Screening and characterization of indigenous non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae with high enzyme activity for kiwifruit wine production.

To explore the diversity and fermentation potential of non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae associated with kiwifruit, indigenous yeasts isolated from kiwifruit and natural fermentation were comprehensively analyzed. A total of 166 indigenous yeasts were isolated, of which 54 representative strains were used for subsequent enzyme activity characterization. Different colorimetric methods were used to verify the ability of these strains to secrete hydrolytic enzymes, and then six strains were selected for sequential fermentation by specific activity assay. The performance of indigenous yeasts in improving organic acids, polyphenols, volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of wines was evaluated holistically. Results indicated that most sequential fermentations exhibited significant improvements in vitamin C and polyphenols. Remarkably, the involvement of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, and Pichia kudriavzevii increased the concentrations of ethyl esters, acetates and alcohols, enhancing floral and tropical fruit odors and ultimately achieving the highest overall sensory acceptability, thereby highlighting their potential in kiwifruit wine fermentation.

Characterization of different non-Saccharomyces yeasts via mono-fermentation to produce polyphenol-enriched and fragrant kiwi wine.

To improve the functional property and flavor quality of kiwi wine, the performance of 11 strains of non-Saccharomyces yeasts from 5 species were comprehensively characterized in kiwi wine. Chemical compositions and sensorial profiles of all kiwi wines were assessed. The results indicated that most non-Saccharomyces cerevisiae produced more polyphenols than Saccharomyces cerevisiae WLS21 (Sc21). A total of 130 volatiles were observed in the kiwi wines. Zygosaccharomyces rouxii IFO30 (Zr30), Zygosaccharomyces bailii IFO37 (Zb37) and Schizosaccharomyces pombe 1757 (Sp57) were found to produce more concentration of volatile compounds than the other strains including Sc21. 25 volatiles with a rOAV ≥0.1 were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that Zr30 and Zb37 specifically increased the concentrations of ethyl esters, 2-methylbutan-1-ol and phenethyl acetate, while Sp57 primarily enhanced the contents of phenylacetaldehyde, 2-methylbutan-1-ol and phenethyl acetate. The sensory analysis demonstrated that Zr30 and Zb37 strains were more optimal than S. cerevisiae in aroma generation. In addition, the partial least-squares regression (PLSR) analysis revealed that tropical fruits, red fruits, dried fruits, flowers and floral odors showed an intensely positive impact on the overall acceptability of the kiwi wine.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression symptoms among Chinese seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: To curb the spread of COVID-19, most countries have adopted measures such as banning shore leave at ports and placed restrictions on crew change. Seafarers may bear an excess pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors associated with depression symptoms among Chinese seafarers during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: This field survey-based study was conducted at Rongcheng Port, Shandong Province, China, from 10 June 2020 to 25 July 2020. Sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and health-related behaviours were collected through a face-to-face questionnaire. The Self-Rating Depression Scale was used to evaluate depression status during the preceding week. Logistic regression models were used to explore factors related to depression. RESULTS: 441 male Chinese seafarers were enrolled. Overall, the proportions of seafarers with low, moderate and severe depression symptoms were 23.35%, 9.30% and 9.07%, respectively. Compared with those with good self-rated health (SRH), seafarers with poor SRH had higher odds of depression (OR, 2.24, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.11). Less leisure time or physical exercise was associated with more severe self-reported depression symptoms (1-3 per week vs ≥4 per week: OR, 1.72, 95% CI 0.71 to 4.14; none vs ≥4 per week: OR, 3.93, 95% CI 1.67 to 9.26). Poor sleep quality was associated with higher likelihood of reporting severe depression (fair vs good: OR, 2.78, 95% CI 1.54 to 5.01; poor vs good: OR, 4.30, 95% CI 1.65 to 11.24). The more frequent seafarers worked overtime a week, the higher the likelihood of reporting severe depression symptoms (1-2 per week vs none: OR, 1.82, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.18; ≥3 per week vs none: OR, 2.49, 95% CI 1.05 to 5.92). Also, high perceived work stress was linked to higher odds of being depressed (intermediate vs low: OR, 2.06, 95% CI 0.78 to 5.46; high vs low: OR, 3.83, 95% CI 1.35 to 10.90). CONCLUSIONS: There is a high burden of depression associated with COVID-19 among seafarers. Special interventions that protect the mental health of seafarers are more critical than ever in the context of the pandemic.

Stability study of the compatibility of three chemotherapeutic agents in a mixture solution of different kinds of vehicles in the EPOCH chemotherapy scheme.

BACKGROUND: To explore the stability of a mixture of three drugs including vindesine, etoposide, and epirubicin, assigned to infusion in an EPOCH chemotherapy regimen and provide a basis for clinical use. METHODS: After mixing the three chemotherapy drugs with 500 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride or 5% glucose injection, respectively, they were divided into four groups of test solution. According to the Pharmacopoeia of the people's Republic of China, 2020 Edition, injection fluid should be tested for content, osmolarity, insoluble microparticles and pH, as well as for sterility, bacterial endotoxin and pyrogen, etc. since this experiment focuses on the compatibility of the mixture of the three drugs, sterility and the detection of bacterial endotoxin and pyrogen, etc. were not performed. The test solutions were placed at room temperature, the content was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography, and the pH, osmolarity, and insoluble microparticle changes of the mixed solution were determined. Both imported and domestic epirubicin was used. RESULTS: The four groups of test solution have no significant changes in pH, osmolarity, and insoluble microparticles were observed within 48 h, with the contents changing by less than 5%. Compared with the other three groups, the imported epirubicin saline group achieved better results with significant differences in insoluble microparticle detection items of ≥10 and ≥25 µM (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The stability of the three drugs in 500 mL 0.9% sodium chloride and 5% glucose injection at room temperature was good. Imported epirubicin had some advantages in the number of insoluble microparticles and its pH was more suitable when normal saline was used as a vehicle. To reduce irritation to blood vessels by infusion, it is recommended to choose imported epirubicin with 0.9% sodium chloride mixed deployment.