Raw Food Research Articles

More resourceful scavenging by opportunistic Hooded Vultures Necrosyrtes monachus in coastal Gambia with photographic proof of tongue use when foraging for live food and blood.

We report on a combination of new and infrequently documented feeding behaviours for the Critically Endangered and opportunistic Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus. Observations were recorded in the Western Region of coastal Gambia from 2015 to 2020, where Hooded Vultures are living in high densities. We provide photographs and video footage to demonstrate the use of the grooved tongue for consuming live food items and when drinking blood. Attraction of large groups of Hooded Vultures to freshwater is also described.

Descriptive Analysis of Food Truck Online Orders (Food on Wheels) Behavior in Coimbatore– A Case Study

Purpose: This research study is on Food Truck Park in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. The main goal is to discover customer behavior and analyses the new opportunities and peculiarities of this food truck park. Food trucks are becoming a part of the foodie culture and becoming increasingly popular. It is guessed that the quantity of food trucks working on the roads will keep on ascending because of their similarity with Recent college grads' craving to attempt new food sources and food societies. Field visits, questionnaire analysis, hypothesis, and other research tools will be utilized. This idea is based in the fundamentals of job benefits, time-space, cost, and mobility advantages. To comprehend consumer-customer preferences, experience, and satisfaction is the key element of this study. Design/Methodology/Approach: Field visit, questionnaire analysis, hypothesis and other research tools will be utilized for the purpose of the study, secondary data are gathered from a variety of sources, including Food Online service websites, journals, research articles, and newspaper articles. Findings/Result: We discovered that most respondents were very pleased with the food quality and live entertainment offered at food truck parks. Another goal was to research customer behavior for preferring portable food trucks over sit-down restaurants. The key factors discovered were live ambiance, live food, and variety all in one location. We asked customers about their favorite foods and discovered that Indian and Mexican cuisine are the most popular at food truck parks. Originality/Value: This study examines the overall performance of food trucks in terms of customer satisfaction. Paper Type: Case Study.

Bacteriophages and food safety: An updated overview.

Despite significant advances in pathogen survival and food cleaning measures, foodborne diseases continue to be the main reason for hospitalization or other fatality globally. Conventional antibacterial techniques including pasteurization, pressurized preparation, radioactivity, as well as synthetic antiseptics could indeed decrease bacterial activity in nutrition to variable levels, despite their serious downsides like an elevated upfront outlay, the possibility of accessing malfunctions due to one corrosiveness, as well as an adverse effect upon those the foodstuffs' organoleptic properties and maybe their nutritional significance. Greatest significantly, these cleansing methods eliminate all contaminants, including numerous (often beneficial) bacteria found naturally in food. A huge amount of scientific publication that discussed the application of virus bioremediation to treat a multitude of pathogenic bacteria in meals spanning between prepared raw food to fresh fruit and vegetables although since initial idea through using retroviruses on meals. Furthermore, the quantity of widely viable bacteriophage-containing medicines licensed for use in health and safety purposes has continuously expanded. Bacteriophage bio-control, a leafy and ordinary technique that employs lytic bacteriophages extracted from the atmosphere to selectively target pathogenic bacteria and remove meaningfully decrease their stages meals, is one potential remedy that solves some of these difficulties. It has been suggested that applying bacteriophages to food is a unique method for avoiding bacterial development in vegetables. Because of their selectivity, security, stability, and use, bacteriophages are desirable. Phages have been utilized in post-harvest activities, either alone or in combination with antimicrobial drugs, since they are effective, strain-specific, informal to split and manipulate. In this review to ensure food safety, it may be viable to use retroviruses as a spontaneous treatment in the thread pollution of fresh picked fruits and vegetables, dairy, and convenience foods.

Food and Beverage Promotion Strategy to Increase Sales, at PT. Reska Multi Business

Technological developments are very fast like today. Making companies have to be able to face competition and be able to win the market. There is a lot of competition for food and beverage service and sales made. PT. Reska Multi Usaha is a challenge. For this reason, PT Reska Multi Usaha always innovates so that it can. Serve consumers, as well as keep abreast of technological developments and services that move dynamically. For example, providing discounts, making Indonesian food, holding events, and making sales applications to offer products to the public. The purpose of this research is to determine the level of achievement of service, sales, and promotion through sales and promotion mix in service improvement and sales achievement by using the lokomart.id application and promotions through advertising, price discounts, individual sales, direct sales, and sales with application theory. This research method is a quantitative method with a descriptive approach, through in-depth interviews and documents relevant to the research. the subjects of this study were area 6 Yogyakarta managers, junior sales managers, senior sales supervisors, and sales staff. PT. Reska multi Usaha formed a forum for sales communication and promotion of food and beverage products through 1. Advertising, with railroad television, raw food, kai access, and the official lokomard.id.website. 2. Sales promotion using discounted prices, vouchers, to users, or purchases through kai access and lokomard.id.3.sales promotion by holding events at the station, educational tours, and public relations. 4. face-to-face individual sales to get feedback, 5. Marketing and direct sales and. 6. Digital marketing to find out direct responses from consumers.

Larval development of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus: effect of enriched rotifers as live food

Understanding nutrition and its effect on growth is essential for developing diets in commercially important species. This study aimed to evaluate the larval development of Callinectes sapidus fed with rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) enriched with Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Ch) as a main protein source and a lipid emulsion (Spr) rich in highly unsaturated fatty acids. The enriched compositions had seven ratios Ch/Spr (w/w): 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, and 40/60. The enriched rotifers with each ratio were called diets. Lipids increased progressively between 100/0 and 40/60 (7.48 to 11.30 g 100 g-1), as well as energy (21.88 to 23.16 kJ g-1), but the protein level did not show a clear trend (63.93 and 67.50 g 100 g-1). The production response of blue crab larvae showed significant differences within diets (P < 0.05). The highest survival (29 to 34%) was obtained in the 50/50 and 40/60 treatments. In the 40/60, 50/50, and 60/40 diets, the larval cycle was shorter (P < 0.05), and the megalopa stage was reached between 49 and 52 days of culture. Metamorphosis to megalopa occurred between the fifth and eighth molts; its corresponding weight varied from 0.72 to 1.33 mg, the length varied from 2,632 to 2,926 µm, and Le Cren´s condition factor varied from 0.83 to 1.16. The most important factor in the production response was the diet lipid content, which was significantly correlated with the survival, weight, length, and condition factor of C. sapidus larvae. Findings of the present study can be applied in future efforts towards mass culture of blue crab larvae in the Caribbean and can also potentially be used to study other crustacean species with similar characteristics.

ANALISIS PERTUMBUHAN EKONOMI DI INDONESIA TAHUN 2006-2020

Economic growth is an indicator of successful development achieved and can be used to determine further development policies. This study aims to analyze the effect of oil prices, imports, exports, interest rates, inflation, and the money supply on economic growth in Indonesia in 2006 to 2020. This study uses a quantitative approach with research data sourced from the Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistics and Bank Indonesia. The research method is multiple linear regression. The results show that oil prices, exports, and interest rates have a positive and significant effect on economic growth in Indonesia. Meanwhile, imports, inflation and the money supply have a negative and significant effect on economic growth in Indonesia. The implication of this research is that the government must reduce dependence on imports of raw materials and food by facilitating alternative raw materials and food that can be developed independently. In addition, the government must control the amount of money in circulation according to the capacity of the community's economy

Microbiological evaluation of raw dog foods underwent HPP (high pressure processing) treatment

Microbiological evaluation of raw dog foods underwent HPP (high pressure processing) treatment

Evaluation of Using Medicinal and Aromatic Plants by Healthcare Professionals During the Coronavirus Pandemic (Covid-19) Period

Bu çalışmada, Covid-19 (Kovid-19) pandemisine karşı sağlık çalışanları tarafından, geleneksel olarak kullanılan tıbbi ve aromatik bitkilerin değerlendirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma tanımlayıcı modelde tasarlanmış olup 10 Temmuz-31 Aralık 2021 tarihleri arasında gerçekleştirilmiştir. Türkiye’deki sağlık çalışanları araştırma evrenini oluşturup basit rastgele örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Verilerin toplanmasında, alan uzmanlarınca hazırlanan yarı yapılandırılmış anket formu kullanılmıştır. Demografik bilgiler ve tıbbi ve aromatik bitkiler olmak üzere iki kısımdan oluşan anket, Google forms üzerinden online olarak uygulanmıştır. Verilerin analizinde SPSS 24 paket programı kullanılmış, yüzdelik ve frekans hesaplamaları yapılmıştır. Araştırmaya, Türkiye genelinde 1320 sağlık çalışanı katılmış olup, katılımcıların %55’i kadın, %45’i erkektir, meslek gruplarına göre dağılımı; %18’i hemşire, %16’sı sağlık memuru, %12’si hekim, %10’u ATT, %9’u paramedik, %9’u ebe, %8’i tıbbi sekreter, %7’si eczacı, %6’sı psikolog ve %5’i diğer (sosyal çalışmacı, müdür, diş hekimi vs.) şeklindedir. Çalışma sonucuna göre; sağlık çalışanlarının %77’si Covid-19 pandemisinde tıbbi ve aromatik bitkilerin tamamen ve kısmen etkili olduğuna inandığını belirtmiş ve bunların %63’ü şifalı bitkileri kullanmıştır. Kullanılan bitkiler içinde kekik/Origanum sp. (%99), narenciye/Citrus sp. (%94) ve sarımsak/Allium sativum (%93) en yüksek düzeyde tercih edilmiştir. Tıbbi ve aromatik bitkilerin kullanımı hakkındaki bilgilerin en çok sosyal medya (%99) aracılığıyla elde edildiği görülmüştür. Katılımcıların %94’ü bitkileri aktardan temin etmiştir. Bitkiler daha çok demlenerek (%99) ve çiğ gıda (%91) şeklinde tüketilmektedir. Bu süreçte tıbbi ve aromatik bitki kullananların %63’ü Covid-19’a yakalanmadığını bildirmiştir. Sonuç olarak, Covid-19 sürecinde sağlık çalışanlarının büyük çoğunluğunun tıbbi ve aromatik bitkilerin etkisine inandığı ve şifalı bitkileri kullanmayı tercih ettikleri ortaya çıkarılmıştır. Bu çalışma modern tıp ilmi almış bireylerin tamamlayıcı tıbba olan bakışını yansıtması açısından önemli bir değere sahiptir.

Effect of Raw Juice Diet on Changes in Metabolic Syndrome Index and Serum Fibroblast Activation Protein

본 연구의 목적은 채소와 과일을 포함한 생즙식이가 세포 표면 단백질 분해효소인 혈청 섬유모세포 활성화 단백질(FAP, fibroblast activating protein) 및 대사증후군 지수의 변화에 미치는 영향을 알아보는 것이다. 2014년 4월에 10일 동안 생즙만 섭취하는 프로그램에 참여한 20명을 대상으로 분석하였다. 대사증후군 지수는 국가 콜레스테롤 교육 프로그램 성인치료패널Ⅲ(NCEP-ATP Ⅲ)의 기준에 따랐다. 대상자들의 식이섭취량을 살펴본 결과, 비타민 A는 권장량의 90% 이상, 비타민 B1은 20%, 비타민 B6는 44.4%, 엽산은 35.0% 이상 섭취하는 등 영양불균형 상태를 보였다. 그러나 참여 기간 동안 생즙식이로 섭취하는 비타민 섭취량은 권장섭취량의 20~75배로 매우 높았다. 결과적으로 생즙식이 10일 후에 대상자의 혈청 FAP가 증가했으나 중성지방, 혈압, HDL-콜레스테롤은 감소했다. 또한 혈청 FAP가 증가함에 따라 HDL-콜레스테롤이 남자(p .05)와 전체 참가자(p .05)에서 유의하게 증가하는 양의 상관관계가 있었다. 또한 남성의 경우 혈청 FAP가 증가할수록 허리엉덩이둘레비(WHR, Wist to Hip Ratio)가 감소하는 음의 상관관계가 있었다(p .05). 결론적으로, 생즙식이를 통한 섬유모세포 활성화 단백질 효소의 활성을 확인한 본 연구의 결과는 당뇨병 관리의 방향을 제시하기 위한 좋은 기본 데이터가 될 것이며, 대사 증후군의 관리 및 예방을 위한 영양 정책 및 건강 교육을 수립하는 데 도움이 될 것으로 기대된다.

A global-level assessment of gulls (Larus spp.) as bioindicators of trace elements in coastal ecosystems

Anthropogenic activities and the demand for trace elements have risen, causing an increase in their environmental levels, which could affect biota. High levels of trace elements in living beings have been associated with toxicity, metabolic disorders, oxidative stress, and cancer. Seabirds, such as gulls, have been used as bioindicators of environmental pollution caused by anthropogenic sources. Gulls are widely distributed worldwide, usually occupying high trophic levels, and living close to humans. Among gulls, Larus spp. are omnivorous, predominantly carnivorous, nest on the ground, and capture live food or steal it opportunistically. The present work summarizes the data of trace elements found in eggs, feathers, blood, and feces, among other internal tissues, of several gull species of the genus Larus around the world. Most of the reports are from the Northern Hemisphere (70%), particularly from Europe and North America. The elements Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb, and Se are the most studied (54%), among which Hg represents about 19%. On the other hand, there is no information for lesser-known trace elements such as Rb, Ti, new technology elements (e.g. Ge, Re, Ta), rare earth elements (e.g. Ce, La, Y), or elements of the platinum group (e.g. Os, Ir, Ru). Even though Larus spp. is a suitable bioindicator of chemical contamination in marine ecosystems, only 28 of the 53 species of the Larus genus have been used on trace elements pollution. Future research should address lesser-known elements which are increasingly used by new technologies.

Pengaruh Suasana Restoran, Kualitas Pelayanan dan Gaya Hidup terhadap Kepuasan Pelanggan Panda Hotpot and Grill

The purpose of this research is to find out how the environment, food, and way of life at Panda Hotpot and Grill affect the happiness of its customers. The study sample size was 115 people, all of whom were randomly selected. Questionnaires were sent to collect information. Furthermore, SPSS version 25 is used to perform statistical analysis such as hypothesis testing, correlation analysis, multiple regression, and examination of classical assumptions and data quality. The test results represent that the atmosphere of the restaurant will certainly have a positive significance on customer satisfaction, with a t value of 2.615. Product quality will certainly have a positive significance on customer satisfaction, with the result t count 5,883. Lifestyle will certainly have a positive significance on customer satisfaction, with the result t count 2.469. Then simultaneously the atmosphere of the restaurant, product quality and lifestyle will certainly be able to have an influence on Panda Hotpot and Grill customer satisfaction by 62.5% according to the coefficient of determination data (R2). Based on these test results it can be concluded that the restaurant atmosphere will certainly be able to give a positive and significant impact, product quality will have a positive and significant impact and lifestyle will certainly be able to provide a positive and significant impact and simultaneously the restaurant atmosphere, product quality and lifestyle will certainly be able to give a positive and significant influence on customer satisfaction Panda Hotpot and Grill

Nutritional Impact on the Productivity of Ready-Made Garment Workers

This study shows the gradual increment in apparel productivity after feeding some nutrients to selected sewing operators who work in a factory named Daarkak, in the urban area of Dhaka, Bangladesh. The specific objective was to identify the consequences of nutritious food in boosting workers’ energy levels to aid in increased productivity. A better result compared to the previous data was found, where the productivity increased substantially after providing selected nutritious food- soya and milk. The overall result was impressive. Since most of the workers belong to the low-middle class or poor families, they do not afford nutritious food in daily life for the lack of knowledge that nutritious food can be availed at cheaper prices. Soya and milk contain adequate proteins and they are available at relatively cheaper costs. These foods enabled them mentally and physically to give higher efficiency during their regular work. This paper explores the possibility of improved productivity after providing workers with nutritious food. When productivity increases, profit also increases.

G Protein-Coupled Receptor 120 Mediates Host Defense against Clostridium perfringens Infection through Regulating NOD-like Receptor Family Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Inflammasome Activation.

Clostridium perfringens is a major cause of infectious foodborne disease, frequently associated with the consumption of raw and undercooked food. Despite intensive studies on clarifying C. perfringens pathogenesis, the molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions remain poorly understood. In soft tissue and mucosal infection models, Gpr120-/- mice, G protein-coupled receptor 120 (GPR120), are more susceptible to C. perfringens infection. Gpr120 deficiency leads to a low survival rate (30 and 10%, p < 0.01), more bacterial loads in the muscle (2.26 × 108 ± 2.08 × 108 CFUs/g, p < 0.01), duodenum (2.80 × 107 ± 1.61 × 107 CFUs/g, p < 0.01), cecum (2.50 × 108 ± 2.05 × 108 CFUs/g, p < 0.01), and MLN (1.23 × 106 ± 8.06 × 105 CFUs/g, p < 0.01), less IL-18 production in the muscle (8.54 × 103 ± 1.20 × 103 pg/g, p < 0.01), duodenum (3.34 × 103 ± 2.46 × 102 pg/g, p < 0.01), and cecum (3.81 × 103 ± 5.29 × 102 pg/g, p < 0.01), and severe organ injury. Obviously, GPR120 facilitates IL-18 production and pathogen control via potassium efflux-dependent NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling. Mechanistically, GPR120 interaction with NLRP3 potentiates the NLRP3 inflammasome assembly. Thus, this study uncovers a novel role of GPR120 in host protection and reveals that GPR120 may be a potential therapeutic target for limiting pathogen infection.

Isoflavone Content and Nutritional-Related Properties of Debittered Seeds from Two Andean Lupin (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) Ecotypes Propagated in Two Soils.

Lupinus mutabilis Sweet is a fabaceous plant native to the Andean highlands and produces seeds with valuable nutritional properties. Thus, as part of our research on native emerging food, the present study aimed at determining some nutritional and functional-related features of seeds from two L. mutabilis ecotypes after propagation in two different substrates commonly found in the Bogotá plateau. Propagated plants produced seeds that, after conventional debittering, exhibited attractive contents of soluble protein (24-39 g/100 g dry seed powder (dsp)), phenolic (787-1003 g/100 g dsp), isoflavone (1-104 g/100 g dsp), and iron (5.3-6.4 g/100 g dsp), as well as antioxidant capacity (39-78 µM/100 g dsp). Higher pH, humidity saturation, organic matter, and total nitrogen of silty loam soil promoted isoflavone accumulation and better antioxidant capacity at pH 4-7, and no soil effect was observed for total phenolic and iron contents. The profiles based on isoflavone aglycones were also recorded by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, detecting eleven main compounds with mutabilein as the most abundant isoflavone (38.3-104.3 g/100 g dsp). Finally, a formulation was developed to fabricate an emulsion-type drink based on the debittered, pulverized L. mutabilis seeds, resulting in different emulsifying capacities (19-100%) depending on the biopolymer stabilizer, being xanthan gum the best additive. The findings revealed an attractive Andean lupin profile to be used as a raw food material.

Design of Biodegradable, Climate-Specific Packaging Materials That Sense Food Spoilage and Extend Shelf Life.

The AgriFood systems in tropical climates are under strain due to a rapid increase in human population and extreme environmental conditions that limit the efficacy of packaging technologies to extend food shelf life and guarantee food safety. To address these challenges, we rationally designed biodegradable packaging materials that sense spoilage and prevent molding. We nanofabricated the interface of 2D covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to reinforce silk fibroin (SF) and obtain biodegradable membranes with augmented mechanical properties and that displayed an immediate colorimetric response (within 1 s) to food spoilage, using packaged poultry as an example. Loading COF with antimicrobial hexanal also mitigated biotic spoilage in high-temperature and -humidity conditions, resulting in a four-order of magnitude decrease in the total amount of mold growth in soybeans packaged in silk-COF, when compared to cling film (i.e., polyethylene). Together, the integration of sensing, structural reinforcement, and antimicrobial agent delivery within a biodegradable nanocomposite framework defines climate-specific packaging materials that can decrease food waste and enhance food safety.

Contaminación cruzada: Uso de tablas de cortar al manipular alimentos en el entorno doméstico

The objective of this work was to carry out a bibliographical review on the approach to cross contamination in the domestic environment, using cutting boards as a tool used in food handling in domestic households, serving as a vehicle for contamination, and as interest for study, in addition to important aspects related to the safety and handling of food at home. Foodborne diseases are defined as infectious or toxic diseases caused by the consumption of contaminated food or water, and the home is considered a place of origin for these diseases based on the food handled and ingested in the home itself. The main errors during food handling are related to the hygiene conditions in the places and surfaces where these foods are handled, with cross-contamination as the main factor responsible for the transfer of microorganisms from one material or contaminated food to another. Cutting surfaces are utensils widely used in the preparation and manipulation of food, whether raw or ready-to-eat and, as handlers are unaware of adequate measures for hygiene, storage, and conservation of these surfaces, the organic matter and microorganisms present in raw foods can remain adhered to them, serving as a source of constant contamination. The permanence and adhesion of microorganisms can occur on any type of surface with the production of biofilms. Biofilms can be defined as communities of sessile cells, consisting of one or more bacterial species, included in a matrix of extracellular polymers (exopolysaccharides - EPS) adhered to an inert or living surface. Biofilms can contribute to the permanence of microorganisms on cutting boards, which may compromise the microbiological quality of food handled on these surfaces, exposing people to biological risk through the biotransfer of pathogenic microorganisms. Studies show that these pathogenic microorganisms may have some degree of resistance to antibiotics and disinfectants used in disease control and the hygiene of this utensil, and exposure to pathogens associated with their degree of resistance raises concerns for the World Health Organization (WHO), which reveals a worrying scenario for public health.

Foreign trade in agri-food products between Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain

Among the most important regional allies of Ukraine, it is worth highlighting the United Kingdom, which first as an EU member state, and then, from 2021, independently, within the framework of a bilateral agreement, contributes in every possible way to the development of free trade, in particular, agricultural, between the two countries. This is evidenced by the constantly growing volumes of exports and imports of agricultural raw materials and food products for Ukraine and the United Kingdom until 2022. The purpose of the study is to examine the dynamics of foreign trade in agricultural and food products between Ukraine and the United Kingdom, including the relationship between the development of mutual trade and the liberalisation of its conditions. Generalisation, analysis, and synthesis, comprehensive assessment, historical, graphic, and tabular methods were used. The general socio-economic characteristics of the UK are given, considering its withdrawal from the European Union and focusing on the current state of trade in agri-food products on the international market. The quantitative and cost indicators of foreign trade in agri-food products between Ukraine and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland since 2012 are analysed, the characteristic features of the commodity structure of export sales and import purchases of Ukraine are considered, including in 2022, the prospects for agricultural trade between the parties in the near future are assessed, in particular, areas for deepening foreign economic cooperation between Ukraine and the United Kingdom are proposed, and groups of products that will remain a priority even in war conditions, considering the needs of internal food markets of both countries are identified. The provisions of the study are aimed at providing information on the possibilities of developing trade in agricultural and food products with the UK for Ukrainian food sector enterprises and public authorities that ensure foreign policy and international cooperation.

Complex, Varied and Evolving Manifestations of Food Agency in Daily Life Among Diabetes Prevention Program Participants in Baltimore, Maryland

ObjectiveTo characterize food agency (one's capacity to procure and prepare food in particular contexts) among Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) participants and gather perspectives about experiences with DPP. DesignPhotograph-elicitation in-depth interviews and survey measures. SettingBaltimore, Maryland (June–August 2021). ParticipantsBlack women (n = 13) who participated in DPP. Phenomenon of InterestFood agency and strategies used to procure and prepare food and the influence of DPP on daily food behaviors. Surveys measured food agency using the Cooking and Food Provisioning Action Scale and cooking behaviors. AnalysisThematic analysis of qualitative in-depth interviews and descriptive statistics for quantitative measures. ResultsAs quantitative and qualitative data revealed, participants were frequent and confident cooks with high food agency. Participants viewed cooking as a key strategy for healthy eating and desired more hands-on cooking instruction within DPP to develop new healthy cooking skills. The primary barriers identified were related to lack of time or energy. Food procurement and preparation practices shifted over time, and DPP was a key influence on current behaviors. Conclusions and ImplicationsFood agency is complex and manifests heterogeneously in daily life. A life course, contextual, and food agency-based approach could be considered for future diabetes prevention interventions.

Growth-promoting and low-salt adaptation responses boosted by spermidine in Strombidium parasulcatum, a marine bacteriovorous ciliate potentially applied to live feeds for marine larviculture

Ciliates have been suggested as potential live food organisms for the first-feeding stage of various aquaculture animal larvae because of, among others, their wide range of body size and relatively good availability in the surrounding environment. Unfortunately, studies on the nutritional contents or large-scale cultivation methods of ciliates are relatively sparse. Here we report a novel approach to efficiently separate the spermidine-enriched bacterial feeds from marine planktonic ciliate Strombidium parasulcatum. We also report the role of spermidine (Spd) in the standard mass culture of this ciliate. Our method was able to concentrate the ciliates up to 1.22 × 105 cells/mL (approximately 12-fold higher than the normal cultivation) with a recovery rate of 63.89 ± 2.254%. Regarding the role of Spd, we have allowed the bacterial feeds to accumulate a high amount of intracellular Spd from the culture medium (4.10-fold that of the control group). The ciliates receiving Spd-enrich feed exhibited a significant increase in the growth rate (increased by 10.5% to 56.4%), cellular Spd (increased by 1.23-fold to 2.81-fold), and clearance rate (∼20% within 4 h). In terms of stress vulnerability, we observed that S. parasulcatum was still able to accumulate Spd under low-salt stress (10‰ salinity). Besides, the addition of Spd could also assist ciliates in overcoming oxidative stress. Taken together, we concluded that Spd has an important function in the cultivation of the ciliate S. parasulcatum and our novel method facilitated its mass production. Therefore, the applied concepts and findings provided in this study may serve as a baseline for the future development of S. parasulcatum as a commercial live feed.

Investigation of the Usability of Biodiesel from Horse Oil in Diesel Engines

Biodiesel is an alternative diesel fuel produced from animal and vegetable oils. As an alternative and ecologically acceptable substitute for conventional fuel, biodiesel is produced from a wide variety of edible vegetable oils that are usually used for human consumption and whose prices are expected to rise in the future. In this context, reliable and low-cost raw materials are gaining increasing interest for biodiesel production, such as by-products of meat processing industries or waste animal fats. Biodiesel production from waste animal fat, and raw food does not compete with the industry and has a great potential for waste caused by the global decline. In our study, a potential alternative fuel was produced for diesel engines by using the non-food-grade fat portion of horse meat consumed in Middle Asia countries. Solid crude horse oil was liquefied, and its fatty acid components were analyzed and transformed into horse oil biodiesel by the transesterification method. It was determined whether the fuel properties of crude horse oil, horse oil biodiesel, and euro diesel fuel comply with the standard values, and their usability in diesel engines was investigated. As a result of the tests, it has been concluded that horse oil biodiesel does not meet the standards in terms of cold flow properties and can only be used at a rate of low volumetric ratios in diesel engines. This article will contribute to the use of horse oil biodiesel production stages and fuel properties in diesel engines and future studies.