Albumin Fraction Research Articles

Study of the in vitro digestibility of oilseed protein concentrates compared to isolates for food applications

The research has primarily focused on isolates (>90 % protein) when studying oilseed protein products, but there is a growing interest in concentrates (65–90 % protein) due to their industrial viability and lower environmental impact. This study aimed to compare the in vitro digestibility of rapeseed and sunflower protein concentrates with isolates. Simulated digestion was conducted, and the resulting samples were analyzed using a size-exclusion chromatography approach. This approach can reliably quantify assimilable peptide fractions without interference from the complex matrix of these products. Surprisingly, similar digestibility values (around 40 %) were found for both oilseed protein concentrates and isolates. The study also compared the digestibility of total protein isolates versus albumin isolates from rapeseed and sunflower. The results highlighted the significant gastrointestinal resistance of the albumin fraction, which is the most important factor affecting the digestibility of these products. These digestibility results emphasize the strong potential of concentrates in food applications.

Heavy metal contamination in eggs on poultry farms and ecological risk assessment around a gold mine area in northern Thailand

The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the Hg, Pb, Cd, and Mn levels in egg feed, soil, and water among laying hens, laying ducks, and free-grazing duck farms in contaminated and uncontaminated areas. This study revealed that the Hg concentration in the eggs of free-grazing ducks was significantly greater than that in the eggs of laying hens and ducks in both contaminated and uncontaminated areas. However, the Pb and Mn levels in the eggs of laying ducks and free-grazing ducks were significantly greater than those in the eggs of laying hens in the contaminated area. Unfortunately, the Hg, Pb, Cd, and Mn concentrations in the feed, soil, and water from these three farms in both areas were not significantly different (P > 0.05). Hg and Cd were confirmed to be enriched in the egg albumin fraction, while Pb and Mn were found mainly in the egg yolk. However, egg consumption from free-grazing duck farms was the riskiest to Hg, Pb, and Mn contamination in the contaminated area. Additionally, the ecological risk factor (ER) in the soil revealed that all the farms were at considerable to high environmental risk for Cd except for Hg and Pb. Although the potential ecological risk index (RI) indicated a moderate risk for all farms in both contaminated and uncontaminated areas, these results were not consistent with our hypothesis. Therefore, the information gained in this study could be useful for setting up mitigation strategies and making decisions about public health concerns related to health hazards, especially for ecological risk assessments of heavy metal contamination.

Corn silk as an underutilized sustainable source of plant proteins: Extraction, fractionation, structure, and techno-functional properties

Plant proteins extracted from agro-industrial waste are gaining importance in the food industry due to environmental, sustainability, and economic reasons. These proteins can be extracted and then converted into high-value ingredients, thereby promoting a circular economy. Corn silk, often regarded as an underutilized waste stream, currently has limited applications beyond its uses as a traditional medicine in some regions of the world. The present study characterized the structural, physicochemical, thermal, techno-functional, and in vitro digestibility properties of corn silk protein (CSP) and its three major fractions (albumin, globulin, and glutelin). Glutelin (67.5%) was the major protein fraction of CSP, followed by albumin (23.2%) and globulin (9.2%). A purity greater than 60% could be achieved for all fractions. The structural and techno-functional properties of the different protein fractions were impacted by their composition. The glutelin fractions had higher foaming and thermal properties but lower emulsification properties than the other fractions. However, the albumin fraction had higher in vitro digestibility and better nutritional quality. Nevertheless, the CSPs did have lysine levels below the recommended values. These findings extend the current understanding of the structural and functional properties of corn silk protein and its fractions, thereby expanding their potential applications in the food and other industries.

Effect of dietary daidzein supplementation on reproductive performance, egg quality and bone mineralization in laying hens at first-cycle of production via reproductive-growth axis

Daidzein (Da), an isoflavone, resembles natural oestrogen in structure and activity. We investigated the effects of dietary Da on the reproductive performance, egg quality, and bone mineralisation of hens in the pre-peak laying period. A total of 432 laying hens (110 days) were randomly allocated to control (CON) or Da-supplemented diet (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg). Each treatment had six replicates of 18 birds/replicate, and the feeding trial lasted 8 weeks. Supplementation of dietary Da significantly improved laying rate, egg weight, egg mass, and feed-to-egg ratio (p < 0.05). Likewise, dietary Da significantly improved albumen quality (Haugh unit, thick albumen fraction, and albumen proportion) and eggshell quality (eggshell; strength, eggshell thickness, gloss, and colour) (p < 0.05). Dietary Da exerted a notable significant increase (p < 0.05) on magnum weight, follicle numbers, serum levels of growth hormones, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), reproductive hormone (oestrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone), and mRNA expression of related genes (ESR1, FSHR1, PRL1, GNHR1). Also, Da significantly increased serum levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and decreased malondialdehyde (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the Da groups showed enhanced tibia strength, length, phosphorus, and bone mineral content (p < 0.05). In summary, dietary Da enhanced early onset of lay and improved albumen, eggshell, and bone quality in laying hens during the pre-peak period. Positive outcomes may be due to the efficient metabolism of Da and the safety level of inclusion. The enhancement of reproductive hormones, related genes, and antioxidant enzymes may explain daidzein’s effects on laying hens. Highlights Daidzein improved egg production significantly. Albumen, eggshell and tibia quality were enhanced. Optimal inclusion level at 25 or 50 mg/kg was safe.

Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) Characterization of Protein Fractions in Ten Peanut Bunch Type Varieties

Aim: To isolate these fractions, a progressive centrifugation technique was employed, utilizing water, sodium chloride, phosphate buffer, and alcohol. Place and Duration of Study: A study conducted in department of biochemistry Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh for analysis seeds of the bunch-type groundnut were supplied by the Main Oilseeds Research Station in Junagadh during 2020-2022. The Methodology Used: Using SDS-PAGE separation method, four key protein fractions: albumin, prolamin, globulin, and glutelin were analyzed. Results: The results revealed the highest albumin and globulin contents ranging from 15.05-20.81% and 69.91-77.99%, respectively. The globulin fraction was found to be significantly higher in proportion compared to the other three fractions. Glutelin and prolamin were found to be very low percentage-wise in bunch varieties but it was found to be in the range of 1.49-3.42 % in glutelin as well as prolamins were found to be in the range of 1.5-3.95%. The SDS-PAGE analysis of the ten-bunch type varieties revealed significant variations in protein profiles, as evidenced by the total number of bands and their respective molecular weight-retention factor (MW-Rf) values. The albumin and globulin fractions exhibited the highest MW-Rf values collectively, whereas glutelin and prolamin demonstrated minimal banding patterns. Conclusion: This study concludes that the observed qualitative and quantitative differences in seed protein profiles are invaluable for varietal identification.

Serum Protein Electrophoresis Patterns in Patients with Osteoarticular Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a leading cause of infectious disease deaths in India. It is also one of the most challenging diseases to diagnose and treat effectively. TB can occur both in the lungs and in extrapulmonary locations through hematogenous spread. Osteoarticular TB is a type of extrapulmonary characterized by atypical presentation. If diagnosed early, it can be treated effectively with reduced risk of mortality. At Nalanda medical college and hospital, an 18-month prospective research was undertaken. The study included a total of 120 patients with osteoarticular TB. Serum electrophoresis of blood samples was performed at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months following antitubercular medication administration. The fractions of albumin, α1, α2, β, and γ globulins were estimated and compared with the baseline value. It was observed that as the disease progressed and became more chronic, there was a decrease in albumin and an increase in α1, α2, β, and γ globulin percentages of serum proteins. Upon follow-up, the serum electrophoresis revealed that these values observed during baseline could be reversed by the administration of antitubercular drugs. This study suggests that analyzing serum protein fractions could be a cost-effective strategy to determine the presence of osteoarticular TB and also aid in initiating antitubercular treatment.

Biochemical blood profile of red deer (Cervus elaphus), reared in the conditions of Polissya Volyn

It was found that the biochemical parameters of blood of red deer (Cervus elaphus) reared in the conditions of Polissya Volyn, in general, correspond to the main patterns characteristic of this population, although they have some fluctuations. Thus, we have shown that the content of total protein, its fractional composition, concentration of glucose, urea and creatinine in the blood serum of English deer blood line and Latvian crossbreed deer were within the reference values characteristic of this species of wildlife. It was found that the activity of ALT and GGT was higher in animals of English origin, and AST and ALP — in Latvian crossbred deer. The content of Ca, P, Mg and Na ions in the blood was also higher, respectively, by 9.4, 28, 22.7 and 4%. It was found that against the background of stress caused by physical method of capturing animals for blood sampling, the level of total protein and its albumin fraction. The concentration of urea was by 22.5%, glucose — by 18.4% and creatinine by 6.5% higher than in the group of animals with sedation. Under technological stress in deer, the activity of ALT and AST in the blood increases (by 11 and 5.5%) and ALP and GGT (by 9.1 and 20.0%), respectively. The study of blood biochemical parameters in young animals (3–4 months old) revealed that the content of total protein in females is 6.4% higher than in males. At the same time, the activity of AST activity in the blood serum of males was 17.4% higher than in young females. The concentration of Ca ions in males was 32.4% higher than in females, and concentration of P, on the contrary, was lower in males. The ratio of Ca to P in the blood of males was 1.57, and in females — 1.30. It was found that the content of total protein in animals increased with age and was the highest in adult red deer. While the concentration of the studied macronutrients (Ca, P, Na, K) had a higher level in the blood of young animals. While the concentration of the studied macronutrients (Ca, P, Na, K) had a higher level in the blood of young animals.

Exploring the Link between Diabetes and Acquired Bisalbuminemia: Case Reports and Literature Review

Bisalbuminemia, characterised by the division of the albumin fraction on serum protein electrophoresis without an increase in concentration, is a rare protein anomaly that can present as either congenital or acquired. While congenital bisalbuminemia has a genetic basis, acquired bisalbuminemia is often associated with various underlying conditions, including excessive use of beta- lactam antibiotics, pancreatic fistula, and certain monoclonal immunoglobulins. Recent interest has emerged regarding the potential relationship between bisalbuminemia and diabetes mellitus. This study aims to explore the role of diabetes in acquired bisalbuminemia through the presentation of two cases and a review of relevant literature. Case 1 describes a 68-year-old female with recurrent pneumorespiratory infections, leading to the discovery of bisalbuminemia and subsequent diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Case 2 involves a 71-year-old patient presenting with worsening lower back pain and bisalbuminemia, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Discussion highlights the significance of diabetes as a potential contributing factor to acquired bisalbuminemia, as suggested by previous case reports and prospective studies. While further research with larger cohorts is needed to confirm these findings, the inclusion of diabetes biological workup in bisalbuminemia cases may aid in early detection and management. In conclusion, this study underscores the potential association between uncontrolled diabetes and acquired bisalbuminemia, suggesting the importance of assessing for diabetes in such cases to improve diagnostic approaches for this rare condition.

Identification of volatile and odor-active compounds in pea protein fractions obtained by a modified extraction method using fermentation.

This study investigates the aromatic composition of pea albumin and globulin fractions obtained through either fermentation or conventional acidification using hydrochloric acid (control) toward the isoelectric point of pea globulins. Different lactic acid bacteria were used including S. thermophilus (ST), L. plantarum (LP), and their coculture (STLP). The volatile compounds were extracted by solvent-assisted flavor evaporation technique and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Odor-active compounds (OAC) were further characterized by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O). In total, 96 volatile and 36 OACs were identified by GC-MS and GC-O, respectively. The results indicated that the protein fractions obtained by conventional acidification were mainly described by green notes for the presence of different volatile compounds such as hexanal. However, the samples obtained by fermentation had a lower content of these volatile compounds. Moreover, protein fractions obtained by coculture fermentation were described by volatile compounds associated with fruity, floral, and lactic notes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The insights from this study on pea protein aroma could find practical use in the food industry to enhance the sensory qualities of plant-based products. By utilizing fermentation methods and specific lactic acid bacteria combinations, manufacturers may produce pea protein with reduced undesirable green notes, offering consumers food options with improved flavors. This research may contribute to the development of plant-based foods that not only provide nutritional benefits but also meet consumer preferences for a more appealing taste profile.

Association Between Serum Albumin and the Length of Hospital Stay Among Patients With Acute Heart Failure.

Introduction: Albumin plays a vital role in improving osmotic pressure and hemodynamics. A lower serum albumin level may cause pulmonary congestion and edema and contribute to myocardial dysfunction, diuresis resistance, and fluid retention in acute heart failure. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that AHF patients with normal serum albumin have shorter hospital stays. Methods: Using Electronic Medical Records, patients admitted from May 2020 through May 2021 aged >18, ICD-10, and positive Framingham Heart Failure Diagnostic Criteria were included. We excluded patients without albumin records and eGFRs less than 30mL/min/1.73m2. Prolonged hospitalization was defined as >8days of hospitalization. Results: During index emergency department visits, patients were symptomatic (New York Heart Association), aged median of 70years (Interquartile range (IQR) 18), 59% (n = 103) were male, predominantly White (73%, n = 128), and had a high Charleston Comorbidity index score [5, IQR (4-7)]. Nearly one-fourth (23%, n = 41) of the patients had <3.5g/dL albumin levels. The median length of hospital stay was eight days (IQR of 11). Comparing differences between lengths of hospital stays (<8 vs. >8 days), there was different serum albumin (3.9 + 0.48 vs. 3.6 + 0.53, p < .001) and left ventricular ejection fraction (45% (range 26-63) versus 30% (range 24-48), p = .004). An increased serum albumin decreased prolonged hospitalization (odds ratio (OR), 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.14-0.55, p = <0.001). Patients in the lower albumin group had higher NT-proBNP (median: 8521 (range 2025-9134) versus 5147 (range 2966-14,795) pg/ml, p = .007) and delay in administering intravenous diuretics (391 (167-964) minutes versus 271 (range 157-533) minutes, p = .02). Conclusion: Hypoalbuminemia is strongly associated with prolonged hospitalization. Timely and effective diuretic therapy may reduce hospital stay durations, particularly with albumin supplementation.

Effect of Genistein and Glycitein on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant function, reproductive hormones and related-genes in pre-peak laying hens

Genistein (GEN) and Glycitein (GLY), are types of isoflavone extracted mainly from soy plants, although GEN is associated with stronger antioxidant and growth-promoting effects. The impact of dietary GEN and GLY on reproductive performance, egg quality, and bone quality were investigated in the study. Additionally, to explore the underlying mechanism of action, the serum hormone levels and reproductive-related genes were investigated. A total of 378 Hy-Line Brown laying hens (120 days old) were randomly allocated to 3 dietary groups (Control), (GLY, and GEN at 50 mg/kg respectively) for a period of 8 wk. Each treatment has 126 birds (7 replicates of 18 birds each). Results were analyzed in 2 phases: wk 1 to 4, and 5 to 8 of feeding trial. The results indicated that supplemental GEN significantly increased egg number, hen-day production (HDP), and egg mass during wk 1 to 4, whereas, both glycitein and genistein increased egg number, egg weight, egg mass, HDP and improved feed-egg-ratio during wk 5 to 8. Egg quality analysis revealed significant improvements in eggshell quality; gloss, thickness, strength, and albumen quality indices (albumen height, Haugh unit, thick albumen fraction) due to dietary treatments. Also, the tibia strength, Ca content in the tibia ash and bone mineral content, were significantly increased by the dietary treatments. Significant increases in the serum levels of E2, LH, FSH, T3, T4, and GH, and the activity of antioxidant enzymes; SOD, CAT, GSH while reducing the level of MDA, was notable with the treatments. Additionally, reproductive-related genes: ESR1, FSHR, PRLR, GNRH1 were significantly upregulated by the supplementation of GEN and GLY. The efficacy of GEN in relation to the evaluated parameters was superior to that of GLY. Conclusively, we speculate that the improvement on laying performance, egg quality and tibia quality may be related to promoting effect of isoflavones on calcium metabolism, antioxidant function, reproductive hormones and related genes. Therefore, supplemental GEN at a dosage level of 50 mg/kg, can be used to promote laying performance, sustain egg production and maintain the physiological function of young laying hens.

Sustainable proteins from wine industrial by-product: Ultrasound-assisted extraction, fractionation, and characterization

Plant proteins are increasingly being used in the food industry due to their sustainability. They can be isolated from food industry waste and converted into value-added ingredients, promoting a more circular economy. In this study, ultrasound-assisted alkaline extraction (UAAE) was optimized to maximize the extraction yield and purity of protein ingredients from grapeseeds. Grapeseed protein was extracted using UAAE under different pH (9–11), temperature (20–50 °C), sonication time (15–45 min), and solid/solvent ratio (10–20 mL/g) conditions. The structural and functional attributes of grapeseed protein and its major fractions (albumins and glutelins) were investigated and compared. The albumin fractions had higher solubilities, emulsifying properties, and in vitro digestibilities but lower fluid binding capacities and thermal stability than the UAAE and glutelin fraction. These findings have the potential to boost our understanding of the structural and functional characteristics of grapeseed proteins, thereby increasing their potential applications in the food and other industries.

Combined Serum Albumin and Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction Predict All-Cause Death in Patients with Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

To explore the feasibility of serum albumin (Alb) and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) in predicting all-cause death (ACD) in patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD). Patients with SCAD were divided into 4 groups according to their Alb and LVEF levels: Group A: Alb ≤4 g/dL and LVEF > 50%; Group B: Alb ≤4 g/dL and LVEF ≤50%; Group C: Alb >4 g/dL and LVEF ≤50%; Group D: Alb >4 g/dL and LVEF >50%. The K-M curve and log-rank test were used to compare ACD among the four groups over three years. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to compare the efficacy of predicting ACD among the combination of Alb and LVEF and either Alb or LVEF alone. Cox regression analysis identified the influencing factors of ACD in patients with SCAD and detected the correlation between Alb and LVEF. ACD occurred in 18 (8.9%) of 203 patients with SCAD, with an average follow-up of 26.53 ± 14.34 months. In the Kaplan‒Meier analysis, the risk of ACD in the four groups ranged from high to low: Group B (17.6%) > Group A (26.7%) > Group D (0.9%) > Group C (0%, P < 0.001). The ROC curve showed that the combination of Alb and LVEF (AUC = 0.888) had better predictive value for ACD than either Alb (AUC = 0.879) or LVEF alone (AUC = 0.651), P < 0.001. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that Alb ≤4 g/dL predicted ACD events after adjusting for baseline (HR: 12.16, 95% CI: 1.57 to 94.41; P=0.017) and treatment (HR: 19.36, 95% CI: 2.53-147.78, P=0.004). Alb was positively correlated with LVEF (r = 0.22, P=0.002). Alb combined with LVEF is more effective than a single index in predicting ACD in SCAD and could be used as a new model to judge the prognosis of SCAD.

Serum protein electrophoresis in European mink (Mustela lutreola): reference intervals and comparison of agarose gel electrophoresis and capillary zone electrophoresis

Background Knowledge of reference intervals for blood analytes, including serum protein fractions, is of great importance for the identification of infectious and inflammatory diseases and is often lacking in wild animal species. Material and methods Serum samples were obtained from European minks enrolled in the breeding program (n = 55). Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) were used to separate and identify protein fractions. Albumin, α1, α2, β, and γ-globulins fractions were identified in all mink sera by both electrophoresis methods. Reference intervals (90% CI) were determined following the 2008 guidelines of the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute. The methods were compared using Passing-Bablok regression, Bland–Altman analysis, and Lin’s concordance correlation. Results A significant bias was found between methods for α1, α2, and γ-globulin. Lin’s concordance correlation was considered unacceptable for α1, α2, and β-globulins. Differences for gender between methods were found for albumin and α2-globuins, which were higher for males than females. γ-globulins were higher for adults than young minks using both methods; however, α1 and α2-globulins were lower. Conclusion Both methods are adequate for identifying serum protein disorders, but the AGE and CZE methods are not equivalent. Therefore, reference intervals for each technique are required.

Fractionation and characterization of heat‐stable basil seed protein isolates and their utilization in high protein gluten‐free bread

AbstractBasil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is an annual plant known for its essential oil and phenolic content. The aim of this study was to isolate and characterize proteins from basil seeds and evaluate their potential in food fortification. The mucilage was removed from the seed by aqueous extraction and thermal hydration, whereas oil was removed via cold pressing. Basil seed protein isolate (BSPI) was obtained by an alkali extraction‐isoelectric precipitation method and contained approximately 95% protein. Once BSPI was fractionated, the samples were characterized by albumin (13.5%), globulin (16.7%), glutelin (39.5%), and prolamin (30.2%) fractions. The denaturation temperature of BSPI and its fractions ranged between 93 and 142°C. Through the analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectra, β‐sheet and β‐turn elements were found to be dominant secondary structures accounting for 89.4% in BSPI, which in turn lead to enhanced thermal stability. Since aqueous dispersibility and water holding capacity (WHC) values were acceptable, BSPI was further utilized in the manufacture of gluten‐free bread. The textural parameters of bread supplemented with 2%, or 10% basil seed protein were mostly comparable to the controls rendering basil protein fortification possible in a staple food, especially for countries where basil is produced in high quantities and is reasonably affordable.

A Comparative Study of the Structural and Functional Properties of Chickpea Albumin and Globulin Protein Fractions

A Comparative Study of the Structural and Functional Properties of Chickpea Albumin and Globulin Protein Fractions

Treatment of corn with lactic acid delayed in vitro ruminal degradation without compromising fermentation: a biological and morphological monitoring study.

Grain processed by lactic acid (LA) is known to improve ruminant growth and health. However, the exact mechanism regarding rumen hydrolysis of LA-treated grain is still ambiguous. This experiment was designed to compare the effects of 5% LA treatment on the trophic and morphological variations in corn and to discover the alternations in ruminal hydrolysis between LA-treated and untreated corn macroscopically and microscopically using in vitro fermentation method. The results showed that, compared with untreated corn (CN), corn treated with 5% LA for 48 h (CNLA) experienced a decrease in the dry matter, albumin fraction, aNDFom, and water-soluble carbohydrate content but an increase in the resistant starch content. The in vitro fermentation showed that the pH of CNLA was higher, but dry matter disappearance was lower than that of CN. Most of the fermentation indices were unaffected, except for decreased iso-butyrate and iso-valerate. The abundances of total bacteria, Prevotella spp., Streptococcus bovis, and Selenomonas ruminantium were higher, but those of Ruminococcus flavefaciens and Ruminococcus albus were lower in CNLA than in CN. There were differences in the scanning electron micrographs between CNLA and CN after 3 h of fermentation. This study suggests that treating corn with LA for 48 h can induce changes in its nutrient composition and alter the bacterial flora during subsequent in vitro fermentation. These changes appeared to be crucial contributors to the beneficial effects observed in rumen fermentation.

Varying precipitation conditions allow directing the composition and physical properties of soy protein concentrates.

Soy protein concentrates (SPCs) are common food ingredients. They typically contain 65% (w/w) protein and ∼30% (w/w) carbohydrate. SPCs can be obtained with various protein precipitation conditions. A systematic study of the impact of these different protein precipitation protocols on the SPC protein composition and physical properties is still lacking. Here, SPCs were prepared via three different protocols, that is, isoelectric (pH 3.5-5.5), aqueous ethanol (50%-70% [v/v]), and Ca2+ ion (5-50mM) based precipitations, and analyzed for (protein) composition, protein thermal properties, dispersibility, and water-holding capacity. SPCs precipitated at pH 5.5 or by adding 15mM Ca2+ ions had a lower 7S/11S globulin ratio (∼0.40) than that (∼0.50) of all other SPC samples. Protein in SPCs obtained by isoelectric precipitation denatured at a significantly higher temperature than those in ethanol- or Ca2+ -precipitated SPCs. Precipitation with 50%-60% (v/v) ethanol resulted in pronounced denaturation of 2S albumin and 7S globulin fractions in SPCs. Additionally, increasing the precipitation pH from 3.5 to 5.5 and increasing the Ca2+ ion concentration from 15 to 50mM caused a strong decrease of both the dispersibility of the protein in SPC and its water-holding capacity at pH 7.0. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the SPC production process can be directed to obtain ingredients with versatile protein physicochemical properties toward potential food applications. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study demonstrates that applying different protein precipitation protocols allows obtaining SPCs that vary widely in (protein) composition and physical properties (such as protein dispersibility and water-holding capacity). These varying traits can greatly influence the suitability of SPCs as functional ingredients for specific applications, such as the production of food foams, emulsions, gels, and plant-based meat alternatives. The generated knowledge may allow targeted production of SPCs for specific applications.

Cold plasma treatment boosts barley germination and seedling vigor: Insights into soluble sugar, starch, and protein modifications

This study investigates the impact of three cold plasma treatments on barley seed germination: direct treatment of dry seeds (DDS), direct treatment of water-soaked seeds (DWS), and indirect treatment of seeds using plasma-activated water (IPAW). Our findings reveal that while DDS maintained the seed's imbibition structures, DWS significantly reduced water uptake. Notably, DWS-treated seeds exhibited a substantial increase in moisture content, potentially leading to an oxygen-deficient environment within the seed. This condition appeared to hinder germination, contrasting with the beneficial effects observed in DDS-treated seeds. Analyses of surface hydrophilicity, phenolic compounds, carbohydrate composition, protein storage and seedling growth were conducted. Interestingly, cold plasma treatment enhanced seed surface hydrophilicity, as evidenced by a decrease in water contact angles, particularly for DWS. We observed specific reductions in flavonoids and total phenolics, alongside shifts in carbohydrate composition, including increased sugar content up to 15.1% (DDS) and 13.5% (DWS), accompanied by a decrease in starch content to 189.00 ± 7.86 mg/g FM for DWS. Protein storage assessments revealed declines in albumin, globulin and prolamin fractions post-CP exposure. Finally, DDS and IPAW treatments markedly improved seedling shoot growth (from two to three-fold), underscoring the potential of these treatments in enhancing barley germination.

Risks and Clinical Predictors of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chinese Populations: A Real-World Study of 10,359 Patients in Six Medical Centers.

Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through surveillance could reduce this cancer-associated mortality. We aimed to develop and validate algorithms using panel serum biomarkers to identify HCC in a real-world multi-center study in China. A total of 10,359 eligible subjects, including HCCs and benign liver diseases (BLDs), were recruited from six Chinese medical centers. The three nomograms were built using logistic regression and their sensitivities and specificities were carefully assessed in training and validation cohorts. HCC patients after surgical resection were followed to determine the prognostic values of these algorithms. Prospective surveillance performance was assessed in a cohort of chronic hepatitis B patients during 144 weeks follow-up. Independent risk factors such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), lens cuinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP (AFP-L3), des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), albumin (ALB), and total bilirubin (TBIL) obtained from train cohort were used to construct three nomograms (LAD, C-GALAD, and TAGALAD) using logistic regression. In the training and two validation cohorts, their AUCs were all over 0.900, and the higher AUCs appeared in TAGALAD and C-GALAD. Furthermore, the three nomograms could effectively stratify HCC into two groups with different survival and recurrence outcomes in follow-up validation. Notably, TAGALAD could predict HCC up to 48 weeks (AUC: 0.984) and 24 weeks (AUC: 0.900) before clinical diagnosis. The proposed nomograms generated from real-world Chinese populations are effective and easy-to use for HCC surveillance, diagnosis, as well as prognostic evaluation in various clinical scenarios based on data feasibility.