Exploring Beneficial Properties of Haskap Berry Leaf Compounds for Gut Health Enhancement.

This study investigates the potential of formulated systems utilising haskap berry leaf extracts and dextran as carriers, to modulate both antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory activities and their impact on the growth of specific bacterial strains. The analysis of antioxidant capacity, assessed through ABTS, CUPRAC, DPPH, and FRAP assays, revealed varying but consistently high levels across extracts, with Extract 3 (loganic acid: 2.974 mg/g, chlorogenic acid: 1.125 mg/g, caffeic acid: 0.083 mg/g, rutin: 1.137 mg/g, and quercetin: 1.501 mg/g) exhibiting the highest values (ABTS: 0.2447 mg/mL, CUPRAC: 0.3121 mg/mL, DPPH: 0.21001 mg/mL, and FRAP: 0.3411 mg/mL). Subsequent enzymatic inhibition assays demonstrated a notable inhibitory potential against α-glucosidase (1.4915 mg/mL, expressed as acarbose equivalent), hyaluronidase (0.2982 mg/mL, expressed as quercetin equivalent), and lipase (5.8715 µg/mL, expressed as orlistat equivalent). Further system development involved integration with dextran, showcasing their preserved bioactive compound content and emphasising their stability and potential bioactivity. Evaluation of the dextran systems' impact on bacterial growth revealed a significant proliferation of beneficial strains, particularly the Bifidobacterium and lactobacilli genus (Bifidobacterium longum: 9.54 × 107 to 1.57 × 1010 CFU/mL and Ligilactobacillus salivarius: 1.36 × 109 to 1.62 × 1010 CFU/mL), suggesting their potential to modulate gut microbiota. These findings offer a foundation for exploring the therapeutic applications of haskap berry-based dextran systems in managing conditions like diabetes, emphasising the interconnected roles of antioxidant-rich botanical extracts and dextran formulations in promoting overall metabolic health.

Response of Maize Varieties (Zea mays L.) to the Application of Classic and Stabilized Nitrogen Fertilizers-Nitrogen as a Predictor of Generative Yield.

The study presents the results of a 3-year field trial aimed at assessing the yield and efficiency indicators of nitrogen application in the cultivation of three maize cultivars differing in agronomic and genetic profile. The advantages of the UltraGrain stabilo formulation (NBPT and NPPT) over ammonium nitrate and urea are apparent if a maize cultivar capable of efficient nutrient uptake in the pre-flowering period and effective utilization during the grain filling stage is selected. Therefore, the rational fertilization of maize with urea-based nitrogen fertilizer with a urease inhibitor requires the simultaneous selection of cultivars that are physiologically profiled for efficient nitrogen utilization from this form of fertilizer ("stay-green" cultivar). The interaction of a selective cultivar with a high genetically targeted potential for nitrogen uptake from soil, combined with a targeted selection of nitrogen fertilizer, is important not only in terms of production, but also environmental and economic purposes.

Use of Ultrasounds to Reduce the Count of Campylobacter coli in Water.

The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of low-frequency ultrasounds applied to eliminate Campylobacter spp. from water. The strains used in this research were isolated from water contaminated with sewage. Campylobacter coli alone was detected in the samples and used for further research. The reference strain C. coli ATCC 33559 was simultaneously tested. The isolate was exposed to ultrasounds at frequencies of 37 kHz and 80 kHz in a continuous operation device with ultrapure deionized water. After 5 min of sonication, the count of C. coli decreased by 5.78% (37 kHz) and 6.27% (80 kHz), whereas the temperature increased by 3°C (37 kHz), and 6°C (80 kHz). After 30 min of sonication, the death rates of bacterial cells were 40.15% (37 kHz) and 55.10% (80 kHz), whereas the temperature reached the maximum values of 36°C (37 kHz), and 39°C (80 kHz). Sonication at the frequency of 80 kHz reduced the bacterial count from 6.86 log CFU/ml to 3.08 log CFU/ml, whereas the frequency of 37 kHz reduced the bacterial count from 6.75 log CFU/ml to 4.04 log CFU/ml. Despite significant differences (p < 0.05) in the number of C. coli cells, the cell death rate remained at the same level.

Monitoring of selected virulence genes in Campylobacter spp. isolates obtained from horses / Monitoring wybranych genów zjadliwosci u izolatów Campylobacter spp. pozyskanych od koni.

The research concerned the determination of the frequency of occurrence of selected virulence genes (cadF, flaA, iam) and genes responsible for the formation of the CDT cytotoxin (cdtA, cdtB, cdtC) in Campylobacter spp. The research object consisted of 100 faecal samples collected from stallions showing no symptoms of campylobacteriosis. The presence of bacteria of the genus Campylobacter spp. Was found in 25 individuals (25%). The molecular biology techniques used in the research allowed us to distinguish the following species from the positive samples: C. jejuni (68%); C. coli (28%) and C. lari (4%). In total, the following genes were found within the marked species: cadF (n=10); flaA (n=5); iam (n=3); cdtA (n=1); cdtB (n=10) and cdtC (n=2). In none of the obtained isolates, the simultaneous presence of genes responsible for the synthesis of CDT toxin was found.

Influence of inoculation with Lactobacillus on fermentation, production of 1,2-propanediol and 1-propanol as well as Maize silage aerobic stability.

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of a commercial bacterial inoculant (L1) and a preparation (L2) containing three Lactobacillus strains capable of producing 1,2-propanediol and short-chain fatty acids on maize silage aerobic stability improvement. The research showed that during 90-day ensilage, the applied preparations significantly reduced the content of DM, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs), pH and DM recovery (P < 0.05). The concentration of lactic acid (LA), acetic acid (AA) and propionic acid (PA) in the inoculated samples increased significantly (P < 0.05). 1,2-Propandiol and 1-propanol were not found in control silages (without additives). The addition of L1 and L2 significantly (P < 0.05) increased the concentration of these substances. The L1 and L2 mixtures significantly extended (P < 0.05) the silage aerobic stability.

The Prevalence of Virulence Genes and Multidrug Resistance in Thermophilic Campylobacter Spp. Isolated from Dogs.

The aim of the study was to determine the role of dogs as a potential reservoir of Campylobacter spp. At the next stage of the research the frequency of occurrence of selected virulence genes, i.e. cadF, flaA and iam as well as genes responsible for the formation the cytolethal distending toxin (CDT), i.e. cdtA, cdtB and cdtC was determined. The isolates obtained in the research were tested for their resistance to selected antibiotics: ciprofloxacin (CIP), enrofloxacin (EF), erythromycin (E) and tetracycline (TE). Campylobacter spp. was found in 63 (12.6%) out of a total number of 500 isolates. 61 (12.2%) isolates were identified as C. jejuni. The number of C. jejuni isolates found in the younger animals was smaller (p <0.05) than in the older ones. The frequency of occurrence of virulence genes and the genes responsible for the formation of CDT was significantly (p <0.05) higher in the older dogs. A comparison of the effect of antibiotics showed that the isolates obtained from both age groups exhibited low resistance to erythrosine (13.5% in the group aged under 1 year and 8.6% in the group aged over 1 year). Both groups exhibited the highest resistance to ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin.

Bacterial Communities from the Arsenic Mine in Zloty Stok, Sudety Mountains, Poland.

Investigations of bacterial communities and characterization of mineralogy of the environment in the Zloty Stok As-Au deposit were carried out. PXRD analysis revealed the presence of picropharmacolite as the most common secondary arsenic mineral in the mine. Total DNA was extracted from slime streams or slime biofilms samples to investigate the bacterial communities. PCR amplification of 16S rDNA was performed followed by subcloning of its products. Over 170 clones were analyzed by means of RFLP method. Eight group of clones representing different restriction patterns were identified. The nucleotide sequences of their inserts suggest that bacteria present in the mine environment belong to: Flavobacteria, Sphingobacteriia, Bacteroides, Proteobacteria, Mollicutes and Firmicutes. The metagenomic approach allows to demonstrate a higher diversity of microbiota than classical microbiological studies of cultivable isolates.

Different antibacterial activity of novel theophylline-based ionic liquids - Growth kinetic and cytotoxicity studies.

The aim of this study was to investigate novel theophylline-based ionic liquids and their cytotoxic effects towards model Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli, respectively). Growth kinetics, respiratory rates and dehydrogenase activities were studied in the presence of ionic liquids at concentrations ranging from 10 to 1000mg/L. Additionally, the influence of ionic liquids on bacterial cells associated with specific interactions based on the structure of cell wall was evaluated. This effect was assessed by viability tests and scanning electron microscope observations. The obtained results confirmed that ionic liquids exhibit different levels of toxicity in relation to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Those effects are associated with the chemical structure of the cationic species of the ionic liquids and their critical micelle concentration value. It was established that the presence of an alkyl or allyl group increased the toxicity, whereas the presence of an aryl group in the cation decreased the toxic effect of ILs. Results presented in this study also revealed unexpected effects of self-aggregation of E. coli cells. Overall, it was established that the studied ILs exhibited higher toxicity towards Gram-positive bacteria due to different interactions between the ILs and the cell membranes. These findings may be of importance for the design of ILs with targeted antimicrobial properties.

Interaction of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria with Ceramic Nanomaterials Obtained by Combustion Synthesis - Adsorption and Cytotoxicity Studies.

This paper presents the interactions of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas putida) bacteria with ceramic materials obtained by combustion synthesis. These studies were conducted based on an analysis of the adsorption of bacteria onto aggregates of ceramic materials in an aqueous suspension. The materials used in the studies were of a nanostructured nature and consisted mainly of carbides: silicon carbide (SiC) in the form of nanofibers (NFs) and nanorods (NRs), titanium carbide, and graphite, which can also be formed by combustion synthesis. Micrometric SiC was used as a reference material. Gram-positive bacteria adsorbed more strongly to these materials. It seems that both the point of zero charge value and the texture of the ceramic material affected the bacterial adsorption process. Additionally, the viability of bacteria adsorbed onto aggregates of the materials decreased. Generally, P. putida cells were more sensitive to the nanomaterials than S. aureus cells. The maximum loss of viability was noted in the case of bacteria adsorbed onto NRSiC and NFSiC aggregates.

Monitoring of Virulence Genes, Drug-Resistance in Campylobacter coli Isolated from Golden Retrievers.

The investigation was performed on 75 of Golden Retriever puppies. Faecal samples were collected on the 42 day of the puppies life (con-trol). Probiotic preparation was administered on 43 day of the puppies life and 10 days after the application of the probiotic, faecal samples were collected again (on 53 day of puppies life). All isolates of Campylobacter coli isolated prior to the administration of the probiotic were found to contain the cadF gene responsible for adhesion, as well as, the flaA gene influencing motility of the examined bacteria. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded only in the case of enrofloxacin.

Synthesis of SiC/Ag/Cellulose Nanocomposite and Its Antibacterial Activity by Reactive Oxygen Species Generation.

We describe the synthesis of nanocomposites, based on nanofibers of silicon carbide, silver nanoparticles, and cellulose. Silver nanoparticle synthesis was achieved with chemical reduction using hydrazine by adding two different surfactants to obtain a nanocomposite with silver nanoparticles of different diameters. Determination of antibacterial activity was based on respiration tests. Enzymatic analysis indicates oxidative stress, and viability testing was conducted using an epifluorescence microscope. Strong bactericidal activity of nanocomposites was found against bacteria Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, which were used in the study as typical Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively. It is assumed that reactive oxygen species generation was responsible for the observed antibacterial effect of the investigated materials. Due to the properties of silicon carbide nanofiber, the obtained nanocomposite may have potential use in technology related to water and air purification. Cellulose addition prevented silver nanoparticle release and probably enhanced bacterial adsorption onto aggregates of the nanocomposite material.

Interaction of Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria with Ceramic Nanomaterials Obtained by Combustion Synthesis ­ Adsorption and Cytotoxicity Studies.

This paper presents the interactions of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Pseudomonas putida) bacteria with ceramic materials obtained by combustion synthesis. These studies were conducted based on an analysis of the adsorption of bacteria onto aggregates of ceramic materials in an aqueous suspension. The materials used in the studies were of a nanostructured nature and consisted mainly of carbides: silicon carbide (SiC) in the form of nanofibers (NFs) and nanorods (NRs), titanium carbide, and graphite, which can also be formed by combustion synthesis. Micrometric SiC was used as a reference material. Gram-positive bacteria adsorbed more strongly to these materials. It seems that both the point of zero charge value and the texture of the ceramic material affected the bacterial adsorption process. Additionally, the viability of bacteria adsorbed onto aggregates of the materials decreased. Generally, P. putida cells were more sensitive to the nanomaterials than S. aureus cells. The maximum loss of viability was noted in the case of bacteria adsorbed onto NRSiC and NFSiC aggregates.

Monitoring of Virulence Genes, Drug-Resistance in Campylobacter coli Isolated from Golden Retrievers.

The investigation was performed on 75 of Golden Retriever puppies. Faecal samples were collected on the 42 day of the puppies life (control). Probiotic preparation was administered on 43 day of the puppies life and 10 days after the application of the probiotic, faecal samples were collected again (on 53 day of puppies life). All isolates of Campylobacter coli isolated prior to the administration of the probiotic were found to contain the cadF gene responsible for adhesion, as well as, the flaA gene influencing motility of the examined bacteria. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were recorded only in the case of enrofloxacin.

The Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. and Occurrence of Virulence Genes Isolated from Dogs.

This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. isolated from dogs' faecal samples. From June 2012 to June 2013, a total of 210 faecal samples from pet dogs living in different kennels (n = 210) were collected by the owners in Greater Poland Voivodeship, Poznan District, Poland. The study revealed that 105 out of 210 faecal samples (50%) contained Campylobacter. The highest prevalence of Campylobacter spp. occurred in spring (81%), followed by winter (64%). The cadF gene was found in 100% of the isolates tested. The occurrence of the other genes was variable. The isolates from young dogs were characterised by higher occurrence of virulence genes.

Oxidative stress in bacteria (Pseudomonas putida) exposed to nanostructures of silicon carbide.

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanostructures produced by combustion synthesis can cause oxidative stress in the bacterium Pseudomonas putida. The results of this study showed that SiC nanostructures damaged the cell membrane, which can lead to oxidative stress in living cells and to the loss of cell viability. As a reference, micrometric SiC was also used, which did not exhibit toxicity toward cells. Oxidative stress was studied by analyzing the activity of peroxidases, and the expression of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (zwf1) using real-time PCR and northern blot techniques. Damage to nucleic acid was studied by isolating and hydrolyzing plasmids with the formamidopyrimidine [fapy]-DNA glycosylase (also known as 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase) (Fpg), which is able to detect damaged DNA. The level of viable microbial cells was investigated by propidium iodide and acridine orange staining.

Isolation of low-molecular albumins of 2S fraction from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill).

Numerous studies have shown that consumption of soybean products decrease the risk of cancers in humans. Experiments at the molecular level have demonstrated that in most cases proteins and peptides are responsible for the anticancer properties of soybeen. Special attention should be paid to lunasin - a peptide described for the first time 16 years ago. Due to its structure it causes i.a., inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. A novel procedure for the isolation and purification of low-molecular-mass 2S soybean albumin protein is described in the present paper. A fraction of four peptides one of them corresponding to molecular mass and isoelectric point characteristic for lunasin. The obtained peptides decreased on the rate of HeLa cell proliferation.

Maize plants infestation by Fusarium spp. and deoxynivalenol in genetically modified corn hybrid and traditional maize cultivars.

The objective of the performed investigations was to isolate pathogenic fungi from contaminated maize cobs, to assess the appearance of maize cob fusariosis and to determine grain contamination with deoxynivalenol in the cultivation of genetically modified maize containing a gene resistance against European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hbn) as well as selected non-modified cultivars. The plant material comprised the following genetically modified maize cultivar: DKC 3421 YG (MON 810) and non-modified cultivars obtained from Smolice Plant Breeding Ltd., IHAR Group: Junak (FAO 210-220), Prosna (FAO 220), SMH (FAO 230), Baca (FAO 220). Prior to harvesting, the occurrence of maize cob fusariosis was determined in the 89 (BBCH) developmental ripening stage. Microbiological assessment was carried out on grains selected from cobs characterized by various pathological symptoms. In 2008, a total of 133 isolates was obtained from the examined samples of infected maize plants, of which 51 isolates were species-identified, while in 2009, the total of 123 isolates were determined, of which 63 were species-identified. In both experimental years, the majority of isolates contained fungi from the Fusarium genus. The performed analysis of mean levels of cob contamination by fusarioses revealed that DKC 3421 YG (MON 810) and SMH (FAO 230) cultivars showed the smallest levels of contamination as well as the lowest percent of cob contamination per plant, while Junak (FAO 210-220) and Baca (FAO 220) cultivars were characterized by the highest degree of contamination. The lowest deoxynivalenol concentrations were determined in years 2008 and 2009 in the case of the DKC 3421 YG (MON 810) cultivar, whereas Prosna (FAO 220) cultivar was characterized by the highest deoxynivalenol concentration.