Unveiling the Aromas and Sensory Evaluation of Hakko Sobacha: A New Functional Non-Dairy Probiotic Fermented Drink.

At the dawn of a food transition encouraging the consumption of healthy and sustainable non-dairy probiotic products, the development of a fermented functional drink based on Sobacha is considered. Sobacha is an infusion of roasted buckwheat seeds widely consumed in Asian countries for its health benefits. As fermentation improves the nutritional and organoleptic status of grains, the mixed fermentation process involved in the development of kombucha beverages (fermented sweet tea) is conducted by inoculating a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts into the transposable matrix (Sobacha instead of tea). Sobacha, a healthy pseudo-cereal matrix with promising aromas, could be fermented to potentially develop an innovative drink, named "Hakko Sobacha". This neologism would reveal the fermented character of the infusion, Hakko meaning fermented in Japanese. Considering the beverage characterization, the kinetics of the volatile organic compound syntheses were determined using stir-bar sorptive extraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis. Odor-active compounds were theoretically calculated to estimate the flavor composition. Finally, sensory analyses highlighted the appreciation and preferences of the consumer towards the beverages. The fermentative yield differences observed between the two buckwheat concentration modalities tested seemed to be correlated with the sugar and nutrient levels available from the starch (buckwheat) matrix. Having characterized Hakko Sobacha, this study proposed the possibility of developing new beverages by monitoring the fermentative process. This should enable improved control and enhancement of their sensorial properties, which could in turn lead to greater customer acceptability.

Cultural Transmission of Fine-Scale Fidelity to Feeding Sites May Shape Humpback Whale Genetic Diversity in Russian Pacific Waters.

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) differences between humpback whales on different feeding grounds can reflect the cultural transmission of migration destinations over generations, and therefore represent one of the very few cases of gene-culture coevolution identified in the animal kingdom. In Russian Pacific waters, photo-identification (photo-ID) studies have shown minimal interchange between whales feeding off the Commander Islands and those feeding in the Karaginsky Gulf, regions that are separated by only 500 km and have previously been lumped together as a single Russian feeding ground. Here, we assessed whether genetic differentiation exists between these 2 groups of humpback whales. We discovered a strong mtDNA differentiation between the 2 feeding sites (FST = 0.18, ΦST = 0.14, P < 0.001). In contrast, nuclear DNA (nuDNA) polymorphisms, determined at 8 microsatellite loci, did not reveal any differentiation. Comparing our mtDNA results with those from a previous ocean-basin study reinforced the differences between the 2 feeding sites. Humpback whales from the Commanders appeared most similar to those of the western Gulf of Alaska and the Aleutian feeding grounds, whereas Karaginsky differed from all other North Pacific feeding grounds. Comparison to breeding grounds suggests mixed origins for the 2 feeding sites; there are likely connections between Karaginsky and the Philippines and to a lesser extent to Okinawa, Japan, whereas the Commanders are linked to the Mexican breeding grounds. The mtDNA differentiation between the Commander Islands and Karaginsky Gulf suggests a case of gene-culture coevolution, correlated to fidelity to a specific feeding site within a particular feeding ground. From a conservation perspective, our findings emphasize the importance of considering these 2 feeding sites as separate management units.

Variation in body condition during the post-moult foraging trip of southern elephant seals and its consequences on diving behaviour.

Mature female southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina) come ashore only in October to breed and in January to moult, spending the rest of the year foraging at sea. Mature females may lose as much as 50% of their body mass, mostly in lipid stores, during the breeding season due to fasting and lactation. When departing to sea, post-breeding females are negatively buoyant, and the relative change in body condition (i.e. density) during the foraging trip has previously been assessed by monitoring the descent rate during drift dives. However, relatively few drift dives are performed, resulting in low resolution of the temporal reconstruction of body condition change. In this study, six post-breeding females were equipped with time-depth recorders and accelerometers to investigate whether changes in active swimming effort and speed could be used as an alternative method of monitoring density variations throughout the foraging trip. In addition, we assessed the consequences of density change on the swimming efforts of individuals while diving and investigated the effects on dive duration. Both descent swimming speed and ascent swimming effort were found to be strongly correlated to descent rate during drift dives, enabling the fine-scale monitoring of seal density change over the whole trip. Negatively buoyant seals minimized swimming effort during descents, gliding down at slower speeds, and reduced their ascent swimming effort to maintain a nearly constant swimming speed as their buoyancy increased. One per cent of seal density variation over time was found to induce a 20% variation in swimming effort during dives with direct consequences on dive duration.

Sacubitril/valsartan has an underestimated impact on the right ventricle in patients with sleep-disordered breathing, especially central sleep apnoea syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Sacubitril/valsartan has been demonstrated to significantly improve left ventricular performance and remodelling in patients with heart failure. However, its effects on the right ventricle in patients with chronic heart failure and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) have not been studied. AIM: To investigate the impact of sacubitril/valsartan treatment on right ventricular function in patients with SDB. METHODS: This was a subanalysis of an observational prospective multicentre study involving 101 patients. At inclusion, patients were evaluated by echocardiography and nocturnal ventilatory polygraphy, which allowed patients to be divided into three groups: "central-SDB"; "obstructive-SDB"; and "no-SDB". RESULTS: After 3 months of sacubitril/valsartan therapy, a positive impact on right ventricular function was observed. In the general population, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion increased by +1.32±4.74mm (P=0.024) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure decreased by -3.1±10.91mmHg (P=0.048). The central-SDB group experienced the greatest echocardiographic improvement, with a significant increase in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion of +2.1±4.9mm (P=0.045) and a significant reduction in systolic pulmonary artery pressure of -8.4±9.7mmHg (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sacubitril/valsartan improved right ventricular function in patients with heart failure and SDB after only 3 months of treatment. The greatest improvement in right ventricular function was observed in the central-SDB group.

Three-dimensional anthropogenic underwater noise modeling in an Arctic fjord for acoustic risk assessment.

Sea-ice covering is drastically declining in the Arctic, opening new maritime routes and thus introducing underwater noise pollution in nearly pristine acoustic environments. Evaluating underwater noise pollution requires good acoustic propagation modeling to predict sound exposure levels. However, underwater noise modeling for acoustic risk assessments has often been carried out using simplistic propagation models, which approximate a 3D propagation in several planes (Nx2D), instead of using full 3D propagation models. However, Nx2D propagation models are impractical for winding geography and steep bathymetry as found in Arctic fjords. The purpose of this study is to estimate disturbance and masking effects on Arctic animal species from shipping noises, modeled through a traditional Nx2D BELLHOP model and a full 3D BELLHOP model. Classical Nx2D propagation modeling largely underestimates the anthropogenic noise footprint in Arctic fjords compared to using a full 3D propagation model.

The nocturnal life of the great scallops (Pecten maximus, L.): First description of their natural daily valve opening cycle.

Valvometry techniques used to monitor bivalve gaping activity have elucidated numerous relationships with environmental fluctuations, along with biological rhythms ranging from sub-daily to seasonal. Thus, a precise understanding of the natural activity of bivalves (i.e., not exposed to stressful environmental variations) is necessary as a baseline for detecting abnormal behaviors (deviations). This knowledge is also needed to reliably interpret observations of bivalve gaping behavior and associated biological processes (e.g., respiration, nutrition) acquired over time-limited periods. With this in mind, we investigated the natural daily gaping activity of the great scallop (Pecten maximus) by continuously monitoring 35 individuals in several individual tanks and in situ (Bay of Saint-Brieuc, Brittany, France) using fully autonomous Hall effect sensors. Our results revealed a circadian cycle (τ = 24.0h) in scallop gaping activity. Despite significant inter-individual variability in mean opening and cycle amplitude, almost all individuals (87.5%) exhibited nocturnal activity, with valves more open at night than during the day. A shift in light regime in the tanks triggered an instantaneous change in opening pattern, indicating that light levels strongly determine scallop activity. Based on the opening status of scallops, we also identified several gaping behaviors deviating from the regular daily pattern (lack of rhythmicity, high daytime opening), potentially reflecting physiological weakness. While further long-term studies are required to fully understand the natural activity of scallops, these findings pave the way for studies focused on the scallop response to external factors and introduce further research into the detection of abnormal behaviors. Coupling observations of diel valve gaping cycles with other daily variations in organismal and environmental parameters could help explain mechanisms driving the growth patterns of scallops observed in their shell striations. From a technical perspective, our field-based monitoring demonstrates the suitability of autonomous valvometry sensors for studying mobile subtidal bivalve activity in remote offshore environments.

Characterization of Aroma Active Compound Production during Kombucha Fermentation: Towards the Control of Sensory Profiles.

Since the sensorial profile is the cornerstone for the development of kombucha as a beverage with mass market appeal, advanced analytical tools are needed to gain a better understanding of the kinetics of aromatic compounds during the fermentation process to control the sensory profiles of the drink. The kinetics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was determined using stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and odor-active compounds were considered to estimate consumer perception. A total of 87 VOCs were detected in kombucha during the fermentation stages. The synthesis of mainly phenethyl alcohol and isoamyl alcohol probably by Saccharomyces genus led to ester formation. Moreover, the terpene synthesis occurring at the beginning of fermentation (Δ-3-carene, α-phellandrene, γ-terpinene, m- and p-cymene) could be related to yeast activity as well. Principal component analysis identified classes that allowed the major variability explanation, which are carboxylic acids, alcohols, and terpenes. The aromatic analysis accounted for 17 aroma-active compounds. These changes in the evolution of VOCs led to flavor variations: from citrus-floral-sweet notes (geraniol and linalool domination), and fermentation brought intense citrus-herbal-lavender-bergamot notes (α-farnesene). Finally, sweet-floral-bready-honey notes dominated the kombucha flavor (2-phenylethanol). As this study allowed to estimate kombucha sensory profiles, an insight for the development of new drinks by controlling the fermentation process was suggested. Such a methodology should allow a better control and optimization of their sensory profile, which could in turn lead to greater consumer acceptance.

(Trans)esterification of mannose catalyzed by lipase B from Candida antarctica in an improved reaction medium using co-solvents and molecular sieve.

Four co-solvents (dimethylformamide [DMF], formamide, dimethyl sulfoxide [DMSO], and pyridine) were tested with tert-butanol (tBut) to optimize the initial rate (v0) and yield of mannosyl myristate synthesis by esterification catalyzed by immobilized lipase B from Candida antarctica. Ten percent by volume of DMSO resulted in the best improvement of v0 and 48-hr yield (respectively 115% and 13% relative gain compared to pure tBut). Use of molecular sieve (5% w/v) enhances the 48-hr yield (55% in tBut/DMSO [9:1, v/v]). Transesterification in tBut/DMSO (9:1, v/v) with vinyl myristate leads to further improvement of v0 and 48-hr yield: a relative gain of 85% and 65%, respectively, without sieve and 25% and 10%, respectively, with sieve, compared to esterification. No difference in v0 and 48-hr yield is observed when transesterification is carried out with or without sieve.

Settings of demersal longlines reveal acoustic cues that can inform toothed whales where and when to depredate.

Fishing boats produce acoustic cues while hauling longlines. These acoustic signals are known to be used by odontocetes to detect the fishing activity and to depredate. However, very little is known about potential interactions before hauling. This article describes the acoustic signature of the setting activity. Using passive acoustic recorders attached to the buoys of longlines, this work demonstrates an increase in the ambient sound of ∼6 dB re 1 µPa2 Hz-1 within 2-7 kHz during the setting activity. This could also be used as an acoustic cue by depredating species, suggesting that predators can detect longlines as soon as they are set.

Evidence of deep-sea interactions between toothed whales and longlines.

Toothed whales (odontocetes) feeding on fish caught on hooks in longline fisheries is a growing issue worldwide. The substantial impacts that this behaviour, called depredation, can have on the fishing economy, fish stocks and odontocetes populations, raise a critical need for mitigation solutions to be developed. However, information on when, where and how odontocete depredation occurs underwater is still limited, especially in demersal longline fisheries (fishing gear set on the seafloor). In the present study, we investigated depredation by killer whales (Orcinus orca) and sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) on demersal longlines in the French Patagonian toothfish fishery (Southern Ocean). Using a combination of animal-borne behavioural and longline-attached data loggers, we demonstrated that both species are able to depredate longlines on the seafloor. This study, therefore, suggests that odontocetes whales-longline interaction events at depth may be unrecorded when assessing depredation rates from surface observations during hauling phases only. This result has implications for the management of fisheries facing similar depredation issues as underestimated depredation rates may result in unaccounted fish mortality in fish-stock assessments. Therefore, while further research should be conducted to assess the extent of deep-sea whale-longline interaction events during soaking, the evidence that depredation can occur at any time during the whole fishing process as brought out by this study should be considered in future developments of mitigation solutions to the issue.

Commercial fishing patterns influence odontocete whale-longline interactions in the Southern Ocean.

The emergence of longline fishing around the world has been concomitant with an increase in depredation-interactions by odontocete whales (removal of fish caught on hooks), resulting in substantial socio-economic and ecological impacts. The extent, trends and underlying mechanisms driving these interactions remain poorly known. Using long-term (2003-2017) datasets from seven major Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) longline fisheries, this study assessed the levels and inter-annual trends of sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and/or killer whale (Orcinus orca) interactions as proportions of fishing time (days) and fishing area (spatial cells). The role of fishing patterns in explaining between-fisheries variations of probabilities of odontocete interactions was investigated. While interaction levels remained globally stable since the early 2000s, they varied greatly between fisheries from 0 to >50% of the fishing days and area. Interaction probabilities were influenced by the seasonal concentration of fishing effort, size of fishing areas, density of vessels, their mobility and the depth at which they operated. The results suggest that between-fisheries variations of interaction probabilities are largely explained by the extent to which vessels provide whales with opportunities for interactions. Determining the natural distribution of whales will, therefore, allow fishers to implement better strategies of spatio-temporal avoidance of depredation.

Icelandic herring-eating killer whales feed at night.

Herring-eating killer whales debilitate herring with underwater tail slaps and likely herd herring into tighter schools using a feeding-specific low-frequency pulsed call ('herding' call). Feeding on herring may be dependent upon daylight, as the whales use their white underside to help herd herring; however, feeding at night has not been investigated. The production of feeding-specific sounds provides an opportunity to use passive acoustic monitoring to investigate feeding behaviour at different times of day. We compared the acoustic behaviour of killer whales between day and night, using an autonomous recorder deployed in Iceland during winter. Based upon acoustic detection of underwater tail slaps used to feed upon herring we found that killer whales fed both at night and day: they spent 50% of their time at night and 73% of daytime feeding. Interestingly, there was a significant diel variation in acoustic behaviour. Herding calls were significantly associated with underwater tail slap rate and were recorded significantly more often at night, suggesting that in low-light conditions killer whales rely more on acoustics to herd herring. Communicative sounds were also related to underwater tail slap rate and produced at different rates during day and night. The capability to adapt feeding behaviour to different light conditions may be particularly relevant for predator species occurring in high latitudes during winter, when light availability is limited.

Hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activities of Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl extracts in animal models: characterization by high performance liquid chromatography analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The present study was designed to explore antidiabetic and hepatoprotective potentials of Fraxinus angustifolia leaf (FAL) and bark (FAB) extracts in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, pretreated with the extracts (25 and 50 mg/kg), were monitored for fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels. Hepatoprotective potential was examined after injection of an excessive dose of paracetamol (10 g/60 kg) by analysis of biochemical parameters (transaminases, bilirubin), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and histological sections. high performance liquid chromatography analysis was also performed for partial characterization. RESULTS: A considerable hypoglycemic effect was noticed 2 h after the STZ-induction, with a higher efficiency (P < 0.05) for FAL (68%) as compared with FAB (57%). A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in MDA was observed for paracetamol-fed mice pretreated with FAL (50 mg/kg), FAB (50 mg/kg), or both (25 mg/kg each) extracts, and the MDA levels for the three conditions were 0.290 ± 0.034, 0.340 ± 0.038, and 0.25 ± 0.058 nmoles/mg of liver tissue, respectively). Hence, simultaneous treatment provided a better protection. Histological observations confirmed the higher hepatoprotective potential of FAL over FAB extracts. CONCLUSION: The obtained results indicate the possibility of pharmacological exploitation of F. angustifolia extracts in the treatment of diabetes and associated liver diseases.

Southern Elephant Seals Replenish Their Lipid Reserves at Different Rates According to Foraging Habitat.

Assessing energy gain and expenditure in free ranging marine predators is difficult. However, such measurements are critical if we are to understand how variation in foraging efficiency, and in turn individual body condition, is impacted by environmentally driven changes in prey abundance and/or accessibility. To investigate the influence of oceanographic habitat type on foraging efficiency, ten post-breeding female southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina (SES) were equipped and tracked with bio-loggers to give continuous information of prey catch attempts, body density and body activity. Variations in these indices of foraging efficiency were then compared between three different oceanographic habitats, delineated by the main frontal structures of the Southern Ocean. Results show that changes in body density are related not only to the number of previous prey catch attempts and to the body activity (at a 6 day lag), but also foraging habitat type. For example, despite a lower daily prey catch attempt rate, SESs foraging north of the sub-Antarctic front improve their body density at a higher rate than individuals foraging south of the sub-Antarctic and polar fronts, suggesting that they may forage on easier to catch and/or more energetically rich prey in this area. Our study highlights a need to understand the influence of habitat type on top predator foraging behaviour and efficiency when attempting a better comprehension of marine ecosystems.

A novel family of glucosyl 1,5-anhydro-d-fructose derivatives synthesised by transglucosylation with dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F.

1,5-Anhydro-d-fructose (AF), a metabolite of starch/glycogen degradation, is a good antioxidant. With the prospect of increasing its applications and use as a food ingredient, AF glucosylation catalysed by the dextransucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides NRRL B-512F was performed in the presence of sucrose. This led to AF glucosylated derivatives containing alpha-(1-->6) linkages named 1,5-anhydro-d-fructo-glucooligosaccharides (AFGOS). LC-MS analyses showed that AFGOS with a degree of polymerisation (DP) of up to 7 were synthesised. The amount of AFGOS produced and the average DP increased by using a high sucrose/AF molar ratio and high total sugar concentration. AFGOS were proved to present antioxidant properties quite similar to AF.

Glucosylation of alpha-butyl- and alpha-octyl-D-glucopyranosides by dextransucrase and alternansucrase from Leuconostoc mesenteroides.

For the first time, glucosylation of alpha-butyl- and alpha-octylglucopyranoside was achieved using dextransucrase (DS) of various specificities, and alternansucrase (AS) from Leuconostoc mesenteroides. All the glucansucrases (GS) tested used alpha-butylglucopyranoside as acceptor; in particular, DS produced alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-butyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside and alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl-(1-->6)-O-butyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside. In contrast, alpha-octylglucopyranoside was glucosylated only by AS which was shown to be the most efficient catalyst. The conversion rates, obtained with this enzyme at sucrose to acceptor molar ratio of 2:1 reached 81 and 61% for alpha-butylglucopyranoside and alpha-octylglucopyranoside, respectively. Analyses obtained from liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed that different series of alpha-alkylpolyglucopyranosides regioisomers of increasing polymerization degree can be formed depending on the specificity of the catalyst.