Low Acid Research Articles

Effects of slightly acidic electrolyzed water and ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) juice on the quality and myofibrillar protein structure of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) fillets during cold storage

This study aimed to investigate the effects of slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) pretreatment combined with ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) juice (GJ) on the quality, sensory characteristics, and myofibrillar protein structure of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix). The results revealed that the SAEW-GJ delayed microbial spoilage by reducing the total viable counts and Pseudomonas spp. Moreover, the freshness of silver carp fillets was maintained by maintaining lower total volatile base nitrogen (TVB-N), ATP-related compounds, and free amino acids (FAAs). SAEW-GJ delayed myofibrillar protein oxidations by inhibiting the generation of carbonyl groups and maintaining a higher Ca2+-ATPase activity and sulfhydryl content. We also observed that SAEW-GJ treatment maintained myofibrillar organized secondary structure by keeping higher α-helix content and stabilized tertiary structure during cold storage. These results suggested that the SAEW-GJ could be used to enhance the quality of silver carp and prolong the shelf life by at least 6 days during cold storage.

Time profiles of energy balance in dairy cows in association with metabolic status, inflammatory status, and disease

The early lactation period in dairy cows is characterized by complex interactions among energy balance (EB), disease, and alterations in metabolic and inflammatory status. The objective of this study was to cluster cows based on EB time profiles in early lactation and investigate the association between EB clusters and inflammatory status, metabolic status, oxidative stress, and disease. Holstein-Friesian dairy cows (n = 153) were selected and monitored for disease treatments during wk 1 to 6 in lactation. Weekly EB was calculated based on energy intake and energy requirements for maintenance and milk yield in wk 1 to 6 in lactation. Weekly plasma samples were analyzed for metabolic variables in wk 1 to 6, and inflammatory and oxidative stress variables in wk 1, 2, and 4 in lactation. Liver activity index (LAI) was computed from plasma albumin, cholesterol, and retino-binding protein concentration. First, cows were clustered based on time profiles of EB, resulting in 4 clusters (SP: stable positive; MN: mild negative; IN: intermediate negative; SN: severe negative). Cows in the SN cluster had higher plasma nonesterified fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, compared with cows in the SP cluster, with the MN and IN cluster being intermediate. Cows in the SN cluster had a higher milk yield, lower dry matter intake in wk 1, lower insulin concentration compared with cows in the SP cluster, and lower glucose and IGF-1 concentration compared with cows in the SP and MN clusters. Energy balance clusters were not related with plasma haptoglobin, cholesterol, albumin, paraoxonase, and liver activity index (LAI). Second, cows were grouped based on health status [IHP: cows with treatment for inflammatory health problem (endometritis, fever, clinical mastitis, vaginal discharge or retained placenta); OHP: cows with no IHP but treatment for other health problem (milk fever, cystic ovaries, claw, and leg problems, rumen and intestine problems or other diseases); NHP: cows with no treatments, in the first 6 weeks after calving]. Energy balance was not different among health status groups. The IHP cows had lower nonesterified fatty acids and greater insulin concentration in plasma compared with OHP. The IHP cows had lower plasma albumin concentration, lower LAI and higher haptoglobin concentration compared with OHP and NHP. Overall, EB time profiles were associated with the metabolic status of dairy cows in early lactation, but were only limitedly related with markers of inflammation and oxidative stress status. Inflammatory and metabolic status were related to disease events in early lactation and caused prolonged effects on liver metabolism.

The effect of agitating buffy coats on platelet quality before soft spin

BackgroundPlatelet plays a vital role in both physiological and pathological processes. However, the limited storage time of platelet in vitro poses an immense challenge for its applications because of the increased risk of bacterial contamination and platelet storage lesions. Agitation can inhibit lesions by facilitating continuous oxygenation of platelets and permitting excess carbon dioxide to be removed during storage. However, it is still not known whether agitating BCs gives a positive effect on platelet quality. Objectives: To evaluate the quality difference between platelet concentrates (PCs) from buffy coats (BCs) held rest and agitation. MethodsSamples were withdrawn for cell count, blood gas analysis, free hemoglobin level, hypotonic shock response, maximum aggregation rate, activation marker expression (CD62P and CD42b) and coagulation function. Results: We found the PCs prepared from the agitating BCs had fewer residual WBCs, exhibited a better gas exchange ability, slower metabolism (higher pH, higher content glucose, and lower lactic acid levels), better hypotonic shock response, and lower levels of CD62P. The TEG-PC assays showed no difference in coagulation function. Conclusion: Our findings showed that BC can be agitated overnight before a soft spin.

Simple Prototype Design of Phytoremediation Installation in Small Pilot Scale of Acid Mine Drainage Passive Treatment

Phytoremediation is usually applied to passively treat Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) by constructing a wetland. To increase the success of the AMD treatment method, laboratory trials were carried out on a pilot scale, and the experimental results were applied on an actual scale. Therefore, a simple design will be prepared for this research that replicates the wetland work system. This research aimed to produce a prototype that could be used for initial testing of phytoremediation on a smaller scale before being applied to field conditions. The installation design was created using Adobe Illustrator software. The trial lasted two months, using modified acid water and flowing it periodically as controlled droplets via an infusion tap into the media that used Typha sp and Pistia stratiotes L as phytoremediator agents. This equipment was tested with three acidity levels, 4, 5, and 6, repeated twice for two months. Results showed that the prototype was built using three buckets arranged in layers, each with its function. The phytoremediation process had successfully occurred in this study, and installation was suitable to support the process. There was a change in AMD acidity around the plants for five weeks and an increase in acidity the fourth week after treatment at the outlet. It could be seen that AMD with lower acidity levels resulted in greater plant damage in the sixth week, but Typha sp still showed resistance to an acidic environment.

Growth and quality parameters of oat (Avena sativa L.) cultivars as influenced by different cutting management in irrigated subtropical conditions

An investigation was conducted at SKUAST, Jammu, during Rabi 2018-19 and 2019-20 to assess the effect of different cutting managements on the growth and quality of multicut oat cultivars. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with 14 treatments and three replications. A severe drop in plant height and number of tillers/m2 was observed in double cut management system at maturity. Higher fresh and dry weight was recorded at the second cut than at the first cut, resulting in a higher forage yield. However, in the case of quality parameters, no significant difference among the treatments was recorded on the cuttings. Fodder oats harvested at 60 days after sowing (DAS) recorded higher crude protein and lower acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and hemicellulose when compared to those harvested at 105 DAS. Thus, on the basis of two years of experimentation, it was concluded that a single cut provides superior quality fodder. However, if an additional cut is taken at 105 DAS, there is a slight reduction in the quality of fodder, but higher fresh and dry weights of fodder are obtained. However, single-cut treatments recorded superior plant height, number of tillers, grain as well as straw weight. Among cultivars, JHO-2000-4 stood out in both the cutting managements in almost all the parameters.

OsAlR3 regulates aluminum tolerance through promoting the secretion of organic acids and the expression of antioxidant genes in rice

In acidic soils, aluminum (Al) toxicity inhibits the growth and development of plant roots and affects nutrient and water absorption, leading to reduced yield and quality. Therefore, it is crucial to investigate and identify candidate genes for Al tolerance and elucidate their physiological and molecular mechanisms under Al stress. In this study, we identified a new gene OsAlR3 regulating Al tolerance, and analyzed its mechanism from physiological, transcriptional and metabolic levels. Compared with the WT, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content were significantly increased, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and citric acid (CA) content were significantly decreased in the osalr3 mutant lines when exposed to Al stress. Under Al stress, the osalr3 exhibited decreased expression of antioxidant-related genes and lower organic acid content compared with WT. Integrated transcriptome and metabolome analysis showed the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway plays an important role in OsAlR3-mediated Al tolerance. Exogenous CA and oxalic acid (OA) could increase total root length and enhance the antioxidant capacity in the mutant lines under Al stress. Conclusively, we found a new gene OsAlR3 that positively regulates Al tolerance by promoting the chelation of Al ions through the secretion of organic acids, and increasing the expression of antioxidant genes.

Changes in cottonseed meal quality during post-harvest processing of cottonseed

This study investigates aflatoxin contamination levels during the post-harvest processing of whole cottonseed into defatted cottonseed meal, a critical feed component in the dairy industry. Whole fuzzy cottonseed, a byproduct of cotton gins, undergoes various processes to extract oil and produce meal and hulls. These are either used as animal feed or soil amendments. However, aflatoxin contamination poses significant challenges due to strict FDA action levels for dairy and beef cattle feed. This contamination occurs when Aspergillus flavus infects crops under specific environmental conditions or through improper handling during post-harvest processes. Our research aims to document aflatoxin levels during each stage of post-harvest processing, from cleaning to meal formation. Preliminary findings suggest that certain stages may concentrate aflatoxins akin to other agricultural products like dried distillers’ grains and solubles (DDGS). The implications of these findings could be profound for the dairy industry, where low allowable aflatoxin levels impact both economic and animal health outcomes. The cottonseed post-harvest process consists of cleaning, delinting, hull removal, kernel flaking, oil extraction, and meal formation. Understanding how aflatoxin levels change during these steps is crucial for ensuring safe and high-quality defatted cottonseed meal for livestock consumption. Microbial levels increased by 4 orders of magnitude during the acid delinting process, from 7.0× 105 to 5.2 × 109 CFU/g, and 5 orders of magnitude during the mechanical delinting process, from 7.3× 105 to 1.5 × 1010 CFU/g for the inoculated cottonseed samples. Higher microbial load was associated with lower protein levels and lower fat acidity levels. Further research will shed light on the effects of aflatoxin concentration on the nutritional value of the final product.

Augmenting the Quality and Shelf Life of Ras Cheese by Adding Microencapsulated Allspice Berry Extract Nanoemulsion

AbstractThe current study was achieved to increase phenolic compounds and antioxidant content in Ras cheese by microencapsulation of the nanoemulsion of extract from the berries of allspice. The microencapsulation of the extract nanoemulsion from the berries of allspice using maltodextrin, whey protein concentrate, and guar gum was prepared by a freeze-drying process. The extract was cured, and nanoemulsion forms were prepared and evaluated for the antimicrobial effect and phenolic compound content. The morphology of microcapsules was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The prepared microcapsules were added to Ras cheese using ratios (1, 2, and 3% (w/w)) and then stored for 120 days for ripening and examined chemically, microbiologically, and organoleptically. The results indicated that the allspice extract in both forms has shown an inhibitory effect on all microorganisms. Moreover, the major phenol compound in allspice berry extract was gallic acid with quantities of 15,991 µg/g. Furthermore, the microcapsule efficiency was recorded at 80.97% and spherical with a diameter of 380 µm, while the nanoemulsion of extract as the core has a size of around 320 nm. The total lactic acid bacteria counts in all samples gradually declined during the ripening period. The mold and yeast count was not detected in fresh cheeses and appeared for cheese control more than in cheese with the extract. Cheese control and treatments contained lower titratable acidity, total nitrogen, soluble nitrogen, and ash ratio than the other cheese with extract treatments. The total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) were increased through the storage period in all cheese treatments. Correspondingly, Ras cheese acceptability for sensory evaluation increased during the ripening periods in all treatments, whereas cheese supplemented with 1% microcapsules ranked the highest score for flavor and body and texture during storage gaining a high accepted point of 93.62.

Effect of dapagliflozin on uric acid in patients with chronic heart failure and hyperuricemia

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) frequently develop hyperuricemia, an elevated serum uric acid level, associated with adverse outcomes. Dapagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor, demonstrates reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization in patients with CHF and ejection fraction (HFrEF), irrespective of diabetes. However, dapagliflozin’s effect on the uric acid levels in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia remain unclear. AIM To investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on uric acid levels in CHF patients with hyperuricemia. METHODS We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 200 patients with CHF and hyperuricemia, with HFrEF and serum uric acid levels ≥ 7 mg/dL (≥ 416 μmol/L). The participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 10 mg dapagliflozin or placebo for 24 months. The primary endpoint was the change in serum uric acid level from baseline to 24 months. Secondary endpoints included changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and quality of life (QoL) scores, as well as the incidence of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure. RESULTS At 24 months, dapagliflozin significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by 1.2 mg/dL (71 μmol/L) compared with placebo (95%CI: -1.5 to -0.9; P < 0.001). Dapagliflozin also significantly improved LVEF by 3.5% (95%CI: 2.1-4.9; P < 0.001), NT-proBNP by 25% (95%CI: 18-32; P < 0.001), and QoL scores by 10 points (95%CI: 7-13; P < 0.001) and reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure by 35% (95%CI: 15–50; P = 0.002) compared with the placebo. Adverse events were similar between the two groups, except for a higher rate of genital infections in the dapagliflozin group (10% vs 2%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin significantly lowered serum uric acid levels and improved the clinical outcomes in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia. Therefore, dapagliflozin may be a useful therapeutic option for this high-risk population.

Phosphoric Acid Electrolyte Uptake and Retention Analysis on UiO‐66‐NH2 Polybenzimidazole Nanocomposite Membranes

ABSTRACTHigh‐temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs) have a major advantage over low‐temperature fuel cells due to their better tolerance to higher carbon monoxide content in the hydrogen feed, simpler fuel processing, and better heat management. However, a key challenge in the development of HT‐PEMFCs is the potential for acid leaching from phosphoric acid‐doped polybenzimidazole membranes, which can reduce overall fuel cell performance. This study investigates the effect of post‐synthetic modification of the UiO‐66‐NH2 metal–organic framework (MOF) on the acid electrolyte uptake and retention of MOF/poly(4,4ʹ‐diphenylether‐5,5ʹ‐bibenzimidazole) (OPBI) nanocomposite membranes. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to correlate the membrane properties with acid uptake. This work revealed that the presence of MOF with functional groups that can form hydrogen bonds with phosphoric acid molecules was able to alleviate the acid retention in the OPBI membrane with lower acid uptake. TGA demonstrated that the lower bound moisture content in the nanocomposite membranes was correlated to the lower acid uptake. In addition, the thermal stability of the nanocomposite membranes was found to improve.

Estrogen deficiency reduces maximal running capacity and affects serotonin levels differently in the hippocampus and nucleus accumbens in response to acute exercise.

Estrogen deficiency is associated with unfavorable changes in body composition and metabolic health. While physical activity ameliorates several of the negative effects, loss of ovarian function is associated with decreased physical activity levels. It has been proposed that the changes in brain neurochemical levels and /or impaired skeletal muscle function may underlie this phenomenon. We studied the effect of estrogen deficiency induced via ovariectomy (OVX) in female Wistar rats (n = 64). Rats underwent either sham or OVX surgery and were allocated thereafter into four groups matched for body mass and maximal running capacity: sham/control, sham/max, OVX/control, and OVX/max, of which the max groups had maximal running test before euthanasia to induce acute response to exercise. Metabolism, spontaneous activity, and maximal running capacity were measured before (PRE) and after (POST) the surgeries. Three months following the surgery, rats were euthanized, and blood and tissue samples harvested. Proteins were analyzed from gastrocnemius muscle and retroperitoneal adipose tissue via Western blot. Brain neurochemical markers were measured from nucleus accumbens (NA) and hippocampus (HC) using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography. OVX had lower basal energy expenditure and higher body mass and retroperitoneal adipose tissue mass compared with sham group (p ≤ 0.005). OVX reduced maximal running capacity by 17% (p = 0.005) with no changes in muscle mass or phosphorylated form of regulatory light chain (pRLC) in gastrocnemius muscle. OVX was associated with lower serotonin metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) level in the NA compared with sham (p = 0.007). In response to acute exercise, OVX was associated with low serotonin level in the HC and high level in the NA (p ≤ 0.024). Our results highlight that OVX reduces maximal running capacity and affects the response of brain neurochemical levels to acute exercise in a brain region-specific manner. These results may offer mechanistic insight into why OVX reduces willingness to exercise.

Preparation and characterization of nanotitania@fatty acid modified quartz sand proppant with super-hydrophobic and oleophilic properties

In this work, long-chain fatty acid (lauric acid (LA), myristate acid (MA) or stearic acid (SA))@nanotantia (TiO2) composites (LATC, MATC and SATC) are applied to modify the surface of the quartz sand proppant (LATC@sand, MATC@sand, and SATC@sand proppant) to achieve excellent hydrophobic and oleophilic properties. The water contact angle (WCA) increases with increasing long chain length of the fatty acid. The WCA of SATC@sand proppant even reaches 157.9°, indicating a super-hydrophobic behavior. Moreover, after putting in boiling water for 4 hours, the SATC@sand proppant still exhibits super-hydrophobic property with WCA of 156.2°. Compared with LATC@sand and MATC@sand proppant, the SATC@sand proppant displays better thermal stability, and the thermal decomposition temperature of SATC@sand proppant is at about 170°C. Meanwhile, the SATC@sand proppant demonstrates relative lower acid solubility, bulk density (13.1 g/cm3) and apparent density (2.24 g/cm3) than raw sand proppant, indicating SATC@sand proppant shows great potential for using in hydraulic fracturing to increase petroleum production.

Correlation between short-chain fatty acids and peri-implant disease: A cross-sectional study.

To explore the correlation between short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) and peri-implant diseases. PISF samples were obtained from implants that have been placed for at least 5years, and peri-implant clinical parameters were examined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to detect SCFAs in PISF. The correlation between SCFAs and clinical parameters was analyzed by Spearman's correlation. SCFAs related to peri-implant disease were identified by logistic regression and ranked by random forest analysis. Eighty-six implants were divided into a peri-implant health group (PIH-group, 35 implants), peri-implant mucositis group (PIM-group, 25 implants), and peri-implantitis group (PI-group, 26 implants) according to clinical and radiographic examination results. The PIM-group had significantly lower formic acid detection rate than the other two groups (p<0.001). The PIM-group had significantly higher levels of acetic, propionic, and isovaleric acids than the PIH-group (p<0.05). The PI-group had significantly higher levels of propionic, butyric, isobutyric, valeric, and isovaleric acids than the PIH-group (p<0.05). The PI-group had significantly higher levels of butyric, isobutyric, and isovaleric acids than the PIM-group (p<0.05). SCFAs (apart from hexanoic and succinic acids) were significantly and positively correlated with clinical parameters (p<0.05). SCFAs related to peri-implant disease were ranked as follows: butyric, isovaleric, isobutyric, propionic, acetic, formic, and lactic acids. Elevated specific SCFAs are correlated with peri-implant disease. Recognition of this correlation may help in early identification of peri-implant disease and guide further clinical interventions.

The Impact of Chlorella vulgaris Fortification on the Nutritional Composition and Quality Characteristics of Beef Burgers.

Chlorella vulgaris (C.V) is known for its high protein and nutrient contents and has been touted as a potential functional ingredient in food products. For this study, beef burgers were formulated with varying levels of Chlorella vulgaris fortification (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% by weight). The nutritional composition, including proximate analysis and mineral content, was determined for each treatment group. The quality characteristics evaluated included thiobarbituric acid (TBA), total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN), pH, and total acidity. The study included extracting the active substances from Chlorella vulgaris using three solvents, 50% ethanol, 95% ethanol, and water, to evaluate the effect on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. The results showed that the water extract had the highest total phenolic content (183.5 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram) and the highest flavonoid content (54 mg quercetin per gram). The aqueous extract had the highest content of total antioxidants, followed by the 95% ethanol and 50% ethanol extracts. Meanwhile, the 50% ethanol extract showed the best antimicrobial activity, while the aqueous extract had less of an effect on Gram-positive bacteria and no effect on E. coli. For the burger treatments, at the end of the storage period, it was observed that the microbial load of the treatments decreased compared to the control, and there was a high stability in the total volatile base nitrogen (TVBN) values for the treatments compared to the control, reaching a value of 22.4 at month 5, which is well above the acceptable limit, indicating spoilage. The pH values were higher for all of the treatments, with a lower total acidity for all of the treatments compared to the control. In conclusion, utilizing Chlorella vulgaris algae as a natural preservative to extend the freshness of burgers is a sustainable and innovative approach to food preservation. By harnessing the power of this green superfood, we not only enhance the shelf life of our food products but also contribute to a healthier and more environmentally friendly food industry.

Influence of thermophilic and mesophilic cultures blended with buffalo milk on camel milk cheese quality and proteolysis

SummaryCamel milk and its products are gaining higher demand due to their attractive nutritional and therapeutic profile. However, manufacturing of camel milk cheese (CMC) is a challenging task. This study aimed to compare the quality of camel milk cheese made using different starter cultures. Four groups CM (camel milk + mesophilic cultures), CT (camel milk + thermophilic cultures), CBM (camel milk + 10% buffalo milk using mesophilic cultures), and CBT (camel milk + 10% buffalo milk using thermophilic cultures) were created. The cheeses were stored for 60 days at 4 °C to assess their physicochemical, sensory, and proteolytic properties. Results indicated highest moisture content in CM (70.19%) as opposed to the lowest moisture in CBT (55.19%). In addition, CM and CBM revealed lower acidity (0.63% and 0.66%) in contrast with CT and CBT (0.78% and 0.83%, respectively). On the other hand, CBM and CBT exhibited higher contents of protein (21.04, 21.57%) and fat (17.65, 17.70%) during storage. All quality indices of cheese samples significantly declined (P &lt; 0.01) during storage excluding acidity. Sensory analyses revealed that panellists highly preferred CBT treatment followed by CBM and CT. Furthermore, urea‐PAGE and RP‐HPLC were performed for the proteolytic study of cheese samples. The study revealed that the presence of buffalo milk and thermophilic cultures in cheese resulted in a decrease concentration of intact caseins (αs1, β‐, and κ‐caseins) as storage days passed. The degree of proteolysis was found to be higher in CBT compared to CBM, CT, and CM. Based on the results, it was concluded that the use of pasteurisation at 65 °C for 30 min, pH of 5.5, 0.06% CaCl2, and the incorporation of 10% buffalo milk using thermophilic cultures (Lactobaccilus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus) resulted in desirable quality characteristics.

Comparative study of mango cultivars at the ready-to-eat stage: The case of Western Crete, Greece, a cool subtropic region of the Mediterranean

With the expansion of the mango consumer market, exports of the product have increased. The harvest time effects quality characteristics, which identify the quality and consequently the price of the product. Greece is very close to the European markets, so mango fruits can be transferred at a ready-to-eat stage and minimize the distance between harvest maturity and edibility. On this research we studied the characteristics of twelve mango cultivars (‘Carrie’, ‘Keitt’, ‘Kensington’, ‘Kent’, ‘Lippens’, ‘Osteen’, ‘Palmer’, ‘Sabre’, ‘Sensation’, ‘Tommy Atkins’, ‘Van Dyke’ and ‘Zill’) in Greece. The parameters measured were the harvest time, fruit weight and size, fruit firmness, juice pH, soluble solid components, dry matter, ascorbic acid, total sugars and acidity. The first fruits were harvested ready-to-eat, at the first days of August. Fruit firmness was from 4.28 K/cm2 (‘Sensation’), to 1.55 (‘Lippens’). The pH level ranged from 3.64 (‘Van Dyke’) to 4.52 (‘Osteen’). Total soluble solids were 19.84% Brix in ‘Kent’, different from ‘Osteen’ (16.33%). ‘Kent’ had the highest dry matter concentration (25.3%). The higher amount of ascorbic acid (Vit C) was measured in ‘Palmer’ (82.79 mg/100 g juice). Total sugar was the highest in ‘Tommy Atkins’ (24.82 g glucose/100 g juice) and the lowest in ‘Palmer’ (6.51 g glucose/100 g juice). The lowest acidity was observed in ‘Lippens’ (0.16%). Our results indicate that Greece can offer fruit production of high quality, at the ready-to-eat stage. Our results are the first data of mango cultivation in Greece, a region of Europe where mango crop is gaining ground on the market.

Faecal Short-Chain, Long-Chain, and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids as Markers of Different Chronic Inflammatory Enteropathies in Dogs

Chronic inflammatory enteropathies (CIEs) are classified based on treatment trials, and new methods are being sought for earlier differentiation and characterization. Giardia infection (GIA) is one of the first differential diagnoses and may be present in CIE-affected dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the faecal characteristics and faecal fatty acid profile (short, medium, long, and branched-chain fatty acids) in dogs with food-responsive enteropathy (FRE), immunosuppressant-responsive enteropathy (IRE), and dogs infected with Giardia compared to healthy control (HC) animals as a potential non-invasive indicator of intestinal health that helps in the differentiation of CIEs. The C16:1n-7 percentage (p = 0.0001) and C16:1n-7/C16:0 ratio (p = 0.0001) served to differentiate between HC, FRE, and IRE. IRE dogs presented lower levels of short-chain fatty acids (∑SCFAs) (p = 0.0008) and acetic acid (C2) (p = 0.0007) compared to the other three groups and lower propionic acid (C3) (p = 0.0022) compared to HCs. IRE and GIA presented higher faecal fat content (p = 0.0080) and ratio of iso/anteiso branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) compared to HC and FRE. Correlations between some fatty acids and desaturation indices with the canine inflammatory bowel disease activity index and faecal characteristics were observed, suggesting that these compounds could play an important role in the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Association between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and osteoporosis risk in Parkinson's disease: a cross-sectional study.

To examine the correlation between serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and osteoporosis (OP) in Parkinson's disease (PD). We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 105 PD patients (PD group) and 78 individuals in the health examination group (HC group). We compared general clinical data and serum IGF-1 levels between the two groups. PD patients were further categorized into PD with OP (50 cases) and PD without OP (55 cases) based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) results for bone density. We compared general clinical data and serum IGF-1 levels between these two subgroups. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between serum IGF-1 levels and bone density at the lumbar spine and left femoral neck. Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for PD with OP. Serum IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in the PD group compared to the HC group (P < 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis revealed a positive association between serum IGF-1 levels and both lumbar spine and left femoral neck bone densities (r = 0.653, P < 0.001; r = 0.625, P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified decreased serum IGF-1 levels, lower uric acid levels, and higher H-Y stage as risk factors for PD with OP (P < 0.05). Reduced levels of serum IGF-1, uric acid, and an increased H-Y stage are closely linked to osteoporosis in PD. Elevating serum levels of IGF-1 and uric acid may potentially offer therapeutic avenues for PD with osteoporosis.

Influence of cultivar on quality parameters of pecans produced in Southern Brazil

Pecan nut is a good source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Among other factors, genotypes can greatly influence both antioxidants and bioactive compounds. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of cultivars on the physicochemical composition of pecan nuts [Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch] produced in the South of Brazil. Twenty- six cultivars of pecan nuts, grown in the same location, were analyzed for kernel length and diameter, peroxide index, acidity value, color, fatty acid profile, and tocopherols. The findings revealed a substantial effect of cultivar type on the physicochemical attributes of pecan nuts. Several cultivars stood out in distinct aspects, such as the 'Caddo', showcasing a lighter and golden hue, and the 'Melhorada', exhibiting greater size and mass. Multivariate analysis facilitated the differentiation among cultivars, providing valuable insights into their composition and stability. Some cultivars showed heightened oxidation parameters, while others demonstrated lower acidity and peroxide values. Elevated levels of monounsaturated fatty acids were observed in the 'Elliot' (55.57 %) and ‘Desirable’ (53.54 %) cultivars, whereas the 'Chickasaw' distinguished itself with a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (41.95 %) and the antioxidant γ-tocopherol (717.96 mg/100 g). Since there is limited information available on the composition of pecan nuts produced in the South of Brazil, the information provided here will be valuable for a better understanding of the potential of different cultivars.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid and the Outcomes in Older Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation.

A lower serum eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) to arachidonic acid (AA) ratio (EPA/AA) level correlates with cardiovascular events. Nevertheless, elevated serum EPA levels increase the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in older patients. The relationship between the EPA/AA and outcomes post-AF ablation remains unclear. This study investigated the impact of the EPA/AA on AF recurrence and cardiovascular events after AF ablation in older patients. This retrospective cohort study examined consecutive patients with AF aged ≥65 years who underwent a first-time AF ablation. We compared the 3-year AF recurrence and 5-year major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) rates between patients divided into high and low EPA/AA levels defined as above and below the median EPA/AA value before ablation. MACE was defined as heart failure hospitalizations, strokes, coronary artery disease, major bleeding, and cardiovascular death. Among the 673 included patients, the median EPA/AA value was 0.35. Compared with the low EPA/AA group, the high EPA/AA group had a significantly higher cumulative incidence of AF recurrence (39.3% versus 27.6%; log-rank P=0.004) and lower cumulative incidence of MACE (13.8% versus 25.5%, log-rank P=0.021). A high EPA/AA level was determined as an independent predictor of AF recurrence (hazard ratio [HR], 1.75 95% CI, 1.24-2.49; P=0.002) and MACE (HR, 0.60 [95% CI, 0.36-0.99]; P=0.046). The EPA/AA was associated with AF recurrence and MACE after ablation in patients with AF aged ≥65 years.