Kinetic models of quality parameters of spreadable processed Gouda cheese during storage

The aim of the study was to prepare mathematical models based on the Arrhenius equation as predictive tools for the assessment of changes in quality parameters during the storage of spreadable Gouda cheese at temperatures of 8, 20 and 30 °C. The activation energy value and the chemical reaction rate constant enabled the construction of kinetic models, which helped to estimate the direction and rate of changes. Moreover, the activation energy (E_a) of the quality parameters was used to determine the sequence of their vulnerability during storage. The value of activation energy corresponding to temperature changes resulted in the following order of susceptibility of the quality parameters: ΔC?>?ΔE?≈?water activity?>?texture parameters?>?pH?>?colour?>?sensory parameters?>?rheological parameters. The research showed limited applicability of the mathematical models for estimation of quality parameters referring to spreadable processed Gouda cheese.     

Pharmakodynamische und pharmakokinetische Grundlagen der Mastitistherapie

Zusammenfassung:  Bei der Behandlung von Mastitiden steht die Anwendung von lokal oder systemisch verabreichten Antibiotika im Vordergrund. Bei der systemischen Anwendung sind der Bioverfügbarkeit und der Verteilung des Stoffes in die Milchdrüse besonderes Augenmerk zu schenken. Neben der Molekülgrü?e und dem Ausma? der Proteinbindung sind dabei die Lipophilie und der Ionisationsgrad des Arzneistoffs bestimmend. Schwache S?uren, wie beispielsweise β-Lactam-Antibiotika, liegen im Blutplasma überwiegend ionisiert vor; sie k?nnen die Blut-Milch-Schranke daher im Gegensatz zu schwachen Basen nur in ?u?erst geringem Umfang passieren. Bei der intramamm?ren Applikation muss gew?hrleistet werden, dass sich das Antibiotikum in ausreichendem Umfang im Drüsengewebe verteilt. Die Pr?parate sind in den meisten F?llen wie auch Formulierungen mit Langzeitwirkung beim Trockenstellen ?lige Suspensionen.

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The therapy of bovine mastitis usually relies on antibiotics, administered either systemically or by the intramammary route. A key factor in the success of systemic treatment is the bioavailability of the chemotherapeutic agent and the distribution into the mammary gland. Apart from molecular size and protein binding capacity, the lipid solubility of the active principle and its degree of ionisation play a major role. Weak acids (like β-lactams) are present in the ionised form in the blood and their ability to pass through the blood/udder barrier is very limited. The opposite is true for weak bases. In the case of intramammary administration the main consideration is that the substance is distributed sufficiently into the glandular tissue. This is why drugs for topical administration are usually formulated in an oily base, which is also suitable for long-term prophylaxis at drying off.

Eingegangen: 6. M?rz 2008; angenommen: 17. M?rz 2008     

Effects of molecular structure on the calcium-binding properties of phosphopeptides

Six synthetic phosphopeptides (SPP) and casein phosphopeptides (CPP) were obtained to investigate the relationship between the molecular structure of phosphopeptides and their calcium-binding property. SPP1, SPP2, SPP3, SPP4, SPP5, and SPP6 were synthesized with 0-3 continuous or discontinuous phosphorylated serines based on a core structure of casein phosphopeptides, respectively. CPP were acquired by pancreatin hydrolysis of casein and subsequent purification. The ranking of calcium-binding ability of the six synthetic phosphopeptides was SPP5?>?SPP6?>?SPP4?>?SPP3?>?SPP1?~?SPP2. SPP4 was found to release calcium more easily in a simulated intestinal environment. CPP, contained various fragments ranged from 1 to 4 Ser(P)s, bound calcium slightly weaker than SPP6 that contained same amount of phosphorus with the CPP solution. The number and the position of phosphoserine residue are important factors for calcium-binding activities. SPP4, the phosphopeptide with two discontinuous phosphorylated serines, has the best calcium adsorption efficiency in a simulated intestinal environment among all the tested phosphopeptides.     

Mineral and amino acid contents of different flaxseed cultivars in relation to its selected functional properties

This study was conducted to determine selected functional properties of six flaxseed cultivars in relation to its nutritional value to aim at selection of a cultivar that would be more nutritive and contribute to desirable functional properties. The determination of macro-elements and trace elements was carried out by atomic absorption spectrophotometry whereas amino acid analyzer was used to determine the amino acid contents. Various flaxseed cultivars showed significant (P?<?0.05) differences in their protein, fat and fibre contents. Flaxseed flours exhibited good gelling, water binding, foaming and emulsifying properties. The tendency of value of macrominerals was: Mg?>?K?>?Na whereas for micro elements the trend was: Zn?>?Mn?>?Cu?>?Fe. Flaxseed proteins were of high nutritional value on account of their essential amino acid (EAA) content. Six EAA were present with tryphtophan, valine and lysine being the predominant amino acids. The EAA and non-EAA represented 21.06–50.65 and 49.35–78.94?%, respectively of total amino acids. Most of samples had high acidic to basic amino acid ratio. Pearson correlations showed significant dependence of functional properties on nutrient composition. “LC-2023” cv. was the most potential cultivar as it varied significantly from other cultivars in its mineral and amino acid contents.     

Composite flour blends: Influence of particle size of water chestnut flour on nutraceutical potential and quality of Indian flat breads

Different sieve particle sizes P1 (Whole), P2 (≤0.212 mm) and P3 (≤0.125 mm) of water chestnut flour (WCF) were studied for proximate composition, mineral content, physico-chemical, functional, pasting and antioxidant properties in comparison to refined wheat flour (WF). WCF had significantly higher levels of fiber, resistant starch, mineral (K, Mg, Zn, and Cu), phenolics and flavonoids than WF in the order (P1?>?P2?>?P3?>?WF). Increase in flour fineness decreased antioxidant activity (P1?>?P2?>?P3) with P1 having highest phenolic (4.72 mg GAE/g), flavonoid (2.46 mg QE/g) content. Pasting properties of P1 were significantly lower than WF but significantly increased with increase in flour fineness. Quality of flat bread produced from WCF-WF blends significantly varied with particle size and blending. Bake loss and baking time significantly decreased while shrinkage increased with decrease in particle size. L* value decreased with blending but showed an irregular trend with variation in particle size. (WF?>?P2?≥?P3?>?P1). Baking decreased DPPH scavenging activity more in WF bread (46.68%) than WCF bread (P1?=?17.71%, P2?=?16.45%, P3?=?19.63%). Baking decreased total phenolic and flavonoid content by 49 and 20% in wheat & 38 and 16% in WCF respectively while significantly increased the resistant starch content in the order (P3?>?P2?>?P1?>?WF). This shows better retention of antioxidant activities and greater stability of WCF phenolics than WF phenolics during baking. Sensory analysis showed WCF breads had fair acceptability due to their characteristic flavor. Thus, gluten free WCF bread is also antioxidant rich with ample resistant starch content than WF breads.     

Effect of Fermentation and Drying on Procyanidins, Antiradical Activity and Reducing Properties of Cocoa Beans

This work was aimed to determine the effect of fermentation and drying on the content and profile of procyanidins (from monomers P1 to polymers P10) as well as on the antiradical and scavenging properties of cocoa beans. To this purpose, three experiments were carried out: a traditional fermentation process followed by air drying and two pilot-scale fermentation processes by either natural microbiota or starter followed by sun drying. Procyanidins were evaluated by HPLC analysis, while the total polyphenol index (TPI), the antiradical activity as well as the reducing power were determined by means of the reaction with the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, the decolorization assays of the ABTS radical (TEAC) and the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) methods, respectively. Both the traditional and pilot-scale processes resulted to affect the profile and content of the procyanidins fractions as well as the antiradical and reducing power functionality. Drying caused a severe reduction of compounds and thus resulted to be the critical step for the loss of procyanidins and monomers in particular. The indices of functionality generally showed a decreasing trend as a consequence of processing, and their evolution was similar to that observed in procyanidins content. To study the relationship between the individual procyanidins and the antioxidant activity expressed as TEAC, FRAP and TPI, the data set were processed by modified partial least squares regression. The obtained models presented a good predictive ability. Normalised regression coefficients showed that the relative contribution of each single class of compounds to total antioxidant activity resulted as follows: P1?>?P2?>?P3?>?P4?>?P6?>?P8?>?P5?>?P7?>?P9?>>?P10.     

Concentrations of selected metals in candies and chocolates consumed in southern Nigeria

Results are presented for the determination of levels of Ca, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Mn, Zn Fe, Co and Mg in candies and chocolates consumed in southern Nigeria. Mean concentrations of metals in both confectionaries ranged 7.7–1405.2?µg/g¹ for Ca, <0.001–0.2?µg/g for Cd, 1.4–7.9?µg/g for Ni, 0.4–3.0?µg/g for Cr, <0.08–2.3?µg/g for Pb, 0.4–12.6?µg/g for Mn, 0.6–8.0?µg/g for Zn, 1.7–12.3?µg/g for Fe, <0.05–1.49?µg/g for Co, and 8.4–576.1µg/g for Mg. The data showed that that these metals are not present at harmful levels. Concentrations of nickel and chromium were slightly elevated but were comparable to levels reported in similar food items elsewhere in the world.     

Numerical simulation of transient heat transfer for tomato paste in semi rigid aluminum container

In this study, numerical model of heat transfer for tomato paste in semi-rigid aluminum container was developed by Fluent software 6.3.26. Grid independence was recognized. The impact of head space (air and water -vapor) and buoyancy force on heat transfer were investigated. Simulation results showed slowest heating zone (SHZ) located in (?11.676?<?X?<??10.738, 0.183?<?Y?<?1.269 and 4.417?<?Z?<?5.560) for model with air head space and in (?11.166?<?X?<??11.370, 0.762?<?Y?<?1.21 and 5.480?<?Z?<?5.506) for model with water–vapor head space in Cartesian system coordinate. A thermocouple was connected to container at (0, 0, 10 cartesian system coordinate) to get experimental data during process. Comparing temperatures of experimental model and predicted model (with head space) illustrated no significant difference (p?<?0.05).     

Vereinheitlichung und Vereinfachung der Prüfverfahren von Holzwerkstoffen und Bauteilen gegen Feuer

Zusammenfassung Es wurde auf die Notwendigkeit und M?glichkeit hingewiesen, eine Vereinheitlichung und Vereinfachung der Prüfverfahren von Holzwerkstoffen und Bauteilen gegen Feuer vorzunehmen. Es wird empfohlen, eine Iso-Norm für diese Prüfverfahren zu schaffen. Ein praktischer Vorschlag zur Festlegung einer Iso-Einheits-Temperatur-Zeit-Linie wird gemacht. Weiter erfolgt ein Vorschlag zur Einführung einer internationalen Kurzbezeichnung des Grades der Brandbest?ndigkeit. Der Vorteil der Angabe der Brennerbelastung für Versuchsbrenner bei Brandversuchen wird aufgezeigt. Prüfmethoden des ersten ?norm-Entwurfes B3800 werden beschrieben, die Leistungsf?higkeit der Flammschutzmittel für Holz besprochen und Vorschl?ge zur Prüfung von Bauteilen gemacht.

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Standardization and simplification of testing-methods for fire-resistance of wood-based materials and building elements

Summary Reference is made to the necessity and possibility for standardizing and simplifying testing-methods of wood-based materials and building elements for their fire-resistant properties. It is recommended to establish an ISO-Specification for these testing methods and a suggestion for fixing a standard-timetemperature-curve is made. Further follows a proposition to introduce an international abbreviation for the fire-resistance rate. The advantage of specifying the “burner-load” for test burners during fire tests is shown. Testing methods of the first ?norm-draft B 3800 are described. The efficiency of fire-retardants for wood are discussed and suggestions for the testing of building-elements are given.

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Nach einem Vortrag, gehalten auf der Dreil?nder-Holztagung in Baden-Baden am 23. Juni 1956.     

Physicochemical and Rheological Properties of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Flour Affected by Cormels Weight and Method of Peeling

The present study investigated the effect of peeling and cormels weight on physicochemical and rheological properties of taro (Colocasia esculenta) flour. The cormels were divided by the weight into four classes: size?<?170 g, 170?<?size?<?214 g, 214 g?<?size?<?284 g, and size?>?284 g. Each one of these classes contains half of peeled and unpeeled cormels. The results showed a difference between the flour derived from different taro cormels weight in term of the physicochemical, morphological, and rheological properties. However, no difference was observed in terms of the thermal properties. The study revealed that taro flours are mainly made of dietary fibers. The granule size of the flour varied significantly within each different cormels weight in the same method of peeling and the mean flour diameters are around 204 μm. For both form of peeling, potassium was found to be the higher mineral and sodium was the lower one. Concerning phytate, the peeled samples have the lowest values of 5.76 and 4.79 mg/g dry matter, respectively, for cormels size?<?170 g and 170 g?<?size?<?214 g. Finally, we observed that peeling methods and weight of taro cormels have an influence on some physicochemical composition of flour and rheological properties of flours suspensions.     

Water sorption and cooking time of red kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.): part I – Effect of freezing and drying conditions on water sorption and cooking time

Water sorption and cooking time of kidney beans were determined. The beans were manually harvested at 19.2 ± 0.1% moisture content and stored at ?20 and ?10 °C for about half a year. The beans were further dried at 30, 40 and 50 °C inside a thin‐layer drier for 7.5 h or under room conditions for 4 week. The freezing storage temperature before the beans were dried did not influence their cooking time and water sorption. The saturated kernel volumes decreased approximately 7% after drying. The beans decreased their sphericity during water sorption and had a larger swelling ratio in the thickness direction than in other directions. Lower initial moisture content, especially with a higher drying temperature, decreased water sorptivity and resulted in higher percentage of uncooked kernels if the beans were not soaked before cooking. However, there was no relationship between initial moisture content and uncooked percentage if the beans were soaked before cooking. High drying temperature resulted in hard‐to‐cook (HTC) phenomenon.     

Nitrate and nitrite levels in commonly consumed vegetables in Hong Kong

Levels of nitrate and nitrite in 73 different vegetables, a total of 708 individual samples grouped into leafy, legumes, root and tuber, and fruiting vegetables, which are traded mainly in Hong Kong, were measured. Where available, five samples of each vegetable type were purchased from different commercial outlets during the winter of 2008 and summer of 2009. Levels of nitrate and nitrite were determined by ion chromatography and flow injection analysis, respectively. Nitrate and nitrite levels of all samples ranged <4–6300 and <0.8–9.0 mg?kg^?1, respectively. Nitrate concentrations for the different groups, in descending order, were leafy?>?root and tuber?>?fruiting and legume vegetables. More than 80% of vegetables had mean nitrate concentrations less than 2000?mg?kg^?1, but mean nitrate concentrations of three types of leafy vegetables, namely Chinese spinach, Shanghai cabbage and Chinese white cabbage, were >3500?mg?kg^?1. On the other hand, nitrite concentrations were generally low –?<1?mg?kg^?1 on average. Nitrate in vegetables (i.e. Chinese flowering cabbage, Chinese spinach and celery) can be reduced significantly (12–31%) after blanching for 1–3?min, but not after soaking.     

Evaluation and validation of two microbiological tests for screening antibiotic residues in honey according to the European guideline for the validation of screening methods

Two microbiological kits based on Bacillus stearothermophilus (Eclipse 50® and Premi®Test) have been evaluated and validated according to the European guideline for the validation of screening methods (January 2010) and in relation to the concentrations recommended by the EU-RL in 2007. Both tests are robust, a fast method and easy to implement. Both tests are applicable to a very large variety of honeys from different floral and geographical origins (rosemary, lavender, scrub, heath, alder, forest, lemon, acacia, chestnut, raspberry, mountain and flowers) as well as honey of different colours (from blank honey to brown honey, including yellow and orange honey). A satisfactory false-positive rate of 5% was obtained for the Eclipse 50® test. The observed detection capabilities CCβ of the Eclipse 50® kit were: chlortetracycline (>75?µg?kg^?1), oxytetracycline (≤200?µg?kg^?1), tetracycline (>100?µg?kg^?1), cloxacillin (≤40?µg?kg^?1), tylosin (≤200?µg?kg^?1), desmycosin (>400?µg?kg^?1), sulfadiazine (≤300?µg?kg^?1), sulfadimethoxine (≤250?µg?kg^?1), sulfamerazine (>300?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethazine (>1000?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethizole (>75?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethoxazole (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfanilamide (?1000?µg?kg^?1), sulfaquinoxaline (>75?µg?kg^?1), sulfathiazole (≤250?µg?kg^?1) and lincomycin (>1500?µg?kg^?1). These levels were all higher than the recommended concentrations where they exist. Due to its lack of sensitivity, it cannot be recommended for reliable routine use. The observed CCβ of the Premi®Test kit were: chlortetracycline (10?µg?kg^?1), oxytetracycline (>10?µg?kg^?1), tetracycline (≤10?µg?kg^?1), cloxacillin (≤5?µg?kg^?1), tylosin (≤10?µg?kg^?1), desmycosin (≤15?µg?kg^?1), sulfadiazine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfadimethoxine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamerazine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethazine (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethizole (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfamethoxazole (≤10?µg?kg^?1), sulfanilamide (≤25?µg?kg^?1), sulfaquinoxaline (≤10?µg?kg^?1), sulfathiazole (25?µg?kg^?1) and lincomycin (≤25?µg?kg^?1). The Premi®Test kit could be recommended for reliable use in routine control due to its low detection capabilities (except for aminoglycosides), but the disadvantage is a high false-positive rate of 14%.     

Comparison of Lysimeter Results and Leaching Model Calculations for Regulatory Risk Assessment

Experimental results from 34 outdoor lysimeter studies have been compared with leaching model simulations in order to evaluate their role in the tiered regulatory decision making scheme for the protection of groundwater. 63 compounds (28 active substances and 35 metabolites) were evaluated, resulting in a total of 73 model/lysimeter comparisons. In the majority (84%) of comparisons the model predictions and lysimeter results were in agreement, resulting in the same regulatory decisions being made. In the remaining 16% of cases, model calculations predicted concentrations in excess of 0.1 μg L^-1 whereas the lysimeters gave concentrations below 0.1 μg L^-1 (thus resulting in different regulatory decisions). In some cases, these differences could be attributed to conservative model input parameterisation but in other cases it may be that the experimental duration was insufficient for breakthrough to be reached. Groundwater monitoring of metabolites (after 7–20 years of parent substances applications) for which modelling indicated a potential risk showed concentrations below 0.1 μg L^-1 in shallow roundwater. In no circumstances did lysimeter studies show concentrations above 0.1 μg L^-1 whilst model predictions were below 0.1 μg L^-1. This, along with the groundwater monitoring data, therefore supports the tiered nature of the current regulatory assessment scheme. Recommendations are made for further optimising the design of future outdoor leaching studies.

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Zusammenfassung:  Ergebnisse von 34 Lysimeterstudien, durchgeführt unter Freilandbedingungen, wurden mit Simulationsrechnungen von Versickerungsmodellen verglichen. Damit sollte ihr Stellenwert im abgestuften Entscheidungsschema zum Schutz des Grundwassers im Rahmen des Zulassungsverfahrens für Pflanzenschutzmittel beurteilt werden. 63 Verbindungen (28 Wirkstoffe und 35 Metabolite) wurden ausgewertet, die insgesamt 73 Modell/Lysimeter Vergleiche erm?glichten. Die Mehrzahl der Vergleiche (84%) zeigte übereinstimmung zwischen Modellprognosen und Experimenten, was die im Rahmen eines Zulassungsverfahrens zu treffende Entscheidung anbelangt. In den verbleibenden 16% der F?lle prognostizierten die Simulationsmodelle überschreitungen des Trinkwassergrenzwerts von 0,1 μg L^-1, wohingegen die Lysimeter Konzentrationen unter 0,1 μg L^-1 aufwiesen. Dies würde folglich zu unterschiedlichen Entscheidungen im Zulassungsverfahren führen. In einigen F?llen konnten diese Unterschiede auf die Verwendung konservativer Eingabeparameter für die Simulationsrechnung zurückgeführt werden. In anderen F?llen k?nnte die Versuchsdauer zu kurz gewesen sein, um einen Durchbruch im Lysimeter messen zu k?nnen. Für Metabolite, bei denen die simulierten Ergebnisse auf ein potenzielles Risiko hinwiesen, zeigte das Monitoring des oberfl?chennahen Grundwassers nach 7 bis 20 Jahren mit Anwendungen der Wirkstoffe, dass die gemessenen Konzentrationen unter 0,1 μg L^-1 lagen. In keinem Fall des Vergleichs wiesen Lysimeterstudien Konzentrationen über 0,1μg L^-1 auf, w?hrend die Modelle Konzentrationen unter 0,1 μg L^-1 vorhersagten. Die Ergebnisse dieses Vergleichs, zusammen mit Grundwassermonitoringdaten, best?tigen das stufenweise Bewertungssystem im aktuellen Zulassungsverfahren. Ferner werden im vorliegenden Papier Empfehlungen gegeben, wie der Aufbau zukünftiger Versickerungsstudien im Freiland weiter verbessert werden k?nnte.

     

Spices as Beneficial Hypolipidemic Food Adjuncts: A Review

Abstract

The spices fenugreek, garlic, ginger, onion, red pepper, and turmeric are effective as hypocholesterolemics under conditions of experimentally induced hypercholesterolemia and hyperlipidemia. Furthermore, fenugreek is effective in human diabetics, whereas garlic and onion are effective in humans with induced lipemia. Capsaicin and curcumin, the active principles of red pepper and turmeric, respectively, are also documented to be efficacious even at doses comparable to calculated human intake. Capsaicin, curcumin, fenugreek, ginger, and onion are understood to cause an enhanced biliary secretion of bile acids also. Considerable human experimentation has been done with garlic and onion, but similar evaluation of the four other spices needs to be done. Limited information is also available on the hypolipidemic influence of spice combinations. Among these six spices, beneficial effects on lipid metabolism would probably be in the order: garlic?>?onion?>?red pepper/capsaicin?>?turmeric/curcumin?>?fenugreek?>?ginger. The mechanisms underlying the hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridemic influence of these spices have also been fairly well understood.     

Assuring health protection for bystanders and residents Thought starter for a mathematical model for estimating short-term and long-term exposure events with plant protection products and a proposal for a step-by-step procedure

When evaluating the active substances (as) in plant protection products at Community level and authorising plant protection products at national level, health protection for bystanders must be ensured. The bystander (e.g. walker) can come into contact unintentionally with a plant protection product for a short period of time due to plant protection measures, e.g. through spray drift. Another population group, residents, can also be exposed unintentionally to plant protection products. As opposed to the situation for bystanders, this type of exposure is often frequent and occurs over a longer period of time than just a few minutes, either in- or outdoors. In this paper, trial models are presented and a step-by-step procedure for calculating exposure for bystanders and residents. Mitigation measures are also proposed. Both population groups are heterogeneous. The population groups identified as being most at risk with their special behaviour, children up to one-year old and also two to five-year olds, were taken into consideration for the models described.

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Zusammenfassung:  Bei der überprüfung von Pflanzenschutmittelwirkstoffen auf Gemeinschaftsebene sowie im nationalen Verfahren bei der Zulassung von Pflanzenschutzmitteln ist der Gesundheitsschutz für Bystander (Umstehende) sicherzustellen. Der Umstehende (z. B. ein Spazierg?nger) kann durch eine Pflanzenschutzma?nahme ungewollt kurzzeitig mit einem Pflanzenschutzmittel, z. B. durch Spraydrift, in Kontakt kommen. Eine weitere Personengruppe, der Anwohner, kann ebenfalls ungewollt gegenüber einem Pflanzenschutzmittel exponiert sein. Im Gegensatz zur Situation des Umstehenden kann diese Exposition jedoch wiederholt und über einen l?ngeren Zeitraum als nur für einige Minuten im Au?en- oder Innenraum erfolgen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden Modellans?tze vorgestellt und ein abgestuftes Verfahren zur Ermittlung der Exposition für Umstehende und Anwohner sowie Minimierungsma?nahmen vorgeschlagen. Beide Personengruppen sind sehr heterogen zusammengesetzt. Als besonders schutzbedürftige Bev?lkerungsgruppe mit speziellen Verhaltensweisen wurden Kinder im Alter von bis zu einem Jahr sowie zwei- bis unter fünf Jahren identifiziert und in den beschriebenen Modellans?tzen berücksichtigt.

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Received: July 19, 2007     

Effects of various sulphuring methods and storage temperatures on the physical and chemical quality of dried apricots

The effects of different sulphuring methods, i.e. sulphuring by “burning the elemental sulphites (BES),” “SO₂ gas from liquified SO₂ tank (SG)” and “dipping into sodium metabisulphite solution (DSM)” on the colour (brown colour formation and carotenoid degradation) and the loss of SO₂ in apricots from Hac?halilo?lu and Kabaa?? varieties stored at 5, 20 and 30 °C for a year were investigated. There were significant effects of variety, sulphuring method and especially storage at 30 °C on the brown colour formation and loss of SO₂ (P < 0.05). As storage temperature–time increased, β-carotene content decreased. Sulphuring methods and variety did not show significant effect on β-carotene content (P > 0.05). The changes in L^∗, b^∗ and C^∗ values were directly associated with β-carotene content and browning values. The most suitable method for all samples, except for Hac?halilo?lu variety stored at 30 °C (BES), is SG, because the samples retained their attractive golden yellow colour during storage.     

Lipid characteristics and essential minerals of native Turkish hazelnut varieties (Corylus avellana L.)

Five native hazelnut varieties from Turkey, namely, prime quality Tombul variety, and second grade quality Yass? Badem, Sivri, Karaf?nd?k, and Ham varieties were examined for their lipid characteristics (triacylglycerol, tocopherol, tocotrienol, phytosterol, and phytostanol composition) and 12 essential minerals. Among 12 triacylglycerols separated in all hazelnut varieties, OOO (61.0–77.5%) and OOL (10.5–22.8%) were the main components (where O = oleoyl and L = linoleoyl). Seven tocol isoforms (four tocopherols and three tocotrienols), seven phytosterols, as well as cholesterol, and one phytostanol were positively identified and quantified; among these, α-tocopherol and β-sitosterol were predominant in all hazelnut oils. Hazelnut varieties served as an excellent source of copper and manganese. Consumption of the recommended daily amount of 42.5 g of hazelnut from different varieties provides 44.4–83.6% of copper and 40.1–448% of recommended manganese intake for adults. These results suggest that second grade quality hazelnut varieties were as good sources of functional lipids and essential minerals as was prime quality Tombul hazelnut, with some exceptions (P < 0.05).     

Lead,cadmium, arsenic,mercury and copper levels in Chinese Yunnan Pu’er tea

The Yunnan region of China produces a distinctive variety of Pu’er tea, which is consequently labeled as a Chinese geographic indication product. In this study, the safety of Chinese Yunnan Pu’er tea with regard to heavy metal content was evaluated in 30 different brands of Pu’er tea, including 150 commercial samples. Metal levels in the Pu'er tea samples followed the order: copper (12–22?µg/g)?>?lead (0.26–3.2?µg/g)?>?arsenic (0.035–0.24?µg/g)?>?cadmium (0.0059–0.085?µg/g)?>?mercury (<0.010?µg/g). Mercury was not detected in 17 of the brands of Pu’er tea. Metal-to-metal correlation studies showed that there were no significant correlation between metal pairs. Based on current safety standards, the low levels of metals detected in these Pu’er tea samples mean they are safe for human consumption.