Possibilities of barley application in the production of nutritionally enhanced pasta – impact of barley content and process parameters

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati mogućnosti primjene sorte golozrnog ječma u proizvodnji nutritivno poboljšane tjestenine, te ispitati utjecaj udjela ječma, vrste uređaja i temperature sušenja na kakvoću tjestenine. Ječmeno brašno se dodavalo u udjelima 10, 20, 30, 40 i 50%, a kontrolni uzorak bio je od durum krupice. U sklopu istraživanja određena su fizikalna i kemijska svojstva sirovina, uzoraka sušene i kuhane tjestenine, reološka svojstva zamjesa i uzoraka sušene tjestenine, te je provedeno senzorsko ocjenjivanje odabranih uzoraka kuhane tjestenine. Dodani ječam imao je značajan utjecaj na boju uzoraka, gubitak kuhanjem, tvrdoću i mikrostrukturu uzoraka tjestenine. Značajno se povećao udio topljivih i netopljivih prehrambenih vlakana, β-glukana, antioksidativna aktivnost i udio ukupnih polifenola, in vitro probavljivost ugljikohidrata, viskoznost zamjesa i uzoraka sušene tjestenine u odnosu na kontrolni uzorak. Temperatura sušenja se pokazala značajnim faktorom za boju, gubitak kuhanjem, indeks bubrenja, parametre teksture, udio prehrambenih vlakana, antioksidativnu aktivnost i udio ukupnih polifenola, in vitro probavljivost ugljikohidrata i reološka svojstva uzoraka u odnosu na kontrolni uzorak. Vrsta uređaja za proizvodnju tjestenine također se pokazala značajnim faktorom za boju, optimalno vrijeme kuhanja, gubitak kuhanjem, indeks apsorpcije vode i bubrenja, teksturalna svojstva, kemijski sastav, reološka svojstva uzoraka u odnosu na kontrolni uzorak. Dodatak ječma nije imao negativan utjecaj na senzorska svojstva i prihvatljivost uzoraka kod potrošača.The objective of this research was to explore the possibilities of using hull-less barley for the production of nutritionally enhanced pasta and to examine the influence of barley content, type of apparatus and drying temperature on the quality of pasta. Barley flour was mixed in 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% portions, while the control sample was made of durum semolina. As part of the research, physical and chemical properties of raw materials and dried and cooked pasta were investigated, as well as rheological properties of the mixtures and dried pasta samples. A sensory assessment of selected cooked pasta samples was also conducted. Addition of barley had a significant influence on the colour, cooking loss, hardness, and microstructure of pasta samples. Amount of soluble and insoluble dietary fibres, β-glucans, antioxidant activity, amount of total polyphenols, in vitro digestibility of carbohydrates, and viscosity of the mixture and dried pasta samples increased significantly compared to the control sample. Drying temperature showed to be a significant factor when it came to colour, cooking loss, swelling index, texture parameters, amount of dietary fibres, antioxidant activity and amount of total polyphenols, in vitro digestibility of carbohydrates, and rheological properties of samples in comparison to the control sample. Another significant factor for colour, optimal cooking time, cooking loss, water absorption and swelling index, textural properties, chemical composition, and rheological properties of samples when compared to the control sample, was the type of apparatus used for pasta production. Addition of barley had no negative effect on sensory properties and the acceptability of samples by consumers

Possibilities of barley application in the production of nutritionally enhanced pasta – impact of barley content and process parameters

Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je ispitati mogućnosti primjene sorte golozrnog ječma u proizvodnji nutritivno poboljšane tjestenine, te ispitati utjecaj udjela ječma, vrste uređaja i temperature sušenja na kakvoću tjestenine. Ječmeno brašno se dodavalo u udjelima 10, 20, 30, 40 i 50%, a kontrolni uzorak bio je od durum krupice. U sklopu istraživanja određena su fizikalna i kemijska svojstva sirovina, uzoraka sušene i kuhane tjestenine, reološka svojstva zamjesa i uzoraka sušene tjestenine, te je provedeno senzorsko ocjenjivanje odabranih uzoraka kuhane tjestenine. Dodani ječam imao je značajan utjecaj na boju uzoraka, gubitak kuhanjem, tvrdoću i mikrostrukturu uzoraka tjestenine. Značajno se povećao udio topljivih i netopljivih prehrambenih vlakana, β-glukana, antioksidativna aktivnost i udio ukupnih polifenola, in vitro probavljivost ugljikohidrata, viskoznost zamjesa i uzoraka sušene tjestenine u odnosu na kontrolni uzorak. Temperatura sušenja se pokazala značajnim faktorom za boju, gubitak kuhanjem, indeks bubrenja, parametre teksture, udio prehrambenih vlakana, antioksidativnu aktivnost i udio ukupnih polifenola, in vitro probavljivost ugljikohidrata i reološka svojstva uzoraka u odnosu na kontrolni uzorak. Vrsta uređaja za proizvodnju tjestenine također se pokazala značajnim faktorom za boju, optimalno vrijeme kuhanja, gubitak kuhanjem, indeks apsorpcije vode i bubrenja, teksturalna svojstva, kemijski sastav, reološka svojstva uzoraka u odnosu na kontrolni uzorak. Dodatak ječma nije imao negativan utjecaj na senzorska svojstva i prihvatljivost uzoraka kod potrošača.The objective of this research was to explore the possibilities of using hull-less barley for the production of nutritionally enhanced pasta and to examine the influence of barley content, type of apparatus and drying temperature on the quality of pasta. Barley flour was mixed in 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50% portions, while the control sample was made of durum semolina. As part of the research, physical and chemical properties of raw materials and dried and cooked pasta were investigated, as well as rheological properties of the mixtures and dried pasta samples. A sensory assessment of selected cooked pasta samples was also conducted. Addition of barley had a significant influence on the colour, cooking loss, hardness, and microstructure of pasta samples. Amount of soluble and insoluble dietary fibres, β-glucans, antioxidant activity, amount of total polyphenols, in vitro digestibility of carbohydrates, and viscosity of the mixture and dried pasta samples increased significantly compared to the control sample. Drying temperature showed to be a significant factor when it came to colour, cooking loss, swelling index, texture parameters, amount of dietary fibres, antioxidant activity and amount of total polyphenols, in vitro digestibility of carbohydrates, and rheological properties of samples in comparison to the control sample. Another significant factor for colour, optimal cooking time, cooking loss, water absorption and swelling index, textural properties, chemical composition, and rheological properties of samples when compared to the control sample, was the type of apparatus used for pasta production. Addition of barley had no negative effect on sensory properties and the acceptability of samples by consumers

Management of fetal supraventricular tachyarrhythmia - case report

The conduction system of the fetal heart is defined by the16th week of gestation when it matures and normally produces a regular rhythm and rate between 110 and 160 beats per minute (bpm) for the remainder of the pregnancy. Deviations from these parameters are fetal arrhythmias. They are diagnosed in 2% of unselected pregnancies. They are mostly benign and transient but some of them are persistent and associated with structural defects or can cause heart failure, fetal hydrops and intrauterine death. Routine prenatal care includes screening for fetal arrhythmias in the second and third trimester with fetal ultrasound examinations which include a view of the four cardiac chambers and both ventricular outflow tracts. The fetal outcomes are improved upon appropriate antepartum diagnosis and care. Here we present a pregnancy and multidisciplinary management, prenatal evaluation and intervention with maternal transplacental treatment of a 28-year-old female, gravida II, para II, in 28+5 weeks of gestation with fetal arrhythmia, in tertiary university hospital. She had a history of previous caesarean section, in the 40th week of gestation due to an infection of the synus pylonidalis. We confirmed suspected fetal arrhythmia as supraventricular tachyarrhythmia without fetal hydrops, based on the ultrasound doppler M mode imaging, and started transplacental administration of antiarrhythmyc agent, digoxin. It has been considered the first line agent for treatment of fetal supraventricular tachycardia but higher maternal doses are required to maintain a therapeutic serum level. We converted fetal heartbeat into normal sinus rhythm after three days of administration of digoxin. We continued to monitor the fetus once a week with controlling levels of digoxin and electrolytes in maternal blood until the end of the pregnancy at 38+6 weeks of gestation

Effect of apple by-product as a supplement on antioxidant activity and quality parameters of pasta

In this study, pasta was prepared by replacement of durum semolina (DS) with 10% and 15% of apple peel powder (APP). The control sample was pasta made from 100% DS. Total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (AOA) and quality parameters of pasta were determined before and after cooking. Extraction of phenolics with methanol and ethanol, assisted with ultrasound (15 min) and by stirring (with magnetic stirrer for 1 h) was also compared. Results showed that addition of APP increased cooking loss and the amount of absorbed water of the pasta samples. Hardness and adhesiveness of pasta samples was decreased with APP addition. Pasta with added APP had significant higher levels of TPC and AOA compared with pasta without addition of APP. The highest TPC (1.4 g of gallic acid equivalents/kg) was in raw pasta with addition of 15% APP from which phenolics were extracted with ultrasound assisted extraction and methanol. Regarding AOA, the highest antioxidant activity (0.8 mg gallic acid equivalents/100g) was also in raw pasta with 15% APP, from which phenolics were extracted by stirring and ethanol. In cooked pasta, the levels of TPC and AOA, were significantly lower compared to raw pasta (p≤0.05). Sensory evaluation showed that there was no significant difference between DS and DS + 10% APP. Apple peel powder (APP) could be a food by-product, conveniently used as additive, for delivering health-promoting bioactive compounds such as polyphenols

Premature ovarian insufficiency

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome defined as the loss of ovarian activity before the age of 40. POI is a life-changing diagnosis, with profound physical and psychological consequences. Spontaneous POI affects approximately 1% of women under the age of 40. However, the rising incidence of iatrogenic POI is of increasing concern. POI is a heterogeneous, multifactorial disorder, and in the majority of cases the etiology is unknown. The diagnosis of POI is based on the presence of amenorrhea and of an elevated gonadotropin level. Hormone replacement therapy should be used at least until the average age of menopause to alleviate the symptoms of hypoestrogenism and to prevent severe long term consequences especially those of cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. The treatment of these women should be coordinated by a multidisciplinary team. Women with POI should be informed that there is a small chance of spontaneous pregnancy. IVF with donor oocytes represents the highest chance for pregnancy in these patients. Further research is needed to identify the population in risk in a timely manner and to find mechanisms that can prolong, recover, or preserve ovarian function

Immunohistochemical levels of EGF, EGFR and HIF-1ɑ in placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia

Cilj: Istražiti imunohistokemijski izražaj faktora rasta EGF-a, EGFR-a, transkripcijskog faktora HIF-1α u VTB-u, EVTB-u i DS-u terminskih posteljica iz trudnoća s PE-om i terminskih posteljica urednih trudnoća te rezultate međusobno usporediti. Istražiti proliferacijski indeks u VTB-u, EVTB-u i u DS-u terminskih posteljica s PE i usporediti sa zdravom kontrolom. Materijali i metode: Ispitivanu skupinu čini 29 posteljica jednoplodnih trudnoća trećeg tromjesječja kompliciranih PE i 19 terminskih posteljica iz urednih trudnoća kao kontrolna skupina. Klinička dijagnoza PE postavljena je na temelju strogih kriterija za arterijsku hipertenziju u prethodno normotenzivnih žena i proteinurije. Kriteriji isključenja obuhvaćali su prethodno postojanje arterijske hipertenzije, bolesti bubrega te vaskularne bolesti i dijagnosticiran HELLP sindrom. Izražaj EGF-a, EGFR-a i HIF-1α određivan je imunohistokemijskom metodom upotrebom specifičnih protutijela. Proliferacijska aktivnost određivana je zasebno za DS, EVT i EVTB koristeći antigen Ki-67. Imunohistokemijsko bojanje protutijelom CK7 omogućilo je razlikovanje DS-a od EVTB-a. Rezultati: Nije pronađena statistički značajna razlika u imunohistokemijskom izražaju EGF-a i EGFR-a između terminskih posteljica s PE i terminskih urednih posteljica kontrolne skupine. Imunohistokemijski izražaj HIF-1α statistički je značajno viši kod terminskih posteljica s PE u odnosu na uredne terminske posteljice kontrolne skupine. Proliferacijski indeks znatno je viši u DS-u i EVTB-u kod posteljica iz trudnoća s PE u usporedbi s urednim terminskim posteljicama kontrolne skupine. Iako je proliferacijski indeks bio viši u DS-u u odnosu na EVTB kod obje skupine, ta se razlika nije pokazala statistički značajnom. Zaključak: Imunohistokemijski izražaj faktora rasta EGF-a i receptora za EGF nije se razlikovao između posteljica sa PE i kontrolnih terminskih posteljica zbog mogućeg gubitka uloge ovog faktora rasta pred kraj trudnoće. Budući postoje četiri receptora te četrnaest liganda i barem tri signalna puta preko kojih navedeni ostvaruju svoje djelovanje, moguće je da baš drugi ligandi poput HB-EGF-a više utječu na pojavnost PE u terminskim posteljicama. Imunohistokemijski izražaj transkripcijskog faktora rasta HIF-1α pokazao se višim u svim segmentima posteljica s PE u odnosu na posteljice kontrolne skupine. Ispitujući imunohistokemijski izražaj HIF-1α faktora u DS-u, dokazali smo da i majčin dio posteljice iskazuje isti odgovor na hipoksiju kao i fetalni. Kako i upalni citokini, autoantitijela koja su povišena u PE, mogu neovisno o hipoksiji dovoditi do povišenog izražaja HIF-1α, u 38 obrazloženju rezultata studije treba razmišljati i o navedenim parakrinim utjecajima. Rana ubrzana proliferacija DS-a i EVTB-a nužna je za pravilan rast i razvoj posteljice. Gotovo tri puta viši proliferacijski indeks u DS-u i EVTB-u posteljica s PE u odnosu na kontrolne terminske posteljice moguće predstavlja kompenzatorni mehanizam, kao posljedicu neadekvatne proliferacije i diferencijacije u ranim stadijima trudnoće.Purpose: To examine the immunohistochemical expression of the EGF growth factor, the transcription factor of HIF-1α in the VTB, EVTB and DS of term placentae from PE pregnancies and term placentae from orderly pregnancies, and to compare the results. To examine the proliferation index in the VTB, EVTB and DS of PE term placentae and to compare them to a healthy control group. Materials and methods: The examined group consists of 29 placentae from third trimester singleton pregnancies with a complicated PE and 19 term placentae from orderly pregnancies as a control group. The PE clinical diagnosis was set based on strict criteria for arterial hypertension in previously normotensive women and proteinuria. The exclusion criteria included the prior existence of arterial hypertension, kidney disease, as well as vascular disease and a diagnosed HELLP syndrome. The EGF, EGFR and HIF-1α expression was determined by the immunohistochemical method through the usage of specific antibodies. The proliferation activity was determined separately for DS, EVT and EVTB through the use of the Ki-67 antigen. The immunohistochemical staining with the CK7 antibody enabled the differentiation between DS and EVTB. Results: No statistically significant difference in the immunohistochemical expression of the EGF and EGFR was found between the PE term placentae and orderly term placentae of the control group. The HIF-1α immunohistochemical expression is statistically significantly higher in PE term placentae in relation to the orderly term placentae of the control group. The proliferation index is significantly higher in DS and EVTB in placentae from PE pregnancies in relation to the orderly term placentae of the control group. Although the proliferation index was higher in DS in relation to EVTB in both groups, that difference did not prove to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The immunohistochemical expression of the EGF growth factor and the EGF receptor did not differ between the PE placentae and the control term placentae due to the possible loss of role of this growth factor towards the end of the pregnancy. Because there are four receptors and fourteen ligands, and at least three signal pathways through which the aforementioned perform their activity, it is possible that precisely other ligands, such as HBEGF, affect the incidence of PE in term placentae more. 40 The immunohistochemical expression of the HIF-1α transcription growth factor was higher in all segments of the PE placentae compared to the control group placentae. By examining the immunohistochemical expression of the HIF-1α factor in DS, we have proven that the mother’s portion of the placenta exhibits the same response to hypoxia as the fetal does. As the inflammatory cytokines, antibodies that are high in PE can lead to a higher expression of HIF1α independently from hypoxia, the explanation of the study results has to take into consideration the listed paracrine influences as well. An early accelerated proliferation of DS and EVTB is necessary for the proper growth and development of the placenta. The nearly triple proliferation index in DS and EVTB of PE placentae in relation to the control term placentae might represent a compensatory mechanism as a consequence of inadequate proliferation and differentiation in the early stages of the pregnancy

Immunohistochemical levels of EGF, EGFR and HIF-1ɑ in placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia

Cilj: Istražiti imunohistokemijski izražaj faktora rasta EGF-a, EGFR-a, transkripcijskog faktora HIF-1α u VTB-u, EVTB-u i DS-u terminskih posteljica iz trudnoća s PE-om i terminskih posteljica urednih trudnoća te rezultate međusobno usporediti. Istražiti proliferacijski indeks u VTB-u, EVTB-u i u DS-u terminskih posteljica s PE i usporediti sa zdravom kontrolom. Materijali i metode: Ispitivanu skupinu čini 29 posteljica jednoplodnih trudnoća trećeg tromjesječja kompliciranih PE i 19 terminskih posteljica iz urednih trudnoća kao kontrolna skupina. Klinička dijagnoza PE postavljena je na temelju strogih kriterija za arterijsku hipertenziju u prethodno normotenzivnih žena i proteinurije. Kriteriji isključenja obuhvaćali su prethodno postojanje arterijske hipertenzije, bolesti bubrega te vaskularne bolesti i dijagnosticiran HELLP sindrom. Izražaj EGF-a, EGFR-a i HIF-1α određivan je imunohistokemijskom metodom upotrebom specifičnih protutijela. Proliferacijska aktivnost određivana je zasebno za DS, EVT i EVTB koristeći antigen Ki-67. Imunohistokemijsko bojanje protutijelom CK7 omogućilo je razlikovanje DS-a od EVTB-a. Rezultati: Nije pronađena statistički značajna razlika u imunohistokemijskom izražaju EGF-a i EGFR-a između terminskih posteljica s PE i terminskih urednih posteljica kontrolne skupine. Imunohistokemijski izražaj HIF-1α statistički je značajno viši kod terminskih posteljica s PE u odnosu na uredne terminske posteljice kontrolne skupine. Proliferacijski indeks znatno je viši u DS-u i EVTB-u kod posteljica iz trudnoća s PE u usporedbi s urednim terminskim posteljicama kontrolne skupine. Iako je proliferacijski indeks bio viši u DS-u u odnosu na EVTB kod obje skupine, ta se razlika nije pokazala statistički značajnom. Zaključak: Imunohistokemijski izražaj faktora rasta EGF-a i receptora za EGF nije se razlikovao između posteljica sa PE i kontrolnih terminskih posteljica zbog mogućeg gubitka uloge ovog faktora rasta pred kraj trudnoće. Budući postoje četiri receptora te četrnaest liganda i barem tri signalna puta preko kojih navedeni ostvaruju svoje djelovanje, moguće je da baš drugi ligandi poput HB-EGF-a više utječu na pojavnost PE u terminskim posteljicama. Imunohistokemijski izražaj transkripcijskog faktora rasta HIF-1α pokazao se višim u svim segmentima posteljica s PE u odnosu na posteljice kontrolne skupine. Ispitujući imunohistokemijski izražaj HIF-1α faktora u DS-u, dokazali smo da i majčin dio posteljice iskazuje isti odgovor na hipoksiju kao i fetalni. Kako i upalni citokini, autoantitijela koja su povišena u PE, mogu neovisno o hipoksiji dovoditi do povišenog izražaja HIF-1α, u 38 obrazloženju rezultata studije treba razmišljati i o navedenim parakrinim utjecajima. Rana ubrzana proliferacija DS-a i EVTB-a nužna je za pravilan rast i razvoj posteljice. Gotovo tri puta viši proliferacijski indeks u DS-u i EVTB-u posteljica s PE u odnosu na kontrolne terminske posteljice moguće predstavlja kompenzatorni mehanizam, kao posljedicu neadekvatne proliferacije i diferencijacije u ranim stadijima trudnoće.Purpose: To examine the immunohistochemical expression of the EGF growth factor, the transcription factor of HIF-1α in the VTB, EVTB and DS of term placentae from PE pregnancies and term placentae from orderly pregnancies, and to compare the results. To examine the proliferation index in the VTB, EVTB and DS of PE term placentae and to compare them to a healthy control group. Materials and methods: The examined group consists of 29 placentae from third trimester singleton pregnancies with a complicated PE and 19 term placentae from orderly pregnancies as a control group. The PE clinical diagnosis was set based on strict criteria for arterial hypertension in previously normotensive women and proteinuria. The exclusion criteria included the prior existence of arterial hypertension, kidney disease, as well as vascular disease and a diagnosed HELLP syndrome. The EGF, EGFR and HIF-1α expression was determined by the immunohistochemical method through the usage of specific antibodies. The proliferation activity was determined separately for DS, EVT and EVTB through the use of the Ki-67 antigen. The immunohistochemical staining with the CK7 antibody enabled the differentiation between DS and EVTB. Results: No statistically significant difference in the immunohistochemical expression of the EGF and EGFR was found between the PE term placentae and orderly term placentae of the control group. The HIF-1α immunohistochemical expression is statistically significantly higher in PE term placentae in relation to the orderly term placentae of the control group. The proliferation index is significantly higher in DS and EVTB in placentae from PE pregnancies in relation to the orderly term placentae of the control group. Although the proliferation index was higher in DS in relation to EVTB in both groups, that difference did not prove to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The immunohistochemical expression of the EGF growth factor and the EGF receptor did not differ between the PE placentae and the control term placentae due to the possible loss of role of this growth factor towards the end of the pregnancy. Because there are four receptors and fourteen ligands, and at least three signal pathways through which the aforementioned perform their activity, it is possible that precisely other ligands, such as HBEGF, affect the incidence of PE in term placentae more. 40 The immunohistochemical expression of the HIF-1α transcription growth factor was higher in all segments of the PE placentae compared to the control group placentae. By examining the immunohistochemical expression of the HIF-1α factor in DS, we have proven that the mother’s portion of the placenta exhibits the same response to hypoxia as the fetal does. As the inflammatory cytokines, antibodies that are high in PE can lead to a higher expression of HIF1α independently from hypoxia, the explanation of the study results has to take into consideration the listed paracrine influences as well. An early accelerated proliferation of DS and EVTB is necessary for the proper growth and development of the placenta. The nearly triple proliferation index in DS and EVTB of PE placentae in relation to the control term placentae might represent a compensatory mechanism as a consequence of inadequate proliferation and differentiation in the early stages of the pregnancy

Immunohistochemical levels of EGF, EGFR and HIF-1ɑ in placentas from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia

Cilj: Istražiti imunohistokemijski izražaj faktora rasta EGF-a, EGFR-a, transkripcijskog faktora HIF-1α u VTB-u, EVTB-u i DS-u terminskih posteljica iz trudnoća s PE-om i terminskih posteljica urednih trudnoća te rezultate međusobno usporediti. Istražiti proliferacijski indeks u VTB-u, EVTB-u i u DS-u terminskih posteljica s PE i usporediti sa zdravom kontrolom. Materijali i metode: Ispitivanu skupinu čini 29 posteljica jednoplodnih trudnoća trećeg tromjesječja kompliciranih PE i 19 terminskih posteljica iz urednih trudnoća kao kontrolna skupina. Klinička dijagnoza PE postavljena je na temelju strogih kriterija za arterijsku hipertenziju u prethodno normotenzivnih žena i proteinurije. Kriteriji isključenja obuhvaćali su prethodno postojanje arterijske hipertenzije, bolesti bubrega te vaskularne bolesti i dijagnosticiran HELLP sindrom. Izražaj EGF-a, EGFR-a i HIF-1α određivan je imunohistokemijskom metodom upotrebom specifičnih protutijela. Proliferacijska aktivnost određivana je zasebno za DS, EVT i EVTB koristeći antigen Ki-67. Imunohistokemijsko bojanje protutijelom CK7 omogućilo je razlikovanje DS-a od EVTB-a. Rezultati: Nije pronađena statistički značajna razlika u imunohistokemijskom izražaju EGF-a i EGFR-a između terminskih posteljica s PE i terminskih urednih posteljica kontrolne skupine. Imunohistokemijski izražaj HIF-1α statistički je značajno viši kod terminskih posteljica s PE u odnosu na uredne terminske posteljice kontrolne skupine. Proliferacijski indeks znatno je viši u DS-u i EVTB-u kod posteljica iz trudnoća s PE u usporedbi s urednim terminskim posteljicama kontrolne skupine. Iako je proliferacijski indeks bio viši u DS-u u odnosu na EVTB kod obje skupine, ta se razlika nije pokazala statistički značajnom. Zaključak: Imunohistokemijski izražaj faktora rasta EGF-a i receptora za EGF nije se razlikovao između posteljica sa PE i kontrolnih terminskih posteljica zbog mogućeg gubitka uloge ovog faktora rasta pred kraj trudnoće. Budući postoje četiri receptora te četrnaest liganda i barem tri signalna puta preko kojih navedeni ostvaruju svoje djelovanje, moguće je da baš drugi ligandi poput HB-EGF-a više utječu na pojavnost PE u terminskim posteljicama. Imunohistokemijski izražaj transkripcijskog faktora rasta HIF-1α pokazao se višim u svim segmentima posteljica s PE u odnosu na posteljice kontrolne skupine. Ispitujući imunohistokemijski izražaj HIF-1α faktora u DS-u, dokazali smo da i majčin dio posteljice iskazuje isti odgovor na hipoksiju kao i fetalni. Kako i upalni citokini, autoantitijela koja su povišena u PE, mogu neovisno o hipoksiji dovoditi do povišenog izražaja HIF-1α, u 38 obrazloženju rezultata studije treba razmišljati i o navedenim parakrinim utjecajima. Rana ubrzana proliferacija DS-a i EVTB-a nužna je za pravilan rast i razvoj posteljice. Gotovo tri puta viši proliferacijski indeks u DS-u i EVTB-u posteljica s PE u odnosu na kontrolne terminske posteljice moguće predstavlja kompenzatorni mehanizam, kao posljedicu neadekvatne proliferacije i diferencijacije u ranim stadijima trudnoće.Purpose: To examine the immunohistochemical expression of the EGF growth factor, the transcription factor of HIF-1α in the VTB, EVTB and DS of term placentae from PE pregnancies and term placentae from orderly pregnancies, and to compare the results. To examine the proliferation index in the VTB, EVTB and DS of PE term placentae and to compare them to a healthy control group. Materials and methods: The examined group consists of 29 placentae from third trimester singleton pregnancies with a complicated PE and 19 term placentae from orderly pregnancies as a control group. The PE clinical diagnosis was set based on strict criteria for arterial hypertension in previously normotensive women and proteinuria. The exclusion criteria included the prior existence of arterial hypertension, kidney disease, as well as vascular disease and a diagnosed HELLP syndrome. The EGF, EGFR and HIF-1α expression was determined by the immunohistochemical method through the usage of specific antibodies. The proliferation activity was determined separately for DS, EVT and EVTB through the use of the Ki-67 antigen. The immunohistochemical staining with the CK7 antibody enabled the differentiation between DS and EVTB. Results: No statistically significant difference in the immunohistochemical expression of the EGF and EGFR was found between the PE term placentae and orderly term placentae of the control group. The HIF-1α immunohistochemical expression is statistically significantly higher in PE term placentae in relation to the orderly term placentae of the control group. The proliferation index is significantly higher in DS and EVTB in placentae from PE pregnancies in relation to the orderly term placentae of the control group. Although the proliferation index was higher in DS in relation to EVTB in both groups, that difference did not prove to be statistically significant. Conclusion: The immunohistochemical expression of the EGF growth factor and the EGF receptor did not differ between the PE placentae and the control term placentae due to the possible loss of role of this growth factor towards the end of the pregnancy. Because there are four receptors and fourteen ligands, and at least three signal pathways through which the aforementioned perform their activity, it is possible that precisely other ligands, such as HBEGF, affect the incidence of PE in term placentae more. 40 The immunohistochemical expression of the HIF-1α transcription growth factor was higher in all segments of the PE placentae compared to the control group placentae. By examining the immunohistochemical expression of the HIF-1α factor in DS, we have proven that the mother’s portion of the placenta exhibits the same response to hypoxia as the fetal does. As the inflammatory cytokines, antibodies that are high in PE can lead to a higher expression of HIF1α independently from hypoxia, the explanation of the study results has to take into consideration the listed paracrine influences as well. An early accelerated proliferation of DS and EVTB is necessary for the proper growth and development of the placenta. The nearly triple proliferation index in DS and EVTB of PE placentae in relation to the control term placentae might represent a compensatory mechanism as a consequence of inadequate proliferation and differentiation in the early stages of the pregnancy

Microstructure and cooking quality of barley-enriched pasta produced at different process parameters

Pasta is one of the most popular meals in the world. It is affordable, easy to combine with other foods and easy to cook. Unfortunately, pasta is energy-rich and nutrient-poor. Whole-wheat pasta is somewhat better in nutritional quality, but further improvements may be made. One option is to add different raw materials and specific nutritive components (vitamins, polyphenols, fiber, protein, etc.) to semolina. However, this approach changes its physicochemical properties, e.g. cooking loss, texture, etc., which cannot be disregarded. The current research investigates possibilities for production of barley-enriched pasta with acceptable cooking qualities. To ensure the beneficial health effects of β-glucan, β-glucan-rich barley was selected asa starting material. Pasta enriched with 10–50% β-glucan-rich barley flour was produced in the mini-press and the laboratory extruder and then dried at low, medium and high temperature regimes. Colour, cooking quality and microstructure of the enriched pasta were investigated to determine its acceptability. The research showed that barley-enriched pasta of good cooking quality might be produced by selecting an optimal combination of suitable production parameters for forming and drying

Use of maize, soy and rice breadcrumbs in the formulation of the gluten free meatballs

The effect of replacing the wheat with the maize, soy and rice flour and breadcrumbs in the formulation of the gluten-free coating mixture for fried food products was investigated. Six different coating butters were prepared by mixing water and egg white with wheat (control), maize, soy and rice flour, as well as with the mixture of maize and soy flour (50:50) and maize and rice flour (50:50), respectively. Dry breadcrumbs from the previously baked wheat, maize, soy and rice bread were also prepared. Turkey nuggets, made from minced turkey breasts, were dipped in the prepared wet coating batters and breadcrumbs and deep-fried in the palm oil for 3 minutes. Sensory evaluation, colour determination, oil uptake and texture profile analysis (hardness, springiness cohesiveness, chewiness and resilience) of turkey nuggets were performed. In addition to that, textural properties of fried coating that was removed from nuggets were also determined. Results showed that only the addition of soy flour decreased the acceptability of nuggets. Replacing the wheat flour and breadcrumbs with that of maize and rice did not deteriorate the fried nuggets characteristics and some of the properties (colour, appearance and total sensory score) were even better when maize and maize/rice mixture were used. In conclusion, in order to benefit consumers with celiac disease and gluten intolerance, maize and rice flour could be used as an excellent replacement for wheat which is traditionally used in the formulation of the coating mixture for fried food products