Filters
Changes in the Characteristics of Pine Logging Residue during Storage in Forest Stands
A significant amount of logging residue is produced during roundwood harvesting. Logs are often left in forest sites due to, for example, ecological or logistical aspects. Taking into account the fact that the number of studies focused on changes in the properties of the residue is very low, it was decided to conduct research on the effect of a three-year storage period in forest stands on the chemical properties and energy potential of the wood. The research design allowed for the determination of changes during up to three years of storage. The performed analysis showed a highly negative impact on the characteristics of the material. These adverse effects were probably caused by the activity of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, as evidenced by the increased concentrations of ergosterol and low-molecular-weight organic acids. Moreover, it was found that wood stored for three years was characterized by a lower cellulose content; an increased percentage of lignin; a reduced content of sterols (desmosterol, stigmasterol, lanosterol and β-sitosterol) and phenolic acids; and reduced antioxidant activity, as determined with the ABTS+ method. Storing logs also led to a reduction in the energy potential of the residues, as shown by a reduction in net and gross calorific value and an increased ash content.
Comprehensive analysis of the chemical composition of conifer cones collected from Polish forests
Roasting Temperature as a Factor Modifying the Caffeine and Phenolic Content of Ethiopian Coffee
The functional properties of coffee are mainly attributed to bioactive compounds, primarily caffeine and polyphenols. Their quantitative and qualitative profile depends on many factors, including the roasting process. The study aimed to assess the effect of different roasting conditions on the caffeine content and polyphenol composition of the Ethiopian variety Coffea arabica L. (from two regions: Sidama and Jimma). In total, 21 bioactive compounds were identified, including caffeine, 14 phenolic acids, 3 flavonoid glycosides, and 3 flavonoids. It was found that chlorogenic acid had the highest concentration of all phenolic compounds in the Jimma and Sidama varieties, regardless of the degree of roasting. Studies have shown that the initial stage of coffee roasting (light roast) affects chlorogenic acid content—its level increases compared to green coffee, but then decreases in subsequent roasting stages (medium and dark roast). In contrast, the concentration of caffeic acid decreases during the light roast stage, while it increases during the medium and dark roast stages. The Sidama variety contains more caffeine than the Jimma variety.
Znaczenie mikotoksyn w produkcji drobiarskiej - starożytnej trucizny, która mogła mieć wpływ na wydarzenia opisane w Biblii
Comprehensive Assessment of Environmental Pollution in a Poultry Farm Depending on the Season and the Laying Hen Breeding System
The odors and dust emitted from hen houses affect human health and the condition of crops. The source of fumes is an element of the poultry house environment that affects the level of dust (litter and feed), the concentration of volatile compounds and the composition of the microflora (litter, dust and fodder). The research carried out as part of this study is a comprehensive assessment of the microbiological contamination (Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, and microscopic fungi) of all the elements that make up the environment of the poultry house (feed, litter, dust pollution and the atmosphere of the poultry house) in an annual cycle. The air from both types of farms is tested in terms of the quantity and quality of volatile compounds. Two types of laying hens reared on litter were compared: commercial and backyard farms. It was found that the seasons of the year and the system of keeping hens have a significant impact on the microbiological contamination with volatile compounds of the environment and the atmosphere of the hen houses. The obtained results of chemical, microbiological and questionnaire tests show that commercial farms carry a lower microbiological risk to the environment than backyard farm.
Ground lemon and stevia leaves as renewable functional fillers with antioxidant activity for high-density polyethylene composites
AbstractThe development of new sustainable material solutions in the processing of thermoplastic polymers concerns both the application of biopolymers and the use of valorized plant derivatives as fillers and modifiers of petrochemical polymers. Herein, the possibility of using unprocessed raw parts of two commonly used in the food industry leaves, i.e., lemon (LL) and stevia (ST), as active and functional fillers for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been verified. The series of composites containing 1, 2, and 5 wt% of ground leaves produced in the melt-mixing process were analyzed for thermal properties (DSC and TGA), and the antioxidant potential of the fillers was evaluated. Verifying the active effect of the ground leaves on the resistance to oxidation in the molten state was carried out by oxygen induction time (OIT by DSC) analysis and oscillatory rheology under steady-state shear conditions combined with spectroscopic (FTIR) carbonyl index (CI) analysis. Studies have shown that the introduction of 5 wt% of both types of leaves allows for a significant increase in the melt oxidation resistance (above 2 times longer OIT concerning HDPE, ~ 35 min) of composites without substantial changes in their crystalline structure and thermal stability. Determined after the long-term rheological measurements in an oxidative atmosphere CI showed 70 and 82% lower values for 5 wt% LL and ST composites compared to unmodified polyethylene. Graphical abstract
A method for reducing the concentrations of Fusarium graminearum trichothecenes in durum wheat grain with the use of Debaryomyces hansenii
The Use of Selected Essential Oils as an Alternative Method of Controlling Pathogenic Fungi, Weeds and Insects on Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.)
The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led researchers to explore alternative methods for controlling plant diseases and pests. Among these alternatives, essential oils (EOs) derived from various plant species have gained significant attention due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties, which can be utilized in plant protection. Essential oils are volatile compounds that possess strong aromatic characteristics and are found in many medicinal and aromatic plants. They are known for their antifungal, antibacterial, and insecticidal activities, making them viable candidates for eco-friendly pest and disease management strategies. In this research, six essential oils—pine, patchouli, geranium, spruce, coriander, and eucalyptus oil—have been tested in vitro for controlling mycelium growth of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Botrytis cinerea, Alternaria brassicicola, and Cylindrosporium concentricum. The study also covers experiments in controlling pollen beetle and cabbage seed weevil (laboratory trials). In greenhouse conditions, the phytotoxicity of EOs to oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and the effect of these substances on the control of cornflower (Centaurea cyanus) were also tested. The results obtained indicate a large diversity of different essential oils in terms of their action on pathogens, pests, weeds, and winter rapeseed. Differences in their effectiveness were also found, depending on the applied dose.
Determination of chemical markers affecting the occurrence of Panolis flammea Den. & Shiff.
AbstractThe research conducted so far on the chemical mechanisms of trees' defence against foliophages has not uncovered the chemical compounds biosynthesized by plants that are essential for these mechanisms. The objective of this study was to identify a chemical indicator for the presence of the pine beauty moth in Pinus sylvestris stands. Fresh needled shoots were collected from the crowns of pine trees in stands where the pine beauty moth tends to occur in large numbers, as well as from control stands. Total phenolic contents, total flavonoids contents, total chlorophyll content, terpene compounds, phenolic compound concentration, LMWOAs, sugar content, and colour analysis were conducted. Chlorophyll content, the presence of Panolis flammea in forest stands, and the colour of pine needles were discovered to be related. Variable L* correlated positively with the concentrations of chlorophyll a and b. In pine needles that were not attacked by the pine beauty moth, significantly higher concentrations of 4‐hydroxybenzoic acid, salicylic acid, chlorogenic acid, syringic acid, quercitin, and rutin were found, with the first compound having the most significant effect (4‐hydroxybenzoic acid). Based on the study results, the connected compounds in pine needles make them susceptible to insect attack. In addition, insect repellent programmes were mentioned.
Docking analysis of phenolic acid and flavonoids with selected TAS2R receptors and in vitro experiment
AbstractCornelian cherry fruits contain a wide range of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other secondary metabolites. Selected flavonoids may inhibit the perceiving of bitterness, however, the full mechanism with all TAS2R bitter taste receptors is not known. The aim of the study was to determine the inhibitory effect of Cornus mas phenolics against the bitterness receptors TAS2R13 and TAS2R3 through functional in vitro assays and coupling studies. The overall effect was validated by analysing the inhibition of the receptors activity in cells treated with tested cornelian cherry extracts. The strength of interaction with both TAS2R receptors varied between studied compounds with different binding affinity. Most compounds bonded with the TAS2R3 receptor through a long-distant hydrophobic interaction with Trp89A and π–π orbital overlapping—between phenolic and tryptophane aromatic rings. For TAS2R13 observed were various mechanisms of interaction with the compounds. Nonetheless, naringin and quercetin had most similar binding affinity to chloroquine and denatonium—the model agonists for the receptor.
Selected Metabolites of Biofunctional Importance from Edible Fruits of Forest Shrubs
This study focused on determining the content of bioactive compounds in selected fruits of wild shrubs. The plants selected for the study were from the Rosaceae and Adoxaceae families. Particular attention should be paid to the fruits of plants commonly growing in Poland (temperate climate), such as Crataegus monogyna, Sorbus aucuparia, Viburnum opulus, and Sambucus nigra. The study aimed to deepen the knowledge of the content of selected secondary metabolites, such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, flavonoid glycosides, and their antioxidant properties, as well as natural dyes. During this study, chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods were used to determine the quantitative profile of the above-mentioned secondary metabolites of wild plant fruits. The quantitative profile of 16 phenolic acids, 9 flavonoids, 5 organic acids, 13 flavonoid glycosides, and 3 natural dyes was determined. Based on the studies, it was noted that the qualitative and quantitative profile of the bioactive compounds differs not only depending on the species but also on the location where the plant grows. A statistical analysis showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the content of phenols and flavonoids in fruits collected from different locations. Interestingly, differences were also observed within the species, probably depending on the geographical location and composition of the soil in which the plants were grown.
Supplementation of beer with Pinus sylvestris L. shoots extracts and its effect on fermentation, phenolic content, antioxidant activity and sensory profiles
The Effects of Protease Supplementation and Faba Bean Extrusion on Growth, Gastrointestinal Tract Physiology and Selected Blood Indices of Weaned Pigs
The aim of the study was to investigate how the extrusion of faba bean seeds (var. Albus) and/or the addition of protease to pigs’ diets affected the animals’ growth parameters, digestibility of nutrients, selected physiological parameters of the digestive tract, and biochemical blood parameters. A 28-day experiment was conducted on 32 pigs weighing 9 ± 0.2 kg. The animals were allocated to four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with the main effects of extrusion (raw or extruded) and effects of protease supplementation (0 and 0.05%). Extrusion reduced the levels of neutral detergent fibre, trypsin inhibitor, phytate-P, and resistant starch but did not improve the digestibility of protein and dry matter in faba bean seeds. The pigs’ growth performance, ileal digestibility, enzyme activity, and morphometric parameters of the ileum were not significantly affected by extrusion, except for a higher feed intake between the 15th and 28th day of the experiment. The protease supplementation gave comparable results as the diet without protease, except the feed conversion ratio (in the periods of 15–28th day and 0–28th day), which was higher than in the groups without protease. The extrusion and protease increased acetate and acetoacetate contents in the cecal digesta, but propionate, butyrate, and isovalerate concentrations in the digesta of the pigs in this group were lower. Thanks to protease supplementation, protein and oil levels in the diet were reduced, which cut the cost of feed mixtures. The extrusion and protease additive combined together did not improve the pigs’ growth performance in this experiment.
