András Szabó

NIR detection of honey adulteration reveals differences in water spectral pattern

High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) was mixed with four artisanal Robinia honeys at various ratios (0-40%) and near infrared (NIR) spectra were recorded with a fiber optic immersion probe. Levels of HFCS adulteration could be detected accurately using leave-one-honey-out cross-validation (RMSECV=1.48; R(2)CV=0.987), partial least squares regression and the 1300-1800nm spectral interval containing absorption bands related to both water and carbohydrates. Aquaphotomics-based evaluations showed that unifloral honeys contained more highly organized water than the industrial sugar syrup, supposedly because of the greater variety of molecules dissolved in the multi-component honeys. Adulteration with HFCS caused a gradual reduction of water molecular structures, especially water trimers, which facilitate interaction with other molecules. Quick, non-destructive NIR spectroscopy combined with aquaphotomics could be used to describe water molecular structures in honey and to detect a rather common form of adulteration.

Individual and combined haematotoxic effects of fumonisin B1 and T-2 mycotoxins in rabbits

Weaned rabbits were fed diets contaminated with 2 mg/kg diet T-2 toxin alone, or 10 mg/kg diet fumonisin B1 (FB1) alone, and both toxins in combination (2+10 mg/kg, resp.), as compared to a toxin free control. Samplings were performed after 2 and 4 weeks. Bodyweight of the T-2 fed group was lower after 4 weeks; the liver weight increased dramatically. Red blood cell (RBC) Na(+)/K(+) ATPase activity decreased after 4 weeks in the T-2 group, it increased in the FB1 group and antagonism was found by the combined treatment. The RBC membrane fatty acid profile was modified by both toxins similarly during the entire feeding. After 4 weeks T-2 alone and in combination (with FB1) was found to increase mean cell volume (MCV). The time-dependent alterations in the T-2 group were significant for MCV (increase) and the mean cell haemoglobin (increase). The active monovalent cation transport was altered by both mycotoxins. Most probably FB1 exerts its sodium pump activity modification via an altered ceramide metabolism (behenic acid decrease in the RBC membrane), while for T-2 toxin a moderate membrane disruption and enzyme (protein) synthesis inhibition was supposed (ca. 75% decrease of the sodium pump activity).

Synthesis, Properties and Applications of Helical Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract Helical carbon nanotubes were produced on silica‐supported Co catalysts by chemical vapour decomposition of acetylene. Coiled nanotubes were examined. They have been found to be of various shapes, diameter, and pitch. Some of them are extremely long, up to 5 µm, with regular helices. The average outer diameter of coils are about 30–50 nm, the pitch is in the range 50–200 nm and the length about 1–1.4 µm. The helix‐shaped windings of the helical carbon nanotubes reveal characteristic mechanical resonances, which are determined by the elastic modulus, mass, shape, and dimensions.

Effect of egg composition on hatchability and on growth and slaughter characteristics of meat-type chicks

1. Using the so-called TOBEC (Total Body Electrical Conductivity) method, which allows the determination of egg composition in vivo, correlations between egg composition, hatchability and hatched chicks’ development were studied. 2. A total of 1500 hen eggs (Ross-308) were measured by TOBEC, and eggs with extremely high (10%, n = 150), extremely low (10%, n = 150) and average (10%, n = 150) electrical conductivity values were chosen for further investigation. 3. During the incubation period, it was observed that eggs with high electrical conductivity had a significantly higher mortality than eggs with low electrical conductivity. 4. It was observed that both the increase in electrical conductivity at the same egg weight, and the increase in egg weight at the same electrical conductivity resulted in an increase in the hatching weight. 5. It was found that the dry matter, protein and fat content of the chicks hatched from eggs with low electrical conductivity was higher at hatching than that of the chicks hatched from eggs with high electrical conductivity. 6. At 42 d of age the liveweight of cocks and pullets hatched from eggs with low electrical conductivity was 3·2 and 8·2% higher than the liveweight of cocks and pullets hatched from eggs with high electrical conductivity. 7. Because of the higher liveweight at slaughter, there was a significant superiority of the chicks hatched from eggs with low electrical conductivity in the case of the examined carcase traits at slaughter. 8. Similar tendencies were found also in the ratios of carcase variables to liveweight, but the between group differences were not statistically significant in this case. 9. Based on the results it was concluded that TOBEC seems to be a useful method for separating eggs with different composition. 10. This could be a good starting point for further in vivo investigations in order to clarify the effect of egg composition on hatchability and further development.

Individual and Combined Effects of Subchronic Exposure of Three Fusarium Toxins (Fumonisin B, Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone) in Rabbit Bucks

Objective of the study was to determine reproductive toxicity of Fusarium toxins orally at three subchronic doses on adult Pannon White male rabbits. The four treatments were: control (C, toxin-free diet), F (5 mg/kg FB1), DZ (1 mg/kg DON+0.25 mg/kg ZEA), FDZ (5 mg/kg FB1+1 mg/kg DON+0.25 mg/kg ZEA) for 65 days (n=15/treatment). The doses were pre-determined according the EU limits in finished feed for young pig (in the absence of limits for rabbits’ feed; based on the European Commission Recommendation 2006/576/EC and the European Commission Directive 2003/100/EC). The most pronounced effects of the toxins were exerted on the reproductive processes. The ratio of spermatozoa showing progressive forward motility decreased (P<0.05) from 80% to 67% in the FDZ group by day 60. Differences were found between the groups DZ (66.3% ± 23.7) and C (80.2% ± 11.2) in spermatozoa morphology. GnRH treated animals produced less testosterone in FDZ animals, compared to the other three groups (P<0.05). In the comet assay the individual fumonisin treatment resulted in significantly less 0 comets (intact cells), compared to all others. Based on the prevalence of score, lower (P<0.0001) damage was observed in FDZ group, as compared to F and DZ. Among the mycotoxins studied, additive or less than additive effect was found in case of spermatogenesis and sperm cell morphology, synergism in testosterone production, while FB1 acted antagonistically against DON+ZEA in comet assay. All mycotoxins provoked moderate lipid-peroxidation, based on the changes of glutathione concentration, glutathione peroxidase activity and formation of malondialdehyde and conjugated dienes and trienes, and exerted slight genotoxicity based on comet assay, FB1 being antagonistic towards DON+ZEA. In F, DZ and FDZ animals the intensity of spermatogenesis decreased by 43, 31 and 64%, respectively, which was reflected by lack of differentiated spermatozoa, thinning of the germinal epithelium, the appearance of multinuclear giant cells, indicative of the disturbance of meiosis and mitosis of the germinal epithelial cells and in some cases the lack of spermatogonia.

Acute hepatic effects of low-dose fumonisin B1 in rats

Adult male Wistar rats were enrolled in a study to test the acute hepatic effects of 50 mg/kg fumonisin B1 in feed for 5 days. Fumonisin B1 depressed growth and feed intake, and absolute and relative liver weight showed a significant increase. The proportions of C17:0, C18:3 n3, C22:5 n3 and C22:6 n3 fatty acids decreased in the hepatic phospholipid fraction. All proportional decreases modified the hepatocellular membrane lipids into a more rigid state. The fatty acid profile modifications were partly compensated for by endogenous glutathione (preventing the formation of conjugated dienes and trienes as initial phase lipid peroxidation indicators), while the enzymatic antioxidant defence system (glutathione peroxidase) was unaltered. In contrast, hepatic malondialdehyde, the cytotoxic product of end-phase lipid peroxidation showed a concentration increase even after 5 days of feeding. The results indicate a rather strong and rapid hepatic effect of FB1, immediately impairing membrane phospholipids, even before the enzymatic antioxidant defence is activated.

Effect of sex on the fillet quality of Nile tilapia fed varying lipid sources

Abstract Effect of sex and three different oil supplementations on main production traits, and fatty acid composition of the fillet and gonads was investigated in Nile tilapia. Males and females had significantly different final weights owing to the occasional reproduction of fish. Diets had no significant effects on the main production traits. The percentage of ALA in the fillet was significantly higher in the males in all diets. Significant differences were found between the two sexes in the n-3 PUFA, resulting in a higher n-3/ n-6 ratio in the males. MUFA and n-6 PUFA percentages and EPA/DHA ratio in the fillet were affected by the fat sources in the diet. The proportion of the main fatty acids showed significant changes in the gonads. Both sex and the diet had a significant effect on LA, AA, and DHA percentages. In case of EPA the males had significantly higher values than the females. ALA was affected by the different diets, the fillets of the LO group containing the highest percentage Regarding the main FA groups, n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA, n-3/n-6 ratio and the DHA/EPA ratio were affected by sex and diets.

Individual and Combined Effects of Fumonisin B1, Deoxynivalenol and Zearalenone on the Hepatic and Renal Membrane Lipid Integrity of Rats

(1) Background and (2) Methods: A 14-day in vivo, multitoxic (pure mycotoxins) rat experiment was conducted with zearalenone (ZEA; 15 μg/animal/day), deoxynivalenol (DON; 30 μg/animal/day) and fumonisin B1 (FB1; 150 μg/animal/day), as individual mycotoxins, binary (FD, FZ and DZ) and ternary combinations (FDZ), via gavage in 1 mL water boluses. (3) Results: Body weight was unaffected, while liver (ZEA↑ vs. DON) and kidney weight (ZEA↑ vs. FDZ) increased. Hepatocellular membrane lipid fatty acids (FAs) referred to ceramide synthesis disturbance (C20:0, C22:0), and decreased unsaturation (C22:5 n3 and unsat. index), mainly induced by DON and to a lesser extent by ZEA. The DON-FB1 interaction was additive on C20:0 in liver lipids. In renal phospholipids, ZEA had the strongest effect on the FA profile, affecting the saturated (C18:0) and many n6 FAs; ZEA was in an antagonistic relationship with FB1 (C18:0) or DON (C18:2 n6, C20:1 n9). Hepatic oxidative stress was the most expressed in FD (reduced glutathione and glutathione peroxidase), while the nephrotoxic effect was further supported by lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) in the DON treatment. (4) Conclusions: In vivo study results refer to multiple mycotoxin interactions on membrane FAs, antioxidants and lipid peroxidation compounds, needing further testing.

A note on the special fillet fatty acid composition of the dwarf carp (cyprinus carpio carpio) living in thermal Lake Hévíz, Hungary

Fatty acid (FA) composition of the fillet and the intestinal content of dwarf common carp (Cyprinus carpio carpio) living in Lake Hévíz was determined in wintertime collected samples and results were compared to widespread literature data on carp. Fillet FA profile of the thermally adapted (28 °C) Hévíz dwarf carps differed from profiles originated from divergent culture and feeding conditions in the overall level of saturation. Fillet myristic acid proportions largely exceeded all literature data in spite of poor dietary supply. Fillet fatty acid results indicate the effects of thermal adaptation (high saturation level) and the correlative effects of feed components rich in omega-3 fatty acids, with special respect to docosahexaenoic acid. With the application of discriminant factor analysis the Hévíz sample was accurately differentiated from the literature data on carp fillet fatty acid profile, mostly based on C14:0, C18:1 n9, C18:2 n6, C20:1 n9 and C20:4 n6 FAs. In summary, fillet FA profile suggested thermal adaptation, location specificity and the ingestion of algal and bacterial material.

Synthesis, properties and possible applications of helical carbon nanotubes

Helical carbon nanotubes were produced on silica supported Co catalysts by chemical vapour decomposition of acetylene. The catalysts were prepared applying two methods: ion‐adsorption precipitation and sol‐gel technique. We compared the quality of the products obtained on these catalysts, the amount and characteristics of coiled carbon nanotubes. The characterization of products was based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations and on thermogravimetric measurements.Coiled nanotubes have been found to be of various shapes, diameter and pitch. Some of them are extremely long, 2.5 μm, with regular helices. The average outer diameter of coils are about 16 nm, the pitch is in the range 50–400 nm and the length about 1–1.4 μm. The helix‐shaped windings of the helical carbon nanotubes reveal characteristic mechanical resonances, which are determined by the elastic modulus, mass, shape and dimensions.