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Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection and associated risk factors in dairy cattle in Serbia
No full textNeosporosis in cattle is a globally important disease, causing abortions and significant economic losses if epidemic abortions occur. In Serbia, however, studies of Neospora caninum infection in cattle are few and are based on limited samples and/or from limited areas. We thus performed a nationwide study to examine the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in a sample of cows randomly selected from dairy farms in 12 epidemiological units from throughout Serbia, as well as the possible transmission risk factors. Sera from a total of 1496 cattle were tested by competitive ELISA, and N. caninum-specific antibodies were shown in 7.2% animals (95% confidence interval CI, 6.6-7.9%), ranging from 2.2 to 12% across the epidemiological units. At least one seropositive animal was detected on 10.7% (95% CI, 9.7-11.8%) of farms, with a range of 5.9-25.9%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the single risk factor for infection in individual animals was keeping cows in loose-stalls (OR=3.31, 95% CI=1.95-5.60, P lt 0.001). Risk factors for the presence of infection on farms also included housing in loose-stalls (OR=18.49, 95% CI=5.40-63.36, P lt 0.001), and herd size gt 100 animals (OR=24.08, 95% CI=3.85-150.50, P=0.001). In view of the relatively low prevalence of infection showed at both the individual and farm level, this is the perfect time to undertake appropriate preventive measures to improve animal health and reduce economic losses
Biological properties of polyphenols in pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) on the oxidative stress and fatty acid profile in plasma and erythrocyites in patients with metabolic syndrome
Get PDFSkup višestrukih kardiometaboličkih poremećaja povezanih sa ishranom koji obuhvata izmenjen metabolizam glukoze i insulina, centralnu gojaznost, dislipidemiju i hipertenziju, predstavlja metabolički sindrom. Mnogobrojne epidemiološke studije potvrdile su da ishrana bogata voćem smanjuje rizik od nastanka kardiovaskularnih oboljenja. Zbog toga je cilj ove doktorske disertacije bio je da se ispita efekat kozumiranja soka od nara na biohemijske parametre, krvni pritisak, metabolizam lipida i masnih kiselina i biomarkere oksidativnog statusa u plazmi i eritrocitima, kod osoba oba pola, sa metaboličkim sindromom. Sprovedene su dve interventne studije, u trajanju od dve i šest nedelja, u kojima je bilo uključeno ukupno 80 pacijenata sa metaboličkim sindromom. Pacijenti svake studije bili su nasumice podeljeni u dve grupe od kojih je interventna konzumirala 300 ml soka od nara, dok je kontrolna grupa bila bez tretmana. Rezultati istraživanja su pokazali da je konzumiranje soka od nara u trajanju od dve nedelje dovelo je do značajnog smanjenja koncetracije LDL-holesterola u serumu, kao i do značajnog smanjenja nivoa dokozaheksaenske kiseline i povećanja procenjene aktivnosti Δ9 desaturaze u plazmi. Osim toga, u eritrocitima smo pokazali značajno povećanje nivoa dihomo-gama-linolenske kiseline i dokozaheksaenske kiseline i smanjenje aktivnosti glutation peroksidaze. Suplementacija sokom od nara, tokom 6 nedelja, dovela je do značajnog povećanja nivoa ukupnih zasićenih masnih kiselna u plazmi, kao i do povećanja nivoa mononezasićenih masnih kiselina i smanjenja dokozaheksanenske kiseline i aktivnosti glutation peroksidaze u eritrocitima. Naši rezultati su pokazali da konzumiranje soka od nara značajno menja masnokiselinski profil plazme i eritrocita i aktivnost enzima antioksidativne zaštite, kod osoba sa metaboličkim sindromom.Metabolic syndrome is a set of multiple cardiometabolic disorders associated with nutrition including disturbance in metabolism of glucose and insulin, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the aim of this doctoral thesis was to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice on biochemical parameters, blood pressure, metabolism of lipids and fatty acids and biomarkers of oxidative status in plasma and erythrocytes, in both gender subjects with the metabolic syndrome. There were two intervention trials, for a period of two and six weeks, in which were included 80 subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Subjects in both trials were randomly divided into two groups: intervention group consumed 300 ml of pomegranate juice, the control group was untreated. The results showed that consumption of pomegranate juice for a period of two weeks resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in serum, as well as a significant decrease in the level of docosahexaenoic acid and an increase in the estimated activity of Δ9 desaturase activity in plasma. Furthermore, we have shown a significant increase in the level of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and the decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. Supplementation with pomegranate juice, for 6 weeks, resulted in a significant increase in the level of total saturated fatty acids in the plasma, as well as increase the level of monounsaturated fatty acids and the decrease in docosahexaenoic acid and glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes
Modulation of hepatic inflammation and energy-sensing pathways in the rat liver by high-fructose diet and chronic stress
Get PDFPurpose High-fructose consumption and chronic stress are both associated with metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance. Recently, disturbed activity of energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was recognized as mediator between nutrient-induced stress and inflammation. Thus, we analyzed the effects of high-fructose diet, alone or in combination with chronic stress, on glucose homeostasis, inflammation and expression of energy sensing proteins in the rat liver. Methods In male Wistar rats exposed to 9-week 20% fructose diet and/or 4-week chronic unpredictable stress we measured plasma and hepatic corticosterone level, indicators of glucose homeostasis and lipid metabolism, hepatic inflammation (pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels, Toll-like receptor 4, NLRP3, activation of NF kappa B, JNK and ERK pathways) and levels of energy-sensing proteins AMPK, SIRT1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1 alpha). Results High-fructose diet led to glucose intolerance, activation of NF kappa B and JNK pathways and increased intrahepatic IL-1 beta, TNF alpha and inhibitory phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 on Ser(307). It also decreased phospho-AMPK/AMPK ratio and increased SIRT1 expression. Stress alone increased plasma and hepatic corticosterone but did not influence glucose tolerance, nor hepatic inflammatory or energy-sensing proteins. After the combined treatment, hepatic corticosterone was increased, glucose tolerance remained preserved, while hepatic inflammation was partially prevented despite decreased AMPK activity. Conclusion High-fructose diet resulted in glucose intolerance, hepatic inflammation, decreased AMPK activity and reduced insulin sensitivity. Chronic stress alone did not exert such effects, but when applied together with high-fructose diet it could partially prevent fructose-induced inflammation, presumably due to increased hepatic glucocorticoids
Fueling an epidemic of non-communicable disease in the Balkans: a nutritional survey of Bosnian adults
No full textObjectivesDietary surveys are essential for guiding national efforts to reduce the burden of non-communicable disease, but individual-level dietary data are lacking in many low- and middle-income countries. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of inadequate and excessive intakes of specific nutrients in Bosnia and Herzegovina.MethodsA dietary survey among 853 adults using two 24-h recalls.ResultsThe majority of men (73%) and women (66%) were overweight/obese, and gt 50% of participants had elevated blood pressure. Low intakes of N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (men: 94.4mg/day among, women: 96.6mg/day) and DHA+EPA (men: 18.2mg/day, women: 16.0mg/day), low fiber intake (women: 21.5g/day), and high sodium (men: 3244mg/day, women: 2291mg/) and saturated fatty acids intakes (men: 29.2g/day) were reported. There was also a suggestion of low intakes of vitamins A, B6, C and D (in both sexes), and of riboflavin, folate, B12 and calcium (in women).ConclusionsOur findings provide initial evidence on the Bosnian population's dietary habits and identify aspects that need attention. As the survey evolves into a continuing surveillance system, it will allow evaluation of dietary changes over time
Effects of different dietary regimes alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract supplementation on lipid and fatty acids profiles in rats
No full textThis study investigated different dietary strategies, high-fat (HFd), or standard diet (Sd) alone or in combination with standardized Aronia melanocarpa extract (SAE), as a polyphenol-rich diet, and their effects on lipids and fatty acids (FA) in rats with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into two groups: healthy and rats with MetS, and then depending on dietary patterns on six groups: healthy rats fed with Sd, healthy rats fed with Sd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with HFd, rats with MetS fed with HFd and SAE, rats with MetS fed with Sd, and rats with MetS fed with Sd and SAE. 4 weeks later, after an overnight fast (12-14 h), blood for determination of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), index of lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS), and FA was collected. Increased FA and lipid concentration found in MetS rats were reduced when changing dietary habits from HFd to Sd with or without SAE consumption. Consumption of SAE slightly affects the FA profiles, mostly palmitoleic acid in healthy rats and PUFA in MetS + HFd rats. Nevertheless, in a high-fat diet, SAE supplementation significantly decreases n-6/n-3 ratio, thereby decreasing systemic inflammation. Further researches are warranted to confirm these effects in humans
Profili masnih kiselina i antioksidativna svojstva sirovih i sušenih oraha
Get PDFBackground: Walnuts consumption produces beneficial effects on human health. Health-promoting benefits are dedicated to its desirable fatty acid profile and high content of antioxidants. Heat treatment of walnuts may alter their fatty acid composition and antioxidant capacity. Aim: In general the aim of this work was to compare fatty acids profiles and antioxidative properties of raw and dried walnuts at 60 °C for 12 hours. Methodology and results: FA profiles were analyzed using gas chromatography. Antioxidative capacities of walnut samples were determined by DPPH and ABTS tests. There were no significant differences in fatty acid profiles comparing dried and raw walnuts. The most abundant fatty acid was linoleic with mean content of 61.38 ± 1.11% in raw and 62.40 ± 0.99% in dried walnuts. Walnuts oil contained 10.64 ± 0.46% and 10.49 ± 0.81% of a-linolenic acid (ALA) in raw and dried walnuts, respectively. Antioxidative capacity of methanolic extracts showed no difference comparing raw and dried walnut by DPPH and ABTS test. Heat treatment at 60 °C for 12h induced no change in fatty acid profiles of walnuts and led to minor decrease in antioxidative capacity measured only by ABTS test. Conclusion: We suggest that drying process in our experiment did not decreased nutritional capacity which is mostly mediated by conservation of fatty acids content in walnuts.Dijetarni unos oraha povezuje se sa brojnim pozitivnim efektima na zdravlje. Svoj efekat na zdravlje orasi ostvaruju zahvaljujući povoljnom masnokiselinskom sastavu i visokom sadržaju antioksidanasa. Zagrevanje oraha moglo bi dovesti do promena u masnokiselinskom sastavu i uticati na antioksidativni kapacitet. Cilj ovog rada bio je da se uporede masnokiselinski profili i antioksidativni status svežih i oraha sušenih na 60 °C u trajanju od 12 sati. Masnokiselinski sastav analiziran je gasnom hromatografijom. Antioksidativni kapaciteti uzoraka oraha odreðivani su DPPH i ABTS testovima. Utvrðeno je da nije bilo promena u masnokiselinskim profilima posle sušenja oraha na 60 °C u trajanju od 12 sati. Najzastupljenija masna kiselina bila je linolna sa sadržajem od 61.38 ± 1.11% u sirovim i 62.40 ± 0.99% kod sušenih oraha. Ulje oraha sadržalo je 10.64 ± 0.46% i 10.49 ± 0.81% a-linolenske kiseline (ALA) u svežim i sušenim orasima, respektivno. DPPH testom nije utvrđeno da postoje razlike u antioksidativnom potencijalu metanolnih ekstrakata oraha sušenih u odnosu na sveže kao ni sa ABTS testom. Naš eksperimet je pokazao da proces sušenja oraha nije smanjio njihov nutritivni kapacitet što je verovatno posredovano očuvanjem sadržaja masnih kiselina
Probing primary mesenchymal stem cells differentiation status by micro-Raman spectroscopy
No full textWe have employed micro-Raman spectroscopy to get insight into intrinsic biomolecular profile of individual mesenchymal stem cell isolated from periodontal ligament. Furthermore, these cells were stimulated towards adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages and their status of differentiation was assessed using micro-Raman spectroscopy. In both cases, glass coverslips were used as substrates, due to their wide availability and cost effectiveness. In all sample groups, the same type of behavior was observed, manifested as changes in Raman spectra: the increase of relative intensity of protein/lipid bands and decrease of nucleic acid bands. Comprehensive statistical analysis in the form of principal component analysis was performed, which revealed noticeable grouping of cells with the similar features. Despite the inhomogeneity of primary stem cells and their differentiated lineages, we demonstrated that micro-Raman spectroscopy is sufficient for distinguishing cells' status, which can be valuable for medical and clinical application
Biološko delovanje polifenola nara (Punica granatum L.) na parametre oksidativnog stresa i masnokiselinski profil fosfolipida plazme i eritrocita osoba sa metaboličkim sindromom
Get PDFMetabolic syndrome is a set of multiple cardiometabolic disorders associated with nutrition including disturbance in metabolism of glucose and insulin, central obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that a diet rich in fruits reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the aim of this doctoral thesis was to investigate the effect of pomegranate juice on biochemical parameters, blood pressure, metabolism of lipids and fatty acids and biomarkers of oxidative status in plasma and erythrocytes, in both gender subjects with the metabolic syndrome. There were two intervention trials, for a period of two and six weeks, in which were included 80 subjects with the metabolic syndrome. Subjects in both trials were randomly divided into two groups: intervention group consumed 300 ml of pomegranate juice, the control group was untreated. The results showed that consumption of pomegranate juice for a period of two weeks resulted in a significant decrease in the concentration of LDL-cholesterol in serum, as well as a significant decrease in the level of docosahexaenoic acid and an increase in the estimated activity of Δ9 desaturase activity in plasma. Furthermore, we have shown a significant increase in the level of dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid and the decrease in the activity of glutathione peroxidase in erythrocytes. Supplementation with pomegranate juice, for 6 weeks, resulted in a significant increase in the level of total saturated fatty acids in the plasma, as well as increase the level of monounsaturated fatty acids and the decrease in docosahexaenoic acid and glutathione peroxidase activity in erythrocytes.Skup višestrukih kardiometaboličkih poremećaja povezanih sa ishranom koji obuhvata izmenjen metabolizam glukoze i insulina, centralnu gojaznost, dislipidemiju i hipertenziju, predstavlja metabolički sindrom. Mnogobrojne epidemiološke studije potvrdile su da ishrana bogata voćem smanjuje rizik od nastanka kardiovaskularnih oboljenja. Zbog toga je cilj ove doktorske disertacije bio je da se ispita efekat kozumiranja soka od nara na biohemijske parametre, krvni pritisak, metabolizam lipida i masnih kiselina i biomarkere oksidativnog statusa u plazmi i eritrocitima, kod osoba oba pola, sa metaboličkim sindromom. Sprovedene su dve interventne studije, u trajanju od dve i šest nedelja, u kojima je bilo uključeno ukupno 80 pacijenata sa metaboličkim sindromom. Pacijenti svake studije bili su nasumice podeljeni u dve grupe od kojih je interventna konzumirala 300 ml soka od nara, dok je kontrolna grupa bila bez tretmana. Rezultati istraživanja su pokazali da je konzumiranje soka od nara u trajanju od dve nedelje dovelo je do značajnog smanjenja koncetracije LDL-holesterola u serumu, kao i do značajnog smanjenja nivoa dokozaheksaenske kiseline i povećanja procenjene aktivnosti Δ9 desaturaze u plazmi. Osim toga, u eritrocitima smo pokazali značajno povećanje nivoa dihomo-gama-linolenske kiseline i dokozaheksaenske kiseline i smanjenje aktivnosti glutation peroksidaze. Suplementacija sokom od nara, tokom 6 nedelja, dovela je do značajnog povećanja nivoa ukupnih zasićenih masnih kiselna u plazmi, kao i do povećanja nivoa mononezasićenih masnih kiselina i smanjenja dokozaheksanenske kiseline i aktivnosti glutation peroksidaze u eritrocitima. Naši rezultati su pokazali da konzumiranje soka od nara značajno menja masnokiselinski profil plazme i eritrocita i aktivnost enzima antioksidativne zaštite, kod osoba sa metaboličkim sindromom
Influence of cultivar, microbiological fertilizers and growing seasons on nitrate content in lettuce
Get PDFLettuce belongs to a group of leafy vegetable crops with special importance in human nutrition. Along with healthy compounds lettuce can accumulate nitrate in leaves. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of genotype, microbiological fertilizers and season on plant weight and nitrate content in outer and inner leaves. Green cultivars (′Kiribati′, ′Aquino′, ′Aleppo′) were cultivated in a fertile soil, in a greenhouse trial at the company Iceberg Salat Centar, during three successive seasons (autumn, winter and spring).Microbiological fertilizers (EM Aktiv, Vital Tricho and combination of EM Aktiv and Vital Tricho) were applied in the soil before trials and foliar. In spring cultivar ′Aquino′ showed the highest head fresh weight (360.3 g). All microbiological fertilizers led to increased head fresh weight in ′Aquino′ during autumn trial. Mainly fresh weight was higher in spring and winter compared to autumn. Cultivar ′Aquino′ showed the highest nitrate content (985.4 mg/kg,autumn) in outer leaves with application of Vital Tricho. Opposite to that, the lowest nitrate content was found in inner leaves of cultivar ′Aleppo′ (35.4 mg/kg, spring) with combination of fertilizers. Generally, microbiological fertilizers significantly increased nitrate content in outer and decreased in inner leaves. In both leaves the lowest nitrate level was measured in spring season. During all trials nitrate content remained under allowed level of European Commission Regulation (563/2002) for protected lettuce
Influence of nanostructured calcium aluminate and calcium silicate on the liver: histological and unbiased stereological analysis
No full textAim To examine the potential systemic toxicity of nanostructured materials based on calcium silicate and calcium aluminate, for potential application in Dentistry. Methodology Twenty-four Albino Wistar rats aged 2 months were used as an in vivo animal model for subcutaneous implantation of the investigated materials, placed in polyethylene tubes. Thirty days after implantation, the livers of the rats were analysed and following histological and stereological parameters were evaluated for volume density of hepatocytes and blood sinusoids, number and numerical density of hepatocytes, surface of hepatocytes and their nucleuses, nucleocytoplasmic ratio and mitotic index of hepatocytes. Stereological measurements were achieved using Cavalieri's principle, with grid P2 and unbiased analysis. Additionally, immunohistochemistry studies were performed to further analyse changes in liver tissue. Several haematological and biochemical parameters of blood of experimental animals were also analysed, as well as local tissue reactions around the implants. Statistical analysis was performed using parametric (anova and t-test) and nonparametric tests (Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U-test) depending on data distribution. Results Implanted dental cements led to an increase in stereological and histological parameters in liver tissue compared to control rats. Although the investigated parameters mostly showed significant differences between control and experimental animals, the liver tissue of the experimental animals did not have visible signs of pathological changes. This was supported by the analysis of blood parameters which were not significantly different between control and experimental animals. Also, the subcutaneous tissues had minimal inflammatory reactions. Immunohistochemistry studies revealed that nanostructured materials induced proliferation of hepatocytes, but that the immunological response to the materials was not strong enough to induce proliferation of immunoreactive cells in liver in the observed time period. Conclusions This study was performed as a contribution to the attestation of the biocompatibility of dental cements based on calcium silicate and calcium aluminate. Although these materials induced several changes in the liver structure, they were not clinically relevant and represent a normal and reversible response of the liver to the presence of biocompatible materials in the body. Blood and immunohistochemistry analyses and local tissue reactions further confirmed that these materials possess good biocompatible potential