Paleo-Balkan and Slavic Contributions to the Genetic Pool of Moldavians

Moldova has a rich historical and cultural heritage, which may be reflected in the current genetic makeup of its population. To date, no comprehensive studies exist about the population genetic structure of modern Moldavians. To bridge this gap with respect to paternal lineages, we analyzed 37 binary and 17 multiallelic (STRs) polymorphisms on the non-recombining portion of the Y chromosome in 125 Moldavian males. In addition, 53 Ukrainians from eastern Moldova and 54 Romanians from the neighboring eastern Romania were typed using the same set of markers. In Moldavians, 19 Y chromosome haplogroups were identified, the most common being I-M423 (20.8%), R-M17* (17.6%), R-M458 (12.8%), E-v13 (8.8%), RM269* and R-M412* (both 7.2%). In Romanians, 14 haplogroups were found including I-M423 (40.7%), R-M17* (16.7%), RM405 (7.4%), E-v13 and R-M412* (both 5.6%). In Ukrainians, 13 haplogroups were identified including R-M17 (34.0%), I-M423 (20.8%), R-M269* (9.4%), N-M178, R-M458 and R-M73 (each 5.7%). Our results show that a significant majority of the Moldavian paternal gene pool belongs to eastern/central European and Balkan/eastern Mediterranean Y lineages. Phylogenetic and AMOVA analyses based on Y-STR loci also revealed that Moldavians are close to both eastern/central European and Balkan-Carpathian populations. The data correlate well with historical accounts and geographical location of the region and thus allow to hypothesize that extant Moldavian paternal genetic lineages arose from extensive recent admixture between genetically autochthonous populations of the Balkan-Carpathian zone and neighboring Slavic group

SCORE performance in Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union: MONICA and HAPIEE results

Aims: The Systematic COronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) scale assesses 10 year risk of fatal atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD), based on conventional risk factors. The high-risk SCORE version is recommended for Central and Eastern Europe and former Soviet Union (CEE/FSU), but its performance has never been systematically assessed in the region. We evaluated SCORE performance in two sets of population-based CEE/FSU cohorts. Methods and results: The cohorts based on the World Health Organization MONitoring of trends and determinants in CArdiovascular disease (MONICA) surveys in the Czech Republic, Poland (Warsaw and Tarnobrzeg), Lithuania (Kaunas), and Russia (Novosibirsk) were followed from the mid-1980s. The Health, Alcohol, and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) study follows Czech, Polish (Krakow), and Russian (Novosibirsk) cohorts from 2002–05. In Cox regression analyses, the high-risk SCORE ≥5% at baseline significantly predicted CVD mortality in both MONICA [n = 15 027; hazard ratios (HR), 1.7–6.3] and HAPIEE (n = 20 517; HR, 2.6–10.5) samples. While SCORE calibration was good in most MONICA samples (predicted and observed mortality were close), the risk was underestimated in Russia. In HAPIEE, the high-risk SCORE overpredicted the estimated 10 year mortality for Czech and Polish samples and adequately predicted it for Russia. SCORE discrimination was satisfactory in both MONICA and HAPIEE. Conclusion: The high-risk SCORE underestimated the fatal CVD risk in Russian MONICA but performed well in most MONICA samples and Russian HAPIEE. This SCORE version might overestimate the risk in contemporary Czech and Polish populations

A comprehensive ovine model of blood transfusion

Background: The growing awareness of transfusion-associated morbidity and mortality necessitates investigations into the underlying mechanisms. Small animals have been the dominant transfusion model but have associated limitations. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive large animal (ovine) model of transfusion encompassing: blood collection, processing and storage, compatibility testing right through to post-transfusion outcomes. Materials and methods: Two units of blood were collected from each of 12 adult male Merino sheep and processed into 24 ovine-packed red blood cell (PRBC) units. Baseline haematological parameters of ovine blood and PRBC cells were analysed. Biochemical changes in ovine PRBCs were characterized during the 42-day storage period. Immunological compatibility of the blood was confirmed with sera from potential recipient sheep, using a saline and albumin agglutination cross-match. Following confirmation of compatibility, each recipient sheep (n = 12) was transfused with two units of ovine PRBC. Results: Procedures for collecting, processing, cross-matching and transfusing ovine blood were established. Although ovine red blood cells are smaller and higher in number, their mean cell haemoglobin concentration is similar to human red blood cells. Ovine PRBC showed improved storage properties in saline-adenine-glucose-mannitol (SAG-M) compared with previous human PRBC studies. Seventy-six compatibility tests were performed and 17·1% were incompatible. Only cross-match compatible ovine PRBC were transfused and no adverse reactions were observed. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the utility of the ovine model for future blood transfusion studies and highlight the importance of compatibility testing in animal models involving homologous transfusions

The Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Russian Population Cohort According to Data from the HAPIEE Project

The aim of this study is to investigate the 14-year risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and develop a risk score for T2DM in the Siberian cohort. A random population sample (males/females, 45–69 years old) was examined at baseline in 2003–2005 (Health, Alcohol, and Psychosocial Factors in Eastern Europe (HAPIEE) project, n = 9360, Novosibirsk) and re-examined in 2006–2008 and 2015–2017. After excluding those with baseline T2DM, the final analysis included 7739 participants. The risk of incident T2DM during a 14-year follow-up was analysed using Cox regression. In age-adjusted models, male and female hazard ratios (HR) of incident T2DM were 5.02 (95% CI 3.62; 6.96) and 5.13 (95% CI 3.56; 7.37) for BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2; 4.38 (3.37; 5.69) and 4.70 (0.27; 6.75) for abdominal obesity (AO); 3.31 (2.65; 4.14) and 3.61 (3.06; 4.27) for fasting hyperglycaemia (FHG); 2.34 (1.58; 3.49) and 3.27 (2.50; 4.26) for high triglyceride (TG); 2.25 (1.74; 2.91) and 2.82 (2.27; 3.49) for hypertension (HT); and 1.57 (1.14; 2.16) and 1.69 (1.38; 2.07) for family history of diabetes mellitus (DM). In addition, secondary education, low physical activity (PA), and history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) were also significantly associated with T2DM in females. A simple T2DM risk calculator was generated based on non-laboratory parameters. A scale with the best quality included waist circumference >95 cm, HT history, and family history of T2DM (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.71). The proposed 10-year risk score of T2DM represents a simple, non-invasive, and reliable tool for identifying individuals at a high risk of future T2DM

Використання нетрадиційної сировини у технології варених ковбасних виробів функціонального призначення

In modern conditions of meat production, one of the priorities of the meat processing industry is the production of products with improved consumer properties. To perform this task, it is necessary to include in the industrial circulation of physiologically functional ingredients of plant origin, which will provide the body with nutrients and expand the range of functional foods. The paper covers the issues of partial replacement of raw materials of animal origin with germinated sea-buckthorn seeds (GSBS) flour as a functional ingredient in the production of sausages. The chemical and vitamin composition of the physiologically functional ingredient has been studied. Three experimental recipes for sausages from GSBS flour has been developed. The positive influence of GSBS flour on functional-technological and physical-chemical properties of the received forcemeat is proved. Organoleptic parameters of sausages from GSBS flour are determined. The use of GSBS flour as a functional ingredient in the technology of sausages affects the appearance, taste, smell. It is established that the increase in the amount of GSBS flour introduction leads to an increase in pH by 0.4–0.8 % and finished products by 6.8 %. The improvement of functional and technological properties of experimental minced meat of sausages based on the use of GSBS flour is proved. The optimal amount of replacement of the main raw material with a physiologically functional ingredient, which is characteristic of the experimental sample № 2. The changes in the qualitative characteristics of the developed sample of sausages, which where within the regulatory requirements. The addition of 10 % GSBS flour to the minced meat of sausages leads to a slight increase in protein with a significant reduction in lipid content by 4.4 % in the finished product. As a result, the caloric content of Altaiska functional sausage is reduced by 13.2 % compared to traditional products. Production of such products will allow to expand the domestic range of functional products. Consumption of such sausages allows to consider them as foodstuff with essentially new functional properties which would correspond to modern requirements concerning food.В сучасних умовах виробництва м’ясної продукції одним із пріоритетних завдань м’ясопереробної галузі є випуск продукції з поліпшеними споживчими властивостями. Для виконання цього завдання необхідно максимально включити в промисловий обіг фізіологічно функціональні інгредієнти рослинного походження, що дасть можливість забезпечити організм поживними речовинами та розширити асортимент функціональних продуктів харчування. У роботі висвітлені питання часткової заміни сировини тваринного походження на борошно пророщеного насіння обліпихи (БПНО) як функціонального інгредієнта при виробництві ковбасних виробів. Досліджено хімічний і вітамінний склад фізіологічно функціонального інгредієнта. Розроблено три дослідні рецептури ковбасних виробів із БПНО. Доведено позитивний вплив БПНО на функціонально-технологічні й фізико-хімічні властивості одержаного фаршу. Визначено органолептичні показники ковбасних виробів з БПНО. Застосування БПНО як функціонального інгредієнта в технології ковбасних виробів впливає на зовнішній вигляд, смак, запах. Встановлено, що збільшення кількості введення БПНО призводить до збільшення рН на 0,4–0,8 % та виходу продукції на 6,8 %. Доведено покращення функціонально-технологічних властивостей дослідних фаршів ковбасних виробів на основі використання БПНО. Встановлено оптимальну кількість заміни основної сировини на фізіологічно функціональний інгредієнт, який характерний для дослідного зразка № 2. Досліджено зміни якісних характеристик розробленого зразка ковбасних виробів, які перебувають у межах нормативних вимог. Введення 10 % БПНО в фарш ковбасних виробів призводить до незначного збільшення білка при значному зменшенні вмісту ліпідів на 4,4 % в готовому продукті. В результаті знижується калорійність вареної ковбаси функціонального призначення “Алтайська” на 13,2 % порівняно з традиційними виробами. Виробництво такої продукції дозволить розширити вітчизняний асортимент виробів функціонального призначення. Споживання таких ковбасних виробів дозволяє вважати їх продуктами харчування з істотно новими функціональними властивостями, які відповідали б сучасним вимогам щодо харчування

Інноваційні технології мʼясних продуктів з нетрадиційної сировини

This scientific article presents a study on the quality and organoleptic characteristics of roasted venison meat as a potentially promising raw material for producing high-quality food products. The research encompasses an analysis of parameters such as appearance, consistency, aroma, taste, and juiciness. The study's results reveal that venison meat possesses a distinct gamey flavor and aroma, characterized by high taste intensity and meat firmness. The overall quality rating of the finished product stands at 4.82 points, with taste receiving a lower score compared to other attributes. The study also explores the influence of stress on the animal before slaughter on the pH level and moisture-holding capacity of venison meat. Furthermore, the article discusses the importance of monitoring the levels of heavy metals, such as lead and cadmium, in food products and confirms that the levels of these metals in venison meat comply with food safety standards. These findings are critical for ensuring consumer safety and determining the suitability of venison meat for consumption. The research also examines the prospects of using venison meat for delicacy production, leveraging its unique taste and aroma. It substantiates the advantages and limitations of utilizing this type of meat to pique consumer interest in new food products and expand the market. Finally, the article underscores the importance of further research into the quality and safety of venison meat, as well as the development and adherence to sanitary and technological procedures during the processing of venison carcasses to ensure a high-quality and safe end product. This scientific article sheds light on essential aspects of utilizing venison meat as a raw material for food production and contributes to a broader understanding of the potential of this type of meat in the food industry. The research findings make a significant contribution to comprehending the organoleptic properties of venison meat, its quality, and safety, which are pivotal for both producers and consumers.У науковій статті наведено результати дослідження якості та органолептичних характеристик запеченого мʼяса козулі як потенційно перспективний вид сировини для виробництва високоякісних продуктів харчування. Дослідження включало в себе аналіз таких параметрів, як зовнішній вигляд, консистенцію, запах, аромат, смак та соковитість. Результати досліджень показали, що м’ясо козулі має специфічний смак та аромат дичини і вирізняється високою інтенсивністю смаку та твердістю м’яса. Загальна оцінка якості готового продукту склала 4,82 бала, при цьому смак отримав нижчий бал порівняно з іншими показниками. Дослідження також виявило вплив стресу тварини після пострілу до моменту смерті на рівень рН та вологоутримуючу здатність м’яса козулі. Крім того, в статті обговорюється важливість контролю за рівнем важких металів, таких як свинець і кадмій, у харчових продуктах і встановлено, що рівень цих металів у м’язовій тканині козулі відповідає нормам безпеки харчових продуктів. Такі дані важливі для встановлення безпеки споживачів та визначення придатності м’яса козулі для споживання. Дослідження також розглядає перспективи використання м’яса козулі для виробництва делікатесів, зокрема завдяки його унікальному смаку та аромату. Обґрунтовано переваги та обмеження використання цього виду м’яса з метою підвищення інтересу споживачів до нових продуктів харчування та розширення ринку. Дана стаття наголошує на важливості подальших досліджень щодо якості та безпеки м’яса козулі, а також на необхідності розробки та дотримання санітарних норм та технологічних процесів під час обробки туші козулі з метою забезпечення високої якості та безпеки продукту. Ця наукова стаття висвітлює важливі аспекти використання м’яса козулі як сировини для виробництва харчових продуктів і допомагає розширити наше розуміння щодо потенціалу цього виду м’яса у харчовій промисловості. Результати дослідження роблять важливий внесок у розуміння органолептичних властивостей м’яса козулі, її якості та безпеки, що є ключовими для виробників та споживачів

Diffuse-Charge Dynamics in Electrochemical Systems

The response of a model micro-electrochemical system to a time-dependent applied voltage is analyzed. The article begins with a fresh historical review including electrochemistry, colloidal science, and microfluidics. The model problem consists of a symmetric binary electrolyte between parallel-plate, blocking electrodes which suddenly apply a voltage. Compact Stern layers on the electrodes are also taken into account. The Nernst-Planck-Poisson equations are first linearized and solved by Laplace transforms for small voltages, and numerical solutions are obtained for large voltages. The ``weakly nonlinear'' limit of thin double layers is then analyzed by matched asymptotic expansions in the small parameter $\epsilon = \lambda_D/L$, where $\lambda_D$ is the screening length and $L$ the electrode separation. At leading order, the system initially behaves like an RC circuit with a response time of $\lambda_D L / D$ (not $\lambda_D^2/D$), where $D$ is the ionic diffusivity, but nonlinearity violates this common picture and introduce multiple time scales. The charging process slows down, and neutral-salt adsorption by the diffuse part of the double layer couples to bulk diffusion at the time scale, $L^2/D$. In the ``strongly nonlinear'' regime (controlled by a dimensionless parameter resembling the Dukhin number), this effect produces bulk concentration gradients, and, at very large voltages, transient space charge. The article concludes with an overview of more general situations involving surface conduction, multi-component electrolytes, and Faradaic processes.Comment: 10 figs, 26 pages (double-column), 141 reference

Traditional Eastern European diet and mortality: prospective evidence from the HAPIEE study

PURPOSE: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer mortality rates in Eastern Europe are among the highest in the world. Although diet is an important risk factor, traditional eating habits in this region have not yet been explored. This analysis assessed the relationship between traditional dietary pattern and mortality from all-causes, CVD and cancer in Eastern European cohorts. METHODS: Data from the Health, Alcohol and Psychosocial factors in Eastern Europe prospective cohort were used, including participants from Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic. Based on food frequency questionnaire data, we constructed an Eastern European diet score (EEDS) from nine food groups which can be considered as traditional in this region. The relationship between categorical (low, moderate, high) and continuous (range 0-18) EEDS and mortality was estimated with Cox-regression. RESULTS: From 18,852 eligible participants, 2234 died during follow-up. In multivariable adjusted models, participants with high adherence to the traditional Eastern European diet had significantly higher risk of all-cause (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.08-1.42) and CVD (1.34; 1.08-1.66) deaths compared to those with low adherence. The association with cancer mortality was only significant in Poland (high vs. low EEDS: 1.41; 1.00-1.98). From the specific EEDS components, high consumption of lard was significantly positively related to all three mortality outcomes, while preserved fruit and vegetable consumption showed consistent inverse associations. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that traditional eating habits may contribute to the poor health status, particularly the high CVD mortality rates, of populations in Eastern Europe. Adequate public health nutritional interventions in this region are essential

Proučavanje 194Ir uhvatom termičkih neutrona I (d, p) reakcijom

Levels of 194Ir were studied using thermal neutron capture reaction. A pair spectrometer was used to measure the high-energy γ-ray spectrum from thermal-neutron capture in enriched 193Ir target over the energy range 4640 - 6100 keV. The low-energy γ-radiation from the reaction was studied with crystal diffraction spectrometers, and conversion electrons were observed with magnetic spectrometers. The high-sensitivity measurements at the Grenoble reactor, evaluated for transition energies up to 500 keV, are compared with lower-sensitivity measurements at the Wuerenlingen and Salaspils reactors. The comparison helped to obtain reliable isotopic identification for a number of 194Ir lines. The multipolarity admixtures for 29 γ-transitions were determined on the basis of conversion lines from different electron subshells. Prompt and delayed γ-γ coincidences were measured using semiconductor and scintillation detectors. The 193Ir(d,p) high-resolution spectra, observed with a magnetic spectrometer, are given. All these data contributed to establishing a detailed level scheme of 194Ir. Additional data and the interpretation of the results in terms of current models will be presented in a forthcoming paper.Proučavala su se stanja u 194Ir reakcijama 193Ir(n, γ) i 193Ir(d, p). Mjerenja uhvata termičkih neutrona načinjena su uz reaktore u Grenoblu, Wuerenlingenu i Salapsisu. Za mjerenja γ-zračenja visoke energije upotrebljavao se spektrometar parova, a za niske energije difraktometar. Konverzijske elektrone se mjerilo magnetskim spektrometrom. Mjerenja reakcije (d, p) visokog razlučivanja izvedena su magnetskim spektrometrom. Usporedbe tih mjerenja omogućile su pouzdano izotopno prepoznavanje prijelaza u 194 Ir, a spektri konverzijskih elektrona i određivanje multipolnosti prijelaza. Dobiveni su podaci osnova sheme raspada 194Ir

Proučavanje 194Ir uhvatom termičkih neutrona I (d, p) reakcijom

Levels of 194Ir were studied using thermal neutron capture reaction. A pair spectrometer was used to measure the high-energy γ-ray spectrum from thermal-neutron capture in enriched 193Ir target over the energy range 4640 - 6100 keV. The low-energy γ-radiation from the reaction was studied with crystal diffraction spectrometers, and conversion electrons were observed with magnetic spectrometers. The high-sensitivity measurements at the Grenoble reactor, evaluated for transition energies up to 500 keV, are compared with lower-sensitivity measurements at the Wuerenlingen and Salaspils reactors. The comparison helped to obtain reliable isotopic identification for a number of 194Ir lines. The multipolarity admixtures for 29 γ-transitions were determined on the basis of conversion lines from different electron subshells. Prompt and delayed γ-γ coincidences were measured using semiconductor and scintillation detectors. The 193Ir(d,p) high-resolution spectra, observed with a magnetic spectrometer, are given. All these data contributed to establishing a detailed level scheme of 194Ir. Additional data and the interpretation of the results in terms of current models will be presented in a forthcoming paper.Proučavala su se stanja u 194Ir reakcijama 193Ir(n, γ) i 193Ir(d, p). Mjerenja uhvata termičkih neutrona načinjena su uz reaktore u Grenoblu, Wuerenlingenu i Salapsisu. Za mjerenja γ-zračenja visoke energije upotrebljavao se spektrometar parova, a za niske energije difraktometar. Konverzijske elektrone se mjerilo magnetskim spektrometrom. Mjerenja reakcije (d, p) visokog razlučivanja izvedena su magnetskim spektrometrom. Usporedbe tih mjerenja omogućile su pouzdano izotopno prepoznavanje prijelaza u 194 Ir, a spektri konverzijskih elektrona i određivanje multipolnosti prijelaza. Dobiveni su podaci osnova sheme raspada 194Ir