Determination of quality indicators of sugar fortified with a by-product of elderberry processing

Granulated and pressed beet sugar consists of 99.61–99.7 % sucrose, which is a source of energy for the body. However, this product does not contain other vital nutrients. The object of the study is the method of non-waste processing of elderberry fruits. Wild-growing fruits of black elder Sambucus nigra L were used as the subject of the study. Pre-cleaned elder fruits were frozen at a temperature of –18±2 °C, and after defrosting they were subjected to osmotic dehydration. For this, a 70 % sugar solution with a temperature of 50±5 °C was used (hydromodule 1). The duration of osmosis was 1 hour. The derivative product formed as a result of osmotic dehydration of elderberries (elderberry syrup) was used to enrich granulated sugar in an amount of 10 % by weight of sugar. After thorough mixing with the solution, the sugar was dried in a laboratory vacuum dryer. Anthocyanin dyes contained in the elderberries gave the sugar a bright pink color. The resulting product had a characteristic smell and taste of elderberry. The composition of sugar was studied by high-performance liquid chromatography. It was found that sugar enriched with an elderberry derivative contains 0.03±0.02 mg/100 g of vitamin C and 0.28±0.02 % flavonoids. This gives it certain antioxidant properties. In addition to sucrose, glucose (0.20±0.02) and fructose (0.27±0.02) were found in the product by the polarimetric method. Analysis of the amino acid spectrum of enriched sugar showed the presence of 18 amino acids (total amount of 5.547 mg/100 g), including all essential ones. The most found in enriched sugar, mg/100g: tyrosine (0.93), alanine (0.79), phenylalanine (0.752) and leucine (0.749). The results obtained indicate an increase in the biological value and additional functional properties of fortified suga

The micronutrient profile of medicinal plant extracts

Medicinal plants contain biologically active substances that have a physiological effect on the human body. In the territory of Ukraine, 15 of the most important medicinal plants grow from a medical point of view, among which are Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Micronutrients are necessary for the body in small quantities, not being a source of energy, they take part in their assimilation, as well as in the regulation of various functions and the implementation of the processes of growth and development of the human body. The study aims to establish the micronutrient profile of extracts and infusions from medicinal raw materials – Сalendula officinalis and Melissa officinalis. The established micronutrient profile includes data on the content of such macro- and microelements as calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, zinc, and copper in extracts and infusions from Melissa officinalis L officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis. Sodium predominates from certain macronutrients, the superiority of which is manifested in Сalendula officinalis when infused. A large amount of calcium also passes into the aqueous-alcoholic infusion from Сalendula officinalis. Copper and zinc prevail among the determined microelements in water extracts of Сalendula officinalis. Comparing the results obtained, we can say in the affirmative about the micro- and macro elements that have passed into extracts that Сalendula officinalis is richer in these substances. Because infusions and extracts are recommended to be added as an additional ingredient to vegetable and fruit juices, their positive infusion on the human body will increase the recommended daily requirement of potassium and sodium. Based on the results of this study, extracts and infusions of Melissa officinalis L and Сalendula officinalis can be considered as an essential source of micronutrients for enriching fruit and vegetable juices in canned food for health purpose

The impact of rheumatoid foot on disability in Colombian patients with rheumatoid arthritis

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Alterations in the feet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are a cause of disability in this population. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact that foot impairment has on the patients' global quality of life (QOL) based on validated scales and its relationship to disease activity.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>This was a cross-sectional study in which 95 patients with RA were enrolled. A complete physical examination, including a full foot assessment, was done. The Spanish versions of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) Disability Index and of the Disease Activity Score (DAS 28) were administered. A logistic regression model was used to analyze data and obtain adjusted odds ratios (AORs).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Foot deformities were observed in 78 (82%) of the patients; hallux valgus (65%), medial longitudinal arch flattening (42%), claw toe (lesser toes) (39%), dorsiflexion restriction (tibiotalar) (34%), cock-up toe (lesser toes) (25%), and transverse arch flattening (25%) were the most frequent. In the logistic regression analysis (adjusted for age, gender and duration of disease), forefoot movement pain, subtalar movement pain, tibiotalar movement pain and plantarflexion restriction (tibiotalar) were strongly associated with disease activity and disability. The positive squeeze test was significantly associated with disability risk (AOR = 6,3; 95% CI, 1.28–30.96; P = 0,02); hallux valgus, and dorsiflexion restriction (tibiotalar) were associated with disease activity.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Foot abnormalities are associated with active joint disease and disability in RA. Foot examinations provide complementary information related to the disability as an indirect measurement of quality of life and activity of disease in daily practice.</p

Convergence and Divergence in Europe: Polish and Ukrainian Cases

The all-round aspects of bilateral relations are considered in the common Ukrainian-Polish monograph. Authors uncover important features of social-andeconomic systems convergence under conditions of globalization and European integration, as well as the further transformation of Central- and East European countries. The focus of the monograph is to analyze the characteristic features of the evolution of Polish and Ukrainian economic models. The research interest of the authors of the monograph has been concentrated on the diversification of bilateral economic relations and subject to the fundamental objective – the co-integration of Ukraine and the EU, as well as the possibility of adapting the Polish experience of systemic transformation of the national social and economic model. The monograph is addressed to scientists, politicians, public activists, diplomats, international experts, and to all those, who are not indifferent to the European prospect of Ukraine

Convergence and Divergence in Europe: Polish and Ukrainian Cases

The all-round aspects of bilateral relations are considered in the common Ukrainian-Polish monograph. Authors uncover important features of social-andeconomic systems convergence under conditions of globalization and European integration, as well as the further transformation of Central- and East European countries. The focus of the monograph is to analyze the characteristic features of the evolution of Polish and Ukrainian economic models. The research interest of the authors of the monograph has been concentrated on the diversification of bilateral economic relations and subject to the fundamental objective – the co-integration of Ukraine and the EU, as well as the possibility of adapting the Polish experience of systemic transformation of the national social and economic model. The monograph is addressed to scientists, politicians, public activists, diplomats, international experts, and to all those, who are not indifferent to the European prospect of Ukraine

Clinical complexity and impact of the ABC (Atrial fibrillation Better Care) pathway in patients with atrial fibrillation: a report from the ESC-EHRA EURObservational Research Programme in AF General Long-Term Registry

Background: Clinical complexity is increasingly prevalent among patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). The ‘Atrial fibrillation Better Care’ (ABC) pathway approach has been proposed to streamline a more holistic and integrated approach to AF care; however, there are limited data on its usefulness among clinically complex patients. We aim to determine the impact of ABC pathway in a contemporary cohort of clinically complex AF patients. Methods: From the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF General Long-Term Registry, we analysed clinically complex AF patients, defined as the presence of frailty, multimorbidity and/or polypharmacy. A K-medoids cluster analysis was performed to identify different groups of clinical complexity. The impact of an ABC-adherent approach on major outcomes was analysed through Cox-regression analyses and delay of event (DoE) analyses. Results: Among 9966 AF patients included, 8289 (83.1%) were clinically complex. Adherence to the ABC pathway in the clinically complex group reduced the risk of all-cause death (adjusted HR [aHR]: 0.72, 95%CI 0.58–0.91), major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs; aHR: 0.68, 95%CI 0.52–0.87) and composite outcome (aHR: 0.70, 95%CI: 0.58–0.85). Adherence to the ABC pathway was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of death (aHR: 0.74, 95%CI 0.56–0.98) and composite outcome (aHR: 0.76, 95%CI 0.60–0.96) also in the high-complexity cluster; similar trends were observed for MACEs. In DoE analyses, an ABC-adherent approach resulted in significant gains in event-free survival for all the outcomes investigated in clinically complex patients. Based on absolute risk reduction at 1 year of follow-up, the number needed to treat for ABC pathway adherence was 24 for all-cause death, 31 for MACEs and 20 for the composite outcome. Conclusions: An ABC-adherent approach reduces the risk of major outcomes in clinically complex AF patients. Ensuring adherence to the ABC pathway is essential to improve clinical outcomes among clinically complex AF patients

Impact of clinical phenotypes on management and outcomes in European atrial fibrillation patients: a report from the ESC-EHRA EURObservational Research Programme in AF (EORP-AF) General Long-Term Registry

Background: Epidemiological studies in atrial fibrillation (AF) illustrate that clinical complexity increase the risk of major adverse outcomes. We aimed to describe European AF patients\u2019 clinical phenotypes and analyse the differential clinical course. Methods: We performed a hierarchical cluster analysis based on Ward\u2019s Method and Squared Euclidean Distance using 22 clinical binary variables, identifying the optimal number of clusters. We investigated differences in clinical management, use of healthcare resources and outcomes in a cohort of European AF patients from a Europe-wide observational registry. Results: A total of 9363 were available for this analysis. We identified three clusters: Cluster 1 (n = 3634; 38.8%) characterized by older patients and prevalent non-cardiac comorbidities; Cluster 2 (n = 2774; 29.6%) characterized by younger patients with low prevalence of comorbidities; Cluster 3 (n = 2955;31.6%) characterized by patients\u2019 prevalent cardiovascular risk factors/comorbidities. Over a mean follow-up of 22.5 months, Cluster 3 had the highest rate of cardiovascular events, all-cause death, and the composite outcome (combining the previous two) compared to Cluster 1 and Cluster 2 (all P &lt;.001). An adjusted Cox regression showed that compared to Cluster 2, Cluster 3 (hazard ratio (HR) 2.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.27\u20133.62; HR 3.42, 95%CI 2.72\u20134.31; HR 2.79, 95%CI 2.32\u20133.35), and Cluster 1 (HR 1.88, 95%CI 1.48\u20132.38; HR 2.50, 95%CI 1.98\u20133.15; HR 2.09, 95%CI 1.74\u20132.51) reported a higher risk for the three outcomes respectively. Conclusions: In European AF patients, three main clusters were identified, differentiated by differential presence of comorbidities. Both non-cardiac and cardiac comorbidities clusters were found to be associated with an increased risk of major adverse outcomes

Impact of renal impairment on atrial fibrillation: ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and renal impairment share a bidirectional relationship with important pathophysiological interactions. We evaluated the impact of renal impairment in a contemporary cohort of patients with AF. Methods: We utilised the ESC-EHRA EORP-AF Long-Term General Registry. Outcomes were analysed according to renal function by CKD-EPI equation. The primary endpoint was a composite of thromboembolism, major bleeding, acute coronary syndrome and all-cause death. Secondary endpoints were each of these separately including ischaemic stroke, haemorrhagic event, intracranial haemorrhage, cardiovascular death and hospital admission. Results: A total of 9306 patients were included. The distribution of patients with no, mild, moderate and severe renal impairment at baseline were 16.9%, 49.3%, 30% and 3.8%, respectively. AF patients with impaired renal function were older, more likely to be females, had worse cardiac imaging parameters and multiple comorbidities. Among patients with an indication for anticoagulation, prescription of these agents was reduced in those with severe renal impairment, p&nbsp;&lt;.001. Over 24&nbsp;months, impaired renal function was associated with significantly greater incidence of the primary composite outcome and all secondary outcomes. Multivariable Cox regression analysis demonstrated an inverse relationship between eGFR and the primary outcome (HR 1.07 [95% CI, 1.01–1.14] per 10&nbsp;ml/min/1.73&nbsp;m2 decrease), that was most notable in patients with eGFR &lt;30&nbsp;ml/min/1.73&nbsp;m2 (HR 2.21 [95% CI, 1.23–3.99] compared to eGFR ≥90&nbsp;ml/min/1.73&nbsp;m2). Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients with AF suffer from concomitant renal impairment which impacts their overall management. Furthermore, renal impairment is an independent predictor of major adverse events including thromboembolism, major bleeding, acute coronary syndrome and all-cause death in patients with AF

Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017

A double burden of malnutrition occurs when individuals, household members or communities experience both undernutrition and overweight. Here, we show geospatial estimates of overweight and wasting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017 and aggregate these to policy-relevant administrative units. Wasting decreased overall across LMICs between 2000 and 2017, from 8.4% (62.3 (55.1–70.8) million) to 6.4% (58.3 (47.6–70.7) million), but is predicted to remain above the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target of <5% in over half of LMICs by 2025. Prevalence of overweight increased from 5.2% (30 (22.8–38.5) million) in 2000 to 6.0% (55.5 (44.8–67.9) million) children aged under 5 years in 2017. Areas most affected by double burden of malnutrition were located in Indonesia, Thailand, southeastern China, Botswana, Cameroon and central Nigeria. Our estimates provide a new perspective to researchers, policy makers and public health agencies in their efforts to address this global childhood syndemic

Speech therapy aspect of improving the quality of education of schoolchildren in a capital megapolis

The Russian language, as the state language, is given an honorable and important role, uniting all nationalities together. For its mission to serve the unity, solidarity, and mutual understanding of all the peoples of Russia, a mandatory national educational program has been approved, operating throughout the territory of the Russian Federation. The present article is dealing with the problem of mastering the Russian language. The goal of the research is to study the etiology and specifics of writing disorders in primary school children studying at general education school and to develop differentiated strategies for teaching pupils with various manifestations of dysgraphia. Methods used during the preparation of the article included theoretical research, such as learning, generalization, analysis, synthesis, axiomatics, as well as empirical techniques, namely, observation and comparison. Results and novelty of the research consist of clarifying information about the state of the problem of writing disorders in contemporary schoolchildren, updating scientific ideas about the contingent of primary school children in need of correctional assistance from specialists; applying an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the etiology, mechanisms, causes, and specifics of various manifestations of dysgraphia in primary general school children; supplementing the scientific data on the impact of didactogenia on the quality of learning writing and the formation of dysgraphia in pupils with difficulties in the assimilation of the program learning material on the Russian language; as well developing high-performance speech technologies for the early detection and elimination of violations of written language and difficulties in learning academic courses of the Russian language