Behenic Acid Research Articles

Re-evaluation of behenic acid from mustard seeds to be used in the manufacturing of certain emulsifiers pursuant to Article 21(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 - for permanent exemption from labelling.

Following a request from the European Commission, the Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to review a scientific assessment related to a notification from DuPont Nutrition Biosciences Aps on behenic acid from mustard seeds to be used in the manufacturing of certain emulsifiers pursuant to Article 21(2) of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 - for permanent exemption from labelling. The EC requested EFSA to consider comments raised by the German authorities in relation to: (a) the maximum amount of mustard protein that could be consumed from the emulsifiers manufactured from behenic acid (E470a, E471 and E477) on a single occasion and (b) the minimal observed eliciting dose (MOED) triggering allergic reactions in mustard-allergic individuals. The maximum amount of mustard protein content in behenic acid was re-assessed in view of new analytical data provided by the applicant. Intake estimates by the EFSA ANS Panel for E471 (adults) were used as a proxy for the combined intake (E470a, E471 and E477). Food challenge data and systematic reviews thereof deriving population minimal observed eliciting dose distributions for mustard protein were used to calculate the MOED and estimate the risk. The margin of exposure between the MOED (0.26 mg mustard protein) and the maximum amount of mustard protein that could be consumed from the emulsifiers on a single occasion (0.00895475 mg) is 29. It is predicted that between 0.1% and 1% of the mustard allergic population would react with mild objective symptoms to that dose. Overall, the assessment is conservative, particularly in relation to the exposure. Based on the information and data available, the NDA Panel concludes that it is extremely unlikely (≤ 1% probability) that oral consumption of emulsifiers to be manufactured using behenic acid from mustard seeds (i.e. E470a, E471 and E477) will trigger an allergic reaction in mustard-allergic individuals under the proposed conditions of use.

Chemical and biological activity studies of Averrhoa carambola L.

Averrhoa carambola L., belonging to the Oxalidaceae family is one of the popular fruits in Bangladesh. The objective of the study is to isolate and purify secondary metabolites from A. carambola leaves and investigate phytochemical properties, fatty acid, antioxidant, antimicrobial activity, and cytotoxicity in both fruits and leaves. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of lignins, quinones, saponins, flavonoids, phenol, carbohydrates, steroids, and terpenoids. Repeated column chromatography of the dichloromethane (DCM) extract of leaves yielded three compounds: β-sitosterol, 6,9-dieneoctadeca-1-ol, and palmitic acid, characterized using spectroscopic techniques. The n-hexane extract of the fruit showed the presence of palmitoleic acid (20.94%) and octadecanoic acid (48.48%), while palmitoleic acid (6.47%), octadecanoic acid (23.23%), and behenic acid (41.70%) predominated in the leaves. For DPPH free radical scavenging activity, the IC50 value of methanol (MeOH) extracts was found to be 16.71 and 27.30 µg/mL in fruits and leaves, respectively, which is lower than that of n-hexane (IC50 value 282.46 and 78.65 µg/mL in fruits and leaves, respectively) and DCM (IC50 value 32.98 and 39.38 µg/mL in fruits and leaves, respectively) extracts. None of the extracts showed significant antibacterial or antifungal activities. Cytotoxicity assay was performed on HeLa and Vero cell lines, and only the DCM extract of fruits exhibited cytotoxicity on the Vero cell line.

Fatty acids composition and profiling of nine abundant marine Macroalgae, Egypt

This study analyzed the fatty acids composition and their profile qualitatively and quantitatively of the nine abundant macroalgal specimens collecting from Egyptian coasts. GC mass analysis identified 23 types, including 13 of saturated fatty acids (SFA) and 10 of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUSFA). SFA dominated with 78%, while MUFAs had 22%, and UFAs were negligible at 0.01%. MUSFA oleic acid (omega-9) was present in all species except green macroalgae Galaxura rugosa and Ulva fasciata, replaced by MUSFA linoleic acid (omega-6). Oleic acid methyl ester (omega-9) was registered in all the studied species, except red Hypnea cornuta & Jania rubens, and brown Hormophysa cuneiformis. Chlorophyta registered 35% of the fatty acid composition, followed by Rhodophyta (33%) and Phaeophyta (32%). Major SFAs were palmitic acid glycidyl ester, oleic acid glycidyl ester and palmitic methyl ester, comprising over half of total fatty acids. Red and brown macroalgae were richer in palmitic and oleic glycidyl esters, while green macroalgae had more palmitic methyl ester. Linoleic acid, nonadecylic acid, elaidic acid methyl ester, linoleic acid methyl, behenic acid, pentacosylic acid, palmitic acid, and trans-palmitoleic acid were exclusively identified in Chlorophyta. Lacceroic acid was distinguished in Rhodophyta, whereas pelargonic acid just appeared in brown alga Turbinaria turbinata. The maximum values of fatty acids were recorded in the green macroalga Caulerpa racemosa while reed macroalga Hypnea cornuta.was the minimum one. The research sheds light on the fatty acid composition and its potential implications for human health and nutrition.

Association of Serum Very-Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Insulin Sensitivity and β-Cell Function: The Prospective Metabolism and Islet Cell Evaluation (PROMISE) Cohort.

A unique group of circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLCSFA), including arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0), have been associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes, although associations with early metabolic risk phenotypes preceding type 2 diabetes have received limited study. We aimed to examine the associations of VLCSFA with longitudinal changes in insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function in a cohort at risk of type 2 diabetes. VLCSFA in the four main serum pools (phospholipid, triacylglycerol, cholesteryl ester, and non-esterified fatty acid) were extracted from fasting baseline samples (n=467). Generalized Estimating Equations were used to determine the associations between VLCSFA and changes over 9 years in validated indices of insulin sensitivity (HOMA2-%S and ISI) and beta-cell function (IGI, IGI/IR and ISSI-2). Associations of VLCSFA with outcomes were strongest in the triacylglycerol lipid pool: 20:0 was positively associated with both insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function (5.01% increase in HOMA2-%S and 4.01-6.28% increase in IGI/IR and ISSI-2 per SD increase in 20:0); 22:0 was positively associated with insulin sensitivity with 6.55% increase in HOMA2-%S and a 5.80% increase in ISI per SD increase in 22:0. Lastly, 24:0 was positively associated with insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function (7.94-8.45% increase in HOMA2-%S and ISI, and 4.61-6.93% increase in IGI/IR and ISSI-2 per SD increase in 24:0). Fewer significant associations were observed in the cholesteryl ester and non-esterified pools. Overall, our results indicate positive longitudinal associations of VLCSFA with insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function, especially within the triacylglycerol pool.

Low colostrum intake results in potential accumulation of peroxisome lipid substrates in vaginal tissue of 3-week-old gilts.

Low colostrum intake relates to poorer health and infertility in swine. We previously connected vaginal lipid profiles at weaning to fertility of sows. We hypothesized vaginal lipidome varied with colostrum intake. Our objective was to determine whether indicators of colostrum intake, immunocrit (IM) and weight gain 24 h postnatal (PN), related to vaginal lipids at d21 PN. Gilts (n=60) were weighed and blood sampled to measure IM. On d21 PN vaginal swabs were taken and lipids measured using multiple reaction monitoring. Abundance of multiple lipids differed (P<0.05) between gilts categorized as high versus low IM and high versus low 24 h gain. The abundance of multiple lipids correlated with IM and 24 h gain. Phosphatidylcholine PC(36:3), PC(36:2), and arachidonic acid (C20:4) positively (P<0.05) correlated with IM. The ether lipid PCo(38:6) and multiple cholesteryl esters negatively (P<0.05) correlated with IM. ROC analysis indicated arachidonic acid and docosanoic acid (C22:0) may serve as excellent biomarkers that distinguish between high and low IM. Similar to gilts found to be infertile, lipid profiles of low colostrum intake animals had greater abundance of very long chain fatty acids, lipids with high levels of unsaturation, and cholesteryl esters, which are metabolized in peroxisomes indicating their potential dysfunction.

Chemical constituents of Palisota ambigua (Commelinaceae) with their antibacterial activities

Background: The development and spread of resistance by bacteria to existing antibiotics are becoming more common nowadays. Considering the ethnopharmacological relevance of Palisota ambigua (Commelinaceae), this study was designed to investigate the antibacterial activities of chemical constituents of P. ambigua against two Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Streptococcus pneumoniae ATCC 49619) and two Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Klebsiella pneumoniae 109 (isolate)) bacteria. Methods: The plant extracts were prepared by maceration in organic solvents. Chromatography techniques were used for isolation and purification of compounds. Their structures were determined through spectroscopic and spectrometric data, as well as by comparison with literature data. The broth microdilution method was used for antibacterial assays through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results: The methanolic extract, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and (n-butanol) n-BuOH fractions from the aerial parts of P. ambigua exhibited significant to moderate antibacterial activity (MIC = 32 – 512 µg/ml). The chemical investigation of fractions led to the isolation of twelve known compounds namely, N-benzoyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-phenylalaninol acetate (aurantiamide acetate) (1), 20-hydroxyecdysone (2), rubrosterone (3), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), 3β-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one (5), lupeol (6), betulinic acid (7), bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (8), 2,3-di-O-dodecanoyl-sn-glycerol 1-O-(6-O-α-D-galactopyranosyl)-β-D-galactopyranoside (9), docosanoic acid (10), pallidol (11), and apigenin (12). All isolates displayed antibacterial activity varying from weak to moderate against the tested pathogenic bacteria. Among the tested compounds, 20-hydroxyecdysone-2,3,22-triacetate (2a) was the most active with a MIC value of 32 µg/mL against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that P. ambigua contains antibacterial isolates, therefore confirming some of its uses in traditional medicine.

Lipase Catalyzed Synthesis of D-xylose-based Biosurfactants and their Surface Properties

Abstract: Synthesis of a homologous series of 1-O-acyl xylose esters with long and very long acyl chains derived from fatty acids was performed via enzymatic esterification in one step using Candida antarctica lipase B. The effect of fatty acid chain length on the activity of the lipase was evaluated. Subsequently, the surface properties of the obtained products have been determined such as hydrophilic-lipophilic balance, critical micellar concentration, and surfactant packing parameter. Foaming and emulsifying ability were also measured. The highest conversion was obtained by using docosanoic acid as an acylant agent (67.50 %). The surface tension values are between 25 mN.m-1 for 1-O-octadecanoyl-D-xylopyranose and 47,17 mN.m-1 for 1-O-docosanoyl-D-xylopyranose. The emulsifying abilities of all esters exceeded 80%. It was found that the surface properties of the surfactants are greatly affected by the fatty acid chain length. The surface parameters results revealed that the prepared compounds have a good surface activity. Additionally, these bio-surfactants display good emulsifying ability.

In-depth analysis of corrosion-resistance and dynamic stability of superhydrophobic copper developed by a green approach

This study gives a systematic analysis of corrosion resistant behaviour of superhydrophobic copper fabricated by two-step (electrodeposition followed by coating) and one-step (coating without electrodeposition) processes using behenic acid. Wetting and corrosion characteristics of coated copper have been continuously evaluated by abrasion with sand paper, immersion in acidic and alkaline solutions, and heating at elevated temperature. Although, wetting properties of coating have been obviously decreased with continuous abrasion, contact with acidic and alkaline ambiance, and hot temperature exposure, but corrosion properties of coated copper have not shown the similar trends which has been discussed through polarisation tests and EIS study in detail. Additionally aforesaid both processes generate durable superhydrophobic copper surface with excellent corrosion-resistant and anti-wetting characteristics; however, a two-step process is proved more efficient than the one-step process and promises to produce anti-wetting coatings for real-world applications.

Nutritional Profile Changes in an Insect-Fungus Complex of Antheraea pernyi Pupa Infected by Samsoniella hepiali.

Historically, some edible insects have been processed into a complex of insect and fungus, such as Antherea pernyi and Samsoniella hepiali. Until now, the dynamics of the nutritional changes due to this infection were unclear. This study reveals the dynamic changes in nutritional components of Antherea pernyi pupa after infection with Samsoniella hepiali at post-infection time points of 0 d, 10 d, 20 d, and 30 d. The dynamic analysis of the components at different post-infection times showed that the content of polysaccharides and cordycepin increased with time while the content of fats and chitin decreased. The content of proteins showed a trend of decreasing at the beginning and then increasing. The essential amino acids (EAAs) decreased at the beginning and then increased, and non-essential amino acids (NEAA) changed similarly. The essential amino acid index showed a slight continuous decrease. Although the crude fat decreased dramatically due to the infection, from a value of 30.75% to 7.2%, the infection of S. hepiali produced five new fatty acids (14-methyl-pentadecanoic acid, docosanoic acid, succinic acid, arachidonic acid, and myristic acid) while the content of the seven fatty acids was greatly reduced after infection. Therefore, after being infected by S. hepiali and combined with it, the nutritional profile of A pernyi pupa was changed significantly and there were different characteristics at different infection stages. The above findings provide scientifically fundamental data to understand the nutritional value of the insect-fungus complex as human food and animal feed.

Development of healthier and industrially applicable oleogel with low saturated fatty acid content using a small amount of high-melting fat

We aimed to develop a low-saturated fat oleogel with a small amount of high-melting fat and elucidate its gelation mechanism. Fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil rich in behenic acid (FHR-B), fully hydrogenated rapeseed oil rich in stearic acid (FHR-S), fully hydrogenated fish oil extracted from sardines (FHF), fully hydrogenated beef tallow (FHBT), fully hydrogenated palm oil (FHP), and fully hydrogenated hard palm mid-fraction (FHHPMF) were used as oleogelators. The gelation ability, chemical composition, crystal morphology, polymorphism, and melting properties of the prepared samples were evaluated. FHR-B, FHF, FHP, and FHHPMF formed gels with 2 wt% or lower concentrations. High-melting fat with a high gelation ability formed fibrous crystals with a high aspect ratio, that is, whisker crystals, in canola oil. The crystal morphology was affected by the triacylglycerol composition. Moreover, high-temperature storage caused the separation of TAGs, affecting the crystal morphology. Hence, high-melting fats with complex TAG compositions showed different gelation behaviors depending on the storage temperature. We confirmed that FHHPMF exhibited exceptionally high gelation ability, forming a gel at only 0.5 wt%. Therefore, FHHPMF may be a suitable oleogelator for industrial use with a controllable saturated fatty acid content and waxy mouthfeel.

Lipid-based particle engineering via spray-drying for targeted delivery of antibiotics to the lung

Pulmonary delivery of antibiotics for the treatment of tuberculosis provides several benefits compared to conventional oral and parenteral administration. API-loaded particles delivered directly to alveolar macrophages, where Mycobacterium tuberculosis resides, can reduce the required dose and decrease the severe side effects of conventional treatment. In this work, lipid-microparticles loaded with rifampicin were engineered via spray-drying to be administered as a carrier-free dry powder for inhalation. Although, it is well-known that spray-drying of lipid-based excipients is strongly limited, a completely lipid-based formulation using diglycerol full ester of behenic acid was produced. The solid state of the lipid, providing high melting temperature, absence of polymorphism and monophasic crystallization, led to high yield of spray-dried particles (83%). Inhalable particles of mass median aerodynamic diameter of 2.36 µm, median geometric size of 2.05 µm, and negative surface (-50.03 mV) were engineered. Such attributes were defined for deep lung deposition and targeted delivery of antibiotics to alveolar macrophages. Superior aerodynamic performance as carrier-free DPI was associated to a high fine particle fraction of 79.5 %. No in vitro cytotoxic effects were found after exposing epithelial cell lines and alveolar macrophages. In vitro uptake of particles into alveolar macrophages indicated the efficiency of their targeted delivery. The use of highly processable and safe lipid-based excipients for particle engineering via spray-drying can extend the availability of materials for functionalized applications for pulmonary delivery.

Studi Kinerja Mesin Diesel Berbahan Bakar Campuran Biodiesel Kacang Tanah Dan Solar

Biodiesel is an oil produced from vegetable oils or animal fats. Peanut is one of the vegetable that can be used to produce biodiesel due to its high vegetable oil content. This research was conducted to investigate fatty acid characteristics of biodiesel produced from peanut and perfomance of a diesel engine which is fueled by mixture of peanut biodiesel and diesel fuel. Biodiesel was produced by some processes namely degumming, free fatty acid content testing, esterification and transesterification. It was produced 1450 ml biodiesel per 10 kg peanuts. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry device was used to determine fatty acid content of peanut biodiesel which consists of 52.77% of oleic acid, 16.59% of palmitic acid and 10.63% of behenic acid, respectively. Four mixtures of peanut biodiesel and diesel fuel were created, namely B0 (pure diesel fuel) , B5, B10, B20 where index number is percentage of biodiesel in the mixture. These mixtures were applied to fuel an engine diesel to observe engine perfomances with variation of load and speed on engine. The best engine perfomance result from experiments was found using B20 with spesific fuel consumption (SFC) value is 0.175 kg/kWh at 30 psi of load and 1250 rpm engine speed, the air-fuel ratio (AFR) is 15,26 at 20 psi of load and 1500 rpm engine speed and termal eficiency is 46.37 percent at 30 of load and 1250 rpm engine speed.

Effects of tea residues-fermented feed on production performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity, caecal microbiota, and ammonia emissions of laying hens.

This study was to assess the effects of tea residues-fermented feed (TR-fermented feed) on production performance, egg quality, serum antioxidant capacity, caecal microbiota, and ammonia emissions of laying hens. A total of 1,296 Lohmann laying hens have randomly distributed four groups with six parallels and fed with diets TR-fermented feed at the rates of 0 (control), 1, 3, and 5%. The inclusion of 1% (TR)-fermented feed resulted in a significant increase in egg-laying rate and average egg weight of birds, and a reduction in the feed-to-egg ratio when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The addition of 1 and 3% of (TR)-fermented feed significantly improved the Haugh unit of eggs (p < 0.05). The eggshell thickness was observed to increase by almost one-fold upon the inclusion of 3 and 5% (TR)-fermented feed in the basal diet (p < 0.05). The supplementation of 3% (TR)-fermented feed significantly increased the content of methionine, tyrosine, proline, essential amino acids (EAA), alpha linoleic acid (C18:3n6), docosanoic acid (C22:0), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6n3), twenty-three carbonic acids (C23:0), ditetradecenoic acid (C24:1) and total omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (∑ω-3 PUFA) in the eggs (p < 0.05). The addition of a certain amount of (TR)-fermented feed can enhance the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in chicken serum, and reduce the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). The ammonia concentration in the hen house of laying hens in the treatment groups decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes, the main phyla in the cecal bacterial community, were differentially abundant in each group, comprising greater than 55 and 33%, respectively. Collectively, this research indicates that (TR)-fermented feed supplementation improves the performance of laying hens and reduces ammonia emissions and can be used in industry-scale layer production.

1571-P: Plasma FGF5 Concentration Correlates Better with Hepatic Steatosis, Blood Glucose, and Specific Plasma Free Fatty Acids than with Other Tissue Fat Accumulation

A few studies reported an association between fibroblast growth factor-5 (FGF5) and NAFLD. We aimed to elucidate the physiologic implication of FGF5 in NAFLD and obesity. A total of 180 subjects [(24 healthy controls and 156 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and/or hepatic fat content (HFC) 5% or more on MRI-PDFF] were included to assess association between HFC and various metabolic factors including body fat and plasma levels of glucose, insulin, FGF5, FGF21, oxyntomodulin, incretins, and some free fatty acids (FFAs). Additionally, we analysed a subgroup of obese patients who would undergo laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) (n=50) to see correlation between changes in metabolic variables related to body weight (BW) and HFC before and 6 months after surgery. Plasma FGF5 correlated better with blood glucose and HFC than with total body fat, HOMR-IR, and visceral fat. In relation to plasma FFAs, both FGF5 and HFC together showed a positive correlation with plasma FFAs such as palmitic acid, linolenic acid, and arachidonic acid, but had an inverse correlation with nervonic acid, docosanoic acid, tetracosanoic acid, and hexacosanoic acid. FGF5 level showed an independent association with blood glucose and MRI-PDFF after adjusting for multiple factors. After LSG, BW decreased by an average of 24.6%, while HFC decreased from 19.5% ± 9.1% to 5.7 ± 2.9%, p &amp;lt;0.01). Plasma FGF5 also decreased after LSG (1625.0 ± 656.8 pg/ml vs. 966.8 ± 339.9 pg/ml, p &amp;lt;0.01). The amount of plasma FGF5 change showed a significant correlation with changes in HFC and blood glucose. In conclusion, our results showed that plasma FGF5 level correlated well with HFC, blood glucose, and specific plasma FFAs and also decreased with the improvement of hepatic steatosis after bariatric surgery. Further researches on the causal relationship between FGF5, glucose and lipid metabolism, and NAFLD are needed. Disclosure D.Lee: None. I.Park: None. Funding National Research Foundation of Korea (2021R1A5A2030333, 2019R1I1A2A02062305)

Hylocereus undatus extends lifespan and exerts neuroprotection in Caenorhabditis elegans via DAF-16 mediated pathway

BACKGROUND: Hylocereus undatus is a traditional medicinal plant known for its medicinal, nutritional and commercial uses. OBJECTIVE: To address the anti-aging and neuroprotective efficacies of fruit peel extracts of H. undatus using Caenorhabditis elegans model. METHODS: C. elegans (wild-type (N2), transgenic and mutant strains) were treated with H. undatus and monitored for lifespan and neuroprotection through physiological assays, fluorescence microscopy and qPCR analysis. LC-MS/MS analysis was performed to identify the phytochemicals present in the extract. Molecular docking studies were employed to identify the interaction mode of selected phytochemicals with Aβ, DAF-16 and SKN-1. RESULTS: The extract was able to extend the lifespan of C. elegans (N2), extend the lifespan and reduce paralysis of Aβ transgenic strains CL2006 and CL4176, suggesting its anti-aging and neuroprotective potential. The LC-MS/MS analysis revealed the presence of phytochemicals including homostachydrine, betaine, syringic acid, typhaneoside, rutin, and behenic acid. The extract could activate antioxidant mechanism, through SKN-1, which was evident in qPCR and transgenic strain LG333. These effects were mediated through DAF-16 pathway as the extract was able to upregulate the expression of daf-16 in N2, increase the nuclear localization of daf-16 in transgenic strain TJ356, and not able to significantly alter the lifespan of both DAF-2 and DAF-16 mutants, CB1370 and CF1038 respectively. Finally, in molecular docking approach, typhaneoside and rutin showed better binding affinity with SKN-1 and DAF-16 when compared to resveratrol and similar binding affinity with Aβ when compared to donepezil. CONCLUSION: Taken together, this study indicates that H. undatus activates anti-aging and neuroprotection via DAF-16 mediated pathway.

Fatty acids and mineral composition of seed oils extracted from different Rosa L. taxa

In the study, the macro and micro elements and fatty acid contents in rose seeds, which are generally evaluated in the waste category, were determined. Among the plants belonging to these taxa, only the registered varieties belonging to four taxa were used, while the others were genotypes. The plant materials of the study include rosehip (R. canina L.), Yildiz variety of rosehip (R. canina L. cv ‘Yildiz’), Syrup rose (R. heckeliana Tratt. subsp. vanheurckiana), Austrian briar (R. foetida Herrm.), lax rootstock [R. caesia Sm. (Syn: R. laxa Retz.)], wild rose [R. montana subsp. woronovii Chaix subsp. woronovii (Lonacz) Ö. Nilsson L.], hybrid landscape roses (R. x hybrida) and Hosap rose [R. pisiformis (Christ) D.] taxa. It was determined that the contents of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and calcium of the macro elements examined in the seed samples differed statistically from each other. The seeds of different Rosa L. species examined within the scope of the research can be considered as one of the fruit oil sources with its 3.71-10.01% oil content. The fatty acid contents were determined as follows: linoleic acid (ω6) contents in the taxa ranged from 41.63 to 50.11% with an average of 44.88%; oleic acid (ω9) ranged from 20.80 to 30.27% with an average of 24.95%; linolenic acid (ω3) varied between 14.00-28.51% with an average of 19.20%; arachidic acid ranged from 0.75-1.63% and the average was 1.97%; eicosenoic acid ranged between 0.13-0.65% and averaged 0.33%; palmitoleic acid contents ranged from 0.08-0.60; behenic acid varied between 0.08-0.19% with 0.11% average. It was observed that the (ω3/ω6 ratio of the hybrid rose, which is especially used as a landscape rose and whose fruits are not evaluated, had an average value. R. canina ‘Yildiz’ cultivar showed a high (ω3/ω6 ratio, which is important in health terms. The high oleic acid contents found in these taxa are important results.

Characterization and subchronic oral toxicity of Pentaclethra macroloba (pracaxi) oil in Rattus norvegicus (lin. Wistar)

The trend of replacing antimicrobials as growth promoters in animal nutrition is growing. Functional oils emerge as an alternative because of their richness in bioactive compounds and bioavailability. The present study aims to evaluate the fatty acid profile, antioxidant capacity, composition of phenolic compounds, and toxic capacity in Wistar rats of pracaxi oil (Pentaclethra macroloba). DDPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and ABTS (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) were performed to assess antioxidant capacity. The composition of phenolic compounds was determined by specific reagents. For the evaluation of subchronic oral toxicity, 40 Wistar albino rats (20 males and 20 females) were randomized into 10 groups with different levels of pracaxi oil administered orally. The doses administered were 0, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 mg/kg (Group 1 to 5 females and Group 6 to 10 males). The animals were submitted to evaluations described in the OECD manual (Guide 407). The analytical results showed that pracaxi oil has different fatty acids in its chemical composition: oleic, linoleic, arachidic, and behenic acids, which account for more than 90% of its composition. In a smaller percentage, lauric acid (0.17%), myristic (0.09%), palmitic (1.49%), stearic (3.45%), and linolenic acid (1.39%) were also found. According to the results of the antioxidant tests, pracaxi oil has a high antioxidant capacity and is a product with a high presence of phenolic compounds. Regarding the toxicity assessment, there were no alterations in the clinical signs and weight of organs. However, in histology, there were mild alterations of a possible toxic process with the increase in the oil dose. This research is extremely valuable since pracaxi oil is a product with little information about its potential use in animal nutrition.

Dietary Supplementation with Putrescine Improves Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Wenchang Chickens.

This study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with putrescine on the growth performance and meat quality of chickens. A total of 480 eighty-day-old female Wenchang chickens were randomly assigned into four groups, with 8 replications per group and 15 animals per replicate. The chickens in the control group (Con) were fed a basal diet; the 3 experimental groups were fed a basal diet with 0.01%, 0.03%, and 0.05% putrescine, respectively. The experiment lasted for 40 days. The results showed that dietary supplementation with 0.05% putrescine increased (p < 0.05) the final body weight and average daily weight gain, and decreased the ratio of feed intake to the body weight gain of Wenchang chickens. Dietary supplementation with putrescine decreased the concentrations of putrescine, spermidine, and spermine in serum (p < 0.05). The contents of methionine, phenylalanine, lysine, aspartic acid, tyrosine, total essential amino acids, and total amino acids in breast muscle were higher (p < 0.05) in 0.03% and 0.05% groups than those in Con group. However, the contents of undecanoic acid, lauric acid, tridecanoic acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, arachidic acid, docosanoic acid, tricosanic acid, lignoceric acid, erucic acid, cis-11,14,17-eicosatrienoate, linoleic acid, and total n-6 monounsaturated fatty acids in breast muscle were lower (p < 0.05) in 0.03% and 0.05% groups than those in Con group. In addition, putrescine supplementation decreased (p < 0.05) the ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast meat. Overall, dietary supplementation with 0.05% putrescine enhanced the growth performance and meat quality of Wenchang chickens.

The use of pracaxi oil collector in the selective flotation of xenotime from silicates

Rare earth elements have played a key role in technological advancement, attracting great visibility in the global commodity market. Xenotime, a heavy rare earth resource (YPO4), can be found associated with granitic rocks, as in the Pitinga deposit, located in the Brazilian Amazon region, where the main gangue minerals are quartz, microcline and albite. This research investigates the application of a new collector produced from pracaxi oil, an Amazon oil abundant in Brazil, in the selective flotation between xenotime and its main gangue minerals. The study conducted the synthesis and characterization of the collector, the chemical, mineralogical and surface characterization of minerals, as well as the evaluation of collector adsorption and flotability via microflotation tests, zeta potential measurements, surface tension determination and XRD, WDXRF, ICP-MS, FTIR and XPS analyses. The pracaxi collector was found to be mainly composed of oleic acid (56.2%), linoleic acid (14.1%) and behenic acid (10.6%), in addition to exhibiting a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of approximately 150 mg/L. Microflotation tests indicated that the best condition for selective recovery of xenotime occur at alkaline condition (pH 9.0), presenting selectivity of approximately 90% with collector concentration of 10.0 mg/L. The zeta potential data confirmed a selective adsorption of pracaxi collector onto xenotime, with an increase in the surface charge from −30 mV to −68 mV, whereas no significant changes were detected in the silicates. The FTIR spectra showed the appearance of a band at 1545 cm−1 on the surface of the xenotime after collector adsorption, which indicates, along with the zeta potential data, the chemical nature of the adsorption. The presence of small amounts of iron in the lattice structure of silicate gangues can act as an activator, and therefore, may be responsible for the small flotability of these minerals. The performance of the pracaxi oil collector presented in this study indicates the great potential of this Amazonian oil for application in the selective flotation of xenotime ores found in the region.

The Differences of Nutrient Components in Edible and Feeding Coix Seed at Different Developmental Stages Based on a Combined Analysis of Metabolomics.

Coix lachryma-jobi L. is an excellent plant resource that has a concomitant function for medicine, foodstuff and forage in China. At present, the commonly used cultivar for both medicine and foodstuff is Xiaobaike, and the cultivar for foraging is Daheishan. However, differences in the internal composition of plants lead to the expression of different phenotypic traits. In order to comprehensively elucidate the differences in nutrient composition changes in Coix seeds, a non-targeted metabolomics method based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS) was used to analyze the metabolic changes in Coix seeds at different developmental stages. An edible Coix relative (Xiaobaike) and a feeding Coix relative (Daheishan) were selected as the research subjects. In the metabolome analysis of Coix seed, 314 metabolites were identified and detected, among which organic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleotides and flavonoids were the main components. As an important standard for evaluating the quality of Coix seed, seven lipids were detected, among which fatty acids included not only even-chain fatty acids, but also odd-chain fatty acids, which was the first time detecting a variety of odd-chain fatty acids in Coix seed. The analysis of the compound contents in edible and feeding-type Coix lachryma-jobi L. and the lipid content at the mature stage showed that, among them, arachidic acid, behenic acid, heptadecanoic acid, heneicosanoic acid and pristanic acid may be the key compounds affecting the lipid content. In addition, in the whole process of semen coicis maturation, edible and feeding Coix show similar trends, and changes in the third period show clear compounds in the opposite situation, suggesting that edible and feeding Coix not only guarantee the relative stability of species but also provide raw materials for genetic breeding. This study provides valuable information on the formation of the edible and medicinal qualities of Coix.