Bioaccessibility of Carotenoids and Polyphenols in Organic Butternut Squash (Cucurbita moschata): Impact of Industrial Freezing Process.

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) is recognized as a functional food due to its abundant content of health-promoting compounds, including carotenoids and polyphenols. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of industrial freezing stages on the bioaccessibility of carotenoids and polyphenols in organic Butternut squash supplied for baby food. Identification and quantification of bioactive compounds were carried out using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS and HPLC-PDA, respectively. The results revealed that industrial freezing of squash did not cause a significant change in bioaccessibility of α- and ß-carotene. On the other hand, frozen squash was found to contain higher levels of bioaccessible epicatechin (main flavonoid) (117.5 mg/kg) and syringic acid (main phenolic acid) (32.0 mg/kg) compared to fresh internal fruit. Moreover, the levels of bioaccessible epicatechin and syringic acid were found to be the highest in discarded pomace and seed sample (454.0 and 132.4 mg/kg, respectively). Overall, this study emphasized that industrial freezing could be an effective strategy for preserving carotenoid bioaccessibility in organic Butternut squash, while also enhancing the levels of bioaccessible polyphenols. In addition, we also demonstrated that pomace and seed, which are discarded as waste, have significant potential to be utilized as a food source rich in bioactive compounds.

Myofibroma of the gingiva: report of a case.

Myofibroma is a benign mesenchymal neoplasm composed of myofibroblasts which has been described with different synonyms since the first report in 1951. It occurs most commonly as a solitary lesion of soft tissue, skin, or bone in infancy. The prognosis of oral myofibromas is excellent, and surgical excision is curative. Recurrence is rare. Awareness and recognition of this benign tumor is important to establish the correct diagnosis and avoid morbidity of unnecessary aggressive therapy. This report describes a myofibroma of the gingiva in a 14 year old girl and is reported together with the conventional histologic, and immunohistochemical findings. The tumor showed rapid increase in size and clinical features suggestive of malignancy. However on histopathologic evaluation it was diagnosed as a benign neoplasm, and this diagnosis was supported by immunohistochemical markers. The spindle cells were immunopositive for smooth muscle actin, and vimentin but were negative for desmin and S-100 protein. The patient was treated with surgical excision, and is followed-up for 33 months without any signs of recurrence.

Oral mucosal ulceration: a manifestation of previously undiagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis, or TB, is a chronic infectious disease that can affect any part of the body, including the mouth. Oral lesions may be the only finding of primary pulmonary TB, in which case proper diagnosis by dentists is vital. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present a case in which the patient sought treatment for a painful oral lesion. A histopathologic examination revealed characteristics of TB. Subsequently, pulmonary lesions were detected, and a diagnosis of pulmonary TB was confirmed. The patient underwent antituberculosis therapy, and his oral and systemic conditions improved rapidly. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Although oral manifestations of TB are rare, clinicians should be aware of their possible occurrence in their patient populations. Such awareness can help diagnose TB at an early stage, thereby preventing complications and potential contaminations.