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The objective of this study was to develop an innovative method of potato cultivation, with limited use of chemicals, for use in food processing. The results of the research are based on field experiments carried out between 2015 and 2017 at the Experimental Station in Parczew, Poland. The first-order factors were cultivation practices: A—standard cultivation practices with fungicides to control potato blight; and cultivation practices B, C, and D using the application of effective microorganisms (EM). The potato varieties were the second-order factor. The scope of the research included assessing the flesh color of the raw tubers and the content of dry mass, sugars and vitamin C. The color measurement of raw tubers was carried out using the CIEL *a *b* system. Cultivation methods using applications of effective microorganisms contributed significantly to the change in color brightness of the raw tuber flesh compared to the standard methods. The flesh color of the research potato cultivar tubers, their trichromatic coordinates and the reactions of potato varieties were determined according to the cultivation practices used. It was found that the brightness of the color of raw tuber flesh depends on the content of dry matter and the content of reducing sugars in the tubers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study is to estimate changes of color of wall paintings under the influence of one of the basic conservation procedures, that is, paint layer consolidation due to degradation of the original binder. Since the 1960s, wall paintings have been consolidated almost routinely with synthetic polymers. As the research on the subject progressed, many flaws of these products were observed. Extensive research was conducted with the aim of determining the actual impact of synthetic binders on paint layer properties. The article discusses the results from only one group of tests associated with color change measurements. Three painting techniques were selected for the study, representing a variety of original techniques common in Poland: lime, lime casein, and animal glue, as well as five commercial synthetic products predominantly employed for painting consolidation by the Polish conservation community. We are focusing on color changes taking place as a result of consolidation and subsequent from the progress of degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of Maillard reaction (MR, glycation) on biochemical and biological properties of the major peanut allergen Ara h 1. Methods: Three different time/temperature conditions of treatment were applied (37, 60, and 145 °C). The extent of MR was assessed by SDS-PAGE, loss of free amino groups, fluorescence intensity, content of bound sugar and fructosamine. The Caco-2 model system was applied to study effects of hydrolysed and non-hydrolysed Ara h 1 on proliferation and interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion from Caco-2 cells. Results: We demonstrated significant differences in the biochemical properties of Ara h 1 glycated at different time/temperature conditions. Glycation of Ara h 1 at 37 °C was shown to cause least biochemical changes, not limiting pepsin hydrolysis. Loss of free amino groups, increase of fluorescence and brown colour of Ara h 1 glycated at 60 and 145 °C indicated advanced and final stages of MR. Non-treated Ara h 1 inhibited Caco-2 cell proliferation and stimulated IL-8 secretion. This effect was less pronounced for glycated Ara h 1. Incubation of Caco-2 cells with non-hydrolysed Ara h 1, glycated at the temperature of 37 and 60 °C, did not stimulate IL-8 secretion. Conclusion: Each applied time/temperature-treatment combination caused different biochemical changes of Ara h 1, underlining diversity of formed MRPs. MR, independently of temperature/time conditions, reduced the pro-inflammatory properties of native Ara h 1, reflected in stimulation of IL-8 secretion from intestinal epithelial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contents of mineral substance, silica, and a range of bioelements and toxic elements (Mg, Na, K, Ca, Ba, Zn, Cr, P Al, Cd, Mn Cu, Ni, Pb, Sr, Fe) in 38 livers of donors from the Upper Silesia Coal Basin (southern Poland) are presented. Elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) with the exception of silica that was estimated colorimetrically. Concentrations, concentration variability, and correlations between selected liver components determined for the total population are related to donor age, gender, and lesion occurrence. Correlations between particular elements were found using correlation coefficient values and the Fisher transformation. Mineral substance in the livers lies in the range 0.40-5.03 wt%. With increasing donor age, mineral-matter content decreases to a minimum for the 40-60 years of age range. Microbioelement contents show a similar tendency, while microbioelements and toxic elements reach maximum contents in donors aged 60-80 years. All elements show content decreases in livers from the oldest group (>80 years). Silica contents increase with age. Variability of element contents is lowest in the older subpopulations. Livers with lesions show lower element contents and variability. The results are compared to literature data for regions of Poland assumed to be of low pollution and to data from comparable regions in Japan and Hungary. Up to our knowledge, this paper is the first work describing the total contents, as distinct from contents of selected elements, of mineral substance in human livers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Green tea is associated with beneficial health effects mainly because of its body fat–reducing and hypocholesterolemic activities, but an effective dose without pronounced influence on protein availability is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that green tea aqueous extract (GTAE) depending on dose improves cardiovascular risk indicators such as body weight, visceral fat content, and atherogenic index of plasma and does not have unfavorable effect on protein availability in rats fed with a high-fat diet. The rats fed with a high-fat diet enriched with 1.1 and 2.0% GTAE for 8 weeks had significantly (P < .05) lower atherogenic index (in both groups, about 14.3%). Only administration of 2.0% GTAE significantly (P < .05) decreased body weight gain (5.6%) and prevented visceral fat accumulation (17.8%) in rats. However, considerably (P < .05), reduction in the digestion of protein (but not fat) was observed in both GTAE groups (1.1% GTAE: 82.6% ± 1.8%; 2.0% GTAE: 84.3% ± 0.8%) when compared to the control (93.3% ± 1.5%). It was concluded that GTAE may have preventive effects on the accumulation of visceral fat but only in higher doses. Although both doses improved cardiovascular risk indicators, they, in addition, significantly inhibited protein digestion. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the last series of papers published during 1975 to 1980, Alfred Yarbus tried to formulate general conceptions concerning the basic principles of retinal image processing in the human visual system. The original ideas of Yarbus were based on the results of his numerous and various experiments carried out with extraordinary inventiveness and great skill. Being concentrated primarily on the problems of color vision, Alfred Yarbus dreamed of elaborating a comprehensive model that would simulate visual information processing at the monocular precognitive level in the visual system of humans with normal trichromatic color perception. In this article, the most important of Yarbus' experimental paradigms, findings, statements, and conclusions are systematized and considered in relation to the classical theories of color perception and, in particular, fundamental theses of the Nyberg school. The perceptual model developed by Alfred Yarbus remained incomplete. Nevertheless, it is already evident that some intrinsic contradictions make it inadequate in terms of comprehensive modeling. However, certain partial advantages deserve more thorough appreciation and further investigation., (© The Author(s) 2015.)

Background: Interferon beta has not been demonstrated to be effective in exploratory phase 2 clinical trials in primary progressive multiple sclerosis. However, using more sensitive indicators of a treatment response, such as biomarkers, might help to identify sub-groups of patients who may benefit from therapy., Objective: To assess the utility of measuring urinary neopterin and nitric oxide metabolite excretion for monitoring interferon beta-1a (IFNbeta-1a) treatment in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis., Methods: Fifty patients from a phase II trial of IFNbeta-1a (Placebo n = 20; Avonex 1 x 30 microg/week (IFN-30), n = 15; Avonex 1 x 60 microg/week (IFN-60), n = 15), were enrolled. Patients were assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. Urine samples were collected on each visit, 3 months apart, for a period of 24 months. Nitric oxide metabolites, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), were measured by colorimetric assay and neopterin and creatinine (Cr) were assayed using a high-performance liquid chromatography technique. NOx/creatinine ratio (NOxCR) and urinary neopterin/creatinine ratio (UNCR) quotients were calculated., Results: There was no significant difference between pre-dose, baseline levels of UNCR or NOxCR between the study groups. On the intention-to-treat analysis, there was a significant difference in UNCR levels between the placebo compared with IFN-30 (p = 0.03) or IFN-60 (p = 0.002) groups. The IFN-30 and IFN-60 groups did not differ. Within IFNbeta-1a-treated patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, median UNCR values were significantly higher in clinically stable (no Expanded Disability Status Scale change) compared with progressive patients (p = 0.002). IFNbeta-1a treatment did not significantly influence NOx excretion in patients with primary progressive multiple sclerosis., Conclusions: Urinary neopterin is a potential biomarker to monitor the in vivo effects of IFNbeta-1a in primary progressive multiple sclerosis and other multiple sclerosis sub-types.

Unlabelled: The phenylketonuria (PKU)/hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) it is the most frequent inborn genetically conditioned error of metabolism of amino acids. It's occurrence in Polish population was estimated on the level 1:7.000 - 8.500. A. Folling was the first who described the phenylketonuria in 1934. It's diagnosed by neonatal screening, which was initiated in 1963 by prof. R. Guthrie., Material: since 1985 till 2007 1,172,310 newborns investigated by the neonatal screening proceeding by the Laboratory of Screening and Inborn Errors of Metabolism in Cracow., Method: in the years 1985-1998 the phenylalanine concentration in drop of blood on the blotting-paper was measured with half-quantitative Guthrie method. However after 1999 the colorimetric quantitative method measurement of phenylalanine concentration in capilar blood was introduced. It 2004 the cut-off value of phenylalanine in drop of blood on filter paper in neonatal screening investigation has was established below 3 mg/dl (till 2003 it was below 4mg/ dl). The blood had been taken from every newborn on filter paper Standard 903 between third and seventh day of the child's life. The verification of recognition in 1985-1988 was applied by Guthrie test, in 1989-2006 by the fluorymetric McCaman and Robins method, and since 2007 by colorimetric method., Results: in 1985-1998 the group of 137 newborns was distinguished due to the newborn screening (1:4.204), the classic PKU was recognized at 96 (1:5.999), however in next years (after change of method) due to screening 186 (1:4.788) newborns were distinguished, the classic PKU was recognized at 94 (1:5.236) newborn children. The lowering the point of cut-off influenced on frequency recognizing mild HPA, which grew up from 1:25.909 to 1:12.720. In 2001 we verified the recognition at 51 of 93 women (data were have gained over from archive of Outpatient Department), who where identified by the neonatal screening in 1985-1998, and in the face of observed phenylalanine values (<10 mg/dl - mild HPA) did not require dietetic treatment, and they gave up with medical care gradually. With regard on possibility pronouncement the signs of maternal PKU at their offspring, we ask 45 of them to contact with our Outpatient Clinic again, but only 36 with different reasons answered, at 28 of them the phenylalanine concentration was raised: 2-4 mg/dl - in 1 patient; 4-6 mg/ dl - in 6 patients; 6-10 mg/dl - in 11 patients; 10-20 mg/dl - in 12 patients. With this reason at 19 women the low-phenylalanine diet had to be introduce., Conclusions: 1. Applied Guthrie test limited the individual differentiating diagnostics of HPA, which led to relinquishment of medical observation, especially in girls and young women, the birth the child with maternal PKU could be the result of that. 2. Introduction of colorimetric method improved the detecting of the mild PKU and hyperphenylalaninemia considerably.

Objectives: Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disease with autosomal recessive inheritance. In Poland the microbiological Guthrie test for this disease was replaced by an enzymatic colorimetric test. The question is whether the colorimetric test might be used in monitoring treatment of PKU., Setting: In 80 patients with PKU on routine treatment monitoring of serum phenylalanine concentrations (SPh) was compared with phenylalanine concentrations in blood on filter paper (PhBFP)., Methods: Measurements of SPh were by a fluorimetric method (McCaman and Robins), and those of PhBFP were by an enzymatic colorimetric method., Results: The regression analysis of SPh compared with PhBFP gave the equation y=0.9219x+0.2389; for the reversed ratio: it gave y=1.0220x+0.55083. The correlation was 0.97 at p<0.05., Discussion: Concentrations of SPh accepted for children with PKU are not uniform. In the Cracow centre, the range of accepted SPh concentrations are 2-6 mg/dl for children and <12 mg/dl for older patients. The concentrations of PhBFP accepted are somewhat higher than SPh, range from 4 to 10 mg/dl, and are a good indicator of an appropriate diet., Conclusions: (1) The comparison indicated that colorimetric measurements of PhBFP are effective in monitoring therapeutic PKU management. Tests can be performed more often and are more comfortable both for the patients and their parents. (2) The comparative results indicated a concentration of PhBFP ranging from 4 to 10 mg/dl to be the accepted value for children treated for PKU.

The paper contains results of determinations of protein, fat, carbohydrates, water and minerals (Ca, P, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Na, K) in 12 goat milk products. The nutrient components were determined by general approved analytical methods. Minerals like Ca, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Na and K were determined by the flame ASA method. Phosphorus was determined as phosphates by colorimetric method with ammonium molybdate. Mean percentage content of protein, fat, carbohydrates and water were: 9.7-25.7; 1.4-33.5; 2.2-70.2; and 3.0-77.4 respectively. The content of minerals according to the products of goat milk were as follow: 86-1113 mg% Ca; 96-846 mg% P; 0.2-2.4 mg% Fe; 6-148 mg% Mg; 0.002-0.284 mg% Mn; 0.071-0.754 mg% Cu; 1.1-3.9 mg% Zn; 63-1281 mg% K and 27-407 mg% Na. The levels of nutrients and mineral composition of the examined goat milk products were similar to that of the cows milk products.

Aims of the performed studies included working out a technique of determining representative rations on the basis of questionnaire studies on school children in Wielkopolska west region of Poland. The reconstructed representative daily food rations provided grounds for analytic studies. The studies were performed in the four seasons of the year. The studied food rations failed to cover the recommended daily intake of Mg and Ca. On the other hand, the daily intake of P transgressed the food norms. The inadequate Ca to Mg and Ca to P ratios were interpreted as deserving special concern when confronted with the market situation in Poland and as creating particular health hazards for the studied school children. The employed statistical analysis demonstrated that the suggested technique of determining representative rations may be employed in evaluation of Mg, Ca and P intake.

The contents of nitrates and nitrites in selected vegetables reaped in summer and autumn in 1993 were investigated. The samples of vegetables were collected directly from the producers from area of Lódź and from outside of the city. Nitrates were reduced on a cadmium column to nitrites, where-upon they were determined colorimetrically using sulfanilic acid and N-1-Naphthylethylenediamine. It has been found that the contents of nitrates in tested vegetables are mostly higher than the allowable values published in the Ordinance of Minister of Health and Social Welfare from 8th of October 1993. The average contents of nitrates and nitrites in most of tested vegetables were higher in the vegetables from the outskirts of the city than in ones from outside of the city in the province.

In the study the levels of nitrates and nitrites were determined in certain vegetables used in preparation of meals for hospitalized children. The material studied comprised vegetables taken in three seasons of the year: autumn, winter, spring. Nitrates and nitrites were determined by the colorimetric method with Griess reagent after previous reduction of nitrates to nitrites with metallic cadmium. The content of nitrates, over 1 g NaNO3/kg, was found in celery, beet-roots, lettuce, green leaves of parsley and cabbage, even up to 10 g NaNO3/kg, in winter and spring in onions, leek and potatoes, and in autumn and spring in carrots. In 85% of the determinations the nitrite level was below 5 mg NaNO2/kg. An important source of nitrates in the food rations of the hospitalized children throughout the whole investigation period was lettuce, in autumn potatoes, in winter carrots and celery, and in winter and spring beet-roots.

Industrial workers exposed to organic solvents were subject to examinations consisting in the assessment of the composition of serum proteins. The analysis revealed frequent shifts in protein fraction pattern. It was noted that the increased concentrations of organic solvents metabolites in urine have been usually accompanied by the increased gamma-globulins levels with a simultaneous decrease in albumin fraction and plasmatic index.