Black chokeberry juice (Aronia melanocarpa) reduces incidences of urinary tract infection among nursing home residents in the long term—a pilot study

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a major problem in nursing homes, and the mainstay of treatment is antibiotics. The increasing prevalence of uropathogens resistant to antimicrobial agents has stimulated interest in specific nutrients, for example, cranberries, to prevent recurring UTI. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa [Michx] Elliott) is a rich source of phenolics, and thus, dietary intake of black chokeberry juice may reduce the incidences of UTI requiring medical treatment. In this pilot study, we examined the frequency of medically treated UTI among residents in 6 nursing homes who were offered black chokeberry juice or a placebo during a 6-month crossover intervention. The residents were offered a placebo drink for a 3-month period followed by chokeberry juice for the next 3 months (group A) or vice versa (group B). The juice was characterized by a high content of total phenolics (715 mg gallic acid equivalent, 100 mL⁻¹), including B-type procyanidins, anthocyanins, and chlorogenic acids. Daily intake of chokeberry juice was 156 mL per resident in group A (n = 110) and 89 mL per resident in group B (n = 126). Urinary tract infection comprised 55% of all medically treated infections during the study period. The results revealed no immediate reduction in the frequency of UTI or the total use of antibiotics; however, during the subsequent 3-month period of juice administration, a reduction in antibiotics toward UTI was observed in both groups. The incidence of UTI was reduced by 55% in group A and 38% in group B. No changes in other infections or in use of prophylactics were observed.     

石榴汁与苹果汁改善老年人抗氧化功能的比较研究

目的:比较石榴汁与苹果汁对老年人抗氧化功能的干预作用。方法:将26名老年志愿者随机分为抗氧化活性较弱的苹果汁组和抗氧化活性较强的石榴汁组,每天饮用相应水果汁250ml,共4w。试验前后测定空腹外周血抗氧化活性、丙二醛水平、羰基化合物含量、超氧化物歧化酶、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶、过氧化氢酶活性、维生素C、维生素E、还原型谷胱甘肽、氧化型低密度脂蛋白含量以及淋巴细胞DNA损伤程度,并收取晨尿,测定8-羟基脱氧尿苷与肌酐含量。试验期间进行膳食调查一次。结果:石榴汁对老年志愿者抗氧化功能具有一定改善作用,主要表现为血浆抗氧化活性的提高、血浆羰基含量的降低,其他一些指标也显示了提高或改善的趋势;相对而言,苹果汁干预效果不如石榴汁。结论:抗氧化活性较强的石榴汁具有显著的改善衰老机体抗氧化功能的作用。     

不同抗氧化活性水果汁对老龄大鼠抗氧化功能的干预作用

目的　观察不同抗氧化活性水果汁对老龄大鼠抗氧化功能的干预作用,为进一步研究水果抗氧化抗衰老有效成分提供理论依据。方法　自然衰老Wistar大鼠 30只分为 3组,分别灌胃石榴汁 3 2ml、苹果汁 2 4ml和蒸馏水 3 2ml,实验周期 4周,实验结束后测定血清抗氧化物质含量、抗氧化酶活性、血清及尿中自由基氧化产物、外周血淋巴细胞DNA损伤等有关指标。结果　石榴汁干预组老龄大鼠血清抗氧化活性 ( 0. 90±0. 13 ) mmol/L明显高于对照组的 ( 0 .79±0 .10 )mmol/L;血清羰基含量显著降低,与对照组比较差异具有统计学意义;血清ox LDL含量 ( 2. 03±0 .43)μmol/L明显低于对照组(3. 04±0. 52)μmol/L;彗星试验显示外周血淋巴细胞DNA损伤率及尾长 /总长比值降低,显著低于对照组;石榴汁干预对血清VC和VE浓度、抗氧化酶活性、MDA含量及尿 8 OH dG排出量均未见影响。苹果汁干预组除淋巴细胞DNA损伤减轻外,其他指标均未见显著变化。结论　抗氧化活性较强的石榴汁能够明显改善老龄大鼠抗氧化功能,而抗氧化活性较低的苹果汁作用较弱,水果中多酚类物质可能是其主要抗氧化功能物质。     

Protective efficacy of two new anti-caries DNA vaccines

As we know, the catalytic region of glucosyltransferases (GTFs) is a key region responsible for sucrose-dependent adherence of cariogenic bacteria to teeth. In this study, we evaluate the potential of the catalytic region to enhance the immunogenicity of the anti-caries DNA vaccine. We construct two new anti-caries DNA plasmids pGJGAC/VAX and pGJGA-5C/VAX by cloning different styles of the catalytic regions of GTFs into the previous plasmid pGJA-P/VAX. One is the 1.1 kb full length catalytic region of S. sobrinus GTF-I, the other is its catalytic core sequence which is conserved in the GTFs from mutans streptococci and plays a central role in the enzymatic activities of sucrose splitting and glucan synthesis. The results of caries protection experiment indicate that compared to pGJA-P/VAX, immunization with both new plasmids provides more effective protection against cariogenic bacteria, especially against S. sobrinus. The plasmid encoding full length catalytic region could provide more effective protection against cariogenic bacteria than that encoding catalytic core conserved sequence even though the differences are not very dramatic.     

First characterization in Italy of clinical isolates of mutans streptococci by using specific monoclonal antibodies

The aim of this investigation was to gain further insight into the prevalence of different serotypes of mutans streptococci in the Italian population by using specific monoclonal antibodies in an enzyme immunoassay. Isolates from dental plaque samples, collected from an adult population living in Pisa (Italy), were identified as mutans streptococci on the basis of their morphological and biochemical properties, and were then serotyped. The results show that 77.5% of the strains isolated belonged to serotype c or f (i.e., S. mutans), 15.9% were serotype e (i.e., S. mutans) and only two strains (1.4%) belonged to serotype g (i.e., S. sobrinus). These data are partially in agreement with other studies in Europe and in the U.S.A. The distribution pattern of the various serotypes turned out to be substantially similar among the different groups of patients, subdivided on the basis of their caries status, indicating that none of the serotypes was particularly associated with dental caries.     

Effects of flavonoid-rich beverages on prostacyclin synthesis in humans and human aortic endothelial cells: association with ex vivo platelet function

Diets rich in flavonoids have been associated with reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. This may be due, in part, to flavonoid-induced alterations in eicosanoid synthesis. Our objective was to identify plant-derived beverages that alter synthesis of prostacyclin in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), and to determine if these beverages could alter in vivo 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha) (a stable metabolite of prostacyclin) synthesis and platelet function. HAEC were treated with nine commonly consumed beverages to determine their effects on prostacyclin synthesis under acute and chronic treatment regimens. Orange, purple grape, and pomegranate juices and coffee (6-9 mL/kg) were then provided to 28 fasted, healthy adult subjects (eight men and 20 women) on five separate days. Plasma samples were collected immediately following juice consumption (baseline), and at 2 and 6 hours post-consumption. On an acute basis, administration of HAEC with pomegranate juice increased media prostacyclin. Chronic exposure to purple grape and pomegranate juice increased aortic endothelial cell prostacyclin synthesis (38% and 61%, respectively; P <.05). The consumption of purple grape, pomegranate, and orange juice prolonged epinephrine/collagen-induced clotting time (P <.05). Purple grape juice increased plasma 6-keto-prostaglandin F(1alpha) (20%; P <.05) at 2 hours; pomegranate and orange juice did not significantly influence plasma prostacyclin concentrations. Consistent with the in vitro data, coffee consumption did not influence clotting time or plasma prostacyclin concentrations. These results indicate that the HAEC model system can provide a qualitative means to screen food and food-derived products for biologic activity related to cardiovascular health.     

Prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and dental decay in schoolchildren living in Genoa (Italy)

In this study population (105 schoolchildren aged 5.5 – 11.5 yrs), dental decay was detected in 75.2% and S. mutans in 55.2% of the subjects. The presence of S. mutans was assessed - using the selective GSTB medium - in unstimulated saliva and in pooled occlusal and pooled buccal plaques from the four most posterior teeth. All three samples showed association between S. mutans presence and caries prevalence. Of the two types of plaque, the occlusal not only had a higher frequency of isolation but also a significantly higher proportion of S. mutans.The presence of S. mutans was significantly associated with both caries prevalence and extent of caries experience. Both S. mutans prevalence and S. mutans proportion in plaque increased with the number of decayed teeth present among those sampled.Sucrose consumption between meals appeared to be more correlated with the degree of caries experience rather than with caries or S. mutans prevalence.A second clinical examination was scheduled six months after the first for S. mutans-positive children who either were free of active carious lesions, or were caries-active but without signs of dental decay in the sampled teeth. Caries-active subjects proved to be more prone to new carious lesions than caries-free subjects, who tended to remain caries-free even when they had a high proportion of S. mutans in plaque, thus indicating the basic importance of the host factor in the caries process.     

Pomegranate juice consumption reduces oxidative stress, atherogenic modifications to LDL, and platelet aggregation: studies in humans and in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

BACKGROUND: Dietary supplementation with nutrients rich in antioxidants is associated with inhibition of atherogenic modifications to LDL, macrophage foam cell formation, and atherosclerosis. Pomegranates are a source of polyphenols and other antioxidants. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed, in healthy male volunteers and in atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient (E(0)) mice, the effect of pomegranate juice consumption on lipoprotein oxidation, aggregation, and retention; macrophage atherogenicity; platelet aggregation; and atherosclerosis. DESIGN: Potent antioxidative effects of pomegranate juice against lipid peroxidation in whole plasma and in isolated lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) were assessed in humans and in E(0) mice after pomegranate juice consumption for 相似文献   

Deconstructing a Fruit Serving: Comparing the Antioxidant Density of Select Whole Fruit and 100% Fruit Juices

Research suggests phytonutrients, specifically phenolic compounds, within fruit may be responsible for the putatively positive antioxidant benefits derived from fruit. Given the prominence of fruit juice in the American diet, the purpose of this research was to assess the antioxidant density of fresh fruit and 100% fruit juice for five commonly consumed fruits and juices and to compare the adequacy of 100% juice as a dietary equivalent to whole fruit in providing beneficial antioxidants. Antioxidant density was measured using an oxygen radical absorbance capacity method on six samples assayed in triplicate for each fruit (grape, apple, orange, grapefruit, pineapple), name-brand 100% juice, and store-brand 100% juice. One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honestly significant difference or Student t test were used to assess significance (P<0.05). Antioxidant density (mmol TE/100 g) of apple, orange, and grapefruit was 23% to 54% higher than the mean antioxidant density of name-brand and store-brand juices for each fruit; however, only apple and grapefruit exhibited significantly greater (P<0.05) antioxidant density than either of their name-brand or store-brand juices. In contrast, the mean antioxidant density of name-brand grape and pineapple juice was higher than fresh grape or pineapple fruit; however, both fresh grapes and commercial grape juice contained significantly more (P<0.05) antioxidants than store-brand grape juice. Regardless of the convenience of fruit juice, results support the recommendations of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans for increasing fruit servings in the whole fruit form due to their provision of beneficial antioxidants and fiber with approximately 35% less sugar.     

Role of Toll-like receptors in host responses to a virulence antigen of Streptococcus mutans expressed by a recombinant,attenuated Salmonella vector vaccine

In the present study, we investigated the role of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) in host responses to the saliva-binding region (SBR) of Streptococcus mutans expressed by a recombinant, attenuated Salmonella vaccine. C57BL/6 wild type (wt), TLR2^−/−, TLR4^−/− and MyD88^−/− mice were immunized by the intranasal route on days 0, 18 and boosted on day 98 with Salmonella typhimurium BRD 509 containing a plasmid encoding SBR. Serum and saliva samples were collected throughout the experiment and assessed for antibody activity by ELISA. Evidence is provided that the induction of a serum IgG2a (Th1-type) anti-SBR antibody response involved TLR2 signaling, whereas the anti-Salmonella response involved signaling through TLR4. The adaptor molecule MyD88 was not essential for the induction of a primary Th1-type response to SBR or Salmonella, but was necessary for a secondary response to SBR. Furthermore, the absence of TLR2, TLR4 or MyD88 resulted in enhanced Th2-type serum IgG1 anti-SBR and anti-Salmonella responses. Mucosal IgA responses to SBR were TLR2-, TLR4- and MyD88-dependent, while IgA responses to Salmonella were TLR4- and MyD88-dependent.     

Anthocyanin-rich extracts inhibit multiple biomarkers of colon cancer in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the chemoprotective activity of anthocyanin-rich extracts (AREs) from bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), chokeberry (Aronia meloncarpa E.), and grape (Vitis vinifera) by assessing multiple biomarkers of colon cancer in male rats treated with a colon carcinogen, azoxymethane. Fischer 344 male rats were fed the AIN-93 diet (control) or AIN-93 diet supplemented with AREs for 14 wk. Biomarkers that were evaluated included the number and multiplicity of colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF), colonic cell proliferation, urinary levels of oxidative DNA damage, and expression of cyclooxygenase (COX) genes. To assess the bioavailability, levels of anthocyanins in serum, urine, and feces were evaluated. Total ACF were reduced (P<0.05) in bilberry, chokeberry, and grape diet groups compared with the control group. The number of large ACF was also reduced (P<0.05) in bilberry and chokeberry ARE-fed rats. Colonic cellular proliferation was decreased in rats fed bilberry ARE and chokeberry ARE diets. Rats fed bilberry and grape ARE diets had lower COX-2 mRNA expression of gene. High levels of fecal anthocyanins and increased fecal mass and fecal moisture occurred in ARE-fed rats. There was also a significant reduction (P<0.05) in fecal bile acids in ARE-fed rats. The levels of urinary 8-hydroxyguanosine were similar among rats fed different diets. These results support our previous in vitro studies suggesting a protective role of AREs in colon carcinogenesis and indicate multiple mechanisms of action.     

石榴汁和苹果汁干预对老龄大鼠肝、心、脑组织自由基代谢的影响

目的研究抗氧化活性较强的石榴汁和较弱的苹果汁对老龄大鼠肝、心、脑组织自由基代谢的影响。方法自然衰老Wistar大鼠（22月龄）30只，随机分为三组，分别灌胃石榴汁3．2ml，苹果汁2．4ml和蒸馏水3．2ml（对照组），实验周期4周，实验结束后取大鼠肝、心、脑组织制作匀浆液测定总抗氧化力、丙二醛（MDA）及自由基含量。结果石榴汁干预组老龄大鼠肝脏、脑组织抗氧化能力显著升高、自由基水平明显下降，肝、心、脑MDA含量均显著降低，与对照组比较差异有统计学意义；苹果汁于预后老龄大鼠肝组织MDA含量及自由基水平明显降低。苹果汁、石榴汁对老龄大鼠心脏抗氧化能力及自由基水平均无显著性影响。结论抗氧化活性较高的石榴汁改善衰老大鼠肝、心、脑组织自由基代谢能力较强，而抗氧化活性较低的苹果汁作用稍弱。     

A therapeutic anti-Streptococcus mutans monoclonal antibody used in human passive protection trials influences the adaptive immune response

The adhesin known as Antigen I/II, P1 or PAc of the cariogenic dental pathogen Streptococcus mutans is a target of protective immunity and candidate vaccine antigen. Previously we demonstrated that immunization of mice with S. mutans complexed with anti-AgI/II monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) resulted in changes in the specificity, isotype and functionality of elicited anti-AgI/II antibodies in the serum of immunized mice compared to administration of bacteria alone. In the current study, an anti-AgI/II MAb reported in the literature to confer unexplained long term protection against S. mutans re-colonization following passive immunization in human clinical trials (MAb Guy's 13), and expressed in tobacco plants (MAb Guy's 13 plantibody), was evaluated for its potential immunomodulatory properties. Immunization of BALB/c mice with immune complexes of Guy's 13 plantibody bound to S. mutans whole cells resulted in a similar change in specificity, isotype, and functionality of elicited anti-AgI/II antibodies as had been observed for other immunomodulatory MAbs. This new information, coupled with the recently solved crystal structure of the adhesin, now provides a rational explanation and plausible mechanism of action of passively administered Guy's 13/Guy's 13 plantibody in human clinical trials, and how long-term prevention of S. mutans carriage well past the application period of the therapeutic antibody could have been achieved.     

Pomegranate juice is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in elderly subjects

In the present study, 26 elderly subjects were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups, that is, apple (low in antioxidant capacity) and pomegranate (high in antioxidant capacity) groups, and 250 mL of juice was consumed daily for 4 weeks. Changes in plasma antioxidant capacity, activity of antioxidant enzymes, contents of ascorbic acid, vitamin E, reduced glutathione, malondialdehyde, oxidized low-density lipoprotein and carbonyls, and the degree of DNA damage in mononuclear blood cells were measured. Urine samples were collected for determination of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine content. Increased plasma antioxidant capacity and decreased plasma carbonyl content were demonstrated after daily consumption of pomegranate juice. In comparison, apple juice consumption presented a less significant effect on antioxidant function in elderly subjects. It is concluded that daily consumption of pomegranate juices is potentially better than apple juice in improving antioxidant function in the elderly. Because the plasma ascorbic acid, vitamin E, and reduced glutathione contents did not differ significantly between the 2 groups in this study, the phenolics may be the functional components contained in pomegranate juice that accounted for the observations.     

Potential of Spanish sour-sweet pomegranates (cultivar C25) for the juice industry

Commercial juices of sweet pomegranates and fresh juices of sour-sweet pomegranates were analysed for organic acids, sugars, antioxidant activity, volatile composition, sensory profile and consumer liking. Organic acids and sugars were analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography, while volatiles were extracted using hydrodistillation and analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-flame ionisation detector. Malic acid was predominant in sweet juices while citric acid in sour-sweet samples. Fructose and glucose were found as the predominant sugars in all juices. A total of 18 compounds were found in pomegranate aroma profile, including monoterpenes, aldehydes, alcohols, monoterpenoids and linear hydrocarbons; the most abundant compounds were 3-carene, α-terpinene and α-terpineol. The total concentration of volatiles ranged from 2.0 up to 5.1?mg/L, with commercial samples presenting higher total concentrations due to the presence of peel volatiles. The high potential of sour-sweet pomegranate fruits for the juice industry was supported by (a) the high values of positive attributes, such as colour and fresh pomegranate flavour and (b) the high overall liking of consumers.     

The influence of sterilization with EnbioJet Microwave Flow Pasteurizer on composition and bioactivity of aronia and blue-berried honeysuckle juices

In this study, fruit juices that are rich sources of anthocyanins, obtained from aronia (Am. chokeberry, Aronia melanocarpa) and blue-berried honeysuckle (Lonicera caerulea L. var. edulis) were used to examine the preservation of plant phytochemicals and bioactivity upon sterilization—either thermal, or with an EnbioJet^® Microwave Flow Pasteurizer. The chemical properties verified included determinations of anthocyanins and other polyphenols by HPLC, total antioxidant activity, and profiles of antioxidants by post-column derivatization. Compared to heat treatment, the higher stability of aronia and blue-berried honeysuckle phytocomplexes during processing with the EnbioJet^® device for temperatures ensuring microbial purity (range investigated 90-130 °C) was demonstrated. In the same batches of juices submitted to heating at 100 °C, the rapid decline of anthocyanin content accompanied by lowered antioxidant activity was observed. The changes in chemical composition were reflected in altered biological activity. Both cytotoxicity and protection of DNA against oxidative damage were higher for microwaved juices than for juices processed by the heating method that caused degradation of bioactive phytochemicals.     

Effect of UV-C light on anthocyanin content and other quality parameters of pomegranate juice

Pomegranate juice (PJ) was subjected to UV-C irradiation as a non-thermal technology and changes in major quality characteristics of juice such as anthocyanins, polymeric colour, antioxidant activity and total phenol content were determined. The results were compared with control (untreated) and heat treated (at 90 °C, 2 min) juice samples. UV-C treatment preserved the major quality characteristics of pomegranate juice better than heating process. After UV-C treatment, total monomeric anthocyanin content of pomegranate juice did not change significantly and decrease in individual anthocyanin pigments were between 8.1% and 16.3%. However, anthocyanin content of PJ was significantly affected by heat treatment (P < 0.05) and 15.4% and 28.3% of individual anthocyanin pigments were lost after this process. Also, differences between the control and UV-C treated PJ samples were small in terms of polymeric colour values (P > 0.05) while polymeric colour of PJ were significantly affected by heat treatment (P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in antioxidant capacity evaluated by trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay and total phenol contents of PJ after UV-C and heat treatments. The effectiveness of the UV-C system on the aerobic plate count, yeast and mould count and Esherichia coli ATCC 25922 as a surrogate microorganism of E. coli O157:H7 in PJ resulted in 1.8, 1.45 and 6.15 log reductions, respectively.     

2012-2017年某院儿童肺炎链球菌感染分布特点及耐药性

目的 了解某院儿童肺炎链球菌感染分布特点、耐药性及其变化趋势。方法 对该院2012年1月—2017年12月儿科住院患儿的痰、血、脑脊液标本进行分离培养和细菌鉴定，参照美国临床实验室标准化协会（CLSI）文件M100-S28标准进行药敏试验和结果判定，对数据进行统计分析。结果 共分离2 384株肺炎链球菌，男性占54.32%，女性占45.68%；0.5~3岁年龄段患儿占63.38%，≤0.5岁者占21.10%，> 3岁者占15.52%。肺炎链球菌占所有分离细菌的18.08%，按季度统计其占细菌分离的比率，四季度（20.62%，839/4 068） > 一季度（18.77%，762/4 059） > 二季度（18.42%，557/3 024） > 三季度（11.11%，226/2 034），但随季度变化的差异在逐步缩小。肺炎链球菌对红霉素、复方磺胺甲唑、克林霉素、四环素耐药率高（73.21%~99.62%），对左氧氟沙星、氯霉素、头孢呋辛、头孢噻肟、阿莫西林、青霉素的耐药率较低（0.19%~33.92%），未发现对万古霉素、奎奴普丁/达福普汀、利奈唑胺、莫西沙星耐药的肺炎链球菌。结论 肺炎链球菌主要分离于呼吸道感染患儿，≤3岁儿童是感染主体。肺炎链球菌分离率随季度变化的差异正在逐步缩小，其时间分布特点越来越不明显。阿莫西林、青霉素可作为治疗儿童肺炎链球菌感染的一线药物。

     

Silver nanoparticles as active ingredient used for alcohol-free mouthwash

We developed an effective and non-irritant mouthwash that is alcohol-free and has a low concentration of silver nanoparticles (SNP) in order to be used for preventing oral cavity infections in immunocompromised oncologic patients. We studied antimicrobial effects of silver nanoparticles (SNP) in the range of (50–0.024 µg/ml) and 3% of ethanol (30,000 µg/ml) in mouthwash. Antimicrobial effects of two treatments were studied by doing challenge test on microorganisms such as Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and measuring MIC and MBC (MFC) values of SNP toward mentioned microorganisms. These values of SNP respectively were in the range of (0.78–3.12) and (1.56–12.5 µg/ml). Results showed that SNP in the MIC and the lower concentrations killed all of the used microorganisms. No difference was observed between the antimicrobial effect of ethanol-free mouthwash containing SNP and mouthwash containing SNP and ethanol (30,000 µg/ml). SNP has high antimicrobial effects at low concentrations and it can be a good alternative for ethanol (30,000 µg/ml) because ethanol is also irritating, especially to sensitive or inflamed mucosa.     

Prevalence of streptococcus mutans and dental decay in school children from Siena (Italy)

Epidemiological indexes of dental decay and prevalence of Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque were studied in a group of 255 schoolchildren aged 6–11 from a suburban area near Siena (Italy). Mutans streptococci were isolated from 17.4% of subjects: a significant correlation with dental decay indexes and with the presence of active caries was observed.