Base Composition Research Articles

Improving Additive Manufacturing for Housing Construction

The use of additive manufacturing in construction can significantly reduce the speed of construction of an object, labor costs, waste, reduce the risks of industrial injuries, etc. Despite a number of existing advantages of these technologies, their implementation in construction is associated with various problems, one of which is the need to ensure the required adhesion strength of printed layers. There are a number of studies devoted to solving this problem and creating effective materials for additive construction production, mainly based on cement binders; to a much lesser extent, these studies are available in the field of mixtures based on gypsum and mixed (gypsum-cement-pozzolanic) binders. The purpose of this work is to develop a scientifically based technological solution for improving additive technologies for low-rise housing construction using gypsum-cement-pozzolanic mixtures (GCPS) by regulating recipe-technological factors that provide increased adhesion strength of printed layers. Based on the results of the research, a technological solution has been developed to improve the technology of additive construction production of GCPM by regulating the kinetics of the increase in plastic strength of the mixture when it is modified with a multifunctional complex additive, which makes it possible to ensure the viability of the mixture required for 3D printing in the range of 0–50 minutes, significantly reduce the defectiveness of the extrudate during the 3D printing process, and increase the adhesion strength of the printed layers. It has been established that the adhesion strength of layers printed without a technological break from the GCP concrete mixture, modified with multifunctional complex additive, is 65% higher compared to the base composition, and when a technological break lasts 6 hours, it is 25% higher, which confirms its effectiveness in additive manufacturing.

Coordination of interests between upstream and downstream governments in water source areas

Exploration of establishing a robust intergovernmental benefit compensation mechanism for water source areas holds significant importance in promoting regional coordinated development. Taking the Guanting Reservoir basin, a water source area in Beijing, China, as an example, we established an ecological location model with urban water sources as the core by drawing on the concept of spatial circle structure in traditional location theory. Based on this, we proposed the theory of ecological cost of water source land level difference and analyzed the basic composition of ecological cost of water source land. Finally, the differential ecological costs method was used to estimate the ideal horizontal eco-compensation funds between the downstream city of the water source (Beijing) and the upstream city (Zhangjiakou). The results are as follows: (1) the closer to the water source reservoir area and the higher the protection zone level, the greater the contribution of the ecological product value realization and the ecological protection costs to the protection of water resources in the reservoir area. (2) The compensation funds for water source areas are jointly composed of the increment of ecological product value and protection costs. (3) In 2021, the value addition of ecological products in the upstream region was 3.075 billion yuan, and the protection cost was 6.702 billion yuan. After multiplying by the differential adjustment coefficient, the horizontal eco-compensation amount that the upstream cities should receive in 2021 is 4.194 billion yuan. This study theoretically addresses the shortcomings of traditional ecological compensation, which overlooked differences in resource and environmental costs due to variations in ecological functional location. It provides a new perspective for further exploring the role of location theory in addressing inter-governmental interest coordination issues in cross-border water source areas.

Clinical application of live biotherapeutic products in infectious diseases

Live biotherapeutics products (LBP) are a novel range of therapeutic options in medicine. In this review, authors discuss basic composition and mechanism of action of LBP, provide a comprehensive focused overview of published in vitro and in vivo studies on efficacy of LBP for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases such as viral (HIV, COVID-19), bacterial (C.difficile infection, bacterial vaginosis, multi-drug resistant organisms) and fungal (Candida) organisms. This review should be of interest to clinicians to understand the broad application of LBP in infectious diseases world beyond recurrent C.difficile infection and to researchers on unexplored prospects of LBP and the need for further investigation in this emerging field to improve its clinical application.

Comparative mitochondrial genomics analysis of selected species of Schizothoracinae sub family to explore the differences at mitochondrial DNA level

A comprehensive analysis of the whole mitochondrial genomes of the Schizothoracinae subfamily of the family Cyprinidae has been revealed for the first time. The species analyzed include Schizothorax niger, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax labiatus and Schizothorax plagoistomus. The total mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) length was determined to be 16585 bp, 16583 bp, 16582 bp and 16576 bp, respectively with 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 2 non-coding area genes. The combined mean base compositions of the four species were as follows: A: 29.91 % T: 25.47 % G: 17.65 % C 27.01 %. The range of the GC content is 45–44 %, respectively. All protein coding genes (PCGs) commenced with the typical ATG codon, except for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) gene with GTG. The analysis of vital amino acid biosynthesis genes (COX1, ATPase 6, ATPase 8) in four different species revealed no significant differences. All 13 PCGs had Ka/Ks ratios that were all lesser than one, demonstrating purifying selection on those molecules. These tRNA genes were predicted to fold into the typical cloverleaf secondary structures with normal base pairing and ranged in size from 66 to 75 nucleotides. Additionally, the phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that S. esocinus species that was most alike to S. labiatus. This study provides critical data for phylogenetic analysis of the Schizothoracinae subfamily, which will help to resolve taxonomic difficulties and identify evolutionary links. Detailed mtDNA data are an invaluable resource for studying genetic diversity, population structure, and gene flow. Understanding genetic makeup can help inform conservation plans, identify unique populations, and track genetic variation to ensure effective preservation.

Technogenic gold deposits of the Trans-Baikal Territory

Relevance. The need to expand the mineral resource base of the Trans-Baikal Territory. Aim. To study the geochemical composition of technozems of tailings dumps of gold deposits of the Trans-Baikal Territory, their correspondence, in terms of gold content, to technogenic deposits, to calculate the exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations of toxic elements in technozems of tailings dumps. Objects. Technozems of tailings dumps of gold deposits of the Trans-Baikal Territory. Methods. Silicate, X-ray fluorescence ISP-AES methods in analytical laboratories of the Geological Institute of the SB RAS (Ulan-Ude) and JSC "SGS Vostok Limited" (Chita). Results. It was found that in terms of gold content (Au>0.4 g/t), the technozems of the tailings of the gold deposits of the Trans-Baikal Territory, in general, correspond to technogenic gold deposits. The largest volumes and contents of gold (1.2 g/t) are characterized by technozems of the Baleysky tailings dam deposits with insignificant gold contents are technozems of Darasunsky (0.36 g/t) and Kariysky (0.35 g/t) deposits. It is determined that the chemical composition of the technozems of the tailings depends on the composition of the host rocks developed in the areas of deposits. They correspond to the rocks of both basic and medium compositions. The distinctive features of the content of impurity elements in the technozems of tailings are due to the different compositions of the initial ores of gold deposits. These differences are reflected in the values of exceeding the maximum permissible concentrations relative to soils. Among the toxic elements, arsenic is characterized by maximum exceedances of the maximum permissible concentrations. In the technozems of the Lyubavinsky deposit, the excess of the maximum permissible concentrations of arsenic relative to the soil is 933 times, and the Baley deposit is 397 times.

Development and Characterization of Hybrid Burgers Made from Pork and Multi-Ingredient Plant Mixtures and Protected with Lactic Acid Bacteria

Hybrid (meat–plant) products can be a sustainable response to the increased interest in flexitarianism. Their development requires designing appropriate composition and functional properties and ensuring microbiological safety. This study aimed to determine the influence of using various multi-ingredient plant mixtures and pork in different proportions and two recipe variants on the characteristics of baked burgers. Additionally, the impact of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) application on the microbiological quality of raw hybrid/plant burgers was assessed. All products were analyzed in terms of basic chemical composition (NIR spectroscopy) and physicochemical and textural properties (instrumental methods). The raw plant and hybrid burgers met the microbiological requirements. The baked burgers did not significantly differ in terms of their chemical composition, except for the fiber found in plant/hybrid samples. Moreover, the reformulation of burgers had no effect on their cooking yield or water activity. As the content of plant parts increased, the baked burgers were darker (lower L*) and had a more tender texture (lower shear force and penetration force). Overall, the multi-ingredient plant mixtures showed great potential in the development of high-quality hybrid burgers. However, the texture formed can, importantly, determine final consumer acceptance. Therefore, research should be continued, especially in terms of comprehensive textural and sensory analyses.

Sequence-Dependent Surface Coverage of ssDNA Coatings on Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes.

A combination of experimental measurements and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was used to investigate how the surfaces of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are covered by adsorbed ssDNA oligos with different base compositions and lengths. By analyzing the UV absorption spectra of ssDNA-coated SWCNTs before and after coating displacement by a transparent surfactant, the mass ratios of adsorbed ssDNA to SWCNTs were determined for poly-T, poly-C, GT-containing, and AT-containing ssDNA oligos. Based on the measured mass ratios, it is estimated that an average of 20, 22, 26, or 32 carbon atoms are covered by one adsorbed thymine, cytosine, adenine, or guanine nucleotide, respectively. In addition, the UV spectra revealed electronic interactions of varying strengths between the nucleobase aromatic rings and the nanotube π-systems. Short poly-T DNA oligos show stronger π-π stacking interactions with SWCNT surfaces than do short poly-C DNA oligos, whereas both long poly-C and poly-T DNA oligos show strong interactions. These experiments were complemented by MD computations on simulated systems that were constrained to match the measured ssDNA/SWCNT mass ratios. The surface coverages computed from the MD results varied with oligo composition in a pattern that correlates higher measured yields of nanotube fluorescence with greater surface coverage.

Spectroscopic properties and luminescence of the lithium tetraborate glasses co-doped with manganese and europium

High quality Li2B4O7:Mn,Eu glasses containing 1.0 mol.% MnO2 and Eu2O3 were prepared and investigated by XRD, EPR and optical spectroscopy techniques. Obtained data analysis shows that Mn is incorporated into the glass network as Mn2+ and Mn3+. Parameters of observed Mn2+ EPR signals in the Li2B4O7:Mn,Eu glasses were determined. Optical absorption spectrum of the studied glasses consists of broad band at 464 nm corresponding to the 5Eg(D) → 5T2g(D) transition of Mn3+ (3d4) ions and few narrow weak bands of the Eu3+ (4f6) ions. Emission spectra of the Li2B4O7:Mn,Eu glasses in orange-red region exhibit several sharp bands corresponding to the 5D0 → 7FJ (J = 0–4) transitions of Eu3+ ions and broad band belonging to the 4T1g(G) → 6A1g(S) transition of Mn2+ (3d5) ions. Comparative discussions were made on the luminescence spectra and decay curves of Mn2+ and Eu3+ ions in the Li2B4O7:Mn,Eu glasses and those in Mn-doped and Eu-doped glasses with the Li2B4O7 basic composition.

Evaluation of the Quality of Guinea Fowl (Numida meleagris) Eggs from Free-Range Farming Depending on the Storage Period and Age of Laying Hens.

The aim of the study was to determine the changes occurring in the eggs of helmeted guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) from free-range farming in relation to the laying season and storage time. The experimental material consisted of 360 guinea fowl eggs, collected in the first, second and third laying seasons and stored for 7, 14 and 21 days. After each period, physical and physicochemical characteristics of the eggs were determined, as well as the basic chemical composition and mineral content of the albumen and yolk and the yolk fatty acid profile. The age of the guinea fowls affected certain physical parameters of the eggs. The egg weight, shape index and shell thickness increased with the age of the laying hens; however, a decrease in the proportion of shell in the egg was demonstrated. Storage time had a significant effect on egg weight, weight loss during storage and air cell height. Significant differences were found in the chemical composition of guinea fowl eggs depending on the age of the laying hens. Eggs obtained from older laying hens were characterized by higher yolk fat content and lower ash content, while the albumen contained higher water content and lower ash content. During the three-year laying period, changes were observed in the mineral composition of the eggs. The fatty acid profile underwent significant changes; however, no important differences were observed in the total content of SFA, MUFA, PUFA and n-6 fatty acids. Conversely, significant differences were found for n-3 acids and the n-6/n-3 ratio. Eggs in the first and second laying seasons exhibited the most favorable composition. The slow dynamics of changes occurring in successive laying seasons and egg storage time indicated that the raw material studied was safe and could be used by consumers.

Impact of Germination on the Edible Quality and Nutritional Properties of Brown Rice Noodles.

Brown rice noodles are increasingly favored by consumers for their health benefits; however, their development is hindered by their poor edible qualities. The effect of germination on the cooking, textural, organoleptic and nutritional qualities of brown rice pasta was investigated. In comparison to ungerminated brown rice noodles, germination resulted in a shorter cooking time, reduced cooking losses, and decreased hardness and adhesion of noodles as well as reduced bitter taste. These changes can be attributed to germination altering the basic composition of brown rice. Meanwhile, the contents of γ-aminobutyric acid, free phenolic acid, and bound phenolic acid increased by 53.43%, 21.71%, and 7.14%, respectively, while the content of resistant starch de-creased by 21.55%. Sprouting is a promising strategy for improving the edible quality and nutritional properties of brown rice noodles.

Anodic oxidation of wireless niobium electrode in bipolar electrochemistry

The anodic oxidation of a wireless niobium substrate serving as a bipolar electrode (BPE) in a direct or alternating current electric field was investigated in detail via spectrophotometry, electrochemical measurement, glow discharge–optical emission spectroscopy, and direct microscopic observation. Niobium oxide was a suitable material for the experiment because it is amorphous and can be evaluated through conventional electrochemical methods. It also has a clear interference color, enabling easy optical evaluation. The effect of the BPE configuration (e.g., vertical and horizontal alignments) in the cell on the anodic oxidation area was also investigated visually using the interference color. Transmission electron microscopy observation was also performed for an accurate measurement of the thickness of the anodic film formed on the niobium BPE. Although the basic film formation behavior and film composition were consistent with those in conventional anodization, even in wireless operation, the effective voltage directly contributing to film formation was found to be lower than the applied voltage (30%–70% of the applied voltage), depending on the electrolysis conditions.

Patterns in Genome-Wide Codon Usage Bias in Representative Species of Lycophytes and Ferns.

The latest research shows that ferns and lycophytes have distinct evolutionary lineages. The codon usage patterns of lycophytes and ferns have not yet been documented. To investigate the gene expression profiles across various plant lineages with respect to codon usage, analyze the disparities and determinants of gene evolution in primitive plant species, and identify appropriate exogenous gene expression platforms, the whole-genome sequences of four distinct species were retrieved from the NCBI database. The findings indicated that Ceratopteris richardii, Adiantum capillus-veneris, and Selaginella moellendorffii exhibited an elevated A/U content in their codon base composition and a tendency to end with A/U. Additionally, S. capillus-veneris had more C/G in its codons and a tendency to end with C/G. The ENC values derived from both ENC-plot and ENC-ratio analyses deviated significantly from the standard curves, suggesting that the codon usage preferences of these four species were primarily influenced by genetic mutations and natural selection, with natural selection exerting a more prominent influence. This finding was further supported by PR2-Plot, neutrality plot analysis, and COA. A combination of RSCU and ENC values was used as a reference criterion to rank the codons and further identify the optimal codons. The study identified 24 high-frequency codons in C. richardii, A. capillus-veneris, and Diphasiastrum complanatum, with no shared optimal codons among the four species. Arabidopsis thaliana and Ginkgo biloba exhibited similar codon preferences to the three species, except for S. moellendorffii. This research offers a theoretical framework at the genomic codon level for investigating the phylogenetic relationships between lycophytes and ferns, shedding light on gene codon optimization and its implications for genetic engineering in breeding.

Raman spectroscopy in lung cancer diagnostics: Can an in vivo setup compete with ex vivo applications?

Lung carcinoma remains the leading cause of cancer death worldwide. The tactic to change this unfortunate rate may be a timely and rapid diagnostic, which may in many cases improve patient prognosis.In our study, we focus on the comparison of two novel methods of rapid lung carcinoma diagnostics, label-free in vivo and ex vivo Raman spectroscopy of the epithelial tissue, and assess their feasibility in clinical practice. As these techniques are sensitive not only to the basic molecular composition of the analyzed sample but also to the secondary structure of large biomolecules, such as tissue proteins, they represent suitable candidate methods for epithelial cancer diagnostics.During routine bronchoscopy, we collected 78 in vivo Raman spectra of normal and cancerous lung tissue and 37 samples of endobronchial pathologies, which were subsequently analyzed ex vivo. Using machine learning techniques, namely principal component analysis (PCA) and support vector machines (SVM), we were able to reach 87.2% (95% CI, 79.8–94.6%) and 100.0% (95% CI, 92.1–100.0%) of diagnostic accuracy for in vivo and ex vivo setup, respectively. Although the ex vivo approach provided superior results, the rapidity of in vivo Raman spectroscopy might become unmatchable in the acceleration of the diagnostic process.

Latent Dirichlet allocation mixture models for nucleotide sequence analysis.

Strings of nucleotides carrying biological information are typically described as sequence motifs represented by weight matrices or consensus sequences. However, many signals in DNA or RNA are recognized by multiple factors in temporal sequence, consist of distinct alternative motifs, or are best described by base composition. Here we apply the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) mixture model to nucleotide sequences. Using positions in an alignment of human or Drosophila splice sites as samples, we show that LDA readily identifies motifs, including such elusive cases as the intron branch site. Using whole sequences with positional k-mers as features, LDA can identify sequence subtypes enriched in long vs. short introns. LDA with bulk k-mers can reliably distinguish reading frame and species of origin in coding sequences from humans and Drosophila. We find that LDA is a useful model for describing heterogeneous signals, for assigning individual sequences to subtypes, and for identifying and characterizing sequences that do not fit recognized subtypes. Because LDA topic models are interpretable, they also aid the discovery of new motifs, even those present in a small fraction of samples. In summary, LDA can identify and characterize signals in nucleotide sequences, including candidate regulatory factors involved in biological processes.

Влияние технологических факторов на плотность и прочность зологазобетона

One of the promising areas of fly ash utilization is the production of cellular concretes. The experience of using cellular concrete products in construction has shown that they can successfully compete with most traditional materials combining high thermal insulation and structural properties. The paper examines the influence of technological factors: grinding, composition, water temperature and water solid ratio on the density and strength of the gas and gold cement. Purpose of the study. Determination of the influence of technological factors of production on the density and strength of ash gas concrete. Materials and methods. Portland cement, fly ash from Ekibastuz GRES-2, bassanite, and aluminum powder were used as starting materials. The composition of ash gas concrete with an average density of 700, 800 and 900 kg/m3 was developed according to the technical requirements of CH 277-80 – Instructions for the manufacture of cellular concrete products. The physical and mechanical properties of cellular concrete were determined in accordance with the technical requirements of the current standards. The result s and discussion. On the basis of the basic composition, the influence of technological factors on the density and strength of ash gas concrete has been studied. As a result of the research, it was found that the strength of samples with an average density of 700 kg/m3 reaches 3.5 MPa, and with an average density of 800 and 900 kg/m3 – 5.1 and 7.6 MPa, respectively. These indicators confirm that the samples obtained from mechanically activated gold cement binder according to the technical requirements of GOST 25485-2019 correspond to the structural and thermal insulation properties of cellular concrete. Resume. The physical and technical properties of raw materials, concrete mixtures and cellular concretes were studied using Ekibastuz GRES-2 ash as a fine filler. The study showed that production technological factors such as the dispersion and composition of the mixture, the water-solid ratio and the temperature of the mixing water have a significant effect on the density and strength of the ash gas concrete. Optimization of these parameters makes it possible to achieve the specified values of density and strength in the resulting material. Proposals for practical application and direction of future research. The possibility and expediency of using the ash of Ekibastuz GRES-2 as an additive in the manufacture of ash gas concrete has been established.

Impact of Iron Oxide Phases on the Magnetic Induction Heating Capacity of Mesoporous 45SiO2-16.5CaO-24.5Na2O-6P2O5-8Fe3O4 Glass-Ceramics.

Sol-gel-based mesoporous 45SiO2-16.5CaO-24.5Na2O-6P2O5-8Fe3O4 bioglass-ceramics were obtained by substituting magnetite nanoparticles for CaO in a 45SiO2-24.5CaO-24.5Na2O-6P2O5 bioglass composition. To enhance the dissolution of the precursors and to vary the crystalline phases, the as-synthesized ceramic powders were processed for 1 h each at temperatures (TA) between 550 and 700 °C. A gradual decline in the saturation magnetization with an increase in TA was observed, which is linked to the gradual conversion of magnetite into hematite at different TA > 550 °C. All of the processed samples indicated a hydroxyapatite surface layer formation in in vitro tests. Aqueous solutions of the ceramic processed at 600 °C exhibited superior magnetic induction capacity. Thus, the substitution of magnetite nanoparticles for CaO in the base composition, coupled with appropriate heat treatment, results in a promising bioactive glass-ceramic for magnetic hyperthermia treatment of deep-rooted cancer cells.

Results of the study of the section of the Takata formation "Yuzhnaya Rassolnaya" in the territory of the Poludovo-Kolchimsky anticlinorium of the Western-Ural folding zone (Krasnovishersky district, Perm territory)

Relevance. Relationship with the Takata formation of diamond reservoir rocks and previously discovered deposits and the presence of prospects for discovering new ones in the zone of the forward folds of the Urals. Aim. To reconstruct the conditions of sedimentation and composition of rocks, the source of the removal of terrigenous rocks of the Takata formation based on the results of studying the "Yuzhnaya Rassolnaya" section. Objects. Terrigenous rocks of the Takata formation in the "Yuzhnaya Rassolnaya" section located in the western part of the alluvial diamond deposit "Yuzhnaya Rassolnaya" in the Krasnovishersky district of the Perm Territory. Methods. Lithofacies analysis, petrographic study of thin sections in transmitted light using crossed nicol methods, determination of the content of rock-forming oxides by X-ray fluorescence on an S8 Tiger (Bruker) spectrometer, analysis of rock-forming elements on glassy disks. Impurity and microimpurity elements (with a content of <5%) were determined using a certified method for defining elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry according to the method, STO TGU 048-2012. The analysis was performed by ICP-MS on an Agilent 7500cx quadrupole mass spectrometer (Agilent Technologies Inc., USA) using an internal (In Internal standard, Inorganic Ventures, USA) and an external standard SGD-2A (GSO 8670-2005). Results. Lithological-facial, mineralogical, petrographic, lithogeochemical studies of Takata terrigenous deposits were carried out in the "Yuzhnaya Rassolnaya" section in the area of the Polyudovo-Kolchima anticlinorium of the Western Ural folding zone, which made it possible to clarify the sources of matter and sedimentation conditions. The formation of sediments occurred in a transitional sedimentation environment. A transgressive sequence is observed from bottom to top. Terrigenous rocks of the Takata formation include rocks of the first and second sedimentation cycles. They were cut off due to the destruction of primary igneous (acidic and basic compositions) and metamorphic rocks, as well as sedimentary rocks. The totality of the material characteristics of the terrigenous rocks of the Takata formation, taking into account the published data, allowed us to assume that sedimentation of the rocks occurred on the passive continental margin, with the supply of clastic material due to the erosion of internal raised blocks of the foundation of the East European Platform. The activation of the latter occurred in the Emsian time with the manifestation of general lithospheric folding. At the same time, water flows carrying weathering products from the East European Platform eroded sedimentary rocks of the Riphean, Vendian, Ordovician and Silurian, which fragments we observe in small quantities when describing thin sections.

Iodine enriched kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.)—The influence of heat treatments on its iodine content, basic composition and antioxidative properties

Iodine enriched kale (Brassica oleracea var. sabellica L.)—The influence of heat treatments on its iodine content, basic composition and antioxidative properties

Research Note: Basic chemical composition, physicochemical, and textural characteristics of male and female guinea fowl meat

The purpose of this study was to compare analyze the quality of meat depending on the type of muscle: breast muscles (m. Pectoralis superficialis and m. Pectoralis profundus) and leg muscles (m. Sartorius and m. Femorotibialis) in relation to the sex of the common guinea fowl (Numida meleagris). For the study, pectoral muscles and leg muscles from 10 females and 10 males at 20 wk of age were used to determine their chemical composition, physicochemical properties, and texture characteristics of the pectoral muscle were determined. Overall, pectoral muscles were characterized by higher protein content, lightness (L*), and electrical conductivity (EC24), and lower redness (a*), and pH24 compared to leg muscles. Leg muscles, on the other hand, were characterized by higher, collagen, intramuscular fat and salt content. In terms of pectoral muscle texture characteristics, males were characterized by lower chewiness value and were less gumminess. In conclusion, it can be said that the sex of the birds affected some of the pectoral muscle texture traits, but did not affect the remaining analyzed features of the pectoral and leg muscles. However, from the consumer's point of view, breast muscles contained more protein and less fat, so they are more dietary compared to leg muscles.

Assessment of the antioxidant and nutritive profile of the leaves and berries of Solanum nigrum and Solanum torvum Swart

The research focused on analyzing the antioxidant and nutritional properties of Solanum torvum leaves (STL) and berries (STF), as well as Solanum nigrum leaves (SNL) and berries (SNF). The study examined the basic nutritional composition, mineral content, metal presence, total phenolic compounds, and antioxidant capabilities of both plant species. Wild-harvested leaves and unripe berries of S. torvum and S. nigrum were cooked and ground for testing. Statistical analysis included the Student's T-test and calculations of mean ± SEM. Findings revealed that both species of Solanum are sources of dietary fibre, protein, and fats, along with essential minerals like sodium (Na), manganese (Mn), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) in different amounts. Notably, the leaves had higher iron content than the berries, indicating their potential superiority in addressing Iron Deficiency Anaemia. Antioxidant activity was highest in STF (61.34±1.05 mg/mL) for water-based extracts and SNL (42.86±1.49 mg/mL) for alcohol-based extracts, highlighting the impact of solvent choice on antioxidant measurement. STL exhibited the greatest phenolic concentration in water extracts, while STF had the highest in alcohol extracts (15.88±0.87 mg/g GAE). Additionally, palmitic acid was identified in SNL and STL, oleic acid (97.03 %, retention time: 10.00 min) in SNB, and Sitosterol (94.93 %, retention time: 26.82 min), a type of phytosterol, in STB. Considering the role of antioxidants in preventing lipid oxidation in food and their contribution to combating degenerative diseases, the study advocates for the potential use of these Solanum species as natural food additives to protect against oxidative damage.