MDPI - Publisher of Open Access Journals

16 pages, 675 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Importance of Diet in the Treatment of Endometriosis

by Joanna Szczepanik and Małgorzata Dłużewska

Women 2024, 4(4), 453-468; https://doi.org/10.3390/women4040034 - 18 Nov 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 8176

The world of science is increasingly looking for answers to the question of how specific dietary components affect the risk of chronic diseases and assessing their potential to alleviate the severity of individual diseases. This research concerns both the assessment of the benefits [...] Read more.

The world of science is increasingly looking for answers to the question of how specific dietary components affect the risk of chronic diseases and assessing their potential to alleviate the severity of individual diseases. This research concerns both the assessment of the benefits of using individual dietary components and those of nutritional models. Endometriosis, due to its chronic and inflammatory nature, is also a topic of interest among scientists, who seek to support its course through proper nutrition. In endometriosis, great interest is focused on dietary patterns such as an anti-inflammatory diet, a gluten-free diet, a low-FODMAP diet, or a Mediterranean diet. An anti-inflammatory diet primarily focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, whole grain products, and healthy sources of protein and fats, including mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, eliminating highly processed products, meat products, trans fats, and refined sugars. It is believed that this type of diet may contribute to reducing the severity of endometriosis symptoms and help reduce inflammation. The aim of the review is to identify the main trends in the field of diets supporting the treatment of endometriosis in the last 5 years. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3570 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Impact of Extruded Soybean Press Cake on Rearing and Health Indices of Piglets

by Małgorzata Świątkiewicz, Kinga Szczepanik, Łukasz Gala, Eugeniusz R. Grela, Kamil Witaszek, Marcin Barszcz, Anna Tuśnio and Marcin Taciak

Agriculture 2024, 14(11), 1899; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture14111899 - 26 Oct 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1094

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the alternative to imported soybean meal—extruded soybean press cake—in feeding weaning pigs. The experiment was carried out with 20 35-day-old weaned pigs weighing about 8.8 kg, divided into 2 groups (10 pigs in each) differing in the [...] Read more.

The study was conducted to evaluate the alternative to imported soybean meal—extruded soybean press cake—in feeding weaning pigs. The experiment was carried out with 20 35-day-old weaned pigs weighing about 8.8 kg, divided into 2 groups (10 pigs in each) differing in the main protein source: group I—control, solvent-extraction soybean meal, group II— extruded soybean press cake. The feed mixtures were iso-protein and iso-energetic. After 35 days of feeding, the pigs were slaughtered. The samples of blood, intestinal tissue and digesta, meat, and back fat were collected for analyses. Replacement of soybean meal with extruded soybean press cake in the weaners’ diet had no statistically significant effect on growth performance and feed utilization. Histomorphometry analysis of the intestines did not indicate any harmful changes. The soybean press cake did not affect the sum of volatile fatty acids in the large intestine, but the ammonia concentration was lower in the distal colon (p ≤ 0.05). It was found that the extruded soybean press cake in the feed significantly affected the fatty acid profile (p ≤ 0.05) of meat and back fat, increasing the amount of PUFAs; however, no negative impact on the durability of meat and back fat during storage was noted. In conclusion, the study confirmed the possibility of completely replacing solvent-extraction soybean meal with extruded soybean press cake in the feeding of weaned pigs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Dietary Interventions on Monogastric Animal Production)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flammability and Mechanical Testing of Sandwich Composite for Rolling Stock Structural Applications

by Marcin Kalinowski, Mirosław Szczepanik and Małgorzata Szymiczek

Materials 2024, 17(20), 5125; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17205125 - 21 Oct 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1010

Abstract

Components made of composite materials are being increasingly used in the construction of rolling stock. Currently, the use of components made of composite materials as train structural elements is increasingly being considered. Non-structural components made of composites are most often found inside rail [...] Read more.

Components made of composite materials are being increasingly used in the construction of rolling stock. Currently, the use of components made of composite materials as train structural elements is increasingly being considered. Non-structural components made of composites are most often found inside rail vehicles (e.g., the interior lining), while structural components made of sandwich composite materials can be used for the roof, sidewalls, and underframe constructions. This article provides a description of an innovative sandwich composite developed for a metro’s underframe, as well as the production process and preparation of the composite specimens. The main parts of the work are flammability and mechanical (static and fatigue) tests of the innovative sandwich composite. The scope of the flammability tests included the testing of the fire properties using the radial plate method, the optical density of smoke, and the content of toxic gases. The mechanical strength of the sandwich composite was examined during a flexural (three-point bending) test and a fatigue strength under a given dynamic load. The results presented in the article are very significant, both in terms of flammability and the mechanical strength tests. In order to produce large-size train components, appropriately large patches of component layers of the composite are required; this may pose production problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Behavior and Numerical Simulation of Sandwich Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Protective Effects of Astaxanthin (AST) in the Liver of Weaned Piglets

by Kinga Szczepanik, Maria Oczkowicz, Piotr Dobrowolski and Małgorzata Świątkiewicz

Animals 2023, 13(20), 3268; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203268 - 19 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2310

Abstract

During the weaning period, piglets are exposed to high levels of stress, which often causes problems with the digestive system. This stress also promotes the production of free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. Astaxanthin (AST) stands out as one of the most potent [...] Read more.

During the weaning period, piglets are exposed to high levels of stress, which often causes problems with the digestive system. This stress also promotes the production of free radicals, resulting in oxidative stress. Astaxanthin (AST) stands out as one of the most potent antioxidants. Its resistance to light and heat makes it particularly valuable in compound feed production. This study was to determine the effect of AST impact on liver histology and gene expression in piglets. For our experiment, we used 16 weaned piglets of the PL breed, which we divided into two groups: Group I (control group with no AST supplementation) and Group II (supplemented with AST at 0.025 g/kg). Both feed mixtures were iso-proteins and iso-energetic, meeting the nutritional requirements of the piglets. The experiment lasted from day 35 to day 70 of the piglets’ age, during which they had ad libitum access. The results indicate that the addition of AST prevents liver fibrosis due to reduced collagen deposition in the tissue. Analysis of gene expression supported these results. In the AST-supplemented group, we noted a decrease in NR1H3 expression, an increase in CYP7A1 expression, and reductions in the expression of NOTCH1 and CREB genes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 2344 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Changes in Soot Content in Engine Oils under Operating Conditions

by Grzegorz Zając, Wojciech Gołębiowski, Małgorzata Szczepanik, Artur Wolak and Marie Sejkorová

Lubricants 2023, 11(2), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/lubricants11020089 - 18 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3406

Abstract

Oil has an enormous influence on the condition of the engine. Determining its degradation allows companies to maximize the availability of a specific vehicle and fleet of vehicles in general. In the evolution of engine oil degradation, one of the variables considered to [...] Read more.

Oil has an enormous influence on the condition of the engine. Determining its degradation allows companies to maximize the availability of a specific vehicle and fleet of vehicles in general. In the evolution of engine oil degradation, one of the variables considered to be the most important is soot content. This article examines the direction and severity of soot content and dispersion changes in engine oil occurring during actual engine operation during four complete change intervals. The oil under study was operated in a city bus. It belonged to the fleet of vehicles of a transport company from new to the mileage of about 200,000 km. Soot content was determined in accordance with ASTM E2412-10, while dispersion size was determined using the dried drop test in accordance with ASTM D7899. The results obtained provide the basis for the conclusion that the direction of change in soot content in each interval is characterized by a high degree of homogeneity. With respect to the degree of soot build-up, a high level of similarity was observed between the intervals studied. The study of change in the degree of oil dispersion using the “drop on blotter” method made it possible to confirm the trend of decreasing dispersion as the run increases. The obtained results led to the development of a statistical model describing these relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Sustainable Machining)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Hermetia illucens Larvae Meal and Astaxanthin as Feed Additives on Health and Production Indices in Weaned Pigs

by Kinga Szczepanik, Iwona Furgał-Dierżuk, Łukasz Gala and Małgorzata Świątkiewicz

Animals 2023, 13(1), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010163 - 31 Dec 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 2957

Abstract

Weaning is a critical period in farming, and therefore, searching for health-promoting feed additives of natural origin is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of full-fat H. illucens larvae meal (HI) and astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the growth performance and health [...] Read more.

Weaning is a critical period in farming, and therefore, searching for health-promoting feed additives of natural origin is necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of full-fat H. illucens larvae meal (HI) and astaxanthin (AST) supplementation on the growth performance and health status of weaned pigs. The experiment was carried out on 48 pigs (8.7 kg) divided into six groups: I—control; II—2.5% HI; III—5% HI; IV—2.5% HI and AST; V—5% HI and AST; VI—AST. The experiment lasted from the 35th to 70th day of age, and animals were fed ad libitum. The results obtained indicate that HI meal and astaxanthin had no effect on feed intake and utilization, weight gain, or organ weight. Additionally, blood parameters remained within the norms. It seems that astaxanthin supports the inhibition of oxidative stress, which became apparent in the case of some red blood cell parameters. The 2.5% HI and AST supplementation can reduce the susceptibility of pork fat to oxidation (lower adipose tissue TBARS). However, 5% HI in feed was not beneficial because of the adverse changes in some red cell indices, and it should be combined with the antioxidant AST to improve these indices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Effects of Feed Ingredients on Growth Performance and Carcass Characteristics in Animals)

13 pages, 673 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Levels of Selected IL-1 Family Cytokines in Patients with Morphea

by Paulina Szczepanik-Kułak, Małgorzata Michalska-Jakubus, Małgorzata Kowal and Dorota Krasowska

J. Clin. Med. 2022, 11(21), 6375; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11216375 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2447

Abstract

Morphea/localized scleroderma (LoS) represents an inflammatory-sclerotic skin disease, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. Given the important role of IL-1 family cytokines in the development and therapy of inflammatory diseases, including systemic sclerosis, we analyzed the clinical significance of serum levels [...] Read more.

Morphea/localized scleroderma (LoS) represents an inflammatory-sclerotic skin disease, the pathogenesis of which is not fully understood. Given the important role of IL-1 family cytokines in the development and therapy of inflammatory diseases, including systemic sclerosis, we analyzed the clinical significance of serum levels of selected IL-1 family cytokines (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, IL-37 and IL-38) in LoS patients (n = 30) using the standardized disease assessment tools and comparison to healthy controls (n = 28). We also compared the pre- and post-treatment concentrations, i.e., before and after systemic (glucocorticosteroids and/or methotrexate) and/or topical (topical glucocorticosteroids and/or calcineurin inhibitors). Our findings did not reveal significant differences in baseline IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-18, IL-33, IL-37 and IL-38 levels between LoS group and HCs; however, after treatment, there were marked changes in concentrations of IL-1α and IL-33 within LoS group as well as in comparison to HCs. We also found significant negative correlations between PGA-A and IL-1α concentration as well as between mLoSSI and IL-1α after treatment. Furthermore, we showed an inverse correlation of baseline IL-1β levels with mLoSSI scores of borderline significance. We believe that IL-1α and IL-33, as well as Il-1β, may be potential mediators and targets of interest in LoS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Skin Inflammation: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 884 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of the Bromocresol Purple Index (BCPI) to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Heating Soybeans and Their Products

by Marek Szmigielski, Paweł Sobczak, Kazimierz Zawiślak, Dariusz Andrejko, Grażyna Bielecka, Jolanta Rubaj, Jacek Mazur and Małgorzata Szczepanik

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1872; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031872 - 7 Feb 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2084

Abstract

In this study, a number of the most common methods used in assessing the efficiency of soybean heat treatment were compared. All the methods proved to be useful in assessing the efficiency of heating soybean seeds and soybean products. However, considering the sensitivity, [...] Read more.

In this study, a number of the most common methods used in assessing the efficiency of soybean heat treatment were compared. All the methods proved to be useful in assessing the efficiency of heating soybean seeds and soybean products. However, considering the sensitivity, precision, time consumed, and the effectiveness of determination of the characteristics of the samples, the use of the bromocresol purple index (BCPI) appears to be justified. The BCPI method turned out to be universal, allowing distinguishing unheated (BCPI_BSM < 70 mg·g⁻¹), under-heated (70 mg·g⁻¹ < BCPI _BSM < 130 mg·g⁻¹), properly heated (BCPI _BSM = 130–140 mg·g⁻¹), and over-heated samples (BCPI _BSM > 140 mg·g⁻¹). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Sustainable Production in Agricultural Engineering)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 710 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Use of Multivariate Data Analysis (HCA and PCA) to Characterize Ashes from Biomass Combustion

by Małgorzata Szczepanik, Joanna Szyszlak-Bargłowicz, Grzegorz Zając, Adam Koniuszy, Małgorzata Hawrot-Paw and Artur Wolak

Energies 2021, 14(21), 6887; https://doi.org/10.3390/en14216887 - 20 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2940

Abstract

The content of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in ash samples from miscanthus, oak, pine, sunflower husk, wheat straw, and willow ashes burned at 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C, respectively, was determined. The statistical analysis [...] Read more.

The content of heavy metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in ash samples from miscanthus, oak, pine, sunflower husk, wheat straw, and willow ashes burned at 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 °C, respectively, was determined. The statistical analysis of the results was based on multivariate methods: hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and principal component analysis (PCA), which made it possible to classify the raw materials ashed at different temperatures into the most similar groups, and to study the structure of data variability. Using PCA, three principal components were extracted, which explain more than 88% of the variability of the studied elements. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of multivariate statistical techniques to the analysis of the results of the study of heavy metal content allowed us to draw conclusions about the influence of biomass properties on its chemical characteristics during combustion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomass Pretreatment and Optimisation of Biofuel Production Processes)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 1384 KiB

Open AccessReview

Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Morphea: A Systematic Review of Literature

by Paulina Szczepanik-Kułak, Małgorzata Michalska-Jakubus and Dorota Krasowska

J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10(15), 3409; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10153409 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 9241

Abstract

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma (LoS), comprises a set of autoimmune sclerotic skin diseases. It is characterized by inflammation and limited thickening and induration of the skin; however, in some cases, deeper tissues might also be involved. Although morphea is not considered [...] Read more.

Morphea, also known as localized scleroderma (LoS), comprises a set of autoimmune sclerotic skin diseases. It is characterized by inflammation and limited thickening and induration of the skin; however, in some cases, deeper tissues might also be involved. Although morphea is not considered a life-threatening disease, the apparent cosmetic disfigurement, functional or psychosocial impairment affects multiple fields of patients’ quality of life. Therapy for LoS is often unsatisfactory with numerous treatments that have only limited effectiveness or considerable side effects. Due to the advances in the application of lasers and their possible beneficial effects, the aim of this study is to review the reported usage of laser in morphea. We present a systematic review of available literature, performed with MEDLINE, Cinahl, Central, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. We identified a total of twenty relevant studies (MEDLINE n = 10, Cinahl n = 1, Central n = 0, Scopus n = 2, Web of Science n = 5, Google Scholar n = 2) using laser therapy for LoS. Eight studies were focused on the use of PDL, six on fractional lasers (CO₂ and Er:YAG), four on excimer, and two on either alexandrite or Nd:YAG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advance in the Management of Morphea)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1405 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Biomass Incineration Temperature on the Content of Selected Heavy Metals in the Ash Used for Fertilizing Purposes

by Grzegorz Zając, Joanna Szyszlak-Bargłowicz and Małgorzata Szczepanik

Appl. Sci. 2019, 9(9), 1790; https://doi.org/10.3390/app9091790 - 29 Apr 2019

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 3828

Abstract

This article presents the influence of ash-forming temperature on ash content and the content of selected heavy metals. The biomasses most commonly used in low-power heating boilers, such as miscant, oak, pine, sunflower husk, wheat straw and willow, were selected for the research. [...] Read more.

This article presents the influence of ash-forming temperature on ash content and the content of selected heavy metals. The biomasses most commonly used in low-power heating boilers, such as miscant, oak, pine, sunflower husk, wheat straw and willow, were selected for the research. The biomass was incinerated at temperatures of 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C, 900 °C and 1000 °C, using the X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) for the measurement of element content. The results show that the content of heavy metals in the examined ash was not excessive and could not be considered as potentially dangerous. As the ash-forming temperature increased, the content of Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb decreased, which indicates that, at higher temperatures, they went into the gas phase. Cr, Ni and Fe were thermally stable and less volatile, thus the ashes were enriched with them as the ash-forming temperature increased. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Science and Technology)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 523 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Characteristics of Biomass Ashes

by Grzegorz Zając, Joanna Szyszlak-Bargłowicz, Wojciech Gołębiowski and Małgorzata Szczepanik

Energies 2018, 11(11), 2885; https://doi.org/10.3390/en11112885 - 24 Oct 2018

Cited by 209 | Viewed by 9890

Abstract

The aim of the conducted research was to obtain information on the main components of ashes from 35 biomass species used in combustion processes to obtain reference data for the development of utility possibilities for these ashes, with particular emphasis on agricultural use. [...] Read more.

The aim of the conducted research was to obtain information on the main components of ashes from 35 biomass species used in combustion processes to obtain reference data for the development of utility possibilities for these ashes, with particular emphasis on agricultural use. The examined biomass samples were divided into groups depending on origin: woody biomass and energetic woody plants I-WWB, herbaceous and grassy energy plants II-EC, agricultural waste III-AR, forest waste IV-FR and waste from the agri-food industry V-AFIW. The analysis of the studied elements contents was carried out in the designated groups. The chemical composition of ash was dominated by the macroelements Ca, K, P and S, which suggests the possibility of their agricultural use. At the same time, the low content of toxic elements such as As and Pb should not be a limiting feature in their use, with the exception of wood biomass. In addition, ashes obtained from the biomass combustion were enriched with microelements such as Zn, Cu and Mn, which further increases their possibilities of fertilizer use. The potential use of ash from each type of biomass in the aspect of its chemical composition should be considered individually, regardless of the division into groups depending on the origin of biomass. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Bioenergy and Biofuel)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Search Results (12)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI

Saved Queries

Search Filter Reset All

Years

Feature Papers

Subjects

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (12)

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI