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Natural bioactive compounds play an important role in the prevention of various diseases. The exotic fruits Averrhoa carambola L. (star fruit), Cyphomandra betacea (tamarillo) and Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) can be valuable sources of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study has been to compare the antioxidant properties of these exotic fruits, the structure of polyphenolic compounds and the content of vitamin C and β-carotene. All the juices were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and the composition of phenolic compounds (TP and FBBB assays, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanins). In addition, HPLC assays were performed to analyse the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C and β-carotene. The results demonstrated that juice from the Myrciaria dubia fruit had the highest antioxidant capacity, which was 4.5-fold higher than that of juice from Averrhola carambola L., and nearly 7-fold higher than the antioxidant capacity of Cyphomandra betacea fruit juice. Additionally, juice from the camu-camu fruit had a 3- to 4-fold higher total polyphenol content (8290 ± 254 mg GAE L−1) and a high level of vitamin C (8410.8 ± 16.9 mg AA kg−1). In turn, tamarillo juice had a high content of total anthocyanins (5796 mg CGE L−1) and phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid). Juice produced from carambola had a high content of total flavonoids (1345 mg CAE L−1), and the composition of these compounds was dominated by flavanols (epicatechin). The research results justify the conclusion that fruits of Myrciaria dubia, Averrhoa carambola L., Cyphomandra betacea are rich sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, and in the near future may serve as healthful food ingredients.

Introduction: Powder extracts from white mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) are desirable due to their simplicity of use. Powders intended for use in food and dietary supplements can be obtained by various methods, including water extraction and spray drying.

Epidemiological studies have suggested that coffee consumption is negatively correlated with the incidence of Parkinson's disease. Coffee contains relatively high levels of β-carbolines, which have been ascribed neuroactive effects in humans however the positive or negative effect has not been confirmed yet. Two ingredients with applications as coffee substitutes-chicory, which is traditionally used in this way, and artichoke-were considered in this study both from the neuroactive point of view but also in relation to the other bioactive compounds that result from their thermal processing. These thermal products are of concern because of their possible toxic properties. The estimated concentration of β-carbolines was high in both materials (1.8 μg/g and 2.5 μg/g harman and 2.9 μg/g and 3.1 μg/g norharman in chicory and artichoke, respectively). Artichoke had more β-carbolines than chicory, and also more all the toxic compounds examined here-acrylamide, carboxymethyllysine, and furans, which were detected in significantly higher concentrations in artichoke, particularly acrylamide. Chicory and artichoke also contain phenolic compounds that possess high antioxidant activity, on a similar level. Artichoke, a new proposed ingredient in coffee substitutes, appears to be a richer source of β-carbolines than the traditionally chicory. Both materials contained high level of undesirable components, such as furan and its derivatives, carboxymethyllysine and particularly acrylamide, much higher in artichoke.

One of Maillard reaction products formed in the production of ammonia caramel is 4(5)-methylimidazole (4-MeI) classified as carcinogen. A method of 4-MeI determination based on ion-pair extraction and derivatisation with isobutyl chloroformate with subsequent gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was proposed. Tandem mass spectrometry was applied to reduce the influence of matrix and increase the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. Triple quadrupole GC-MS system was used for this study. The collision energies were optimized for MRM mode. The detection (LOD) and quantification limits (LOQ) of the elaborated method were 17 and 37.8 μg kg−1, respectively, repeatability was

Natural bioactive compounds play an important role in the prevention of various diseases. The exotic fruits Averrhoa carambola L. (star fruit), Cyphomandra betacea (tamarillo) and Myrciaria dubia (camu-camu) can be valuable sources of phytochemicals with antioxidant properties. The aim of this study has been to compare the antioxidant properties of these exotic fruits, the structure of polyphenolic compounds and the content of vitamin C and β-carotene. All the juices were analyzed for their antioxidant capacity (DPPH and ABTS assays) and the composition of phenolic compounds (TP and FBBB assays, total flavonoid content, total anthocyanins). In addition, HPLC assays were performed to analyse the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C and β-carotene. The results demonstrated that juice from the Myrciaria dubia fruit had the highest antioxidant capacity, which was 4.5-fold higher than that of juice from Averrhola carambola L., and nearly 7-fold higher than the antioxidant capacity of Cyphomandra betacea fruit juice. Additionally, juice from the camu-camu fruit had a 3- to 4-fold higher total polyphenol content (8290 ± 254 mg GAE L−1) and a high level of vitamin C (8410.8 ± 16.9 mg AA kg−1). In turn, tamarillo juice had a high content of total anthocyanins (5796 mg CGE L−1) and phenolic acids (mostly chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid). Juice produced from carambola had a high content of total flavonoids (1345 mg CAE L−1), and the composition of these compounds was dominated by flavanols (epicatechin). The research results justify the conclusion that fruits of Myrciaria dubia, Averrhoa carambola L., Cyphomandra betacea are rich sources of bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, and in the near future may serve as healthful food ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the changes in Nɛ-(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) and available lysine content, antioxidant properties, volatiles, and oxidation products of biscuits enriched with grape by-product (GP), stored for six months under a modified atmosphere of 0%/30%/70% O2/CO2/N2 and in air. Fresh GP-formulated biscuits showed lower concentrations of CML (89%), available lysine (40%), and pyrazines (75%), but higher antioxidant capacities (~ sixfold), furans (12-fold), and lipid-derived compounds (three-fold) than the control. Although ~ 15% higher losses of Maillard-type volatiles were identified in the air atmosphere during storage, lipid oxidation was ~ 30% less pronounced in the modified atmosphere. A significant correlation of 0.994 between the reduction in CML and the available lysine suggest further CML reactions with the ɛ-NH2 group of amino acids. Significant correlations (of -0.550 to -0.980) between oxidation products, antioxidant capacities, and changes in CML content during storage suggest that these parameters might be involved in the CML elimination mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article constitutes the second part of a brief critical analysis of the research on attitude and attitude-(speech) behaviour relations. Its major aim is to show that the contribution from the socio-psychological paradigm can prove relevant and valuable when applied to sociolinguistic research on attitude and attitude-behaviour relations. The author argues that attitudinal investigations in sociolinguistics, despite their popularity and rich history, frequently suffer from a number of methodological and theoretical flaws. The author advances an argument that a reconceptualization of the construct of attitude and some additional methodological principles can help refine the whole paradigm of language attitude research. Specifically, it is pointed out that a cognitive/information-processing approach to attitude formation, the theory of planned behaviour and other theoretical and methodological insights discussed in this paper can prove immensely rewarding and can give a new impetus for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article constitutes the first part of a brief critical analysis of the research on attitude and attitude-(speech) behaviour relations. Its major aim is to show that the contribution from the socio-psychological paradigm can prove relevant and valuable when applied to sociolinguistic research on attitude and attitude-behaviour relations. The author argues that attitudinal investigations in sociolinguistics, despite their popularity and rich history, frequently suffer from a number of methodological and theoretical flaws. The author advances an argument that a reconceptualization of the construct of attitude and certain methodological principles can help refine the whole language attitudes paradigm. Specifically, it is pointed out that a cognitive/information-processing approach to attitude formation, the theory of planned behaviour and other theoretical and methodological insights discussed in this paper can prove immensely rewarding and can give a new impetus for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bearing in mind the importance of attitude in sociolinguistic research and its huge theoretical potential for accounting for various language behaviours, it is surprising to see numerous misconceptions concerning this construct and its conceptualization as well as criticism as to its role in predicting and explaining speech behaviour (cf., for instance, Cargile, Giles 1997: 195; Edwards 1999: 109; Ladegaard 2000: 229-230; Garrett 2001: 630; Soukup 2012; Taylor, Marsden 2014). The author claims that attitude research can still prove very insightful and helpful in sociolinguistic theory building, but to do so, one needs to reconceptualize attitude along the reasoned action approach on the foundations of which the theory of planned behaviour rests. The theory posits that attitude is one of the three general predictors having a sufficient explanatory and predictive power in the case of most human behaviours. The major goal of the present article is to report on a study attempting to apply the theory of planned behaviour to explain why students of English being given an alternative to choose either an English or American accent as a target model to learn opt for one and not the other. The second goal of the article is to discuss the role of language attitudes in determining students' decisions. Part 2 of the article elaborates on the main study as well as includes a brief discussion followed by suggestions for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bearing in mind the importance of attitude in sociolinguistic research and its huge theoretical potential for accounting for various language behaviours, it is surprising to see numerous misconceptions concerning this construct and its conceptualization as well as criticism as to its role in predicting and explaining speech behaviour (cf., for instance, Cargile, Giles 1997: 195; Edwards 1999: 109; Ladegaard 2000: 229-230; Garrett 2001: 630; Soukup 2012; Taylor, Marsden 2014). The author claims that attitude research can still prove very insightful and helpful in sociolinguistic theory building, but to do so, one needs to reconceptualize attitude along the reasoned action approach on the foundations of which the theory of planned behaviour rests. The theory posits that attitude is one of the three general predictors having a sufficient explanatory and predictive power in the case of most human behaviours. The major goal of the present article is to report on a study attempting to apply the theory of planned behaviour to explain why students of English being given an alternative to choose either an English or American accent as a target model to learn opt for one and not the other. The second goal of the article is to discuss the role of language attitudes in determining students' decisions. Part 1 of the article includes a brief theoretical introduction as well as a detailed description of two pilot studies which served to prepare the research instrument for the main investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epidemiological studies have suggested that coffee consumption is negatively correlated with the incidence of Parkinson’s disease. Coffee contains relatively high levels of β-carbolines, which have been ascribed neuroactive effects in humans however the positive or negative effect has not been confirmed yet. Two ingredients with applications as coffee substitutes—chicory, which is traditionally used in this way, and artichoke—were considered in this study both from the neuroactive point of view but also in relation to the other bioactive compounds that result from their thermal processing. These thermal products are of concern because of their possible toxic properties. The estimated concentration of β-carbolines was high in both materials (1.8 μg/g and 2.5 μg/g harman and 2.9 μg/g and 3.1 μg/g norharman in chicory and artichoke, respectively). Artichoke had more β-carbolines than chicory, and also more all the toxic compounds examined here–acrylamide, carboxymethyllysine, and furans, which were detected in significantly higher concentrations in artichoke, particularly acrylamide. Chicory and artichoke also contain phenolic compounds that possess high antioxidant activity, on a similar level. Artichoke, a new proposed ingredient in coffee substitutes, appears to be a richer source of β-carbolines than the traditionally chicory. Both materials contained high level of undesirable components, such as furan and its derivatives, carboxymethyllysine and particularly acrylamide, much higher in artichoke. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many studies have shown that bioactive compounds, for example, polyphenols, and so on can play an important role in reducing oxidative stress and protect against various diseases. The sources of these compounds in the human diet include mainly fruit and good quality fruit juices, which may contain polyphenols but also other phytochemicals such as vitamin C. The purpose of the study was to analyze the antioxidant properties of vitamin C‐rich juices, which underwent mild processing. The content of total polyphenols (TP, FBBB), total flavonoids (TF), total anthocyanins (TA), and vitamin C as well as the antioxidant capacity (DPPH, ABTS) were evaluated in commercial fruit juices rich in vitamin C (acerola, gojiberry, sea buckthorn, wild rose, cranberry, Japanese quince). Moreover, phenolic acids and selected flavonoids were determined by HPLC methods. Among the examined fruit juices, acerola and wild rose juices contained the highest amounts of vitamin C and total polyphenols, and had the highest antioxidant capacity. Acerola owes its high antioxidant properties mainly to vitamin C, whereas the antioxidant capacity of wild rose is also attributed to its rich content of flavonoids and phenolic acids. Sea buckthorn juice and Japanese quince juice had a lower antioxidant capacity, yet higher than determined for gojiberry and cranberry juices. Total anthocyanins were the highest in cranberry juice. The results showed that the analyzed juices were a valuable source of natural antioxidants. Generally, vitamin C‐rich juices are also good source of polyphenols. Vitamin C and polyphenols act synergistically and define the antioxidant properties of juices. Practical Application: Bioactive compounds, for example, polyphenols play an important role in reducing oxidative stress and protect against various diseases. Sources of natural antioxidants in human diet include mainly fruit and good quality fruit juices. The study showed that the juices from acerola, gojiberry, sea buckthorn, wild rose, cranberry, Japanese quince were a valuable source of natural polyphenols and vitamin C. These compounds act synergistically and define the antioxidant properties of juices. Among all examined samples, acerola and wild rose juices seem to be the most valuable. Moreover, it's worth noticing that juices underwent mild processing (cold pressed and low pasteurization) retained more bioactive compounds, which affected their higher quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of Maillard reaction products formed in the production of ammonia caramel is 4(5)-methylimidazole (4-MeI) classified as carcinogen. A method of 4-MeI determination based on ion-pair extraction and derivatisation with isobutyl chloroformate with subsequent gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis was proposed. Tandem mass spectrometry was applied to reduce the influence of matrix and increase the selectivity and sensitivity of the method. Triple quadrupole GC-MS system was used for this study. The collision energies were optimized for MRM mode. The detection (LOD) and quantification limits (LOQ) of the elaborated method were 17 and 37.8 μg kg−1, respectively, repeatability was <15% RSD for analyzed caramel samples, and the recovery for 4-MeI was 101%. Comparison of MS/MS with SIM detection on the same instrument proved almost 30 times lower LODs achieved by tandem mass spectrometry compared to SIM. Described method can be routinely used for monitoring 4-MeI as a quality and safety marker in the production of ammonia caramel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Penetrating traumas of the facial skeleton are relatively rare; however, they can be dangerous and even life-threatening. The epidemiology of facial skeleton trauma is diverse and depends on the affected region, age, and the kind of foreign body that caused the injury. In Poland, the most common cause of penetrating traumas are accidents and assaults, and only rarely accidents are related to improper use of firecrackers or fireworks. The aim of this study is to present a literature review and our own experience with penetrating traumas of the face and the facial part of the cranium. Six cases with severe wounds and fractures of the facial skeleton were treated between the years 2000 and 2012 in our department. The applied treatment methods depended mainly on the general condition of the patients. In all cases, we achieved acceptable functional and aesthetic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Number of deaths related with injuries suffered as a result of experienced traumas is increasing. Penetrating traumas of the facial skeleton occur relatively rarely and much more often concern rather children than adults. Epidemiology relating this kind of trauma differs depending on the region of the world. In Poland, gunshot injuries as well as traumas caused by explosions of firecrackers or fireworks amount only to a slight percentage among all facial skeleton traumas, and the most common reason for penetrating traumas lies in accidents or assault with the use of sharp, narrow and long objects that easily enter bones of the facial skeleton. The present study reported the case of 50-year-old man who suffered from trauma of the facial skeleton, which resulted from foreign body (pickaxe) penetration into the subtemporal area, zygomatic arch and the right orbital cavity. The surgical treatment method and final outcome was presented and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Chicory coffee is produced from traditional raw materials. Other materials are added to improve its aroma. The aim of this study was to test new raw materials with a high content of chlorogenic acid ( CGA) as the criterion for their selection. This acid is degraded in the course of roasting and is a source of phenolic compounds affecting coffee aroma. For this reason, contents of CGAs were analyzed in traditional and new materials before and after roasting and compared with the chemicals formed in the roasted pure standard of chlorogenic acid (5- CQA). RESULTS It was shown that the novel raw materials contained considerable amounts of 5- CQA, frequently higher than in traditional chicory. The roasting process caused significant losses of 5- CQA in the tested raw materials, amounting to 55-91%. In turn, the analysis of volatile compounds in roasted materials showed the presence of certain phenolic and heterocyclic compounds that were also formed as degradation products of the pure 5- CQA chemical standard. CONCLUSION Novel raw materials, mainly chokeberry, artichoke and lovage, are rich sources of CGAs, particularly 5- CQA. Their application in the production of chicory coffee may result in an increased content of primarily phenolic compounds in its aroma. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Lipid oxidation is a main problem during food processing, storage and consumption leading to losses of quality, stability, safety and nutritive value. Antioxidants have been used to prevent oxidation changes and off -- flavor development in food products. Aim of the research was to evaluate antioxidative effect of thyme ethanol extract on sunfl ower oil during its storage in different temperature conditions. Oil samples were stored in darkness at 4°C, 18°C, 38°C. Material and methods. Samples of thyme (thymus vulgaris) were purchased at a local pharmacy in Poznań, Poland and sunfl ower oil was acquired from a local supermarket. Thyme extract was characterized by total polyphenol content. Antioxidant activity was estimated with use of DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging methods. Ethanol extract of thyme at 1% level was added to sunfl ower oil. Peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV), totox value (TxV) and fatty acids (FA) content were taken as parameters for evaluation of effectiveness of thyme extract in stabilization of sunfl ower oil. Results. High polyphenol content, DPPH and ABTS radicals scavenging activity of ethanol thyme extract were evaluated. Results from different parameters were in agreement with other researchers, suggesting the antioxidant effect of thyme on antioxidant stability. Results show that thyme extract prolonged stability of sunfl ower oil and it may be a potent antioxidant for its stabilization. Conclusions. Ethanol thyme extract may be used as a natural antioxidant to prolong stability of oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within this study, main odorants of marjoram and thyme (linalool and thymol) were determined in spices and microencapsulated powders using solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Analyses were conducted on selected batches of spices before and after decontamination and on microencapsulated powders prepared for technological purposes (improvement of aroma in decontaminated spices). Conditions of SPME analyses were determined for individual compounds and matrices. Determination of total and surface contents of compounds and the percentage dependencies between encapsulated and surface aroma made it possible to identify the best powders in terms of their quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some studies have ascribed a protective effect against neurodegenerative diseases to the β-carbolines harman (H) and norharman (NH), which occur mostly in coffee and coffee substitutes. We determined the concentrations of β-carbolines and undesirable compounds (such as acrylamide) in roasted coffee substitute ingredients and found that chicory coffee was optimal. Two in vivo experiments were conducted with seventeen-month-old male Sprague Dawley rats fed a diet with the addition of pure carboline standards in the first stage, and chicory in the second. We observed an increase in the level of H and NH in blood plasma, as well as higher activity of animals in the battery behavioral test, particularly in the second stage. The results of in vitro studies—particularly the level of the expression in brain tissue of genes associated with aging processes and neurodegenerative diseases—clearly show the benefits of a diet rich in β-carbolines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The β-carboline compounds norharman and harman exhibit neuroactive activity in the human body. Chicory coffee has proved to be a source of β-carboline compounds. This study assessed the norharman and harman contents of traditional and novel raw materials for the production of chicory coffee, as well as in samples of chicory coffee with novel additives. The highest content of the β-carbolines among the traditional raw materials was recorded in roasted sugar beet (2.26 μg/g), while roasting the chicory caused a 25-fold increase in the content of norharman in this raw material (from 0.05 to 1.25 μg/g). In novel raw materials not subjected to the action of high temperature, β-carboline was not detected. Among the roasted novel raw materials, the highest contents of harman and norharman were found in artichokes. High harman levels were also recorded in roasted chokeberry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study had the objective of determining the antiglycation activity of phenolic compounds (PCs) ((+)-catechin, quercetin, gallic, ferulic, and caffeic acids) added to a model bread with regards to the inhibition of N ε -(carboxymethyl)lysine (CML) formation. PCs were found to significantly reduce CML (31.77%−87.56%), even at the lowest concentration, with the exception of ferulic acid (FA). The strongest inhibitory effect of FA (∼62%) appeared when concentration was increased to 1.0 g/100 g of flour. The available lysine losses (0.00%−90.51%) showed a significant correlation (0.853–0.990) with effectiveness of CML inhibition, except in the case of samples with FA. (+)-Catechin reduced CML levels the most, probably due to its structure–antioxidant activity relationship, its thermal stability (∼51% loss), and its reactivity with ε-lysine side chains (∼40.77% loss). Although the bread supplemented with PCs contained low levels of CML, this process may adversely affect bread flavor, reducing the formation of pyrazines (1.10%–80.77%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The view on the role of the tongue in the etiology of dentofacial malformations and relapse after orthognathic surgery has changed over years., Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and metric size of the tongue in patients with madibular prognathism in comparison with persons with normal face anatomy., Materials and Methods: A noninvasive study was conducted at the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Medical University in Lódź. We enrolled 152 patients and divided them into two groups: I - study group with mandibular prognathism, II - control group without dentofacial malformations., Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between the clinical size of the tongue in the study and control groups. A large tongue was more often detected in the study than the control group. The frequency of small tongue was similar in both groups., Conclusions: Patients with mandibular prognathism have a larger tongue in comparison with normal individuals.

Unlabelled: The aim of the present study was to find out whether there is a difference between the force exerted by the tongue (pressure) in patients with mandibular prognathism and healthy controls and to determine the difference in tongue pressure on the inferior dental arch in patients with mandibular prognathism before and after mandibular setback., Material and Methods: Patients with mandibular prognathism were compared with healthy controls and data on tongue pressure were collected., Results: Tongue pressure on the inferior dental arch in patients with mandibular prognathism ranged from 1.98 N to 12.26 N (mean 5.356 N). Tongue pressure in the control group ranged from 2.36 N to 16.9 N (mean 6.56 N), with most of the values ranging from 4.02 N to 7.84 N., Conclusions: Tongue pressure on the inferior dental arch is reduced in patients with mandibular prognathism. 1. Surgical treatment for mandibular prognathism using vertical ramus osteotomy does not affect tongue pressure, contradicting the view that the tongue is the main cause of skeletal relapse after mandibular setback. 2. There is no need for routine tongue size reduction prior to orthognathic surgery for mandibular prognathism.