Adsorption and desorption properties of macroporous resins for anthocyanins from the calyx extract of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)

Adsorption of roselle anthocynins, a natural pigment, onto various macroporous resins was optimized to develop a simple and efficient process for industrial separation and purification of roselle anthocyanins. Nine different macroporous resins (AB-8, X-5, HPD-100, SP-207, XAD-4, LS-305A, DM-21, LS-610B, and LS-305) were evaluated for the adsorption properties of the anthocyanins extracted from the calyx extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. The influences of phase contact time, solution pH, initial anthocyanin concentration, and ethanol concentration with different citric acid amounts were studied by the static adsorption/desorption method. The adsorption isotherm data were fitted well to the Langmuir isotherm, and according to this model, LS-610B and LS-305 exhibited the highest monolayer sorption capacities of 31.95 and 38.16 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic data were modeled using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion equations. The experimental data were well described by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Continuous column adsorption-regeneration cycles indicated negligible capacity loss of LS-305 during operation. The overall yield of pigment product was 49.6 mg/g dried calyces. The content of roselle anthocynins in the pigment product was 4.85%.     

Dietary fiber from Tunisian common date cultivars (Phoenix dactylifera L.): chemical composition, functional properties, and antioxidant capacity

The dietary fibers (DF) of 10 date varieties from Tunisian oases have been investigated. Further knowledge on the content, composition, and technological applications of those fibers could support their genetic variability and promote the socioeconomical development of growing areas. The composition, water- and oil-holding capacities, solubility, and antiradical activity have been determined. The DF content ranged from 4.7% (Matteta, Rochdi) to >7% (Deglé Nour, Garen Gaze, Smeti). Composition varied significantly among cultivars, and the results evidenced that uronic acids and lignin determine to a great extent the organoleptic quality of dates. Many of the varieties that have been studied (Garen Gaze, Matteta, Kenta, Rochdi, Mermella, Korkobbi, Eguwa) were selected because of great interest from technological and functional points of view. Among their physicochemical characteristics, these samples presented water- and oil-holding capacities of higher than 17 and 4 mL/g fiber, respectively, which make them suitable for use as additives in fiber-enriched foods. Also, DF of Garen Gaze, Smeti, Mermella, and Eguwa had a high antiradical capacity (>230 Trolox equiv/kg fiber). It was concluded that some of these varieties could be grown as potential sources of DF, which could be included in the formulation of fiber- and antioxidant-enriched foods.     

Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) protein concentrate: preparation, chemical composition, and nutritional and functional properties

The main objective of the present study was to compare the composition and functional and nutritional properties of whole yeast cells (WY) from an ethanol distillery with those of a phosphorylated protein concentrate (PPC) prepared from the same cells. Comparisons were also made of PPC with texturized soy protein (TSP) and soy protein isolate (SPI), both acquired in the local market. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a rich source of protein, soluble fiber, and some minerals. Saturated fatty acids predominated over monounsaturated and polyunsaturated in both WY and PPC. The functional properties of PPC were similar to those of SPI and TSP. Both soy products and PPC replaced 20 or 40% chuck roll protein without affecting the emulsion properties of the meat products. Amino acid scoring was high for both WY and PPC; digestibility was higher (90%) for PPC and lower (68%) for WY. The protein nutritive value of PPC did not differ from that of casein and was significantly higher than that for WY.     

Grain characteristics, chemical composition, and functional properties of rye (Secale cereale L.) as influenced by genotype and harvest year

Grain characteristic, chemical composition, and functional properties of rye were measured in 19 different cultivars grown in one location in up to 3 years. The cultivars included 8 adapted hybrids, 7 adapted population cultivars, and 4 nonadapted population cultivars. The results showed a significant influence of both harvest year and genotype on grain characteristics, chemical composition, and functional properties of the grain. Multivariate data analysis confirmed that the variations in the data were explained by yearly and genotype differences. Calculations of variance components showed that the variations in plant height, harvest yield, and protein content were mainly due to genotype differences and to a lesser extent to differences among harvest years. The kernel weight, hardness index, and content of dietary fiber components, however, were more strongly influenced by the harvest year than by the genotype. Differences in starch properties measured by falling number (FN), amylograph peak viscosity, and temperature at peak viscosity were more strongly influenced by harvest year. The water absorption was strongly influenced by genotype effects, compared to yearly differences. FN and amylograph peak temperature were positively correlated (r = 0.94). No correlation was found between the water absorption and the relative proportion of water-extractable arabinoxylan (AX) compared to the total AX content. However, the degree of ferulic acid cross-linking showed a negative correlation (r = -0.70) with the water absorption.     

Spatial variations of chemical composition, microbial functional diversity, and enzyme activities in a Mediterranean litter (Quercus ilex L.) profile

Litter decomposition on the forest floor is an essential process in soil nutrient cycles and formation. These processes are controlled by abiotic factors such as climate and chemical litter quality, and by biotic factors such as microbial community diversity and activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the importance of litter depth with respect to (i) chemical litter quality as evaluated by solid-state ¹³C NMR, (ii) enzyme activities, and (iii) microbial functional diversity in four different litter layers (OLn, OLv, OF, and OH). A Mediterranean soil profile under an evergreen oak (Quercus ilex L.) forest was used as a model. The recalcitrant OM fraction, corresponding to the deepest layer, showed low enzyme activities. Peroxidases and fluorescein diacetate hydrolases (FDA) were more active in the OLn layer and probably originated largely from plants. High cellulase activity in the OLn and the OLv layers, which are rich in polysaccharides, corresponded with the high content of O-alkyl carbon compounds. Following polysaccharide degradation, laccases and lipases were much more evident in the intermediate layers. This spatial variation in nutrient demand reflected a preferential degradation of the specific plant polymers. Phosphatases were more active along the three upper layers and probably reflected a P limitation during litter degradation. Alkaline/acid (AcPAlP/AcP) ratio increased in the deepest layer, suggesting an increased participation of bacteria AlP in phosphatase pools. Results of Biolog^TM also indicated spatial variations in microbial functionality. Indeed, FF plates showed the highest functional diversity in the uppermost layer, while ECO plate functional diversity was highest in the intermediate layers. Finally, our results indicated that microbial activity and functional diversity of micro-organisms change with litter depth on a very small scale and vary with chemical organic matter (OM) composition. Thus, the observed increases in the biological variables studied were determined by the evolution of OM chemical structures, the nature and availability in C nutrients, and they ultimately resulted in a progressive accumulation of recalcitrant compounds.     

Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon): a critical review of its traditional use, chemical composition, pharmacology, and safety

Artemisia dracunculus L. (tarragon) has a long history of use as a spice and remedy. Two well-described "cultivars" (Russian and French) are used widely and differ in ploidy level, morphology, and chemistry. Key biologically active secondary metabolites are essential oils (0.15-3.1%), coumarins (>1%), flavonoids, and phenolcarbonic acids. In vivo studies mainly in rodents, particularly from Russian sources, highlight potential anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antihyperglycemic effects. Despite concerns about the toxic effects of two of its main constituents, estragole (up to 82%) and methyleugenol (up to 39%), no acute toxicity or mutagenic activity has been reported at doses relevant for human consumption. Water extracts of A. dracunculus contain very low amounts of estragole and methyleugenol and, therefore, are considered to pose a very limited risk. Overall, a stronger focus on clinical studies and precise taxonomic and phytochemical definition of the source material will be essential for future research efforts.     

Influence of lime and phosphorus on soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) yield,leaf and seed composition on a paleudult soil

Abstract

This research was undertaken on a paleudult soil in southern Brazil, 30° south latitude, to quantify lime and P effect upon soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill). A lime x P factorial experience with lime treatments of 0, 0.5, 1, and 2 times SMP interpretation to pH 6.5, and 0, 44, 88, 132, and 176 kg P/ha with 3 replications were installed. The experiment was conducted for 2 years (1973–74, 1974–75), with leaf‐N, P, and K; yield; seed‐N, P, and K; Bray P₂ (0.03N NH₄F + 0.1N HC1) avail‐able‐P and soil pH measurements completed each year. Data was evaluated with linear, quadratic, logarithmic, polynomial, segmented line, and multiple regression using the coefficient of determination as goodness of fit.

The best model fit between P treatment and Bray P₂ available‐P was a quadratic equation; the model between relative yield and Bray P_2‐P with 54% of the relative yield attributed to Bray P₂ available‐P, a sigmented line. This model indicated point of maximum yield (91% relative yield) was obtained at 7.4 ppm‐P, with no increase in relative yield with increasing levels of soil available‐P. To calculate the P fertilizer necessary to increase available soil‐P to the level of maximum yield of equation Y_p = [1639(7.4 ‐ x_s)]^1/2, where Y_p = kg P/ha fertilizer needed; and x_s = initial Bray P₂ soil available‐P in ppm's. The lime effect upon soil pH was best described as a linear relationship. Yield increase with lime at this site was not significant at the 5% level.

The leaf‐N, P, and K increased significantly with soil available‐P levels. A second degree polynomial with logarithmic function best defined these relationships. The calculated DRIS indices and sum proved useful to evaluate the plant‐N, P, and K balance of each treatment.

Only seed‐P level was directly related to soil available‐P. Both seed‐N and seed‐K were highly correlated with indirect effects of soil available‐P levels.

Results from this study suggest the segmented line model would best interpret soybean yield response to Bray P₂ available‐P for this soil. To obtain maximum yield using this model rather than the second degree polynomial would require less fertilizer P. Foliar analyses interpretation confirmed adequate plant‐P level would be supplied for maximum yield at this level of fertilization.     

In vitro inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase activity of subfractions from ethanol extracts of fermented Oats (Avena sativa L.) and synergistic effect of three phenolic acids

The purpose of the present work is to study the pancreatic lipase inhibitory effects of different subfractions (n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EA), n-butanol, and water) from ethanol extracts of nonfermented and fungi-fermented oats and to delineate the interactions of three primary phenolic acids in the EA subfractions. The EA subfraction showed the highest inhibitory effect on pancreatic lipase activity at 1.5 mg/mL compared to the other subfractions, regardless of whether the oats were fermented. Meanwhile, both of the EA subfractions of two fungi-fermented oats demonstrated more effective inhibitory activity than that of nonfermented oats. A positive correlation between the total phenolics content and inhibitory activity was found. The inhibitory ability of the EA subfraction from nonfermented or fermented oats also displayed a dose-dependent effect. The standards of caffeic, ferulic, and p-coumaric acids, mainly included in EA subfractions of fermented oats, also displayed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect. A synergistic effect of each binary combination of p-coumaric, ferulic, and caffeic acids was observed, especially at 150.0 μg/mL. Those results indicate that fungi-fermented oats have a more effective inhibitory ability on pancreatic lipase and polyphenols may be the most effective component and could be potentially used for dietary therapy of obesity.     

Effect of liming on some chemical,biochemical, and microbiological properties of acid soils under spruce (Picea abies L.)

Summary Soil pH, total organic C, total N, exchangeable Al, available P, CO₂ evolution, microbial biomass C and N, phosphatase and dehydrogenase activities were determined in acid soils sampled under spruce subjected to acid deposition, before and after liming. A slight decrease in pH values was observed from the edge of a tree canopy to the base of the trunk in acid soils. Liming drastically reduced exchangeable Al and increased CO₂ evolution, microbial biomass, and the metabolic quotient. The microbial biomass C to total organic C ratio increased after liming but did not reach 2%, the average value considered valid in soils where the C content is in equilibrium, that is when C inputs are equal to C outputs. The microbial biomass C:N ratio decreased after liming, thus indicating that bacteria became predominant over fungi when soil acidity decreased. Dehydrogenase activity but not phosphatase activity was increased by liming. The decrease in phosphatase activity was not completely related to the increase in available P, but was also dependent on microbial growth and the decrease in acid phosphatase, the predominant component of acid soils.     

The effect of biostimulators on the content of crude oil and total protein in winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) seeds

The objective of the study was to determine the effect of the experimental factors on the seed quality of three winter oilseed rape cultivars. The following factors were studied: I-three winter oilseed rape morphotypes: population, hybrid restored characterised by a semi-dwarf growth pattern, hybrid restored characterised by a conventional growth pattern; II-two sowing methods: a spacing of 22.5?cm, a spacing of 45.0?cm; III-four types of biostimulants: control-no biostimulants, the biostimulant Tytanit^®, Asahi^®SL, Silvit^®. Seed samples were subjected to chemical analysis to determine: crude oil, total protein and crude fibre. Natural stimulants of plant growth and development contributed to an increase in crude oil ranging from 7.4 to 9.5?g?kg^–1 d.m., on average, compared with control. The biostimulants applied did not affect total protein content which was, however, affected by meteorological conditions in individual study years as well as the genetic factor. Biostimulants increased crude fibre content compared with control.     

Biochar and crop residue application to soil: effect on soil biochemical properties,nutrient availability and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

In the recent past, biochar and crop residues have attracted lots of attention as a viable strategy for maintaining soil health. This paper evaluates the comparative effect of two different doses (equivalent to 2 and 5 t C ha^?1) of each of pine needle and Lantana biochar (PBC and LBC), wheat residue and lentil residue (WR and LR) on soil biological properties, nutrient availability and yield of rice and wheat in pot culture. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) revealed higher C content of biochar than crop residues. Evaluation of biochemical quality reflected high recalcitrance indices of C and N for both PBC and LBC. Application of LBC and PBC increased the wheat grain yield significantly by 6.2%–24.2% over control. Both PBC and LBC significantly increased N and P uptakes in grain over the control and crop residues. Both biochars recorded a significant decrease of 33.9 and 71,7% in β-glucosidase activity in comparison to control at termination of study. PBC and LBC also resulted in more soil available N, P and K in soil at different intervals. The geometric mean of enzyme activities (GMea) reflected improved soil quality by PBC and LR and reduction by LBC application.     

Variation in cell wall composition among forage maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines and its impact on digestibility: analysis of neutral detergent fiber composition by pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry

Cell wall digestibility is an important determinant of forage quality, but the relationship between cell wall composition and digestibility is poorly understood. We analyzed the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fraction of nine maize inbred lines and one brown midrib3 mutant with pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS). Among 29 pyrolysis fragments that were quantified, two carbohydrate-derived and six lignin-derived fragments showed statistically significant genetic variation. The pyrolysis products 4-vinyl phenol and 2,6-dimethoxy-4-vinyl phenol were negatively correlated with digestibility, whereas furfural and 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-3-oxopropanal showed a positive correlation with digestibility. Linear discriminant analysis of the pyrolysis data resulted in the resolution of groups of inbred lines with different digestibility properties based on their chemical composition. These analyses reveal that digestibility is governed by complex interactions between different cell wall compounds, but that several pyrolysis fragments can be used as markers to distinguish between maize lines with different digestibility.     

In vitro protein digestibility and physicochemical properties of dry red bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) flour: effect of processing and incorporation of soybean and cowpea flour

A study was carried out to determine the effect of germination and drying temperature on the in vitro protein digestibility and physicochemical properties of dry red bean flours. A 2 x 3 factorial experiment with two treatments (germination and nongermination) and three drying temperatures was used for this purpose. The effect of particle size on water absorption capacity of bean flour was investigated. In addition, the effect of incorporating soybean and cowpea into the red bean flour on functional properties was equally investigated. Results reveal that protein digestibility increased with germination and also with drying temperature. Drying at 60 degrees C produced flours of optimum functional characteristics, although the hydrophilic/lipophilic index was high and the solubility index reduced. Germination and particle size as well as drying temperature all affected the water uptake properties of bean flours. Incorporation of soybean and cowpea flour into germinated bean flour at levels of 10 and 30%, respectively, produced a composite with higher functional properties.     

In vitro effect of malathion and endosulfan on the LH-induced oocyte maturation in the common CARP,Cyprinus carpio (L.)

Effect of malathion (organophosphorus insecticide) and endosulfan (organochlorine insecticide) on in vitro LH-induced oocyte maturation was investigated in the oocytes of common carp, Cyprinus carpio. In control incubation, LH at the concentration of 10 μg mL^?1 induced 41.2 ± 1.6% of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD). When the oocytes were incubated with malathion at the concentrations of 1000, 500, 100, and 50 ppb together with LH it could induce only 13.4 ± 0.4, 14.0 ± 1.0, 12.9 ± 3.5, and 18.1 ± 3.9% of GVBD, respectively. Similarly, when the oocytes were incubated with endosulfan at the concentrations of 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, and 0.01 ppb together with LH, it induced only 12.8 ± 1.6, 8.8 ± 1.2, 20.9 ± 2.1 and 26.0 ± 2.2% of GVBD, respectively. The significance of the result obtained were discussed on the basis of available literature.     

The influence of soil levels of Ca,Mg, P and Zn on the dry matter yield and chemical composition of flax (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Abstract

Flax plants were grown in growth chamber studies using 16 soils in two experiments to examine the effect of soil Ca, Mg, Zn, P, pH and conductance on flax yield and nutrient content and to identify which of these soil characteristics would be most useful in predicting the potential for Zn deficiencies in flax. Dry matter yield increased as Zn content of the soils increased and decreased as Mg content of the soil increased. Availability of P to flax increased with increasing Zn level in the soil and decreased with increasing soil Mg and pH. Availability of Zn to the plant increased as soil levels of Zn, P and the Zn/P ratio increased and decreased as soil Mg, pH and conductance increased. Deficiencies of Zn for flax production appear most likely to occur on soils that have a low Zn and Zn/P ratio and high levels of Mg, pH and conductance.     

Effect of storage temperature on the stability of anthocyanins of a fermented black carrot (Daucus carota var. L.) beverage: shalgam

The effect of temperature on the stability of shalgam anthocyanins stored at 4, 25, and 40 degrees C for 90 days was investigated. The effect of pasteurization and sorbate addition on the anthocyanin stability as compared to control was also studied. The monomeric anthocyanin content and color density decreased with increasing time as a function of storage temperature whereas the percent polymeric color and browning increased. The same trends were observed in control, pasteurized, and sorbate-added shalgam samples. Shalgam anthocyanins consisted of two nonacylated and three acylated cyanidin derivatives. Acylated anthocyanins were more stable when compared to nonacylated ones at all storage temperatures. The activation energies, 11.11-11.64 kcal/mol, were calculated from the reaction rate constants evaluated taking first-order reaction kinetics. The highest anthocyanin retention was observed at 4 degrees C storage temperature with a half-life between 231 and 239 days.     

Effects of a new wide-sweep opener for no-till planter on seed zone properties and root establishment in maize (Zea mays, L.): A comparison with double-disk opener

According to the kind of opener applied, no-tillage seeders can variously modify soil physical properties in relation to soil and climate conditions, thus potentially affecting crop emergence and early growth.The technological evolution of seeders for direct drilling of arable crops, progressively achieved in recent years, has been considerable, but new improvements now available need to be individually tested. In a field trial at Udine (NE Italy), the effects of a new kind of wide-sweep opener (i.e., side coulters curved upwards in their final part and slightly angled towards the direction of work) on soil physical properties in the seed zone and on crop emergence and early root growth of maize were evaluated in four different soils over a 2-year period (2002–2003), in comparison with the widely used double-disk opener.With respect to the double-disk opener, in general the wide-sweep type led to higher soil–residue mixing—without excessive reduction of the soil-covering index being observed, −27 and −6%, respectively. The wide-sweep opener also showed lower bulk density and soil penetration resistance in the top 5-cm soil layer of the seed furrow, although no greater root length density was found in maize at the three-leaf stage, probably due to the smoothing effect caused by the side coulters at the seeding depth. A certain delay in plant emergence in some cases was also revealed for the wide-sweep opener, which may be related to the lower soil/seed contact.Deviations from this general behaviour in the various soils (texture and initial conditions) are discussed.