Suitability of enzymatic hydrolyzates of extracted gluten from fresh pasta by-product used as bread improvers

Gluten extracted from fresh pasta by-products (PG) was enzymatically hydrolyzed by two different commercial proteases (Alcalase 2.4 L and Pancreatin) to different degrees of hydrolysis (DH 2.0, 4.0 and 8.0%). Commercial gluten (CG) was used as reference. The evaluation of functional properties of hydrolyzates from pasta gluten (PGH) and commercial gluten (CGH) showed that Pancreatin hydrolyzates had the highest emulsifying capacities. Regarding the foaming activity, all hydrolyzates performed better than unhydrolyzed gluten. PGH and CGH were added to wheat flour (1%) and their effects on dough rheology were studied. Most hydrolyzates with DH 8% increased dough thermal stability and elasticity during mixing, accelerated the denaturation rate of the protein network, and delayed the gelatinization speed of starch as the temperature increased. Texture profiles and specific volumes of breads from low quality wheat flour with added Pancreatin hydrolyzates (DH 8%) were comparable to those of breads from high quality flour. This showed the potential suitability of PGH and CGH as bread improvers.     

Multiplex real-time PCR SYBR Green for detection and typing of group III Clostridium botulinum

Clostridium botulinum type C and type D belonging to the group III organisms, are mainly responsible for animal botulism outbreaks. Clinical signs alone are often insufficient to make a diagnosis of botulism and a laboratory confirmation is required. Laboratory confirmation can be performed by demonstrating the presence of botulinum neurotoxins in serum, gastrointestinal contents, liver, wound of sick or dead animals, or by demonstrating the presence of C. botulinum in gastrointestinal contents, liver, and wound. Demonstration of spores in gastrointestinal contents or tissue of animals with clinical signs indicative of botulism reinforces the clinical diagnosis. With the aim of detecting and typing C. botulinum group III organisms, a multiplex real-time PCR SYBR Green was developed and in-house validated. Selectivity, limit of detection, relative accuracy, relative specificity, relative sensitivity, and repeatability of the method were investigated. The multiplex real-time PCR SYBR green used showed a 100% selectivity, 100% relative accuracy, 100% relative specificity, 100% relative sensitivity and a limit of detection of 277 and 580 DNA copies for C. botulinum type C and C. botulinum type D, respectively. The method reported here represents a suitable tool for laboratory diagnosis of type C and D botulism and for testing a large number of samples collected during the animal botulism surveillance and prevention activities.     

Biochemical and histological effects of gibberellic acid on Locusta migratoria migratoria fifth instar larvae

Experiments were conducted to assess the effect of gibberellic acid (GA₃), a plant growth regulator, on Locusta migratoria migratoria fifth instar larvae. Newly emerged larvae were exposed to various concentrations of GA₃ administered by topical application or by forced ingestion. Results showed that treated insects exhibited toxic symptoms with a dose-dependent mortality. GA₃ toxicity was also demonstrated by perturbation of the moult processes. In fact, we noted that treated insects present exuviations difficulties due to the impossibility to reject the old integuments causing mortality in the 5th instar larvae. Histological study of proventriculus revealed alterations in the epithelial cells and absence of apolysis phenomenon. Data also showed that GA₃ induced significant quantitative variation of haemolymph metabolites. These changes result in a significant decrease in the total concentration of proteins and carbohydrates and an increase in the total concentration of haemolymph lipids.     

Relationships Between Heavy Metals Contamination in Shallow Marine Sediments with Industrial and Urban Development in Catalonia (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea)

A total of 179 surface sediment samples from shallow waters have been collected in Catalonia (Northwestern Mediterranean) from 2002 to 2010 to analyze heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, V, and Zn) concentrations, organic matter content, and sediment size in order (i) to find baseline values, (ii) to investigate metal contamination trends, and (iii) to identify its spatial and temporal distribution. Highest metals concentrations were registered in the Barcelona metropolitan area and in the mouth of Besòs and Llobregat Rivers for Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. Mercury was also abundant in these areas but the highest record was found close to Tarragona. The concentrations agree with those reported in other studies performed in big river’s mouths and industrialized areas. The absence of large industrial activity and urbanization outside Barcelona and Tarragona explains the low metal contents found at the other sampling sites. Based on enrichment factor (EF), Pb was the most enriched metal. Results will provide a useful aid for sustainable marine management in Catalonia.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine organisms from the Gulf of Naples, Tyrrhenian Sea

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by an HPLC method with fluorescence detection in bivalves (Mitylus galloprovincialis), cephalopods (Todarodes sagittatus), crustaceans (Aristeus antennatus), and fish (Mullus surmeletus, Scomber scombrus, Micromesistius poutassou, and Merluccius merluccius) caught in the Gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea, Italy). Anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, and benzo(k)fluoranthene were detected, at different concentrations, in all of the examined marine organisms, whereas benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene were found only in Mediterranean mussels. Of mussels collected in winter 71.43% exceeded the maximum residual levels (MRL) fixed for the benzo(a)pyrene in European Regulation 208/2005/EC, whereas all samples collected in summer reported values lower than this limit. In comparison to the other marine organisms, the mussels showed the highest PAH concentrations (p < 0.01). Fish showed total PAH levels lower than those of cephalopods and, in particular, European hake showed the lowest values (6.06 ng/g of fresh weight).     

Carotenoids,Phenolic Profile,Mineral Content and Antioxidant Properties in Flesh and Peel of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Prunus persica</Emphasis> Fruits during Two Maturation Stages

Carotenoids and phenolic profile, antioxidant activity as well as concentrations of selected macronutrients (K, N, Mg, Ca and Na) and micronutrients (Zn, Cu and Mn) in flesh and peel of peach fruit were recorded at two harvest dates. Predominant mineral was potassium, followed by calcium, magnesium and sodium. The concentration of most micronutrients was greater in the peel than in the flesh especially in early season. The concentration of most elements in flesh and peel decreased during fruit maturation. Total carotenoids content varied with respect to the cultivar. β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene were the major carotenoids in both tissues and flesh contain the lowest amounts. Neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, catechin, epicatechin, gallic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-galactoside, cyanidin-3-O-glucoside, cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, were detected in both peel and flesh, with chlorogenic acid and catechin being the predominant components. Peel extracts showed markedly higher antioxidant activities, when estimated by ABTS or DPPH assays, than the flesh counterparts, consistent with the observed higher phenolic content. Overall, total phenolics levels increased at full ripening stage in both peel and flesh. The results found herein provide important data on carotenoids, phenolic and macro- and micronutrient changes during fruit growth, and emphases peach fruit as a potential functional food.     

Effects of gibberellic acid on ovarian biochemical composition and ecdysteroid amounts in the migratory locust Locusta migratoria (Orthoptera,Acrididae)

Migratory locusts represent the most important crop pests in Africa and Asia. Because environmental damages are associated with the use of synthetic insecticides in locust and grasshopper control, new environmentally acceptable approaches are becoming increasingly important. The effects of gibberellic acid (GA₃), a plant growth regulator, was investigated by topical application and ingestion on the reproductive physiology and ecdysteroids production of the migratory locust Locusta migratoria at concentrations of 125, 625, 3125, 4125, 5125 and 6125 μg/mL. The treatment applied to adult females during the pre-ovipositional phase provokes a significant adverse influence on their reproductive potential. Indeed, GA₃ significantly reduced both fecundity and fertility. Gibberellic acid also caused disturbances in the incorporation of the hemolymph metabolites (proteins, carbohydrates and lipids) in the oocyte resulting in a significant reduction in their concentrations in the ovaries. Ecdysteroid production was measured by an enzymo-immunoassay. GA₃, administered by ingestion to the adult females, significantly reduced the ecdysteroid titers in ovaries and freshly laid eggs.     

Feeding perturbation and toxic activity of five Chrysanthemum species crude extracts against Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) (Lepidoptera; Noctuidae)

The effect of the whole methanol extracts of five Chrysanthemum species on feeding and performance of Spodoptera littoralis (Boisduval) larvae has been investigated in vitro. The extracts exhibited an anti-feeding and phagostimulating activities against cotton leafworm larvae when applied either on leaf discs or incorporated into an artificial diet. Under chosen conditions, the antifeedant index calculated over 24 h for sixth instar larvae significantly varied from 78.55 for Chrysanthemum segetum L. to −44.18 for Chrysanthemum fuscatum Desf. at the dose of 1000 ppm. Toxicity of the extracts was manifested by a high mortality, reduced growth rates, and low weight gain by larvae fed on diets containing 1000–10,000 ppm of the extract. Anyone of the larvae treated with Chrysanthemum macrotum (D.R.) Ball. leaves crude extract survived to pupation at the two higher concentrations. The time to pupation increased for Chrysanthemum grandiflorum flowers crude extract from 11.40 ± 0.93 to 28.93 ± 10.92 days as the extract concentration in the diet increased from 0 to 10,000 ppm. The ingestion of crude extract by the third instar larvae reduced significantly the consumption, growth and utilisation of the ingested and digested food, and reduced digestibility.