Effects of Sequential Induction Combining Thermal Treatment with Ultrasound or High Hydrostatic Pressure on the Physicochemical and Mechanical Properties of Pea Protein-Psyllium Hydrogels as Elderberry Extract Carriers.

Entrapping bioactive ingredients like elderberry extract in hydrogels improves their stability and functionality in food matrices. This study assessed the effect of sequential thermal treatment with ultrasound (US) or high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and treatment duration on pea protein-psyllium hydrogels as elderberry extract carriers. Measurements included color parameters, extract entrapment efficiency, physical stability, textural properties, microrheology, FT-IR, thermal degradation (TGA), SEM images, total polyphenols content, antioxidant activity, and reducing power. The control hydrogel was obtained using only thermal induction. Both treatments impacted physical stability by affecting biopolymer aggregate structures. Thermal and US combined induction resulted in hydrogels with noticeable color changes and reduced entrapment efficiency. Conversely, thermal and HHP-combined induction, especially with extended secondary treatment (10 min), enhanced hydrogel strength, uniformity, and extract entrapment efficiency (EE = 33% for P10). FT-IR and TGA indicated no chemical structural alterations post-treatment. Sequential thermal and HHP induction preserved polyphenol content, antioxidant activity (ABTS = 5.8 mg TE/g d.m.; DPPH = 11.1 mg TE/g d.m.), and reducing power (RP = 1.08 mg TE/g d.m.) due to the dense hydrogel structure effectively enclosing the elderberry extract. Sequential thermal and HHP induction was more effective in developing pea protein-psyllium hydrogels for elderberry extract entrapment.

The Impact of Drying Methods on the Quality of Blanched Yellow Mealworm (Tenebrio molitor L.) Larvae.

The growing world population necessitates the implementation of appropriate processing technologies for edible insects. The objective of this study was to examine the impact of distinct drying techniques, including convective drying at 70 °C (70CD) and 90 °C (90CD) and freeze-drying (FD), on the drying kinetics, physical characteristics (water activity, color), chemical characteristics (chemical composition, amino acid profile, oil properties, total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity, mineral composition, FTIR), and presence of hazards (allergens, microorganisms) of blanched yellow mealworm larvae. The freeze-drying process results in greater lightness and reduced moisture content and water activity. The study demonstrated that the freeze-dried insects exhibited lower contents of protein and essential amino acids as compared to the convective-dried insects. The lowest content of total polyphenols was found in the freeze-dried yellow mealworm larvae; however, the highest antioxidant activity was determined for those insects. Although the oil isolated from the freeze-dried insects exhibited the lowest acid and peroxide values, it proved to have the lowest PUFA content and oxidative stability. All the samples met the microbiological criteria for dried insects. The results of the study demonstrate that a high temperature during the CD method does not result in the anticipated undesirable changes. It appears that freeze-drying is not the optimal method for preserving the nutritional value of insects, particularly with regard to the quality of protein and oil.

The Influence of Pulsed Electric Field and Air Temperature on the Course of Hot-Air Drying and the Bioactive Compounds of Apple Tissue.

Drying is one of the oldest methods of obtaining a product with a long shelf-life. Recently, this process has been modified and accelerated by the application of pulsed electric field (PEF); however, PEF pretreatment has an effect on different properties-physical as well as chemical. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of pulsed electric field pretreatment and air temperature on the course of hot air drying and selected chemical properties of the apple tissue of Gloster variety apples. The dried apple tissue samples were obtained using a combination of PEF pretreatment with electric field intensity levels of 1, 3.5, and 6 kJ/kg and subsequent hot air drying at 60, 70, and 80 °C. It was found that a higher pulsed electric field intensity facilitated the removal of water from the apple tissue while reducing the drying time. The study results showed that PEF pretreatment influenced the degradation of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. The degradation of vitamin C was higher with an increase in PEF pretreatment intensity level. PEF pretreatment did not influence the total sugar and sorbitol contents of the dried apple tissue as well as the FTIR spectra. According to the optimization process and statistical profiles of approximated values, the optimal parameters to achieve high-quality dried apple tissue in a short drying time are PEF pretreatment application with an intensity of 3.5 kJ/kg and hot air drying at a temperature of 70 °C.

Effect of Pulsed Electric Field Technology on the Composition and Bioactive Compounds of Black Soldier Fly Larvae Dried with Convective and Infrared-Convective Methods.

In recent years, an increasing interest has been shown in alternative food sources. Many studies are focused on the use of insects. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in the chemical and thermal properties of black soldier fly larvae influenced by the pulsed electric field (PEF) and convective (CD) or infrared-convective (IR-CD) drying techniques. Examinations of the basic chemical composition, properties of extracted fat (fatty acid composition, acid and peroxide values, and oxidative stability), total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity, allergen content, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed. Generally, the results showed that dried black soldier fly larvae are a good source of protein and fat, up to 33% and 44%, respectively. The fat extracted from the dried insects consisted mainly of saturated fatty acids (above 75%), in particular lauric acid (C12:0). A good oxidative stability of the fat was also observed, especially from samples dried with the IR-CD method. The convective drying technique allowed for better preservation of protein content compared to samples dried with the IR-CD method. Nevertheless, samples treated with PEF were characterized by significantly lower protein content. The samples after PEF pretreatment, with an intensity of 20 and 40 kJ/kg and dried with the IR-CD method, were represented by a significantly higher total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity. Furthermore, in most cases, the convectively dried samples were characterized by a higher allergen content, both crustaceans and mollusks. Taking into account all of the investigated properties, it can be stated that the samples without treatment and those that were PEF-treated with an intensity of 40 kJ/kg and dried with the infrared-convective method (IR-CD) were the most rewarding from the nutritional point of view.

Developments in Plant Proteins Production for Meat and Fish Analogues.

In recent years, there have been significant developments in plant proteins production for meat and fish analogues. Some of the key developments include the use of new plant protein sources such as soy, legumes, grains, potatoes, and seaweed, as well as insect proteins, leaf proteins, mushrooms, and microbial proteins. Furthermore, to improve the technological and functional properties of plant proteins, they can be subjected to traditional and unconventional treatments such as chemical (glycosylation, deamidation, phosphorylation, and acylation), physical (pulsed electric fields, ultrasound, high hydrostatic pressure, dynamic high-pressure treatment, and cold plasma), and biological (fermentation and enzymatic modification). To obtain the high quality and the desired texture of the food product, other ingredients besides proteins, such as water, fat, flavors, binders, dyes, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, also have to be used. The final product can be significantly influenced by the matrix composition, variety of ingredients, and water content, with the type of ingredients playing a role in either enhancing or constraining the desired texture of the food. There are several types of technologies used for meat and fish analogues production, including extrusion, shear cell technology, spinning, 3D printing, and others. Overall, the technologies used for meat and fish analogues production are constantly evolving as new innovations are developed and existing methods are improved. These developments have led to the creation of plant-based products that have a similar texture, taste, and nutritional profile to meat and fish, making them more appealing to consumers seeking alternatives to animal-based products.

Effect of Thermal and Non-Thermal Technologies on Kinetics and the Main Quality Parameters of Red Bell Pepper Dried with Convective and Microwave-Convective Methods.

The drying process preserves the surplus of perishable food. However, to obtain a good-quality final product, different pretreatments are conducted before drying. Thus, the aim of the study was the evaluation of the effect of thermal (blanching treatments with hot water) and non-thermal technologies (pulsed electric field (PEF) and ultrasound (US)) on the kinetics of the drying process of red bell pepper. The convective and microwave-convective drying were compared based on quality parameters, such as physical (water activity, porosity, rehydration rate, and color) and chemical properties (total phenolic content, total carotenoids content, antioxidant activity, and total sugars content). The results showed that all of the investigated methods reduced drying time. However, the most effective was blanching, followed by PEF and US treatment, regardless of the drying technique. Non-thermal methods allowed for better preservation of bioactive compounds, such as vitamin C in the range of 8.2% to 22.5% or total carotenoid content in the range of 0.4% to 48%, in comparison to untreated dried material. Moreover, PEF-treated red bell peppers exhibited superior antioxidant activity (higher of about 15.2-30.8%) when compared to untreated dried samples, whereas sonication decreased the free radical scavenging potential by ca. 10%. In most cases, the pretreatment influenced the physical properties, such as porosity, color, or rehydration properties. Samples subjected to PEF and US treatment and dried by using a microwave-assisted method exhibited a significantly higher porosity of 2-4 folds in comparison to untreated material; this result was also confirmed by visual inspection of microtomography scans. Among tested methods, blanched samples had the most similar optical properties to untreated materials; however non-thermally treated bell peppers exhibited the highest saturation of the color.

The Influence of Polyols on the Process Kinetics and Bioactive Substance Content in Osmotic Dehydrated Organic Strawberries.

In recent years, an increasing interest in reducing sugar consumption has been observed and many studies are conducted on the use of polyols in the osmotic dehydration process to obtain candied or dried fruits. The studies in the literature have focused on the kinetics of the process as well as the basic physical properties. In the scientific literature, there is a lack of investigation of the influence of such polyol solutions such as sorbitol and mannitol used as osmotic substances during the osmotic dehydration process on the contents of bioactive components, including natural colourants. Thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of polyols (mannitol and sorbitol) in different concentrations on the process kinetics and on chosen physical (colour and structural changes) as well as chemical (sugars and polyol content, total anthocyanin content, total polyphenol content, vitamin C, antioxidant activity) properties of osmotic-dehydrated organic strawberries. Generally, the results showed that the best solution for osmotic dehydration is 30% or 40% sorbitol solutions, while mannitol solution is not recommended due to difficulties with preparing a high-concentration solution and its crystallization in the tissue. In the case of sorbitol, the changes of bioactive compounds, as well as colour change, were similar to the sucrose solution. However, the profile of the sugar changed significantly, in which sucrose, glucose, and fructose were reduced in organic strawberries and were partially replaced by polyols.

The Influence of Lactic Acid Fermentation on Selected Properties of Pickled Red, Yellow, and Green Bell Peppers.

Red, yellow, and green peppers are vegetables rich in natural pigments. However, they belong to seasonal vegetables and need to be treated to prolong their shelf life. One new approach to processing vegetables is to pickle them using lactic acid bacteria. The use of such a process creates a new product with high health value, thanks to the active ingredients and lactic acid bacteria. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of the applied strain of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) on the chemical properties, including the content of active compounds (pigments) and the physical properties of the peppers. Levilactobacillus brevis, Limosilactobacillus fermentum, and Lactoplantibacillus plantarum were used for fermentation and spontaneous fermentation. The pigments, polyphenols content, and antioxidant properties were determined in the pickled peppers, as well as sugar content, color, dry matter, texture properties, and the count of lactic acid bacteria. In all samples, similar growth of LAB was observed. Significant degradation of chlorophylls into pheophytins was observed after the fermentation process. No significant differences were observed in the parameters tested, depending on the addition of dedicated LAB strains. After the fermentation process, the vitamin C and total polyphenols content is what influenced the antioxidant activity of the samples. It can be stated that the fermentation process changed the red bell pepper samples in the smallest way and the green ones in the highest way.

Influence of Fermentation Beetroot Juice Process on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Spray Dried Powder.

Picking vegetables is, along with salting and drying, one of the oldest ways to preserve food in the world. This is the process of decomposition of simple sugars into lactic acid with the participation of lactic bacteria. The aim of the study was to obtain powders from fermented red beet juice with the highest possible amount of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and active ingredients. For the analysis, juices were squeezed from the vegetables and two types of fermentation were used: a spontaneous fermentation and a dedicated one. After inoculation, samples were taken for analysis on a daily basis. Extract, pH, total acidity, pigments, and color were measured. In addition, microbiological tests were also carried out. The juices from the fifth day of fermentation was also spray dried, to obtain fermented beetroot powder. Juices from 3-5th day were characterized by a high content of LAB and betanin, had also a low pH, which proves that the lactic fermentation is working properly. The exception was the juice from spontaneous fermentation. According to the observations, the fermentation process did not run properly, and further analysis is needed. The powders were stable; however, results obtained from the pigment content and the LAB content are not satisfactory and require further analysis.

Independent yet overlapping pathways ensure the robustness and responsiveness of trans-Golgi network functions in Arabidopsis.

The trans-Golgi-network (TGN) has essential housekeeping functions in secretion, endocytosis and protein sorting, but also more specialized functions in plant development. How the robustness of basal TGN function is ensured while specialized functions are differentially regulated is poorly understood. Here, we investigate two key regulators of TGN structure and function, ECHIDNA and the Transport Protein Particle II (TRAPPII) tethering complex. An analysis of physical, network and genetic interactions suggests that two network communities are implicated in TGN function and that ECHIDNA and TRAPPII belong to distinct yet overlapping pathways. Whereas ECHIDNA and TRAPPII colocalized at the TGN in interphase cells, their localization diverged in dividing cells. Moreover, ECHIDNA and TRAPPII localization patterns were mutually independent. TGN structure, endocytosis and sorting decisions were differentially impacted in echidna and trappii mutants. Our analyses point to a partitioning of specialized TGN functions, with ECHIDNA being required for cell elongation and TRAPPII for cytokinesis. Two independent pathways able to compensate for each other might contribute to the robustness of TGN housekeeping functions and to the responsiveness and fine tuning of its specialized functions.

The Influence of Different Pretreatment Methods on Color and Pigment Change in Beetroot Products.

Vegetable processing pomace contains valuable substances such as natural colors that can be reused as functional ingredients. Due to a large amount of water, they are an unstable material. The aim of our research was to assess how the pretreatment method (thermal or nonthermal) affects the properties of powders obtained from beet juice and pomace after the freeze-drying process. The raw material was steamed or sonicated for 10 or 15 min, and then squeezed into juice and pomace. Both squeezed products were freeze-dried. The content of dry substance; L*, a*, and b* color parameters; and the content of betalain pigments were analyzed. Pretreatments increased the proportion of red and yellow in the juices. Steam and ultrasound caused a significant reduction in parameter b* in the dried pomace. A significant increase in betanin in lyophilizates was observed after pretreatment with ultrasound and steam for 15 min. As a result of all experiments, dried juices and pomaces can also be used as a colorant source. However, there is higher potential with pomaces due to their additional internal substances as well as better storage properties. After a few hours, juice was sticky and not ready to use.

Interactions between Transport Protein Particle (TRAPP) complexes and Rab GTPases in Arabidopsis.

Transport Protein Particle II (TRAPPII) is essential for exocytosis, endocytosis, protein sorting and cytokinesis. In spite of a considerable understanding of its biological role, little information is known about Arabidopsis TRAPPII complex topology and molecular function. In this study, independent proteomic approaches initiated with TRAPP components or Rab-A GTPase variants converge on the TRAPPII complex. We show that the Arabidopsis genome encodes the full complement of 13 TRAPPC subunits, including four previously unidentified components. A dimerization model is proposed to account for binary interactions between TRAPPII subunits. Preferential binding to dominant negative (GDP-bound) versus wild-type or constitutively active (GTP-bound) RAB-A2a variants discriminates between TRAPPII and TRAPPIII subunits and shows that Arabidopsis complexes differ from yeast but resemble metazoan TRAPP complexes. Analyzes of Rab-A mutant variants in trappii backgrounds provide genetic evidence that TRAPPII functions upstream of RAB-A2a, allowing us to propose that TRAPPII is likely to behave as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) for the RAB-A2a GTPase. GEFs catalyze exchange of GDP for GTP; the GTP-bound, activated, Rab then recruits a diverse local network of Rab effectors to specify membrane identity in subsequent vesicle fusion events. Understanding GEF-Rab interactions will be crucial to unravel the co-ordination of plant membrane traffic.

The Effect of Traditional and Non-Thermal Treatments on the Bioactive Compounds and Sugars Content of Red Bell Pepper.

The aim of the study was an investigation of the effect of traditional and non-thermal treatment on the bioactive compounds of red bell pepper. As a thermal process, blanching in water and in steam was studied, while for non-thermal the sonication, pulsed electric field treatment and their combination were used in this experiment. The red bell peppers were evaluated based on quality attributes such as: total carotenoids content; polyphenols; vitamin C; antioxidant activity and sugars content. Vitamin C and sugar content were analyzed using liquid chromatography and other measurements were determined based on the spectrophotometric method. Results showed that the blanching in water or in steam reduced bioactive compounds concentration; whereas non-thermal treatments as pulsed electric field (PEF) applied separately or in combination with ultrasound (US + PEF) let to obtain similar or slightly lower content of bioactive compounds in comparison to untreated peppers. When sonication (US) and combined treatment as PEF + US were applied; in most cases reduction of bioactive compounds concentration occurred. This effect was probably related to the effect of relatively long (30 min) ultrasound treatment. The application of appropriate parameters of non-thermal processing is crucial for the high quality of processed material.

Design of Healthy Snack Based on Kiwifruit.

Kiwifruit is an excellent source of vitamin C and other bioactive compounds, which contribute to its high antioxidant activity. However, the fruits with small size and low weight are considered waste and are unprofitable; therefore, the production of healthy kiwifruit-based dried snacks, which contain a lot of health-beneficial ingredients, could be a viable alternative for their use. The aim of this study was to develop formulations and methods to produce attractive and nutritionally valuable dried snacks based on yellow kiwifruit. Three different puree formulations (kiwifruit; fennel; and strawberry, lemon, or spinach) with or without addition of sugar were subjected to two drying methods: freeze-drying (fruit bars) and conventional hot air drying (fruit leathers). The obtained products were analysed for their content of total polyphenols (TPs), flavonoids, and vitamin C, as well as their antioxidant activity. The results showed that snacks prepared by freeze-drying (fruit bars) presented higher TP, vitamin C, and flavonoids content than those prepared by convective drying; however, the antioxidant activity did not always follow this trend. The amount of bioactive compounds depended on the formulation used for the preparation of snacks. The effect of the sugar addition seems to be strictly related to the mix used and specific bioactive compound investigated.

Postharvest Monitoring of Tomato Ripening Using the Dynamic Laser Speckle.

The dynamic laser speckle (biospeckle) method was tested as a potential tool for the assessment and monitoring of the maturity stage of tomatoes. Two tomato cultivars—Admiro and Starbuck—were tested. The process of climacteric maturation of tomatoes was monitored during a shelf life storage experiment. The biospeckle phenomena were captured using 640 nm and 830 nm laser light wavelength, and analysed using two activity descriptors based on biospeckle pattern decorrelation—C4 and ε. The well-established optical parameters of tomatoes skin were used as a reference method (luminosity, a*/b*, chroma). Both methods were tested with respect to their prediction capabilities of the maturity and destructive indicators of tomatoes—firmness, chlorophyll and carotenoids content. The statistical significance of the tested relationships were investigated by means of linear regression models. The climacteric maturation of tomato fruit was associated with an increase in biospckle activity. Compared to the 830 nm laser wavelength the biospeckle activity measured at 640 nm enabled more accurate predictions of firmness, chlorophyll and carotenoids content. At 640 nm laser wavelength both activity descriptors (C4 and ε) provided similar results, while at 830 nm the ε showed slightly better performance. The linear regression models showed that biospeckle activity descriptors had a higher correlation with chlorophyll and carotenoids content than the a*/b* ratio and luminosity. The results for chroma were comparable with the results for both biospeckle activity indicators. The biospeckle method showed very good results in terms of maturation monitoring and the prediction of the maturity indices of tomatoes, proving the possibility of practical implementation of this method for the determination of the maturity stage of tomatoes.

Cell cycle-regulated PLEIADE/AtMAP65-3 links membrane and microtubule dynamics during plant cytokinesis.

Cytokinesis, the partitioning of the cytoplasm following nuclear division, requires extensive coordination between cell cycle cues, membrane trafficking and microtubule dynamics. Plant cytokinesis occurs within a transient membrane compartment known as the cell plate, to which vesicles are delivered by a plant-specific microtubule array, the phragmoplast. While membrane proteins required for cytokinesis are known, how these are coordinated with microtubule dynamics and regulated by cell cycle cues remains unclear. Here, we document physical and genetic interactions between Transport Protein Particle II (TRAPPII) tethering factors and microtubule-associated proteins of the PLEIADE/AtMAP65 family. These interactions do not specifically affect the recruitment of either TRAPPII or MAP65 proteins to the cell plate or midzone. Rather, and based on single versus double mutant phenotypes, it appears that they are required to coordinate cytokinesis with the nuclear division cycle. As MAP65 family members are known to be targets of cell cycle-regulated kinases, our results provide a conceptual framework for how membrane and microtubule dynamics may be coordinated with each other and with the nuclear cycle during plant cytokinesis.

[Urinalysis in patients at the early stage of acute pancreatitis]. / Badanie ogólne moczu u chorych z ostrym zapaleniem trzustki we wczesnej fazie rozwoju choroby.

Urinalysis is a routine and cheap laboratory test that provides clinically useful information in patients with acute abdominal conditions, including acute pancreatitis. The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between the results of urinalysis and the course of the disease among 65 patients with acute pancreatitis (34 men and 31 women, mean age 61 ± 19 years) at the early phase of the disease, i.e. during the first 72 hours from the onset of symptoms. Mild acute pancreatitis was diagnosed in 47 patients, moderately severe in 13 and severe in 5. The most prevalent abnormalities were proteinuria (43% of patients), high urinary bilirubin (20%), erythrocytes (18%), glucose (18%) and leukocytes (17%). High urinary protein and low specific gravity were associated with more severe acute disease and with acute kidney injury. The severity of bilirubinuria and proteinuria were positively correlated with urine concentrations of neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL). Urinalysis should be routinely performed in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Role of new biomarkers for the diagnosis of nephropathy associated with diabetes type 2.

In twenty first century, the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DMt2) dramatically increases, followed by the number of patients suffering from its complications. Currently, diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of renal replacement therapy. Often, DMt2 is diagnosed after several years of duration, and irreversible organ damage can develop during that period. On the other hand, the early diag- nosis of DKD in the preclinical phase, when glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is still maintained and there are no evident changes in urinalysis, gives the possibility of implementing the nephroprotective treatment that can significantly delay the progression of the disease. However, the diagnostic tests available in clinical practice, i.e. serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria have important limitations. There is a need for new, early and non-invasive biomarkers specific for kidney injury, allowing for differentiation between glomerular and tubular injury, and changing dynamically in response to the degree of kidney damage. Hereby, we review the current knowledge about the novel and emerging biomarkers of kidney injury and their used for the diagnosis of DKD.