB range between 30.38 %-33.51 %) and water properties (WVTR range of 574.74-588.49 g/m2xd). Structural analysis (SEM and AFM) confirmed good film structure: regular, without cracks or air bubbles. The films showed antioxidant activity tested via the Folin-Ciocâlteu method (4.77-20.70 mg GAExg-1), FRAP assay (0.18-3.40 mM TExg-1) and CUPRAC assay (48.63-53.99 mM TExg-1). The film with the highest PA concentration (6 %) demonstrated the ability to neutralise free radicals, DPPH• and ABTS2+•, at the levels of 1.97 % and 17.34 %, respectively. The ecotoxicity test performed on Lepidium sativum seeds confirmed the lack of ecotoxic film aspects. The biodegradation test indicated that the films are biodegradable. The obtained films can be a good alternative to plastic packaging films (used in the food packaging industry), which are currently a global problem related to the development of post-consumer plastics.

Precocious puberty and other endocrine disorders during mitotane treatment for paediatric adrenocortical carcinoma - case series and literature review.

INTRODUCTION: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is rare and an aggressive tumour. Mitotane is the mainstay adjuvant drug in treating ACC. The study aimed to describe patients diagnosed with precocious puberty (PP) and other endocrinological complications during mitotane therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 4 patients with ACC treated with mitotane therapy complicated by PP. We analysed clinical manifestations, radiological, histopathological findings, and hormonal results. RESULTS: The median age at the diagnosis of ACC was 1.5 years. All patients were treated with surgery and mitotane, accompanied by chemotherapy regimens in 2 cases. The median time from surgery to the initiation of mitotane therapy was 26 days. During mitotane treatment, PP was confirmed based on symptoms, and hormonal and imaging tests. In one patient, incomplete peripheral PP was followed by central PP. The median time from the therapy initiation to the first manifestations of PP was 4 months. Additionally, due to mitotane-induced adrenal insufficiency, patients required a supraphysiological dose of hydrocortisone (HC), and in one patient, mineralocorticoid (MC) replacement with fludrocortisone was necessary. In 2 patients, hypothyroidism was diagnosed. All patients presented neurological symptoms of varying expression, which were more severe in younger children. CONCLUSIONS: The side effects of using mitotane should be recognized quickly and adequately treated. In prepubertal children, PP could be a complication of therapy. The need to use supraphysiological doses of HC, sometimes with MC, should be highlighted. Some patients require levothyroxine replacement therapy. The neurotoxicity of mitotane is a significant clinical problem.

Influence of Curcuma Longa extract in citral addition on functional properties of thin films with triple-layer structure based on furcellaran and gelatin.

In this study, we obtained triple-layer films based on furcellaran and gelatin, in which the middle layer was enriched with extract of Curcuma longa in citral. This newly developed material underwent a comprehensive characterisation process to identify significant improvements in its functional properties. Both SEM, XRD and FTIR analyzes indicated the formation of interactions not only between the components but also between the film layers. Notably, the incorporation of the natural extract led to a significant reduction in solubility, decreasing it from 74.79 % to 57.25 %, while enhancing thermal stability expressed as a melting point elevating it from 147.10 °C in the control film to 158.80 °C in the film with the highest concentration of the active ingredient. Simultaneously, the addition of this active ingredient resulted in decreased water contact angle (WCA) values, rendering the film more hydrophilic. The produced films exhibit great promise as packaging materials, particularly within the food industry, and the conducted research is marked by its forward-looking and developmental approach.

Predicting Acute Cardiovascular Complications in COVID-19: Insights from a Specialized Cardiac Referral Department.

BACKGROUND COVID-19 increases the risk of acute cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including acute coronary syndrome (ACS), acute pulmonary embolism (APE), and acute myocarditis (AMyo). The actual impact of CVDs on mortality of patients with COVID-19 remains unknown. This study aimed to determine whether CVDs influence the course of COVID-19 pneumonia and if they can be easily detected by using common tests and examinations. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data of 249 consecutive patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in a dedicated cardiology department were analyzed. On admission, clinical status, biomarkers, computed tomography, and bedside echocardiography were performed. RESULTS D-dimer level predicted APE (AUC=0.850 95% CI [0.765; 0.935], P<0.001) with sensitivity of 69.4% and specificity of 96.2% for a level of 4968.0 ng/mL, and NT-proBNP predicted AMyo (AUC=0.692 95% CI [0.502; 0.883], P=0.004) and showed sensitivity of 54.5%, with specificity of 86.5% for the cut-off point of 8970 pg/mL. Troponin T levels were not useful for diagnostic differentiation between CVDs. An extent of lung involvement predicted mortality (OR=1.03 95% CI [1.01;1.04] for 1% increase, P<0.001). After adjusting for lung involvement, ACS increased mortality, compared with COVID-19 pneumonia only (OR=5.27 95% CI [1.76; 16.38] P=0.003), while APE and AMyo did not affect risk for death. CONCLUSIONS D-dimer and NT-proBNP, but not troponin T, are useful in differentiating CVDs in patients with COVID-19. ACS with COVID-19 increased in-hospital mortality independently from extent of lung involvement, while coexisting APE or AMyo did not.

The use of active compounds to shape the quality of active double-layer films based on furcellaran intended for packaging salad-dressing - Assessment of utilitarian and storage properties.

In order to obtain innovative, high-quality biodegradable packaging, double-layer films based on furcellaran and gelatin, enriched with plant extracts were created. The films were assessed considering their potential utility, applications and environmental impact. The mechanical properties over a period of nine months were studied and it was noted that the passing of time had a beneficial effect on these parameters. The antioxidant properties was also examined, with the highest results obtained using the DPPH and metal chelating activity methods for GE (76.64 % and 9.85 % respectively), while this film showed the lowest FRAP value (5.99 %) compared to the highest obtained for DTE (52.62 %). For the first time, the possibility of using the double-layer active FUR/GEL film as packaging for salad-dressing was evaluated, but no improvement in parameters was observed regardless of the extract used. The environmental impact analysis showed the ability to completely decomposed in vermicompost within several days.

21-Carba-23-selenaporphyrinoid Dyads-An Azepine Unit as a Merging Motif.

The oxidation of 10,15-diaryl-21-carba-23-selenaporphyrinoids resulted in the creation of dyads. The dimerization process follows a [5+2] cycloaddition path with the formation of an azepine unit. The arrays display two direct bonds between the peripheral carbocyclic carbon atoms of one carbaselenaporphyrinic subunit and the central carbon and nitrogen atoms of the second subunit. This results in a unique canted arrangement of two carbaporphyrinoid planes resembling an open seashell-like motif.

Improving the quality of multi-layer films based on furcellaran by immobilising active ingredients and impact assessment of the use of a new packaging material.

To improve the quality of multi-layer film, four-layer films based on furcellaran and active ingredients: gelatin hydrolysate, curcumin, capsaicin, montmorillonite and AgNPs, were produced in an innovative manner. The films were characterised by SEM and AFM analysis. Along with an increase in the concentration of active ingredients, the structure of the film becomes less homogeneous, which may affect the functional properties. The objective of the study was to analyse changes in the functional properties of the newly-obtained films and to verify their potential as packaging materials for fish products. With the increase in active ingredient concentration, water properties also improved, but there were no noticeable significant effects on mechanical properties. For antioxidant properties, the obtained values were within 1.04-2.74 mM Trolox/mg (FRAP) and 7.67-40.49% (DPPH). The obtained multi-layer films were examined with regard to the shelf-life of salmon. For this purpose, salmon fillets were packed in films having good antioxidant and functional properties. The films were effective in microorganism growth inhibition responsible for fillet spoilage during storage. The microorganism number in the active film-stored samples was lower by 0.13 log CFU/g on day 12 versus the control. However, film application did not retard lipid oxidation in the salmon fillets. Nonetheless, the films show great potential as active packaging materials, extending the shelf-life of the packed foods.

The Relationship between Nutritional Risk and the Most Common Chronic Diseases in Hospitalized Geriatric Population from Central Poland.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS-2002) and the prevalence of concomitant chronic diseases among hospitalized older adults. This study included 2122 consecutively hospitalized older participants with an average age of 82 years. The criteria to participate were the ability to communicate and give consent. In multivariate design, the prevalence of nutritional risk with at least 3 points in the NRS-2002 score was associated with the presence of stroke, atrial fibrillation, dementia and pressure ulcers. Patients with arterial hypertension, lipid disorders, osteoarthritis and urine incontinence had a significantly lower (better) NRS-2002 score. The explanation of the inverse relationship between some disorders and nutritional risk may be their occurrence in relatively earlier age and the relationship with body mass index. In conclusion, the study revealed which medical conditions coexist with the increased nutritional risk in a "real-world" hospitalized geriatric population. The hospital admission of an older subject with stroke, atrial fibrillation, dementia or pressure ulcers should primarily draw attention to the nutritional risk of the patient.

Staged treatment of a premature newborn with interrupted aortic arch and aorta-pulmonary window using intraoperative hybrid procedure before subsequent total correction - Long-term follow-up.

Interrupted aortic arch (IAA) associated with an aortopulmonary window (APW) is a rare cardiac malformation that needs an immediate diagnosis after birth and surgical treatment to avoid irreversible pulmonary lesions. Herein, we describe a case of successful staged treatment of premature neonate using many operative procedures. The first stage was stenting of patent ductus arteriosus with banding of pulmonary artery branches using a hybrid approach. At the age of one, he underwent total correction of malformation using Gore-Tex patch. Two procedures of implantation and redilatation of the previously implanted stents were performed in the following years. In the 8-year follow-up, the patient has been in good clinical condition, without cardiac symptoms. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report representing such a long-term follow-up of treatment of IAA accompanied by APW.

Shelf-life extension of salmon using active total biodegradable packaging with tea ground waste and furcellaran-CMC double-layered films.

In this study, active biopolymer trays, being part of the biodegradable packaging, were developed and characterised. The aim of our research was to determine how active packaging (trays + films) affects the quality of salmon storage. The trays had high antioxidant potential and were biodegradable, however, they limited germination and seed growth, which may have been caused by the low pH of the material. Furthermore, the applied packaging demonstrated a potential possible inhibitory effect on the accumulation of biogenic amines and the growth of microorganisms responsible for the spoilage of salmon fillets. Compared to the control group, fillets stored in the tested pack had a 19% lower total bacteria count on the 6th day of storage. The innovative packing is easily biodegradable and prolongs the shelf-life of salmon fillets, therefore, it shows promise as a packaging material for perishable food products.

The effect of the menstrual cycle on collagen metabolism, growth hormones and strength in young physically active women.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the menstrual cycle on strength, functioning of the GH/IGF-1 axis and collagen metabolism in physically active women. Twenty-four physically active and eumenorrheic women volunteered to participate in the study (body mass 60.3 ± 9.18 kg, age 21.8 ± 0.92 years). Blood samples were obtained between the 5th and 8th days (the follicular phase) and between the 19th and 22th days (the luteal phase) of the menstrual cycle to determine sex steroid concentrations (follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), oestradiol (E2) and progesterone (P)). Also insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and collagen metabolism markers (synthesis (PICP) and breakdown (ICTP)) and maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) were measured. MVC was higher in the luteal phase 164.1 ± 34.77 [N m] (F(1.23) = 4.59; p = 0.043). The recorded collagen synthesis marker (PICP = 296.4 ± 35.61 [ng/ml]) was at the upper level of the reference range (30-300), with an insignificant decrease in the luteal phase (Z = 1.612; p = 0.107) and a significant increase in oestradiol concentration (Z = 4.286; p = 0.0001). The marker of collagen breakdown (ICTP = 4.16 ± 0.68 [µg/l]) was reduced by 6.8% in the same phase (Z = 1.764; p = 0.137). The variability of physical abilities (MVC) during the menstrual cycle showed that menstrual status should be taken into account in determination of the training loads. Increasing the load in the luteal phase seems to be favoured by a beneficial change in collagen metabolism (lower synthesis decrease, lower breakdown increase) observed in physically active women.

Active Double-Layered Films Enriched with AgNPs in Great Water Dock Root and Pu-Erh Extracts.

A novel, eco-friendly, and biocompatible method was applied to form silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in great water dock (Lapathi radix) (KB) and pu-erh (Camellia sinensis) (PE) extracts. The surface plasma resonance peak of green synthesized AgNPs at 451.8 nm for AgNPs+KB and 440.8 nm for AgNPs+PE was observed via spectral analysis of UV absorbance. In this study, double-layered biopolymer films (FUR/CHIT+HGEL) with AgNPs incorporated in KB solution (AgNPs+KB) and AgNPs in PE solution (AgNPs+PE), were successfully prepared using the casting method. The SEM, XRD, zeta potential and size analyses confirmed the presence of AgNP in the films. The addition of AgNPs in plant extracts improved antimicrobial and antioxidant activity and thermal stability, whereas WVTR experienced a decrease. The nanocomposite films' orange-brown colour may aid in the protection of food products against UV rays. The composite films demonstrated antibacterial activity against food-borne pathogens and may offer potential in food packaging applications.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome Treatment: A Review.

Irritable bowel syndrome is not a life-threatening disease, yet it significantly affects the quality of life and contributes to economic loss. It is estimated that even up to 45% of the world's population can suffer from the disease. The first attempts to diagnose irritable bowel syndrome were made at the end of the 19th century; however, establishing appropriate diagnostic criteria and treatment methods is still ongoing. To date, little is known about the etiology of irritable bowel syndrome; however, growing attention is drawn to the intestinal microbiota as a factor in the disease development. For this reason, researchers have conducted many studies on therapies that modulate the microbiota, among which probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics are widely studied. To date, most studies have examined probiotics; however, there are also several studies demonstrating the efficacy of prebiotics and synbiotics. The aim of this review was to summarize findings on the usefulness of probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.

Growth hormone improves short stature in children with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare, autosomal recessive multisystemic disorder characterized by pancreatic insufficiency and bone marrow failure. Short stature is a recognized feature of SDS syndrome; however, systemic data concerning recombinant human growth hormone (rGH) treatment are limited. Aim of the study: To assess the effect of rGH treatment in patients with SDS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective data were collected from patients with SDS and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) treated with rGH in the Children's Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw. The annual growth velocity (GV) and height standard deviation score (SD) were compared for up to 2 years of rGH treatment. RESULTS: Six SDS patients (M : F = 1 : 5) treated with rGH were identified. The median age of starting rGH therapy was 7.5 years, with a mean baseline height SD of -4.06 (range: -6.3 to -2.3 SD). The height SD significantly improved to -3.3 (p = 0.002) and then -3.03 (p = 0.002), following 1 and 2 years of treatment, respectively. The average GV for the patients prior to starting treatment was 4.9 cm/year (range: 3.1-6.5 cm/year), which significantly improved to 7.6 cm/year (range: 5.7-9.6 cm/year) after 1 year of rGH treatment (p = 0.020) and to 6.7 cm/year at the end of 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has shown that rGH treatment significantly improves the height SDS and GV of patients with SDS and GHD without any side effects. Further research is required to analyse the long-term effect of rGH therapy in patients with SDS.

Endocrine dysfunction in children with Shwachman-Diamond syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Shwachman-Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, immune deficiency, bone marrow failure, and bone malformations. Systematic data concerning endocrine function in SDS are limited. We studied patients diagnosed in The Children's Memorial Health Institute in Warsaw, Poland, to assess the prevalence of various endocrinopathies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the pilot study, retrospective data were collected for 5 patients with SDS. Subsequently, patients with SDS aged 3-16 years were recruited prospectively. In total, 19 patients with mutations in the SBDS gene were studied. Data were collected on anthropometric measurements, systemic screening tests of pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, pancreatic, and gonadal function, as well as bone mineral density. Descriptive statistics were tabulated and group differences assessed. RESULTS: Twelve patients (63%) had ≥ 1 endocrine disorder, including growth hormone dysfunction (10 patients, 53%), hypothyroidism (2 patients, 10%), congenital hypopituitarism (1 patient, 5%), and/or type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (1 patient, 5%). The group of boys presented with a significantly lower height (-2.1 SD, p < 0.0001) and BMI (-1.0 SD, p < 0.00001). The group of girls also showed significantly lower height (-2.6 SD, p < 0.00001) and BMI (-0.7 SD, p < 0.0001). All patients had significantly lower height than their mid-parental height. Delayed bone age was found in 15 patients (84%) and osteopaenia in 12 of 15 patients (80%). CONCLUSIONS: Endocrine dysfunctions are common in SDS, especially growth hormone (GH) deficiency. Children with poor growth can benefit from an endocrinological evaluation and tests for GH deficiency. Bone mineral density measurements should be a part of a routine screening. Longitudinal studies are needed to better understand the aetiology and true prevalence of these disorders.

Probiotic Properties of New Lactobacillus Strains Intended to Be Used as Feed Additives for Monogastric Animals.

The study aimed to evaluate the safety and probiotic properties of selected Lactobacillus strains, which are intended to be fed to monogastric animals. The Lactobacillus spp. appeared to be safe since they did not degrade mucus and did not exhibit ß-haemolysis. Moreover, the survival of Caco-2 cells in the presence of metabolites of the selected strains was high, which also indicated their safety. The analysed strains showed moderate or strong antagonistic activity against Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli, which was tested with the usage of the agar slab method. Furthermore, the strains showed high survivability in an acidic environment and the presence of bile salts (~90%). High resistivity or moderate susceptibility to antibiotics was also observed, as a result of the disc diffusion method. The strains were mostly moderately hydrophilic (hydrophobicity: 10.43-41.14%); nevertheless, their auto-aggregation capability exceeded 50% and their co-aggregation with pathogens varied between 12.12 and 85.45%. The ability of the selected strains to adhere to Caco-2 cells was also analysed; they were found to be moderately adhesive (85.09-95.05%) and able to hinder pathogens attaching to the cells (up to 62.58%). The analysed strains exhibit probiotic properties, such as high survivability and adherence to epithelial cells; therefore, they are suitable for administration to monogastric animals. Since the overuse of antibiotic growth promoters in livestock leads to the spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and accumulation of chemotherapeutic residues in food of animal origin, it is of vital importance to introduce alternative feed additives.

Recent achievements in transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defects: a systematic review of literature and a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is one of the most common congenital heart defects. Currently, surgery remains the treatment of choice. However, transcatheter techniques for closing of various types of VSDs have become an alternative. AIMS: The objective of our study was to present the outcomes of transcatheter closure of various types of VSD based on a systematic review of recent publications. METHODS: A systematic review of studies published in English between January 2014 and March 2020 was performed using the PubMed database (MEDLINE) independently by 2 reviewers. Data on success and complication rates were extracted. Studies including fewer than 5 patients and those with acquired VSD were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: Finally, 44 studies were included for analysis, with a total number of 4050 patients. The pooled estimate of the overall success rate based on the random effects model was 97.96% (95% CI, 97.37-98.56; Q test P 0.99; I 2 = 0%) for permanent VSD. CONCLUSIONS: Transcatheter closure of selected VSDs appears to be an effective and safe method of treatment. Recent studies have shown high rates of successful interventions with a low incidence of complications.

Growth Kinetics of Probiotic Lactobacillus Strains in the Alternative, Cost-Efficient Semi-Solid Fermentation Medium.

The growing need for Lactobacillus bacteria usage in industry and the expending probiotic market led to a search for new cost-efficient fermentation media from which a high yield of these bacteria could be obtained. The following study aimed to elaborate cultivation medium, for Lactobacillus spp. growth, which main components would be wheat, maize, barley, and rye flours. The optimal temperature for Lactobacillus growth in new semi-solid fermentation (SSF) medium, water content, and pH of the medium were analyzed by the plate count method. It was established, that the highest bacteria counts were obtained from cultures conducted in the SSF medium with flours to water ratio of 1:1.5 with a natural pH of 6.0 at 37 °C. Subsequently, the growth kinetics of analyzed strains, in both MRS and the SSF media, were studied. The newly designed media contributed to the increased duration of selected Lactobacillus strains lag phase, which varied from 1.98 to 5.64; nevertheless, the maximum growth rate of the strains was two times higher in the SSF medium rather than in MRS, which also resulted in shorter generation time. The developed medium has the potential to become a new cost-efficient fermentation medium for Lactobacillus spp.

The Effect of Recently Developed Synbiotic Preparations on Dominant Fecal Microbiota and Organic Acids Concentrations in Feces of Piglets from Nursing to Fattening.

The study was conducted to determine the influence of newly elaborated synbiotic preparations on piglets' intestinal microbiota and its metabolism. Animals were distributed among six experimental groups, in reference to used feed supplements, namely, synbiotics (A, B, or C) or commercially available probiotics (BioPlus 2B®, Chr. Hansen A/S, Horsholm, Denmark or Cylactin® LBC, DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., Kaiseraugst, Switzerland), or its absence (control group). Until the 29th day of life, piglets were breastfed by sows, whose feed was supplemented, and fecal samples were collected at the 7th and 28th day of piglets' life. After weaning of the piglets, the research was continued until the 165th day of the pigs' life. The area of this work included the analysis of the piglets' dominant fecal microbiota by the plate count method. Moreover, high-performance liquid chromatography analysis (HPLC) was applied to establish variations in the concentrations of organic acids, namely, lactic acid, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs). It was observed that synbiotics have a more significant beneficial effect on the intestinal microbiota of piglets and their metabolism, and therefore their health, in comparison to commercial probiotics used individually. Moreover, synbiotic preparations prevent the negative impact of weaning on piglets' microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract, which could reduce the occurrence of diarrhea.