Intense Red Color Research Articles

An R-R-type MYB transcription factor promotes non-climacteric pepper fruit carotenoid pigment biosynthesis.

Carotenoids are major accessory pigments in the chloroplast, and they also act as phytohormones and volatile compound precursors to influence plant development and confer characteristic colours, affecting both the aesthetic and nutritional value of fruits. Carotenoid pigmentation in ripening fruits is highly dependent on developmental trajectories. Transcription factors incorporate developmental and phytohormone signalling to regulate the biosynthesis process. By contrast to the well-established pathways regulating ripening-related carotenoid biosynthesis in climacteric fruit, carotenoid regulation in non-climacteric fruit is poorly understood. Capsanthin is the primary carotenoid of non-climacteric pepper (Capsicum) fruit; its biosynthesis is tightly associated with fruit ripening, and it confers red pigmentation to the ripening fruit. In the present study, using a coexpression analysis, we identified an R-R-type MYB transcription factor, DIVARICATA1, and demonstrated its role in capsanthin biosynthesis. DIVARICATA1 encodes a nucleus-localised protein that functions primarily as a transcriptional activator. Functional analyses showed that DIVARICATA1 positively regulates carotenoid biosynthetic gene (CBG) transcript levels and capsanthin levels by directly binding to and activating CBG promoter transcription. Furthermore, an association analysis revealed a significant positive association between DIVARICATA1 transcription level and capsanthin content. ABA promotes capsanthin biosynthesis in a DIVARICATA1-dependent manner. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of DIVARICATA1 in Solanaceae plants showed that its function likely differs among species. Moreover, the pepper DIVARICATA1 gene could be regulated by the ripening regulator MADS-RIN. The present study illustrates the transcriptional regulation of capsanthin biosynthesis and offers a target for breeding peppers with high red colour intensity.

Can Canthaxanthin Intensify The Color of the Blood Swordtail Xiphophorus helleri?

The coloring has a great influence on the commercialization of ornamental fish. The aim of this study was to evaluate different concentrations of canthaxanthin in the diet of the blood swordtail Xiphophorus helleri, to obtain a more intense red color. Six concentrations of canthaxanthin (0, 50, 100, 250, 400 and 600 mg kg-1 diet) were used. The experiment lasted 60 days. Fish were evaluated for increased red pigmentation through the use of photographs (performed by smartphone) and imaging applications considering the Hunter method and the CMYK and productive performance. No significant differences were observed for productive performance. The use of photographs by means of a smartphone and the use of imaging applications proved to be adequate to assess differences in color in the species. Swordtail red pigmentation did not show significant increase regardless of canthaxanthin dosages. Varieties of ornamental fish bred for red coloration may have limits for increased color due to the storage capacity of carotenoids by chromatophores.

Smartphone-assisted lab-in-a-tube device using gold nanocluster-based aptasensor for detection of MUC1-overexpressed tumor cells

Developing smartphone technology for point-of-care diagnosis is one of the current favorable trends in the field of biosensors. In fact, using smartphones can provide better accessibility and facility for rapid diagnosis of diseases. On the other hand, the detection of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is one of the recent methods for the early diagnosis of cancer. Here, a new smartphone-assisted lab-in-a-tube device is introduced for the detection of Mucin 1 (MUC1) overexpressed tumor-derived cell lines using gold nanoclusters (GNCs)-based aptasensor. Accordingly, commercial polyurethane (PU) foam was first coated with graphene oxide (GO) to increase its surface area (8.45-fold), and improve its wettability. The surface of the resulting three-dimensional PU-GO (3DPU-GO) platform was then modified by MUC1 aptamer-GNCs to provide the required sensitivity and specificity through a turn “on/off” detection system. The proposed biosensor was first optimized with a spectrophotometer method. Afterward, findings were evaluated based on the red color intensity of the lab-in-a-tube system; and indicated the high ability of the biosensor for detection of MUC1-overexpressed tumor cell lines in the range of 250–20,000 cells mL−1 with a limit of detection of 221 cells mL−1. In addition, the developed biosensor showed a decent selectivity against positive-control cell lines (MCF-7, and HT-29) in comparison to negative-control cell lines (HEK293, and L929). Notably, the results represented good accordance with reference methods including spectroscopy devices. Ultimately, the results of this work bring a new perspective to the field of point-of-care detection and can be considered in future biosensors.

The Effect of Magnetic Field on Premixed Flame of Biodiesel Fuel Calophyllum Inophyllum B0, B50, and B100

This study analyzes the effect of magnetic fields on premixed flame behavior in a bunsen burner. The fuel used is pure Calophyllum Inophyllum (B100), a mixture of Calophyllum Inophyllum with diesel oil (B50) and pure diesel oil (B0) which is heated to a temperature of 553 (K). The test uses variations of magnetic field poles N-S, S-N, N-N, and S-S, with variations in equivalent ratios of 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.1, and 1.2. The experimental results reveal that the magnetic field can affect the premixed flame behavior by analyzing the RGB color intensity and laminar burning velocity. In the flame of the B100 fuel, the intensity of the red color decreases when it is influenced by a magnetic field. The highest reduction in red color intensity occurred at the variation of the N-S magnetic poles at an equivalent ratio of 0.7. From non-magnetic B100 fuel, the average laminar burning velocity in all variations of the equivalent ratio with the influence of the N-S magnetic field increased by 28.81%, on non-magnetic B50 fuel by 34.78%, and B50 N-S fuel by 46.96%. The improvement in the quality of combustion under the influence of a magnetic field is caused by the movement of O2 around the magnetic field which becomes more active towards the combustion reaction zone and the weakening of the bonds between hydrocarbon molecules which causes O2 to bind more easily to the hydrocarbons so that the combustion becomes more optimal.

Grafting Technology with Locally Selected Eggplant Rootstocks for Improvement in Tomato Performance

Grafting technology is one of the best alternatives to mitigate limiting factors to tomato production (Solanum lycopersicum L). The study aimed to assess grafting combinations of tomato scions and rootstocks of eggplant (S. melongena L.) varieties Gelatik, EG203 line, and Takokak (S. torvum Sw.). Tomato varieties Cervo, Karina, and Timoty were used as scions. The grafted Cervo and Timoty yielded 30% more than non-grafted plants. The results show that grafted tomatoes suppressed disease incidence by more than 20%. The suppression resulted in higher shelf-life capacity and total dissolved solids of more than 10%, red colour intensity (a+) of more than 16%, lycopene content, fruit hardness level of more than 20%, and reduced water content by more than 1%. Vitamin C content was not affected by grafting technology. There is the potential for economic performance in the market for producers and consumers. Grafting technology in tomatoes using eggplants as rootstock could reduce disease incidence and improve agronomic aspects, product quality, and nutrient contents. Different cultivars of scions and rootstock showed different responses. Grafting technology could be disseminated to farmers for economic advantages during the off-season.

Avaliação de programas para aplicação de ferro dextrano na prevenção da anemia ferropriva de leitões

ABSTRACT To evaluate the effect of different iron dextran application programs on the performance, fecal score, and skin color of suckling piglets, as well as sow performance, 288 piglets from 24 sows were allocated to four treatments in six replications with 12 piglets per experimental unit, in a block design. The treatments were as follows: T200_000, T200_100, T200_200, and T100_100, whose respective values (in mg) corresponded to the applications of the first dose of iron dextran on the second day of life and of the second dose on the 10th day. Piglets on T200_000 and T200_200 showed the highest feed intake. In the period from 10 to 22 days, piglets receiving T100_100 exhibited the highest fecal score. On the 10th day of age, the lowest lightness (L*) value on the ear was obtained with T200_100, and the highest with T100_100. Treatments T200_000, T200_100, and T200_200 generated the highest red color (a*) intensity on the ear, whereas T100_100 provided the lowest hue and parameter b* values on the leg and snout. On the 22nd day of age, the highest b* and hue values of the ear and snout were found in the group fed T100_100. In conclusion, all evaluated programs were efficient in preventing iron deficiency anemia in newborn piglets. To reduce expenses, we recommend administering a single dose of 200 mg of iron dextran to piglets on the second day of life.

Sequential extraction process and physicochemical characterization of R-phycoerythrin and agar from red macroalgae Gracilaria birdiae

This study evaluated the sequential extraction of R-phycoerythrin (R-PE) and agar from the red macroalgae Gracilaria birdiae and the effects on yield, recovery, purity index and physicochemical characterization of both biomolecules. Three R-PE extraction and partial purification strategies were evaluated and the three most promising pigmented fractions were F25/35, F35/45 and F25/45 with purity/yield indexes 1.64/0.17, 0.71/0.44 and 0.56/ 1.20 mg.g−1 dw, respectively. In addition to the purity index, yield and recovery, optimizations 1 and 2 resulted in obtaining pigments with high intensity of red color, confirmed by the values of parameter a*: 78.30 ± 0.01, 64.07 ± 0.03 and 60.96 ± 0.02, for fractions 25/35, 35/45 and 25/45, in that order. The agar obtained from the residue of the extraction of R-PE (ARES-Gb) showed a yield of 31.64 %, higher than those reported in the literature when extracted from integral wet or dry macroalgae. In addition, RES-Gb had physicochemical and rheological properties similar to commercial agar. Therefore, the development of the biotechnological process proposed contributes to the maximum use of G. birdiae, to the valorization of this renewable source and to the blue economy.

Production of pigments by Monascus ruber CCT0302 in culture media containing maltose as substrate

The aim of this study was to show how maltose production residues can be used to obtain natural pigments by Monascus ruber CCT 3802 in solid and submerged cultures. The microbial growth and the colour and heat stability characteristics of the pigments produced in both solid and submerged media, with different maltose syrup concentrations, were determined. The results showed that the addition of maltose provided significant increases in the velocity of microbial growth and production of red pigments. The highest radial growth velocity of Monascus ruber (0.1053 mm h−1) was obtained when cultivated in a medium containing 5 g L−1 of maltose syrup, corresponding to a 71.7% increase in growth as compared to the growth velocity in the control medium. Using submerged fermentation, the culture medium containing 10 g L−1 of maltose syrup provided the greatest concentrations of red pigments (14.54 AU510nm g−1 dry biomass) with an intense dark red colour, showing that Monascus ruber CCT 3802 had the capacity to assimilate the substrate and produce pigments. The red pigments produced in the cultures showed good heat stability with activation energies of 13.735 Kcal mol−1.

Geographical features of Tulipa suaveolens Roth (Liliaceae, Magnoliophyta) distribution by flower color across its European range

The range of the polychromous Tulipa suaveolens Roth comprises almost the whole Ponto-Caspian Steppe, from the south-east of Ukraine to western Kazakhstan. High variation in flower color is a unique feature of this species, but features of its geographical distribution remain unclear. We studied T. suaveolens tepal color variation in 56 natural populations across the European range. Tepal colors were detected from digital images using the Lab color model with two chromatic components, a (red color intensity) and b (yellow color intensity). A conclusion was made that, throughout the European range, an obvious T. suaveolens flower color gradient is expressed in the direction from the south-west to the north-east, along which the red chromatic component intensity decreases. A similar gradient is observed when the height above mean sea level increases. The chromatic component a was shown to have a spatial autocorrelation and to depend on the long-term bioclimatic environmental parameters, temperature and precipitation. Thus, the identified geographical trends in the T. suaveolens flower color distribution across the studied part of its range are a consequence of natural selection caused by these two abiotic factors.

Wheat plant –Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) interaction to alleviate the salt stress in vitro and in vivo

The current work studied the mechanistic basis of salt tolerant PGPR bacteria in alleviating salinity stress in wheat.Two experiments were conducted at the Agricultural Research Center (ARC), 2021-2022, to evaluate the interaction between wheat var. Misr1 and two salt tolerant PGPR bacterial strains, Azospirillum (A.) brasilense NO40 and Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) under saline conditions. The staining technique used to detect the colonization effectiveness of applied bacteria. Images of 30-day wheat seedlings were captured and subjected to the following measurements: root area, leaf area, root length, shoot length, and dark green color index (DGCI). TEM was used to look for bacterial colonization in wheat seedling. Chlorophyll, proline, peroxidase activity, rhizosphere dehydrogenase activity and electrical conductivity (EC) were all quantified. Results revealed that the wheat seedling roots inoculated with the salt tolerant bacterial strains produced a highly intense red colour. The colonized bacteria appeared on the outer surface of the root and intercellular space of root tissue. The data showed a significant rise in all measured parameters in the inoculated wheat seedlings with the salt tolerant bacterial strains compared to the non-inoculated wheat seedlings. Additionally, the wheat seedlings inoculated with a mixture of NO40 and Bt showed the best results as compared to that inoculated with only NO40 or with only Bt. Finally, EC values before and after planting with the inoculated wheat seeds revealed a decrease in the salinity of the soil rhizosphere (9.27 mmhos/cm vs. 5.1 mmhos/cm). In conclusion: Salt stress in wheat saline soils was alleviated by bacterial strains studied. Optimum results were obtained from the mixture of A. brasilense and Bt. Results must later be verified in field trials.

Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal how girdling promotes leaf color expression in Acer rubrum L

BackgroundAcer rubrum L. (red maple) is a popular tree with attractive colored leaves, strong physiological adaptability, and a high ornamental value. Changes in leaf color can be an adaptive response to changes in environmental factors, and also a stress response to external disturbances. In this study, we evaluated the effect of girdling on the color expression of A. rubrum leaves. We studied the phenotypic characteristics, physiological and biochemical characteristics, and the transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of leaves on girdled and non-girdled branches of A. rubrum.ResultsPhenotypic studies showed that girdling resulted in earlier formation of red leaves, and a more intense red color in the leaves. Compared with the control branches, the girdled branches produced leaves with significantly different color parameters a*. Physiological and biochemical studies showed that girdling of branches resulted in uneven accumulation of chlorophyll, carotenoids, anthocyanins, and other pigments in leaves above the band. In the transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses, 28,432 unigenes including 1095 up-regulated genes and 708 down-regulated genes were identified, and the differentially expressed genes were mapped to various KEGG (kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes) pathways. Six genes encoding key transcription factors related to anthocyanin metabolism were among differentially expressed genes between leaves on girdled and non-girdled branches.ConclusionsGirdling significantly affected the growth and photosynthesis of red maple, and affected the metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and carbon metabolisms in the leaves. This resulted in pigment accumulation in the leaves above the girdling site, leading to marked red color expression in those leaves. A transcriptome analysis revealed six genes encoding anthocyanin-related transcription factors that were up-regulated in the leaves above the girdling site. These transcription factors are known to be involved in the regulation of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, anthocyanin biosynthesis, and flavonoid biosynthesis. These results suggest that leaf reddening is a complex environmental adaptation strategy to maintain normal metabolism in response to environmental changes. Overall, the results of these comprehensive phenotype, physiological, biochemical, transcriptomic, and metabolomic analyses provide a deeper and more reliable understanding of the coevolution of red maple leaves in response to environmental changes.

Interrelationships Between Visual and Instrumental Measures of Ground Beef Color

Two experiments were conducted to understand the interrelationship among visual color score, Farnsworth-Munsell values, instrumental meat color measurements, and their impact on beef color evaluation. In experiment 1, L*, a*, and b* values and various reflectance traits of the Farnsworth-Munsell 100-Hue Test tiles were measured.Incremental changes of the tiles were used to predict changes in a* values and other color variables that can be seen by a trained visual panel. Regression analysis suggests that trained panelists that pass the Farnsworth-Munsell Hue Test can discriminate a change of 0.95 in a*, 0.9 in b*, and 2.54 in hue angle values when Illuminant A is used. In experiment 2, ground beef was assigned randomly to one of 36 combinations of 3 storage temperatures, 4 storage times, and 3 display temperatures to create a variety of surface colors. A 10% change in ground beef metmyoglobin content corresponded to 3.2 units of a* (R2=0.95). Of all the instrumental measurements, a* (r=−0.97) and chroma (r=−0.97) best represented the red color intensity that panelists saw on the surface of ground beef. Significant surface discoloration occurred at 37.1% metmyoglobin and an a* value of 25.4 (with Illuminant A). Using a 5-point visual lean color scale,the change required in a* value for a unit change visual color score was 4.6. In conclusion, a* and chroma are highly related to visual color scores and changes in metmyoglobin, and a change in a* of 0.95 can be observed by visual panelists that have passed the Farnsworth-Munsell test.

Terminal Crossbreeding of Murciano-Granadina Goats with Boer Bucks: Characteristics of the Carcass and the Meat.

Simple SummaryIn Murciano-Granadina-breed dairy goat farms, meat production from purebred kids is not very profitable due to its high costs, so it is proposed to cross unused dairy females to produce a replacement for the herd with a breed specialised for meat production, i.e., the Boer breed. Our previous results verified that this crossbreeding strategy improved the productive characteristics of the kids (growth and costs), so the aim of this work was to ascertain its consequences on the carcass and meat characteristics of suckling kids (9 kg weight at slaughter) of both sexes. Ninety-four kids were used. It was found that crossbred kids reached slaughter weight at a younger age, and although their carcass yield did not improve, they did show higher muscle/bone and meat/bone ratios and better meat texture (less firmness). In turn, males slightly improved the proportion of expensive cuts, but their carcasses contained a lower proportion of intermuscular fat and lower muscle/bone and meat/bone ratios than females. There were no sensory differences in any case. It is concluded that this crossbreeding also improves the carcass and meat characteristics, constituting a valid alternative to improve the economic results of Murciano-Granadina breed herds.After verifying productive improvements from the crossbreeding (MB) of Boer males with females of the Murciano-Granadina (MG) breed, the aim of this work was to determine its consequences on the carcass and meat characteristics of suckling kids (9 kg of weight at slaughter) of both sexes. A total of 94 kids (25 purebred MG males, 19 purebred MG females, 25 crossed MB males and 25 crossed MB females) were used. It was found that MB kids reached slaughter weight at a younger age (44 ± 1 vs. 63 ± 1 days, p < 0.001). For carcass yield, the interaction genotype x sex was observed, where MB females presented a higher value (51.71 ± 0.34%) than the rest of the animals (MB males 50.53 ± 0.34, p < 0.05; MG males 50.60 ± 0.34, p < 0.05; MG females 49.62 ± 0.39, p < 0.001). MB kids had greater leg compactness, (36.28 ± 0.27 vs. 34.71 ± 0.29 g/cm, p < 0.001), slightly improved expensive carcass cuts (75.93 ± 0.31 vs. 74.77 ± 0.34%, p = 0.014) and higher muscle/bone (2.93 ± 0.03 vs. 2.76 ± 0.03, p < 0.001) and meat/bone ratios (3.56 ± 0.04 vs. 3.36 ± 0.04, p < 0.001) than MG kids. They also showed a somewhat more intense red colour (8.57 ± 0.25 vs. 7.74 ± 0.27, p = 0.027), higher colour saturation (9.06 ± 0.24 vs. 8.20 ± 0.26, p = 0.016) and less meat firmness (1.95 ± 0.08 vs. 2.23 ± 0.081 kg/cm2, p = 0.021). On the other hand, males had a slightly improved proportion of expensive cuts (75.98 ± 0.31 vs. 74.73 ± 0.34, p = 0.008), but their carcass contained a higher proportion of bone (22.16 ± 0.21 vs. 21.17 ± 0.17%; p < 0.001), a lower proportion of intermuscular fat (9.54 ± 0.24 vs. 10.93 ± 0.24, p < 0.001), a higher muscle/fat ratio (5.01 ± 0.10 vs. 4.41 ± 0.10, p < 0.001) and lower muscle/bone (2.80 ± 0.03 vs. 2.89 ± 0.03%, p = 0.016) and meat/bone ratios (3.36 ± 0.04 vs. 3.56 ± 0.04%, p < 0.001) than females. There were no sensory differences in any case. It is concluded that this crossbreeding strategy also improves the carcass and meat characteristics, making it a valid alternative to improve the productive results of MG dairy goat herds.

Study on a Natural Silk Cocoon Membrane-Based Versatile and Stable Immunosensing Platform via Directional Immunoaffinity Recognition.

The development of immunosensing assays for in vitro diagnostics has attracted great attention in recent years. Various substrate materials and immobilization methods of biomolecules were exploited for immunosensors, but their bioactivity and longevity have been facing serious challenges. To address this limitation, we investigated a natural silk cocoon membrane as immunosensing substrate material. By using its intrinsic properties, the target biomolecules were immobilized on the membrane through directional immunoaffinity recognition. The silk cocoon membrane-based immunosensor showed great potential for both qualitative and quantitative immunoassays, through naked-eye observation or analyzing the change in red color intensity, respectively. The immunosensor exhibited significant detection capability for anti-D (titer 1:1024) sensitized red blood cells. The colorimetric responses of concentrations ranged from 1 μg/mL to 1 ng/mL, and the detection limit for anti-D was 3.4 ng/mL. The immunosensor also showed excellent stability for the immobilized antibodies when stored at 4 and 25 °C; the bioactivity remained unchanged or slightly declined within 40 weeks. Even at 37 °C, the bioactivity began to decline after 12 weeks. This current work highlights the potential of using the natural silk cocoon membrane as a substrate for a versatile and thermally stable immunosensing platform for application in immunoassays.

Does the Rearing Management following by Charolais Cull Cows Influence the Qualities of Carcass and Beef Meat?

This study characterized, for the first time, the rearing managements (from birth to slaughter) applied throughout the cull cows’ life and observed the effect of these managements on the carcass and meat properties. From the individual data of 371 Charolais cull cows, three rearing managements were defined and characterized with 60 rearing factors. The results showed that the rearing managements had low effects on the carcass and meat properties. For the carcass traits, only the carcass weight, and fat and longissimus (LM) colors at the level of the sixth rib were impacted. Concerning the meat, only the red color intensity, the fat aroma, the flavor intensity and persistence were affected. According to our results, this study confirmed that it is possible to produce carcass or meat with similar properties; consequently, it is difficult to favor a rearing management. However, to manage jointly both carcass and meat qualities, trade-offs are needed.

Efficient luminescence of doped bismuth oxychloride nanophosphors and its surfaces prompted applications

The materials which cater to excellent sensitivity, superior contrast, inexpensive and eco-friendly are in urgent need for law enforcement applications. To overcome these barriers, red-emitting BiOCl:Eu3+ (1–9 ​mol %) nanophosphors were prepared by the self-ignited combustion method. The powdered x-ray diffraction profiles were well indexed to a tetragonal phase of BiOCl without any traces of impurities. The 2-dimensional agglomerated irregular flake-like structures without any clear boundaries were clearly revealed. The photoluminescence emission spectra consist of distinct sharp peaks at ∼ 536, 555, 594, 621, 652 and 698 ​nm, which were owing to 5D1→7F1, 5D1→7F2, 5D0→7F1, 5D0→7F2, 5D0→7F3 and 5D0→7F4 transitions of Eu3+ ions, respectively. A noticeable increment in the photoluminescence emission intensity with an increase of activator Eu3+ concentration up to 5 ​mol % and later it diminished. The dipole-dipole interaction was mainly responsible for observed concentration quenching. The estimated commission international de l'eclairage coordinates are found in orange-red as well as a red region in the diagram, indicating that the emission color can be tuned by varying activator Eu3+ ions concentration. The fingerprints developed using optimized nanophosphor showed distinctive papillary ridge particulars and hence specifies the higher sensitivity without any background hindrance. The aged fingerprints developed on the glass surface retained their ridge characteristics up to level 2 even after being stored for 180 days. The developed anti-counterfeiting labels can only be decoded under ultra-violet 365 ​nm light with clear intense red color. The obtained results clearly demonstrated the effectiveness of the fluorescence nanophosphor for latent fingerprint visualization and data encryption applications.

DAB-quant: An open-source digital system for quantifying immunohistochemical staining with 3,3'-diaminobenzidine (DAB).

Here, we describe DAB-quant, a novel, open-source program designed to facilitate objective quantitation of immunohistochemical (IHC) signal in large numbers of tissue slides stained with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine (DAB). Scanned slides are arranged into separate folders for negative controls and test slides, respectively. Otsu’s method is applied to the negative control slides to define a threshold distinguishing tissue from empty space, and all pixels deemed tissue are scored for normalized red minus blue (NRMB) color intensity. Next, a user-defined tolerance for error is applied to the negative control slides to set a NRMB threshold distinguishing stained from unstained tissue and this threshold is applied to calculate the fraction of stained tissue pixels on each test slide. Results are recorded in a spreadsheet and pseudocolor images are presented to document how each pixel was categorized. Slides can be analyzed in full, or sampled using small boxes scattered randomly and automatically across the tissue area. Quantitation of sampling boxes enables faster processing, reveals the degree of heterogeneity of signal, and enables exclusion of problem areas on a slide, if needed. This system should prove useful for a broad range of applications. The code, usage instructions, and sample data are freely and publicly available on GitHub (https://github.com/sarafridov/DAB-quant) and at protocols.io (dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.dm6gpb578lzp/v1).

Phytochemical Study of Capsaicinoids Extracted From Indian Varieties of Capsicum Annuum and Quantification of Capsaicin By Chromatographic Methods

The flavour and aroma of chillies is because of the presence of capsaicinoids. Among the capsaicinoids, 90% of the pungency is due to the presence of capsaicin (8-methyl-N-vanillyl-trans-6-nonenamide) and dihydrocapsaicin. From the perspective of the food and pharmaceutical industry, capsaicin being used as an active component, there is a need to find a quicker method of estimating capsaicin. Also it is imperative to determine and standardize a fingerprint of chilli extract of different varieties, to define a pure sample containing capsaicin by determining a marker peak for capsaicin, using HPTLC. Hence in this study capsaicin was estimated by HPLC, GC-MS and HPTLC methods. This study has successfully demonstrated a quick chromatographic separation of capsaicin by HPLC with Rt of just 2.9 min. GC-MS showed the capsaicin peak at Rt of 25.9 min. The fingerprint results of HPTLC indicated capsaicin at Rf 0.03 using Toluene: Ethyl Acetate (70:3) as mobile phase and Iodine vapours as detecting reagent. Besides, the Methanolic extracts of Capsicum annuum showed good antimicrobial activity with very negligible antioxidant properties. Byadgi chilli extract showed the most intense red brown colour with λmax at 500 nm and it thus justified its use as the most preferred one for contributing to colour in food. Keeping in mind the importance in the food industry, and monitoring of raw materials in the pharmaceutical industry, the methods of HPTLC and HPLC can be used to authenticate chilli powders available in the market and in pharmaceutical products for quick estimation of capsaicin.

Instrumental and Sensory Analyses of Salami from Autochthonous and Conventional Pig Breeds.

Typical salami produced from Mora Romagnola (MR), an autochthonous pig breed extensively farmed within a geographically confined Italian area, are food products of commercial interest. This investigation aimed to highlight elements for the recognition and authentication of such typical salami. Five MR salami were analyzed using a sensory and instrumental approach, and the results were compared with those from eight salami made from a conventional pig breed. The sensory profiles were defined through attributes such as seasoning, pepper, garlic, fermented etc.; no differences in the products ascribable to the pig breed were highlighted. By analyzing volatile compounds, 33 molecules were detected; significant differences were found among samples, probably related to processing methods. Color differences between MR and conventional salami were identified by an electronic eye. According to instrumental texture analysis, large variability among the MR samples was detected, probably related to different types of salami (recipe, casing, size, ripening). Correlations were found among the sensory results, volatile compounds, and textural properties of the samples. Most differences do not appear to be specifically related to MR breed; only red color intensity evaluated by an electronic eye showed a correlation with breed, i.e., MR salami. This study highlights the large variability among the salami analyzed.

Synthesis and photosensitization study of red luminescent europium (III) complexes with heterocyclic ligands for application in OLEDs

Six complexes of europium (III) with 1-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydroxy-4-oxo-7-(1-piperazinyl)-3-quinoline carboxylic acid (L) as main ligand and 1,10-phenanthroline, bathophenanthroline, neocuprine, 2,2′-bipyridyl, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline as ancillary ligands were synthesized by grinding technique. Through study of thermogravimetric data, it can be concluded that these complexes exhibit excellent thermal stability which favour their use in organic light emitting diode fabrication. Crystalline nature of complexes was studied by powder XRD and SEM. 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR spectra displayed the coordination site in complexes and confirmed that ligand is present in the zwitterionic form. On monitoring the emission at 370 nm UV excitation, intense red color was observed at 615 nm due to 5D0 → 7F2 electronic transition. Urbach energy, CIE coordinates, Judd-Ofelt parameters, quantum yield, CCT and lasing parameters were calculated. Refractive index and energy band gap values depicted their uses in semiconductor devices. Further investigation of antimicrobial and antioxidant assays certified the impressive antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of these complexes.