Effects of suni-bug (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Eurygaster</Emphasis> spp.) damage on size distribution of durum wheat (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Triticum durum</Emphasis> L.) proteins

Wholemeal samples were obtained from five durum wheat cultivars at two different bug (Eurygaster spp.) damage levels (medium and high damage). The samples were incubated (60 and 120 min) and used in size exclusion high performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) analyses. The results showed that the amount of larger polymeric protein (TP1) and smaller polymeric protein (TP2) obtained from total (sodium dodecyl sulfate soluble) proteins decreased significantly in the bug-damaged samples, while the amount of total larger monomeric proteins (TP3) increased. The polymeric/monomeric protein ratio of all cultivars decreased at 60 min of incubation with increasing damage level. For all cultivars, the ratio of unextractable polymeric protein (UPP%) significantly decreased at 60 min of incubation except cv. Diyarbakir. The results suggested that bug protease caused depolymerization and/or disaggregation of polymeric proteins to lower their average molecular size. The changes in protein structure as determined using SE-HPLC supported by the decreases in gluten content and gluten index values which decreased with suni-bug damage. Deteriorative effects of bug damage on durum wheat quality were found to be quite similar to those on bread wheats.     

Antitumor activities of liposome-incorporated aqueous extracts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anodonta </Emphasis><Emphasis Type="Italic">woodiana</Emphasis> (Lea, 1834)

To acquire the effectiveness of oral treatments, aqueous extracts of Anodonta woodiana (HB) were incorporated into liposome and its antitumor activities evaluated in vivo. The HB-loaded liposomes (HBL) were prepared at a mean size of 14.85 μm by reverse-phase evaporation method. Referring to the maximum tolerated doses test, mice with orally administrated HBL, at a 3 g/kg body weight dosage, showed no obvious acute toxic sign. Furthermore, the tumoricidal activities of HBL against C26 murine colon carcinoma, Lewis lung tumor, human QGY hepatic carcinoma and MKN-45 gastric tumor were examined, respectively. In contrast to free HB, HBL possessed remarkable antitumor activity. Simultaneously, the effect of HBL was observed in a dose-dependent manner. For C26 murine colon carcinoma and Lewis lung tumor, the inhibitory ratios of HBL were 54.36 and 51.97% at a dose of 400 mg/kg, respectively. The suppression of tumor growth and the reduction in body weight were more pronounced in human QGY hepatic carcinoma and MKN-45 gastric tumors inoculated mice by treatment of HBL during 30 days. All these promising results implied that liposome-incorporated aqueous extracts of Anodonta woodiana had a more potential application as a natural antitumor and immunomodulator formulation.     

Quality characteristics of different red pepper cultivars (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Capsicum annuum</Emphasis> L.) for hot paprika production

Twelve hybrids obtained by crossing of different Hungarian cultivars and the Spanish ‘Jaranda’, ‘Jariza’ and ‘Jeromín’ have been studied. The aim of this work was to select those peppers with high capsaicinoids content, and good agronomic and industrial characteristics, as ‘Jeromín’, the only local cultivar used for pungent (hot) paprika, has a low and irregular pungency depending on the year. The crop productive characteristics, ASTA colour, carotenoid pigment content and pungency of the paprika has been studied and elaborated following the traditional procedure of La Vera (Extremadura, Spain). The productive characteristics and pigment concentration of the crossings were, in general, similar to that of local cultivars, and all of them could be suitable for hot paprika production, because their capsaicinoid content was higher than that of ‘Jeromín’ (78 mg kg⁻¹ dwt of total capsaicinoids). The most pungent hybrids were Kibedicsipos × Jariza, Jeromín × Szegedi178 and Jaranda × Szegedi179, with a total capsaicinoid content of 1,240, 1,107, and 997 mg kg⁻¹ dwt, respectively. Their paprikas showed a carotenoid pigment content higher than that of ‘Jaranda’, which is considered as a high quality paprika.     

Volatile compound analysis of SPME headspace and extract samples from roasted Italian chestnuts (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Castanea sativa</Emphasis> Mill.) using GC-MS

The volatile flavor compounds of roasted Italian chestnuts, which have not been studied prior to this report, were determined by capillary gas-chromatography with a mass selective detector. Samples were obtained by SPME directly from the headspace of freshly roasted and ground chestnuts as well as by previous extraction with dichloromethane. Monoterpenes and derivatives of butane, pentane, hexane, and heptane were identified as important aroma impact compounds. -Butyrolactone (12.8%), -terpinene (9.2%), furfural (6.3%), benzaldehyde (7.2%) and 4-methyl-2-pentanone (5.3%) were found in concentrations higher than 5.0% (calculated as % peak area of GC-MS analysis using a nonpolar column).     

Effect of glasswort (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salicornia herbacea</Emphasis> L.) and rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.) on quality of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Ganjang</Emphasis> (Korean Soy Sauce)

Four types of meju were made from 100%(w/w) defatted soybean (DFS), a mixture of 80%(w/w) defatted soybean, and 20%(w/w) glasswort (DFS-G), a mixture of 80%(w/w) defatted soybean and 20%(w/w) rice (DFS-R), and a mixture of 60%(w/w) defatted soybean, 20%(w/w) glasswort, and 20%(w/w) rice (DFS-GR). Four types of Korean traditional soy sauce were prepared from the 4 types of meju. Mineral and antioxidant contents in the soy sauce made of DFS-G and DFS-GR were significantly higher than others. Citric, malic, succinic, lactic, and pyroglutamic acid contents in soy sauce made of DFS-R and DFS-GR were 1.3–1.5 times higher than others. Total nitrogen and free amino acid contents in soy sauce were correlated with DFS concentration in the meju. The bacterial community in the non-fermented meju-making ingredients was replaced largely by Bacillus sp. in the fermented meju. The use of glasswort and rice in the meju-making process did not alter the bacterial community responsible for the fermentation of meju.     

Production of biogenic amines by<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Morganella morganii</Emphasis>,<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Klebsiella pneumoniae</Emphasis> and<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Hafnia alvei</Emphasis> using a rapid HPLC method

The histidine decarboxylating activity and production of biogenic amines by Morganella morganii (NCIMB, 10466), Klebsiella pneumoniae (NCIMB, 673) and Hafnia alvei (NCIMB, 11999) were investigated using a rapid HPLC method. Derivatisation of the bacterial samples was carried out using benzoyl chloride. A gradient elution system was used for analysis with a mixture of acetonitrile and HPLC grade water. Bacterial strains not only produce histamine in histidine-enriched broth but also the other biogenic amines. The chromatographic results show that bacterial strains are also capable of producing spermine and spermidine in histidine-enriched broth. Bacterial ammonia production by all three strains was clearly detected since ammonia is generated during the degradation of histidine. The study demonstrates that the highest histamine production was obtained by Morganella morganii, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the lowest with the Hafnia alvei. Therefore, Morganella morganii and Klebsiella pneumoniae have strong histidine decarboxylase activity since they are prolific histamine-forming bacteria     

Investigations of the natural microflora of poppy seeds (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Papaver somniferum</Emphasis>) and hazelnut kernels (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Corylus avellana</Emphasis>) including microbiological decomposition

Fatty seeds of Papaver somniferum and Corylus avellana undergo a rapid microbial degradation after being ground. Those bacteria and fungi which are mainly responsible for the microbial decay were identified, and the most important growth and death processes were documented using crucial indicator-organisms. Additionally, an aflatoxin-screening was carried out in order to assess the possible risk-potential of food intoxication. The acid value (indicator for free fatty acids) of poppy seeds and hazelnut kernels was determined during their fermentation in order to document the decomposition of triglycerides.In this study it could be proved that initially a natural decay of oil seeds is caused by bacteria, yeasts and mould fungi. After the bacteria died in the course of time, yeasts and mould fungi dominated the germ spectrum. Bacteria taking part in the degradation were identified as varieties of Staphylococcus xylosus, Enterobacteriaceae and coliforms. Yeasts were identified as Pichia burtonii, and the mould fungi are associated with the genus Alternaria.On account of the absence of the genus Aspergillus in the spectrum of mould fungi, no aflatoxin was produced.     

Characterisation of the key aroma compounds in the peel oil of Pontianak oranges (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus nobilis</Emphasis> Lour. var. <Emphasis Type="Italic">microcarpa</Emphasis> Hassk.) by aroma reconstitution experiments

Nineteen odour-active compounds previously identified with high Flavour Dilution factors in an extract from the peel oil of Pontianak oranges (Citrus nobilis Lour. var. microcarpa Hassk.) were quantified using stable isotope dilution assays (SIDA). For this purpose, four new SIDA were developed, i.e. for the quantification of (E)-2-dodecenal, geraniol, nerol, and 1-phenylethanethiol. The results showed that (R)-limonene, myrcene, and (R)-α-pinene were the predominant compounds present in concentrations between 0.4 and 60 mg/g peel. An aroma recombinate containing the nineteen aroma compounds in the concentrations naturally occurring in the peel oil elicited the overall aroma of the peel oil itself, thus confirming the identification experiments. Furthermore, omission experiments showed that the unique odour quality of the peel is significantly influenced by the resinous, sulphurous-smelling 1-phenylethanethiol, although its concentration was only 38 ng/g peel.     

Modeling high pressure inactivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria innocua</Emphasis> in whole milk

The survival curves of Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua inactivated by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) were obtained at room temperature (∼22 °C) and at five pressure levels (400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 MPa) in whole milk. These curves were described by the Weibull model and parameters of this model were reduced from two to one with slight loss of goodness-of-fit. The logarithm of the time constant parameter (δ) of the reduced Weibull model was described with respect to high pressure (P). This approach can be used to define a z _p value analogous to the modeling of the classical D value (increase in pressure that results in one log unit decrease of δ values). The development of accurate survival models under high pressure, as presented here, can be very beneficial to food industry for designing, evaluating and optimizing HHP processes as a new preservation technology.     

Carotenoid pigments in acerola fruits (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Malpighia emarginata</Emphasis> DC.) and derived products

Carotenoid composition has been investigated in acerola fruits (Malpighia emarginata DC. syn. Malpighia glabra L.) and derived products. In the ripe fruit, four major carotenoids were identified (-carotene, -cryptoxanthin, lutein, and violaxanthin) together with other minor carotenoids (neoxanthin, antheraxanthin, neochrome, luteoxanthin, auroxanthin, -cryptoxanthin-5,6-epoxide, -cryptoxanthin-5,8-epoxide, cis--carotene, and cis-lutein). An average composition for the ripe fruit has been estimated as follows: -carotene (536.55 g/100 g fw), -cryptoxanthin (417.46 g/100 g fw), lutein (99.21 g/100 g fw), violaxanthin (395.33 g/100 g fw), and total minor carotenoids (197.33 g/100 g fw). Vitamin A values are similar to those described in tomatoes and some tropical fruits such as guava and papaya. After juice-making, including a pasteurization stage as thermal processing, decreases in carotenoid content were observed as well as progress of cis-isomers and structural rearrangement of xanthophylls containing 5,6 epoxide groups. The occurrence of such modifications affected the nutritional value of fruits as well as their antioxidant capability, properties that could be used as a measurement of processing quality.     

Effect of different technological processes on the chemical composition of myrtle (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Myrtus communis</Emphasis> L.) alcoholic extracts

Several technological processes were applied to improve the extraction efficiency in the production of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) liqueur. The variations in the chemical composition of myrtle hydroalcoholic extracts were monitored in a laboratory scale for 40 days after the application of: double dose of berries; ultrasonic extraction; enzymes, to improve either the color or aroma extraction; and atmosphere saturated with nitrogen to improve the stability against oxidative degradations during extraction. Moreover, freezing at −20 °C was applied to myrtle berries as a technological strategy to prolong the use of berries, and macerates were obtained after 4, 8, and 12 months. Chemical investigation of macerates was performed using different analytical methods such as GC and GC-MS for the volatile compounds, HPLC-PDA for free anthocyanins, and spectrophotometric analysis for CIE L*a*b* coordinates and total anthocyanins. Dry matter and pH were also monitored during maceration. Among the different technological processes, the nitrogen-modified atmosphere was the most suitable technique to be applied in industrial scale. An industrial trial was applied with this process and alcoholic extracts and liqueurs have been obtained. The liqueur maintained a higher amount of anthocyanins, better CIE L*a*b* parameters and superior organoleptic characteristics compared to the traditional storage.     

Identification of a new phenolic compound from Chinese olive (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Canarium album</Emphasis> L.) fruit

Chinese olive (Canarium album L.), a native and a well-known tropical fruit tree in the southeast of China, contains large amount of phenolics and possesses great pharmacological activities. In this study, phenolics were extracted from Chinese olive fruit pulp using 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone, and acetone extracts were further fractioned with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol sequentially. From n-butanol fraction, a new phenolic compound was isolated and purified through AB-8 adsorption resin column chromatography, polyamide column chromatography and TSK Toyopearl HW-40 (S) column chromatography, and the structure of the new compound was established as 3-O-galloyl quinic acid butyl ester by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), 1D- and 2D-NMR (DEPT, COSY, HMBC, HMQC) and UV–vis techniques.     

Isolation and structure elucidation of phenolic compounds in Chinese olive (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Canarium album</Emphasis> L.) fruit

Chinese olive (Canarium album L.), one native and well-known tropical fruit tree in the southeast of China, contain a large amount of phenolics and possess great pharmacological activities. In this study, phenolics were extracted from Chinese olive fruit using 80% (v/v) aqueous acetone, and seven phenolic compounds were isolated and purified by Polyamide column and Toyopearl HW-40 column chromatography from crude extracts. Their structures were elucidated by high performance liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS), and where possible by ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectrometry. Except gallic acid and hyperin, five phenolic compounds including methyl gallate, ethyl gallate, corilagin, kaempferol-3-glucoside and amentoflavone were first identified in Chinese olive.     

Antioxidant capacity of walnut (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Juglans regia</Emphasis> L.): contribution of oil and defatted matter

Several studies have concluded that walnut exhibits greater antioxidant capacity than any other nuts. However, the contribution to antioxidant capacity of the two major fractions of walnut (defatted matter and oil) is unknown, and the aim of the present work is to elucidate it. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated in walnut oil, defatted matter, and whole walnut. The results showed that the defatted matter provided the bulk of the antioxidant capacity (estimated about 332 μmol Trolox/g dm) of this nut, a major proportion derived from insoluble tannins. The contribution of walnut oil to the overall antioxidant capacity of walnut (FRAP and ABTS assays) is less than a 5%. It was observed that oil interfered in the determination of antioxidant capacity of whole walnut, a fact that could affect the data reported in the literature. Separate determination of oil and defatted mater antioxidant capacity is recommended.     

Antioxidant activity of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dioscorea batatas</Emphasis> Decne glycoprotein

Dioscorea batatas Decne (DBD) has been traditionally used as folk medicine and health food in Korea. One glycoprotein was isolated from DBD and confirmed to have 30 kDa molecular weight. The DBD glycoprotein was tested its antioxidative activity and characterized in various chemical conditions. The DBD glycoprotein has the optimal free radical scavenging activities in acidic and neutral pH and up to 85 °C. In the M²⁺ ions (Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Mg²⁺) in the presence of EDTA, the activities of DBD glycoprotein reduced, compared to DBD glycoprotein alone without metal ion. Interestingly, the results in this study indicated that the activities of DBD glycoprotein do not depend on the presence of EDTA. Interestingly, when DBD glycoprotein was treated with deactivation agents (pronase E or NaIO₄), scavenging activity of DBD glycoprotein was decreased. The anti-oxidative effects of DBD glycoprotein on hydroxyl radicals in cell-free system revealed, and the DBD glycoprotein has remarkable scavenging effects on hydroxyl radicals generated by G/GO. Furthermore, the results in this study showed that the DBD glycoprotein (200 μg/ml) significantly inhibits intracellular ROS amounts and protects from cytotoxicity in primary mouse splenocyte culture treated with GO (30 mU/ml). Therefore, we speculate that DBD glycoprotein has an antioxidative potential as one of natural antioxidants.     

Physicochemical properties of the flour and starch from three Nigeria rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.) varieties

Three varieties of Nigerian rice grains: CISADANE, OS₆ and NERICA 19 were processed to obtain flours and starches. They were evaluated for their proximate composition and physicochemical properties. The grain physical dimension measurements showed that the CISADANE was slender while OS₆ and NERICA 19 were bold and thick. The 1,000 grain weight was highest for CISADANE rice followed by OS₆ and NERICA 19. CISADANE had the highest protein and amylose contents. Protein contents in samples ranged as follows: 5.6–6.7, 5.2–6.9 and 0.2–0.9 % in brown rice, milled rice and the rice starches, respectively. The amylose content of CISADANE (27.7–36.5 %) and OS₆ (19.9–25.6 %) were high compared with NERICA 19 with negligible amylose. Swelling power and solubility generally increased with increasing temperatures (60–90 °C) for all the samples. Cooked CISADANE grain was hardest and OS₆ (Faro 11) rice was softest while the stickiness was highest in OS₆.     

Efficiency of pulse pressure treatment for inactivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Escherichia coli</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Listeria innocua</Emphasis> in whole milk

Escherichia coli ATCC 11775 and Listeria innocua ATCC 33090 in whole milk were inactivated by single- and multi-pulsed (up to 10 pulses) high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatments. Both bacteria showed similar resistance to single- and multi-pulsed HHP. The efficiency of pulsed pressure treatment depends on the combination of holding time of each pulse and number of pulses. It was observed that multi-pulsed pressure treatment instead of traditional single-pulsed HHP could be used to pasteurize milk at a lower pressure level. Nevertheless, an optimization is necessary between the pulse holding time, number of pulses, and pressure levels to reach the desirable log-reduction of microorganisms compatible with industrial application. This study was partly presented in Joint 21st AIRAPT and 45th EHPRG International Conference on High Pressure Science and Technology held September 17–21, 2007 in Catania (Italy).     

Detection and quantification of melatonin and serotonin in eight Sweet Cherry cultivars (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus avium</Emphasis> L.)

Melatonin functions as a free radical scavenger and controls the regulation of the sleep–wake cycle in mammals, while serotonin is the main intermediate in melatonin biosynthesis. In this paper, melatonin and serotonin have been detected and quantified for the first time in eight different sweet cherry cultivars using high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection. The limits of detection of the proposed analytical method were 4.3 ng/mL for melatonin and 3.0 ng/mL for serotonin. An inverse relation between the contents of melatonin and serotonin was observed in the studied sweet cherry cultivars. The highest melatonin amounts were found in ‘Burlat’ sweet cherries (22.4 ± 1.3 ng/100 g of fresh fruit), while the highest serotonin contents were found in the cultivar ‘Ambrunés’ (37.6 ± 1.4 ng/100 g of fresh fruit). The results presented in this research allow us to know the amount of melatonin and serotonin bring to the diet.     

Extracts of plant cell cultures of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lavandula vera</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosa damascena</Emphasis> as sources of phenolic antioxidants for use in foods

Ethanolic extracts of plant cell cultures of lavender (Lavandula vera) and rose (Rosa damascena) have been examined as potential food antioxidants. The L. vera cell extract quenched the radicals Fremy’s salt, DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical), and ABTS^·+ (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) radical) more efficiently than the R. damascena extract. Also the L. vera extract inhibited lipid oxidation in a methyl linoleate emulsion more efficiently than the R. damascena extract. However, the L. vera extract had a prooxidative effect on the iron-based Fenton reaction in an aqueous model system. A similar effect was observed for pure rosmarinic acid, but not for the R. damascena extract. The addition of L. vera extract to minced chicken meat reduced lipid oxidation (measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive species) and the loss of α-tocopherol during cold storage after the meat was cooked. This suggests the antioxidative properties of L. vera extracts dominate in a real food system.