Search

Copyright of Pediatrie pro Praxi is the property of SOLEN sro and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is high in protein, inulin, and other bioactive ingredients. In this study, the effect of heat treatment methods as well as the effect of the variety on its total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were investigated. The total polyphenol content ranged from 0.36 to 0.87 mg GAE.g-1 DW in raw flesh and from 0.41 (baking) to 1.01 mg GAE.g-1 DW (boiling) in heat-treated tubers. The antioxidant activity (AA) was determined by the methods of DPPH and FRAP. DPPH values ranged from 0.18 to 1.09 (raw flesh), 3.03 to 4.74 (boiled samples), 2.34 to 2.94 (baked samples), 2.88 to 3.22 (microwaved samples), and 2.25 to 6.17 (steamed samples) μmol TE.g-1 DW. AA values by the method FRAP ranged from 3.5 to 3.82 (raw flesh), 7.51 to 8.53 (boiled samples), 4.26 to 6.80 (baked samples), 4.98 to 6.72 (microwaved samples), and 4.89 to 8.04 (steamed samples) μmol TE.g-1 DW. All studied heat treatment methods had a positive effect on the TPC and AA. Our results confirm the promising potential of artichoke use in functional food preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweet chestnuts are highly regarded and widely consumed throughout Europe because of their nutritional composition and health benefits, which have become important in the human diet, for example, in gluten-free diets. This study aims to assess the impact of heat treatment using the UV-VIS spectrophotometry methods. TPC values (mg GAE/g DW - dried weight) ranged from 1.935 to 6.165 (raw flesh), 1.676 to 4.342 (boiled samples), 1.580 to 3.091 (roasted samples), 1.193 to 8.272 (microwaved samples), and 2.556 to 5.655 (steamed samples). The DPPH values (μmol TE/g DW) for raw flesh ranged from 4.232 to 5.094, for boiled samples from 3.396 to 5.147, for roasted samples from 3.185 to 4.726, for microwaved samples from 2.798 to 5.816, and for steamed samples from 4.441 to 5.171. The FRAP antioxidant activity (μmol TE/g DW) values ranged from 10.971 to 207.11 (raw flesh), 4.058 to 134.651 (boiled samples), 11.954 to 132.476 (roasted samples), 7.795 to 179.129 (microwaved samples), and 17.468 to 367.957 (steamed samples). Among the methods used, steaming and microwaving had the greatest impact on total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) in children is an acute neurologic emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although the incidence of AIS in pediatric patients is considerably lower than in adults, the overall cumulative negative impact of the quality of life could be even higher in children. The age-related variable clinical presentation could result in a delay in diagnosis and could negatively influence the overall outcome. The early management should be based on early recognition, acute transfer to pediatric AIS centre, standardised approach (ABCDE), early neurologic examination together with neuroimaging (preferable Magnetic Resonance Imaging—MRI). The treatment is based on supportive therapy (normoxemia, normocapnia, normotension and normoglycemia) in combination with intravenous/intraarterial thrombolytic therapy and/or mechanical thrombectomy in selected cases. Pediatric stroke centres, together with the implementation of local stroke management protocols, could further improve the outcome of pediatric patients with AIS.

Capsicum chili peppers are popular vegetables in Slovakia. They provide a supply of health-promoting substances, but contaminated vegetables can pose a serious health risk to the people who consume them. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the content of heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb and Hg) in the soil as well as in selected varieties of the genus Capsicum grown in southern Slovakia. The results were compared with the limit values given by the Law no. 220/2004 (valid in the SR) as well as threshold values proposed by the European Commission (EC) (2006). The gained result showed that the total content of Cd (1.64 mg/kg) as well as the available mobile forms of Cd (0.12 mg/kg) and Pb (0.26 mg/kg) was exceeded on the soil on which Capsicum cultivars were grown. The limit values of other monitored heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Hg) were not exceeded. The studied species of the genus Capsicum did not accumulate monitored heavy metals. It can be stated that consumption of chili peppers does not pose any risk for human health.

The main purpose of our article was to broaden the knowledge of the level of the motor performance of young soccer players in puberty, taking into account their biological age. The object of our research was 18 soccer players in the U 15 category of the soccer club ŠK Slovan Bratislava divided into a subset with accelerated development (n=10) with body height 177,4 ± 5,1 cm, body weight 65,8 ± 7,5 kg and a subset with retarded development (n=8) with body height 170,9 ± 7,3 cm, body weight 63,9 ± 7,7 kg. To assess the motor performance, a set of 3 tests to evaluate speed and speed-coordination (agility) capabilities was applied. The set of tests contained a 10 m run (n=10 – average value of 1.61 s, n=8 – average value of 1.62 s), a 30 m run (n=10 – average value of 4.13 s, n=8 – average value of 4.16 s) and a 5 x 10 m run with a change of direction (n=10 – average value of 11.55 s, n=8 – average value of 11.70 s). Using the Mann-Whitney U test, we did not confirm in our case a statistically significant different level in the motor performance of the monitored sets with regard to the degree of their biological maturity.

Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world. They are rich in polyphenols, proteins, vitamins, minerals and some functional microcomponents. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds, which can protect the human body from the oxidative stress which may cause many diseases including cancer, aging and cardiovascular problems.The polyphenol content is two to three times higher than in some common vegetables. Total polyphenols (determined spectrophotometrically) and phenolic acids (i.e. caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid and isomers - using high performance liquid chromatography) contents were determined in three varieties of sweet potatoes (O´Henry - white, Beauregard-orange and 414-purple). Phenolic compounds contents were determined in raw peeled roots, jackets of raw roots and water steamed sweet potato roots. For all analysis lyophilised samples were used. Total polyphenol content ranged from 1161 (O´Henry, flesh-raw) to 13998 (414, peel-raw) mg.kg-1 dry matter, caffeic acid content from the non-detected values (414, flesh-raw) to 320.7 (Beauregard, peel-raw) mg.kg-1 dry matter and 3-caffeoylquinic acid content from 57.57 (O´Henry, flesh-raw) to 2392 (414, peel-raw) mg.kg-1 dry matter. Statistically significant differences (p ≤0.05) existed between varieties, morphological parts of the root, or raw and heat-treated sweet potato in phenolic compounds contents.

Quince fruit (Cydonia oblonga Miller) is an important source of bioactive compounds, especially of polyphenolic compounds, phenolic acids, flavonoids also of minerals and vitamins. This compounds exhibit health promoting properties including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic and cardioprotective properties. Quine fruit have a high therapeutic value, can be used as good sources of antioxidants. This study provides some knowledge about content of total polyphenols, ascorbic acid and antioxidant activity in selected varieties of quince fruit samples. Four quince fruit cultivars (Semenáč, Konstantinopler Apfelquitte, Cydora Robusta, Mammut) were analysed. The content of the total polyphenols (TPC) was determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent (FCR) at 765 nm using spectrophotometer. Ascorbic acid (AsA) content was determined using standard HPLC gradient method. Antioxidant activity (AA) was measures using a compound DPPH˙(2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The content of (TPC) in fresh samples of quince fruit ranged from 661 ±11.60 mg.kg-1 to 1044 ±11.03 mg.kg-1 and content of AsA were in interval from 151 ±0.58 mg.kg-1 to 215 ±0.75 mg.kg-1. The values of antioxidant activity in quince fruit samples were in range from 26.90 ±0.61% to 49.14 ±0.38%. Statistically significant highest content TPC, AsA and AA was recorded in cultivar Konstaninopler Apfelquitte and statistically lowest content was recorded in cultivar Semenáč. The content of TPC, AsA and AA beside the variety may be affected by many factors also climatic conditions and the agrochemical composition of the soil.

The consumption of cereals in Slovakia but also worldwide is increasing by every year. From 30000 to 50000 tons of mercury circulates thought the biosphere that gets into the atmosphere degassing of the earth's crust and world oceans. Trace element as copper is one of the most efficient antioxidants in the body, often referred to as an element of beauty. It acts as a powerful catalyst for many enzymes and vitamins, through which already small amounts affects many activities in the body (strengthens immunity, reduces levels of histamine). It accumulates in the barley, beans, cucumber, nuts or milk and so on. The aim of our work was the evaluation of transfer of mercury from sludge to edible part of chosen cereals. The objectives were achieved in simulated conditions of growing pot experiment. We used agricultural soil from the location of Výčapy - Opatovce for the realization of the experiment. The sludge, which was added at various doses, was taken from Central Spiš area from locality of Rudňany near the village where minedironore that contains mainly cooper and mercury during last few decades was. We used three types of cereals: barley (Hordeum sativum L.) variety PRESTIGE, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety ISJARISSA and oat (Avena sativa L.) variety TATRAN. The length of growing season was 90 days. From the obtained results of two years can be concluded that the accumulation of cooper by seed follows barley ˂ oat ˂ wheat. Even though that the barley is characterized by the highest accumulation of cooper in the seeds, the content did not exceed the maximum level specified by The Codex Alimentarius of the Slovak Republic (CA SR). The results shows that the suitable cultivation of the cereals in localities, which are contaminated with heavy metals, especially by cooper, that the high content of cooper in soil do not pose a risk of accumulation of the metal into the cereal grain.

After harvest 2018 new spring barley malting varieties Cosmopolitan, Ismena, Klarinette, Laureate, LG Aurus, and Runner were registered in the Czech Republic. The spring barley varieties were rich in extract. The varieties Cosmopolitan, Laureate, and LG Aurus had more than 83 % of extract. The values of Kolbach index, diastatic power and apparent final attenuation were at the above average to optimal level in the studied varieties of spring barley. The level of cytolytic modification was at above average to optimal level with the exception of the variety Runner which exhibited higher β-glucan content in wort (192 mg/l). In addition, non-malting varieties of winter six-row varieties Azrah, Impala, Journey, SU Jule, and hybrid variety SU Hylona were registered.

After completing the state varietal tests, the spring barley malting varieties Chimbon, Laureate and LG Aurus, and were registered in the Slovak Republic. Extract content in dry matter in the studied varieties was high and moved in the scope of 83.1 – 83.5 %. The varieties had strong proteolytic modification (Kolbach index 49.5 – 50.7 %). Amylolytic and cytolytic modification was at the optimal level. Wort quality was optimal (apparent final attenuation 81.5 – 82.2 %). The studied varieties gave clear wort, with the exception of the variety Accordine with the weakly opalizing wort.

In 2015, following spring barley malting varieties were registered in the Czech Republic: Gesine, Kampa, KWS Amadora, Prunella, and Sanette and a winter barley variety KWS Ariane. The varieties KWS Amadora (81.6%) and Sanette (83.2%) had the highest malt extract. Except for the variety Kampa, all studied varieties showed an average to optimum level of proteolytic modification. The values of diastatic power moved from 271 to 420 WK un. Except for the variety Kampa, final attenuation moved from 81.8 to 83.1 % in all varieties. Degradation of cell walls was optimum in all studied varieties (81 to 97%). Increased β-glucan content was found only in the variety Kampa (239 mg/l). In all studied varieties, the β-glucan content moved from 55 – 182 mg/l. Due to a lower level of proteolytic modification and lower level of final attenuation, the variety Kampa was recommended for production of beer with the Protected Geographical Indication “České pivo/Czech Beer”. In addition, spring barley non-malting varieties, Kvorning and Solist, and winter barley non-malting two-row varieties, KWS Glacier and Padura, and six-row varieties Tamina, Johanna, Conny and a hybrid variety Wootan were registered.

The work focuses on some aspects of content and properties of the fat in mealworm as a novel food. The total fat content of this species is a markedly variable nutritional value that is significantly dependent on the breeding conditions. In this work, the fat content of a mealworm from various Czech suppliers ranged from 202 g.kg-1 to 282 g.kg-1 dry matter, determined using the Soxhlet extraction method. The total average value from all suppliers was 235.8 ±40.8 g.kg-1. This is a range that can be expected by the customer when buying mealworm larvae from a random Czech supplier. Furthermore, the work graphically compares the values of the total fat content with other comparable commodities of animal origin, e.g. chicken or fish. Finally, the aim was to obtain initial information about the comparison of the sensory properties of the mealworm fat with other fats of animal origin using a simple electronic nose. There was a difference between the fat obtained from insect larvae and the conventional unprocessed fats. This work brings a wider view of fat as a taste carrier in a new food - a mealworm.

Low temperatures represent a crucial environmental factor determining winter survival (WS) of barley and wheat winter-type varieties. In laboratory experiments, low temperatures induce an active plant acclimation response, which is associated with an enhanced accumulation of several stress-inducible proteins including dehydrins. Here, dehydrin accumulations in sampled wheat (WCS120 protein family, or WCS120 and WDHN13 transcripts) and barley (DHN5 protein) varieties grown in two locations for two winters were compared with the variety WS evaluated by a provocation wooden-box test. A high correlation between dehydrin transcripts or protein relative accumulation and variety WS score was found only in samples taken prior vernalization fulfillment, when high tolerant varieties accumulated dehydrins earlier and to higher level than less tolerant varieties, and the plants have not yet been vernalized. After vernalization fulfillment, the correlation was weak, and the apical development indicated that plants reached double ridge (DR) in barley or stayed before DR in wheat. Dehydrin proteins and transcripts can be thus used as reliable markers of wheat or barley variety winter hardiness in the field conditions; however, only at the beginning of winter, when the plants have not yet finished vernalization. In wheat, a higher correlation was obtained for the total amount of dehydrins than for the individual dehydrin proteins.HIGHLIGHTS-More tolerant winter-type wheat and barley plants reveal higher threshold induction temperatures for dehydrin accumulation in comparison to less tolerant varieties. Thus, more tolerant winter cereals have higher dehydrin levels than the less tolerant ones upon the same ambient temperature in November samplings.-A significant correlation between dehydrin transcript/protein accumulation and winter survival was found in both winter wheat and winter barley plants in the field conditions, but only prior to vernalization fulfillment.

Populations at the edge of their main range of distribution are often exposed to suboptimal environments. They therefore exhibit a greater susceptibility towards habitat changes and often clearly differ in their structure and dynamics from populations in the main range. Here we define population parameters of the Aesculapian snake Zamenis longissimus, a species endangered in Europe, at its northern range limit based on data obtained in the valley of the River San (Bieszczady Mts., SE Poland) in 2009-2013. We focus on the spatial and temporal sex ratio patterns by comparing data obtained in 2009-2013 with published records from 1990 to 1998 and five other northern populations (1 from the main range, 1 at the northern edge of its contiguous range, and 3 entirely isolated ones). Using the capture-mark-recapture (CMR) method, we estimated the population size to be about 230 snakes. Our data show that among adults the percentage of females (17.74%) in the San valley population was significantly lower than in those other five populations and the same population studied two decades earlier. Because of the male-biased sex ratio, we estimated the effective population size to be about 74 snakes. This disproportion between the sexes in adults may be interpreted as an early stage of the population extinction process at the northern range limit of this species’ distribution. It is probably due to the limited availability of egg-laying sites, compelling females to undertake longer movements, which may heighten the risk of mortality. Keywords: Zamenis longissimus, Population size, Sex ratio, Northern range limit, Extinction

Common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is a valuable source of proteins, B vitamins, manganese, tryptophan, phytochemicals with an antioxidant effect, and the natural flavonoid rutin. Due to its composition, buckwheat supports the human immune system, regulates blood cholesterol, and is suitable for patients with diabetes or celiac disease. The study aimed to compare the allocation of selected phenolic acids (neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, trans-caffeic acid, trans-p-coumaric acid, trans-sinapic acid, trans-ferulic acid) and flavonoids (rutin, vitexin, quercetin, kaempferol) in the leaves, flowers, and grain of buckwheat cultivars of different origin. The content of individual phenolics was determined by the HPLC-DAD method. The results confirmed the determining role of cultivar on the relative content of chlorogenic acid, trans-caffeic acid, trans-sinapic acid, vitexin, and kaempferol in buckwheat plants. A significantly negative correlation among concentrations of phenolic acids in different common buckwheat plant parts shows that there are different mechanisms of genetic influences on the concentration of phenolic substances in common buckwheat flowers, leaves, and grain. These differences should be taken into account when breeding buckwheat for a high concentration of selected phenolic substances.

The influence of the addition of four legume flours, chickpea, broad bean, common bean and red lentil (in amounts of 5%, 10% and 15% to a wheat-rye composite flour (50:50:0-control flour), in ratios of 50:45:5; 50:40:10; 50:35:15) was studied by analyzing the rheological properties of dough in order to further exploit the functionality of legume flours in bakery products. The rheological properties of dough were monitored using a Mixolab 2. A Rheofermentometer F4 was used to check the dough fermentation, and a Volscan was used for evaluating the baking trials. The addition of different legume flours in the mixtures resulted in different viscoelastic properties of the dough. The results showed a weakening of the protein network depending on the amount of legume flour added and on the specific legume flour. On the contrary, all samples with a higher proportion of legume flour showed an increased resistance to starch retrogradation. All flours had the ability to produce a sufficient volume of fermenting gases, with the exception of flours with a higher addition of broad bean flour, and the baking test confirmed a lower bread volume for bread with this addition. The results of the sensory evaluation indicated that legume flour additions resulted in breads with an acceptable sensory quality, in the case of additions of 5% at the same level as the bread controls, or even better. The aromas and flavors of the added non-cereal ingredients improved the sensory profile of wheat-rye bread. Breads with additions of chickpea, common bean and broad bean had a considerable proportion of darker colors in comparison to the control bread and bread with red lentil.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

The cervical spine is the most mobile part of the spine. It allows movements in all directions of a large range. Recently, the number of younger patients with degenerative changes in this region has been increasing. The accompanying sign is the presence of pain, limitation of the range of mobility, muscular imbalance. However, with targeted physiotherapy it is possible to influence the pain and functional changes. We investigated the possibilities of influencing the range of motion of the cervical spine by selected physiotherapeutic methods and to map the effectiveness of the selected methodologies. We conducted the study through a monthly clinical survey. The inclusion criteria for patients were sedentary occupation and cervical spine pain. The cohort consisted of 34 patients divided into three groups. At the beginning and end of the survey, we evaluated the Fleche-Forestier. Dynamic neuromuscular stabilization in the first group, postisometric and antigravity relaxation in the second group, and the McKenzie method in the third group. We found the most significant improvement in the third group in Fleche-Forestiere measurement, anteflexion and retroflexion. The differences in lateroflexion and rotation values were negligible. The treatment according to McKenzie appears to be an effective method in improving range and function of the cervical spine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Body condition of breeding females is an important driver of an individual's fitness and the consequent dynamics of populations. Long‐term changes in female body condition are likely to be affected by recent shifts in climatic and environmental conditions that can result in changes to population demography. To help explain the drivers shaping body condition during the incubation period and its consequences for reproductive success, we examined the long‐term pattern in the body condition of breeding females of two declining sympatric diving duck species: Common Pochard Aythya ferina and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula. We analysed the data obtained from 139 females of Common Pochard and 251 females of Tufted Duck breeding on fishponds in South Bohemia, Czechia, between 2004 and 2020. We calculated the body condition index of females during late incubation based on the residuals from the relationship between body mass and tarsus length and used the incubation stage as an additional predictor of body mass. Body condition of both species did not decline over the 17 years of the study. The effect of winter weather conditions (winter temperature), water transparency (a proxy for food availability) and reproductive investment on body condition was not confirmed. Female body condition positively affected mean egg mass and hatchability in both studied species, i.e. females in better body condition laid larger eggs and hatched eggs with a higher hatching probability. We conclude that the population declines of the studied species are probably not connected to decreasing body condition of breeding females, but other reasons such as change in breeding propensity or offspring survival and recruitment should be considered in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

essential source of polyphenol compounds. Phenolic compounds are the predominant antioxidants in nutrition and their study is currently being paid much attention. These antioxidants act synergistically; polyphenol compounds protect vitamin C and β-carotene, which in turn helps to increase the effect of vitamin E. Potatoes are very popular vegetables in Slovakia, not only in terms that they are easy to prepare, but also by the fact that they combine the wholesomeness of cereals and delicacy and characteristic chemical composition of vegetables. It is important that they find their place in our diet. Nutritional value of potatoes is determined by the content of nutrients such as protein, starch, fat, minerals, and absence of toxins, as well as by a significant content of bioactive components from the group of polyphenols. The study was performed in order to analyse 7 Slovak potato varieties from Spiš area, according to biologically active compounds: such as polyphenols. The content of total polyphenols was determined by the method of Lachman et al., (2003). The lowest determined content of total polyphenol (mg.kg-1 dry matter) in locality Spišský Štvrtok was measured in a variety Victoria (795.05 mg.kg-1 dry matter) and the highest content of total polyphenols in locality Spišský Štvrtok was measured in variety Laura (1238.42 mg.kg-1 dry matter). In the locality Odorín was determine the lowest content of total polyphenols in variety Red Anna (974.09 mg.kg-1 dry matter) and the highest content of total polyphenols was determined in variety Laura (978.95 mg.kg-1 dry matter). Between all varieties in locality Spišský Štvrtok was confirmed the statistically significant difference in the influence of the variety in the contents of total polyphenols (mg.kg-1 DM). This varietal dependence was not appear in samples taken in the locality Odorín. The total polyphenols content of the potatoes can be influenced by other factors, for example locality. In this case, there were statistically significant differences in the content of total polyphenols in variety Laura obtained from two different localities.

The aim of study was to determine primary and secondary metabolites in selected varieties of potatoes. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are good source of bioactive compounds, mainly phenols as one of the most important components. The chemical composition with reducing sugar, starch, ascorbic acid, total polyphenol and flavonoid content were analyzed in five potato varieties (Agria, Marabel, Red Anna, Picasso, Princess). Values of dry matter content ranged from 20.34 to 23.64%. In terms of tubers storage, its content above 20% is required. The highest level of starch was detected in variety Princess (16.82%). The lowest reducing sugar content was recorded by variety Marabel (0.08%). Similarly, low values reached varieties Princess (0.12%), Agria (0.14) and Red Anna (0.16%). These would be appropriate to use for food processing and for production of fried potato chips or fries. Variety Red Anna reached the highest amount of vitamin C (73.72 mg.kg-1). The lower levels of this vitamin showed tubers of varieties Picasso (35.02 mg.kg-1) and Princess (36.89 mg.kg-1). The antioxidant activity was measured with radical scavenging assays using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical as well as phosphomolybdenic assay. Potato varieties contained high levels of total polyphenols (0.474 – 1.550 mg GAE per dry weight) and flavonoids (1.407 – 15.933 μg QE per dry weight). The consumption of potatoes can provide nutritional value along with antioxidant potential that can be helpful for proper functioning of the body physiological systems. Statistical evaluation by the single factor analysis of variance detected high significant impact of variety on the content of all the analytical parameters in evaluated varieties of potato tubers.