Ethyl carbamate in pot still cachaças (Brazilian sugar cane spirits): Influence of distillation and storage conditions

Ethyl carbamate (EC), a known genotoxic carcinogen, was studied in 25 brands of pot still cachaças from 19 distilleries in Paraíba State, Brazil. A concentration range of 55–700 μg/l was found with most brands (∼70%) exceeding the international EC limit for spirits (150 μg/l). Brand characteristics (colour, distillation [single or double], and bottle colouration) showed no consistent connection with EC levels. However, when EC levels of yellowish (cask matured) and colourless single-distiled cachaças from the same distillery were compared, the yellowish type was much more heavily contaminated. Eleven distilleries were visited and information regarding the distillation scale, kettle heating system, kettle’s shape, and cooling system of the column was collected. A close connection between EC levels and cooling system was found, with the non-cooled and cooled columns dominating the brands with high (200–700 μg/l range) and low (55–100 μg/l range) contamination levels, respectively.     

葡萄枝条提取物的抑菌活性及其在红地球葡萄防腐保鲜上的应用研究

采用微量肉汤稀释法研究了葡萄枝条提取物对供试3种真菌和5种细菌的最小抑菌浓度(MIC),结果表明葡萄枝条提取物对真菌和细菌均有一定的抑菌活性;为进一步明确葡萄枝条提取物在葡萄防腐保鲜中的应用,以红地球葡萄为试材,分别以葡萄枝条提取物、壳聚糖及葡萄枝条提取物与壳聚糖复合溶液作为保鲜剂,研究了其对葡萄防腐保鲜的作用效果,结果表明葡萄枝条提取物与壳聚糖复合涂膜处理能够降低葡萄的失水率、保持可溶性固形物含量和含酸量等品质指标,同时对降低果皮上真菌和细菌菌落总数作用显著(p0.05)。     

葡萄枝条提取物的抑菌活性及其在红地球葡萄防腐保鲜上的应用研究

采用微量肉汤稀释法研究了葡萄枝条提取物对供试3种真菌和5种细菌的最小抑菌浓度(MIC),结果表明葡萄枝条提取物对真菌和细菌均有一定的抑菌活性;为进一步明确葡萄枝条提取物在葡萄防腐保鲜中的应用,以红地球葡萄为试材,分别以葡萄枝条提取物、壳聚糖及葡萄枝条提取物与壳聚糖复合溶液作为保鲜剂,研究了其对葡萄防腐保鲜的作用效果,结果表明葡萄枝条提取物与壳聚糖复合涂膜处理能够降低葡萄的失水率、保持可溶性固形物含量和含酸量等品质指标,同时对降低果皮上真菌和细菌菌落总数作用显著(p<0.05)。      

亚热带地区贮存甘蔗糖浆的可行性探讨

据有关资料记录 ,迄今为止 ,糖浆贮存方案仅仅应用于甜菜糖业。首次提出在亚热带地区采取贮存甘蔗糖浆方案。并且 ,实验证明 ,只要控制好贮存条件 ,在亚热带地区贮存甘蔗糖浆是可行的     

Short-term n(2) fixation kinetics in a moss-associated cyanobacteria

N(2) fixation by moss-associated cyanobacteria plays an important role in the nitrogen cycling of terrestrial ecosystems. Recent studies have mainly focused on boreal ecosystems; little is known about such association in other ecosystems. Moss-associated cyanobacteria are subject to rapid changes (hourly or less) in environmental conditions that may affect N(2) fixation kinetics. Using a recently developed method (Acetylene Reduction Assays by Cavity ring-down laser Absorption Spectroscopy, ARACAS) with higher sensitivity and sampling frequency than the conventional method, we characterize short-term kinetics of N(2) fixation by cyanobacteria on moss carpets from warm and cold temperate forests. We report the identification of a heretofore unknown multispecies true-moss-cyanobacteria diazotrophic association. We demonstrate that short-term change in abiotic variables greatly influences N(2) fixation. We also show that difference in relative proportion of two epiphytic diazotrophs is consistent with divergent influences of temperature on their N(2) fixation kinetics. Further research is needed to determine whether this difference is consistent with a latitudinal trend.     

Cold storage properties of cooked fish (cod)

Results are reported for the storage properties of frozen cooked cod compared to uncooked cod. Development of cold-storage flavour was found to be less marked in the cooked fish. This difference was found with both fresh and stale raw material and at storage temperatures of -5 and -13 °C.     

Environmental variations of trace element concentrations in Egyptian cane sugar and soil samples (Edfu factories)

Multielements, Ag, Au, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn were estimated in the sugar cane plant (green bagasse or cane stalks and leaves), sugar cane, raw juice, mixed juice, in syrup at the different stages of sugar production (10 stages), in sugar (grades A and B), and in soil samples collected from the immediate vicinity of the cane plant roots at surface, 30 and 60 cm depths. The measurements were undertaken on a Pye Unicam SP 1900 Recording Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The results obtained are within the permissible safety baseline levels and in excellent agreement with the previous work done on the sugar cane plant and on the soil of the same area (Edfu) using INAA, ICP-AES and AAS (Awadallah, R. M., Sherif, M. K., Mohamed, A. E., & Grass, F. (1984). Determination of trace elements in Egyptian cane sugar by neutron activation analysis. Inter. J. Environ. Anal. Chem., 19 (1), 41–54; Awadallah, R. M., Sherif, M. K., Mohamed, A. E., & Grass, F. (1985). Determination of trace elements in Egyptian cane sugar by neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem. 92 (1), 7–25; Mohamed, A. E. (1986). Determination of trace elements in sugar cane refuse by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanal. Nucl. Chem., Letters, 107 (2), 121–128; Mohamed, A. E., Awadallah, R. M., & Hassan, A. A. (1989). Determination of trace elements in Egyptian molasses by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J. Radioanal. Nuel. Chem. Articles, 129 (2), 453–457). ©     

Influence of storage time and temperature on lipid deterioration during cod (Gadus morhua) and haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) frozen storage

Lean fish deterioration during frozen storage (−30 and −10 °C) for up to 1 year was studied by the assessment of lipid changes. Comparison between a formaldehyde (FA)-forming species (cod) and a non-FA-forming one (haddock) was carried out. Lipid damages were measured on the basis of free fatty acids (FFA), peroxide value (PV), thiobarbituric acid index (TBA-i) and fluorescent compounds. In both species at −30 °C, most lipid damage indices showed significant correlations with the storage time. However, at −10 °C, only the FFA and fluorescence detections provided significant correlations with the storage time. Comparison between the fish species showed higher lipid oxidation (PV and TBA-i) and hydrolysis (FFA content) in haddock than in cod at −10 °C; however, a higher fluorescence development was observed in cod at the same temperature. At −30 °C, little differences in lipid damage indices were detected between the two species. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Short-term effects of atropine combined with orthokeratology (ACO) on choroidal thickness

PurposeTo analyse the one-month change in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT) of myopic children treated with 0.01 % atropine, orthokeratology (OK), or their combination.MethodsThis is a prospective, randomized controlled trial. One hundred fifty-four children aged between 8 and 12 years with a spherical equivalent (SE) of -1.00 to -6.00 diopters were enrolled. Subjects were randomly assigned to receive 0.01 % atropine and orthokeratology (ACO, n = 39), 0.01 % atropine and single vision glasses (atropine, n = 42), orthokeratology and placebo (OK, n = 36), or placebo and single vision glasses (control, n = 37). SFChT was assessed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ocular parameters, including axial length (AL), were measured using a Lenstar LS 900.ResultsSFChT significantly increased in the ACO (14.12 ± 12.88 μm, p < 0.001), OK (9.43 ± 9.14 μm, p < 0.001) and atropine (5.49 ± 9.38 μm, p < 0.001) groups, while it significantly decreased in the control group (-4.81 ± 9.93 μm, p = 0.006). The one-month change in SFChT was significantly different between the control and treatment groups (p < 0.001). The results of pairwise comparisons among the treatment groups showed that the magnitude of the SFChT change was larger in the ACO group than in the atropine group (p = 0.002). The changes in the ACO and OK groups were not significantly different (p = 0.326).ConclusionThe combination of OK and atropine induced a greater increase in SFChT than monotherapy with atropine, which might indicate a better treatment effect for childhood myopia control.     

Quality changes and storage life of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) at various storage temperatures

The shelf life and freshness changes in pond-grown common carp (Cyprinus carpio L) during storage at 0–2°C, 5–6°C and room temperature (26–29°C) were investigated by sensory, microbiological, physical and chemical analyses. The effect of gutting on the shelf life during storage at 0–2°C was examined. Iodine/starch and potassium sorbate were examined for their effects on shelf life of whole fish stored at 0–2°C and 5–6°C. Sensory results indicated that the whole fish had a maximum shelf life of 24 to 25 days at 0– 2°C. The life of the fish to the point beyond which it would be unsuitable for sale (commercial shelf life) was 17 days at 0–2°C. Storage at 5–6°C shortened shelf life 2- to 2.5-fold. At room temperature (26–29°C), spoilage was evident after 13 h. Gutting the carp shortened its storage potential at 0–2°C. Iodine treatment of this species stored at 0–2°C and at 5–6°C did not extend shelf life. The maximum shelf life of sorbate-treated fish at 0–2°C and 5–6°C was extended by 1–2 days, commercial shelf life by 3–4 days. Total volatile basic nitrogen, pH and penetrometer analyses were not reliable indicators of changes in freshness during shelf life. Thiobarbituric acid values were not useful as rancid odours or flavours were not detected during storage.     

Short-term safety evaluation of processed calcium montmorillonite clay (NovaSil) in humans.

NovaSil clay (NS) provides significant protection from the adverse effects of aflatoxins (AFs) in multiple animal species by decreasing bioavailability from the gastrointestinal tract. It is postulated that NS clay can be safely added to human diets to diminish exposure and health risks from AF contaminated food. To determine the safety and tolerance of NS in humans and establish dosimetry protocols for long-term efficacy studies, a randomized and double-blinded phase I clinical trial was conducted. Volunteers (20-45 yr in age), were clinically screened for confirmation of their health status. Fifty subjects (23 males and 27 females) were randomly divided into two groups: The low-dose group received nine capsules containing 1.5 g/day, and the high-dose group received nine capsules containing 3.0 g/day for a period of 2?wk. NS capsules were manufactured in the same color and size and were distributed to each participant three times a day at designated sites where follow-up was taken to record any side effects and complaints. Blood and urine samples were collected before and after the study for laboratory analysis. All participants completed the trial and compliance was 99.1%. Mild GI effects were reported in some participants. Symptoms included abdominal pain (6%, 3/50), bloating (4%, 2/50), constipation (2%, 1/50), diarrhea (2%, 1/50), and flatulence (8%, 4/50). No statistical significance was found between the two groups for these adverse effects (p > 0.25). No significant differences were shown in hematology, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, vitamins A and E, and minerals in either group. These results demonstrate the relative safety of NS clay in human subjects and will serve as a basis for long-term human trials in populations at high risk for aflatoxicosis.     

Short-term toxicity studies of Ficus thonningii Blume (Moraceae) leaf extract in rats

The short‐term toxicity of Ficus thonningii Blume (FT) was studied in Wistar rats following daily oral administration of the leaf extract (250–500 mg kg^?1) for 15 days. Acute toxicity, body weight changes, organ weight, food intake, clinical signs, haematology, gross and tissue histology were monitored. The body weights of treated rats increased progressively, but the changes were not significantly different from control. The relative weights of the essential organs of treated rats were unaffected in both male and female rats. Of the sixteen haematological parameters studied, only the total leukocyte counts and plateletcrit values in male rats fed 500 mg kg^?1 of FT were significantly greater than similar parameters in controls. Histological findings indicated possible testicular, lung and hepatic toxicities. The LD₅₀ of FT was estimated to be >3000 mg kg^?1. The results suggest that short‐term oral application of F. thonningii may not exert severe toxic effects in rats at doses lower than 500 mg kg^?1.     

Deterioration of European hake (Merluccius merluccius) during frozen storage

European hake (Merluccius merluccius (L)) was frozen as whole fish and as fillets and stored at ?18°C, ?24°C and ?30°C for up to 39 weeks. Sensory properties, peroxide value and thiobarbituric acid value, lipid fatty acid composition, adenosine nucleotide degradation products, dimethylamine and formaldehyde were measured at intervals during storage. Changes at ?30°C were negligible, otherwise fillets deteriorated faster than whole fish. Hedonic rating gave a storage life of around 9 months for whole fish stored at ?18°C.     

Biochemical composition and storage of Jamaican yams (Dioscorea sp)

Dioscorea yam tubers of 11 cultivars from five common species grown in Jamaica were analysed for the following: protein content, total phenolics, vitamin C, total lipids, fatty acid composition and activity of the polyphenol oxidase enzyme. The results show that the yams grown in Jamaica are of good nutritional value with considerable amounts of protein, vitamin C, low lipids with only one cultivar ‘renta yam’ (D alata) possessing high levels of phenolic compounds. The fatty acids present in the total lipid extracts show that yam tubers generally possess high levels of saturated fatty acids mainly palmitic acid. However, the species D alata (cv white yam) and the species D trifida (cv yampie) have high levels of the unsaturated fatty acid, linolenic. All the polyphenol oxidases from the 11 cultivars show activities towards the diphenol substrates, catechol and DL-DOPA (DL-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine). However, no oxidation was observed with L-tyrosine, a monophenol substrate. All cultivars studied were found to have different lengths of dormancy which varied with storage conditions. When the harvested tubers were washed, sunned and stored at 20?C in a dark cupboard, it was possible to extend their lengths of dormancy by a further 11 weeks.     

The integrin-binding motif RGDS induces protein tyrosine phosphorylation without activation in Bufo arenarum (Amphibia) oocytes

Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that are thought to be involved in sperm-oocyte interaction. Nevertheless, their function in mammalian fertilization is still controversial, as different species behave differently. In amphibians, their role is mainly supported by Xenopus laevis studies, where RGDS peptide induces oocyte activation. We recently provided evidence suggesting the presence and involvement of integrins in the interaction of the oocyte plasma membrane (PM) with sperm in the amphibian Bufo arenarum. In order to understand the role of integrin homologs in oocytes and their possible contribution to egg activation mechanisms, we examined the presence of integrin subunits and the effect of RGDS peptide on oocytes and during fertilization. Western blot studies detected integrin subunits α5, αV and β1 in oocytes. In sperm, we could detect only the αV integrin subunit. We found that RGDS peptide was unable to elicit egg activation or MAPK dephosphorylation, but can induce reversible inhibition of fertilization. A similar partial inhibition was produced by an anti-β1 integrin antibody. Using an anti-phosphotyrosine antibody we found major changes in phosphotyrosine-containing proteins in egg extracts minutes after fertilization. Cytosol and PMs isolated from oocytes and fertilized eggs showed additional fertilization-induced phosphorylated proteins. Some of these were also present in cytosol and PMs from RGDS-treated oocytes (partially mimicking fertilization). These findings suggest that B. arenarum fertilization involves integrins (e.g. β1 subunit) as adhesion proteins. Our data support the view that RGDS-binding receptors may function as signaling receptors in B. arenarum oocytes, but integrin engagement by RGDS is not sufficient for oocyte activation.     

Short-term capture-based aquaculture of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) generates good physicochemical properties and high sensory quality during frozen storage

The annual global catch of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.) is above 1,000,000 tons, and a large proportion is preserved and sold as frozen products. In Greenland, a new innovative fishing method centred on capture-based aquaculture has been developed. To compare the new fishing and processing method with the conventional method, the texture, colour, water holding capacity, salt soluble proteins and sensory properties of fillets were evaluated during 12 months of frozen storage. High quality life (HQL) and practical storage life (PSL) were determined for each fishing and processing method based on sensory evaluation, and by using water holding capacity and the salt soluble protein fraction as indices of quality. Capture-based aquaculture fishing and related processing increased frozen storage durability regarding texture attributes, blood content and sensory properties compared to the conventional method. Lowering the storage temperature to −40 °C increase the HQL to >12 months compared to a HQL of 4–6 months at −20 °C.     

富马酸二甲酯(DMF)在柑橘贮藏中的应用

研究了富马酸二甲酯(DMF)对温州蜜柑贮藏效果的影响,其结果是:以水作溶剂来溶解DMF时,1500mg/kg的DMF能极显著抑制温州蜜柑的腐烂变质;以极性较弱的异丙醇作溶剂时效果更好;DMF比目前广泛使用的脱布津(Topsin)、多菌灵(MBC)等防腐剂的防腐效果好。     

Characterisation of storage protein from selected varieties of foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L) Beauv)

Protein content of the three selected varieties of Setaria italica (L) Beauv ranged from 91·7 to 112·0 g kg⁻¹. Fractionation of seed protein showed that prolamin is the major storage protein and the differences in protein content among them is mainly due to differences in the total prolamin accumulation. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) pattern of different protein fractions; namely, albumin/globulin, prolamins and glutelins and RP-HPLC (reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromato-graphy) of the total prolamins showed great similarity among the three selected varieties. Accumulation of total protein and protein fractions during seed maturation was studied in all the three selected varieties. Fractionation of total protein in the grain collected at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 36 days after anthesis revealed that prolamin is the major storage protein ( > 50% of total protein) during all the stages of seed development. The SDS-PAGE pattern of the total prolamin at different stages of seed development showed no variation among the selected varieties. Prolamin polypeptide synthesis commenced as early as 5 days after flowering (DAF) and completed before 10 DAF. Thereafter, only quantitative increase was observed. Immunoblotting of the total prolamin from S italica probed with 20 kDa prolamin protein antibody of kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) showed that the two millets are immunologically related to one another. © 1998 SCI.     

Variability of Salt Absorption by Brine Dipped Fillets of Cod (Gadus morhua), Blackback Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus), and Ocean Perch (Sebastes marinus)

Major changes in sodium content of fillets of cod, blackback flounder, and ocean perch resulted from varying concentration of brine solution (5, 10, or 15%), duration of dip (30, 60 or 90 sec), fillet thickness, season of catch, and rinsing or skinning fillets before cooking. Postmortem age (1-5 days) of fish, temperature of brine solution (6, 12, or 20°C), and cooking had minor effects on final sodium concentration.     

Optimization of succinic acid production from cane molasses by Actinobacillus succinogenes GXAS137 using response surface methodology (RSM)

A method combining a Plackett-Burman design (PBD), the steepest ascent method (SA), and a Box-Behnken design (BBD) was developed to optimize succinic acid production from cane molasses by Actinobacillus succinogenes GXAS137. The important parameters were (g/L): total sugars of cane molasses (85 g/L), yeast extract (8.84 g/L), and MgCO₃ (63.1 g/L). Verification experiments indicated that the maximal succinic acid production reached 57.43±0.86 g/L, which agreed with the predicted value (57.12 g/L). In addition, batch and fed-batch fermentations were carried out in a 1.3 L stirred bioreactor. Compared with a batch fermentation that produced 57.96 g/L of succinic acid at 60 h, a fed-batch fermentation, performed to minimize the inhibition effect of the substrate, produced 64.34 g/L of succinic acid at 60 h. The combined method is powerful for selection of optimized conditions for succinic acid production from cane molasses.