Sterol Content Research Articles

Changes in the Characteristics of Pine Logging Residue during Storage in Forest Stands

A significant amount of logging residue is produced during roundwood harvesting. Logs are often left in forest sites due to, for example, ecological or logistical aspects. Taking into account the fact that the number of studies focused on changes in the properties of the residue is very low, it was decided to conduct research on the effect of a three-year storage period in forest stands on the chemical properties and energy potential of the wood. The research design allowed for the determination of changes during up to three years of storage. The performed analysis showed a highly negative impact on the characteristics of the material. These adverse effects were probably caused by the activity of microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria, as evidenced by the increased concentrations of ergosterol and low-molecular-weight organic acids. Moreover, it was found that wood stored for three years was characterized by a lower cellulose content; an increased percentage of lignin; a reduced content of sterols (desmosterol, stigmasterol, lanosterol and β-sitosterol) and phenolic acids; and reduced antioxidant activity, as determined with the ABTS+ method. Storing logs also led to a reduction in the energy potential of the residues, as shown by a reduction in net and gross calorific value and an increased ash content.

Comparison of structural effects of cholesterol, lanosterol, and oxysterol on phospholipid (POPC) bilayers

Membrane sterols contribute to the function of biomembranes by regulating the physical properties of the lipid bilayers. Cholesterol, a typical mammalian sterol, is biosynthesized by oxidation of lanosterol. From a molecular evolutionary perspective, lanosterol is considered the ancestral molecule of cholesterol. Here, we studied whether cholesterol is superior to lanosterol in regulating the physical properties of the lipid bilayer in terms of the structural effect on model biomembranes composed of a phospholipid. For comparison, oxysterol, which is formed by oxidation of cholesterol, was also studied. The phospholipid used was 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC), which is abundantly found in mammalian biomembranes, and 7β-hydroxycholesterol, which is highly cytotoxic, was used as the oxysterol. The apparent molecular volume was calculated from the mass density determined by the flotation method using H2O and D2O, and the bilayer thickness was determined by reconstructing the electron density distribution from X-ray diffraction data of the POPC/sterol mixtures at a sterol concentration of 30 mol%. The apparent occupied area at the bilayer surface was calculated from the above two structural data. The cholesterol system had the thickest bilayer thickness and the smallest occupied area of the three sterols studied here. This indicates that the POPC/cholesterol bilayer has a better barrier property than the other two systems. Compared to cholesterol, the effects of lanosterol and 7β-hydroxycholesterol on lipid bilayer properties can be interpreted as suboptimal for the function of mammalian biomembranes.

Flavor enhancement of strong fragrant rapeseed oils by enzymatic treatment

Fragrant rapeseed oils with the sensory characteristics attract increasing market in China. The unique flavor of strong fragrant rapeseed oil (SFRO) is the first choice to attract the consumers’ preference. Thus, enzymatic treatments of rapeseeds were used to enhance the flavor properties of SFROs in the present study. Results showed that SFRO produced from neutral protease and α-amylase-treated rapeseeds (NRO+ARO) had the highest percentages of unsaturated fatty acid (USFA), monounsaturated fatty acid (MUSFA) and oleic acid (C18:1) of 93.30%, 65.90% and 65.22%, respectively, with the highest tocopherol content of 577.35 mg/kg and total sterol content of 4523.46 mg/kg. The NRO+ARO showed a strong nutty and rich roasted fragrance and distinguishing sweet flavor with the highest overall sensory evaluation score. Majority of volatile compounds in NRO+ARO belonged to pyrazines and furans originated from Maillard reactions with the highest contents. The highest decrease trends of monosaccharide and amino acid contents from 8.42 g/kg to 2.04 g/kg and from 128.91 mg/kg to 47.39 mg/kg, respectively, were observed in the neutral protease and α-amylase-treated rapeseeds after roasting. Glucose/xylose-lysine reaction products contained the high contents of pyrazines, suggesting enhancement of supply of glucose/xylose and lysine in rapeseeds would significantly improve the fragrance of SFROs. The outputs of present study would provide a clue to understand the formation of unique flavor of SFROs and a reference to develop series of SFRO products.

Assessment of applying an integrated pest management strategy to control the raspberry leaf and bud mite, Phyllocoptes gracilis (Nal.) and its effect on the raspberry leaf metabolites

In the years 2018‒2020, the effectiveness of three synthetic active substances (acequinocyl, fenpyroximate, spirodiclofen), one substance derived from Streptomyces spp. (abamectin), a plant extract (orange oil) and silicone polymers in controlling Phyllocoptes gracilis in two Polish raspberry plantations (v. ‘Glen Ample’) was assessed. All the substances showed high and comparable efficacy against the tested pest, significantly reducing its population. However, their effects occurred at different times after the application. The strongest immediate control was shown by silicone polymers, followed by abamectin and spirodiclofen. The full effect of fenpyroximate application was visible after approx. 2 weeks, while acequinocyl was effective 3‒4 weeks after the application. Moreover, the content of phenolic compounds, sterols and triterpenoids was determined in leaves of plants treated with spirodiclofen, orange oil and silicone polymers. The observed increase in the content of salicylic acid and changes in the content of triterpenoids in leaves may indicate a stimulating effect of the substances to the natural defense processes of plants.

Lipid composition and physicochemical parameters of unrefined sunflower oil

Unrefined sunflower oil is obtained by pressing of the sunflower seeds and subsequent fine filtration. It contains more biologically active substances compared to the refined one, it is more stable to oxidation processes, for that reason it is widely used in the composition of the various food products. The main acids in the oil are oleic (56.5%), linoleic (31.7%), palmitic (6.4%), and stearic acid (3.2%). Total sterol content is 0.7%, with ß-sitosterol as a main component (84.0%). The quantity of tocopherol is 188 mg/kg and it consists of one compound α-tocopherol (100%). Different physicochemical parameters were obtained at temperature ranges (from 20 to 80°C). The values of these parameters decrease with an increase in temperature, density (from 0.938 to 0.901 g/ml), surface tension (from 44.124 to 31.787 mN/m), dynamic viscosity (from 29.195 to 14.913 mPa.s), and kinematic viscosity (from 31.125 to 16.552 mm2/s). All these changes are in confirmation of the data from the literature and are relevant in our next studies.

FooDOxS: a database of oxidized sterols content in foods.

Dietary oxidized sterols (DOxS) are cholesterol-like molecules known to exert pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant, and pro-apoptotic effects, among others. We present the FooDOxS database, a comprehensive compilation of DOxS content in over 1680 food items from 120 publications across 25 countries, augmented by data generated by our group. This database reports DOxS content in foods classified under the NOVA and What We Eat in America (WWEIA) systems, allowing a comprehensive and statistically robust summary of DOxS content in foods. Notably, we evaluated the efficacy of using NOVA and WWEIA classifications in capturing DOxS variations across food categories. Our findings provide insights into the strengths and limitations of these classification systems, enhancing their utility for assessing dietary components. This research contributes to the understanding of DOxS in food processing and suggests refinements for classification systems, holding promise for improved food safety and public health assessments.

Evaluation of the role of metabolizing enzymes and transporter variants in ezetimibe pharmacokinetics.

Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol uptake by modulation of intestinal sterol absorption. Currently, although some studies have shown alterations in ezetimibe levels caused by alterations in the ABCG5, ABCG8, NPC1L1 or UGT1A1 genes, there are no pharmacogenetic guidelines to confirm these biomarkers. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of 49 variants in 22 pharmacogenes related to metabolism and transport. A total of 96 healthy volunteers from four bioequivalence clinical trials of ezetimibe as monotherapy or in combination with simvastatin were studied. Blood samples were extracted for unconjugated ezetimibe plasma quantification and genotyping. No association of metabolizing enzyme variants with ezetimibe pharmacokinetic parameters was found. The results show some trends in the univariate analysis for ABCB1 rs2032582 or ABCC2 rs2273697 and Cmax (p univariate (p uv ) = 0.056 and 0.087, respectively), which finally reach significance in the multivariate analysis (p multivariate (p mv ) = 0.049 and 0.048, respectively). Nevertheless, these results need to be validated in future studies.

Potential Anti-Cancer Effects of Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Its Phenolic Extracts on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells

In this study, three types of Extra Virgin olive oils (EVOO) grown in different regions of Türkiye (Kilis Yaglik, Ayvalik, Izmir Sofralik) and their phenolic extracts (EVOOP) were evaluated for their anti-cancer activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells (Hep40) and a complete profiling of the fatty acid, sterol and polyphenol content of these olive oils was performed by HPLC and GC method. It was shown that genetic diversity and differences in growing conditions of the olive oils studied significantly modified the phenolic composition. The biophenol content was found as 655.4 mg/kg, 508.75 mg/kg and 197.86 mg/kg in Kilis Yaglik, Izmir Sofralik and Ayvalık respectively. The highest content of oleocanthal was found in İzmir Sofralik EVOO (142.00 mg/kg) and its anti-proliferative effect was found to be high. The highest amount of hydroxytyrosol was found in Kilis Yaglik (42.14 mg/kg) and the highest amount of tyrosol was found in Izmir Sofralik (43.86 mg/kg). It was shown that there was a significant difference in the responses of polyphenols in Hep40 cells. The direct use of olive oil in Hep40 cells and the comparison with EVOOPs were evaluated for the first time in this study. The evaluation of the anti-cancer effect of EVOOs and EVOOPs was tested by MTT and the IC50 value of Ayvalik EVOO was found to be the lowest at %12.84. In EVOOPs, Izmir Sofralik was the most effective in Hep40 cells with an IC50 value of 35.40 µg/mL.

Binding of Cholesterol to the N-Terminal Domain of the NPC1L1 Transporter: Analysis of the Epimerization-Related Binding Selectivity and Loop Mutations.

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance with a pivotal physiological relevance in humans, and its homeostasis is tightly regulated by various cellular processes, including the import in the small intestine and the reabsorption in the biliary ducts by the Niemann-Pick C1 Like 1 (NPC1L1) importer. NPC1L1 can mediate the absorption of a variety of sterols but strikingly exhibits a large sensitivity to cholesterol epimerization. This study examines the molecular basis of the epimerization-related selective binding of cholesterol by combining extended unbiased molecular dynamics simulations of the apo and holo species of the N-terminal domain of wild-type NPC1L1, in conjunction with relative binding free energy, umbrella sampling, and well-tempered metadynamics calculations. The analysis of the results discloses the existence of two distinct binding modes for cholesterol and epi-cholesterol. The former binds deeper in the cavity, forming key hydrogen-bond interactions with Q95, S56, and a water molecule. In contrast, epi-cholesterol is shifted ca. 3 Å to the mouth of the cavity and the transition to the Q95 site is prevented by an energetic barrier of 4.1 kcal·mol-1. Thus, the configuration of the hydroxyl group of cholesterol, together with the presence of a structural water molecule, is a key feature for effective absorption. Finally, whereas these findings may seemingly be challenged by single-point mutations that impair cholesterol transport but have a mild impact on the binding of cholesterol to the Q95 binding site, our results reveal that they have a drastic influence on the conformational landscape of the α8/β7 loop in the apo species compared to the wild-type protein. Overall, the results give support to the functional role played by the α8/β7 loop in regulating the access of ligands to NPC1L1, and hence to interpreting the impact of these mutations on diseases related to disruption of sterol absorption, paving the way to understanding certain physiological dysfunctions.

The influence of various sample storage conditions and sample bacterial contamination on concentrations of routine biochemical parameters.

The pre-analytical (PA) phase is the most vulnerable phase of the laboratory testing procedure, with critical procedures-collection, handling, sample transport, and time and temperature of sample storage. This study aimed to examine the stability of basic biochemical parameters depending on the samples' storage conditions and the number of freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs). In parallel, the presence of sample bacterial contamination during routine laboratory work was examined. Two plasma pools (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and sodium-fluoride/potassium oxalate plasma (NaF)) were stored at +4 ˚C/-20 ˚C. Total chole - sterol (TC), glucose, triglycerides (TG), urea, and albumin concentrations were measured using BioSystems reagents (cholesterol oxidase/peroxidase, glucose oxidase/per - oxidase, glycerol phosphate oxidase/peroxidase, urease/ salicylate, and bromcresol green method, respectively) on Ilab 300+. Sample bacterial contamination was determined by 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The expe - riment encompassed a 5 day-period: Day 1-fresh sample, Day 2-1st FTC, Day 3-2nd FTC, Day 4-3rd FTC, Day 5-4th FTC. The appearance of bacteria in two consecutive samples was the experiment's endpoint.

A Comprehensive Biochemical Characterization of Hybrid Grouper Larvae (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀ × Epinephelus lanceolatus♂) during Yolk-Sac Larval Development.

To investigate the shifts in the biochemical composition of hybrid grouper during the early larval stages, we collected samples at various developmental milestones, spanning from newly hatched larvae (stage I) to 4 days after hatching (stage V). Our findings revealed several notable trends: (1) The total length of hybrid grouper larvae exhibited a significant increase as the yolk-sac absorption progressed from stage I to V. Concurrently, there was a marked decrease in yolk volume and oil volume during the transition from stage I to III, followed by a gradual decline from stage III to V. (2) Dry weight and total lipid content displayed a rapid reduction throughout the larval development period, while the total protein content exhibited a declining trend. (3) The concentrations of triacylglycerols and wax esters/steryl esters decreased considerably, particularly at stage V. However, no differences were observed among the contents of ketones, hydrocarbons, and sterols. (4) As yolk-sac larvae developed from stage I to V, a significant reduction was observed in the levels of essential amino acids (EAAs), such as leucine, valine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, glycine, alanine, serine, proline, and tyrosine. This trend was also observed for non-EAAs and total amino acids, with fluctuations in the content of other amino acids. (5) There was a significant decrease in the levels of specific fatty acids, including C16:0, saturated fatty acids (SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), C18:0, 18:1n-9, and C20:4n-6. In contrast, the contents of C22:6n-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), n-3 PUFA, n-6 PUFA, and the combination of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) + eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), as well as the DHA/EPA ratio, remained stable from stage I to III but declined thereafter. (6) During the early developmental stages, the utilization sequence of fatty acids followed a pattern of prioritizing SFAs, followed by MUFAs, n-6 PUFA, and n-3 PUFA. These findings provide further insights into the nutritional priorities of hybrid grouper larvae during their early development, with a particular emphasis on lipids and fatty acids as vital energy sources. Additionally, our results highlight variations in the efficiency of utilization among different types of fatty acids, while protein utilization remained relatively stable, characterized by the selective consumption of amino acid content.

Effect of enzymatic Maillard reaction conditions on physicochemical properties, nutrition, fatty acids composition and key aroma compounds of fragrant rapeseed oil.

A new enzymatic hydrolysis-based process inspired by the Maillard reaction can produce strong flavored, high-value rapeseed oil that meets safety requirements. In the present study, the effect of reaction time (10-30 min) and temperature (130-160 °C) on the physicochemical properties, nutritional status, fatty acids composition and key aroma compounds of fragrant rapeseed oil (FRO) was investigated. An increasing reaction time and temperature substantially decreased the total tocopherol, polyphenol and sterol contents of FRO, but increased benzo[a]pyrene content, as well as the acid and peroxide values, which did not exceed the European Union legislation limit. Among the volatile components, 2,5-dimethyl was the main substance contributing to the barbecue flavor of FRO. The 150 °C for 30 min reaction conditions produced a FRO with a strong, fragrant flavor, with high total tocopherol (560.15 mg kg-1 ), polyphenol (6.82 mg kg-1 ) and sterol (790.65 mg kg-1 ) contents; acceptable acid (1.60 mg g-1 ) and peroxide values (4.78 mg g-1 ); and low benzo[a]pyrene (1.39 mg g-1 ) content. These were the optimal conditions for the enzymatic Maillard reaction, according to the principal component analysis. Furthermore, hierarchical cluster analysis showed that reaction temperature had a stronger effect on FRO than reaction time. The optimal enzymatic Maillard reaction conditions for the production of FRO are heating at 150 °C for 30 min. These findings provide new foundations for better understanding the composition and flavor profile of FRO, toward guiding its industrial production. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Fisetin, a dietary flavonoid, promotes transintestinal cholesterol excretion through the activation of PPARδ

Fisetin, a dietary polyphenol abundantly found in strawberries, exhibits a broad spectrum of health-promoting activities, including antihyperlipidemic effects. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of fisetin on cholesterol elimination through novel transintestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) pathway. A hypercholesterolemic mouse model and human colon epithelial cancer cell line Caco-2 were utilized to conduct the study. In hypercholesterolemic mice, fisetin (25 mg/kg) treatment reduced serum total cholesterol by 46.48% and significantly decreased lipid accumulation in the liver. Furthermore, fisetin administration led to a substantial increase in the fecal neutral sterol contents, including coprostanol, coprostanone, dihydrocholesterol, and cholesterol. Specifically, these sterol contents increased by approximately 224.20%, 151.40%, 70.40% and 50.72% respectively. The fluorescence intensity of 22-NBD-cholesterol in intestinal perfusion increased by 95.94% in fisetin group (25 mg/kg), indicating that fisetin stimulated TICE. In high cholesterol-induced Caco-2 cells, fisetin at a concentration of 30 μM reduced total cholesterol and free cholesterol by 37.21% and 45.30% respectively, stimulated cholesterol excretion, and inhibited cholesterol accumulation. Additionally, fisetin upregulated the gene and protein expression of cholesterol efflux transporters ABCG5/G8 and ABCB1, while downregulating the cholesterol uptake regulator NPC1L1. Furthermore, fisetin increased LDLR protein expression and decreased PCSK9 expression. Notably, fisetin significantly activated nuclear receptor PPARδ in Caco-2 cells. PPARδ antagonist pretreatment counteracted the regulatory effects of fisetin on TICE regulators, suggesting fisetin lowered cholesterol through enhancing TICE by activation of intestinal PPARδ. Fisetin could be used as functional dietarysupplement for eliminating cholesterol and reducing the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

The Fungus Beauveria bassiana Alters Amounts of Sterols, Fatty Acids, and Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Potato Solanum tuberosum

The entomopathogenic endophytic fungus Beauveria bassiana can colonize plants resulting in growth promotion and protection against phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, physiological changes in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum) during this interaction are poorly understood. In the present work, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography were used to analyze sterol, fatty acid, and phenolic acid concentrations in potato plants inoculated with B. bassiana conidia in soil. We showed an increase in amounts of stigmasterol, minor sterol compounds, and some hydroxy fatty acids in leaves after the fungal treatment. Moreover, levels of hydroxycinnamic acids, especially chlorogenic acid, were elevated in roots following the B. bassiana inoculation. We propose that these changes could have been caused by oxidative reactions, and the alterations may have resulted in growth-stimulatory and protective effects of B. bassiana on the plants.

Application of Miscanthus substrates in the cultivation of Ganoderma lingzhi.

Ganoderma lingzhi is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to improve health and longevity for thousands of years. It is usually cultivated on hardwood log- or sawdust-based formulations. Conversely, in this study, we used Miscanthus sacchariflorus (MSF), M. floridulus, and M. sinensis (MSS), fast-growing perennial grasses widely distributed in China, for G. lingzhi cultivation. Mycelial growth rate, activities of lignin-degrading enzymes on colonized mushroom substrates, and expression levels of CAZymes and laccase genes based on different substrates were analyzed. Total triterpenoids, sterols, and polysaccharides content of fruiting bodies obtained from different substrates were investigated. The activities of laccase and manganese peroxidase in mycelia increased in the MSF- and MSS-based formulations compared with that in the sawdust-based formulation. The results of mycelial growth- and cultivation-related experiments showed that the Miscanthus substrates could be used as the substrates for cultivating G. lingzhi. The content of activeingredients, namely triterpenoids, sterols, and polysaccharides, in fruiting bodies cultivated on the Miscanthus substrates did not decrease compared with those in substrate obtained from the sawdust-based formulation. Therefore, the present study provides alternative substrates for the cultivation of G. lingzhi, and a reference for better utilization of inexpensive substrate in future.

Study of the Chemical Composition of Carica papaya L. Seed Oils of Various Geographic Origins

The papaya plant (Carica papaya L.) is tree-like fruit plant cultivated throughout the tropics and subtropics. The aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties, fatty acid, sterols, and triterpenic alcohols composition of Carica papaya L. seed oils grown in a typical geographical location and Carica papaya L. seed oils grown in an untypical geographical location in greenhouse conditions (Saratov Region, Russia). The oils were extracted from the seeds of Carica papaya L. fruits collected in Kenya, the Dominican Republic, Angola, Ghana, and Brazil, as well as from the seeds of fruit plants grown in a similar environment (Russian Federation, Saratov). Parameters such as the oil yield, refractive index, peroxide value, iodine value, saponification value, and acid value of the extracted Carica papaya L. seed oils were determined. The qualitative and quantitative chemical compositions of the seed oils were determined by a combination of mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. The profiles as well as the content of fatty acids, sterols, triterpenic alcohols, and benzyl isothiocyanate were established. The saponifiable fraction of the oils is mainly represented by triglycerides (98.7–99.4%), while di-(0.4–1.1%) and monoglycerides (0.1–0.3%) are also present but in smaller amounts. The content of sterols and triterpene alcohols was (537.5–918.2) mg/100 g of oil (0.54–0.92%), and up to 75% of the fraction was represented by β-sitosterol (55.9–66.7%) and its saturated analogue-sitostanol (11.0–15.7%). The physicochemical properties and the fatty acid, sterol, and triterpenic alcohol composition of seed oils from Carica papaya L. fruits, cultivated in Russia, is in the quantitative range of other samples, which suggests that Carica papaya L. can be grown in Russia for obtaining the seed oil.

Moringa oleifera and Ruta angustifolia fixed oils and a prospective method to obstruct pupal development in cotton leafworm

The cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis, is a polyphagous pest that attacks various economic crops. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) uses different techniques to combat this pest unfortunately chemical control is the predominant. However, it does not target the pupal stage of the insect. Therefore, a safe and cost-effective technique must be developed to address this issue.This technique integrates using plant-based agents; M. oleifera and R. angustifolia seed oils as pupaicids. Various concentrations (1%, 2%, and 4%) of both oils were employed by means of the dipping method of pre-pupae. The study delved into the biological, and biochemical aspects of pupal development to adult emergence. Analysis of the fatty acids along with the hydrocarbons and sterols was conducted through GLC analysis for oils composition.Our research has shown that Moringa oleifera and Ruta angustifolia oils at a concentration of 4 % have a significant impact on pre-pupal mortality (42.57& 61.9 %) and pupation of survival pre-pupa (57.42&38.09 %) However, emerged adults were reduced to 83.33 % and 60 %, respectively. Chitinase recording significantly disturbance after 1 day for Ruta (6.21 µg/min/g) and Moringa oil (2.12 µg/min/g). Also, Phosphatase enzyme showed a significant disturbance after 4 and 7 days of treatments. GLC data of fatty acids showed that oleic acid (74.42 %) was the major fatty acid in M. oleifera oil, while linolenic, linoleic, and oleic acids represented 31.39 %, 22.70 %, and 21.95 %, respectively, in R. angustifolia oil. Sterols in M. oleifera oil were β-sitosterol and stigmasterol, while Ruta oil contained additional amounts of cholesterol and campesterol,Briefly, the suggested technique was effective in disturbing pupal development and reducing emerged adults. Ruta was more effective than Moringa oil due to its contents of sterols and hydrocarbons that may affect ecdysis.

Enzymatic methods for the preparation of fragrant rapeseed oil: Effect of reducing sugars on flavor production using the Maillard reaction

This study investigated the effects of different reducing sugars (glucose, fructose, and maltose) on quality and flavor during the enzymatic preparation of fragrant rapeseed oils (FROs) through Maillard reaction. The FROs was determined using sensory and physiochemical analyses. The fructose group had a reasonable fatty acid composition, lower acid value (1.28 mg/g), peroxide value (0.12 g/100g), moisture (0.08%), and benzo(a)pyrene content (1.43 μg/kg); higher total tocopherol content (597.78 mg/kg), sterol content (790.00 mg/kg), and sensory evaluation score (3.81 score); a sweeter nutty/toasted flavor and a weaker spicy flavor. The flavor was attributed to the presence of furfural, a sweet-tasting compound, and the nitrile content, which was responsible for the spicy flavor, was lower than that of traditional FROs, resulting in weaker spiciness. Overall, the results suggest that fructose is the best reducing sugar for enzymatic preparation of FROs, providing key directives for the industrial production of FROs.

Effects of Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury on Brain Sterol Synthesis and Metabolism.

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI) results from disruptions to blood supply and oxygen in the perinatal brain. The goal of this study was to measure brain sterol metabolites and plasma oxysterols after injury in a neonatal HIBI mouse model to assess for potential therapeutic targets in the brain biochemistry as well as potential circulating diagnostic biomarkers. Postnatal day 9 CD1-IGS mouse pups were randomized to HIBI induced by carotid artery ligation followed by 30 minutes at 8% oxygen or to sham surgery and normoxia. Brain tissue was collected for sterol analysis by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Plasma was collected for oxysterol analysis by LC-MS/MS. There were minimal changes in brain sterol concentrations in the first 72 hours after HIBI. In severely injured brains, there was a significant increase in desmosterol, 7-DHC, 8-DHC, and cholesterol 24 hours after injury in the ipsilateral tissue. Lanosterol, 24-dehydrolathosterol, and 14-dehydrozymostenol decreased in plasma 24 hours after injury. Severe neonatal HIBI was associated with increased cholesterol and sterol precursors in the cortex at 24 hours after injury. Differences in plasma oxysterols were seen at 24 hours but were not present at 30 minutes after injury, suggesting that these sterol intermediates would be of little value as early diagnostic biomarkers.

Extraction and characterization of humic acid with high bio-activity by mechanical catalytic treatment

In order to extract humic acid (HA) with high quality from industrial waste weathered coal. The catalyst oxidation for preparation of HA is an environment-friendly and value-added strategy. A green catalyst of α-MnO2/kaolinite (α-MnO2/Kln) was prepared for oxidizing weathered coal for conversion to HA. The effects of ball-milling and catalysis for HA were studied. The catalysts contain oxygen vacancies and lower average oxidation state (3.55), which facilitates the oxidation reaction. Compared to untreated weathered coal HA (WHA), the yield of ball-milling and catalyst treated weathered coal HA (BC/WHA) increased by 18.67%. The catalyst treated weathered coal HA (C/WHA) and BC/WHA displayed better quality, including higher oxygen content (29.90% and 28.68%), increased O/C ratio (0.52 and 0.52), and higher total acidic groups (7.88 and 7.64 meq/g) than those of WHA (25.43%, 0.44, 6.46 meq/g, respectively). The small-molecule fatty acid (79.07%) of C/WHA was obviously higher than that of WHA (66.03%). The active substance of sterols content (19.95%) of BC/WHA increased significantly. These proved the bio-activity of C/WHA and BC/WHA was improved, and α-MnO2/Kln played an effective catalytic oxidation. Overall, BC/WHA has high extraction yield and enhanced bio-activity, making it highly HA output efficient and suitable for agricultural applications.