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The scientific research done in the past few years has been conducted with the aim of discovering and developing new materials and technologies to develop foods that are healthier and more valuable nutrition-wise. The new generation of products should be in accordance with the environmental directives, sustainable, should do no harm, and should also ensure equitability of the market. Among the unconventional materials that caught our attention, chestnuts and rosehips are sustainable, underexploited resources that meet dietary and nutritional requirements. The aim of this paper is to gather comprehensive knowledge and get an overview of the use of chestnut flour and rosehip powder in different value-added food products, and to identify the possible gaps in the current knowledge. This work will help the further research in the field of valorization of chestnut and rosehip, and therefore, contribute to the development of innovative functional food formulations. Moreover, this matter is of importance because the generation of novel products would meet consumer expectations and will both help generate income to the food industry and provide a more sustainable use of resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic autosomal recessive disease caused by a genetic defect in the expression of CFTR protein which acts as a chloride (Cl-) channel expressed in the exocrine glands of several body system. The respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract are the principal systems afflicted, but eventually other organs are also impacted, posing a serious risk to life. Drug therapy, intensive physiotherapy, and dietary support are necessary for management. CF represents a complex chronic disease and therefore requires a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach. Due to its genetic cause the disease cannot be treated, but managed, life expectancy having increased over the later years. Case Report: We present the case of a 16-year-old boy that was first admitted to our hospital at the age of 2 months for an episode of intestinal occlusion. CF diagnosis was confirmed after a positive sweat chloride test (Cl-concentration of 119 mmol/l) and after the genetic analysis that confirmed the homozygous delta F508 genotype. Since the age of 6, he had frequent pulmonary exacerbations, the colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being confirmed. Because of the recurrent acute respiratory tract infections 3 years later adenoidectomy was performed. The most recent evaluations revealed that in addition to the presence of pancreatic insufficiency he also developed chronic liver disease. Currently, he is receiving chronic mucolytic treatment with Dornase alfa, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, chronic antibiotic therapy, treatment for the chronic liver disease, supplementary vitamins and modulator therapy for his genetic defect. Discussions : Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main microbial species colonizing the lungs of CF patients and is responsible for the decline in the respiratory function. Around 50% of patients with CF develop an infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa leading to serious complications in some cases. The bacterial antibiotic resistance and the formation of biofilms represent significant challenges for the treatment and can diminish the life quality of the patients. With appropriate aggressive antibiotic treatment, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection can be eradicated or effectively controlled in CF patients. Conclusions: Even though CF can result in multisystemic disease, morbidity and mortality are related to severity of pulmonary manifestations. The survival rate beyond childhood stages in CF patients has increased. This rise can be attributed to improved diagnostic techniques, early recognition of the disease due to the newly introduced screening methods, and the introduction of modulator therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Cucurbita maxima is a plant with a flexible and hanging stem that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. The fruit of this species (pumpkin) is characterized by a strong orange peel with distinctive grooves. The Cucurbita maxima L. has a considerable economic importance, beyond this variety huge quantities of seeds and shells can be obtained. Although the shells do not have a final application, they contain large amounts of tocopherols and five times more carotenoids than seeds. Pumpkins are commonly grown for human consumption, for decoration, and also for livestock feed. Because, the pumpkin is cultivated in many countries having very important medical properties are necessary more studies regarding his bioactive compounds and nutritional values. Vibrational spectral techniques, FT-IR, offer several advantages in the context of current research and using this techniques we can identify molecular components in the samples studied. IR spectroscopy is based on the absorption of radiation in the 400-4000 cm–1 range which excites molecular vibrations. Our research had the objective to analyze a vibrational spectra of C. maxima pumpkin variety seeds and pulp, using a method which is based on microscopic infrared study (FT-IR). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1) Background: Well-known monosodium glutamate (E-621, MSG), originally used as a food flavor enhancer, was approved approximately in all countries, but the toxicity versus the safety of (MSG) are still unclear due to variable scientific toxicological reports. Moreover, it was reported to trigger elevated frequencies of nausea and headaches in humans and provide deleterious effects on laboratory animals. The objectives of the present study were to (i) estimate the possible toxic effects of the food additive MSG (ii) and the ameliorating protective effects of the dietary supplement spirulina (Spirulina platensis) on the biochemical parameters of blood and the damage produced in organs of Swiss mice after applying a supplementary daily dose of MSG for 4 weeks. (2) Methods: The present study was conducted on 20 mature Swiss mice, which were randomly organized into four groups of five Swiss mice. The treatments were (I) the control group, in which Swiss mice were fed only animal feed and drinking water; group II MSG1, which received 1 mL of MSG; group III MSG0.5, which was treated with 0.5 mL of MSG; and (IV) the group MSGS, which was treated with 1 mL of monosodium glutamate and 1 mL of spirulina (aiming to reduce the MSG toxicity). (3) Results: At the end of the experiment, Swiss mice treated with MSG demonstrated a passiveness regarding behavioral aspects. As we hypothesized, the parameters of the spirulina group reached similar values to the control group, and no histopathological observations have been found. Altogether, our findings evidenced that monosodium glutamate leads to histopathological changes in Swiss mice kidneys and caused important modifications for all biochemical parameters of the blood serum. Noticeably, the potential protective effect of Spirulina platensis was proved and was described by using the FTIR spectroscopy technique. (4) Conclusions: A diet rich in antioxidants and other plant-derived bioactive compounds may provide healthy nutrition, alleviating the potential side effects of some food additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Colorectal cancer stands as the most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide, serving as the principal determinant of mortality. The primary histological type is carcinoma, where the epithelium lining of the gastronintestinal tract undergoes degradtion and experiences unregulated proliferation. Statistically, men exhibit a higher susceptibility to the onset of disease, with genetic factors and age also serving as contributory factors. The treatment options may involve either colonoscopic or surgical resection, followed by a course of radioteraphy and chemotherapy. Case Report: A 60-year-old man with known history of hemorrhoidal disease presented with symptoms of rectal bleeding, fatigue, weight loss and worsening symptoms over recent months. Paraclinical laboratory tests indicates mild normochromic normocytic anemia with slight hyposideremia. A CT scan revealed nodular intraluminal iodine lesions alongside several diverticula without signs of inflammation. Following a clinical examination, a tumor formation (pedunculated polyp) was identified on the sigmoid colon approximately 20 cm from the anterior border, protruding into almost half of the colonic lumen. Extensive congested hemorrhoids were additionally identified within the anal canal, accompanied by minimal bleeding. The histopathological analysis reveals incomplete fragments of colonic mucosa, displaying a neoplastic proliferation characterized by a villous architecture and high-grade dysplastic alterations. The identified formation could potentially be removed colonoscopically, avoiding the need for surgical interventions. While hospitalized, the patient undergoes treatment with Detrales, suppozitories and Hemovert to allievate rectal bleeding. Discussions : Colonoscopic dissection and removal with forceps is a procedure that necessitates monitoring of the pedicle to prevent the potential spread of malignant cells to surrounding areas. Colon cancer reccurence affects approximately 30% to 40% of individuals who have undergone treatment for colon cancer, within the first 2 or 3 years, with about 95% happening within 4 years of surgery. Conclusions: Despite the generally grim prognosis accompanying tumor formations in the colon, it is important to acknowledge the existence of scenarios where modern medical interventions exhibit significant efficacy in managing the condition, leading to more favorable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results obtained on a test stand designed to obtain step-by-step sonic motors [4], [3]. The stand allows the analysis of the operation of such an engine, which has been tested in synchronous or asynchronous mode, with single-phase and biphasic operation, respectively, starting from different strokes of the pistons of a sonic generator. The stand also allows simultaneous operation in both synchronous and asynchronous mode. Due to the fact that asynchronous actuation large gear ratios can be obtained without any mechanical gear system, special attention has been paid to this type of drive which involves low manufacturing costs and constructive simplicity, while obtaining high operating accuracy. Of all the constructive versions that can be made on the stand, the paper highlights the experimental data obtained for an asynchronous single-phase system, with phase balancing. The specific parameters of the MSPP (step-by-step sonic motor) and their evolution for different operating frequencies of the sonic generator that drives it have been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]