Volatile Profile Research Articles

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum inoculation enhanced the color stabilization and aroma quality of blueberry wine

Inoculation of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum before yeast has the potential to affect the blueberry wine quality. The effects of four L. plantarum strains on the anthocyanins and volatile profile of blueberry wine were studied. Different L. plantarum inoculated wines presented a great color variation, and B3 strain was able to retain more bluish hue of blueberry wine. Compared with RF wine fermented by only Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, L. plantarum inoculated wines exhibited a better preservation of monomeric and acylated anthocyanins. More importantly, inoculation of L. plantarum, especially for B3 and B4 strains, enhanced the accumulation of pyranoanthocyanins, which may improve the color stability of blueberry wine. In addition, inoculation with L. plantarum favored the formation of lactate-related esters, acetoin, C6 alcohols, terpenes, aldehydes, and volatile phenols. Flash-Profile analysis indicated that B3, B4 and SS6 strains conferred wines more sour and astringent tastes, along with more ‘fruity’ and ‘chemical’ aromas.

Exploring the Volatile Profile of Vanilla planifolia after Fermentation at Low Temperature with Bacillus Isolates.

Vanilla planifolia is grown as a high-value orchid spice for its odor and savor attributes that increase due to the curing process associated with microbial colonization. This tends to influence the aromatic properties of vanilla. Hence, 11 Bacillus sp. strains were isolated from V. planifolia and identified with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The liquid culture (1 mL of 107 CFU mL-1) of selected Bacillus vallismortis NR_104873.1:11-1518, Bacillus velezensis ZN-S10, and Bacillus tropicus KhEp-2 effectively fermented green-blanched vanilla pods kept at 10 °C during the sweating stage. GC-MS analysis showed that the methanol extract of non-coated, and B. vallismortis treated vanilla detected three (3) volatile compounds, whereas seven (7) components were obtained in B. tropicus and B. velezensis treatment. 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl was found in B. velezensis ZN-S10, B. tropicus KhEp-2, and B. vallismortis while it was not present in the control samples. This ketone compound suggested a Maillard reaction resulting in brown-increased aroma pods. Linoleic acid and Hexadecanoic acid ethyl esters were detected only in ZN-S10 strain-coated vanilla. A novel 3-Deoxy-d-mannoic lactone was detected only in B. vallismortis-treated vanilla characterized as a new compound in V. planifolia which suggested that the new compound can be altered with the coating of bacteria in vanilla during fermentation. Thus, the Bacillus strains improved the volatile profile and exhibited a new aroma and flavor profile of vanilla owing to bacteria fermentation during the curing process.

Physicochemical properties, profile of volatiles, fatty acids, lipids and concomitants from four Kadsura coccinea seed oils

The Kadsura coccinea fruit is a wild fruit that may be eaten and used medicinally. Its seeds are rich in nutrients but are typically thrown away without processing.The physicochemical characterization, volatiles, fatty acids, lipids and concomitants of cold-processed seed oils from four kinds of K. coccinea were evaluated. The average kernel yield and oil yield of K. coccinea seeds were 68.21 % and 30.44 %, respectively. The seed oil contains a moderate level of total phenolics (368.99–503.99 mgGAE/100 g), total flavonoids (95.01–126.18 mg RE/100 g), and β-sitosterol (1498.8–1712.7 mg/kg) with higher iodine value, lower acid value, saponification value and shorter induction time. GC analysis reveals appreciable amounts of linoleic acid (64.91–68.05 %) and squalene in seed oil. GC–MS analysis showed that the major volatile compounds were γ-muurolene (27.25–31.7 %), β-himachalene (19.51–20.37 %) and β-curcumene (15.78–16.78 %). Moreover, 16 terpenoids, 14 phenolics were identified by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. These results suggest that K. coccinea seed seems an promising alternative oilseed with biological ingredients for food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.

Unraveling gender-specific lipids and flavor volatiles in giant salamander (Andrias davidianus) livers via lipidomics and GC-IMS

To uncover the relationships between lipid components and flavor volatiles, distinctness in lipid components and odor substances in giant salamander livers of different genders were comparatively characterized through UPLC-Q Exactive-MS lipidomics and gas chromatography-ion migration spectrometry (GC-IMS). A total of 2171 and 974 lipid metabolites were detected in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Triglycerides (TG) and phosphatidylcholines (PC) are the most abundant types of lipids. TG level in male livers was higher than that in female livers (P < 0.05), whereas PC level showed no marked variation (P > 0.05). Additionally, a total of 51 volatile components were detected through GC-IMS. Ketones (42.18 % ∼ 45.44 %) and alcohols (24.19 % ∼ 26.50 %) were the predominant categories, and their relative contents were higher in female livers. Finally, 30 differential lipid metabolites and 12 differential odor substances were screened and could be used as distinguishing labels in giant salamander livers of different genders. Correlation analysis indicated that PS(36:2e), TG(48:13), ZyE(37:6), and ZyE(33:6) correlated positively with 3-methyl butanal, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone, and 2-methyl-1-propanol (P < 0.05), but adversely linked with 1-penten-3-one, and 1-octen-3-one (P < 0.01). By three-fold cross-validation, prediction accuracies of these differential lipids and volatile compounds for gender recognition based on random forest model were 100 % and 92 %, respectively. These findings might not only add knowledge on lipid and volatile profiles in giant salamander livers as affected by genders, but also provide clues for their gender recognition.

Volatile compounds and quality changes of lesser mealworm larvae: effect of blanching, storage temperature and time

Abstract The impact of blanching and storage temperature (−20 °C and −80 °C) on the formation of volatile organic compounds and changes in quality characteristics of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) larvae was examined over seven weeks. Acid and peroxide values, pH, and colour of lesser mealworm larvae were significantly affected by the studied variables. The changes in these characteristics as well as in the volatile profile indicated occurring lipid oxidation and lipid hydrolysis processes during the storage. The intensity of these reactions was mostly influenced by blanching treatment and storage time, and a lesser extent by storage temperature. It was proposed that changes in composition and intensity of volatiles can be used for rapid quality assessment of lesser mealworm larvae during frozen storage. Thus, the selection of optimum storage conditions for lesser mealworm larvae is important for the prevention of undesirable chemical reactions and preservation of the quality of insect biomass.

Selected Soluble Dietary Fibres as Replacers of Octenyl Succinic Anhydride (OSA) Starch in Spray-Drying Production of Linseed Oil Powders Applied to Apple Juice

The aim of the study was to compare two kinds of soluble dietary fibres in a mixture with OSA-starch as wall components of linseed oil capsules. Comparison was made based on emulsion (droplet size, polydispersity index, and viscosity) and powder properties (outer structure, colour, surface oil content, and encapsulation efficiency). Additionally, linseed oil powders were applied to the food model (apple juice) and the colour, physical stability, and volatile compound profile of fortified juice were determined. Although the obtained linseed oil emulsions with different compositions of polysaccharide components showed some variation in droplet size, polydisperse index and viscosity, their encapsulation efficiency by spray-drying was very high (&gt;98%). The powders produced had a similar structure and low surface oil content, and their 2% addition to apple juice did not change its stability and only slightly decreased its colour lightness and yellowness. However, greater differences in the volatile compounds of obtained juices were observed. Overall, the added powders reduced the volatility of aroma compounds typical of apple juice but introduced propanal and hexanal, especially the powders with the highest OSA-starch share.

Elucidating the effect of various roasting methods on the water-holding capacity and volatile flavor profiles of ultrasound-assisted pickled roast duck meat

The present study investigated the impact of various roasting methods (OV: Oven, AF: Air Fryer, CO: Combined steaming and roasting oven) on the color, water-holding capacity (WHC), texture characteristics, moisture distribution and volatile flavor profile of ultrasound-assisted pickled roast duck. In comparison to the OV and AF roasting methods, the CO roasting method resulted in roasted duck with excellent color, higher WHC, and improved tenderness, as evidenced by the significant increase in myofibrillar fragmentation index value (P < 0.05), the transformation of β-sheet structure into random coil and the reduction in moisture migration. Several characteristic flavor compounds such as benzaldehyde, pentanal, and hexanal were enriched in the CO treatment. The composition of fatty acids corroborated this result. On the other hand, compared to static pickling, duck meat subjected to ultrasound-assisted pickling showed greater improvements in texture and WHC while significantly increasing fatty acid content, playing a crucial role in the formation of roast duck flavor. In addition, ultrasound-assisted pickling increased malondialdehyde formation but did not cause intense lipid oxidation. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted pickling and the CO roasting method effectively improved the color, WHC and promoted the release of volatile flavor compounds in roasted duck. This finding offered new avenues and theoretical references for the development of the roasted duck industry.

Volatile Organic Compounds from Ceratocystis cacaofunesta, a Causal Agent of Ceratocystis Wilt of Cacao.

Fungi of the genus Ceratocystis are aggressive tree pathogens that cause serious diseases in several crops around the world. Ceratocystis wilt disease caused by C. cacaofunesta has been shown to be responsible for severe reductions in cacao production. In this study, headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used in combination with chemometric analysis for monitoring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from C. cacaofunesta. Low-molecular-weight esters, alcohols, ketones, and sulphur compounds were identified in the liquid broth. Monitoring the volatile profile over five days of fungal growth revealed that the concentrations of alcohol and esters were inversely proportional. Acetate esters were responsible for the intense fruity aroma of the C. cacaofunesta culture produced within the first hours after fungal inoculation, which decreased over time, and are likely associated with the attraction of insect vectors to maintain the life cycle of the pathogen. PCA revealed that 3-methylbutyl acetate was the metabolite with the highest factor loading for the separation of the VOC samples after 4h of fungal growth, whereas ethanol and 3-methylbutan-1-ol had the highest factor loadings after 96 and 120h. 3-Methylbutan-1-ol is a phytotoxic compound that is likely associated with host cell death since C. cacaofunesta is a necrotrophic fungus. Fungal VOCs play important roles in natural habitats, regulating developmental processes and intra- and interkingdom interactions. This is the first report on the volatiles released by C. cacaofunesta.

Volatile Profile of Hydrosol Extracted from Pistacia vera Soft Bark and Potential Use in Fish Feed Industry

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrosol obtained from discarded soft shells of Pistacia vera, which is a byproduct of Pistachio production. The study sought to examine the qualitative makeup of the volatile components found in the hydrosol and assess its potential as an additive in fish feed. To accomplish this goal, a hydrodistillation procedure was used to extract 1 kilogram of soft P. vera peel. The hydrosol achieved a performance level of 170 milliliters per kilogram. The product was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which identified 16 components comprising 93.37% of the product. The main component of the product was identified as Limonene-4-ol, making up 44.60% of the product. Furthermore, the product contained substantial amounts of Benzenemethanol, alpha. alpha.,4-trimethyl, α-terpineol, Bornyl acetate, Carvone, and Eucalyptol (1,8 cineol). Previous research on the bioactive chemicals found in P. vera softshell suggests that the hydrosol generated from it could be used as a fish feed additive. This is mostly due to its antibacterial and antioxidant effects.

Volatile profile of Astragalus sinicus L. flowers by GC×GC-TOF-MS and evaluation of nutraceutical and nutricosmetic potential of the flower extracts

The aroma property and nutraceutical capacity are two crucial characteristics for the acceptance of edible flowers. The volatile profile of the Chinese milk vetch flowers (CMVF) was investigated using HS-SPME-GC × GC-TOF-MS for the first time. A total of 279 compounds were identified by the two-dimensional gas chromatography technology, including 46 alcohols, 45 aldehydes, 54 esters, 39 ketones, 66 hydrocarbons, 9 phenols, and 20 other compounds, with pentadecanal (14.35%) revealed to be the major volatile component. Meanwhile, The five CMVF extracts were evaluated for their phytochemical composition and biological activity. The antioxidant activity assay indicated that the ethanol extract of CMVF revealed the highest scavenging capacity against DPPH radicals with IC50 of 384 μg/mL, the ethyl acetate extracts of CMVF revealed the strongest scavenging capacity against ABTS·+ (IC50 = 140.83 μg/mL) and ·OH (IC50 = 14.25 μg/mL). In addition, the water extracts of CMVF inhibited tyrosinase activity through mixed type and the alcohol extracts of CMVF inhibited elastase activity through competitive type. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the bioactivity of the CMVF extracts were significantly impacted by TPC (total phenolic content) and TFC (total flavonoids content). These results suggested that CMVF extracts exhibited great potential for functional foods and cosmetics utilization due to its promising nutraceutical and nutricosmetic properties.

Effect of fermentation with single and co-culture of lactic acid bacteria on Chinese Elaeagnus angustifolia juice: Evaluation of bioactive compounds and volatile profiles

Chinese Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) is a homologous food and medicine that is rich in bioactive substances, and most EA is currently treated as an abandoned resource. In this study, various lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were used to ferment EA juice to improve its content of bioactive compounds and the aroma profile to develop a nutritious and acceptable EA beverage. The growth characteristics, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, antioxidant activity, and aroma profiles of the EA juice after fermentation by pure and mixed LAB were measured. The results of pure LAB fermentation showed that Lactobacillus rhamnosus (BL) had strong adaptability in EA juice, and Lactobacillus fermentium (BF) had the greatest ability to improve its probiotic function. 1-nonanol, 3-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-, 2-tridecanone, pentanoic acid, and 10-octadecenal could be the typical aroma substances of coculture-fermented EA juice. This is the first study in which EA processing by LAB fermentation has been investigated. The results proved that the fermentation of EA by mixed BL and BF could be a promising method for the high-value utilization of EA.

Impact of Thermally Inactivated Non-Saccharomyces Yeast Derivatives on White Wine.

While a recent characterization of non-Saccharomyces thermally inactivated yeasts (TIYs) in a wine-like solution highlighted the release of oenologically relevant compounds and different oxygen consumption rates and antioxidant activity, here the impact of TIYs derived from Saccharomycodes ludwigii (SL), Metschnikowia pulcherrima (MP), Torulaspora delbrueckii (TD), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), as the reference strain, was evaluated in white wine. Wine treatment with TIYs resulted in an increase in polysaccharide concentration compared to the untreated wine, with SL-TIY exhibiting the highest release. Additionally, all TIYs, particularly SL-TIY, improved protein stability by reducing heat-induced haze formation. The addition of TIYs also demonstrated an effect on color parameters through phenolic compound adsorption, preventing potential browning phenomena. All TIYs significantly impacted the wine's volatile profile. Overall, it was shown that an improvement in wine quality and stability may be obtained by using TIYs in the winemaking process.

Chemical profiling and probiotic viability assessment in Gueuze-style beer: Fermentation dynamics, metabolite and sensory characterization, and in vitro digestion resistance

Probiotic viability, metabolite concentrations, physicochemical parameters, and volatile compounds were characterized in Gueuze beers formulated with probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast. Additionally, the sensory profile of the beers and the resistance of the probiotics to digestion were determined. The use of 2 International Bitterness Units resulted in high concentrations of probiotic LAB but a decline in probiotic yeast as pH decreased. Secondary fermentation led to the consumption of maltose, citric acid, and malic acid, and the production of lactic and propionic acids. Carbonation and storage at 4 °C had minimal impact on probiotic viability. The addition of probiotic LAB resulted in a distinct aroma profile with improved sensory characteristics. Our results demonstrate that sour beers produced with probiotic LAB and a probiotic yeast, and fermented using a two-step fermentation process, exhibited optimal physicochemical parameters, discriminant volatile compound profiles, promising sensory characteristics, and high probiotic concentrations after digestion.

The Effect of Phytogenic Additive in Broiler's Diet on Production Results, Physicochemical Parameters, and the Composition of Volatile Organic Compounds of Broiler Meat Assessed by an Electronic Nose System.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic additive (PA) in broiler chickens' diet on production, physiochemical parameters, and the profile of volatile organic compounds present in broiler chickens' meat. The experiment was conducted in a commercial chicken house, where Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into two groups, each consisting of 65,000 broilers. One group was fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm of PA throughout the rearing period. The primary chemical composition of the meat and its physicochemical parameters were determined. A visual assessment of breast muscles for defects and volatile organic compounds were evaluated using an electronic nose system. No statistically significant differences were shown in the production performance of the chickens; while summarizing all production parameters, a higher EPEF index of 31 points in the experimental group was highlighted. Breast muscle quality showed differences in drip loss and WHC (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the experimental group, and a lower cutting force value (p ≤ 0.05) was found for breast muscles from the experimental group. The group also had a lower proportion of muscles with a white striping defect, and the results of volatile organic compound profiling showed the most aroma units.

Comparison of phytochemical and brewing characteristics of Cascade and Kazbek hop cultivars

A four-year study compared the secondary metabolite profile of two flavour hops, the widely used Cascade and the new Czech variety Kazbek. The average alpha-acids and total essential oil of Kazbek and Cascade grown in Europe did not differ, while alpha-acids were 20 % higher in Cascade grown in the USA. Cluster analysis of essential oil composition distinguished the varieties, the markers being mainly farnesene derivatives. US-Cascade had higher terpenoids (geraniol, geranial) and lower fatty acid methyl esters than EU-Cascade. Both varieties have high and comparable levels of geraniol esters (230–360 mg/kg total) and low levels of free geraniol. The sulphur-containing volatile profile of US-Cascade and EU-Cascade hops differed significantly, probably as a result of treatment with different pesticides. The profile of hop-associated essential oils and aroma components of the single-variety experimental beers Kazbek and Cascade was similar for both whirlpool-hopped and additionally dry-hopped beers. Citrus and fruit notes were the dominant descriptors. Two independent sensory panels did not clearly distinguish or prefer beers hopped with Cascade and Kazbek hops, demonstrating the possibility of alternating between the two varieties in brewing. A new finding is that genetically distant hop varieties can provide similar sensory profiles in late- and dry-hopped beers.

Effect of Cold Plasma and Microwave Pretreatments Combined with Hot-Air Drying on Physical Properties, Chemical Composition, and Volatile Profile of Pomegranate Peels

Effect of Cold Plasma and Microwave Pretreatments Combined with Hot-Air Drying on Physical Properties, Chemical Composition, and Volatile Profile of Pomegranate Peels

Volatile profiling of Cinnamomum heyneanum and Cinnamomum Palghatensis and in vitro and in silico antidiabetic activity of essential oil nanoemulsions

Essential oil nanoemulsions (EONs) of two wild cinnamons, Cinnamomum heyneanum (CH) and Cinnamomum Palghatensis (CP), were formulated, characterized and investigated for their antidiabetic activity. Leaf essential oils (EOs) were extracted and characterized by GC-MS and GC-FID. Two sets of EONs were formulated and characterized by zeta analyzer, viscometer and TEM. Antioxidant activity was studied using DPPH, ABTS, superoxide, hydroxyl and hydrogen peroxide assays. Antidiabetic activity was evaluated by α-amylase inhibition, α-glucosidase inhibition, glucose uptake and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion assays. In silico studies were performed to support the efficacy. Methyl eugenol (60.3 %), safrole (27.8 %) in CH EO and bicyclogermacrene (19.5 %), (E)-caryophyllene (14 %) in CP EO were major components. Of two sets of EONs, 1:2 ratio showed better hydrodynamic average diameter [CH 42.9±0.78 nm & CP 27.9±1.70 nm] and better zeta potential [CH −38.4±0.85 mV & CP −38.4±0.45 mV (1st day)]. TEM observation showed that 1:2 ratio EONs were spherical with an average diameter of 85 nm (CH) and 8.98 nm (CP). Both CH and CP showed remarkable antioxidant activity. CP showed better α-glucosidase inhibition (IC50 0.599±0.008 mg/mL), enhanced glucose uptake (0.53±0.08 fold vs. control) and insulin secretion (1.40±0.06 fold vs. control). In silico analysis reveals that all major components of CH and CP interact with key residues of the protein targets associated with diabetes, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, insulin receptor, Glugagon like peptide1 Receptor and Glut 4. In vitro and in silico studies revealed that EON of CH and CP have pharmacological properties due to the presence of various compounds against diabetes mellitus.

Lacticaseibacillus casei as Anti-blowing Agents: Impact on the Evolution of Ripening and Sensory Profile of Montasio Cheese

AbstractRecently, the Lacticaseibacillus casei group strains have been gaining growing interest due to their potential to be used as secondary adjunct cultures in cheese. This work aimed to test autochthonous Lb. casei strains as anti-blowing agents and to evaluate their impact on the evolution of the ripening and the sensory profile of Montasio cheese. The cheesemaking trial included a control production without lysozyme (C1), a control with lysozyme (C2), and four experimental productions, each containing a different pool of autochthonous Lb. casei strains (EX1-4). Samples were taken during ripening, and physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory analyses were carried out. Lb. casei counts indicate that the selected strains survived the cheesemaking and maintained their viability of about 9 log cfu g−1 at the end of the ripening. Only EX3 showed a significant slowdown of the proteolytic index compared to controls over time. Furthermore, from the principal component analysis, it emerged that at the end of the 120-day-long ripening, C2 and the experimental samples were characterized by similar profiles of volatile compounds. The late-blowing defect (LBD) was observed exclusively in C1, whereas it was not detected in the control sample with lysozyme or in any experimental samples. These findings not only confirmed the efficacy of lysozyme in preventing LBD but also supported the effectiveness of the selected Lb. casei strains as anti-blowing agents with the ability to contribute to the final volatile profile without compromising the typicality of the product.

Effects of unconventional non-Saccharomyces yeast fermentation on the chemical profile and bioaccessibility of watermelon wine

This study evaluated effects of watermelon fermentation using different non-Saccharomyces yeast strains (Brettanomyces lambicus, Brettanomyces bruxellensis, and Lachancea thermotolerans) on the chemical profile of the derived wines. A control product was produced using Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Analytical techniques, namely HPLC-DAD-RID and LLE-GC/MS, were used to evaluate sugars, organic acids, alcohols, phenolic compounds, amino acids, and volatile compounds profiles. Fermentation reduced the sugar (glucose and fructose) and amino acid contents and increased alcohol (ethanol and glycerol), organic acids (lactic and acetic acids), phenolics, and volatile compounds. The use of the B. bruxellensis strain resulted in an alcoholic beverage with quality parameters similar to that from S. cerevisiae but with higher concentrations of phenolics (rutin, gallic acid, caftaric acid, and caffeic acid) and important volatile compounds (isoamyl acetate). The watermelon wine had a higher content of bioaccessible phenolic compounds than the must, especially catechin, procyanidin B1, procyanidin B2 and gallic acid, due to their high bioaccessibility (>70%). The yeast type influenced the chemical profile of the beverages. B. bruxellensis is a promising tool to obtain watermelon alcoholic beverage in an industrial scale.

Exploring Volatile Profiles and De-Flavoring Strategies for Enhanced Acceptance of Lentil-Based Foods: A Review.

Lentils are marketed as dry seeds, fresh sprouts, flours, protein isolates, and concentrates used as ingredients in many traditional and innovative food products, including dairy and meat analogs. Appreciated for their nutritional and health benefits, lentil ingredients and food products may be affected by off-flavor notes described as "beany", "green", and "grassy", which can limit consumer acceptance. This narrative review delves into the volatile profiles of lentil ingredients and possible de-flavoring strategies, focusing on their effectiveness. Assuming that appropriate storage and processing are conducted, so as to prevent or limit undesired oxidative phenomena, several treatments are available: thermal (pre-cooking, roasting, and drying), non-thermal (high-pressure processing, alcohol washing, pH variation, and addition of adsorbents), and biotechnological (germination and fermentation), all of which are able to reduce the beany flavor. It appears that lentil is less studied than other legumes and more research should be conducted. Innovative technologies with great potential, such as high-pressure processing or the use of adsorbents, have been not been explored in detail or are still totally unexplored for lentil. In parallel, the development of lentil varieties with a low LOX and lipid content, as is currently in progress for soybean and pea, would significantly reduce off-flavor notes.