bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The content of mercury in various types of cereals that were grown in the model conditions
Authors: Harangozo Ľuboš , Kopernická Miriam , Musilová Janette , Trebichalský Pavol
Published: January 2016

The consumption of cereals in Slovakia but also worldwide is increasing by every year. From 30000 to 50000 tons of mercury circulates throught the biosphere that gets into the atmosphere degassing of the earth's crust and world oceans. Mercury affects CNS and causes its disorders. The high doses of mercury causes a lot of different changes of personality as well as increased agitation, memory lossorinsomnia. It can also affect other organ systems such as the kidney. The exposure level is reflected in the concentration of mercury in blood and urine. The aim of our work was the evaluation of transfer of mercury from sludge to edible part of chosen cereals. The objectives were achieved in simulated conditions of growing pot experiment. We used agricultural soil from the location of Výčapy - Opatovce for the realization of the experiment. The sludge, which was added atvarious doses, was taken from Central Spiš area from locality of Rudňany near the village where minedironore that contains mainly copperand mercury during last few decades was. We used three types of cereals: barley (Hordeum sativum L.) variety PRESTIGE, spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) variety ISJARISSA and oat (Avena sativa L.) variety TATRAN. The length of growing season was 90 days. From the obtained results of two years can be concluded that the accumulation of mercury by seed follows wheat ˂ barley ˂ oat. Even though that the oat is characterized by the highest accumulation of mercuryin the seeds, the content did not exceed the maximum level sspecified by The Codex Alimentarius of Slovak Republic. The results shows that the suitable cultivation of the cereals in localities, which are contaminated with heavy metals, especially by mercury, that the high content of mercury in soil do not pose a risk of accumulation of the metal into the cereal grain.
Heavy metals determination in edible wild mushrooms growing in former mining area - Slovakia: Health risk assessment
Authors: Záhorcova Zuzana , Árvay Július , Hauptvogl Martin , Tomáš Ján , Harangozo Ľuboš
Published: January 2016

The aim of the paper is to assess a contamination level of forest substrates and aboveground parts of edible wild mushroom (M. procera (Scop.) Singer, B. recitulatus Schaeff., C. cibarius Fr., S. grevillei (Klotzsch) Singer, A. campestris L., R. xerampelina (Schaeff.) Fr., L. salmonicolor R. Heim & Leclair, C. gibba (Pers. Ex Fr.) Kumm., X. chrysenteron (Bull.) Quél., M. oreades (Bolton) Fr.; n = 70) by heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn). The studied location was a broader surroundigs of the historical mining and metal processing area of Banská Bystrica. The collected mushroom samples and underlying substrate samples were analysed using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrofotometry and Flame Absorption Spectrophotometry with graphite furnace. Bioaccumulation factors (BAF) for individual species and their anatomical parts were calculated from the results obtained. In order to assess a health risk resulting from regular consumption of the mushrooms, provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) was calculated from the results of the monitored heavy metal concentration. Limit values for the studied contaminants (Cd: 0.49 mg.kg-1 and Pb: 1.75 mg.kg-1 for an individual with an average weight of 70 kg) are defined by FAO and WHO. Our results indicate that S. grevillei has a high bioaccumulation ability of Cd. It was confirmed by bioaccumulation factors (BAFH = 3.47 and BAFRFB = 2.30). The PTWICd value was exceeded by 4.11 times. A similar situation occurred in the case of Pb where the highest bioaccumulation factor (BAFH = 0.24 and BAFRFB = 0.19) was also recorded in the samples of S. grevillei and the PTWIPb value was exceeded by 1.35 times. In general, it can be stated that a consumption of edible wild mushrooms represent a relatively small risk of negative impact on the health of consumers.
Lunasin detection in coloured wheat genotype
Authors: Chňapek Milan , Siman Dušan , Gálová Zdenka
Published: January 2016

Lunasin is a biologically active protein, composed of 43 amino acid residues. There has been proven many health-promoting effects of lunasin peptide. The most important health benefits include: anti-hypertension, antioxidant activity, cancer prevention or therapy. It was also demonstrated anti-inflammation, hypocholesterolemic activity, anti-obesity and immunomodulation. The focus of our research is to summarize the discovery, characterization and biological activities of lunasin, which will provide a reference for the future development and utilization of lunasin, and a basis for exploring the underlying mechanisms of these health-beneficial functions. Lunasin was first isolated in 1987 at Niigata University School of Medicine in Japan, during the screening of protease inhibitors from soybean seeds. It was subsequently found in other beans, grains and herbal plants, including wheat, barley, rye, triticale. Concentration of lunasin is ranging from 0.013 to 70.5 mg protein lunasin/g of protein. Big step forward in the understanding of the lunasine operating mechanism in the fight against cancer has arisen after study on cloning of the soybean lunasin gene and subsequent transfection into mammalian cells which led to the discovery that the lunasin gene can disrupt mitosis and induce chromosome breakage, ultimately leading to cell apoptosis. The main goal of our work was to evaluate collection of wheat with unusual grain colour for presence of lunasin gene. DNA was extracted by commercial kit and lunasin gene was detected by PCR reaction. Our results showed presence of lunasin gene detected by 3 combinations of 2 sets of primer pair and indicated lunasin peptide presence in cereal grains. These findings are necessary to confirmed by proteome analysis.
Antioxidant activity, phenolic content and colour of the Slovak cabernet sauvignon wines
Authors: Bajčan Daniel , Vollmannová Alena , Šimanský Vladimí­r , Bystrická Judita , Trebichalský Pavol , Július  Árvay Július  Árvay , Czako Peter
Published: January 2016

Antioxidants are specific substances that oxidize themselves and in this way they protect other sensitive bioactive food components against destruction. At the same time, they restrict the activity of free radicals and change them to less active forms. Grapes and wine are a significant source of antioxidants in human nutrition. One of the most important group occuring in grapes and wines are polyphenols. Many of phenolic compounds have been reported to have multiple biological activities, including cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, antiviral and antibacterial properties attributed mainly to their antioxidant and antiradical activity. Therefore, it is important to know the content of polyphenols and their antioxidant effects in foods and beverages. Twenty-eight Cabernet Sauvignon wine samples, originated from different Slovak vineyard regions, were analyzed using spectrophotometry for the content of total polyphenols, content of total anthocyanins, antioxidant activity and wine colour density. Determined values of antioxidant activity in observed wines were within the interval 69.0 - 84.2% inhibition of DPPH (average value was 78.8% inhibition of DPPH) and total polyphenol content ranged from 1,218 to 3,444 mg gallic acid per liter (average content was 2,424 mg gallic acid.L-1). Determined total anthocyanin contents were from 68.6 to 430.7 mg.L-1 (average content was 220.6 mg.L-1) and values of wine colour density ranged from 0.756 to 2.782 (average value was 1.399). The statistical evaluation of the obtained results did not confirm any linear correlations between total polyphenol content, resp. total anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity. The correlations between total polyphenol content and total anthocyanin content, resp. the content of total anthocyanins and wine colour density were strong. The results confirmed very strong correlations between wine colour density and total polyphenol content, resp. antioxidant activity.
Herbicidal effect in relation to the accumulation of macroelements and its regulation by regulators of polyamine synthesis
Authors: Trebichalský Pavol , Tóth Tomáš , Bajčan Daniel , Vollmannová Alena , Kavalcová Petra
Published: January 2016

Stress effects of triazine herbicide on cumulating of important macroelements (phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium) into the grain of barley variety Kompakt, as well as the elimination of its negative effect through the addition of regulators of polyamine synthesis (γ-aminobutyric acid and propylenediamine) were investigated in pot trial. These morphoregulators are degrading products of polyamines and hypothetically after foliar application they should support their biosynthesis which increased level act against stress in plants. Application of the herbicide alone in comparison to control variant reduced the contents of all mentioned macroelements in grain of barley and also in variants, where the mixtures of herbicide with regulators of polyamine biosynthesis were applied, also the values of contents of all macroelements (except of magnesium) in barley grain were reduced (in comparison to this variant). It could be summarized that the presence of regulators in mixtures with triazine herbicide in comparison to control variant had not positive effects on contents of these biogenic elements in grain. By the comparison of variant with the applied herbicide with variants, where also regulators of polyamine synthesis were applied, there was the most positive influence of these mixtures of morphoregulators on statistically non-significant accumulation of phosphorus into generative organs of spring barley and in the case of positive accumulation of magnesium into these plant tissues there was statistically significant relation only after application of mixtures of herbicide with propylenediamine. Positive influence on accumulation of calcium was evaluated only after using of mixtures of herbicide with propylenediamine (statistically significant relation was recorded at the dose 29.6 g.ha-1).
The content of total polyphenols in different varieties of Solanum tuberosum grow in Spiš area
Authors: Volnová Beáta , Musilová Janette , Kopernická Miriama , Kavalcová Petra , Harangozo Ľuboš , Medvecký Michal
Published: January 2016

Phenolic compounds are the predominant antioxidants in nutrition and their study is currently being paid much attention. These antioxidants act synergistically; polyphenol compounds protect vitamin C and β-carotene, which in turn helps to increase the effect of vitamin E. Potatoes are very popular vegetables in Slovakia, not only in terms that they are easy to prepare, but also by the fact that they combine the wholesomeness of cereals and delicacy and characteristic chemical composition of vegetables. It is important that they find their place in our diet. Nutritional value of potatoes is determined by the content of nutrients such as protein, starch, fat, minerals, and absence of toxins, as well as by a significant content of bioactive components from the group of polyphenols. The study was performed in order to analyse 7 Slovak potato varieties from Spiš area, according to biologically active compounds: such as polyphenols. The content of total polyphenols was determined by the method of Lachman et al., (2003). The lowest determined content of total polyphenol (mg.kg-1 dry matter) in locality Spišský Štvrtok was measured in a variety Victoria (795.05 mg.kg-1 dry matter) and the highest content of total polyphenols in locality Spišský Štvrtok was measured in variety Laura (1238.42 mg.kg-1 dry matter). In the locality Odorín was determine the lowest content of total polyphenols in variety Red Anna (974.09 mg.kg-1 dry matter) and the highest content of total polyphenols was determined in variety Laura (978.95 mg.kg-1 dry matter). Between all varieties in locality Spišský Štvrtok was confirmed the statistically significant difference in the influence of the variety in the contents of total polyphenols (mg.kg-1 DM). This varietal dependence was not appear in samples taken in the locality Odorín. The total polyphenols content of the potatoes can be influenced by other factors, for example locality. In this case, there were statistically significant differences in the content of total polyphenols in variety Laura obtained from two different localities.
Comparable efficiency of different extraction protocols for wheat and rye prolamins
Authors: Socha Peter , Tomka Marián , Kačmárová Kvetoslava , Lavová Blažena , Ivanišová Eva , Mickowska Barbara , Urminská Dana
Published: January 2016

The identification and quantification of cereal storage proteins is of interest of many researchers. Their structural or functional properties are usually affected by the way how they are extracted. The efficiency of extraction process depends on the cereal source and working conditions. Here, we described various commonly used extraction protocols differing in the extraction conditions (pre-extraction of albumins/globulins, sequential extraction of individual protein fractions or co-extraction of gluten proteins, heating or non-heating, reducing or non-reducing conditions). The total protein content of all fractions extracted from commercially available wheat and rye flours was measured by the Bradford method. Tris-Tricine SDS-PAGE was used to determine the molecular weights of wheat gliadins, rye secalins and high-molecular weight glutelins which are the main triggering factors causing celiac disease. Moreover, we were able to distinguish individual subunits (α/β-, γ-, ω-gliadins and 40k-γ-, 75k-γ-, ω-secalins) of wheat/rye prolamins. Generally, modified extraction protocols against classical Osborne procedure were more effective and yields higher protein content in all protein fractions. Bradford measurement led into underestimation of results in three extraction procedures, while all protein fractions were clearly identified on SDS-PAGE gels. Co-extraction of gluten proteins resulted in appearance of both, low-molecular weight fractions (wheat gliadins and rye secalins) as well as high-molecular weight glutelins which means that is not necessary to extract gluten proteins separately. The two of three extraction protocols showed high technical reproducibility with coefficient of variation less than 20%. Carefully optimized extraction protocol can be advantageous for further analyses of cereal prolamins.
Bioaccumulation of cadmium by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and its effect on selected physiological and morphological parameters
Authors: Kopernická Miriama , Tomáš Ján , Tóth Tomáš , Harangozo Ľuboš , Volnová Beáta
Published: January 2016

Heavy metals and other toxic elements in the environment, mainly located in soil and groundwater, have a significant effect on plant and its productivity that has a huge attention in recent years. Accumulation of heavy metals in soil cause toxicity to plants, and contaminate the food chain. The industrial areas, as well as developing countries have been contaminated with high concentration of heavy metals. Main sources of contamination are mining and other industrial processes, as well as military and or lanfills, sludge dumps or waste disposal sites. The heavy metals are very dangerous to environment and pose serious danger to public health by entering throught the food chain or into drinking water. Phytoextraction is one way how to remove the contaminants from soil by plants. Phytoextraction of heavy metals is a technology that has been studied for several years. It is more ecological and cheaper way how to clean our environment.Several plant species are known becauce they hyperaccumulate a high contents of metals from the soil. The accumulators are mainly herbaceous species, crops and nowadays angiosperm trees with a high growth such as poplars or willows. We have focused on the determination of some morphological (lenght and weight of roots and biomass) and physiological (contents of dry mass and number of lief stomata) characteristics and the determination of the bioaccumulation factor and the translocation factor of cadmium by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Imprints of leaves were evaluated using an optical microscope Axiostar Plus, Carl Zeiss, lens CP Achromat 40x/0.65, eyepiece PI 10x / 18, Canon Utilities Software Zoom Browser EX 4.6 and hardware Acer Travel Mate 4600, Canon Power Shot A95. The density of stomata was evaluated on an area of 1 mm2. Samples of the dried plants (leaves and roots) were mineralized by acid digestion using microwave digestion device MARS X - press 5. The end of determination to obtain the cadmium content was performed by atomic absorption spectrometer Varian 240 Z with GTA120 graphite furnace. The effect of contamination by cadmium to germination, length of leaves and number of stomata on abaxial side of leaf was confirmed. The contaminated soil by cadmium does not pose a risk of heavy metal entry into the feed and food chain by spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.).
Risk of contamination of wild berries from upper Orava region by cadmium
Authors: Zupka Stanislav , Vollmannová Alena , Harangozo Ľuboš , Slávik Marek , Medvecký Michal
Published: January 2016

The upper Orava region is located at the North Slovakia, near of potential sources of environmental contamination due by mining of coal, zinc and lead ores. The aim of the study was to evaluate the risk of consumption of wild forest fruit from Upper Orava region from the aspect of cadmium content. Ten sampling points were found by random search. From these points samples of soil, leaves and fruits of wild berries (9 samples of blueberries Vaccinium Myrtillus and 1 sample of strawberries Fragaria Vesca) were collected. In soil samples the active soil reaction (pH/H2O) ranged from 3.53 (strong acidity) to 4.56 (extremly strong acidity), and the determined percentage of humus ranged from 1.66 (low humic soil) to 4.90 (high humic soil).  In two soil samples the total content of cadmium determinated in soil extracts by aqua regia exceeded limit 0.70 mg.kg-1 given by the legislation in tne Slovak Republic. In three soil samples the determined content of cadmium mobile forms determined in soil extracts by NH4NO3 exceeded the limit 0.10 mg.kg-1. The content of Cd determined in leaves as well as in fruits was evaluated according to Food Codex of the Slovak Republic. Only in one sample of leaf samples the limit 1.00 mg.kg-1 was exceeded. The other leaf samples are safely when used as an ingredient in tea mixtures. On the other hand even in 7 fruit samples the limit 0.05 mg.kg-1 was exceeded. This fruit can pose a risk for the human organism when is directly consumed as well as may negatively affect the human health when is used as raw materials in the food industry.
Yeast diversity in new, still fermenting wine "federweisser"
Authors: Kántor Attila , Petrová Jana , Hutková Jana , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to isolate and identify yeasts in different new wine "federweisser" samples. We collected the samples at the end of the August 2015 and in the middle of the September 2015. Used 15 new wine samples in this study (5 white and 10 red) were from the local Slovak winemakers. Irsai Oliver (3), Moravian Muscat (2), Agria/Turan (1), Dornfelder (3), Blue Frankish (3), Pinot Noir (1) and Saint Laurent (2). Three cultivation media were used for detection of yeasts in "federweisser" samples. Malt extract agar base (MEA), Wort agar (WA) and Wild yeast medium (WYM) were used for the cultivation of yeasts. Cultivation was performed by spread plate method. Ethanol/formic acid extraction procedure was used for preparation of samples. MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometer (Microflex LT/SH) (Bruker Daltonics, Germany) was used for the identification of yeasts. We identified seven different strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (23; 70%), two strains of Kloeckera apiculata [teleomorph Hanseniaspora uvarum] (7; 21%), and one strain of Pichia kluyveri (1; 3%), Pichia occidentalis [anamorph Candida sorbosa] (1; 3%) and Metschnikowia pulcherrima (1; 3%) in 15 new wine "federweisser" samples. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was dominant species in each new wine sample, and formed creamy convex colonies with circular edge. Metschnikowia pulcherrima formed convex to pulvinate, circular white-pink colored colonies, Kloeckera apiculata formed flat, circular smooth colonies with turquoise center with gray edge, Pichia occidentalis formed irregular pulvinate light-cream colored colonies, and Pichia kluyveri formed turquoise, convex, undulate and smooth colonies on Malt extract agar base with bromocresol green.
Microbiological quality of chicken thighs meat after four essential oils combination, EDTA and vaccum packing
Authors: Kačániová Miroslava , Terentjeva Margarita , Puchalski Czeslaw , Petrová Jana , Hutková Jana , Kántor Attila , Mellen Martin , Čuboň Juraj , Haščí­k Peter , Kluz Maciej , Kordiaka Rafal , Kunová Simona
Published: January 2016

The aim of the present work to monitoring chicken the microbiological quality of vaccum packaged thighs after treatment by ethylenediaminetetraacetate (EDTA), anise (Pimpinella anisum), spearmint (Mentha spicata var. crispa), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) essential oils and stored in at 4 ±0.5 °C for a period of 16 days. The following treatments of chicken thighs were used: air-packaged control samples, control vacuum-packaged samples, vacuum-packaging with EDTA solution 1.5% w/w, control samples, vacuum-packaging after treatment with Pimpinella anisum, Mentha spicata var. crispa essential oil at concentrations 0.2% v/w, vacuum-packaging after treatment with Thymus vulgaris L., Origanum vulgare L. essential oil at concentration 0.2% v/w. The quality assessment of all samples was done microbiologically and following microbiological parameters were detected: the anaerobic plate count, Enterobacteraceae counts, lactic acid bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. counts. The number of anaerobic plate count ranged from 3.69 log CFU.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 5.68 log CFU.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. The number of lactic acid bacteria ranged from 2.00 log CFU.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 4.82 log CFU.g-1 on 16 day in group with oregano, thyme essential oils combination. Enterobacteriacea counts in chicken thighs was 0.68 log CFU.g-1 on 0 day to 7.58 CFU.g-1 on 16 day in air-packed meat samples. The Pseudomonas spp. was not found in all tested samples. Among the antimicrobial combination treatments examined in this work, the as application of vacuum packaging, EDTA and essential oils treatment was the most effective against the growth of Enterobactericeae, inhibitory effect on anaerobic plate count also was observed. The results of this present study suggest the possibility of application the Pimpinella anisum, Mentha spicata var. crispa, Thymus vulgaris L., Origanum vulgare L. essential oil of  as natural food preservatives and potential sources of antimicrobial ingredients for food industry for chicken thighs meat treatment.
Evaluation of carotenoids, polyphenols content and antioxidant activity in the sea buckthorn fruit
Authors: Mendelová Andrea , Mendel Ľubomí­r , Czako Peter , Mareček Ján
Published: January 2016

Due to the content of biologically active substances, sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) has become the object of great interest of both, experts and the general public. It is appreciated particularly for the high content of vitamins and other biologically active substances, not only in berries but also in leaves and bark. The aim of the study was to evaluate the nutritional quality of sea buckthorn juice prepared from different varieties of sea buckthorn based on the content of total carotenoids, polyphenols and antioxidant activity. In this study we used varieties Hergo, Tytti, Vitaminaja, Raisa, Askola, Dorana, Slovan, Leikora, Bojan, Terhi and Masličnaja. Content of different components was quantified using spectrophotometry. The total carotenoids content expressed as β-carotene content in juice ranged from 50.63 mg.100 g-1 DM to 93.63 mg.100 g-1 DM, the highest content was in variety Askola and the lowest one in Terhi. Total polyphenols content determined by Folin-Ciocalteu method ranged from 13.03 mg GAE. dm-3 DM to 25.35 mg GAE. dm-3 DM. The highest content was identified in juice of variety Dorana and the lowest one in Raisa. The antioxidant activity quantified by the FOMO method ranges from 45.11 g AA. dm-3 DM to 108.77 g AA. dm-3 DM. The highest antioxidant activity was determined in juice of Dorana and the lowest in variety Bojan
Indicience of bacteria nad antibacterial activity of selected types of tea
Authors: Hutková Jana , Kántor Attila , Terentjeva Margarita , Petrová Jana , Puchalski Czeslaw , Kluz Maciej , Kordiaka Rafal , Kunová Simona , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: January 2016

The purpose of this study was to determine in vitro antibacterial activity of selected teas (Assam: Indian black tea from Camellia sinensis, Pu-erh: darkpu-erh (shu) from Camellia sinensis, Sencha: Japanese green tea from Camellia sinensis) against five species of pathogenic microorganisms. In our study, we determined the total viable count (TVC), yeasts (Y) andEnterobacteriaceae counts (E). MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper was used for identification of colonies after cultivation. Evaluation of the antimicrobial activity was performed by disc diffusion method, well diffusion method and detection of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). For antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli CCM 2024, Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671, Klebsiella pneumonie CCM 2318, Staphylococus aureus CCM 2461 and Bacillus thurigiensis CCM19 were detected. The inhibition zones were measured in mm in disc diffusion method and well diffusion method. The MIC of the individual extracts was measured spectrophotometrically. The high number of total viable count was found in Pu-erh tea (2.1 log CFU.g-1) and lowest number was found in Assam tea (0.7 log CFU.g-1). The high number of Enterobacteriacea was found in Pu-erh tea (2.03 log CFU.g-1) and lowest in Assam tea (0 log CFU.g-1). The higher number of yeasts was found in Pu-erh tea (1.83 log CFU.g-1) and lowest in Assam tea (0.3 log CFU.g-1). Mass spectrometry revealed the presence of seven Gram positive bacteria Bacillus cereus, B. mycoides, B. pumilus, Enterococcus durans, Staphylococcus epidermis, S. hominis, S. warneri, four Gram negative bacteriaAcinetobacter junii, Hafnia alvei, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Sphingomonas spp. and two yeast - Candida glabrata, Cryptococcus albidus. The results show that certain tea extracts are particularly active against various pathogenic bacteria. Tea extracts (Sencha, Rooibos, Mate, Assam) were found to have the strongest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus CCM 2461.
Colonization of grapes berries by Alternaria sp. and their ability to produce mycotoxins
Authors: Tančinová Dana , Mašková Zuzana , Rybárik Ľubomí­r , Felšöciová Soňa , Cí­sarová Miroslava
Published: January 2016

Our research focused on identify the Alternaria species from grapes (surface sterilized berries and non-surface sterilized berries) of Slovak origin and characterize their toxinogenic potential in in vitro conditions. We analyzed 47 samples of grapes, harvested in years 2011, 2012 and 2013 from various wine-growing regions. For the isolation of species, the method of direct plating berries and surface-sterilized berries (using 1 % freshly pre-pared chlorine) on DRBC (Dichloran Rose Bengal Chloramphenicol agar) was used. For each analysis was used 50 berries. Only undamaged berries have been used for analysis. The cultivation was carried at 25 ±1°C, for 5 to 7 days in dark. After incubation, the colonies of Alternaria were transferred on PCA - potato-carrot agar and CYA - Czapek-yeast extract agar and cultured for 7 days at room temperature and natural light. A total 4 species-groups of the genus Alternaria were isolated from grapes berries: Alternaria alternata (1369 isolates), Alternaria arborescens (734 isolates), Alternaria infectoria (143 isolates), and Alternaria tenuissima (3579 isolates). According to European Union legislation mycotoxins produced by species genus Alternaria are not monitored in foods and food commodities. Mycotoxins such as alternariol and alternariol monomethylether are mutagenic and genotoxic in various in vitro systems. Selected strains were tested for production of altenuene, alternariol monomethylether and alternariol. In neither case of A. infectoria species-group isolates was confirmed the production of tested mycotoxins in in vitro conditions by TLC method. The ability to produce altenuene, alternariol monomethylether and alternariol in in vitro conditions was detected in isolates of Alternaria alternata, Alternaria arborescens and Alternaria tenuissima species-groups. Isolates of Alternaria alternata species-group (44 tested isolates) were able to produce altenuene (24 isolates), alternariol monomethyleter (42 isolates) and alternariol (43 isolates). Only one isolate did not produce any mycotoxins. Isolates of Alternaria arborescens species-group (38 tested isolates) were able to produce altenuene (24 isolates), alternariol monomethyleter (33 isolates) and alternariol (36 isolates). Only two isolates did not produce any mycotoxins. Isolates of Alternaria tenuissima species-group (87 tested isolates) were able to produce altenuene (42 isolates), alternariol monomethyleter (41 isolates) and alternariol (73 isolates). Thirteen isolates did not produce any mycotoxins.
Antifungal activity of lemon, eucalyptus, thyme, oregano, sage and lavender essential oils against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubingensis isolated from grapes
Authors: Cí­sarová Miroslava , Tančinová Dana , Medo Juraj
Published: January 2016

Today, it is very important to find out the protection of products of natural origin as an alternative to synthetic fungicides. The promising alternative is the use of the essential oils (EOs). Essential oils from plants have great potential as a new source of fungicide to control the pathogenic fungi.The main objective of this study was evaluation of the antifungal activity of lemon (Citrus lemon L.), eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus LABILL.), thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.), oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) sage (Salvia officinalis L.) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia MILLER.) EOs against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus tubingensis isolated from grapes and their ability to affect the growth. It was tested by using the vapor contact with them. At first both tested isolates were identified by using PCR method. Sequence data of 18S rRNA supported the assignment of these isolates to the genus Aspergillus and species A. niger (ITS region: KT824061; RPB2: KT824060) and A. tubingensis (ITS region: KT824062; RPB2: KT824059). Second, EO antifungal activity was evaluated. The effect of the EO volatile phase was confirmed to inhibit growth of A. niger and A tubingensis. EOs were diluted in DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) final volume of 100 μL. Only 50 μL this solution was distributed on a round sterile filter paper (1 x 1 cm) by micropipette, and the paper was placed in the center of the lid of Petri dishes. Dishes were kept in an inverted position. The essential oils with the most significant activity were determined by method of graded concentration of oils - minimum inhibitory doses (MIDs). The most effective tested EOs were oregano and thyme oils, which totally inhibited growth of tested isolates for all days of incubation at 0.625 μL.cm-3 (in air) with MFDs 0.125 μL.cm-3 (in air). Lavender EO was less active aginst tested strains (MIDs 0.313 μL.cm-3). The results showed that the tested EOs had antifungal activity, except lemon and eucalyptus. Sage EO was the only one which decelerated the radial growth of colony of both tested strains after all days of cultivation in comparison with a control sets. Our study provides the support that essential oils can be used to control plant pathogens such as A. niger and A. tubingensis.
Effect of the addition of hydrocolloids on the rheological and baking properties of the products with added spelt flour (Triticum spelta L.)
Authors: Bojňanská Tatiana , Šmitalová Jana , Vollmannová Alena
Published: January 2016

The paper presents the results of the evaluation of the effect of additives on the rheological properties of composite flour made of wheat flour in the amount of 70% and spelt flour at 30%. As additives guar gum (0.5% by weight of flour) and xanthan gum (0.16% by weight of flour) were used. Properties of produced control dough and doughs with hydrocolloids were evaluated by means of rheological appliances by Farinograph, Extenzograph, Amylograph and Rheofermentometer. Based on the observed results it can be concluded that the addition of xanthan gum has a positive effect on increasing of farinographic water absorption capacity, extension of dough development time and dough stability and generally positively affected farinographic properties. The addition of guar gum has improved especially extensographic properties as extensographic energy and extensographic resistance. Based on amylographic evaluation of control doughs and doughs with additives it can be stated that in the dough with guar gum the amylographic maximum has slightly increased. Hydrocolloid guar gum contributed to an increased retention capacity of dough observed. Based on our measurements we can indicate that addition of guar and xanthan gum contributed to an increased rheological quality of doughs prepared with addition of flour from spelt wheat. With reference to the baking experiment it was found that the use of hydrocolloids has a positive effect on the improvement of the baking properties, in particular larger volume, specific volume, and the volume yield of the dough with the addition of guar and xanthan gum compared to the control. Our results showed that aditives significantly influenced rheological qualities of dough and a baking quality of products. These findings thus allow optimizing the recipe in order to increase the technological quality of leavened bakery products.
The extension of shelf-life of chicken meat after application of caraway and anise essential oils and vacuum packaging
Authors: Kluz Maciej , Terentjeva Margarita , Puchalski Czeslav , Hutková Jana , Kántor Attila , Petrová Jana , Mellen Martin , Čuboň Juraj , Haščí­k Peter , Kordiaka Rafal , Kunová Simona , Kačániová Miroslava
Published: January 2016

The effect of caraway (CEO) and anise (AEO) essential oils as well as vacuum packaging (VP) in extending of the shelf life of fresh chicken breast meat stored at 4 °C was investigated. CEO and AEO were used at concentrations 0.2% v/w with and without VP. Microbiological properties of chicken breast meat were monitored over a 16 day period. The microbiological parameters as the anaerobic plate count (AC), Enterobacteraceae, lactic acid bacteria and Pseudomonas spp. counts were detected. The anaerobic plate counts ranged from 2.77 log cfu.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 5.45 log cfu.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. The number of lactic acid bacteria ranged from 3.20 log cfu.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 4.75 log cfu.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. Enterobacteriaceae counts ranged from 0.00 to 4.25 log cfu.g-1on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. The number of Pseudomonas spp. ranged from 0.00 log cfu.g-1 in all tested group on 0 day to 2.65 log cfu.g-1 on 16 day in control group stored in air condition. Statistically significant differences (P≤0.001) were found among tested group in all tested microorganisms. Among the antimicrobial combination treatments were examined in the study, the as application of vacuum packaging, EDTA, and essential oils were the most effective against the growth of lactic acid bacteria and Enterobactericeae and to a less extent on anaerobic plate count. The results of this present study suggest the possibility of using the essential oil of caraway and anise as natural food preservatives and potential source of antimicrobial ingredients for chicken breast meat.
Evaluation of primary and secondary metabolites in selected varieties of potatoes.
Authors: Mareček Ján , Ivanišová Eva , Frančáková Helena , Musilová Janette , Krajčovič Tomáš , Mendelová Andrea
Published: January 2016

The aim of study was to determine primary and secondary metabolites in selected varieties of potatoes. Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.) are good source of bioactive compounds, mainly phenols as one of the most important components. The chemical composition with reducing sugar, starch, ascorbic acid, total polyphenol and flavonoid content were analyzed in five potato varieties (Agria, Marabel, Red Anna, Picasso, Princess). Values of dry matter content ranged from 20.34 to 23.64%. In terms of tubers storage, its content above 20% is required. The highest level of starch was detected in variety Princess (16.82%). The lowest reducing sugar content was recorded by variety Marabel (0.08%). Similarly, low values reached varieties Princess (0.12%), Agria (0.14) and Red Anna (0.16%). These would be appropriate to use for food processing and for production of fried potato chips or fries. Variety Red Anna reached the highest amount of vitamin C (73.72 mg.kg-1). The lower levels of this vitamin showed tubers of varieties Picasso (35.02 mg.kg-1) and Princess (36.89 mg.kg-1). The antioxidant activity was measured with radical scavenging assays using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical as well as phosphomolybdenic assay. Potato varieties contained high levels of total polyphenols (0.474 – 1.550 mg GAE per dry weight) and flavonoids (1.407 – 15.933 μg QE per dry weight). The consumption of potatoes can provide nutritional value along with antioxidant potential that can be helpful for proper functioning of the body physiological systems. Statistical evaluation by the single factor analysis of variance detected high significant impact of variety on the content of all the analytical parameters in evaluated varieties of potato tubers.
Characterization of protein fractions and antioxidant activity of Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.)
Authors: Kačmárová Kvetoslava , Lavová Blažena , Socha Peter , Urminská Dana
Published: January 2016

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) is an annual herbaceous plant categorized under Lamiaceae family. Chia seeds were investigated as a source of proteins and natural antioxidants. It is a potential alternative source of high quality protein, fats, carbohydrates, high dietary fibre, vitamins and mineral elements. The objective of this study was to evaluate chia seed from protein content and antioxidant acivity and highlight the quality of this pseudocereal. A crude protein, moisture content, content of protein fractions, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase activity of chia seeds and food products containing chia seeds were determined. The protein content of chia seeds ranged from 2.9% to 4.6% dry matter from that albumins and globulins ranged from 54.6% to 62.8%. Chia is poor in a prolamines (<15%). Various chia seeds showed differences in their SOD activity and exhibited the high antiradical activity against 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS). The highest antioxidant capacity was found in sample chia seeds from Bolivia (1.46 mM TEAC.g-1 in the dry matter) and the lowest values of antioxidant activity was estimated in sample chia seeds from Argentina (1.05 mM TEAC.g-1 in the dry matter). The highest SOD activity was determined in sample chia from Argentina (2191.8 U.g-1 in the dry matter). The lowest SOD activity was found in sample chia-bio from Argentina (754.0 U.g-1 in the dry matter.). It makes them potentially suitable for use in the gluten-free diet of coeliac people and it can be used as a potential ingredient in health food because of its high antioxidant activity.
Research And Practice: Quantification Of Raw And Heat-Treated Cow Milk in Sheep Milk, Cheese And Bryndza By ELISA Method
Authors: Zeleňáková Lucia , Židek Radoslav , Čanigová Margita , Žiarovská Jana , Zajác Peter , Maršálková Lenka , Fikselová Martina , Golian Jozef
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to test the reliability of commercial ELISA tests (RC-bovino) within raw and heat treated cow milk detection in sheep milk and cheese in order to obtain a high-quality, reliable and economically beneficial method suitable for routine application in practice. These tests were subsequently used for quantification of cow milk in commercial "Bryndza". Raw sheep milk, cow milk and heat-treated cow milk (pasteurisation at 72 °C for 15 sec or at 85 °C for 3 sec) were mixed in precisely defined proportions (0 - 100% cow milk in sheep milk). The milk mixtures were sampled to detect adulteration and subsequently cheese was made. By ELISA tests was possible to determine these amounts of raw cow milk in sheep milk: 0.5% (0.2%), 5 % (4.81%), 50% (42.08%) and 75% (56.52%). The pasteurized samples in different combinations gave lower optical density responses than those prepared from raw milk (by approximately 60%). In context with the above mentioned, the relationship between the real and detected amount of cow milk (%) in different production stages (milk, cheese) using a regression analysis was examined. However, a lower reliability of the detection was indicated by R2 values, which ranged from 0.4058 (cheese) to 0.5175 (milk). In practice this means that although individual percentage (%) of cow milk in the sample can be detected, but in the unknown sample it can not be clearly confirm whether the cow milk was raw or heat-treated. In this context, the results can be inaccurate and may not correspond to the real situation. Within monitoring phase of this research, 9 samples of bryndza were analysed with the results of detected cow milk ranged from 11.56% to 14.3%. The obtained results confirm that the appropriate selection of ELISA tests can become an important factor in the setting of analytical capabilities for the detection of milk and cheese adulteration.
Partial purification and biochemical characterization of amylase from Aeromonas caviaeNK1isolated from Industrial waste of India
Authors: Khanra Kalyani , Choudhuri Indranil , Panja Sudipta , Bhattacharyya Nandan
Published: January 2016

A partial purification and biochemical characterization of theamylase from AeromonascaviaeNK1 were carried out in this study. The extracellular extract was concentrated using ammonium sulfate precipitation and optimum operational conditions for the enzyme activity from the strain were evaluated. The optimum pH and temperature were observed 11.5 and370C respectively. Ca2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Co2+ were found to have effect on amylase activity.Furthermore, the analysis of kinetic showed that the enzyme has 𝐾𝑚 of 2.4mg/mL and 𝑉max of 21853.0𝜇mol/min/mg for starch. The results indicate that the enzyme reflects their potentiality towards industrial utilization.
Molecular Characterization of Diarrheagenic Bacteria Isolated from Stool of Under-five Children in Dar Es Salaam. Tanzania
Authors: Ngoso Benjamin Enos , Namkinga Lucy Andrew , Nkwengulila Gamba
Published: January 2016

Diarrhea is a daily public health song in developing countries like Tanzania. The causative agents are theoretically known almost to everybody. However, the eradication of this killer disease for the under-fives is an enigma. This study aimed to provide update advantages of molecular diagnostic versus conventional methods as regards to acute diarrhea, and to determine bacterial causes of diarrhea among children aging five years and below in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, using multiplex PCR technique.

Samples were collected from the under-fives from district hospitals in Dar Es Salaam city between June 2010 and February 2014. This included children admitted due to acute and/ or chronic diarrhea. A total of 3600 stool samples were analyzed, of which 1800 samples were from diarrhea cases and 1800 samples from normal control cases. About 1080 (60%) of the patients recruited were aged less than 3 years and 983 (54.6%) were males. Diarrheagenic bacteria were isolated and identified using conventional stool cultures then were characterized by mPCR.

Pathogenic bacteria were detected in 67.7% of the cases and in 20% of the controls. The pathogenic bacteria most strongly associated with diarrhea disease were diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (21.6% of cases, 6% of controls), Shigella spp. (16.1% of cases, 5% of controls) and Salmonellae, (10.6% of cases, 3% of controls. The pathogenic bacteria were mostly from children aging from 24 months and above.

Diarrheagenic bacteria play an important role in relation to childhood diarrhea aging from two years and above. Proper diagnostic methods, prevention and control through fostering good hygiene and sanitation to water and food should be emphasized especially to oral-faecal age.
Factors that Influence Online Learning Assessment and Satisfaction: Using Moodle as a Learning Management System
Authors: Xu Hongjiang , Mahenthiran Sakthi
Published: January 2016

Higher education continues to evolve, including recent increases in the number of courses offered fully and partially (hybrid) online. Many new technologies have been used to support online education, particularly learning management systems (LMS’s), which serve as the core technology platforms for the online environment. Our research is to use Moodle as an LMS and empirical survey data to investigate what are the factors that influence online assessment and overall satisfaction with online learning. We used an online survey as the method of data collection for this study. The survey questionnaire was sent anonymously to all students who took the online or hybrid course sections at a US university, as well as all faculty who taught those online or hybrid course sections. The research result showed that overall student satisfaction with online learning is significantly affected by how the course is organized and how the content is sequenced, the ease with which students can complete assignments, and the use of the LMS to engage with content.
The Impact of Climate Change on Agro-Ecological Based Livelihoods in Africa: A Review
Authors: Dube Thulani , Moyo Philani , Ncube Moreblessings , Nyathi Douglas
Published: January 2016

Several local studies have been carried out on the impact of climate change on livelihoods and development especially in developing countries. However, there is a general scarcity of literature that makes a comparative appraisal of the impacts of climate change on agro-ecological based livelihoods across the African continent. This paper seeks to address that gap by making a comparative analysis of the effects of climate change on agro-based livelihoods across the African continent, focusing on Eastern, Western, Southern Africa and the Sahel region. A cross continental perspective on this issue is important in informing current global climate change negotiations and response strategies both at global level and national levels. While some studies have been conducted at individual country levels about the projected and recorded impacts of climate change, there remains a dearth of literature that reviews and consolidates these findings to give an overall holistic picture about continental and sub-continental impacts in Africa especially as relating to local agro and ecological based livelihoods. This study finds out that the impact of climate change is invariably negative across the whole of Africa as it leads to failing agricultural yields and a reduction of bio-diversity. The paper recommends an intensification for the support of livelihood diversification strategies in rural development planning. It further recommends policy strategies that particularly targets the poor and vulnerable communities whose livelihoods hinge on agriculture and natural ecosystems as these will suffer the most from the impact of climate change.