Omca Demirkol

Drying effects on the antioxidant properties of tomatoes and ginger.

In this study, the effects of four different drying processes, sun drying (SD), oven drying (OD), vacuum oven drying (VOD) and freeze drying (FD) for tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) in terms of thiolic and phenolic contents have been studied. Thiol content, total phenolic content (TPC), ascorbic acid (AA) content, and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) were determined in fresh and dried samples. Glutathione (GSH) and cysteine (Cys) were determined as the thiol contents of tomatoes and ginger. Significant losses were observed in the contents of TPC, AA, GSH and Cys and CUPRAC values in all samples that were dried using the thermal method. There was a statistically significant difference in the losses of the TPC, AA, and thiol contents between the use of thermal drying and freeze drying (except Cys in tomatoes) methods. Freeze dried tomato and ginger samples have been found to have better antioxidant properties.

Impact of food disinfection on beneficial biothiol contents in strawberry.

In this study, the impact of four food disinfectants including hydrogen peroxide, free chlorine, and gaseous- and aqueous-phase ozone with industrial doses on the concentration of biothiol compounds gamma-glutamylcysteinylglycine (GSH) and cystein (CYS) in strawberry was investigated for 1, 5, 15, 30, and 60 or 120 min. Additionally, the amount of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was analyzed for calculation of the GSH/GSSG ratio as an indicator of oxidative stress. After this treatment, thiol contents of strawberry samples were examined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique. According to the results of measurements, free chlorine treatment for only 60 min significantly decreased CYS content in strawberry (p < 0.05). A significant decline in the GSH/GSSG ratio was also observed when H2O2 was applied for all time intervals except for 1 min (p < 0.05). However, aqueous-phase ozone treatment did not significantly affect the thiol levels (p < 0.05). In conclusion, this study may provide optimum disinfection methods for strawberry to minimize loss of beneficial biothiols.

Oxidative Effects of Tartrazine (CAS No. 1934-21-0) and New Coccin (CAS No. 2611-82-7) Azo Dyes on CHO Cells

Color is an indispensible characteristic of food because it makes foods easily recognizable and attractive in our modern society. Numerous food colors have been removed from the national and international lists of “accepted food colors” due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic activities based on a number of toxicity studies that have been conducted since food colors were first identified as carcinogenic by researchers. This study investigated the changes in oxidative stress parameters such as glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and catalase (CAT) activity that occurred when Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells were exposed to Tartrazine (CAS No. 1934-21-0) and New Coccin (CAS No. 2611-82-7), commonly-used azo dyes in the food industry. It was found that intracellular GSH significantly decreased, MDA levels increased, and GPx and CAT levels remained the same, (as compared to the control), when CHO cells were exposed to these food colors. Based on our results, Tartrazine and New Coccin food colors can be regarded as toxic. Considering the possible oxidative damage induced by these food colors, due to the depletion of GSH (a cell’s major antioxidant), and a significant increase in MDA levels, we strongly believe that the use of these potentially toxic colors in food needs to be reconsidered.

Amino acid decarboxylase activities and biogenic amine formation abilities of lactic acid bacteria isolated from shalgam

ABSTRACT 56 lactic acid bacteria were isolated during shalgam fermentation and identified as Lactobacillus spp. (51 isolates), Lactococcus spp. (3 isolates), Streptococcus sp. (one isolate), and Leuconostoc sp. (one isolate). 53 of all isolates decarboxylated both arginine and tyrosine, while others decarboxylated one of arginine or tyrosine. None of the isolates could decarboxylate histidine, ornithine, lysine, phenylalanine, or tryptophan. All isolates produced both agmatine (105.8–867.5 mg L–1) and tyramine (24.5–649.7 mg L–1). Although none of the isolates displayed ornithine decarboxylase activity, putrescine was produced (2.1–33.3 mg L–1) by all isolates, except one Lactobacillus strain. Therefore, lactic acid bacteria seem to be responsible mainly for tyramine and agmatine formation during shalgam fermentation, as well as a small amount of putrescine.

Investigation of antioxidant properties of dark chocolate enriched with cornelian cherry powder

W previously showed that consumption of low fat dairy foods (4-5 servings/day), resulted in better body composition (lean and fat tissue) outcomes compared to calcium (Ca) supplement or control group in postmenopausal women after a 6-month weight loss intervention. Here we report the effect of dairy foods and/or Ca supplementation on lipid profile and proinflammatory markers in the same population. A total of n=97 overweight/obese early postmenopausal women completed the 6 months follow up and had complete datasets. They were divided into 3 groups: Supplement (pills containing 630 mg Ca+400 IU of vitamin D/day); Dairy (low fat dairy consumption, 4-5 servings/day) and Control (placebo pills). Each group included moderate energy restriction (~85% of energy needs). Glucose, insulin, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL) as well as Apo A1, Apo B and CRP were analyzed in fasting blood samples by commercially available Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. There was improvement in each measured parameter, probably due to weight loss, except in glucose, HDL and Apo B which remained the same. Dairy group showed the highest % decrease in total cholesterol and LDL, 6.1% and 7.7%, respectively, compared to Supplement (3.2% and 3.4%) and Control (3.8% and 1.7%) groups. Additionally, Apo A decreased in Dairy group while it increased in Supplement and Dairy groups. In conclusion, the intervention with low fat dairy foods complemented with hypo caloric diet resulted in the best outcomes for lipid profile and highest reduction in Apo A. Increasing the low fat dairy foods to 4-5 servings/day may be beneficial for metabolic profile in postmenopausal women during weight loss.Introduction: Obesity has become a significant worldwide contributor to morbidity with an alarming increase in incidence of childhood obesity. Few studies have evaluated parental feeding practices and their impact on children obesity in the Middle East. The Comprehensive Feeding Practice questionnaire was validated in different age groups and in different countries, however no previous studies have validated the questionnaire in the Middle East.Introduction Community Acquired Pneumonia is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the Filipino elderly community. The Pneumonia Severity Index was developed to determine a patient’s probability of mortality and morbidity. Nutrition, on the other hand, is one of the most neglected yet significant aspects in the initial evaluation of elderly patients with community acquired pneumonia, despite the availability of nutrition assessment tools such as the Subjective Global Assessment of Nutrition and Mini Nutritional Screening Score. This study, hence, aims to determine the relation of the subjective global assessment of nutrition status and mini nutritional screening score with the pneumonia severity index among elderly individuals with community acquired pneumonia admitted in Cardinal Santos Medical Center. Methods This is an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study whose target population are the elderly patients of Cardinal Santos Medical Center diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia. The study was conducted among elderly patients, aged 60 years and above, diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia, admitted in Cardinal Santos Medical Center during the period of August to September 2015. Upon admission, the Pneumonia Severity Index, Mini Nutritional Screening Score and Subjective Global Assessment Grade is determined. Data collected were then subsequently run in Open Epi ver. 3.03a for statistical analysis. Means, frequency distribution, and odds ratio were done for statistical analysis. Results A total of 106 patients were included in the study. Using the subjective Global Assessment, patients classified as being moderately to severely malnourished have 19 times greater odds to develop intermediate risk pneumonia (p < 0.05) and 64 times greater odds to develop high risk pneumonia (p < 0.05). Patients, who were stratified as being at risk for malnutrition and being malnourished using the Mini Nutritional Screening Score has 10 times greater odds of developing intermediate risk pneumonia (p < 0.05) and 100 times greater odds of developing high risk pneumonia (p < 0.05). Patients classified as being underweight using Body Mass Index, however, did not correlate significantly with determining the odds of developing intermediate or high risk pneumonia (p > 0.05). Although calf circumference of < 31 cm did not significantly determine the odds of developing intermediate risk pneumonia, there was evidence that this increased the odds of developing high risk pneumonia by 10 times. Conclusion Elderly patients, of at least 60 years of age, diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia, have a higher risk for malnutrition as the disease becomes more severe. Nutrition assessment tools, including the Subjective Global Assessment of Nutrition and the 906 The Relation of Mini Nutritional Screening Score, Subjective Global Assessment of Nutrition, and Pneumonia Severity Index in Elderly Patients Diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia Admitted at Cardinal Santos Medical Center: An Observational, Analytical, Cross Sectional Study Citation: Marco Angelo D Tongo and Rosa Allyn Sy. “The Relation of Mini Nutritional Screening Score, Subjective Global Assessment of Nutrition, and Pneumonia Severity Index in Elderly Patients Diagnosed with Community Acquired Pneumonia Admitted at Cardinal Santos Medical Center: An Observational, Analytical, Cross Sectional Study”. EC Nutrition 4.4 (2016): 905-914. Mini Nutrition Screening Scores can be used in determining clinical outcome of elderly patients. The use of body mass index, may aid in predicting morbidity and mortality if correlated with other components of nutrition assessment tools. However, body mass index alone, did not yield a statistically significant relation to pneumonia severity. Calf circumference, on the other hand, was able to yield statistically significant odds in determining high risk pneumonia.Introduction: Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) is common among end stage renal disease patients (ESRD) on hemodialysis (HD) with an estimated prevalence of 10 70% and it undoubtedly contributes to increased risks of morbidity and mortality. It is compounded by the fact that these patients loose large amounts of protein in the dialysate fluid and do not consistently take the recommended amounts of energy and protein for ESRD patients on HD. They are in need of individualized meal plans but they rarely consult a dietitian. Purpose: This was a prospective, clinical trial hospital based (intervention) study to evaluate the effect of Nutritional intervention of adequate calorie and protein intake on malnutrition among HD patients. Methods: The study was conducted on HD patients, in one of the biggest dialysis centers in Khartoum. 134 adult patients (males & females) were divided into a test group (n = 77) and a control group (n = 57). The test group after nutritional counseling consumed individualized diets for a period of 6 months that provided adequate amounts of energy and protein according to the recommendations of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) while the control group continued consuming their usual diets. Malnutrition status was determined by using subjective global assessment (SGA) tool (which used by health specialists to score malnutrition status) at baseline and after 6 months of intervention. Data were analyzed using SPSS. Results: The SGA scores of the study patients was similar at baseline in both groups, the majority 88.1% were severely malnourished (92.2 test and 82.5 control), 11.9% moderate malnourished (7.8% test and 17.5% control), and there was no well-nourished score in both groups. After intervention the result showed significant differences in SGA scores between the two study groups (P = 0.000); 46.8% of test group had well-nourished scores (A), and still no participants from control group reached the well-nourished score. 33.6% participants were moderately malnourished (B) (44.2% test and 19.3% control). The control group showed 80.7% as severely malnourished (C), and only 9.7% were severely malnourished from test group. Therefore, the result after intervention shows highly significant differences in SGA score between the two groups during intervention period (P = 0.000). Conclusion: The study concluded that nutritional intervention in the form of adequate calorie and protein intake was help in improving nutritional status and malnutrition among HD patients. Therefore, nutritional counseling by qualified dietitians should be mandatory in renal dialysis units as part of the medical therapy management to reduce the incidence of malnutrition among HD patients.T is a renewed interest in nutrition globally. The second International Conference on Nutrition in Nov. 2014 committed to eradicating malnutrition in all its forms. A key strategy for many countries is a combination of direct nutrition interventions combined with nutrition sensitive, multi-sector approaches. For both direct and indirect policies and programs to be successful, a key element is good governance. This paper will report the results of research from Ethiopia and Nepal on governance structures from national to sub-national level. This research provides insights from key policy officials and stakeholders about how a range of policies and programs get translated from the design phase (on paper) to implementation (in practice).B consumption is commonly found among the elites in the society. This study aimed to determine the frequency of beverage consumption among the civil servants in the state. A cross sectional study was carried out among randomly selected five hundred civil servants in Abeokuta Ogun state. Anthropometric measurement was used to determine the nutritional status. The blood pressure was measured using sphygmomanometer. A validated structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on the beverage consumption. The result of the anthropometric measurements study showed that 11% of the subjects were obese while 45% were overweight. Only four percent of the subjects have hypertension. The result of the frequency of consumption of beverages revealed there were significant differences between male and female (p<0.005). The study showed that there is strong correlation between beverage consumption and development of chronic non communicable diseases..I are compounds characterized by the substitution of oxygen in the sulfur atom of the isocyanate group and can be isolated from cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, etc. They have been shown to inhibit cell growth and induce cell death in various in vitro and in vivo cancer models, properties which have formed the basis of their utilization in drug development. In regards to melanoma development, many reports indicate the involvement of deregulated cell death pathways; an observation which undoubtedly contributes to why the disease does not respond to current therapeutic strategies. Thus, the objective of the present study was the determination of the therapeutic effectiveness of specific isothiocyanate compounds (R, S-Sulforaphane; SFN, Phenethyl; PEITC and Benzyl; BITC) against an in vitro model of human skin cancer consisting of immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT; non-malignant); malignant melanoma (A375); and epidermoid carcinoma (A431; non-melanoma) cells. Our results show that SFN and PEITC potentiated cell death in A375 cells but not in A431 and HaCaT cells. On the other hand, BITC induced cell death in all cells involved (A375, A431 and HaCaT) but with a variable degree and dependent on cell type thus demonstrating its highly cytotoxic profile. Ongoing efforts are addressing the underlying molecular mechanisms by which these compounds induce cell death in order to enhance our understanding of their therapeutic potential in treating malignant melanoma.C sectional, representative at country level nutrition surveys of non pregnant and pregnant women has been carried out in the period 1985-2014. It was estimated the content of energy and nutrients in about 5000 non-pregnant and 2000 pregnant women daily diets. In each part of surveys the data about pattern nutrition were collected using 24 hour recall method. The findings were used as inputs for diagnosis and early identification of health risks of non-pregnant, pregnant women and their offspring. Main nutrition faults include; high prevalence energy from total fat, saturated fat and deficiency of n-3 PUFA; too high sodium, phosphorus intake from daily diet in pregnant and non-pregnant women; the lower than recommended or inadequate intake of iodine, iron, vitamin D; and calcium, fiber and folates. In conclusion, these nutrition surveys of women at 15-49 years are the most representative at national level in the last three decades: Without improvement of nutrition and state of nutrition of women population at procreative age, is impossible to reduce prevalence of low birth weight, macrosomia and other health disturbances caused by faulty nutrition. To strengthen public health system, it seems to arouse interest of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Family, Labor and Social Policy .S is a worldwide major cause of mortality and morbidity. Preclinical studies have identified over 1000 molecules with brain protective properties. More than 200 clinical trials have evaluated neuroprotective candidates for ischemic stroke yet, to date almost all failed, leading to a re-analysis of treatment strategies against stroke. Weirdly, how nutrition may affect stroke damage and recovery has not yet been intensely investigated, which is surprising given its great influence as risk factor. Therefore, this talk will stress the underestimated role of nutrition in preventing and combating stroke outlining an emerging view that is the health potential of alpha-linolenic acid; the omega-3 contained in plant derived edible products as nutraceuticals or disease modifying adjunctive therapy in stroke. This talk will then describe how the omega-3 precursor, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) administrated by injections or dietary supplementation reduces stroke damage by direct neuroprotection and triggering brain artery vasodilatation and neuroplasticity in rodent models. As successful translation of putative therapies will depend on demonstration of robust efficacy on common deficits resulting from stroke like loss of motor control and memory/ learning, this talk will outline our recent work evaluating the value of ALA as adjunctive therapy for stroke recovery by comparing whether oral or intravenous supplementation of ALA best support motor and cognitive improvement in stroke rehabilitation. To conclude, such experimentally based investigations will be crucial to framework evidence based guidelines for nutritional support following acute stroke and prepare the ground of clinical trial on nutritional interventions that are yet to be evaluated.

ENRICHMENT OF FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES OF WHITE CHOCOLATES WITH CORNELIAN CHERRY, SPINACH AND POLLEN POWDERS

Nowadays, there is an increasing demand to reduce the chemical additives and enrich the functional properties of food with using natural ingredients such as fruit and vegetables. In this study, the objective was to determine the influence of addition of cornelian cherry, spinach and bee pollen powders on the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of white chocolate. The Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was used to evaluate the total phenolic content and the antioxidant capacity of samples was measured by two different assays which were DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activity and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) tests. The obtained results showed that plain white chocolate exhibited no phenolic compound. In addition, antioxidant activity of white chocolate was found so low. However, the addition of cornelian cherry and spinach to chocolates enhanced the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity and contribution of pollen powder to functional property of white chocolate was found as highest among all powders used.