Behenic Acid Research Articles

Metabolomic signatures associated with weight gain and psychosis spectrum diagnoses: A pilot study.

Psychosis spectrum disorders (PSDs), as well as other severe mental illnesses where psychotic features may be present, like bipolar disorder, are associated with intrinsic metabolic abnormalities. Antipsychotics (APs), the cornerstone of treatment for PSDs, incur additional metabolic adversities including weight gain. Currently, major gaps exist in understanding psychosis illness biomarkers, as well as risk factors and mechanisms for AP-induced weight gain. Metabolomic profiles may identify biomarkers and provide insight into the mechanistic underpinnings of PSDs and antipsychotic-induced weight gain. In this 12-week prospective naturalistic study, we compared serum metabolomic profiles of 25 cases within approximately 1 week of starting an AP to 6 healthy controls at baseline to examine biomarkers of intrinsic metabolic dysfunction in PSDs. In 17 of the case participants with baseline and week 12 samples, we then examined changes in metabolomic profiles over 12 weeks of AP treatment to identify metabolites that may associate with AP-induced weight gain. In the cohort with pre-post data (n = 17), we also compared baseline metabolomes of participants who gained ≥5% baseline body weight to those who gained <5% to identify potential biomarkers of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Minimally AP-exposed cases were distinguished from controls by six fatty acids when compared at baseline, namely reduced levels of palmitoleic acid, lauric acid, and heneicosylic acid, as well as elevated levels of behenic acid, arachidonic acid, and myristoleic acid (FDR < 0.05). Baseline levels of the fatty acid adrenic acid was increased in 11 individuals who experienced a clinically significant body weight gain (≥5%) following 12 weeks of AP exposure as compared to those who did not (FDR = 0.0408). Fatty acids may represent illness biomarkers of PSDs and early predictors of AP-induced weight gain. The findings may hold important clinical implications for early identification of individuals who could benefit from prevention strategies to reduce future cardiometabolic risk, and may lead to novel, targeted treatments to counteract metabolic dysfunction in PSDs.

Serum Saturated Fatty Acids including Very Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids and Colorectal Cancer Risk among Chinese Population.

The association between circulating saturated fatty acids (SFAs) including very long-chain SFAs (VLCSFAs) and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk has not been clearly established. To investigate the association between serum SFAs and CRC risk in Chinese population, 680 CRC cases and 680 sex and age-matched (5-year interval) controls were recruited in our study. Serum levels of SFAs were detected by gas chromatography. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between serum SFAs and CRC risk. Results showed that total SFAs were positively associated with the risk of CRC (adjusted OR quartile 4 vs. 1 = 2.64, 95%CI: 1.47-4.74). However, VLCSFAs were inversely associated with CRC risk (adjusted OR quartile 4 vs. 1 = 0.51, 95%CI: 0.36-0.72). Specifically, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, and arachidic acid were positively associated with CRC risk, while behenic acid and lignoceric acid were inversely associated with CRC risk. This study indicates that higher levels of total serum SFAs and lower levels of serum VLCSFAs were associated with an increased risk of CRC in Chinese population. To reduce the risk of CRC, we recommend reducing the intake of foods containing palmitic acid and heptadecanoic acid such as animal products and dairy products, and moderately increasing the intake of foods containing VLCSFAs such as peanuts and canola oil.

Evaluation of Meat Quality of Local Pigeon Varieties in China.

To evaluate the germplasm characteristics and nutritional value of Chinese native pigeon varieties, this study analyzed the nutrient composition of the meat of four Chinese native pigeon varieties and then compared them with those of the White King pigeon, which is the most commonly used in China. A total of 150 pigeons aged 28 d (squabs) of 5 breeds including Taihu pigeon, Shiqi pigeon, Ta-rim pigeon, Boot pigeon, and White King pigeon were selected for slaughter. The basic meat quality parameters and contents of conventional nutritional compositions, inosine acid, amino acids, and fatty acids were measured. The results showed that there were significant differences in flesh color (L*, b*), pH, and water loss rate of different breeds of suckling pigeons (p < 0.05). Compared with White King pigeons, four local breeds had dark breast meat and a low water loss rate. The protein contents of Taihu, Tarim, and Shiqi suckling pigeons were significantly higher than those of White King pigeons (p < 0.05). Taihu pigeons had the highest protein content, reaching 22.72%. The inosinic acid content of Tarim pigeons was the highest (1.31 mg/g) and was significantly higher than that of Shiqi pigeons, Boot pigeons, and White King pigeons (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the content of amino acids, the ratio of essential amino acids, and the ratio of umami amino acids in the meat of different breeds of pigeons (p > 0.05). The percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in the breast muscle of local breeding pigeons was significantly lower than that of White King pigeons (p < 0.05), and the percentages of lauric acid, palmitic acid, eicosanoic acid, and behenic acid in SFAs reached significant levels (p < 0.05). The content of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the meat of Taihu pigeons was significantly higher than that in other breeds. In conclusion, compared with the White King pigeon, the meat of local breed pigeons (Taihu pigeon, Shiqi pigeon, Tarim pigeon, and Boot pigeon) had dark flesh, good water retention, high protein and inosine contents, a high proportion of essential amino acids, and a low saturated fatty acid ratio. In addition, Taihu pigeons had the highest protein content (22.72%), monounsaturated fatty acids (44.58%), and EPA (0.47%) compared to other breeds.

Genetic-environment interactions and climatic variables effect on bean physical characteristics and chemical composition of Coffea arabica.

The effects of the environment and genotype in the coffee bean chemical composition were studied using 9 trials covering an altitudinal gradient (600-1100 m.a.s.l) with 3 genotypes of Coffea arabica in the Northwest mountainous region of Vietnam. The impacts of the climatic conditions on bean physical characteristics and chemical composition were assessed. We showed that the environment had a significant effect on the bean density and on all bean chemical compounds. The environment effect was stronger than the genotype and genotype-environment interaction effects for cafestol, kahweol, arachidic (C20:0), behenic acid (C22:0), 2,3-butanediol, 2-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, benzaldehyde, benzene ethanol, butyrolactone, decane, dodecane, ethanol, pentanoic acid, and phenylacetaldehyde bean content. A 2°C increase in temperature had more influence on bean chemical compounds than a 100 mm increase in soil water content. Temperature was positively correlated with lipids and volatile compounds. With an innovative method using iterative moving averages, we showed that correlation of temperature, VPD and rainfall with lipids and volatiles was higher between the 10th and 20th weeks after flowering highlighting this period as crucial for the synthesis of these chemicals. Genotype specific responses were evidenced and could be considered in future breeding programs to maintain coffee beverage quality in the midst of climate change. This first study of the effect of the genotype-environment interactions on chemical compounds enhances our understanding of the sensitivity of coffee quality to genotype environment interactions during bean development. This work addresses the growing concern of the effect of climate change on speciality crops and more specifically coffee. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Unlocking the potential of transesterification catalysts for biodiesel production through machine learning approach

The growing demand for fossil fuels has motivated the search for a renewable energy source, and biodiesel has emerged as a promising and environmentally friendly alternative. In this study, machine learning techniques were employed to predict the biodiesel yield from transesterification processes using three different catalysts: homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzyme. Extreme gradient boosting algorithms showed the highest accuracy in predictions, with a coefficient of determination accuracy of nearly 0.98, as determined through a 10-fold cross-validation of the input data. The results indicated that linoleic acid, behenic acid, and reaction time were the most crucial factors affecting biodiesel yield predictions for homogeneous, heterogeneous, and enzyme catalysts, respectively. This research provides insights into the individual and combined effects of key factors on transesterification catalysts, contributing to a deeper understanding of the system.

The fatty acid profile in the yolk and yolk sac from incubated goose eggs depends on the breeder age and laying period

ABSTRACT 1. The study analysed the content of fatty acids in the lipids of the yolk and yolk sac of hatching eggs obtained from geese in four reproductive flocks and three laying periods at different incubation dates. 2. A total of 1080 hatching eggs were used in the study (90 eggs from each age group in three laying periods). The geese were kept on one farm under the same conditions. 3. On days 0, 16, 22, and 28 of incubation, the yolk/yolk sac was sampled. Saturated and unsaturated (mono- and poly-) fatty acids were determined, including myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, behenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was calculated. 4. Embryo fatty acid utilisation in eggs from different age groups of geese was similar. The fatty acid profile depended mostly on the laying period. The different proportions of fatty acids in the yolk during incubation indicated changes in the activity of various enzymatic processes in the membrane of the yolk sac of embryos from the beginning and at the end of the laying period. 5. When analysing the interactions between the age of the parent flock and the laying period, the most significant effect on the fatty acid composition was found in fresh eggs. On d 16 of lay the myristic, stearic, linoleic, and behenic acids and PUFA; on d 22 of lay linolenic acid, and on day 28th palmitoleic and margaric acids were involved in this interaction.

Pentaclethra macroloba: A Review of the Biological, Pharmacological, Phytochemical, Cosmetic, Nutritional and Biofuel Potential of this Amazonian Plant.

Pracaxi (Penthaclethra macroloba (Willd.) Kuntze) is an Amazonian plant, traditionally used by the native population to treat health disorders such as inflammation, erysipelas, wound healing, muscle pain, ear pain, diarrhea, snake and insect bites as well as for cancer treatment. Other common uses include using the oil for frying, skin and hair beautification, and as an alternative source of energy. This review is focused on highlighting its taxonomy, occurrence and botanical origins, popular uses, pharmacology and biological activities, cytotoxicity, biofuel activity and phytochemistry in order to explore future therapeutic use and other applications. Pracaxi contains triterpene saponins, sterols, tannins, oleanolic acid, unsaturated fatty acids and long-chain fatty acids, with a high behenic acid value, which may serve for incorporation into drug delivery systems as well for the development of new drugs. These components are correlated with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, healing, anti-hemolytic, anti-hemorrhagic, antiophidic, and larvicidal activities against Aedes aegypti and Helicorverpa zea, which ratify the popular/traditional uses. The species is nitrogen fixing; it is easy to propagate in floodplains and the terra firma, and it can be used for the reforestation of degraded areas. Additionally, the oil extracted from the seeds can leverage the bioeconomy of the region based on sustainable exploration.

Equine osteoarthritis modifies fatty acid signatures in synovial fluid and its extracellular vesicles

BackgroundIndividual fatty acids (FAs) and their derivatives (lipid mediators) with pro-inflammatory or dual anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving properties have potential to influence the health of joint tissues. Osteoarthritis (OA) is an age-associated chronic joint disease that can be featured with altered FA composition in the synovial fluid (SF) of human patients. The counts and cargo of extracellular vesicles (EVs), membrane-bound particles released by synovial joint cells and transporting bioactive lipids, can also be modified by OA. The detailed FA signatures of SF and its EVs have remained unexplored in the horse — a well-recognized veterinary model for OA research.MethodsThe aim of the present study was to compare the FA profiles in equine SF and its ultracentrifuged EV fraction between control, contralateral, and OA metacarpophalangeal joints (n = 8/group). The FA profiles of total lipids were determined by gas chromatography and the data compared with univariate and multivariate analyses.ResultsThe data revealed distinct FA profiles in SF and its EV-enriched pellet that were modified by naturally occurring equine OA. Regarding SFs, linoleic acid (generalized linear model, p = 0.0006), myristic acid (p = 0.003), palmitoleic acid (p < 0.0005), and n-3/n-6 polyunsaturated FA ratio (p < 0.0005) were among the important variables that separated OA from control samples. In EV-enriched pellets, saturated FAs palmitic acid (p = 0.020), stearic acid (p = 0.002), and behenic acid (p = 0.003) indicated OA. The observed FA modifications are potentially detrimental and could contribute to inflammatory processes and cartilage degradation in OA.ConclusionsEquine OA joints can be distinguished from normal joints based on their FA signatures in SF and its EV-enriched pellet. Clarifying the roles of SF and EV FA compositions in the pathogenesis of OA and their potential as joint disease biomarkers and therapeutic targets warrants future studies.

Biocrude Production Using a Novel Cyanobacterium: Pilot-Scale Cultivation and Lipid Extraction via Hydrothermal Liquefaction.

The use of renewable energy to reduce fossil fuel consumption is a key strategy to mitigate pollution and climate change, resulting in the growing demand for new sources. Fast-growing proprietary cyanobacterial strains of Fremyella diplosiphon with an average life cycle of 7-10 days, and a proven capacity to generate lipids for biofuel production are currently being studied. In this study, we investigated the growth and photosynthetic pigmentation of a cyanobacterial strain (SF33) in both greenhouse and outdoor bioreactors, and produced biocrude via hydrothermal liquefaction. The cultivation of F. diplosiphon did not significantly differ under suboptimal conditions (p < 0.05), including in outdoor bioreactors with growth differences of less than 0.04 (p = 0.035) among various batches. An analysis of the biocrude's components revealed the presence of fatty acid biodiesel precursors such as palmitic acid and behenic acid, and alkanes such as hexadecane and heptadecane, used as biofuel additives. In addition, the quantification of value-added photosynthetic pigments revealed chlorophyll a and phycocyanin concentrations of 0.0011 ± 5.83 × 10-5 μg/μL and 7.051 ± 0.067 μg/μg chlorophyll a. Our results suggest the potential of F. diplosiphon as a robust species that can grow at varying temperatures ranging from 13 °C to 32 °C, while producing compounds for applications ranging from biofuel to nutritional supplements. The outcomes of this study pave the way for production-level scale-up and processing of F. diplosiphon-derived biofuels and marketable bioproducts. Fuel produced using this technology will be eco-friendly and cost-effective, and will make full use of the geographical location of regions with access to brackish waters.

Very Long-Chain Fatty Acids Change the Ethanol Tolerance of Drosophila melanogaster Larvae

This research tested the hypothesis that long-chain saturated fatty acids increase the order of cell membranes of an organism and minimize the detrimental fluidizing effects of ethanol. Unsaturated fatty acids increase membrane fluidity and are unlikely to increase the ethanol tolerance of the organism. Both a fatty acid-free medium and media supplemented with very long-chain fatty acids (20 or more carbons) were fed to wild-type larvae of Drosophila melanogaster; larvae were then transferred to media with or without ethanol to test for effects of the fatty acids on ethanol tolerance. Ethanol decreased the percent of larvae to pupate, and lengthened larval development time. However, the percentage of pupae to reach the adult stage and the weight of adult males increased when the larvae were fed ethanol. The very long-chain, unsaturated fatty acids, arachidonic acid [20:4(n-6)] and docosatetraenoic acid [22:4(n-6)], were associated with increased larval mortality when administered in a medium supplemented with ethanol. Arachidic acid (20:0) increased the percentage of larvae to pupate under ethanol stress, decreased the development time and increased the adult weight in the presence and absence of ethanol. Behenic acid (22:0) was not effectively incorporated into phospholipids and had little effect on growth traits. Thus, the experimental results were consistent with the hypothesis.

Abstract 44: Plasma Sphingolipids in Relation to Cognitive Decline and Incident Dementia

Introduction: Sphingolipids are fundamental components of brain structure and function. They are located in the myelin sheath insulating neuronal axons and in the cell membranes of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia involved in signal transduction. Although circulating sphingolipid profiles reflect clinical neurodegeneration, few prospective studies have investigated their utility as pre-clinical risk markers in community-based cohorts. For heart disease and diabetes, themselves risk factors for dementia, associations with sphingolipids differed across species and the length of the saturated fatty acid carried. Hypothesis: We hypothesized that plasma levels of sphingolipid species containing palmitic acid (16:0) would be positively associated with incident dementia risk and cognitive decline, while those with arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0) would be associated with lower risk. Methods: We measured 18 sphingolipid species in plasma samples from 4612 participants of the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) (mean age 76.2 years; 40% male; and 25% APOE ε4 allele carriers). Cognitive decline was assessed across 6 years using annual 100-point modified Mini-Mental State Examination (3MSE) and Digital Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) scores. A total of 3088 non-demented participants were enrolled in the CHS Cognition Study and followed with adjudication for dementia. To correct the analyses for multiple comparisons, we applied a false discovery rate (FDR) correction and used a significance threshold of 0.05. Results: Higher baseline levels of lactosylceramide-24:0 (LacCer-24) were associated with a faster 6-year cognitive decline (time x sphingolipid interaction p=0.04 for 3MSE and 0.03 for DSST). Conversely, higher baseline plasma levels of hexosylceramide -16:0 (HexCer-16) and sphingomyelin-22:0 (SM-22) were associated with slower cognitive decline measured with DSST (time x sphingolipid interaction p=0.02 for HexCer and p=0.05 for SM-22). During a median follow-up of 4.5 years, we identified 366 incident dementia cases. In proportional Cox regression analyses, higher plasma levels of ceramide-16:0 (Cer-16) were positively associated with incident dementia upon adjustment for demographics, lifestyle factors, medical history, C-reactive protein, and lipids [hazard ratio per SD: 1.18 (95% CI, 1.06; 1.31)]. Conclusions: In older adults without dementia, higher plasma levels of Cer-16, a species previously associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality, were associated with higher risk of clinical dementia as we hypothesized. LacCer-24 was associated with faster, and HexCer-16 and SM-22 with slower, cognitive decline, but these species were not statistically associated with dementia risk. These novel and inconsistent findings will need to be replicated in other longitudinal studies.

АНАЛИЗ АССОЦИАЦИЙ ПУЛА ЖИРНЫХ КИСЛОТ, БИОХИМИЧЕСКИХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ И КОМПОЗИЦИОННОГО СОСТАВА ТЕЛА У ДЕТЕЙ И ПОДРОСТКОВ С РАЗЛИЧНОЙ МАССОЙ ТЕЛА

Obesity has reached its alarming levels among children and adolescents recently. The study of plasma fatty acid (FA) composition and its connection to the other parameters that are closely related to obesity and cardiometabolic profile with the purpose of searching for the new predictive markers of metabolic disorders is a promising direction for the researchers. The purpose of this research was to study the relationship between the levels of FA, biochemical markers of metabolic disorders and body composition in adolescents with different body weights (BW). Materials and methods: cross-sectional single-center comparative study in parallel groups was held in May to September 2022; the adolescents aged 10 to 15 y/o were divided into two groups as follows. The main group consisted of 17 adolescents: 9 (53%) boys and 8 (47%) girls, the median age was 14.1 y/o [10.9; 15.8], with overweight and exogenously constitutional obesity of varying degrees. The control group of 10 healthy adolescents: 5 (50%) boys and 5 (50%) girls, median age 15.2 years [11.3; 15.9]. The groups did not differ statistically significantly in terms of age/gender. Anthropometric assessment included the measuring of height, waist and hip circumferences with an accuracy of 0.1 cm, BW with an accuracy of 0.1 kg without shoes and outerwear on the scales. The body mass index (BMI) measurements to standard deviation scores (SDS) were calculated with the WHO AnthroPlus software. All of the patients have also undergone the body composition study with a qualitative and quantitative assessment of adipose and muscle tissue using the InBody 770 analyzer. Results: in obese adolescents, the levels of all FA from the studied panel, except for linoleic, dihomo-γ-linolenic (p=0.033), docosatetraenoic (p=0.032), clupanodonic (p=0.003) acids and cholesterol oleate (p&lt;0.001) were statistically significantly higher compared to the control group. The area of visceral fat was positively correlated with the level of gadoleic acid (r=0.810, p=0.027), the level of behenic acid showed positive statistically significant correlation with such indicators as lean body mass index (r=0.786, p=0.036) and total body phase angle (r=0.877, p=0.004). The level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) had a positive statistically significant correlation with stearic (r=0.625, p=0.007), oleic (r=0.483, p=0.050), arachidic (r=0.626, p=0.007), docosatetraenoic (r=0.726, p=0.001), lignoceric (r=0.527, p=0.030), docosahexaenoic (r=0.556, p=0.020), nervonic (r=0.800, p=0.00), tetracosadiene (r=0.606, p= 0.010) acids, cholesterol palmitate (r=0.487, p=0.048) and Cholesta-4,6-dien-3-ol, (3β)- (r=0.572, p=0.016). Positive statistically significant correlations were noted between the levels of triacylglycerides (TAG) and stearic (r=0.577, p=0.015), arachidic (r=0.580, p=0.015), docosatetraenoic (r=0.650, p=0.005), lignoceric (r=0.506 , p=0.038), nerve (r=0.750, p=0.001), tetracosadiene (r=0.521, p=0.032), cholesterol palmitate (r=0.506, p=0.038), Cholesta-4,6-dien-3-ol, (3β)- (r=0.652, p=0.005) acids. A statistically significant correlation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels in blood serum was found only with β-linolenic acid (r=0.497, p=0.042). There were no statistically significant correlations between the levels of FA and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). The level of glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) showed negative statistically significant correlations with oleic (r=-0.524, p=0.031), arachidic (r=-0.588, p=0.013), arachidonic (r=-0.532, p=0.028) acids, cholesterol palmitate (r=-0.555, p=0.021), cholesterol linoleate (r=-0.514, p=0.035). The level of irisin showed negative statistically significant correlations with stearic (r=-0.563, p=0.019), arachidonic (r=-0.493, p=0.044), docosatetraenoic (r=-0.600, p=0.011), lignoceric (r=-0.630, p=0.007), nervonic (r=-0.597, p=0.011), tetracosadienoic (r=-0.499, p=0.041) acids. Also, negative statistically significant correlations were found between the level of resistin and pentadecanoic (r=-0.529, p=0.029), palmitic (r=-0.515, p=0.035), palmitoleic (r=-0.634, p=0.006), margarine (r= -0.614, p=0.009), stearic (r=-0.508, p=0.037), oleic (r=-0.576, p=0.016), vaccenic (r=-0.643, p=0.005), linoleic (r=-0.539 , p=0.026), arachidic (r=-0.506, p=0.038), gadoleic (r=-0.487, p=0.047), arachidonic (r=-0.546, p=0.023), behenic (r=-0.655, p =0.004), lignoceric (r=-0.561, p=0.019) acids, cholesterol palmitate (r=-0.643, p=0.005). Conclusion: The results obtained confirm the existence of a relationship between biochemical markers, FA levels, and the body composition, which allow considering them all as potential parameters for early predictive diagnosis of metabolic disorders.

Dynamics of fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite profiles in colostrum and milk depending on the lactation stage and parity number of sows

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of lactation stage and parity number on fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite profiles in sow colostrum and milk using a metabolomics approach. A total number of 63 colostrum, transient and mature milk were collected from primiparous and multiparous Landrace × Yorkshire crossbred sows. Macrochemical, fatty acid and non-volatile polar metabolite compositions of samples were analyzed using infrared spectrometry, gas chromatography coupled with mass-spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, respectively. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis demonstrated significant impacts of lactation stage and parity number on colostrum and milk compositions. Chemometric analysis revealed significant influences of sow parity on the distinction in fatty acid profiles of mature milk while the distinction in non-volatile polar metabolite profiles was more evident in colostrum. Alterations in the concentration of linoleic (C18:2n6), lignoceric (C24:0), behenic (C22:0), caprylic (C8:0) and myristoleic (C14:1) acid together with those of creatine, creatinine phosphate, glutamate and glycolate were statistically suggested to be mainly affected by sow parity number. Variations in the concentration of these compounds reflected the physiological function of sow mammary gland influenced. This information could be applied for feed and feeding strategies in lactating sows and improving lactating performances.

Synthesis and properties of semicrystalline non‐isocyanate polyurethane with tunable triple shape memory properties

AbstractNowadays, polyurethanes with multifunctional and multiple shape memory effects, especially those without the use of toxic phosgene and isocyanate, have attracted significant attention. In this work, to prepare a kind of non‐isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) with triple shape memory effect, we introduced the behenic acid (BA) with good crystallinity into the NIPUs network, which combines glass transition of the cross‐linked network and crystallization‐melting of behenic acid, endowing the NIPUs with two independent transition temperatures: the glass transition temperature (Tg) and crystallization melting temperature (Tm). Specifically, the NIPUs were synthesized by the addition reaction of bi‐functional cyclic carbonate and semi‐crystalline curing agent. The bi‐functional cyclic carbonate was prepared by thiol‐ene click reaction, and the BA was grafted onto polyethyleneimine to prepare semi‐crystalline curing agent. By adjusting the ratio of BA to PEI and curing temperature, the crystallinity of NIPU can be tuned in a wide range, so that the NIPUs has tunable and superior triple shape memory performance, and the shape recovery rate is almost 100%.

Adaptation of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. to water deficiency based on carbohydrate and fatty acid quantity and quality

Water deficit affects agricultural systems negatively globally. This research objective was to mitigate drought’s detrimental effects on plants metabolite profiling by utilizing biofertilizers and mineral nutrition. The carbohydrate content and fatty acid profile of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) were assessed under Silicon (Si) nutrition, Claroiedoglomus etunicatum inoculation (F), and drought stress (100, 80, 60, 40, and 20% of field capacity (FC)). Results showed that Si application increased total sugar content under severe drought levels (20 and 40% FC) and made it reach 12.41 and 12.63 g/100 g DW, respectively. Sucrose, as the predominant sugar of licorice, was at its highest level (13.1 g/100 g DW) in response to integrated values of F and Si (60% FC). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry showed that the majority of fatty acid components in plants were 9-Octadecenoic acid (8.72–71.27%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (0.1–56.43%), Hexadecanoic acid (12.84–30.59%), Octadecanoic acid (6.9–15.3%), Docosanoic acid (0.57–2.77%), Eicosanoic acid (1.07–2.64%), and 7-Hexadecenoic acid (0.26–2.62%). Since a lower omega6/omega3 ratio represents a healthier product, the lowest ratio (0.25%) was observed in well-watered inoculated plants. Also, severe drought-treated plants under integrated Si and F applications showed a low omega6/omega3 ratio (1.88%). In conclusion, Si and F improved synergistically the carbohydrate content and fatty acid profile in plants, despite the drought stress.

Degradation of alkane hydrocarbons by Priestia megaterium ZS16 and sediments consortia with special reference to toxicity and oxidative stress induced by the sediments in the vicinity of an oil refinery

Petroleum hydrocarbon is a critical ecological issue with impact on ecosystems through bioaccumulation. It poses significant risks to human health. Due to the extent of alkane hydrocarbon pollution in some environments, biosurfactants are considered as a new multifunctional technology for the efficient removal of petroleum-based contaminants. To this end, Yamuna river sediments were collected at different sites in the vicinity of Mathura oil refinery, UP (India). They were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for heavy metals and organic pollutants. Heptadecane, nonadecane, oleic acid ester and phthalic acid were detected. In total 107 bacteria were isolated from the sediments and screened for biosurfactant production. The most efficient biosurfactant producing strain was tested for its capability to degrade hexadecane efficiently at different time intervals (0 h, 7 d, 14 d and 21 d). FT-IR analysis defined the biosurfactant as lipopeptide. 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified the bacterium as Priestia megaterium. The strain lacks resistance to common antibiotics thus making it an important candidate for remediation. The microbial consortia present in the sediments were also investigated for their capability to degrade C16, C17 and C18 alkane hydrocarbons. By using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry the metabolites were identified as 1-docosanol, dodecanoic acid, 7-hexadecenal, (Z)-, hexadecanoic acid, docosanoic acid, 1-hexacosanal, 9-octadecenoic acid, 3-octanone, Z,Z-6,28-heptatriactontadien-2-one, heptacosyl pentafluoropropionate, 1,30-triacontanediol and decyl octadecyl ester. Oxidative stress in Vigna radiata L. roots was observed by using Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy. A strong reduction in seed germination and radicle and plumule length was observed when Vigna radiata L. was treated with different concentrations of sediment extracts, possibly due to the toxic effects of the pollutants in the river sediments. Thus, this study is significant since it considers the toxicological effects of hydrocarbons and to degrade them in an environmentally friendly manner.

Determination of protein and fatty acid composition of shell-intact upland cottonseed using near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy

Upland cotton is a leading natural fiber crop; and an important source of vegetable oil and protein. The protein content and fatty acid composition are important nutritional indicators of cottonseed. In order to establish rapid, high throughout, nondestructive and low-cost method for cottonseed nutrition evaluation, phenotypic data of seed kernel protein, oil and fatty acid content were combined with preprocessed near-infrared spectra of shell-intact cottonseed from 179 upland cotton genotypes to establish calibration models for these cottonseed nutrients. A total of 17 kinds of fatty acids were stably detected and quantitatively determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technology, including 7 kinds of fatty acids which were detected in cottonseed, to the best of our knowledge, for the first time. Finally, 19 NIR calibration models were established through partial least squares regression analysis, and evaluated by cross-validation and external verification. Results indicated that 16 models for seed protein, oil, and 14 fatty acids (capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, heptadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, arachidic acid, cis-11-eicosenoic acid, linolenic acid, heneicosanoic acid, docosanoic acid, tridecanoic acid, and lignoceric acid) achieved acceptable or satisfactory prediction ability. Three calibration models for palmitoleic acid, stearic acid and oleic acid obtained moderate prediction ability with R2cal above 0.7 which could be used in rough screening. Nine fatty acids in cottonseed were modeled for the first time. These results broadened our understanding of the fatty acid profile of cottonseed oil and laid a foundation for fast, nondestructive evaluation of cottonseed nutrient quality for cotton breeding, processing and marketing.

Fatty Acids Profile of Wild and Cultivar Tunisian Peanut Oilseeds (A. hypogaea L.) at Different Developmental Stages.

Eleven fatty acids were identified during maturity in the wild (AraA) and varieties peanut kernels (AraC and AraT). These fatty acids included C16:0 (palmitic acid), C18:0 (stearic acid), C18:1 (oleic acid), C18:2 (linoleic acid), C19:0 (nonadecanoic acid), C20:1 (gadoleic acid), C20:0 (arachidic acid), C22:1 (erucic acid), C22:0 (behenic acid), C23:0 (tricosanoic acid) and C24:0 (linoceric acid). Two fatty acids C19:0 and C23:0 were not previously detected from peanut kernels. Furthermore, eight major fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C20:0, C20:1, C22:0 and C24:0) were quantified during maturity. Wild AraA was distinguished by its highest level of oleic (38.72%) and stearic (2.63%) acids contents and the lowest one of linoleic acid (19.40%) compared to the varieties. As for the O/L ratio, wild AraA presents a significantly higher (p < 0.05) (O/L = 2) than that of the AraC and AraT varieties with (O/L = 1.7 and 1.04) respectively. Correlation coefficients (r) between the eight major fatty acids revealed an inverse association between oleic and linoleic acids (r = -0.99, p < 0.001), while linoleic acid was positively correlated to palmitic acid (r = 0.97). These results aim to provide a detailed basis for quality improvement in the cultivated peanut with wild resources.

Lifestyle Factors Associated with Circulating Very Long-Chain Saturated Fatty Acids in Humans: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies.

Recent observational studies have documented inverse associations of circulating very long-chain saturated fatty acids (VLCSFAs), namely arachidic acid (20:0), behenic acid (22:0), and lignoceric acid (24:0), with cardiometabolic outcomes. In addition to their endogenous production, it has been suggested that dietary intake or an overall healthier lifestyle may influence VLCSFA concentrations; however, a systematic review of the modifiable lifestyle contributors to circulating VLCSFAs is lacking. Therefore, this review aimed to systematically assess the effects of diet, physical activity, and smoking on circulating VLCSFAs. Following registration on PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (ID: CRD42021233550), a systematic search of observational studies was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and The Cochrane databases up to February 2022. A total of 12 studies consisting of mostly cross-sectional analyses were included in this review. The majority of the studies documented the associations of dietary intake with total plasma or red blood cell VLCSFAs, in which a range of macronutrients and food groups were examined. Two cross-sectional analyses showed a consistent positive association between total fat and peanut intake with 22:0 and 24:0 and an inverse association between alcohol intake and 20:0 and 22:0. Furthermore, a moderate positive association between physical activity and 22:0 and 24:0 was observed. Lastly, there were conflicting results on the effects of smoking on VLCSFA. Although most studies had a low risk of bias; the findings of this review are limited by the bi-variate analyses presented in the majority of the included studies, therefore, the impact of confounding is unclear. In conclusion, although the current observational literature examining lifestyle determinants of VLCSFAs is limited, existing evidence suggests that circulating 22:0 and 24:0 may be influenced by higher total and saturated fat consumption and nut intake.

Fatty acid profiling through GC-MS in oil extracted from thirty varieties of groundnut grown in Gujarat, India

Groundnut is an important crop of Saurashtra region especially for edible oil content. The current information from this experiment focused on profiling of fatty acid, oil content, O/L ratio and MUFA/PUFA ratio. Hexane solvent extracted oil from seeds was used for the fatty acid profile by using Gas chromatography mass spectrometry [GC-MS]. The data showed oil content higher in semi-spreading type varieties with the range of 40.9 to 54.92 % and difference for oil content and fatty acids was found to be statistically significant the unsaturated fatty acids were detected in large amount, whereas saturated were found in small amount in all varieties with irrespective of types. The range of fatty acids varied from 6.83-14.14% of palmitic acid, 2.27-5.25% of stearic acid, 0.97-2.11% of arachidic acid, 1.37-3.54% of behenic acid, 0.45-1.30% of lignoceric acid, 0.03-0.17% of palmitoleic acid, 39.22-82.32% of oleic acid, 0.45-1.79% of gadoleic acid,0.07-0.51% of linolenic acid and 2.26-38.73% of linoleic acid in thirty groundnut varieties comprising 10 each of spreading, semi spreading and bunch type. The oleic to linoleic ratio and MUFA/PUFA ratios found very high in variety GIRNAR-4 and GIRNAR-5 of semi spreading.