Publications by authors named "Kurek M"

Due to its course, multiple myeloma may negatively affect the functioning of patients. Different treatment methods are also associated with patients' varying perception of their health condition. The purpose of this study is to determine the disease-specific complaints among multiple myeloma patients during selected treatment methods-chemotherapy, autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and supportive therapy.

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The occurrence of carbonyl compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in adult formulas is a critical issue in product safety and quality. This research manuscript reports the determination of targeted and untargeted carbonyl compounds and VOCs in adult formulas stored at different temperatures (room temperature, 4 °C, and 60 °C) over one month. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was utilized for the sample analysis.

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The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF Panel) evaluated the safety of the extension of uses of quillaia extract (E 999) as a food additive in food supplements supplied in a solid or liquid form, excluding food supplements for infants and young children. Quillaia extract (E 999) was re-evaluated in 2019 by the EFSA FAF Panel, which derived an acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 3 mg saponins/kg bw per day for E 999, while in 2024 a follow-up of the re-evaluation was published by the FAF Panel, recommending some modifications of the existing EU specifications for quillaia extract (E 999). Currently, quillaia extract (E 999) is authorised in two food categories (FCs) i.

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Article Synopsis
  • The EFSA Panel evaluated the safety of hesperetin dihydrochalcone as a new flavoring substance, determining that it did not require a read-across with other flavonoids in a previous group assessment (FGE.32).
  • The Panel found no genotoxicity concerns and anticipated that hesperetin dihydrochalcone would be metabolized to harmless products, despite lacking direct ADME studies for this substance.
  • Although a 90-day study indicated potential effects on thyroid hormone levels, these were deemed non-adverse, and exposure estimates for both adults and children showed sufficient safety margins.
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This study explores the extraction of proteins from edible insects such as Tenebrio molitor, Acheta domesticus, and Locusta migratoria using alkaline extraction and acid precipitation (AEAP) as a control method and evaluates the influence of salting-in (NaCl-assisted), salting-out ((NH₄)₂SO₄), and combined salting-in/out techniques on the resulting protein quality and functional properties. We hypothesized that salt-assisted methods would enhance protein extraction efficiency and functionality compared to AEAP. Molecular size distribution analysis confirmed that the salting-out method preferentially aggregated smaller proteins (<30 kDa).

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Phytosterols represent a diverse and complex category of lipophilic bioactive compounds, exhibiting excellent pro-healthy properties. However, their consumption in daily diets is insufficient, and their application in food production is hindered by challenges such as low water solubility, high reactivity, and rapid degradation. The adoption of different protein or their structural modification as hydrolysates as wall material into microencapsulation techniques can be associated with improved solubility, enhanced bioaccessibility, increased bioavailability, and an extension of shelf life.

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Fresh fish is among the most nutritive foodstuffs, but it is also the most perishable one. Therefore, huge efforts have been made to find the most suitable tools to deliver fish of the highest quality to exigent consumers. Scientific studies help the industry to exploit the newest findings to scale up emerging industrial technologies.

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This opinion deals with the re-evaluation of saccharin and its sodium, potassium and calcium salts (E 954) as food additives. Saccharin is the chemically manufactured compound 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one-1,1-dioxide. Along with its sodium (Na), potassium (K) and calcium (Ca) salts, they are authorised as sweeteners (E 954).

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Purpose: While early diagnosis is crucial, as new treatments can significantly slow the progression of the disease, there is growing evidence on the application of novel imaging techniques for detecting transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTR) in pre-symptomatic stages. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of pre-symptomatic scintigraphic imaging cascade screening for early detection of ATTR.

Methods: During the period from 2020 to 2024, we conducted a prospective study that enrolled 100 consecutive adults.

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The EFSA Panel on Food Additive and Flavourings (FAF Panel) evaluated the safety of proposed changes to the currently permitted uses of the food additive steviol glycosides (E 960a-d) and of a proposed modification of the current acceptable daily intake (ADI) from 4 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day to 6 or 16 mg/kg bw per day, expressed as steviol equivalents. Currently, steviol glycosides (E 960a-d) are authorised in the EU in 32 different food categories (FCs). An extension of use was proposed for four new uses within FC 7.

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Anthocyanins (ACNs) possess strong antioxidants, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties but are limited use by their susceptibility to environmental factors. This study aims to overcome these limitations by developing and assessing a novel coacervate system, consisting of potato protein isolate (PPI) combined with various polysaccharides, to stabilize and encapsulate anthocyanins from black carrot concentrate The polysaccharides included in this system include inulin, gum Arabic, guar gum, pectin, and soluble fiber. The coacervate system's effectiveness in maintaining stability and increasing the bioavailability of anthocyanins was evaluated compared to conventional soybean protein-based systems.

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The Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion re-evaluating the safety of the two food additives argon (E 938) and helium (E 939). Argon (Ar) and helium (He) are two noble gases, highly stable single atoms. Their chemical inertness is well known.

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Natural foods and food components are becoming increasingly popular worldwide because people are concerned about eating healthy diets [...

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This study presents the optimization and validation of an ultrasound-assisted acid method for the HPLC-UV determination of amino acids in plant-based proteins. The research focuses on enhancing hydrolysis efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Ultrasound treatment significantly accelerated hydrolysis by creating cavitation, which increases local pressure and temperature, leading to faster reaction rates.

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The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings (FAF) provides a scientific opinion on the safety of curdlan as a new food additive used as firming and gelling agent, stabiliser, thickener. Curdlan is a high molecular weight polysaccharide consisting of β-1,3-linked glucose units, produced by fermentation from 1 strain NTK-u. The toxicological dataset consisted of sub-chronic, chronic and carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity studies as well as genotoxicity.

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Alzheimer's disease (AD) affects 50-70% of patients with dementia, making it the leading cause of dementia. The condition is classified as a neurodegenerative, progressive and incurable disease. The disease is affecting more and more people around the world.

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The EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Flavourings was requested to evaluate 14 flavouring substances assigned to the Flavouring Group Evaluation 80 (FGE.80), using the Procedure as outlined in the Commission Regulation (EC) No 1565/2000. Thirteen substances have already been considered in FGE.

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Chromatographic analysis of phenolic phytochemicals in foods has significantly advanced over the past decade (2014-2024), meeting increasing demands for precision and efficiency. This review covers both conventional and advanced chromatographic techniques used for detecting phenolic phytochemicals in foods. Conventional methods like High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, Thin-Layer Chromatography, and Gas Chromatography are discussed, along with their benefits and limitations.

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The objective of this research was to explore the viability of pea protein as a substitute for gelatin in the complex coacervation process, with a specific focus on understanding the impact of incorporating an emulsifier into this process. The study involved the preparation of samples with varying polymer mixing ratios (1:1, 1:2, and 2:1) and emulsifier content. As core substances, black pepper and juniper essential oils were utilized, dissolved beforehand in grape seed oil or soybean oil, to minimize the loss of volatile compounds.

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In this research, bio-based films were developed using polyelectrolyte complexes derived from chitosan and gelatin for packaging fish oil. To further enhance the antioxidant functionality, the films were enriched with gallic acid and orange essential oils, either individually or in combination. Initially, the films were characterized for their physico-chemical, optical, surface, and barrier properties.

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Over the years, consumer awareness of proper, healthy eating has increased significantly, but the consumption of fruits and vegetables remains too low. Smoothie drinks offer a convenient way to supplement daily diets with servings of fruits and vegetables. These ready-to-eat beverages retain the nutritional benefits of the raw ingredients from which they are made.

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The stability and bioavailability of green tea polyphenols, crucial for their health benefits, are compromised by environmental sensitivity, limiting their use in functional foods and supplements. This study introduces a novel water-in-oil-in-water double emulsion technique with microwave-assisted extraction, significantly enhancing the stability and bioavailability of these compounds. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of several encapsulating agents, such as gum Arabic as control and native and modified starches, in improving encapsulated substances' stability and release control.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study investigates elderly patients (over 80 years old) in Polish ICUs, aiming to understand their clinical features and outcomes.
  • Researchers collected data from 371 patients, comparing frail (CFS > 4) to non-frail patients and assessing mortality rates.
  • Findings indicate higher ICU and 30-day mortality in frail patients, with clinical frailty scale (CFS) and SOFA score being significant predictors of ICU mortality.
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The aim of this study was to develop microcapsules containing juniper or black pepper essential oils, using a combination of faba bean protein and chia seed polysaccharides (in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 2:1). By synergizing these two polymers, our goal was to enhance the efficiency of essential oil microencapsulation, opening up various applications in the food industry. Additionally, we aimed to investigate the influence of different polymer mixing ratios on the properties of the resulting microcapsules and the course of the complex coacervation process.

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Catechins, renowned for their antioxidant properties and health benefits, are commonly present in beverages, particularly tea and wine. An efficient and cost-effective salting-out assisted liquid-liquid extraction (SALLE) method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of six catechins and caffeine in tea and wine samples using high-performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV). This method demonstrates outstanding performance: linearity (1-120 µg/mL, r > 0.

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