Basic Chemical Composition Research Articles

A Study on the Mineralogy and Volatile Fraction of Scapolite from Mogok, Myanmar

The Mogok metamorphic belt (MMB) of Myanmar is a famous geographical origin acknowledged by the whole world for its large mineral resources. In this study, basic gemological tests (density, UV fluorescence, refractive index, etc.), spectroscopic tests (infrared spectrum, Raman spectrum, and ultra-violet visible spectrum) and chemical composition analysis (electron microprobe and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer) were carried out on scapolites from Myanmar. This paper explores the mineralogical characteristics of Burmese scapolites and provides additional information on its origin. Burmese scapolites are colorless and transparent with a yellow tone and belong to Cl-rich dipyre. The infrared spectra of the samples show the vibrations of Si-O and Al-O (400–1300 cm−1), (CO3)2− (1400–300 cm−1), and OH (3048 cm−1 and 3568 cm−1). The Raman spectra are mainly the vibrational spectra of Si (Al)-O-Si (Al) and the absorption peaks at 992 cm−1 and 1110 cm−1 caused by the vibrations of sulfate and carbonate ions, respectively. Black inclusions were found inside the scapolites, and the dark inclusions were identified as graphite by Raman spectroscopy. Moreover, the composition of the scapolite could be influenced by the αCl−/α(CO3)2− of the fluid. The Cl activity degree could control the scapolite content as the ion exchange between scapolite and plagioclase was gradually balanced. The enrichment of rare earth elements and the apparent positive Eu anomaly indicate that Burmese scapolites have a high degree of light and heavy rare earth element differentiation and an oxidizing environment of mineralization.

Chemical Composition and Energy Evaluation of Abies spp. and Pinus spp. Sawdust Collected as a Byproduct of the Primary Wood Sawing

The aim of this paper is to chemically evaluate the byproducts of the primary processing of genera Abies and Pinus, to determine the possibility of using them as solid biofuel. Ash percentage, volatile matter and fixed carbon values were determined by proximate analysis. The basic chemical composition includes the determination of extractives content, lignin and holocellulose. Ash microanalysis was performed with an X-ray spectrometer and the calorific value of the samples was determined by using an AC600 calorimeter. The results of this research varied as follows: the content of inorganic substances (0.33% to 0.41%), volatile matter (88.54% to 82.57%), fixed carbon (11.13% to 17.06%), extractives content (5.37% to 17.82%), Runkel lignin (27.33% to 30.97%), holocellulose content (58.53% to 69.56%) and calorific value (19.09 MJ·kg-1 to 20.42 MJ·kg-1). According to the X-ray analysis, the most abundant elements were potassium, calcium and magnesium; whereas no heavy metals were found. The results of this research show that the two genera studied here are suitable for solid biofuel production.

Unexpected morphological modifications in high moisture extruded pea-flaxseed proteins: Part I, topological and conformational characteristics, textural attributes, and viscoelastic phenomena

The present study aims at gaining a better understanding on the structuring mechanisms and textural attributes of pea protein isolate influenced by the addition of flaxseed protein concentrate (FPC) during high moisture extrusion. Overall results mainly indicated amended structure and significantly (P < 0.05) less compacted texture at 8% of FPC content. At controlled heating and shearing conditions, anisotropy occurred with an increased level of FPC following remarkable modification in protein-protein interactions for extruded samples. The comparison revealed that although the basic chemical compositions were close to their native structure, the functional properties were affected by the increase in FPC content within the domain structure of filaments. Following this, the expressible moisture and cooking yield were increased and textural properties, such as cutting force and elasticity, were decreased upon the addition of FPC. In addition, mechanical and thermal findings were successfully plotted in the KBKZ model and hypothetically represented that the protein aggregates can be formed and structured in a different format in the added-FPC samples due to the hydrophobicity nature of globulin proteins in flaxseed. Scanning electron microscopic observations then proved the formation of structured macromolecules with small and large air holes entrapped in the domain orients. Part I of this study allowed for a deeper understanding of composite effects in structuring the plant-based meat alternatives and their physicochemical properties. It emphasized the importance of domain structure of extruded plant proteins in the development of satisfactory meat analogs.

Application of FT-NIR spectroscopy as a rapid tool for analysis of the fish fillet chemical composition

The basic chemical composition of the meat of fifteen freshwater and saltwater fish species was studied. Fourier transform-near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopy was applied for determination of the content of fat, protein and dry matter in the fish meat samples. The fish species analysed differed significantly in dry matter, fat, and protein content (P &amp;lt; 0.05). The highest fat percentage was determined in the samples of Cyprinus carpio (17.14 ± 0.53%) and the lowest value was found in the samples of Lophius piscatorius (0.06 ± 0.003%). Thunnus albacares samples had the highest content of proteins (24.26 ± 1.89%), whereas the lowest protein content was observed in Oreochromis niloticus (14.73 ± 0.87%). The results of the measured dry matter varied from the highest content in C. carpio samples (35.73 ± 0.47%) to the lowest content of L. piscatorius samples (15.64 ± 0.43%). Principal component analysis (PCA) extracted three major groups, which differentiate the analysed samples based on their protein, lipid and dry matter content. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA) confirmed the use of three variables (protein, fat, dry matter) measured by FT-NIR to separate the observed fish species.

Early Basal Leaf Removal at Different Sides of the Canopy Improves the Quality of Aglianico Wine.

It is well known that the early removal of basal leaves is a viticultural practice adopted to improve the exposure of clusters to direct sunlight and UV radiation and increase the phenolic compounds and anthocyanin concentration in the berries. The aim of this work was to study the influence of early basal leaf removal on Aglianico wines produced in the Apulia region (southern Italy) during three consecutive seasons. Three vine treatments were carried out, where 100% of the cluster-zone leaves on the north, south and both sides of the canopy were removed. Undefoliated plants were used as a control. The effect of the treatments on the basic chemical parameters, phenol content and volatile composition of wines was investigated using WineScan FT-MIR, spectrophotometry, HPLC-DAD and SPME-GC/MS. Early defoliation increased the amounts of flavonoids (+35–40%), anthocyanins (+15–18%), total polyphenols (+10%), antioxidant activity (+8–14%) and colour intensity (+10%), especially when leaf removal was applied on the south side. Moreover, leaf removal led to a 40% increase in free anthocyanins when applied on the south side of the canopy, while a 24% increase was observed when applied to the north side and 21% when applied to the north and south sides. A negative effect was observed on volatile compounds, which decreased by about 18, 14 and 13% when the treatment was applied on the north, north-south and south sides of the canopy, respectively. In conclusion, early leaf removal treatments allow for the modulation of the phenolic and volatile concentrations of Aglianico wines.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BYZANTINE-PERIOD LIME MORTARS AND PLASTERS FROM THE ANAIA CHURCH

In this study, Byzantine-period lime mortars and plasters used in the Anaia Church in Kuşadası- Aydın were examined in order to determine their characteristics and investigate the continuity of the lime mortar technology through centuries in the Anaia Church. The results will also contribute to future conservation studies at the site. Basic physical properties, raw-material compositions and hydraulic properties of lime mortars and plasters; mineralogical and chemical compositions, microstructural properties of binders, aggregates and limes; and pozzolanic activities of aggregates were determined using RILEM test methods, XRD, SEM-EDX and TGA. Mortar samples were comprised of natural aggregates whereas lime plasters were made of brick aggregates. Analyses revealed that plasters were slightly less dense and more porous than mortars due to the porous structure of the brick aggregates. All mortars and plasters were hydraulic due to the use of highly reactive pozzolanic aggregates. The basic physical properties, raw-material compositions, mineralogical and chemical compositions of mortars and plasters were found to be similar throughout the construction periods spread over different centuries. These similarities revealed the conscious knowledge of the lime mortar technology during the Byzantine period in western Anatolia.

Concentration of Selected Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Horse Hair as an Important Tool for the Monitoring of Animal Exposure and Health.

Simple SummaryHeavy metals pose a serious risk to the normal functioning of living organisms. Long-term exposure to heavy metals may lead to many pathologies and various dysfunctions. On the other hand, heavy metals are components of many enzymes, so any anomalies in their concentrations are not desirable. The main purpose of the study was to analyse the concentrations of selected essential and toxic trace elements in the hair of sports and recreational riding horses from studs located in central Poland. We also measured the concentration of heavy metals in oats used as the basic component of the equine diet to investigate the interactions between the elements in the feed and hair. Assessment of essential heavy metals is important for the monitoring of exposure and the health of horses. The study confirmed many significant relationships between the concentrations of elements in the hair and oats, as well as interactions between the content of these xenobiotics in feed and the analytical matrix.The main purpose of the study was to analyse the concentrations of selected essential and toxic trace elements in the hair of sports and recreational riding horses from studs located in central Poland and thus test the usefulness of this matrix for monitoring the exposure of these animals. We also measured the concentration of heavy metals in oats used as a basic component of the equine diet to investigate the interactions between these elements in the feed and hair. The basic chemical composition of oats was analysed. Elemental analysis was performed using an EcaFlow 150 GLP electrochemical analyser with an E-104L electrode and reference to a calibration curve. The chemical composition of oats was investigated by near infrared transmission (NIR) spectroscopy calibrated for an artificial neural network (ANN) using a Foss InfraXact spectrometer. Among all elements, the coefficient of variation was highest for Pb and lowest for Cd, regardless of the study group. The content of elements in horse hair was in the range of 153.56 to 185.79 mg·kg−1 for Zn, 6.10 to 11.99 mg·kg−1 for Cu, 0.578 to 0.813 mg·kg−1 for Pb and 0.011 to 0.015 mg·kg−1 for Cd (in kg of d.w.). For hair, we found a significant negative correlation for Zn-Cu (rxy = −0.539) and Cd-Cu (rxy = −0.676) at p ≤ 0.05. For feed, there was a highly significant positive correlation for Cu-Pb (rxy = 0.723) and Zn-Cd (rxy = 0.714) at p ≤ 0.01. We found significant negative oats–hair interactions for Cu-Zn, Pb-Cu, Cd-Cu and Zn-Pb, and a positive oats–hair interaction for Cu-Cu.

Effect of low temperature on the shaping of yeast-derived metabolite compositions during wine fermentation

Low-temperature fermentation is considered to enrich the aroma of wine. The metabolism of Saccharomyces cerevisiae responding to low temperatures is intricate and this complexity is further enhanced by various strains and culture media. However, the real effects of low-temperature fermentation on yeast metabolism are unclear. Aiming to clarify the yeast-derived metabolite formation in a low-temperature winemaking range, fermentations were performed at 10, 15, and 20 °C, using five wine yeast strains in two media respectively. Tolerance toward low temperatures and metabolite compositions (including basic chemical compositions and volatile aroma compounds) of wine yeasts were analyzed. Results showed that ethanol, ethyl acetate, and ethyl butanoate increased with the temperature decreasing, while acetic acid, phenylethanol, phenylethyl acetate, ethyl decanoate, and ethyl hexadecanoate decreased with decreasing temperature. The linear relationship between fermentation temperature and the formation of ethanol, acetic acid, and phenylethanol might be fundamentally due to the growth changes caused by temperature. The enhanced production of ethyl acetate and ethyl butyrate followed by decreasing temperature probably resulted from low-temperature-stimulated enzymes in metabolic pathways. These findings reveal a typical profile of yeast-derived metabolites at low-temperature fermentation and provide evidence to support the application of low-temperature winemaking in the wine industry.

Production of Childinan SF-2 as Bioactive Compound from Daldinia childiae: A Survey on Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Antitumor Properties.

Fungal extracts have received increased attention due to their great medicinal applications including antitumor, immune-modulating, antioxidant, radical scavenging, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and detoxificating properties. This study is the first report on a novel bioactive compound, namely Childinan SF-2 which was isolated from soil ascomycete fungus. The significant antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic properties of the extract may lead to development of novel, safe and useful substances. The isolate was identified on the basis of molecular approach. Spore suspension was inoculated in the culture medium and the bioactive compound was isolated from the viscous fermented broth via ethanol precipitation of the extracellular compound. The basic chemical composition of the extract including protein, carbohydrate, sulfate radical and uronic acid content were measured. FTIR (Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy) and GC-MS (Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) analysis were used for further structural characterization. The extract was utilized for treatment of AGS and MDA cell lines to assess the cell cycle and apoptosis. The antioxidant activity was examined using DPPH, hydroxyl radicals scavenging, β-carotene bleaching inhibition and ferric reducing power assay methods. The extract was tested for evaluation of antibacterial activity using different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains. The fungal isolate was identified as the new strain Daldinia childiae SF-2. Initial biochemical characterization of the extract showed that the fungal biopolymer was composed of total sugars, protein, uronic acids and sulfated groups with values of 91.6%, 2.15%, 2.25% and 1.05% (w/w), respectively. FTIR and GC-MS analysis revealed that Childinan SF-2 might be mainly constructed from D-glucose, D-mannitol and D-galactofuranose. The in vitro experiments revealed that Childinan SF-2 enhanced the percentage of necrosis and apoptosis of cancer cells and blocked the cell cycle progression as shown by flowcytometry. Childinan SF-2 represented a considerable antioxidant and antibacterial activity. These results indicated that Childinan SF-2 can serve as a potential source in medicinal applications. Keywords Exopolysaccharides; Fungal Biopolymers; Mycelial Secretions; Natural Pharmaceuticals; Xylariaceae.

Effect of ageing and MAP on quality of striploin from cattle of Holstein-Friesian breed

There have been determined the features of m. longissimus lumborum steaks from young cattle-for-fattening of Holstein-Friesian breed, Polish black-and-white variety. There were measured pH values, basic chemical composition and colour parameters. The meat was subjected to moist-ageing for 12 days and, next, stored in modified atmosphere for the following 10 days. The amount of heat loss in relation to the temperature of thermal processing was determined. Texture parameters were studied instrumentally and organoleptically. The studied muscles from young cattle-for-fattening characterised with proper and similar pH values. The average fat content was 4.37%. The surface colour of the studied dorsal muscle was relatively bright, the average value L*=37.97, and on the cross-section L*=32.97. The average value of the muscle surface's ‘redness’ was a*=18.98, whereas cross-section's a*=20.27. The amounts of heat leakages were rising along with the increase of temperature from 11.24 to 37.14%. Ageing and storing in MAP led to a significant decrease in the amounts of heat leakages. Ageing and storing in MAP had a significant influence on decreasing shear force and on increasing the organoleptic evaluation marks of the m. longissimus lumborum after thermal processing, which shows that the muscle may become culinary meat with features accepted by consumers.

The content of biologically active compounds in potato tubers of Ismena (yellow flesh) and Provita (purple flesh) varieties – A comparison

The quality of potatoes intended for consumption or food processing depends primarily on their variety and chemical composition, which can be modified by growing conditions, place of cultivation, type of soil, amount of rainfall, as well as fertilization and plant protection products. This study aims to investigate the content of biologically active compounds in new varieties of potatoes with purple and yellow flesh, harvested in different cultivation locations. The content of the basic chemical composition and biologically active compounds in the raw material depended primarily on their variety, and to a lesser extent on the place of cultivation. Higher levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), phenolic acids, and amino acids were found in potatoes of the new variety with purple-fleshed Provita compared to potatoes with yellow-fleshed Ismena. Potatoes with purple-flesh were characterized by over 40% lower amount of total glycoalcaloids (TGA). Most of the determined biologically active compounds, i.e. anthocyanins, phenolic acids, KYNA, and TGA varied depending on the place of origin of the potatoes, at the level of 40–66%. The biggest differences were found in the content of flavonols and amino acids, in the case of these substances the differences between potatoes from different places of cultivation ranged from 88% to 99%.

Morphological, Chemical, and Physical-Mechanical Properties of a Clumping Bamboo (Thyrsostachys oliveri) for Construction Applications.

In view of the long-term utilization history as a building and furniture making material in southeast Asian countries, Thyrsostachys oliveri is considered to have great utilization potential. However, little is known about the quantitative morphological characteristics and comprehensive material properties of its culm. In this study, we systematically investigated the morphological characteristics, the chemical components, and the physical–mechanical properties of the three-year-old culm of T. oliveri. The morphological analysis result showed that the internode length, the diameter of internodes and the wall thickness changed with the culm height. The volume of the culm wall of a single internode increased before the 10th internode, and then it decreased to a significant level at the 20th internode. The basic chemical compositions (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and silicon content) of the culm wall were 346.19 mg/g, 95.32 mg/g, 33.17%, and 3.39 mg/g, respectively. These component contents were relatively stable in the bottom and middle part of the culm, but changed significantly in the upper part of the culm. The moisture content and the base density of the culm wall were 73.01% and 0.64 g/cm3, respectively. The culm wall shrinkage rate in the radial, tangential direction as well as the volumetric shrinkage reached the minimum value in the middle part of the culm. The average compressive strength, modulus of rupture and modulus of elasticity of the culm wall were 67.03 MPa, 143.74 MPa, and 7.99 GPa, respectively. These results provide valuable reference data for more rational use of this bamboo resources.

Influence of Pine and Alder Woodchips Storage Method on the Chemical Composition and Sugar Yield in Liquid Biofuel Production.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of storing methods of woodchips from two species, pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and alder (Alnus Mill.), on the basic chemical composition and sugar yield in liquid biofuel production. Two methods of storing woody biomass were used in the study—an open pile and a cover pile. The wood was felled at the end of November and was stored as industrial chips for eight months from December onward. After this time, material was collected for chemical composition analyses and enzymatic hydrolysis. The results of the chemical composition analysis of the wood for both studied species showed the influence of the type of storage on the composition of the individual structural components of the wood. Based on the results of the enzymatic hydrolysis of the woody biomass, it can be seen that, irrespective of the hydrolysed material (wood, cellulose, holocellulose), the material from the biomass stored in the open pile gave higher results. The hydrolysis efficiency also increased with time, independent of the type of material that was hydrolysed. The highest sugar yield from the enzymatic hydrolysis of wood was obtained for alder wood stored in an open pile. The highest sugar yield from the enzymatic hydrolysis of cellulose was obtained for cellulose extracted from alder wood—as well—that had been stored in an open pile.

Colloidal properties of oil-contaminated sewage and its treatment

Oil refineries and other industrial enterprises generate a large amount of sewage contaminated with petroleum products. Sewage must be treated before it can be discharged into a water body. Sewage treatment methods often do not allow reducing the content of petroleum products to the maximum allowable values. This is because sewage is a microheterogenous system characterized by variable composition and high stability. It is thus important to study factors affecting the high aggregate stability of sewage as well as the development of theoretical foundations for optimizing sewage treatment. The paper presents the study of properties of multicomponent colloidal emulsion systems, factors affecting their high aggregative stability and develops theoretical foundations for optimizing sewage treatment. The systems simulating industrial effluents according to the basic chemical composition obtained by the dispersion method are studied herein. Research also includes the kinetics of precipitation of petroleum products from sewage, sewage treatment parameters during the intensive mixing of the emulsion with air. The express-method determination is used for the petroleum product content in emulsions. The regression analysis is used for the dependence of the optical density on the content of petroleum products. It is found that 10 -6 µm particle removal continues for 20 min, which corresponds to the rapid coagulation. The stability of clean-contamined emulsions decreases by about 10 times with increasing barbotage speed to 30 l/h. The latter being 10 l/h, is sufficient when using Ca(OH) 2

Comparative Evaluation of the Antioxidative and Antimicrobial Nutritive Properties and Potential Bioaccessibility of Plant Seeds and Algae Rich in Protein and Polyphenolic Compounds

Spice plants are not only a source of nutrition compounds but also supply secondary plant metabolites, such as polyphenols. Therefore, their bioaccessibility is an important issue. In order to understand the biological activity of polyphenols present in spice plants, it is necessary to broaden knowledge about the factors influencing their bioaccessibility, including nutritional factors. Therefore, the objective of this research was to determine the antioxidative and antimicrobial nutritive properties and potential bioaccessibility of plant seeds and microalgae rich in protein and polyphenolic compounds. Plant seeds rich in protein—i.e., black cumin, milk thistle, fenugreek, almonds, white sesame, white mustard, eggfruit and the two most popular algae, chlorella and spirulina—were analyzed for total polyphenolic compounds (TPC) and antioxidant properties (ABTS, FRAP), as well as their potential bioaccessibility, antimicrobial activity, basic chemical composition and amino acid profiles. With regard to the TPC, the highest levels were found in star anise, followed by milk thistle, white mustard and fenugreek, whereas the lowest were noted in white sesame, almonds, eggfruit, spirulina and chlorella. White mustard and milk thistle showed the highest antioxidant capacities and almonds, eggfruit, spirulina, and chlorella the lowest according to the ABTS and FRAP assays. The widest spectrum of microbial growth inhibition was detected for fenugreek extract, which showed antimicrobial activity against four analyzed microorganisms: B. subtilis, P. mirabilis, V. harveyi and C. albicans. The protein from seeds of black cumin, milk thistle, white mustard and eggfruit and chlorella was not limited by any essential amino acids. Among all analyzed plants, fenugreek seeds were judged to have potential for use in food formulation operations in view of their antioxidant activity and amino acid profile. Based on the results, intake of polyphenols together with protein in plant seeds does not have a major impact on the potential bioaccessibility of a range of polyphenols and phenolic metabolites.

The Composition of the Carcass, Physicochemical Properties, Texture and Microstructure of the Meat of D11 Dworka and P9 Pekin Ducks.

Simple SummaryThe production and consumption of duck meat in the world have a centuries-old tradition. Currently, China is the largest producer of duck meat. In Europe, the top producers of duck meat are France, Hungary and Poland. The aim of this study was to compare Pekin ducks (conservative strain P9) and Dworka (breeding strain D11) in terms of weight and percentage of gutted carcass components, basic chemical composition, physicochemical properties of breast and leg meat as well as texture and microstructure of breast meat. Significant differentiation (p < 0.05) for the genotype was found in terms of carcass weight, the content of most chemical components, some physicochemical features of the pectoral muscles and legs, as well as the thickness of connective tissue, springiness and WB (Warner–Bratzler) shear force m. pectoralis major. These differences were mainly due to the different purposes of the ducks. Dworka ducks from the D11 strain are being improved in terms of their functional characteristics (breeding strain), while Pekin ducks from the P9 strain have been kept in Poland as a conservation herd (without breeding selection) for several decades.The aim of the study was to determine the effects of genotype and sex on carcass composition and selected meat quality parameters of Dworka and Pekin ducks after two reproductive seasons. The research material consisted of 24 carcasses of Dworka ducks (breeding strain D11) and 24 carcasses of Pekin ducks from the herd of genetic resources (French Pekin, strain P-9). After cooling the carcasses (18 h, 2 °C), the pH values and electrical conductivity of the pectoral and leg muscles were determined, and then the carcass was dissected using a simplified method. After dissection, the pectoral and leg muscles were sampled for quality characteristics assessment. The Dworka ducks from breeding strain D11 compared to Pekin duck from conservative strain P9 were characterized by significantly (p < 0.05) higher carcass weight, protein and salt content, thermal drip, yellowness, thickness of perymisium and endomysium and lower water content of the pectoral muscle. Dworka ducks were also characterized by higher protein, salt and collagen content and higher electrical conductivity (EC24) of leg muscles than Pekin ducks. Regardless of genotype, male ducks had a higher gutted carcass weight with neck, salt content, muscle fiber cross-sectional area, fiber perimeter and diameters of pectoral muscle, and also higher protein and collagen, and lower fat content, pH24 and electrical conductivity of leg muscles. The genotype by sex interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for water, protein, fat content, perimisium thickness, cohesiveness, springiness of the pectoral major muscle, and for water content and protein of the leg muscles. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the effects of genotype and sex on the nutritional value and some technological parameters of duck meat. The studied ducks after two reproductive seasons satisfactorily meet the requirements of duck meat for consumers and duck meat processing plants.

The effect of chia seed (Salvia hispanica) addition on the fatty acid profile and lactase activity of fermented mare’s milk

Background. Fermented mare’s milk beverages supplemented with chia and inoculated with mesophilic LAB with probiotic bacteria were produced. Mare’s milk has recently been gaining attention due to its nutraceutical properties. The dominant protein fractions are albumin and globulin. The low fat content is comprised of a distinctive profile. Taking into account the lower casein-to-whey-protein ratio, emulsification and quickly absorbed fat, mare’s milk is more desirable for digestion than cow’s milk. Fermented mare’s milk with chia is free of chemical additives and is a functional dairy product with low fat content and high nutritional value. Materials and methods. The basic chemical composition was determined using DairySpec FT (Bentley Instruments, Chaska, MN, USA). Mare’s milk was pasteurized using a MILKY FJ 15 milk pasteurizer machine. For production beverages with chia, mesophilic LAB with probiotic bacteria BB-12® Probio-Tec™ were used. The fatty acid profiles and lactase activity were determined. Additionally, the atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenic index (TI) and hypercholesterolemic fatty acid index (HcFA) of fat milk samples were calculated. Results. It was found that the lactase enzyme activity of the fermented mare’s beverages with chia ranged from 0.17 (in fermented milk with 3 weeks storage) to 0.84 μkat∙100 g-1 immediately after production. The number of probiotic bacteria remained unchanged in the fermented beverages for the first 2 weeks of storage. After this time, the number of Bifidobacterium decreased by 11%. The addition of chia seeds increased the Σ UFA and Σ MUFA respectively by about 12.31% and 6.78%. It could be concluded that fermentation and chia can improve the nutritional value of the product. Conclusion. The analyses conducted in this study demonstrate that it was possible to produce fermented mare’s milk with chia seed (Salvia hispanica) addition increasing the Σ UFA and Σ MUFA.

Characteristics of Soil Nutrients and Their Ecological Stoichiometry in Different Land Use Types in the Nianchu River Basin

Land use types can cause changes in soil chemical characteristics, such as altering soil C, N, and P contents and distribution. The aim of this study was to investigate the status of soil C, N, P and other nutrient contents and their stoichiometric ratios in the terrestrial ecosystem of Nianchu River Basin, Tibet. A total of 102 sample plots with 306 soil samples and 102 plant samples were investigated in August 2021 along the Nianchu River basin by selecting four land-use types: grassland, shrubland, forestland, and farmland. The soil’s basic physical and chemical properties (soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), alkaline nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), pH, and soil particle composition) were examined at each sampling point, and the stoichiometric characteristics of C, N, and P of the soils were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs). The results revealed that the C and N contents of shrubland were significantly lower than those of grassland, forestland, and farmland, with farmland having the highest P content. For all land types, C:N increased with increasing soil depth, while C:P and N:P decreased with increasing soil depth. PCA and RDA analyses revealed that soil texture and pH had an impact on soil C, N, and P contents, as well as stoichiometric ratios.

P-395 Use of a granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF)-containing medium for poor-grade blastocyst transfer increases the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates

Abstract Study question Does the post-thaw use of a GM-CSF-containing medium improve blastocyst transfer outcomes in all blastocysts in a frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle? Summary answer The use of a GM-CSF-containing medium at post-thawing especially improves the live birth (LB) rate of morphologically poor blastocysts in a frozen-thawed embryo transfer cycle. What is known already GM-CSF, a cytokine secreted by the epithelial cells of the female reproductive tract, plays an important role in embryonic development, implantation, and subsequent development in humans and animals. In humans, GM-CSF increases the blastocyst developmental rate and decreases the chances of miscarriage. Previously, we reported that the use of a GM-CSF-containing medium for blastocyst recovery culture after thawing improves the clinical pregnancy (CP) rate in a frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer cycle (ESHRE, 2019). However, it is unclear whether GM-CSF improves embryo transfer outcomes in all blastocysts. In addition, it is necessary to accumulate information regarding its effects on neonatal outcomes. Study design, size, duration We performed a retrospective observational study to compare two groups: a GM-CSF group (GM-CSF-containing medium; SAGE-1step GM-CSF, Cooper Surgical) and a control group (GM-CSF-free medium; ONE STEP Medium, NAKA Medical). We analyzed 566 blastocyst transfer cycles in patients aged 30–39 years who underwent frozen-thawed single embryo transfer at Takahashi Women’s Clinic (Japan) from February 2018 to February 2019. Chromosomal analysis was not performed. Participants/materials, setting, methods We used a control medium for blastocyst culture and a Cryotop safety kit for blastocyst vitrification. After thawing, we cultured blastocysts in a GM-CSF-containing medium or control medium for 3–5 h until transfer. Embryo transfer outcomes were compared. We performed the multivariate logistic regression analysis(MVRA) to adjust confounding bias. A subgroup analysis was also performed of morphological grade according to Gardner’s criteria (excellent: ≥AA, good: blastocysts containing B, poor: blastocysts containing C). Main results and the role of chance There were no difference in patient background between the two groups. The CP and LB rates in the GM-CSF group and control group were 54.3% vs. 42.6% and 42.9% vs. 31.1%. The MVRA adjusted by confounding factors(patient age, BMI, basal AMH, blastocyst grade, day of vitrification, number of previous failed ETs, and assisted hatching) demonstrated that CP (p = 0.0193; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.55) and LB rate (p = 0.0080; aOR, 1.67) were significantly higher in GM-CSF group than that of control group. Moreover, the CP and LB rates of the GM-CSF group and control group were: excellent-blastocysts at 62.0% vs. 58.8% (p = 0.5955; OR, 1.14), 52.7% vs. 45.6% (p = 0.2466, aOR:1.33), good-blastocysts 52.1% vs. 37.6% (p = 0.0561; OR, 1.80), 38.0% vs. 26.6% (p = 0.1072; OR, 1.69), and poor-blastocysts 38.9% vs. 17.9% (p = 0.0115; OR, 2.92), 25.9% vs. 9.0% (p = 0.0164; OR, 3.56). A GM-CSF-containing medium significantly improved the CP and LB rates of poor-grade blastocysts. There were no significant differences between the GM-CSF group and control group in the male ratio (52.7％ vs. 51.0%, p = 0.8057), pregnancy duration (38.8±1.4 weeks vs. 38.5±1.8 weeks, p = 0.2558), cesarean section rate (38.2% vs. 40.8%, p = 0.6979), birth weight (3133±466g vs. 3037±437g, p = 0.1281), and congenital anomaly rate (0.91% vs. 2.04％, p = 0.6026). Limitations, reasons for caution This was a single-center, retrospective study. Chromosomal abnormalities in embryos were not considered; however, the LB rate among babies was analyzed. The basic chemical composition of the culture medium (salt concentration, glucose concentration, etc.) used in the control group was different from that of the GM-CSF-containing medium. Wider implications of the findings We found that the use of a GM-CSF-containing medium improved the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates of poor-grade blastocysts without affecting the babies. This may be an effective therapeutic strategy for some patients as it may allow for the effective use of poor-grade euploid blastocysts. Trial registration number not applicable

Oxidative stability of chicken meat at different oxygen concentrations in the packaging unit

The aim of this study was to preserve the quality and prevent the colour, lipid and protein oxidation in chicken breast fillet (pectoralis major muscle) during storage. For this purpose, modified atmospheres (MA) with four different gas mixtures (vol. %) of oxygen (O2 ), carbon dioxide (CO2 ) and nitrogen (N2 ) were used: oxygen free (0: 20: 80), low (20: 20: 60), medium (40: 20: 40), and high oxygen MA (70: 20: 10). After 9 days of storage in a refrigerator at 2 ± 1 °C, pH was measured, colour was evaluated instrumentally and sensorially, the basic chemical composition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARs), and protein carbonyl content of raw chicken breast were determined. After thermal treatment (82 °C, 1 hour, sous-vide) of the breast fillet, the sensory characteristics of odour and aroma were evaluated, and the texture (Warner-Bratzler shear force) was measured instrumentally. The composition of the gas mixture affected all oxidation dependent parameters: (i) colour: L* and b* values were the highest under all MA with oxygen, and the a* value under MA without, medium and high-oxygen, (ii) lipids: the TBARs increased significantly under high oxygen MA after 7 days of storage (below the sensory thresholds value for rancidity), (iii) proteins: protein carbonyl content was the highest under medium and high oxygen MA, and (iv) sensory properties: colour oxidation and intensity of odd aromas under all MA with oxygen, as well as odour and aroma of stale in oxygen-free MA were increased. For chicken breast the most suitable is packaging under modified atmosphere without O2 , because the oxidation rate of colour, lipids and proteins during storage was the lowest.