Regarding the development of novel safe antimicrobials of natural origin, macrofungi became attractive for the researchers in the last decade. In this study, antimicrobial potential of methanolic extracts of six wild macromycetes (Boletus lupinus, Flammulina velutypes, Phellinus igniarius, Sarcodon imbricatus, Tricholoma aurantium, Xerocomus ichnusanus) was evaluated. In vitro antimicrobial activity was investigated by the microdilution method and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined. Testing was conducted against eleven microorganisms, including six strains of bacteria and five species of fungi. Extracts showed selective antimicrobial properties while the activities depended both on the species of microorganism and on the type and concentration of extract. The evaluated extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity, exhibiting more potent inhibitory effects on the growth of bacteria than on fungi. The highest antibacterial and antifungal activity was observed in methanolic extract of polypore fungus P. igniarius

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Research evidence on health determinants has led to development of a national programme for noncommunicable disease (NCD) prevention. Numerous studies have confirmed the role of nutrition and physical activity in preventing main NCDs: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease. The aim of the study was to analyse and evaluate the results obtained from the new “cross-sectional” study in 2012 offer monitoring of eating habits and physical activity levels monitoring related to socioeconomic status of the participants in 2012. The study was conducted in five regions of the Republic of Macedonia and included 1600 respondents aged 10 to 64 years. Monitoring was conducted using self-designed questionnaire. Eating habits were surveyed using questionnaires to monitor the frequency of consumption of main food groups during a week. Leisure time physical activity was a priority measure in the study. Also, in the study a model was applied for strategic planning in NCD prevention, based on the results of the health behaviour survey. The model was analysed using a software package. The results indicate that NCDs prevention through improving physical activity levels and changes in eating habits should be focused on changes in food content including availability of whole grain bread, guidelines and policy on food labelling and health claims, marketing and city planning that facilitates an active life.

Different methods for preparation of the Aspergillus oryzae β-galactosidase were evaluated and the total enzyme activity was determined in hexanol mono-phase system using p-nitrophenyl-β-D-galactoside as a substrate. Several supports such as Acurell EP-100, Amberlite IRC (50), Celite, Dowex, Eupergit C and silica gel were tested in order to select the most suitable matrix for immobilization of the β-galactosidase for performing transgalactosylation reactions in hexanol. Celite and Amberlite IRC (50) were selected as the most appropriate carriers. Albumin, PEG 6000, starch and glycine, added prior to the immobilization procedure, acted as stabilizers of the galactosidase. By adding albumin on Celite, a 3.3-fold increase of enzyme activity was achieved. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT), Tween 65 and crown ether were used directly in the reaction medium in order to increase its homogeneity. Addition of SDS to the medium resulted in a 3.65-fold increased activity of the β- galactosidase deposited on Celite. A micro-emulsion system created by addition of AOT resulted in an increased catalytic activity. The β-galactosidase showed enhanced total activity with increased water activity in the system having the highest value for the water activity close to the saturation level (0.92).