DE Content Research Articles

Pectin extracted from red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel and its usage in edible film

Pectin was extracted from red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) peel using two different extraction methods: subcritical water extraction (SCWE) and conventional acid extraction (AE), from two different types of peels, fresh peel puree and dried peel powder. SCWE method on fresh peel puree showed an ∼18.88 % increase in pectin yield compared to AE. Extracted pectin is classified as low methoxyl pectin (DE: 8.51–50.64 %), with an average molecular weight ranging from 115.23 kDa to 577.84 kDa and a Gal-A content of 44.09 % - 53.90 %. The potential of pectin from fresh peel puree to be applied as a biodegradable film was further explored. Different pectin concentrations (3–5 % w/v) were used to prepare the films. Regarding the film performance, PF-S5, which was produced from SCWE with 5 % of pectin concentration, exhibits better thermal stability (Tdmax 250 °C, residue of 28.69 %) and higher moisture barrier (WVP 5.59 × 10−11 g.cm−1.s−1.Pa−1). In comparison, PF-A showed lower water solubility (45.14–69.15 %), higher water contact angle (33.01° - 44.35°), and better mechanical properties (TS: 2.12–4.11 MPa, EB: 48.72–61.39 %). Higher molecular weight accompanied by higher DE and Gal-A content contributes to better pectin film properties.

Preparation and sustained release of diatomite incorporated and Eudragit L100 coated hydroxypropyl cellulose/chitosan aerogel microspheres

The drug encapsulation efficiency, release rate and time, sustained release, and stimulus-response of carriers are very important for drug delivery. However, these always cannot obtained for the carrier with a single component. To improve the comprehensive performance of chitosan-based carriers for 5-Fu delivery, diatomite-incorporated hydroxypropyl cellulose/chitosan (DE/HPC/CS) composite aerogel microspheres were fabricated for the release of 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), and the release performance was regulated with the content of diatomite, pH value, and external coating material. Firstly, the 5-Fu loaded DE/HPC/CS composite aerogel microspheres and Eudragit L100 coated microspheres were prepared with cross-linking followed by freeze-drying, and characterized by SEM, EDS, FTIR, XRD, DSC, TG, and swelling. The obtained aerogel microspheres have a diameter of about 0.5 mm, the weight percentage of F and Si elements on the surface are 0.55 % and 0.78 % respectively. The glass transition temperature increased from 179 °C to 181 °C and 185 °C with the incorporation of DE and coating of Eudragit, and the equilibrium swelling percentage of DE/HPC/CS (1.5:3:2) carriers are 101.52 %, 45.27 %, 67.32 % at pH 1.2, 5.0, 7.4, respectively. Then, the effect of DE content on the drug loading efficiency of DE/HPC/CS@5-Fu was investigated, with the increase of DE content, the highest encapsulation efficiency was 82.6 %. Finally, the release behavior of DE incorporated and Eudragit L100 Coated microspheres were investigated under different pH values, and evaluated with four kinetic models. The results revealed that the release rate of 5-Fu decreased with the increase of DE content, sustained release with extending time and pH-responsive were observed for the Eudragit-coated aerogel microspheres.

Choosing the Lesser Evil: The Holy Office, the Jews and Voltaire. Censorship Notes on La difesa de’ libri santi e della religione giudaica (Venice, 1770)

It is possible to uncover certain aspects of the Catholic Church’s attitude towards Jews, the Enlightenment and philosophical-cultural productions through case studies of Catholic control and censorship in the late eighteenth century. In this vein, an analysis of the censorship notes produced by the Roman Holy Office on the content of the book La difesa de’ libri santi e della religione giudaica, published in Venice in 1770, can be particularly useful. The original documents, currently held at the Archives for the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith (formerly the Holy Office, Rome), shed light on the methods and approaches the Catholic Church adopted to control the circulation of new ideas in a century characterised by profound intellectual, cultural and political change.

Antimicrobial activity and chemical analyses of seven Juniperus L. species

Abstract The objective of this study was to present a comparative analysis of the antimicrobial activity of methanolic leaf extracts from seven Juniperus L. species, together with a tentative analysis of their total flavonoid and o-dihydroxyphenolic acids content. The chemical analyses were performed by colorimetric methods and the antimicrobial activity was assessed via broth microdilution. The studied extracts showed total content of o-dihydroxyphenols in the range of 26 to 34 µg of caffeic acid equivalent/mg DE and total flavonoid content of 13 to 24 µg of quercetin equivalent/mg DE. The sensitivity of Gram-positive bacteria to the studied extracts differed significantly with the following order of activity: J. sabina var. balkanensis > J. communis ‘Laxa’ > J. formosana > J. pinchotii > J. ashei > J. excelsa ≈ J. sibirica. Weak activity was observed for all extracts against Gram-negative bacteria and Candida strains. The analysis of the MBC/MIC ratio showed that the extracts exhibited bactericidal effect against Gram-negative bacteria (MBC/MIC≤4), while bactericidal or bacteriostatic action (MBC/MIC>4) was determined towards Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, these extracts showed fungicidal (MFC/MIC≤4) or fungistatic effect (MFC/MIC>4). Best antibacterial activity was registered for the J. sabina var. balkanensis leaf extract. The multivariate data analyses were carried out by SIMCA 16 (v16.0.2) software. The hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis, based on phytochemical and antimicrobial data, classified the studied juniper species into four groups: 1. J. ashei; 2. J. excelsa, J. sibirica; 3. J. sabina var. balkanensis, J. communis Laxa, J. formosana; 4. J. pinchotii.

The antifouling and separation performance of an ultrafiltration membrane derived from a novel amphiphilic copolymer containing a crown ether

Amphiphilic copolymers have attracted extensive attention for the preparation of ultrafiltration (UF) membranes processed with high separation and antifouling performances. Herein, hydrophilic crown ether (dibenzo-18-crown-6-ether, DE) units were introduced into poly(p-terphenyl, isatin) (PDTI) based on a polycondensation reaction via superacid-catalysis. The copolymers showed good thermal stability and membrane-forming properties, and the UF membranes fabricated by NIPS exhibited excellent separation performance. The content of the hydrophilic DE significantly influenced the morphology structure of the UF membranes. The cross-section structure of the membranes gradually converted from finger-like pores to loose sponge pores during delayed phase separation. The water flux of membranes ascended from 130.9 LMH bar−1 to 286.6 LMH bar−1 while the BSA rejection rate decreased from 99.4% to 90.8% as the DE content increased from 10% to 30%. These changes were associated with an enhanced surface porosity, larger surface pore diameter, and thinner top layer. Moreover, increasing the DE content in the copolymer greatly improved the antifouling performance due to greater hydrophilicity. Upon increasing the molar ratio of DE to p-terphenyl from 1: 9 to 3: 7, the flux recovery rate of the membranes surged from 58.5% to 91.5% and remained >80.2% after three fouling-cleaning cycles. In addition, the surface segregation of the hydrophilic DE segment in the copolymer was confirmed by the higher oxygen element content of the UF membrane on the top surface (18.62%) than that of the polymer (13.97%). Therefore, the amphiphilic copolymer containing a crown ether synthesized by a one-pot polycondensation reaction provides an effective way for the preparation and property adjustment of UF membranes.

Purification of pectin by ultrafiltration in combination with sodium citrate

Ultrafiltration is an effective method to improve the purity of pectin, but membrane fouling is an urgent problem to overcome. In this work, trisodium citrate, sodium caseinate and calcium caseinate were combined with ultrafiltration to separate and purify pectin extract. The molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) of the ultrafiltration membrane and the sodium citrate concentration were optimized using the color and clarity of the pectin extract as indices, and the influence of sodium citrate on the pectin particle size and zeta potential was further studied. Finally, the pectin extraction yield, some physicochemical indices, including galacturonic acid (Gal A) content, esterification degree, and ash content, and the surface morphology of the pectin particles were measured. The results showed that the ultrafiltration membrane fouling was effectively controlled and that the steady-state flux increased by 2-fold when the pectin extract was treated with a polyether sulfone (PES) UF membrane (100 kDa) in combination with sodium citrate at a concentration of 0.25 mg/ml. The pectin extraction yield increased to 16.4%, and the resulting pectin was a higher-ester refined pectin with a Gal A content of 89.7%, DE content of 77.42%, and ash content of 0.63%. The combination of sodium citrate and ultrafiltration was beneficial not only for improving the permeability and separation performance of the ultrafiltration process but also for providing an example of a monovalent salt as a precipitation agent.

Response surface optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis of germinated brown rice for higher reducing sugar production

The hydrolysis of germ rice by the use of α-amylase and glucoamylase enzymes will help increase the reducing sugar content, reduce viscosity, and improve the yield of milk solution compared to the traditional extraction method. The liquefaction experiment was arranged with two factors, which are substrate ratio: α-amylase concentration and α-amylase concentration: different hydrolysis time. The saccharification experiment was carried out based on a multivariate model according to the Central Composite Design method. As a result, a 1 : 2 substrate ratio, 0.5% α-amylase concentration (approx. 11U/g starch) and 50 minutes hydrolysis time were selected as the basis for the next experiment. Analysis of variance in the regression model showed that the quadratic model was significant (p < 0.0001). Lack of fit (p > 0.05) this indicates that the model is suitable for all data. The reliability of the model R2 = 0.993 shows that the built regression model fits the data set 99.3%. CV = 1.19% indicated a better precision and reliability of the experiments carried out. Optimal conditions for hydrolysis of glucoamylase concentration of 0.399% (approx. 119.863U/g starch), temperature of 59.813°C and hydrolysis time of 160.468 minutes gave the highest DE content at 25.245% and higher than the non-enzymatic method (DE = 8.985 ± 0.062).  

Antioxidant Activity of Total Phenols and Flavonoids Extracted from Echinops polyceras Roots Grown in Syria

Free radicals are products of normal cellular metabolism, they are unstable, short-lived, and highly reactive and the excessive production of them may cause numerous degenerative diseases like cancer. Antioxidants such as polyphenols have a protective role against free radicals. Echinops polyceras Boiss. is one of Echinops (Asteraceae) genus species that spread in Syria, Lebanon and Palestine. Phytochemicals found in this species roots have been extracted with gradient polarity solvents, and primary screening of the secondary metabolites was established. Then, the phenolic compounds content was determined with Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and flavonoids content with aluminum chloride reagent. The free radicals scavenging activity was evaluated for all extracts with DPPH• in a 96-well microplate. The selectivity study indicates that ascorbic acid and reducing sugars didn't exist in the extracts. The identification tests showed the presence of polyphenols like flavonoids and coumarins. The methanolic extract of the E.polyceras roots was the most effective scavengers of free radicals (84% in 30 min) with phenolic compounds content 575.5 mg GAE/g DE and flavonoids content 130 mg QE/ g DE, and the chloroformic extract was the least effective (45% in 30 min) with phenolic compounds content 222.5 mg GAE/g DE and flavonoids content 57.5mg QE/ g DE. In conclusion, the phenolic compounds and flavonoids from Echinops polyceras Boiss. are effective in free radicals scavenging and protecting from diseases caused by oxidative stress.

Diatomaceous earth as a drug-loaded carrier in a glass-ionomer cement

The effect of a natural filler (diatomaceous earth [DE], a promising drug-delivery agent) and its content was investigated on the performance of a model glass-ionomer cement (GIC). Three sample series, differing in DE content (0, 2.5 and 5 wt%), were prepared using a commercial GIC as a matrix (3M Ketac Molar Easymix). The resultant surface microhardness and roughness, wear performance, and compressive strength of the samples were measured after the samples had been stored in deionized water at 37°C for a fixed time. Moreover, the film thickness was tested for the freshly mixed samples. The numerical data was subjected to statistical analysis, in order to test the null hypotheses of the equality of the measured properties between the reference and the DE-modified samples. According to the results, diatomaceous earth particles are uniformly distributed in the GIC matrix, and the cavities of frustules tend to be filled with the GIC. This translates into the observed performance of the DE-loaded GIC. Compared with the reference material (0 wt% DE), the surface microhardness (2.5 wt% DE, p = 0.014; 5 wt% DE, p = 0.005) and roughness (e.g. Ra; 2.5 wt% DE, p = 0.003; 5 wt% DE, p < 0.001) are increased. No effect on the wear performance (p = 0.530 and 0.256, respectively) or compressive strength (p = 0.514) was noticed in the case of DE partially substituting the glass phase. Based on the study results, it is evidenced that diatom frustules are a suitable filler for application in conventional glass-ionomer cements as the glass-substituting drug-loaded carrier. Notably, however, the surface finish method of the DE-filled materials needs development.

Dietary fumonisin may compromise the nutritive value of feed and distort copper and zinc digestibility and retention in weaned piglets.

Fumonisins (FUM) have been reported to impede gut functioning in pigs. However, investigations into the possible effect on mineral metabolism are limited. Thus, the trial studied the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) and retention of dietary nitrogen and minerals, intestinal architecture, digestive enzymes activity and heat-shock protein 70 (Hsp70) activity. Eighteen weaned piglets of 7 weeks old were assigned to three groups and their feed either contained 0, 15 or 30 mg FUM/kg for 21 days. ATTD and retention of dietary N and minerals were measured in a 5- day long balance trial between Day 17 and Day 21. The digestible and metabolisable energy (DE and ME) content of the feeds were also determined. The body weights, cumulative feed intake, relative organ weights, digestive enzymes activity and intestinal morphology were not affected (p > 0.05) by dietary treatments. The DE content was significantly lower (p < 0.05) when the feed contained 15 mg/kg FUM, but no statistically reliable treatment effect was confirmed for ME content. Dietary FUM significantly lowered (p < 0.05) the ATTD of Ca and P but not (p > 0.05) N, K, Mg and Na. The relative retention rate of N, Ca, P, K, Mg and Na in all groups were not impacted (p > 0.05) by treatments. The ATTD and relative retention of Cu and Zn were remarkably (p < 0.05) lower in piglets fed FUM-contaminated feed. In addition, the expression of Hsp70 activity in the liver was significantly elevated (p < 0.05) in the highest treatment group. These findings suggest that a dietary dose of 15 or 30 mg FUM/kg diet distorts the nutritive value of the mixed feed, results in poor ATTD and retention rates of Zn and Cu, and elevate Hsp70 activity in the liver without altering intestinal architecture or digestive enzymes' activity in weaned piglets.

PSVII-6 Effects of Carbohydrase Mixture Supplementation and Fiber Level on Apparent Total Tract Digestibility of Nutrients in Diets Fed to Gestating Sows

Abstract Supplementation of multi-carbohydrase enzyme cocktails increase nutrient digestibility of fibrous diets in grower pigs, in particular, dietary non-starch polysaccharides (NSP); while NSP degrading enzymes are extensively used in sow diets there is little data characterizing NSP enzyme effect in sow diets. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of carbohydrase mixture (CM) supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and nutrients in diets with low or high fiber content fed to pregnant sows. A total of 45 gestating sows (parity 0 to 5; BW 187 ± 28 kg) were blocked by parity in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement to either a high (HF; 17.5% NDF) or low fiber (LF; 13% NDF) diet and 1 of 3 levels of CM supplementation (0, 0.08, and 0.10%). Sows were fed once daily at 2.2 kg/d. Fecal and urine samples were collected for 4 d following a 10-day adaption period. Dietary CM supplementation to gestating sow diets increased ATTD of dry matter, energy, crude fat, and fiber (NDF and ADF; P &amp;lt; 0.05) with tendencies (P &amp;lt; 0.10) for crude fiber. Digestibility of calcium, phosphorus, NSPs along with ME and DE contents of the diets were not affected (P &amp;gt; 0.05). Dietary CM supplementation to the LF diet, but not the HF diet, increased the ATTD of NDF (P = 0.02). Inclusion at 0.08% did not differ from the 0.1% inclusion for effects on ATTD (Table 1). Irrespective of CM supplementation, sows fed the HF diet had improved digestibility of total NSP, xylose, glucose, and uronic acids (P &amp;lt; 0.05) with a tendency for galactose (P = 0.08) as well as increased DE and ME content (P &amp;lt; 0.01). Inclusion of CM in high fibrous gestating sow diets can be utilized to increase ATTD of nutrients and energy.

Effects of Extrusion on Energy Contents and Amino Acid Digestibility of Corn DDGS and Full-Fat Rice Bran in Growing Pigs.

Simple SummaryOur study showed that extrusion improves nutritive value, apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and ileal digestibility of most amino acids in full-fat rice bran and corn distillers dried grain with solubles, which suggests that extrusion could be an effective strategy to improve nutritive values of feed by-products.The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of extrusion on available energy, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and energy, and amino acid (AA) digestibility of full-fat rice bran (FFRB) and corn distillers dried grain with solubles (DDGS) fed to growing pigs. Methods: In Exp. 1, a total of 30 growing pigs with initial body weight (BW) of 36.0 ± 1.8 kg were fed five different diets, including one corn basal diet and four experimental diets which were formulated by 29.06% FFRB or DDGS with or without extrusion processing. In Exp. 2, 30 ileal-cannulated pigs (initial BW: 20.3 ± 1.8 kg) were fed five different diets including 40% FFRB or DDGS with or without extrusion, and a N-free diet. Results: The results showed that there were no significant differences in DE and ME contents or ATTD of GE, DM, and OM between DDGS and FFRB (p > 0.05), but the ATTD of CP, NDF, and ADF showed significant differences between DDGS and FFRB (p < 0.05). In addition, the DE and ME values (p < 0.01) and ATTD of GE, DM, OM, and NDF improved when pigs were fed extruded diets (p < 0.05), and a trend to increase the ATTD of CP and ADF was observed when pigs were fed extruded diets (p = 0.06 and 0.07, respectively). The AID and SID levels of CP were not different when pigs were fed diets with or without extrusion. The AID of total indispensable AA increased when pigs were fed extrusion diets (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Feed processing of extrusion could improve nutritive values of FFRB and DDGS.

ЗАКОНОДАТЕЛЬСТВО О СТРАТЕГИЧЕСКОМ ПЛАНИРОВАНИИ: ДОСТИЖЕНИЯ И СЛОЖНОСТИ

The article considers the prerequisites for the formation of the strategic planning legislation in Russia, taking into account the specifics of the current state of the economy and social transformations due to the emer- gence of new forms of using digital technologies, including in the field of education. The importance of planning as a component of any management system is noted, a brief overview of budget planning in foreign countries is given. There also is an analysis of the early legislation of the Russian Federa- tion on forecasting, as well as an assessment of the effectiveness of its use and the effectiveness of the implementation of documents issued in accordance with the Federal Law of July 20, 1995 No. 115 “On State Forecasting and Programs for the Socio-Economic Development of the Russian Federation”. The author gives a brief analysis of the prerequisites for the legislative ini- tiative of the Government of the Russian Federation on the submission of the draft Federal Law of June 28, 2014 No. 172 “On Strategic Planning in the Russian Federation” to the State Duma. An assessment is given of the main stages of the passage of the considered normative legal act through the legislative authorities. Judgments are made about the conditionality of the adoption of the law by geopolitical events on the territory of the former USSR. The article considers the main terms and definitions fixed in the Law on Strategic Planning in the Russian Federation and makes an analysis of the list of strategic planning documents set in paragraph 3 of Article 11 of the Law on Strategic Planning in the Russian Federation. An assessment is made for the place of the State Automated System “Management” in the framework of the activities of subjects of strategic planning. Furthermore the author overviews the recently passed by laws in the field of strategic planning. In particular, an assessment is made regarding the content of De- cree of the Government of the Russian Federation of 06.10.2021 N 2816-r “On approval of the list of initiatives for the socio-economic development of the Russian Federation until 2030” and the Unified Plan for Achieving the National Development Objectives of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2024 and for the planned period until 2030, adopted by the Govern- ment of the Russian Federation on 01.10.2021.

Rheological and textural properties of emulsion-filled gel based on enzymatically hydrolyzed rice starch

In this study, enzymatically hydrolyzed rice starches (ERS) with a low dextrose equivalent (DE, DE < 5) was applied to prepare emulsion-filled gel (EFG). Results showed that enzymatically hydrolyzed rice starches (DE = 1–4) could build the gel structures required for EFG, and these ERS-EFGs had a creamy white appearance. The storage modulus (G′), loss modulus (G″) and firmness of ERS-EFGs were weaker than the EFG based on native rice starch (NRS-EFG). The starch content in gel matrix directly affected the properties of ERS-EFGs. The addition of starch caused an increase in storage modulus and loss modulus and improved the freeze-thaw stability and firmness of ERS-EFGs. The addition of emulsion droplets diluted the starch concentration, leading to a decrease in the gel modulus (both G′ and G″), freeze-thaw stability, and gel firmness. Both ERS-EFGs and NRS-EFG had good thixotropic recovery. These results implied that the rheological and textural properties of ERS-EFG can be regulated according to the targeted food system by controlling the parameters of starch DE, starch concentration and emulsion content.

Chemical composition, energy content, and amino acid digestibility in Cyperus esculentus co-products fed to growing pigs.

This study was conducted to determine the chemical composition, DE, ME, and NE contents, and the apparent and standardized ileal digestibility (AID and SID) of AA in Cyperus esculentus co-products fed to growing pigs. The five C. esculentus co-products included expeller-pressed C. esculentus cake (EPCC), cold-pressed C. esculentus cake (CPCC), solvent-extracted C. esculentus meal (SECM), C. esculentus distillers's dried grains with solubles (CE DDGS), and C. esculentus meal (CEM). In Exp. 1, a total of 36 crossbred growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; BW: 50.12 ± 2.91 kg) were fed one of six diets in a completely randomized design. The diets included a corn-soybean meal basal diet and five experimental diets containing 24.31% C. esculentus co-products. In Exp. 2, 12 same breed of growing pigs (BW: 47.12 ± 3.2 kg), surgically fitted with a T-cannula in the distal ileum, were allotted to one of four experimental diets in a 2-period Youden Square design. The diets included one N-free diet and three experimental diets containing 50% C. esculentus co-products (including EPCC, SECM, and CE DDGS). Results indicated that the SECM and CE DDGS had the greatest contents of starch and CP, respectively. The contents of CF, NDF, and ADF were the greatest in CEM and the lowest in SECM. On a DM basis, the DE, ME, predicted NE, and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE values of the 5 C. esculentus co-products ranged from 1,203 to 3,897 kcal/kg, 1,127 to 3,621 kcal/kg, 536 to 2,871 kcal/kg, and 28% to 79%, respectively. The EPCC and CPCC had the greatest DE, ME, and predicted NE values, and CPCC, EPCC, and SECM had the greatest ATTD of GE, whereas CEM had the lowest DE, ME, NE, and ATTD of GE (P < 0.001). The NDF and ADF were negatively correlated with DE, ME, and NE (P < 0.05). The AID and SID of CP varied from 53.57 % to 57.86% and from 69.99% to 87.85%, respectively. The EPCC and SECM had greater SID of CP, Ile, Met, Val, Asp, Cys, and Tyr compared to those of CE DDGS (P < 0.05). These results indicated that the chemical composition, DE, ME, and NE as well as the most AA digestibility of C. esculentus co-products obtained from different processing techniques varied greatly. Based on the energy contents and AA digestibility, the EPCC is a better feedstuff for growing pigs compared with the other 4 C. esculentus co-products.

Digestion characteristics and prediction of digestible energy and total digestible nutrients in beef cattle finishing diets containing traditional and by-product lipid sources

Our objective was to determine effects of supplemental fat sources on digestion and energy predictions in feedlot diets containing several lipid sources. Five ruminally fistulated steers (520 ± 41 kg of BW) were fed in a 5-period Latin square design. Dietary treatments included control (CORN) or 4 finishing diets containing (1) 4.8% added corn oil (OIL), (2) 4.8% beef tallow (TAL), (3) 25.5% corn condensed distillers solubles (CCDS), or (4) 56% wet distillers grains plus solubles (WDGS). Total-tract OM digestibility was multiplied by dietary OM content to determine digested OM (DIGOM; % of DM). Measured dietary DE (Mcal/kg) was converted to TDN using 4.4 Mcal of DE/kg of TDN. The unsaturated-to-saturated total fatty acid ratio of omasal samples of steers fed WDGS was greater than that for other treatments ( P = 0.01). Apparent total-tract diet NDF digestibility was least for steers fed OIL ( P < 0.04). The difference between TDN (% of DM) and DIGOM (% of DM) increased ( P < 0.01) as dietary GE increased across treatments. These results suggest DIGOM (% of DM) does not relate to TDN (% of DM) on a consistent basis when high-fat by-products are used and that measured DE (Mcal/kg) is needed to predict performance. In finishing diets containing WDGS, additional DE is not accounted for when evaluating only DIGOM. Measuring DE content of diets used in digestion trials is important when trying to estimate feeding values.

Comparison of digestible and metabolizable energy and digestible phosphorus and amino acid content of corn ethanol coproducts from Brazil and the United States produced using fiber separation technology for swine.

Three experiments (exp.) were conducted to determine and compare the digestibility of nutrients and energy of corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) from the United States (USDDGS), a dried mixture of corn bran with solubles (CBS) from Brazil (BRCBS), and high protein corn distillers dried grains (HP-DDG) from the United States (USHPDG) and Brazil (BRHPDG) in growing pigs. The feed ingredients were evaluated for apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract, neutral and acid detergent fiber (NDF and ADF, respectively), and digestible and metabolizable energy (DE and ME, respectively) using the total collection and index methods in exp. 1; ATTD and standardized total tract digestibility (STTD) of phosphorus (P) in exp. 2; and apparent (AID) and standardized (SID) ileal digestibilities of CP and amino acids (AA) in exp. 3. Fifty crossbred barrows (32.4 ± 6.9, 38.3 ± 5.2, and 46.2 ± 5.3 kg body weight [BW], in exp. 1, 2, and 3, respectively) were fed a corn basal diet in exp. 1, a P-free diet in exp. 2, and an N-free diet in exp. 3 or diets with 40% inclusion of test ingredients to provide 10 replications per treatment. Pigs were housed individually in metabolism cages (exp. 1) or in pens (exp. 2 and 3) and fed at 2.8 times the maintenance DE requirement (110 kcal/kg BW0.75) based on their BW at the beginning of each experiment. Except for ATTD of NDF, which tended (P = 0.058) to be greater by the index method compared with the total collection method, no difference between the total collection and index methods was observed for ATTD of remaining nutrients and DE. The ATTD of DM, GE, NDF, and DE content of BRHPDG were greater (P < 0.001) than USHPDG, BRCBS, and USDDGS. The AID of CP, Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr, and Val and the SID of His, Leu, Lys, and Val of BRHPDG were 8% to 36% greater (P < 0.05) than those from USHPDG. Except for Trp, all AID and SID AA values were greater (P < 0.05) in BRHPDG than in USHPDG. The ATTD of DM, GE, NDF, and ADF; DE and ME content; AID of CP, Arg, Ile, Leu, Phe, Thr, and Trp; and SID of CP, Arg, Phe, and Thr of USDDGS were 9% to 45% greater (P < 0.05) than those in BRCBS. The ATTD and the STTD of P in USHPDG and USDDGS were 26% to 42% greater (P < 0.05) compared with BRHPDG and BRCBS. In conclusion, BRHPDG had a greater digestibility of energy and most of the AA than USHPDG, while the BRCBS evaluated had lower nutritional value than the USDDGS source.

Semi-Pilot scale extraction of pectin from orange peel waste and evaluating its quantitative and qualitative features

Background and objective: Pectin as a natural polysaccharide possesses a wide spectrum of functional properties. It can act as a thickener, gelling agent, stabilizer, emulsifier, cation-binding agent, etc. These properties make pectin as a biopolymer valuable especially for medicine and food production. All of the pectin needed in food, medicine and cosmetic industries is supplied abroad while there is a good potential for production of this valuable substance from waste of beverage industries. In addition, the production of the pectin is simple and low cost and its added value is high. Pectin production was done only in laboratory scale and has not been industrialized. Therefore, the aim of this research was to optimize the pectin extraction from orange juice waste in the laboratory scale and then, scaling up to semi- pilot extraction. Designing and constructing the production line of Semi-pilot scale extraction of pectin from orange peel was done for the first time in Iran, to can finally, evaluate the possibility of industrialization and localization of the pectin. Materials and methods: In the first, the effect of pH (1.5-3), time of extraction (1-4 h) and S/L ratio (1:10- 1:30 g/mL) were optimized singularly and then, semi-pilot production of pectin at the optimized condition, which was obtained at the laboratory scale, was done. Two filtration methods (filter press and centrifuge) were used to to separate impurities. The yield, DE and galacturonic acid content of the extracted pectins in the semi- pilot scale were compared to the laboratory one. Results: The results indicated that all the parameters had significant effect (p≤0.05) on the yield of the extracted pectin. Increasing the pH from 1.5 to 2 increased the yield and the highest yield was obtained at pH of 2 (14.87 g/100 g d.m.) and by increasing pH from 2 to 3, the yield was decreased (6.65 g/100 g d.m). Increasing the time of extraction up to 3 h, enhaned the yield significantly but then, it was remain constant. By increasing the S/L ratio from 1:10 to 1:15, the yield was increased from 16.55 to 18.84 g/100 g d.m. and after that the yield was decreased. Designing the pectin production line was done and semi- pilot extraction was done at the optimized conditions (pH of 2, S/L ratio of 1:15 and time of 3 h). The yield of extracted pectin in the semi- pilot scale (which filter press employed instead of centrifuge) was more than that obtained at the laboratory scale althogh its galacturonic acid content was lower than that obtained at semi- pilot scale. When centrifuge was employed, the extracted pectin at the semi- pilot scale was comparable with laboratory one, indicating its high purity. Conclusion: Results indicated that the yield and quality properties of the pectin extracted at the semi-pilot extraction, which centrifuge was employed (instead of filter press), were similar to the pectin extracted at the laboratory scale and therefore, producting the pectin with high yield and quality at the semi-pilot scale is possible.

François de La Mothe Le Vayer and His De l’instruction de Monsieur le Dauphin: The Concepts of the Golden Mean and Public Good

This article investigates into the structure and content of De l’instruction de Monsieur le Dauphin by François de La Mothe Le Vayer. Le Vayer describes the four pillars of the state — religion, justice, finance, and military power — speculating on how thoroughly a hereditary prince of France should study liberal and mechanical arts. He does not recommend the majority of subjects for detailed study, making an exception for rhetoric in the first place and adding three more important subjects: geography, ethics, and physics. In fine arts, according to Le Vayer, the king had better be an experienced connoisseur than a creator. He also describes pretty much in detail the physical activities useful for a king in waiting (swimming, dance, and armed martial arts are recommended, while running is not), as well as possible games and ways of entertainment. A large proportion of the treatise is devoted to proving the harmfulness of astrology, chemistry, and magic. The key principles underlying Le Vayer’s speculations are the “golden mean” and the use of general education as a basis, the elements of which he analyzes separately for applicability in the instruction of a hereditary prince.

Effect of increasing lignin in isoenergetic diets at two soluble fibre levels on digestion, performance and carcass quality of growing rabbits

To assess the effect of increasing dietary lignin in isoenergetic diets at two soluble fibre (SF) levels on digestion, performance and carcass quality of growing rabbits, four diets were formulated according a 2 × 2 factorial design: low SF-low lignin (LSF/LL), low SF-high lignin (LSF/HL), high SF-low lignin (HSF/LL) and high SF-high lignin (HSF/HL). On average, in HSF diets SF was increased by 49 g/kg DM, mainly replacing starch (−53 g/kg DM), and in HL diets lignin was increased by 40 g/kg, mainly reducing starch (-78 g/kg DM), with increasing EE (+31 g/kg DM). Two hundred and sixty crossbred weaned rabbits (35 days old) were assigned to the experimental diets, individually housed and fed ad libitum until 63 days of age. Digestibility (from 49 to 53 days old), growth performance (from 35 to 63 days old), carcass quality (at 63 days old) and caecal environment (at 63 days old) were studied in 12, 65, 45 and 16 rabbits per diet, respectively. High SF diets showed higher CTTAD of fibrous fractions (+0.206±0.011, +0.207±0.015, +0.214±0.011 and +0.167±0.015 for aNDFom, ADFom, hemicelluloses and cellulose, respectively, P < 0.001), OM (+0.042±0.004, P < 0.001) and GE (+0.055±0.005, P < 0.001), resulting in high DE content (10.6 vs. 9.30 MJ/kg DM). In contrast, CTTAD of CP was lower (−0.023±0.009, P = 0.013), as well as the DP content (96.9 vs. 103 g/kg DM). This dietary variation reduced the DM content of caecal digesta (−28±3 g/kg, P < 0.001), besides increasing its VFA concentration (+18.0±4.0 mmol/L, P < 0.001) and reducing its pH (−0.28±0.05, P < 0.001). Feed intake and LW gain decreased, with an improvement of feed to gain ratio (−13.8 %, −4.7 %, −9.4 %, respectively; P < 0.001). The proportion of gastrointestinal tract was increased, with a subsequent reduction in dressing out (+19±2 g/kg LW and −15±2 g chilled carcass weight/kg LW, respectively, P < 0.001). High lignin diets showed lower CTTAD of OM (-0.055±0.004, P < 0.001) and GE (−0.034±0.005, P < 0.001) without affecting DE and DP contents. This dietary variation increased DM content of caecal digesta (+21±3 g/kg, P < 0.001), but did not affect the other caecal digesta traits. Feed intake was higher (+4.9 %, P < 0.001), although differences were dependent on the growth phase and the SF level (maximum difference at 35–49 days with low SF diets, +11.0 %, P < 0.001; minimum difference at 49–63 days with high SF diets, +1.0 %, P = 0.689), but did not affect LW gain and consequently impaired the feed to gain ratio (+5.1 %, P < 0.001). No effect was observed on dressing out, but the dissectible fat proportion increased (+6.7±1.1 g/kg reference carcass weight, P < 0.001).