Broccoli leaf powder as an attractive by-product ingredient: effect on batter behaviour,technological properties and sensory quality of gluten-free mini sponge cake

Broccoli by-products, in particular leaves, are rich sources of nutritional and bioactive components thus could constitute a valuable food additive. Although an upsurge in quantity of gluten-free products is observed further studies are required on improvement of their nutritional quality and palatability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of broccoli leaf powder (BLP) on dough behaviour, and technological characteristics and sensory quality of gluten-free mini sponge cake (GFS). Broccoli leaf powder replaced an equivalent amount (2.5%, 5%, 7.5%; w/w) of corn and potato starches in GFS formulation. Applied BLP increased the instrumental firmness of GFS but sensorial attributes (elasticity, crustiness, mastication and adhesiveness) were similar to the control. All broccoli GFS were vividly green, had small size pores properly distributed. Among them, sample with 2.5% BLP was distinguished for its desirable sensory quality, despite a slightly perceived cabbage aroma and taste. Moderate amount of BLP allows to preserve a good quality GFS improving its attractiveness and palatability.     

Biodegradability evaluation of wastewaters from malt and beer production

This study reports results of respirometric measurements of activated sludge biodegrading the substrate in wastewater originating from the following brewery plant production departments: malt house, brewhouse, fermentation house and racking house. The process was conducted at two temperatures: 10 and 20°C with activated sludge adapted to brewery wastewaters. The loading of activated sludge reached 0.25 g chemical oxygen demand per gram dry matter per day, which assured complete degradation of organic matter. The physicochemical characteristics of the wastewaters are provided. The study demonstrates a correlation between the site of wastewater generation, the specific character of a unitary technological process and the quality of the wastewater discharged to the sewage system, including biodegradability. Despite significant differences in the quality of the wastewaters, they were characterized by high biodegradability at a temperature of 10 and 20°C and by the C:N:P ratio being beneficial for biological treatment, irrespective of their source of origin. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Physico-chemical properties and antibacterial activity of modified egg white—lysozyme

Lysozyme (N-acetyl-muramyl-hydrolase E.C. 3.2.1.17) is a low-molecular enzyme (14,400 Da) found in body secretions, systemic fluids and tissues of humans and animals. Antibacterial activity of lysozyme monomer is limited first of all to Gram-positive bacteria, which is connected with the structure of the cell wall. This enzyme catalyzes hydrolysis of β-glycoside bonds (1–4), releasing N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylmuramic acid. The spectrum of antibacterial activity of lysozyme may be extended thanks to modifications of the enzyme. The aim of the study was to assess antibacterial activity, hydrolytic activity and surface hydrophobicity of different forms of lysozyme. Chemical and thermo-chemical modification of lysozyme was performed, and the antibacterial action of lysozyme monomer and modified preparations were compared. It was found that in comparison with monomer and the control, all modified preparations exhibit effective action against Gram (−) bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens. A particularly effective action was found in case of lysozyme subjected to thermo-chemical modification, which was characterized by the highest proportion of oligomeric forms and the highest hydrophobicity.     

Determination of Omega Fatty Acid Profiles in Egg Yolk by HILIC-LC-MS and GC-MS

The paper presents the analysis of the profile composition of fatty acids in the molecules of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine, by using hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The profiles of 15 phosphatidylcholine and 8 phosphatidylethanolamine species were analyzed with a newly developed hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)–electrospray ionization (ESI)–tandem mass spectroscopy (MS/MS) method, by using a new stationary bonded phase. The application of the new method in control and experimental groups of egg yolk revealed significant differences in the composition of phospholipid species containing mainly polyunsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, using GC-MS, the profile of fatty acids in four groups with different dietary supplementation of hens was analyzed and 20 fatty acids in egg yolks were determined. Monounsaturated fatty acids were found in higher amounts than saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in egg yolks. Oleic acid (18:1) was the major monounsaturated fatty acid in egg yolk while palmitic acid (16:0) was the major saturated fatty acid. Linoleic acid (18:2), arachidonic acid (20:4), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6) reached the highest levels among the polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

A comparison of selected quality features of the tissue and slaughter yield of wild and cultivated pikeperch<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Sander lucioperca</Emphasis> (L.)

The study focused on the comparison of carcass and fillet yields, fillet color, the content of basic components, and the fatty acid composition of tissue from cultivated and wild pikeperch. There was no variation in yield between carcasses and fillets. The brightness and redness of the color of the fillet surfaces of both types of fish were comparable, although the yellowness, chromaticity and shade of color differed. The tissue of cultivated fish had three times more fat (2.87%) than did that of wild fish; the difference was compensated for by water content. The protein and mineral component contents did not vary significantly. The total levels of saturated and monounsaturated acids in the tissue lipids in 1 g of fat varied. No differences were observed between the total amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFAn-3, PUFAn-6, or in the n-3/n-6 proportion. One consequence of the higher fat content in cultivated pikeperch tissue was that the contents of eicosapentaenoic (EPA; 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic (DHA; 22:6n-3) acids per 100 g of fillet were significantly higher than in the tissue of wild pikeperch.     

Organotin compounds in the liver tissue of marine mammals from the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea

Butyltins (BTs) and phenyltins (PhTs) were determined in the livers of marine mammals found by-caught or stranded along the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. During the investigation an original analytical method was developed. Butyltin compounds were detected in all the liver samples, whereas phenyltins were not detected in any of the samples. The total concentrations of BTs ranged from 43.9 to 7698 ng(Sn) x g(-1) dry weight. Age-related trends to accumulate BTs in immature porpoises were found. At the same time there were no male-female differences in BTs concentrations observed. No statistically significant spatial distribution differences were found between the locations corresponding to the open Baltic Sea waters and inside the Gulf of Gdańsk, which is characterized by high maritime activity. In comparison to butyltin levels in marine mammals from other geographic regions, the samples analyzed indicate a significant degree of tributyltin pollution along the Polish coast of the Baltic Sea. On the basis of a literature review, higher BT levels are usually found in waters close to highly industrialized areas, such as Japan, Hong Kong, and the United States.     

Role of Obesity,Physical Exercise,Adipose Tissue-Skeletal Muscle Crosstalk and Molecular Advances in Barrett’s Esophagus and Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Both obesity and esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) rates have increased sharply in the United States and Western Europe in recent years. EAC is a classic example of obesity-related cancer where the risk of EAC increases with increasing body mass index. Pathologically altered visceral fat in obesity appears to play a key role in this process. Visceral obesity may promote EAC by directly affecting gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett’s esophagus (BE), as well as a less reflux-dependent effect, including the release of pro-inflammatory adipokines and insulin resistance. Deregulation of adipokine production, such as the shift to an increased amount of leptin relative to “protective” adiponectin, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of BE and EAC. This review discusses not only the epidemiology and pathophysiology of obesity in BE and EAC, but also molecular alterations at the level of mRNA and proteins associated with these esophageal pathologies and the potential role of adipokines and myokines in these disorders. Particular attention is given to discussing the possible crosstalk of adipokines and myokines during exercise. It is concluded that lifestyle interventions to increase regular physical activity could be helpful as a promising strategy for preventing the development of BE and EAC.     

Pharmacogenomics of Anti-TNF Treatment Response Marks a New Era of Tailored Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most commonly occurring chronic inflammatory arthritis, the exact mechanism of which is not fully understood. Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-targeting drugs has been shown to exert high effectiveness for RA, which indicates the key importance of this cytokine in this disease. Nevertheless, the response to TNF inhibitors varies, and approximately one third of RA patients are non-responders, which is explained by the influence of genetic factors. Knowledge in the field of pharmacogenomics of anti-TNF drugs is growing, but has not been applied in the clinical practice so far. Different genome-wide association studies identified a few single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with anti-TNF treatment response, which largely map genes involved in T cell function. Studies of the gene expression profile of RA patients have also indicated specific gene signatures that may be useful to develop novel prognostic tools. In this article, we discuss the significance of TNF in RA and present the current knowledge in pharmacogenomics related to anti-TNF treatment response.