Search results for: BACTERIA DETECTION
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Composition and antimicrobial activity of fatty acids detected in the hygroscopic secretion collected from the secretory setae of larvae of the biting midge Forcipomyia nigra (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
PublicationThe hygroscopic secretion produced by the secretory setae of terrestrial larvae of the biting midge Forcipomyia nigra (Winnertz) was analysed using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The viscous secretion is stored at the top of each seta and absorbs water from moist air. GC-MS analyses (four independent tests) showed that the secretion contained 12 free fatty acids, the most abundant of which were oleic...
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Essential oils as potential anti-staphylococcal agents
PublicationAntibiotic therapy of staphylococcal mastitis is characterized by significantly lower cure rates compared to infections caused by other microorganisms. Thus, it is necessary to search for new, alternative, non-antibiotic agents that are effective in the eradication of these bacteria. The aim of our research was to investigate the antimicrobial, especially anti-staphylococcal potential of a large collection (n=36) of essential oils...
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Hydrazinolysis Products of Selected Sugar Lactones—Crystal Structure and Microbiological Activity
PublicationCommercially available lactones, as well as those synthesized by us, turned out to be good substrates for the synthesis of sugar hydrazides. The exception was L-ascorbic acid, whose hydrazinolysis led to the formation of a hydrazinium salt, not the hydrazide as expected. The structure of all compounds was confirmed by NMR and X-ray analyses. The lower durability of hydrazinium L-ascorbate was additionally confirmed by thermogravimetric...
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Kombucha from alternative raw materials – The review
PublicationNowadays, people's awareness about the role of diet in maintaining well-being and good health has increased. Consumers expect that the products not only provide them with essential nutrients but will also be a source of biologically active substances, which are beneficial to their health. One of the "healthy trends," which has appeared among the consumers worldwide is kombucha, a tea drink with high antioxidant potential, obtained...
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Effect of TiO2 Concentration on Microstructure and Properties of Composite Cu–Sn–TiO2 Coatings Obtained by Electrodeposition
PublicationIn this work, Cu–Sn–TiO2 composite coatings were electrochemically obtained from a sulfate bath containing 0–10 g/L of TiO2 nanoparticles. The effect of TiO2 particles on kinetics of cathodic electrodeposition has been studied by linear sweep voltammetry and chronopotentiometry. As compared to the Cu–Sn alloy, the Cu–Sn–TiO2 composite coatings show rougher surfaces with TiO2 agglomerates embedded in the metal matrix. The highest...
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Model-Based Evaluation of N2O Production Pathways in the Anammox-Enriched Granular Sludge Cultivated in a Sequencing Batch Reactor
PublicationA mechanistic model was developed as an extension of the Activated Sludge Model No. 1 to describe three nitrous oxide (N2O) production pathways in a laboratory-scale anammox-enriched granular sequencing batch reactor. Heterotrophic denitrification and two processes mediated by ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB), that is, ammonia (NH4+) oxidation via hydroxylamine (NH2OH) and autotrophic denitrification, were considered. A systematic...
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Hydrogen production from biomass using dark fermentation
PublicationHydrogen applicability in the power, chemical and petrochemical industries is constantly growing. Efficientmethods of hydrogen generation from renewable sources, including waste products, are currently being de-veloped, even though hydrogen is mainly produced through steam reforming or thermal cracking of natural gasor petroleum fractions. In paper alternative methods of hydrogen production with a particular emphasis on darkfermentation...
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The problem of infections associated with implants – an overview
PublicationImplant-associated infections are serious and relatively common complication that leads to implant loss. The purpose of this paper is to gather knowledge about this issue. A literature review of the epidemiology, risk factors and pathogenesis of infections related to implants was carried out. This position collects data on commonly used implants and infections associated with them from various fields of medicine and contains classifications...
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Antibacterial evaluation of bioactive modifiers of bone cements: antibiotics, nanometals and chitosan
PublicationModern biomaterials in addition to their basic tasks, can serve as carriers of active substance. The release of a bioactive particles allows to locally fight infection or its prevent it. Bone cements additionally to their basic applications in orthopedic surgery can also serve to deliver locally active substances. Currently, only antibiotics are routinely used as modifiers for bone cements. Bioactive bone cements constitute...
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Fish gelatin-nanoclay films. Part I: Effect of a kind of nanoclays and glycerol concentration on mechanical and water barrier properties of nanocomposites
PublicationThe aim of work was the improvement of the mechanical and water barrier properties of nanocomposites prepared from fish gelatin and nanoclays (5–15%), plasticized with glycerol at different concentrations. The effect of hydrophilic Cloisite Na1 and Nanomer®PGV was compared with that exerted by organically modified more hydrophobic Nanofil®2 and NanoBent ZR-1. Antimicrobial activity of nanocomposites containing hydrophobic nanoclays...
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Influence of the Addition of Selected Spices on Sensory Quality and Biological Activity of Honey
PublicationBee honey is nutritious and has numerous health benefits, but its taste is for many people too bland. Honey with addition of spices could be important to the food industry as a functional product with positive health image and interesting taste. Such product would definitely meet health-driven consumers’ expectations. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of addition of selected spices on sensory, antimicrobial,...
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Antimicrobal and ostheointegration activity of bone cement contains nanometals
PublicationPurpose: One of the major problems in bone surgery are infections – especially thoseoccurring in the course of the operating on the patients with lowered immunity system,because they carry the danger of complications. In the Mechanical Department of TechnicalUniversity of Gdansk, there has been carried the research with the use of bone cement andmetal nanoparticles.Design/methodology/approach: The bone cement was used without supplement...
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Degradation of implantable materials – in vivo and in vitro research
PublicationThe article concerns the biological and electrochemical degradation of metallic implants in vivo and in vitro studies. The in vivo research dealt with degradation of plates used to join bones, as well as endoprostheses. The most common damages were: metalosis, breaking in the microstructure changes, breaking in area of holes, as well as plastic deformation throughout the length of an implant. The material used for the research...
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A Rapid and Simple Method for Screening Microorganisms with a Potential for Catechol Biodegradation
PublicationCatechol is a highly toxic compound that is also a key intermediate in biodegradation pathways of various aromatic compounds. In this paper, a new screening method for isolation of microorganisms with the potential for catechol biodegradation is reported. The method described is based on the ability of catechol to form a color complex with Fe3+ ions. For this purpose, basal medium that is widely used for classification of microorganisms...
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Release of potassium from actvated sludge as a resultof use peroxyacetic acid = Uwalnianie potasu z osadu czynnego pod wpływem kwasu nadoctowego
PublicationThe phenomenon of potassium efflux (GGKE - glutathione-gated potassium efflux) from the calls of activated sludge bacteria in the result of peroxyacetic acid (CH3CO3H) dosing was investigated. Addition of the strong oxidant to the activated sludge environment caused activation of the defense mechanisms of bacterial cells, related to glutathione transformations, which resulted in the significant increase of potassium ions concentration....
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Bioactive and biodegradable cotton fabrics produced via synergic effect of plant extracts and essential oils in chitosan coating system
PublicationFunctional antibacterial textile materials are in great demand in the medical sector. In this paper, we propose a facile, eco-friendly approach to the design of antibacterial biodegradable cotton fabrics. Cotton fiber fabrics were enhanced with a chitosan coating loaded with plant extracts and essential oils. We employed Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis spectrophotometry, optical...
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Enhanced Toxicity of Bisphenols Together with UV Filters in Water: Identification of Synergy and Antagonism in Three-Component Mixtures
PublicationContaminants of emerging concern (CEC) localize in the biome in variable combinations of complex mixtures that are often environmentally persistent, bioaccumulate and biomagnify, prompting a need for extensive monitoring. Many cosmetics include UV filters that are listed as CECs, such as benzophenone derivatives (oxybenzone, OXYB), cinnamates (2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate, EMC) and camphor derivatives (4-methylbenzylidene-camphor,...
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Antibacterial Porous Systems Based on Polylactide Loaded with Amikacin
PublicationThree porous matrices based on poly(lactic acid) are proposed herein for the controlled release of amikacin. The materials were fabricated by the method of spraying a surface liquid. Description is given as to the possibility of employing a modifier, such as a silica nanocarrier, for prolonging the release of amikacin, in addition to using chitosan to improve the properties of the materials, e.g., stability and sorption capacity....
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Advances in analysis, quantification and modelling of N2O emission in SBRs under various DO set points
PublicationNitrous oxide (N2O), considered a major greenhouse gas (GHG) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), is produced during both nitrification and denitrification processes; hence, it needs to be controlled by internal and external strategies. Various factors, such as DO, temperature, and pH, could be incorporated into the mitigation of emissions in WWTPs. In this research, potential operational strategies were investigated in order...
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Influence of rhamnolipids and ionic cross-linking conditions on the mechanical properties of alginate hydrogels as a model bacterial biofilm
PublicationThe literature indicates the existence of a relationship between rhamnolipids and bacterial biofilm, as well as the ability of selected bacteria to produce rhamnolipids and alginate. However, the influence of biosurfactant molecules on the mechanical properties of biofilms are still not fully understood. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of rhamnolipids concentration, CaCl2 concentration, and ionic cross-linking...
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Use of Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 producing recombinant colicins for treatment of IBD patients
PublicationPatients with Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis infected with Adherent-Invasive Escherichia coli strains constitute the largest group among Inflammatory Bowel Disease subjects, when taking into account all known etiological agents of the disease. A possible link between these pathogenic bacteria and inflammation process has gained the confidence in recently published papers. Observed enteric neuroglial cells apoptosis and...
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Lipidomics of Staphylococcus aureus – a new insight into the antibiotic resistant phenotype
PublicationStaphylococcus aureus is an aggressive pathogen responsible for a variety of diseases, in cluding life-threatening sepsis. Many strains of these bacteria are resistant to multiple classes of antibiotics, which is a substantial clinical problem in the treatment of S. aureus infections. We developed a comprehensive untargeted lipidomic workflow, including sample preparation, liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry...
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Phage-Directed Synthesis of Photoluminescent Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles under Benign Conditions
PublicationBiological systems, especially bacteriophages and peptides, are an attractive green alternative to other known methods of nanoparticle synthesis. In this work, for the first time, bacteriophages were employed to synthesize a specific peptide, capable of producing nanoparticles (NPs). Derivatives of M13 bacteriophage exposing a ZnO-binding peptide (TMGA-LGLKWPV) on either pIII or pVIII phage coat protein were constructed and used...
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Identification of synergistic and antagonistic actions of environmental pollutants: Bisphenols A, S and F in the presence of DEP, DBP, BADGE and BADGE·2HCl in three component mixtures
PublicationEcosystems are facing increased pressure due to the emission of many classes of emerging contaminants. However, very little is known about the interactions of these pollutants, such as bisphenols (BPs), plasticizers or pharmaceuticals. By employing bioluminescent bacteria (Microtox assay), we were able to define interactions between selected emerging pollutants (namely BPA, BPS, BPF, BADGE, BADGE·2HCl, DEP, DBP) in ternary mixtures, at...
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Novel Biodegradable Potato Starch-based Compositions as Candidates in Packaging Industry, Safe for Marine Environment
PublicationAbout 70 % of our planet’s surface is covered by seas and oceans to which even 10 million tons of waste go every year. It makes these places the largest global landfills, containing up to 90 % of plastic waste. In this article we present the results of research on novel starch-based compositions expected to be more safe for the marine environment. For these purpose biopolymers such as, thermoplastic starch (TPS), polylactide (PLA)...
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Peptide conjugates of lactoferricin analogues and antimicrobials—Design, chemical synthesis, evaluation of antimicrobial activity and mammalian cytotoxicity
PublicationEight new peptide conjugates composed of modified bovine lactoferricin truncated analogues (LFcinB) and oneof the three antimicrobials — ciprofloxacin (CIP), levofloxacin (LVX), and fluconazole (FLC) — were synthesized. Four different linkers were applied to connect a peptide and an antimicrobial agent. The FLC-containing peptidic conjugates were synthesized using the “click chemistry” method. This novel approach is reported here...
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Chemometric Assessment and Best-Fit Function Modelling of the Toxic Potential of Selected Food Packaging Extracts
PublicationFood packaging materials constitute an ever more threatening environmental pollutant. This study examined options to specifically assess the ecotoxicity of packaged wastes, such as cans, subjected to various experimental treatments (in terms of extraction media, time of exposure, and temperature) that imitate several basic conditions of the process of food production. The extracts were studied for their ecotoxicity with bioluminescent...
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Impact of the Alkyl Side Chains of Cations and Anions on the Activity and Renaturation of Lysozyme: A Systematic Study Performed Using Six Amino‐Acid‐Based Ionic Liquids
PublicationThe impact of the structure of ionic liquid on the activity and renaturation of lysozyme from the hen egg white (HEWL) was investigated. A set of six ionic liquids based on morpholinium cation and N-acylated amino acids as anions were exploited. The matrix used was based on two homologous series: one with N-acetyl-L-valinate [Val] as a common anion and morpholinium cation with a different number of...
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Chitosan-protein scaffolds loaded with lysostaphin as potential antistaphylococcal wound dressing materials.
PublicationAIMS: The development of technology for preparing chitosan-protein scaffolds loaded with lysostaphin, which potentially could be used as dressing for wound treatment and soft tissue infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus. METHODS AND RESULTS: The unique technology of chitosan solubilization using gaseous CO(2) instead of organic or inorganic acids was used for the incorporation of lysostaphin, the enzyme that exhibits bactericidal...
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Inhibitory and antimicrobial activities of OGTI and HV-BBI peptides, fragments and analogs derived from amphibian skin
PublicationA series of linear and cyclic fragments and analogs of two peptides (OGTI and HV-BBI) isolated from skin secretions of frogs were synthesized by the solid-phase method. Their inhibitory activity against several serine proteinases: bovine beta-trypsin, bovine alpha-chymotypsin, human leukocyte elastase and cathepsin G from human neutrophils, was investigated together with evaluation of their antimicrobial activities against Gram-negative...
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Small regulatory bacterial RNAs regulating the envelope stress response
PublicationMost bacteria encode a large repertoire of RNA-based regulatory mechanisms. Recent discoveries have revealed that the expression of many genes is controlled by a plethora of base-pairing noncoding small regulatory RNAs (sRNAs), regulatory RNA-binding proteins and RNA-degrading enzymes. Some of these RNA-based regulated processes respond to stress conditions and are involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. They achieve...
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Extracellular proteolytic activity of Deinococcus geothermalis
PublicationProduction of extracellular protease by extremophilic bacteria Deinococcus geothermalis cultivated in liquid media containing 0.1% (w/v) of peptone K, 0.1% yeast extract and 0.2% marine salt reached a maximum in 14 h of the cell growth at 45°C and pH 8.0. The enzyme was purified by a two-step procedure using fractionation by a graded ammonium sulphate precipitation technique and gel filtration on Sephadex G-100 column. Protease...
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Biomechanical testing of bioactive bone cements – a comparison of the impact of modifiers: antibiotics and nanometals
PublicationApart from its bone filler and fracture stabilizing function, bone cement can be used as a carrier of bioactive substances, and such modified bone cement can protect the implant against microorganisms, treat local infections and combat bacteria introduced during the surgical procedure. In this paper, the effects of modifying antibiotics and nanosilver on the biomechanical properties of bone cement were examined. The following tests...
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Bacterial presence in polar regions associated with environment modification by chemical compounds including contaminants
PublicationMicrobes are omnipresent and diverse members of all biological communities. In marine and freshwater ecosystems, microorganisms form the base of the food chain supporting higher trophic levels. Even though, microbes generally are thought to live in warm regions of Earth, many of them develop in cold climates. Polar regions remain relatively protected from widespread anthropogenic disturbances, which is a consequence of its remoteness...
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Assessing ecotoxicity, synergic and antagonistic actions of commonly used components of polymerization mixture in molecularly imprinted polymers preparation process
PublicationIncreasingly, the challenge is the optimal process of developing a suitable MIP-type sorptive material (taking into account its final form and application area), which is mainly related to the efficiency/effectiveness of the polymerization process. The lack of reaction or its low efficiency generates additional waste and puts it into the environmental cycle. The main aim of the performed research was the estimation of ecotoxicity,...
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Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Coatings for Stents in Veterinary Medicine—State of the Art and Perspectives
PublicationMicrobial colonization in veterinary stents poses a significant and concerning issue in veterinary medicine. Over time, these pathogens, particularly bacteria, can colonize the stent surfaces, leading to various complications. Two weeks following the stent insertion procedure, the colonization becomes observable, with the aggressiveness of bacterial growth directly correlating with the duration of stent placement. Such microbial...
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Preliminary Investigation on Rapid Potassium Efflux from Activated Sludge in Response to Use of Peroxyacetic Acid
PublicationPreliminary research on activated sludge potassium efflux (GGKE - glutathione-gated potassium efflux) as a result of peroxyacetic acid (PAA) dosing were performed. Similarily as in case of chlorine dosing the PAA dosing causes initiation of bacteria defense mechanisms, related to the transformations of glutathione tripeptide, resulting in the increase of potassium ions concentration in the activated sludge environment. In the range...
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Toxicity and chemical analyses of airport runoff waters in Poland
PublicationThe aim of this study was to assess the ecotoxicological effects of various compounds in complex airport effluents using a chemical and ecotoxicological integrated strategy. The present work deals with the determination of sum of PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, cations, anions, phenols, anionic, cationic, non-ionic detergents, formaldehyde and metals – as well as TOC and conductivity – in runoff water samples collected from 2009 to 2011...
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Investigation of the antimicrobial potential and microbiota of bee pollen and bee bread derived from Polish apiaries
PublicationThe phenomenon of resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is becoming one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. At the same time, the number of new antibiotics introduced into clinical practice is decreasing. This creates the need to search for new, effective, non-antibiotic methods of combating and preventing infectious diseases. Over the last two decades, there has been renewed interest in the antimicrobial potential...
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Oxolane Ammonium Salts (Muscarine-Like)—Synthesis and Microbiological Activity
PublicationCommercially available 2-deoxy-D-ribose was used to synthesize the appropriate oxolane derivative—(2R,3S)-2-(hydroxymethyl)oxolan-3-ol—by reduction and dehydration/cyclization in an acidic aqueous solution. Its monotosyl derivative, as a result of the quaternization reaction, allowed us to obtain eight new muscarine-type derivatives containing a quaternary nitrogen atom and a hydroxyl group linked to the oxolane ring. Their structure...
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Antibacterial properties of laser-encapsulated titanium oxide nanotubes decorated with nanosilver and covered with chitosan/Eudragit polymers
PublicationTo provide antibacterial properties, the titanium samples were subjected to electrochemical oxidation in the fluoride-containing diethylene glycol-based electrolyte to create a titanium oxide nanotubular surface. Afterward, the surface was covered by sputtering with silver 5 nm film, and the tops of the nanotubes were capped using laser treatment, resulting in an appearance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) of around 30 nm in diameter...
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Ionic liquid as morphology-directing agent of two-dimensional Bi2WO6: New insight into photocatalytic and antibacterial activity
PublicationAn efficient and durable utilization of light to drive photocatalytic reactions still requires the overcoming of barriers. Herein, two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin IL_Bi2WO6 (IL_BWO) photocatalysts were prepared for the first time via ionic liquid-assisted hydrothermal route by adjusting the amount of tetrabutylammonium chloride [TBA][Cl], synthesis temperature and duration. IL played the role of morphology-directing agent given...
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Synthetic lipopeptides as potential topical therapeutics in wound and skin care: in vitro studies of permeation and skin cells behaviour
PublicationSeveral Gly-His-Lys analogues were obtained to investigate their antimicrobial properties. Three lipophilic analogues with the structure numbering 1b, 2b, 4b, exhibit significant effect against bacteria and were selected for in vitro evaluation of skin cells behaviour. In the present studies, an in vitro model of wound repair, proliferative cell staining, and tracking of living cells were used. Cell proliferation and cell migration,...
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Clay-filled starch films. Part I: Effect of clay kind and glycerol concentration on functional properties of composites
PublicationThe aim of this work was to improve the mechanical and water barrier properties of composite filmsprepared from starch and clays, plasticized with glycerol at different concentrations. The effects ofhydrophilic Closite Naþand Nanomer PGV were compared with that exerted by organicallymodifiedmorehydrophobicNanofil2 and NanoBent ZR-1. The antimicrobial activity of compositescontaining hydrophobic clays was also investigated. The hydrophilic...
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The effect of high pressure on formation of volatile amines in minced meat of cod (Gadus morhua)
PublicationThe effects of high pressure at subzero temperature (193 MPa, at −20 °C) on inactivation of natural microflora of cod meat and degradation of trimethylamine oxide (TMAO) to trimethylamine (TMA) during refrigerated storage and to dimethylamine (DMA) and formaldehyde (FA) during frozen storage were investigated. The content of TMA, DMA and FA in cod meat did not change immediately after pressure treatment. During 40 days of frozen...
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Influence of Storage Time and Temperature on the Toxicity, Endocrine Potential, and Migration of Epoxy Resin Precursors in Extracts of Food Packaging Materials
PublicationThe aim of the present study was to establish a standard methodology for the extraction of epoxy resin precursors from several types of food packages (cans, multi-layered composite material, and cups) with selected simulation media (distilled water, 5% ethanol, 3% dimethyl sulfoxide, 5% acetic acid, artificial saliva) at different extraction times and temperatures (factors). Biological analyses were conducted to determine the acute...
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Photocatalytic and Antimicrobial Properties of Ag2O/TiO2 Heterojunction
PublicationAg2O/TiO2 heterojunctions were prepared by a simple method, i.e., the grinding of argentous oxide with six different titania photocatalysts. The physicochemical properties of the obtained photocatalysts were characterized by diffuse-reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The photocatalytic activity was...
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A Comparison of the Efficiency of Deammonification under Different Aeration Strategies in a Laboratory-Scale Sequencing Batch Reactor
PublicationAn important source of nitrogen load entering the biological part of wastewater treatment plants (WWPTs) is derived from the anaerobic sludge digestion processes. Sludge digestion liquors constitute only 1-2% of the inflow to the plant, but the load of nitrogen directed with them to the main stream may be as high as 10-20% of the total nitrogen load. Therefore, numerous studies have focused on treatment of sludge digestion liquors...
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Conservation and diversity of MutS proteins
PublicationThe homologues of MutS, mismatch repair protein, exist in all prokaryotes, with the exception of Actinobacteria, Mollicutes and part of the Archaea. Multiple alignments of 316 MutS amino acid sequences from 169 species revealed conserved residues and sequence motifs distinguishing MutS homologues. All MutS homologues show high conservation within the ATPase domain. MutS1, the homologue responsible for DNA mismatch recognition,...
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Identification and properties of the psychrophilic bacterium Desulfolatea psychrophila single-stranded DNA binding proteins
PublicationTo study the biochemical properties of SSB from Desulfolatea psychrophila (DpsSSB), we have cloned the ssb genes obtained by PCR and have developed Escherichia coli overexpression systems. The gene consists of an open reading frame of 426 nucleotides encoding SSB protein of 142 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 15.6 kDa and it is the smallest known bacterial SSB protein indentified to date. The amino-acid sequence...