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Liver phospholipid fatty acid composition depends on the dietary lipid intake and the efficiency of hepatic enzymatic activity. Our study aimed to simultaneously investigate the liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in response to chronic linseed, palm, or sunflower oil diets. We used adult female C57/BL6 mice and randomly divided them into control and three groups treated with 25 % dietary oils. Prior to treatment, we analyzed the fatty acid profiles in dietary oils and hepatocytes and, after 100 days, the fatty acid composition in the liver using gas-liquid chromatography. Linseed oil treatment elevated alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids and reduced arachidonic and docosatetraenoic acids, consequently lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio. Palm oil treatment increased linoleic acid and decreased docosahexaenoic acid, contributing to an elevated n-6/n-3 ratio. Sunflower oil treatment elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids by increasing palmitoleic, oleic, and vaccenic acids. The estimated activity of Δ9 desaturase was significantly elevated in the sunflower oil group, while Δ5 desaturase was the highest, and Δ6 desaturase was the lowest after the linseed oil diet. Our findings demonstrate that chronic consumption of linseed, palm, or sunflower oil alters the distribution of liver phospholipid fatty acids differently. Sunflower oil diet elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids, proposing potential benefits for liver tissue health. Considering these outcomes, a substantial recommendation emerges to elevate linseed oil intake, recognized as the principal ALA source, thereby aiding in reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio. Moreover, modifying dietary habits to incorporate specific vegetable oils in daily consumption could substantially enhance overall health., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Hyperlipidaemia is a recognised risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In this study, the antihyperlipidaemic properties of spirulina (Arthrospira platensis, strain S2 from Serbia) were tested in adult Wistar rats before and after induction of hypercholesterolaemia by a high-fat diet (HFD) to compare the preventive with the curative effect. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels were measured in the blood samples. The chemical composition (lipids, proteins and cholesterol) and the content of bile acids in the faeces of the animals were also analysed. Feeding rats with an atherogenic diet for 10 weeks led to the successful development of hyperlipidaemia, as serum TC and LDL-C levels as well as lipids, cholesterol and bile acids in the animals' faeces were significantly increased. Pre- and post-treatment with spirulina led to a reduction in serum LDL, TC and ALT levels. Administration of spirulina resulted in both a significant increase in primary bile acids excretion and a decrease in bile acids metabolism, with pre-treatment being more effective than post-treatment in some cases. These results suggest that increased excretion of bile acids as well as an effect on the gut microbiota may be the mechanism responsible for the anti-hyperlipidaemic activity of the tested spirulina strain.

Introduction: Fatty acids (FAs) composition and desaturase activities can be altered in different metabolic conditions, but the adiposity-independent associations with clinical and biochemical indicators of cardiometabolic risk are still unclear. This study aimed to analyze the associations of FAs composition and estimated desaturase activities with anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical cardiometabolic risk indicators in non-diabetic Serbian women, and to investigate if these associations were independent of the level of adiposity and other confounders., Methods: In 76 non-diabetic, otherwise healthy Serbian women, aged 24-68 years, with or without metabolic syndrome or obesity (BMI=23.6±5.6 kg/m2), FA composition in erythrocyte phospholipids was measured by gas-liquid chromatography. Desaturase activities were estimated from product/precursor FAs ratios (D9D:16:1n-7/16:0; D6D:20:3n-6/18:2n-6; D5D:20:4n-6/20:3n-6). Correlations were made with anthropometric, biochemical (serum glucose, triacylglycerols, LDL-C, HDL-C, ALT, AST, and their ratios) and clinical (blood pressure) indicators of cardiometabolic risk. Linear regression models were performed to test the independence of these associations., Results: Estimated desaturase activities and certain FAs were associated with anthropometric, clinical and biochemical indicators of cardiometabolic risk: D9D, D6D, 16:1n-7 and 20:3n-6 were directly associated, while D5D and 18:0 were inversely associated. However, the associations with clinical and biochemical indicators were not independent of the associations with the level of adiposity, since they were lost after controlling for anthropometric indices. After controlling for multiple confounders (age, postmenopausal status, education, smoking, physical activity, dietary macronutrient intakes, use of supplements, alcohol consumption), the level of adiposity was the most significant predictor of desaturase activities and aforementioned FAs levels, and mediated their association with biochemical/clinical indicators. Vice versa , desaturase activities predicted the level of adiposity, but not other components of cardiometabolic risk (if the level of adiposity was accounted). While the associations of anthropometric indices with 16:1n-7, 20:3n-6, 18:0 and D9D and D6D activities were linear, the associations with D5D activity were the inverse U-shaped. The only adiposity-independent association of FAs profiles with the indicators of cardiometabolic risk was a positive association of 20:5n-3 with ALT/AST ratio, which requires further exploration., Discussion: Additional studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of the observed associations., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Šarac, Debeljak-Martačić, Takić, Stevanović, Milešević, Zeković, Popović, Jovanović and Vidović.)

Hazelnut is a minor but rapidly increasing commercially grown species in Montenegro. In June 2021, severe infection, affecting more than 80% of the trees, was observed on 6-year-old hazelnut plants ( Corylus avellana ) cultivar Hall's Giant, in a 0.3ha plantation near Cetinje, central Montenegro. Numerous, small, 2-3mm in diameter, irregular, brown, necrotic spots, sometimes surrounded by a weak chlorotic halo, were observed on leaves. As the disease progressed, the lesions coalesced and formed large necrotic areas. Necrotic leaves remained attached to the twigs. Longitudinal brown lesions developed on twigs and branches, causing their dieback. Necrotic, unopened buds were noticed as well. No fruits were observed in the orchard. From the diseased leaf, bud and twig bark tissue, yellow, convex, and mucoid bacterial colonies were isolated on yeast extract dextrose CaCO 3 medium and 14 isolates were subcultured. The isolates induced hypersensitive reaction in pelargonium leaves ( Pelargonium zonale ), were Gram-negative, catalase positive, oxidase negative, obligate aerobic, hydrolyzed starch, gelatin and esculin, did not reduce nitrate and did not grow at 37°C and in the presence of 5% NaCl, showing so the same biochemical profile of the reference strain Xanthomonas arboricola pv. corylina (Xac) NCPPB 3037. Using primer pair XarbQ-F/XarbQ-R (Pothier et al., 2011), a 402 bp product was amplified in all 14 isolates and the reference strain, confirming their affiliation to X. arboricola species. Additionally, the isolates were further identified by PCR analysis, using primer pair XapY17-F/XapY17-R (Pagani 2004; Pothier et al., 2011), resulting in a single band of 943 bp characteristic for Xac. The amplification and sequencing of the partial rpoD gene sequence of two selected isolates RKFB 1375 and RKFB 1370, were performed using a set of primers described by Hajri et al., 2012. The obtained DNA sequences showed that the isolates (GenBank Nos. OQ271224 and OQ271225) share 99.47% to 99.92% rpoD sequence identity with Xac strains CP076619.1 and HG992342.1 isolated from hazelnut in France and HG992341.1 in USA. Pathogenicity of all isolates was confirmed by spraying young shoots (20 to 30 cm long, with 5 to 7 leaves) on 2-year-old potted hazelnut plants (cv. Hall's Giant) using a handheld sprayer with the bacterial suspension (10 8 CFU/mL of sterile tap water), in three replicates. Sterile distilled water (SDW) and NCPPB 3037 Xac strain were used as negative and positive control, respectively. The inoculated shoots were incubated under plastic bags, providing high humidity conditions, in an acclimatized greenhouse at 22-26°C, for 72 h. Lesions surrounded by a halo appeared on leaves of all inoculated shoots within 5 to 6 weeks after inoculation, while leaves sprayed with SDW remained symptomless. Koch's postulates were confirmed by the re-isolation of the pathogen from the necrotic test plant tissue and identity checked by PCR using the primer set of Pothier et al., 2011. Based on pathogenic, biochemical, and molecular characteristics, the isolates from hazelnut plants in Montenegro were identified as X. arboricola pv. corylina . This is the first report of Xac affecting hazelnut in this country. Considering favorable environmental conditions, the pathogen can cause significant economic losses in hazelnut production in Montenegro. Therefore, phytosanitary measures have to be implemented to prevent introduction and spread of the pathogen in other areas.

Background: The pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) seem effective in increasing bone mineral density and promoting osteogenesis and bone healing., Objective: To examine the effect of two different modalities of PEMFs therapy in comparison with the recommended pharmacological treatment on experimental osteoporosis in rats., Methods: The experimental model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis induced by ovariectomy was used in this study. The animals were exposed to PEMFs of various frequencies (40 Hz and 25 Hzk), intensities (10 mT and 36.4 μT), lengths of exposure, and the effects were compared with the standard treatment with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation., Results: The application of PEMF40Hz, significantly reduced the osteoporotic bone loss in female rats that were confirmed with biochemical, biomechanical, and histological analyses. These effects were more pronounced than in osteoporotic animals treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation. On the contrary, the exposure to PEMF25Hz did not show restorative effects but led to further progression of osteoporosis., Conclusion: The exposure to PEMF40Hz, significantly restored osteoporosis and attenuated bone fragility in comparison to the rats exposed to PEMF25Hz or those treated with pamidronate, vitamin D, and calcium supplementation.

Walnut consumption mostly has a positive implication for cardiovascular health. Walnut diet effects on the cardiac fatty acid (FA) metabolism of healthy rats and those with fructose diet-induced metabolic burden were analysed. Both walnuts and fructose increased CD36 transporter level and the nuclear content of some/all of Lipin 1/PPARα/PGC-1 complex partners, as well as cytosolic and nuclear FOXO1. However, fructose, independently of walnuts, increased the content of palmitic (PA), oleic, and vaccenic acid (VA), while in walnut-fed rats failed to increase palmitoleic acid (POA) level and the POA/PA ratio, as well as total MUFA content. In opposite, walnuts reduced the level of PA and VA and increased alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic and docosapentaenoic acid level, regardless of fructose. In conclusion, both fructose and walnuts stimulated the uptake and oxidation of FA in the heart, but the walnuts, opposite to fructose, favourably altered cardiac FA profile in healthy and metabolically compromised rats.

The fruit juice industry generates pomace as a valuable by-product especially rich in polyphenols, dietary fibers, vitamins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. In the cookies used in this study, 30% of the gluten-free flour was replaced with dried and ground blueberry and raspberry pomace, rich source of polyphenols, dietary fibers, linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid. In order to examine whether the addition of blueberry and raspberry pomace in cookie formulation can have beneficial effects on certain blood parameters and anthropometric measurements, the designed cookies were tested in 20 healthy, normally fed female subjects, aged 30-50 years (41.35 ± 8.58 years) over four-week dietetic intervention study. Significant changes in the composition of fatty acids serum phospholipids, decrease in LDL-cholesterol level (20.16%), increase in adiponectin level (25.52%) and decrease in ALT and AST values were observed, thus indicating that inclusion of cookies containing blueberry and raspberry dried and ground pomace to usual diet might have positive effects on certain cardiovascular risk factors and liver function indicators., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Popović, Šarić, Martačić, Arsić, Jovanov, Stokić, Mišan and Mandić.)

The synthesis, degradation, and reconstruction of the cell membrane as a metabolic pathway of phospholipids is a constant and dynamic process. Fatty acids as bioactive lipid components of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as structural lipids have biological roles in the integrity of cell membranes. Fatty acids, depending on the chain length, the degree of saturation, and the synthesis pathways, can alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress caused by excessive exercise. Considering that changing food intake or diet can influence fatty acid phospholipid metabolism, our study aimed to determine the potential benefits of fish-based diets in working (police) dogs undergoing intensive training concerning bioactive lipids such as fatty acids, phospholipids of plasma, and erythrocytes. Fatty acid esters' composition of plasma and erythrocyte phospholipids as a bioactive lipids, in addition to markers of oxidative stress and metabolic parameters, were analysed by GC chromatography. The food was well tolerated by all dogs, and the compliance to the diet was high throughout the study. After the treatment with fish-based food, blood glucose, total, and LDL cholesterol levels were significantly reduced, indicating positive biochemical profiles of dogs. Correlations of fatty acid phospholipid compositions between plasma and erythrocytes have shown that both plasma and erythrocytes could represent markers of omega-3 eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid intake levels in dogs. Morover, fish-based food supplementation caused a significant reduction in lipid peroxidation markers. The enrichment of dogs' diets with marine fish could improve oxidative status and improve roles and status of bioactive lipids, such as membrane phospholipids and fatty acids, as its components in plasma and erythrocytes in police dogs exposed to intensive exercise.

We observed different outcomes upon the subacute exposure to the 128 mT highly homogeneous static magnetic field (SMF) when its orientation was (i) aligned with the vertical component of the geomagnetic field; (ii) in the opposite direction. We employed the fatty acids (FA) composition and digital image analyses (DIA) to provide insights into the underlying processes and examine the possible weak SMF effects. Swiss-Webster male mice were whole-body exposed for 1 h/day over five days. Brain tissue's thin liquid chromatography resulted in brain FA composition, indicating a possible sequence of changes due to the SMF exposure. Quantitative DIA accurately assessed different image parameters. Delicate textural changes were revealed in the group where pathohistological or biochemical alterations have not been detected. DIA-based biological markers seem to be very promising for studying delicate tissue changes, which results from the high sensitivity and wide availability of DIA., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Microscopic examination of stained peripheral blood smears is, nowadays, an indispensable tool in the evaluation of patients with hematological and non-hematological diseases. While a rapid automated quantification of the regular blood cells is available, recognition and counting of immature white blood cells (WBC) still relies mostly on the microscopic examination of blood smears by an experienced observer. Recently, there are efforts to improve the prediction by various machine learning approaches. An open dataset collection including the recently digitalized single-cell images for 200 patients, from peripheral blood smears at 100 × magnification, was used. We studied different morphological, fractal, and textural descriptors for WBC classification, with an aim to indicate the most reliable parameters for the recognition of certain cell types. Structural properties of both the mature and non-mature leukocytes obtained from (i) acute myeloid leukemia patients, or (ii) non-malignant controls, were studied in depth, with a sample size of about 25 WBC per group. We quantified structural and textural differences and, based on the statistical ranges of parameters for different WBC types, selected eight features for classification: Cell area, Nucleus-to-cell ratio, Nucleus solidity, Fractal dimension, Correlation, Contrast, Homogeneity, and Energy. Classification Precision of up to 100% (80% on average) was achieved., (© 2021. European Biophysical Societies' Association.)

In July 2020, symptoms of leaf and fruit spot were observed on two-year old apricot plants (Prunus armeniaca L.), cultivar Rubista in plantation covering approximately 0,5 ha near Podgorica, central Montenegro. The intensity of infection on leaves was more than 70%. Initially, leaf spots were mainly circular, 2 to 5 mm in diameter, water-soaked, surrounded by a weak chlorotic halo, but later became light to dark brown and necrotic. Eventually, the spots merged and necrotic tissue dropped out, leaving a "shot-hole" leaf appearance. On apricot fruits small, dark brown, mainly circular superficial lesions were observed. The lesions merged and formed large necrotic areas reducing the quality of fruits. Symptoms were not observed on woody parts, such as twigs or stem. A total of 10 bacterial strains, forming yellow, convex, and mucoid colonies on yeast extract-dextrose-CaCO3 (YDC) medium, were isolated from symptomatic leaf and fruit tissue. All strains induced hypersensitive reaction in tobacco leaves. They were Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, oxidase negative, catalase positive, hydrolyzed gelatine and esculin but not starch, and did not grow at 37°C, showing similar biochemical properties as a reference strain Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni (Xap) (NCPPB 416) used in all tests as a positive control. Strains were further identified by PCR analysis, using primer pair XapY17-F/XapY17-R (Pagani 2004; Pothier et al. 2011), resulting in a single band of 943 bp, characteristic for Xap. Additionally, BOX-PCR with the BOX A1R primer (Schaad et al. 2001) showed 100% homology in genetic profiles of all tested strains and control strain. Amplification and partial sequencing of the gyrB gene of four representative strains was performed using set of primers described by Parkinson et al. (2007). Obtained DNA sequences showed that analysed strains (GenBank nos. MW473770, MW473771, MW473772, and MW473773) share 99.44 to 99.57% of gyrB sequence identity with Xap pathotype strain ICMP51. Pathogenicity of all strains was confirmed by spraying young apricot shoots using a hand-held sprayer, and by infiltration of apricot leaves (cv. Roksana) from the abaxial surface using a syringe without needle, with the bacterial suspension (107 CFU/ml in sterile distilled water), in three replicates. Sterile distilled water and reference Xap strain (NCPPB 416), were used as negative and positive controls, respectively. The inoculated shoots and leaves were maintained at approx. 25°C and high humidity conditions. Tissue necrosis appeared on all inoculated shoots 5 to 11 days and leaves 5 to 9 days after inoculation. Koch's postulates were completed by re-isolation of the pathogen from inoculated tissue and identification by PCR using XapY17-F/XapY17-R primers. Based on pathogenic, biochemical and molecular characteristics, the strains isolated from apricot leaves and fruits in Montenegro were identified as Xap - causal agent of bacterial leaf spot and canker of stone fruits. This quarantine pathogen was previously reported on almond (Panić et al. 1998) and on peach (Popović et al. 2020) in Montenegro. This is the first report of Xap affecting apricot in this country. Therefore, strict phytosanitary measures have to be implemented to prevent spread of the pathogen in other areas and other susceptible hosts.

Increased dietary, blood, and tissue n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios are associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Due to Westernized dietary patterns, the increasing n-6/n-3 ratio is of growing concern worldwide, and dietary strategies aimed at its lowering are of public health importance. Walnuts are rich in dietary fats, and their consumption promotes cardiometabolic health. This study aimed to examine the effect of 6-week walnut consumption on tissue-specific n-6/n-3 ratio and fatty acid metabolic conversion in fructose-fed rats with a cluster of metabolic disorders. Male Wistar rats were fed a standard diet with or without 10% fructose in drinking water for 9 weeks. Diets of half of the animals were then supplemented with walnuts (2.4 g/day) for 6 weeks, upon which fatty acid profiles were determined in plasma, liver, adipose tissue, and kidney total lipids. Results showed that walnuts induced significant decreases in the n-6/n-3 content of total lipid pool in plasma and examined tissues, irrespective of metabolic burden. Walnut intervention decreased plasma and liver palmitoleic/palmitic, arachidonic/linoleic, and docosahexaenoic/α-linolenic acid ratios. It also modulated individual fatty acid levels by reducing arachidonic and palmitic acid and increasing α-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acid in plasma and most tissues. Our study demonstrated that 6-week consumption of walnuts favorably modulated n-6/n-3 plasma and tissue ratio in male Wistar rats regardless of high-fructose feeding, underscoring the promising potential of walnuts in both prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2020 American Chemical Society.)

People living in non-Mediterranean West Balkan countries have diets with a low n -3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content. Walnuts, a traditional Serbian food, could be an excellent source of n -3 PUFA. The first sub-study evaluated the fatty acid and mineral content of Serbian walnuts, demonstrating that walnuts had the high content of linolenic acid (C18:3, n -3 ALA). The second sub-study assessed the consumption of walnuts ( Juglans regia L.) and total n -3-fatty acid intake in apparently healthy Serbian residents, using 24-h dietary recalls ( n = 352). An inadequate intake of n -3 fatty acids and a low consumption of walnuts was seen. Additionally, we evaluated the fatty acid profile of healthy Serbian adults ( n = 110) and finally, via a randomized intervention 4-weeks study, we assessed the effects of walnut consumption on n -3 fatty acid profile of participants ( n = 18). The plasma content of n -3 PUFA was low and the n -6/ n -3 ratio was high in our study participants. The n -3 plasma fatty acid profile was improved after 4 weeks of walnut consumption, meaning that ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and total n -3 were significantly increased. The results of our study pointed out the potential health benefits of walnuts consumption on amelioration of the n -3 fatty acid profile that should be taken into account in preventive management programs. The higher conversion of ALA to EPA (>10%) in examined study participants, suggests the importance of a moderate walnut consumption.

In a number of studies, a static magnetic field was observed to positively influence the growing process of various plants; however, the effect has not yet been related to possible structural changes. We investigate if the static magnetic field that improves germination of wheat also alters wheat's near-infrared spectrum. Two groups of seeds were exposed to 340 mT for 16 h cumulatively. The first group was exposed 8 days for 2 h per day, while the second group was exposed 4 h per day for 4 consecutive days. One half of each of the exposed seed groups as well as of the unexposed control groups was sown, and the other half was used for mid-infrared spectra measurements. The sown seeds were monitored for 3 weeks after sowing. Germination of the groups exposed to the magnetic field was faster compared to corresponding non-exposed groups that were grown under the same conditions. The magnetic field exposure caused the enhancement of one OH peak at 3,369 cm -1 and two CO peaks at 1,662 cm -1 and 1,740 cm -1 in the mid-infrared spectrum. The effect was more pronounced for the 4 day, 4 h/day exposure. Bioelectromagnetics. 38:533-540, 2017.© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Dietary intake influence changes in fatty acids (FA) profiles in liver which plays a central role in fatty acid metabolism, triacylglycerol synthesis and energy homeostasis. We investigated the effects of 4-weeks treatment with milk- and fish-based diet, on plasma biochemical parameters and FA composition of liver phospholipids (PL) in rats of both sexes., Methods: Adult, 4 months old, Wistar rats of both sexes, were fed with different types of diets: standard, milk-based and fish-based, during 4 weeks. Analytical characterization of different foods was done. Biochemical parameters in plasma were determined. Fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas-chromatography. Statistical significance of FA levels was tested with two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the sex of animals and treatment (type of diet) as factors on logarithmic or trigonometric transformed data., Results: Our results showed that both, milk- and fish-based diet, changed the composition and ratio of rat liver phospholipids FA, in gender-specific manner. Initially present sex differences appear to be dietary modulated. Although, applied diets changed the ratio of total saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and effects were gender specific. Milk-based diet lowered SFA and elevated MUFA in males and increased PUFA in females vs. standard diet. The same diet decreased n-3, increased n-6 and n-6/n-3 ratio in males. Fish-based diet increased n-3, decreased n-6 and n-6/n-3 ratio vs. standard and milk-based diet in females. However, the ratio of individual FA in liver PL was also dietary-influenced, but with gender specific manner. While in females fish-based diet decreased AA (arachidonic acid) increased level of EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DPA (docosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), the same diet elevated only DHA levels in males., Conclusion: Gender related variations in FA composition of rat liver PL were observed, and results have shown that those initial differences could be significantly modulated by the type of diet. Furthermore, the modulatory effects of milk- and fish-based diets on liver phospholipids FA profiles appeared to be sex-specific.

The treatment of mood and anxiety disorders by nutraceuticals is gaining growing awareness. Berries of Aronia melanocarpa (Black chokeberry) and their extracts, exceptionally abundant in diverse phenolic compounds, have become famous for the highest in vitro antioxidant activity among fruits and notable health benefits (e.g. anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective). This study was designed to investigate the behavioral effects of month-long unlimited consumption of Aronia master juice (AJ) and/or juice reconstruct without polyphenols (RJ), in young male rats. AJ was initially evaluated for its content of phenolic compounds by spectrophotometric assays and HPLC-DAD. Rats that were supplied with three various water concentrations of AJ and RJ, respectively: 20% + 0% (ARO group), 5% + 15% (RAJ) and 0 + 20% (PLC), were compared with those which consumed only water (CTL). Daily drinking of AJ solution was significantly elevated from the second or third week onward, which was most expressed in the ARO group. Only this group displayed behavioral variations, manifested by certain hyperactivity in open field tests and prominent reductions of anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze. The ARO rats also expressed an alleviation of depression-like behavior in forced swimming tests. These findings demonstrate the beneficial behavioral effects of the one-month-long free drinking of phenolic-rich AJ in rats (>20 ml per kg b. mass daily) that may be recognized as stimulating, anxiolytic-like and antidepressant-like. The in vitro assays suggested that MAO-A/MAO-B inhibitions by the phenolic compounds of AJ might be the possible in vivo mechanisms for such behavioral actions.

The Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory for Epilepsy (NDDI-E) was developed and proven efficient for the rapid detection of a major depressive episode in people with epilepsy. This study describes the development, validation, and psychometric properties of the NDDI-E Serbian version. A consecutive sample of 103 patients with epilepsy was assessed using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the NDDI-E. All patients had no major difficulties in understanding or answering the questions of the Serbian version. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.763. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed an area under the curve of 0.943 (95% CI; 0.826 to 0.951), a cutoff score of ≥14, a sensitivity of 72.2%, a specificity of 95.2%, a positive predictive value of 81.3%, and a negative predictive value of 94.3%. The NDDI-E Serbian version scores were significantly and positively correlated with those of the BDI (p<0.001). The NDDI-E Serbian version constitutes a concise and consistent depression screening instrument for patients with epilepsy., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

It has been shown that static magnetic field (SMF) of moderate intensity produces considerable impact on biological systems. SMF can be homogeneous or inhomogeneous. In many studies, inhomogeneous SMF was employed. Aware that inhomogeneous SMF could result in experimental variability, we investigated the influence of a vertical homogeneous SMF of different orientation. Male Swiss-Webster 9- to 10-week-old mice were subacutely exposed to upward- and downward-oriented SMF of 128 mT generated by a cyclotron for 1 h/day during a 5-day period. We found that SMF affected various organs and that these effects were, to some degree, dependent on SMF orientation. Both upward- and downward-oriented SMF caused a reduction in the amount of total white blood cells (WBC) and lymphocytes in serum, a decrease of granulocytes in the spleen, kidney inflammation, and an increase in the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In addition, upward-oriented SMF caused brain edema and increased spleen cellularity. In contrast, downward-oriented SMF induced liver inflammation and a decrease in the amount of serum granulocytes. These effects might represent a specific redistribution of pro-inflammatory cells in blood and among various organs. It appears that homogeneous SMF of 128 mT affected specific organs in the body, rather than simultaneously and equally influencing the entire body system.

The objective of this systematic review was to identify studies investigating iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status, to assess the data of the selected studies, and to estimate dose-response relationships using meta-analysis. All randomized controlled trials, prospective cohort studies, nested case-control studies, and cross-sectional studies that supplied or measured dietary iodine and measured iodine biomarkers were included. The overall pooled regression coefficient (β) and the standard error of β were calculated by random-effects meta-analysis on a double-log scale, using the calculated intake-status regression coefficient (β) for each individual study. The results of pooled randomized controlled trials indicated that the doubling of dietary iodine intake increased urinary iodine concentrations by 14% in children and adolescents, by 57% in adults and the elderly, and by 81% in pregnant women. The dose-response relationship between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status indicated a 12% decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone and a 31% decrease in thyroglobulin in pregnant women. The model of dose-response quantification used to describe the relationship between iodine intake and biomarkers of iodine status may be useful for providing complementary evidence to support recommendations for iodine intake in different population groups.

As a source of biologically active compounds, buckwheat has beneficial effects in nutrition due to its high content of flavonoids, particularly rutin. Aim of our study was to examine effects of buckwheat on plasma lipid status and phospholipids fatty acids composition, histological and parameters of oxidative stress in Wistar rats fed a high-fat diet. This study showed that buckwheat leaf and flower (BLF) mixture supplementation significantly reduce weight gain, plasma lipid concentrations and atherogenic index in rats fed a high-fat diet. Treatment of the high-fat group of animals with buckwheat significantly increased percentage of n-6 fatty acids as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and decreased percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and oleic acid. Buckwheat antioxidant effects diminished negative influence of high-fat diet in hyperlipidemic rats, while pathohistological analysis of liver confirmed changes after high-fat consumption. Our results showed hypolipidemic, antiatherogenic and antioxidative features of buckwheat leaf and flower mixture, and these parts of the plant with the highest rutin content could be beneficial in prevention and curing of hyperlipidemia., (© 2013 Association of Basic Medical Sciences of FB&H. All rights reserved.)

Muscle wasting is independent predictor of mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We investigated the effect of insulin resistance on lean body mass (LBM), and association between insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and body composition in these patients. We analyzed cross-sectionally body composition, nutritional status and biochemical parameters in 35 non-diabetic ESRD patients who were on MHD. Bioelectrical impedance analysis was performed to quantify body fat, lean body mass and total body water (FAT (%), FAT (kg), LBM (%), LBM (kg) and TBW(%)). The association between LBM (kg) and gender, FAT (kg), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and homeostatic model assessment score (HOMA-IR) was recorded. Multiple linear regression analysis using LBM (kg) as dependent variable showed that FAT (kg) (beta = 0.563, p = 0.05), HOMA-IR (beta = 0.619, p = 0.03), and hs-CRP (beta = 0.488, p = 0.04) were independently associated with LBM in males. In females, only FAT (kg) (beta = 0.648, p = 0.001) significantly predicted LBM. Those variables explained 37% of variance of LBM (kg) in males, and 44% in females. It seems that insulin resistance participates independently in the pathogenesis of muscle wasting in both sexes, particularly in males. The effect of chronic inflammation was not so strong in females, and this point out that regulation of muscle wasting in female patients probably differs from that in males.