Research data indicate the possible effect of both polyphenols consumption and Mediterranean diet adherence on metabolic diseases’ prevalence. The present retrospective study investigated the possible association of polyphenols mean daily intake with Mediterranean diet adherence and anthropometric indices in a sample of the Greek population. A total of 250 healthy volunteers, aged between 18 and 65 years, were randomly recruited from central and northern Greece. Total daily polyphenols intake was estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) based on the NHANES study, while Med Diet Score was used for the degree of Mediterranean diet adoption. Daily polyphenols intake was identified by the Phenol Explorer database, and anthropometric measurements (BMI, waist-to-hip circumference, and body composition) were performed. The mean daily polyphenols intake was determined to be 1905 mg, while most of the participants had moderate or high mean consumption last year (67.5% of the sample were consuming more than 1000 mg/d). Moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet (higher Med Diet Score) was associated with increased mean daily polyphenols intake (p = 0.016). Increased polyphenols intake and higher Med Diet Score were associated with decreased waist-to-hip circumference (p = 0.027, 0.004, respectively). Specific functional foods rich in polyphenols, such as sour cherry, tomatoes, black tea, and cocoa were associated with improved body composition indices. Larger epidemiological studies need to be performed for safer conclusions about whole population polyphenols intake and its association with metabolic disease biomarkers.

Background: Childhood dyslipidemia is an important risk factor for developing cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Our study aimed to investigate a possible correlation between nutritional, lifestyle, behavioral and socioeconomic factors and serum lipid levels in children with dyslipidemia. Methods: In this retrospective, observational study, in 31 children with dyslipidemia, aged 3–14 years, dietary habits, physical activity, hours watching television or playing video games, family’s socioeconomic status, weight of children and parents, and duration of breastfeeding were recorded. The children’s adherence to the Mediterranean diet was also evaluated by KidMed index. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS.22. Results: Children with increased physical activity had lower triglyceride levels, compared to those with lower physical activity (p = 0.001). Children who consumed only one meal per day, had increased levels of total cholesterol (p = 0.01), LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.01), ApoB (p = 0.001) and lipoprotein (a) (p = 0.018), compared to those who consumed more than 3 meals per day (p < 0.05). Children who were breastfed less than 6 months had significantly increased LDL-C levels (p = 0.022), compared to children who were breastfed more than 6 months. All other parameters investigated did not differ significantly. Conclusions: This study showed association between lipid profile of children with dyslipidemia and specific nutritional and socioeconomic factors, such as increased physical activity, increased meals consumption during the day, and exclusive breastfeeding for more than 6 months. Nevertheless, further research is needed, in order to confirm these findings.

Background: In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using Banana Peel Extract (BPE), and characterized using UV- Vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). UV-Vis absorbance spectroscopy showed the characteristic plasmon resonance of AgNPs at 433 nm. The synthesized AgNPs were tested for their antibacterial and antioxidant properties.Methods: Nanoparticle size (between 5 and 9 nm) was measured using AFM, whereas their crystallinity was shown by XRD. FTIR identified the ligands that surround the nanoparticle surface. The synthesis conditions were optimised using Central Composite Design (CCD) under Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Silver nitrate (AgNO3) and BPE concentrations (0.25-2.25 mM, 0.2-1.96 % v/v respectively), incubation period (24-120 h) and pH level (2.3-10.1) were chosen as the four independent factors. The fitting parameters (i.e. the wavelength at peak maximum, the peak area, and the peak width) of a Voigt function of the UV- Vis spectra were chosen as the responses. The antibacterial properties of the AgNPs were tested against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the tube dilution test. The synthesized nanoparticles were tested for total phenolic composition (TPC) using the Folin - Ciocalteau method, whereas their radical scavenging activity using the 1,1-diphenyl-2- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical assay.Results: An optimum combination of all independent factors was identified (BPE concentration 1.7 % v/v, AgNO3 concentration 1.75 mM, incubation period 48 h, pH level 4.3), giving minimum peak wavelength and peak width. The nanoparticles inhibited the growth of E. coli, whereas S. aureus growth was not affected. However, no superiority of AgNPs compared to AgNO3 used for their fabrication (1.75 mM), with respect to antibacterial action, could be here demonstrated. AgNPs were found to present moderate antioxidant activity (44.71± 3.01%), as measured using DPPH assay, while the BPE (used for their fabrication) presented alone (100%) an antioxidant action equal to 86±1%, something expected due to its higher total phenolic content (TPC) compared to that of nanoparticles.Conclusion: Altogether, the results of this study highlight the potential of an eco-friendly method to synthesize nanoparticles and its promising optimization through statistical experimental design. Future research on the potential influence of other synthesis parameters on nanoparticles yield and properties could further promote their useful biological activities towards their successful application in the food industry and other settings.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) involves a reduction reaction of a metal salt solution mixed with a plant extract. The reaction yield can be controlled using several independent factors, such as extract and metal concentration, temperature, and incubation time. AgNPs from Origanum vulgare (oregano) were synthesized in the past. However, no investigations were performed on the combined effects of independent factors that affect the synthesis. In this work, silver nitrate, oregano extract, and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations were chosen as the independent factors, and full factorial design under Response Surface Methodology was employed. UV–Vis absorbance spectroscopy, X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the nanoparticles. A Voigt function was fitted on the measured UV–Vis spectra. The fitting parameters of the Voigt function, peak wavelength, area, and Full Width at Half Maximum, were used as the responses. A quadratic model was fitted for the peak wavelength and area. The NaOH concentration proved to be the dominant factor in nanoparticle synthesis. UV–Vis absorbance showed a characteristic plasmon resonance of AgNPs at 409 nm. XRD verified the crystallinity of the nanoparticles and FTIR identified the ligands involved.

Electrostatic force microscopy (EFM) was used to obtain highly spatially resolved spectroscopic and image information of semiconductor surface region. EFM with x-ray source (X-EFM) can probe x-ray induced photoionization of near surface electron trapping. The X-EFM signal dependent on x-ray photon energy results in nanometer scale x-ray absorption spectra. Furthermore, probing tip scanning at fixed x-ray photon energy provides chemical states imaging of the trapping. The authors demonstrate characterization of substoichiometric chemical oxidation of a Si surface with less than $1\mathrm{nm}$ spatial resolution.