Assessment of the Nutritional Quality of Plant Lipids Using Atherogenicity and Thrombogenicity Indices.

Dietary lipids derived from plants have different compositions of individual fatty acids (FA), providing different physical and chemical properties with positive or adverse health effects on humans. To evaluate the nutritional value and assess the FA composition of various plants, the atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) indices were calculated and reviewed for nine different categories of fats and oils. This included common oils, unconventional oils, nut oils originating from temperate regions, Amazonian and tropical fats and oils, chia seed oil, traditional nuts originating from temperate regions, unconventional nuts, seeds, and fruits, and their products. The main factors influencing fatty acid composition in plants are growth location, genotype, and environmental variation, particularly temperature after flowering, humidity, and frequency of rainfall (exceeding cultivar variation). The lowest AI was calculated for rapeseed oil (0.05), whereas the highest value was obtained for tucuman seeds (16.29). Chia seed oil had the lowest TI (0.04), and murumuru butter had the highest (6.69). The differences in FA composition and subsequent changes in the lipid health indices of the investigated fats and oils indicate their importance in the human diet.

The Predictive Role of bmi, Age, Economic Income, Mental Health, Personality and Internalization of Appearance Patterns on Body Dissatisfaction in Adults, Men and Women / El papel predictivo del imc, la edad, los ingresos económicos, la salud mental, la personalidad y la internalización de patrones de apariencia sobre la insatisfacción corporal en adultos hombres y mujeres / O papel preditivo do imc, idade, renda, saúde mental, personalidade e internalização de padrões de beleza na insatisfação corporal em homens e mulheres adultos

This article presents the results of an investigation of the predictive role of Body Mass Index (bmi), age, in-ternalization of the socially established patterns of ap-pearance, personality traits, mental health, and economic income on adults' body dissatisfaction. In this study, 156 men (28.5 %) and 391 (71.5 %) women participated (M age = 28.9). All participants responded to a sociode-mographic questionnaire, the Mental Health Inventory (mhi5), the Reduced Personality Markers, the Socio-cultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire (sataq-3, for its initials in Portuguese), and the Situa-tional Body Satisfaction Scale(essc, for its initials in Portuguese). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. For women, significant predictors of the variable dissatisfaction and fat were bmi (ß = 0.52), internalization (ß = 0.45), neuroticism (ß = 0.12), and mental health (ß = - 0.13), whereas among men, these were bmi (ß = 0.59) and internalization (ß = 0.38). Among women, significant predictors of satisfaction and external parts were age (ß = -0.09), internalization (ß = -0.15), neuroticism (ß = -0.3), extroversion (ß = 0.14), and men-tal health (ß = 0.14), whereas among men, these were income (ß = 0.18), internalization (ß = -0.25) and extro-version (ß = -0.21). The significant predictors of satisfaction and musculature for women were bmi (ß = - 0.51), internalization (ß = - 0.35), mental health (ß = 0.19), and neuroticism (ß = -0.13). Among men, these were bmi(ß = -0.36), internalization (ß = -0.27), conscientious-ness (ß = -0.22) and extroversion (ß = 0.15). Finally, the significant preditors of satisfaction and lower parts in women were bmi (ß = -0.45), internalization (ß = -0.35) and neuroticism (ß = -0.23), whereas among men, these were bmi (ß = -0.45) and internalization (ß = -0.17). Re-sults identify differences between men and women and multiple variables that influence body dissatisfaction.

Este artículo presenta los resultados de la investigación del papel predictivo del índice de masa corporal (imc), la edad, la internalización de los patrones de apariencia, los rasgos de personalidad, la salud mental y los ingresos económicos en la insatisfacción corporal en adultos. En el estudio participaron 156 (28.5 %) hombres y 391 (71.5 %) mujeres (M edad = 28.9). Todos respondieron un cuestionario sociodemográfico, el Inventario de Salud Mental (mhi5), los Marcadores Reducidos de Personalidad, el Cuestionario de Actitudes Socioculturales con Respecto a la Apariencia (sataq-3) y la Escala Situacional de Satisfacción Corporal (essc). Se realizaron análisis de regresión lineal múltiple. Para insatisfacción y gordura, los predictores significativos para las mujeres fueron el imc (ß = 0.52), la internalización (ß = 0.45), el neuroticismo (ß = 0.12) y la salud mental (ß = - 0.13), mientras que para los hombres fueron el imc (ß = 0.59) y la internalización (ß = 0.38). Para satisfacción y partes externas, entre las mujeres los predictores fueron la edad (ß = -0.09), la interiorización (ß = -0.15), el neuroticismo (ß = -0.3), la extroversión (ß = 0.14) y la salud mental (ß = 0.14), mientras que entre los hombres fue-ron los ingreso (ß = 0.18), la internalización (ß = -0.25) y la extroversión (ß = -0.21). Para satisfacción y músculo, los predictores para las mujeres fueron el imc(ß = -0.51), la internalización (ß = -0.35), la salud mental (ß = 0.19) y el neuroticismo (ß = -0.13), y para los hombres estos fueron el imc (ß = -0.36), la internalización (ß = -0.27), la escrupulosidad (ß = -0.22) y la extroversión (ß = 0.15). Para satisfacción y partes bajas, los predictores para las mujeres fueron el imc (ß = -0.45), la internalización (ß = -0.35) y el neuroticismo (ß = -0.23); para los hombres fueron el imc (ß = -0.45) y la internalización (ß = -0.17). Los resultados identifican diferencias entre hombres y mujeres, y múltiples variables que influyen en la insatisfacción corporal.

O objetivo do estudo é investigar o papel preditivo do Índice de Massa Corporal (imc), idade, padrões de beleza internalizados, traços de personalidade, saúde mental e renda na insatisfação corporal em adultos. Um total de 156 (28.5 %) homens e 391 (71.5 %) mulheres (idade M = 28.9) participaram do estudo. Todos responderam a um questionário sociodemográfico, Inventário de Saúde Mental (mhi5), Marcadores Reduzidos de Personalidade, Questionário de Atitudes Socioculturais em Relação à Aparência (sataq-3) e Escala de Satisfação Corporal Situacional (essc). Análises de regressão linear múltipla foram realizadas. Para insatisfação e gordura, para as mulheres, o imc (ß = 0.52), internalização (ß = 0.45), neuroticismo (ß = 0.12) e saúde mental (ß = -0.13) foram preditores significativos. Entre os homens, apenas o imc(ß = 0.59) e internalização (ß = 0.38). Para satisfação e partes externas, entre as mulheres, idade (ß = -0.09), internalização (ß = -0.15), neuroticismo (ß = -0.3), ex-troversão (ß = 0.14) e saúde mental (ß = 0.14) foram preditores. Já entre os homens, foram renda (ß = 0.18), internalização (ß = -0.25) e extroversão (ß = -0.21).Para satisfação e músculo, para as mulheres, o imc(ß = -0.51), internalização (ß = -0.35), saúde mental (ß = 0.19) e neuroticismo (ß = -0.13) foram predito-res. Entre os homens, o imc (ß = -0.36), internalização (ß = -0.27), consciência (ß = -0.22) e extroversão (ß = 0.15). Para as partes inferiores, para as mulheres, o imc(ß = -0.45), internalização (ß = -0.35) e neuroticis-mo (ß = -0.23) foram preditores e entre os homens, o imc(ß = -0.45) e internalização (ß = -0.17). Os resultados identificam diferenças entre homens e mulheres e múltiplas variáveis que influenciam a insatisfação corporal.

Single-Molecule Study of Thermomyces lanuginosus Lipase in a Detergency Application System Reveals Diffusion Pattern Remodeling by Surfactants and Calcium.

Lipases comprise one of the major enzyme classes in biotechnology with applications within, e.g., baking, brewing, biocatalysis, and the detergent industry. Understanding the mechanisms of lipase function and regulation is therefore important to facilitate the optimization of their function by protein engineering. Advances in single-molecule studies in model systems have provided deep mechanistic insights on lipase function, such as the existence of functional states, their dependence on regulatory cues, and their correlation to activity. However, it is unclear how these observations translate to enzyme behavior in applied settings. Here, single-molecule tracking of individual Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase (TLL) enzymes in a detergency application system allowed real-time direct observation of spatiotemporal localization, and thus diffusional behavior, of TLL enzymes on a lard substrate. Parallelized imaging of thousands of individual enzymes allowed us to observe directly the existence and quantify the abundance and interconversion kinetics between three diffusional states that we recently provided evidence to correlate with function. We observe redistribution of the enzyme's diffusional pattern at the lipid-water interface as well as variations in binding efficiency in response to surfactants and calcium, demonstrating that detergency effectors can drive the sampling of lipase functional states. Our single-molecule results combined with ensemble activity assays and enzyme surface binding efficiency readouts allowed us to deconvolute how application conditions can significantly alter protein functional dynamics and/or surface binding, both of which underpin enzyme performance. We anticipate that our results will inspire further efforts to decipher and integrate the dynamic nature of lipases, and other enzymes, in the design of new biotechnological solutions.

Niños y niñas de 24 a 71 meses ¿Deben consumir leche de vaca entera o reducida en grasa?: recomendación para política de salud informada por evidencia / Should children aged 24 to 71 months consume whole or reduced-fat cow's milk?: evidence-informed health policy recommendation

ANTECEDENTES Y OBJETIVO En Chile la obesidad y sobrepeso en adultos se estimó en un 74,2%, en el caso de los niños y las niñas según los datos a diciembre 2019 en la atención primaria de salud pública, el 35,6% de las niñas y niños de 24 a 71 meses tiene malnutrición por exceso, en específico el 13,3% tienen un diagnóstico nutricional integrado de obesidad/obesidad severa y un 22,3% de sobrepeso. La Unidad de Programas Alimentarios del Departamento de Nutrición y Alimentos solicita esta recomendación para política de salud informada por evidencia, con el objetivo emitir un juicio respecto a los beneficios y riesgos de una intervención con el mejor cuerpo de evidencia disponible. METODOLOGÍA Se realizó una búsqueda de revisiones sistemáticas en las bases de datos MEDLINE, EMBASE y EPISTEMONIKOS. Todas las búsquedas cubrieron el periodo enero del 2021. Esta recomendación se elaboró según la metodología GRADE. Los criterios de inclusión para las revisiones sistemáticas debían evaluar el efecto en la salud que tiene el consumir leche de vaca con diferentes porcentajes de contenidos grasos en niños y niñas entre 24 y 71 meses de edad. Los estudios transversales y de antes y después no controlados fueron excluidos del análisis, ya que no permiten atribuir causalidad. RESULTADOS Se recuperaron 2 revisiones sistemáticas, de las cuales se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: -En niños y niñas de 24 a 71 meses, el consumo de leche tiene efecto nulo o protector sobre el sobrepeso/obesidad. Sin embargo, la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja. -En niños y niñas de 24 a 71 meses, el consumo de leche entera en comparación con la leche reducida en grasa tiene efecto nulo sobre la incidencia de enfermedades cardiovasculares. Sin embargo, la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja. -En niños y niñas de 24 a 71 meses, el consumo de leche entera en comparación con la leche reducida en grasa podría disminuir levemente el crecimiento y desarrollo. Sin embargo, la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja. -No se encontró evidencia respecto al efecto del tipo de leche sobre la saciedad de niños y niñas.

Prediction of clinical outcomes through assessment of sarcopenia and adipopenia using computed tomography in adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia.

Sarcopenia and adipopenia have prognostic significance in cancer. Analysis of a single abdominal computed tomography (CT) section at the third lumbar vertebra has been widely adopted for this purpose. The approach using a single section at the first lumbar vertebra level (L1) may extend clinical viability. We evaluated the prognostic value of sarcopenia and adipopenia assessed using a CT section at L1 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Data from 96 patients with available imaging were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with sarcopenia (37.5%) had significantly worse overall survival (OS) (median 17.8 months vs. not reached, p = 0.038) and treatment-related mortality (TRM) (22.2% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.0019) than those without. Subcutaneous adipopenia (51.0%) was significantly associated with inferior OS (median 17.9 months vs. not reached, p = 0.0011), progression-free survival (PFS) (median 6.2 months vs. not reached, p = 0.004), and TRM (16.3% vs. 4%, p = 0.024). Visceral adipopenia (30.2%) was associated with poor OS (12.7 vs. 31.7 months, p = 0.0055) and PFS (3.7 vs. 31.7 months, p = 0.003). Multivariable analyses found sarcopenia, subcutaneous adipopenia and visceral adipopenia were significant negative prognostic factors for OS. Sarcopenia and adipopenia assessed using a single CT section at the L1 level are useful in predicting the prognosis of AML.

Assessment of the quality, oxidative status and dietary energy value of lipids used in non-ruminant animal nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Fats and oils represent the most concentrated source of energy available to animal nutritionists and form an expensive part of the diet. Thorough understanding of lipid quality and composition are required for efficient and precise diet formulation. Therefore, 724 samples of commercially available fats and oils were assessed for fatty acid profile, oxidation status and energetic value as per the Wiseman equation, with consideration of a correction factor K, which is based on the presence of the energy diluting compounds moisture, impurities and unsaponifiables. RESULTS: Energy diluting compounds were widespread across fat types and sources. Average MIU (moisture, insoluble impurities and unsaponifiable matter) presence in individual oils was 5.1-28.1 g kg-1 . Using the adapted Wiseman equation presented in the current paper, which reflects the energy diluting potential of MIU, the calculated energy values of fats and oils is reduced by up to 46% in extreme cases compared to those predicted by the original equation. From the chemical parameters, it is clear that there is limited correlation between individual measures of oxidation, with only weak negative correlations between 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and Oxidative Stability Index (OSI) values (Spearman's ρ between -0.20 and -0.39) and a weak to moderate negative correlation between peroxide value (PV) and OSI (Spearman's ρ between -0.20 and -0.59) for certain fats and oils. A moderate to very strong positive correlation between FFA and the energy diluting compounds MIU was observed for all animal fats (Spearman's ρ between 0.40 and 1.00). CONCLUSION: The current report highlights the large variation in composition and quality seen in commercially available fats and oils and encourages ongoing analysis and assessment rather than reliance on published values. The results also indicate that the oxidation parameters when interpreted as separate values lack the power of inferring oil and fat quality. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Low-quality animal by-product streams for the production of PHA-biopolymers: fats, fat/protein-emulsions and materials with high ash content as low-cost feedstocks.

OBJECTIVE: The rapid accumulation of crude-oil based plastics in the environment is posing a fundamental threat to the future of mankind. The biodegradable and bio-based polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) can replace conventional plastics, however, their current production costs are not competitive and therefore prohibiting PHAs from fulfilling their potential. RESULTS: Different low-quality animal by-products, which were separated by thermal hydrolysis into a fat-, fat/protein-emulsion- and mineral-fat-mixture- (material with high ash content) phase, were successfully screened as carbon sources for the production of PHA. Thereby, Ralstonia eutropha Re2058/pCB113 accumulated the short- and medium-chain-length copolymer poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(HB-co-HHx)]. Up to 90 wt% PHA per cell dry weight with HHx-contents of 12-26 mol% were produced in shake flask cultivations. CONCLUSION: In future, the PHA production cost could be lowered by using the described animal by-product streams as feedstock.

In Silico Food-Drug Interaction: A Case Study of Eluxadoline and Fatty Meal.

Food-drug interaction is an infrequently considered aspect in clinical practice. Usually, drugs are taken together with meals and what follows may adversely affect pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, and hence, the therapeutic effects. In this study, a computational protocol was proposed to explain the different assimilations of two µ-receptors agonists, eluxadoline and loperamide, with a peculiar pharmacokinetic profile. Compared to loperamide, eluxadoline is absorbed less after the intake of a fatty meal, and the LogP values do not explain this event. Firstly, keeping in mind the different pH in the intestinal tract, the protonation states of both compounds were calculated. Then, all structures were subjected to a conformational search by using MonteCarlo and Molecular Dynamics methods, with solvation terms mimicking the water and weak polar solvent (octanol). Both computational results showed that eluxadoline has less conformational freedom in octanol, unlike loperamide, which exhibits constant behavior in both solvents. Therefore, we hypothesize that fatty meal causes the "closure" of the eluxadoline molecule to prevent the exposure of the polar groups and their interaction with water, necessary for the drug absorption. Based on our results, this work could be a reasonable "case study", useful for future investigation of the drug pharmacokinetic profile.

Leptin alters energy intake and fat mass but not energy expenditure in lean subjects.

Based on studies in mice, leptin was expected to decrease body weight in obese individuals. However, the majority of the obese are hyperleptinemic and do not respond to leptin treatment, suggesting the presence of leptin tolerance and questioning the role of leptin as regulator of energy balance in humans. We thus performed detailed novel measurements and analyses of samples and data from our clinical trials biobank to investigate leptin effects on mechanisms of weight regulation in lean normo- and mildly hypo-leptinemic individuals without genetic disorders. We demonstrate that short-term leptin administration alters food intake during refeeding after fasting, whereas long-term leptin treatment reduces fat mass and body weight, and transiently alters circulating free fatty acids in lean mildly hypoleptinemic individuals. Leptin levels before treatment initiation and leptin dose do not predict the observed weight loss in lean individuals suggesting a saturable effect of leptin. In contrast to data from animal studies, leptin treatment does not affect energy expenditure, lipid utilization, SNS activity, heart rate, blood pressure or lean body mass.

MRI Assessment of Chylous and Nonchylous Effusions: Use of Multipoint Dixon Fat Quantification.

Background Diagnosis of chylous effusions normally requires invasive paracentesis. Purpose To assess whether MRI with multipoint Dixon fat quantification allows for noninvasive differentiation of chylous and nonchylous ascites and pleural effusions. Materials and Methods Phantom, ex vivo, and in vivo MRI examinations were performed by using a commercially available multipoint Dixon pulse sequence with a 1.5-T MRI system. Fat fraction values were measured with a region of interest-based approach on reconstructed maps. For phantom evaluation, eight titrated fatty fluid solutions (nonhuman samples) with varying triglyceride content (145-19 000 mg/dL [1.64-214.7 mmol/L]) were examined. For ex vivo evaluation, 15 chylous and five nonchylous study participant fluid samples were examined. In a prospective study performed from June 2016 to February 2018, 29 study participants with known chylous (n = 17) and nonchylous (n = 12) effusions were evaluated with MRI. All clinical samples underwent laboratory testing for triglyceride level, total protein level, white blood cells, and red blood cells. Laboratory values were correlated with fat fraction values; the optimal fat fraction threshold was determined to differentiate chylous and nonchylous fluids. Results Phantom analysis showed that fat fraction values correlated with triglyceride content (r = 0.99, P < .001). In ex vivo studies, multipoint Dixon-derived fat fraction was higher in chylous versus nonchylous fluids (mean, 2.5% ± 1.2 [standard deviation] vs 0.8% ± 0.2; P = .001). Fat fraction was correlated with triglyceride content (r = 0.96, P < .001). For in vivo studies, fat fraction was greater for chylous versus nonchylous fluids (mean, 6.2% ± 4.3 vs 0.6% ± 0.6; P < .001). In vivo fat fraction was correlated with triglyceride content (r = 0.96, P < .001). Use of a fat fraction cutoff value greater than 1.8% yielded a sensitivity of 14 of 17 (82% [95% confidence interval (CI): 57%, 97%]) and a specificity of 12 of 12 (100% [95% CI: 74%, 100%]) for differentiation of chylous and nonchylous effusions. Conclusion MRI can help identify chylous versus nonchylous ascites and pleural effusions through use of multipoint Dixon fat quantification. © RSNA, 2020 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Characterisation and energy assessment of fats, oils and greases (FOG) waste at catchment level.

Several of the waste materials that have a negative impact on the sewer system are produced by fats, oils and greases (FOG) discharged from commercial and domestic kitchens. These materials accumulate at different points in the sewer catchment, from kitchens to pumping stations, sewers and sewage treatment works (STWs), and comprise oily wastewater, floating agglomerates and hard deposits. Despite their detrimental effects, these waste materials have a high calorific content and are an ideal feedstock for energy recovery processes. So far, the overall volume of each type of waste and their physical-chemical properties in relation to their collection point are unknown. However, from a management point of view, knowledge on each feedstock quality and volumes is necessary to develop an economic viable solution for their collection and for energy recovery purposes. In this study, FOG wastes collected from households, food service establishments (FSEs), sewage pumping stations, sewers and STWs, were compared to sewage sludge in terms of organic contents and energy potentials. As expected, FOG recovered at source (households and FSEs) were 'cleaner' and had a higher energy content. Once mixed with wastewater the materials changed in composition and lost some of their energy per unit mass. Our results showed that around 94,730 tonnes.year-1 of these materials could be recovered from the Thames Water Utilities' catchment, one of the most populated in the UK. These materials could produce up to 222 GWh.year-1 as biogas, close to double of what is produced with sewage sludge digestion and around 19% of the company energy needs. Finally, even with over six million households in the catchment, the results showed that most of the FOG waste was produced by FSEs (over 48,000 premises) with an estimated average of 79,810 tonnes.year-1 compared to 14,920 tonnes.year-1 from private households. This is an important outcome as recovery from FSEs will be cheaper and easier if the company decides to implement a collection system for energy recovery.

Toxicology and human health risk assessment of polyethoxylated tallow amine surfactant used in glyphosate formulations.

Roundup® branded herbicides contain glyphosate, a surfactant system and water. One of the surfactants used is polyethoxylated tallow amine (POE-T). A toxicology dataset has been developed to derive the most representative points of departure for human health risk assessments. Concentrated POE-T was very irritating to skin, corrosive to eyes, and sensitizing to skin. The irritation and sensitization potential of POE-T diminishes significantly upon dilution with water. Repeated dosing of rats with POE-T produced gastrointestinal effects but no systemic effect on organ systems. POE-T was not genotoxic and had no effect on embryo-fetal development or reproduction. The occupational risk assessment of POE- T for the agricultural use of glyphosate products has demonstrated that margins of exposure (MOEs) are 2517 and 100,000 for maximum and geometric mean dermal exposures, respectively. In the food risk assessment for relevant agricultural uses, the range of MOEs for consumption of foods from plant and animal origin were 330 to 2909. MOEs ≥100 are generally considered to be of no toxicological concern. Based on the results of the occupational and food risk assessments, it is concluded that there are no significant human health issues associated with the use of POE-T as a surfactant in glyphosate products.

The impact of organic vs. inorganic selenium on dairy goat productivity and expression of selected genes in milk somatic cells.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diet supplemented with selenized yeast (Se-yeast) on milk yield and milk composition of goats and expression of casein and mammary-gland-immune system genes in milk somatic cells (MSC). Twenty-four dairy goats in their second to fourth lactations were divided into control and experimental groups, balanced according to lactation number and breed (Polish White or Fawn Improved). Morning milk and blood samples were collected four times during lactation (on the 21st, 70th, 120th, 180th day after kidding). The control and experimental groups were fed diets with 0.7 mg inorganic Se/goat/day (sodium selenite) or 0.6 mg organic Se/goat/day (selenized yeast), respectively. Milk, fat and protein yields during lactation as well as average somatic cell count, fat, protein and lactose contents in milk were evaluated. Microelements in milk and blood serum and biochemical parameters in blood serum were determined at the beginning and the end of the experiment. The expression levels of the genes encoding αS1-casein (CSN1S1), αS2-casein (CSN1S2), κ-casein (CSN3), interleukin 8 (IL-8), serum amyloid A3 (SAA3), interleukin 1ß (IL-1ß), bactenecin 7.5 (BAC7.5), bactenecin 5 (BAC5), ß2-defensin (GBD2), hepcidin (HAMP), chemokine 4 (CCL4), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), cathelicidin-7 (MAP34) and cathelicidin-6 (MAP28) were determined in MSC. Milk, fat, and protein yields were higher and somatic cell count (SCC expressed as natural logarithm) was lower in the milk of goats fed organic Se. The Se concentration in milk was twice as high in the organic vs. inorganic treatment groups at the end of the experiment, while there were no differences in studied biochemical parameters between groups. The transcript levels of CSN1S2 and BAC7.5 were higher and IL-8 was lower in MSC of Se-yeast treated groups. Such results may indicate better health status of mammary glands of goats treated with organic Se as well as positive impact of selenized yeast on the goat's milk composition. Differences in the IL-1ß and IL-8 transcript levels were also noted between the stages of lactation, with the highest expression at the peak of lactation (day 70), highlighting the metabolic burden at this time. We concluded that the Se-yeast supplementation improved the productivity and health status of goats and could have significant economic impact on farmer's income.

Rapid Assessment of Deep Frying Oil Quality as Well as Water and Fat Contents in French Fries by Low-Field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance.

Most of the health hazards in fried foods are related to unqualified frying oil and excessive oil content. In this study, the feasibility of using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance techniques (LF-NMR) for analysis of the water and oil contents in French fries, as well as simultaneous evaluation of frying oil quality during deep frying, was investigated. Three proton populations were identified and successfully assigned to water and oil relaxation signals. Significant correlation between the T2 relaxation parameters ( Awater and RCoil) and the water and oil content was acquired. MRI could visualize the changes of signal intensity and spatial distribution, as well as the internal structural changes during frying. Using the correlation model built by multiple regression analysis, the total polar compounds content of the frying oil could be successfully predicted by LF-NMR relaxation characteristics, which indicates that LF-NMR was an effective method to monitor the quality of frying oil.

Milk production of Holstein-Friesian cows of divergent Economic Breeding Index evaluated under seasonal pasture-based management.

The objective of this study was to validate the effect of genetic improvement using the Irish genetic merit index, the Economic Breeding Index (EBI), on total lactation performance and lactation profiles for milk yield, milk solids yield (fat plus protein; kg), and milk fat, protein, and lactose content within 3 pasture-based feeding treatments (FT) and to investigate whether an interaction exists between genetic group (GG) of Holstein-Friesian and pasture-based FT. The 2 GG were (1) extremely high EBI representative of the top 5% nationally (referred to as the elite group) and (2) representative of the national average EBI (referred to as the NA group). Cows from each GG were randomly allocated each year to 1 of 3 pasture-based FT: control, lower grass allowance, and high concentrate. The effects of GG, FT, year, parity, and the interaction between GG and FT adjusted for calving day of year on milk and milk solids (fat plus protein; kg) production across lactation were studied using mixed models. Cow was nested within GG to account for repeated cow records across years. The overall and stage of lactation-specific responses to concentrate supplementation (high concentrate vs. control) and reduced pasture allowance (lower grass allowance vs. control) were tested. Profiles of daily milk yield, milk solids yield, and milk fat, protein, and lactose content for each week of lactation for the elite and NA groups within each FT and for each parity group within the elite and NA groups were generated. Phenotypic performance was regressed against individual cow genetic potential based on predicted transmitting ability. The NA cows produced the highest milk yield. Milk fat and protein content was higher for the elite group and consequently yield of solids-corrected milk was similar, whereas yield of milk solids tended to be higher for the elite group compared with the NA group. Milk lactose content did not differ between GG. Responses to concentrate supplementation or reduced pasture allowance did not differ between GG. Milk production profiles illustrated that elite cows maintained higher production but with lower persistency than NA cows. Regression of phenotypic performance against predicted transmitting ability illustrated that performance was broadly in line with expectation. The results illustrate that the superiority of high-EBI cattle is consistent across diverse pasture-based FT. The results also highlight the success of the EBI to deliver production performance in line with the national breeding objective: lower milk volume with higher fat and protein content.

Decision tree, a learning tool for the prediction of beef tenderness using rearing factors and carcass characteristics.

BACKGROUND: The present study explored the potential use of decision trees on rearing factors (q = 10) and carcass characteristics (q = 12) for the development of prediction model rules of beef tenderness prediction/categorization. Accordingly, 308 young bulls were used by a sensory panel to evaluate the tenderness potential of ribeye steaks grilled at 55 °C. A classification and regression tree method was implemented and allowed the prediction of tenderness using (i) rearing factors, (ii) carcass characteristics or (iii) both. RESULTS: The resultant tree models yielded predictive accuracies of 70.78% (with four rearing factors: concentrate percentage; fattening duration; initial body weight and dry matter intake); 67.21% (with four carcass characteristics: fatness carcass score; carcass weight; dressing percentage and muscle carcass percentage) and 84.41% (with six rearing factors and carcass characteristics) compared to the k-means clustering of tenderness. In the final and robust regression tree, from the 22 attribute information, two carcass characteristics (fatness carcass score and muscle carcass percentage) and four rearing factors (fattening duration; concentrate percentage; dry matter intake and initial body weight) were retained as predictors. The first splitter of the 308 ribeye steaks in accordance with their tenderness scores was fatness carcass score, followed by fattening duration and concentrate percentage. CONCLUSION: The trial in the preset study highlights the importance of thresholding approach for efficiently classifying ribeye steaks in accordance with their tenderness potential. The overall prediction model rule was: IF (fatness carcass score ≥ 2.88) AND (concentrate ≥ 82%) [AND (muscle carcass ≥ 71%)] THEN meat was [very] tender. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Appropriate selection indices for functional traits in dairy cattle breeding schemes.

The objective of this study was to establish different single or multiple trait selection indices to calculate genetic and economic gains by combining some production, reproduction and udder health traits in a population similar to the overall practical situation in Iran, with and without imposing restrictions on genetic change for some traits. The SelAction software was used to perform the analyses based on selection index theory through a deterministic model. Results indicated that among established indices, the index that showed the highest genetic gain for milk yield did not maximize the total genetic and economic gains. Rather, the index that included all production, reproduction and udder health traits yielded the highest genetic and economic gains. When we placed restriction on the selection indices, the economic gain decreased and the amount of reduction depended on the heritability and the correlation of restricted trait(s) with other traits. Generally, regarding the economic genetic gain per generation, the indices based on records of 200 offspring were 4.819% more efficient than those that used information of 100 offspring.

From banana fields to the deep blue: Assessment of chlordecone contamination of oceanic cetaceans in the eastern Caribbean.

In the French West Indies (Caribbean), the insecticide Chlordecone (CLD) has been extensively used to reduce banana weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) infestations in banana plantations. Previous studies have shown high CLD concentrations in freshwater and coastal communities of the region. CLD concentrations, however, have not yet been assessed in marine top predators. We investigated CLD concentrations in cetacean blubber tissues from Guadeloupe, including Physeter macrocephalus, Lagenodelphis hosei, Stenella attenuata and Pseudorca crassidens. Chlordecone was detected in all blubber samples analysed, with the exception of four P. macrocephalus. Concentrations (range: 1 to 329 ng·g-1 of lipid weight) were, however, lower than those found in species from fresh and brackish water. Ecological factors (open ocean habitat), CLD kinetics, and cetacean metabolism (high or specific enzymatic activity) might explain low concentrations found in cetacean blubber. Future analyses that include internal organ sampling would help to confirm CLD levels observed in this study.

Assessment of heart rate variability for different somatotype category among adolescents.

Background Somatotype is a quantified expression of the morphological conformation of a person in terms of three-numeral rating each representing one component; fat (endomorphy), muscle mass (mesomorphy) and bone length (ectomorphy) in the same order. Certain somatotypes are more prone to develop the particular disease. Obesity and overweight are already epidemic among Indian adolescents and are increasing at an alarming rate, and obesity is linked to cardiovascular (CV) risk in this age group. Identifying the heart rate variability (HRV) is an established non-invasive test to identify the CV risk. The objective of this study is to record the HRV data for each somatotype category and to compare the HRV data among these somatotype categories in adolescents. Methods The volunteer adolescents in the age group of 12-17 years were classified into a different somatotyping categories based on the Heath Carter somatotyping method. The short-term HRV was recorded in all the subjects using wireless BioHarness 3.0. Results Based on the time domain and frequency domain parameters, the parasympathetic activity showed decreasing order as follows: central>ectomorphy>mesomorphy>endomorphy, whereas sympathetic activity showed increasing order as follows: central

WISP-1 drives bone formation at the expense of fat formation in human perivascular stem cells.

The vascular wall within adipose tissue is a source of mesenchymal progenitors, referred to as perivascular stem/stromal cells (PSC). PSC are isolated via fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS), and defined as a bipartite population of pericytes and adventitial progenitor cells (APCs). Those factors that promote the differentiation of PSC into bone or fat cell types are not well understood. Here, we observed high expression of WISP-1 among human PSC in vivo, after purification, and upon transplantation in a bone defect. Next, modulation of WISP-1 expression was performed, using WISP-1 overexpression, WISP-1 protein, or WISP-1 siRNA. Results demonstrated that WISP-1 is expressed in the perivascular niche, and high expression is maintained after purification of PSC, and upon transplantation in a bone microenvironment. In vitro studies demonstrate that WISP-1 has pro-osteogenic/anti-adipocytic effects in human PSC, and that regulation of BMP signaling activity may underlie these effects. In summary, our results demonstrate the importance of the matricellular protein WISP-1 in regulation of the differentiation of human stem cell types within the perivascular niche. WISP-1 signaling upregulation may be of future benefit in cell therapy mediated bone tissue engineering, for the healing of bone defects or other orthopaedic applications.