Higher LA Research Articles

Selective Electrooxidation of Crude Glycerol to Lactic Acid Coupled With Hydrogen Production at Industrially-Relevant Current Density.

Transforming glycerol (GLY, biodiesel by-product) into lactic acid (LA, biodegradable polymer monomer) through sustainable electrocatalysis presents an effective strategy to reduce biodiesel production costs and consequently enhance its applications. However, current research faces a trade-off between achieving industrially-relevant current density (>300mA cm-2) and high LA selectivity (>80%), limiting technological advancement. Herein, a Au3Ag1 alloy electrocatalyst is developed that demonstrates exceptional LA selectivity (85%) under high current density (>400mA cm-2). The current density can further reach 1022mA cm-2 at 1.2V versus RHE, superior to most previous reports for GLY electrooxidation. It is revealed that the Au3Ag1 alloy can enhance GLY adsorption and reactive oxygen species (OH*) generation, thereby significantly boosting activity. As a proof of concept, a homemade flow electrolyzer is constructed, achieving remarkable LA productivity of 68.9mmolh-1 at the anode, coupled with efficient H2 production of 3.5 Lh-1 at the cathode. To further unveil the practical possibilities of this technology, crude GLY extracted from peanut oil into LA is successfully transformed, while simultaneously producing H2 at the cathode. This work showcases a sustainable method for converting biodiesel waste into high-value products and hydrogen fuel, promoting the broader application of biodiesel.

Role of plant functional traits in the invasion success: analysis of nine species of Asteraceae

Various attributes are hypothesized to facilitate the dominance of an invasive species in non-native geographical and ecological regimes. To explore the characteristic invasive attributes of the family Asteraceae, a comparative study was conducted among nine species of this family, co-occurring in the western Himalayan region. Based on their nativity and invasion status, the species were categorized as “Invasive”, “Naturalized”, and “Native”. Fifteen plant functional traits, strongly linked with invasion, were examined in the test species. The analyses revealed a strong dissimilarity between all the plant functional traits (except leaf carbon [Leaf C]) represented by “Invasive” and “Native” categories and most of the traits (except leaf area [LA], leaf nitrogen [Leaf N], Leaf C, and leaf carbon-nitrogen ratio [C: N]) represented by the “Naturalized” and “Native” categories. Similarly, “Invasive” and “Naturalized” categories also varied significantly for most of the traits (except Leaf N, Leaf C, capitula per m² population [Cm²], seeds per capitula [Scapitula], and seed mass). Invasive species are characterized by high LA, specific leaf area [SLA] and germination, and low C:N and leaf construction costs [LCC]. Most of the traits represented by native species justify their non-invasive behavior; whereas the naturalized species, despite having better size metrics (plant height), resource investment strategy (aboveground non-reproductive biomass [BNR], and aboveground reproductive biomass [BR]), and reproductive output (capitula per individual plant [Cplant], and seeds per individual plant [Splant]) failed to invade, which implies that the role of these functional aspects in imparting invasion potential to a species is not consistent in all the ecosystems and/or phylogenetic groups. Results of PCA revealed that trait divergence plays a more imperative role in invasion success than naturalization in the species of the family Asteraceae. The present study is intended to refine the pre-generalized invasion concepts associated with family Asteraceae to ensure more accurate identification of the potential invaders and better management of the existing ones.

Molecular insights into the oleic acid accumulation in safflower

AbstractMost of the Indian safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties produce oil rich in linoleic acid (LA, ~75%) and low in oleic acid (OA, ~15%). In the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) enzyme converts OA to LA. Safflower is reported to have 12–20 FAD2 genes. Gene expression analysis of four FAD2 genes during seed development in a high LA variety, PBNS‐12, revealed high expression of FAD2‐1 at 21 days after flowering (DAF), correlating with high LA accumulation. Fatty acid profiling of 448 Indian safflower germplasm accessions revealed four lines to have high (58%–77%) OA content, with NASF‐39 having the highest OA content. Interestingly, all four high OA lines showed the same mutation in the FAD2‐1 gene. The DNA sequence of FAD2‐1 from the four high OA lines showed a deletion of C at the +606 position, resulting in a premature stop codon at the +733 position and a truncated protein of 244 amino acids. Hence, despite the high expression levels of FAD2‐1 in NASF‐39 at 18–21 DAF, it exhibited high OA (77%). The dysfunctional nature of the truncated FAD2‐1 in NASF‐39 was evident in molecular docking studies with 1‐stearoyl‐2‐oleoyl phosphatidylcholine. We also sequenced FATB, a thioesterase responsible for releasing stearic acid from acyl carrier protein for further desaturation to oleic acid, where an A773G substitution was observed. This resulted in E258G substitution in NASF‐39 FATB compared to that of PBNS‐12. This probably made the acyl‐binding pocket of NASF‐39 FATB unstable, contributing to high OA accumulation. Thus, the outcomes of this study can help develop super and ultra‐high oleic safflower varieties through various genetics and genomics approaches.

Sex-Specific Changes to Brain Fatty Acids, Plasmalogen, and Plasma Endocannabinoids in Offspring Exposed to Maternal and Postnatal High-Linoleic-Acid Diets.

Linoleic acid (LA) is required for neuronal development. We have previously demonstrated sex-specific changes in cardiovascular and hepatic function in rat offspring from mothers consuming a high-LA diet, with some effects associated with reduced LA concentration in the postnatal diet. At this time, the impact of a high-maternal-LA diet on offspring brain development and the potential for the postnatal diet to alter any adverse changes are unknown. Rat offspring from mothers fed low- (LLA) or high-LA (HLA) diets during pregnancy and lactation were weaned at postnatal day 25 (PN25) and fed LLA or HLA diets until sacrifice in adulthood (PN180). In the offspring's brains, the postnatal HLA diet increased docosapentaenoate in males. The maternal HLA diet increased LA, arachidonate, docosapentaenoate, C18:0 dimethylacetal (DMA), C16:0 DMA, C16:0 DMA/C16:0, and C18:0 DMA/C18:0, but decreased eoicosenoate, nervoniate, lignocerate, and oleate in males. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets reduced oleate and vaccenate and had an interaction effect on myristate, palmitoleate, and eicosapentaenoate in males. In females, maternal HLA diet increased eicosadienoate. Postnatal HLA diet increased stearate and docosapentaenoate. Maternal and postnatal HLA diets had an interaction effect on oleate, arachidate, and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/omega (n)-6 docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) in females. Postnatal HLA diet decreased DHA/n-6 DPA in males and females. Postnatal HLA diet increased plasma endocannabinoids (arachidonoyl ethanolamide and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol), as well as other N-acyl ethanolamides and testosterone. HLA diet alters brain fatty acids, plasma endocannabinoids, and plasmalogen concentrations in a development-specific and sex-specific manner.

A combination of lymphocyte count and albumin concentration as a new prognostic index for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Aim The present study explores the prognostic significance of the lymphocytes (/L) × albumin (g/L) (LA) score and its relationship with the hepatocellular carcinoma. Material and Methods The study included patients who underwent curative surgery for hepatocellular carcinoma between January 2004 and November 2020. The LA score was calculated using the formula lymphocytes (/L)×albumin (g/L). The patients were subsequently divided into two as Group 1 (Low LA) and Group 2 (High LA). The two groups were compared for clinical characteristics as well as oncological follow-up outcomes. Results The study included 55 patients, who, based on an LA cut-off point of 4620, were divided into Group 1 (n=28) and Group 2 (n=27). The MELD score was higher in Group 1 (12 vs.9, p=0.022). The number of tumors, maximum tumor size and total tumor size were similar in both groups. At the last clinical follow-up, the mortality rate was 42.9% in Group 1 and 22.2% in Group 2. Recurrence rates were similar in both groups (42.9%vs.33.3% p=0.467), and total survival (126vs.164 months p=0.1) and disease-free survival (26 vs. 29 months p=0.926) were also similar. Conclusion The use of the composite LA index – an indicator of immunonutritional status as a prognostic marker may not be significant in HCC patients undergoing curative resection.

Maternal Diet High in Linoleic Acid Alters Renal Branching Morphogenesis and mTOR/AKT Signalling Genes in Rat Fetal Kidneys.

Linoleic acid (LA), an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), is obtained from the maternal diet during pregnancy, and is essential for normal fetal growth and development. A maternal high-LA (HLA) diet alters maternal and offspring fatty acids, maternal leptin and male/female ratio at embryonic (E) day 20 (E20). We investigated the effects of an HLA diet on embryonic offspring renal branching morphogenesis, leptin signalling, megalin signalling and angiogenesis gene expression. Female Wistar Kyoto rats were fed low-LA (LLA; 1.44% energy from LA) or high-LA (HLA; 6.21% energy from LA) diets during pregnancy and gestation/lactation. Offspring were sacrificed and mRNA from kidneys was analysed by real-time PCR. Maternal HLA decreased the targets involved in branching morphogenesis Ret and Gdnf in offspring, independent of sex. Furthermore, downstream targets of megalin, namely mTOR, Akt3 and Prkab2, were reduced in offspring from mothers consuming an HLA diet, independent of sex. There was a trend of an increase in the branching morphogenesis target Gfra1 in females (p = 0.0517). These findings suggest that an HLA diet during pregnancy may lead to altered renal function in offspring. Future research should investigate the effects an HLA diet has on offspring kidney function in adolescence and adulthood.

Review on the fatty acid profile and free fatty acid of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Carp or ponty in Hungarian, is considered commercial freshwater fish, which is an adaptable species in both wild and cultured conditions. Carp has high nutritional value content, favorable taste, it is rich in protein, and low in saturated fat. The nutritional content in fish is composed of many chemical constituents and influenced by many factors. One of the components that its content may be different due to internal and external factors is fatty acids, which may vary depending on endogenous and exogenous factors. The endogenous or internal factors include the genetic, size, sexual maturity, and life cycle phase. While microclimate, water quality, quality of food or diet habit, and the amount of available food or starvation are considered as exogenous or environmental factors. Freshwater fish has the ability to convert essential fatty acid into long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid like AA, EPA, and DHA. Most results showed that palmitic acid and oleic acid were the dominant SFA and MUFA in carp both for wild and farmed carp in all seasons. The PUFA for wild carp was mainly dominated by DHA, while on farmed carp by LA. It confirmed that high LA content in farmed carp was related to the diet habit. The amount of lipid and FA were changed in line with the season. Even the statistical analysis showed no significant difference, but some studies showed a contrasting result. Moreover, most obtained results acknowledged that FA tends to decrease during the spawning period. The amount and composition of FA were affected by the total lipid content. The lipid must be broken down into simpler compounds such as FA or FFA for the metabolism of fish. The result of metabolism then transported into the utilising tissue and used as energy.

Troubled waters: Riparian ecosystem services and community opposition to the largest dam removal project in Europe, Vezins Dam, France

The largest Dam removal project in Europe occurred in 2019 with removal of the Vezins Dam on the Sélune River in Normandy, France. The French State ordered removal of the 36-m high Vezins Dam and the 16-m high la Roche-qui-Boit Dam along the Sélune River to restore ecological and longitudinal connectivity to improve riparian water quality, and especially to restore migratory species of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and eel (Anguilla anguilla). We examine community opposition to removal of the Vezins Dam through the lens of riparian ecosystem services and stakeholder values. Primary data sources includes fieldwork, interviews, and an online survey of local stakeholders. Text analysis and interview coding occurred with ATLAS.ti 22, and highlight themes related to federal-local communication and riparian ecosystem services. The French State ineffectively communicated with local communities regarding dam removal benefits and riparian stakeholder values. While the state focused on biophysical ecosystem services, experiential ecosystem services, such as place attachment, were more important to riparian stakeholders. Often portrayed as a positive benefit, here dam removal lacked community support. Failure of government authorities to effectively incorporate stakeholder values along a continuum of ecosystem services substantially compromises future large-scale federal environmental management projects dependent upon local community support. By examining how local actors experienced dam removal, study results increase understanding of environmental governance and the local consequences of national policy decisions, of use in future dam removal projects – including for large dams – in France and internationally.

Diet high in linoleic acid dysregulates the intestinal endocannabinoid system and increases susceptibility to colitis in Mice

ABSTRACT Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a multifactorial disease with increasing incidence in the U.S. suggesting that environmental factors, including diet, are involved. It has been suggested that excessive consumption of linoleic acid (LA, C18:2 omega-6), which must be obtained from the diet, may promote the development of IBD in humans. To demonstrate a causal link between LA and IBD, we show that a high fat diet (HFD) based on soybean oil (SO), which is comprised of ~55% LA, increases susceptibility to colitis in several models, including IBD-susceptible IL10 knockout mice. This effect was not observed with low-LA HFDs derived from genetically modified soybean oil or olive oil. The conventional SO HFD causes classical IBD symptoms including immune dysfunction, increased intestinal epithelial barrier permeability, and disruption of the balance of isoforms from the IBD susceptibility gene Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α (HNF4α). The SO HFD causes gut dysbiosis, including increased abundance of an endogenous adherent invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC), which can use LA as a carbon source. Metabolomic analysis shows that in the mouse gut, even in the absence of bacteria, the presence of soybean oil increases levels of LA, oxylipins and prostaglandins. Many compounds in the endocannabinoid system, which are protective against IBD, are decreased by SO both in vivo and in vitro. These results indicate that a high LA diet increases susceptibility to colitis via microbial and host-initiated pathways involving alterations in the balance of bioactive metabolites of omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, as well as HNF4α isoforms.

TOP6: Ambulatory Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation as a Bridge to Lung Transplant

Background: Mechanical circulatory support, including both veno-venous (VV) and veno-arterial (VA) extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), is being used more frequently to bridge critically ill patients to lung transplant (LTX). This study evaluates post LTX survival outcomes of patients bridged by ECMO. Methods: The United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) thoracic organ transplant database was queried for patients aged >/= 18 years between year 2016 and 2021 to identify pre-transplant patients supported by ECMO. Patients supported by both VA and VV-ECMO were excluded. The patients initially classified in VA-ECMO and VV-ECMO cohorts and further classified as ambulatory (AMB) and non-ambulatory (nAMB) within their respective ECMO cohorts. Each cohort was controlled against the non-ECMO patients. Univariate statistical tests as well as Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used for analysis. Results: Of total 14,369 LTX patients, 13,470 were non-ECMO, 702 were VV-ECMO (44% AMB, 56% nAMB) and 197 were VA-ECMO (47% AMB, 53% nAMB). Table 1A (non-ECMO v. AMB VV-ECMO v. nAMB VV-ECMO at time of LTX) and 1B (non-ECMO v. AMB VA-ECMO v. nAMB VA-ECMO at time of LTX) shows higher age (62 v. 52 v. 50) lower O2 requirement (4 v. 15 v. 10), LAS (44 v. 88 v. 89) and lesser likelihood of COVID etiology (1% v. 22% v. 6%) in non-ECMO group compared to VV-ECMO and VA-ECMO. Within the ECMO groups AMB and nAMB patients were comparable except idiopathic fibrosis was more common in nAMB. The 1-year post LTX survival between non-ECMO and AMB VV-ECMO was comparable (88% v. 88%, p=0.66) which was better than nAMB VV-ECMO patients (88% v. 88% v. 81% (nAMB VV-ECMO), p<.01, F1A). The 1-year (71% v. 78% v. 88%) survival was better for AMB VA-ECMO patients than nAMB VA-ECMO patients, and better for non-ECMO patients than AMB VA-ECMO patients (p<.01, F1B). A Cox proportional hazard model showed that compared to non-ECMO patients, the nAMB VV-ECMO patients (HR = 1.25, p=0.02) had higher risk of post LTX mortality whereas post LTX risk for AMB VV-ECMO patients (HR = 0.95, p=0.71) was similar. Conclusion: Although ambulatory VV-ECMO patients have higher LAS and O2 requirements at time of transplant, their post LTX survival is comparable to the non-ECMO patients. Survival amongst the VA-ECMO patients continued to be poor compared to the non-ECMO patients irrespective of their ambulatory status. Strategies to ambulate ECMO patients could be associated better post LTX outcomes. Figure 1. Survival by ECMO ambulationTable 1. Patient Characteristics at time of LTX

PULM1: Outcomes of Recipients Aged 65 Years and Older Bridged to Lung Transplant with Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO)

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridge to lung transplant (BTT) has been used to support critically ill patients on the waitlist with excellent outcomes post-transplant. Some centers cite candidate age ≥65 years as a contraindication despite minimal data to support restricting ECMO BTT among older candidates. We compared outcomes of ECMO BTT, mechanical ventilation (MV)-only BTT, and no BTT in recipients ≥65 years. Methods: For our waitlist analysis, lung transplant candidates ≥65 years with known ECMO cannulation dates 2005-2020 in the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database were included. Waitlist outcomes within one year of either listing or ECMO cannulation, whichever occurred first, were assessed. For the post-transplant analysis, lung-only recipients ≥65 years were included and stratified into ECMO BTT, MV-only BTT, or no BTT. Cox regression was used to assess 1- and 3-year mortality post-transplant. Multivariable models adjusted for baseline characteristics with p<0.1 on univariate analysis. Results: Of the 171 waitlist candidates ≥65 years with known ECMO implant dates, 96 (56.1%) were transplanted and 72 (42.1%) deteriorated/died within one year of listing or ECMO cannulation. Those who deteriorated/died spent more waitlist days on ECMO support compared to candidates who were transplanted (11 [5-17] vs. 4 [2-12] days, p<0.001). Of recipients ≥65 years, 135 (1.6%) received ECMO BTT, 219 (2.6%) received MV-only BTT, and 8,074 (95.7%) received no BTT. ECMO BTT recipients had higher LAS at transplant (86 [84-88] ECMO vs. 73 [41-88] MV-only vs. 39 [34-49] no BTT, p<0.001), spent fewer days on the waitlist (12 [5-34] ECMO vs. 18 [6-76] MV-only vs. 47 [14-141] no BTT, p<0.001), and were more likely to have restrictive disease pathology (92.6% ECMO vs. 67.1% MV-only vs. 66.3% no BTT, p<0.001; Table 1). At 72 hours post-transplant, ECMO BTT recipients were more likely to remain intubated than those who received no BTT (70.6% ECMO vs. 71.2% MV-only vs. 22.6% no BTT, p<0.001) and more likely to be on ECMO than those who received either MV-only or no BTT (30.4% ECMO vs. 8.2% MV-only vs. 4.3% no BTT, p<0.001). ECMO BTT recipients had lower likelihood of pre-discharge acute rejection (3.0% ECMO vs. 10.5% MV-only vs. 6.9% no BTT, p=0.02). On multivariable analysis, ECMO vs. MV-only BTT was associated with increased mortality risk at 1 year (aHR[95% CI] 2.11[1.33-3.35]) and 3 years (aHR 1.51[1.07-2.12], Figure 1) post-transplant. Conclusion: We found that ECMO BTT in candidates ≥65 years is associated with inferior post-transplant outcomes compared to MV-only or no BTT, even after adjusting for donor and recipient characteristics. However, despite being sicker at transplant, more than half of recipients ≥65 years receiving ECMO BTT were alive at 3 years post-transplant, furthering our understanding of whether ECMO BTT is a reasonable choice in older candidates. Table 1. Baseline characteristics of lung transplant recipients ≥65 years of age from 2005 to 2020 in the United Network for Organ Sharing registry, by bridging strategy.Figure 1. (A) Unadjusted and (B) adjusted 3-year survival of lung transplant recipients ≥65 years of age from 2005 to 2020 in the United Network for Organ Sharing registry, by bridging strategy. Hazard ratios represent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) bridge-to-transplant (BTT) versus mechanical ventilation (MV)-only BTT.

Photoassisted Strategy to Promote Glycerol Electrooxidation to Lactic Acid Coupled with Hydrogen Production

Electrocatalytic oxidation of glycerol (GLY; from a biodiesel byproduct) to lactic acid (LA; the key monomers for polylactic acid; PLA) is considered a sustainable approach for biomass waste upcycling and is coupled with cathodic hydrogen (H2) production. However, current research still suffer from issues of low current density and low LA selectivity. Herein, we reported a photoassisted electrocatalytic strategy to achieve the selective oxidation of GLY to LA over a gold nanowire (Au NW) catalyst, attaining a high current density of 387 mA cm-2 at 0.95 V vs RHE, together with a high LA selectivity of 80%, outperforming most of the reported works in the literature. We reveal that the light-assistance strategy plays a dual role, which can both accelerate the reaction rate through the photothermal effect and also promote the adsorption of the middle hydroxyl of GLY over Au NWs to realize the selective oxidation of GLY to LA. As a proof-of-concept, we realized the direct conversion of crude GLY that was extracted from cooking oil to attain LA and coupled it with H2 production using the developed photoassisted electrooxidation process, revealing the potential of this strategy in practical applications.

66 Type of polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation affects red blood cell fatty acid composition in exercised Thoroughbreds

Omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs are essential nutrients for horses. SC-PUFAs (<20 carbon) include α-linolenic acid (ALA, n3), linoleic acid (LA, n6), and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA, n6), while LC-PUFAs (≥20 carbon) include eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, n3), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, n3), dihomo-gamma-linolenic acid (DGLA, n6), and arachidonic acid (AA, n6). Eicosanoids produced from AA tend to be pro-inflammatory while DGLA, EPA, and DHA give rise to lipid mediators that are anti-inflammatory. This study was conducted to determine the effect of feeding different chain length omega-3 and omega-6 PUFAs on red blood cell (RBC) fatty acid (FA) composition in exercised horses. Thirteen fit Thoroughbred horses (age 4.1 ± 1.9 y, BW 496.0 kg ± 36.5 kg; mean ± SD) were split into 2 groups balanced for age, gender, and body weight. The horses received either 35 mL/d of a corn oil-flax oil supplement (LA-ALA) (n = 6) or 60 mL/d of a high-GLA safflower oil-fish oil supplement (GLA-EPA-DHA) (n = 7). The LA-ALA supplement provided 8.0 g LA and 10.2 g ALA per day. The GLA-EPA-DHA supplement provided 2.5 g LA, 5.4 g GLA, 0.3 g AA, 4.4 g EPA, 0.8 g DPA, and 3.8 g DHA per day. Each supplement provided a similar amount of total omega-6 and omega-3 per day. The horses were fed 4.9 ± 1.4 kg/d (mean ± SD) of a textured horse feed along with 1.0–1.5% BW/d of timothy hay and 60 g loose salt. The basal dietprovided about 140 g/d LA and 62 g/d ALA. For 90 d before the start and during the study, the horses were exercised 3 times per week on a racetrack and walked 3 d per week on a mechanical walker. For 90 d before the study the horses were fed the same basal ration. Twenty-four individual FA were measured at monthly intervals in RBCs over the 3-mo supplementation period. Differences related to time and treatment were analyzed using a 2-way ANOVA. RBC FA did not change in the LA-ALA group during the supplementation period. RBC GLA, DGLA, EPA, and DHA increased over time in the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.01) and were higher than with LA-ALA supplementation after 1, 2 and 3 mo of supplementation (P < 0.01). RBC AA increased over time in the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.05). These increases in GLA and LC-PUFAs were primarily offset by decreases in RBC oleic acid (18:1n9), LA, and ALA. The ratio of RBC AA to (DGLA+EPA+DHA) was 3.9 times higher in the LA-ALA supplemented group compared with the GLA-EPA-DHA group (P < 0.01). This study found that horses fed a high LA intake and supplemented with ALA did not efficiently elongate ALA to EPA and DHA, but that horses did elongate GLA to DGLA.

Effect of FADS1 rs174556 Genotype on Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Status: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PUFA status is highly implicated in cognitive development and metabolic disorder-related diseases. Genetic variants of FADS genes encoding enzymes that catalyze the rate-limiting steps of PUFA biosynthesis appear to be associated with n-3 and n-6 PUFA contents. Therefore, we conducted the first systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the association of the A-allele carriers of the FADS1 rs174556 with PUFA status. The PRISMA guidelines were followed. The literature search was conducted up to November 2022 in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Airiti Library, and CINAHL. The Joanna Briggs Institute checklists were used to assess the methodological quality. The correlation with 95% CIs was determined by a random-effect meta-analysis. Eleven studies that met the inclusion criteria and acceptable quality were included in this systematic review. The data on PUFA contents were collected when they were mainly analyzed using blood samples and breast milk. Results of the meta-analysis on eight studies (one randomized controlled trial, one cohort study, and six cross-sectional studies) showed that the A-allele carriers of rs174556 were significantly negatively correlated with the concentrations of AA (P = 0.001), EPA (P = 0.004), and DHA (P = 0.025). However, ALA and LA were not associated with the A-allele carriers. To clarify the discrepancy, we further divided the studies into blood samples and breast milk subgroups. The subgroup analysis revealed that the A-allele carriers of rs174556 were significantly positively correlated with LA (P = 0.031) and negatively correlated with AA (P = 0.001), EPA (P = 0.036), and DHA (P < 0.001) in the blood sample group, but not in the breast milk group. The current meta-analysis proved that the A-allele carriers of the FADS1 rs174556 appeared to be highly associated with lower concentrations of AA, EPA, and DHA but higher LA in the blood samples. The study has been registered on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO:CRD42022363978). Adv Nutr 2023;x:xx-xx.

The effects of dietary essential fatty acid ratios and energy level on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and inflammation in grow-finish pigs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary metabolizable energy (ME) level and the ratio of linoleic acid:α-linolenic acid (LA:ALA) on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, circulatory and joint inflammatory status, and synovial fluid proteome of grow-finish pigs. A total of 224 pigs (BW = 41.5 ± 6.1 kg; PIC Genus 337 × 1050, Hendersonville, TN) were randomly assigned to either a high (3.55 Mcal/kg; HE) or low (3.29 Mcal/kg; LE) ME dietary treatment with a high (23:1) or low (12:1) LA:ALA in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. Diets were fed across three 28-d phases. Pigs were housed either four barrows or four gilts per pen. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 21, 42, and 84. Synovial fluid was collected from the hock and carpus joints on days 0 and 84. Liver and adipose tissue samples were collected on day 84. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with pen as the experimental unit and energy level, essential fatty acid ratio, sex, phase, and their interactions as fixed effects. Compared to LE, HE increased days 28, 56, and 84 body weight (BW; P = 0.005). For the overall period, HE increased average daily gain (ADG) compared to LE (P < 0.001) and improved feed efficiency (P = 0.001), while LE increased feed intake compared to HE (P < 0.001). Gilts receiving diets with low LA:ALA had similar final BW to barrows receiving a low LA:ALA at days 28, 56, and 84 (P = 0.024), resulting from improved overall days 0-84 ADG compared to gilts receiving the high LA:ALA (P = 0.031). In the liver, HE decreased the mRNA abundance of acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACACA; P = 0.004), cluster of differentiation 36 (P = 0.034), and tended to decrease fatty acid synthase (FASN; P = 0.056). In adipose tissue, HE decreased ACACA (P = 0.001) and FASN (P = 0.017). Plasma inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) were reduced on day 84 compared to day 0 (P ≤ 0.014). In the hock and carpus synovial fluid, LE tended to reduce CRP and TNFα (P ≤ 0.096). Hock and carpus synovial fluid CRP were also reduced on day 84 compared to day 0 (P = 0.001). Age of the pig impacted serum and hock synovial fluid protein abundance, but not energy level, LA:ALA, or their interactions (P < 0.05). To conclude, the high and low LA:ALA ratios utilized in this study can be fed at varying energy levels without impacting growth. Additionally, LA:ALA ratios can differentially impact the growth of barrows and gilts.

The effects of dietary essential fatty acid ratios and linoleic acid level in grow-finish pigs.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary linoleic acid level and the ratio of linoleic acid:linolenic acid (LA:ALA) on the growth performance, expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism, and inflammatory status of grow-finish pigs. A total of 300 growing pigs (body weight [BW] = 41.1 ± 6.3 kg) were randomly assigned to either a high (30 g/kg; HLA) or low (15 g/kg; LLA) dietary linoleic acid level with a high (23:1; HR), moderate (13:1; MR) or low (4:1; LR) dietary LA:ALA in a 2 × 3 factorial design. Diets were fed across three 28-d phases and were balanced for dietary metabolizable energy. Pigs were housed five pigs per pen in single-sex pens. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 21, 42, and 84, and synovial fluid was collected from the hock joint on days 0 and 84 for inflammatory marker analysis. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4) with initial BW as a covariate, pen as the experimental unit, and LA level, LA:ALA, sex, phases, and their interactions as fixed effects. Compared to HLA, LLA pigs tended to have increased BW at days 56 and 84 (P = 0.088). There was no effect of LA × LA:ALA for growth performance. For the overall days 0 to 84 growth period, pigs fed HR had increased ADG compared to MR, with pigs receiving LR performing intermediate of MR and HR. Gilts receiving HR diets had increased day 84 BW compared to gilts receiving the low and moderate LA:ALA (P = 0.006), which was a result of improved overall days 0 to 84 ADG compared to gilts receiving the MR diets (P = 0.023). Barrows fed LR had improved BW on day 56 compared to MR and HR and higher final BW compared to HR, with MR performing intermediately (P = 0.006). This was a result of greater days 0 to 84 ADG (P = 0.023). Overall, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), and interleukin-6 were reduced in the plasma of pigs over time (P ≤ 0.037). Across all treatments, CRP and TNFα were reduced in the hock and carpus synovial fluid on day 84 vs. day 0 (P ≤ 0.049). In conclusion, LA:ALA ratios utilized in this study can be fed at varying linoleic acid levels without impacting growth or inflammation. Additionally, LA:ALA ratios can differentially impact the growth of gilts and barrows.

The impact of essential fatty acid ratios and unsaturated to saturated fat ratio on growth performance of grow-finish pigs and estrus detection of gilts.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary unsaturated and saturated fat ratio (U:S) and the ratio of linoleic and linolenic acid (LA:ALA) on the growth performance of grow-finish pigs and estrus detection of gilts. A total of 240 pigs with initial body weight (BW) 54.4 ± 5.5 kg were randomly assigned to a high (>1.8; HUS) or low (<1.0; LUS) U:S in combination with a high (20:1), moderate (12:1), or low (4:1) LA:ALA in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. Dietary ratios were achieved using blends of choice white grease, beef tallow, corn oil, flaxseed oil, or palm kernel oil. Diets were fed across three phases and balanced for energy and LA. Pigs were housed across 60 pens with either four gilts or four barrows per pen. On day 49, 1 gilt per pen was moved to individual housing at approximately 154 d of age for evaluation of reproductive characteristics. Data were analyzed as repeated measures using PROC MIXED (SAS 9.4; SAS Inst., Cary, NC) with pen as the experimental unit and U:S, LA:ALA, sex, and their interactions as fixed effects. Initial BW was fit as a covariate. Within each phase, there were no differences in BW, daily gain (ADG), feed intake (ADFI), or feed efficiency (G:F) for U:S, LA:ALA, or their interaction when averaged across sex (P ≥0.128). Gilt feed efficiency was improved during the second phase compared to barrows; however, feed efficiency was not different between barrows and gilts during the first and third phases; resulting in a similar feed efficiency between sexes for the overall period (P = 0.523). Compared to HUS, gilts receiving LUS had higher ADFI overall (P = 0.018), which translated into improved G:F for HUS gilts (P = 0.011). Overall, gilts receiving the 20:1 diet tended to have improved G:F compared to 12:1 (P = 0.086). ADG was improved in pigs fed diets formulated with unsaturated fat sources to a 20:1 LA:ALA, regardless of sex. Detection of first estrus by 235 d of age in gilts was not impacted by U:S or LA:ALA (P ≥ 0.356). In conclusion, feeding differing dietary U:S and LA:ALA ratios impacts growth of growing pigs, particularly improving feed efficiency of gilts fed diets with unsaturated fat sources or a 20:1 LA:ALA. Further investigation into the physiological mechanisms differentially affecting gilt growth when fed varying dietary LA:ALA is warranted to understand the impact on reproductive outcomes.

Effect of different organic acid additives on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) silage.

To investigate the effects of different organic acid additives and their concentrations on the fermentation quality and bacterial community of paper mulberry silage, paper mulberry was left untreated (control) or was treated with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), propionic acid (PA) or citric acid (CA), the amount of each additive was 2 g.kg-1 FM, 5 g.kg-1 FM and g.kg-1 FM. All groups were ensiled for 3, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days. Compared to the control, adding EDTA reduced protein breakdown, preserved more water-soluble carbohydrates of the silages (WSCs, 24.74 g.kg-1 DM), and high concentrations of EDTA inhibited the activity of undesirable microorganisms. Adding PA increased the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus and decreased the abundance of Enterococcus, and it caused a rapid decrease in the pH of the silage at an early stage (from 6.50 to 5.31) while altering the microbiota, and low concentrations of PA resulted in high LA (66.22 g.kg-1 DM) concentration and low PA (9.92 g.kg-1 DM) concentration at 60 days of ensiling. Different concentrations of additives altered the microbial community of paper mulberry to different degrees. High concentrations of PA and CA can increase the abundance of Lactiplantibacillus. High concentrations of CA resulted in a rapid decrease in silage pH at an early stage and higher WSC concentration. These results suggest that EDTA, PA and CA can be used as additives to improve the quality of paper mulberry silage.

Endotracheal bleed after intra cardiac repair in tetralogy of fallot patients: a diagnostic challenge

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common congenital cyanotic heart disease (CCHD) in children. With the development and advancement of paediatric cardiac surgery and intensive care units, a large number of TOF are presenting for cardiac surgery. Operated TOF may suffer from endotracheal (ET) bleeding in postoperative period which results in delayed extubation of patients. ET bleeding is multifactorial with MAPCAs, coagulopathy residual VSD, and high LA pressure being usual causes. The objective of this study was to evaluate those children of TOF who suffered from ET bleeding, their causes and management after intracardiac repair.Methods: This was a single center retrospective study that included patients with a diagnosis of TOF. Total of 27 patients were operated at GB Pant Hospital, Department of CTVS from February 2021 to November 2021. After taking ethical approval we conducted a retrospective study to analyse the cause of endotracheal bleed. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software version (16.0). Continuous variables were presented as mean±standard deviation (SD) or median (interquartile range [IQR]. Inclusion criteria was- all diagnosed case of tetralogy of fallot patient with age –1.5-8 years, both male and female. Exclusion criteria was- patients having co-morbidities, like juvenile diabetes, hypothyroidism, syndromic patients.Results: Endotracheal bleed noted in majority of patient in those MAPCAs were not coiled, not able to be ligated intaoperatively, they bleed in postoperative period which further delayed extubation of patients. Of the patients with Endotracheal bleed none had a residual cardiac defect. Post-operative mortality was 1/27.Conclusions: We hereby conclude that cause of endotracheal bleed after intracardiac repair of tetralogy of fallot patients can be due to left uncoiled, non- ligated major aorto-pulmonary collateral arteries (MAPCAs).

Response of Leaf Functional Traits of Landscape Plants to Urban Green Space Environment in Lanzhou, China

Leaf functional traits are the essential components of adaption plant strategies and have different responses to various environments, but our knowledge of how plants adapt to highly complex urban environments through coordinated changes in leaf functional traits is limited. In this study, we studied the response of landscape plants to the environments of sports field (SF), park (PAR), residential green space (RES), and greenway (GW), and analyzed the effects of the different green space environments on trade-off strategies of plants based on leaf functional traits. The results showed that leaf functional traits of plants and adaptation strategies varied among different urban environments in Lanzhou, China. Leaf length (LL), width (LW), area (LA), and special leaf area (SLA) were PAR &gt; SF &gt; RES &gt; GW. Leaf nitrogen (LNC) and phosphorus content (LPC) were SF &gt; PAR &gt; RES &gt; GW. Leaf carbon content (LCC), leaf dry matter content (LDMC), the ratio of leaf carbon and nitrogen (C/N), and the ratio of leaf carbon and phosphorus (C/P) was GW &gt; RES &gt; PAR &gt; SF. The landscape plants in SF and PAR were more adaptive to the urban environment than those in RES and GW. Among different green space environments, landscape plants in SF and PAR tended to have an acquisitive strategy with high LL, LW, LA, SLA, LNC, and LPC. In contrast, plants in RES and GW tended to have a conservative strategy with a high level of concentration of LCC, LDMC, C/N, and C/P.