Influence of yeast on the yield of fermentation and volatile profile of ‘Węgierka Zwykła’ plum distillates

The character of plum brandies depends on a unique aroma profile of the plum and the microbiota present on the surface of the fruits, as well as yeast used for fermentation. In this study, an evaluation of the effect of microorganisms applied for the fermentation of W?gierka Zwyk?a var. plum mashes and processing temperature (18 °C, 30 °C) on its efficiency and volatile profile, as well as taste and flavour of distillates obtained was performed. An estimation of the odour activity values (OAVs) of the volatile compounds was also conducted. Regardless of whether the fermentation was carried out using Saccharomyces bayanus wine yeast or by native microflora present on plums as well as raisins, the efficiency of this process was high and ranged between 91.7 and 96.7% of the theoretical efficiency. Especially rich in esters (among others ethyl acetate and isoamyl acetate) was the distillate derived after fermentation with the microflora of plums and raisins, at 18 °C. An evaluation of the individual aromatic effect of chemical compounds present in tested distillates, in terms of their OAVs, revealed that the highest OAVs were reached with isovaleraldehyde. Other compounds that showed aroma values >1 and possibly had an effect on the overall aroma of tested plum distillates were the following: hexanal, benzaldehyde, ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, ethyl benzoate, ethyl hexanoate, 1‐propanol, 2‐methyl‐1‐butanol, 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol and 1‐hexanol. The performed sensory ranking showed that the best rated distillate was the one obtained after fermentation with the indigenous microflora of plums and raisins, at 18 °C. Copyright © 2016 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Spermatogenic and sperm quality differences in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome and hypogonadal hypogonadism

The synergistic effect of the co-morbidities that comprise metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasingly being recognised as an important contributor in the pathology of a broad spectrum of seemingly disparate conditions. However, in terms of male reproductive function, beyond erectile dysfunction, little is known about the influence of this cohort (collectively or separately) on spermatogenesis and sperm quality. The aims of this study were to assess the reproductive tract of a MetS animal model for detrimental changes, to determine whether a group of compounds (advanced glycation end products and their receptor) known to cause cell dysfunction and DNA damage was present and assess whether hypogonadotropic hypogonadism was the main contributing factor for the changes seen. Animals fed a high-fat diet were found to have significantly increased cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, mean arterial pressure and visceral fat levels. Although serum testosterone was decreased, no changes were seen in either testicular or epididymal histology. Immunolocalisation of N(ε)-carboxymethyl-lysine and the receptor for advanced glycation end products was found in the testes, epididymides and sperm of the two treated groups of animals; however, ELISA did not show any difference in protein levels. Similarly, assessment of sperm nuclear DNA (nDNA) fragmentation by acridine orange test did not find significant differences in nDNA integrity. We conclude that the minimal effect on spermatogenesis and sperm quality seen in our model is probably due to the moderate increase of blood glucose rather than the hypogonadism.     

In vitro synthesis of biogenic amines by Brochothrix thermosphacta isolates from meat and meat products and the influence of other microorganisms

Twenty Brochothrix thermosphacta strains tested for biogenic amines (BAs) production, formed histamine (6.6-16.2 mg/kg) and tyramine (18.7-35.4 mg/kg) but neither putrescine nor cadaverine. Six of the twenty strains were also investigated in respect of their influence on the synthesis of BAs by Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas sp., Proteus mirabilis and Lactobacillus sakei. In pure culture Escherichia coli produced all of the studied amines (histamine, tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine) with a total concentration of 167.7 mg/kg, P. mirabilis produced a total of 56.7 mg/kg histamine, tyramine and cadaverine, while Lactobacillus sakei and Pseudomonas sp. produced histamine and tyramine, totaling 37.9 and 35.2 mg/kg respectively. All B. thermosphacta promoted cadaverine production by Escherichia coli which increased by 12-68%, and some of them contributed to the appearance of this amine among the metabolites of Pseudomonas. The presence of B. thermosphacta decreased the potential ability of P. mirabilis to produce BAs.     

Application of biosensors in early detection of contamination with lactic acid bacteria during apple juice and concentrate production

The aim of Collective Research Project QUALI-JUICE (COLL-CT-2005, Co Nr 012461) was to introduce the biosensors in control of microbiologically pure apple juice production. Three commercial lactate biosensors were used and compared with enzyme kits assays. Parallel the microbiological analysis of the production process at one juice producing enterprise was done. The results of lactic acid assay with biosensors were in good correlation with those obtained by enzyme kits. The main benefit of biosensor use was shortening of measurement time as compared with assay by enzyme kit and possibility to measure at line. The concentration of l-lactic acid in apple pulp could be correlated with the number of lactic acid bacteria. Pasteurization process was eliminating lactic acid bacteria and the concentration of lactic acid was at this stage not exceeding 0.1 g L⁻¹. The final product (apple concentrate) contained in some cases very high amounts of lactic acid indicating secondary microbiological contamination after pasteurization step. Parallel microbiological analysis of production process and lactate assay indicated that the critical point during production was prolonged vacuum filtration after pasteurization.     

Kinetics of acetic acid addition to epichlorohydrin in the presence of chromium acetate and chromic anhydride

The kinetics of the reaction between acetic acid and epichlorohydrin in the presence of chromium acetate and chromic anhydride have been studied. The isolation method revealed the reagents reacted with partial orders. A reduction of chromium from the oxidation level +6 to +3 has been observed when chromic anhydride was used as catalyst. A mathematical model for the overall process has been developed and the mechanism of reaction discussed.     

The Deubiquitinase OTUB1 Is a Key Regulator of Energy Metabolism

Dysregulated energy metabolism is a major contributor to a multitude of pathologies, including obesity and diabetes. Understanding the regulation of metabolic homeostasis is of utmost importance for the identification of therapeutic targets for the treatment of metabolically driven diseases. We previously identified the deubiquitinase OTUB1 as substrate for the cellular oxygen sensor factor-inhibiting HIF (FIH) with regulatory effects on cellular energy metabolism, but the physiological relevance of OTUB1 is unclear. Here, we report that the induced global deletion of OTUB1 in adult mice (Otub1 iKO) elevated energy expenditure, reduced age-dependent body weight gain, facilitated blood glucose clearance and lowered basal plasma insulin levels. The respiratory exchange ratio was maintained, indicating an unaltered nutrient oxidation. In addition, Otub1 deletion in cells enhanced AKT activity, leading to a larger cell size, higher ATP levels and reduced AMPK phosphorylation. AKT is an integral part of insulin-mediated signaling and Otub1 iKO mice presented with increased AKT phosphorylation following acute insulin administration combined with insulin hypersensitivity. We conclude that OTUB1 is an important regulator of metabolic homeostasis.     

Three Microbial Musketeers of the Seas: Shewanella baltica,Aliivibrio fischeri and Vibrio harveyi,and Their Adaptation to Different Salinity Probed by a Proteomic Approach

Osmotic changes are common challenges for marine microorganisms. Bacteria have developed numerous ways of dealing with this stress, including reprogramming of global cellular processes. However, specific molecular adaptation mechanisms to osmotic stress have mainly been investigated in terrestrial model bacteria. In this work, we aimed to elucidate the basis of adjustment to prolonged salinity challenges at the proteome level in marine bacteria. The objects of our studies were three representatives of bacteria inhabiting various marine environments, Shewanella baltica, Vibrio harveyi and Aliivibrio fischeri. The proteomic studies were performed with bacteria cultivated in increased and decreased salinity, followed by proteolytic digestion of samples which were then subjected to liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry analysis. We show that bacteria adjust at all levels of their biological processes, from DNA topology through gene expression regulation and proteasome assembly, to transport and cellular metabolism. The finding that many similar adaptation strategies were observed for both low- and high-salinity conditions is particularly striking. The results show that adaptation to salinity challenge involves the accumulation of DNA-binding proteins and increased polyamine uptake. We hypothesize that their function is to coat and protect the nucleoid to counteract adverse changes in DNA topology due to ionic shifts.     

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.     

Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Inflammation on Selected Organ Systems of the Human Body

Introduction and purpose of the study: SARS-CoV-2 virus does not only affect the respiratory system. It may cause damage to many organ systems with long-term effects. The latest scientific reports inform that this virus leaves a long-term trace in the nervous, circulatory, respiratory, urinary and reproductive systems. It manifests itself in disturbances in the functioning of the organs of these systems, causing serious health problems. The aim of the study was to review the latest research into the long-term effects of COVID-19 and determine how common these symptoms are and who is most at risk. Based on a literature review using the electronic scientific databases of PubMed and Web of Science on the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 88 studies were included in the analysis. The information contained in the analyzed literature shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause multi-organ damage, causing a number of long-term negative health complications. Conclusions: There is evidence that the virus can cause long-term complications lasting more than six months. They mainly concern disturbances in the functioning of the nervous, circulatory and respiratory systems. However, these studies are small or short-lasting, and many are speculative.