Paweł Sobczak

Rye grains and the soil derived from under the organic and conventional rye crops as a potential source of biological agents causing respiratory diseases in farmers

Introduction Introduction: Due to the specific work environment, farmers are exposed to various biological occupational hazard. Among these factors significant are fungi present in the grain and also in the soil. The fungi may be the cause of human diseases including skin infections, asthma, allergic rhinitis and many others. Aim The aim of this study was to quantify and identify species of fungi colonizing rye grain samples and the soil under cultivation. Material and methods The material consisted of grain and soil samples from two agricultural systems: organic and conventional. To determine the concentration and composition of fungi in collected samples, two media: Malt Agar (MA, Becton, Dickinson and Company) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA, Becton, Dickinson and Company) were used. The composition of species in fungal flora was determined using macroscopic and microscopic methods. The isolates of fungi were ranked in the appropriate classes of biosafety BSL. Results The most frequently isolated fungi from organic rye grain, regardless of the media used, were species: Aureobasidium pullulans and Alternaria alternata. In conventional farms, most species isolated from rye grain were: Aureobasidium pullulans, Cladosporium oxysporum, Alternaria alternata and yeast-like fungi. Most often species isolated from the soil was Penicillium citreo-viride. Conclusions All the results of the research demonstrate the potential hazard to the health of people working in agriculture. Significant exposure of this professional group is associated with the presence of harmful biological agents present in the grain and soil from its cultivation.

Application of Freezing and Thawing to Carrot (Daucus carota L.) Juice Extraction

This paper presents a study of the effects of freezing and thawing carrot pulp and pomace on the efficiency of the pressing process and the quality of juice. In this study, various combinations of pretreatment strategies were used based on freezing and thawing the carrot pulp and pomace before pressing. The pressing process for pulp and pomace was carried out using a laboratory press with a perforated base. The juice obtained as a result of freezing and thawing the carrot pulp and pomace was characterized by a higher sugar content (°Brix) and a slightly lower dynamic viscosity. Furthermore, the study showed the impact of pretreatment on the chemical composition of the juice produced. On the basis of energy use and quality indicators of the resultant carrot juice (viscosity, pH, selected minerals, sugars, total carotenoid content, and vitamin C), a recommended solution is to press the pulp directly after grinding the carrots and then to press the pomace again after freezing and thawing. The proposed method for juice production using freezing and thawing allows a reduction in pomace quantity and the use of its valuable nutrients.

Evaluation of health promoting properties and quality of herbal teas obtained from fine-grained fraction of herbs

The purpose of this paper was to determine the quality of herbal teas produced using the non-pressure agglomeration of fine-grained fractions of herbs, compared with their counterparts available on the market. In prepared infusions, the total polyphenol content was determined, using the Folin-Ciocalteus reagent, as well as the antioxidative activity with the use of the DPPH radical and L* a* b* colour parameters, according to the CIELab colour scale, were identified. Moreover, the iron, lead and cadmium ion content in the raw materials used in the manufacture of herbal granules was determined. Herbal infusions presented high but diversified active compound content. Infusions prepared from herbal granules displayed lower antioxidative properties and higher polyphenol content than commercially available teas. Infusions obtained from herbal granules of the smallest size had the darkest colour. Results of the analyses show that infusions obtained from granulated herbal powder do not pose any health hazard, and bio-active compounds contained therein may improve consumers’ health. Non-pressure agglomeration of fine-grained herbal fractions may be used as an alternative method for their management.

Food allergies in rural areas

Introduction A food allergy is a group of symptoms occurring in the organism and resulting from consuming some food, where the problems are conditioned by immunological mechanisms. The symptoms may become apparent first in adulthood and they may be an initial manifestation of a latent allergy. Typical symptoms of a food allergy occur in different organs, thus not only in the digestive system, but also in the skin, respiratory system and circulatory system. Aim To assess the frequency of food allergy onset in rural areas of the Lublin region as well as to determine which factors induce such allergies. Material and methods A survey was conducted, involving the participation of 340 inhabitants of rural areas. The study monitored the knowledge and situation of the disease, concerning allergens, allergy symptoms, methods of treatment and opinions regarding such treatment. Results The analysis focused on 124 people with diagnosed allergies. Conclusions Introducing a diet did not result in a statistically significant difference regarding elimination of the symptoms, as compared to the patients who did not follow any diet. On the other hand, pharmacological treatment causes statistically worse results than using other methods or not being treated at all. The patients in whom allergy symptoms disappeared were more convinced about the positive character of their diet than those in whom the symptoms were not eliminated. The age when the allergy becomes evident does not affect its duration, yet it matters as to the time of its later elimination. The more symptoms were experienced by a patient, the longer the duration of the allergy was.

Enzymatic activity of fungi isolated from crops

Aim To detect and assess the activity of extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and to find differences in enzymograms between fungi isolated from wheat and rye samples and grown on Czapek-Dox Broth and Sabouraud Dextrose Broth enriched with cereal (wheat or rye). Isolated strains were also classified in the scale of biosafety levels (BSL). Material and methods The study used 23 strains of fungi cultured from samples of wheat and rye (grain, grain dust obtained during threshing and soil) collected in the Lublin region (eastern Poland). API ZYM test (bioMérieux) was carried out according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Classification of BSL (Biosafety levels) was based on the current literature. Results High enzymatic activity was found in strains cultured in media containing 1% of wheat grain (Bipolaris holmi, Penicillium decumbens) and with an addition of 1% of rye grain (Cladosporium herbarum, Aspergillus versicolor, Alternaria alternata). The total number of enzymes varied depending on the type of media, and in most cases it was higher in the culture where an addition of cereal grains was used. Conclusions Isolated strains of fungi reveal differences in the profiles of the enzyme assay. It can be assumed that the substrate enriched in grains stimulate the higher activity of mold enzymes.

Selected oxidative stress markers in gynecological laparoscopy

Introduction The surgical stress response after laparoscopy is smaller when compared with open surgery, and it is expected that after minimally invasive surgery the possible development of oxidative stress will be less severe. Aim To evaluate markers of pro-oxidant activity – levels of lipid peroxides and malondialdehyde – and activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the perioperative period in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopy and to determine whether the duration of laparoscopy can affect these changes. Material and methods The study included 64 patients, divided into two groups: group 1 with duration of laparoscopy up to 20 min, and group 2 with duration of the operation over 40 min. Blood samples were collected before anesthesia, 5 min after release of pneumoperitoneum, and 10 h after surgery. Results A statistically significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxides and malondialdehyde in samples collected after surgery was found in comparison with values obtained before surgery. Also statistically significant differences existed between groups of patients with different duration of surgery. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity values were significantly decreased. They were also significantly different between the two groups with different duration of surgery. Conclusions In our study, levels of the markers of pro-oxidant activity increased and levels of the markers of antioxidant enzymes decreased, suggesting development of oxidative stress. The duration of laparoscopic procedures affects the severity of the presented changes.

Grain dust originating from organic and conventional farming as a potential source of biological agents causing respiratory diseases in farmers

Introduction Agricultural producers are exposed to a number of different health risks associated with their work environment. Aim The objective of the study was to assess the degree of colonization by fungi in terms of quantity and in terms of variety of species the samples taken from the settled dust from combine threshing of rye cultivation from organic and conventional farms in the Province of Lublin. Material and methods This paper is a preliminary quantitative assessment of the species of fungi colonizing the samples of settled dust collected during combine threshing from organic and conventional farms in the Province of Lublin. One of the stages of the project was the classification of biosafety BSL (biosafety level) of selected isolates and API ZYM tests to evaluate the potential ability of isolates to cause adverse health effects. To determine the concentration and composition of fungi in collected samples plate dilution method was used with two media: Malt Agar and Potato Dextrose Agar. Results Most commonly isolated fungi in settled dust samples collected during combine threshing from organic farms, on PDA medium were: Alternaria alternata and Aureobasidium pullulans. Cultures on MA medium were dominated by Alternaria alternata, Mycelia sterilia and Fusarium poae. In samples of dust from conventional crops, the predominant species was Alternaria alternata on PDA medium and on MA medium. Conclusions The obtained results show a potential risk of people involved in agricultural work.

The Analysis of Satisfaction Level from Renewable Energy Sources Usage Co-Financed from European Funds in the Rossosz Commune

Abstract Subject and purpose of work: the purpose of this article is to present the opportunities for rural development and the benefits of participation in the Regional Operational Program of the Lublin Province for the years 2007-2013, as well as the estimation of the level of satisfaction of the inhabitants of the Rossosz Commune in the Bialski Poviat, Lublin Province, using renewable energy sources co-financed by EU funds. Materials and methods: this work was created with the use of author’s interview questionnaire as the basic research tool. The survey was carried out among the inhabitants of the Rossosz Commune. Results and conclusions: participation in the “Clean Energy in the Zielawy Valley” project contributed to the development of rural areas in the Biała Podlaska Poviat of the Lubelskie Province and it was a fundamental factor enabling the installation of devices using renewable energy. The research shows that the vast majority of respondents appreciated the benefits of renewable energy installations and many of them envisage to make use of the possibility of installing renewable energy devices in the near future.

Concept of Using Fruit Pomace on Sustainable Farms

The paper presents the possibility of using fruit pomace as the management of poor products on sustainable farms. Processing of raw materials in the fruit and vegetable industry involves generation of manufacturing waste, of which pomace that may be processed in different ways, constitutes the highest share. Pomace is most commonly used as fuel in biogas plants, or as feed additives. Despite its high microbial instability, pomace is a great source of numerous bioactive substances.Therefore, it may be used alternatively in the production of granulated fruit and herbal teas.The aim of this paper was to assess the possibility of using fruit pomace in the production of granulated teas with addition of Melissa officinalis. Material used in the study was the agglomeration of dried and fragmented black chokeberry and apple pomace blended with Melissa officinalis. Prepared granules were used to make infusions for which the total polyphenol content, antioxidant activity and sediment amount were determined.

Evaluation of the Content of Selected Elements in Herbs Cultivated in Organic Farms in the Lublin Region

Herbal raw materials are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. In the presented studies the content of selected elements in the herbs originating from organic farming in the Lublin region was determined. The research was done for three different herbs: common thyme, pink rock-rose, and nettle by means of an ICP OES SpectroBlue spectrometer. It was shown that the content of heavy metals in the tested samples does not exceed generally accepted norms. The amount of trace in the tested herbs is too low for human health to be the main source to meet the demand. However, they may be a supplement of a daily diet.