Variations in Mineral/heavy metals profiling and preventive role of trichomes in Peach Fruits treated with CaC2

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Irfan ◽  
Safdar Abbas ◽  
Beenish Jehan Azhar ◽  
Shakeel Ahmad ◽  
Hafsa Muhammad ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Fine Powder ◽  
Calcium Carbide ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tandem Accelerator ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Elemental Profiling

Background: Phytonutrients in peach fruits have health promoting antioxidants against various chronic diseases. However, there is no extensive data to show the nutritional values of Local peach cultivars after post-harvest treatments. Objective: Mainly this study was objective to determine the effect of calcium carbide on nutritional value and quality of fruits of Pakistani peach cultivars. Methods: The peach fruits were collected from three different peach orchids of KPK and the fruits were divided into 4 groups while 5th group was collected from local fruit shop. Each experimental group was treated with different concentration of calcium carbide whereas control group was not treated. The peel and pulp samples were oven dried and ground to fine powder separately. The elemental compositions were determined using Particle Induced X-ray emission and Pelletron Tandem Accelerator. Result: Sixteen elements were identified in peach fruits and the elements were Al, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Se. In peel, concentration of some elements increased or decreased after treatment with CaC2 while in pulp the conc. of nearly all detected elements was increased in treated samples. We found significantly high amount of heavy metals traces including As, Se, Co, Si, and P in peach fruits treated with CaC2. Interestingly, the presence of trichomes in peach skin prevents the transfer of these heavy metals deep into the pulp which was also verified by the elemental profiling of nectarines. Conclusion: Conclusively, the artificial ripening with CaC2 changed the nutritional value of peach fruits that has higher health risks if consume with the peel. According to our best knowledge, this is the first report that highlights the effects of CaC2 which deteriorate the nutritional value of peach fruits in Pakistan.

scholarly journals Gut microbiota profiles and characterization of cultivable fungal isolates in IBS patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piero Sciavilla ◽  
Francesco Strati ◽  
Monica Di Paola ◽  
Monica Modesto ◽  
Francesco Vitali ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Candida Albicans ◽  
Gut Microbiota ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Key Points ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Irritable Bowel

Abstract Studies so far conducted on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) have been focused mainly on the role of gut bacterial dysbiosis in modulating the intestinal permeability, inflammation, and motility, with consequences on the quality of life. Limited evidences showed a potential involvement of gut fungal communities. Here, the gut bacterial and fungal microbiota of a cohort of IBS patients have been characterized and compared with that of healthy subjects (HS). The IBS microbial community structure differed significantly compared to HS. In particular, we observed an enrichment of bacterial taxa involved in gut inflammation, such as Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus, Fusobacteria, Gemella, and Rothia, as well as depletion of health-promoting bacterial genera, such as Roseburia and Faecalibacterium. Gut microbial profiles in IBS patients differed also in accordance with constipation. Sequence analysis of the gut mycobiota showed enrichment of Saccharomycetes in IBS. Culturomics analysis of fungal isolates from feces showed enrichment of Candida spp. displaying from IBS a clonal expansion and a distinct genotypic profiles and different phenotypical features when compared to HS of Candida albicans isolates. Alongside the well-characterized gut bacterial dysbiosis in IBS, this study shed light on a yet poorly explored fungal component of the intestinal ecosystem, the gut mycobiota. Our results showed a differential fungal community in IBS compared to HS, suggesting potential for new insights on the involvement of the gut mycobiota in IBS. Key points • Comparison of gut microbiota and mycobiota between IBS and healthy subjects • Investigation of cultivable fungi in IBS and healthy subjects • Candida albicans isolates result more virulent in IBS subjects compared to healthy subjects

scholarly journals Role of green spaces for migration and setting of heavy metals (as illustrated by Holosiivskyi National Nature Park, Kyiv)

2021 ◽  
pp. 97-105
Author(s):  
T. S. Tesolkina ◽  
D. V. Lukashov
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Forest Litter ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Winter Period ◽  
Soil System ◽  
Atmospheric Air ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
Nature Park

Air pollution by heavy metals in the urbanized surroundings presents a serious threat to human health and the environment. Road dust is distinguished as a high-level pollutant and characterized by a significant content of heavy metals. Green spaces play a leading role when it comes to improving the quality of atmospheric air in megalopolises. They trap pollutants. Most of them settle on the surfaces of plant leaves, but some can be also absorbed through the stomata. As a result of these processes, pollutants, along with fallen leaves, can later migrate to other components of the ecosystem. An important component of this system is forest litter that plays a kind of trigger role by regulating the directions of substance flows in the “leaves-litter-soil” system, keeping chemical elements from leaching out and evenly distributing their inflows. Thus, forest litter functions as a sort of biogeochemical barrier and plays a leading role in the ability of ecosystems to self-regulate. Thus, the purpose of this work was to assess the role of green spaces in improving the quality of atmospheric air in the urban surroundings and to conduct a preliminary assessment of the features of the processes of heavy metals transformation within the forest litter. The model site of research is located within the territory of Holosiivskyi forest, a part of the Holosiivskyi National Nature Park (Kyiv). The content of heavy metals in the forest litter was determined using the methods of atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results of the study of Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Zn content annual dynamics within the forest litter of the hornbeam forest of the Holosiivskyi National Nature Park show that the maximum concentrations are typical for the summer period, when the litter reserves sharply decrease, and the minimum ones – for the autumn-winter period during their accumulation. Comparison of the distribution of heavy metals content within the leaf and fermented layers showed that, under the conditions of the model area, Zn, Cu, and Ni are predominantly accumulated right in the leaf layer of the forest litter. Moreover, it was revealed that the processes of leaf litter mineralization lead to migration of Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd and Cr, and setting of Zn.

scholarly journals Effects of a person-centred and health-promoting intervention in home care services– a non-randomized controlled trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kristina Lämås ◽  
Karin Bölenius ◽  
Per-Olof Sandman ◽  
Marie Lindkvist ◽  
David Edvardsson
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Home Care ◽  
Negative Emotions ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Self Determination ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Health Promoting

Abstract Background Home care recipients have reported little self-determination and opportunity to influence their own care. Person-centred care focusing on involvement has improved the quality of life of older adults in health care and nursing homes; however, knowledge about the effects of person-centred interventions in aged care at home is sparse. The aim of this study was to study the effects of a person-centred and health-promoting intervention, compared with usual care, on health-related quality of life, thriving and self-determination among older adults, and on job satisfaction, stress of conscience and level of person-centred care among care staff. Methods This is a non-randomized controlled trial with a before/after design. Participants from five home care districts in one municipality in northern Sweden were recruited to an intervention or control group. We evaluated health-related quality of life, thriving and self-determination among older home care recipients, and job satisfaction, person-centred care and stress of conscience among care staff. Evaluation was performed by questionnaires and responses were analysed using parametric and non-parametric statistical analyses. Results Eighty-one older adults and 48 staff were included in the study. A clinically moderate and statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups was found in thriving and negative emotions among older adults. The intervention contributed to maintaining high thriving levels, in contrast to decreased thriving in the control group (intervention: + 1, control: − 4, p 0.026, CI: − 10. 766, − 0.717). However, the intervention group rated an increase in negative emotions, while the control group was unchanged (intervention: − 7 control: + − 0, p 0.048, CI: − 17.435, − 0.098). No significant effects were found among staff. Conclusions The intervention contributed to maintaining high levels of thriving in contrast to low levels found in the control group, and it seems reasonable to consider the intervention focus on staff as more person-centred and health-promoting. The finding that the intervention group had increase in negative emotions is difficult to interpret, and warrants further exploration. Even though the results are sparse, the challenges discussed may be of importance for future studies in the context of HCS. Trial registration NCT02846246. Date of registration: 27 July 2016.

scholarly journals The role of the trainer in adapted physical activity for osteoporosis to improve quality of life

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Marini ◽  
A Masini ◽  
P Maietta Latessa ◽  
T Sanna ◽  
A Raggi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Improve Quality ◽  
Adapted Physical Activity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Substantial Impact

Abstract Background Osteoporosis is a major health burden worldwide and require a multi-modal approach including exercise. Fractures have a substantial impact on quality of life (QoL) so exercise programs may to be conducted by trainers able to deal with this condition, because exercise alone, even if in the right dosage, seems to be not enough to improve QoL. A quasi-experimental pilot study performed to determine the feasibility and safety of an Adapted Physical Activity (APA) protocol specifically designed for osteoporotic women with vertebral fractures and its effect on QoL, with a specific focus on trainer's role. Methods The Experimental Group (EG) performed APA protocol 1hour twice a week for 6 months, while the Control Group (CG) received standard care. QoL was assessed at baseline and follow-up with ECOS-16 questionnaire and semi structured interviews to understand women perceptions regarding trainer's role. Using mixed-methods quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed using SPSS 5 and NVivo 12, respectively. Results 40 post-menopausal women (mean age: 67.6±4.6) divided in 2 groups EG = 22 and CG = 18, completed the study. At follow-up, EG improved significantly QoL (EG: -0.5±0.5 vs CG: 0.0±0.3 p = 0.02). The APA intervention had a significant effect on all the components of QoL, as measured by the disease-specific ECOS-16 questionnaire: Physical Component Summary (PCS) (EG: -0.4±0.5 vs CG: 0.0±0.4 p = 0.06) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) (EG: -0.5±0.6 vs CG: 0.1±0.5 p = 0.02). The interviews confirmed this result, emphasizing the key role of the trainer in improving their QoL. The adherence calculated as number of sessions performed compared to the sessions proposed was 75.8%. No injuries were observed. Conclusions The feasibility, the safety, and the positive effect of the proposed exercise protocol on QoL confirmed also by the interviews, show that principles of exercise education applied by trainers should be extended also to patients with other chronic condition. Key messages Trainers specifically educated, could be a means of achieving the goal improving people’s QoL, as they occupy the role of exercise experts and also an educational, relational and support role. The management of osteoporosis is multi-modal and includes exercise, often recommended as a beneficial non-pharmacological treatment to slow the rate of bone loss and improve quality of life.

scholarly journals Role of Alfuzosin in Ureteral Stent Related Urinary Symptoms Score: A Comparative Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 28-30
Author(s):  
Santosh Shrestha ◽  
DB Adhikari ◽  
A Gurung ◽  
S Pradhan ◽  
NV Gurung ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Study ◽  
Stent Placement ◽  
Flank Pain ◽  
Ureteral Stent ◽  
Urinary Symptoms ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stent Insertion ◽  
Alpha Blockers

Background: Ureteral stent placement is a routine urological procedure. However, patients inserted with ureteral stent exhibited increased urinary symptoms that compromise patients’ quality of life.Objective: To assess the efficacy of alpha blockers (Alfuzosin) in the management of ureteral stent related urinary symptoms.Methods: Total of 60 patients after ureteral stent insertion was randomly divided into two equal groups; 30 in alfuzosin group and the remaining 30 in control group. Urinary symptoms questionnaire was filled after two weeks and results were statistically analyzed.Results: Urinary symptoms like urgency, frequency and flank pain were significantly less in the alfuzosin group when compared with control group.Conclusion: Alpha blocker (Alfuzosin) was found to be effective in reducing ureteral stent related urinary symptoms.Journal of Gandaki Medical CollegeVol. 10, No. 1, 2017, page: 28-30

scholarly journals The effects of intervention on the quality of life, sense of coherence and daily activities of frequent attenders

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sari Hirsikangas ◽  
Outi Kanste ◽  
Juha Korpelainen ◽  
Risto Bloigu ◽  
Helvi Kyngäs
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Daily Activities ◽  
Care Plan ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Frequent Attenders ◽  
Individualized Care

Background and objective: When FAs with chronic disease and various needs are able to keep up their psychological and physical wellbeing, perform daily activities and maintain control of their life, they are able to live an active life and take care of themselves longer, and this has an impact on their quality of life. The role of community matron is to assess an individual’s problems and needs for health services and improve the self-care of FAs by providing a needs-based education.  The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse-led intervention on the quality of life, sense of coherence and daily activities of frequent attenders (FAs).Methods: This study is an intervention trial, with a two-year follow-up, including intervention and control groups. The intervention group received nurse-led intervention that included the assessment of FAs care needs, an individualized care plan, support for self-management and service coordination. The FAs in the control group received traditional care, including patient education and support. Self-reported instruments were used to collect data from adult frequent attenders, including the Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), Sense of Coherence (SOC) and 15D, to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Follow-ups measurements were taken after one year and after two years between 2008 and 2011.Results: The study shows a significant correlation between sense of coherence and quality of life (p < .0005) and quality of life and amount of daily activities performed (p < .0005) in both groups. The intervention group had statistically significantly better sense of coherence at every stage of the study. The activities of daily living statistically significantly weakened in the intervention group (p = .001) from baseline to two years despite intervention, whereas in the control group it remained unchanged. In the control group, a statistically significant correlation was found between sense of coherence and FAs feeling satisfaction with their current life (p = .019). The HRQoL did not differ between the groups during the study.Conclusions: These results indicate a correlation between sense of coherence and quality of life and also between quality of life and amount of daily activities among FAs. Intervention did not improve the quality of life of FAs or their daily functioning. More research is needed to demonstrate the effects of community matron model on FAs care, the role of ehealth needs to be strongly involved.

scholarly journals Preliminary Sketching and Prototyping: Comparisons in Exploratory Design-and-Build Activities

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniela Faas ◽  
Qifang Bao ◽  
Maria C. Yang
Keyword(s):  
Control Group ◽  
Foam Core ◽  
Design Exploration ◽  
Complex Design ◽  
Hands On ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Typical Design ◽  
Design Scenario

This study explores the role of sketching when designers are creating fast, preliminary prototypes during hands on design-and-build activities. Many studies have noted the value of both sketching and the building of preliminary prototypes in the early stages of the design process. In a typical design scenario, exploratory sketches are made before prototypes are fabricated. However, in certain cases, the differences in the design exploration value of a sketch and a simple, preliminary prototype may not always be clear. In this study, three conditions for a design-and-built activity were compared: a control group (allowed to freely sketch throughout), a limited sketch group (only allowed to sketch at the beginning) and a no sketch group. The study was conducted twice, using two different prototyping materials each time. One that is assembly only (an Erector set) and one that requires both part fabrication and assembly (foam core). The performance of the prototypes, the type and quality of the sketches, and the relationship between sketches and prototypes were evaluated. Results for this study suggest that fast, preliminary prototypes are equally as useful for design exploration as sketching in building simple mechanisms, though results would likely be different for more complex design tasks.

scholarly journals Contribution of Tocols to Food Sensorial Properties, Stability, and Overall Quality

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Amélia Delgado ◽  
Said Al-Hamimi ◽  
Mohamed Fawzy Ramadan ◽  
Maryna De Wit ◽  
Alessandra Durazzo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin E ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Vegetable Oils ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Food Additives ◽  
Side Chain ◽  
Phenolic Antioxidants ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Sensorial Quality

This paper reviews the contribution of tocopherols and tocotrienols (tocols) to food quality as well as their bioactivity and health-promoting properties, which have attracted researchers and food technologists. Tocols are lipophilic phenolic antioxidants encompassing tocopherols that are characterized by a saturated side chain and tocotrienols with an unsaturated isoprenoid side chain. Tocols are natural constituents of several foods like dairy, vegetable oils, nuts, and grains. Their presence in foods, namely, as food additives, helps prevent lipid oxidation, which negatively affects the sensorial quality of foods, and even the nutritional value and safety. Supplementation of animals’ diets with tocopherols has proven its effectiveness in preserving fresh color and flavor of the meat. Although alfa-tocopherol displays much higher vitamin E activity than other tocols, health outcomes have been reported for tocotrienols, thus calling for more studies.

scholarly journals Health-Promoting Capacities of In Vitro and Cultivated Goji (Lycium chinense Mill.) Fruit and Leaves; Polyphenols, Antimicrobial Activity, Macro- and Microelements and Heavy Metals

Molecules ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (22) ◽  
pp. 5314
Author(s):  
Arleta Kruczek ◽  
Marcelina Krupa-Małkiewicz ◽  
Sabina Lachowicz ◽  
Jan Oszmiański ◽  
Ireneusz Ochmian
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Antimicrobial Activity ◽  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
The Public ◽  
Gram Positive Bacteria ◽  
Health Promoting ◽  
Goji Berries ◽  
Daily Allowance

There is a growing interest among the public in fruit with a positive impact on human health. Two goji berry cultivars (‘No. 1’ and ‘New Big’) were propagated in vitro, grown in an orchard and then evaluated for macro- and microelements and harmful heavy metals (i.e., Pb, Ni, and Cd). The leaves and fruit were also assessed for nutritional value, polyphenols and the antimicrobial activity of the leaves. ‘New Big’ was characterized by a higher content of macro elements in the leaves (in vitro and orchard) and a higher content of microelements in the fruit. The harmful substances content was below the minimum value. Furthermore, neither the fruit nor the leaves contained cadmium. This study also indicated that leaves had a higher content of polyphenols compared to the fruit. The fruits were characterized by their health-promoting capacities, while the leaves were characterized by their antibacterial activity. Among the Gram-positive bacteria, the most sensitive strain was Bacillus subtilis, and among the Gram-negative bacteria, it was Proteus vulgaris. Taking into consideration the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for minerals, goji berries can be declared to be a source of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and P.

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