Showing papers by "Uzhhorod National University published in 2013"
TL;DR: In this article, high resolution Raman spectra of GeSe 2 glass were measured and fitted using individual Gaussian components and the structural origin of the components were interpreted using the results of ab initio density functional theory calculations performed on Ge n Se m nanoclusters.
Abstract: High resolution Raman spectra of GeSe 2 glass were measured and fitted using individual Gaussian components The structural origin of the components were interpreted using the results of ab initio density functional theory calculations performed on Ge n Se m nanoclusters (n = 2–6, 12; m = 6–9, 12, 14–16, 30) which represent the local structure of GeSe 2 glass and on some “defect” Ge n Se m clusters that are thought to be related to the inhomogeneity of the structure at the nanoscale The calculated vibrational properties of Ge n Se m nanoclusters and their couplings with the short- and medium-range order structure formations in GeSe 2 glass are analyzed and discussed
27 citations
Instituto Nacional de Saúde Dr. Ricardo Jorge1, University of Porto2, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens3, University of Bologna4, Uzhhorod National University5, Spiru Haret University6, Odesa National Academy of Food Technologies7, Yeditepe University8, Moscow State University9, Norwich Research Park10
TL;DR: A new nutritional knowledge base of traditional foods from Black Sea Area countries will contribute to promote local biodiversity and sustainable diets by maintaining healthy dietary patterns within local cultures.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traditional foods are an important part of the culture, history, identity and heritage of a region or country and are key elements in dietary patterns. In most countries there is limited information on the nutritional composition of such foods and therefore there is a need to investigate, register and promote traditional foods. One of the aims within the ‘Sustainable exploitation of bioactive components from the Black Sea Area traditional foods’ (BaSeFood) project is to generate for the first time new data on the nutritional composition of traditional foods from six Black Sea Area countries to promote their sustainable development and exploitation. RESULTS: Thirty-three traditional foods were analysed in an accredited laboratory to determine their nutritional composition, and the data were fully documented. The nutrient content varied widely because of the nature and variety of the analysed foods. The energy content ranged between 4 kcal per 100 g for kvass southern and 900 kcal per 100 g for mustard oil, with the exception of the analysed teas, which did not contribute to energy intake. CONCLUSION: The use of a common methodology for the study of traditional foods will enable countries to further investigate these foods. Moreover, a new nutritional knowledge base of traditional foods from Black Sea Area countries will contribute to promote local biodiversity and sustainable diets by maintaining healthy dietary patterns within local cultures. c � 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
23 citations
TL;DR: Data show that bioactive-rich extracts of kale and pomegranate that are consumed as traditional plant foods of Black Sea area countries were effective in modulating platelet function.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
The beneficial effect of fruit- and vegetable-rich diets on cardiovascular health is partly attributed to the effect of their bioactive compounds on platelet function. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bioactive-rich plant extracts and isolated bioactive metabolites on platelet function. Blood samples from healthy subjects (n = 4) and subjects with metabolic syndrome (n = 4) were treated with six extracts of bioactive-rich plants consumed as traditional foods in the Black Sea region, or with human metabolites of the bioactives quercetin and sulforaphane. Markers of arachidonic acid induced platelet activation and platelet–leucocyte aggregation were assessed using flow cytometry.
RESULTS
In subjects with metabolic syndrome, kale extract significantly inhibited agonist induced P-selectin expression (P = 0.004). Sulforaphane–cysteine–glycine, a human plasma metabolite of the related glucosinolate, glucoraphanin, significantly inhibited P-selectin and GPIIb–IIIa expression (P = 0.020 and 0.024, respectively) and platelet–neutrophil aggregation (P = 0.027). Additionally, pomegranate extract significantly inhibited GPIIb–IIIa expression (P = 0.046) in subjects with metabolic syndrome. In healthy subjects only dill extract significantly inhibited agonist induced P-selectin expression (P = 0.025).
CONCLUSION
These data show that bioactive-rich extracts of kale and pomegranate that are consumed as traditional plant foods of Black Sea area countries were effective in modulating platelet function. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
22 citations
TL;DR: This is the first study that provides validated data on the mineral content for 33 traditional foods from Black Sea area countries, which is important in order to elucidate their role in the dietary pattern of populations and to preserve and promote these foods.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
In the past few years, minerals have assumed great importance in public health. As a consequence, considerable research has been carried out to better understand their physiological role and the health consequences of mineral-deficient diets, to establish criteria for defining the degree of public health severity of malnutrition, and to develop prevention and control strategies. In most countries, there is limited information on the mineral content of traditional foods, and consequently it is very difficult to estimate mineral intake across these countries.
RESULTS
Ten minerals were quantified in 33 traditional foods from Black Sea area countries. Our results indicate a considerable variability among the analysed traditional foods; nevertheless, the most abundant components were sodium (ranging from 40.0 to 619 mg 100 g−1, for kvass southern and herbal dish, respectively), potassium (varied between 45.5 mg 100 g−1 for millet ale and 938 mg 100 g−1 for roasted sunflower seeds), and phosphorus (22.2 mg 100 g−1 and 681 mg 100 g−1 for sauerkraut and roasted sunflower seeds, respectively).
CONCLUSION
This is the first study that provides validated data on the mineral content for 33 traditional foods from Black Sea area countries, which is important in order to elucidate their role in the dietary pattern of populations and to preserve and promote these foods. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
21 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the optimal geometries, total energies and their derivatives as well as the electronic properties of GenSem nanoclusters were calculated using traditional DFT method and the TD-DFT method has been applied to calculate the electronic band gaps of the clusters.
Abstract: Ab initio DFT calculations were performed on GenSem nanoclusters (n = 2, 3, 5, 6, 12; m = 6–9, 14, 16, 30) that represent the local structure of GeSe2 glass and on some ‘defect’ GenSem clusters that are thought to be related to the inhomogeneity of the structure at the nanoscale. The optimal geometries, total energies and their derivatives as well as the electronic properties of GenSem nanoclusters were calculated using traditional DFT method. In addition, the TD-DFT method has been applied to calculate the electronic band gaps of the clusters. The calculated physico-chemical properties of GenSem nanoclusters and their couplings with the local-and medium-range order structure formations in GeSe2 glass are analysed and discussed.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the structure and composition of In4S10−ySey single crystals were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive Xray spectroscopy, and Raman scattering.
18 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a constructive analysis of the periodic boundary value problem for systems of non-linear non-autonomous ordinary differential equations is presented, which allows one to both study the solvability and construct approximations to the solution.
Abstract: For a constructive analysis of the periodic boundary value problem for systems of non-linear non-autonomous ordinary differential equations, a numerical-analytic approach is developed, which allows one to both study the solvability and construct approximations to the solution. An interval halving technique, by using which one can weaken significantly the conditions required to guarantee the convergence, is introduced. The main assumption on the equation is that the non-linearity is locally Lipschitzian.
16 citations
TL;DR: Traditional foods from BSAC can be considered good sources of carotenoids, vitamins and total folate and owing to their putative health benefits, the consumption of those with higher contents of these compounds should be encouraged and promoted.
Abstract: The research leading to these results received funding from the European Community’s Seven Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n.o 227118.
15 citations
14 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that persimmon fruit contains bioactives that can improve endothelial function via activation of eNOS and reduction in ET-1 secretion, but that dill, kale, Sideritis and nettle do not.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
There is increasing evidence that consumption of plant bioactives such as polyphenols and glucosinolates reduces cardiovascular disease risk and improves endothelial function. In the Black Sea area, a number of plants are consumed alone and as ingredients in traditional foods, and dill, nettle, kale, Sideritis and persimmon were identified as bioactive-rich traditional food plants. The present study investigated the effects of plant extracts on cellular markers of endothelial function (eNOS activation and expression and ET-1 secretion).
RESULTS
Treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells with persimmon extract significantly increased Akt and eNOS phosphorylation and nitric oxide metabolites and significantly decreased secretion of ET-1 to the media after 24 h compared with a vehicle control (all P < 0.01). None of the other plant extracts significantly altered any markers of endothelial function.
CONCLUSION
These findings suggest that persimmon fruit contains bioactives that can improve endothelial function via activation of eNOS and reduction in ET-1 secretion, but that dill, kale, Sideritis and nettle do not. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
14 citations
TL;DR: Data do not support the notion that these plant bioactives can improve human platelet function, and the positive controls consistently caused significant increases in CT for the platelet agonists epinephrine and ADP, respectively.
Abstract: BACKGROUND
The health benefits of fruit and vegetable-rich diets may be partly due to modulation of platelet activity by bioactive phytochemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bioactive-rich plant extracts and isolated bioactive metabolites on platelet function. Blood samples (n =15 subjects) were treated with extracts of bioactive-rich plants consumed as traditional foods in the Black Sea region, or with human metabolites of the bioactives quercetin and sulforaphane. Platelet function was assessed using the PFA-100.
RESULTS
None of the extracts containing various flavonoids, glucosinolates and other bioactives, or isolated bioactive metabolites of quercetin or sulforaphane, caused significant changes in PFA-100 closure time (CT). In contrast, the positive controls (aspirin and Abciximab) consistently caused significant increases in CT for the platelet agonists epinephrine and ADP, respectively.
CONCLUSION
These data do not support the notion that these plant bioactives can improve human platelet function. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
TL;DR: The inclusion of traditional foods under this standardized European scheme could be an efficient way to highlight their possible beneficial nutritional properties and help improve the health of consumers and the economic viability of producers.
Abstract: The research leading to these results received funding from the European Community’s Seven Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) under grant agreement n.o 227118.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of localized surface plasmon fields on the light stimulated transformations in amorphous chalcogenide films was investigated, and the results, obtained for structures with As 20 Se 80 amorphus layer, can be applied for fabrication of locally driven information recording media.
Abstract: The influence of the localized surface plasmon fields on the light stimulated transformations in amorphous chalcogenide films was investigated. It was established that both in the gold nanoparticle array-chalcogenide film and in the gold film with nanohole array-chalcogenide film composites the plasmon fields, induced during the laser illumination of the structures, increase the efficiency of structural transformations, the related photo-darkening or bleaching, as well as of the volume change, surface deformations. The results, obtained for structures with As 20 Se 80 amorphous layer, can be applied for other selected chalcogenide layers and fabrication of locally driven information recording media.
TL;DR: In this article, the laser-induced crystallization of TlInSe2 in the glass due to local laser beam heating is observed in the course of micro-Raman measurements.
TL;DR: In this paper, the temperature changes of the reverse and non-reverse components of the heat flow in these materials have been analyzed and the concentration dependences of the enthalpy of relaxation, activation energy of viscous softening and the increase of heat capacity in the softening range with average coordination numbers Z = 2.12-2.72 have been obtained.
Abstract: Thermal properties of the GexAsySe100 − x − y glasses have been studied using differential scanning calorimetry with harmonic temperature modulation. The temperature changes of the reverse and non-reverse components of the heat flow in these materials have been analyzed. The concentration dependences of the enthalpy of relaxation, activation energy of viscous softening and the increase of heat capacity in the softening range with average coordination numbers Z = 2.12–2.72 have been obtained. It has been shown that the essential changes of thermodynamic parameters of glasses under study are caused by their structural transition. Correlations between the nature of changes of thermal characteristics of the GexAsySe100 − x − y glasses and the features of their mechanical relaxation have been determined.
TL;DR: This trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PEG in reducing the incidence of febrile neutropenia in pts with locally advanced or metastatic cancer receiving first-line treatment with either FOLFOX/B or FOLFIRI/B.
Abstract: LBA445 Background: The literature reports that adding biologics to chemotherapy (ctx) may increase the incidence of clinically significant neutropenia. This trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of PEG in reducing the incidence of febrile neutropenia (FN) in pts with locally advanced (LA) or metastatic (m)CRC receiving first-line treatment with either FOLFOX/B or FOLFIRI/B. Methods: Key eligibility: ≥ 18 years old; measurable, nonresectable CRC per RECIST 1.1. Pts were randomly assigned 1:1 to either placebo or 6 mg PEG ~24 h after ctx/B. The study treatment period included four Q2W cycles, but pts could continue their assigned regimen until progression. Pts were stratified by region (North America vs rest of world), stage (LA vs mCRC), and ctx (FOLFOX vs FOLFIRI). Estimated sample size (N = 800) was based on the expected incidence of grade 3/4 FN (primary endpoint) across the first 4 cycles of ctx/B, powered for PEG superiority over placebo. Other endpoints included overall response rate (ORR), pr...
TL;DR: In this article, the size distribution of Sn 2 P 2 S 6 ferroelectric nanoparticles with phase transitions close to the tricritical Lifshitz point has been determined.
TL;DR: In this article, the optical characteristics and parameters of a dielectric barrier discharge in a mixture of mercury dibromide vapor with neon were studied, and the rate constant of the process leading to the formation of exciplex mercury monobromide molecules was found to be 1.6 × 10−14 m3/s for a reduced electric field.
Abstract: Results are presented from studies of the optical characteristics and parameters of plasma of a dielectric barrier discharge in a mixture of mercury dibromide vapor with neon—the working medium of a non-coaxial exciplex gas-discharge emitter. The electron energy distribution function, the transport characteristics, the specific power losses for electron processes, the electron density and temperature, and the rate constants for the processes of elastic and inelastic electron scattering by the working mixture components are determined as functions of the reduced electric field. The rate constant of the process leading to the formation of exciplex mercury monobromide molecules is found to be 1.6 × 10−14 m3/s for a reduced electric field of E/N = 15 Td, at which the maximum emission intensity in the blue-green spectral region (λmax = 502 nm) was observed in this experiment.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of P−→−As cation substitution on electrical conductivity and activation energy in Cu 6 P 1−−−x As x S 5 I composites is investigated.
TL;DR: The purpose of the report was to analyze the modern advances in treatment of patients with high-grade brain gliomas and to identify promising directions for future researches.
Abstract: Malignant gliomas account up to 38% of primary brain tumors and tend to grow up for the last 30 years. The median survival time for patients with glioblastomas after surgery, followed by a combination of radiation and chemotherapy is 14.6 months. The standard for surgical treatment of malignant gliomas is their maximal safe resection. Increase resection provides patients’ survival increasing, but there are no randomized controlled trials on this subject. For the last years significant progress was marked in understanding of pathogenesis mechanisms of malignant gliomas that opens new possibilities for their treatment improvement. The purpose of the report was to analyze the modern advances in treatment of patients with high-grade brain gliomas and to identify promising directions for future researches. Modern features of surgical treatment as well as additional methods (radiation and chemotherapy) were considered, promising researches were identified.
TL;DR: In this paper, the spectral properties of PbGa2S4 single crystals were studied in the spectral range of 0.45-0.8 μm at T = 300 K. The obtained results were analyzed and conclusions on the bond character in lead thiogallate were drawn.
Abstract: Birefringence of PbGa2S4 single crystals is studied in the spectral range of 0.45–0.8 μm at T = 300 K. The obtained results are analyzed, and conclusions on the bond character in lead thiogallate are drawn.
Proceedings Article•
20 May 2013
TL;DR: In this paper, the changes in the parameters of the film's core levels induced by near or above band gap light and thermal treatment are discussed, and the possibility that the PL radiation in Ge2S3-based films is a surface contaminant effect from native oxidized layer, which might have formed in the air.
Abstract: Ge2S3-based films have been investigated using Raman, photoluminescence and photoemission spectroscopy. For the sake of comparison some of the photoluminescent properties of bulk glasses have been used. The synchrotron photoelectron spectroscopy (SRPES) and XPS spectra of a-Ge2S3 films have been measured after the illumination and annealing. The changes in the parameters of the film's core levels induced by near or above band gap light and thermal treatment are discussed in the paper. We consider the possibility that the PL radiation in Ge2S3-based films is a surface contaminant effect from native oxidized layer, which might have formed in the air.
TL;DR: In this article, the results of the determination of some thermal and structural parameters of glasses from the Cux(As2Se3)100−x system for x = 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 at.
Abstract: This paper describes the results of the determination of some thermal and structural parameters of glasses from the Cux(As2Se3)100−x system for x = 0, 1, 5, 10 and 15 at.%. Based on the di erential scanning calorimetry curves taken at di erent heating rates, glass transition temperature Tg, onset temperature of crystallization Tonset, and melting temperature Tm of crystalline units formed are determined. The values of activation energy Eg of glass transition process are calculated. These characteristic temperatures served as the basis for the calculation of the parameters of thermal stability of the glasses towards crystallization.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors conducted a monitoring study of nitrate content in plant products of Uzhgorod district and to accomplish comparative analysis of the survey results in different periods of crop ripening.
Abstract: The aim of our research was to conduct a monitoring study of nitrate content in plant products of Uzhgorod district and to accomplish comparative analysis of the survey results in different periods of crop ripening. Selection of vegetable samples was carried out in Uzhgorod district in the early spring and summer periods. Determination of the nitrate content was performed using an ion-selective method at the Chemical and Toxicological Department of the Regional State Veterinary Medicine Laboratory in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine. Vegetables were tested for nitrate content using the ion-selective method with the laboratory ion meter AI-123. Core investigation samples were crushed and homogenized. A 10.0 g weight of the investigated product, which was prepared according to MIR № 5048-89, was placed in a flat-bottomed or a conical flask, which was then filled with 50 cm3 potassium alumens solution and shaken in a shaking-machine for 5 minutes and then transferred into a measuring glass. The nitrate weight fraction in milligrams per kilogram was obtained together with the weight concentration value of nitrate ions in solution. For our study we selected vegetables grown in both public and private gardens of Uzhgorod district, namely: common onions, radishes, garden parsley, cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, white cabbages, carrots and table beets. 25 samples were selected for each type of vegetable. Nitrate content was determined in the early spring growing period (from February 9 to May 27, 2011) and in the summer growing period (from June 3 to September 28, 2011), because in these particular periods we recorded the most frequent cases of food poisoning from nitrates among the population of the region. A clear trend has been traced towards increasing the nitrate content in food plant production, at levels which exceed the maximum permissible concentration (MPC). The results of our research demonstrate that the nitrate content exceeded the maximum permissible concentration in 9 kinds of vegetables out of the 11 selected for the investigation, which composes 82% of total production. In particular, among the selected vegetables an excess of nitrate content, above MPC was recorded in 100% of cucumbers, 92% of carrots, 40% samples of green onions, 40% of radishes, 40% of tomatoes, 28% bell peppers, and 16% of early white cabbages. However, the most significant nitrate excess, which was more than double the MPC, was observed in 56% of cucumbers, 20% of tomatoes, 8% of radishes in the early spring period and 4% of tomatoes in the summer period. Consequently, it has been established that the consumption of early vegetable production contributes to the ingestion by humans of significant amounts of nitrates. The application of an agrochemical system based upon sound measurement of the nitrate content would allow us to solve the task of increasing soil fertility and to form a deficit-free and positive balance of biogenic elements and humus in the "soil – plant – fertilizer" system and develop a system of crop production which is balanced in its chemical composition and nutritional value. To sum up, detailed determination of the factors that lead to the accumulation of nitrates in vegetable crops and the development of methods to reduce nitrate concentrations in crop production require further investigation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured the electrical properties of nanocrystalline Cu6PS5I powder with As2S3 semiconducting glass to obtain nanocomposite.
Abstract: Nanocrystalline Cu6PS5I powder has been mixed with As2S3 semiconducting glass to obtain nanocomposite. Surface of the obtained sample has been photographed by scanning electron microscope. Electrical properties of Cu6PS5I–As2S3 nanocomposite have been measured using two- and four-probe methods. The obtained results were analyzed by fitting the experimental data to the equivalent circuit model. Warburg impedance element described Cu6PS5I nanoparticles, and the phase transition of this material was indicated.
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of the promoter HCl on the kinetic process of the solution of spongy titanium in phosphoric acid has been investigated, and a new one-step ecologically pure waste-free method for the utilization of titanium waste into a valuable product was developed.
Abstract: The influence of the promoter HCl on the kinetic process of the solution of spongy titanium in phosphoric acid has been investigated. A new one-step ecologically pure waste-free method for the utilization of titanium waste into a valuable product – TiP2O7 – has been developed. The methods for preparation of pigment and adsorbent with improved physical and chemical properties on its base were designed. The influence of the physico-chemical parameters of titanium pyrophosphate on its catalytic activity in the partial oxidation of methane. ethane, and propane has been studied.