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Biology is a study of living objects and their life processes. It examines all aspects of living organisms such as their occurrence, classification, internal and external structure, nutrition, reproduction, inheritance, etc. The term “biology” is commonly replaced by the terms “life sciences” and “biological sciences.” There are dozens of branches of biology. Some of the major ones include:
Biology and Life Sciences
Abstract
Background
Little is known on the abundance of the pathogens Bacillus anthracis and Burkholderia pseudomallei in environmental samples in Cameroon. Therefore, 100 respective samples were assessed in a proof-of-principle assessment.
Methods
DNA residuals from nucleic acid extractions of 100 environmental samples, which were collected between 2011 and 2013 in the Mapé Basin of Cameroon, were screened for B. anthracis and B. pseudomallei by real-time PCR. The samples comprised soil samples with water contact (n = 88), soil samples without water contact (n = 6), plant material with water contact (n = 3), water (n = 2), and soil from a hospital dressing room (n = 1).
Results
B. anthracis and B. pseudomallei were detected in none of the samples assessed.
Conclusion
The results indicate that at least a quantitatively overwhelming, ubiquitous occurrence of B. anthracis and B. pseudomallei in the environment in Cameroon is highly unlikely. However, the number and choice of the assessed samples limit the interpretability of the results.
Abstract
Napping is one of the rapid sensory profiling methods, which was established recently to meet the needs of sensory and consumer researchers. This approach provides a holistic evaluation of the tested sample through their positioning in a 2-dimensional space. The protocol of the analysis is somewhat different from the traditionally applied descriptive methods, like Quantitative Descriptive Analysis. In our review, we focus on the applicability of Napping in the field of fermented goods. The accompanying procedures are also investigated (typically Flash Profiling, CATA, and further methods), in order to understand how the combined datasets facilitate the understanding of the sensory characteristics of the products.
Abstract
Consuming enough protein is a very important part of a balanced and healthy diet. Complete proteins are those in which all essential amino acids are present. In meat products, like hams, many different reactions occur during ageing and storage. For example, the production of free amino acids or the production of biogenic amines is formed by decarboxylation. In this study, the presence of these amino acids and biogenic amines, as well as the quality properties of cured hams during curing and ageing, were investigated.
The meat samples were immersed into 100 g L−1 NaCl brine. The curing took 20 days, followed by smoking and ageing for 35 days (12 °C, 75% RH). The wet-cured ham samples were analysed for changes in NaCl concentration (at 3 parts: surface, core, bottom layer). Moreover, color, water activity, denaturation temperature and enthalpy (Differential Scanning Calorimetry), free amino acids (FAAs) and biogenic amines (BAs) were also evaluated.
Abstract
One of the most important components in spreads is the fat phase. The characteristics of the used fat determine most of the quality factors of the products such as viscosity, texture, colour, shelf life, etc. In these kinds of products, the commonly used fat is palm fat, however, in recent years it has had a bad press due to its negative environmental impact and health concerns. Therefore, the aim of our research was to develop a palm oil free hazelnut spread. We investigated the effect of replacing the fat in the fat phase with milk fat or coconut fat to the apparent viscosity, colour and texture properties of the product. According to our results the palm fat had the highest and coconut fat had the lowest viscosity. In texture analyses palm fat and milk fat showed no significant difference in hardness and in work of penetration. Coconut fat was significantly different in every texture attributes from the other samples. In the case of colour measurement all samples were significantly different. Despite the observed differences in some parameters the suitability of milk fat for hazelnut spread production should be further investigated (sensory analyses, shelf-life).
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate microencapsulation of palm oil fractions (palm olein (POL) and 90% palm olein+10% palm stearin (POS)) using skim milk powder (SMP) and maltodextrin (MD) by spray drying. Twenty-seven emulsions with POL were prepared to determine appropriate solid content (SC) and oil/coating material ratio (O/CM) of the emulsions to be fed into the spray dryer. Emulsion properties, such as viscosity and stability, were affected by SC and coating materials. The effects of coating materials used in microencapsulation of POL and POS were also tested by using different ratios of SMP and MD. The microencapsulation efficiency (69.28–84.97%), the microencapsulation yield (14.50–31.79%), and the peroxide value (4.12–7.07 meq O2/kg oil) of the powders were affected by the coating materials (P < 0.05).
Abstract
In the current study, cakes were prepared with the addition of different levels of chia gel obtained by soaking 1 part of chia seeds in 9 parts of water by weight. Mix was allowed to stand for 30 min for gel formation and seeds were left in the gel and later incorporated into the batter. The addition of chia gel to cake batter to partially substitute the fat from the basic recipe (control) resulted both in improved quality characteristics at all levels of substitution and reduction of caloric value, at the expense of energy from fat, especially at higher reduction levels (40 and 60%). The fat replacement at 40 and 60% had a caloric value decrease by 48 kcal per 100 g compared to the control and respectively the energy at the expense of the fat was 37.9 and 25.7% (reduction by 71.3 and 48.3%). Sensory evaluation demonstrated good acceptability for all the products with slight prevail for the samples with 40% followed closer by those with 20% fat replacement. Hence, chia gel proved to be a good alternative for fat substitution in baking goods recipes while preserving the quality and sensory parameters aiming to produce healthier foods.
Abstract
Animal blood is a by-product, which can be utilized in a value-adding way instead of being wasted. Allergen substitution is an obvious possibility because many properties of blood plasma are similar to egg white. Techno-functional and sensory attributes (water activity, moisture content, colour and texture related properties) were measured by instrumental methods. The allergenic egg powder can be substituted by non-allergenic blood plasma powder in sponge cakes, but the change in the ingredient has an effect on hardness and tolerating compressive stress until the breaking. In the case of water activity and moisture content, sponge cakes with blood plasma were as desirable as sponge cakes with egg.
Abstract
Presented work evaluated how quality of catfish fillets is affected by treatments using lactic acid or lysozyme in combination with chlorine. Fish fillets without skin were consecutively immersed and washed in 100 ppm chlorine solution and sprayed with 2.5% lactic acid or 0.5% lysozyme solution. Control samples were only washed with water at the same time. Samples were stored at 2 °C for 10 days in vacuum packaging. Parameters of pH, firmness, surface color and microbial cell counts (cfu/g) were measured on the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th days. Especially the latter had high importance from the point of view of food safety. Catfish fillets shown decreased survival of microorganisms as a result of treatment. Lysozyme and lactic acid achieved 1.8 and 2.4 log cfu/g reduction, respectively. Lower cell counts were observed for all treated samples compared to control during 10 days. Chlorine in combination with lactic acid achieved the best efficiency. The results are promising and suggest that combined treatment is able to improve safety by controlling microorganisms on fish fillets during cold storage.
Abstract
Among improper harvest and/or postharvest storage conditions, the effect of direct sunlight plays an important role in quality degradation of potato resulting in the development of green surface color based on chlorophyll formation associated with the formation of poisonous chemicals – glycoalcaloids – known as α-chaconine and α-solanine. Yellow skinned and fleshed potatoes with or without visible initial marks of green surface color were stored at normal room temperature under direct natural (sun)light conditions for almost two months. The aim of this study was the preliminary investigation of the sunlight induced formation of chlorophyll related compounds in potato indirectly by the detection of chlorophyll development. This attempt was based on nondestructive determination of chlorophyll related spectral and fluorescence indices for both sunlight exposed and unexposed potato sides. For both potato groups the chlorophyll content related DA-index® and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics (F0, Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm) increased during the storage period representing chlorophyll formation. In the case of Fm, Fv and Fv/Fm values, the yellow samples reached the values of the initial spotted green samples by the 7th–9th days. From this time, the chlorophyll fluorescence values changed only minimally. After storage day 34, in the case of both at day 0 yellow and green spotted potatoes, the sunny side's F0 value was lower than that of shaded side. Close relationship was found between the results of Walz monitoring-PAM (Pulse Amplitude-Modulated) chlorophyll fluorometer and the PSI (Photon Systems Instruments) chlorophyll fluorescence imaging device (e.g. Fv R2 = 0.7226). According to our preliminary results, the Vis/NIR DA-meter®, the monitoring-PAM and the chlorophyll fluorescence imaging fluorometers were found to be suitable nondestructive devices for further investigations concerning the postharvest chlorophyll formation based greening phenomena, which is associated with solanine development in potato.
Abstract
Sensory properties of foods mainly affect purchasing decisions. In case of sausages, deterioration of pigments of meat and spices cause discolouration, while lipid oxidation leads to the formation of off-odours, and these two processes are connected. Lipid oxidation promotes the conversion of pigments, while the formation of metmyoglobin accelerates lipid oxidation. The scope of the study was to investigate the relationship between the amount of malondialdehyde equivalents (MDA) and CIELAB colour coordinates in a Hungarian sausage with paprika, sliced and stored under refrigerated conditions for 10 weeks. We detected negative correlation (P < 0.001) between the MDA-level and a* and b*; and positive correlation (P < 0.001) between the MDA-level and L*. The observed correlation between MDA level and colour coordinates supports the assumption that the oxidation of lipids and pigments are interrelated in the case of sausage with paprika.
Abstract
Soybean is one of the most important leguminous crops that contributes to human alimentation and animal feed. Soybean grain with its high protein and valuable lipid content is an essential component for the food and feed industries worldwide. Apart from the genetically determined quality characteristics of a certain variety, management practices may have an influence on the manifestation of quality parameters. At the Department of Agronomy, Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences, agronomic impacts on grain yield, protein and lipid content of soybean crop has been studied in a replicated field trial. Nitrogen (N) application and various means of weed control were studied, and grain yields were evaluated in accordance with the treatments. The results obtained suggest, that N topdressing has positive but no significant effect on grain yield, however, the means of weed control resulted in an almost twofold yield improvement compared to the control. The treatments had diverse effects regarding both protein and lipid contents of the crop yield, however, significant protein and lipid yield improvement of the crop could be observed.
Abstract
The availability of thermophysical properties of both foods and their constituents is of considerable importance to the industry. The thermal effusivity is one of the less explored thermophysical parameters. It governs the penetration of heat into materials and is defined as the square root of the product of thermal conductivity of the material, volume-specific heat capacity, and density. This paper describes the application of a relatively new inverse photopyroelectric method (IPPE) to determine thermal effusivity of dehydrated whey protein isolate and egg white powder versus protein content. In both cases the effusivity values decreased linearly with increasing protein content. One percent increase in protein content of whey protein isolate and egg white lead to 6.5 and 7.2 Ws1/2 m−2 K−1 decrease in effusivity values, respectively.
Abstract
The effect of storage temperature and ozone treatment on the post-harvest quality of cucumber and tomato was investigated. Cucumber and tomato were stored together with or without gaseous ozone treatment at 20 °C and 14 °C for 16 days. Firmness, color, weight loss, DA index and decay percentage of samples were evaluated during storage period. The results showed that the combination of ozone treatment and cold storage could maintain the quality of these horticultural products and decreased the decay incidence. Additionally, this combination also reduced the weight loss of samples during storage. Furthermore, ozone treatment maintained the green skin color of cucumber. No sign of chilling injury occurred during storage at 14 °C. Commodities stored with approximately 0.1 ppm gaseous ozone at 14 °C retained the firmness compared to other treatments until the end of the experiment. This study suggests a promising use of gaseous ozone treatment in storage chamber where ethylene-producing and ethylene-sensitive vegetables are stored together.
Abstract
Animal blood is a by-product, which can be utilized in a value-adding way instead of being wasted. Allergen substitution is a good possibility especially for a substance that is difficult to substitute, such as milk. Blood plasma is a fluid with high protein content without blood (iron) taste and colour, so it is similar to milk in several ways. While investigating the substitution of milk, it is advisable to investigate the substitution of sugar as well because a lot of consumers who exclude milk from their diet find the glycaemic index and energy content of foods important. The investigated model food is a simple, homogeneous matrix: vanilla custard with milk and with and without sugar and vanilla custard with blood plasma and with and without sugar. Colour, pH and rheological attributes of custard sample groups were measured. According to the results the used protein source as well as sweetener significantly determine the colour, pH and texture of the final product. However, colour and pH are easy to change with other components (food colours, acidity regulators) and the effect of milk and sugar substitution on rheological attributes might not be possible to detect without instrumental analysis.
Quantitative analysis of the berry size in grapevine cultivar ‘Italia’ •
Digital image analysis of the grapevine
Abstract
Quantitative evaluation of the horticultural crops has high importance to identify cultivars, describe the effect of the growing location and cultivation technology or define consumer's preference regarding the size and shape. Fruit traits of the grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) are mainly described by the bunch and berry morphology notably bunch and berry size, weight and shape. Ampelographers particularly evaluate the berry based on the seed number as it influences size and consumers' decision. In this study, berry morphological traits of the grapevine cultivar ‘Italia’ was investigated based on digital image analysis. Samples were collected from two vineyards in Hungary with different ecological and cultivation circumstances. Altogether 12 traits were investigated: weight, seed number, size and shape attributes. Results showed that berry morphological traits – except from the shape attributes – are not differing between the two sampling locations. In accordance with previous studies, seed number – ranging from 0 to 4 – had noticeable effect on the size attributes.
Abstract
The population of gluten sensitive people has been gradually rising in the last decades. The food industry, especially the bakery industry has to develop more gluten-free products to satisfy the consumer's demand. However, the quality of these products differs from the quality attributes of a standard glutenious bakery product. Therefore, the aim of our research was to develop a good quality gluten-free sourdough product with 3 different gluten-free flours: millet, brown rice and a commercially available mixture (Belbake). We investigated the differences in moisture content, the baking loss, the texture and the sensory properties of the products. According to our results in the case of the moisture content the brown rice sample had the highest, while the millet gave the lowest value. The baking loss measurement gave reverse results. In the texture analysis the brown rice sample was the softest, but the millet and the Belbake had better results in resilience and in springiness. Also, in the sensory analyses the Belbake product was found to be the best by the judges, however, there were no significant differences between them. In conclusion, the product development of a gluten-free sourdough bakery product was successful. Further research is needed to investigate the shelf life of the products.
Comparison of the single-step and double-step sous-vide treatment effect on the quality attributes of chicken breast •
A novel approach to sous-vide
Abstract
Sous-vide treatment is a modern minimal processing cooking technique that uses a single-step temperature of 55–70 °C and longer time. The quality attributes of meat might be improved by including cooking steps at below 50 °C temperatures in the sous-vide treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the double-step sous-vide treatments on the quality attributes of the chicken breast and comparing with the traditional single-step sous-vide treatments. The single-step sous-vide treatments were performed at 60 °C. In the double-step sous-vide treatments the first step temperature was 45 °C and the end temperature was 60 °C. Double-step sous-vide treated chicken breasts obtained higher tenderness, moisture content and lower weight loss compared to the single-step sous-vide treated chicken breasts. Double-step sous-vide treatment provided an attractive cooking method to produce high quality chicken breast, however, challenge tests for specific pathogens would be useful for the assessment of the microbiological quality for different treatment combinations.
Abstract
Apple pomace contains a large amount of useful bioactive compounds that have wide application in the food industry. In this study the effect of drying temperature and pressure (high temperature 80 °C and low temperature 60 °C using a conventional oven and a combination of conventional plus vacuum drying oven) on the antioxidant capacity and phenolic compounds of apple pomace extract was investigated. For a combination of conventional and vacuum drying ovens, samples were first dried by a conventional oven to a moisture content of approximately 10% then vacuum dried to reach a final moisture content of 3–4%. After the drying processes, ethanolic extraction was performed and the amount of total polyphenol and the antioxidant capacity (FRAP) were evaluated to determine a best drying method. The drying curves were also determined. The drying temperature affects the duration of the drying, the rate of water loss, and the remaining amount of antioxidant compounds.
Abstract
In this paper, thermal degradation (TGA) and pyrolysis studies of sunflower shell biomass (SSB), eucalyptus biomass (EB), wheat straw biomass (WSB), and peanut shell biomass (PSB) were carried out using the thermogravimetric analysis and stainless steel tubular reactor. Thermal degradation of all biomass wastes was examined at a heating rate of 10 °C/min in nitrogen atmosphere between 20 and 800 °C. Experiments of pyrolysis were carried out in a tubular reactor from 300 to 700 °C with a heating rate of 10 °C/min, a particle size of 0.1–0.3 mm and nitrogen flow rate of 100 mL.min−1, which the aim to study how temperature affects liquid, solid, and gas products. The results of this work showed that three stages have been identified in the thermal decomposition of SSB, EB, WSB, and PSB wastes. The first stage occurred at 120–158 °C, the second stage, which corresponds to hemicellulose and cellulose's degradation, occurred in temperatures range from 139 to 480 °C for hemicellulose, and from 233 to 412 °C for cellulose, while the third stage occurred at 534–720 °C. It was concluded that temperature has a significant effect on product yields. The maximum of bio-oil yields of 37.55, 30.5, 46.96, and 50.05 wt% for WSB, PSB, SSB, and EB, were obtained at pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C (SSB, PSB, and WSB) and 550 °C (EB). Raw biomass, solid and liquid products obtained were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The analysis of solid and liquid products showed that bio-oils and bio-chars from agricultural biomass wastes could be prospective sources of renewable fuels production and value added chemical products.
Abstract
The local food concept is analysed from a supply chain perspective and its positive environmental effects. Revitalised local economies, reduced greenhouse emissions, preservation of farmland and rural lifestyles associated with local products impacts consumer preferences by reflecting a positive attitude toward locally grown products. In addition, the health benefits of local products are more frequently evoked by consumers than those of organic-local products. However, the labelling of such products is used despite consumers and/or producers not being clear about the attributes conferred by the product locality. In this context, this paper aims to clarify the perception of Albanian consumers regarding local fruit and vegetables. The results show that the positive WTP for local food relies on the consumer concern about health and environmental issues. In the case of Albanian consumers, this is driven more by health, taste and environment. Surprisingly, environmental concern exceeds other attributes like price and origin. In this case, environmental issue overlaps health, and it is used as a surrogate indicator for the latter. This is due to the lack of trust in public authorities that fail to assure an efficient quality control process in the agriculture and food sector.
Abstract
In the last decade, bread consumption was decreasing in Hungary (from 44.5 kg to 34.4 kg/capita). Our aim is to identify the factors influencing the consumption of different bread and bakery products, using the Food Choice Questionnaire (FCQ).
FCQ is frequently used to explore factors (e.g., price, packaging, etc.) influencing the purchase of different food products. The adapted version of the FCQ for breads and bakery products is not yet available in Hungarian language. Word association (WA) and triangulation methods are usually used in the adaptation process.
Due to COVID-19, WA method was performed with a newly developed application presenting six photos of breads. This was completed by 193 participants. Responses were analysed using a categorizing triangulation technique, based on which the FCQ was modified.
In this study, we present the implementation and the results of the digitalized WA method and its use in the adaptation process of the FCQ.
Abstract
Freezing can enhance the storage time of liquid egg products, but egg yolk undergoes an irreversible textural and structural change when it is cooled to –6 °C. In this study, the effects of different salt concentrations on the physical properties of frozen-thawed egg yolk were investigated.
The pasteurised liquid egg yolk (LEY) was treated with 4, 5, and 6% of NaCl before freezing and it was stored at –18 °C for 4 weeks. The colour, pH, and rheological characteristics (firmness, consistency, cohesiveness, and index of viscosity) of yolk samples were evaluated before and after freezing.
Salt treatment resulted in preventing gelation, with decreasing firmness, consistency and viscosity compared to control samples. The pH of all yolk samples increased during frozen storage. The lightness value decreased in treated samples and increased in the control sample after freezing.
The results indicated that the applied salt concentrations could inhibit protein aggregation of LEY induced by freezing during the storage period. At least 5% salt concentration could reduce effectively the changes in rheological properties.
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ultrasound treatment on foaming properties of egg white. The samples were sonicated at 20/40 kHz and 180/300 W equipment power (3.7/6.9 W absorbed power) for 30, 45 and 60 minutes. Foam capacity had been increased by 25% due to sonication at 40 kHz and 6.9 W absorbed power for 60 minutes. This phenomenon may be caused by the homogenization effect of ultrasound and protein exposure of hydrophobic groups that improve the adsorption of protein onto the air/water interfacial molecules. It is found that frequency and duration of the treatment have no significant impact on the changes in foam capacity, only the absorbed power. On the other hand, foam stability had been decreased during the ultrasonic treatment. We can assume that sonication decreases the potential difference between the dispersed particles and the dispersion medium and this may be the cause of the collapse of the foam structure due to ultrasound treatment. In this case frequency, treatment time, and the absorbed power had a significant effect on the stability.
Abstract
The bionomics and distribution of Scythris sinensis (Felder and Rogenhofer, 1875) were studied in Hungary from 2004 to 2018. The host plant was found to be Chenopodium album L. The larva feeds on the leaves in a loose web. The length of the larval stage varies from 12 to 15 days, that of the pupal stage from 7 to 10 days of the summer generation. The species is generally bivoltine in Hungary, but in the southern, warmer areas a third partial generation may occur. Adults of the second and third generations have characteristic yellow patches on the forewing. The species overwinters as pupa in a white cocoon near the host plant. The immature stages and the adult are illustrated and a map of the Hungarian records is given with two Figures.
Abstract
An annotated checklist of 211 species belonging to 13 families of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccoidea) of Egypt including their common names, host plants and additional remarks is provided based on literature records and collections made by the senior author in Egypt. Four species are new to the fauna of Egypt, namely Adiscodiaspis ericicola (Marchal), Dynaspidiotus ephedrarum (Lindinger), Rhizaspidiotus adiscus Gómez-Menor Ortega (Diaspididae), and Dactylopius confusus (Cockerell) (Dactylopiidae). An illustrated key to the families of scale insects of Egypt is provided.
Abstract
Amaranth, buckwheat, quinoa, and less known, canihua are the most important pseudocereals. Their high nutritional value is well recognized and they are increasingly used for the development of a wide range of starch-based foods, which has been fostered by intensified research data performed in recent years. In addition to health driven motivations, also environmental aspects like the ongoing climate change are an important stimulus to increase agricultural biodiversity again. As pseudocereals are botanically classified as dicotyledonous plants their chemical, physical and processing properties differ significantly from the monocotyledonous cereals. Most important factors that need to be addressed for processing is their smaller seed kernel size, their specific starch structure and granule architecture, their gluten-free protein, but also their dietary fibre and secondary plant metabolites composition. This review gives a condensed overview of the recent developments and gained knowledge with special attention to the technological and food processing aspects of these pseudocereals.
Abstract
In the framework of a survey of arthropods in rest stops of Hungarian highways, 19 species of jumping plant lice were collected. Three species belong to the family Aphalaridae, one to Calophyidae, two to Liviidae, nine to Psyllidae and four to Triozidae. Two species (Livilla variegata and Trioza neglecta) are alien, non-indigenous species; the others are native to Hungary. The most abundant species were Calophya rhois, Cacopsylla melanoneura and Trioza neglecta. The specimens of C. melanoneura were found in 20, T. neglecta in 10 and C. rhois in 6 localities out of the 31 rest stops surveyed.
Abstract
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is consistently one of the most important barley diseases worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity of 16 isolates of four Fusarium species under controlled conditions and their genetic variability using 22 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. Pathogenic variation was characterized based on disease development rates and disease index on two Syrian barley landraces with varying resistance to FHB, Arabi Aswad (AS) and Arabi Abiad (AB). Significant differences in intra- and inter-Fusarium species pathogenicity and in susceptibility between the above-mentioned cultivars were highlighted. Overall, the two barley landraces showed moderately susceptible to moderately resistance levels to fungal infection and FHB spread within the head. Quantitative traits showed significant correlation with previous data generated in vitro and under field conditions, suggesting that growth chamber indices can predict fungal pathogenicity and quantitative disease resistance generated under various experimental conditions. Based on PCR amplification with seven different primers, the isolates showed genetic variation. Dendrogram generated by cluster analysis based on RAPD markers data showed two main groups, suggesting that a possible clonal origin could exist in the four Fusarium species. RAPD fingerprints are not useful to distinguish the 16 Fusarium isolates with different levels of pathogenicity.
Abstract
Three eriophyoid species are recorded for the first time in Hungary, viz. Paraepitrimerus erigeronsis Xue et Hong collected from Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers. (Asteraceae), Phyllocoptes parvulus (Nalepa) from Potentilla reptans L. (Rosaceae) and Aceria salicina (Nalepa) from Salix alba L. (Salicaceae). In addition, supplementary description of the vagrant phyllocoptine mite, Paraepitrimerus erigeronsis, and the deuterogynous and leaf margin rolling Aculus craspedobius (Nalepa) from Salix integra Thunb. (Salicaceae) is provided.
Abstract
Introduction
As therapy-refractory giardiasis is an emerging health issue, this review aimed at summarizing mechanisms of reduced antimicrobial susceptibility in Giardia duodenalis and strategies to overcome this problem.
Methods
A narrative review on antimicrobial resistance in G. duodenalis was based upon a selective literature research.
Results
Failed therapeutic success has been observed for all standard therapies of giardiasis comprising nitroimidazoles like metronidazole or tinidazole as first line substances but also benznidazoles like albendazole and mebendazole, the nitrofuran furazolidone, the thiazolide nitazoxanide, and the aminoglycoside paromomycin. Multicausality of the resistance phenotypes has been described, with differentiated gene expression due to epigenetic and post-translational modifications playing a considerable bigger role than mutational base exchanges in the parasite DNA. Standardized resistance testing algorithms are not available and clinical evidence for salvage therapies is scarce in spite of research efforts targeting new giardicidal drugs.
Conclusion
In case of therapeutic failure of first line nitroimidazoles, salvage strategies including various options for combination therapy exist in spite of limited evidence and lacking routine diagnostic-compatible assays for antimicrobial susceptibility testing in G. duodenalis. Sufficiently powered clinical and diagnostic studies are needed to overcome both the lacking evidence regarding salvage therapy and the diagnostic neglect of antimicrobial resistance.
Abstract
Interest in organic growing systems that means no harm to the environment, mankind, and the world’s natural ecosystem is increasing. This study evaluated the impact of organic versus conventional cultivation method on eggplants (Topan-374 and Pala-49), tomatoes (Rio Grande and Pink), and bell pepper (Kandil dolma) considering individual phenols, total phenol-flavonoid content, antioxidant capacity, and antibacterial potential. Peel and pulp of eggplants were evaluated separately. Organic cultivation enhanced trans-ferulic acid in the peels of both eggplant cultivars and the pulp of Pala-49. Organic Pala-49 had also higher amounts of cyanidin and caffeic acid in the peel, and only caffeic acid in the pulp. Chlorogenic acid was found in higher quantities in organic Rio Grande tomato and bell pepper. All organically grown vegetables in our study had significantly higher total phenol and flavonoid contents than conventional ones except Pink tomato. Organic farming significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of both eggplant cultivars. Only organic peel of Pala-49 eggplant cultivar had antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus epidermidis. Organic cultivation has an advantage in terms of antioxidant potential and phenolic constituents, and it enhanced the nutraceutical potential of both cultivars of eggplant, Rio Grande tomato, and bell pepper.
Abstract
The insecticidal efficacy of the experimental bioinoculants (Natur Nova, Natur Agro Hungary Ltd., Hungary) containing Beauveria bassiana (Bals.-Criv). Vuill. and Metarhizium anisopliae Metschnikoff against stored product pests modelled by granary weevil, Sitophilus granarius L. was evaluated on wheat in laboratory tests. In order to comparability, two applications were also set up: one purely ash-treated grain treatment against wireworms and a soil-injected one. Our results confirmed that some biopesticides can exert unexpected effect on non-target arthropods. However, the examined biopesticides were as empirically effected against the target arthropods regarding wireworms. Nevertheless, the application exempt from ash of the examined bioinoculants Natur Nova containing B. bassiana and M. anisopliae were not suitable for the elimination of the stored product pests modelled by S. granarius. In contrast, the putative plant protection effect of these biopesticides was observed in the course of applying the agents in the recommended environment and pest species as well as when applying them with ash carrier.
Néhány potenciálisan mérgező fém frakcióinak meghatározására alkalmazott analitikai módszer értékelése eltérő fizikai talajféleségű mintákon
Evaluation of analytical methods for the determination of different potentially toxic metal fractions in soils with different physical properties
Munkánk során potenciálisan toxikus fémek frakcióinak meghatározására alkalmazott analitikai módszereket kívántunk értékelni, azok talajféleségtől való függése alapján.
A talajféleségtől való függés mértéke döntően megszabja a módszer használhatóságát. Jelen dolgozat célja, hogy a Cu, a Zn, a Fe és a Ni környezeti mobilitása szempontjából értékelje a vizsgálatba vont egy- és többlépéses kioldásos módszereket.
Vizsgálatainkhoz a TIM adatbázisból származó négy, eltérő fizikai talajféleségű mintát választottunk (homok-, homokos vályog-, vályog- és agyag-talaj sorrendjében növekvő agyag- és humusztartalommal és pH-val).
Öt különböző kivonószerrel végzett egylépéses extrakciót és kétféle szekvens, azaz 3+1 lépéses egymás utáni extrakciós vizsgálatot végeztünk (BCR és McGrath módszerekkel).
Elvégeztük a minták Magyar Szabvány (MSZ 21470-50) szerinti, mikrohullámú kezeléssel egybekötött, H2O2+HNO3 eleggyel való roncsolását is. Az így megállapított elemtartalom környezetvédelmi szempontból teljes („összes”) elemtartalomnak tekinthető.
A mérési eredmények alapján megkíséreltük kiválasztani a vizsgálatba vont módszerek közül azokat, amelyek a talajból már biztonsággal meghatározható mennyiségű elemet vonnak ki, de a kivont mennyiség még nem a teljes elemtartalommal arányos.
A mikrohullámú feltárással kapott Zn-, Cu-, Fe- és Ni-tartalmak, a homok-, homokos vályog-, vályog- és agyag-talaj sorrendben, vagyis az agyag- és humusztartalmukkal, valamint pH-jukkal párhuzamosan nő. Egy olyan összetett rendszerben, mint a talaj, az egyes talajtulajdonságok, így az agyag- és humusztartalom, valamint a pH hatása vizsgálataink alapján nem különíthető el, de mint várható volt, a nagyobb agyag- és humusztartalmú és magasabb pH-jú talajok ezekből az elemekből többet halmoztak fel.
Mivel a kelátképzőket tartalmazó kivonószerek az összes réztartalomnak mintegy harmadát kivonták, a kivont mennyiség a réztartalommal volt arányos, vagyis a réztartalom növekedésével párhuzamosan nőtt.
Ezek a kivonószerek tehát Cu esetében kevésbé alkalmasak az egyes talajféleségek toxicitása közti különbségek kimutatására.
A rézzel ellentétben, a másik három elemnél az egyes talajféleségeknél kivont kis elemmennyiségek esetenként nagyságrendileg is különböztek, így az elméleti meggondolásunknak megfelelően feltételezhető, hogy az egyes talajféleségek toxicitása közti különbséget mutatják.
A két szekvens módszernél a vasnál kapott mérési eredményeket azok szórása miatt nem lehetett értékelni.
Megállapítható, hogy a BCR agresszívebb kivonószereket használ, mint a McGrath módszer, ennek megfelelően a BCR módszerrel a talajok átlagában az elemek 36, a McGrath módszerrel pedig csak 9%-át vontuk ki.
A BCR módszernél nincs vízszerű gyenge kivonószer, amiből a különböző talajok összes elemtartalmából felszabaduló ionok mennyiségére lehetne következtetni. Az ecetsav, a leggyengébb kivonószer, de a kicserélhető elemtartalom mellett kivonja a karbonátokhoz kötött, vagyis biztosan nem szabad ionos elemtartalmat is.
Mivel a BCR módszer minden kivonószerével sok elemet vonunk ki, nincs érdemi különbség az elemek egyes talajoknál mért kivonási százaléka között, ami figyelembe véve, hogy a talajok elemtartalma a homoktól az agyagtalajig nő, azt jelenti, hogy a kivont mennyiség az összes elemtartalommal arányos.
Lényegében ugyanezt mondhatjuk a McGrath módszer két agresszívebb kivonószeréről is, annak ellenére, hogy lényegesen kevesebb elemet vonnak ki. Ezzel szemben a módszer leírása szerint, a 0,1 mólos kalcium-kloridos kivonatból a vízoldható és kicserélhető elemtartalomra lehet következtetni, így minden bizonnyal a talajok toxicitását mutatja.
In this study, we aimed to evaluate some analytical methods used to determine the fractions of potentially toxic metals, based on their dependence on soil type.
The degree of dependence on soil type determines the applicability of the method. The aim of the present paper is to evaluate the single- and multi-step extraction methods included in the study in terms of the environmental mobility of Cu, Zn, Fe and Ni.
For the studies, we selected four samples with different physical soil types from the Soil Information and Monitoring System database.
In order to establish trends, soil samples were selected so that their clay and humus content, i.e., their adsorption capacity as well as their pH increased in the order of sand, sandy loam, loam and clay soils.
One-step extractions with five different extractants and two sequential extraction analyses including 3+1 steps were performed (BCR and McGrath methods).
We also performed the digestion of the samples with H2O2 + HNO3 solvent combined with microwave treatment according to the Hungarian Standard (MSZ 21470-50). The element content determined in this way can be considered as the "total" element content from the environmental point of view.
Based on the results of the analyses, we tried to select from the methods included in the study those that already extract a safe amount of elements from the soil, but the extracted amount is not yet proportional to the total element content.
The Zn, Cu, Fe and Ni contents resulting from microwave digestion increased in the order of sand, sandy loam, loam and clay soils, i.e. in parallel with the clay and humus content and pH of the soils.
As the extractants containing chelating agents extracted about one-third of the total copper content, the amount extracted was proportional to the copper content, i.e. it increased in parallel with the increase in copper content. Thus, in the case of copper, these extractants are less suitable for detecting differences in the toxicity of different soil types.
In contrast to copper, in the case of the other three elements, the small amounts extracted from each soil type also differed in order of magnitude, so according to our theoretical consideration, it can be assumed that they show a difference between the toxicity of each soil type.
The results obtained with iron using the two sequential methods could not be evaluated due to their standard deviation.
It can be stated that BCR uses more aggressive extractants than the McGrath method, accordingly, the BCR method extracted 36%, whereas the McGrath method only 9% of the elements on average of the soils.
The BCR method does not have an aqueous weak extractant, which would indicate the amount of ions released from the total element content of the different soils. Acetic acid is the weakest extractant, but in addition to the exchangeable element content, it also extracts the ionic element content bound to carbonates, which is certainly not free.
Because a large amount of elements is extracted with each extractant in the BCR method, there is no significant difference in the percentage of elements extracted for each soil, which, given that soil element content increases from sand to clay soil, means that the extracted amount is proportional to total element content.
Basically, the same can be said for the two more aggressive extractants of the McGrath method, despite the fact that they extract significantly less amount of elements. In contrast, as described in the method, the water-soluble and exchangeable element content can be inferred from the 0.1 M calcium chloride extract, thus it certainly indicates soil toxicity.
Abstract
Metastatic human sarcomas temporarily respond to radio-chemotherapy relapse and remain highly resistant to further combination chemotherapy as to a curative effect, including checkpoint control.
Abstract
In this study, microbiological quality of 93 ready-to-eat food products was determined by enumeration of total aerobic bacteria and members of Enterobacteriaceae. Presence of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes in the products were also investigated. Aerobic colony counts were between 1.9 × 102–3.4 × 108 CFU g−1 for 84.9% and Enterobacteriaceae counts were between 2 × 102 and 6.7 × 106 CFU g−1 for 43% of the samples. S. aureus was detected in 7.5% of the samples, but L. monocytogenes was not detected in any sample. 72.9% of the Enterobacteriaceae isolates showed resistance to at least one antibiotic tested, and 5 among the S. aureus isolates were found to be resistant to penicillin G and 2 against methicillin. Four S. aureus isolates produced only Staphylococcal enterotoxin A and 1 isolate produced both Staphylococcal enterotoxin A and B. Biofilm experiments revealed biofilm formation on polystyrene for 95.8%, 87.5%, and 91.6% of Enterobacteriaceae isolates at 4 °C, 22 °C, and 37 °C, respectively, whereas all S. aureus isolates formed biofilm at all temperatures.
Abstract
The objective of this research is to develop a dehusked coconut grading machine for coconut cultivators and entrepreneurs. The basis of design is characterized by a tapered belt conveyor and sizing board with openings of increasing aperture which run along the edge of the belt conveyor. Dehusked coconuts are fed onto the tapered belt conveyor where the gravitational force pushes the nut towards the edge until it comes in contact with sizing board. Due to the tangential force, the nut reels along the sizing board, where dehusked coconuts are graded and allowed to fall through aperture according to their sizes. Performance tests indicated that the inclination angle and velocity of the belt significantly affected contamination ratio, grading efficiency and capacity at 5% significance level. The most efficient configuration for fully husked coconut and semi husked was a belt speed of 1.3 m/s with the inclination angle of 15° and belt speed of 1.5 m/s with the inclination angle of 15° respectively. The machine is acceptable by coconut growers and entrepreneurs.
Abstract
Effect of coating with calcium nitrate in three concentrations (0.0, 0.5, and 1.0 wt%) on chemical and mechanical properties, and impact behaviour of two apple cultivars (Golden Delicious (GD) and Red Delicious (RD)) during time (0, 2, and 4 months) was studied. Moisture content, pH, titratable acidity, °Brix, organoleptic properties, modulus of elasticity (E), yield stress, yield strain, and toughness were measured. The effect of impact loads was determined by measuring bruise volume (BV) and bruise susceptibility (BS). The results showed that pH and °Brix significantly increased, while titratable acidity, E, yield strain, toughness, and BV decreased during storage time. As Ca(NO3)2 concentration increased, titratable acidity, E, yield strain and yield stress increased and pH decreased (P < 0.05). Highest and lowest values for °Brix were observed in GD treated with 1.0% Ca(NO3)2 after four months (13.31) and GD treated with 0.5% Ca(NO3)2 at the first day (10.65), respectively. Maximum E was obtained in GD treated with 1.0% Ca(NO3)2 on the first day (2130 kPa) and this sample also showed the lowest BS after four months of storage (2.82 mL J−1), while the uncoated GD had the highest BS on the first day (7.11 mL J−1).
Abstract
Bovine blood samples were treated with high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) to examine the changes that may occur in the blood related to its colour, microbiological characteristics, protein denaturation, and dynamic viscosity. Pressure treatments were carried out from 100 to 600 MPa in 100 MPa scale up, with 5 min holding time. The blood samples were treated with anticoagulant (EDTA) to eliminate the possible measurement distorting effects. We found that 2 log reduction in the microbial load could be achieved with a pressure treatment above 400 MPa. According to the protein denaturation measurements (DSC), blood proteins were resistant to pressure treatment, even at 300–400 MPa a substantial part of proteins remained in native state. The colour of the samples got darker with the rising pressure, however, visible colour change was observed only above 400 MPa. It can be established, that the HHP treatment was suitable to increase the microbiological stability of blood, without significantly changing its techno-functional properties.
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition of monofloral bee-collected pollen from the coffee (Coffea robusta) plant and its pellet morphology. According to the results coffee bee pollen (CBP) has a high nutritional value. It contains a large percentage of protein, reducing sugar, and lipid. Also, vitamins (B2 and E) and minerals (K, Ca, and P) were found in CBP. In addition, the results revealed that the total polyphenols content (TPC) was 10.62 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW) and antioxidant activity (AA) of CBP was 5.52 μmol TE/g DW. Some physical properties of CBP pellet were recorded such as moisture, relative diameter, sphericity, bulk density, and colour parameters. The pollen pellet exhibits shapes of colour from light to dark yellow. These results pointed out that CBP can be used as a remarkable source of compounds with antioxidant activity and health-protective capacity for humans.
Abstract
Green tea or its concentrated extract is coveted for its health promoting catechin-like polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). However, its amicable efficacy is now being doubted considering the recent occurrence of several cases of hepato- and nephrotoxicity, after the ingestion of EGCG-fortified (≥85–90%) nutritional supplements. Therefore, the current study was carried out to ascertain the effect of green tea leaves extract (GTE), having low EGCG content (73.8%), on liver and kidney functions of male Wistar rats using various in vivo experiments and in vitro radical scavenging activity. In terms of acute toxicity, GTE was observed to be safe when delivered at a dosage of 2000 mg kg−1 body weight (BW). Oral delivery of GTE for 28 days at a concentration of 200 mg kg−1 BW/day did not trigger sub-acute toxicity to the liver and kidneys, as per serum biochemical analyses and histopathological examination. In contrast, GTE counteracted the effects of carbon tetrachloride (a potent hepato-degenerative compound) on the liver. Furthermore, increase in high-density lipoprotein―cholesterol with concomitant lowering of serum triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein―cholesterol were noticed in GTE-treated rats. These findings suggest that low EGCG containing GTE, with appreciable antioxidant activity (IC50 = 53.18–71.28 μg mL−1), can serve as a hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, and hypocholesterolemic ingredient.
Abstract
Cake is a popular bakery product consumed by almost everyone due to its low economic cost and shelflife, however, it is recognised unhealthy because of high fat and sugar contents. The aim of this study was to evaluate physicochemical and sensory properties of muffins baked using 100% of sugar and fat replacement as stevia sweetener (rebaudioside A and erythritol) and chia seed mucilage, respectively. The combination of sweetener with chia gel (SCC) had the highest moisture content, while the replacement of fat in muffin (CC) revealed similarity to the control in lightness and redness values. There was also no significant difference in terms of firmness when only the sweetener was replaced (SC). While the control muffin obtained the highest overall acceptability score, the lowest score was observed in CC. Thus, muffins with reduced fat and sugar contents can benefit the consumer in terms of health, but further optimisation of formulations for both replacers is needed for better sensory acceptance.
Abstract
Seventeen samples of Calabrian ewe’s milk, ewe’s cheese (Pecorino del Poro) made with raw milk, goat’s milk, and goat’s cheese (Caprino d’Aspromonte) made with raw milk were used to obtain 124 yeast isolates. The most abundant species was Debaryomyces hansenii (61.3%), followed by Candida zeylanoides (32.3%) and Kluyveromyces marxianus (3.2%). The enzymatic profile of 25 selected yeast strains was determined. Lastly, they were studied for their interaction with eight dairy lactic acid bacteria – four coccal-shaped and four rod-shaped. The best strains may be used as adjunct cultures for cheese making.
Abstract
Depression is a common psychiatric disorder that can be continuous or recurrent. It has been previously reported that intestine probiotics play an essential role in the bidirectional communication of the intestine and brain. This study aims to investigate the antidepressant effects of kefir, a probiotic supplement, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and their potentials in depression-like behaviour treatment in two-week and four-week treatments. In the present study, BALB/c mice were used for this purpose. The saline- and fluoxetine-treated groups were designed as negative and positive control groups, respectively. The forced swimming and tail suspension tests have been performed to assess the level of depression-like activity. We have observed that two-week treatment reduces the duration of depression-like activities, and four-week treatment enhances the antidepressant properties. Overall, our results suggest that kefir, L. rhamnosus GG, and the investigated probiotic supplement have antidepressant-like properties.
Abstract
Cyclodextrins are widely used in various fields including food industry. In this review, their role in high carbohydrate-containing, starchy foods are reviewed and discussed. Both the effects as functional ingredients affecting the structural properties of starch and as active ingredients slowing down starch digestion and, as a consequence, decreasing the glycaemic index of starchy foods are overviewed without considering the traditional applications as carriers and stabilisers of aroma and flavour, essential oils, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other bioactive components to enrich foods, even if they are carbohydrate foods. The effect on starch metabolism is explained by the structural transformations caused by cyclodextrins on starch amylose and amylopectin. Several examples are shown how the technological and sensorial properties of bread, rice products, pasta, and other starchy foods are modified by cyclodextrin supplementation, and how the digestibility is changed resulting in reduced glycaemic and insulinaemic effects.
Abstract
Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the important vegetables in the world due to large production area and consumer interest. Biotic and abiotic stresses have negative effect on tomato production. Utilisation of rootstocks conferring resistance to biotic stresses can be considered as the most effective and environment friendly solution in tomato production to overcome this problem. Although wild tomato species is a good rootstock candidate due to its resistance to multiple plant diseases, effects of wild tomato species as rootstock on mineral nutrient composition and fruit quality are not clear. In the present study, effects of interspecific hybrids derived from two wild tomato species (Solanum habrochaites and Solanum penellii) as rootstock on tomato fruit mineral nutrient composition (phosphor (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu)) and fruit quality traits (soluble solids content (SSC), pH, percent titratable acidity (TA), and lycopene content) were evaluated. In the study, Amaron, Armstrong, and Arazi commercial rootstocks were used as control and AK0004 F1 (candidate tomato hybrid) was used as a source of scion. As result, only lycopene content was affected by different rootstocks. S. penellii was found to be with more potential for lycopene content. For mineral nutrient composition, all hybrids and controls had similar contents of potassium, phosphor, calcium, and magnesium. Manganese and copper contents decreased in all plants. S. habrochaites had more potential regarding nitrogen, iron, and zinc contens than S. penellii. This is the first study to evaluate two interspecific hybrids derived from S. habrochaites and S. penellii, and the results might be useful to understand effects of rootstocks derived from wild tomato species on mineral nutrient content and fruit quality.