Pigment Grains Research Articles

The bioavailability of polyphenols following acute consumption of pigmented barley and wheat.

Polyphenols from pigmented cereal grains exert health-promoting effects but data on their bioavailability are limited. This study investigated the acute bioavailability of polyphenols from the consumption of pigmented whole grain cereal porridges, including purple barley (PB), purple wheat (PW), and blue wheat (BW), compared to a non-pigmented regular wheat (RW). A secondary objective was to assess their effects on plasma antioxidant and inflammatory status postprandially. Phenolic characterisation and antioxidant profiling were performed on extracts from the cooked cereals. Three healthy individuals consumed 200 g of a cereal in a 4-way crossover trial with a one-week washout in between meals. Blood samples were collected at fasting baseline, 30 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours and 4 hours postprandially. Urine samples were collected at fasting baseline and the 4-hour time point. Pigmented grains exhibited significantly higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) compared to RW. This suggests that pigmented grains may be a better source of polyphenols and potentially offer greater health benefits. However, polyphenol bioavailability following pigmented grain consumption was reduced (less than 6%), suggesting that a substantial fraction remained unabsorbed. The bioavailable phenolic compounds detected included phenolic acids (protocatechuic and caffeic acid), hippuric acid and other phenolic metabolites. Interpersonal variability and the type of grain consumed had an impact on the absorption and excretion of phenolic acids. Only PW consumption resulted in significant (p < 0.01) increases in plasma antioxidant status but no short-term impact on the inflammatory status. This study provides valuable insights into the complex dynamics of polyphenol bioavailability from pigmented cereal consumption and warrants further investigation.

Dehesilla Cave Rock Paintings (Cádiz, Spain): Analysis and Contextualisation within the Prehistoric Art of the Southern Iberian Peninsula

Abstract A systematic survey of Dehesilla Cave was carried out during 2017 in order to search for traces of rock art. Several panels with paintings were identified in the chamber next to the entrance (consisting of strokes, dots, stains, and remnants of shapes in red and black), which had remained unnoticed up until now and may provide relevant information towards the understanding of the prehistoric use of the cave and its seemingly symbolic topography. However, we cannot assume a priori a relationship between these paintings and the well-known Neolithic sequence of the site. To assess these paintings, we have analysed photomicrographs which have allowed us to determine their detailed characteristics, stroke morphology, and remnant features (for instance, hue, shape, density of paint, pigment grain size, micro-stroke traces left by the tools used). Taphonomic issues have also been considered and several physical and chemical techniques of analysis have been applied in order to identify the pigments and possible binders.

Study on the Skincare Effects of Red Rice Fermented by Aspergillus oryzae In Vitro.

Red rice, a variety of pigmented grain, serves dual purposes as both a food and medicinal resource. In recent years, we have witnessed an increasing interest in the dermatological benefits of fermented rice extracts, particularly their whitening and hydrating effects. However, data on the skincare advantages derived from fermenting red rice with Aspergillus oryzae remain sparse. This study utilized red rice as a substrate for fermentation by Aspergillus oryzae, producing a substance known as red rice Aspergillus oryzae fermentation (RRFA). We conducted a preliminary analysis of RRFA's composition followed by an evaluation of its skincare potential through various in vitro tests. Our objective was to develop a safe and highly effective skincare component for potential cosmetic applications. RRFA's constituents were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), Kjeldahl nitrogen determination, the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We employed human dermal fibroblasts (FB) to assess RRFA's anti-aging and antioxidative properties, immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells) and 3D epidermal models to examine its moisturizing and reparative capabilities, and human primary melanocytes (MCs) to study its effects on skin lightening. Our findings revealed that RRFA encompasses several bioactive compounds beneficial for skin health. RRFA can significantly promote the proliferation of FB cells. And it markedly enhances the mRNA expression of ECM-related anti-aging genes and reduces reactive oxygen species production. Furthermore, RRFA significantly boosts the expression of Aquaporin 3 (AQP3), Filaggrin (FLG), and Hyaluronan Synthase 1 (HAS1) mRNA, alongside elevating moisture levels in a 3D epidermal model. Increases were also observed in the mRNA expression of Claudin 1 (CLDN1), Involucrin (IVL), and Zonula Occludens-1 (ZO-1) in keratinocytes. Additionally, RRFA demonstrated an inhibitory effect on melanin synthesis. Collectively, RRFA contains diverse ingredients which are beneficial for skin health and showcases multifaceted skincare effects in terms of anti-aging, antioxidant, moisturizing, repairing, and whitening capabilities in vitro, highlighting its potential for future cosmetic applications.

Effect of gastrointestinal digestion on the stability, antioxidant activity, and Caco-2 cellular transport of pigmented grain polyphenols.

Grain polyphenols are known to possess several health properties. However, their digestive stability and intestinal absorption have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the fate of pigmented grain polyphenols in the digestive system. Purple rice, purple barley, purple wheat, and blue wheat extracts were subjected to simulated gastric and intestinal phase digestion, followed by Caco-2 cellular transport. Phenolic profiling and antioxidant activity were determined using benchtop assays and an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid free radical) (UHPLC-ABTS•+) system. The results demonstrated a decrease in the total phenolic content of extracts after digestion, with purple rice extract retaining the highest phenolic content (79%) and ABTS•+antioxidant activity (31%). Antioxidant activity was retained the most during the gastric phase; however, dominant antioxidant compounds were not detected after intestinal digestion. Significant variations in phenolic composition and radical scavenging activity were detected after digestion. Protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, apigenin, and chrysoeriol were all transported across the intestinal barrier. The findings of this study provide novel insights into the in vitro stability and antioxidant activity of cereal grain polyphenols after simulated digestion.

Assessment of morphological features of skin and hair cover of Karakul lambs (South of Kazakhstan).

The relevance of the present research is related to the great importance of Karakul sheep breeding in Kazakhstan and the insufficient investigation of morphological features of the skin and hair cover of Karakul lambs in modern literature. The purpose of the research was to explore the specific features of hair pigmentation and histological structure of the skin of Karakul lambs of different colour groups: black, sur, grey, and brown. The work involved the standard methods of assessing the pigment content in the hair of lambs and methods of histological studies. The study utilised statistical methods including the Kolmogorov-Smirnov criterion, one-factor analysis of variance, Fisher's F-criterion, and the Bonferroni method, with data processed through the "PASW Statistics 17" and "Statistica 6.0" software packages. The results of the research demonstrate that the pigment content in the hair of new-born Karakul lambs depends on their colouring. Differences in pigment precipitation between different colour groups of lambs were established: pigment grains in black hairs and suras were larger, in comparison with brown and grey hairs, in which pigment was represented by the smallest grains. At the age of 19days, no significant changes in the colouring of the lambs examined were found (p > 0.05), whereas on reaching 4months of age, depigmentation (p < 0.05) was noted in all colour groups, which was slower in black lambs.

Bioaccessibility and Antioxidant Activity of Polyphenols from Pigmented Barley and Wheat.

Polyphenols in pigmented cereals are believed to enhance health outcomes through their antioxidant properties. This study aimed to characterise polyphenols from Hordeum vulgare (purple barley), Triticum turgidum (purple wheat) and Triticum aestivum (blue wheat) in order to evaluate their bioaccessibility and antioxidant activity. An ultra-high performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry coupled with an online 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) system was used to identify the polyphenols and quantify their relative antioxidant levels. Simulated gastrointestinal digestion of the cereals allowed for the assessment of polyphenol bioaccessibility using benchtop assays. Between cereals, the bioaccessible phenolic content was similar following digestion, but the antioxidant activity was significantly different (purple barley &gt; purple wheat &gt; blue wheat; p &lt; 0.01). Among the polyphenols identified, flavan-3-ols and anthocyanins were the least bioaccessible whereas flavones were the most bioaccessible after digestion. This study demonstrated that these pigmented cereal varieties are sources of bioaccessible polyphenols with antioxidant activity. These findings may aid in utilising these pigmented grains for the future design and development of novel functional food products with enhanced health properties.

Anthocyanin profile and main antioxidants in pigmented wheat grains and related millstream fractions

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesIncreasing evidence has shown the potential for foods made from anthocyanin‐rich cereal grains to reduce the development and progression of many degenerative chronic diseases. Among cereals, only pigmented rice and maize have been used for food production, whereas for blue and purple wheat grains the food industry has been more limited. In light of this, the present study was aimed at characterizing the whole meal, bran, and flour of the blue bread wheat “Sebesta Blue‐2” and the purple durum wheats “T‐1303” and “‘ELS 6304‐56” in relation to their total phenolic content (TPC), total proanthocyanidin content (TPrC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and total antioxidant activity (TAA) determined spectrophotometrically, and their anthocyanin profile and TAC determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) (TACHPLC).FindingsAmong the milling fractions, the bran showed the highest phytochemical content and antioxidant activity, with values 1.6–8.3‐ and 4.0–9.3‐fold higher than those observed in the whole meal and flour, respectively. Among genotypes, the highest phytochemical content and antioxidant activity were observed in Sebesta Blue‐2, followed by T‐1303 and ELS 6304‐56. The strongest differences among genotypes concerned the TACHPLC, with values that in Sebesta Blue‐2 were 4.8‐ and 14.1‐fold higher than T‐1303 and ELS 6304‐56, respectively. Multivariate analysis highlighted the best profile in terms of phytochemical content and antioxidant activity in the bran of Sebesta Blue‐2 with very high values of TPC, TPrC, glycosylated anthocyanins, and TAA, followed by the bran of T‐1303, with high‐to‐very high values of TPC, TPrC, anthocyanins and TAA, and the whole meal of Sebesta Blue‐2, with high values of glycosylated anthocyanins and intermediate values of TPC, TPrC, and TAA.ConclusionsThe bran of Sebesta Blue‐2 and T‐1303 could be used as an additive in cereal‐based fortified‐functional foods or could be further processed to produce nutraceutical supplements. The whole meal of Sebesta Blue‐2 could be used as starting material for the preparation of baked products rich in health‐promoting compounds.Significance and noveltyThe present study is one of the few studies to report the anthocyanin profile for the milling fractions of pigmented grains and is the first to report the existence of proanthocyanidins in blue and purple wheat grains and their milling fractions.

Treating Smalt: A Preliminary SEM-EDX Study of the Effects of Aqueous-based Alkaline Conservation Treatments on Smalt in Wall Paintings

ABSTRACT Smalt is a blue cobalt-coloured glass pigment used in European wall paintings from the early Renaissance period that became a popular choice for artists due to its unique tone, availability, and versatility. The pigment has long been considered as stable in an alkaline environment since it was applied with lime-based techniques and generally retained its colour over time. This perceived stability has meant that aqueous-based alkaline treatments, often involving high pH values, substantial quantities of liquid, and long contact times, have been used in conservation treatments. However, studies of the kinetics of glass deterioration in the past few years have demonstrated that glass is highly reactive in contact with water and substances with both high and low pH values. Research into smalt deterioration in canvas paintings has shown that smalt is susceptible to elemental leaching and physical changes in contact with water and low pH values; however, there is little specific information about the conservation implications of these findings on the treatment of smalt in wall paintings. This experimental study explores several aspects of how aqueous-based alkaline conservation treatments affect smalt grains in lime-based wall paintings: the influence of painting technique, exposure of the pictorial layer to water before treatment, and pH values and contact times during treatment. Replicas representing three different painting techniques were created, exposed to liquid water or water vapour, and treated with three substances commonly used in conservation according to accepted practices in terms of preparation and application. Chemical and physical changes in the pigment were then analysed using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Results confirmed that aqueous-based alkaline substances provoke chemical changes as well as physical deterioration in smalt applied in lime-based techniques evidenced by leaching, corrosion, and cracking in the pigment grains. Crucial factors found to influence the impact of treatments on smalt included the previous exposure to humidity of the pictorial layer, the pH value of the treatment, and extended contact times.

Colored grains: Chemistry, health benefits and processing

Grains are important part of our diet and among them colored grains are getting more research interest among scientist due to their enhanced nutritional, antioxidant and health promoting properties. According to different studies anthocyanins like cyanidin, malvidin, delphinidin, petunidin, peonidin and pelargonidin glycosides were identified and quantified in different colored grains like rice, maize, barley and wheat mainly by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. Antioxidant activity of these pigmented grains cereals are measured using DPPH, FRAP, ORAC and ABTS assays and it was found to be related to the total anthocyanin content. Currently researches are being conducted on baked and extruded products from colored cereals like bread, biscuit, muffins, pasta, noodles etc. Application of colored grains are limited in to food colorants and in small scale as functional food products due to the thermal stability related issue of the bioactive compounds in colored grains and this area should be taken more in to consideration to stabilize these compounds and to introduce these pigmented grain based products to consumers in large scale after proper market analysis.

Variability in resistant starch, vitamins, carotenoids, phytochemicals and in-vitro antioxidant properties among diverse pigmented grains

Maize, sorghum, quinoa and rice are important grains which serve as the major source of carbohydrates and micronutrients in the diet. Apart from their normal color, these crops are also cultivated in different colors among diverse regions of the world. In the present study, various pigmented grains including maize, sorghum, rice and quinoa of different color were evaluated for their nutrients, anti-nutrients, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. Resistant starch, amylose, total starch, and damaged starch contents varied significantly (p < 0.05) among the evaluated samples. Water soluble vitamins, tocols and carotenoids showed wide variability among the grains. The findings showed riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid and total folic acid content were found significantly (p < 0.05) higher in red sorghum (177.01 μg/100 g), orange maize (2233.98 μg/100 g), red quinoa (1361.16 μg/100 g) and black quinoa (147.33 μg/100 g), respectively. Total tocopherols and tocotrienols ranged from 35.33 to 192.72 and 17.03 to 231.39 μg/100 g, respectively. Total phenolic, flavonoid and anthocyanin content varied significantly (p < 0.05) and were recorded between 282.12 to 900.54 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g, 120.29 to 174.11 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g and 13.44 to 197.04 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents (CGE)/100 g, respectively. The total proanthocyanidin content varied significantly among pigmented grains and ranged from 2.11 to 32.18 mg catechin equivalent (CE)/100 g. The free radical scavenging activity evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) varied significantly among samples and was observed between 13.52 to 56.89% and 32.01 to 65.10%, respectively. Reducing power and metal chelating activity varied significantly among pigmented grains and were observed between 3.04 to 5.98 mol ascorbic acids equivalents (Mol AAE)/100 g and 56 to 67.1%, respectively. Maroon maize had the highest phytic acid content of 609.21 mg/100 g. The bioaccessibility of iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) was found to be higher for both black and red quinoa. Overall, red and black quinoa had low content of phytic acid and high content of nutrient than other pigmented grains evaluated.

Scattering and Absorption Coefficients of Biological Chlorophyll Pigmented Grains in Aqueous Suspension

Chlorophyll pigmented grains were extracted from leaves of palm trees and maintained in aqueous solutions containing an organic solvent. Their transmittance spectra were measured for visible wavelengths, from 400 to 700 nm. Four dissolutions were prepared to consider different pigment concentrations. The transmittance measurements show a somewhat spectrally structured band between 474 and 650 nm, limited by the light extinction (scattering + absorption) due to the pigments.

Assessment of Antioxidant Potential of Lutein, a Retinol Equivalent Carotenoid in Medicinal Landrace of Rice ‘Kavuni’

Background: Indigenous traditional coloured rices are rich in dietary fibre, resistant starch, minerals, bioactive compounds and antioxidants like anthocyanins, luteins and phenols. Kavuni is one such brownish black medical landrace of rice considered as nutrition supplement since 400BC as it cures gastritis, peptic ulcer and also enhances blood circulation and known for its anti diabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lutein is the only dietary oxycarotenoid found in both the macula and lens of the human eye, and acts as blocker of blue light damage, quench reactive oxygen species, prevent age related macular degeneration, cataracts, cardiovascular disease and lung cancer.&#x0D; Aim: The objective of the present investigation was to characterize the lutein content and antioxidant potential of Kavuni and released mega varieties of rice (ASD 16, Swarna Sub1) and its derivatives obtained from crosses ASD 16 and Kavuni; Swarna Sub1 and Kavuni.&#x0D; Methodology &amp; Results: It was found that lutein (quantified by HPLC) was much higher in Kavuni (225 µg/100 g) compared with white rice varieties (ASD 16-15 µg/100g and Swarna Sub1-21 µg/100 g) and the DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging ability (for quantification of antioxidant potential) were in the order (Kavuni &gt;&gt;ASD16, Swarna Sub1. Pigmented grain genotypes having higher lutein content had higher percentage of free radical scavenging activity of DPPH and lower IC50 values compared to non pigmented genotypes.&#x0D; Conclusion: It is conceivable that the medicinal landraces of rice could be exploited as one of the potential sources for plant - based pharmaceutical products.

Differentiation between Iron-II-Sulphate (Copperas) Staining and Natural Ochre Pigmented Lime Finishes on Lime Plaster

ABSTRACT Warm yellow facades, popular for centuries and throughout the world, were typically painted with ochre but could be copperas-based. Copperas is iron sulphate mixed with lime, and oxidation produces a golden colour. Usually, the methods are distinguished by appearance. Knowing the original painting method is critical for historical context and conservation, so the research program evaluated characterization methods to supplement visual assessment. Mock-up lime plaster boards were painted with copperas and yellow ochre paints. XRF, optical microscopy, SEM, EDS and XRD were conducted on surface samples, cross sections, and particles. Results show plaster staining for copperas solutions, optical differences of paint particles in crossed polars, and differences in surface morphology of finishes and pigment grains. The experimental program revealed how strongly the preparation of materials and application technique impacts the appearance and properties of the resulting finishes.

Insight into the effects of moisture and layer build-up on the formation of lead soaps using micro-ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging of complex painted stratigraphies

Metal soaps are formed in paint layers thorough the reaction of metal ions of pigments and fatty acids of organic binders. In this study, micro-ATR-FTIR spectroscopic imaging was used to analyse the formation of lead soaps in oil-based paint layers in relation to their exposure to moisture sources. The investigations were carried out on authentic samples of complex stratigraphies from cold painted terracotta statues (Sacred Mount, Varallo, UNESCO) and different IR-active lead white pigments, organic materials, and lead soaps were discriminated. The saponification of selected paint layers was correlated to the conservation history, the manufacturing technique, and the build-up of layers. The presence of hydrophilic layers within the stratigraphy and their role as a further water source are discussed. Furthermore, the modifications experienced by lead-based pigments from the core of an intact grain of pigment towards the newly formed decay phases were investigated via a novel approach based on shift of the peak for the corresponding spectral bands and their integrated absorbance in the ATR-FTIR spectra. Qualitative information on the spatial distribution from the chemical images was combined with quantitative information on the peak shift to evaluate the different manufacture (lead carbonate, basic lead carbonate) or the extent of decay undergone by the lead-based pigments as a function of their grain size, contiguous layers, and moisture source. Similar results, having a high impact on heritage science and analytical chemistry, allow developing up-to-date conservation strategies by connecting an advanced knowledge of the materials to the social and conservation history of artefacts.

Physicochemical characterization of building and painting materials from the Ptolemaic Osirian catacombs of Karnak temples, Upper Egypt

This study reports the first analytical study conducted on samples of fired bricks, bedding mortar and plaster layers collected from the catacombs of Ptolemy IV Philopator at Karnak temples, Upper Egypt. These unique constructions comprise three-level rectangular vaulted brick shrines that lined up in three passages. The microscopic particularities of the samples were assessed by digitalized optical handheld microscope, while the petrographic analysis was depicted by polarized light microscope. X-ray diffractometer was used to analyse some brick, mortar and plaster samples. The morphological description and microchemical analysis, on various points in the samples, were attained via the field-emission scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Further, the molecular and vibrational attributions of some fragments and pigment grains were recognized using Fourier transform infrared spectrometer and Raman microspectrometer (µ-Raman). Results showed that the studied bricks were fired at low temperature using poor-calcium clays. The cross-sectional observation on the plaster layers defined three layers, which are mainly made up of calcium carbonate (calcite). Minerals of quartz, rutile, plagioclase feldspars and calcium silicate were identified, in varying proportions, in the studied plasters. Pigments as Egyptian blue, yellow ochre and red ochre were characterized along the plaster layers. Likely, the microscopic examination and the molecular analysis of the samples disclosed that “fresco” technique was used to decorate the catacombs.

Alteration of yellow traffic paint in simulated environmental and biological fluids

Pollution from heavy metals in urban environments is a topic of growing concern because many metals, including Pb and Cr, are a human health hazard. Exposure to Pb and Cr has been linked to the inhibition of neurological development as well as toxic effects on many organs. Yellow traffic paint (YTP) is a mixture that contains organic polymers, binders, and pigments, which in some cases consist of crocoite (PbCrO4) that may be coated by silica. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the behavior of the crocoite pigment grains within YTP and their silica coatings in simulated environmental and human body conditions. To do this, both YTP and asphalt were collected in Philadelphia, PA, USA. These samples as well as a standard PbCrO4 were investigated with powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Using this multi-analytical approach, mineral phases were determined in the YTP, their shape, dimensional distributions, crystallinity, and chemical composition, as well as elemental distributions before and after experimental interactions. Three batch dissolution experiments with YTP, asphalt, and standard PbCrO4 were performed to simulate ingestion, inhalation, and environmental interaction with rainwater. Elemental releases were determined with inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry, and results indicated that little (ingestion) to no (environmental and inhalation) Pb and Cr were leached from the YTP during the three experimental procedures. This is likely due to the silica coating that encapsulates the crocoite particles, which persisted during all interactions. The ESEM results for YTP showed dimensional reductions after interactions with all three fluids. The silica coating must be further explored to determine how it breaks down in real environmental conditions.

Bio-Functional and Structural Properties of Pasta Enriched with a Debranning Fraction from Purple Wheat.

A colored and fiber-rich fraction from the debranning of purple wheat was incorporated at 25% into semolina- and flour-based pasta produced on a pilot-plant scale, with the aim of increasing anthocyanin and total phenolic content with respect to pasta obtained from whole pigmented grains. The debranning fraction impaired the formation of disulfide-stabilized protein networks in semolina-based systems. Recovery of phenolics was impaired by the pasta making process, and cooking decreased the phenolic content in both enriched samples. Cooking-related losses in anthocyanins and total phenolics were similar, but anthocyanins in the cooked semolina-based pasta were around 20% of what was expected from the formulation. HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography) profiling of phenolics was carried out on extracts from either type of enriched pasta both before and after cooking and indicate possible preferential retention of specific compounds in each type of enriched pasta. Extracts from cooked samples of either enriched pasta were tested as inhibitors of enzymes involved in glucose metabolism and uptake, as well as for their capacity of suppressing the response to inflammatory stimuli. Results of both biological tests indicate that the phenolics in extracts from both cooked pasta samples had inhibitory capacities higher than extracts of the original debranning fraction at identical concentrations of total bioactives.

Мікроскопічна будова серця, органів кровотворення та імунногенезу собак за експериментального відтворення парвовірозу

A fairly common disease of dogs in Ukraine is parvovirus enteritis, which is extremely common (51.6%) among enteritis of viral etiology and causes significant economic and moral damage to pet owners. Therefore, the need for additional studies to clarify, supplement and summarize data on the pathology of various organs and tissues in parvovirus enteritis in dogs, modern methods of immunoprophylaxis and treatment can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality for this infection. Given the relevance of the topic, the result of our study is the refinement, addition and synthesis of data on the pathomorphology of various organs and tissues of dogs during experimental reproduction of parvovirosis, which will make it possible to explain in more detail the effect of the pathogen on animals with parvovirus enteritis. The article analyzing the results of histological studies presents data on the microscopic structure of the blood-forming organs and the immune defense - the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and the heart of dogs during experimental infection with their parvovirus enteritis. It has been established that in dogs with experimental to infect of parvovirus enteritis, microscopic changes in the hematopoietic and immune defense organs are recorded. At the same time, the most pronounced changes in the thymus are impaired lymphocyte differentiation processes in thymic lobules, lymph nodes and expansion of blood vessels and swelling of the cortex and medulla, in the spleen, pulp edema and accumulation of red granules and iron-containing pigment grains in the spleen, hemosiderin , the result of the breakdown of a large number of red blood cells. In the myocardium, microscopic changes were manifested by diffuse edema between muscle and connective tissue, granular dystrophy of cardiomyocytes and the presence of intranuclear eosinophilic taurus inclusions. The complex of histological changes in the blood-forming organs and immune defense and the myocardium that we found during experimental reproduction of parvovirosis can be considered a characteristic criterion for the pathomorphological differential diagnosis of parvovirus enteritis in dogs

Fast nutritional characterization of different pigmented rice grains using a combination of NMR and decision tree analysis

ABSTRACTDifferent rice cultivars contain various metabolites which are closely related with their nutritional and functional effects. In the current study, NMR and chemometrics methods – decision tree analysis (DTA) were applied to explore the chemical characteristics in different rice cultivars. The pigmented rice were completely discriminated from each other, and the key metabolites that mostly contributed to the rice discrimination were explored, including sugars compounds (sucrose, fructose and glucose) and non-sugar compounds (γ-amino butyric acid (GABA), asparagine, citric acid and malic acid) with DTA approach and 1HNMR metabolite fingerprints. The purple rice has the highest concentrations of sucrose, citric acid and asparagine (p < 0.05), but lowest fructose (p < 0.05); red rice has the lowest GABA concentration comparing with the other three groups (p < 0.05). This study implies that DTA method is a powerful tool to discriminate different pigmented rice varieties. Furthermore, it also reveals the crucial nutrients based on 1H-NMR metabolic profiling.

Reactivity of chromium-based pigments in a porcelain glaze

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive investigation at the microscopic scale of various pigments composed of chromium from the French ‘Manufacture de Sevres’ to establish the origin of color in glazes. Electron microscopy coupled with X-ray diffraction allows the determination of the microstructure and composition of the crystalline phases after firing. X-ray absorption spectroscopy reveals subtle changes in the medium-range ordering around Cr with high spatial resolution, in the pigment grain or at the pigment/glass interface. Principal results indicate systematic and common changes whatever the pigment types: (i) Cr-enrichment for the final crystals, that controls the coloration of the glaze, (ii) migration of specific elements such as Al or Zn from the pigments to the amorphous part of the glaze, and (iii) crystallization of anorthite in the near proximity of the altered Cr-bearing crystalline pigments.