Oil Consumption Research Articles

Human biomonitoring of PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in women living in a Northern Italy industrial area.

In Brescia, a highly industrialized city in the Lombardy Region (Northern Italy) classified as a SIN (Contaminated Site of National Interest), a human biomonitoring study was carried out on breast milk of two groups of women residing in areas with presumably different levels of exposure to polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorodibenzofurans, and polychlorobiphenyls. This study was aimed at evaluating the possible difference between women living in Brescia and women living far from it but in the same Region. Between 2016 and 2018, 82 women were enrolled (41 "exposed" subjects and 41 "not exposed"), breast milk samples were collected, and a specific questionnaire was administered to the donors. Data obtained were processed by robust regression and Principal Component Factor Analysis. The differences in concentration between the two groups were significant for all the classes of analytes (except for PCDDs). The concentration increase rates from the not exposed to the exposed group resulted highly significant: some PCB congeners showed increase rates more than 1000 ng/g lb per one-unit change of the independent variable. Among the variables significantly associated with the observed concentrations, age showed the greatest influence, while BMI showed a counteracting effect. Consumption of vegetable oil and fruit resulted to possibly influence the chemicals body burden. For the not exposed group, the levels appear to be in line with the decreasing trend (2001-2018) observed for these contaminants in Italy.

Long-term Supplementation of Deep-fried Oil Consumption Impairs Oxidative Stress, Colon Histology and Increases Neurodegeneration.

Sesame oil and sunflower oil are popular cooking oils in southern India. Deep-frying is a frequent method of food preparation. Deep-frying at high temperatures has been linked with several disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and unknown metabolic problems. There have been no long-term investigations on the influence of deep-fried oils on PUFA metabolism and pathogenesis. As a result, the current study aimed to explore the effect of deep-fried frying oil on Wistar rats by continuous treatment. Furthermore, the pathophysiology of MSG-induced neurotoxicity in Wistar rats was investigated. Wistar rats weighing 200-260 g were used in this study. Female rats were divided into five groups fed with (1) standard chow (control group), (2) unheated sesame oil (UHSO) along with standard chow, and (3) reheated sesame oil (RHSO) along with standard chow, (4) unheated sunflower oil (UHSFO) along with standard chow, and (5) reheated sunflower oil (RHSFO) along with standard chow and continued up to F1 generation. Furthermore, F1 male rats were treated with MSG of 2 g/kg body weight for 10 alternative days and were sacrificed for major tissues. We found that rats treated with RHSO and RHSFO showed increased body weight. Deep-fried oil-fed rats (RHSO and RHSFO) showed a significant increase in total cholesterol- 100 mg/dl, LDL- 23 mg/dl, & TAG-100 mg/dl, when compared to unheated oil rats. Liver function tests revealed that AST and ALT levels were significantly elevated in RHSO and RHSFO when compared to unheated oils and the control group. Inflammatory markers revealed that Hs-CRP (0.35 mg/dl) and LDH levels (6000 U/L) were significantly elevated in RHSO and RHSFO when compared to the unheated oils and control group. RT-PCR results showed significant elevation in the antioxidant genes SOD (twofold) and GPX (3-fold) when compared to UHSO and UHSFO groups. Liver and colon histology showed significant damage in the cell structure of RHSO and RHSFO-treated rats. Further, rats treated with unheated oils and MSG showed statistically significantly higher mRNA expression of neuroplasticity genes CREB, BDNF and reduced NMDA levels (UHSO, UHSFO) when compared to reheated oil groups (RHSO & RHSFO). Proinflammatory marker TNF-α expression was significantly elevated in RHSFO-treated rats when compared to control. Brain histology showed focal damage in glial cell degeneration in rats treated with RHSO and RHSFO when compared to other groups. The results from the present study proved that continuous supplementation deep-fried reheated oil consumption increased serum TGL and oxidative stress markers. Impaired liver metabolism and the involvement of the gut-liver-brain axis increased the risk of neurodegeneration.

Liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in response to chronic high-fat diets

Liver phospholipid fatty acid composition depends on the dietary lipid intake and the efficiency of hepatic enzymatic activity. Our study aimed to simultaneously investigate the liver phospholipid fatty acid composition in response to chronic linseed, palm, or sunflower oil diets. We used adult female C57/BL6 mice and randomly divided them into control and three groups treated with 25 % dietary oils. Prior to treatment, we analyzed the fatty acid profiles in dietary oils and hepatocytes and, after 100 days, the fatty acid composition in the liver using gas-liquid chromatography. Linseed oil treatment elevated alpha-linolenic, eicosapentaenoic, and docosapentaenoic acids and reduced arachidonic and docosatetraenoic acids, consequently lowering the n-6/n-3 ratio. Palm oil treatment increased linoleic acid and decreased docosahexaenoic acid, contributing to an elevated n-6/n-3 ratio. Sunflower oil treatment elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids by increasing palmitoleic, oleic, and vaccenic acids. The estimated activity of Δ9 desaturase was significantly elevated in the sunflower oil group, while Δ5 desaturase was the highest, and Δ6 desaturase was the lowest after the linseed oil diet. Our findings demonstrate that chronic consumption of linseed, palm, or sunflower oil alters the distribution of liver phospholipid fatty acids differently. Sunflower oil diet elevated total monounsaturated fatty acids, proposing potential benefits for liver tissue health. Considering these outcomes, a substantial recommendation emerges to elevate linseed oil intake, recognized as the principal ALA source, thereby aiding in reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio. Moreover, modifying dietary habits to incorporate specific vegetable oils in daily consumption could substantially enhance overall health.

Genotypic Variations of Morpho-physiological Parameters of Rapeseed (Brassica rapa var. Toria) under Rainfed Condition of Assam

Background: Among the North-Eastern states, Assam is the highest in terms of area of cultivation of rapeseed and has the potential to increase productivity to a great extent. To fulfil the increasing demand for edible oils, appropriate interventions must be paid for introduction of new oilseed varieties.The suitable genotype for a particular region has to be identified based on physiological efficiency and yield. Methods: The field experiment was carried out at the Instructional-cum-Research (ICR) Farm, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat-13, Assam during rabi seasons of 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications comprising of 22 different genotypes of rapeseed (Brassica rapa, var. Toria), viz., TS-38 (Check), TS-46, TS-67, TS-36, TS-29, TS-75-1, TS-75-1TL, TS-75-2ME, TS-75-2-MM, TS-76-1, TS-76-2, JT-90-1, Panchali, Bhawani, CG Toria-4, TKM-20-1, TKM-20-2, JT-14-5, PT-2018-09, CG Toria-3, Tapeshwari and PT-303. The crops were grown following the recommended package of practice. All the parameters were taken following the standard methodologies. The parameters under study were plant height, number of primary branches, number of green leaves, stem diameters, root lengths and root volumes, proline content, nitrate reductase activity, protein content, oil content, specific leave weight, leaf area index, net assimilation rate and seed yield. Result: The results of the study indicated a significant variation of all the morpho-physiological parameters among the genotypes. The genotype TS-75-2ME and TS-38 exhibited morpho-physiological superiority in terms of number of primary branches, green leaves and SLW. The same genotypes also recorded significantly higher seed yield.

Integrating non-renewable energy consumption, geopolitical risks, economic development with the ecological intensity of wellbeing: evidence from quantile regression analysis

Introduction: This study delves into the intricate relationship between non-renewable energy sources, economic advancement, and the ecological footprint of well-being in Pakistan, spanning the years from 1980 to 2021.Methods: Employing the quantile regression model, we analyzed the co-integrating dynamics among the variables under scrutiny. Non-renewable energy sources were dissected into four distinct components—namely, gas, electricity, and oil consumption—facilitating a granular examination of their impacts.Results and discussion: Our empirical investigations reveal that coal, gas, and electricity consumption exhibit a negative correlation with the ecological footprint of well-being. Conversely, coal consumption and overall energy consumption show a positive association with the ecological footprint of well-being. Additionally, the study underscores the detrimental impact of geopolitical risks on the ecological footprint of well-being. Our findings align with the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, positing that environmental degradation initially surges with economic development, subsequently declining as a nation progresses economically. Consequently, our research advocates for Pakistan’s imperative to prioritize the adoption of renewable energy sources as it traverses its developmental trajectory. This strategic pivot towards renewables, encompassing hydroelectric, wind, and solar energy, not only seeks to curtail environmental degradation but also endeavors to foster a cleaner and safer ecological milieu.

Water use and water use efficiency of three Brassicaceae oilseeds under high‐ and low‐yielding environments

AbstractBrassicaceae oilseed crops have proven potential as vegetable oil feedstock for biofuels and food uses. However, meeting a growing demand for vegetable oils for food and industrial uses will require identifying oilseed species that are best suited for various growing environments within a particular region. The objective of this study was to compare growth dynamics, seasonal water use (WU), seed yields, and water use efficiency (WUE) of canola (Brassica napus L.), camelina (Camelina sativa L.), and white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) to determine their suitability under three different environments within the northern Great Plains. Comparisons were made among these species over three growing seasons between 2013 and 2016 at Morris, MN; Mandan, ND; and Sidney, MT, situated along a strong precipitation gradient from east to west. Generally, growing season precipitation was similar at Morris and Mandan, but both were considerably greater than at Sidney. Seasonal WU was similar among these oilseed species at Morris and Mandan but was greatest for camelina at the drier Sidney environment. Canola seed yield was the greatest at Morris and had higher WUE than camelina and white mustard. At Mandan and Sidney, canola and camelina had similar seed yields and WUE, which were generally greater than white mustard. Under abundant moisture and low stress (e.g., Morris), seed yield per millimeter of water used could be maximized by growing canola, while in a drier more stressful environment like Sidney, seed yield per millimeter of water used could be maximized by growing camelina.

Design of downhole oil-water separation device and study on separation mechanism based on rod pump heavy oil system

Abstract Downhole oil-water separation technology (DOWS) is a new type of separation technology, which can improve efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and can solve the problem of high water cut oilfield development. At present, there are only two separation methods in the same well injection-production separator, one is the swirl separation technology and the other is the gravity separation technology. Cyclone separation technology mainly relies on cyclone separators to separate oil and water, but it is affected by oil viscosity, water content, and temperature. The gravity separation technology mainly relies on the similar separation principle of a multi-cup equal-flow gas anchor to design a multi-cup equal-flow oil-water separator, but it requires the oil-water mixed production liquid to stay in the settling bowl for a long time. The centrifugal separator has the characteristics of a good separation effect, high efficiency, and low demand for oil. At present, the downhole centrifugal separator is not used in the same well injection-production technology, which mainly needs to solve the driving force problem of the centrifugal separator. The new injection-production device designed in this paper can better solve the driving problem of the centrifugal separator and meet the working requirements of the process.

Nutritional quality of fish oil extracted from selected freshwater fish species

There is increased consumer awareness of the nutritional importance of fish oil consumption in recent time, however there is paucity of information on the quality of oil obtained from freshwater fishes available in this study area. Nutritional quality of fish oil extracted from 9kg each of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Synodontis membranaceous and Clarias gariepinus were investigated with the aim of providing baseline information on the nutritional quality of oil in the fish available around the study area. Wet rendering, soxhlet extraction and microwave assisted extraction methods were used. Data collected were subjected to appropriate statistical analysis using SPSS 6.0. version. S. membranaceous have the largest oil yield while C. nigrodigitatus have the lowest oil yield; wet rendering oil extraction method gave the highest oil yield. The physical quality characteristics of S. membranaceous was the best with the lowest melting point (28.73 ±0.39°C), specific gravity (0.11± 0.01) and refractive index (1.14 ±0.01) while C. gariepinus oil had the poorest physical quality characteristics. Oil of C. nigrodigitatus have better chemical qualities than the rest having the lowest saponification value (9.81±0.01 mg KOH/g), iodine value (1.59±0.01 gl/100g), acid value (1.12±0.01 mgKOH/g) and free fatty acid (0.56±0.01%) while C. gariepinus oil was the poorest. C. nigrodigitatus also have the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) (18.75), highest Ʃn-3 FA (23.45), highest DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) (4.93), highest eicosapentaenoic acid EPA+DHA (7.8). The oils chemical qualities are in the order of C. nigrodigitatus> S. membranaceous> C. gariepinus and are of good quality. Oil obtained from C. nigrodigitatus is therefore recommended due to its good chemical qualities using wet rendering oil extraction method. Information provided in this study will guide industrialists and nutritionists on the best extraction method and fish that will give highest oil yield and best oil quality in the study area.

Central obesity and its associated factors among adults in Southwest Ethiopia

BackgroundThe rise of abnormal fat accumulation in the body's adipose tissue, termed obesity, poses a growing global public health concern. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of and associated factors of central obesity among adults in southwest Ethiopia. MethodsFrom May 23 to June 30, 2021, a community-based cross-sectional study involving 651 adults residing in Mizan-Aman Town was conducted. Central obesity was evaluated using the waist-to-hip ratio. Data were entered into Epi-Data version 3.1 and then exported to SPSS 22.0 for analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed, with a significance level set at a p-value less than 0.05. ResultsThe prevalence of central obesity was 19.7 %. The study identified several factors associated with central obesity, including being male [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.28, 95 % CI: 0.18, 0.44], having a high wealth index [AOR = 1.77, 95 % CI: 1.07, 2.94], liquid oil consumption [AOR = 1.68, 95 % CI: 1.09, 2.58], and belonging to food-secured households [AOR = 0.27, 95 % CI: 0.18, 0.42]. ConclusionThe study's findings highlight a concerning prevalence of central obesity, affecting nearly one-fifth of the respondents. Sex, food security, wealth index, and liquid oil consumption were identified as factors associated with central obesity. These results emphasize the importance of implementing intervention programs aimed at preventing central obesity among adults, as this can also help prevent the development of other chronic diseases.

Catalytic supercritical water gasification of oily sludge with the FeOOH/AC for hydrogen production

Along with the continuous increase of crude oil consumption in China, the production of oily sludge is increasing. The traditional oily sludge treatment technology cannot realize the purpose of green and efficient resource utilization of oily sludge. Supercritical water gasification hydrogen technology can efficiently convert oily sludge into hydrogen and realize the resource utilization of oily sludge. However, the traditional supercritical water gasification process requires high energy consumption. It is necessary to study the catalysts in the gasification process. Loaded catalysts have a large specific surface area and can effectively reduce the reaction activation energy. This paper investigated the effects of different catalyst types and concentrations on gasification. The results showed that adding FeOOH/AC effectively increased hydrogen production, and the best catalytic effect was achieved when the FeOOH loading was 10 wt%. The catalyst concentration was 5%, with a hydrogen production rate of 4.638 mol/kg. It was found that the activation energy of the reaction with the addition of the catalyst was reduced by 8.61 kJ/mol compared to that without the catalyst through kinetic analysis. 8.61 kJ/mol.

One stone two birds: Recycling of an agri-waste to synthesize laccase-immobilized hierarchically porous magnetic biochar for efficient degradation of aflatoxin B1 in aqueous solutions and corn oil

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) contamination of oils is a serious concern for the safety of edible oil consumers. Enzyme-assisted detoxification of AFB1 is an efficient and safe method for decontaminating oils, but pristine enzymes are unstable in oils and require modifications before use. Therefore, we designed a novel and magnetically separable laccase-carrying biocatalyst containing spent-mushroom-substrate (SMS)-derived biochar (BF). Laccase was immobilized on NH2-activated magnetic biochar (BF-NH2) through covalent crosslinking, which provided physicochemical stability to the immobilized enzyme. After 30 days of storage at 4 °C, the immobilized laccase (product named “BF-NH2-Lac”) retained ~95 % of its initial activity, while after five repeated cycles of ABTS oxidation, ~85 % activity retention was observed. BF-NH2-Lac was investigated for the oxidative degradation of AFB1, which exhibited superior performance compared to free laccase. Among many tested natural compounds as mediators, p-coumaric acid proved the most efficient in activating laccase for AFB1 degradation. BF-NH2-Lac demonstrated >90 % removal of AFB1 within 5.0 h, while the observed degradation efficiency in corn oil and buffer was comparable. An insight into the adsorptive and degradative removal of AFB1 revealed that AFB1 removal was governed mainly by degradation. The coexistence of multi-mycotoxins did not significantly affect the AFB1 degradation capability of BF-NH2-Lac. Investigation of the degradation products revealed the transformation of AFB1 into non-toxic AFQ1, while corn oil quality remained unaffected after BF-NH2-Lac treatment. Hence, this study holds practical importance for the research, knowledge-base and industrial application of newly proposed immobilized enzyme products.

Design of Two-Wheeler Hybrid Electric Vehicle using MATLAB-Simulink

Abstract: With the rising gap between the supply and demand of oil and the market monopoly of the countries with oil reserves, the world has turned its back on traditional fuels. Not to mention the everyday rising pollution. The work and advancement in electric vehicles are reaching their peak every day and new inventions are being made in this sector, just like the mega-market players and industries. A lot of research is concentrated on the four-wheelers nevertheless, two- wheelers are a major part of transportation in the world and as compared to the four-wheelers two-wheelers don’t find the same spotlight. Our project highlighted this problem and created the simulation model of a two-wheeler hybrid electric vehicle which is a series-parallel hybrid. This simulation is constructed using MATLAB-Simulink software. This is a simulation model of a two- wheeler hybrid electric vehicle which uses a DC source (Battery) as a power source accompanied by the IC Engine. This system can shift load between the battery and IC engine so that power output can be constant, and the system can run smoothly. A DCDC bidirectional chopper is used to convert power between battery and generator which increases the efficiency of the system. In a proposed system a two-wheeler is taken into consideration with an IC engine of rpm of 2000 (for reference) is taken into consideration for simulation.

Pore-scale investigations of permeability of saturated porous media: Pore structure efficiency

Accurate estimation of permeability and the establishment of correlations with pore space properties have garnered attention due to the increasing demand for oil and gas reservoir development as well as geological carbon sequestration. However, prevailing theoretical and empirical models often rely on porosity and pore sizes as key pore space properties to predict permeability, overlooking the variability of pore structure. To delineate the intrinsic associations between permeability and pore space properties, a self-developed visualized experimental system with controllable pore space properties is used to measure permeability of porous media with varying porosity and particle arrangements. Various parameters, encompassing porosity, pore sizes (maximum pore diameter and pore throat diameter) and fractal parameters (pore fractal dimension, succolarity, and lacunarity) are extracted to quantify pore space properties, and further utilized to develop permeability models. Results demonstrate a positive correlation between permeability and porosity, maximum pore diameter, and average pore throat diameter. Additionally, particle arrangements yield pronounced anisotropy in permeability. Relying solely on porosity and pore sizes to portray pore space properties falls short of comprehensively characterizing permeability. Incorporating fractal characterization through metrics like succolarity and lacunarity emerges as a potent avenue for delineating heterogeneity and pore connectivity. This approach proves useful in characterizing the effect of pore structure variability on permeability. The established permeability model rooted in flow direction succolarity and normalized lacunarity aligns effectively with experimental data, capturing the essential physics of permeability variation.

Consumption of interesterified palm oil leads inflammation of white adipose tissue and triggers metabolic disturbances in mice on a high-fat diet

Growing obesity is linked to shifts in dietary patterns, particularly the increased intake of ultra-processed high-fat foods. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of interesterified palm oil consumption on glucose homeostasis, adipose tissue remodeling, and hepatic lipogenesis in C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet. Sixty C57BL/6 mice were divided into four groups (n = 15): the control group (C) fed a standard diet (4% soybean oil), the high-fat group (HF) (23.8% lard), the high palm oil fat group (HFP) (23.8% palm oil), and the high interesterified palm fat group (HFI) (23.8% interesterified palm oil) for 8 weeks (all groups received 50% energy from lipids). The HFI group exhibited higher body mass than the HF group (+ 11%, P < 0.05), which was attributed to an increased percentage of fat mass. Plasma concentrations of IL-6, insulin, and HOMA-IR were also elevated in the HFI group. Both the HFP and HFI groups showed hypertrophied adipocytes and pancreatic islets, increased alpha and beta cell masses, hepatic steatosis, low expression of genes related to beta-oxidation, and upregulated lipogenesis. In conclusion, the consumption of interesterified palm oil alters inflammatory and glucose profiles.

Crime Dynamics in Russia - Model Analysis

Introduction. The article proposes a mathematical model of the dynamics of one of the indicators of crime ― the number of persons who have committed crimes. The indicator is aggregated, so it is considered as a generalized characteristic of the behavior of crime in general. The analysis of the dynamics of the indicator in the context of the political, economic and legal situation in the country and the world is carried out.Materials and methods. As a statistical base for the crime indicator, data from the statistical yearbook "Russia in figures" has been used. For global oil demand, data from the monthly review of the International Energy Agency (Monthly Oil Market Report // International Energy Agency) has been used. To build mathematical models, time series analysis and modeling methods were used, and correlation analysis methods were used when comparing models. General scientific research methods were also used - systematic and historical approaches.Results of the study. A mathematical model is proposed, which is the sum of periodic functions and a trend. The functions have several settings and only one argument – time. The model adequately describes the behavior of the indicator therefore it can be used to obtain short-term forecasts. The historical period is highlighted, in which the correlation between the dynamics of crime and the dynamics of the global economic situation is traced. The stabilization of crime dynamics in recent years has been noted, when the processes of restoring Russia's economic sovereignty accelerated.Discussion and conclusion. The proposed mathematical model gives good results of fitting the crime indicator to a time series on the entire observation period. And this period covers very different historical situations: from unlimited entry into the global economic system to strengthening economic sovereignty. The reliability of the model over the entire interval indicates the validity of its use even with new economic benchmarks. The result of demonstrating a rapid decrease in the amplitude of fluctuations in the crime rate while strengthening the sovereignty of the Russian economy in recent years is indicative. The processes that were analyzed in the work have many differences, but they are well described by models of the same type. A possible explanation for this invariance is the hypothesis that some complex socio-economic processes not only affect each other's condition, but synchronize their dynamics.

A CRISPR/Cas9 Induced Male-Sterile Line Facilitating Easy Hybrid Production in Polyploid Rapeseed (Brassica napus)

Abstract Rapeseed is a globally significant oilseed crop cultivated to meet the increasing demand for vegetable oil. In order to enhance yield and sustainability, breeders have adopted the development of rapeseed hybrids as a common strategy. However, current hybrid production systems in rapeseed have various limitations, necessitating the development of a simpler and more efficient approach. In this study, we propose a novel method involving the targeted disruption of Defective in Anther Dehiscence1 of Brassica napus (BnDAD1), an essential gene in the jasmonic acid biosynthesis pathway, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, to create male-sterile (m-s) lines. BnDAD1 was found to be dominantly expressed in the stamen of rapeseed flower buds. Disrupting BnDAD1 led to decreased levels of α-linolenic acid and jasmonate in the double mutants (DMs), resulting in the defect of anther dehiscence and pollen maturation. By crossing the DM m-s lines with male-fertile lines, a two-line system was demonstrated, enabling the production of F1 seeds. The m-s trait of the bndad1 DM lines was maintainable by applying exogenous methyl jasmonate and subsequently self-pollinating the flowers. This breakthrough holds promising potential for harnessing heterosis in rapeseed and offers a simpler and more efficient method for producing hybrid seeds.

Assessing the baseline model of WTI oil and stock returns under financial volatility and spillover effects

Do financial volatility shocks matter for WTI oil and stock markets? They should since world economic activity responds to volatility. To investigate this question, we revisit two empirical frameworks widely used in the literature. Our baseline involves the standard identification of oil shocks in structural vector autoregressions (SVAR) with (world) oil supply, demand, and real oil prices. We then propose a global vector autoregressive (GVAR) model integrating 14 major world economies. We introduce the volatility measure (VIX), various stock markets, and compare two oil demand proxies: real economic activity (REA) based on commodity prices and world industrial production (WIP). The results of the impulse response analysis do not indicate major differences across models. However, when measuring the share of oil price variance explained by shocks to VIX (or to U.S. high-bond corporate yield) SVAR overestimates the influence of VIX. We find (world) demand shocks explain a larger part of the variance of oil and stock markets compared to supply shocks. In SVAR, new information coming from a one standard deviation shock to VIX is incorporated negatively and instantaneously on real oil prices: −1.6 for REA and −1.4 for WIP. In GVAR these are reduced slightly to −1.2 from VIX and to −0.6 if coming from corporate bond yield shocks. Our study highlights the sensitivity of econometric results to distinct approaches: one that identifies shocks and another that captures spillover effects.

The effect of oral consumption of sesame oil on anthropometric, metabolic and oxidative stress markers of patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

The effect of oral consumption of sesame oil on anthropometric, metabolic and oxidative stress markers of patients with type 2 diabetes: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial

Marine microalgae Schizochytrium demonstrates strong production of essential fatty acids in various cultivation conditions, advancing dietary self-sufficiency

IntroductionPolyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are essential nutrients that humans obtain from their diet, primarily through fish oil consumption. However, fish oil production is no longer sustainable. An alternative approach is to produce PUFAs through marine microalgae. Despite the potential of algae strains to accumulate high concentrations of PUFAs, including essential fatty acids (EFAs), many aspects of PUFA production by microalgae remain unexplored and their current production outputs are frequently suboptimal.MethodsIn this study, we optimized biomass and selected ω-3 PUFAs production in two strains of algae, Schizochytrium marinum AN-4 and Schizochytrium limacinum CO3H. We examined a broad range of cultivation conditions, including pH, temperature, stirring intensity, nutrient concentrations, and their combinations.ResultsWe found that both strains grew well at low pH levels (4.5), which could reduce bacterial contamination and facilitate the use of industrial waste products as substrate supplements. Intensive stirring was necessary for rapid biomass accumulation but caused cell disruption during lipid accumulation. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) yield was independent of cultivation temperature within a range of 28–34°C. We also achieved high cell densities (up to 9 g/L) and stable DHA production (average around 0.1 g/L/d) under diverse conditions and nutrient concentrations, with minimal nutrients required for stable production including standard sea salt, glucose or glycerol, and yeast extract.DiscussionOur findings demonstrate the potential of Schizochytrium strains to boost industrial-scale PUFA production and make it more economically viable. Additionally, these results may pave the way for smaller-scale production of essential fatty acids in a domestic setting. The development of a new minimal culturing medium with reduced ionic strength and antibacterial pH could further enhance the feasibility of this approach.

Identification and Evaluation of Olive Phenolics in the Context of Amine Oxidase Enzyme Inhibition and Depression: In Silico Modelling and In Vitro Validation.

The Mediterranean diet well known for its beneficial health effects, including mood enhancement, is characterised by the relatively high consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), which is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds. Over 200 phenolic compounds have been associated with Olea europaea, and of these, only a relatively small fraction have been characterised. Utilising the OliveNetTM library, phenolic compounds were investigated as potential inhibitors of the epigenetic modifier lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1). Furthermore, the compounds were screened for inhibition of the structurally similar monoamine oxidases (MAOs) which are directly implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Molecular docking highlighted that olive phenolics interact with the active site of LSD1 and MAOs. Protein-peptide docking was also performed to evaluate the interaction of the histone H3 peptide with LSD1, in the presence of ligands bound to the substrate-binding cavity. To validate the in silico studies, the inhibitory activity of phenolic compounds was compared to the clinically approved inhibitor tranylcypromine. Our findings indicate that olive phenolics inhibit LSD1 and the MAOs in vitro. Using a cell culture model system with corticosteroid-stimulated human BJ fibroblast cells, the results demonstrate the attenuation of dexamethasone- and hydrocortisone-induced MAO activity by phenolic compounds. The findings were further corroborated using human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived neurons stimulated with all-trans retinoic acid. Overall, the results indicate the inhibition of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-dependent amine oxidases by olive phenolics. More generally, our findings further support at least a partial mechanism accounting for the antidepressant effects associated with EVOO and the Mediterranean diet.