The Short-Term Effect of Prunes in Improving Bone in Men

Osteoporosis is a major health concern in aging populations, where 54% of the U.S. population aged 50 and older have low bone mineral density (BMD). Increases in inflammation and oxidative stress play a major role in the development of osteoporosis. Men are at a greater risk of mortality due to osteoporosis-related fractures. Our earlier findings in rodent male and female models of osteoporosis, as well as postmenopausal women strongly suggest the efficacy of prunes (dried plum) in reducing inflammation and preventing/reversing bone loss. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of two doses of prunes, daily, on biomarkers of inflammation and bone metabolism in men with some degree of bone loss (BMD; t-score between −0.1 and −2.5 SD), for three months. Thirty-five men between the ages of 55 and 80 years were randomized into one of three groups: 100 g prunes, 50 g prunes, or control. Consumption of 100 g prunes led to a significant decrease in serum osteocalcin (p < 0.001). Consumption of 50 g prunes led to significant decreases in serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) (p = 0.003) and serum osteocalcin (p = 0.040), and an increase in the OPG:RANKL ratio (p = 0.041). Regular consumption of either 100 g or 50 g prunes for three months may positively affect bone turnover.

Mineral water mining: quality for human consumption and health promotion

This study demonstrates the aspects of research and mining in groundwater mining. It was intended to demonstrate the guidelines of the Mining Code and Water Code as legal beacons under the management of the National Mining Agency – ANM, federal regulator of mineral water exploration; to analyze the importance of water quality control for human consumption, from the compliance with Anvisa Resolutions – RDC-274/275/2005, which standardize the vase and microbiological characteristics. The process to make groundwater available as a mineral good to be industrialized, goes through research stages, till the final test with laboratory analyses for water classification. In this context, its main question is: what is the importance of mineral water quality for human consumption in health promotion? And it aims to analyze the quality control of mineral water, its importance for human consumption and health promotion, as well as the benefits of it. For this, a bibliographic research was carried out, consultation with the relevant legislations, books and websites of public agencies. The results showed that mineral water mining is an activity present in the daily life of society and its regular consumption contributes to the quality and promotion of healthy living, through control of the exploitation of mineral water mines, under the management of the National Mining Agency – ANM. It was evidenced that mineral water brings important health benefits: in body thermoregulation, heat absorption, nutrient transport, oxygen, hormones, composition of blood plasma, digestive juice, saliva formation, tears and urine. Being composed of different levels of micronutrients, which help alleviating health problems, such as: weakening of bones and muscles, reduction of collagen, dryness of the skin, low revitalization of cells and mucosa, aggravated by low consumption of water with drug properties and product of secular use that affect health. It was concluded that the prevalence of each type of mineral water and its composition, from ferruginous, sulfurous, radioactive, magnesian and iodized, can help in therapeutic treatments.

The Effect of Flavonoid Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review

Hypertension is a common condition in which the long-term force of blood against artery walls is high enough to cause health problems, such as heart disease eventually. High blood pressure is known as the "silent killer". Most people with high blood pressure are unaware of the problem because it may not have any warning signs or symptoms. For this reason, it is essential to measure blood pressure regularly. A new study has shown that consuming foods rich in flavonoids can help patients with high blood pressure. This advantage of these compounds is due to their vasodilator properties. Flavonoids are a diverse group of biologically active polyphenol compounds found in plants and herbs. Regular consumption of flavonoids has cardioprotective effects and may reduce the onset or progression of many cardiovascular diseases, especially hypertension. The article search was done in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. The current body of evidence supports the ingestion of flavonoids for their beneficial effect on blood pressure. However, more significant research should further investigate the vascular moderating effects and the safety and acceptability of almond consumption.

Milk Fortification with Vitamin A & D: A Need of the Hour in India

Micronutrient deficiency is caused by a diet deficient in important vitamins and minerals, and it continues to be a serious public health issue for many low- and middle-income countries' populations. Vitamin A and D deficiency is extremely common in India, affecting both young children and adults. With 146.3 million tonnes of milk produced annually, India is the world's largest producer, yet only around 9% of the milk is fortified with vitamins and minerals. Milk fortification is one of the treatments for vitamin deficiency. Milk is one of the most nutrient-dense foods available. In India, it is a staple dish that is consumed by people of all age groups. Regular consumption of fortified milk led to an 18% reduction in diarrhoea, a 26% reduction in pneumonia, 7% fewer days with a high fever, and 15% fewer days sick with severe sickness. Out of 416 LLPD produced, about 198.4 LLPD gets fortified currently in India, reaching about 121 million people. There is still a significant gap between production and fortification. Governments must take appropriate steps to improve milk fortification and make India a healthy country.

Phytochemical Content and Antioxidant Activity of Malus domestica Borkh Peel Extracts

Apple is an important dietary source of carotenoids and phenolic compounds, and its regular consumption is associated with several health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition of fresh peels of four red-skinned (“Champion”, “Generos”, “Idared”, “Florina”) and two yellow-skinned (“Golden Delicious”, “Reinette Simirenko”) apple varieties. Antioxidant activity of apple peel extracts was determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ABTS radical scavenging capacity assays. Total carotenoid and polyphenolic contents were determined spectrophotometrically, while the profile of individual carotenoids and anthocyanins (in red-skinned varieties) was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PDA). Carotenoid composition was specific for each variety, and total carotenoid content was slightly higher in yellow-skinned apple peels compared to red-skinned varieties. In contrast, total phenolic content was higher in the peels of red-skinned cultivars. Anthocyanin profile was predominated by cyanidin-3-O-galactoside. Antioxidant potential followed the trend of the total polyphenolic content, being highest in “Florina”, as measured by both FRAP and ABTS assays. Our results demonstrated apple peels have high phytochemical content with diverse compositions, and their regular consumption can be an excellent source of antioxidants.

Oral administration of tartrazine (E102) accelerates the incidence and the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz(a) anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats

Background Despite the considerable advances made in the treatment of cancer, it remains a global threat. Tartrazine (E102) is a synthetic dye widely used in food industries; it has recently been shown to induce oxidative stress (a well known risk factor of cancer) in rat tissues. The present work therefore aimed to assess the impact of a regular consumption of tartrazine on the incidence of breast cancer in rats. Methods Forty (40) Wistar rats aged 55 to 60 days were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n = 8) including two groups serving as normal controls and receiving distilled water (NOR) or tartrazine (NOR + TARZ). The three remaining groups were exposed to the carcinogen DMBA (50 mg/kg) and treated for 20 weeks with either distilled water (DMBA), tartrazine 50 mg/kg (DMBA + TARZ) or a natural dye (DMBA + COL). The parameters evaluated were the incidence, morphology and some biomarkers (CA 15–3, estradiol and α-fetoprotein) of breast cancer. The oxidative status and histomorphology of the tumors were also assessed. Results A regular intake of tartrazine led to an early incidence of tumors (100% in rats that received TARZ only vs 80% in rats that received DMBA only), with significantly larger tumors (p < 0.001) (mass = 3500 mg/kg and volume = 4 cm3). The invasive breast carcinoma observed on the histological sections of the animals of the DMBA + TARZ group was more developed than those of the DMBA group. The increase in serum α-fetoprotein (p < 0.05) and CA 15–3 (p < 0.01) levels corroborate the changes observed in tumors. The presence of oxidative activity in animals of the DMBA + TARZ group was confirmed by a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and catalase) as well as the level of GSH and increase in the level of MDA compared to the rats of the DMBA and NOR groups. Conclusion Tartrazine therefore appears to be a promoter of DMBA-induced breast tumorigenesis in rats through its oxidative potential. This work encourages further studies on the mechanisms of action of tartrazine (E102) and its limits of use.

Association between Gastric Cancer with Behavioral and Dietary Factors: A Hospital Based Case-Control Study in South Asia

Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. It is the fourth leading cancer in Bangladesh. Identification of risk factors, effective prevention, and early diagnosis are the most important interventions against GC. Objectives To find an association of dietary and behavioral factors in the development of GC among the Bangladeshi population. Methods This case–control study was conducted from January 2017 to December 2018 at the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh. A total of 178 patients were studied (89 case and 89 controls). Data were collected via face-to-face interview using a standard structured questionnaire, posing questions about socio-demographic, behavioral and dietary habits, and clinical factors. A binary logistic regression method was used to calculate the odds ratio (OR). Results Among 178 patients, the age group ranged from 30 to 80 years and most patients were between 51 to 60 years. The results showed that regular consumption of red meat, duration of smoking, smokeless tobacco, fast food and fatty food, and family history of any type of cancer were directly associated with the risk of GC. On the contrary, a habit of regular walking and playing sports has an inverse association with GC. Adjusted OR shows regular consumption of red meat has 2.6 times more risk (OR = 2.661) of developing GC compared with irregular meat consumption, and a person with a history of Helicobacter pylori infection is 53% (OR = 7.263; 95% confidence interval: 3.614–14.597) more likely to develop cancer. In contrast, people who were doing exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes/day are 62.7% (OR = 0.373) less likely to develop GC than those who did not. Conclusion The study showed an association of some dietary and behavioral factor in the development of GC. However, more research in this field is required to understand the etiology, for the development of suitable screening test, for demarcation of high-risk population, and to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of primary prevention programs.

An Analysis of Preference of Organic Food Products by the Consumer in Theni District, Tamilnadu

In this competitive World, Organic food plays important role in Consumer Preference Level. Today’s people are given more importance to their health more than money. There is several Organic companies providing food products; in this study, they commonly take Organic food products. The consumers who get Preference on Organic products started to buy and utilising their regular Consumption. This stimulates the research to know - why the Consumers Preference Level on the Organic foods. Which factors influence Consumers Preference Level?

EVALUATION COMPONENT OF THE SEMANTIC FIELD “BINGE DRINKING”

Введение. Рассматриваются особенности семантики и употребления оценочных глаголов со значением «регулярное употребление алкоголя в больших количествах», которые образуют одно из микрополей, входящих в состав семантического поля «пьянство». Цель – анализ оценочной семантики глаголов выбранного для исследования микрополя. Материал и методы. В исследовании использованы материалы Национального корпуса русского языка и различных толковых словарей, методы сплошной выборки, контекстуального, компонентного и дефиниционного анализа. Результаты и обсуждение. Ядерной лексемой микрополя является глагол «пить» (диапазон потенциальных оценочных значений этого глагола очень широк, хотя сам по себе глагол является безоценочным). Остальные глаголы микрополя детализируют семантику ядерной лексемы. В зависимости от дополнительных компонентов в лексическом значении глаголов варьируется эмоциональная оценка, которую они выражают (у глагола «употреблять» эта оценка отсутствует вовсе). Рациональная оценка (негативная) остается неизменной у всех глаголов. Например, глаголы «испивать» и выражение «глушить водкой» обладают отрицательной рациональной оценкой и противоречивой эмоциональной оценкой (ее можно охарактеризовать как «сочувствие»). Внутри выбранного микрополя выделяется группа просторечно-арготических глаголов, которые характеризуются общей семой «чрезмерность», одинаковой стилистической принадлежностью и похожим контекстуальным окружением. Сема «чрезмерность» усиливает негативную эмоциональную оценку, выражаемую этими глаголами. Другую небольшую группу формируют глаголы, обладающие общими потенциальными семами «как животное» и «потеря человеческого облика», которые часто актуализируются с помощью окружающего контекста. Наличие этих семантических компонентов значительно усиливает негативную эмоциональную оценку. Заключение. Лексическое значение глаголов выбранного микрополя может содержать различные оценочные компоненты. Большинство глаголов выражают как рациональную, так и эмоциональную оценку, которая широко варьируется в зависимости от многих факторов. Внутри микрополя формируются новые парадигматические связи, некоторые глаголы приобретают новые грамматические характеристики. В целом оценку, которую выражают глаголы выбранного микрополя, нельзя охарактеризовать как однозначную. Introduction. This paper discusses the features of the use and semantics evaluation of verbs from the microfield “regular consumption of alcohol in large quantities” (one of the microfields that make up the semantic field “binge drinking”). The goal is to analyze the evaluation value of the verbs of the selected microfield. Material and methods. The article is written on the material of the National Corpus of the Russian Language and various explanatory dictionaries. The methods of continuous sampling, contextual and definitional analysis were used. Results and discussion. The evaluative component of the verb «пить» ‘drink’ (the core lexeme of the microfield) can be reconstructed only from the surrounding context, the range of evaluative values of this verb is very wide. The verb “употреблять” ‘use’ and“злоупотреблять” ‘abuse’ have a negative rational assessment (as a rule, these verbs do not have an emotional assessment). The verbs “пить” ‘drink’ and the expression “глушить водку” ‘to hit vodka hard’ have a negative rational and a conflicting emotional assessment (sympathy). Within the selected microfield, a group of verbs of argot origin is distinguished: they are characterized by a common seme ‘excessiveness’ and a similar contextual environment. Another separate group is composed by verbs with the common potential semes ‘animal’ and ‘loss of human appearance’. These semes are often actualized with the surrounding context. Conclusion. The lexical meaning of the verbs of the selected microfield can contain various evaluative components. Some verbs express both rational and emotional judgment. New paradigmatic connections are formed within the microfield and some verbs acquire interesting syntactic features.

EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES OF GEROPROTECTIVE AND ANTI-AGING EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OF PORTULACA OLERACEA L. (REVIEW)

Анализ представленных в обзоре публикаций свидетельствует о том, что экстракт Portulaca oleracea L., а также отдельные его компоненты (полисахариды, олераконы, алкалоид тетрагидроизохинолина - олерацеин Е) способны увеличивать продолжительность жизни лабораторных животных, активировать теломеразу и увеличивать длину теломер, оказывать антиоксидантное и антиостеокластогенное воздействие. Различные нейропротекторные эффекты (улучшение памяти и способности к обучению, ингибирование ацетилхолинэстеразы, защита дофаминергических нейронов, улучшение двигательных функций и другие) представляют интерес для профилактики синдромов, связанных с возрастной деградацией нервной системы, - болезней Альцгеймера и Паркинсона. Кроме того, регулярное употребление портулака огородного в пищу приводит к снижению онкологической и сердечнососудистой заболеваемости, что также напрямую влияет на увеличение средней продолжительности жизни населения. The analysis presented in the review of publications shows that extract of Portulaca oleracea L. or its individual components (polysaccharides, oleracea, alkaloids tetrahydroisoquinoline operatein E) is able to increase the lifespan of laboratory animals to activate telomerase and increase telomere length, and provide antioxidant and antistaatiline impact. Various neuroprotective effects (improvement of memory and learning ability, inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, protection of dopaminergic neurons, improvement of motor functions, etc.) are of interest for the prevention of syndromes associated with age - related degradation of the nervous system - Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In addition, regular consumption of vegetable portulaca in food leads to a decrease in the percentage of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which also directly affects the increase in the average life expectancy of the population.