Studies on preparation of mixed fruit toffee from Fig and Guava fruits.

Studies were carried out to develop a technology for preparation of mixed fruit toffee from fig and guava fruit pulp and to evaluate the changes in quality of prepared toffees during storage under ambient as well as refrigerated conditions for 180 days. Among the various combinations of fig and guava fruit pulp, toffee prepared from75:25 w/w (fig: guava) ratios was found better than other combinations in respect to yield, organoleptic properties and nutritional quality. The cost of toffee prepared from higher level of fig pulp i.e. 75:25 (fig:guava) ratio was higher (Rs. 71.84/kg). The storage studies of toffees packed in 200 gauge polyethylene bags indicated that the TSS, reducing and total sugars increased with the advancement of storage period, while moisture and acidity content decreased. The rate of reactions was relatively higher at ambient temperature than refrigerated temperature. Though the sensory quality of toffees also decreased at faster rate during 180 days storage period at ambient condition than the refrigerated condition yet the toffees were found to be acceptable even after 180 days at both the conditions.

Studies on dehydration of figs using different sugar syrup treatments.

The ripe fig (Ficus carica L) fruits of cultivar cv., 'Deanna' were steam treated at 90°C and 10 psi for 5 min in autoclave. Steamed fruits were dipped in sucrose, glucose, fructose and invert sugar syrups at 50°Brix for 24 h for getting desired total soluble solids content. The treated fruits were further dried to 20% moisture in a cabinet dryer at 50-55°C. Good quality and acceptable dried figs could be prepared by using invert sugar syrup treatment. Dried figs prepared using invert sugar and packed in aluminum foil pouch and stored at ambient (27 ± 2°C) as well as refrigerated (10 ± 2°C) temperature remained in excellent condition up to 6 months.

Effect of warm-rearing and heat acclimation on pituitary-gonadal axis in male rats.

Plasma gonadotrophic and testicular hormones concentrations in both immature and adult male rats exposed to 34 degrees C of ambient temperature were determined. In vitro steroidogenic ability of interstitial cells from experimental rats was also studied. Four groups of rats (n = 45) were used. Warm-reared (WR) males were housed in 34 degrees C and control-reared rats in 20 degrees C from birth to adulthood. The other groups were acclimated to 34 degrees C [warm-acclimated (WA) group] or 20 degrees C [deacclimated (DA) group] as adults. Decreased body weight and testis weight (p < 0.05) was found in heat-exposed groups, but relative testis weight was unchanged in WA and increased (p < 0.05) in WR and DA males. Plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) concentration increased in WA and DA males. Increased (p < 0.05) follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin plasma levels were found in DA and WR groups respectively. WA males had decreased testosterone (T) and WR rats androstenedione (A(4)) plasma concentration (p < 0.05). Interstitial cells (43% of them were Leydig cells by 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity) from heat-exposed males secreted less (p < 0.05) T compared with the control group when incubated without LH (basal conditions). Androstenedione secretion decreased (p < 0.05) in WA rats. Secretion of estradiol-17beta (E(2)) was higher in WR and lower in DA cells under basal conditions. Weaker responsiveness to LH was observed in WR cells. Androgen synthesis from pregnenolone by interstitial cells increased (p < 0.05) in the WA group. We concluded that heat exposure of neonatal and adult male rats caused different pituitary-testicular axis adjustments. It seemed that long-term heat exposure of neonatal rats is less deleterious concerning the activity of pituitary-testicular axis than heat acclimation of adults.

Growth performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing shea nut (Vitellaria paradoxa, Gaertn.) meal fermented with Aspergillus niger.

Shea nut meal is a by-product of the shea fat industry in West Africa. The objective was to determine the effect of shea nut meal fermentation using Aspergillus niger on growth performance of broiler chickens. An expeller shea nut meal was fermented in a closed plastic container for 8 d after the addition of 0.25 g of A. niger spores per kg of shea nut meal in 2 parts of water. Each of the 2 shea nut meal samples (the unfermented and fermented meals) replaced wheatfeed in a control diet at 100 g/kg and fed to 128 Ross 308 male broiler chickens (22 to 36 d). There were 8 replicates per diet (2 shea nut meal samples and the control wheatfeed diet) and 4 birds per replicate in cages (0.6 m x 0.6 m x 0.9 m). Analysis of variance of data was used to compare the treatment means. The fermentation method reduced the concentrations of total soluble phenolics (21.9%), bound plus soluble proanthocyanidins (34.5%), soluble proanthocyanidins (24.7%), and hydrolysable tannins (52.9%) in the shea nut meal. Broilers fed the fermented meal exhibited higher (P < 0.001) growth performance than those fed the unfermented meal. However, the growth performance of broilers fed each of the shea nut meal-based diets was lower (P < 0.001) than that of broilers fed the control diet. Mean live weight gain of broilers fed the fermented shea nut meal diet was 82% of that of broilers fed the control diet. The fermentation of shea nut meal using A. niger has the potential to improve the nutritive value of shea nut meal for poultry, but requires further development.

Antioxidative and radical scavenging effects of phenolics from Vicia sativum.

An acetone extract of Vicia sativum seeds and fractions, comprising low molecular-weight phenolics and tannins, displayed good antioxidant activity.

The effects of cold stress on the phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) leaves.

According to some estimates, a 70% increase in crop yield could be achieved if the environmental conditions were close to the optimum ones for a given plant, which is why the identification and control of adverse environmental effects is a top priority in many countries worldwide. This paper contains a discussion of the changes in selected elements of the secondary metabolism in the leaves of two grapevine varieties (Vitis vinifera L.) with a different degree of tolerance to cold stress during prolonged and constant low temperature stress. The analyses have shown that the more-tolerant variety was characterized by a higher content of phenolic compounds, better radical-scavenging capacity and stronger reducing power. However, the cold stress caused a decrease in the concentration of the phenolics and decreased the scavenging capacity in the leaves of both varieties. Four phenolic acids have been identified in the extracts from the leaves of both grapevines: caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and a caffeic acid derivative. Caffeic acid appeared in the highest concentrations in all the leaf extracts. Additionally, it has been noted that in the leaves of the varieties susceptible and tolerant to cold stress, the prolonged exposure to low temperature caused a considerable reduction of the content of all identified phenolic acids. The results of the analyses have demonstrated large differences in the functioning of the secondary metabolism in response to the same stressor.

Antioxidant activity of various fractions of non-tannin phenolics of canola hulls.

Cyclone canola hulls were extracted with 70% (v/v) acetone. The dried crude extract was dissolved in ethanol and fractionated on a Sephadex LH-20 column using 95% (v/v) ethanol as the mobile phase. Five major fractions were isolated according to the UV absorption. All fractions exhibited marked antioxidant activity in a beta-carotene-linoleate model system. Fractions I and II showed the best preventive effect against the bleaching of beta-carotene. The scavenging effect of fractions I, III, and V, at 1 mg, on alpha, alpha-diphenyl-beta-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical was 67.4%, 80.7%, and 63.3%, respectively. Fractions II and IV showed weak DPPH scavenging effects. The reducing power of phenolics present in fractions IV and V was greater than that of fractions I-III, and the observed data correlated well (r(2) = 0.937; P = 0.007) with the total content of phenolics present in each fraction.

Insoluble condensed tannins of canola/rapeseed.

The contents of soluble, SDS-extractable, and insoluble condensed tannins were determined in canola/rapeseed hulls from several varieties by utilizing the proanthocyanidin assay. The total amount of tannins in rapeseed/canola hulls ranged from 1913 to 6213 mg per 100 g of oil-free hulls. Insoluble tannins predominated in canola/rapeseed hulls and comprised from 70 to 95.8% of total tannins present. The amounts of SDS-extractable tannins were comparable to those of soluble tannins but constituted only 4.7-14. 1% of insoluble tannins present.

Nutrient distribution and phenolic antioxidants in air-classified fractions of beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.).

Beach pea (Lathyrus maritimus L.) cotyledons and hulls were air-classified into different fractions. The crude protein content (%N x 6.25) of samples ranged from 32.8 to 35.3% in cotyledons and 14.7 to 16.8% in hulls. Crude fiber content was higher in hulls fraction 1 (37.13%) and fraction 2 (36.85%) than in cotyledons (2.83, 2.99, and 3.08% in fractions 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Condensed tannins of cotyledons ranged from 5.76 to 6.90% and of hulls ranged from 52.49 to 57.24%, expressed as catechin equivalents. Minerals, namely P, K, and Zn, were higher in cotyledons, but Ca and Mn were more prevalent in hulls. Nonprotein nitrogen was concentrated in hulls, whereas phytic acid was more abundant in the cotyledons. The UV absorption pattern showed that flavonoids were present in fractions (I-III) from hulls separated on Sephadex LH-20. Fraction III from hulls had the highest content of total phenolics and condensed tannins, but no condensed tannins were detected in fractions I and II from hulls. The antioxidant activity of fractions separated on Sephadex LH-20 from hulls and crude extracts in a beta-carotene-linoleate model system was in the order of fraction III > crude extract > fraction II > fraction I. Spots on silica gel TLC plates, sprayed with a solution of beta-carotene and linoleic acid, indicated that many of the individual compounds were antioxidative in nature. Further, separation of fraction III from hulls on a semipreparative HPLC showed the presence of (+) catechin and (-) epicatechin as the main low-molecular-weight phenolic compounds present.

Adverse effects of dietary lupine in broiler chickens.

This study describes the adverse effects of dietary lupines in broiler chickens for which lupine seeds (Lupinus angustifolius) in raw, dehulled, or autoclaved forms were used as a replacement for soybean meal (SBM) in practical diets. Test diets contained 35% SBM (control) or raw (40%), autoclaved (40%), or dehulled (35%) lupine seed meal. All diets were isocaloric (3,230 kcal/kg AME) and isonitrogenous (23% crude protein). Each diet was offered ad libitum to a group of 16 (four replicates with four birds per replicate) day-old male broiler chicks for 21 d. Chemical analysis of lupine seeds showed no detectable levels of mycotoxins, and total alkaloid contents were below 0.01%. Decreased food intake and growth rate were the main signs observed in all birds fed lupine-based diets. These adverse effects were observed during the first week and persisted throughout the trial. Acute signs of toxicity were observed in four chicks fed the diet containing raw lupine seed during the first week of exposure. Initial clinical signs included leg weakness, lack of coordination, and torticollis. In later stages, during Weeks 2 and 3, some birds fed lupine-based diets showed signs of muscle paralysis and skeletal deformity. Postmortem examination did not show gross pathological changes associated with the dietary treatments. Liver microsomal cytochrome P-50 content was higher (P < 0.05) in birds fed the raw lupine-based diet (mean 0.56 pmol/mg protein) in comparison with controls (mean 0.25 pmol/mg protein), which indicated a systemic effect. Based on the present results, it can be stated that high levels of some varieties of sweet lupines in broiler diets may cause significant adverse effects manifested as 1) decreased feed intake and growth rate in most of the birds, and 2) specific signs of acute and chronic toxicity in some individuals.

Inhibition of pancreatic lipase by phenolic acids--examination in vitro.

The influence of addition 2,4,6,8, and 10 microM of benzoic and cinnamic acids and selected phenolic acids (salicylic, p-hydroxybenzoic, gentisic, protocatechuic, vanillic, syringic, o-coumaric, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferulic, sinapic) on the activity of pancreatic lipase was examined in vitro. The strongest inhibition activities were observed with caffeic, ferulic and benzoic acid, while sinapic and gentisic acids produced the lowest inhibition.

Participation of the tightly-bound (putative cytoskeleton-bound) polysomes in translation during germination of dormant and non-dormant cereal caryopses.

Research was done on dormant and non-dormant barley cv. Ars caryopses and triticale cv. Grado caryopses treated and non-treated with abscisic acid (ABA). During germination higher participation of populations of so-called tightly-bound polysomes (TBP) in embryos of dormant barley caryopses was observed, as well as their high metabolic activity. In embryos of triticale caryopses of which dormancy was imposed in an artificial way by ABA (100 microM), the strongest incorporation of 14C-amino acids into nascent polypeptide chains in vivo was found in population of TBP, as well as the highest participation among three of the studied fractions (free polysomes, membrane-bound polysomes and tightly-bound polysomes). These results may indicate the significant role of TBP (putative cytoskeleton-bound polysomes--CBP) in maintaining dormancy during imbibition of cereal caryopses.

A comparative study on galactoologosaccharide synthesis by selected beta-galactosidase preparations.

The transgalactosilating ability of beta-galactosidase preparations obtained from Kluyveromyces fragilis, Penicillium canescens, and Escherichia coli was investigated. In samples of hydrolysates of 20% lactose solutions without or with a 2% addition of glucose, the galactose or fructose obtained with the use of the investigated preparations and the content of saccharides was determined with the HPLC method. Under experimental conditions, the highest quantity (56.0-64.1%) of galactooligosaccharides was synthesised by beta-galactosidase obtained from E. coli, while the lowest number (11.25-25.2%) was obtained by beta-galactosidase obtained from P. canescens. Beta-galactosidase from E. coli also synthesised considerable amounts of lactulose.

[Nutritional importance of oligosaccharides]. / Znaczenie zywieniowe oligosacharydów.

Oligosaccharides are widely distributed in higher plants, especially leguminous seeds. This review described the structure of galactooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides and raffinose-type oligosacchariddes. Flatulance--causes, relation to diet and composition of intenstinal gas are discussed. Emphasis is placed upon the fact that ingestion of oligosaccharides increases the bifidobacteria population in the colon, which in turn contributes to human health in many ways.

[Dietary fiber in flour and concentration of rapeseed protein]. / Blonnik pokarmowy w mace i koncentracie bialek rzepaku.

Crude fibre content of rapeseed meal and protein concentrate, obtained from raw and steamed rapeseed, was determined. Moreover, in the protein concentrate and in crude fibre the levels of calcium and magnesium were measured. The protein concentrate contained more crude fibre than the meal. Polysaccharides accounted in crude fibre from meal for more than 80% of its total composition, and in crude fibre from the protein concentrate for only ca. 70%. Steaming of rapeseed led to an increase in calcium and magnesium contents of crude fibre from meal and decrease in the protein concentrate.

Hypocholesterolemic effects of saponins.

On the basis of the literature the results of experimental investigations on hypocholesterolemic action of saponins are demonstrated. Also the theories explaining the mechanism of this action are discussed.

[Chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in the livers of the population of Bialystok and its environs]. / Pozostalosci chlorowanych weglowodoròw w watrobach mieszkanców Bialegostoku i okolic.

In the livers of 34 subjects living in Bialystok and environs the residues of chlorinated hydrocarbons were determined. The mean values of alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, DDE, DDD, DDT and sigma DDT were respectively 16, 60, 81, 1090, 94, 177 and 1361 mcg/kg of fat, and 0.5, 3.2, 3.3, 48, 5.0, 7.1 and 60 mcg/kg of tissue. The content of DDE and sigma DDT in liver fat was similar to that found previously in perirenal fat. In relation to perirenal fat the content of DDT in liver fat was lower and that of DDD was higher. This was due, probably, to metabolic changes taking place in the liver. The relationship between beta-HCH and gamma-HCH in the liver was different from that in fatty tissue in which the level of Indian was lower than that of the beta-isomer.

[Rapid method for isolating polychlorinated diphenyls from fat]. / Szybka metoda wyodrebniania polichlorowanych difenyli z tluszczu.

Clophen A-60 was isolated from trioleate by a modification of the method of Veierov and Aharonson. In comparison with the original method the change included the replacement of the glass set for separation of the organic phase with Hehner's cylinder, and in place of petrol ether n-hexane was used. The reproducibility of the method at two levels of fortification was high--the variability index at ICB level 0.200 mg/kg was 4.5% and at ICB level 1000 mg/kg was 6.8%. The calculated relative percent error was at the lower fortification was 3.6% on average, and 7.8% at the higher fortification. In view of the short time necessary for the test, low cost, very good degree of purification, high precision and accuracy this method may be used for separation of polychlorinated diphenyls from fats.

[Chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in the adipose tissue of the population of BiaLystok and its environs]. / Pozostalosci chlorowanych weglowodorów w tkance tluszczowej mieszkanców Bialegostoku i okolic.

In the perirenal fat tissue of 36 representatives of this population (20 men and 16 women aged 41 to 92 years) the levels were determined of the residues of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-HCH, DDE, DDD, DDT and sigma DDT. The obtained mean values were 0.012, 0.013, 0.007, 1.421, 0.035, 0.327 and 1.783 mg/kg of fat, respectively. The obtained results were severalfold lower than those found in Poland in the 1970s. The fat of the human fat tissue contained high amounts of beta-HCH as compared to other isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, and high amount of DDE in sigma DDT. In the fat of men the residues of DDE and sigma DDT were present in greater amounts than in women. On the other hand, no effect of age was noted on the levels of the residues of chlorinated hydrocarbons in human fat.

[Residues of chlorinated hydrocarbons in livers of newborns, infants and children]. / Pozostalosci chlorowanych weglowodorów w watrobach noworodków, niemowlat i dzieci.

In the liver of 4 newborns, 2 infants and 2 children the levels of residues of chlorinated hydrocarbons were determined. The highest levels of sigma HCH (817 mcg/kg of fat, 17.1 mcg/kg of tissue) were found in a 2-day-old newborn, the lowest ones (43 mcg/kg of fat, 1.8 mcg/kg of tissue) were in an infant aged 12 months. The content of sigma DDT was highest (3044 mcg/kg of fat, 93.8 mcg/kg of tissue) in the liver of an infant aged 13 days, the lowest values (322 mcg/kg of fat, 5.6 mcg/kg of tissue) in the liver of a child aged 12 years. The results are comparable to those obtained in this country in the liver of adults and in human placenta.