A high-resolution 13C NMR approach for profiling fatty acid unsaturation in lipid extracts and in live Caenorhabditiselegans.

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) play a crucial role in central cellular processes in animals, including membrane function, development, and disease. Disruptions in UFA homeostasis can contribute to the onset of metabolic, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, there is a high demand for analytical techniques to study lipid compositions in live cells and multicellular organisms. Conventional analysis of UFA compositions in cells, tissues, and organisms involves solvent extraction procedures coupled with analytical techniques such as gas chromatography, MS and/or NMR spectroscopy. As a nondestructive and nontargeted technique, NMR spectroscopy is uniquely capable of characterizing the chemical profiling of living cells and multicellular organisms. Here, we use NMR spectroscopy to analyze Caenorhabditis elegans, enabling the determination of their lipid compositions and fatty acid unsaturation levels both in cell-free lipid extracts and in vivo. The NMR spectra of lipid extracts from WT and fat-3 mutant C. elegans strains revealed notable differences due to the absence of Δ-6 fatty acid desaturase activity, including the lack of arachidonic and eicosapentaenoic acyl chains. Uniform 13C-isotope labeling and high-resolution 2D solution-state NMR of live worms confirmed these findings, indicating that the signals originated from fast-tumbling lipid molecules within lipid droplets. Overall, this strategy permits the analysis of lipid storage in intact worms and has enough resolution and sensitivity to identify differences between WT and mutant animals with impaired fatty acid desaturation. Our results establish methodological benchmarks for future investigations of fatty acid regulation in live C. elegans using NMR.

Synergizing structure and function: Cinnamoyl hydroxamic acids as potent urease inhibitors.

The current investigation encompasses the structural planning, synthesis, and evaluation of the urease inhibitory activity of a series of molecular hybrids of hydroxamic acids and Michael acceptors, delineated from the structure of cinnamic acids. The synthesized compounds exhibited potent urease inhibitory effects, with IC50 values ranging from 3.8 to 12.8 µM. Kinetic experiments unveiled that the majority of the synthesized hybrids display characteristics of mixed inhibitors. Generally, derivatives containing electron-withdrawing groups on the aromatic ring demonstrate heightened activity, indicating that the increased electrophilicity of the beta carbon in the Michael Acceptor moiety positively influences the antiureolytic properties of this compounds class. Biophysical and theoretical investigations further corroborated the findings obtained from kinetic assays. These studies suggest that the hydroxamic acid core interacts with the urease active site, while the Michael acceptor moiety binds to one or more allosteric sites adjacent to the active site.

Efectos de fuentes de grasa sobre características del hígado y la morfometría intestinal en un modelo animal a temprana edad / Effects of fat sources on liver characteristics and intestinal morphometry in an early-life animal model

RESUMEN El objetivo fue determinar el efecto del consumo de tres fuentes de ácidos grasos sobre el peso relativo, caracterización macroscópica y microscópica del hígado, y la morfometría intestinal en un modelo animal a temprana edad. Se utilizaron 76 pollitos distribuidos al azar, que recibieron una de las dietas (T1: 97,0% de dieta basal (DB) + 3,0% de material inerte, T2: 97,0% de DB + 3,0% de manteca vegetal parcialmente hidrogenada, T3: 97,0% de DB + 3,0% de aceite de quinua, y T4: 97,0% de DB + 3,0% de aceite de pescado) hasta el séptimo día de vida; luego se extrajeron muestras para los análisis correspondientes. Se encontró que, los animales que consumieron aceite de quinua (T3) o aceite de pescado (T4) tuvieron resultados favorables asociados a un menor peso del hígado y, una mejor absorción de nutrientes a nivel intestinal debido a mayores valores en la relación longitud del vello y profundidad de cripta; en comparación a la manteca vegetal parcialmente hidrogenada (T2). En conclusión, el aceite de quinua constituye una opción saludable de consumo y fuente alternativa al aceite de pescado.

ABSTRACT We aimed to determine the effect of the consumption of three sources of fatty acids on the relative weight, macroscopic and microscopic characteristics of the liver, and intestinal morphometry in an early-life animal model. Seventy-six randomly distributed chicks received one of the diets (T1: 97.0% basal diet (BD) + 3.0% inert material, T2: 97.0% BD + 3.0% partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening, T3: 97.0% BD + 3.0% quinoa oil, and T4: 97.0% BD + 3.0% fish oil) until the seventh day of life; samples were then extracted in order to be analyzed. We found that the animals that consumed quinoa oil (T3) or fish oil (T4) had favorable results associated to lower liver weight and better absorption of nutrients at intestinal level due to higher values in the hair length and crypt depth ratio, in comparison to partially hydrogenated vegetable shortening (T2). In conclusion, quinoa oil constitutes a healthy option for consumption and an alternative source to fish oil.

The Evolution and Future Trends of Unsaturated Polyester Biocomposites: A Bibliometric Analysis.

Unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) is one of the first commercialized polymer matrices for composites reinforced with glass fibers, but has remained popular to this day. To reduce their environmental impact, natural fibers have been used as reinforcements. Researchers all over the world are still interested in these composites, and numerous papers have been published in the last four decades. Using bibliometric analysis, this work provides compiled, structured, and relevant information about the evolution and current state of these materials. This first study on UPR biocomposites based on bibliometric analysis examined 531 published papers identified in the Scopus database from 1982 to July 2022. An analysis of the most active states, leading institutions, and leading authors is followed by the identification of key areas such as the most common natural fibers used as reinforcements, fiber treatments, and composite design parameters such as processing techniques; recently, composite testing; and technological applications. The findings emphasize the importance of staying active in this global field and provide information on novel promising topics for future research.

The Heat Shock Transcription Factor HsfA Plays a Role in Membrane Lipids Biosynthesis Connecting Thermotolerance and Unsaturated Fatty Acid Metabolism in Aspergillus fumigatus.

Thermotolerance is a remarkable virulence attribute of Aspergillus fumigatus, but the consequences of heat shock (HS) to the cell membrane of this fungus are unknown, although this structure is one of the first to detect changes in ambient temperature that imposes on the cell a prompt adaptative response. Under high-temperature stress, fungi trigger the HS response controlled by heat shock transcription factors, such as HsfA, which regulates the expression of heat shock proteins. In yeast, smaller amounts of phospholipids with unsaturated fatty acid (FA) chains are synthesized in response to HS, directly affecting plasma membrane composition. The addition of double bonds in saturated FA is catalyzed by Δ9-fatty acid desaturases, whose expression is temperature-modulated. However, the relationship between HS and saturated/unsaturated FA balance in membrane lipids of A. fumigatus in response to HS has not been investigated. Here, we found that HsfA responds to plasma membrane stress and has a role in sphingolipid and phospholipid unsaturated biosynthesis. In addition, we studied the A. fumigatus Δ9-fatty acid desaturase sdeA and discovered that this gene is essential and required for unsaturated FA biosynthesis, although it did not directly affect the total levels of phospholipids and sphingolipids. sdeA depletion significantly sensitizes mature A. fumigatus biofilms to caspofungin. Also, we demonstrate that hsfA controls sdeA expression, while SdeA and Hsp90 physically interact. Our results suggest that HsfA is required for the adaptation of the fungal plasma membrane to HS and point out a sharp relationship between thermotolerance and FA metabolism in A. fumigatus. IMPORTANCE Aspergillus fumigatus causes invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a life-threatening infection accounting for high mortality rates in immunocompromised patients. The ability of this organism to grow at elevated temperatures is long recognized as an essential attribute for this mold to cause disease. A. fumigatus responds to heat stress by activating heat shock transcription factors and chaperones to orchestrate cellular responses that protect the fungus against damage caused by heat. Concomitantly, the cell membrane must adapt to heat and maintain physical and chemical properties such as the balance between saturated/unsaturated fatty acids. However, how A. fumigatus connects these two physiological responses is unclear. Here, we explain that HsfA affects the synthesis of complex membrane lipids such as phospholipids and sphingolipids and controls the enzyme SdeA, which produces monounsaturated fatty acids, raw material for membrane lipids. These findings suggest that forced dysregulation of saturated/unsaturated fatty acid balance might represent novel strategies for antifungal therapy.

Screening and Identification of Coastal Chilean Thraustochytrids for Arachidonic Acid Production: Biotechnological Potential of Ulkenia visurgensis Lng2-Strain.

Thraustochytrids are unicellular heterotrophic marine protists that have been described as producing a high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Among them, arachidonic acid (ARA) stands out as a precursor of several mediators of pivotal importance for the immune system. However, the biotechnological potential of thraustochytrids for ARA production has not been developed. The objective of this study is to isolate and identify native strains from different Chilean coastal environments and evaluate in vitro the effect of culture parameters such as C/N ratio (19 and 33) and temperature (15 °C and 23 °C) on biomass production and arachidonic acid content. A total of nine strains were identified and classified into four genera of the Thraustochitridae family. The Lng2 strain with 99% identity belongs to the species Ulkenia visurgenis and was the most prominent one for ARA production. Temperature had an effect on the PUFA profile but not on the ARA content nor on the biomass yield. Additionally, the C/N ratio has been identified as a key parameter. The ARA productivity increased by 92% (from 0.6 to 8.3 ARA mg/g-DW) and its total biomass by 62.7% (from 1.9 to 5.1 g/L) at a high C/N ratio (33) as compared to the control.

Preliminary Analysis of Unsaturated Fatty Acid Profiles of Coffea arabica L., in Samples with a Denomination of Origin and Speciality of Oaxaca, Mexico.

In February 2020, Coffea arabica L. grown on the coast and in the Southern Sierra Madre of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico obtained the denomination of origin. Which does not have data on color and chemical composition, the first associated with the degree of roasting and the second with lipids (17-18%), as the group of compounds responsible, in part, for flavor, consistency, and may contribute to health benefits. In the present work, color was determined on the CIE L*a*b* scale and the unsaturated fatty acids by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) of 1H and 13C in samples of medium roasted specialty coffee from the "Pluma" coffee-growing region, Oaxaca, Mexico. The average value of L* luminosity in ground coffee was 42.1 ± 0.1 reported for a light roast. Unsaturated fatty acids were quantified from the lipid fraction of the gr1 ound grain by NMR 1H and 13C, obtaining on average the highest abundance of linoleic (41.7 ± 0.5 by 1 H and 41.24 ± 0.5 by 13C), followed by oleic (9.2 ± 0.2 by 1H and 7.4 ± 0.2 by 13C) and linolenic (1.5 ± 0.1 by H and 1.1 ± 0.2 by 13C). This study indicates that 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy is a useful tool for the quantification of linolenic, linoleic, and oleic fatty acids by the method of key signal shifts of these acids found in lipid samples in roasted coffee grains.

Suction Influence on Load-Settlement Curves Predicted by DMT in a Collapsible Sandy Soil.

The plate load test (PLT) is the most reliable in situ testing for studying the load-settlement behaviour of footings on unsaturated collapsible soils. In these soils, the suction profile is not constant along the depth, and the scale effect between the prototype and footing leads to different suction averages and, consequently, different data. One method to eliminate the effect of soil suction on the test data is to fully saturate the soil prior to the test, which is also recommended at the design process for footing on collapsible soils. However, the inundation process on PLTs is expensive and time-consuming, which makes this procedure difficult to incorporate into engineering practice. This study presents a device that can be attached to flat dilatometer (DMT) to allow local inundation of the soil as part of the in situ test campaign and obtain the DMT-constrained modulus (MDMT) for both natural and inundated conditions. The MDMT presented an average reduction of 56% from natural to inundated condition. This parameter can be used in a model to predict load-settlement curves by DMT data considering the suction influence on this behaviour. The curves obtained from the prediction model were compared to curves determined by PLT conducted under the same in situ conditions. Good agreement was found between the curves predicted by DMT and those measured by PLT for both conditions. The proposed procedure, which uses a device attached to the DMT blade, provides an investigation method to obtain the load-settlement curve under different suction conditions, which can help in the selection and performance prediction of shallow foundations, taking into account suction and collapse phenomenon-related problems.

Is domestic polyester suitable for plastination of thin brain slices?

Plastination is a technique used to preserve biological tissues while retaining most of their original appearance. In the technique, developed by Dr. Gunther von Hagens in 1977, specimens were impregnated with a polymer, such as silicone, epoxy, or polyester. Considered the most suitable material for brain plastination, polyester has a wide application in teaching and research compared with imaging techniques. The materials for plastination are usually imported from Germany and more expensive than domestic products. If domestic polymers were to enter the market it would favor the expansion of plastination in Brazil. Hence, this study evaluated the feasibility of using domestic polyesters to replace the usual Biodur® (P40) in plastination of brain slices. For this evaluation, 2-mm-thick sections of bovine brains were prepared and plastinated with domestic polyester. Slices were compared before impregnation and after curing using standardized photographs taken after dehydration and after curing. Plastination followed the standard protocol: fixation, dehydration, forced impregnation, and curing. Fifteen brain slices were plastinated with each polyester (P40, P18, and C1-3). There was no significant difference in the percent shrinkage between groups after plastination of P18 and P40, but the curing time of Cristalan© polymer was too short for impregnation. Therefore, no initiator was used for C polymers impregnation. Thus, domestic polyester P18 was a viable option for the process.

Os Ácidos Graxos Poli-insaturados Ômega-6 e Ômega-3 Presentes nas Hemácias Exercem uma Influência Distinta sobre o Tamanho das Partículas de LDL e suas Alterações Estruturais / Red Blood Cells' Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Have a Distinct Influence on LDL Particle Size and its Structural Modifications

Resumo Fundamento Embora os ácidos graxos poli-insaturados ômega-3 e ômega-6 (AGPIs n-3 e n-6) tenham efeitos bem conhecidos sobre os fatores de risco de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV), ainda existe um conhecimento limitado sobre como eles afetam os indicadores de qualidade da LDL. Objetivo Avaliar as associações dos AGPIs n-3 e n-6 de hemácias com o tamanho da partícula da LDL, LDL-c pequena e densa (sdLDL-c) e com LDL eletronegativa [LDL(-)] em adultos com fatores de risco para DCV. Métodos Estudo transversal com 335 homens e mulheres de 30 a 74 anos com, pelo menos, um fator de risco cardiovascular. Foram realizadas análises de parâmetros bioquímicos, como glicose, insulina, HbA1c, proteína C reativa (PCR), perfil lipídico, subfrações de lipoproteínas, partícula eletronegativa de LDL [LDL(-)] e seu autoanticorpo, e os AGPIs n-3 e n- 6 de hemácias. Os testes t independente/teste de Mann-Whitney, ANOVA unidirecional/teste de Kruskal-Wallis e regressões lineares múltiplas foram aplicados. Todos os testes foram bilaterais e um valor de p inferior a 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados A relação n-6/n-3 de hemácias foi associada ao aumento dos níveis de LDL(-) (β = 4,064; IC de 95% = 1,381 - 6,748) e sdLDL-c (β = 1,905; IC de 95% = 0,863 - 2,947), e redução do tamanho das partículas de LDL (β = -1,032; IC de 95% = -1,585 − -0,478). Individualmente, os AGPIs n-6 e n-3 apresentaram associações opostas com esses parâmetros, realçando os efeitos protetores do n-3 e evidenciando os possíveis efeitos adversos do n-6 na qualidade das partículas de LDL. Conclusão O AGPI n-6, presente nas hemácias, foi associado ao aumento do risco cardiometabólico e à aterogenicidade das partículas de LDL, enquanto o AGPI n-3 foi associado a melhores parâmetros cardiometabólicos e à qualidade das partículas de LDL.

Abstract Background While Omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 and n-6 PUFAs) have established effects on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, little is known about their impacts on LDL quality markers. Objective To assess the associations of n-3 and n-6 PUFA within red blood cells (RBC) with LDL particle size, small dense LDL-c (sdLDL-c), and electronegative LDL [LDL(-)] in adults with CVD risk factors. Methods Cross-sectional study involving 335 men and women aged 30 to 74 with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Analyses were conducted on biochemical parameters, such as glucose, insulin, HbA1c, C-reactive protein (CRP), lipid profile, lipoprotein subfractions, electronegative LDL particle [LDL(-)] and its autoantibody, and RBC n-3 and n-6 PUFAs. Independent t-test/Mann-Whitney test, one-way ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis test, and multiple linear regressions were applied. All tests were two-sided, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The RBC n-6/n-3 ratio was associated with increased LDL(-) (β = 4.064; 95% CI = 1.381 - 6.748) and sdLDL-c (β = 1.905; 95% CI = 0.863 - 2.947) levels, and reduced LDL particle size (β = -1.032; 95% CI = -1.585 − -0.478). Separately, n-6 and n-3 PUFAs had opposing associations with those parameters, reinforcing the protective effects of n-3 and showing the potential negative effects of n-6 on LDL particle quality. Conclusion RBC n-6 PUFA was associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and atherogenicity of LDL particles, while n-3 PUFA was associated with better cardiometabolic parameters and LDL particle quality.

Synthesis of Biobased Hydroxyl-Terminated Oligomers by Metathesis Degradation of Industrial Rubbers SBS and PB: Tailor-Made Unsaturated Diols and Polyols.

Biobased hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) was successfully synthesized in a one-pot reaction via metathesis degradation of industrial rubbers. Thus, polybutadiene (PB) and poly(styrene-butadiene-styrene) (SBS) were degraded via metathesis with high yields (>94%), using the fatty alcohol 10-undecen-1-ol as a chain transfer agent (CTA) and the second-generation Grubbs−Hoveyda catalyst. The identification of the hydroxyl groups (-OH) and the formation of biobased HTPB were verified by FT-IR and NMR. Likewise, the molecular weight and properties of the HTPB were controlled by changing the molar ratio of rubber to CTA ([C=C]/CTA) from 1:1 to 100:1, considering a constant molar ratio of the catalyst ([C=C]/Ru = 500:1). The number average molecular weight (Mn) ranged between 583 and 6580 g/mol and the decomposition temperatures between 134 and 220 °C. Moreover, the catalyst optimization study showed that at catalyst loadings as low as [C=C]/Ru = 5000:1, the theoretical molecular weight is in good agreement with the experimental molecular weight and the expected diols and polyols are formed. At higher ratios than those, the difference between theoretical and experimental molecular weight is wide, and there is no control over HTPB. Therefore, the rubber/CTA molar ratio and the amount of catalyst play an important role in PB degradation and HTPB synthesis. Biobased HTPB can be used to synthesize engineering design polymers, intermediates, fine chemicals, and in the polyurethane industry, and contribute to the development of environmentally friendly raw materials.

Functional properties of bioactive compounds from Spirulina spp.: Current status and future trends.

Functional foods show non-toxic bioactive compounds that offer health benefits beyond their nutritional value and beneficially modulate one or more target functions in the body. In recent decades, there has been an increase in the trend toward consuming foods rich in bioactive compounds, less industrialized, and with functional properties. Spirulina, a cyanobacterium considered blue microalgae, widely found in South America, stands out for its rich composition of bioactive compounds, as well as unsaturated fatty acids and essential amino acids, which contribute to basic human nutrition and can be used as a protein source for diets free from animal products. In addition, they have colored compounds, such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, phycocyanins, and phenolic compounds which can be used as corants and natural antioxidants. In this context, this review article presents the main biological activities of spirulina as an anticancer, neuroprotective, probiotic, anti-inflammatory, and immune system stimulating effect. Furthermore, an overview of the composition of spirulina, its potential for different applications in functional foods, and its emerging technologies are covered in this review.

Hybrid Coatings of SiO2-Recycled PET Unsaturated Polyester Resin by Sol-Gel Process.

Hybrid coatings of SiO2 and recycled unsaturated polyester resin (R-UPR) from recycled polyethylene-terephthalate (PET) were prepared by the sol-gel process on glass substrates. First, SiO2 was synthesized by the sol-gel process using a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) solution. Next, bis(2-hydroxypropyl-terephthalate) (BHPT) was synthesized from mechanical and chemical recycling (glycolysis) of post-consumer PET bottles in propylene glycol (PG) using ZnA as catalyst, in a Vessel-type reactor (20-200 °C); maleic anhydride (MA) was added and, following the same procedure, the unsaturated polyester (UP) was synthetized, which was cooled to room temperature. Next, styrene (St) and benzoyl-peroxide (PBO)-initiator were added to obtain R-UPR. TEOS (T) and three hybrid solutions were synthesized, with molar ratios of 0:1:0 (T), 1:2:0.25 (H1), 1:1:0.25 (H2), and 1:0:0.25 (H3) for R-UPR:TEOS:3-trimethoxy-(silyl)-propyl-methacrylate (TMSPM), respectively, with which TC, HC1, HC2, and HC3 coatings were elaborated using the immersion technique and polymerized (120 °C for 24 h). The solutions were characterized by FT-IR and TGA, and the coatings by SEM, nanoindentation, AFM, adhesion, and contact angle. The results showed that SiO2 enhanced mechanical (hardness and Young's modulus) and thermal properties of the R-UPR. The coatings adhered perfectly to the substrate, with thicknesses of micrometer units and a flat surface; in addition, hydrophilicity decreased as SiO2 decreased.

Effect of soybean grain (Glycine max L.) supplementation on the production and fatty acid profile in milk of grazing cows in the dry tropics of Mexico.

Improving the lipid profile in milk of cows with the use of soybean grain (Glycine max L.) can be favored in the grazing systems in the dry tropics of Mexico. The objective was to evaluate the milk production, the chemical composition, and the fatty acids profile (FAs) of the milk of cows in continuous grazing and supplemented with and without ground roasted soybean in the dry tropics of Mexico. Ten cows randomly distributed in two equal groups were used. Daily during confinement for milking, the cows individually received the treatments on dry basis T0: supplement with 4.6 kg commercial concentrate® without soybean, T1: supplement with 3.7 kg commercial concentrate® with 380 g of soybean. During the 78 days of the experiment, milk production was measured in all cows, and samples were collected to determine the chemical composition and FAs profile. Milk production, protein, milk total fat, lactose, and non-fat solids did not vary with treatment (p >0.05). Linoleic acid content (C18: 2, cis, cis-∆9, ∆12) increased by 22% in milk fat of cows of the T1 (p ˂0.05). The sum of the mono- and polyunsaturated FAs 29.1%, the ratio of saturated-unsaturated FAs (1.65), and the atherogenicity index (1.71) also improved in the milk of cows supplemented with T1 (p ˂0.05). It was concluded that ground roasted soybean supplement in the diet of grazing dairy cows did not affect production and did improve the lipid profile in milk fat with favorable index to promote human health.

Kinetics, product distribution and atmospheric implications of the gas-phase oxidation of allyl sulfides by OH radicals.

Relative rate coefficients of the OH radical -initiated oxidation of allyl methyl sulfide (AMS, H2CCHCH2SCH3) and allyl ethyl sulfide (AES, H2CCHCH2SCH2CH3) have been measured at atmospheric pressure of synthetic air and 298 K: kAMS= (4.98 ± 1.42) and kAES= (6.88 ± 1.49) × 10-11 cm3 molecule-1 s-1 by means of in situ FTIR spectroscopy. In addition, the molar yields of the main reaction products of AMS with OH radicals formed in the absence and presence of nitric oxides (NOX) were determined to be the following: sulfur dioxide (95 ± 12) % and (51 ± 12) % for acrolein (50 ± 9) % and (41 ± 9) %. In the reaction of AES with OH radicals, the following molar yields were obtained: for sulfur dioxide (88 ± 13) % and (56 ± 12) % for acrolein (36 ± 9) % and (41 ± 9) %. The present results suggest that the abstraction at C3 plays an important role in the oxidation mechanism as the addition to the double bond. This work represents the first study of the OH radical interaction with AMS and AES carried out under atmospheric conditions. The atmospheric implications were discussed in terms of the atmospheric residence times of the sulfur-containing compounds studied and the products formed in the presence and absence of NOx. SO2 formation seems to be the main fate of the gas-phase allyl sulfides oxidation with significant acidifying potentials and short-chain aldehydes production like formaldehyde and acetaldehyde.

Assessment of antioxidant potential in seed extracts of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. and phytochemical profiling by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry system

Abstract The present study has been carried out with the seed extracts of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. (Parijat) and evaluates its antioxidant potential and profiling the phytochemical constituents by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The antioxidant potential of the seed extracts was measured by four different in vitro assay like 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity, superoxide anion free radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and lipid peroxidation inhibition potential (LPIP) assay. The total phenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated. The ethyl acetate extract (EAE) of seeds showed potential DPPH free radical scavenging activity (EC50 129.49±3.55µg/ml), superoxide anion radical (EC50 969.94±8.03µg/ml) and LPIP (EC50 452.43±5.07 µg/ml) activities. The total phenol content was maximum in aqueous extract (AQE) which was 201.00±0.20 µg/mg gallic acid equivalent. The EAE was rich with total flavonoid and it was found to be 34.50±0.40 µg/mg rutin equivalent. The EAE was subjected for phytochemical-profiling using GC-MS system. The presence of different phytoconstituents supports the medicinal value of the seeds. The results suggest that EAE constitutes a promising new source of novel compounds. Further, it can be used for isolation and purification of specific compounds which have good antioxidant activities and possess useful biological activities.

Comparison of chemical composition, energy content, and digestibility of different sources of distillers corn oil and soybean oil for pigs

The objective of this study was to determine and compare the chemical composition; oxidation indicators; ether extract (EE) digestibility; and digestible, metabolizable, and net energy (DE, ME, and NE, respectively) content of distillers corn oil (DCO) from Brazil (CBR) and the United States (CUS), with refined (RSB) and degummed soybean oil (DSB) from Brazil offered to pigs. Fifty crossbred barrows (23.1±3.4 kg body weight) were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet, or diets composed of 90% basal diet and 10% of one of the four oil sources (CBR, CUS, RSB, or DSB). Pigs were fed an amount of their respective experimental diets equivalent to 2.8 times the maintenance DE requirement for 9 d (sequentially 7 d for adaptation and 2 d for partial collection of feces). Distillers corn oil from Brazil contained lower linoleic acid (47.4%) than CUS (53.9%), RSB (54.2%), and DSB (51.5%), but greater contents of oleic (32.1%) and palmitic (14.6%) acids compared to CUS (27.0 and 12.9%), RSB (22.9 and 11.2%), and DSB (23.5 and 11.2%). The moisture and unsaponifiable contents of CBR (0.17 and 1.64%) and CUS (0.20 and 1.64%) were similar, but greater than the values found for RSB (0.05 and 1.20%) and DSB (0.12 and 1.02%). The anisidine value, free fatty acid content, and acidity of DCO samples were higher than soybean oils. The peroxide value and thiobarbituric reactive substances content increased in the oil samples over time. The apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy and the DE, ME and NE values of the oils did not differ among oil sources and ranged from 87.8 to 91.5%, and from 8280 to 8630, 8139 to 8459, and 7162 to 7444 kcal/kg, respectively. The ATTD of EE was greater in RSB and DSB than for CBR, but similar to CUS. The DCO produced in Brazil is an excellent energy source for pigs, with DE, ME, and NE values similar to those of DCO from the US and soybean oils.(AU)

Total Fat Content and Fatty Acid Profile of Fine-Aroma Cocoa From Northeastern Peru.

Cocoa beans are the raw material for the chocolate industry. In this study, the total fat contents and fatty acid profiles of fine-aroma cocoa beans of 30 cocoa ecotypes from northeastern Peru were evaluated. Results showed that SJJ-1 and ACJ-11 ecotypes from San Martin and Amazonas regions, respectively, presented highest percentages of total fat with an average of 30.49%. With respect to fatty acid profiles, it was found that cocoa ecotypes are composed of 10 fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C18:0, C17:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C20:0, and C22:0); based on this profile, 5 clusters were determined. Cluster 5 had the highest content of C17:0 fatty acid (0.47%); however, the clusters 1, 2, 3, and 4 had the lowest content of this fatty acid (0.37%, 0.32%, 0.32%, respectively). The clusters 3 and 4 showed the highest content of C16:0 fatty acid (31.13% y 28.97%, respectively). The clusters 3 and 5 contained the highest content of the acid C18:1 (27.08% y 26.82%, respectively). The PCA found that C18:0 and C20:0 fatty acids are correlated, and are fundamentally opposite to C18:1, C16:0, and C18:3 acids. These results may be useful in identifying raw material for the development of specialty chocolates with better nutritional value than traditional cocoa.

Validación de una metodología para obtener la envolvente de ruptura al esfuerzo cortante en suelos no saturados compactados / Validation of a methodology to obtain the shear failure envelope of unsaturated compacted soils / Validação de uma metodologia para obter a envoltória de ruptura por cisalhamento em solos não saturados compactados

RESUMEN Obtener la envolvente de ruptura de suelos no saturados requiere de equipos especializados, de elevado costo y difícil acceso. Sin embargo, a través de ensayos de laboratorio simples combinados como corte directo, tracción indirecta y succión, es posible determinar la envolvente. La presente investigación busca, por tanto, validar dicha metodología, en un material limo de origen residual de la ciudad de Medellín-Antioquia, Colombia, compactado a la máxima densidad a través del ensayo Proctor normal. La validación se efectúa por medio de la repetitividad de una serie de ensayos de corte directo para diferentes valores de succión; comprobando que, es posible encontrar la envolvente de ruptura al corte de un suelo fino residual compactado, para distintas condiciones de succión, por medio de los ensayos de laboratorio de corte directo en condición consolidada y drenada, succión por el método del papel filtro y tracción indirecta, cuando no se cuenta con equipos de corte con succión controlada.

ABSTRACT Obtaining the failure envelope of unsaturated soils requires specialized equipment, which is expensive and difficult to access. Nevertheless, by combining simple laboratory tests like direct shear test on saturated samples, indirect tension test, and soil suction measurements by filter paper it is also possible to determine the envelope. This research aims to validate this latter methodology on a residual origin silt material from the city of Medellin, Colombia, which is compacted to the maximum dry density through the standard proctor test. The validation is carried out by repeating a series of direct shear tests for different suction values. It was verified that it is possible to find the shear failure envelope of a compacted fine-grained residual soil for different suction conditions, using the direct shear test under consolidated drained conditions, suction by the filter paper method, and the indirect tension test, when no suction controlled shear equipment is available.

RESUMO A obtenção da envoltória de ruptura de solos não saturados com controle de sucção requer equipamentos especiais, que são caros e de difícil acesso. No entanto, através de ensaios simples laboratoriais combinados, tais como os de cisalhamento direto, tração indireta e sucção, é possível determinar a envoltória de resistência. A presente investigação procura validar esta metodologia, usando um material siltoso de origem residual da cidade de Medellin-Antioquia, Colômbia, compactado na condição de densidade máxima obtida no ensaio de compactação Proctor normal. A validação é feita por meio da realização de uma série de ensaios de cisalhamento direto para diferentes valores de sucção; mostrando que é possível encontrar a envoltória de ruptura de um solo fino residual compactado, para diferentes condições de sucção, por meio de ensaios laboratoriais de cisalhamento direto consolidados drenados, sucção determinada pelo método do papel de filtro e ensaio de tração indireta, quando não se dispõe de equipamento de cisalhamento direto à sucção controlada.

Composition and Physicochemical Characterization of Walnut Flour, a By-product of Oil Extraction.

The by-product of walnut oil (Juglans regia L.) extraction is a press cake rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and other bioactive compounds. From this cake, walnut flour is obtained by a milling process. The composition and a physicochemical characterization of walnut flour was performed: proximal composition, mineral content, and fatty acid and amino acid profiles were measured. Besides, antioxidant capacity and water and oil holding capacities were determined. Walnut flour has 55% of lipids with an optimum w6/w3 ratio, a good lysine/arginine ratio, and high levels of antioxidants that contribute to its oxidative stability, the estimated shelf life being 16 months. In regards to interaction with other ingredients, walnut flour retained 258 and 70% (w/w) of water and oil, respectively. Therefore, these results show that walnut flour is a good source of micro- and macronutrients, compared to flours commonly used in breadmaking. Also, walnut flour has good technofunctional properties and thus its incorporation could improve the nutritional and technological characteristics of new bakery products.