Ellagic acid, vitamin C, and total phenolic contents and radical scavenging capacity affected by freezing and frozen storage in raspberry fruit

The ellagic acid, total phenolic, and vitamin C contents in four raspberry cultivars (Heritage, Autumn Bliss, Rubi, and Zeva) grown in Spain were detected and quantified by HPLC in fresh, just frozen, and stored fruits at -20 degrees C for a one year period. Ellagic acid [207-244 mg kg(-)(1) of fresh weight (fw)], total phenolic (137-1776 mg kg(-)(1) of fw), and vitamin C (221-312 mg kg(-)(1) of fw) contents in raw material were higher in the late cultivars Zeva and Rubi than in the early cultivars Autumn Bliss and Heritage. The freezing process slightly affected the values of extracted ellagic acid, total phenolic, and vitamin C content. At the end of long-term frozen storage (12 months), no significant change of total phenolic content extracted was observed, but significant decreases of 14-21% in ellagic acid and of 33-55% in vitamin C were quantified. Free radical scavenging capacity measured as antiradical efficiency (AE) depends on the seasonal period of harvest. Late cultivars, Rubi (6.1 x 10(-)(4)) and Zeva (10.17 x 10(-)(4)), showed higher AE than early cultivars, Heritage (4.02 x 10(-)(4)) and Autumn Bliss (4.36 x 10(-)(4)). The freezing process produced a decrease of AE values in the four cultivars ranging between 4 and 26%. During the frozen storage, the AE values reached after the freezing process remained unchanged.     

Behavior of Brick Samples in Aggressive Environments

The weathering of different brick samples ina range of aggressive environments has been studied.Brick samples were prepared using two clay types (fromGranada, Spain), different additives, and a range offiring temperatures (850–1100 °C). The brickscompositional and textural characteristics wereevaluated using XRD, SEM, hydric tests and mercuryintrusion porosimetry (MIP). The samples weresubjected to accelerate aging, including wet-dry,freeze-thaw and salt crystallization cycles. The decayof the bricks in polluted atmospheres was simulated ina static chamber containing sulfur dioxide (SO₂)at 25 °C and 50% relative humidity. Samplesfired at 1000 °C proved to be the most durable,with better hydric behavior (fast drying and slowwater absorption) and fewer micropores. However, theywere not suitable for salt-rich environments (badperformance in the salt decay test). Samples fired at850 °C turned out to be more resistant to saltdecay, but they showed a poor hydric behavior (slowdrying and rapid water absorption) and littleresistance to freeze-thaw and wet-dry cycles. Samplesfired at 1100 °C had good hydric behavior, theyperformed well in the salt decay test, but they didnot perform as well as the samples fired at1000 °C in most accelerated aging tests. Gypsumformed on all the brick samples submitted to SO₂atmosphere regardless exposure time (e.g. gypsumappears following just 24 h of exposure),composition, or firing temperature. Samples withdeposited particulate matter collected from vehicleexhausts (diesel, as well as leaded and non-leadedgasoline motor cars) resulted in the fastest gypsumdevelopment and greater abundance. On the other hand,the blank samples, and the samples withpollution-derived dust collected from historicalbuildings showed little gypsum development. Theimplications of these results in historicalbrick-building preservation in a range of aggressiveenvironments, and in polluted atmospheres inparticular, are discussed.     

Defining the validity of a biochemical index of soil quality

 The native soils of Galicia (NW Spain) exhibit a biochemical equilibrium such that total soil N is a function of five biochemical and microbiological parameters: microbial biomass C, mineralized N, phosphomonoesterase, β-glucosidase and urease activities. To investigate whether the ratio of the total N calculated from biochemical soil properties (Nc) and the total N as measured by the Kjeldahl method (Nk; Nc/Nk) can be used as an index of soil quality, we determined these variables and consequently the ratio in three kinds of disturbed soils: an artificially Cu-contaminated soil, two lignite mine soils, and a number of arable soils. In none of the studied soils did the individual biochemical parameters respond consistently to the factors influencing soil quality, but in all cases soil degradation was reflected by the Nc/Nk value, which differed more or less markedly from 100%. Nc/Nk can therefore be used for the rapid evaluation of soil degradation, since it distinguishes among biochemically balanced soils, soils in a transient state of high microbiological and biochemical activity and degraded soils. It can also serve as a reliable basis for the rapid calculation of the "ecological dose" (ED₅₀) of soil pollutants. The use of Nc/Nk as an objective index of the biochemical quality of soils is recommended. Received: 20 December 1998     

Partial characterization of polyphenol oxidase activity in raspberry fruits.

A partial characterization of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity in raspberry fruits is described. Two early cultivars harvested in May/June (Heritage and Autumm Bliss) and two late cultivars harvested in October-November (Ceva and Rubi) were analyzed for PPO activity. Stable and highly active PPO extracts were obtained using insoluble poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and Triton X-100 in sodium phosphate, pH 7.0 buffer. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of raspberry extracts under nondenaturing conditions resolved in one band (R(f)()(1) = 0.25). Raspberry PPO activity has pH optima of 8.0 and 5.5, both with catechol (0.1 M). Maximum activity was with D-catechin (catecholase activity), followed by p-coumaric acid (cresolase activity). Heritage raspberry also showed PPO activity toward 4-methylcatechol. Ceva and Autumm Bliss raspberries showed the higher PPO activity using catechol as substrate.     

Ion chromatographic determination of chloride in mustard sauces.

A new, simple, precise, and rapid ion chromatography (IC) method has been developed to determine chloride in mustard sauces using a mixture of phthalic acid, acetone, and water adjusted to pH 5.0 as eluent. Conductometric detection was carried out. The retention time for chloride was 1.5 min. Linearity was obtained up to a concentration level of 100 mg/L NaCl. The method was statistically evaluated for accuracy and precision after being used to assay the chloride from mustard sauces. Within the same samples, the chloride levels obtained by IC were compared with the sodium concentrations quantified by atomic absorption spectrophotometry.     

Adsorption of whey protein isolate at the oil-water interface as a function of processing conditions: a rheokinetic study

In this paper we present surface dynamic properties (interfacial tension and surface dilational properties) of a whey protein isolate with a high content of beta-lactoglobulin (WPI) adsorbed on the oil-water interface as a function of adsorption time. The experiments were performed at constant temperature (20 degrees C), pH (5), and ionic strength (0.05 M). The surface rheological parameters and the interfacial tension were measured as a function of WPI concentration (ranging from 1 x 10(-)(1) to 1 x 10(-)(5)% w/w) and different processing factors (effect of convection and heat treatment). We found that the interfacial pressure, pi, and surface dilational modulus, E, increase and the phase angle, phi, decreases with time, theta, which should be associated with WPI adsorption. These phenomena have been related to diffusion of the protein toward the interface (at short adsorption time) and to the protein unfolding and/or protein-protein interactions (at long-term adsorption) as a function of protein concentration in solution and processing conditions.     

Direct analysis of pesticide residues in olive oil by on-line reversed phase liquid chromatography-gas chromatography using an automated through oven transfer adsorption desorption (TOTAD) interface

A fully automated on-line reversed phase liquid chromatography-gas chromatography system is described. The system uses a prototype of the automated through oven transfer adsorption desorption interface. The system is demonstrated by presenting a new rapid method for the determination of pesticide residue in olive oil, which is injected directly with no sample pretreatment step other than filtration. Methanol:water is used as the eluent in the LC preseparation step, while the LC fraction containing the pesticide is automatically transferred to the gas chromatograph. Detection limits of pesticides varied from 0.18 to 0.44 mg/L when a flame ionization detector was used. As an example, relative standard deviation and linear calibration are presented for terbutryne.     

1-methylcyclopropene increases storability and shelf life in climacteric and nonclimacteric plums

The effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at three different doses (0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 microL L(-1)) on the ripening processes of a climacteric, cv. Santa Rosa, and a suppressed climacteric type, cv. Golden Japan, plum was studied. For both cultivars, positive effects were observed in terms of inhibition of ethylene production and delays of the physical, chemical, and biochemical changes associated with ripening. 1-MCP-treated plums were firmer with lower weight loss, reduced degrees Brix/titratable acidity ratios, and lower color changes during cold storage and subsequent shelf life at 20 degrees C than controls. For most factors, the effectiveness of 1-MCP was dose-dependent in Santa Rosa but dose-independent for Golden Japan.     

Tillage effects on microbial biomass and nutrient distribution in soils under rain-fed corn production in central-western Mexico

Quantifying how tillage systems affect soil microbial biomass and nutrient cycling by manipulating crop residue placement is important for understanding how production systems can be managed to sustain long-term soil productivity. Our objective was to characterize soil microbial biomass, potential N mineralization and nutrient distribution in soils (Vertisols, Andisols, and Alfisols) under rain-fed corn (Zea mays L.) production from four mid-term (6 years) tillage experiments located in central-western, Mexico. Treatments were three tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT) and no tillage (NT). Soil was collected at four locations (Casas Blancas, Morelia, Apatzingán and Tepatitlán) before corn planting, at depths of 0–50, 50–100 and 100–150 mm. Conservation tillage treatments (MT and NT) significantly increased crop residue accumulation on the soil surface. Soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, potential N mineralization, total N, and extractable P were highest in the surface layer of NT and decreased with depth. Soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, total N and extractable P of plowed soil were generally more evenly distributed throughout the 0–150 mm depth. Potential N mineralization was closely associated with organic C and microbial biomass. Higher levels of soil organic C, microbial biomass C and N, potential N mineralization, total N, and extractable P were directly related to surface accumulation of crop residues promoted by conservation tillage management. Quality and productivity of soils could be maintained or improved with the use of conservation tillage.