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The article focuses on the ongoing challenge of eliminating vegetative and spore-forming bacteria from food products that exhibit resistance to the traditional preservation methods. In response to this need, the authors highlight an innovative approach based on the synergistic utilization of high-hydrostatic-pressure (HHP) and lytic bacteriophages. The article reviews the current research on the use of HHP and lytic bacteriophages to combat bacteria in food products. The scope includes a comprehensive review of the existing literature on bacterial cell damage following HHP application, aiming to elucidate the synergistic effects of these technologies. Through this in-depth analysis, the article aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of how these innovative techniques can improve food safety and quality. There is no available research on the use of HHP and bacteriophages in the elimination of spore-forming bacteria; however, an important role of the synergistic effect of HHP and lytic bacteriophages with the appropriate adjustment of the parameters has been demonstrated in the more effective elimination of non-spore-forming bacteria from food products. This suggests that, when using this approach in the case of spore-forming bacteria, there is a high chance of the effective inactivation of this biological threat., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Introduction: Ankylosing spondylitis is chronic progressive disease, which decrease functions of musculoskeletal system including chest area. Those changes influences respiratory mechanics, worsen conditions of proper ventilation of lungs., Objectives: Rating of functional and respiratory parameters and dependence between them at patients with ankylosing spondylitis., Materials & Methods: The study included 45 patients with diagnosed ankylosing spondylitis. Chest and upper limbs mobility, resting spinal curvature alignment were assessed, and respiratory parameters were measured in a plethysmographic chamber JAGGER MasterScreen Body., Results: Ankylosing spondylitis patients had lower respiratory parameters especially sReff, and FRC. Restriction of chest and upper limbs mobility was also demonstrated. Forward head extension was observed based on the occipital wall test. Correlations between functional parameters and correlations between functional and respiratory parameters were shown, in particular MIP, MEP, sReff, Rtot, TLC, ERV., Conclusions: The study confirmed a decrease in functional and respiratory parameters in the examined patients with ankylosing spondylitis compared to the applicable standards. A significant relationship was found between functional parameters in the upper body and respiratory parameters, which worsen with increasing thoracic dysfunction. The obtained results indicate the directions of therapy that should be taken into account to improve respiratory parameters and reduce respiratory dysfunction in these patients. Chest-focused physiotherapy appears to be an important element in improving function in patients with ankylosing spondylitis., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The study investigates the antibiotic resistance (AR) profiles and genetic determinants in three strains of guaiacol-producing Alicyclobacillus spp. isolated from orchard soil and pears. Their phenotypic characteristics, such as spore formation; resistance to different factors, including drugs or disinfectants; or production of off-flavor compounds, can affect the taste and aroma of spoiled products. Food and beverages are potential vectors for the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, which is a growing health concern; thus, microorganisms in food and beverages should not be a potential source of drug resistance to consumers. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) was utilized to identify antibiotic resistance genes, metabolic pathways, and elements associated with guaiacol and halophenol production. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) testing revealed that all strains were susceptible to eight out of nine tested antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamycin, kanamycin, streptomycin, clindamycin, tetracycline, chloramphenicol, and vancomycin) but exhibited high resistance to erythromycin. Analysis indicated that the erythromycin resistance gene, ribosomal RNA small subunit methyltransferase A ( RsmA ), was intrinsic and likely acquired through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). The comprehensive genomic analysis provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Alicyclobacillus spp., highlighting the potential risk of these bacteria as vectors for antibiotic resistance genes in the food chain. This study expands the understanding of the genetic makeup of these spoilage bacteria and their role in antimicrobial resistance dissemination.

Ostrich meat is an interesting alternative to poultry or beef due to its nutritional value. The addition of three plant species (hot peppers, acerola, Schisandra chinesis ) was suggested as a method to improve the quality, safety, and consumer acceptance of sausages prepared from ostrich meat. A series of microbiological and chemical analyses (including, inter alia, content of biogenic amines, heavy metals, and bioactive compounds) of the products as well as their sensory evaluation was performed to verify this claim. The microflora of all sausages was dominated by lactic acid bacteria. The biggest threat to consumers' health could be connected to the presence of biogenic amines formed through the enzymatic activity of lactic acid bacteria. The sausages with plant additives had better antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and lower fat oxidation-these features were correlated with the presence of vitamin C. Sausages with plant additives had a higher acceptability in terms of taste and smell.

Due to the high microbiological contamination of raw food materials and the increase in the incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, new methods of ensuring microbiological food safety are being sought. One solution may be to use bacteriophages (so-called phages) as natural bacterial enemies. Therefore, the aim of this study was the biological and genomic characterization of three newly isolated Serratia - and Enterobacter -specific virulent bacteriophages as potential candidates for food biocontrol. Serratia phage KKP_3708 (vB_Sli-IAFB_3708), Serratia phage KKP_3709 (vB_Sma-IAFB_3709), and Enterobacter phage KKP_3711 (vB_Ecl-IAFB_3711) were isolated from municipal sewage against Serratia liquefaciens strain KKP 3654, Serratia marcescens strain KKP 3687, and Enterobacter cloacae strain KKP 3684, respectively. The effect of phage addition at different multiplicity of infection (MOI) rates on the growth kinetics of the bacterial hosts was determined using a Bioscreen C Pro growth analyzer. The phages retained high activity in a wide temperature range (from -20 °C to 60 °C) and active acidity values (pH from 3 to 12). Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), the isolated bacteriophages belong to the tailed bacteriophages from the Caudoviricetes class. Genomic analysis revealed that the phages have linear double-stranded DNA of size 40,461 bp (Serratia phage KKP_3708), 67,890 bp (Serratia phage KKP_3709), and 113,711 bp (Enterobacter phage KKP_3711). No virulence, toxins, or antibiotic resistance genes were detected in the phage genomes. The lack of lysogenic markers indicates that all three bacteriophages may be potential candidates for food biocontrol.

Introduction: Novel technologies based on virtual reality (VR) are creating attractive virtual environments with high ecological value, used both in basic/clinical neuroscience and modern medical practice. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of VR-based training in an elderly population., Materials and Methods: The study included 36 women over the age of 60, who were randomly divided into two groups subjected to balance-strength and balance-cognitive training. The research applied both conventional clinical tests, such as (a) the Timed Up and Go test, (b) the five-times sit-to-stand test, and (c) the posturographic exam with the Romberg test with eyes open and closed. Training in both groups was conducted for 10 sessions and embraced exercises on a bicycle ergometer and exercises using non-immersive VR created by the ActivLife platform. Machine learning methods with a k -nearest neighbors classifier, which are very effective and popular, were proposed to statistically evaluate the differences in training effects in the two groups., Results and Conclusion: The study showed that training using VR brought beneficial improvement in clinical tests and changes in the pattern of posturographic trajectories were observed. An important finding of the research was a statistically significant reduction in the risk of falls in the study population. The use of virtual environments in exercise/training has great potential in promoting healthy aging and preventing balance loss and falls among seniors., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Sokołowska, Świderski, Smolis-Bąk, Sokołowska and Sadura-Sieklucka.)

Background: Dynamic technological development and its enormous impact on modern societies are posing new challenges for 21st-century neuroscience. A special place is occupied by technologies based on virtual reality (VR). VR tools have already played a significant role in both basic and clinical neuroscience due to their high accuracy, sensitivity and specificity and, above all, high ecological value., Objective: Being in a digital world affects the functioning of the body as a whole and its individual systems. The data obtained so far, both from experimental and modeling studies, as well as (clinical) observations, indicate their great and promising potential, but apart from the benefits, there are also losses and negative consequences for users., Methods: This review was conducted according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework across electronic databases (such as Web of Science Core Collection; PubMed; and Scopus, Taylor & Francis Online and Wiley Online Library) to identify beneficial effects and applications, as well as adverse impacts, especially on brain health in human neuroscience., Results: More than half of these articles were published within the last five years and represent state-of-the-art approaches and results (e.g., 54.7% in Web of Sciences and 63.4% in PubMed), with review papers accounting for approximately 16%. The results show that in addition to proposed novel devices and systems, various methods or procedures for testing, validation and standardization are presented (about 1% of articles). Also included are virtual developers and experts, (bio)(neuro)informatics specialists, neuroscientists and medical professionals., Conclusions: VR environments allow for expanding the field of research on perception and cognitive and motor imagery, both in healthy and patient populations. In this context, research on neuroplasticity phenomena, including mirror neuron networks and the effects of applied virtual (mirror) tasks and training, is of interest in virtual prevention and neurogeriatrics, especially in neurotherapy and neurorehabilitation in basic/clinical and digital neuroscience.

Mucoromycota is a phylum of early diverging fungal (EDF) lineages, of mostly plant-associated terrestrial fungi. Some strains have been selected as promising biotechnological organisms due to their ability to produce polyunsaturated fatty acids and efficient conversion of nutrients into lipids. Others get their lipids from the host plant and are unable to produce even the essential ones on their own. Following the advancement in EDF genome sequencing, we carried out a systematic survey of lipid metabolism protein families across different EDF lineages. This enabled us to explore the genomic basis of the previously documented ability to produce several types of lipids within the fungal tree of life. The core lipid metabolism genes showed no significant diversity in distribution, however specialized lipid metabolic pathways differed in this regard among different fungal lineages. In total 165 out of 202 genes involved in lipid metabolism were present in all tested fungal lineages, while remaining 37 genes were found to be absent in some of fungal lineages. Duplications were observed for 69 genes. For the first time we demonstrate that ergosterol is not being produced by several independent groups of plant-associated fungi due to the losses of different ERG genes. Instead, they possess an ancestral pathway leading to the synthesis of cholesterol, which is absent in other fungal lineages. The lack of diacylglycerol kinase in both Mortierellomycotina and Blastocladiomycota opens the question on sterol equilibrium regulation in these organisms. Early diverging fungi retained most of beta oxidation components common with animals including Nudt7, Nudt12 and Nudt19 pointing at peroxisome divergence in Dikarya. Finally, Glomeromycotina and Mortierellomycotina representatives have a similar set of desaturases and elongases related to the synthesis of complex, polyunsaturated fatty acids pointing at an ancient expansion of fatty acid metabolism currently being explored by biotechnological studies., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Among the beer-spoiling microorganisms, the dominant ones belong to the genera Lactobacillus , Leuconostoc , Oenococcus , and Pediococcus . It is assumed that resistance to hop bitters correlates with resistance to other factors and can significantly impact the brewing industry. Beer preservation with high hydrostatic pressure eliminates the spoiling microorganisms while preserving all desired properties of the beer. Here, we present comprehensive in vitro and genomic analysis of the beer-spoiling Lactiplantibacillus plantarum KKP 3573 capacity to resist hop and high hydrostatic pressure. Lp. plantarum KKP 3573 is a strain isolated from spoiled beer. Our finding suggests that the growth rate of the strain depends on the medium variant, where a small concentration of beer (5 IBU) stimulates the growth, suggesting that the limited concentration has a positive effect on cell growth. At the same time, increased concentrations of 20 IBU, 30 IBU, and pure beer 43.6 IBU decreased the growth rate of the KKP 3573 strain. We observed that higher extract content in the pressurized beer increased microbial survivability. The wort and Vienna Lager beer can stimulate the baroprotective effect. The taxonomy of the novel strain was confirmed after whole genome sequencing (WGS) and comparative genomic analysis. More specifically, it contains a chromosome of 3.3 Mb with a GC content of 44.4%, indicative of the Lp. plantarum species. Accordingly, it possesses high genomic similarity (>98%) with other species members. Annotation algorithms revealed that the strain carries several genes involved in resistance to stress, including extreme temperature, hop bitters and high pressure, and adaptation to the brewing environment. Lastly, the strain does not code for toxins and virulence proteins and cannot produce biogenic amines.

The spoilage of juices by Alicyclobacillus spp. remains a serious problem in industry and leads to economic losses. Compounds such as guaiacol and halophenols, which are produced by Alicyclobacillus , create undesirable flavors and odors and, thus, decrease the quality of juices. The inactivation of Alicyclobacillus spp. constitutes a challenge because it is resistant to environmental factors, such as high temperatures, and active acidity. However, the use of bacteriophages seems to be a promising approach. In this study, we aimed to isolate and comprehensively characterize a novel bacteriophage targeting Alicyclobacillus spp. The Alicyclobacillus phage strain KKP 3916 was isolated from orchard soil against the Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris strain KKP 3133. The bacterial host's range and the effect of phage addition at different rates of multiplicity of infections (MOIs) on the host's growth kinetics were determined using a Bioscreen C Pro growth analyzer. The Alicyclobacillus phage strain KKP 3916, retained its activity in a wide range of temperatures (from 4 °C to 30 °C) and active acidity values (pH from 3 to 11). At 70 °C, the activity of the phage decreased by 99.9%. In turn, at 80 °C, no activity against the bacterial host was observed. Thirty minutes of exposure to UV reduced the activity of the phages by almost 99.99%. Based on transmission-electron microscopy (TEM) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses, the Alicyclobacillus phage strain KKP 3916 was classified as a tailed bacteriophage. The genomic sequencing revealed that the newly isolated phage had linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with sizes of 120 bp and 131 bp and 40.3% G+C content. Of the 204 predicted proteins, 134 were of unknown function, while the remainder were annotated as structural, replication, and lysis proteins. No genes associated with antibiotic resistance were found in the genome of the newly isolated phage. However, several regions, including four associated with integration into the bacterial host genome and excisionase, were identified, which indicates the temperate (lysogenic) life cycle of the bacteriophage. Due to the risk of its potential involvement in horizontal gene transfer, this phage is not an appropriate candidate for further research on its use in food biocontrol. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article on the isolation and whole-genome analysis of the Alicyclobacillus -specific phage.

Due to irrational antibiotic stewardship, an increase in the incidence of multidrug resistance of bacteria has been observed recently. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic methods for pathogen infection treatment seems to be necessary. One of the possibilities is the utilization of bacteriophages (phages)-the natural enemies of bacteria. Thus, this study is aimed at the genomic and functional characterization of two newly isolated phages targeting MDR Salmonella enterica strains and their efficacy in salmonellosis biocontrol in raw carrot-apple juice. The Salmonella phage vB_Sen-IAFB3829 ( Salmonella phage strain KKP 3829) and Salmonella phage vB_Sen-IAFB3830 ( Salmonella phage strain KKP 3830) were isolated against S . I (6,8:l,-:1,7) strain KKP 1762 and S . Typhimurium strain KKP 3080 host strains, respectively. Based on the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analyses, the viruses were identified as members of tailed bacteriophages from the Caudoviricetes class. Genome sequencing revealed that these phages have linear double-stranded DNA and sizes of 58,992 bp (vB_Sen-IAFB3829) and 50,514 bp (vB_Sen-IAFB3830). Phages retained their activity in a wide range of temperatures (from -20 °C to 60 °C) and active acidity values (pH from 3 to 11). The exposure of phages to UV radiation significantly decreased their activity in proportion to the exposure time. The application of phages to the food matrices significantly reduced the level of Salmonella contamination compared to the control. Genome analysis showed that both phages do not encode virulence or toxin genes and can be classified as virulent bacteriophages. Virulent characteristics and no possible pathogen factors make examined phages feasible to be potential candidates for food biocontrol.

Innovative technologies of the 21st century have an extremely significant impact on all activities of modern humans. Among them, virtual reality (VR) offers great opportunities for scientific research and public health. The results of research to date both demonstrate the beneficial effects of using virtual worlds, and indicate undesirable effects on bodily functions. This review presents interesting recent findings related to training/exercise in virtual environments and its impact on cognitive and motor functions. It also highlights the importance of VR as an effective tool for assessing and diagnosing these functions both in research and modern medical practice. The findings point to the enormous future potential of these rapidly developing innovative technologies. Of particular importance are applications of virtual reality in basic and clinical neuroscience.

This article investigated the structure, and the spectroscopic and antimicrobial properties of mandelic acid and its alkali metal salts. The electron charge distribution and aromaticity in the analyzed molecules were investigated using molecular spectroscopy methods (FT-IR, FT-Raman, 1 H NMR, and 13 C NMR) and theoretical calculations (structure, NBO, HOMO, LUMO, energy descriptors, and theoretical IR and NMR spectra). The B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method was used in the calculations. The antimicrobial activities of mandelic acid and its salt were tested against six bacteria: Gram-positive Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, and Loigolactobacillus backii KKP 3566; Gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028, as well as two yeast species, Rhodotorulla mucilaginosa KKP 3560 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231.

Loigolactobacillus backii is an important beer-spoiling species, exhibiting high hop tolerance. Here, we present the annotated whole genome sequence of two recently isolated strains, Lg. backii KKP 3565 and KKP 3566. Firstly, to study the genetic basis of the persistence of the two isolates in beer, a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis ensued. Their chromosome map was constructed, using whole-genome sequencing and assembly, revealing that the two strains carry genomes with a length of 2.79 Mb with a GC content of 40.68%. An average nucleotide identity (ANI) analysis demonstrated that the novel strains possess unique genomic sequences, also confirming their classification into the Lg. backii species. Their genome harbors numerous insertion sequences and plasmids, originating from other beer-spoiling species. Regarding their adaptation in brewery environment, homologous genes that confer resistance to hop were spotted, while the impact of hop bitters and pure beer on bacterial growth was investigated, in vitro. In brief, low hop concentrations were found to induce the proliferation of strains, while a higher concentration negatively affected their growth. Nonetheless, their ability to survive in pure beer indicated their tolerance to high hop concentrations. These results offer insight into the capacity of Lg. backii KKP 3566 and Lg. backii KKP 3566 to tolerate the extreme conditions prevalent in the brewery environment.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the phage cocktail to improve the microbiological quality of five different mixed-leaf salads: rucola, mixed-leaf salad with carrot, mixed-leaf salad with beetroot, washed and unwashed spinach, during storage in refrigerated conditions. Enterobacterales rods constituted a significant group of bacteria in the tested products. Selected bacteria were tested for antibiotic resistance profiles and then used to search for specific bacteriophages. Forty-three phages targeting bacteria dominant in mixed-leaf salads were isolated from sewage. Their titer was determined, and lytic activity was assessed using the Bioscreen C Pro automated growth analyzer. Two methods of phage cocktail application including spraying, and an absorption pad were effective for rucola, mixed leaf salad with carrot, and mixed leaf salad with beetroot. The maximum reduction level after 48 h of incubation reached 99.9% compared to the control sample. In washed and unwashed spinach, attempts to reduce the number of microorganisms did not bring the desired effect. The decrease in bacteria count in the lettuce mixes depended on the composition of the autochthonous saprophytic bacteria species. Both phage cocktail application methods effectively improved the microbiological quality of minimally processed products. Whole-spectral phage cocktail application may constitute an alternative food microbiological quality improvement method without affecting food properties.

The aim of this study was to isolate phage enzymes and apply them in vitro for eradication of the dominant saprophytic bacteria isolated from minimally processed food. Four bacteriophages-two Enterobacter -specific and two Serratia -specific, which produce lytic enzymes-were used in this research. Two methods of phage enzyme isolation were tested, namely precipitation with acetone and ultracentrifugation. It was found that the number of virions could be increased almost 100 times due to the extension of the cultivation time (72 h). The amplification of phage particles and lytic proteins was dependent on the time of cultivation. Considering the influence of isolated enzymes on the growth kinetics of bacterial hosts, proteins isolated with acetone after 72-hour phage propagation exhibited the highest inhibitory effect. The reduction of bacteria count was dependent on the concentration of enzymes in the lysates. The obtained results indicate that phages and their lytic enzymes could be used in further research aiming at the improvement of microbiological quality and safety of minimally processed food products., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Salmonella is one of the most important foodborne pathogens. Fifty-three strains of Salmonella deposited in the Culture Collection of Industrial Microorganisms-Microbiological Resources Center (IAFB) were identified using molecular and proteomic analyses. Moreover, the genetic similarity of the tested strains was determined using the PFGE method. Main virulence genes were identified, and phenotypical antibiotic susceptibility profiles and prevalence of resistance genes were analyzed. Subsequently, the occurrence of the main mechanisms of β-lactam resistance was determined. Virulence genes, inv A, fim A, and stn were identified in all tested strains. Phenotypic tests, including 28 antibiotics, showed that 50.9% of the strains were MDR. The tet genes associated with tetracyclines resistance were the most frequently identified genes. Concerning the genes associated with ESBL-producing Salmonella , no resistance to the TEM and CTX-M type was identified, and only two strains (KKP 1597 and KKP 1610) showed resistance to SHV. No strains exhibited AmpC-type resistance but for six Salmonella strains, the efflux-related resistance of PSE-1 was presented. The high number of resistant strains in combination with multiple ARGs in Salmonella indicates the possible overuse of antibiotics. Our results showed that it is necessary to monitor antimicrobial resistance profiles in all food chain links constantly and to implement a policy of proper antibiotic stewardship to contain or at least significantly limit the further acquisition of antibiotic resistance among Salmonella strains.

Introduction: Factor VII (FVII) deficiency is a rare hemorrhagic diathesis. In females, heavy menstrual and postpartum bleeding can appear as a consequence of its deficiency. Supplementation of the recombinant FVIIa is widely accepted. The supplementation effect in FVII-deficient subjects is difficult to predict, and severe hemorrhage has been described even when FVII levels after supplementation were within normal ranges. The aim of this report is to present the application of thromboelastometry to control the coagulation status in a patient with severe FVII deficiency during pregnancy and delivery, supplemented by rFVIIa per protocol complicated with life-threatening venous thromboembolism. Methods: Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) was performed in 16 pregnant women: in one 28 year old primigravida at 35 weeks of pregnancy with congenital FVII deficiency after rFVIIa administration and 15 healthy women at 38 gestational weeks. The results were compared. Results: The thromboelastometry results showed significant shortening of the clotting time in the extrinsic and the intrinsic pathway in the hypoproconvertinemia patient after rFVIIa administration in relation to healthy pregnant women. A significant reduction in maximum lysis of the clot after FVII supplementation was observed. Conclusions: The thromboelastometry results showed a significant hypercoagulable state with hypoproconvertinemia. Thrombotic complications after delivery might be prevented by the reduction in rFVIIa guided by thromboelastometry. Thromboelastometry performed on a pregnant woman with factor VII deficiency during the supplementation of rFVIIa in peripartum time might be helpful in order to determine an individual, effective dosage regimen of rFVIIa to ensure full correction of clotting disorders without the tendency to develop thrombosis, but further studies are needed.

Fermentation of various food stuffs by lactic acid bacteria is one of the oldest forms of food biopreservation. Bacterial antagonism has been recognized for over a century, but in recent years, this phenomenon has received more scientific attention, particularly in the use of various strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Certain strains of LAB demonstrated antimicrobial activity against foodborne pathogens, including bacteria, yeast and filamentous fungi. Furthermore, in recent years, many authors proved that lactic acid bacteria have the ability to neutralize mycotoxin produced by the last group. Antimicrobial activity of lactic acid bacteria is mainly based on the production of metabolites such as lactic acid, organic acids, hydroperoxide and bacteriocins. In addition, some research suggests other mechanisms of antimicrobial activity of LAB against pathogens as well as their toxic metabolites. These properties are very important because of the future possibility to exchange chemical and physical methods of preservation with a biological method based on the lactic acid bacteria and their metabolites. Biopreservation is defined as the extension of shelf life and the increase in food safety by use of controlled microorganisms or their metabolites. This biological method may determine the alternative for the usage of chemical preservatives. In this study, the possibilities of the use of lactic acid bacteria against foodborne pathogens is provided. Our aim is to yield knowledge about lactic acid fermentation and the activity of lactic acid bacteria against pathogenic microorganisms. In addition, we would like to introduce actual information about health aspects associated with the consumption of fermented products, including probiotics.

High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) technology is considered an alternative method of food preservation. Nevertheless, the current dogma is that HHP might be insufficient to preserve food lastingly against some pathogens. Incompletely damaged cells can resuscitate under favorable conditions, and they may proliferate in food during storage. This study was undertaken to characterize the extent of sublethal injuries induced by HHP (300-500 MPa) on Escherichia coli and Listeria inncua strains. The morphological changes were evaluated using microscopy methods such as Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Epifluorescence Microscopy (EFM). The overall assessment of the physiological state of tested bacteria through TEM and SEM showed that the action of pressure on the structure of the bacterial membrane was almost minor or unnoticeable, beyond the L. innocua wild-type strain. However, alterations were observed in subcellular structures such as the cytoplasm and nucleoid for both L. innocua and E. coli strains. More significant changes after the HHP of internal structures were reported in the case of wild-type strains isolated from raw juice. Extreme condensation of the cytoplasm was observed, while the outline of cells was intact. The percentage ratio between alive and injured cells in the population was assessed by fluorescent microscopy. The results of HHP-treated samples showed a heterogeneous population, and red cell aggregates were observed. The percentage ratio of live and dead cells (L/D) in the L. innocua collection strain population was higher than in the case of the wild-type strain (69%/31% and 55%/45%, respectively). In turn, E. coli populations were characterized with a similar L/D ratio. Half of the cells in the populations were distinguished as visibly fluorescing red. The results obtained in this study confirmed sublethal HHP reaction on pathogens cells.

The food industry is still searching for novel solutions to effectively ensure the microbiological safety of food, especially fresh and minimally processed food products. Nowadays, the use of bacteriophages as potential biological control agents in microbiological food safety and preservation is a promising strategy. The aim of the study was the isolation and comprehensive characterization of novel bacteriophages with lytic activity against saprophytic bacterial microflora of minimally processed plant-based food products, such as mixed leaf salads. From 43 phages isolated from municipal sewage, four phages, namely Enterobacter phage KKP 3263, Citrobacter phage KKP 3664, Enterobacter phage KKP 3262, and Serratia phage KKP 3264 have lytic activity against Enterobacter ludwigii KKP 3083, Citrobacter freundii KKP 3655, Enterobacter cloacae KKP 3082, and Serratia fonticola KKP 3084 bacterial strains, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) identified Enterobacter phage KKP 3263 as an Autographiviridae , and Citrobacter phage KKP 3664, Enterobacter phage KKP 3262, and Serratia phage KKP 3264 as members of the Myoviridae family. Genome sequencing revealed that these phages have linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) with sizes of 39,418 bp (KKP 3263), 61,608 bp (KKP 3664), 84,075 bp (KKP 3262), and 148,182 bp (KKP 3264). No antibiotic resistance genes, virulence factors, integrase, recombinase, or repressors, which are the main markers of lysogenic viruses, were annotated in phage genomes. Serratia phage KKP 3264 showed the greatest growth inhibition of Serratia fonticola KKP 3084 strain. The use of MOI 1.0 caused an almost 5-fold decrease in the value of the specific growth rate coefficient. The phages retained their lytic activity in a wide range of temperatures (from -20 °C to 50 °C) and active acidity values (pH from 4 to 11). All phages retained at least 70% of lytic activity at 60 °C. At 80 °C, no lytic activity against tested bacterial strains was observed. Serratia phage KKP 3264 was the most resistant to chemical factors, by maintaining high lytic activity across a broader range of pH from 3 to 11. The results indicated that these phages could be a potential biological control agent against saprophytic bacterial microflora of minimally processed plant-based food products.

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the natural environment meet multiple stressors such as pH and temperature variations, increased nutrition and metabolite concentrations, harmful chemicals, acidic/oxidative conditions, osmotic pressure, and starvation. However, LAB strains are not subjected to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) which currently is the most common non-thermal decontamination technology in the food industry. In this context, the LAB response to HHP is more difficult to identify compared to other stress-induced responses, and dnaK , ctsR , and hrcA can serve as essential regulators in this reaction. In the present study, the expression level of dnaK , ctsR , and hrcA mRNAs in 15 LAB strains after the HHP (300 MPa/5') exposure was evaluated. As a result, the HHP-treatment affected the up-regulation of dnaK , ctsR , and hrcA in L. backii KKP 3565, L. backii KKP 3566, L. rhamnosus KKP 3570, L. brevis KKP 3575 strains, whereas, in L. plantarum KKP 3569, L. rhamnosus KKP 3571, L. brevis KKP 3573 all genes were lower expressed. The relative expression level of the dnaK , ctsR , and hrcA either before or after the pressure treatment for L. brevis DSM 6235, L. rhamnosus KKP 3572, L. brevis KKP 3574, L. brevis KKP 3576, L. rossiae KKP 3577, L. curvatus KKP 3578 strains were undetectable. Significant differences in the expression levels were observed, between the control and the HHP treatment strains for dnaK in L. backii KKP 3565, L. backii KKP 3566, L. plantarum KKP 3569, L. rhamnosus KKP 3570, L. rhamnosus KKP 3571, ctsR in, L. backii KKP 3565, L. rhamnosus KKP 3570, L. rhamnosus KKP 3571, and hrcA in L. plantarum KKP 3569, L. rhamnosus KKP 3571. Overall, the studied genes, dnaK , ctsR , and hrcA can be useful markers to indicate the LAB cellular response to HHP. These molecular parameters can help to optimize the desirable LAB growing conditions in industrial processes and to understand the complexity of the stress-related mechanism.

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the influence of different HHP levels (150 and 300 MPa) and time treatment (5, 10, 20 min) on the gelation and properties of hydrogels with different inulin concentration (15, 20, 25 g/100 g). High-pressure treatment, in tested ranges, induces inulin gels and allows obtaining gel structures even at a lowest tested inulin content (i.e., 15 g/100 g). Selecting the pressure parameters, it is possible to modify the characteristics of the created hydrogels. The use of higher pressure (i.e., 300 MPa) allows to increase the stability of the hydrogels and change their structure to more compressed, which results in higher yield stress, lower spreadability, harder and more adhesive structure. For example, increasing the inulin gelling induction pressure (concentration 20 g/100 g) from 150 to 300 MPa with a time treatment of 10 min resulted in an increase in yield stress from 38.1 to 711.7 Pa, spreadability force from 0.59 to 4.59 N, firmness from 0.11 to 1.46 N, and adhesiveness from -0.06 to -0.65 N. Extending the time treatment of HHP increases this effect, but mainly when higher pressure and a higher concentration of inulin are being used. For example, extension of time treatment at 300 MPa pressure from 5 to 20 min resulted in an increase in yield stress from 774.8 to 1273.8 Pa, spreadability force from 6.28 to 8.43 N, firmness from 1.87 to 2.98 N, and adhesiveness from -0.94 to -1.27 N. The obtained results indicate the possibility of using HHP to create inulin hydrogels tailored to the characteristics in a specific food product.

Functional lateralization relates to a natural asymmetry in the dominance right or left body side, and is a fundamental principle of the brain. The hemispheres of the brain control the contralateral body side, and show subtle, yet striking, anatomical asymmetries and functional lateralization. Innovative technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), are entering the areas of experimental research, modeling and simulation related to the study of lateralization, with new perspectives of different applications in modern medical practice. Researchers/clinicians note that there are fewer VR studies with healthy participants, and which are important in evaluating/interpreting clinical outcomes, and testing the usefulness, limitations, and sensitivity of VR. The presented influence of the domination of upper/lower limbs on the performance of VR exercises was studied in healthy right-handed adults. Virtual testing sessions were performed independently with both/ dominant/ non-dominant hands, and the similar VR sessions were conduced on a Wii Balance Board (WBB) with the choice of body side, at different levels of the difficulty. The obtained results are consistent with other studies which show that cognitive-motor training in VR with the WBB platform is a very sensitive and promising tool for recognizing/assessing functional asymmetries of the right-left body side not only in disturbed lateralization, but also in the test training of healthy subjects., (Copyright © 2021 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Medical implant use is associated with a risk of infection caused by bacteria on their surface. Implants with a surface that has both bone growth-promoting properties and antibacterial properties are of interest in orthopedics. In the current study, we fabricated a bioactive coating of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on polyether ether ketone (PEEK) using the sonocoating method. The sonocoating method creates a layer by immersing the object in a suspension of nanoparticles in water and applying a high-power ultrasound. We show that the simple layer fabrication method results in a well-adhering layer with a thickness of 219 nm to 764 nm. Dropping cefuroxime sodium salt (Cef) antibiotic on the coated substrate creates a layer with a drug release effect and antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus . We achieved a concentration of up to 1 mg of drug per cm 2 of the coated substrate. In drug release tests, an initial burst was observed within 24 h, accompanied by a linear stable release effect. The drug-loaded implants exhibited sufficient activity against S. aureus for 24 and 168 h. Thus, the simple method we present here produces a biocompatible coating that can be soaked with antibiotics for antibacterial properties and can be used for a range of medical implants.

The widespread use of antibiotics, especially those with a broad spectrum of activity, has resulted in the development of multidrug resistance in many strains of bacteria, including Salmonella . Salmonella is among the most prevalent causes of intoxication due to the consumption of contaminated food and water. Salmonellosis caused by this pathogen is pharmacologically treated using antibiotics such as fluoroquinolones, ceftriaxone, and azithromycin. This foodborne pathogen developed several molecular mechanisms of resistance both on the level of global and local transcription modulators. The increasing rate of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella poses a significant global concern, and an improved understanding of the multidrug resistance mechanisms in Salmonella is essential for choosing the suitable antibiotic for the treatment of infections. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms that control gene expression related to antibiotic resistance of Salmonella strains. We characterized regulators acting as transcription activators and repressors, as well as two-component signal transduction systems. We also discuss the background of the molecular mechanisms of the resistance to metals, regulators of multidrug resistance to antibiotics, global regulators of the LysR family, as well as regulators of histone-like proteins.

Due to the exacerbation of the disease, the rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is often limited. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of a comprehensive rehabilitation on a subjective perception of pain and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis depending on the level of disease activity. The study involved 58 women with rheumatoid arthritis aged 18-60, who underwent a 4-weeks comprehensive rehabilitation program. The assessment included the disease activity level on the DAS28 scale, pain intensity on the 10-point pain scale (VAS) and the value of the CRP protein. The HAQ-DI and KALU questionnaire were used to assess the quality of life. In both groups (group A-DAS28 < 4.2, group B-DAS28 ≥ 4.2) the statistically significant effects in decreasing the level of pain and improvement of quality of life were observed. This indicates the need and effectiveness of rehabilitation regardless of the level of activity of rheumatoid arthritis according to the DAS28 scale. There were no significant changes in the CRP protein level. In conclusion, the rehabilitation of patients with moderate to high disease activity is effective and the success of comprehensive rehabilitation is demonstrated by the decrease of the DAS28 score and the pain level reported by patients, as well as improving self-assessment of health and quality of life.

Mucoromycota representatives are known to harbor two types of endohyphal bacteria (EHB)- Burkholderia -related endobacteria (BRE) and Mycoplasma -related endobacteria (MRE). While both BRE and MRE occur in fungi representing all subphyla of Mucoromycota, their distribution is not well studied. Therefore, it is difficult to resolve the evolutionary history of these associations in favor of one of the following two alternative hypotheses explaining their origin: "early invasion" and "late invasion." Our main goal was to fill this knowledge gap by surveying Mucoromycota fungi for the presence of EHB. We screened 196 fungal strains from 16 genera using a PCR-based approach to detect bacterial 16S rRNA genes, complemented with fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) imaging to confirm the presence of bacteria within the hyphae. We detected Burkholderiaceae in ca. 20% of fungal strains. Some of these bacteria clustered phylogenetically with previously described BRE clades, whereas others grouped with free-living Paraburkholderia Importantly, the latter were detected in Umbelopsidales, which previously were not known to harbor endobacteria. Our results suggest that this group of EHB is recruited from the environment, supporting the late invasion scenario. This pattern complements the early invasion scenario apparent in the BRE clade of EHB. IMPORTANCE Bacteria living within fungal hyphae present an example of one of the most intimate relationships between fungi and bacteria. Even though there are several well-described examples of such partnerships, their prevalence within the fungal kingdom remains unknown. Our study focused on early divergent terrestrial fungi in the phylum Mucoromycota. We found that ca. 20% of the strains tested harbored bacteria from the family Burkholderiaceae Not only did we confirm the presence of bacteria from previously described endosymbiont clades, we also identified a new group of endohyphal Burkholderiaceae representing the genus Paraburkholderia We established that more than half of the screened Umbelopsis strains were positive for bacteria from this new group. We also determined that, while previously described BRE codiverged with their fungal hosts, Paraburkholderia symbionts did not., (Copyright © 2021 Okrasińska et al.)

Objectives: The aim of this study is to draw the attention of patients, doctors and therapists to the importance of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Material and Methods: The research was conducted at the National Institute of Geriatrics Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw. The study involved 60 subjects. The test group consists of 30 patients with diagnosed RA. The control group ( n = 30) consisted of healthy participants of similar age. The study analyzed the occurrence of problems in TMJ joints, acoustic phenomena and the level of pain. Masseter muscle development, range of abduction motion and pain during palpation of soft tissues were assessed on the basis of the joint pain map of Prof. Mariano Rocabado., Results: In the RA group, more than half (56.7%) had problems with the TMJ, 70% of them had masseter hypertrophy and clicks in the TMJ, and 46.7% had tinnitus (in the control group: 10%, 30%, and 30%, respectively). Patients also had a limited range of abduction movement in the TMJ (38.0 ±6.1 mm). Analysis of the pain map of Prof. Mariano Rocabado in RA patients indicates a significantly greater number of pain structures. In the control group no pain was observed in structures such as the posterosuperior synovial and bilaminar zone, posterior ligament, or retrodiscal area., Conclusions: Temporomandibular joint problems in RA patients were more serious than in the control group and these differences were statistically significant for most tests. The awareness of the problem with the TMJ in RA patients is very low; participants of our study were 100% unaware that the function of the TMJ could be improved. Additionally, there are no guidelines for the treatment and rehabilitation of these joints., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Narodowy Instytut Geriatrii, Reumatologii i Rehabilitacji w Warszawie.)

In the present study, we assessed the ability of MALDI-TOF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) to identify microbial strains subjected to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) as a stress factor. Protein changes induced by HHP can affect the identification of microorganisms when the identification technique is based on the protein profile. We evaluated two methods, namely MALDI-TOF MS and 16S rDNA sequencing, as a valuable tool to identify Lactobacillus species isolated from spoiled food, juices and beers. The data obtained from the protein mass fingerprint analysis of some of the lactobacilli strains showed differences in unpressured and pressured mass spectrum profiles (MSPs), which influenced the results of the identification. Four out of 13 strains (30%) showed different MSP results for unpressured and pressured samples and these results did not overlap with the 16S rDNA identification results. The 16S rDNA sequencing method revealed that five unpressured strains (38%) and four pressured strains (40%) were identified correctly by MALDI-TOF MS. Both methods showed compatible results in 38% of unpressured strains and in 30% of pressured strains. Stress factors, cultivation methods or the natural environment from which the bacteria were derived can affect their protein profile and thus change the mass spectrum. It is necessary to expand the database with a wide range of mass spectra dedicated to a high-throughput study of the microorganisms derived from different environments., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Bacteriophages are viruses that are ubiquitous in nature and infect only bacterial cells. These organisms are characterized by high specificity, an important feature that enables their use in the food industry. Phages are applied in three sectors in the food industry: primary production, biosanitization, and biopreservation. In biosanitization, phages or the enzymes that they produce are mainly used to prevent the formation of biofilms on the surface of equipment used in the production facilities. In the case of biopreservation, phages are used to extend the shelf life of products by combating pathogenic bacteria that spoil the food. Although phages are beneficial in controlling the food quality, they also have negative effects. For instance, the natural ability of phages that are specific to lactic acid bacteria to destroy the starter cultures in dairy production incurs huge financial losses to the dairy industry. In this paper, we discuss how bacteriophages can be either an effective weapon in the fight against bacteria or a bane negatively affecting the quality of food products depending on the type of industry they are used., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest: All authors declare no conflicts of interest in this paper., (© 2019 the Author(s), licensee AIMS Press.)

Objectives: Whole body cryotherapy (WBC) is widely used in inflammatory diseases of the joints, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the mechanism(s) of its action is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of WBC and conventional rehabilitation (CR) on the clinical and immune status of RA patients., Material and Methods: Rheumatoid arthritis patients were classified into 2 groups according to the rehabilitation method used: the study group (CT, n = 25) and control group (CR, n = 25). To measure disease activity, the disease activity score (DAS28) was used, while to assess the morning stiffness and pain intensity, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied. Selected laboratory parameters, such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, were also determined. The serum concentrations of pro- (interleukin 6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α], macrophage migration inhibitory factor [MIF]) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines were measured to assess the patient's immune status., Results: After rehabilitation disease activity (DAS28), morning stiffness and pain intensity (VAS) decreased in both patient groups and no statistically significant differences were observed between them. However, statistically significant improvement in the CRP serum level was observed in the CT group only. No differences were observed in the serum concentrations of tested cytokines either before and after rehabilitation, or between patient groups., Conclusions: We report that regardless of the type of therapy, comprehensive rehabilitation improves the patient's clinical status, but has no effect on the levels of circulating cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and MIF, despite significant reduction of a systemic inflammatory marker (CRP), especially in the CT group., Competing Interests: The author declares no conflict of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Narodowy Instytut Geriatrii, Reumatologii i Rehabilitacji w Warszawie.)

Food business operators search for new, mild technologies, which extend the shelf life of product without changing the sensory and nutritional properties. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) meets these requirements; however it also triggers sublethal injury of bacterial cells. Sublethal injuries could spoil the product during storage and potentially pose major public health concerns. This study aims to examine the changes of sublethally injured pathogens cells in two vegetable juices: carrot juice (pH 6.0-6.7) and beetroot juice (pH 4.0-4.2) that are induced by HHP (300-500 MPa). The possibilities of recovery of bacterial cells during 28 days of juices storage at two different temperatures (5°C and 25°C) were determined using plate count methods. During the entire period of storage of carrot juice at refrigerated temperature, the propagation and regeneration of L. innocua strains were observed. Storage at 25°C showed that the number of these bacteria drastically decreased between 14 and 21 days. The above phenomenon was not detected in E. coli case. There was no cells recovery during long-term refrigerated storage for all strains in beetroot juice. However, in some cases spoiling of this product intermittently occurred at 25°C storage temperature. This work demonstrates that carrot juice supports growth and regeneration of HHP-sublethally injured L. innocua , while beetroot juice can be classified as a safe product.

PCR-RFLP targeting of the 16S rDNA and rpoB genes, as well as the vdc region, was applied to identify and differentiate between the spoilage and non-spoilage Alicyclobacillus species. Eight reference strains and 75 strains isolated from spoiled juices, juice concentrates, drinks, its intermediates, and fresh apples were subject to study. Hin6I restriction patterns of the 16S rDNA gene enabled distinguishing between all the species analyzed, while the rpoB gene and vdc gene cluster analysis also revealed that there were two major types among the A. acidoterrestris isolates, one similar to the reference strain A. acidoterrestris DSM 2498, and the other similar to the reference strain A. acidoterrestris ATCC 49025. Heterogeneity was also observed among the A. acidocaldarius isolates. RFLP analysis of the 16S rDNA and rpoB genes, as well as vdc region, can be used successfully in the identification and research of intraspecies heterogeneity of the Alicyclobacillus species.

Objectives: The goal was to present the use of a functional wrist splint and its impact on hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)., Material and Methods: The study group comprised 104 women aged 18-65 and diagnosed with RA, who were treated in the Rheumatology Clinic and Outpatient Department of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw. The control group consisted of 40 healthy women in the same age group. Assessment of the hand function was the research method., Results: Our results revealed substantially deteriorated function of the rheumatoid hand in relation to the healthy hand. The use of a wrist stabiliser is justified in patients with RA due to its beneficial impact, such as improved hand strength and dexterity and reduced pain. Based on the results obtained, it may be assumed that it is mainly patients with moderate and high disease activity who require stabilisation. The small number of patients in remission and with low disease activity was a limitation of the study. Hands with RA require an individual approach, and the most effective methods slowing down development of deformation should be sought. The results presented in this article may provide a starting point for further research on the most favourable wrist stabilisation in order to improve hand function in RA., Conclusions: Our study showed that the hand function of women with RA is limited due to deteriorated grip quality and manual dexterity in comparison to healthy persons. Wrist stabilisation improves hand function in patients with RA., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

A method was developed for the computerized volumetric assessment of the intracranial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) distribution. The study involved 62 patients differentiated into two groups: with CSF resorption disorders (normal pressure hydrocephalus - 30 patients) and without CSF resorption disorders (various types of brain atrophy - 32 patients). The goal of the study was to ascertain whether the assessment, depending on the linear discriminant analysis of volumetric brain features, could be an effective tool differentiating the two groups. Volumetric measurements were performed using VisNow software. For each patient, five features were determined and subjected to discriminant analysis: CSF volume in the subarachnoid space and basal cisterns (SV), CSF volume in the intracranial ventricular system (VV), brain volume (BV), total intracranial CSF volume (FV), and total intracranial volume (TV). Discriminant analysis enables the achievement of a high percentage of correct classification of patients to the appropriate group determined on the result of a lumbar infusion test. The discriminator, based on three features: BV, SV, and VV, showed a complete separation of the groups; irrespective of age. The squared Mahalanobis distance was 70.8. The results confirmed the applicability of the volumetric method. Discriminant analysis seems a useful tool leading to the acquisition of a computer-aided method for the differential diagnosis of CSF resorption disorders.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are common rheumatic diseases and account for a significant percentage of disability. Posturography is a method that assesses postural stability and quantitatively evaluates postural sways. The objective of this study was to estimate posturographic trajectories applying pattern recognition algorithms. To this end, k-nearest neighbors (k-NN) classifier was used to differentiate between healthy subjects and patients with OA and RA. The following parameters of trajectories were computed: radius of sways, developed area, total length, and two directional components of sways: length of left-right and forward-backward motions. Posturographic tests were applied with eyes open and closed, and with biofeedback control. We found that in RA, the radius of sways, the trajectory area, and the biofeedback coordination were related to the patients' condition. The trajectory dynamics in OA patients were smaller compared to those in RA patients. The smallest misclassification errors were observed after feature selection in the biofeedback test compared with the eyes open and closed tests. We conclude that the estimation of posturographic trajectory with k-NN classifier could be helpful in monitoring the condition of RA patients.

Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) comprises around 3-5% of primary central nervous system (CNS) tumours and around 1% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histological type. High effectiveness of chemo- and radiotherapy for PCNSL regrettably does not eliminate significant risks of recurrence for CNS tumours. That results in higher interest in other treatment options, including surgical procedures. PCNSL remains in the scope of interest for many specialists and neurosurgeons seem to play a more important role., (Copyright © 2017 Polish Neurological Society. Published by Elsevier Urban & Partner Sp. z o.o. All rights reserved.)

The presence of Alicyclobacillus, a thermoacidophilic and spore-forming bacterium, in acidic fruit juices poses a serious problem for the processing industry. A typical sign of spoilage in contaminated juices is a characteristic phenolic off-flavour associated with the production of guaiacol. Spores are formed in response to starvation and in a natural environment re-access the nutrients, e.g.: L-alanine and AGFK - a mixture of asparagine, glucose, fructose and potassium, triggers germination. The aim of this study was to estimate the impact of L-alanine and AGFK on the germination of the spores of two Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris strains and to evaluate the relationship of the germination rate with dipicolinic acid (DPA) release. The spores were suspended in apple juice or in buffers at pH 4 and pH 7, followed by the addition of L-alanine and AGFK. Suspensions were or were not subjected, to a temperature of 80°C/10 min and incubated for various periods of time at 45°C. Optical density (OD660) was used to estimate the number of germinated spores. The amount of DPA released was determined using HPLC. The results indicate that the degree of germination of A. acidoterrestris spores depended on the strain and time of incubation and the nutritious compounds used. The data obtained show that the amount of DPA released correlated to the number of A. acidoterrestris spores germinated.

Deficit of lamin A/C or emerin causes genetically transmitted Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD). As lamins are considered to be mediators of oxidative stress, the antioxidant/oxidant status was examined. The total oxidant/antioxidant status in serum was examined in 29 cases of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. The study included 12 autosomal-dominant laminopathies (AD-EDMD), 17 X-linked emerinopathies (X-EDMD) and 20 age-matched normal subjects. Total oxidant status (TOS) was reduced in all cases, and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was found to be decreased in the majority of the patients (in 82.8%). A relationship between TOS level and disease progression was noted. No correlation between TOS/TAC level and cardiological or neurological parameters was detected. The results of the study indicate disturbances of redox balance in EDMD patients. Determination of TOS/TAC might help to assess the progress of the disease and the potential effectiveness of antioxidant therapy.

The presence of Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris, a thermoacidophilic and spore-forming bacterium, in pasteurized acidic juices poses a serious problem for the processing industry. Therefore, the use of other more effective techniques, such as high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCD), is considered for preserving juices in order to inactivate these bacteria, while reducing the loss of nutrients and sensory quality of juices. On the other hand, HHP and SCCD when combined with a moderately elevated temperature can induce germination of bacterial spores, making them more vulnerable to inactivation. The spore germination can be also induced by nutrients, such as L-alanine or a mixture of asparagine, glucose, fructose and potassium ions (AGFK). The aim of this work was to determine whether applying activating agents: HHP, SCCD and nutrient germinants (L-alanine and the AGFK mixture), could influence the number of spores which start to germinate and how this affects the proteins involved in the spore germination. SDS-PAGE was used to resolve proteins isolated from the A. acidoterrestris spores. The results that were obtained indicate that the germination of A. acidoterrestris spores treated with HHP, SCCD and nutrient germinants reflect the number of spores which start to germinate. The SDS-PAGE data indicated changes in the level of selected proteins occurring when subjected to the germination activating factors as well as noticeable differences in those proteins' molecular weights.

In this review we summarize stress factors that affect the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and cause different molecular stress responses. LAB belong to a group of bacteria that is very widespread in food and beverages. They are present, and desired, in fermented products like yogurts, cheese, vegetables, meat or wine. In most of them, LAB are providing positive sensory and nutritive features. However, as harmless and desired microbes in one product, LAB can cause spoilage and a bad taste of others, especially in juices and beverages. LAB are resistant to many stress factors which allows them to survive in harsh environments. The most common stress factors they have to deal with are: heat, cold, acidity, NaCl and high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). Their ability to survive depends on their skills to cope with stress factors. Under stress conditions, LAB activate mechanisms that allow them to adjust to the new conditions, which can influence their viability and technological properties. This ability to adapt to different stress conditions may come from the cross-protection systems they have, as resistance to one factor may help them to deal with the other stress effectors. LAB are highly valuable for the food industry and that is why it is important to understand their stress response mechanisms.

Objectives: The hand is one of the main elements of the rehabilitation of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) due to deformities, which occur in approximately 90% of patients. It is a serious problem, both in the psychological and functional aspect, connected with muscle strength reduction, a limited range of motion and non-acceptance of the changes in the shape of the limb. The study aimed to assess the effect of rehabilitation on the function of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis., Material and Methods: The study group consisted of 40 women with RA. The patients had been previously treated at the Rehabilitation Department of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw. The study group underwent 3 weeks of rehabilitation involving individual therapy, exercises with equipment, patient education and physical therapy. The control group included women without a diagnosis of RA, hands pain-free and fully mobile. In both groups the hand was assessed for grip value, grip quality and manipulative ability. In the study group the basis of pain intensity was noted. The measurements were performed twice - prior to the rehabilitation and after 3 weeks of rehabilitation in women with RA and once in women without hand problems., Results: The results obtained revealed marked limitation of hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The treatment resulted in an improvement of all assessed parameters except cylindrical grip, in which only a part of the findings was statistically significant., Conclusions: The analysis of the study material showed that appropriately adjusted and conducted hand physiotherapy in women with rheumatoid arthritis contributed to the improvement of its function by pain reduction, improved value and quality of grip, and also increased manipulative ability.

The purpose of the paper was to investigate the usefulness of posturographic analysis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). RA is a chronic inflammatory disorder responsible for destruction of active and passive components of joints. It is the most common autoimmune disease, and the second most common form of arthritis after OA. OA is a chronic disorder characterized by irreversible changes in the joint structure developing with advancing age. Both diseases lead to the destruction of many parts of the motor system, cause pain, weakness, and damage of ligaments, muscles, bones, and articular cartilage. The etiology of the diseases remains unknown. In the present study, evaluation of body balance in the standing position was performed by means of Pro-Med force plate system. Three posturographic tests were applied: with eyes open, closed, and with the biofeedback--under conscious visual control of body movements. The following posturographic parameters were measured: the radius of sways, the developed area, and the total length of posturograms, and also two directional components of sways: the length of left-right (in frontal plane) and forward-backward (in sagittal plane) motions. The results demonstrate that the biofeedback test is most useful in the evaluation of instability in rheumatic patients; it is more powerful than the other posturographic tests evaluated.

Given the importance of spoilage caused by Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris for the fruit juice industry, the objective of this work was to study the germination and inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores induced by moderate hydrostatic pressure. Hydrostatic pressure treatment can induce the germination and inactivation of A. acidoterrestris spores. At low pH, spore germination of up to 3.59-3.75 log and inactivation of 1.85-2.04 log was observed in a low pressure window (200-300 MPa) applied at 50 degrees C for 20 min. Neutral pH suppressed inactivation, the number of spores inactivated at pH 7.0 was only 0.24-1.06 log. The pressurization temperature significantly affected spore germination and inactivation. The degree of germination in apple juice after pressurization for 30 min with 200 MPa at 20 degrees C was 2.04 log, with only 0.61 log of spores being inactivated, while at 70 degrees C spore germination was 5.94 log and inactivation 4.72 log. This temperature strongly stimulated germination and inactivation under higher (500 MPa) than lower (200 MPa) pressure. When the oscillatory mode was used, the degree of germination and inactivation was slightly higher than at continuous mode. The degree of germination and inactivation was inversely proportional to the soluble solids content and was lowest in concentrated apple juice.

Background: Tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are known to be involved in cardiovascular diseases. Hitherto, they have not been examined in dilated cardiomyopathy in the course of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD)., Aim: To define TIMPs in serum because they might help in defining cardiac dysfunction at the early cardiological stages of this disease and detect preclinical stages of cardiomyopathy., Methods: Twenty-five EDMD patients connected with lamin A/C (AD-EDMD) or emerin (X-EDMD) deficiency and 20 healthy age-matched controls were examined. The serum levels of the tissue inhibitors TIMP-1, -2, -3 were quantified using the ELISA sandwich immunoassay procedure with appropriate antibodies., Results: Serum levels of TIMP-1 were normal in autosomal AD-EDMD and increased in the majority of X-linked EDMD. The level of TIMP-2 was decreased in 25%/21% of AD-EDMD/X-EDMD cases. TIMP-3 serum level was significantly reduced in all the examined patients. Receiver operating curves indicated that in terms of sensitivity and specificity characteristics the performance of TIMP-3 (less that of TIMP-2) makes them the best markers of cardiac involvement among the examined TIMPs., Conclusions: Evidence shows that the levels of TIMP-3, and in some cases also TIMP-2, are decreased in EDMD. The decrease might be associated with an adverse effect on matrix metalloproteinases and remodelling of the myocardial matrix. The specific decrease of TIMP-3 indicates that this biomarker might help in early detection of cardiac involvement in EDMD. Up-regulation of TIMP-1 in the majority of patients with X-EDMD indicates increased myocardial extracellular matrix turnover, early onset of tissue remodelling, and may contribute to arrhythmia, frequently occurring in this form of the disease.