Potassium-based emulsifying salts in processed cheese: A rheological, textural, tribological and thermal approach.

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of potassium-based emulsifying salts (ES; 2% wt/wt concentration) with different phosphate chain lengths [dipotassium hydrogenphosphate (K2HPO4; DKP), tetrapotassium diphosphate (K4P2O7; KTPP), pentapotassium triphosphate (K5P3O10; TKPP)] on the physicochemical, viscoelastic, textural, tribological, thermal, and sensory properties of processed cheese (PC; 40% wt/wt dry matter, 50% wt/wt fat in dry matter) during a 60d storage period (6 ± 2°C). On the whole, the hardness of all PC samples increased with the increasing chain length of ES (DKP < TKPP < KTPP) and the prolonging storage period. Moreover, the hardness results were in accordance with those of the rheological analysis. All PC samples exhibited a more elastic character (G' > G"; tan δ < 1). The type of potassium-based ES affected the binding of water into the structure of the PC. Furthermore, the study confirmed that the manufactured PCs received optimal sensory scores, without any excessive bitterness. It could be concluded that the type of applied ES and storage length affected the functional properties of PC. Finally, the information provided in this study could serve as a tool for the dairy industry to help appropriately select potassium-based ES for PC manufacture with desired properties.

Expression of osteogenic factors in FasL-deficient calvarial cells.

During bone development, FasL acts not only through the traditional apoptotic mechanism regulating the amount of bone-resorbing osteoclasts, but there is also growing evidence about its effect on cell differentiation. Expression of osteoblastic factors was followed in non differentiated and differentiating primary calvarial cells obtained from FasL-deficient (gld) mice. The gld cells showed decreased expression of the key osteoblastic molecules osteocalcin (Ocn), osteopontin (Opn), and alkaline phosphatase (Alpl) in both groups. Notably, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (Rankl) was unchanged in non-differentiated gld vs. wild type (wt) cells but decreased in differentiating gld cells. Osteoprotegerin (Opg) in the gld samples was increased in both groups. Opg vs. Rankl expression levels favored Opg in the case of non-differentiated cells but Rankl in differentiating ones. These results expand information on the involvement of FasL in non-apoptotic cell pathways related to osteoblastogenesis and consequently also osteoclastogenesis and pathologies such as osteoporosis.

[Frequency view on genome changes testing]. / Frekvencní pohled na vysetrení odchylek genomu.

Laboratories dealing with human genome, both inherited and acquired changes, dispose with similar methods and technology. The spectrum of genetic tests is relatively broad and the number of mutations or variants tested differs substantially. Also the number of examinations carried out in individual laboratories varies. Data presented in the tables come from the year 2004 and indicate the number of examinations requested and number of positive results. Many laboratories mentioned in the registry CZDDNAL (http://www.uhkt.cz/lab_a_vysetreni/nr lab_dna_diag/dna_lab_db) perform the same tests but there is also a great number of tests carried out by only one laboratory. Reasons of the request, cost-effectiveness and clinical utility of genetic testing is being discussed.

A contribution to the quantitative evaluation of yeast cultures stored in liquid nitrogen.

Different ways of the evaluation of viability of cultures stored in liquid nitrogen are compared. The streaking technique is recommended for a rapid evaluation. It is sufficient to determine the suitability of the medium, of cryopreservatives and of the whole procedure. On storage of melted cultures for 1-7 d at 4 degrees C it was found that the cultures could be transported directly in a suitable package maintaining the low temperature on the condition that the transportation would not last longer than 5 d.

Cytological and chemical changes in cell walls of Rhodotorula gracilis. III. Characteristics and life cycle of the yeast.

The phenotype and genotype of six strains of the genus Rhodotorula Harrison and of one strain of the genus Cryptococcus Phaff et Fell, with anomalous thickening of cell walls were investigated. The present studies showed that the strains investigated represent different stages of the life cycles of the genus Rhodosporidium Banno. The anomalous thickening of the cell walls can be explained by extreme conditions resulting in the formation of surviving forms (teliospores, chlamydospores).

Long-term preservation of yeast cultures in liquid nitrogen.

Nineteen strains of taxonomically diverse yeast species tested survived freezing and subsequent five-year storage in liquid nitrogen at - 196 degrees C, using a medium M 2 composed of malt extract, yeast extract, peptone, calf serum and dimethyl sulfoxide. Viability of the yeast cultures after long-term storage ranged from 5 to 97% (average 62%) compared with the viability of the cultures prior to freezing. The use of liquid nitrogen refrigeration for preserving yeast cultures is strongly advocated.

Storage of Candida albicans, C. tropicalis and related species in liquid nitrogen.

Storage in liquid nitrogen of a collection of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and related species checked by numerical and classical taxonomy is described. Strains stored for 3 years in liquid nitrogen were thawed and their survival was tested. After adaptation and regeneration, their fermentation and assimilation spectra, production of chlamydospores and pseudomycelia, appearance and radial growth rate of giant colonies were investigated and compared with the properties of cultures stored under paraffin oil. It follows from the results obtained that two different media--with an increased content of a nitrogen source and with an increased carbon source content--should be used for the post-heating adaptation and regeneration of yeast cells. In some strains it is useful to store them at 4 degrees C for additional time intervals in order to increase survival of the cells. The above strains can be successfully stored in liquid nitrogen.

Morphological changes during the life cycle of Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud.

Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud was isolated from different natural materials plant blossoms in particular. Elements of vegetative multiplication, structure of colonies and cultures in liquid media were analyzed in detail, leading to construction of the life cycle of this organism. Morphological polymorphism was found to be combined with the production of melanin and the polysaccharide pullulan. Morphological analysis served for a directed selection for studies of physiological properties of this organism and its practical application.

Mannan-hydrolyzing enzymes of yeasts and yeast-like organism.

The ability to degrade mannan in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, i.e. the ability to produce an enzyme of the alpha-mannosidase type was tested in 57 representatives of various genera and species of yeasts and yeast-like organisms. Their growth was simultaneously monitored on soluble mannan and on 4-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-mannopyradnoside. The majority of strains produced alpha-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.24).

Production of alpha-amylase by yeasts and yeast-like organisms.

Of a total of 177 strains of yeasts and yeast-like organisms only 8 were capable of producing alpha-amylase; most strains were able to utilize 1,4-alpha-glucans by means of enzymes acting on the non-reducing ends of the outer glucan chains.

Biochemical similarities among strains of Aureobasidium pullulans (de Bary) Arnaud.

Seventy-seven properties of Aureobasidium pullulans including utilization of various carbon sources, decomposition of the lignin-cellulose complex and the respective enzymes were checked in the present communication. According to these properties the group of 43 strains was separated in three parts, out of which two groups were found to belong to varieties A. pullulans var. pullulans and A. pullulans var. melanigenum. The third group formed a marginal part. The two varieties differed in numerous biochemical markers, particularly in the absence of monophenol monooxygenase in the variety A. pullulans var. pullulans.

Xylan-degrading activity in yeasts: growth on xylose, xylan and hemicelluloses.

The ability to grow in liquid media with D-xylose, xylan from decidous trees, and hemicelluloses from conifers was tested in 95 strains of 35 genera of yeasts and yeast-like organisms. Of 54 strains thriving on xylose, only 13 (genera Aureobasidium, Cryptococcus and Trichosporon) utilized xylan and hemicelluloses as growth substrates. The árowth media of these strains were found to contain xylan-degrading enzymes splitting the substrate to xylose and a mixture of xylose oligosaccharides. The ability of these yeasts to utilize the wood components (hitherto unknown in the genus Crytococcus) makes them potential producers of microbial proteins from industrial wood wastes containing xylose oligosaccharides, xylan, and hemicelluloses as the major saccharide components without previous saccharification.

Cryoprotective effects of yeast extracellular polysaccharides and glycoproteins.

Eighteen yeast strains were tested for their ability to survive the freeze-thaw process while being cryoprotected. Cryoprotection was accomplished by combining penetrating and nonpenetrating cryoagents. Four nonpenetrating (two extracellular polysaccharides of yeast and two extracellular glycoproteins of yeast) and two penetrating agents were used together with the nutritive-rich medium. Eight different mixtures were tested. The highest survival rate was obtained with glycoproteins of Rhodosporidium toruloides together with DMSO and nutritive-rich medium.

Liquid nitrogen storage of yeast cultures. II. Stability of characteristics of stored strains.

Nineteen strains of yeasts possessing different characteristics were stored in liquid nitrogen and after 5 years phenotypic characters were evaluated and compared with equivalent strains preserved under paraffin oil. All qualitative characters tested remained stable, and quantitative characters varied only within the range of natural variability.

Liquid nitrogen storage of yeast cultures. I. Survival, and literature review of the perservation of fungi at ultralow temperatures.

All 20 yeast strains of 17 species tested survived 75 days (the length of the experimental period) in liquid nitrogen at -196 C. The components of the more protective of the two freezing media used were (w/v) malt extract 2.5%, yeast extract 0.25%, peptone 0.5%, calf serum 15% (v/v) and dimethyl sulfoxide 10% (v/v). Viability of the cells in this medium after rapid uncontrolled freezing and thawing in selaed plastic ampoules ranged from 2% to 98% (average 67%) compared with the viability of the cultures before freezing. In only 4 strains was survival lower than 50%. (90 references).

Malassezia pachydermatis: properties and storage.

Five strains of Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from small animals in Bratislava were subcultured, maintained under sterile paraffin oil and preserved in liquid nitrogen. Morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the analysis of long chain fatty acids of the cell mass were determined. The results showed that the maintenance in liquid nitrogen is the most satisfactory method of preservation of pure cultures of Malassezia pachydermatis.

Candida ethanolica n. sp.

A new yeast, Candida ethanolica, isolated from industrial fodder yeast cultivated on synthetic ethanol as the only source of carbon, originally designated III-5 and III-6, is described. This species differs from all recently accepted Candida species in not assimilating nitrate, not producing urease and not fermenting sugars.