Use of potassium polyaspartate on white wines: Interaction with proteins and aroma compounds.

The precipitation of tartaric salts represents one of the main visual sensory faults of white wines. It can be prevented by cold stabilization or adding some adjuvants, such as potassium polyaspartate (KPA). KPA is a biopolymer that can limit the precipitation of tartaric salts linking the potassium cation, however, it could interact also with other compounds affecting wine quality. The present work aims to study the effect of potassium polyaspartate on proteins and aroma compounds of two white wines, at different storage temperatures (4 °C and 16 °C). The KPA addition showed positive effects on the quality of wines, with a significant decrease of unstable proteins (up to 92%), also related to better wine protein stability indices. A Logistic function well described the effect of KPA and storage temperature on protein concentration (R2 > 0.93; NRMSD: 1.54-3.82%). Moreover, the KPA addition allowed the preservation of the aroma concentration and no adversely effects were pointed out. Alternatively to common enological adjuvants, KPA could be considered a multifunctional product against tartaric and protein instability of white wines, avoiding adverse effects on their aroma profile.

Localization of nocistatin-binding sites in mice brain and spinal cord using a biotinylated nocistatin probe.

Nocistatin and nociceptin/orphanin FQ are two neuropeptides processed from the same precursor prepronociceptin. They have opposing roles in nociception and several other biological functions. Whereas the location and structure of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptors has been defined, the location of the nocistatin receptors remains unknown. In the course of this study, we synthesized a novel probe for histochemistry by linking biotin to the N terminus of nocistatin, and purified this with high-pressure liquid chromatography and confirmed the structure by mass spectrometer. Using this probe, we found nocistatin-binding sites in the cerebral cortex and the dorsal horn nucleus of the spinal cord. We also found that the nocistatin-binding sites were in the cell body, whereas the nociceptin/orphanin FQ binding sites were on the fibrous processes.

Leprosy problems in Turkey

A review of epidemiologic data on leprosy in Turkey is presented, and the findings in 229 patients which we examined in the leprosarium in Elazig province are discussed. The problems of the endemicity of the disease in Turkey are discussed, and methods to combat it are suggested.