Influence of Acidity and Extraction Time on the Recovery of Flavonoids from Grape Skin Pomace Optimized by Response Surface Methodology

Grape pomace is recognized as an economical source for the recovery of a large number of biologically active compounds, such as polyphenols. Grape pomace extracts can be successfully used as raw material for functional foods production, since they are generally recognized as safe for the food industry. This study aimed to quantify the amounts of recovered flavonoids (total flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and flavonols) from grape skin pomace (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot) under conventional extraction with different acidities (0.5 % – 1 % HCl) and lengths of extraction time (30–60 minutes). The grand average values in this study were as follows: (i) proanthocyanidins 12.08±0.25 mg CE g–1 d.m., (ii) anthocyanins 2.17±1.02 mg Mvd-3-glc g–1 d.m., (iii) flavonols 7.73±0.11 mg QE g–1 d.m., and (iv) total flavonoids 36.28±0.42 mg QE g–1 d.m. The amounts of studied polyphenols generally increased with acidity and length of extraction time. This relation was more evident for flavonols and total flavonoids, while less clear for other examined phenolics

Hydrogeothermal potentials of Rogozna mountain and possibility of their valorization

The subjects of this study are hydrogeothermal potentials of Rogozna mountain (Serbia) and possibility of their use. Thermo-mineral springs at the mountain's foothill are the leftovers from an intensive volcanic activity during the Tertiary. The most famous and the most valuable ones are the springs in Novopazarska Spa, Banjska and in the village of Vuca, with a number of springs yet to be examined. The hydrogeothermal potential of these springs is significant, with the total thermal power of 4.6 MWt and the thermal energy of 145.4 TJ/year, but these could be greatly enlarged through the additional investigation in the interior of Rogozna. It is believed that the primary reservoir lies at the approximate depth of 2 km and that the water temperature is about 120 degrees C. In the area of Rogozna mountain there are a lot of thermomineral springs (TM) with outlet temperature between 30 and 54 degrees C. The main goal of this study is to determine the thermo-mineral capacity and energy potential in the area of three spas. This study allows the hypothesis that thermo-mineral springs in the area of Rogozna mountain have large potential. The researched area of Rogozna mountain is insufficiently investigated geo-space, which is rich in thermo-mineral springs. Thermal sources in Rogozna mountain produce heat power of 4.6MWt or 1.4% of heat power given by all the sources in Serbia. The waters of these springs are solely used for balneological and recreational purposes. Yet they could successfully be used in warming and cooling the space, for greenhouses in fruit, vegetable and flower production. In the end, all geospatial data with the help of GIS advanced techniques were digitized and visualized

Modulation of hepatic inflammation and energy-sensing pathways in the rat liver by high-fructose diet and chronic stress

Purpose 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

Stratospheric ozone fluctuation and ultraviolet radiation over Serbia

Increased ultraviolet radiation potentially detrimental to health is a direct effect of the reduced ozone layer of the Earth’s atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone over the territory of Serbia and immediate surrounding depleted in the considered period of 1979-2008; its amount reduced by 7.6%. Solar and volcanic activities have significant effect on the interannual variability of the stratospheric ozone. Ozone layer over Serbia is 13.8% thicker than the planetary layer, with the ozone hole forming once in five years on average without serious health implications

Influence of Acidity and Extraction Time on the Recovery of Flavonoids…

Grape pomace is recognized as an economical source for the recovery of a large number of biologically active compounds, such as polyphenols. Grape pomace extracts can be successfully used as raw material for functional foods production, since they are generally recognized as safe for the food industry. This study aimed to quantify the amounts of recovered flavonoids (total flavonoids, proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and flavonols) from grape skin pomace (Vitis vinifera L. cv. Merlot) under conventional extraction with different acidities (0.5 % -1 % HCl) and lengths of extraction time (30-60 minutes). The grand average values in this study were as follows

Observed climate changes in the Toplica river valley : Trend analysis of temperature, precipitation and river discharge

Changes in air temperature, precipitation, and the Toplica river discharge were investigated. Annual and seasonal climatic data were collected at weather stations Kursumlija and Prokuplje, and discharge data on hydrological gauges Pepeljevac and Doljevac. The data covered a period of 62 years (1957–2018). Mann-Kendall and Pettitt’s tests have been applied for the periods 1957–2018, 1957–1987, 1988–2018, and 1975–1994, which we find as very important period when atmospheric circulation was altered. Mean annual temperature and precipitation were greater in the second half-period, while the discharge was smaller, even all the signals had growth trend. Mean seasonal temperature increased for all seasons, as well as precipitation, except for summer (JJA). The discharge is lower in the second half-period for almost all seasons, with signs of recovery for all seasons except summer

Abnormal uterine bleeding and severe anemia cause the life-threatening condition

The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines anemia as a global public health problem. It is a medical condition in which the number of red blood cells or the hemoglobin concentration within them is below the physiological range. We present a case of a 40-year-old woman with Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB) accompanied by malaise, weakness, and tachycardia. The patient reported heavy menstrual bleeding for the past 14 days. Speculum examination revealed that the bleeding was from the uterus. There were no pathological findings during a gynecological and transvaginal ultrasound examination. A complete blood count performed at the time of her arrival showed a low hemoglobin level of 24 g/L, a low hematocrit level of 7,4%, a mean corpuscular volume of 98,7 fL and a number of red blood cells 0,75 x 1012/L. Due to the severity of the anemia, she was given 6 units of red blood cell transfusion, 2 fresh frozen plasmas and tranexamic acid accompanied with calcium carbonate. The curettage was performed. The pathohistological finding was endometrium in proliferation. Afterward, the hemoglobin level increased to 90 g/L. Their past medical history revealed that she abused alcohol. On an abdominal CT scan, Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ARLD) was confirmed. We should keep in mind that coagulopathy could be the underlying cause of abnormal uterine bleeding and that anemia must be analyzed for successful treatment. A multidisciplinary approach to anemia caused by AUB is required in cases of severe anemia

Hydrogeothermal potentials of Rogozna mountain and possibility of their valorization

The subjects of this study are hydrogeothermal potentials of Rogozna mountain (Serbia) and possibility of their use. Thermo-mineral springs at the mountain’s foothill are the leftovers from an intensive volcanic activity during the Tertiary. The most famous and the most valuable ones are the springs in Novopazarska Spa, Banjska and in the village of Vuca, with a number of springs yet to be examined. The hydrogeothermal potential of these springs is significant, with the total thermal power of 4.6 MWt and the thermal energy of 145.4 TJ/year, but these could be greatly enlarged through the additional investigation in the interior of Rogozna. It is believed that the primary reservoir lies at the approximate depth of 2 km and that the water temperature is about 120∘C. In the area of Rogozna mountain there are a lot of thermomineral springs (TM) with outlet temperature between 30 and 54∘C. The main goal of this study is to determine the thermo-mineral capacity and energy potential in the area of three spas. This study allows the hypothesis that thermo-mineral springs in the area of Rogozna mountain have large potential. The researched area of Rogozna mountain is insufficiently investigated geo-space, which is rich in thermo-mineral springs. Thermal sources in Rogozna mountain produce heat power of 4.6MWt or 1.4% of heat power given by all the sources in Serbia. The waters of these springs are solely used for balneological and recreational purposes. Yet they could successfully be used in warming and cooling the space, for greenhouses in fruit, vegetable and flower production. In the end, all geospatial data with the help of GIS advanced techniques were digitized and visualized