Zekiye Suludere

Dichlorvos-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and the protective effects of vitamins C and E.

Dichlorvos is an organophosphate insecticide that is widely used in pest control. Vitamin C (200mg/kg)+vitamin E (200mg/kg), dichlorvos (1.6mg/kg), or a combination of vitamin C (200mg/kg)+vitamin E (200mg/kg)+dichlorvos (1.6mg/kg) was given to rats via oral gavage for 7 weeks. When rats of the dichlorvos-treated group and the vitamins+dichlorvos-treated group were compared with the control group, body weights were decreased and liver weights were increased significantly at the end of the 4th and 7th week. Serum total protein, albumin, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (VLDL-cholesterol) levels were decreased, and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), γ-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and total cholesterol levels were increased significantly at the end of the 4th and 7th week in the dichlorvos- and vitamins+dichlorvos-treated rats. There was a statistically significant difference for all biochemical parameters when the vitamins+dichlorvos-treated group was compared with the dichlorvos-treated group at the end of the 4th and 7th week. In an electron microscopic investigation, swelling of mitochondria and dilatation of endoplasmic reticulum were observed in liver cells of the dichlorvos- and vitamins+dichlorvos-treated rats at the end of the 4th and 7th week. As a result, vitamins C and E reduced dichlorvos hepatotoxicity, but vitamins C and E did not confer complete protection.

Evaluation of chromium(VI) removal behaviour by two isolates of Synechocystis sp. in terms of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and monomer composition

Chromium(VI) removal and its association with exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in cyanobacteria were investigated. Synechocystis sp. BASO670 produced higher EPS (548 mg L(-1)) than Synechocystis sp. BASO672 (356 mg L(-1)). While the EC(50) of the Cr(VI) for Synechocystis sp. BASO670 and Synechocystis sp. BASO672 were determined as 11.5 mg L(-1), and 2.0 mg L(-1), respectively, there was no relation between Cr(VI) removal and EPS production. Synechocystis sp. BASO672, which has higher EPS value, removed (33%) more Cr(VI) than Synechocystis sp. BASO670. Monomer compositions of EPS of each of the isolates were determined differently. Synechocystis sp. BASO672 which removed higher Cr(VI), had higher values of uronic acid and glucuronic acid (192 microg/mg and 89%, respectively). Our results showed that EPS might play a role in Cr(VI) tolerance. Monomer composition, especially uronic acid and glucuronic acid content of EPS may have enhanced Cr(VI) removal.

Effects of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki on Malpighian Tubule Cells of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) Larvae

In this study effects of Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (Btk) on Malpighian tubule cells of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae) larvae was investigated by electron microscopy. 3 mg/l Btk was given with food. After Btk administration, the Malpighian tubule cells were investigated and compared with a control group. 3 and 6 hrs after Btk administration swelling in Malpighian tubule cells was observed. Swelling of mitochondria and separation of their cristae was seen after 12 hrs. After 24 hrs dissolution of the basal cytoplasm, swelling and vacuolization of all mitochondria, partial dissolution of the nucleoplasm, and swelling and separation ofmicrovilli was documented. A membrane-body in the nucleus was seen after 48 hrs. The nucleoplasm was completely dissolved after 72 hrs and after 96 hrs large vacuoles appeared in the cytoplasm and shortening of microvilli was observed.Compared to current treatments including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, PDT offers the advantage of an effective and selective method of destroying diseased tissues without damaging surrounding healthy tissues. One of the aspects of antitumour effectiveness of PDT is related to the distribution of photosensitizing drugs. The localization of photosensitizers in cytoplasmic organelles during PDT plays a major role in the cell destruction; therefore, intracellular localization of Ph in malignant and normal cells was investigated. The cell lines used throughout the study were: human malignant A549, MCF-7, Me45 and normal endothelial cell line HUV-EC-C. After incubation with Ph cells were examined using fluorescence and confocal microscopy to visualize the photosensitizer accumulation. For cytoplasm and mitochondria identification, cells were stained with CellTracker Green and MitoTracker Green, respectively. Distribution of Ph was different in malignant and normal cells and dependent on the incubation time. The maximal concentration of Ph in two malignant cell lines (A549 and MCF-7) was observed after 4 hours of incubation, and the most intensive signal was observed around the nuclear envelope. Intracellular distribution of Ph in the Me45 cell line showed that the fluorescence emitted by Ph overlaid that from MitoTracker. This indicates preferential accumulation of the sensitizer in mitochondria. Our results based on the mitochondrial localization support the idea that PDT can contribute to elimination of malignant cells by inducing apoptosis, which is of physiological significance.

Cadmium(II) sequestration characteristics by two isolates of Synechocystis sp. in terms of exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and monomer composition

We investigated cadmium(II) resistance and its association with exopolysaccharide (EPS) production in cyanobacteria. Increased EPS production was associated with Cd(II) resistance. The most resistant isolate, Synechocystis sp. BASO670, secreted the greatest amount of EPS (548 mg/L). EPS production by Synechocystis sp. BASO670 and Synechocystis sp. BASO672 was increased following exposure to 15 and 35 ppm Cd(II). Monomer composition of EPS belonging to each isolate was changed after Cd(II) treatment. Uronic acid contents of Cd(II) treated cells were higher than control cells of each isolate. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis confirmed that a considerable amount of metals had precipitated on the cell surface. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum analysis of EPSs belonging to both isolates indicated the presence of C-H and C-O group, which may serve as binding sites for divalent cations.

Metal removal of cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides by uronic acid content and monosaccharide composition

In the present study, chromium, cadmium and metal mixed (chromium+cadmium) removal and its association with exopolysaccharides and uronic acids production in Synechocystis sp. BASO671 were investigated. It was investigated that BASO671 showed different removal ability when exposed to each metal solely and mixed metal. EPS production by BASO671 was increased following exposure to 15 and 35 ppm Cr(VI), Cd(II) and Cr(VI)+Cd(II). Monomer composition of EPS was changed after metal treatment. Uronic acid contents of metal treated cells were higher than control cells of each isolate. Also, glucuronic acid content and galactronic acid content of EPS correlated with uronic acid contents of cells. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed that a considerable amount of metals had precipitated on the cell surface. Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis of EPSs indicated the presence of CH and CO group, which may serve as binding sites for divalent cations.

Gold-Coated Iron Composite Nanospheres Targeted the Detection of Escherichia coli

We report the preparation and characterization of spherical core-shell structured Fe3O4–Au magnetic nanoparticles, modified with two component self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) consisting of 3–mercaptophenylboronic acid (3–MBA) and 1–decanethiol (1–DT). The rapid and room temperature synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles was achieved using the hydroxylamine reduction of HAuCl4 on the surface of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-immobilized iron (magnetite Fe3O4) nanoparticles in the presence of an aqueous solution of hexadecyltrimetylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a dispersant. The reduction of gold on the surface of Fe3O4 nanoparticles exhibits a uniform, highly stable, and narrow particle size distribution of Fe3O4–Au nanoparticles with an average diameter of 9 ± 2 nm. The saturation magnetization value for the resulting nanoparticles was found to be 15 emu/g at 298 K. Subsequent surface modification with SAMs against glucoside moieties on the surface of bacteria provided effective magnetic separation. Comparison of the bacteria capturing efficiency, by means of different molecular recognition agents 3–MBA, 1–DT and the mixed monolayer of 3–MBA and 1–DT was presented. The best capturing efficiency of E. coli was achieved with the mixed monolayer of 3–MBA and 1–DT-modified nanoparticles. Molecular specificity and selectivity were also demonstrated by comparing the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum of E. coli-nanoparticle conjugates with bacterial growth media.

The role of hemagglutination and effect of exopolysaccharide production on bifidobacteria adhesion to Caco-2 cells in vitro.

It is believed that an important criterion for a potential probiotic strain is that it is capable of adhering to mucosal surfaces in the human gastrointestinal tract. The purpose of this study was to investigate a possible relationship between exopolysaccharide production and adhesion to Caco‐2 cells by Bifidobacterium breve A28 and Bifidobacterium bifidum A10. In a preselection process, the hemagglutination abilities of these bacteria were determined prior to undertaking adhesion studies. B. breve A28, which produces large amounts of EPS (97.00 ± 2.00 mg/l) and has good hemagglutination abilities (+3) was found to adhere strongly to Caco‐2 cells. Under gastrointestinal conditions, the high EPS producing‐ B. breve A28 was found to have better viability and adhesion to Caco‐2 cells than the low EPS producing‐ B. bifidum A10. Also, B. breve A28 was found to be more effective at inhibiting Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 than B. bifidum A10. This investigation showed that high EPS production and adhesion ability may be important in the selection of bifidobacteria as probiotic strains.

Toxicity and uptake of Iron ions by Synechocystis sp. E35 isolated from Kucukcekmece Lagoon, Istanbul

The study demonstrates the potential of using unicellular cyanobacteria species, isolated from Kucukcekmece Lake, Turkey, for biological Iron removal from aqueous solutions. EC(50) at 96h was estimated to be 13.92 mg/L for Synechocystis sp. E35. The optimum pH value and incubation temperature for the resistant isolate were 7.0 and 23 degrees C, respectively. The Iron biosorption/bioaccumulation by Synechocystis sp. E35 was evaluated by fractionating the Fe content as the remaining metal in supernatant, the adsorbed metal on the cell surface and the intracellular accumulation. Synechocystis sp. E35 adsorbed appreciable quantities of Iron ions on the cell surface within 5 min. Metal ions were adsorbed onto the surface of cells followed by active uptake resulting in the transportation of the metal ions across the cell membrane and into the cytoplasm. Intracellular metal uptake increased with increasing metal concentrations from 10 to 15 mg/L. Extracellular polysaccharides (EPSs) were clearly seen in SEM images of Synechocystis sp. E35 grown at a 10mg/L metal concentration. EPS region was analyzed with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDXA) and the SEM images further confirmed our experimental observations about the Iron biosorption/bioaccumulation mechanism.

Response of soybean plants to gamma radiation: Biochemical analyses and expression patterns of trichome development

The effect of five plant species ( Tagetes erecta L., Datura stramonium L., Nerium oleander L., Ipomea palmata L. and Santolina chamaecyparissus L.) on severity of Tylenchulus semipenetrans on citrus rootstocks ( Citrus sinensis, C. reticulate grafted on C. aurantium and C. sinensis grafted on C. aurantium ) was investigated in greenhouse and laboratory conditions. All plant species reduced the larval population of T. semipenetrans and their effect increase as the period increase. I. palmata gave the highest percentage of reduction when intercropped with C.sinensis and C. reticulate grafted on C. aurantium 20.5 and 25% respectively. N. oleander and D. stramonium came next when intercropped with C. reticulate grafted on C. aurantium 13.5 and 11% respectively, While D. stramonium gave the highest percentage of reduction when intercropped with C. sinensis grafted on C. aurantium. And T. erecta gave the lowest percentage of reduction when intercropped with the three rootstocks.M Pseudoalteromonas piscicida was isolated from Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt, it was identified using 16S rRNA. It showed amylolytic and agarolytic activities, it hydrolyzed some marine macro-algae, Ulvalactuca, Sargussumsp. and Pterocladiasp. and produce marine monosaccharaides. The percentage of the carbohydrate content of these algae was estimated, it was 44%, 27% and 25%, respectively. The algal substrates were chemically pretreated using 1N H2SO4 or 1 N NaOH. It was found that the acid pretreatment for U. lactucashowed more reducing sugars (17mg/g algae) compared to the alkaline pretreatment (9mg/g). Optimization of monosaccharaide production by P. piscicida was investigated using PlackettBurmman design. The main effect data and the t-test results suggested the beef extract, substrate concentration and inoculum size are the most effective variables controlled the produced monosaccharaides by P. piscicida. The verification experiment showed an average monosaccharide production of 158mg/g algae on using the near optimum culture conditions. While, the main effect data and the t-test results of the produced amylase and agarase enzymes suggested the substrate concentration and incubation period are the most effective variables controlled the activity of these enzymes. The verification experiment showed an average enzyme activity of 35 and 41mm hydrolytic zoon, respectively, also on using the near optimum culture conditions. The interaction between these effective variables for both monosaccharaide production and the enzyme activity were carried out using the response surface plot analysis. The HPLC analysis of the produced monosaccharaides indicated the production of D-glucose and D-galactose in a ratio of 6:1 compared to the standard curves.Mushrooms have been widely used as medicine in the treatment of several infections and also boosting the immune system. The present study was carried out to ascertain the haematological and the antioxidants properties of aqueous extracts of Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus tuber-regium . Twenty five albino rats were grouped into five, each group consisting of five rats of A to E. Group A serves as the control, group B to D were fed with Pleurotus tuber-regium in 400mg, 600mg and 1000mg concentration respectively while group E was fed with 400mg of Agaricus bisporus. On completion of the administration of extracts, the haematological profiles and antioxidant parameters were analysed. The experimental rats showed some little significant increase in both the haematological profile and biomarkers properties with P<0.05, Generally the haematological profiles implies that there was no significant decrease in the level of the experimental rats immunity and also some organs such as the liver and the kidney were intact. SOD, CAT, GSH and MDA are antioxidant enzymes measured to detect toxic consequences of oxidative stress in mammalian systems. The SOD values in rats treated with 400mg/kg/lb of SOD is 113.58mm/mg/protein and rats treated with1000mg/kg in pleuntus tuberregium, the values of MDA is 23.32±2.09 (nmol/ml). There was a significant difference in the liver homogenated and kidney homogenated biomarkers in the rats treated with Pleurotus tuber regium and Agaricus bisporous . They are cellular and enzymatic defenses against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress causes toxic and adaptive responses within a cell. The importance of an antioxidant defenses in protecting cells and organisms from oxidative damage and toxicity. Further research with higher dosage of the extracts may be required to test on laboratory rats before providing the true haematological and antioxidant properties. Keywords: Mushroom, Antioxidants and Albino ratsThis is the first report on soybean with the aim to show the effects of gamma radiation on trichome metabolim. Soybean seeds were subjected to 300 Gy gamma radiation at a dose rate of 10 Gy/min using a Cs-137 gamma source. The photosynthetic pigment, total protein content and ascorbate peroxidase activity were studied. The results showed that the chlorophyll a content was decreased by 80% on day 14 and by 77% on day 21 of irradiation. The chlorophyll b content was reduced by 58.6% and 62.06% on day 14 and 21 after irradiation, respectively. The total carotenoid concentration was reduced by 81.14% on the 14th day after irradiation and by 91% on the 21st day of irradiation, compared to control. The total protein concentration was found to have decreased significantly at 14 and 21 day after treatment. High level of ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity was recorded in the leaves developed from irradiated soybean seeds, compared to the non-irradiated group. The trichome densities were 6.76 fold increased at 21 day of irradiation, while the stomatal densities were decreased, compared to control. We also performed a qRT-PCR analysis to detect the transcription levels of the soybean trichome developmental genes. The GL2 and CPC genes were up-regulated (P<0.05). The results of this study pointed out that the CPC transcription factor has to be study in further studies to provide an insight on its exact role in regulation of trichome development in soybean under radiation stress.Trabajo presentado en el 5th World Congress on Biotechnology, celebrado en Valencia (Espana) del 25 al 27 de junio de 2014.P interactions (PPIs) play a crucial role in many biological processes. Abnormal PPIs constitute prime therapeutic targets for the development of medicines so that there is tremendous interest in developing methods to identify inhibitors of such interactions. Paradigmatic pathogenic PPIs are the increased formation of epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor heterodimers ERBB2-ERBB3 and EGFR-ERBB2 as a result of ErbB2 over expression in breast cancer patients. ERBB2 (HER2) dimerization inhibitors (HDIs) constitute a new family of therapeutic agents whose founder member is pertuzumab. However, cumbersome administration regime, high production costs, acquired resistance and inability to cross the brainblood barrier, which makes brain metastasis untractable, impel the identification of additional HDIs.T fungal genus Trichoderma comprises powerful industrial enzyme producers and successful biofungicides applied in today’s agriculture. The biological control of plant diseases by Trichoderma includes direct antagonism of phytopathogenic fungi by parasitism; however, our understanding of the exact molecular mechanisms of their activity still is fragmentary. The direct attack of prey fungi (mycoparasitism) by Trichodermaatroviride comprises sensing of the prey and chemotropic growth towards it followed by activation of the production of “molecular weapons” such as cell wall-lytic enzymes, secondary metabolites, and infection structures. T. atroviride mutants missing the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Tmk1 show infection structures comparable to the parental strain, however, they over-produce chitinases, key enzymes of mycoparasitism, and show elevated antifungal activity caused by over-production of low molecular-weight metabolites. Despite these enhancements in mycoparasitism-relevant processes, ∆tmk1mutants exhibit reduced mycoparasitic activity against prey fungi.These findings suggests thatadditional still unknown genes/proteins and processes are contributing to T. atroviride mycoparasitism which were aimed to be identified by using the ∆tmk1 mutant as a tool. To this end, comparative transcriptomic and proteomic approaches were applied to identify target genes and proteins being regulated by the signaling pathway employing the Tmk1 MAPK upon prey recognition and playing key roles in triggering of the mycoparasitic response.B belong to the group of enzymes able to cleave β linked galactose residues from various compounds and is commonly used to cleave lactose into galactose and glucose. The objective of this study was to enhance the sweet cheese whey for beta galactosidase production by using an Algerian strain of lactic acid bacteria, Streptococcus thermophilus. Firstly, different physicochemical analysis of cheese whey were carried out includingash, protein, fat and lactose. Secondly, the operating parameterssuch as temperature, pH, inoculum size and incubation period were optimized. Finally, the production of beta galactosidase was carried out in the optimized conditions. The results of physicochemical analysis of sweet cheese whey have shown that it has an adequate quality given it high nutrient materials such as: Lactose (37.24 g/l), ash (8.32 g/l), protein (3.11 g /l) and low fat amount (0.4 g / l). Moreover, the results of the optimisation of beta galactosidase production indicatedthatthe optimum values of temperature, pH, inoculum size and incubation periodwerefound to be 40°C, 6.5, 10% (v/v) and 18 h respectively. Under these optimales conditions, the production of β-galactosidase has presented a maximum specific activity of 314, 91 IU/g.D muscular dystrophy is a highly progressive X-linked inherited disorder of childhood and represents one of the most common genetic disorders of the neuromuscular system. In the most severe cases of dystrophinopathy, primary abnormalities in the dystrophin gene cause the almost complete absence of this crucial membrane cytoskeletal protein. The secondary reduction in dystrophin-associated glycoproteins renders muscle fibres more susceptible to necrosis and triggers abnormal calcium handling and disintegration of the muscle surface membrane. Muscle wasting affects both skeletal muscles and the heart, warranting large-scale investigations into the molecular mechanisms that underlie fibre degeneration in striated muscle tissues. In order to generate a comprehensive biomarker signature of X-linked muscular dystrophy, our laboratory has initiated a proteomic screening program to identify global changes in dystrophin-deficient muscle fibres. For comparative studies, fluorescence difference in-gel electrophoresis was employed and established as an excellent biomarker discovery tool in the field of muscular dystrophy research. This advanced method of gel-based proteomics is an ideal analytical tool for studying the majority of muscle-associated proteins, such as contractile proteins and metabolic enzymes. With the help of mass spectrometry and a variety of biochemical and cell biological verification experiments, distinct changes in muscle proteins associated with cellular signaling, the excitation-contraction-relaxation cycle, the cytoskeleton, the extracellular matrix, ion homeostasis, metabolite transport, glycolysis, mitochondrial metabolism and the cellular stress response were established. These new biomarker candidates of muscular dystrophy may be useful for improving diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic methodology.P (PAAs) are biodegradable polymers that can be purposely designed to exhibit minimal toxicity, display pH-dependent membrane activity and deliver genes and toxins. In addition, a guanidine-substituted PAA proved active against Herpes Simplex Viruses HSV-1 and HSV-2 and several other viruses. Structural modifications of the same polymerimparted activity also against plant viruses. Moreover, some PAAs selectively targeted plasmodium-infected red blood cells, neglecting healthy cells,and gave conjugates with classical antimalarial drugs such as chloroquine. The chloroquine conjugates exhibited a remarkably superior activity in vivo compared with the free drugs. In a 4-day suppressive test, P. yoeliiinfected mice were almost freed of parasites at day 4 after intraperitoneal administration of 4×0.8 mg/kg doses of chloroquine conjugated to PAAs, whereas the same dose of free cloroquine only reduced parasitemia by 16%. At a higher dose(1.9 mg kg-1 day-1) parasite removal at day 4 was complete with the conjugate, but only 50% with the free drug. All conjugate treated mice survived and monitored until day 30appeared in good conditions,whereas all the free-drug-treated mice died.Chitin a naturally occurring compound specifically from fresh water crabs, is observed to have outstanding effect specifically on cucurbitaceae in controlling plant diseases, growth enhancement increasing size, colour, vigour of the plant & its fruits, leaves etc. When the plant is smoked with dried powder of chitin plant showed extraordinary response in their Growth, Maturation, Disease Resistance, Colour & Size of Fruit & Leaf. The topic was extracted from an ancient book Vyrukshaveda written by an eminent sage Surapala in 1000 B.C. Chitin is reported to be active against viruses, bacteria and other pests. Fragments from chitin is known to have eliciting activities leading to a variety of defence responses in host plants in response to microbial infections, including the accumulation of phytoalexins, pathogen related (PR) proteins and proteinase inhibitors, lignin synthesis, and callose formation. Based on these and other proprieties that help strengthen host plant defences, interest has been growing in using them in agricultural systems to reduce the negative impact of diseases on yield and quality of crops. This paper recapitulates the properties and uses of chitin, and will focus on their applications and its effect on growth and growth related aspects.S oils have been used as a vitreous humor substitute to treat difficult cases. However, several side effects are described, for example, glaucoma, hyperopia, and loss of transparency by means of emulsification. Thus, during the development of this work, the conditions for obtaining polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels using trisodiumtrimetaphosphate as the crosslinking agent were optimized (initial pH=9.48, mass=4.3067 g, SMTP/PVA ratio=1/6,154). After optimization of the conditions for obtaining of hydrogel, experiments were conducted, in this condition, in triplicates, with the hydrogel obtained analyzed with respect to the density, viscosity, final pH and refractive index at different temperatures and the results obtained at 36°C, have shown promise for the future application of these hydrogels as vitreous substitutes (density=1.01 g/mL; kinematic viscosity=4.2 mm2/s; dynamic viscosity = 4.2 mPas, refractive index = 1.34 and final pH = 7.18) . FTIR and DSC analysis of the film obtained by drying the hydrogel synthesized in optimized conditions were also performed and recorded the occurrence of crosslinks in the presence of trisodiumtrimetaphosphate (SMTP). Finally, analysis of cytotoxicity of hydrogels using Artemiasalina being verified a low death of larvae during a period of 24 h were performed.G traitsarepolygenic traits that are genetically determined by many genes.Knowledge of genes contributing to chicken growth can be used to identify polymorphisms of these genes in production lines to improve breeding program efficiency.A genome-wide scan was performed to detect chromosomal regions that affect 24 growth performance (body weight and body weight gain) and body composition (muscle mass, carcass parts and fat deposit)traits at different agesin reciprocal F2crosses(n=579) between the inbred lines New Hampshire (NHI) and White Leghorn(WL77). The lines NHI and WL77 had been selected for high body weight at the age of 20 weeks and for low egg weight during laying period, respectively. Afterwards, the lines were inbred. NHI chickens show a two-fold higher body weight at selection age compared to WL77.Linkage analyses provided evidence for highly significant quantitative traits loci (QTL)controlling growth performance and body composition on GGA2, 4 and 27. The peak QTL positions for different traits were located on GGA2 between 33.1 and 112.4 Mb, on GGA4 between 75.2 and 79.3 Mb, and on GGA27 between 3.6 and 3.8 Mb. The distal region of GGA4 (42.1 88.4 Mb) showed the highest effects on all analysed phenotypes. This region accounting for 4.6 to 40.2% of the phenotypic F2 variances of the corresponding affected traits. Additional genome-wide significant and highly significant QTL for different analysed traits were mapped on GGA1, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 15, 26 and 27. For intramuscular fat content, a suggestive QTL was located on GGA14. Some loci have been reported in other studies. Other QTL effects were described for the first time. The majority of identified loci showed additive effects. The directions of the QTL effects were consistent in both reciprocal crosses, but the magnitude was higher in the high cross direction NHI x WL77. The difference between the parental lines and the highly significant QTL effects on GGA4 will further support fine mapping and candidate gene identification for growth traits in chicken.G acid (GABA) is a non-protein four-carbon amino acid widely considered a novel potent bioactive compound in food. Besides acting as the major neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system, GABA has been shown to have the capacity to induce hypotension in animal models and humans. GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria have been studied because they are commercially useful as starters in fermented food products. In this study, experimental sourdough bread was manufactured using previously isolated (from Spanish artisan cheese) and selected Lactobacillus brevis CECT 8183 with proven high GABA-producing capacity. The strain selection was based on a qualitative test (PIM: pH indicator method) and the GABA-producing capacity of L. brevis CECT 8183 was evaluated in the sourdough fermentation (98.2 mg GABA/100 ml). The study also includes a comparative profile of amino acid content (including GABA and ornithine) and biogenic amine and acrylamide levels in commercial breads (assumed to be yeast-leavened) and artisan sourdough breads. Significant differences (p<0.05) were found between the two groups of breads for GABA concentration, total free amino acid content and acrylamide level. The highest synthesis of GABA (24.2±0.87 mg/100 g) and the presence of tyramine (41.8 mg/ kg), the only biogenic amine found, were observed in the experimental sourdough bread. These findings may contribute to enhancing the health benefits of GABA-enriched bread and considering the potential of L. brevis CECT 8183 as a starter for the production of GABA-enriched fermented foods.Z mobilis is a Gram-negative bacterium, able to use only sucrose, glucose and fructose as carbon and energy sources; sugar catabolism proceeds through the Entner-Doudoroff pathway, giving ethanol and CO2 as final products. Ethanol production using Z. mobilis in place of Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been object of many study, while the aptitude of Z. mobilis to produce CO2 for baking application, has rarely been considered. As for S. cerevisiae used in bakery, the gas evolved can be used to leaven dough. In recent years the incidence of baker’s yeast intolerance (due to an immune response towards mannans) is rising, thus Z. mobilis can represent an interesting candidate to new products addressed to people having adverse responses to traditional bakery foods. Fermentation trials aimed to optimize cultural conditions and biomass yield were performed from flasks (300 mL1L) to pilot scale fermenter (14 L). A positive up-scaling effect was evidenced: from around 0.8 g dcw/L in flasks to 1.4 g dcw/L in pilot plant fermenter. The biomass samples obtained at 9 and 16 h of fermentation in bioreactor were employed in a dough-model system to evaluate their leavening performance, compared to S. cerevisiae. Leavening trials proved that Z. mobilis is able to rise a dough and also that it has a gas production rate (mL/g min) similar or higher than S. cerevisiae, reaching a higher total amount of gas evolved (Y End, mL/g). Results state the possibility of replacing S. cerevisiae with Z. mobilis to create new yeast-free baked goods.

Influence of gastrointestinal system conditions on adhesion of exopolysaccharide-producing Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains to caco-2 cells

This study aimed to assess the transit tolerance of potential probiotic dairy Lactobacillus strains in human uppergastrointestinal tract in vitro, and to evaluate the effect of EPS production on the viability and adhesion of these strains. Survival and adhesion of two exopolysaccharide (EPS)-producing L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains (B3 and B2) and E. coli ATCC11229 were assessed after the exposure of different pH (gastric juice) and gastric plus pancreatic juice challenges. In the artificial gastric juice (pH 2), both the viability of the strain B3 and B2 was decreased. Artificial juice treatments significantly reduced the adhesion to caco-2 cells (P< 0.05). High EPS-producing B3 survived better in the adverse gastrointestinal conditions and showed better ability of adhesion to Caco-2 cells when assessed for competition with E. coli ATCC 11229 compared to low EPS-producing B2. This investigation showed that EPS production could be affected or be involved in the viability, adherence and competition of L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains and support the potential of B3 strain for development of new probiotic products.