An Innovative Method for the Production of Yoghurt Fortified with Walnut Oil Nanocapsules and Characteristics of Functional Properties in Relation to Conventional Yoghurts.

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are crucial nutrients involved in a plethora of metabolic and physiological processes. PUFAs have been extensively researched for their effects on human nutrition and health. The high demand for these fatty acids offers the possibility of adding vegetable oils to dairy products such as yoghurt. The aim of this study was to produce nano/microcapsules comprising walnut oil through exclusively natural ingredients utilised in yoghurt manufacturing. Additionally, the study tested yoghurt supplemented with PUFAs using the acquired nano/microcapsules. Chemical and physiochemical properties, microbiological analysis, rheological measurements, texture analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, and sensory and fatty acids profile analysis were performed. A physico-chemical analysis highlighted the impact of oil addition on fat and dry matter concentration, revealing an increased quantity of said components in yoghurt after oil addition. Based on the identified parameters for potential and active acidity in the yoghurts, normal lactic fermentation was observed. Furthermore, the addition of oil was found to have an impact on the pH of the yoghurt. Microbiological analysis indicated that the incorporation of nano-encapsulated walnut oil did not have any notable effect on the abundance of determined microorganisms in the yoghurt. However, it was observed that the number of Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus increased as a result of storage. The incorporation of enclosed oil in yoghurt resulted in negligible alterations in rheological and sensory characteristics when compared with the plain variant. The addition of oil had an effect on most of the analysed fatty acids. Fortified yoghurt shows a more favourable proportion of the fatty acid groups tested (SFA, MUFA, and PUFA) and lower values of fat quality factors (AI and TI).

Antioxidant edible double-layered film based on waste from soybean production as a vegan active packaging for perishable food products.

Edible vegan films were obtained on the basis of furcellaran and protein hydrolysates from soybean bran. The aim of the study was to investigate the possibility of using innovative single- and double-layer films with antioxidant properties as packaging materials for vegetarian products. A further objective of the study was to evaluate the degree of biodegradation and potential toxicity with regard to the developed films. The tofu was analysed for changes in physicochemical parameters (weight loss, dry weight texture and colour), microbiological quality (total microbial count, yeast and moulds, psychotropic bacteria), and lipid oxidation (peroxidase and acid values, TBARS, fatty acid profile). It was found that films undergo almost complete biodegradation within 10 days and do not demonstrate any toxicity for cress seeds during their growth. Films are not effective in inhibiting the growth of microorganisms in tofu samples. Furthermore, they are not efficient in inhibiting the oxidation of tofu lipids. Compared to the control, the tofu samples covered with the innovative biopolymer films showed significantly lower moisture content and higher weight loss as well as hardness during the whole storage period.

Effect of Bear Garlic Addition on the Chemical Composition, Microbiological Quality, Antioxidant Capacity, and Degree of Proteolysis in Soft Rennet Cheeses Produced from Milk of Polish Red and Polish Holstein-Friesian Cows.

This study aimed to assess the effect of milk source and bear garlic addition on the selected properties of soft rennet cheese. Cheeses were produced from cow milk derived from two sources: Polish Red cows (PR) and Polish Holstein-Friesian cows (PHF) with a 0.5% (w/w) addition of bear garlic (Allium ursinum L.) dried leaves. Chemical composition and fatty acid profiles (GC) were determined in fresh cheeses. Fresh and stored for two weeks cheeses were subjected to microbiological studies, i.e., total aerobic bacteria count (TABC); count of Lactococcus sp., yeast and molds; coliforms; analysis of the proteolysis extension by means of o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) assay and free amino acids content (HPLC); antioxidant capacity as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP); as well as pH and water activity. Cheeses with bear garlic herbs were more prone to proteolysis but this was not accompanied by any effect on the microbial counts, water activity or pH. Cheeses produced from PR milk contained less monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) but were richer in n-3 PUFA and had a lower n-6/n-3 FA ratio than cheeses from PHF milk. Bear garlic addition increased DPPH anti-radical power but had less of an effect on the FRAP values.

Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implementation Patients-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Quality of life is an important factor influencing mood. In any group of elderly people undergoing valve implementation or surgical aortic valve replacement, one in three will have depressive symptoms. The aims of this study were as follows: 1. to evaluate the impact of health-related quality of life on depressive symptoms in elderly patients undergoing TAVI, and 2. to analyze beliefs about TAVI. Methods: A total of 131 elderly people (mean age: 82.1 ± 6.1 years) scheduled to receive TAVI completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, EQ-5D-3L, and Mini Mental State Examination. A total of 43 patients completed the questionnaires after the treatment. The narrative interview analyses were performed based on 20 randomly selected patients after TAVI. Results: The mean level of general depression before TAVI was 4.19 ± 2.83, and after it was 3.12 ± 2.52 (p = 0.02), and the frequency decreased from 20% to 3%. An increase in the level of activity and number of interests and a decrease in life satisfaction were identified. The higher the general quality of life was, the lower the levels of depressiveness before and after TAVI were (r = 0.26 vs. r = 0.48; p < 0.05). Conclusions: Patients differed in their depressive symptoms, as well as their intensity and frequency, before and after TAVI. These results underscore the importance of screening for depression at baseline and reassessing changes in depressiveness during follow-up.

Effects of Immersive Virtual Therapy as a Method Supporting Recovery of Depressive Symptoms in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: Depressive symptoms constitute an important group of mental problems that alter the course of post-stroke rehabilitation by reducing quality of life, physical activity, social functioning, and interpersonal relationships. Although several studies have shown the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) in the motor treatment of poststroke patients, there is a lack of studies that would also evaluate the impact of VR on psychological aspects. Thus, we investigated the effectiveness of immersive VR therapy on both functional activity and depressive symptoms in stroke survivors. Patients and Methods: We conducted a single blind, randomized controlled trial comparing VR therapy with Schultz's Autogenic Training (SAT). Patients randomized to the VR group received treatment in an immersive VR therapeutic garden with elements of psychotherapy and physical activity of the upper extremities, whereas patients in the control group received SAT. Additionally, patients in both groups received standard neurological rehabilitation. The full research cycle lasted six weeks. We used Geriatric Depression Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, Acceptance of Illness Scale, Visual Analogue Scale of pain, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Barthel Index, Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale and Rivermead Motor Assessment for outcome assessment. This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03830372). Results: We assessed 60 patients and randomly assigned to the VR or control group. The VR group showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms (ηp2 = 0.13, p < 0.01) compared to SAT. The applied VR therapy significantly increased the sense of self-efficacy and the level of acceptance of the illness; however, this effect was similar to that obtained with the standard intervention. We did not observe statistically significant changes in the functional parameters of post-stroke patients. Conclusion: The use of VR therapy combined with neurological rehabilitation had a positive effect on improving mood and reducing depressive symptoms in post-stroke patients.

Problem Drinking Scale (PDS) - psychometric characteristics. / Skala Picia Problemowego (SPP) ­ wlasciwosci psychometryczne.

OBJECTIVES: The presented study aims at checking and demonstrating the psychometric characteristics of the new tool - the Problem Drinking Scale (PDS), which is used for quantitative and qualitative analysis of alcohol use disorders conceptualized according to DSM-5. METHODS: 08 adults with different levels of alcohol consumption were examined, including 91 individuals recruited in addiction treatment clinics. The remaining persons, with different socio-demographic characteristics, were recruited using the snowball method. Validity of the scale was assessed by correlating the obtained results with the AUDIT (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), while reliability was assessed by internal consistency analysis. RESULTS: The presented analysis demonstrates high validity and reliability in most areas, which means that the PDS is a tool that can be used in clinical practice. Criterion validity was calculated by correlating PDS results with the AUDIT (r = 0.88, p < .01). The results in particular areas range from r = 0.86 (Difficulty in controlling drinking) to r = 0.77 (Pharmacological dependence). Reliability was calculated using the split-half method, individual values of Cronbach's alpha coefficients with the Spearman-Brown correction vary in specific areas from 0.89 (Difficulty in controlling drinking) to 0.65 (Risky use of substances). In none of the areas the results were lower than 0.60. CONCLUSIONS: The PDS is a useful research tool for quantitative and qualitative analysis of alcohol use disorders. This scale is helpful in making a full and accurate clinical diagnosis taking into account the severity of the disorder and in monitoring changes in the treatment process.

Personality characteristics of empathy profiles - practical implications for education of medicine students.

BACKGROUND: Empathy plays the key role in the doctor - patient relationship. The research of empathy determinants plays an important role in formulating practical guidelines for the education of medical students. The aim of this study was to analyse personality characteristics of empathy profiles among students of medicine, with consideration of chief personality factors and their subdimensions according to the FFM model. METHODS: During workshops in Clinical Psychological Skills, 153 students (M = 57, F = 96; mean age 23 years) analysed their psychological functioning styles by examining their personality profiles and empathy indicators. Empathic Sensitiveness Scale (ESS) and Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) were applied for this purpose. The analyses of empathy indicators were presented by means of cluster analysis. Variance analysis with post hoc Tukey-b test was performed for differences between clusters and to differentiate between personality factors and their components in empathy clusters. This study was approved by the Jagiellonian University Bioethics Committee (approval number: 1072.6120.175.2018 date: 28.06.2018). RESULTS: The first cluster included students who presented high empathetic concern for others, understood their perspective and needs characterised by medium level of Neuroticism, high levels of other dimensions The second group included students who could understand others very well, yet with lower tendency to react emotionally to suffering, characterised by medium level of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, high Conscientiousness and low Agreeableness. The third cluster included students who react strongly to painful and unpleasant reactions of others, characterised by high Neuroticism and Agreeableness, low Extraversion. CONCLUSIONS: Each empathy profile is manifested in relations with patients in a specific way. Medical education in empathy holds great potential to reduce anxiety, stress, and burnout associated with the medical profession. Discussion of individual results with students, gives an opportunity to talk about how their empathy and personality characteristics may influence their everyday medical practice.

Utilisation of soybean post-production waste in single- and double-layered films based on furcellaran to obtain packaging materials for food products prone to oxidation.

Single-layered films, based on furcellaran and protein hydrolysates from soybean bran (1st layer), were obtained. Moreover, a procedure for the preparation of double-layered films was developed, in which an ethanol extract from soybean bran was deposited onto the 1st layer. It was checked how the addition of the 2nd layer affects the functional properties of the film. The addition of the 2nd layer increased the thermal properties, modulus of elasticity and antioxidant activity, while decreases were noted for tensile strength and elongation at break parameters. The films were used as packaging materials for storing butter and the active films did not extend the quality of butter during storage, however, they behaved in the same way as synthetic films. Therefore they have the potential to be used as packaging material instead of a synthetic film.

Differences in personality related determinants of empathetic sensibility in female and male students of medicine.

The issues of personality and its relations with the level of empathetic sensibility of medical doctors are broadly discussed in the literature. The aim of this study was an assessment of personality related predictors of empathy indicators in female and male students of medicine with consideration of gender differences. Methods applied were Empathic Sensitiveness Scale (ESS) and Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R). The study included 153 participants, who were students of the fifth year of medical studies. Students filled in questionnaires during workshops in clinical psychological skills. Participation in the study was voluntary and anonymous. The statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13 PL and PS IMAGO PRO (SPSS). Linear regression analysis with the interaction component was performed to explore the relationship between personality factors and gender and their interaction with the variable dependent level of empathy. The analysis showed that Extraversion, Openness and Agreeableness are associated with the level of Empathic Concern. Neuroticism, Extraversion, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness are associated with the level of Personal Distress. Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness and Conscientiousness are associated with the level of Perspective-taking. The regression analysis with the interactive component showed that there is no relationship between gender and the level of empathy, therefore the interactions were insignificant. Empathetic sensibility is related to personality dimensions of the students of medicine. Although there has been no interaction among chief personality dimensions, empathy indicators and gender, detailed analysis of personality dimensions' components has shown differences between men and women.

One- and double-layered furcellaran/carp skin gelatin hydrolysate film system with antioxidant peptide as an innovative packaging for perishable foods products.

In this study, two active packaging types were produced: single-layer biopolymer films with a polysaccharide - furcellaran and carp skin gelatin hydrolysate; two-layer films with identical composition, but synthetic peptide Alanina-Tyrosine addition. The procedure objective was multiplying antioxidant effects of the hydrolysate complexed with furcellaran. Films were used on Atlantic mackerel (storage 4 °C, 15 days); samples were analysed for changes in microbiological quality, TVB-N, biogenic amine content, fatty acid composition, TBARS. Consumer analysis was performed characterising mackerel carcass perception depending on implemented active coatings. The developed innovative single- and double-layer coatings effectively slow down lipid oxidation processes, especially at the initial period of Atlantic mackerel storage in refrigerated conditions. The coatings effectively inhibited microorganism growth, extending shelf-life by 2 days, single-layer coatings showing greater efficiency. According to consumers, coating application did not adversely affect product attractiveness parameters. The developed innovative coatings show great applicative potential as a new active packaging for perishable foods.

The effects of active double-layered furcellaran/gelatin hydrolysate film system with Ala-Tyr peptide on fresh Atlantic mackerel stored at -18 °C.

This is the first time that active double-layered furcellaran/gelatin hydrolysate films containing Ala-Tyr peptide were developed and characterised for their properties. Afterwards, films were used on Atlantic mackerel stored at -18 °C for 4 months and samples were analysed for changes in their microbiological quality, TVB-N, biogenic amine content, fatty acid composition and TBARS. Active films had higher TS (13.4 MPa) and lower WS (62.8%). The films showed no DPPH radical scavenging properties but high FRAP (6.6 mMol Trolox/mg). No significant effects on the oxidation of fish samples were observed with TBARS increasing from 12.04 to 22.50 mg/kg. Freezing successfully inhibited the growth of microorganisms and no differences in microbiological growth or biogenic amine formation were observed. However, the application of films inhibited the formation of TVB-N. Antimicrobiological properties of the film should be further investigated during storage of perishable food products at temperatures above 0 °C.

Stress associated with undergraduate medical courses: A translation and validation of the Perceived Medical School Stress Instrument into Polish and its adaptation to the Polish environment.

OBJECTIVES: Medical students are more susceptible to depression than other students. Moreover, students with the symptoms of depression statistically more often abuse drugs and have suicidal thoughts and anxiety. The level of stress and the factors that lead to in among medical students at Polish universities have not yet been measured. The aim of this study was to translate to Polish and validate the Perceived Medical School Stress Instrument (PMSS-PL) and to measure the resulting version's psychometric abilities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We validated the Polish translation of PMSS in accordance with the recommendations published by the Translation and Cultural Adaptation group of the Quality of Life Special Interest group of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used as an external test to validate the PMSS-PL questionnaire. A total of 430 undergraduate medical students at the Medical College of Jagiellonian University took part. RESULTS: The mean PMSS-PL score was 36.43 and it varied from 13 to 65. The mean PSS-10 was 21.35. The internal reliability, as indicated by Cronbach's alpha, was 0.803, which means there was internal reliability between PSS-10 and PMSS-PL. Moreover, all questions from PMSS-PL had a positive discrimination power, so each question correlated positively with the other questions in PMSS-PL. CONCLUSIONS: PMSS-PL may be used to psychometrically analyze the stress load on undergraduate medical students at Polish universities. The PMSS-PL may also be used as an external test for validating and calculating the reliability and accuracy of other psychometric instruments.

Changes in cognitive functions and quality of life in patients after transcatheter aortic valve implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has emerged as a therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS). However, an association between cognitive functions (CF) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in TAVI patients is still unclear. AIM: To assess the long-term changes in CF and HRQoL in elderly patients with AS after TAVI. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 259 patients who underwent cardiological and psychological TAVI qualification were enrolled and divided into the normal (n = 174) and impaired cognition group (n = 85). CF and HRQoL characteristics assessed at baseline and 13 months were compared between groups. The analysis of multiple linear regression was performed to identify the association between HRQoL and CF and to assess the influence of TAVI on HRQoL. RESULTS: There was no difference in CF between baseline and follow-up. However, an improvement in attention functions and memory skills in the cognitively impaired group was noted at follow-up. In addition, HRQoL scores increased in both groups. An independent predictor associated with HRQoL was global CF (ß = -213, p = 0.01), which explained 7% of CF variation. Improvements in all five dimensions of HRQoL, from 4.8% in self-care and up to 33.6% in pain/discomfort, were found. At follow-up, 60% of TAVI patients had improved health, 12% had worse health, 4% showed no change and 24% had a "mixed" change. CONCLUSIONS: TAVI is associated with positive changes in the functioning of elderly patients at long-term follow-up.

Fatty acid profile and oxidation tests of fat extracted from yogurt using rose hip seed oil.

BACKGROUND: Yogurt is a dairy product with a high nutritional value. However, like all milk products, it contains milk fat and is rich in saturated fatty acids. It would be desirable to enrich dairy products in poly- unsaturated fatty acids to increase dietary intake amongst consumers and improve their health. Also, some LAB bacteria are able to produce CLA and CLnA isomers from linoleic and linolenic acids. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical properties and fatty acid profile of yogurt with the addition of 3.5% of rose hip seed oil. METHODS: Yogurt was made from skimmed milk and yogurt starter culture YC-180 Ch. Hansen (Denmark), with the addition of 3.5% of rose hip seed oil. The peroxide value, acid value, iodine value, TBA rate and fatty acid profile were determined in fat extracted from the yogurt after 1 and 14 days of storage and in fresh rose hip seed oil. The fatty acid profile was determined using gas chromatographic methods with mass spectrometric detectors. RESULTS: Fat extracted from the yogurts had lower levels of peroxides than the fresh oil. It was more acidic and the iodine value was higher than in the fresh oil. Rose hip seed oil enriched the product with polyunsaturated fatty acids. After 14 days of storage, linoleic and linolenic acid levels had increased. Moreover, the content of myristic and palmitic acids had decreased. CONCLUSIONS: The rose hip seed oil added to the yogurt was less susceptible to oxidation. The content of un- saturated fatty acids in the yogurt increased with the addition of the oil, making yogurt with rose hip seed oil an excellent source of Ω-3 and Ω-6 fatty acids. Conjugated linoleic (CLA) and linolenic (CLnA) acids were not detected. However, yogurt manufactured with appropriate adjunct cultures and with the correct oil addition could be a natural source of CLA and CLnA in the human diet.

Crystal structure of a DNA catalyst.

Catalysis in biology is restricted to RNA (ribozymes) and protein enzymes, but synthetic biomolecular catalysts can also be made of DNA (deoxyribozymes) or synthetic genetic polymers. In vitro selection from synthetic random DNA libraries identified DNA catalysts for various chemical reactions beyond RNA backbone cleavage. DNA-catalysed reactions include RNA and DNA ligation in various topologies, hydrolytic cleavage and photorepair of DNA, as well as reactions of peptides and small molecules. In spite of comprehensive biochemical studies of DNA catalysts for two decades, fundamental mechanistic understanding of their function is lacking in the absence of three-dimensional models at atomic resolution. Early attempts to solve the crystal structure of an RNA-cleaving deoxyribozyme resulted in a catalytically irrelevant nucleic acid fold. Here we report the crystal structure of the RNA-ligating deoxyribozyme 9DB1 (ref. 14) at 2.8 Å resolution. The structure captures the ligation reaction in the post-catalytic state, revealing a compact folding unit stabilized by numerous tertiary interactions, and an unanticipated organization of the catalytic centre. Structure-guided mutagenesis provided insights into the basis for regioselectivity of the ligation reaction and allowed remarkable manipulation of substrate recognition and reaction rate. Moreover, the structure highlights how the specific properties of deoxyribose are reflected in the backbone conformation of the DNA catalyst, in support of its intricate three-dimensional organization. The structural principles underlying the catalytic ability of DNA elucidate differences and similarities in DNA versus RNA catalysts, which is relevant for comprehending the privileged position of folded RNA in the prebiotic world and in current organisms.

Deoxyribozyme-mediated ligation for incorporating EPR spin labels and reporter groups into RNA.

Preparation of site-specifically labeled RNA for spectroscopic studies is a multistep process and requires handling of delicate samples. This chapter is focused on the synthesis of spin-labeled RNA using convertible nucleosides and the application of the deoxyribozyme 9DB1* for the ligation of RNA fragments. The convertible nucleoside approach enables the attachment of nitroxyls as paramagnetic reporters at the exocyclic amino groups of cytidine, adenosine, and guanosine nucleobases in synthetic RNA. The deoxyribozyme 9DB1* is a synthetic single-stranded DNA with RNA ligase activity that can be used as an alternative to protein enzymes (T4 RNA/DNA ligases) for covalently joining RNA fragments via native 3'-5' phosphodiester bonds. The combination of solid-phase synthesis and DNA-catalyzed RNA ligation provides reliable access to site-specifically labeled functional RNAs for spectroscopic studies. A particular advantage of using deoxyribozymes for RNA ligation lies in the mild reaction conditions that prevent chemical damage to sensitive labels. As an example, we describe a detailed protocol for the synthesis of TEMPO-labeled SAM-I riboswitch RNA.

Enzymatic combinatorial nucleoside deletion scanning mutagenesis of functional RNA.

We describe a general and simple method to identify catalytically and structurally important nucleotides in functional RNAs. Our approach is based on statistical replacement of each nucleoside with a non-nucleosidic spacer (C3 linker, Δ), followed by separation of active library variants and readout of interference effects by analysis of enzymatic primer extension reactions.