scholarly journals Analysis of the Content Values of Sweet Maize (Zea mays L. Convar Saccharata Koern) in Precision Farming

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2596
Author(s):  
Cintia Demeter ◽  
János Nagy ◽  
László Huzsvai ◽  
Annabella Zelenák ◽  
Atala Szabó ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sugar Content ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Maize Yield ◽  
Precision Farming ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Maize Production ◽  
Healthy Nutrition ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Β Carotene

The global precision farming area is constantly increasing, and precision sweet maize production developed the most. Sweet maize yield is above average in precision farming. Additionally, its role in healthy nutrition is becoming increasingly important due to new hybrids with high carotenoid content. Precision farming techniques are needed to produce healthy food. In particular, nutrient supply and irrigation, sowing, crop management and harvesting need to be carried out with precision techniques. These factors are all prerequisites for effective and healthy growing and processing. The aim was to use the yields of the four sweet maize hybrids grown on the largest area to examine their nutritional values and concentrations (mg kg−1 dry matter) and to analyse their yield per hectare. Concentration is important for the consumer because K, P, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Na play an important role in metabolism, skin protection, and bone and tooth health. The new results obtained show that the amount of lutein and zeaxanthin per hectare is important for the processing industry, especially for use in food supplements. Their anti-inflammatory effects and their role in disease prevention (cardiovascular diseases, Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)) have been demonstrated. Consumers choose sweet maize mainly on the basis of its palatability, which is why the sugar content of the hybrids was also studied. We assumed that the element concentration in the yield of new hybrids with higher yield per hectare does not decrease with increasing yield. The concentrations of zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene appear in one principal component and they are in close positive correlation with each other. The lutein concentration was independent of the former three compounds. The independence of the lutein concentration means that it is not possible to estimate its amount based on the other three components. For yield per unit area, the correlation is one-dimensional. Yield determines the lutein, zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene concentrations per hectare.

Central retinal thickness fluctuations in patients treated with anti-VEGF for neovascular age related macular degeneration

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110378
Author(s):  
Francesco Ciucci ◽  
Giuseppina Ioele ◽  
Antonio Bardocci ◽  
Giorgio Lofoco ◽  
Barbara Antonelli ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Retinal Thickness ◽  
Treatment Algorithm ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Central Retinal Thickness ◽  
First Year ◽  
Anti Vegf ◽  
Age Related

Purpose: This is a retrospective, single-center, non randomized interventional real life study, investigating the correlation between variability of central retinal thickness (CRT) and functional outcomes during 2 years of anti-VEGF therapy in patients treated for neovascular age related macular degeneration (nAMD). Background: CRT fluctuations can depend on various factors such as the correct timing of injections, the therapeutic algorithm, and the number of injections (NI) performed; it is important to understand if CRT fluctuations are responsible for worse visual outcomes and consequently to identify the correct ways to avoid or reduce them. Methods: Forty-one patients were treated for nAMD with aflibercept: 0.5 mg intravitreal aflibercept was administered every 4 weeks during the first 3 months, then bimonthly over the first year, and after the first year adopting a PRN regimen. Standard deviation of CRT (CRT/SD), BCVA, and NI were recorded. Correlation studies were performed by Pearson’s test, Ancova, and Principal Component Analysis. Results: A negative correlation was found between CRT/SD and final BCVA. In patients who lost more than 15 letters, CRT/SD mean was significantly higher in comparison with patients who lost less than 15 letters. Patients with final BCVA >65 letters showed lower CRT/SD values compared to patients with final BCVA ⩽65 letters. Multivariate analysis confirmed that in patients with higher baseline BCVA, improvement of BCVA was correlated to NI, and lower values of CRT fluctuations were observed. Conclusions: CRT fluctuations, even after an appropriate NI given per year, significantly influence BCVA; a proactive treatment algorithm appears crucial when treating patients with nAMD.

scholarly journals Incorporation of carotenoids from paprika oleoresin into human chylomicrons

2003 ◽  
Vol 89 (6) ◽  
pp. 787-793 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Pérez-Gálvez ◽  
Hans D. Martin ◽  
Helmut Sies ◽  
Wilhelm Stahl
Keyword(s):  
Lower Risk ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Provitamin A ◽  
Provitamin A Carotenoids ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Paprika Oleoresin ◽  
Overnight Fasting ◽  
Carotenoid Absorption ◽  
Chronic Disorders ◽  
Β Carotene

The intake of a carotenoid-rich diet is epidemiologically related to a lower risk for different chronic disorders like cardiovascular disease, some types of cancer or age-related macular degeneration. Red pepper (Capsicum annuumL.) and its dietary products contain a variety of carotenoids, which may contribute to the carotenoid pattern of human blood and tissues. The objective of the present study was to assess the availability of carotenoids from paprika oleoresin, including zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin, β-carotene and the paprika-specific oxocarotenoids capsanthin and capsorubin. After overnight fasting, the volunteers (n9) ingested a single dose of the paprika oleoresin containing 6·4 mg zeaxanthin, 4·2 mg β-cryptoxanthin, 6·2 mg β-carotene, 35·0 mg capsanthin and 2·0 mg capsorubin. At different time points the carotenoid pattern in the chylomicron fraction was analysed to evaluate carotenoid absorption. From the major carotenoids present in the paprika oleoresin only zeaxanthin, β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene were detectable in considerable amounts. Although the xanthophylls in paprika oleoresin were mainly present as mono- or di-esters, only free zeaxanthin and β-cryptoxanthin were found in human samples. The bioavailability of the pepper-specific carotenoids capsanthin and capsorubin from paprika oleoresin is very low. However, oleoresin is a suitable source for the provitamin A carotenoids β-carotene and β-cryptoxanthin and the macular pigment zeaxanthin.

Determinants and Determination of Carotenoid Bioavailability from Infant Food Formulas and Adult Nutritionals Including Liquid Dairy Products

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 1044-1058 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Bohn
Keyword(s):  
Matrix Effects ◽  
Retinoic Acid Receptor ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Detection Methods ◽  
Infant Food ◽  
Immune Functions ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Low Concentrations ◽  
Protein Rich ◽  
Β Carotene

Abstract Carotenoids are typically tetraterpenoid phytochemicals that cannot be synthesized by humans, some of which such as β-carotene can be metabolized into vitamin A. Sufficient carotenoid intake and tissue levels have been associated with several health benefits including the reduction of cardiovascular diseases and some types of cancer and also the amelioration of age-related macular degeneration. Carotenoids and their metabolites have also been related to reduced inflammation and oxidative stress via interacting with transcription factors, such as NF-κB and Nrf-2, as well as with the nuclear receptors retinoic acid receptor/retinoid X receptor, implicated in immune functions and cellular differentiation. Therefore, carotenoids are important for growth and development. They could mark beneficial constituents in infant food formulas and adult nutritionals, the latter typically constituting protein-rich liquid foods targeting meal replacements. Carotenoids may be present by nature (typically below 20 μg/100 mL) or following fortification (up to 200 μg/100 mL), such as for lutein and β-carotene. However, carotenoid bioavailability may be low and variable, especially in low-fat items. Although most infant foods and adult nutritionals are rich in lipids and proteins, facilitating absorption and availability of carotenoids, unfortunately, very little data is available. In addition, carotenoid detection for such lipid-rich matrices may be challenging as a result of low concentrations and matrix effects. This review aims to highlight considerations for carotenoid bioavailability from infant food formula and adult nutritionals as well as summarize detection methods for carotenoids from these items.

scholarly journals Lutein, zeaxanthin and meso-zeaxanthin content of eggs laid by hens supplemented with free and esterified xanthophylls

2016 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
Author(s):  
John M. Nolan ◽  
Katherine A. Meagher ◽  
Alan N. Howard ◽  
Rachel Moran ◽  
David I. Thurnham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Human Subjects ◽  
Egg Yolk ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Carotenoid Content ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Mixture Group ◽  
Group 5 ◽  
Group 2

AbstractThe xanthophyll carotenoids lutein (L), zeaxanthin (Z) and meso-zeaxanthin (MZ) are found at the macula, the central part of the retina, where they are referred to as macular pigment (MP). MP is studied in human subjects because of its proven role in enhancing visual function and its putative role in protecting against age-related macular degeneration. These benefits are probably due to the antioxidant and short-wavelength filtering properties of MP. It is known that eggs are a dietary source of L and Z. This experiment was designed to measure the egg yolk carotenoid response to hen supplementation with L, Z and MZ. A total of forty hens were used in the trial and were divided into eight groups of five hens. Each group was supplemented (with about 140 mg active xanthophylls/kg feed) with one of the following oil-based carotenoid formulations for 6 weeks: unesterified L (group 1); L diacetate (group 2); unesterified Z (group 3); Z diacetate (group 4); unesterified MZ (group 5); MZ diacetate (group 6); L–MZ (1:1) diacetate mixture (group 7); L–MZ diacetate (1:3) mixture (group 8). Yolk carotenoid content was analysed weekly (in four randomly selected eggs) by HPLC. We found that hens supplemented with Z diacetate and MZ diacetate produced eggs with significantly greater carotenoid concentrations than their free form counterparts. This finding potentially represents the development of a novel food, suitable to increase MP and its constituent carotenoids in serum.

scholarly journals Comprehensive expression patterns of inflammatory cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomohito Sato ◽  
Masaru Takeuchi ◽  
Yoko Karasawa ◽  
Kei Takayama ◽  
Toshio Enoki
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Aqueous Humor ◽  
Expression Patterns ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Mutual Distance ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Low Grade Inflammation

AbstractNeovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is a complex and multi-factorial disease, and low-grade inflammation is associated with pathogenesis of nAMD. Aqueous humor could reflect intraocular immune environments in various eye diseases. The research so far used aqueous humor samples and revealed that inflammation is involved in pathophysiology of nAMD, although immunological roles of cytokines were evaluated inadequately with aspect to individual effects. Here we used 27 kinds of cytokines covering general immunologic reactions, examined specific expression patterns of cytokines, and assessed relationships between inflammation and pathophysiology of nAMD by multivariate analyses. In nAMD eyes, principal component analysis showed that IL-7, MCP-1, MIP-1β and VEGF had high principal component loadings of over 0.6 in the first principal component constituting 32.6% of all variability of the data. In exploratory factor analysis, IL-6, MCP-1 and MIP-1β had high factor loadings (FL) of over 0.5 in Factor 1 constituting 32.6% of all variability, while VEGF had FL of over 1.0 in Factor 3 constituting 10.7% of all variability. In hierarchical cluster analysis, MCP-1 and VEGF were located in the cluster of first proximate mutual distance to central retinal thickness. These data could suggest that low-grade inflammation is a principal contributor in nAMD.

scholarly journals Long-Term Effects of Vitamins C and E, β-Carotene, and Zinc on Age-related Macular Degeneration

Ophthalmology ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 120 (8) ◽  
pp. 1604-1611.e4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily Y. Chew ◽  
Traci E. Clemons ◽  
Elvira Agrón ◽  
Robert D. Sperduto ◽  
John Paul SanGiovanni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Macular Degeneration ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Β Carotene

scholarly journals Differential effect of dietary antioxidant classes (carotenoids, polyphenols, vitamins C and E) on lutein absorption

2007 ◽  
Vol 97 (3) ◽  
pp. 440-446 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emmanuelle Reboul ◽  
Sinay Thap ◽  
Franck Tourniaire ◽  
Marc André ◽  
Christine Juhel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Human Retina ◽  
Dietary Antioxidants ◽  
Healthy Men ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Dietary Antioxidant ◽  
Potential Interactions ◽  
Full Factorial ◽  
And Oxidative Stress ◽  
Β Carotene

Lutein is assumed to protect the human retina from blue light and oxidative stress and diminish the incidence of age-related macular degeneration. This antioxidant is commonly ingested with other dietary antioxidants. The aim of the present study was to assess whether the main dietary antioxidants, i.e. carotenoids, polyphenols and vitamins C and E, affect lutein absorption. We measured the effect of adding a mixture of antioxidants (500 mg vitamin C, 67 mg (100 IU) vitamin E and 1 g polyphenols) to a lutein-containing meal (18 mg) on the postprandial lutein response in the chylomicron-rich fraction in eight healthy men. Lutein response was weakest ( − 23 %;P = 0·07) after ingestion of the meal containing antioxidants (21·9 (sem4·6)v.28·4 (sem7·2) nmol × h/l). To assess the effect of each class of antioxidants and potential interactions, we subsequently evaluated the effect of various combinations of antioxidants on lutein uptake by human intestinal Caco-2 TC-7 cells. A full factorial design showed that both a mixture of polyphenols (gallic acid, caffeic acid, (+)-catechin and naringenin) and a mixture of carotenoids (lycopene plus β-carotene) significantly (P < 0·05) impaired lutein uptake by ( − 10 to − 30 %), while vitamins C and E had no significant effect. Subsequent experiments showed that the aglycone flavanone naringenin was the only polyphenol responsible for the effect of the polyphenol mixture, and that the carotenoid effect was not carotenoid species-dependent. Taken together, the present results suggest that lutein absorption is not markedly affected by physiological concentrations of vitamins C and E but can be impaired by carotenoids and naringenin.

Carotenoids, Chronic Disease Prevention and Dietary Recommendations

2017 ◽  
Vol 87 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 121-130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Torsten Bohn
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Intake ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Enzyme Activation ◽  
Age Related Macular Degeneration ◽  
Health Claims ◽  
Dietary Recommendations ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Β Carotene

Abstract. Carotenoids are C-30, C-40 or C-50 terpenoids produced by a number of bacteria, fungi, and plants. In addition to acting as vitamin A precursors such as β-carotene, their dietary intake and blood plasma/serum and tissue levels have been associated in several epidemiological studies to the reduced incidence of chronic diseases, including the reduction of type 2 diabetes and other cardiometabolic diseases, as well as some types of cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin also appear to play a role in the amelioration of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the main cause of blindness in the elderly, and may be regarded as conditionally essential nutrients for the elderly. Furthermore, some studies have proposed that carotenoids may improve cognitive functions. Though the underlying mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated, it is perceived that direct antioxidant effects and protection from UV-light, as well as rather indirect effects, acting on transcription factors such as NF-κB, Nrf-2, and nuclear receptors such as RAR/RXR (retinoic acid receptor/retinoid X receptor), altering gene expression, all can play a role. Despite individual intervention trials suggesting negative effects of high doses of β-carotene on smokers, perhaps due to effects related to cytochrome enzyme activation, there is accumulating evidence that these colourful pigments indeed contribute to a healthy life and well-being. However, further research is warranted to better understand factors influencing variable inter-individual responses following carotenoid consumption and to establish more detailed recommendations regarding their dietary intake and toward establishing health claims.

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