Uniwersytet Warminsko Mazurski

Photodynamic inactivation is an emerging antimicrobial treatment that can be enhanced by employing exogenous photosensitizers to eradicate foodborne pathogens. This study investigated a novel combinatory strategy to eradicate Listeria monocytogenes using blackthorn fruit peel (BFP) and blue light (BL). Extracts of BFP were characterized in terms of polyphenolic content, individual constituents, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The concentration of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were both found to be determinants of antimicrobial activity. It was further speculated that flavonols, predominantly quercetin and rutin, were responsible for the activity of BFP against L. monocytogenes. A combination of BFP and BL resulted in a rapid inactivation of the pathogen by up to 4 log CFU/mL at 58.5 J/cm², corresponding to 15 min BL illumination. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the bacterial cells lost activity and suffered extensive membrane damage, exceeding 90% of the population. After photosensitizing L. monocytogenes with the BFP constituents quercetin and rutin, a 1.3-log reduction was observed. When applied together, these compounds could inflict the same damaging effect on cells as they did individually when effects were added. Therefore, the results indicate that BFP represents a natural source of (pro-)photosensitizers, which act additively to create inactivation effects. This study may help identify more effective plant-based photosensitizers to control L. monocytogenes in food-related applications.

Despite high prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its significant negative impact on individuals' quality of life, its etiology remains poorly understood. This prospective study explored whether early life factors (adverse childhood experiences; ACEs) and alexithymia intensity, could explain IBS symptom severity and its effects on psychological functioning over time. We also compared the studied variables between an IBS sample and a healthy control group.

Based on the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for IBS, 245 individuals with a diagnosis of IBS were recruited from a national sample of Poles. The IBS sample completed the following psychometric questionaries in three waves, one month apart: Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, IBS Symptom Severity Score, Short Form Perceived Stress Scale, and Ultra-Brief Patient Health Questionnaire for Anxiety and Depression. Latent transition analysis was used to identify distinct profiles of IBS symptom dynamics.

The IBS group reported a significantly higher number of ACEs, greater alexithymia severity, and more intense levels of stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms compared to the healthy controls. Four profiles of IBS individuals with distinct dynamics of IBS symptoms, stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were extracted, which correlated with the baseline number of ACEs and alexithymia intensity among participants.

Childhood adversity and associated problems in emotional processing affect IBS symptom severity. ACEs should be included in IBS screening and considered in the design of individualized multidisciplinary treatment approaches for IBS patients.

The black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) is an endangered species facing challenges in breeding and reintroduction programs, including parasitic infestations. This study aimed to assess natural infestations by various Eimeria species and infestation dynamics in female, male, and young black grouse kept in a stationary aviary. Faecal samples were collected from adult grouses between April and the time of chicks' hatching and rearing (September). Faecal samples from young birds were collected from the hatching for a period of 1 year. The prevalence of Eimeria spp. was determined by a qualitative method (Fulleborn's flotation) and a quantitative method (McMaster's method with Raynaud's modification). The following Eimeria species were identified: E. lyruri, E. nadsoni and E. nonbrumpti. The average percentages of Eimeria spp. in the cock were 80.52%, 9.27%, and 10.21%, respectively; in the hen, they were 86.19%, 9.28%, and 4.53%, respectively; in the young black grouses they were 84.60%, 9.34% and 6.06%, respectively. The highest E. lyruri infestation was observed in the cock in June (144227 OPG) and July (129365 OPG). In the hen, the infestation intensity increased in May (304302 OPG) and then decreased in June (39583 OPG). Furthermore, an additional increase was observed in July (216533 OPG). Two increases in infestation intensity were also observed in young birds, with peaks in January (91387 OPG) and July (126178 OPG). A positive strong correlation was identified between Eimeria spp. in the cock and the young birds. A statistically significant positive correlation was identified in the hen between E. lyruri and E. nadsoni. No correlation was demonstrated between the infestation intensity and the age of the birds or season of the year in all the grouses under study. Despite some attempts, a comprehensive approach to the issue of coccidiosis in the black grouse as a disease that may affect the success of reintroduction has yet to be established. It seems crucial to monitor the level of Eimeria spp. invasion, and the proposed faecal sampling scheme is an important tool for achieving this goal.