The Influence of Biomolecule Composition on Colloidal Beer Structure

Recent studies have revealed an interest in the composition of beer biomolecules as a colloidal system and their influence on the formation of beer taste. The purpose of this research was to establish biochemical interactions between the biomolecules of plant-based raw materials of beer in order to understand the overall structure of beer as a complex system of bound biomolecules. Generally accepted methods of analytical research in the field of brewing, biochemistry and proteomics were used to solve the research objectives. The studies allowed us to establish the relationship between the grain and plant-based raw materials used, as well as the processing technologies and biomolecular profiles of beer. The qualitative profile of the distribution of protein compounds as a framework for the formation of a colloidal system and the role of carbohydrate dextrins and phenol compounds are given. This article provides information about the presence of biogenic compounds in the structure of beer that positively affect the functioning of the body. A critical assessment of the influence of some parameters on the completeness of beer taste by biomolecules is given. Conclusion: the conducted analytical studies allowed us to confirm the hypothesis about the nitrogen structure of beer and the relationship of other biomolecules with protein substances, and to identify the main factors affecting the distribution of biomolecules by fractions.

Spatial and Seasonal Dynamics of Inorganic Nitrogen and Phosphorous Compounds in an Orchard-Dominated Catchment with Anthropogenic Impacts

The influence of various types of agricultural activities on the dynamics of biogenic compounds of flowing water was broadly recognized in many spatial and temporal scales. However, relatively minor attention was paid to the hydrochemical functioning of horticultural catchments despite their importance and dominance in some regions of Europe. Thus, the current study investigated spatial and seasonal variations in inorganic nitrogen and phosphorous compounds in stream water in the Mogielanka River catchment, with 72% covered by apple orchards. Water samples were collected from fifteen sites distributed across the catchment in the monthly timescale from March 2020 to February 2021. Concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, and PO43− were determined photometrically, while in situ water temperature, oxygen saturation, electrical conductivity, and pH, were measured with the use of portable devices. The impact of horticulture was mainly documented in the higher concentration of NO3− during the winter months; however, maximum values did not exceed 15 mg·dm−3 and were relatively low in comparison to catchments dominated by arable lands. The authors also found a clear impact of unstratified reservoirs and inflows from wastewater treatment plants on the dynamics of biogenic compounds. The correlations of PO43− with the sums of precipitation suggested, in turn, that increased PO43− concentration mainly results from poor sewage management. The results provided preliminary but unique and spatially extensive insight into the functioning of an orchard-dominated lowland catchment and allowed the researchers to point out the main recommendations for improving water quality in similar regions.

Biota communities influence on nutrients circulation in hyporheic zone—a case study in urban spring niches in Bialystok (NE Poland)

Hyporheic zone (HZ) is an interstitial part of groundwater. Complex physical, chemical and biological processes in HZ impact water quality. We hypothesized that groundwater upwelling improves surface water with biogenic compounds in lowland spring niches, and it depends on among others biota communities. The research was conducted in two spring niches in suburbs of Białystok. Interstitial samples were collected with mini-piezometers. In the field, the physical parameters of water were examined, and the micro and macro elements were determined in the laboratory. The analysis of biota included: vascular plants and bryophytes, diatoms, macroinvertebrates and bacteria. The springs studied differed in their richness of organisms, which is associated with varying degrees of abiotic conditions and human transformation. In spring niche with high degree of naturalness were twice less nitrate ions in the surface water than in interstitial water, which indicates the assimilation of nitrate ions by plants growing on the bottom of the niche. Hydrophilic vegetation performs a stabilizing function by assimilating nitrogen compounds and contributing to a variation in nutrients concentration. Groundwater upwelling enrich surface water with DOC and TON. In spring niche No.1 with patches of vegetation, the largest number of macrozoobenthos was recorded. While, the heterogeneous bottom of spring niche No.2 affected the diversity of habitats, and greater biodiversity of benthic fauna. In interstitial waters, there were about twice as few bacteria as in spring waters. Psychrophilic bacteria were present in interstitial waters that influence natural hyporheic processes including circulation of organic matter in the microbiological loop and self-purification of water.

Ciliates in different types of pools in temperate, tropical, and polar climate zones – implications for climate change

Small water bodies are typically characterized by high diversity of various groups of microorganisms. Moreover, these ecosystems react very quickly to even the slightest climate changes (e.g. a temperature increase or water level fluctuations). Thus far, studies of planktonic ciliates in small water bodies having different origins and located in various climate zones have been scarce. Our study aimed to verify the following hypotheses: planktonic ciliate assemblages exhibit higher diversity in pools with higher concentrations of biogenic compounds; pools in warmer climates have higher biodiversity of planktonic ciliates than those in the polar climate zone; individual functional groups of ciliates demonstrate considerable diversity, both between individual pool types and between climate zones. The study was conducted in 21 small pools in temperate, tropical, and polar climate zones. While the type of pool clearly influenced the makeup of microbial communities, the influence of climate was stronger. The factors with the greatest influence on the occurrence of these microorganisms were temperature, total organic carbon, and nutrients. Our results show that in warmer climates the abundance of bacterivorous ciliates is higher, while that of mixotrophs is lower. This has consequences for modelling of climate change and assessment of its influence on the carbon cycle in small water body ecosystems.

Computational Screening of Natural Compounds for Identification of Potential Anti-Cancer Agents Targeting MCM7 Protein

Minichromosome maintenance complex component 7 (MCM7) is involved in replicative licensing and the synthesis of DNA, and its overexpression is a fascinating biomarker for various cancer types. There is currently no effective agent that can prevent the development of cancer caused by the MCM7 protein. However, on the molecular level, inhibiting MCM7 lowers cancer-related cellular growth. With this purpose, this study screened 452 biogenic compounds extracted from the UEFS Natural Products dataset against MCM protein by using the in silico art of technique. The hit compounds UEFS99, UEFS137, and UEFS428 showed good binding with the MCM7 protein with binding energy values of −9.95, −8.92, and −8.71 kcal/mol, which was comparatively higher than that of the control compound ciprofloxacin (−6.50). The hit (UEFS99) with the minimum binding energy was picked for molecular dynamics (MD) simulation investigation, and it demonstrated stability at 30 ns. Computational prediction of physicochemical property evaluation revealed that these hits are non-toxic and have good drug-likeness features. It is suggested that hit compounds UEFS99, UEFS137, and UEFS428 pave the way for further bench work validation in novel inhibitor development against MCM7 to fight the cancers.

PHOTOBIOREACTOR FOR MICROALGAE-BASED WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Purpose and Objectives of the Work. This scientific article is devoted to creation of an advanced photobioreactor design for wastewater treatment from biogenic compounds. Research Methods are based on a systematic analysis of theoretical research, synthesis, anology and comparison. Research Results. As a result, the improved photobioreactor design was proposed, in which the application of new elements and connections reduces the required area for its placement, immobilization of microalgae in the working area and, as a result, reducing the working area, the ability to quickly replace the sleeves of the working area, covered with sediment inside, and, as a result, reduce labor costs and downtime of the photobioreactor. Discussion. The problem is solved by the fact that the photobioreactor is made in the form of a transparent flowing rectangular open-topped tank, inside of which are vertically attached to the bottom of the tank by quick-release fasteners transparent flowing flexible hoses, to which at the bottom by means of non-return valves are connected pipelines for wastewater and microalgae supply and tubes for carbon dioxide supply and are connected by means of shut-off valves pipelines for drainage of a mixture of microalgae with residual wastewater, and in the upper hermetic part, where there are valves for drainage of accumulated gases , while the pipeline for the purified wastewater discharge is connected to a guide tray purified wastewater supply inside of a flowing rectangular open-topped tank, and at the outlet of the pipeline for drainage of a mixture of microalgae with residual wastewater is a microalgae separator to separate return and excess biomass. Conclusion. The proposed construction of photobioreactor can have good perspectives to be use in communal services for sewage water purification from biogenic compounds.

Investigating monoterpene ozonolysis reactions in the mobile DouAir atmospheric simulation chamber: field and laboratory experiments

<p>The chemistry of the atmosphere is usually studied using three different approaches, i.e. field measurements, laboratory studies and chemical model calculations. All three are complementary and powerful means to investigate chemical transformations of pollutants and improve our understanding of the atmosphere. Atmospheric simulation chambers are one of the most direct and critical approaches to mimic and examine chemical transformations under controlled experimental conditions. In combination with box model simulations, they allow assessment of the accuracy of chemical mechanisms implemented in atmospheric models.</p><p>During the CERVOLAND field campaign (Characterisation of Emissions and Reactivity of Volatile Organic compounds in the LANDes forest) we deployed a new mobile atmospheric chamber (DouAir) to probe the oxidation of biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) in real air masses. Biogenic compounds emitted by the surrounding forest (mainly pines - (Maritime pine, Pinus pinaster Ait) were trapped in DouAir and their transformations were probed using state-of-the-art online instrumentation, including PTR-ToF-MS (VOCs), PERCA (peroxy radicals), O<sub>3</sub> and NO<sub>x</sub> analysers, and SMPS (aerosols).</p><p>The objectives of the present study were to (1) reproduce in the laboratory selected field experiments performed during CERVOLAND, the chemical composition of the air mass being simplified, and (2) compare both the field and laboratory results to 0-D box model simulations using the Master Chemical Mechanisms (MCM). Comparing field observations, laboratory experiments and model simulations provides a critical test of our understanding of atmospheric oxidation processes involving biogenic compounds.</p><p>Here, we present ozonolysis experiments of primary biogenic VOCs (mainly monoterpenes) under dark conditions. Initial conditions used for the laboratory experiments were derived from reactant concentrations trapped in DouAir during CERVOLAND. The results show the capability of the model to reproduce oxidation rates of primary VOCs within uncertainty, although the model considerably overestimates measured peroxy radical concentrations. The addition of rapid self- and cross-reactions of monoterpene-derived peroxy radicals in the MCM improves the agreement with the measured peroxy radical concentrations.</p>

The influence of a dam reservoir on water quality in a small lowland river

The paper presents the effects of the dam reservoir in Komorów on the water quality in the Utrata river. The implementation of the adopted objective involved a comparison of water quality at two points, above and below the reservoir. The Utrata River is polluted with biogenic compounds throughout the whole section studied. COD content also indicates significant contamination exceeding permissible limits. A positive effect of the reservoir on water quality in the river was also observed in terms of the content of dissolved oxygen, with concentration increasing below the reservoir. The reservoir had a positive effect on reducing the concentration of total phosphorus in the water. Water in the Utrata below the reservoir showed higher values of chemical oxygen demand (CODMn) than above the reservoir. There were no differences in the concentration of NH4+ and NO3- ions in the water before and after the reservoir.

Harnessing the potential of Lactobacillus species for therapeutic delivery at the lumenal-mucosal interface

Lactobacillus species have been studied for over 30 years in their role as commensal organisms in the human gut. Recently there has been a surge of interest in their abilities to natively and recombinantly stimulate immune activities, and studies have identified strains and novel molecules that convey particular advantages for applications as both immune adjuvants and immunomodulators. In this review, we discuss the recent advances in Lactobacillus-related activity at the gut/microbiota interface, the efforts to probe the boundaries of the direct and indirect therapeutic potential of these bacteria, and highlight the continued interest in harnessing the native capacity for the production of biogenic compounds shown to influence nervous system activity. Taken together, these aspects underscore Lactobacillus species as versatile therapeutic delivery vehicles capable of effector production at the lumenal-mucosal interface, and further establish a foundation of efficacy upon which future engineered strains can expand.

The Identification of Pollutants in the Ob River Near Oil Production Areas

The composition of organic component of water and bottom sediments of Ob River in the area from the mouth of Tom River to the mouth of Irtysh river was studied by using GCMC. Oil and biogenic compounds were found. The maximum content of biogenic compounds was obtained in water near the Vasyugan River mouth, which is starting and flowing through the area of peat bogs propagation. The latitudinal waters of Ob River are enriched with typical oil compounds, such as hopanes, steranes, secohopanes, cheilanthanes, tetracyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polymethyl substituted naphthalene and phenanthrene. The bottom sediments near the inflow of Tom River are enriched with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. It was shown, that the occurrence of n-alkanes with dual nature cannot be an indicator of water bodies pollution with crude oil. In addition to this, the composition of aromatic hydrocarbons and cyclic isoprenoids may be used to differentiate the pollutant sources