[Neurosurgical treatment of tumors of the pineal region - literature review and overview of cases at OMIII]. / A pineális régió tumorainak idegsebészeti ellátása ­ irodalmi áttekintés és az OMIII beteganyagának vizsgálata.

Pineal region tumors account for less than 1% of adult supratentorial tumors. Their treatment requires a multimodality approach. Previously, the treatment of choice was direct surgery, which is associated with high surgical risk. Advances in minimally invasive techniques and onco-radiotherapy offer a safe and multimodal personalized therapy. The aim of our study was to describe the practice of our Institute based on combined endoscopic and radiotherapy techniques. We performed a retrospective clinical study. We processed data from 23 adult patients who underwent endoscopic third ventricle fenestration and pineal tumor biopsy between 2014 and 2023. Descriptive statistics, t-test, Fisher's exact test and Kaplan-Meier analysis were performed. Clinical improvement with endoscopic intervention was achieved in 78.3% of cases. Significant increase in preoperative performance status was observed in the postoperative period (p=2.755e-5), and radiotherapy resulted in regression or stable disease. Our results suggest a safe treatment with good clinical outcome and an excellent alternative to direct surgery.

Potentially toxic trace elements in bee bread, propolis, beeswax and royal jelly - A review of the literature and dietary risk assessment.

Scientific evidence suggests that apicultural products accumulate pollutants present in the hive environment, thus, they can be used as bioindicators. However, our understanding on the food safety implications of the presence of potentially toxic trace elements in these products remains incomplete. In our study, available data on the trace metal content of bee bread, propolis, beeswax and royal jelly, as well as their possible sources are reviewed. Furthermore, dietary risk assessments were conducted for elements that do not have any biological role in humans by comparing the estimated exposures with official reference values. In the case of elements with genotoxic carcinogen potential, the margin of exposure (MoE) approach was applied. The observed concentration ranges vary over a wide range for Fe (0.94-2125.20 mg/kg), Zn (

Examination of the Effects of Domestic Water Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Grazing on Wetland and Dry Grassland Habitats.

In nature conservation today, there is a global problem with the aggressive expansion of invasive plant species and the conservation of valuable grassland vegetation. Based on this, the following question has been formed: Is the domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) appropriate for managing various habitat types? How does grazing by water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) affect on grassland vegetation? This study was carried out in four areas of Hungary. One of the sample areas was in the Mátra Mountains, on dry grassland areas where grazing had been applied for two, four and six years. The other sample areas were in the Zámolyi Basin, where wet fens with a high risk of Solidago gigantea and in a typic Pannonian dry grassland were investigated. In all areas, grazing was carried out with domestic water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). During the study, we carried out a coenological survey, examining the change of cover of plant species, their feed values and the biomass of the grassland. According to the results, both the number and cover of economically important grasses (from 28% to 34.6%) and legumes (from 3.4% to 25.4%) increased in Mátra as well as the high proportion of shrubs (from 41.8% to 4.4%) shifted toward grassland species. In the areas of the Zámolyi Basin, invasive Solidago has been suppressed completely, the pasture has been converted completely (from 16% to 1%) and the dominant species has become Sesleria uliginosa. Thus, we have found that grazing with buffalo is suitable as a habitat management method in both dry grasslands and wet grasslands. Therefore, in addition to its effectiveness in the control of Solidago gigantea, grazing with buffalo is successful in both nature conservation and economic aspects of grassland vegetation.

Pesticide residues in bee bread, propolis, beeswax and royal jelly - A review of the literature and dietary risk assessment.

Due to pollinator decline observed worldwide, many studies have been conducted on the pesticide residue content of apicultural products including bee bread, propolis, beeswax and royal jelly. These products are consumed for their nutraceutical properties, although, little information is available on the human health risk posed by pesticides present in them. In our research, studies dealing with the pesticide contamination of the above-mentioned hive products are reviewed. Dietary exposures were calculated based on the recommended daily intake values and concentration data reported by scientific studies. Potential acute and chronic health risk of consumers were evaluated by comparing the exposure values with health-based guidance values. Available data indicate that a wide range of pesticide residues, especially acaricides may accumulate in bee bread, propolis and beeswax, up to concentration levels of more thousand µg/kg. Based on our observations, tau-fluvalinate, coumaphos, chlorfenvinphos, chlorpyrifos and amitraz are commonly detected pesticide active substances in beehive products. Our estimates suggest that coumaphos and chlorfenvinphos can accumulate in beeswax to an extent that pose a potential health risk to the consumers of comb honey. However, it appears that pesticide residues do not transfer to royal jelly, presumably due to the filtering activity of nurse bees during secretion.

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) Flour Varieties as Promising New Ingredients for Gluten-Free Cookies.

Monotony in a gluten-free (GF) diet can be a challenge because of a limited choice of acceptable cereal sources. This study investigates the potential of five types of differently coloured lentils in the development of GF cookies using rice flour as a reference. Raw materials (lentil flours) and cookies were characterised in terms of physicochemical parameters (e.g., crude protein content, total phenolics and flavonoids, antioxidant properties, colour, pH); additionally, geometry, baking loss and texture profile were determined for the cookies. A sensory acceptance test was also conducted to find out consumer preferences regarding rice versus different lentil cookies. Results showed that lentil cookies were superior to rice control in terms of higher crude protein (12.1−14.8 vs. 3.8 g/100 g), phenolic (136.5−342.3 vs. 61.5 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g) and flavonoid (23.8−75.9 vs. 13.1 mg catechin equivalents/100 g) content and antioxidant capacity (0.60−1.81 vs. 0.35 mmol trolox equivalents/100 g), as well as lower hydroxymethyl-furfural content (<1 vs. 26.2 mg/kg). Consumers preferred lentil cookies to rice ones (overall liking: 6.1−7.0 vs. 5.6, significant differences for red and brown lentils), liking especially their taste (6.3−7.0 vs. 5.5). Depending on the target parameter, whether physicochemical or sensory, these lentil flours can be promising raw materials for GF bakery products.

Determination of Pesticides in Bee Pollen: Validation of a Multiresidue High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry Method and Testing Pollen Samples of Selected Botanical Origin.

Pollen is a source of nutrients for honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) and suitable for human consumption as well. In our research, a multiresidue method for pesticide determination was developed and validated for the bee pollen matrix. 247 components met the validation criteria for limit of detection, limit of quantification, linearity, and interday repeatability. Average recoveries varied between 70 and 120% except for 14 analytes, which were corrected during on-going validation. The matrix effect was strong for certain analytes, which required the use of matrix-matched calibration. The pesticide residue profiles of 21 pollen samples of different botanical origins were identified by the developed method. The most common active substances were chlorpyrifos, thiacloprid, and acetamiprid. Some products contained pesticides that are already banned. According to our estimates, the tested samples do not pose an acute risk on honeybees, although the combination of pesticides may cause synergistic toxicity.

Biscuits Enriched with Monofloral Bee Pollens: Nutritional Properties, Techno-Functional Parameters, Sensory Profile, and Consumer Preference.

Bee pollens are potential functional food ingredients as they contain essential nutrients and a wide range of bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of enrichment with monofloral bee pollens on the nutritional properties, techno-functional parameters, sensory profile, and consumer preference of biscuits. Biscuits were prepared according to the AACC-approved method by substituting wheat flour with pollens of rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) at 2%, 5% and 10% levels. The macronutrient composition of the biscuits was determined: crude protein content (Kjeldahl method), crude fat content (Soxhlet extraction), ash content (carbonization), moisture content (drying), carbohydrate content (formula). Their total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant capacity (FRAP, TEAC, DPPH) were determined spectrophotometrically. The colour of the biscuits was measured using a tristimulus-based instrument, and their texture was characterized by using a texture analyser. Sensory profile of biscuits was determined by qualitative descriptive analysis (QDA). The consumer acceptance and purchase intention of the biscuits were also evaluated, based on the responses of 100 consumers. Additionally, an external preference map was created to illustrate the relationship between consumer preference and the sensory profile of the biscuits, and penalty analysis was conducted to identify directions for product development. Phacelia pollen appeared to be the most effective for improving the nutritional quality of biscuits. The addition of phacelia pollen at the 10% substitution level increased the protein content and TPC of the control biscuit by 21% and 145%, respectively. Significant changes (p < 0.05) were also observed regarding the colour and texture of biscuits. The results of the QDA revealed that biscuits containing pollens of different botanical sources have heterogeneous sensory attributes. The biscuit containing sunflower pollen at the 2% substitution level was preferred the most (overall liking = 6.9 ± 1.6), and purchase intentions were also the highest for this product. Based on the results of the present study, it is recommended to use sunflower pollen for developing pollen-enriched foods in the future.

Pituitary apoplexy: Surgical or conservative management? / Agyalapimirigy-apoplexia: Sebészi vagy konzervatív kezelés?

Összefoglaló. Az agyalapimirigy-apoplexia ritka klinikai kórkép, mely hirtelen kialakult bevérzés vagy infarktus következményeként jelenik meg. A hypophysisadenomás betegek 2-12%-ában fordul elo, a leggyakrabban funkcionálisan inaktív daganatokban, de jelentkezhet gyógyszeresen kezelt adenomákban is. Klinikai képe hirtelen kialakuló heves fejfájás, mely látászavarral vagy kettos látással társulhat, de meningealis izgalmi jel, a tudati szint romlása is elofordulhat. A bevérzés miatt kialakult kortikotropinhiány kezelés nélkül mellékvese-elégtelenséghez vezet. A mágneses rezonancia a komputertomográfhoz képest jobban kimutatja az adenoma bevérzését vagy akár infarktusát. Retrospektív tanulmányok a korábbi, azonnali idegsebészeti beavatkozás helyett a konzervatív kezelés létjogosultságát emelik ki. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(38): 1520-1525. Summary. Pituitary apoplexy is a rare clinical syndrome secondary to haemorrhage or infarction of pituitary adenoma. The prevalence is 2-12% of pituitary adenoma patients especially in nonfunctioning tumours but may be found in medically treated adenomas as well. Its clinical picture is sudden onset of headache with visual disturbances and/or ocular palsy. Meningeal signs and altered consciousness can occur. Corticotropin deficiency if untreated can lead to adrenal insufficiency. Compared to computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging better demonstrates the haemorrhage or even infarction of pituitary adenoma. Retrospective studies emphasize the wait-and-see management instead of the formerly considered urgent neurosurgical intervention. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(38): 1520-1525.

Supplementary valproate therapy for glioma patients: An alternative opportunity to enhance the efficiency of radio-chemotherapy / A valproátterápia túlélésre gyakorolt hatása gliomás betegekben: Alternatív terápiás lehetoség a radiokemoterápia eredményességének javítására

Összefoglaló. Bevezetés: A gliomák, ezen belül a glioblastoma kezelése továbbra is megoldatlan onkológiai problémát jelent. A szekunder szimptómás epilepsziabetegség megjelenése pozitív prognosztikai faktornak tekintheto a korai diagnosztizálás és az antiepileptikumok potenciális tumorellenes hatásának köszönhetoen. A valproát túlélést hosszabbító hatása már több mint 20 éve az alap- és klinikai kutatások tárgyát képezi. Napjainkban ismert citotoxikus, proapoptotikus, antiangiogenetikus és hiszton-deacetiláz-gátló hatásmechanizmusa. Célkituzés: Kutatásunk célja a valproát túlélést hosszabbító hatásának vizsgálata egy hazai gliomás betegcsoportban. Módszer: Egycentrumos, retrospektív klinikai vizsgálatot végeztünk. A vizsgálatba 122 felnott beteget vontunk be, akiknél 2000 januárja és 2018 januárja között supratentorialis glioma miatt mutét történt, és rohamtevékenység miatt antiepileptikumot (valproát, levetiracetám, karbamazepin) szedtek. Egyúttal gyógyszert nem szedo kontrollcsoportot is kialakítottunk. A populációt vizsgálati és kontrollcsoportokra osztottuk 28 : 52 arányban. Leíró statisztikai, Kaplan-Meier- és log-rank analízist végeztünk. Eredmények: A vizsgált szövettani kategóriák túlélési analízise az irodalmi adatokkal megegyezo értékeket mutatott. A progressziómentes (PFS: p = 0,031) és a teljes (OS: p = 0,027) túlélés tekintetében is szignifikáns eltérés mutatkozott a különbözo antiepileptikumot szedo betegcsoportok között, amely még kifejezettebbé vált a valproátot és az egyéb antiepileptikumot szedo betegek túlélési idejének összehasonlítása során (PFS: p = 0,006; OS: p = 0,015). Következtetés: Vizsgálatunkban a valproát betegeink PFS- és OS-idejének meghosszabbodását eredményezte. Az irodalmi adatok és kutatásunk alapján megfontolandónak tartjuk a valproát elso vonalban történo alkalmazását onkoterápiában részesülo, epilepsziás, agyi gliomás betegekben. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(24): 960-967. INTRODUCTION: Gliomas still prove to be a serious oncological problem. The presence of epilepsy may present a favorable prognosis due to early diagnosis and the potential antitumor effects of antiepileptic drugs. The survival prolongation effect of valproate has been studied for more than 20 years, nowadays its proapoptotic, anti-angiogenetic, cytotoxic and histone deacetylase inhibitory effects are well known. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to investigate the survival-enhancing effects of valproate in a Hungarian patient cohort of primary brain tumors. METHOD: A single-center based retrospective clinical trial was designed. In our study, we included 122 patients harboring supratentorial glioma who underwent surgery and experienced seizures between 2000 January and 2018 January. The patients were grouped by the antiepileptic therapies and survival analysis was performed. RESULTS: The Kaplan-Meier curves of the histological categories showed the survival values consistent with the data of the literature. The progression-free (PFS: p = 0.031) and the overall (OS: p = 0.027) survival of the antiepileptic drug categories were significantly different. It was performed by comparing the valproate group and the population formed by the other groups which also showed a significant increase in the survival values (PFS: p = 0.006; OS: p = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Our results show that valproate increases the PFS and OS period of glioma patients in comparison to other antiepileptic drugs. Our data suggest that the use of valproic acid should be considered as a first-line antiepileptic agent in certain well-selected epileptic patients with glioma as a supplement to the oncotherapy. Orv Hetil. 2021; 162(24): 960-967.

Classification of Bee Pollen and Prediction of Sensory and Colorimetric Attributes-A Sensometric Fusion Approach by e-Nose, e-Tongue and NIR.

The chemical composition of bee pollens differs greatly and depends primarily on the botanical origin of the product. Therefore, it is a crucially important task to discriminate pollens of different plant species. In our work, we aim to determine the applicability of microscopic pollen analysis, spectral colour measurement, sensory, NIR spectroscopy, e-nose and e-tongue methods for the classification of bee pollen of five different botanical origins. Chemometric methods (PCA, LDA) were used to classify bee pollen loads by analysing the statistical pattern of the samples and to determine the independent and combined effects of the above-mentioned methods. The results of the microscopic analysis identified 100% of sunflower, red clover, rapeseed and two polyfloral pollens mainly containing lakeshore bulrush and spiny plumeless thistle. The colour profiles of the samples were different for the five different samples. E-nose and NIR provided 100% classification accuracy, while e-tongue > 94% classification accuracy for the botanical origin identification using LDA. Partial least square regression (PLS) results built to regress on the sensory and spectral colour attributes using the fused data of NIR spectroscopy, e-nose and e-tongue showed higher than 0.8 R2 during the validation except for one attribute, which was much higher compared to the independent models built for instruments.

Effect of xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) addition on technological and sensory attributes of cookies.

Xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS) are nondigestible oligosaccharides (NDO) which are recently authorized as novel food ingredients in European Union. Present study introduces the effect of XOS on baking quality of cookies. Color measurements proved that XOS enhance the caramelization during baking. Texture profile, geometry, and baking loss of cookies showed little changes due to XOS addition indicating that XOS are easy to incorporate into baking products. Based on sensory evaluation by expert panel, it was observed that XOS increased the "baked character" of the cookies as indicated by the increased caramel flavor, darker color, and crispier texture. XOS addition also increased the sweet taste and global taste intensity of cookies suggesting that in bakery products XOS evolve a flavor enhancer role. XOS proved to be a promising new alternative to increase dietary fiber content of cereal-based cookies.

Quantification of nitrate content with FT-NIR technique in lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) variety types: a statistical approach.

According to the Commission Regulation (EC) No. 1258/2011, the maximum allowed nitrate content of lettuce is defined within a broad range (2000-5000 mg NO3/kg), depending on harvest season and technology. This study focuses on the identification of the differences in nitrate accumulation between lettuce types and varieties, depending on production technology and on the investigation of the application of non-destructive FT-NIR spectroscopy for nitrate quantification, towards widely used UV-Vis spectroscopy. In the present study, combinations of seasons and technologies (spring × greenhouse, autumn × open field) were employed for the production of types (batavia, butterhead, lollo and oak leaf; both red and green colored); a total of 266 lettuce heads were analyzed. It was found that with standardized technology and conditions, autumn harvested green oak leaf lettuce types accumulated significantly less nitrate, than red oak or lollo leaf types. With spring harvested lettuces, batavia types generally accumulated generally more nitrates than butterhead types. Based on the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of FT-NIR measurements the four distinct variety types diverge; the lollo type explicitly diverges from batavia and butterhead types. The LDA further revealed, that within lollo and oak leaf variety types, red and green leaved varieties diverge as well. A model was successfully built for the FT-NIR quantification of the nitrate content of lettuce samples (R2 = 0.95; RMSEE = 74.4 mg/kg fresh weight; Q2 = 0.90; RMSECV = 99.4 mg/kg fresh weight). The developed model is capable of the execution of a fast and non-invasive measurement; the method is suitable for the routine measurement of nitrate content in lettuce.

Development of bacterial cellulose-ZnO-MWCNT hybrid membranes: a study of structural and mechanical properties.

Self-supported and flexible bacterial cellulose (BC) based hybrid membranes were synthesized and decorated with zinc oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotube (ZnO-MWCNT) composite additives in order to modify and tune their surface and bulk properties. Two types of ZnO-MWCNT additives with different morphologies were used in a wide concentration range from 0 to 90% for BC-based hybrids produced by filtration. The interaction between BC and ZnO-MWCNT and the effect of concentration and morphology of additives on the properties like zeta potential, hydrophilicity, electrical conductivity, etc. would be an important factor in various applications. Furthermore, the as-prepared hybrid membranes were characterized with the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and surface area measurement (BET). Applying the presented synthesis routes, the surface properties of BC-based membranes can be tailored easily. Results reveal that the as-prepared BC-ZnO-MWCNT hybrid membranes can be ideal candidates for different kinds of applications, such as water filtration or catalysts.

Xylo-oligosaccharides as texture modifier compounds in aqueous media and in combination with food thickeners.

Present study introduces the previously not-described rheological properties of a nondigestible oligosaccharide: xylo-oligosaccharide which is a novel food ingredient in Europe. Significant differences were observed among viscosity of solutions of different formulas (liquid or powder) of XOS. Thickening potential of XOS in aqueous media compared to that of sucrose (Suc) or fructo-oligosaccharides strongly depends on utilization level: At low concentration, XOS proved to be weaker while at high concentration to be stronger than fructo-oligosaccharides. Differences in viscosity of XOS, FOS, and sucrose were much higher at below 60°C than at higher temperatures. Storage and loss modulii of xanthan gum gels were not influenced while those of locust bean gum were affected negatively by XOS addition. Addition of XOS at low concentrations did not decrease gelatin gel strength but increased gelatin gel stability against mechanical stress. XOS proved to have different rheological behavior from previously used oligosaccharides.

How to objectively determine the color of beer?

Beer color is an important sensory attribute, the first one that the consumer observes. There are two standard methods accepted for determining the color of these products, one related to the European Brewery Convention (EBC) and the other is the Standard Reference Method (SRM). Both methods are based on absorbance, but in case of the more and more popular fruit beers these methods give false result since these products appear in varied colors and have different spectra than regular beers. In this study 39 different types of beers were investigated, including fruit beers and beer based mixed drinks to compare their color in CIE 1976 L*a*b* color space, absorption-based colors and transmission spectra. ΔE*ab values of products with less than 5% EBC difference ranged from 4.5 to 17.4. There were magnitude differences in the transmission spectra of these products, fruit beers showed different tendencies due to the added fruit or fruit juice. The highest ΔE*ab value belonged to two traditional Weissbiers. Absorption-based methods are not able in many cases to differentiate between products which have nearly the same EBC or SRM color but visually are different. A multi-wavelength method would be reasonable to be developed for more objective and accurate beer color determination.

[Early experience with CyberKnife treatment in case of intra-, suprasellar hypernephroma metastasis]. / Korai tapasztalataink CyberKnife-kezeléssel suprasellarisan is terjedo hypernephroma-áttét esetén.

Among tumours found in the suprasellar region metastases are very rare and the most frequent primary tumours are lung and breast cancer. Data of a patient with clear cell renal carcinoma with intra-suprasellar metastasis will be discussed. As in most of the tumours in the sellar region, the first symptom was visual deterioration with visual field defect. A transsphenoidal debulking of the tumour was performed and the residual tumor was treated by CyberKnife hypofractionated stereotactic radiotherapy. Both our patient's visual acuity and visual field impairment improved after the surgery and CyberKnife treatment. At 6-month after irradiation, MR of the sella showed a complete remission of the tumour. This was the first treatment with CyberKnife in our country in case of a tumour close to the optic chiasm. According to our best knowledge, there are 21 cases in the literature with renal cell carcinoma metastasis in the suprasellar region.

[The effect of bevacizumab monotherapy on progression free survival in recurrent glioblastoma]. / A bevacizumab-monoterápia hatása a progressziómentes túlélésre rekurrens glioblastomában szenvedo betegek esetében.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Glioblastoma, WHO grade IV is the most frequent primary malignant brain tumor in adults. There are few articles and result about the efficacy of bevacizumab monotherapy. The aim of our paper is to examine the effect of bevacizumab therapy on progression free and overall survival in an extended database of recurrent glioblastoma patients. METHODS: In our retrospective study, patients with recurrent glioblastoma treated with bevacizumab had been collected. All of our patients received first line chemo-irradiation according the Stupp protocol treatment. The histological diagnosis was primary or secondary glioblastoma in every patient. The prognostic features of primary and secondary glioblastomas were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty-six patients were selected into the retrospective analysis. The histological diagnosis was primary glioblastoma in 65 patients (75.6%) and secondary glioblastoma in 21 patients (24.4%). The mean follow up period was 36.5 months. The mean second progression free survival beside bevacizumab therapy was 6.59 months and the mean overall survival was 24.55 months. In secunder glioblastoma cases, the mean second progression free survival was 6.16 months and the mean overall survival was 91.94 months. CONCLUSION: The bevacizumab therapy is a safe option in recurrent glioblastoma patients. Bevacizumab therapy has a positive effect both on progression free and overall survival and our results confirm the findings in the literature. There is no statistically significant difference in the second progression free survival between glioblastoma subtypes.

Panel performance monitoring by Poincaré plot: A case study on flavoured bottled waters.

The application of the Poincaré method is discussed on the field of sensory panel performance monitoring. The Poincaré plot evaluates and visualizes the difference from the consensus for each panelist even for one product and for one attribute. Sensory tests were carried out on 5 commercially available brands of pear-lemon and josta flavoured bottled waters. Several sensory parameters were assessed and a complex dissimilarity index was calculated. Based on this index the attributes and panelists can be ranked highlighting the attribute which was the hardest to evaluate and the most consistent panel member. Our method has been compared to the other methods using the sum of ranking difference method and cross-validated by leave-one-out technique. Regarding both the ranking of the panelists and the ranking of the attributes significant differences were found between the Poincaré method and the traditional techniques since the sum of ranking difference was greater than the critical value of 39 and 79 at 5%, respectively. Only the Poincaré method was able to indicate sweet flavour as the easiest attribute to evaluate. Free R code is available to carry out the calculations and apply this method.

Use of JAR-Based Analysis for Improvement of Product Acceptance: A Case Study on Flavored Kefirs.

A common question of dairy product developments is the possible success of the new product. Several publications reported successful results using just-about-right (JAR) scales; although there is some debate about their advantages/disadvantages. This study highlights the limitations and opportunities of JAR scales and penalty analysis of fruit flavored kefirs. The first question is whether penalty analysis results help to improve the product and thus its overall liking (OAL)? The second question is what happens to those who rated the products "ideal" (JAR) before product development when evaluating the new products? Fruit flavored live-flora stirred-type kefir samples were formulated and evaluated by 92 consumers before and after the JAR-based product development. The OAL of two products significantly increased after product development. A new visualization tool is introduced, which shows what happens to those who rated the attribute as JAR but the attribute has been modified. A general product development scheme is also introduced for JAR-based kefir product development.

The Influence of Cultivars and Phenological Phases on the Accumulation of Nevadensin and Salvigenin in Basil (Ocimum basilicum).

According to the earlier literature the optimum harvest time for basil is at the full flowering stage if accumulation of essential oil is taken into account. In this research we have investigated our gene-bank stored basil accessions to determine whether the harvest timing is variety specific or not considering their flavonoid accumulation pattern. In our work we have determined by HPLC the content of two main flavonoid compounds, salvigenin and nevadensin, of eight different gene bank accessions from 2013 of Ocimum basilicum L. Data were analysed with the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Multiple pairwise comparisons were made using the Conover-Iman procedure where the significance level was 5%. We have observed that the optimum harvest time is at the full flowering stage in the case of accessions 'Genovese' and 'Piros', but this was not verified for the others. The result of our experiment has shown that the maximum salvigenin and nevadensin content was detected both at the full- and early flowering period. Almost in all phenological phases the accession 'M. Grünes' accumulated the highest level of nevadensin, while accession 'Lengyel' produced the lowest results in all phenological phases. Generally it could be observed that compared with nevadensin more salvigenin is accumulated, and it is independent of the phenological phases. In the case of salvigenin, 'M. Grünes' accession produced the largest quantity and accession 'Dark Opal' showed the lowest values. Our analyses demonstrated that harvest at different phenological phases may result in different amounts of active agents according to the cultivar.