•We analyzed different kinds of chocolates produced in Serbia.•We examined antioxidant capacity using DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and ORAC assays.•Increasing declared percentage of cocoa will increase TPC and ...TFC.•Addition of raspberries to dark chocolates increases antioxidant capacity.•Theobromine content depends on the cocoa product type.
Different kinds of chocolates produced in Serbia were analyzed regarding total polyphenol, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin content using spectrophotometric methods. Flavan-3ols and methylxanthines in all samples were determined with RP-HPLC. DPPH, FRAP, ABTS and ORAC assays were applied for measuring antioxidant capacity. The average of all four antioxidant tests for each cocoa product was used for calculating antioxidant potency composite index (ACI). Obtained results for all four assays have shown that antioxidant capacity of analyzed chocolate/cocoa extracts followed cocoa, polyphenol, flavonoid, and proanthocyanidin contents. Although the addition of raspberries to dark chocolates had no significant influence on their total polyphenol, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin contents, statistical analysis showed that there was significant increase in the antioxidant capacity of dark chocolates with raspberry compared to plain dark chocolates (p=0.007). Overall range for theobromine content varied from 5.5 to 22.3mg/g depending on the product type, while the content of caffeine was 13–30 times lower in all analyzed cocoa products. In addition, correlation between antioxidant potency composite index and declared percentage of cocoa was high (R2=0.798, p<0.05) and indicated that declared cocoa content was a reliable indication for antioxidant capacity of chocolates produced in Serbia.
Abstract Background and aim Malnutrition is a common feature of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). There are numerous methods for the assessment of nutritional status, but the gold standard has not ...yet been established. The aims of the study were to estimate the prevalence of undernutrition and to evaluate methods for routine nutritional assessment of active IBD patients. Material and methods Twenty-three patients with active Crohn disease, 53 patients with active ulcerative colitis and 30 controls were included in the study. The nutritional status was assessed by extensive anthropometric measurements, percentage of weight loss in the past 1–6 months and biochemical markers of nutrition. Results All investigated nutritional parameters were significantly different in IBD patients compared to control subjects, except MCV, tryglicerides and serum total protein level. Serum albumin level and bodymass index (BMI) were the most predictive parameters of malnutrition. According to different assessment methods the prevalence of undernutrition and severe undernutrition in patients with active IBD were 25.0%–69.7% and 1.3%–31.6%, respectively, while in the control subjects no abnormalities have been detected. There was no statistically significant difference of nutritional parameters between UC and CD patients except lower mid-arm muscle circumference in UC group. Conclusions Malnutrition is common in IBD patients. BMI and serum albumin are simple and convenient methods for the assessment of the nutritional status in IBD patients. Further studies with larger group of patients are necessary to elucidate the prevalence of malnutrition and the most accurate assessment methods in IBD patients.
Cardioprotective abilities of procyanidins, might, at least in part, attribute to their vasodilator properties. The present study was undertaken to assess the vasorelaxant effect of procyanidin B2 on ...isolated human saphenous vein (HSV) and its underlying mechanisms. Procyanidin B2 relaxed phenylephrine-induced contraction of HSV rings in concentration-dependent manner. The relaxation was dependent on the presence of endothelium and was strongly affected by l-NAME, hydroxocobalamin or ODQ, the inhibitors of NO/cGMP pathway. Indomethacin significantly affected only the relaxation produced by the highest concentrations of procyanidin B2. Apamin and TRAM-34 combination, in the presence of l-NAME and indomethacin, did not additionally decreased procyanidin B2-induced relaxation. In the presence of K+ channel blockers, relaxation induced by procyanidin B2 was partially attenuated by 4-aminopyridine, significantly inhibited by glibenclamide and almost abolished by iberiotoxin. Procyanidin B2 also relaxed the contractions induced by phenylephrine or caffeine in Ca2+-free solution. Finally, nifedipine slightly, while thapsigargin strongly antagonized HSV relaxation. Our results indicate that procyanidin B2 induces endothelium-dependent relaxation of HSV, which results primarily from stimulation of NO production, as well K+ channels opening, especially BKCa, and partially KATP and KV. Regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ release and inhibition of Ca2+ influx probably contribute to procyanidin B2-induced relaxation.
Purpose: The ever-evolving market dynamics and the trend toward increased product individualization demand a high degree of adaptability in production management. This calls for novel approaches, ...such as Industry 4.0 (I4.0), which integrates the Quality 4.0 (Q4.0) model as well.
Methodology/Approach: I4.0 builds upon the foundation of digital manufacturing and entails three key dimensions: (i) The employment of advanced digital technologies to enable digital production, (ii) The development of smart products, which incorporate novel production methods and innovative features, and, (iii) The adoption of an intelligent supply chain, designed to facilitate the procurement of raw materials and the delivery of finished goods. In our research studies, we focus specifically on the first and third approaches.
Findings: A bilateral flow of information in collaborative manufacturing is facilitated through digital platforms that span the entirety of the production process, from the inception of cutting-edge product designs to the final delivery to end-customers, integrating quality management (QM) as well.
Research Limitation/Implication: The current study outlines a QM model developed for a digital factory in Serbia, utilizing the Q4.0 model, with particular emphasis on the workshop section, integrated within the Enterprise Resource Planning/Manufacturing Execution Systems module.
Originality/Value of paper: The manuscript serves as a notable illustration of best practices for digital manufacturing, and the implementation of a digital QM model within the metalworking industry.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease of unknown etiology in which genetic factors contribute to development of disease. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in multidrug resistance ...1 (MDR1) gene encoding transporter P-glycoprotein have been associated with IBD, but their role in disease susceptibility remains unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the association of three MDR1 polymorphisms, C1236T (rs1128503), G2677T/A (rs2032582) and C3435T (rs1045642), with Serbian IBD patients.
A total of 206 IBD patients, 107 Crohn's disease (CD) and 99 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 255 healthy controls were included in the study. All subjects were genotyped using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Comparisons between the groups were performed using the Pearson Chi-square test. False discovery rate according to Benjamini-Hochberg procedure was applied to adjust for multiple comparisons.
Carriers of T allele of all three MDR1 SNPs were more common in UC patients compared to healthy controls, suggesting predisposing role of T allele of these SNPs in UC pathogenesis. Consistently, TT genotype of C1236T and TTT haplotype were also found more frequently in UC patients. On the other hand, C allele and CC genotype of C1236T and C3435T, as well as G allele and GG genotype of G2677T/A were more frequent in healthy subjects, implying protective role of these variants in UC. Likewise, CGC haplotype and CGC/CGC diplotype were more frequent in controls. Contrary to UC, no statistical difference was observed between CD patients and controls in any of the SNPs analyzed.
MDR1 gene variants and haplotypes were associated with UC in Serbian IBD patients, further supporting their potential role in susceptibility to UC.
In this study, we aimed to investigate relaxant effect of flavanol (−)‐epicatechin on the isolated human saphenous vein (HSV), as a part of its cardioprotective action, and to define the mechanisms ...underlying this vasorelaxation. (−)‐Epicatechin induced a concentration‐dependent relaxation of HSV pre‐contracted by phenylephrine. Among K+ channel blockers, 4‐aminopyridine, margatoxin, and iberiotoxin significantly inhibited relaxation of HSV, while glibenclamide considerably reduced effects of the high concentrations of (−)‐epicatechin. Additionally, (−)‐epicatechin relaxed contraction induced by 80 mM K+, whereas in the presence of nifedipine produced partial relaxation of HSV rings pre‐contracted by phenylephrine. In Ca2+‐free solution, (−)‐epicatechin relaxed contraction induced by phenylephrine, but had no effect on contraction induced by caffeine. A sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase inhibitor, thapsigargin, significantly reduced relaxation of HSV produced by (−)‐epicatechin. These results demonstrate that (−)‐epicatechin produces endothelium‐independent relaxation of isolated HSV rings. Vasorelaxation to (−)‐epicatechin probably involves activation of 4‐aminopyridine‐ and margatoxin‐sensitive KV channels, BKCa channels, and at least partly, KATP channels. In addition, not only the inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ influx, but regulation of the intracellular Ca2+ release, via inositol‐trisphosphate receptors and reuptake into sarcoplasmic reticulum, via stimulation of Ca2+‐ATPase, as well, most likely participate in (−)‐epicatechin‐induced relaxation of HSV.
BACKGROUND: Foam roller with vibration is a recent development and its implementation has not yet been provided with a sufficient scientific justification. Information on whether an implementation of ...vibration foam rolling for self-massage before the powerful muscular activities is a good strategy is scarce. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of a single 15-s and 60-s vibrating foam rolling treatment on muscle contractile properties during maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). METHODS: Twenty healthy and recreationally active subjects participated in this study. During first visit, baseline characteristics were collected, while on the second and third visit they performed a 15-s and a 60-s vibration foam rolling treatment, respectively. Their maximal force (F)max and rate of force development (RFDmax) were assessed using the MVIC of plantarflexors. RESULTS: The RFDmax was negatively affected (p⩽ 0.05) after the 15-s treatment and 60-s treatment, staying reduced even after 10-min of recovery. No significant effects were observed for Fmax. CONCLUSIONS: When implementing vibration foam rolling, either as a pre-workout activity or as a pre-competition treatment, caution should be taken. Short duration treatment should be avoided for activities were RFDmax has a significant impact on performance.
Background: Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) is the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy. One of the neuropsychological tests that detects MHE is the Stroop test (via EncephalApp). The aim was ...to evaluate the Stroop test for the screening and diagnosis of MHE. Methods: This prospective case–control study was performed at the Clinic for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, and included patients with cirrhosis and MHE and healthy controls. In all patients, the presence of MHE was confirmed using the animal naming test. The Stroop test was performed on each participant, and the results were compared between the two groups. The test has two components, the “OFF” and “ON” states. Results: A total of 111 participants were included. The median OFF time did not differ between the two groups, 106.3 and 91.4, p > 0.05. However, in patients with MHE, the median values of ON time and total time were significantly higher, with 122.3 vs. 105.3 and 228.0 vs. 195.6, respectively, p < 0.05. Statistical significance between patients and controls in examined parameters was detected in younger participants and the group with higher educational levels. Conclusions: The Stroop test displayed limited sensitivity in Serbian patients. Age and education affect time measurements and test performance.
Background and objectives: This study aimed to evaluate prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival in local and locally advanced colorectal cancer patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 273 ...patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer were prospectively enrolled. All patients underwent operative treatment of the primary tumor and adjuvant fluorouracil-based chemotherapy. Results: Over the three-year period (2008–2010), a cohort of 273 patients with stage III and high-risk stage II colorectal cancer had been screened. During follow up, 105 (38.5%) patients had disease recurrence. Survival rates 1-, 3- and 5-year after recurrence were 53.9, 18.2 and 6.5%, respectively, and the median post-recurrence survival time was 13 months. Survival analysis showed that age at diagnosis (p < 0.01), gender (p < 0.05), elevated postoperative Ca19-9 (p < 0.01), tumor histology (adenocarcinoma vs. mucinous vs. signet ring tumors, p < 0.01) and tumor stage (II vs. III, p < 0.05) had a significant influence on post-recurrence survival. Recurrence interval and metastatic site were not related to survival following recurrence. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (HR 2.43), mucinous tumors (HR 1.51) and tumors expressing Ca19-9 at baseline (HR 3.51) were independently associated with survival following recurrence. Conclusions: Baseline patient and tumor characteristics largely predicted patient outcomes after disease recurrence. Recurrence intervals in local and locally advanced colorectal cancer were not found to be prognostic factors for post-recurrence survival. Older age, male gender, stage III and mucinous histology were poor prognostic factors after the disease had recurred. Stage II patients had remarkable post-recurrence survival compared to stage III patients.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), manifesting as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is characterized by recurring episodes of inflammation in gastrointestinal tract, in which aberrant ...production of regulatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) presumably plays important role. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that affect IL-10 production, such as rs1800896 (G/A) at position -1082 and rs1800871 (C/T) at position -819 in the promoter region of the IL10 gene, have been associated with CD and/or UC, but the results were inconsistent. Another SNP that may alter IL-10 production, rs3024505 (C/T) located immediately downstream of the IL10 gene has been recently identified. T allele of rs3024505 was associated with both UC and CD in Western populations, but the studies from East European countries are lacking. Therefore, our aim was to assess the association of rs3024505, rs1800896 and rs1800871 with Serbian IBD patients. To this end, 107 CD and 99 UC patients and 255 healthy controls were genotyped. As a result, T allele of rs3024505 was associated with CD at allelic, genotypic (GT genotype) and haplotypic (GCCT haplotype) level, suggesting potential role of this variant in susceptibility to CD. In contrast, CD patients carrying C allele of rs3024505 had significantly increased risk of anemia and stricturing/penetrating behavior. No association was observed between rs3024505 and UC or SNPs in IL10 promoter region and any form of IBD. In conclusion, rs3024505 SNP flanking the IL10 gene is associated with susceptibility and severity of disease in Serbian CD patients, further validating its role as a potential biomarker in IBD.
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