Carbohydrate Profiles Research Articles

Influence of dietary carbohydrate profile on the dairy cow rumen meta-proteome.

Diet starch and fiber contents influence the rumen microbial profile and its fermentation products, yet no information exists about the effects of these dietary carbohydrate fractions on the metabolic activity of these microbes. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of dietary carbohydrate profile changes on the rumen meta-proteome profile. Eight cannulated Holstein cows were assigned to the study as part of a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial treatment arrangement including four 28-d periods. Cows received 1 of 4 dietary treatments on a dry matter (DM) basis. Diets included different concentrations of rumen fermentable starch (RFS) and physically effective undigested NDF (peuNDF240) content in the diet: (1) low peuNDF240, low RFS (LNLS); (2) high peuNDF240, low RFS (HNLS); (3) low peuNDF240, high RFS (LNHS); and (4) high peuNDF240, high RFS (HNHS). Rumen fluid samples were collected from each cow on the last 2 d of each period at 3 time points (0600, 1000, and 1400 h). The microbial protein fraction was isolated, isobarically labeled, and analyzed using liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry techniques. Product ion spectra were searched using the SEQUEST search on Proteome Discoverer 2.4 (Thermo Scientific) against 71 curated microbe-specific databases. Data were analyzed using PROC MIXED procedure in SAS 9.4 (SAS Institute Inc.). A total of 138 proteins were characterized across 26 of the searched microbial species. In total, 46 proteins were affected by treatments across 17 of the searched microbial species. Of these 46 proteins, 28 were affected by RFS content across 13 microbial species, with 20 proteins having higher abundance with higher dietary RFS and 8 proteins having higher abundance with lower dietary RFS. The majority of these proteins have roles in energetics, carbon metabolism, and protein synthesis. Examples include pyruvate, phosphate dikinase (Ruminococcus albus SY3), 30S ribosomal protein S11 (Clostridium aminophilum), and methyl-coenzyme M reductase subunit α (Methanobrevibacter ruminantium strain 35063), which had higher abundances with higher dietary RFS. Conversely, glutamate dehydrogenase (Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens) and 50S ribosomal protein L5 (Pseudobutyrivibrio ruminis) and L15 (Ruminococcus bromii) had lower abundances with higher dietary RFS content. Among the remaining 18 proteins unaffected by RFS content alone, 5 proteins were affected by peuNDF240 content, and 13 were affected by peuNDF240 × RFS interactions. Our results suggest that the RFS content of the diet may have a greater influence on rumen microbial protein abundances than dietary peuNDF240 content or peuNDF240 × RFS interactions. This research highlights that dietary carbohydrate profile changes can influence rumen microbial protein abundances. Further research is needed to fully characterize the effects of diet on the rumen meta-proteome and manipulate the various roles of rumen microbes. This will aid in designing the strategies to maximize the efficiency of nutrient use in the rumen.

Characterization of Rare Himalayan Balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle) Honey from Croatia.

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera Royle) is an invasive garden ornamental plant species originating from Asia, which produces significant amounts of nectar. In Croatia, it is widely distributed along the banks of the Mura River. Although this plant species is widespread in Europe, there are still no available scientific data about this unifloral honey type. The results showed that Himalayan balsam honey is characterized by the high presence of pollen grains in the pollen spectrum (59–85%), natural higher diastase activity (39.1 ± 7.98 DN), negative specific rotation (−21.2° ± 6.89) and an extra light amber color (48.5 ± 12.69 mm Pfund). The carbohydrate profile is characterized by monosaccharides fructose (39.34 ± 0.65 g/100 g) and glucose (31.91 ± 1.42 g/100 g) with a ratio >1.23, while the most commonly represented disaccharide was maltose (3.04 ± 0.79 g/100 g). The average total phenolic content was 130.97 ± 11.17 mg gallic acid/kg honey, and the average antioxidant capacity value was 225.38 ± 29.58 µM Fe(II). The major mineral element was K, with an average of 533.92 ± 139.70 mg/kg. The sensory profile was characteristic with a light orange color and medium-intensity odor and aroma. The crystallization rate was moderate and characterized by the appearance of opalescence and gelatinous forms of crystals. The results of this study provide the first insight into the melissopalynological, physico-chemical and sensory profile of Himalayan balsam honey.

Fetuin-A and Its Association with Anthropometric, Atherogenic, and Biochemical Parameters and Indices among Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) contributes to metabolic and endocrine complications for women of reproductive age. We set out to assess the relationship between fetuin-A and anthropometric parameters, anthropometric indices, body composition, and atherogenic indices, as well as carbohydrate and lipid profile in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods. The study included 49 women with PCOS, aged between 18 and 39 years. All patients were tested for fetuin-A, fasting glucose and insulin, and lipid parameters, after oral-glucose administration were done. All of them underwent anthropometric measurements and body composition analyses such as BMI (Body Mass Index), WHR (Waist to Hip Ratio), WHtR (Waist to Height Ratio), BAI (Body Adiposity Index), VAI (Visceral Adiposity Index), LAP (Lipid Accumulation Product), BRI (Body Roundness Index), ABSI (A Body Shape Index), ABSI z-core (ABSI with added mortality risk in correlation with age and gender), AIP (Atherogenic Risk of Plasma), AC (Atherogenic Coefficient), Castelli risk index-I, and Castelli risk index-II. Results: Obesity was diagnosed in 18 patients (36.7%) based on BMI index and 7 patients (14.3%) based on BAI index. Significantly increased risk of metabolic complications was observed among 26 patients (53.1%) based on waist circumferences. Based on VAI index, risk of metabolic disease was observed among 17 women (34.7%). Dyslipidemia such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, and mixed hyperlipidemia was detected among 14 patients (28.6%), and insulin resistance was observed among 29 (59.2%). There was a positive correlation between fetuin-A and total cholesterol (r = 0.30, p = 0.0034). There was no statistically significant correlation between fetuin-A and all of the anthropometric measurements and anthropometric indices, atherogenic indices, and other biochemical parameters. Conclusion: Fetuin-A correlates with hypercholesterolemia. It is necessary to conduct further research regarding the relationship between fetuin-A concentrations and body composition, anthropometric indices, and metabolic disorders in women with PCOS. Surprisingly, the effects of concentration of fetuin-A and anthropometric indices (BAI, VAI, LAP, ABSI, ABSI z-core) in woman with PCOS have not been closely examined. Future studies that take these variables into account will need to be undertaken. More information on the relationship between fetuin-A concentrations and anthropometric indices would aid us in establishing a greater degree of accuracy on this matter.

Jelly formulated with different carbohydrate profiles: Quality evaluation

Jelly is a popular confectionery product but it has a high content of easily digestible sugars, namely 70–85%. Therefore, modern confectioners are trying to develop new formulations of jelly with reduced sweetness and sugar content. One of the ways to achieve that is to use starch syrup instead of white sugar. Another benefit of starch syrup is that it can slow down the drying and staling of jelly.
 We studied three types of starch syrup (low-conversion, confectionery, high-conversion), glucose-fructose syrup, and sugar-free jelly samples based on them. Jelly based on sugar and confectionery syrup was used as the control sample. The main quality indicators were analyzed against standard values; the sensory parameters were determined by the descriptor-profile analysis; and water activity was measured by using a HygroPalm Rotronic hygrometer. The microbiological safety of the experimental jelly samples was assessed after 12 weeks of their storage in plastic containers.
 The sample based on confectionery syrup had the most optimal profile, with moderate sweetness and taste richness, good jelly-like texture, viscoelasticity, plasticity, a color similar to that of the control, and no effect of wetting or stickiness. The samples based on starch syrup had a 1.4–2.4-fold decrease in easily digestible sugars and a 1.9–3.4-fold increase in polysaccharides, compared to the control. During storage, the samples based on high-conversion starch syrup and glucose-fructose syrup were less likely to dry out than the others, with their water activity decreasing to a greater extent. The microbiological analysis after storage showed the absence of pathogenic microorganisms and coliform bacteria in three out of the four jelly samples.
 Using various types of starch syrup and glucose-fructose syrup instead of white sugar allows for a greater range of jelly types with different carbohydrate profiles and a longer shelf life.

Revealed interactive association between macro-molecular structures and true nutrition supply in cool-season adapted CDC chickpeas and CDC barley using advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopic techniques

Recently, an interactive association between molecular structures and nutrition of protein could be used for evaluation of truly absorbable nutrient supply, nutrient utilization and availability. However, there was no study found in cool-season adapted chickpeas. The objectives of this study were to: (1) reveal an interactive association between macro-molecular structures and nutrition of protein in cool-season adapted CDC chickpeas; (2) Characterize macro-molecular structure features of cool-season adapted CDC chickpeas and their genotypic impact on nutrient profile, fractionation, bioenergy values and biodegradation function in comparison with CDC barley kernel. Macromolecular structures determination was carried out using molecular vibrational spectroscopy-ATR-FTIR. Results showed that with vibrational molecular spectroscopy, the macromolecular spectral characteristics could be revealed among the varieties and between types of CDC developed grain (Chickpea vs CDC barley). The molecular spectral characteristics had significant relationship (P < 0.05) with carbohydrate profiles, sub-fractions and degradation, bypassed, total digestible carbohydrate and protein. Multiple regression with model nutrient variable selection study showed that protein and carbohydrate-related macro-molecular structural parameters were associated with nutrient profiles and degradation characteristics. The results indicated that there was an interactive association between macro-molecular structures and nutrition of protein in cool-season chickpeas.

Structural elucidation approaches in carbohydrates: A comprehensive review on techniques and future trends

Carbohydrates and their implications for human health have been the subject to a rapidly growing interest. Substantial advances in analytical methods have enabled a more effective assessment of carbohydrates and their pharmacological effects. Developing a carbohydrate profile technology would surely aid the understanding of carbohydrate dietary impacts. With the advances in technology for characterization, as well as exploration of complex structure, it is becoming more feasible to synthesize such compounds, rather than isolation. Several technological developments, including improved analytical tools, glycomics, and automation technology, have opened up new opportunities to globally assess most carbohydrates in envisaged samples. The main analytical methods applied to carbohydrates are described. And then the development of automation technology in glycan synthesis are introduced. This review concludes by considering the limitations of the existing technologies and required future developments for overcoming these limitations and improving identification score and/or yield.

Characteristics of carbohydrate metabolism in the surgical treatment of morbid obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus using various modifications of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch

BACKGROUND: Biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), and its modifications, is the most effective surgical bariatric treatment of morbid obesity and associated metabolic disturbances. However, at present comparative studies of the dynamics of carbohydrate metabolism after various modifications of the BPD are lacking.AIM: comparative assessment for the effectiveness of biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) in the HessMarceau and single-anastomosis duodeno-ileal bypass with sleeve gastrectomy (SADI-S) modifications for correcting carbohydrate metabolism disorders and achieving remission of Diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) within a period of up to five years after both operations.MATERIALS AND METHODS: within the framework of a prospective study, 200 patients with morbid obesity were operated on using the BPD-DS (group 1, n = 100) and SADI (group 2, n = 100) methods, the dynamics of clinical and laboratory parameters was analyzed in groups depending on the presence, or absence, of DM2, with an emphasis on the analysis of indicators of carbohydrate metabolism. DM2 was diagnosed in 35 (35.0%) patients in group 1 (BPD - DS) and 45 (45.0%) in group 2 (SADI). All patients underwent a standard set of clinical, laboratory and instrumental examination methods before, immediately after and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48 and 60 months after the operation.RESULTS: 5 years after the operation, complete remission of DM2 was achieved in 38 (84.4%) and 32 (91.4%) patients from the SADI and BPD-DS groups, respectively, and 7 (15.6%) and 3 (8.6 %) of patients achieved partial remission. The level of C-peptide, which also decreased after both modifications of BPS, was higher in patients after BPS in the SADI modification, both in patients with DM2 36 months (p&lt;0.05), and in patients without DM2 at 3, 12 and 24 months after surgery (p&lt;0.05).CONCLUSION: The frequency of achieving stable remission of DM2 is comparable in both groups. The carbohydrate profile of patients after SADI is characterized by higher levels of glucose and C-peptide compared to BPD-DS at different periods of follow-up over five years.

Assessment of metal exposure (uranium and copper) in fatty acids and carbohydrate profiles of Calamoceras marsupus larvae (Trichoptera) and Alnus glutinosa leaf litter.

Physiological changes were explored in fatty acids (FA) and carbohydrate (CHO) composition in the shredder Calamoceras marsupus larvae (Trichoptera) and leaf litter (C. marsupus food) exposed to copper and uranium under natural and experimental conditions. We measured FA and CHO content in leaf litter and larvae specimens from reference and impacted streams, and exposed for 5 weeks to four realistic environmental concentrations of copper (35 μg L-1 and 70 μg L-1) and uranium (25 μg L-1 and 50 μg L-1). Regarding FA, (1) leaf litter had a reduced polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) content in metal treatments, s (14 to 33% of total FA), compared to natural conditions (≥39% of total FA). Leaf litter exposed to uranium also differed in saturated FA (SFA) composition, with lower values in natural conditions and higher values under low uranium concentrations. (2) C. marsupus had/showed low PUFA content under Cu and U exposure, particularly in high uranium concentrations. Detritivores also decreased in PUFA under exposure to both metals, particularly in high uranium concentrations. On the other hand, (1) microorganisms of the biofilm colonizing leaf litter differed in CHO composition between natural (impacted and reference) and experimental conditions, with glucose and galactose being consistently the most abundant sugars, found in different amounts under copper or uranium exposure; (2) CHO of detritivores showed similar high galactose and fucose concentrations in contaminated streams and high copper treatments, whereas low copper treatment showed distinct CHO profiles, with higher mannose, glucose, arabinose, and fucose concentrations. Our study provides evidence of metal exposure effects on FA and CHO contents at different trophic levels, which might alter the quality of food flow in trophic webs.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation and Rate of Weight Gain during the First Trimester of Gestation in Beef Heifers Alters the Fetal Liver Amino Acid, Carbohydrate, and Energy Profile at Day 83 of Gestation.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of feeding heifers a vitamin and mineral supplement and targeting divergent rates of weight gain during early gestation on the fetal liver amino acid, carbohydrate, and energy profile at d 83 of gestation. Seventy-two crossbred Angus heifers were randomly assigned in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to one of four treatments comprising the main effects of vitamin and mineral supplementation (VTM or NOVTM) and feeding to achieve different rates of weight gain (low gain [LG] 0.28 kg/day vs. moderate gain [MG] 0.79 kg/day). Thirty-five gestating heifers with female fetuses were ovariohysterectomized on d 83 of gestation and fetal liver was collected and analyzed by reverse phase UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry with positive and negative ion mode electrospray ionization, as well as by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography UPLC-MS/MS with negative ion mode ESI for compounds of known identity. The Glycine, Serine, and Threonine metabolism pathway and the Leucine, Isoleucine, and Valine metabolism pathway had a greater total metabolite abundance in the liver of the NOVTM-LG group and least in the VTM-LG group (p < 0.01). Finally, both the TCA Cycle and Oxidative Phosphorylation pathways within the Energy Metabolism superpathway were differentially affected by the main effect of VTM, where the TCA cycle metabolites were greater (p = 0.04) in the NOVTM fetal livers and the Oxidative Phosphorylation biochemicals were greater (p = 0.02) in the fetal livers of the VTM supplemented heifers. These data demonstrate that the majority of metabolites that are affected by rate of weight gain or vitamin/mineral supplementation are decreased in heifers on a greater rate of weight gain or vitamin/mineral supplementation.

Comparative evaluation of biochemical parameters and mineral composition of Cucurbita ficifolia, C. maxima and C. moschata fruit, grown in the northern hemisphere

Fruit peel/pulp distribution of biologically active compounds is an important characteristic of plant physiology and the basis of zero waste production in agriculture. Among C. ficifolia, C. maxima and C. moschata the former showed the lowest dry matter content, especially in peel, similar peel and pulp values of antioxidant activity (AOA) and polyphenol content (TP), with the highest levels in fruit placenta. Peel carbohydrate profile of C. ficifolia fruit was characterized by lower levels of disaccharides compared to C. maxima and C. moschata peel and an opposite pattern of monosaccharides accumulation. The analysis of 25 elements content in Cucurbita peel and pulp, using ICP-MS, indicated that C. ficifolia fruit are characterized by significantly high concentrations of Sr, Si and I in pulp compared to the values of C. maxima and C. moschata. On the contrary, C. maxima and C. moschata were characterized by low concentration of pulp Mn. Highly significant positive correlations were recorded between Cr-Sr, Cr-Ca and CaSr (r=0.906; 0.939 and 0.974 respectively) and P-Cu (r=0.968). Despite C. ficifolia, does not contain carotenoids, it is highly valuable due to the high levels of Si, I, Cr and Ca in peel and pulp, which reveals new areas of its application.

Characteristics of the metabolic profile and the state of the vascular wall in men with metabolically neutral obesity

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight in the Russian population is increasing every year. A diet with an excessive amount of easily digestible carbohydrates, low physical activity contribute to the rapid development of obesity at a young age. In Russia, 26% of the male population and 30% of women are overweight. When examining obese patients, the adipokine activity of adipose tissue is not taken into account in daily medical activities. The current concept of metabolically healthy obesity causes certain discussions in the scientific community due to diagnostic difficulties in stratifying overweight patients into metabolically healthy and unhealthy.&#x0D; AIM: was to characterize the lipid and carbohydrate profile, as well as to evaluate changes in the vascular wall in men with metabolically neutral obesity after a 34-year curation period.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hospital therapy clinic analyzed the case histories of 93 patients aged 30 to 45 years. The study group of patients was examined twice: initially and 34-years after the initial examination. An anthropometric profile was examined in the designated sample of patients, a study of biochemical blood analysis was performed, and an assessment of the cardiovascular system was carried out.&#x0D; RESULTS: of the study showed that the metabolically neutral type is characterized by a low frequency of metabolic profile disorders, as well as parameters of the cardiovascular system.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The probability of developing new cases of prediabetes, type 2 diabetes mellitus and initial atherosclerosis is maximal in patients with previously diagnosed insulin resistance and metabolically healthy obesity, minimal with normal body weight and in patients with metabolically neutral obesity.

Effects of wildfire ash on the growth and biochemical profiles of the aquatic macrophyte Lemna minor

Wildfires are a social and environmental concern to the world due to their many adverse effects, including risk to the public health and security, economic damages in prevention and fight, ecosystems pollution, land usage sustainability, and biodiversity. In the Mediterranean region, these events have increased in the last years. Although several studies evaluated the impacts of the wildfires on the structure and function of the ecosystems and their communities, there is a lack of information at the biochemical level beyond the toxicological effects to the organisms. So, aiming to evaluate the potential toxic and biochemical effects of pine and eucalypt ash from high and low severity burned areas in the aquatic environments, L. minor growth, fatty acid and carbohydrate profiles were studied. Data showed that the wildfires ash from high severity burned areas are more toxic, with a higher growth inhibition than when exposed to ash from low severity burned areas. Considering the ash from low severity burned areas, eucalypt ash revealed to be more noxious to the macrophyte than pine ash. Furthermore, it was observed a decrease in the diversity and abundance of fatty acids content, comparing with the control. An opposite trend was observed in carbohydrates which increased with the organisms’ exposure to almost all ash types, except in case of the organisms exposed to eucalypt ash from high severity burned areas, where carbohydrate content decreased.

Abscisic acid, carbohydrate, and Glucosinolate metabolite profiles in Kimchi cabbage treated with extremely high temperatures and chitosan foliar application

Chitosan can help enhance disease resistance in plants by thickening leaves and alleviating environmental stresses, such as excess light intensity and extremely high temperature by promoting physiological activity. This study evaluated the effects of chitosan foliar application on Kimchi cabbage under high temperature stress. Six treatments were conducted, combining three photo-/dark periods temperature levels (20/16 °C optimal; 28/24 °C moderately high; and 36/32 °C extremely high) with and without chitosan foliar application (0 and 200 mg∙L − 1). Chitosan foliar application treatment sprayed once at 42 days after transplanting, and then temperature treatment immediately after chitosan foliar application conducted for up to eight days. At eight days after treatment (DAT), the leaf contents of abscisic acid (ABA) metabolites, i.e., phaseic acid (PA), dihydrophaseic acid (DPA), and ABA glucose ester (ABA-GE), were higher with chitosan foliar application than without chitosan treatments under moderately high and extremely high temperature conditions. PA and DPA were present at higher levels than the other metabolites. At eight DAT, the glucose and fructose contents in Kimchi cabbage treated with chitosan foliar application were higher than in those without chitosan foliar application when plants were under the moderately high and extremely high temperature conditions. Glucosinolate metabolite (gluconapin, glucobrassicanapin, glucobrassicin, and 4-methoxyglucobrassicin) content was higher with chitosan foliar application than without chitosan foliar application under the extremely high temperature treatment. When exposed to extremely high temperature, chitosan foliar application mitigated the damage caused to Kimchi cabbage by high temperature stress. Overall, chitosan foliar application can alleviate the high temperature stress that can occur during the spring cultivation season in Kimchi cabbage, and the application of chitosan is therefore a feasible strategy for stabilizing production of Kimchi cabbage.

Effects of Dietary Carbohydrate Profile on Nocturnal Metabolism, Sleep, and Wellbeing: A Review.

Sleep is a crucial biological function and a well-established driver of health and wellbeing across the lifespan. In this review, we describe how sleep in humans is associated with specific circadian metabolic and physiological changes, and how the organization of sleep-wake states is related to regulation of nocturnal metabolism during fasting. Among the modifiable factors that can contribute to sleep-related benefits, emerging evidence suggests that diet and nocturnal changes in glucose regulation are strong determinants of sleep quality. Here, we review studies that have explored the importance of quantity and quality of dietary carbohydrates and proteins in modulation of sleep and sleep-related health benefits. Future research may guide the creation of nutritional solutions to improve sleep, which could lead to positive changes in health, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.

Exploring a cocoa–carob blend as a functional food with decreased bitterness: Characterization and sensory analysis

Cumulative evidence indicates the relevance of cocoa in the modulation of cardiometabolic diseases. Nevertheless, pure cocoa may be rejected by many consumers due to its bitter taste. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is a Mediterranean legume with pods rich in dietary fibre and polyphenols. In this study, carob flour was combined with cocoa, to obtain a blend which was subjected to nutritional evaluation (proximate composition, carbohydrate and fatty acid profiles, phytochemical composition, dietary fibre properties, antioxidant capacity) and sensory analysis, in order to determine whether it may be a suitable alternative to commercial sugar-rich soluble cocoa powders. The blend showed a high content of dietary fibre (56%), methylxanthines and polyphenols (55% as non-extractable proanthocyanidins). The product had good solubility and was less bitter than cocoa, as evaluated in sensory analysis, thereby suggesting that this blend may be acceptable to consumers, particularly when information about potential biological activity is provided (a significant improvement in taste evaluation was observed). The beneficial environmental impact of carob and the advantages of valorizing the commonly discarded carob pod mean that further studies of applications of this blend and its potential health effects would be of great interest.

Protein and carbohydrate profiles of a diploid and a tetraploid red clover cultivar

Red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is characterized by high dry matter (DM) yield and a high nutritive value. It has a higher concentration of soluble carbohydrate than lucerne and its protein is less degradable in the rumen than lucerne protein. The aim of this study was to quantify the main crude protein (CP) and carbohydrate (CHO) fractions of a tetraploid (4n, cv K-32) and a diploid (2n, cv K-39) red clover cultivar harvested at three stages of development in the spring growth. Results showed that the cultivar and stage of development had a large impact on chemical composition and the protein and carbohydrate fractions determined by the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). The rapidly degradable protein fraction (PA) was significantly higher in the tetraploid (272 to 287 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development) than in the diploid red clover cultivar (214 to 268 g kg-1 CP). Rumen degradable carbohydrate concentration was not affected by cultivar but it was significantly influenced by the stage of development. The concentration of rumen degradable protein decreased from 726 to 655 g kg-1 CP with advancing plant development in the diploid red clover cultivar. In conclusion, the tetraploid red clover cultivar was higher in CP, its protein was more rapidly degradable, and it was characterized by lower concentrations of lignin and unavailable carbohydrate fractions than the diploid cultivar.

Characterization of intrinsic molecular structure spectral profiles of feedstocks and co-products from canola bio-oil processing: impacted by source origin.

Feed molecular structures can affect its availability to gastrointestinal enzymes which impact its digestibility and absorption. The molecular spectroscopy-attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared vibrational spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) is an advanced technique that measures the absorbance of chemical functional groups on the infrared region so that we can identify and quantify molecules and functional groups in a feed. The program aimed to reveal the association of intrinsic molecular structure with nutrient supply to animals from canola feedstocks and co-products from bio-oil processing. The objective of this study was to characterize special intrinsic carbohydrate and protein-related molecular structure spectral profiles of feedstock and co-products (meal and pellets) from bio-oil processing from two source origins: Canada (CA) and China (CH). The samples of feedstock and co-products were obtained from five different companies in each country arranged by the Canola Council of Canada (CCC). The molecular structure spectral features were analyzed using advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy-ATR-FTIR. The spectral features that accessed included: i) protein-related spectral features (Amide I, Amide II, α-helix, β-sheet, and their spectral intensity ratios), ii) carbohydrate-related spectral features (TC1, TC2, TC3, TC4, CEC, STC1, STC2, STC3, STC4, TC, and their spectral intensity ratios). The results showed that significant differences were observed on all vibrationally spectral features related to total carbohydrates, structural carbohydrates, and cellulosic compounds (p<0.05), except spectral features of TC2 and STC1 (p>0.05) of co-products, where CH meals presented higher peaks of these structures than CA. Similarly, it was for the carbohydrate-related molecular structure of canola seeds where the difference between CA and CH occurred except for STC3 height, CEC and STC areas (p>0.05). The protein-related molecular structures were similar for the canola seeds from both countries. However, CH meals presented higher peaks of amide I, α-helix, and β-sheet heights, α-helix:β-sheet ratio, total amide and amide I areas (p<0.05). The principal component analysis was able to explain over 90% of the variabilities in the carbohydrate and protein structures although it was not able to separate the samples from the two countries, indicating feedstock and coproducts interrelationship between CH and CA.

Effect of gamma irradiation on the physicochemical, functional and bioactive properties of red pitaya (Hylocereus costaricensis) bark flour

The irradiation is a non-thermal technological process, but it has a greater versatility than processes that use heat, being adopted by more than 50 countries as a sanitary and phytosanitary processing method, covering more than 60 foods and food products. In this context, the objective of the present work was to characterize the irradiated flour of red pitaya shell (Hylocereus costaricensis), from the physical, chemical, technological, nutritional, antinutritional and antioxidant profile points of view. The flours were irradiated with 0, 1, 2 and 4 kGy. The highest values for humidity were found in samples submitted to 2 kGy (6.46%). There was no significant difference for protein values. The sample submitted to 2 kGy obtained a 55.5% increase in lipid levels. The ash contents varied between 12.95% and 14.04%. The maximum value for the total energy value and pH were 328.15 kcal and 4.47, respectively. No presence of anti-nutritional compounds and tannins were detected. The use of irradiation increased the levels of vitamin C, phenolic compounds and antioxidant potential (FRAP). The fiber content was maintained with an average of 56.54%. There was no statistical difference in the color of pitay as bark flour. The carbohydrate profile revealed that sucrose is the predominant sugar in flours with a 0.995% content. FTIR analysis showed that irradiation did not significantly change the sample spectra. The study revealed that the irradiation process caused few changes in pitaya husk flours, making it a good alternative for flour preservation.

Cardiac Rehabilitation and Mortality Risk Reduction in Peripheral Artery Disease at 6-Month Outcome.

The management of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is integrative and multidisciplinary, in which cardiac rehabilitation (CR) plays a prognostic role in terms of functional status, quality of life, and long-term impact on morbidity and mortality. We conducted a prospective cohort study on 97 patients with PAD admitted to a single tertiary referral center. Based on a prognostic index developed to stratify long-term mortality risk in PAD patients, we divided the cohort into two groups: low and low-intermediate risk group (45 cases) and high-intermediate and high risk group (52 cases). We analyzed demographics, clinical parameters, and paraclinical parameters in the two groups, as well as factors associated with cardiological reassessment prior to the established deadline of 6 months. Obesity (p = 0.048), renal dysfunction (p < 0.001), dyslipidemia (p < 0.001), tobacco use (p = 0.048), and diabetes mellitus (p < 0.001) are comorbidities with long-term prognostic value. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.002), triglycerides (p = 0.032), fasting glucose (p = 0.011), peak oxygen uptake (p = 0.005), pain-free walking distance (p = 0.011), maximum walking time (p < 0.001), and maximum walking distance (p = 0.002) influence the outcome of PAD patients by being factors associated with clinical improvement at the 6-month follow-up. PAD patients benefit from enrollment in CR programs, improvement of clinical signs, lipid and carbohydrate profile, and weight loss and maintenance of blood pressure profile within normal limits, as well as increased exercise capacity being therapeutic targets.

Nutritionally important starch fractions and estimated glycemic index of selected South Indian rice varieties

The nutritionally important starch fractions and in vitro starch digestibility index (SDI) were studied in three commercially available rice varieties and a millet which were subjected to four different cooking methods to validate the claim of low glycemic index. The Hydrolysis index was analyzed to compute Estimated Glycemic Index (EGI) and correlated with SDI. In addition, carbohydrate profile, amylose content, the degree of gelatinization and ultra-structural analysis were also done. The starch fractions differed according to the cooking methods. Samples with high Rapidly Available Glucose (RAG) showed higher Starch Digestibility Index (SDI). The SDI ranged from 17-46, samples cooked by pressure and steaming method had higher SDI. The degree of gelatinization (DG) correlated with total starch (TS) content. The Estimated Glycemic Index ranged from 53-65 categorizing them as medium GI foods. The nutritional properties of rice starch fractions are of immense interest due to their digestion characteristics (slowly digested and absorbed) and therefore, the identification of foods with low glycemic index and low RDS and SDI values could be useful for target population.