Percentage Of Acids Research Articles

#233 Marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving hemodialysis

Abstract Background and Aims Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving hemodialysis (HD). The two major marine n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may have cardioprotective effects. This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of plasma n-3 PUFAs on CV events and all-cause mortality in patients with ESRD receiving HD. Method A validated prospective multicenter cohort study of 336 patients with ESRD receiving HD with 5 years of follow-up was conducted. Blood samples were collected at baseline and analyzed for the plasma levels of EPA and DHA expressed as a weight percentage (wt%) of total plasma fatty acids. The primary outcome was CV events defined as acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina pectoris, stroke, transient ischemic attack, peripheral artery disease (PAD), or cardiovascular mortality. The secondary outcomes were all-cause mortality and each individual component of CV events. The sum of EPA and DHA (EPA+DHA) was used in all analyses and expressed as n-3 PUFAs in wt%. The population was divided into three groups according to n-3 PUFA tertiles. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox regressions adjusted for relevant confounders were used to analyze the association between plasma n-3 PUFA levels and study outcomes. Results Median follow-up time was 5.05 years (IQR, 5.02-5.07). Mean age was 65 ± 15 years and plasma n-3 PUFA levels ranged from 2.1 to 16.8 wt%, with a median of 5.7 wt% (IQR, 4.72-6.96 wt%). During follow-up 60% of the cohort died, 17% died of CV disease, and 42% had a CV event. Figure 1 shows the unadjusted associations between the plasma n-3 PUFA tertiles and the risk of CV events. A n-3 PUFA level between 5.06-6.52 wt% was associated with a 36% lower risk of CV events [unadjusted HR 0.64 (95% CI 0.43-0.96)]. Additionally, a n-3 PUFA level above 6.52 wt% was associated with a 34% lower risk of CV events [unadjusted HR 0.66 (95% CI 0.44-0.98)], both in comparison to levels below 5.06 wt%. After adjusting for relevant confounders, as shown in Figure 2, n-3 PUFA levels between 5.06 to 6.52 wt% were associated with a significantly lower risk of CV events [adjusted HR 0.60 (95% CI 0.40-0.92)], PAD [adjusted HR 0.44 (95% CI 0.22-0.88)], and all-cause mortality [adjusted HR 0.61 (95% CI 0.42-0.86)], when compared to levels below 5.06 wt%. Conclusion In this study of patients with ESRD receiving HD, a low plasma level of n-3 PUFA was associated with a higher risk of CV events, peripheral artery disease, and all-cause mortality.

Ultrasound and pulsed electric field treatment effect on the thermal properties, oxidative stability and fatty acid profile of oils extracted from berry seeds

AbstractThe seeds of berry fruits which are considered as a by-product may be valorized by recovering the oil they content. Nevertheless, the conventional extraction methods are time, energy and organic solvents consuming. In order to make extraction more environmental-friendly, alternative methods, like ultrasound-assisted and pulsed electric field-assisted processes, are being developed. The procedure of extraction may however influence the quality of obtained oil. The following study aims to define the effects of ultrasound and pulsed electric field application in the extraction process on the thermal properties, i.e., oxidative stability, melting and cyclic heating/cooling profiles, thermal decomposition characteristics. Additionally, fatty acid profile assessment was included in the study. Seeds of blackberries, blackcurrants, chokeberries, raspberries and redcurrants were used to extract oil. Based on the results, it can be summarized that extraction method influenced the resistance of oils to oxidation. Ultrasound-assisted process resulted in oils with the highest oxidation induction times. Melting profile was slightly influenced by extraction method, with peak temperatures indicating the presence of low-melting and middle-melting triacylglycerol fractions. Differential scanning calorimetry with heat/cool/heat procedure let determine crystallization peak temperatures around − 60 °C, which could be associated with the specific triacylglycerol profile of berry seed oils. The courses of thermogravimetric analysis curves were comparable for all the tested samples. The fatty acid profile study revealed that all the studied thermal properties were affected by the unique fatty acid percentage share, with a great predominance of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Obtained results allowed to conclude that extraction method influenced oxidative stability, thermal properties and fatty acid profile only to some extent. The most promising extraction method among analyzed seems to be ultrasound-assisted extraction as it provided oil with high oxidative stability, typical thermal properties and unchanged fatty acid profile, without being harmful to natural environment due to possible reduction in solvent and time consumption.

Amino acid profile behavior during the fermentation of Criollo cocoa beans

The study investigated the behavior of seventeen amino acids during spontaneous (SF) and starter culture (SC) fermentation of Criollo cocoa beans from Copallín, Guadalupe and Tolopampa, Amazonas-Peru. For this purpose, liquid chromatography (UHPLC) was used to quantify amino acids. Multivariate analysis was used to differentiate the phases of the fermentation process. The percentage of essential amino acids during SC fermentation (63.4%) was higher than SF (61.8%); it was observed that the starter culture accelerated their presence and increased their concentration during the fermentation process. The multivariate analysis identified a first stage (day 0 to day 2), characterized by a low content of amino acids that increased due to protein hydrolysis. The study showed that adding the starter culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) to the fermentation mass increased the concentration of essential amino acids (63.0%) compared to the spontaneous process (61.8%). Moreover, this addition reduced the fermentation time (3–4 days less), demonstrating that the fermentation process with a starter culture allows obtaining a better profile of amino acids precursors of flavor and aroma.

Evaluation of the potential of activated sludge biomass from Nigeria as a feedstock for biodiesel production

AbstractDepleting fossil fuel reserves and the effects of greenhouse gases on climate change have led to the investigation of alternative energy sources such as biofuel, including biodiesel and renewable diesel. Unfortunately, the cost of the feedstock exceeds 70% of the total production cost. The current work investigates the potential of utilizing a waste product (activated sludge biomass) from wastewater treatment, as an alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. The activated sludge biomass was pretreated with subcritical water to enhance the lipid yield before extracting the lipid using solvent extraction. The result showed that lipid yield from the activated sludge was 4.73–8.58%. After subcritical water pretreatment with varying residence time, temperature, and biomass loading, the lipid yield increased by 158.04–400%. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from the transesterification of the lipid extract using calcined egg shell as a catalyst identified the following lipids: triglyceride, fatty acids, sphingolipid, phospholipid, glycerolipid, glycerophospholipid, steroid, and cholesterol. The predominant lipid was triglyceride, and the high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (23.54%), eicosadienoic acid (8.37%), and oleic acid (6.23%) suggest that the lipid extract is a potential feedstock for biodiesel production.

Box–Behnken modeling of biodiesel production from Botryococcus braunii microalgae

AbstractThis research aimed to model and optimize the growth factors and enhance the lipid yield from Botryococcus braunii microalgae, and to design a system for obtaining biodiesel from these lipids as this does not compromise food security. Botryococcus braunii, grown on a modified Chu‐13 medium, reached the stationary phase after 27 days with a maximum cell count of 265 × 104 cells mL−1 after 27 days and maximum biomass yield of 725 mg L−1 after 30 days on modified Chu‐13 medium, which was higher than growth on Basal SAG medium. The maximum lipid content (18.47%) and lipid yield (4.46 mg L−1day) were obtained when B. braunii was cultivated on modified Chu‐13 medium after 30 days. Gas chromatography (GC) analysis for the lipids indicated that the highest percentages of SFAs (51.03%) and lowest percentages of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) (36.47%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (12.49%) were obtained by culturing B. braunii on modified Chu‐13 medium. The effect of different growth parameters (N2 level, NaHCO3, and CO2 concentrations) on growth yield was modeled by using D‐optimal design response surface methodology (RSM).

Hermetia illucens larvae fat vs coconut oil to obtain free lauric acid-rich products by chemical or enzymatic hydrolysis

Abstract Lauric acid is present in various vegetable fats and has been shown to be beneficial for human health and well-being. The interest in the properties of this fatty acid has led to an increase in the production and consumption of oils rich in lauric acid, primarily coconut oil. Despite being less known, there is an atypical animal source of lauric acid that can be considered more sustainable and that has levels of this fatty acid comparable to coconut oil, as the case of the larvae of the edible insect black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is. Due to the fact that some of the bioactive properties of lauric acid are linked to its free form, and also to facilitate subsequent concentration processes, the release of the fatty acid from the triacylglycerols present in fats becomes necessary. In this study, chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis for transforming both lauric acid-rich fats into a product rich in free fatty acids (FFA) were investigated. Different variables were studied, such as reaction time and the amount of catalyst used, resulting in maximum conversions to FFA in the case of chemical hydrolysis in just 20 min for both fats. Furthermore, the efficiency of the lipase Eversa® Transform 2.0 in generating a lauric acid-rich product from both oils was demonstrated, but in this case, a longer time was needed. The products obtained through both types of hydrolysis contained high percentages of free lauric acid, also exhibiting high stability against oxidation. This makes H. illucens larvae fat a comparable and alternative source to coconut oil to produce lauric-acid rich products useful for different applications.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Contamination and Quality of Locally Produced Crude Palm Oil in South-South Zone, Nigeria

Background: Oil palm, Elaeis guineensis Jacq is a perennial crop mainly cultivated for its vegetable oil. The fatty acid composition of crude palm oil (CPO) is mostly composed of palmitic, stearic oleic, and linoleic acids. Objectives: This study evaluated the quality of locally produced CPO from six states of South-South zone, Nigeria. Methods: The parameters of CPOs were characterized by specific gravity (SG), acid value (AV), percentage of free fatty acid (%FFA), and saponification value (SV) and peroxide value (PV). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in CPO were quantified using standard procedures, the related risk due to daily consumption of 25 g was characterized by lifetime cancer risk (LCR) and margin of exposure (MOE). Results: The study observed that the mean values of the parameters were 0.931 SG; 5.01 mgKOH g-1 AV; 2.28% FFA; 177.27 mgKOH g-1 SV and 29.65 meqO2 kg-1 PV. Apart from %FFA, the others did not meet the requirements recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission of the joint WHO/FAO. Diagnostic ratios of PAHs suggested a mixture of petrogenic and pyrogenic origins. The MOEs showed low health concern while 16PAH-LCR values which ranged from 2.48E-04 - 4.48E-04 were unacceptable. The screening value 0.003 was significantly (p> 0.05) lower than the computed total BaP equivalent (BaPeq) values indicating potential human health concerns. It is recommended that CPO processing and storage methods should be properly monitored to prevent quality reduction and contamination, which might have adverse effect on consumers.

Erythrocyte Phospholipid Fatty Acid Profile in High-Level Endurance Runners

Fatty acids (FAs) are the major structural component of erythrocyte membranes. Diet and physical exercise directly influence their incorporation and function. Endurance runners engage in high volumes of weekly aerobic training, alternating between low-intensity and high-intensity sessions. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the erythrocyte FA profile in a group of high-level male endurance runners (EG) with a control group of non-athlete subjects (CG). This observational study was conducted on 85 subjects, 63 high-level male endurance runners (23 ± 3 years; height: 1.76 ± 0.05) and 22 subjects who did not engage in regular physical exercise (21 ± 0.5 years; height: 1.68 ± 0.39). Runners had at least five years of training experience, and all of them were participants in national and international tournaments. FAs determination was performed using gas chromatography. Higher percentages of Palmitic Acid (PA), Stearic Acid (SA), Oleic Acid (OA), Calendic Acid (CA), Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosapentaenoic Acid (DPA), and lower percentages of Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) were found in the EG compared to the CG. High-level endurance runners exhibit altered erythrocyte FA profiles with low percentages of omega-3 index (ω-3 index) and DHA, which may affect erythrocyte membrane function as well as their performance.

Effect of seed's geographical origin on cactus oil physico-chemical characteristics, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity

The aim of this study was the valorisation of cactus (or prickly pear, Opuntia ficus-indica) seeds growing in six different regions of Morocco. Moisture, proteins, lipids profile, total polyphenols content, oxidative stability, and antioxidant activity were investigated. The Folin-Ciocalteu test highlighted the abundant presence of phenolic compounds (165 to 225 mg EAG/100 g of extract) and a significant antioxidant capacity against DPPH free radicals. The seeds contained protein (7–9.25%) and lipids (2.7–5%). Cactus oil quality indices such as acidity and peroxide value were below 1.2% and 10 mEq.O2/kg, respectively. GC analysis revealed that linoleic and oleic acid percentages ranged from 57.1 to 63.8%, and 13.5 to 18.7%, respectively. Cactus seed oil was rich in tocopherols (500–680 mg/kg) and phytosterols (8000–11,100 mg/kg) with a predominance of γ-tocopherols and β-sitosterol. Triacylglycerols, fatty acids and sterols composition showed small variation depending on the geographical origin, while the individual tocopherol profile was significantly influenced.

Inter-tree Variation in Chemical Components of North Sumatra Benzoin Gum (Styrax sp.)

Benzoin gum, which is known as Sumatra benzoin (Styrax sp), is widely used as an ingredient in the incense. Although these resins are widely used as flavours and fragrances, no studies have been made on inter-tree variation of its chemical composition. Therefore, benzoin gum samples were tapped from the 30 individual trees (age 10 years, 9~35 cm in diameter) grown in the community forest of Polung, Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra. The gum chemical components were analyzed by GC-MS and identified by comparing the fragmentation pattern with the standard components and literature studies. It was found that the major compounds detected by GC-MS were cinnamic acid (51.48%), cinnamyl cinnamate (62.56%), benzoic acid (1.94%), chavicol (5.18%), benzyl cinnamic acid (7.8%), atropic acid (9.84%), and vanillin (1.47%). Two main constituents that were always detected from 30 benzoin trees were chavicol and cinnamic acid, followed by cinnamyl cinnamate (28 trees) and benzoic acid (14 trees). By cluster analysis, 30 samples of benzoin gum can be classified into clusters I - III based on the average chemical components. Cluster I consisted of 7 individual trees with a higher percentage of benzoic acid and chavicol but lower concentration of cinnamic acid compared to other clusters. Cluster II consisted of 18 individual trees with a high percentage of cinnamyl cinnamate whereas clusters III consisted of 5 individual trees characterized with a high percentage of cinnamic acid. By Pearson correlation, it was observed that no significant correlation between the values of diameter and the amount of chemical components of benzoin gum.

134 Does inclusion of high oleic soybeans in a swine finishing ration influence lipid oxidation and consumer taste panel preference?

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine if a swine finishing ration that included soybeans with greater concentration of oleic acid will have an impact on lipid oxidation and palatability of pork. Crossbred pigs [n = 72; initial body weight (BW) = 78 ± 9 kg] were blocked by BW, sex, and distributed within 18 pens. Each pen was randomly assigned to 1 of 3 experimental diets: a control soybean-meal (CTRL), extruded conventional soybean (CONV), and extruded high oleic acid soybean (TRU). Six different harvest groups (n = 12/group) were created across treatments to ensure uniformity of final BW. Therefore, experimental diets were offered to animals for 34, 37, 41, 42, 48, or 50 d, until all pigs reached 118 ± 5 kg. Carcasses were harvested, and chilled (2°C) for 24 h, before fabricating one 2.5 cm chop from the 11th rib of the right carcass side. The chops were vacuum packaged, aged for 7 d at 2 oC, and frozen (-18 oC) for later sensory analysis. Pork chops were thawed and cooked to 71 oC peak internal temperature (AMSA sensory guidelines) and fed to 115 consumers that rated overall liking, flavor, tenderness, juiciness, and presence of off flavors using hedonic scales. Also, a 50 g sample was obtained from each loin at the 12th rib, aged for 7 d and frozen at -80 oC for evaluation of malondialdehyde (MDA) as indicator of lipid oxidation. Subcutaneous fat samples were obtained from the first thoracic vertebra, frozen, and saved for fatty acid analysis. Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS where diet was the main effect, while pen and breed were random effects. Repeated measures were used to analyze the consumer panel. Differences were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05 with pen as experimental unit. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) for consumer perception of overall like, pork flavor, and presence of off flavors. Experimental diets impacted the perception of juiciness and tenderness (P < 0.05), where CONV was perceived as juicier and more tender than CTRL and TRU. As expected, diet affected the fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat (P < 0.0001), with TRU having the greatest percentage for oleic (43.9 %), CONV the greatest percentage for linoleic and linolenic (17.8 and 1.3 % respectively), and CTRL for saturated fatty acids (34.5 %). Surprisingly, the lipid oxidation was not affected by the diet (P > 0.05). These results indicate that feeding extruded high oleic soybeans during the finishing period can modify the fatty acid profile in pork by improving the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, so these soybeans can be considered as an alternative to improve nutritional value of pork without increasing the lipid oxidation or affecting the consumers acceptability.

Beneficial Effect of Olive Oil and Its Derivates: Focus on Hematological Neoplasm.

Olive oil (Olea europaea) is one of the major components of the Mediterranean diet and is composed of a greater percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid; polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid; and minor compounds, such as phenolic compounds, and particularly hydroxytyrosol. The latter, in fact, are of greater interest since they have found widespread use in popular medicine. In recent years, it has been documented that phenolic acids and in particular hydroxytyrosol have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative action and therefore interest in their possible use in clinical practice and in particular in neoplasms, both solid and hematological, has arisen. This work aims to summarize and analyze the studies present in the literature, both in vitro and in vivo, on the possible use of minor components of olive oil in some hematological neoplasms. In recent years, in fact, interest in nutraceutical science has expanded as a possible adjuvant in the treatment of neoplastic pathologies. Although it is worth underlining that, regarding the object of our study, there are still few preclinical and clinical studies, it is, however, possible to document a role of possible interest in clinical practice.

N‐Butane Isomerization over 0.5 Pt/HPA/MCM‐41 Catalyst: Optimization Study Using Central Composite Design

AbstractIn this research, 0.5 % platinum (Pt)/HPAs/MCM‐41 (Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41) bifunctional catalysts (with different weight percentages of phosphotungstic acid (HPW) and silicotungstic acid (HSiW)) were synthesized for use in the n‐butane isomerization. The synthesized catalysts were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption analyses. The best catalytic activity and highest initial isobutane yield at 250 °C, weight hourly space velocity of 0.15 h−1, and H2/nC4 molar ratio of 3:1 belonged to 0.5 %Pt/20 % HPW/MCM‐41 (41 %) and 0.5 % Pt/40 % HSiW/MCM‐41 (45 %) samples. Subsequently, the yield of isobutane over these catalysts was evaluated and optimized by a central composite experimental design. According to the quadratic model, the maximum isobutane yield under optimal operating conditions was 34.5 % and 41.36 %, respectively, for 0.5 % Pt/20 % HPW/MCM‐41 and 0.5 % Pt/40 % HSiW/MCM‐41 catalysts.

Influence of autonomic nervous system tone on the content of unsaturated fatty acids in blood lipids in goats

The relevance of this study lies in the need to determine the role of the autonomic nervous system in the metabolism of unsaturated fatty acids, especially essential ones, in the body of goats, which will improve the understanding of individual metabolic characteristics in these animals. The use of established blood markers will make it possible to analyse the state of lipid metabolism in the body of goats and ensure an increase in the effectiveness of methods of its correction. The purpose of this study was to determine the specific features of the autonomic nervous system influence on the relative content of unsaturated fatty acids in goat plasma lipids. The experiment involved goats of the Zaanenska breed, of which, using electrocardiographic analysis according to the Baevsky method and depending on the tone of the autonomic nervous system, three experimental groups were formed: normotonics, sympathotonics, and vagotonics. The method of gas-liquid chromatography was used to determine the percentage of unsaturated fatty acids in goat plasma lipids. Thus, in goats with sympathotonics, which have a predominance of sympathetic nervous system activity, a high percentage of the following lipids in blood plasma was noted: linolenic (P < 0.01), cis-4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19-docosahexaenoic (P < 0.05), docosahexapentaenoic (P < 0.001), and arachidonic acids (P < 0.001) compared to normotonics. These animals also had a lower content of palmitoleic (P < 0.05) and oleic acids (P < 0.01) in plasma lipids against the background of normotonics. In vagotonic goats, in which the influence of the parasympathetic nervous system predominates, the relative content of cis-4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19-docosahexaenoic (P < 0.05), linoleic (P < 0.001) and arachidonic acids (P < 0.001) and high cis11-eicosenoic acid (P < 0.01) in blood plasma lipids was found to be low compared to normotonic goats. The established features suggest a substantial influence of the tone of the autonomic nervous system on the quantitative redistribution of unsaturated fatty acids in the composition of goat blood plasma lipids and the need to consider them when analysing the state of the corresponding metabolism in the body, which will substantially improve not only the effectiveness of scientific research, but also its reliability

Enhanced Scenedesmus obliquus Cultivation in Plastic-Type Flat Panel Photobioreactor for Biodiesel Production

A plastic-type flat panel photobioreactor (PTFPP) prototype was designed for microalgae cultivation as biodiesel feedstock. The growth, biomass, and lipid production of the oleaginous microalga Scenedesmus obliquus were optimized through the enhanced design and cultivation conditions in the PTFPP. The optimization conditions include cultivation of the microalga in a flat panel photobioreactor manufactured from a 10 µm-thick plastic sheet with dimensions of 40 cm in width and 60 cm in height. The width of the designed plastic bags was adjusted by “4 ports” of circular adhesion points which make the volumetric cultural capacity 5 L. Cultivation of the microalga was optimized through the replacement of the sodium nitrate of the BBM medium with urea as a nitrogen source. Cultivation bags were subjected to continuous illumination with 3000 lux white, fluorescent lamps and aerated with 1.5 L air/min (equal to 0.3 VVM). Biomass production from the designed PTFPP reached 3 g/L with around 40% lipid content (on a dry weight basis). Based on a GC-MS analysis of the produced fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) from S. obliquus, the percentage of C16 and C18 fatty acids reached more than 90% of the defined fatty acids. Out of this percentage, 66.6% were unsaturated fatty acids. The produced fatty acid profile of the S. obliquus biomass cultivated in the designed PTFPP prototype could be considered a suitable feedstock for biodiesel production.

The analysis of lamb and beef fatty acids with a 30 m BPX70 column is comparable with a 120 m column

Gas chromatography (GC) analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) typically uses long capillary columns (≥ 100 m) which can be expensive and time consuming. The current study determined whether the major FAME of interest for human health in lamb and beef can be quantified using a 30 m compared with 120 m moderately polar capillary (BPX70) column. Lamb and beef samples with a range of intramuscular fat content from either grass- or grain-fed animals were analysed. All major FAME of human health importance, including omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers, could be identified on the 30 m BPX70 column. The correlation (r2) for fatty acid percentage between columns was > 0.98 for all major n–3PUFA and > 0.86 for all major CLAs. When animals were fed a grain-based diet, C18:1n–7t (vaccenic acid) could not be resolved from C18:1n-8t when analysed on the 30 m column. The FAME profile of lamb and beef, particularly those important for nutritional composition tables, can be determined using a 30 m BPX70 column, thereby saving time and expense compared with longer columns. Particular care should be employed when analysing samples from grain-fed animals due to co-eluting of C18:1n–8t.

Rumen fermentation parameters and papillae development in Simmental growing bulls with divergent residual feed intake

Residual feed intake (RFI), a widespread index used to measure animal feed efficiency, is influenced by various individual biological factors related to inter-animal variation that need to be assessed. Herein, 30 Simmental bulls, raised under the same farm conditions, were divided on the basis of RFI values into a high efficient group (HE, RFI = − 1.18 ± 0.33 kg DM/d, n = 15) and a low efficient group (LE, RFI = 0.92 ± 0.35 kg DM/d, n = 15). Subsequently, bulls were slaughtered at an average BW of 734 ± 39.4 kg. Their ruminal fermentation traits were analysed immediately after slaughtering and after 24 h of in vitro incubation. Furthermore, ruminal micro-biota composition and ruminal papillae morphology were examined. The LE group exhibited a higher propionate concentration as a percentage of total volatile fatty acids (17.3 vs 16.1%, P = 0.04) in the rumen fluid collected during slaughtering, which was also confirmed after in vitro fermentation (16.6 vs 15.4% respectively for LE and HE, P = 0.01). This phenomenon resulted in a significant alteration in the acetate−to−propionate ratio (A:P) with higher values for the HE group, both after slaughter (4.01 vs 3.66, P = 0.02) and after in vitro incubation (3.78 vs 3.66, P = 0.02). Methane production was similar in both groups either as absolute production (227 vs 218 mL for HE and LE, respectively) or expressed as a percentage of total gas (approximately 22%). Even if significant differences (P < 0.20) in the relative abundance of some bacterial genera were observed for the two RFI groups, no significant variations were observed in the alpha (Shannon index) and beta (Bray–Curtis index) diversity. Considering the papillae morphology, the LE subjects have shown higher length values (6.26 vs 4.90 mm, P < 0.01) while HE subjects have demonstrated higher papillae density (46.4 vs 40.5 n/cm2, P = 0.02). Histo-morphometric analysis did not reveal appreciable modifications in the total papilla thickness, boundaries or surface between the experimental groups. In conclusion, our results contribute to efforts to analyse the factors affecting feed efficiency at the ruminal level. Propionate production, papillae morphology and a few bacterial genera certainly play a role in this regard, although not a decisive one.

The potent effect of selenium nanoparticles: insight into the antifungal activity and preservation of postharvest strawberries from gray mold diseases.

Most microorganisms that cause food decay and the lower the shelf life of foods are fungi. Nanotechnologies can combat various diseases and deal with the application of nanomaterial to target cells or tissues. In this study selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) were synthesized using ascorbic acid and characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction and zeta potential. The different concentrations of As/Se-NPs were tested against various fungi, including Alternaria linicola, Alternaria padwickii, Botrytis cinerea, Bipolaris sp., Cephalosporium acremonium, Fusarium moniliform and Fusarium semitectum. This study tested the influence of coated As/Se-NPs on healthy strawberry fruits and those infected with Botrytis cinerea during 16 days of storage, with regard to shelf life, decay percentage, weight loss, total titratable acidity percentage, total soluble solids content (TSS) and anthocyanin content. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis showed only two elements: selenium and oxygen. TEM images showed that the nanoparticles ranged in size between 26 to 39 nm and were rhombohedral in shape. Se-NPs showed antifungal activity against all tested fungi, the most effective being against Botrytis cinerea, Cephalosporium acremonium and Fusarium semitectum. During storage periods of strawberries fruits coated with As/Se-NPs, the shelf life was increased, and the number of decaying fruits was less than in control (uncoated) and coated infected fruits. The decline in weight loss was lower in coated fruits than in control fruits. These findings demonstrated that As/Se-NPs could effectively maintain the postharvest quality of strawberries, even when the fruit was infected with B. cinerea. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Longitudinal Trajectories of Plasma Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Associations With Psychosis Spectrum Outcomes in Early Adulthood

BackgroundEvidence supports associations between polyunsaturated fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and psychosis. However, polyunsaturated fatty acid trajectories in the general population have not been characterized, and associations with psychosis spectrum outcomes in early adulthood are unknown. MethodsPlasma omega-6 to omega-3 ratio and DHA (expressed as percentage of total fatty acids) were measured by nuclear magnetic spectroscopy at 7, 15, 17, and 24 years of age in participants of ALSPAC (Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children). Curvilinear growth mixture modeling evaluated body mass index–adjusted trajectories of both measures. Outcomes were assessed at 24 years. Psychotic experiences (PEs), at-risk mental state status, psychotic disorder, and number of PEs were assessed using the Psychosis-Like Symptoms interview (n = 3635; 2247 [61.8%] female). Negative symptoms score was measured using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (n = 3484; 2161 [62.0%] female). Associations were adjusted for sex, ethnicity, parental social class, and cumulative smoking and alcohol use. ResultsRelative to stable average, the persistently high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio trajectory was associated with increased odds of PEs and psychotic disorder, but attenuated on adjustment for covariates (PEs adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.63, 95% CI = 0.92-2.89; psychotic disorder aOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 0.71-4.07). This was also the case for persistently low DHA (PEs aOR = 1.42, 95% CI = 0.84-2.37; psychotic disorder aOR = 1.14, 95% CI = 0.49-2.67). Following adjustment, persistently high omega-6 to omega-3 ratio was associated with increased number of PEs (β = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.05-0.78) and negative symptoms score (β = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.14-0.72), as was persistently low DHA (number of PEs β = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.14-0.76; negative symptoms β = 0.35, 95% CI = 0.12-0.58). ConclusionsOptimization of polyunsaturated fatty acid status during development warrants further investigation in relation to psychotic symptoms in early adulthood.

Polyvinyl alcohol-soy protein isolate hydrogels: Controlled release of fertilizer and matrix nutrients for sustainable agriculture

Controlled release of fertilizers using hydrogels is one of the sustainable methods for increasing the effectiveness of chemical fertilizers and reducing their adverse effects on the environment. Here, we report an eco-friendly hydrogel based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and soy-protein isolate (SPI) crosslinked with citric acid (CA) for the controlled release of fertilizer. Initially, PVA-SPI blends (PS) were prepared by solvent casting method and studied their physiochemical properties. The optimized blend (PS 8/2) was crosslinked with various weight percentages (5– 30%) of citric acid (CA). Hydrogels with 20% CA exhibited optimum properties which were then loaded with urea to prepare controlled release fertilizer hydrogel (CRFH). Spectrophotometry studies showed that 74.1% of urea was released by the samples in 28 days. Additionally, the soy-protein matrix released the nutrients along with urea, which can be considered an added benefit. Kinetics study revealed that the release of nutrients followed the Ritger-Peppas model. The water retention study indicated that the samples could retain water for up to 30 days with an increase in gel content. Plant growth performance, germination and drought resistance study were evaluated using amaranthus and pea seedlings as model plants. The results indicated a significant improvement in the growth performance of the plants. Also, a degradation rate of 65% was attained for hydrogel samples when it was buried in the soil for 100 days. The prepared hydrogels can therefore be regarded as a potential candidate for sustainable agriculture due to their controlled-dual release properties, water-retaining capacity, affordability, non-toxicity, and environmental friendliness.