Saturated Fatty Acids in Wool as Markers Related to Intramuscular Fat Content in Lambs.

The aim of this study was to identify Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle from lambs with high IMF content (≥3%) using wool FA. The FA composition was characterized in two sections of wool from Suffolk Down lambs, and its relationship with IMF content assessed. One hundred and forty lambs of similar body weight, body condition score, and age were selected. IMF content from LL muscle, and the wool fat and FA composition of the wool were determined. The proportions of FAs in the wool of lambs with low IMF were 51.96 ± 7.3% of saturated, 31.96 ± 7.7% polyunsaturated, and 16.08 ± 2.3% monounsaturated. Similar proportions of FAs were observed in wool samples of lambs with high IMF. Significant differences were found only in the SFA proportion between groups (p < 0.05). The predominant FAs in the wool samples were C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c and C18:2n6c, representing over 60% of total FA methyl esters. Correlations were found between the wool FAs C16:1, C17:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, C24:0, and C22:6n3 in wool samples divided into two sections. Discriminant analysis identified SFAs, particularly FAs C22:0 and C24:0, as potential candidate for predicting lambs with high IMF content with an accuracy of over 92%. These results provide to our knowledge evidence that IMF content could potentially be determined using wool FAs as a non-invasive method.

Characterization of the genetic diversity, structure, and admixture of 7 Chilean chicken breeds.

The Mapuche fowl is an autochthonous breed raised in Chile and represents an important zoogenetic resource for the local economy. This study aimed at investigating the genetic diversity, relationship and population structure of 96 local Chilean chickens derived from 3 ecotype of Mapuche fowl (Kollonka, Ketro, and Kollonka de aretes), 2 ecotype Chilean (Trintre, Cogote pelado) and 2 breeds (Light Brahma and Barred Plymouth Rock) using 12 microsatellite markers. In total, 113 alleles were detected in all populations, with a mean of 7.6 alleles per population. In all population chicken breeds, the observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.91 to 0.98 and from 0.69 to 0.79. Furthermore, all populations showed significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg expectations. Across each population, the global heterozygosity deficit (FIT) was -0.174, population differentiation index (FST) was 0.073, and the global inbreeding of individuals within breed (FIS) was -0.267. The phylogenetic relationships of chickens were examined using neighbor-joining trees constructed at the level of population. The highest Nei's standard genetic distance value of 0.559 was observed between Barred Plymouth Rock and Light Brahma, whereas the minimum value (0.099) was found between Kollonka and Trintre. The neighbor-joining tree constructed at population level revealed 2 main clusters, with Light Brahma, Barred Plymouth Rock, Ketro and Kollonka de aretes in 1 cluster, and Kollonka, Trintre and Cogote pelado breeds in the second cluster. Based on the results of the STRUCTURE analysis, the most likely number of clustering of the population evaluated was at K = 3, with Light Brahma and Barred Plymouth Rock breeds forming their own distinct clusters, while Kollonka, Ketro, Kollonka de aretes, Trintre and Cogote pelado breeds clustered together. This study represents the first report of genetic diversity in these populations in Chile. These results can be used as baseline genetic information for genetic conservation program, for instance, to control inbreeding and to implement further genetic studies in local Chilean chickens.

Rol de la familia en el fomento del aprendizaje autorregulado de estudiantes chilenos durante confinamiento por COVID-19 / Role of the Family in Promoting Self-regulated Learning of Chilean Students During Confinement by COVID-19

Resumen El confinamiento por COVID-19 ocasionó que las familias se enfrentaran al proceso del estudio en el hogar, mediante la enseñanza remota. El rol que juega la familia en el proceso de aprendizaje, sin embargo, históricamente ha depositado en la escuela la mayor responsabilidad. Este estudio analizó cómo las familias se dispusieron para fomentar el aprendizaje autorregulado en el hogar de los niños, niñas y adolescentes en tiempos de COVID-19. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo correlacional, donde participaron 65 familias de niños, niñas y adolescentes de las Regiones del Biobío y Ñuble, las cuales respondieron un cuestionario parental sobre promoción del aprendizaje autorregulado y preguntas sociodemográficas. Los hallazgos permitieron inferir que cuando las familias se sienten capaces de fomentar el estudio, se disponen a ello, emplean estrategias cognitivas, buscan ayuda cuando lo necesitan y evalúan la planificación del estudio y aprendizaje de manera media y/o alta. Este tipo de estudios aporta al vacío teórico evidenciado en la literatura acerca del rol educativo de la familia durante la pandemia; asimismo, contribuye a reflexionar sobre las estrategias que emplean las familias para colaborar con el aprendizaje de sus niñas, niños y adolescentes.

Abstract The COVID-19 confinement caused families to face the study process at home through emergency remote teaching. The role of the family in the learning process is well known; however, historically, the greatest responsibility has been placed on the school. This study analyzed how families arranged themselves to foster self-regulated learning at home for children and adolescents in times of COVID-19. It was a descriptive correlational study, with the participation of 65 families of children and adolescents from the Biobío and Ñuble Regions, who answered a parental questionnaire on the promotion of self-regulated learning and sociodemographic questions. The findings allow inferring that when families feel capable of promoting study, they are willing to do it, use cognitive strategies, seek help when needed and that most of them evaluate their study and learning planning in a medium and/or high way. Significant differences were also found by gender, with men establishing more cognitive strategies and asking for more help than women when performing academic activities with their children and adolescents. This type of study contributes to the theoretical void evidenced in the literature on the educational role of the family during the pandemic and contributes to reflect on the strategies used by families to collaborate with the study of their children and adolescents.

Maqui (Aristotelia chilensis (Mol.) Stuntz): A Natural Antioxidant to Improve Quality of Meat Patties.

Aristotelia chilensis is an endemic shrub of the South Pacific with high concentrations of bioactive compounds in its leaves and, therefore, it is highly valued. The effect of Aristotelia chilensis leaf powders (maqui leaf powders; Ma) on the quality and shelf life of beef patties during 7 days of storage was investigated. Five beef patties treatments were prepared: (1) Control without antioxidants (CT); (2) Beef patties with synthetic antioxidants plus color (250 mg/kg) (PL); (3) Beef patties with 500 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma500); (4) Beef patties with 1000 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma1000); and (5) Beef patties with 2000 ppm of maqui leaf powders (Ma2000). The quality of the beef patties was evaluated on day 0 and day 7 of storage by physicochemical analysis (moisture, ash and lipid content, color, pH, fatty acid profile and lipid oxidation) and organoleptic analysis. The addition of maqui leaf powders did not produce changes in the proximate composition of the beef patties. The pH for all treatments showed a range of 5.50−5.75 and significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed at the beginning and end of storage. The pH of the control beef patties increased during storage while the pH of the beef patties with synthetic and natural antioxidants decreased. Redness (a*) was the color indicator that was mostly affected by the inclusion of 1000 ppm and 2000 ppm powders. High lipid oxidation was observed in control samples on the seventh day of storage due to the high percentage of fat used in the formulation and the absence of any antioxidant. However, the Ma500, Ma1000, and Ma2000 treatments presented the lowest lipid oxidation rates (42.05%, 40.29%, and 43.14%, respectively) in comparison with the synthetic antioxidant (52.23%). This lipid inhibition is related to the strong antioxidant activity (29.75 µg/mL IC50 DPPH) of the maqui leaf powder due to its high content of total polyphenols (148.76 mg GAE/g), mainly characterized by having great amounts of hydroxybenzoic acids (82.5 mg GAE/g), flavonoids (7.1 mg QE/g), and hydroxycinnamic acids (3.7 mg CAE/g). Although minimal variations were observed in some individual fatty acids, and despite the trend to decrease MUFA and increase SFA with the maqui leaf powder addition, these differences were minimal and, according to the nutritional indices results, without any influence on the nutritional quality of the beef patties. The organoleptic analysis showed that the addition of maqui leaf powders did not affect the general acceptability of the new formulations. This study reports for the first time the substitution of synthetic antioxidants with Aristotelia chilensis leaves extract. Based on the results, it can be concluded that this ingredient can be used as an alternative for the production of raw meat products with clean labels.

Exploratory Study of Fatty Acid Profile in Two Filmy Ferns with Contrasting Desiccation Tolerance Reveal the Production of Very Long Chain Polyunsaturated Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Lipids are fundamental components of cell membranes and play a significant role in their integrity and fluidity. Alteration in lipid composition of membranes has been reported to be a major response to abiotic environmental stresses. This work was focused on the characterization of frond lipid composition and membrane integrity during a desiccation-rehydration cycle of two filmy fern species with contrasting desiccation tolerance: Hymenophyllum caudiculatum (less tolerant) and Hymenophyllum plicatum (more tolerant). The relative water content decreased without differences between species when both filmy ferns were subjected to desiccation. However, H. plicatum reached a higher relative water content than H. caudiculatum after rehydration. Fatty acids profiles showed the presence of a very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid during the desiccation-rehydration cycle, with eicosatrienoic acid being the most abundant. Additionally, propidium iodide permeation staining and confocal microscopy demonstrated that, following the desiccation-rehydration cycle, H. plicatum exhibited a greater membrane integrity than H. caudiculatum. The lack of some very long chain fatty acids such as C22:1n9 and C24:1n9 in this species contrasting with H. plicatum may be associated with its lower membrane stability during the desiccation-rehydration cycle. This report provides the first insight into the fatty acid composition and dynamics of the membrane integrity of filmy ferns during a desiccation-rehydration cycle. This could potentially play a role in determining the different levels of desiccation tolerance and microhabitat preferences exhibited by Hymenophyllaceae species.

Variation in Milk Composition and Fatty Acid Profile during the Lactation of Araucana Creole Ewes in a Pasture-Based System.

Araucana creole sheep are a local animal genetic resource adapted to environmental conditions in rural production systems in southern Chile. The aim of the present study was to analyze the milk yield and composition of Araucana creole ewe's milk from ewes maintained in a traditional grazing system of natural pastures. Twenty healthy single-bearing Araucana creole ewes were selected immediately after lambing (body condition score (BCS) of 2.8 ± 0.2, ewe weight (EW) of 62 ± 3.5 kg, and age of 3.8 ± 0.7 years). BCS, EW, and lamb weights were determined. Milk samples were obtained using the oxytocin technique at 10 days postpartum and then twice a month during the lactation stage (90 days). Protein, fat, lactose, total solids (TS), solid non-fat (SNF), urea contents, and fatty acid (FA) composition were analyzed. The Araucana ewe's milk yield was lower than that of other dairy sheep but was higher than that of meat breeds. The milk fat had a higher content of oleic acid in the early lactation period, which decreased slowly according to the progress of lactation. The increase in oleic acid improved the milk health indexes during this period and thus provided a healthier milk product for human consumption than later in lactation. During lactation, higher conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) levels were obtained only at day 60. Our research suggests that Araucana creole sheep can provide high-quality milk during early lactation, which is rich in oleic acid and represents an alternative for the production of dairy products, improving the profitability of the productive systems of small-holder farmers in Chile.

Stearoyl CoA desaturase and fatty acid synthase gene polymorphisms and milk fatty acid composition in Chilean Black Friesian cows / Polimorfismos en genes Estearoyl CoA desaturasa y ácido graso sintasa y composición de ácidos grasos en la leche de las vacas Frisón Negro Chileno / Polimorfismos no gene Estearoyl CoA desaturase e ácido graxo sintase e composição de ácidos graxos do leite de vacas Frison Preto Chileno

Background: in recent years, market attention has increasingly focused on improving the quality of dairy products. Therefore, animal selection for healthier milk fatty acid composition are therefore of interest. Objective: the aim of this study was to identify whether two polymorphisms (c.878T>C in the SCD gene and g.17924A>G in the FASN gene) are related with the fatty acid composition of milk. Methods: individual milk samples were collected from 50 Chilean Black Friesian cows. Fatty acids (FA) from each milk sample were extracted, analyzed, and quantified (mg FA/g of milk) by gas chromatography. The genotype of each sample was also determined using PCR-RFLP (Polymerase Chain Reaction - Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism). Results: milk from cows with a c.878CC genotype in the SCD gene exhibited a greater content of C14:1, C17:1, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c, and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), as well as a higher 14:1/14 ratio than other SCD genotypes. In addition, considering the importance of the predominant isomer of conjugated linoleic acid for human diet, we identified a higher content of cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid in milk samples from animals that had the c.878CC genotype. For the FASN gene, cows with the g.17924GG genotype presented high contents of C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c, and MUFA. Conclusion: therefore, these polymorphisms could be useful genetic markers for studying the fatty acid composition of dairy milk.

Antecedentes: en los últimos años, la atención del mercado se ha centrado cada vez más en mejorar la calidad los productos lácteos. Por lo tanto, la selección de animales con una composición de ácidos grasos de leche más saludable es de interés. Objetivo: el principal objetivo de este estudio fue identificar dos polimorfismos (c.878T>C en el gen SCD y g.17924A>G en el gen FASN) y su relación con la composición de ácidos grasos de leche. Métodos: muestras individuales de leche fueron recolectadas de 50 vacas Frison Negro Chileno. Los ácidos grasos (FA) de cada muestra de leche fueron extraídos, analizados y cuantificados (mg FA/g leche) por cromatografía de gases. El genotipo de cada muestra se determinó mediante la técnica PCR-RFLP (reacción en cadena de la polimerasa - polimorfismo de longitud de fragmentos de restricción). Resultados: los animales con el genotipo c.878CC en el gen SCD presentaron un mayor contenido de C14:1, C17:1, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c y total de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (MUFA), así como elevados índices de 14:1/14 que otros genotipos SCD. Además, debido a la importancia en la dieta humana del isómero predominante de ácido linoleico conjugado (CLA), hemos identificado un mayor contenido de cis-9, trans-11 CLA en muestras de leche de animales que poseen el genotipo c.878CC. Para el gen FASN, vacas con el genotipo g.17924GG presentaron un mayor contenido de C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c y contenido total de ácidos grasos monoinsaturados (MUFA). Conclusión: por lo tanto, estos polimorfismos podrían servir como marcadores genéticos para el estudio de la composición de ácidos grasos en la leche de vaca.

Antecedentes: nos últimos anos, o mercado fornecedor de laticínios tem-se voltado ao melhoramento da qualidade dos seus produtos. Por conseguinte, é de interesse a seleção de animais que apresentem uma composição de ácidos graxos mais saudáveis no seu leite. Objetivo: o objetivo principal deste estudo foi identificar dois polimorfismos (c.878T>C no gene SCD e g.17924A>G no gene FASN) e sua associação com a composição de ácidos graxos do leite. Métodos: as amostras de leite foram coletadas de 50 vacas Frison Preto Chileno. Os ácidos graxos (FA) de cada amostra de leite foram extraídos, analisados e quantificados (mg FA/g leite) por cromatografia gasosa. O genótipo de cada amostra foi determinado pela reação de PCR-RFLP (Reação em cadeia de polimerase - polimorfismo de comprimento dos fragmentos de restrição). Resultados: os animais com o genótipo c.878CC no gene SCD têm um teor mais elevado de C14:1, C17:1, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c e do total de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (AGM), além de níveis mais elevados de 14:1/14 que outros genótipos SCD. Além disto, devido à importância na dieta humana do isômero predominante do ácido linoléico conjugado (CLA), identificou-se um maior teor de cis-9, trans-11 CLA nas amostras de leite de animais que tinham o genótipo c.878CC. Para o gene FASN, as vacas com o genótipo g.17924GG tinham um teor mais elevado de C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9t, C18:1n9c e AGM. Conclusão: estes polimorfismos poderiam ser usados como marcadores genéticos para o estudo da composição de ácidos graxos do leite de vaca.