Maturity impact on physicochemical composition and polyphenol properties of extra virgin olive oils obtained from Manzanilla, Arbequina, and Koroneiki varieties in Iran.

This study investigated the physicochemical properties and polyphenol composition of extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs) extracted from three olive cultivars. The investigated cultivars were Arbequina, Koroneiki, and Manzanilla, grown in Olive Research Station in Rudbar county, Gilan province, Iran, at three ripening stages. Several parameters were analyzed, including peroxide and acidity values, unsaponifiable matter, oxidative stability, total aliphatic alcohols, fatty acids (FAs), sterols, and triacylglycerol composition. The results showed that as maturity increased, parameters such as oil content, acidity value, and iodine value, rise, while parameters including peroxide value, oxidative stability, aliphatic alcohols, and unsaponifiable matter decreased (p < .05). The saponification value was slightly reduced in the developing ripening process (p > .05). The MUFA/PUFA ratio and total sterol content declined during the olive ripening stages (p < .05). The triterpenes decreased in Arbequina and Koroneiki cultivars but increased in Manzanilla cultivar during the maturity stages. According to the data, oleuropein decreased while oleuropein aglycone, oxidized aldehyde, and hydroxylic form of oleuropein increased for all EVOOs during maturation. Apigenin, quercetin, ligstroside aglycone, aldehyde and hydroxylic form, ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and catechin decreased during the ripening of fruits (p < .05). The main triglycerides were triolein (OOO), palmitodiolein (POO), dioleolinolein (OOL), and palmitooleolinolein (PLO) in all EVOOs. In addition, the olive cultivar and harvesting date influence the physicochemical properties and polyphenol composition of EVOOs extracted from olive varieties grown in one region. In conclusion, the results can present helpful information to determine the optimum maturity stage for the investigated olive cultivars.

Transition-metal-free oxidative cyclization reaction of enynals to access pyrane-2-one derivatives.

A novel and efficient metal-free C-H functionalization of enynals is developed to synthesize α-pyrone derivatives via the formation of two C-O bonds. In this project, K2S2O8 has been introduced as an efficient oxygen source and C-H functionalization agent in regioselective oxidative cyclization reaction with a relatively broad substrate scope.

Modelling of aflatoxin G1 reduction by kefir grain using response surface methodology.

Aflatoxin G1 (AFG1) is one of the main toxic contaminants in pistachio nuts and causes potential health hazards. Hence, AFG1 reduction is one of the main concerns in food safety. Kefir-grains contain symbiotic association of microorganisms well known for their aflatoxin decontamination effects. In this study, a central composite design (CCD) using response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to develop a model in order to predict AFG1 reduction in pistachio nuts by kefir-grain (already heated at 70 and 110°C). The independent variables were: toxin concentration (X1: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 ng/g), kefir-grain level (X2: 5, 10, 20, 10 and 25%), contact time (X3: 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h), and incubation temperature (X4: 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60°C). There was a significant reduction in AFG1 (p < 0.05) when pre-heat-treated kefir-grain used. The variables including X1, X3 and the interactions between X2-X4 as well as X3-X4 have significant effects on AFG1 reduction. The model provided a good prediction of AFG1 reduction under the assay conditions. Optimization was used to enhance the efficiency of kefir-grain on AFG1 reduction. The optimum conditions for the highest AFG1 reduction (96.8%) were predicted by the model as follows: toxin concentration = 20 ng/g, kefir-grain level = 10%, contact time = 6 h, and incubation temperature = 30°C which validated practically in six replications.

Nocturia and disturbed sleep in the elderly.

BACKGROUND: Nocturnal urination (nocturia) is such a commonplace occurrence in the lives of many older adults that it is frequently overlooked as a potential cause of sleep disturbance. METHODS: We examined the prevalence of nocturia and examined its role in self-reported insomnia and poor sleep quality in a survey of 1424 elderly individuals, ages 55-84. Data were derived from a 2003 National Sleep Foundation telephone poll conducted in a representative sample of the United States population who underwent a 20-min structured telephone interview. Nocturia was not a focus of the survey, but data collected relevant to this topic allowed examination of relevant associations with sleep. RESULTS: When inquired about in a checklist format, nocturia was listed as a self-perceived cause of nocturnal sleep "every night or almost every night" by 53% of the sample, which was over four times as frequently as the next most often cited cause of poor sleep, pain (12%). In multivariate logistic models, nocturia was an independent predictor both of self-reported insomnia (75% increased risk) and reduced sleep quality (71% increased risk), along with female gender and other medical and psychiatric conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturia is a frequently overlooked cause of poor sleep in the elderly and may warrant targeted interventions.

Insomnia associated with valerian and melatonin usage in the 2002 National Health Interview Survey.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Many people use dietary supplements or herbal products to help them sleep. We analyzed the associations between melatonin use and insomnia and between valerian use and insomnia in a representative sample of the United States population. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: The data reported upon here were collected in the 2002 Alternative Health/Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Supplement to the National Health Interview Survey. This was a survey of 31,044 personal interviews that constituted an age-representative and socioeconomically representative sample of the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the United States. RESULTS: Of the survey sample, 5.9% used valerian and 5.2% used melatonin. Of those using valerian, 29.9% endorsed insomnia as 1 reason for CAM use, and, of melatonin users, 27.5% endorsed insomnia as 1 reason for CAM use. Relatively greater use occurred in individuals under age 60 years. The decision to use such substances was made in consultation with a health care provider less than half of the time. CONCLUSIONS: Large segments of the United States population used valerian or melatonin for insomnia within the year preceding the survey, and usage typically fell outside the purview of the health care system.

Daytime sleepiness and functional impairment in Alzheimer disease.

OBJECTIVE: Daytime sleep has been noted to accompany dementing illness and is more pronounced as dementia severity increases. Although acknowledged by caregivers, sleepiness during the daytime is among the least troublesome of sleep behaviors described in Alzheimer Disease (AD) patients. The purpose of this study was to examine whether patient and spouse/caregiver reports of daytime sleepiness in AD were associated with lower functional status in those patients. METHODS: The authors utilized the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess reported daytime sleepiness and a modification of the Lawton and Brody scale to assess functional status in a group of 137 AD patients. The authors also examined typical bedtimes and wakeup times via questionnaire. RESULTS: Higher levels of daytime sleepiness were associated with greater impairments in functional status. These results were independent of level of cognitive impairment, as assessed with Mini-Mental State Exam, and they were also detectable when the authors limited analyses to data reported only by spouse/caregiver. Findings were not associated with medication use. AD patients also had earlier bedtimes and later wake-up times than a comparison group. CONCLUSION: Even apart from its association with impaired cognition, daytime sleepiness was associated with functional impairment in AD patients. Although daytime sleep may represent a welcome relief for caregivers, its presence may be associated with greater impairment in instrumental activities and may warrant intervention.

Utility of the Algase Wandering Scale in an outpatient Alzheimer's disease sample.

BACKGROUND: Wandering represents a major problem in the management of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study we examined the utility of the Algase Wandering Scale (AWS), a newly developed psychometric instrument that asks caregivers to assess the likelihood of wandering behavior. METHODS: The AWS was administered to the caregivers of 40 AD patients and total and subscale scores were examined in relation to measures of mental and functional status, depressive symptoms and medication usage. RESULTS: AWS scores were comparable, though slightly lower, than those normative values previously published. Higher scores were associated with more severe dementia. The Negative Outcome subscale showed a significant increase in reported falls or injuries in association with anti-depressant use. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide some construct validation for the AWS as a potentially useful scale to assess wandering behaviors in AD.

Quantification of electromyographic activity during sleep: a phasic electromyographic metric.

Recording of electromyographic (EMG) activity is considered essential for defining rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and for quantifying certain types of movements in sleep, such as periodic leg movements in sleep (PLMS). However, routine analyses of EMG activity beyond such purposes is performed rarely and quantified seldom, and normative data are lacking. In this study, the authors examined systematic application of a visual scoring system for short-duration (approximately 100-millisecond) phasic EMG activity recorded from five different muscle groups (submentalis, left/right anterior tibialis, left/right brachioradialis) recorded from two different age groups of normal subjects and a group of patients with Parkinson's disease. Quantification of this activity was labeled as a phasic electromyographic metric (PEM). PEM data were compiled separately by REM and non-REM sleep. Results indicated that PEM is a normal part of REM sleep in all muscle groups, more specifically constituting about 5% (SD = 3.1%) of 2.5-second intervals of REM sleep in the mentalis in healthy young adults. It occurs at higher rates in patients with Parkinson's disease, and its quantification in the legs may be influenced to some degree by the presence of PLMS. PEM may be a useful metric amenable to quantification with digital techniques. It may have particular relevance for the identification of neurodegenerative conditions in which disinhibition of midbrain dopaminergic pathways results in excessive motor discharge during sleep.

Age changes in timing and 24-hour distribution of self-reported sleep.

OBJECTIVE: Aging has been associated with increased nocturnal awakenings, increased napping, earlier bedtimes and wake-up times, and more regular sleep-wake schedules. These patterns have often been ascribed to both psychosocial and medical factors, but nearly all studies to-date have been cross-sectional. METHODS: The authors present self-reported sleep data from 31 elderly subjects followed over a decade. RESULTS: With aging, the number of nightly awakenings and daytime napping increased over time. Exploratory analyses suggested that individuals who lived with another person had earlier bedtimes, later wake-up times, and greater daytime napping. Intervening medical comorbidities also appeared to be associated with increased napping. CONCLUSION: These results confirm previous cross-sectional studies and suggest a complex biopsychosocial matrix for the timing and placement of sleep in elderly persons within the 24-hour day.