Identification and quantification of polyphenolic compounds in ten pear cultivars by UPLC-PDA-Q/TOF-MS

The aim of this study was to identify and compare phenolic acids, flavan-3-ols and procyanidins, flavonol glycosides, flavones and hydroquinones in different cultivars of pear. Pear fruits (Pyrus communis L.) of ten cultivars (‘Bonkreta Williamsa’, ‘Carola’, ‘Dicolor’, ‘Faworytka’, ‘Hortensia’, ‘Konferencja’, ‘Lukasówka’, ‘Nojabrska’, ‘Radana’ and ‘Uta’) were used in this study. Sixty-five phenolic compounds, including 26 phenolic acids, 22 flavan-3-ols and procyanidins, 15 flavonols, 1 flavone, and 1 hydroquinone, were determined in the examined samples using the ultra-performance liquid chromatography photodiode detector-quadrupole/time of flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-PDA-Q/TOF-MS) method. Major differences were found in the phenolic profiles of investigated cultivars. The ‘Radana’ cultivar exhibited the highest total phenolics content (894.9 mg/kg FW) and was characterized by the highest concentration of phenolic acids (503.1 mg/kg FW) and arbutin (70.8 mg/kg FW).     

Effect of temperatures on inulobiose and inulooligosaccharides in burdock roots during storage

The variation of inulobiose, inulotrose and other higher inulo-n-oses in burdock roots stored at 0, 15 and 20 °C during six weeks was investigated. Results showed that at 15 and 20 °C, inulobiose appeared after three day storage and then it increased progressively to 2.03 and 2.72 mg/g dry weight (DW) after 42 days, while inulotriose, inulotetraose, inulopentaose, inulohexaose and inuloheptaose appeared after one week and increased also progressively, and were 1.81 and 2.30, 1.92 and 2.12, 1.52 and 1.89, 1.18 and 2.14, and 1.45 and 3.75 mg/g DW, respectively. At 0 °C, the different inulooligosaccharides (IOSs) increased sharply after the second week but inulobiose and inulotriose decreased slightly after five weeks. However, their contents were much higher than those observed at 15 and 20 °C. This suggests that low temperature induced strongly the hydrolysis of inulin and formation of IOSs in burdock root suggesting that this reaction would not be the result of a putative endo-inulinase but results from the activity of fructan:fructan 1-fructosyltransferase (1-FFT).     

Variability in the fermentation index,polyphenols and amino acids of seeds of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) during fermentation

The variability in the fermentation index, polyphenols, and amino acids of rambutan seeds was investigated during fermentation. Results revealed that fermentation index (FI) value ≥1 was achieved on the 4th day of fermentation. While fermentation significantly reduced the levels of total polyphenols (59%), tannin (60%), and saponins (33%), it seems to have a moderate effect on geraniin, corilagin, and a much stronger effect on ellagic, and gallic acids. During fermentation, variability in gallic acid, geraniin, corilagin, and ellagic acid did not show a consistent trend. In contrast, amino acids significantly decreased up to the second day of fermentation. Importantly, amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine and leucine) with characteristic bitter taste showed reductions of 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively after 10 days of fermentation. Sucrose, which was the only sugar present in significant concentrations in unfermented seed, was significantly reduced by fermentation.     

Systemic and non-systemic pesticides in apples from Kazakhstan and their impact on human health

Understanding the behavior of pesticides used during fruit cultivation is important for effectively and safety applying to minimize the risk exposure of consumer. The aim of this study was estimated the level of pesticide in 80 apple samples collected from the South Kazakhstan. Additionally, the peel and pulp was investigated. Around 50% samples contained 24 pesticides, ranging 0.006–0.62, 0.005–0.46 and 0.02–1.38 mg/kg in whole apples, pulp and peel, respectively. The penetration factor pesticide peel/pulp was calculated and ranged 1.7–10.9 for kresoxim methyl and triazophos, respectively. Acute (aHI) and cumulative (cHQ) exposure health risks associated with consuming these pesticides in whole fruit, pulp and skin were estimated. The triazophos, chlorpiryfos and cyhalothrin exceeded safety ARfD: 830, 136 and 112% for adults, whereas for infants 4514, 742 and 609%. The cHQ exposure were the highest in peel for AChE inhibitors: 999%, and sodium channel modulators 123% for adults.     

Chloride adduct tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of thiamphenicol and florfenicol in bovine muscle

LC–MS/MS analytical performance characteristics of chloride adduct ions [M + Cl]⁻ of thiamphenicol (TAP) and florfenicol (FFC) as precursor ions for quantification were studied. The calculations were based on a THF/Water solvent system to which dichloromethane was added as an additive at a composition of 2 % to generate chloride (Cl⁻) ions during electrospray ionization (ESI) of the solutions. The selectivity and signal to noise (S/N) ratio when the [M + Cl]⁻ adduct ions were used as precursor ions were excellent compared to deprotonated [M−H]⁻ ions that are traditionally used to determine the two analytes. The S/N ratios in the total ion chromatogram (TIC) of TAP and FFC were 577 and 3062 respectively, compared to 167 and 452 when [M−H]⁻ were used at the same spike levels of 50 and 100 μg/kg respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) for TAP and FFC were 4.0 and 3.7 μg/kg respectively using [M + Cl]⁻ as opposed to 2.1 and 4.3 μg/kg respectively when [M−H]⁻ were used. [M + Cl]⁻ adduct ions proved to be excellent substitutes for [M−H]⁻ especially where identity and selectivity would be the key drivers of the analytical method before quantification of the two analytes.     

Influence of pro- and prebiotics on gastric,duodenal and colonic bioaccessibility of the mycotoxin beauvericin

Beauvericin (BEA) is a bioactive compound produced by the secondary metabolism of several Fusarium strains and known to have various biological activities. This study investigates the influence of several dietary fibers (galactomanan, glucomannan, citrus fiber, bamboo fiber, carrot fiber, pie fiber, β-glucan, xilan, and cellulose) and probiotic strains (Lactobacillus animalis, Lb. casei, Lb. casei, Lb. plantarum, Lb. rhuminis, Lb. casei casei, Bifidobacterium breve, Bf. Adolescents, Bf. bifidum, Corynebacterium vitaeruminis, Streptococcus faecalis, Eubacterium crispatus, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) on the minor Fusarium mycotoxin BEA bioaccessibility employing a model solution. The bioaccessibility was determined using a simulated gastrointestinal digestion that mimics the physiological conditions of the digestive tract until the colonic compartment. The determination of BEA in the intestinal fluids was carried out by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry detection (LC–MS). The reduction of BEA bioaccessibility in the experiments carried out using the prebiotic compounds ranged from 60 to 80%, whereas in the trials carried out using the probiotic strains the bioaccessibility observed ranged from 30 to 85%. A BEA degradation product produced by colonic fermentation was identified using the technique of LC–MS-LIT.     

Determination of trichothecenes and zearalenone in different corn (Zea mays) cultivars for human consumption in Poland

Contents of 11 trichothecenes of A and B types and zearalenone were determined in corn (Zea mays) samples by using a high performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI-MS/MS). The lowest LOD was found for T-2 triol with 0.2 μg/kg. The content of mycotoxins in corn grain was compared, depending on cultivar and storage space. Based on the results, it was found that the 12 different corn cultivars and mix contained 9 of the 12 mycotoxins under investigation. The mycotoxins found were deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol, 15-acetyldeoxynivalenol, fusarenon X, neosolaniol, diacetoxyscirpenol, T-2 triol and zearalenone; T-2 tetraol, HT-2 and T-2 were not detected. DON was found to be a prevailing toxin of the highest concentration in almost all the studied samples. The most contaminated corn cultivar was Terada. Additional studies have shown differences in mycotoxins content in Delitop cultivar depending on the sample provider. This work presents the first complete and accurate survey carried out in Lower Silesia (southwestern Poland) on the presence of mycotoxins in corn and demonstrates how the examined region could be considered as suitable for the production of healthful corn products.     

Profile of polyphenols and phenolic acids in bracts and receptacles of globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) germplasm

The aim of this work was to assess and quantify polyphenols and hydroxycinnamic acids in different parts of the heads of 6 globe artichoke cultivars by HPLC-DAD-MS/MS. Globe artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) has been used in folk medicine since Roman times, possibly because of high hydroxycinnamic acid and flavone levels. However, to our knowledge, little is known about how these compounds are distributed in different parts of the artichoke head (outer bracts, inner bracts and receptacle). The phenolic profile was significantly different between cultivars and in different parts of the head, suggesting that individual compounds are accumulated preferentially in specific head parts and cultivars. In particular, the phenolic profile of the outer bracts exhibits very low (443 mg kg⁻¹ dry matter) or zero hydroxycinnamic acid content, and these compounds are present mainly in the receptacle (the edible part; mean value, 1473 mg kg⁻¹ dry matter). This study presents data that indicate the different levels of phenolics in different parts of artichoke, and shows the potential of various artichoke parts as a source of different levels of dietary phenolics.     

Determination of antioxidant activity,rutin, quercetin,phenolic acids and trace elements in tea infusions: Influence of citric acid addition on extraction of metals

Antioxidant activity of tea, content of bioactive compounds (rutin, quercetin, phenolic acids including: gallic, chlorogenic, protocatechuic, p-coumaric, caffeic, ferrulic, syringic and sinapic as well as other selected organic acids) and trace elements (Mn, selected as a metal playing a role in oxidative metabolism; Al; Cd; and Pb – the so-called heavy or noxious metals) were studied as these parameters greatly influence the quality of tea infusions. A number of different samples were tested including white, green, black and lemon-flavored teas, as well as the Red Lapacho tea. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and ABTS tests, and a strong correlation between obtained results was observed. Infusions made from lemon teas packed in bags showed increased levels of rutin, quercetin and phenolic acids. Nevertheless, the positive effect of the increased level of phenolic compounds extracted is also connected with higher level of extracted noxious elements. Citric acid added to tea and herbal Red Lapacho infusions significantly increased Al, Cd, and Pb trace elements concentrations. Nevertheless, the infusions prepared from the lemon tea bags contained even the 10–70-fold higher content of these elements. On the other hand, addition of citric acid to tea infusions increased amount of extracted Mn only in black teas and Red Lapacho.     

Effects of postharvest storage and processing techniques on the main fatty acids in the profile of oil extracted from African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum Mull. Arg.)

African Walnut (Tetracarpidium conophorum Mull. Arg.) is a perennial climber which grows in the western and central regions of Africa. The nuts are processed by boiling and roasting and are sold within 1–5 days to consumers through the open market system. During processing, storage and distribution, the nuts are typically exposed to high temperatures raising concerns over nutrient quality and safety. Although African walnut, like several other nuts, contains high amount of oil, there is no study reporting on how the common processing methods (boiling and roasting) affect the fatty acid profile. Nut samples (n = 702) at both early and late maturity were harvested and stored at 5 °C. Randomized sampling was done (0, 10 and 20 days) and nuts grouped according to treatments (boiling, roasting, unprocessed). Nuts were then held for 3 and 7 days at either 25 °C or 37 °C to simulate normal retail practices. Oil was extracted and analysed as fatty acid methyl esters using gas chromatography flame ionization detection and gas chromatography coupled mass spectrometry. Retention times were compared with known standards. Results indicated the presence of C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 cis-9, C18:2, cis-9, 12, C20:0, C18:3 with C18:3 being the most abundant (1.1–8.2 mg g⁻¹ dry matter). In general, postharvest storage at 25 °C or 37 °C for 3 or 7 days after boiling and roasting significantly increased concentrations of the fatty acids (>50%) in nuts stored for 10 days compared to unprocessed. Current processing methods and retail storage practices improved concentrations of the fatty acids in African walnut stored up to 10 days at 5 °C.     

Effects of cooking on in vitro sinigrin bioaccessibility,total phenols,antioxidant and antimutagenic activity of cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Botrytis)

Cauliflower (Brassica oleraceae L. var. Botrytis) is a good source of bioactive compounds, such as glucosinolates, phenolic compounds and vitamins. In this study, the effects of some processes (i.e. boiling, steaming) on the sinigrin bioaccessibility as a major glucosinolate found in cruciferous vegetables after in vitro digestion, also in vitro antimutagenic activities, total phenols and total antioxidant capacities of cauliflower were determined. The sinigrin content was reduced by approximately 9.6% and 29.1% in steamed and boiled cauliflower (p > 0.05), respectively. After in vitro simulated digestion, sinigrin content was decreased by 26.4% in raw samples, increased by 29.5% and 114.7% in steamed and boiled samples, respectively. In all samples, mutagenic effect to Salmonella typhimurium TA 100 was not seen. When samples were steamed, phenol content was increased by 14.83%. After boiling total phenol content of cauliflower was decreased by 1.8%. Total antioxidant capacities (TAC) measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis(3 ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) methods were increased by 47% and 39%, respectively (p < 0.05) in steamed samples and decreased by 8% and 7% with boiling, respectively (p > 0.05). TAC in raw sample of cauliflower, which was investigated in phosphomolybdenum assays, was determined as 18.7 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE)/100 g. In all cases, the highest antioxidant activity was determined in the steamed samples, while the lowest antioxidant activity was in boiled samples.     

Genetic diversity of folate profiles in seeds of common bean,lentil, chickpea and pea

Folates are water-soluble B vitamins and act as cofactors in many metabolic functions in the human body. Pulses have traditionally been considered as a good dietary source of folates. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine the concentration of folates in four cultivars each of common bean, lentil, chickpea and pea, and (2) to determine the effect of growing location on folate concentration. Six folate monoglutamates were quantified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Total folate concentration ranged from 351 to 589 μg/100 g in chickpea, 165 to 232 μg/100 g in common bean, 136 to 182 μg/100 g in lentil, and 23 to 30 μg/100 g in pea. The 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and 5-formyltetrahydrofolate (5-FTHF) folates were most abundant in common bean, lentil and chickpea, whereas 5-MTHF and tetrahydrofolate (THF) were the predominant forms in pea. Significant differences were detected among cultivars for all folates across the pulses, except for 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (5,10-MTHF) in lentil, 5-MTHF in chickpea, and 5,10-MTHF and folic acid (FA) in pea. Significant effects for location and cultivar by location were also observed for the majority of the folates.