Chemical Changes in the Broccoli Volatilome Depending on the Tissue Treatment

The storage of plant samples as well as sample preparation for extraction have a significant impact on the profile of metabolites, however, these factors are often overlooked during experiments on vegetables or fruit. It was hypothesized that parameters such as sample storage (freezing) and sample pre-treatment methods, including the comminution technique or applied enzyme inhibition methods, could significantly influence the extracted volatile metabolome. Significant changes were observed in the volatile profile of broccoli florets frozen in liquid nitrogen at −20 °C. Those differences were mostly related to the concentration of nitriles and aldehydes. Confocal microscopy indicated some tissue deterioration in the case of slow freezing (−20 °C), whereas the structure of tissue, frozen in liquid nitrogen, was practically intact. Myrosinase activity assay proved that the enzyme remains active after freezing. No pH deviation was noted after sample storage - this parameter did not influence the activity of enzymes. Tissue fragmentation and enzyme-inhibition techniques applied prior to the extraction influenced both the qualitative and quantitative composition of the volatile metabolome of broccoli.

URBAN CONSCIOUSNESS, CULTURE, QUALITY OF LIFE AND TAMBOV RESIDENTS’ IDEA OF FAVORABLE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

В статье изложены результаты полевых социологических исследований по проблемам оценки горожанами градостроительных проблем и городской среды в г. Тамбове в 2008 и 2020 гг. Показано, что количественный состав жителей г. Тамбова в последние 30 лет остается стабильным, при возросшем жилищном фонде за это время на 1 жителя с 14,1 м до 29,6 м. Из 75 городов России г. Тамбов находится, на основании мнений тамбовчан, на 36-м месте по качеству жизни. Актуальность статьи обусловлена научным интересом к проблеме взаимодействия горожан со средой обитания и формирования комфортной городской среды. Целью статьи является срез субъективного мнения горожан о градостроительных проблемах и условиях формирования оптимальной среды проживания. По результатам опросов установлены основные негативные факторы городской среды, в частности, плохая экология, отсутствие благоустройства. Названы предпочитаемые и нежелательные районы города для проживания. На основе ответов респондентов сформирован «социальный заказ» по оптимизации городской среды, решению градостроительных проблем. Показано, что приобщение населения к решению городских проблем повышает социальную ответственность горожан за создание комфортной среды проживания. На основании эмпирического исследования делается вывод о том, что для создания благоприятной городской среды обитания в самих горожанах должны появиться градостроительное сознание и культура с человеческим измерением. The paper presents the results of field sociological research on the problems of assessing urban planning problems and urban environment in Tambov in 2008 and 2020. The research shows that the quantitative composition of Tambov inhabitants in the last 30 years remains stable, but the housing stock during this time increased from 14.1 m to 29.6 m per inhabitant. Tambov is ranked 36th out of 75 cities in Russia in terms of quality of life according to the opinions of Tambov residents. The relevance of the publication is due to the scientific interest in the sphere of interaction of citizens with the environment and comfortable urban environment formation. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the subjective opinion of residents about urban planning problems and the conditions of optimal living environment formation. Based on the results of the polls the main negative factors of the urban environment were identified, in particular, poor ecology, lack of landscaping. Preferred and undesirable areas of the city for living have been named. Based on the respondents' answers, a “social order” was formed to optimize the urban environment and solve urban planning problems. The authors suggest that involving the citizens in solving urban problems increases their social responsibility for creating a comfortable living environment. The empirical research allows us to think that in order to create a favorable urban environment, urban planning consciousness and culture with a human dimension must appear among townspeople. In this article according to sociological surveys, we have broadly subjectively revealed and assessed the quality of life of respondents in the non-production fixed assets of social consumption in Tambov.

Impact of Storage Controlled Atmosphere on the Apple Phenolic Acids, Flavonoids, and Anthocyanins and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro

Apples are seasonal fruits, and it is important to prepare them adequately for storage and ensure proper storage conditions. In this study, we used ten different apple cultivars: ‘Alva’, ‘Auksis’, ‘Connell Red’, ‘Cortland’, ‘Ligol’, ‘Lodel’, ‘Noris’, ‘Rubin’, ‘Sampion’, and ‘Spartan’. We studied the qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in the apple and apple extracts antioxidants activity before placing them in the controlled atmosphere chambers and again at the end of the experiment, eight months later. Different concentrations of O2, CO2, and N2, constant temperature, relative humidity, and removal of endogenous ethylene were continually maintained. HPLC analysis showed that the highest amount of 2265.7 ± 152.5 µg/g of chlorogenic acid was found in apple samples of the ‘Auksis’ cultivar stored under variant IV conditions. Different concentrations of gas in the controlled atmosphere chambers caused changes in antioxidant activity in whole apple and apple peel extracts. In our study, we found that the antioxidant activity of apple extracts varied between samples of different apple cultivars and depended on the composition of the controlled atmosphere. Determining the optimal storage conditions is beneficial to providing the consumers with apples that have a known and minimally altered chemical composition of phenolic compounds and the strongest antioxidant activity, which determine the use of apples in the healthy food chain.

Development, Validation, and Application of the UPLC-DAD Methodology for the Evaluation of the Qualitative and Quantitative Composition of Phenolic Compounds in the Fruit of American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton)

Phenolic compounds in the fruit of American cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton) determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and other biological effects. The berries are used in the production of medicinal preparations and food supplements, which highlights the importance of qualitative and quantitative analysis of phenolic compounds in cranberry fruit raw material. The aim of our study was to develop and validate an efficient, cost-effective, reproducible, and fast UPLC-DAD methodology for the evaluation of the qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in raw material and preparations of American cranberry fruit. During the development of the methodology, chlorogenic acid and the following flavonols were identified in cranberry fruit samples: myricetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-galactoside, quercetin-3-glucoside, quercetin-3-α-L-arabinopyranoside, quercetin-3-α-L-arabinofuranoside, quercetin-3-rhamnoside, myricetin, and quercetin. The developed and optimized UPLC-DAD methodology was validated according to the guidelines of the International Council for Harmonization (ICH), evaluating the following parameters: range, specificity, linearity (R2 > 0.999), precision (%RSD < 2%), LOD (0.38–1.01 µg/mL), LOQ (0.54–3.06 µg/mL), and recovery (80–110%). The developed methodology was applied to evaluate the qualitative and quantitative composition of phenolic compounds in fruit samples of cranberry cultivars ‘Baifay’, ‘Bergman’, ‘Prolific’, and ‘Searles’, as well as ‘Bain-MC’ and ‘BL-12′ clones. In the tested samples, the majority (about 70%) of the identified flavonols were quercetin derivatives. The greatest amount of quercetin-3-galactoside (1035.35 ± 4.26 µg/g DW) was found in fruit samples of the ‘Searles’ cultivar, and the greatest amount of myricetin-3-galactoside (940.06 ± 24.91 µg/g DW) was detected in fruit samples of the ‘Woolman’ cultivar.

A new method for the production of compote from grapes in self-exgaustible glass jars 1-82-500

Проблема повышения пищевой ценности консервируемых пищевых продуктов в герметически укупоренной таре может быть успешно решена на основе интенсификации процесса тепловой стерилизации. В работе представлены результаты исследований по совершенствованию технологии производства консервированного компота из винограда с использованием самоэксгаустируемой тары и интенсификации процесса тепловой стерилизации, являющейся наиболее широко используемым методом консервирования пищевых продуктов, совершенство которой во многом определяет пищевую ценность готового продукта. Известно, что продолжительность и температурный уровень стерилизационного процесса существенно могут изменить качественный и количественный состав витаминов, белков, углеводов, минеральных и органических кислот и других веществ, что зачастую приводит к снижению пищевой ценности продукта. На основе оценки традиционного стерилизационного режима разработаны и предложены новый способ и режимы стерилизации, которые обеспечивают сокращение продолжительности тепловой обработки более чем на 30 % и повышение пищевой ценности готовой продукции. Установлено, что предварительное повышение температуры продукта и использование самоэксгаустируемых стеклобанок обеспечивают сохранение витамина С в готовом продукте на 0,8 мг/% выше, чем по традиционной технологии. Полученные результаты представляют интерес для реализации на предприятиях по переработке растительного сырья. The problem of increasing the nutritional value of canned food products in hermetically sealed containers can be successfully solved by intensifying the process of thermal sterilization. The paper presents the results of research on improving the technology of production of canned compote from grapes using self-exgaustible containers and intensifying the process of thermal sterilization, which is the most widely used method of preserving food products and the perfection of which largely determines the nutritional value of the finished product. It is known that the duration and temperature level of the sterilization process can significantly change the qualitative and quantitative composition of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, mineral and organic acids and other substances, which often leads to a decrease in the nutritional value of the product. Based on the assessment of the traditional sterilization regime, a new method and modes of sterilization have been developed and proposed, which provide a reduction in the duration of heat treatment by more than 30 % and an increase in the nutritional value of the finished product. It was found that the use of a preliminary increase in the temperature of the product and the use of self-exgaustible glass jars ensures the preservation of vitamin C in the finished product by 0.8 mg/% higher than by traditional technology. The results obtained are of interest for implementation at plants processing plant raw materials.

Berries and Leaves of Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.: A Source of Phenolic Compounds

Berries of Actinidia kolomikta (A. kolomikta) are known for high ascorbic acid content, but the diversity of phenolic compounds has been little studied. The present research aimed to investigate phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in berries and leaves of twelve A. kolomikta cultivars. The UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS technique was used to determine differences among cultivars in the quantitative composition of individual phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was determined by DPPH• free radical scavenging and CUPRAC methods. In the present study, 13 phenolic compounds were detected in berries, whereas leaves contained 17 phenolic compounds. Flavonols were the primary class found in both berries and leaves; other identified phenolic compounds were flavan-3-ols, flavones and, phenolic acids; and dihydrochalcone phloridzin was identified in the leaves. The amount and variety of phenolic compounds in berries and leaves and antioxidant activity were found to be cultivar-dependent. The highest total content of phenolic compounds was found in the leaves of the cultivar ‘Aromatnaja’ and in the berries of the cultivar ‘VIR-2’. Results of this study have confirmed that berries and leaves of A. kolomikta could be a valuable raw material for both food and pharmaceutical industries.

Update of the technical equipment of the grain-harvesting complex

Many options have been developed for the implementation of the algorithm for updating the fleet of grain harvesters to date. In accordance with the yield and other indicators, recommendations for the formation and renewal of the harvester fleet are proposed discretely in the form of tables or charts. This form of information does not always meet the requirements of operational correction and does not allow assessing the technological capabilities of the harvesting units, depending on the harvesting conditions. The method to improve the formation of the initial information for operational decision-making on the effective upgrading of technical means of grain harvesting complex taking into account the zonal features of a particular agricultural enterprise is proposed. A graph-analytical method for determining the main parameters of the basic harvesting tools depending on the predicted yield level is developed and the influence of the factors determining the composition of the grain harvesting fleet is assessed. This method makes it possible to identify the most rational basic parameters of alternative basic harvesting tools for a specific agricultural enterprise. The first step is to determine the basic parameters of the basic equipment, then select the appropriate size series of self-propelled threshers for combine harvesters and reapers. Further, alternative versions of various models of grain harvesting units and complexes are formed. For the subsequent selection of rational types of cleaning agents and their criterion assessment, technical and technological, environmental and other indicators are used. The expert-logical analysis of information resources makes it possible to identify and assess the factors that determine the quantitative composition of the technical means of the grain harvesting complex. The final stage in the formation of the initial information for making a decision on updating the technical means of the grain harvesting complex should be their economic assessment, which makes it possible to predict the competitiveness of the threshed grain.

The effect of the feed additive Bioprotectin-KD on the productivity of dairy cows and the correction of the microbiota of calves

The results of tests of a new combined feed additive Bioprotektin-KD based on milk thistle extract with the addition of a complex of bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium to restore intestinal microbiota of animals are presented. Preclinical studies on the effectiveness of the feed additive were conducted on mice with experimental antibiotic-associated dysbacteriosis. Studies on the intestinal microbiota of mice revealed varying degrees of effect of different doses of feed additive on the recovery of resident microflora. The results of pre-clinical studies have proven the harmlessness, non-toxicity and efficacy of the feed additive. Clinical trials of the additive were carried out on productive animals. Its effect on the productivity of black-motley breed cows in a livestock farm in the Belgorod region was studied. The use of the functional feed additive Bioprotectin-KD had a positive effect on the milk productivity of black-motley breed cows. Cows in the experimental groups that received the feed additive had increased their milk yield per lactation by 209.41-499.01 kg compared to the control animals, which was 4.01-8.78%. The quality indicators of milk have increased. The composition of the microflora of the experimental (feed supplement recipients) and control calves was studied. It was found that the quantitative composition of probiotic flora in the intestines of young calves of the control group remained practically unchanged throughout the experiment. The number of indigeneous microflora (lactobacilli and bifidobacteria) increased in the experimental animals. The content of lactic acid microorganisms in the experimental calves began to increase on day 6 of feed supplementation and reached physiological norm on day 30. The safety index of the product has been calculated. The use of the functional feed additive Bioprotektin-KD in conditions of a livestock complex has improved such production indicators as calf survival, average daily weight gain, and milk productivity of cows in the experimental groups of animals as compared to the control ones.

Essential Oil Variability of Azorean Cryptomeriajaponica Leaves under Different Distillation Methods, Part 1: Color, Yield and Chemical Composition Analysis

This study mainly deals with the effect of hydrodistillation (HD) and water-steam distillation (WSD) methods on the color, yield, and chemical profile of the essential oil (EO) from Cryptomeria japonica fresh leaves from São Miguel Island (Azores Archipelago, Portugal). The yields of EO–HD (pale-yellowish) and EO–WSD (colorless) samples were 1.21% and 0.45% (v/w), respectively. The GC–FID, GC–MS, and 13C-NMR analyses of EO–HD vs. EO–WSD revealed (i) a high-content of monoterpenes (72.8% vs. 86.7%), mainly α-pinene (34.5% vs. 46.4%) and sabinene (20.2% vs. 11.6%), and oxygenated mono- and sesquiterpenes (20.2% vs. 9.6%); (ii) similar sesquiterpene (1.6% vs. 1.6%), β-myrcene (5.9% vs. 5.8%), and camphene (3.5% vs. 3.8%) contents; and (iii) significant differences in other classes/components: EO–HD is richer in oxygenated sesquiterpenes (17.1%, mainly elemol (10.4%) and α-eudesmol (3.4%)) and diterpenes (3%; mostly phyllocladene), while EO–WSD is richer in oxygenated monoterpenes (7.2%, mainly terpinen-4-ol (5.4%)), p-cymene (4.4%), and limonene (3.2%). Overall, the color, yield, and quantitative composition of the EO samples studied are strongly influenced by the distillation method. Nonetheless, this C. japonica leaf EO displayed a consistent α-pinene- and sabinene-rich composition. The same chemotype was found in a commercial Azorean C. japonica leaf EO sample, obtained by industrial steam distillation (SD), as well as in Corsica C. japonica leaf EO–HD. Furthermore, the bioactive composition of our EO samples revealed the potential to be used in green plant protection and in the medical, food, cosmetic, and household industries.