Total Unsaturated Fatty Acids Research Articles

Effects of Vine Tea Extract on Meat Quality, Gut Microbiota and Metabolome of Wenchang Broiler.

Simple SummaryThe current work was to assess the effect of vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) extract (AGE) addition on the meat quality, gut microbiota and metabolome of Wenchang broilers. It was found that diet addition with AGE could enhance the quality and flavor of Wenchang broiler.This study investigates the effects of vine tea (Ampelopsis grossedentata) extract (AGE) on meat quality, gut microbiota and cecal content metabolites of Wenchang broilers. A total of 240 female Wenchang broilers aged 70 days were randomly allocated into four groups with five replicates of twelve broilers each. Broilers were fed a corn-soybean basal diet supplemented with AGE at 0 (T1), 0.2% (T2), 0.4% (T3) and 0.6% (T4) until 124 days of age. The whole feeding trial lasted 54 days. Results suggest that the content of total triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of broilers are linearly reduced with dietary AGE supplementation (p < 0.05). The T3 and T4 groups had higher (p < 0.05) a* value in thigh and breast muscles than the T1 group. Additionally, the dietary supplementation of AGE decreased the shear force and drip loss of both thigh and breast muscles linearly (p < 0.05). Compared with the T1 group, AGE supplementation increased the levels of inosine monophosphate (IMP) significantly (p < 0.05) in both the thigh and breast muscles. Furthermore, an increase (p < 0.05) in the total unsaturated fatty acid (USFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acid (USFA: SFA) in both the thigh and breast muscles in the T3 group was observed. Higher abundance of Bacteroidota (p < 0.05) and lower abundance of Firmicutes (p < 0.05) were observed in the T3 group. The abundance of Faecalibacterium was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the T3 group compared with the T1 group. Cholesterol sulfate and p-cresol sulfate were identified as differential metabolites between the T1 and T3 groups. It suggested that 0.4% of AGE supplementation significantly downregulated the levels of p-cresol sulfate and cholesterol sulfate (p < 0.05) and the hepatic 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) activity compared with the control. Our present study demonstrates that dietary supplementation with AGE can improve the quality and flavor by increasing the IMP and PUFA content in the muscle of Wenchang broilers. Furthermore, dietary AGE supplementation with 0.4% can regulate the cholesterol metabolism of Wenchang broilers.

Nutraceutical Profile of the Ceylon Spinach (Talinum triangulare)

Abstract Objective This study appraises the nutraceutical potential of uncooked and cooked Ceylon spinach, the wild leafy vegetable Talinum triangulare occurring in southwest India. Materials and Methods Proximal properties (moisture, crude protein, total lipids, crude fiber, ash, total carbohydrates, and calorific value), mineral contents, amino acid composition, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD), protein digestibility–corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS), protein efficiency ratios (PERs), and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were evaluated by following standard protocols. Results Total lipids, crude fiber, total carbohydrates, and calorific value were higher in cooked than in uncooked samples. Among nine minerals assessed, sodium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, manganese, and zinc were significantly higher in uncooked samples compared with cooked samples. Lysine, methionine, cystine, tyrosine, alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and serine were higher and histidine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine, glycine, and proline were lower in uncooked samples. Cooking improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER. Capric and linoleic acids were higher in uncooked samples, while palmitic, 1-pyrrolidinebutanoic, and ɑ-linolenic acid acids were higher in cooked samples. The total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFAs) were higher in cooked samples; however, the total saturated fatty acids (TSFAs) were lower in cooked samples. The ratio of TUFA to TSFA was higher in uncooked than in cooked samples. Conclusion The protein content of T. triangulare is comparable to those of legume seeds and consists of low fat, high fiber, and high carbohydrates along with increased calorific value. The Na/K (&lt;1) and Ca/P (&gt;1) ratios are favorable to combat blood pressure and prevention of calcium loss, respectively. The indispensable amino acids are comparable to or higher than soybean, wheat, and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and the World Health Organization (FAO-WHO) standards. Improved IVPD, PDCAAS, and PER in cooked samples of T. triangulare support its nutraceutical potential in human diet to tackle the protein-energy malnutrition and supplement of its flour strengthens the value of fortified foods. The nutraceutical potential has possible roles to combat lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cancers, and cardiac ailments.

Effects of turning over intensity on fatty acid metabolites in postharvest leaves of Tieguanyin oolong tea (Camellia sinensis).

Fatty acid derived volatiles (FADVs) are major contributors to the aroma quality of oolong tea (Camellia sinensis). Most of the processing time for oolong tea is taken up by turning over treatments, but the full profile of fatty acid metabolic changes during this process remains unclear. In this study, we detected fatty acids, their derived volatiles, and related genes of Tieguanyin oolong tea using biochemical and molecular biology methods. The results showed that with an increase in turning over intensities, the content of total unsaturated fatty acids continuously dropped and the content of characteristic FADVs, such as hexanoic acid (Z)-3-Hexenly ester and 2-exenal, continued to increase. Lipoxygenase (LOX), a key gene family in the fatty acid metabolic pathway, showed different patterns, and CsLOX1 (TEA025499.1) was considered to be a key gene during the turning over processes. We found that fruit-like aroma (Z)-3-Hexen-1-ol acetate had a strong correlation with the expression levels of eight Camelia sinensis LOX family genes. Tieguanyin had relatively rich pleasant volatile compounds with moderate turning over intensity (five times turning over treatments). This study provides an overall view of how fatty acid metabolites change and affect the quality of oolong tea with different turning over intensities during processing.

Fatty acid profiles of selected traditional and new improved rice varieties of Sri Lanka

This study evaluated fatty acid profiles (FAPs) of fifteen pigmented and non-pigmented traditional and new improved rice varieties (RVs) of Sri Lanka. Fat was extracted from rice flour, derivatized to methyl esters and analyzed by gas chromatography (n = 3 each). Results showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in FAPs among the tested RVs. Total fatty acids, saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and total unsaturated fatty acids of selected RVs varied from 22.00–32.29, 4.85–7.36, 9.44–14.55, 6.87–10.31 and 16.96–24.87 mg/g of rice respectively. Further, PUFA/SFA ratios varied from 1.22 to 1.63. The major fatty acids palmitic, oleic and linoleic acids together contributed nearly 90–96 % of total fatty acids present in rice. Interestingly, differences among RVs in terms of FAPs were due to differences in individual fatty acids in RVs irrespective of traditional or new improved and red or white RVs. In conclusion, nutritionally sound healthy RVs can be selected by studying its total FAP. This is the 1st study to report total FAP of a large set of Sri Lankan rice varieties and report differences among FAP of traditional and new improved rice varieties world over.

Comparative Physiological and Transcriptome Profiles Uncover Salt Tolerance Mechanisms in Alfalfa.

Salinity is a major limiting factor that affects crop production. Understanding of the mechanisms of plant salt tolerance is critical for improving crop yield on saline land. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is the most important forage crop, while its salt tolerance mechanisms are largely unknown. The physiological and transcriptomic responses in two contrasting salt tolerant cultivars to salinity stress were investigated in the present study. “Magnum Salt” showed higher salt tolerance than “Adrenalin,” with higher relative germination rate, survival rate, biomass and K+/Na+ ratio after salt treatment. Activities of antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT and GR, and proline concentrations were upregulated to higher levels in roots and shoots in Magnum Salt than in Adrenalin after salinity stress, except for no difference in GR activity in shoots, and lower levels of O2⋅– and H2O2 were accumulated in leaves. It was interesting to find that salinity caused a decrease in total unsaturated fatty acid in Adrenalin other than Magnum Salt, C18:2 was increased significantly after salinity in Magnum Salt, while it was unaltered in Adrenalin. High quality RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data was obtained from samples of Magnum Salt and Adrenalin at different time points (0, 2, and 26 h). Generally, “phagosome,” “TCA cycle” and “oxidative phosphorylation” pathways were inhibited by salinity stress. Upregulated DEGs in Magnum Salt were specifically enriched in “fatty acid metabolism,” “MAPK signaling” and “hormone signal transduction” pathways. The DEGs involved in ionic homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and fatty acid metabolism could partially explain the difference in salt tolerance between two cultivars. It is suggested that salt tolerance in alfalfa is associated with regulation of ionic homeostasis, antioxidative enzymes and fatty acid metabolism at both transcriptional and physiological level.

토끼, 돼지 및 한우 간의 영양성분 및 조직감 비교

This research evaluated the nutritional composition and texture of rabbit (male, crossbreed) liver as compared to those from pig (barrow, L × Y × D) and Hanwoo (Korean cattle, steer, Bos taurus coreanae). The liver from rabbit had similar fat, protein, and calorie contents to those from pig and Hanwoo. Vitamin A, niacin, total amino acids, nonessential amino acids, and essential amino acids contents were not significantly different among livers from rabbit, pig, and Hanwoo. Rabbit liver had higher (p&gt;0.05) total unsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) proportions and lower (p&gt;0.05) n6/n3 PUFA ratio as compared to those from pig and Hanwoo. Moreover, linolenic acid proportion was more than 4 times higher (p&gt;0.05) in rabbit liver than in those from pig and Hanwoo. These findings suggest that rabbit liver may be more beneficial to human health than those from pig and Hanwoo in terms of fatty acid composition.

Fruit economic characteristics and yields of 40 superior Camellia oleifera Abel plants in the low-hot valley area of Guizhou Province, China

In this study, we assessed 26 economic characteristics and yields of the mature fruit of 40 superior Camellia oleifera Abel plants grown at the C. oleifera germplasm resource nursery in the low-hot valley area of Southwest Zuizhou, China, using principal component analysis (PCA). Correlations among the characteristics and the variability of the plants in these characteristics were also analyzed. Out of the 26 characteristics, 16 primary economic characteristics were selected for comprehensive assessment, based on the results of which the plants were ordered to obtain excellent C. oleifera germplasms. The data were subjected to PCA, and the 16 characteristics were integrated into 6 independent comprehensive indices, which included PV1 (single-fruit weight), PV2 (pericarp thickness), PV3 (seed rate), PV4 (total unsaturated fatty acids), PV5 (iodine value) and PV6 (dry seed rate). Then, the sum of the products of the contribution rates of the components and components scores was taken as the comprehensive score of each superior plant. In C. oleifera grown in the low-hot valley area, the oil yield exhibited very significant positive correlations with the dry seed rate and kernel rate but a very significant negative correlation with the 100-seed weight. The dry seed rate exhibited very significant negative correlations with the fruit diameter and fresh seed rate. Among the 26 characteristics, the variations of the acid value, peroxide value, number of fertile seeds, 100-seed weight and single-fruit weight were great; those of the fruit diameter, fruit height, kernel yield, oleic acid and total unsaturated fatty acid were small, showing strong genetic stability. According to the obtained comprehensive scores, the top 10 plants were ordered as follows: CY-6 > CY-13 > CY-31 > CY-11 > CY-16 > CY-22 > CY-28 > CY-23 > CY-24 > CY-29. This result was basically consistent with the ranking result according to the average yield per unit crown width within five years. In the low-hot valley area of Guizhou, C. oleifera exhibits excellent performance in single-fruit weight, total unsaturated fatty acids and kernel rate, 6 characteristics, i.e., acid value, peroxide value, single-fruit weight, the number of fertile seeds, 100-seed weight and α-linolenic acid possess high breeding potentials.

&lt;i&gt;Corrigendum to&lt;/i&gt;: Legume grain-based supplements in dairy sheep diet: effects on milk yield, composition and fatty acid profile

With the aim to find protein sources that are free of genetically modified organisms, the effects of legume grain-based concentrates, used as alternatives of a mixed concentrate feed containing soybean, were evaluated on sheep milk production. Twelve lactating ewes were divided into four groups, fed hay and, according to a 4 &amp;#xd7; 4 Latin square design, supplied with 800 g/day of a commercial mixed concentrate feed (MCF) containing maize and soybean, or the same amount of isoprotein concentrates consisting of chickpea (CH), faba bean (FB), or pea (PE) mixed with barley. The ewes ingested more of the concentrates with legume grains than the MCF (702, 702, 678 vs 587 g/day DM for CH, FB, PE and MCF; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; ? 0.001). Compared with CH, FB and PE resulted in greater (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; ? 0.05) milk yield (710, 718 vs 654 g/day for FB, PE and CH, respectively), and led to a greater (&lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; ? 0.05) efficiency of dietary protein utilisation for milk casein synthesis (94, 97 vs 87 g casein/kg crude protein intake for FB, PE and CH, respectively), whereas MCF resulted in intermediate levels of milk yield (677 g/day) and milk casein/crude protein intake (88 g/kg). Chickpea increased the milk content of &lt;i&gt;trans&lt;/i&gt;-vaccenic and rumenic acids in comparison with FB and PE and, similarly to MCF, increased the milk content of linoleic acid, as well as total unsaturated fatty acids (24.3, 23.9 vs 17.2, 16.8 g/100 g fatty acid methyl esters for MCF, CH, FB and PE; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; ? 0.001), thereby improving the potential health-promoting index. Legume grains can replace soybean in diets of dairy ewes, as they do not adversely affect milk yield and composition.

Improvement of Thai Sweet Sausage (Goon Chiang) Properties by Oleogel Made of Rice Bran Wax and Rice Bran Oil: A Textural, Sensorial, and Nutritional Aspect

Oleogel (OG) has been emphasized as an alternative fat in several food products nowadays. This study aimed to determine the texture profile, fatty acids composition, and sensorial attributes of sweet sausage (Goon Chiang) as well as the fundamental properties of the final product through the supplementation of a mixture of rice bran wax and rice bran oil-oleogel (RBOG). The sausage sample was divided into 4 groups including i) without RBOG added; control, followed by 25%, 50%, and 75% RBOG substitute animal fat, respectively. All samples were measured the texture (hardness, springiness, chewiness, and cohesiveness), total cholesterol together with fatty acids profile as well as sensory properties. The results found out that the highest ratio of animal fat replacement by RBOG in the sweet sausage sample was softer and promoting the lowest cholesterol level when compared with other treatments (p<0.05). Besides, there is no significant difference was observed with total unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) level between 50% and 75% RBOG adding in meat sample. Overall acceptance of the final product was indexed with 50% RBOG (p<0.05). According to the results, it could be used as the fundamental data for developing and improving sweet sausage as a healthy meat product to meet consumer requirements.

Improving Rabbit Doe Metabolism and Whole Reproductive Cycle Outcomes via Fatty Acid-Rich Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract Supplementation in Free and Nano-Encapsulated Forms.

Simple SummaryUnder intensive rabbit production systems, due to the increased energy requirements of reproductive events, specifically pregnancy and lactation, rabbit does may confront several metabolic disorders as a result of energy imbalance. Moringa oleifera leaf ethanolic extract (ME) is one of the phytogenic extracts that has an impressive range of phytochemicals, specifically fatty acids (FAs). These phytochemicals may be biologically effective to support metabolism and reproductive functions of rabbit does during different reproductive cycle events. However, the high FAs content of ME makes them highly susceptible to lipid oxidation, diminishing their nutritional value and biological effects. In this study, we aimed to test the effects of FAs of ME either in a free-from or in a nano-encapsulated form on metabolism, immunity, milk production, milk composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does during different physiological status (premating, mating, pregnancy, and lactation). The results showed that ME improved health, metabolism, immune functions, milk production and composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does. These effects remained obvious even when a lower dose of ME was used in a nano-encapsulated form.The effects of free and nano-encapsulated ME supplementations on the metabolism, immunity, milk production and composition, and reproductive performance of rabbit does during premating, mating, pregnancy, and lactation were investigated. Multiparous rabbit does (n = 26 per group) received 50 mg of free ME (FME) daily, 25 mg of nano-encapsulated ME (HNME), or 10 mg of nano-encapsulated ME (LNME) per kilogram of body weight or were not supplemented (C) during a whole reproductive cycle. The ME contained 30 fatty acids with 54.27% total unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs). The fatty acid encapsulation efficiency of alginate nanoparticles was 70.46%. Compared with the C group, rabbits in all ME treatments had significantly increased body weight, feed intake, and glucose concentration and significantly decreased non-esterified free fatty acids and β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations. Rabbits supplemented with ME also had significantly increased white blood cell counts, phagocytic activity, lysozyme activity, and immunoglobulin G and decreased interleukin-1β concentrations. Moreover, ME supplementation significantly increased the concentrations of colostrum immunoglobulins, milk yield and energy content, and milk USFAs (omega-3 and 6). Rabbit does in the ME treatments had significantly higher conception and parturition rates and better litter characteristics than the C rabbit does. These results demonstrate the positive role of ME fatty acids on the health status and productive and reproductive performance of rabbit does at different physiological stages. Compared with the FME treatment, these parameters were further improved in rabbits that received nano-encapsulated ME at lower doses, illustrating how nano-encapsulation technology improves the bioavailability of ME.

Harnessing transcription factor Mga2 and fatty acid elongases to overproduce palmitoleic acid in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

As a long chain monounsaturated fatty acid, palmitoleic acid (POA) can be widely applied in medicine, food and industry. However, the limited natural sources and relatively low content thereof constrain the widespread use of POA. Here we presented the construction of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae platform strain for high-level production of POA. Transcription factor Mga2 increased the contents of POA and total unsaturated fatty acids by significantly upregulating the expression of genes encoding key enzymes in fatty acid anabolism, and the truncated Mga2 exhibited stronger capability to improve POA and oleic acid content than the whole Mga2. The fatty acid elongases investigated displayed distinct effects on the synthesis of POA. Through optimizing the combinatorial expression of fatty acid elongases and Mga2, we successfully established a high POA content of 58.5% (v/v) in the recombinants. The highest POA titer of 928 mg/L was obtained at 144 h in flask culture. These findings enhance our understanding of Mga2 regulation and provide a novel approach to engineer S. cerevisiae for sustainable production of POA or its derivatives.

Effects of the slaughter weight of non-lean finishing pigs on their carcass characteristics and meat quality.

The present study aimed to assess the feasibility of increasing the slaughter weight (SW) of non-lean finishing pigs to improve their meat quality. A total of 36 (Landrace × Yorkshire) × Duroc gilts and barrows were slaughtered at 115 (Av), 125 (Hi), or 135 (XHi) kg, followed by physicochemical analyses and sensory evaluation on their longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles. Backfat thickness was greater (p < 0.05) for the XHi (31.2 mm) and Hi (29.3 mm) groups than for Av (25.0 mm). Dressing percentage and yield of the belly per whole carcass were also slightly greater for XHi and Hi vs. Av. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of SM was greater for XHi (2.64%) than for Av (1.83%) and Hi (2.04%) and also was correlated with SW (r = 0.55). The pH value, lightness, redness, drip loss, shear force, and moisture and protein contents of LD and SM, as well as IMF content of LD, were unaffected by SW. Percentages of 14:0, 16:0, and total saturated fatty acids (FA) were less for Hi and XHi vs. Av in SM, those of total unsaturated FA, 18:2, 20:4, and n-6 being opposite; FA composition of LM was not influenced by SW except for a reduced 18:0 percentage for XHi vs. Av. The sensory score was less for XHi vs. Av for odor in fresh LD and SM, and less for Hi and XHi vs. Av for aroma in fresh LM; scores for color, drip loss, marbling, and acceptability were unaffected by SW. As for cooked muscles, none of the scores for color, aroma, flavor, juiciness, tenderness, and acceptability was affected by SW, except for a greater LD color score for Hi and XHi vs. Av. Collectively, the results suggested that the increased yield of the carcass and belly due to increased SW is outbalanced negatively by excessive backfat deposition in production efficiency, whereas the SW increase exerts little influence on overall sensory quality of fresh or cooked meat. Production of non-lean market pigs overweighing 115 kg therefore will be uneconomical unless consumers pay a substantial premium for the over-fattened pork.

Acer triflorum as a new nervonic acid-containing oilseed resource for the future: Fruit-and-seed weight, oil content and fatty acid composition

To develop and utilize the oil of Acer triflorum and explore natural resources rich in nervonic acid, 20 individual plants were used in trial collections to determine the oil and fatty acid contents of their seeds. The results showed that the average oil content ranged from 28.83%− 48.52%, with an average of 36.31%, indicating the plant is potential as a new species with high seed oil content. The oil was mainly composed of two saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid, stearic acid) and six unsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, erucic acid, nervonic acid). The average total content of the unsaturated fatty acids was 91.98%, where linoleic acid was 44.95%, erucic acid was 12.47%, and nervonic acid was 4.69%, indicating that A. triflorum seed oil has stable and high unsaturation characteristics and high nutritional value. The coefficients of variation (CV) for13 seed oil traits ranged from 0.47% to 12.40%, among which the CV for the oil content was the highest (12.40%), the CV for the total unsaturated fatty acids content was the lowest (0.47%), the CV for erucic acid was 2.54%, and that of nervonic acid was 6.37%. These results suggest that A. triflorum has potential as a new plant with a high content of valuable fatty oils. Meanwhile, extremely significant differences in the oil content and fatty acids content in the kernels of A. triflorum were observed among individuals, which provided the basis for screening germplasm resources for high oil, high nervonic acid and low erucic acid contents. Correlation analysis showed that the fuller the fruit and seed, the higher the oil content and seed oil quality. Based on the characteristics of the various fruit-and-seed weights and seed oils, one plant exemplifying excellent "high oil and low erucic acid" (‘WN181′) characteristics and another plant exemplifying excellent "high oil and nervonic acid" (‘GGC260′) characteristics were selected preliminarily. This study showed that A. triflorum could be developed into a renewable woody oil species, and its seeds could be used as raw materials for extracting nervonic acid.

Drought deteriorated the nutritional quality of cottonseed by altering fatty acids and amino acids compositions in cultivars with contrasting drought sensitivity

Cottonseed is an excellent source of vegetable oil and plant protein for food industry due to its natural ability of high oil and protein content. This study is designed to examine the influence of drought stress on the yield and quality of cottonseed kernels. Cottonseed yield and kernel yield per plant, as well as oil yield and protein yield, were significantly decreased under drought. The oil concentration (%/dry weight) decreased, but protein concentration (%/dry weight) increased significantly in response to drought. Total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and total essential amino acids (EAA) concentrations decreased notably under severe drought. Moreover, the decrease of polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio (PUFA/SFA), health-promoting index (HPI), unsaturation index (UI), and the increased atherogenicity index (AI), indicated the lower unsaturation of fatty acids which induced an unhealthy oil under drought stress. Otherwise, the variations of essential amino acids index (EAAI), nutritional value (NI), score ratio coefficient of amino acid (SRC) and biological value (BV) forecasted a diminished amino acids quality under drought stress. Results suggested that drought stress decreased cottonseed yield and deteriorated cottonseed nutritional values. The present research is a leading report describing the influences of drought on the nutritional quality indices in cottonseed. In addition, this study contributes to understanding the response of cottonseed nutritional value to soil moisture stress.

Electrical Properties and Raman Scattering of Palm Oil Based Carbon Nanotube

This paper studies the electrical efficiency of carbon nanotubes (CNT) with nanosized diameter inserted into palm-based oil at various concentrations (0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.125, 0.25 and 0.5 g/L). Dispersion methods, including sonication and drying process were systematically applied for producing stable CNT nanofluids. Several parameters such as electrical properties (AC breakdown voltage) and dielectric properties (dissipation factor, relative permittivity and resistivity) were measured accordingly based on IEC 60156 and IEC 60247 international standards. The test results reveal that the higher concentration of CNTs dispersed in palm oil, the lower AC breakdown voltages produced. At 0.5 g/L concentration, the average of 50 breakdown was 22.30 kV, which is 72.33% decrement compared to palm oil without any nanofiller. Besides, the permittivity and resistivity of CNT nanofluids decrease as concentrations increased, while dissipation factor increases along with CNT concentrations. In order to further support this indication, Raman analysis is measured to relate the behavior of AC breakdown voltages and chemical structure of CNT nanofluids. Based on the Raman spectra at 2800-3200 cm-1 region, it is shown that the value of total unsaturated fatty acid and total fatty acid decreased as concentrations of CNT increased. This occurrence directly influences the degradation performance of AC breakdown voltages.

Effect of vacuum and atmospheric frying and heating on physico-chemical properties of rice bran oil.

The study highlights the impact of vacuum (13.33kPa) and atmospheric (101.325kPa) pressure on the Physico-chemical stability of rice bran oil (RBO) during continuous frying and heating at equivalent thermal driving force (∆T = 45°C). Reduced operating pressure played a major role in retaining the Physico-chemical quality of RBO. Results show that the PV, FFA, p-An value, IV, TOTOX value, total polar compound (TPC), saturated fatty acids, CIE color values, and viscosity of RBO increased significantly (p < 0.05) at a higher rate during frying and heating (22.24h) under atmospheric pressure as compared to vacuum pressure. TPC and total saturated fatty acids were formed 34.37% and 32.76%, and 7.33% and 2.23% more, respectively, whereas, total unsaturated fatty acids were found to be 3.34% and 1.04% less during frying and heating at atmospheric pressure as compared to vacuum pressure condition. In general, vacuum frying technology is suitable for making papaya chips with extended reuse of RBO.

Performance, gut morphology, and meat characteristics of broilers housed at a high-density pen and provided with fermented Averrhoa bilimbi fruit filtrate.

This study assessed the impact of fermented Averrhoa bilimbi fruit filtrate (FF) on growth, gut morphology, and meat traits of high-stocked broilers. A 2 × 2 factorial trial with stocking densities (9 or 18 birds/m2) and drinking 2% FF or plain water was conducted using 378 14-day-old broiler chicks. On day 35, samples were obtained and analyzed. FF improved feed efficiency and income over the feed cost of high-stocked broilers by about 7.63% and 10%, respectively, compared to high-stocked broilers receiving only water. FF decreased duodenal crypt depth and meat water-holding capacity. Meats from high-stocked broilers receiving FF showed lower cholesterol than other meats. Lower cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and higher HDL/low-density lipoprotein were found in meats from broilers receiving FF. Total unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) was higher in meats of high-stocked broilers receiving FF than others. The UFA/saturated fatty acid was lower in meats of high-stocked broilers receiving plain water. High-stocked broilers given FF had higher meat n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). FF enhanced meat n-6 PUFA levels. The n-3/n-6 PUFA increased with high density and drinking FF. Drinking FF improved gut morphology and meat qualities of broilers housed in high-density pens. FF may be an excellent alternative to improve the growth and meat qualities of broilers raised in high-density houses.

1H MRS Analysis Using Ultrashort-TE Sequence of Hepatic Lipids in a 9.4T MRI Device

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of chronic liver diseases which is characterized by increased levels of obesity, and diabetes. Liver lipid content has been suggested to play an important pathogenic role in the development of liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis In particular, it is associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver biopsy is still the gold standard for diagnosing and assessing the disease. However, the invasive and limited tissue sampling of the biopsy presents problems. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) enables the study of cellular biochemistry and metabolism and provides a non-invasive means to determine disease abnormalities and progression in vivo and longitudinally. With the increased availability of high-field magnetic resonance (MR) systems for clinical and preclinical studies, both signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and spectral resolution of metabolites in the MR spectra can be improved significantly, allowing more accurate metabolite identification, quantification, and thus disease characterization. 1H-MRS permits longitudinal assessment of fat fraction, saturated and unsaturated. This study aims to characterize early hepatic lipid changes in the fatty liver mouse model by in vivo short-echo time (TE) 1H-MRS (Proton- Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy). This study examined 17 male C57BL/6 mice, including 8 high-fat diet (45%) mice for 20 weeks and 9 normal mice for 17 weeks. C57BL/6 mice were fed with 60% high-fat diet containing 60% fat, 20% protein, and 20% carbohydrate. MR imaging with single-voxel 1H-MRS was performed using a PRESS sequence at 9.4T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The full width at half maximum (FWHM) ranged from 4 to 8 Hz. Water suppression was accomplished with "VAPOR" pulses. The examination (voxel size, 2×2×2 mm3) was performed from the liver parenchyma in mice at normal and high-fat diets, respectively. The spectral acquisition parameters were TR/TE = 2500/16 ms, and 256 acquisitions for averaging. LCModel fitting was conducted using an experimental basis sets. Less than 10% standard deviation (%SD) of metabolite quantification data was allowed. The areas under the peaks were measured as follows: signal integrals of lipid methyl protons (-CH3; 0.9 ppm), methylene proton ((-CH2-)n; 1.3 ppm), allylic protons (- CH2-C=C-CH2; 2.1 ppm), α-methylene protons (-CO-CH2- CH 2; 2.3 ppm), diallyl ic protons (=CCH-2C=; 2.8 ppm), glycerol protons (CH2-COO; 4.1 ppm), glycerol protons (CH2-COO; 4.3 ppm) and methene protons (CH=CH; 5.3 ppm). For relative quantification, total lipid (TL), total saturated fatty acid (TSFA), total unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA), total unsaturated bond (TUB), polyunsaturated bond (PB) and choline-containing compound (Cho) were normalized by separating each peak of (-CH2-)n, -CH2- C=C-CH2-, -CO-CH2-CH2=C-CH-2-C= and –CH=CH-.Significant increases in lipid signals of 0.9, 1.3, 2.1, 2.3, 2.8, 4.1, 4.3, and 5.3 ppm were found in animals at high-fat diet(p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.001). TL, TSFA, TUFA, TUB, PUB and Cho was significantly increased at high-fat diet(p&lt;0.01, p&lt;0.05). Therefore, 1H-MRS is useful in detecting and characterizing various hepatic lipid alterations.

Mixing Ratio Optimization of Silkworm, Mealworm, and White Grub Using Response Surface Methodology

Purpose: In this study, the optimal mixing ratio of total branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) content, total unsaturated fatty acid content, antioxidant activities, and enzyme activities of silkworm, mealworm, and white grub, which are alternative protein sources, was derived using response surface analysis.Method: Silkworm, mealworm, and white grub were the independent variables, and total BCAA content, total unsaturated fatty acid content, total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, ABTS radical scavenging activity, α-glucosidase inhibitory activity, and ACE inhibitory activity were used as the dependent variables to determine the optimal mixing ratio.Result: The optimal mixing ratio for total BCAA content, total unsaturated fatty acid content, antioxidant activities, and enzyme activities derived from the response surface analysis was silkworm (X&lt;sub&gt;1&lt;/sub&gt;) 2.998 : mealworm (X&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;) 0.623 : white grub (X&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;) 1.983. At this ratio, the total BCAA content was 0.52 g, the total unsaturated fatty acid content was 0.44 g, the total polyphenol content was 67.02 mg TAE/g, the total flavonoid content was 35.58 mg QE/g, the ABTS radical scavenging activity was 95.61%, the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity was 37.79%, and the ACE inhibitory activity was 95.25%.Conclusion: It is expected that the optimal mixing ratio of silkworm, mealworms, and white grub derived in this study can be used to develop products for the management of various chronic diseases.

Physico-chemical, proximate, mineral and bioactive composition of Garcinia buchananii baker fruit from Uganda and Rwanda

Garcinia buchananii Baker (Family,Cluciaceae/Guttiferae) is an underutilized indigenous fruit tree that produces edible fruits that are used as both food and medicine in tropical Africa. This study evaluated the physical and chemical characteristics of G. buchananii fruits collected from Uganda and Rwanda. Ripe fruits were harvested during their peak seasons in Masaka and Bugesera Districts in Uganda and Rwanda, respectively. The fruits were analyzed for physical characteristics including; fruit weight, fruit size (that is length and width), number of seeds per fruit, seed weight, seed dimensions(length, width and breadth); chemical characteristics (pH and titratable acidity), proximate composition (moisture content, protein, fat, dietary fibre, carbohydrates and energy), mineral composition (K, Na, Ca, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu), and bioactive components (total phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins; and antioxidant activity). Data were statistically analyzed using a student T-test (p≤0.05). The results indicated that fruit weight and pulp content ranged from 6.3±1.3-9.5±2.8g and 54.1±10.6- 81.1±6.5%, respectively. Titratable acidity of the pulp ranged from 6.1±0.8 to 7.1±0.1 %. Nutritionally, dietary fibre, vitamin C, iron and zinc ranged from 20.0±0.4 -22.6±1.8 g/100g, 32.8±3.2-42.0±3.3 mg/100g, 4.8±0.2 - 6.5±0.8 mg/100g and 1.1±0.0 -2.5±0.1 mg/100g, respectively. The total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity ranged from 996.7±50.5 - 1147.5±47.4 mg/g GAE (Garlic Acid Equivalent) and 8.0±0.2- 8.4±0.1 mg/100g AAE (Ascorbic Acid Equivalent) as IC50, respectively. There was a significant difference (p≤0.05) in the physical characteristics (weight, length, width and breadth), nutritional composition and bioactive components of the fruit samples of the two countries. Assessment of the nutrients indicated that the pulp was rich in vitamin C, iron, zinc, copper and dietary fibre. The pulp also contained phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity. The seeds had 6-24% crude oil content with palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic as major fatty acids. The total unsaturated fatty acids in the seed oil ranged from 58.4-59.5%. Although this finding showed significant differences (P≤0.05) in the physical and chemical of G. buchananii fruit from Uganda and Rwanda, the nutritional composition and bioactive component information has shown the potential of the fruits for processing into high-value nutraceuticals.