This paper investigates the effects of storage conditions on the stability of phenolics and their antioxidant activities in unique nutraceutical supplements containing non-traditional cereal flakes, edible flowers, fruits, nuts, and seeds. Significant total phenolic content (TPC) of 1170-2430 mg GAE/kg and total anthocyanin content (TAC) with the values of 322-663 mg C3G/kg were determined with the highest TPC content established in free phenolic fractions. The most notable declines in TPC (by 53%), TAC (by 62%), phenolics (e.g., glycosylated anthocyanins by 35-67%), and antioxidant activity (by 25% using DPPH) were established in the presence of sunlight at 23 °C followed by the storage at 40 °C. Quercetin, rutin, peonidin, pelargonidin, p-coumaric, ellagic, and p-hydroxybenzoic acids were identified as the least stable phenolics when exposed to sunlight. Furthermore, glycosylated forms of anthocyanins demonstrated a greater stability when compared with anthocyanidins. The mixtures considerably eliminated ABTS and DPPH radicals. In all samples, water-soluble substances showed a higher antioxidant activity than lipid-soluble substances with the main contributors in the following order: delphinidin-3-glucoside (r = +0.9839) > p-coumaric > gallic > sinapic > p-hydroxybenzoic acids > delphinidin > peonidin and malvidin (r = +0.6538). Gluten-free nutraceutical mixtures M3 (containing red rice and black quinoa flakes, red and blue cornflowers, blueberries, and barberries) and M4 (containing red and black rice flakes, rose, blue cornflower, blueberries, raspberries, and barberries) were evaluated as the least stable under all storage conditions although they showed considerable phenolic concentrations. Phenolic contents and antioxidant activity of the nutraceutical mixtures were the highest at 23 °C without the presence of sunlight with the most stable M1 nutraceutical mixture (containing oat and red wheat flakes, hibiscus, lavender, blueberries, raspberries, and barberries).
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Ferritin, a naturally occurring iron storage protein, has gained significant attention as a drug delivery platform due to its inherent biocompatibility and capacity to encapsulate therapeutic agents. In this study, we successfully genetically engineered human H ferritin by incorporating 4 or 6 tryptophan residues per subunit, strategically oriented towards the inner cavity of the nanoparticle. This modification aimed to enhance the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs into the ferritin cage. Comprehensive characterization of the mutants revealed that only the variant carrying four tryptophan substitutions per subunit retained the ability to disassemble and reassemble properly. As a proof of concept, we evaluated the loading capacity of this mutant with ellipticine, a natural hydrophobic indole alkaloid with multimodal anticancer activity. Our data demonstrated that this specific mutant exhibited significantly higher efficiency in loading ellipticine compared to human H ferritin. Furthermore, to evaluate the versatility of this hydrophobicity-enhanced ferritin nanoparticle as a drug carrier, we conducted a comparative study by also encapsulating doxorubicin, a commonly used anticancer drug. Subsequently, we tested both ellipticine and doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles on a promyelocytic leukemia cell line, demonstrating efficient uptake by these cells and resulting in the expected cytotoxic effect.
- MeSH
- Apoferritins genetics MeSH
- Doxorubicin pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Ellipticines * MeSH
- Ferritins genetics chemistry MeSH
- Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions MeSH
- Drug Delivery Systems MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Cell Line, Tumor MeSH
- Nanoparticles * chemistry MeSH
- Drug Carriers chemistry MeSH
- Antineoplastic Agents * pharmacology chemistry MeSH
- Tryptophan MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Luštěniny jsou významnými potravinovými alergeny. K jejich hlavním alergenním složkám patří seed storage proteiny a PR-10 proteiny. Rozhodli jsme se prozkoumat senzibilizační profily specifických IgE protilátek na jednotlivé luštěniny u velkého souboru pacientů vyšetřených pomocí multiplexu ALEX®. Současně jsme sledovali anamnestický výskyt a charakter klinických reakcí na luštěniny a také senzibilizaci a klinické reakce na zkříženě reagující alergeny, konkrétně ořechy, semena a PR-10 proteiny. Vyšetřeno bylo celkem 685 pacientů. Téměř čtvrtina z nich (24 %) byla senzibilizována na některou z luštěnin. Mezi nimi převažovala senzibilizace na arašídy (n = 122) a sóju (n = 98), s velkým odstupem za nimi následovala čočka a příbuzné luštěniny (n = 11). V anamnéze udávali pacienti nejčastěji klinické reakce na arašídy (n = 17), nicméně sóju (4 pacienti) v tomto případě předstihly právě čočka a jí příbuzné luštěniny (celkem 11 pacientů). V klinických reakcích převažovaly reakce systémové, jejichž podkladem byla nejčastěji senzibilizace na seed storage proteiny. Čočka a příbuzné luštěniny sice nepatří mezi přední původce alergických reakcí na potraviny, avšak v našich podmínkách podle všeho významem předstihují sóju a měla by jim proto být věnována větší pozornost.
Legumes are important food allergens. Their major allergenic components are seed storage proteins and PR-10 proteins. We decided to investigate the sensitization profiles of specific IgE antibodies to distinct legumes in a large group of patients examined by multiplex system ALEX ®. We also studied the history of clinical reactions to legumes in sensitized patients and possible cross-reactivity to other allergens, i.e., tree nuts, seeds, or PR-10 proteins. Our study group included 689 patients; almost a quarter of them (24%) was sensitized to some legume. Sensitization to peanuts (n = 122) and soybean (n = 98) prevailed, being followed by sensitization to lentil and the relative legumes. A positive history of clinical reactions was most frequently to peanuts (17 patients); however, clinical reactions to lentil and the relative legumes prevailed (11 patients) over that induced by soybean (4 patients). The clinical reactions were predominantly systemic, mainly due to sensitization to seed storage proteins. Though lentil and the relative legumes are not considered to be prominent food allergens, their importance is significantly higher in our country compared to soybean, and thus we should pay increased attention to them.
- MeSH
- Allergens immunology MeSH
- Peanut Hypersensitivity diagnosis immunology MeSH
- Lens Plant immunology MeSH
- Fabaceae immunology classification MeSH
- Glycine max immunology MeSH
- Immunoglobulin E analysis MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Food Hypersensitivity * diagnosis etiology immunology MeSH
- Seed Storage Proteins immunology MeSH
- Cross Reactions immunology MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
Chirurgická léčba nehmatných lézí prsu vyžaduje jejich přesnou předoperační lokalizaci. Mezi řadou lokalizačních metod v poslední době vyniká lokalizace pomocí radioaktivního jódového zrna. Uvádíme první zkušenosti s touto metodou na našem pracovišti. Popisujeme strukturu lokalizačního jódového zrna, princip předoperačního zavedení a peroperační detekce zrna, postup při transportu resekátu, histopatologickém vyšetření, uchování a likvidaci zrna, aspekty radiační ochrany.
Surgical therapy of non-palpable malignant breast lesions requires precise preoperative localisation. Recently, radioactive iodine seed localisation has excelled among the number of localisation methods. We present our first experience with this method at our department. We describe the structure of the radioactive iodine seed, the principles of preoperative localisation and peroperative detection of the seed, the specimen transport process, histopathological examination, storage and disposal of the seed, as well as aspects of radiation protection.
- Keywords
- radioaktivní zrno, nehmatné léze prsu,
- MeSH
- Organ Sparing Treatments methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Mastectomy MeSH
- Breast Neoplasms * surgery MeSH
- Iodine Radioisotopes MeSH
- Mastectomy, Segmental MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Female MeSH
- Publication type
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
- Review MeSH
The possibilities for diagnosing prion diseases have shifted significantly over the last 10 years. The RT-QuIC assay option has been added for neuropsychiatric symptoms, supporting biomarkers and final post-mortem confirmation. Samples of brain homogenates used for final diagnosis, archived for many years, provide the possibility for retrospective studies. We used a second-generation RT-QuIC assay to detect seeding activity in different types of sporadic and genetic prion diseases in archival brain homogenates and post-mortem CSF samples that were 2 to 15 years old. Together, we tested 92 archival brain homogenates: 39 with definite prion disease, 28 with definite other neurological disease, and 25 with no signs of neurological disorders. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay were 97.4% and 100%, respectively. Differences were observed in gCJD E200K, compared to the sporadic CJD group. In 52 post-mortem CSF samples-24 with definite prion disease and 28 controls-we detected the inhibition of seeding reaction due to high protein content. Diluting the samples eliminated such inhibition and led to 95.8% sensitivity and 100% specificity of the assay. In conclusion, we proved the reliability of archived brain homogenates and post-mortem CSF samples for retrospective analysis by RT-QuIC after long-term storage, without changed reactivity.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
We sought to determine if Parkinson's disease (PD) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with a greater SERIAL-ORDER (mental manipulation) than ANY-ORDER (auditory span, storage) deficit in working memory (WM). We investigated WM combining neuropsychological measures with the study of brain functional connectivity. A cohort of 160 patients with idiopathic PD, classified as PD-MCI (n = 87) or PD with normal cognition (PD-NC; n = 73), and 70 matched healthy controls were studied. Verbal WM was assessed with the Backward Digit Span Task (BDT; Lamar et al., 2007, Neuropsychologia, 45, 245), measuring SERIAL-ORDER and ANY-ORDER recall. Resting-state MRI data were collected for 15 PD-MCI, 15 PD-NC and 30 controls. Hypothesis-driven seed-based functional connectivity of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) was compared between the three groups and correlated with BDT performance. We found the main effect of the test (impairment in SERIAL ORDER > ANY ORDER) and group ((NC = PD-NC) > PD-MCI) in BDT performance that was even more pronounced in SERIAL ORDER when controlling for ANY ORDER variability but not vice versa. Furthermore, PD-MCI compared to other groups were characterized by the functional disconnection between the bilateral DLPFC and the cerebellum. In functional correlations, DLPFC connectivity was positively related to both SERIAL- and ANY-ORDER performance. In conclusion, PD-MCI patients evidenced greater SERIAL-ORDER (manipulation and cognitive control) than ANY-ORDER (storage) working memory impairment than PD-NC and controls with a disrupted DLPFC resting-state connectivity that was also related to the verbal WM performance.
- MeSH
- Cognition MeSH
- Cognitive Dysfunction * diagnostic imaging etiology MeSH
- Memory, Short-Term MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Neuropsychological Tests MeSH
- Neuroimaging MeSH
- Parkinson Disease * complications diagnostic imaging MeSH
- Check Tag
- Humans MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
- Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
Lískový ořech je častým spouštěčem IgE mediovaných alergických reakcí, které mohou probíhat mírně s projevy limitovanými na orofaryngeální oblast až po anafylaktickou reakci. Charakter senzibilizace k alergenům lískového ořechu se různí v jednotlivých věkových kategoriích a je spojen s odlišnými klinickými projevy. Cílem práce bylo získat přehled senzibilizačních profilů u českých pacientů a hodnocení případné alergické reakce u pacientů senzibilizovaných k zásobním proteinům lískového ořechu. Analyzovány byly výsledky 611 pacientů s pozitivním specifickým IgE (>0,3 kUA/L) vůči kterémukoliv z pozorovaných alergenů lískového ořechu (rCor a 1.0401, rCor a 8, nCor a 9, nCor a 11 a nCor a 14),z celkového počtu 1 908 vyšetření provedených metodou ALEX® na pracovištích Alergomed, s. r. o., Třinec a Immuno-flow, s. r. o., Praha. Podle předpokladů se s vyšším věkem zvyšovala frekvence pacientů senzibilizovaných k Bet v 1 homolognímu alergenu Cor a 1, senzibilizace k zásobním proteinům byla naopak podstatně častější u dětí. Ze 153 pacientů senzibilizovaných k alespoň jednomu ze zásobních proteinů lískového ořechu (nCor a 9, nCor a 11 a nCor a 14) jsme u 32 zaznamenali alergickou reakci po jeho konzumaci. V 17 případech šlo o projevy orálního alergického syndromu, u 10 pacientů proběhla lehká, u 4 středně těžká a u 1 těžká alergická reakce. Očekávaný výskyt závažnějších reakcí u pacientů senzibilizovaných k zásobním proteinům se nepotvrdil.
Hazelnut is a frequent instigator of IgE-mediated allergic reactions, which can manifest mildly with symptoms limited to the oropharyngeal area up to an anaphylactic reaction. The nature of sensitization to hazelnut allergens varies by age and is associated with different clinical manifesta-tions. The aim of the study was to obtain an overview of sensitization profiles in Czech patients and evaluation of possible allergic reactions in patients sensitized to hazelnut storage proteins. The results of 611 patients with positive sIgE (>0.3 kUA / L) against any of the observed hazelnut allergens (rCor a 1.0401, rCor d 8, nCor a 9, nCor a 11 and nCor a 14) were analyzed from a total of 1 908 tests performed by the ALEX® method at the workplaces of Alergomed, s. r. o., Třinec and Immuno-flow, s. r. o., Prague. As expected, the frequency of patients sensitized to Bet v 1 homologous allergen Cor a 1 was increasing with age, while sensitization to storage proteins was significantly more common in children. Of 153 patients sensitized to at least one of the hazelnut seed storage proteins (nCor a 9, nCor a 11 and nCor a 14), 32 showed an allergic reaction after hazelnut consumption. Oral allergy syndrome manifested in 17 cases, in 10 patients occurred mild, in 4 moderate and in 1 patient severe allergic reaction. The expected occurrence of more severe reactions in patients sensitized to storage proteins has not been confirmed
- Keywords
- lískový ořech,
- MeSH
- Allergens isolation & purification classification adverse effects MeSH
- Nut Hypersensitivity * immunology classification MeSH
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Immunization methods MeSH
- Humans MeSH
- Nuts chemistry immunology adverse effects MeSH
- Food Hypersensitivity MeSH
- Check Tag
- Child MeSH
- Adult MeSH
- Humans MeSH
Cold-pressed oils are highly valuable sources of unsaturated fatty acids which are prone to oxidation processes, resulting in the formation of lipid oxidation products, which may deteriorate the sensory quality of the produced oil. The aim of the study was to determine the main volatile compounds which differentiate examined oils and could be used as the markers of lipid oxidation in various oils. In the experiment, cold-pressed oils-brown flaxseed, golden flaxseed, hempseed, milk thistle, black cumin, pumpkin, white poppy seed, blue poppy seed, white sesame, black sesame and argan oils from raw and roasted kernels-were analyzed. To induce oxidative changes, an accelerate storage test was performed, and oils were kept at 60 °C for 0, 2, 4, 7 and 10 days. Volatile compound profiling was performed using SPME-GC-HRToFMS. Additionally, basic measurements such as fatty acid composition, peroxide value, scavenging activity and phenolic compound contents were carried out. Multivariate statistical analyses with volatile compound profiling allow us to differentiate oils in terms of plant variety, oxidation level and seed treatment before pressing. Comparing black cumin cold-pressed oil with other oils, significant differences in volatile compound profiles and scavenging activity were observed. Compounds that may serve as indicators of undergoing oxidation processes in flaxseed, poppy seed, milk thistle and hemp oils were determined.
- MeSH
- Antioxidants chemistry MeSH
- Plant Oils chemistry MeSH
- Seeds chemistry MeSH
- Volatile Organic Compounds chemistry MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Clonal plants have more traits enabling individual persistence (larger belowground storage of buds and assimilates), whereas non-clonal plants have more traits enabling population persistence (a higher reliance on regeneration from seeds). This difference presumably makes those groups respond differently to disturbance. We asked whether this difference is already expressed in the first year of the plant's life. In a pot experiment with 17 congeneric pairs of clonal and non-clonal herbs, we investigated response to a disturbance at the individual level. We were interested whether the leaf C/N ratio (a proxy reflecting active growth and photosynthetic efficiency), the R/S ratio (a proxy for belowground storage) and the amount of compensated biomass differ between clonal and non-clonal herbs. Moreover, we asked whether compensation for the loss of aboveground biomass after disturbance can be predicted by the R/S ratio or explained by the leaf C/N ratio. We found that clonal herbs have higher leaf C/N and R/S ratios than non-clonal herbs. Under disturbance, the leaf C/N and R/S ratios decreased in the clonal herbs and increased in the non-clonal herbs. However, the clonal and non-clonal plants did not differ in biomass compensation ability. Neither the R/S ratio nor the leaf C/N ratio explained the compensation abilities of the herbs. These results show that even though the growth strategies of clonal and non-clonal plants and their reactions to disturbance are different, the groups are similarly capable of compensating for the loss of aboveground biomass. Clonal plants do not have an advantage over non-clonal plants under disturbance during their first year of life.
- MeSH
- Biomass MeSH
- Photosynthesis MeSH
- Plant Leaves * MeSH
- Plants * MeSH
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
Hydrogels are suitable for osteochondral defect regeneration as they mimic the viscoelastic environment of cartilage. However, their biomechanical properties are not sufficient to withstand high mechanical forces. Therefore, we have prepared electrospun poly-ε-caprolactone-chitosan (PCL-chit) and poly(ethylene oxide)-chitosan (PEO-chit) nanofibers, and FTIR analysis confirmed successful blending of chitosan with other polymers. The biocompatibility of PCL-chit and PEO-chit scaffolds was tested; fibrochondrocytes and chondrocytes seeded on PCL-chit showed superior metabolic activity. The PCL-chit nanofibers were cryogenically grinded into microparticles (mean size of about 500 µm) and further modified by polyethylene glycol-biotin in order to bind the anti-CD44 antibody, a glycoprotein interacting with hyaluronic acid (PCL-chit-PEGb-antiCD44). The PCL-chit or PCL-chit-PEGb-antiCD44 microparticles were mixed with a composite gel (collagen/fibrin/platelet rich plasma) to improve its biomechanical properties. The storage modulus was higher in the composite gel with microparticles compared to fibrin. The Eloss of the composite gel and fibrin was higher than that of the composite gel with microparticles. The composite gel either with or without microparticles was further tested in vivo in a model of osteochondral defects in rabbits. PCL-chit-PEGb-antiCD44 significantly enhanced osteogenic regeneration, mainly by desmogenous ossification, but decreased chondrogenic differentiation in the defects. PCL-chit-PEGb showed a more homogeneous distribution of hyaline cartilage and enhanced hyaline cartilage differentiation.
- Publication type
- Journal Article MeSH
