Abstract: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the major microbial metabolites produced in the gut through the fermentation of non-digestible fibers. SCFAs act through free fatty acid receptor 2 and 3 (FFAR2 and 3), which are known to be expressed on glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)-secreting L-cells. This pathway is suggested to protect the intestinal mucosa. We aimed to investigate how lack of fiber affects the production of SCFAs and the vulnerability of the co-lon. Additionally, the involvement of FFAR2 and 3 in GLP-1 secretion and intestinal protection. SCFA concentrations in luminal contents from chow- or fiber-free diet-fed mice were analysed by LC‒MS. SCFAs were applied to isolated perfused colons from FFAR2/3 double KO and WT mice, and the secretion of GLP-1 was measured. Dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis was induced in chow- or fiber-free diet-fed mice as well as in FFAR2/3 KO and WT mice. The removal of die-tary fiber significantly decreased total colonic SCFA concentrations, with specific decreases in acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFAs significantly increased colonic GLP-1 secretion but not in FFAR2/3 KO mice. In the DSS model, the removal of dietary fiber increased the severity and delayed recovery. Colitis severity was independent of FFAR2 and FFAR3 signaling.

The gastrointestinal tract is colonized by trillions of different microorganisms, named the gut microbiota, which is key to degrade undigested food such as dietary fibers. The fermentation of these food components leads to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) acetate, propionate, and butyrate, which exploit several beneficial roles for the host’s health. Their production and absorption happen in different ways in the human intestine and depend on the type of dietary fiber reaching the gut and the microorganisms involved in the fermentation. The supplementation of SCFAs, mostly butyrate, in treating gastrointestinal, metabolic, cardiovascular, and gut-brain-related diseases has been reported in the medical literature. This review aims to give an overview of the production and absorption dynamics of acetate, propionate, and butyrate in the human gut, with a final focus on the role played by these SCFAs on gastrointestinal and metabolic health and the present therapeutic implications.

The microbiome is critical to the function of higher organisms and the gastrointestinal microbiome in chief among them. We do not know what impact the spaceflight GI microbiome has on organismal health in the absence of other confounding factors. We used a fecal transplant model to address this question and we found that we can recapitulate some of the functional aspects of the spaceflight microbiome on the ground but the impact on organismal health was ambiguous showing neither a defined improvement nor a impairment to lymph transport, growth, or immune populations. Histidine treatment was able to alter some of the functional aspects of the microbiome. Overall it we can conclude that the spaceflight microbiome is not pathological but has distinct impacts on organismal health.

Cotton fiber is the leading natural textile material, and fiber elongation plays an essential role in the formation of cotton yield and quality. Although a wealth of components in the molecular network controlling cotton fiber elongation have been reported, a lot of players still need to be functionally dissected to understand the regulatory mechanism of fiber elongation comprehensively. In the present study, an R2R3-MYB transcription factor gene, GhMYB201, was characterized and functionally verified via CRISPR/Cas9 mediated gene editing. GhMYB201 was homologous to Arabidopsis AtMYB60, and both coding genes (GhMYB201At and Dt) were preferentially expressed in elongating cotton fibers. Knocking-out of GhMYB201 significantly reduced the rate and duration of fiber elongation, resulting in shorter and coarser mature fibers. It was found that GhMYB201 could bind and activate the transcription of cell wall loosening genes (GhRDLs), and also β-ketoacyl-CoA synthase (GhKCSs) genes to enhance very-long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels in elongating fibers. Taken together, our data demonstrated that the transcription factor GhMYB201s play essential roles in promoting fiber elongation via activating genes related to cell wall loosening and VLCFA biosynthesis.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and neurogenerative diseases (NDDs), which is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The number of AD patients is over 55 million according to 2020 Alzheimer's Disease International (ADI) and the number is increasing drastically without any effective cure. In this review, we discuss and analyze the potential role of anthocyanins (ACNs) against AD with understanding the molecular mechanisms. ACNs have been reported as having neuroprotective effects by mitigating cognitive impairments, apoptotic markers, neuroinflammation, aberrant amyloidogenesis, and tauopathy. Taken together, ACNs could be the therapeutic agent for combating or delaying the onset of AD.

Recognition, decoding and tracking of vortex patterns is of increasing importance in many fields reaching from astronomical observation of distant galaxies to turbulence phenomena in liquids or gases. Currently, coherent light beams with orbital angular momentum (OAM) are of particular interest for optical communication, metrology, micro-machining or particle manipulation. One common task is to identify characteristic spiral patterns in pixelated intensity maps at real-world signal-to-noise ratios. Recently, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) was applied to the quantitative analysis of spiral interference patterns of OAM beams. Our study considers this approach in more detail. It is demonstrated that specific information can be extracted by combining conformal mapping by polar transform with determining one- or two-dimensional angular frequency spectra either in spatially fixed or scanning mode. Results of proof-of-principle experiments are presented.

Cosmetics have various characters, but there have been no studies which classified the properties of cosmetics based on their effects on skin-domesticated bacteria. In this study, we established an anaerobic culture and short-chain fatty acid measurement system using Staphylococcus epidermidis, a representative bacterium of indigenous skin bacteria. Furthermore, this system was used to extract and classify the characteristics of 9 cosmetics. Cosmetics containing ferments of rice and soy were clustered in the vicinity, although one cosmetic containing soy ferment was clustered distant from other similar cosmetics. Cosmetics from South Asia and those containing natural plant extracts were clustered in the vicinity. These results show that this method can be utilized as a cosmetics pattern map, and will provide a method to prevent growth of opportunistic bacteria.

The application of non-uniform spiral gratings to control structure, topological parameters and propagation of orbital angular momentum (OAM) beams was studied experimentally with coherent near-infrared light. Adapted digital spiral grating structures were programmed into the phase map of a high-resolution liquid-crystal-on-silicon spatial light modulator (LCoS-SLM). It is shown that characteristic spatio-spectral anomalies related to Gouy phase shift can be used as pointers to quantify rotational beam properties. Depending on sign and gradient of spatially variable periods of chirped spiral gratings (CSG), variations of rotation angle and angular velocity as a function of propagation distance were measured. Propagation-dependent self-torque is introduced in analogy to known local self-torque phenomena of OAM beams as obtained by the superposition of temporally chirped or phase modulated wavepackets.

The non-therapeutic use of antimicrobials in poultry production contribute to the spread of drug-resistant pathogens in both birds and humans. Antibiotics are known to enhance feed effi-ciency and promote growth and weight gain of poultry. New regulatory requirements and con-sumer preferences have led to a reduced use of antibiotics in poultry production and discover natural alternatives to the antibiotic growth promoters. This interest is not just focused on the di-rect removal or inhibition of the causative microorganisms but also the prevention diseases caused by enteric pathogens using a range of feed additives. A group of promising feed additives is short- and medium-chain fatty acids and their derivatives. MCFAs possess antibacterial, anticoccidial and antiviral effects. Also, it has been proven that these acids act synergistically if they are used together with organic acids, essential oils, or probiotics. These fatty acids also benefit intestinal health integrity and homeostasis in broilers. Other effects have also been documented, including increases in intestinal angiogenesis and gene expression of tight junctions. The aim of this review is to give an overview of SCFA, MCFA as alternatives of antibiotic growth promoters and by sum-marizing the current finding in the literature, to show their possible benefits on production, meat quality and gut health in poultry.

Increasing numbers of researchers are interested in the importance of dietary fiber for the gut microbiota, microbiotal metabolite SCFA, energy metabolism and gut health of the host. However, studies have demonstrated that long-term and longitudinal observation may be needed to evaluate the effect of dietary fiber better, and few such works have been made in chickens. Therefore, we successively fed low-fiber, high--fiber and low-fiber diets to two breeds of chickens during different growth periods (1—8, 9—20 and 21—50 weeks), aiming to longitudinally observe the long-term effect of altered dietary fiber on the gut microbiota, SCFA and development of cecum of chickens with age. The results showed that the composition and function of the gut microbiota, SCFA and the development of the cecum were different during different periods, which was largly affected by dietary fiber. However, the causes of some effects were different during the different periods. For example, compared with that in low-fiber chickens at 8 weeks, dominant fiber-degradation bacteria such as Bacteroidetes, Alloprevotella and SCFA-producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium increased due to a high-fiber diet at 20 weeks, while due to a high feed intake in 50 weeks. Moreover, the concentration of SCFA in 20 weeks was significantly higher than in 8 weeks and 50 weeks, but the causes of this difference were also distinct. It was proposed that a long-term observation was needed to evaluate the effect of dietary fiber better on chickens. The metabolite pathways of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters encoded by Firmicutes were enriched in 8 weeks, while a two-component system and β–glucosidase encoded by Bacteroidetes were enriched in 20 and 50 weeks. The trend was the same in two breeds of chickens except for Alloprevotella. In addition, the total content of SCFA in the contents of cecum was also affected by the size of the cecum. Surprisingly, the length of the cecum shortened from 20—50 weeks, maybe due to reduced dietary fiber.

In this paper, carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed electrode (CNTs/SPE) was prepared and the CNTs/SPE was employed for the electrochemical determination of antioxidant substance Chlorogenic acids (CGAs). A pair of well-defined redox peak of CGA was observed at the CNTs/SPE in 0.10 mol∙L^-1 acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer (pH 6.2) and electrode process is adsorption-controlled. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method for the determination of CGA were proposed based on the CNTs/SPE. Under the optimal conditions, the proposed method exhibited linear ranges from 4.73×10^-7 to 4.45×10^-5 mol∙L^-1, the linear regression equation was Ipa(µA) = 4.1993 C (mol∙L^-1)+1.1039 (r = 0.9976) and the detection limit for CGA could reach 3.25×10^-6 mol∙L^-1. The recovery of matrine was 94.74~106.65% (RSD = 2.92%) in coffe beans. The proposed method is quick, sensitive, reliable, and can be used for the determination of CGA.

The endothelium is a monolayer of cells lining the inner blood vessels. Endothelial cells (ECs) play indispensable roles in angiogenesis, homeostasis, and immune response under normal physiological conditions, and their dysfunction is closely associated with pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases. Abnormal EC metabolism, especially fatty acid (FA) dysfunctional metabolism, contributes to the development of many diseases including pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this review, we focus on discussing the latest advances in FA metabolism in ECs under normal and pathological conditions with an emphasis on PH. We also highlight areas of research that warrant further investigation.

The use of omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3 FA) in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) is an area of ongoing research. Some studies suggest that dietary supplementation with omega-3 FA can help manage symptoms of AD by reducing lesion severity, skin inflammation, dryness and itching, while other show no significant beneficial effect. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of omega-3 FA form fish oil in combination with GLA form blackcurrant seed oil in children with AD. This is a longitudinal, prospective, randomized, triple blind, placebo-controlled parallel clinical trial. The study was conducted during the 2-year period from autumn, winter, and spring avoiding the summer when AD usually improves. Children were randomized to receive the active study product (Mega Kid®) containing specific blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids or placebo. Primary outcomes were change in severity of AD measured using SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) patient oriented SCORAD (PO-SCORAD) and the difference in TCS use. Secondary outcomes were change in itch intensity, sleep quality and Family Dermatology Life Quality Index (FDLQI). Data were analyzed for 52 children (26 in the intervention group and 26 in the placebo group). In children receiving active product intention-to-treat analysis showed that after 4 months of treatment, there was a significant decrease in the SCORAD index (from median 42 to 25, p < 0.001) and use of topical corticosteroids (from median 30 to 10 mg/day, p < 0.001) but also significant improvement in itch, sleep quality and overall quality of life. Omega-3 fatty acids in combination with GLA and vitamin D has a great beneficial effect in treatment of atopic dermatitis in children. Therefore, we can conclude that supplementation with this specific combination could be considered a safe and effective intervention that can significantly reduce the severity of AD in pediatric patients.

Dietary intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA) exerts antiarrhythmic effects, although the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we investigated the possible beneficial actions of EPA on saturated fatty acid-induced changes of the L-type Ca2+ channel in cardiomyocytes. Cardiomyocytes were cultured with oleic acid/palmitic acid mixture (OAPA) in the presence or absence of EPA. Beating rate reduction of cardiomyocytes caused by OAPA were reversed by EPA. EPA also retrieved a reduction of Cav1.2-L-type Ca2+ current, mRNA and protein caused by OAPA. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed a distinct downregulation of the Cav1.2 channel caused by OAPA with a concomitant decrease in the phosphorylated component of a transcription factor adenosine-3’, 5’-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB) in the nucleus, which were rescued by EPA. A free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFAR4) agonist TUG-891 reversed expression of Cav1.2- and CREB-mRNA caused by OAPA, whereas an FFAR4 antagonist AH-7614 abolished the effects of EPA. Excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation caused by OAPA decreased Cav1.2- and CREB-mRNA expressions, which were reversed by an ROS scavenger. Our data suggest that EPA rescues cellular remodeling caused by OAPA lipotoxicity and oxidative stresses via both free fatty acid receptor 4-dependent and -independent pathways.

We reviewed various physical and biological manifestations of an unprecedented large-scale water temperature anomaly that emerged in the Northeast Pacific in late 2013. The anomaly dubbed “The Blob” persisted through 2014-2016, with some signs of its persistence through 2017-2018 and a possible reemergence in 2019. The tentative timeline of The Blob’s successive appearances around the Northeast Pacific is suggestive of its advection by currents around the Gulf of Alaska, along the Aleutians, into the Bering Sea, and eventually to the Bering Strait. During the initial phase of The Blob’s development in 2013-2014, advection along the Polar Front might have played a certain role. The extreme persistence and magnitude of The Blob resulted in numerous and sometimes dramatic ecosystem responses in the eastern Bering Sea. The multi-year duration of The Blob might have preconditioned the Bering Sea for the record low seasonal sea ice extent during the winter of 2017-2018 and disappearance of the cold pool in 2016 and 2018 that profoundly affected zooplankton, invertebrates, fishes, sea birds, and marine mammals. Comparison of time-series of population responses across trophic levels suggests that The Blob lowered primary production during spring, increasing small copepod production and jellyfish, and reducing energy transfer efficiently to higher trophic levels. While the Bering Sea’s water temperature, seasonal sea ice, and cold pool seem to return to the long-term mean state in 2022, it remains to be seen if the Bering Sea ecosystem will completely recover. The two most likely alternative scenarios envision either irreversible changes or hysteresis recovery.

The last-mile logistics in cities have become an indispensable part of the urban logistics system. This study aims to explore the effective selection of last-mile logistics nodes to enhance the efficiency of logistics distribution, strengthen the corporate distribution image, and further reduce corporate operating costs and alleviate urban traffic congestion. This paper proposes a clustering-based approach to identify urban logistics nodes from the perspective of geographic information fusion. This method comprehensively considers several key indicators, including the coverage, balance, and urban traffic conditions of logistics distribution. Additionally, we employed a greedy algorithm to identify secondary nodes around primary nodes, thus constructing an effective nodal network. To verify the practicality of this model, we conducted an empirical simulation study using the logistics demand and traffic conditions in the Xianlin District of Nanjing. This research not only identified the locations of primary and secondary logistics nodes but also provided a new perspective for constructing the urban last-mile logistics system, enriching the academic research related to logistics node construction. The results of this study are of significant theoretical and practical importance for optimizing urban logistics networks, enhancing logistics efficiency, and promoting the improvement of urban traffic conditions.

The present study examined metabolites in Northern wild rice (WLD), the impact of WLD supplemented high fat (HF) diet on gut microbiota, short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and correlation with metabolism or inflammation versus HF+white rice (WHR) in mice. C57BL/6J mice received HF diet supplemented with 26g% WHR, 26g% WLD, or 13g% WHR+13g% WLD (WTWD) for 12 weeks. The levels of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin resistance, inflammatory cytokines and monocyte adhesion were lower, and the abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri species bacteria and propionic acid were higher in HF+WLD diet-fed mice compared to HF+WHR diet-fed mice (p<0.05). The anti-inflammatory effects of HF+WTWD diet were weaker than that in HF+WLD diet, but were greater than that in HF+WHR diet-fed mice (p<0.05). Relative abundances of fecal Lactobacillus gasseri and propionic acid in HF+WLD fed-mice were higher than that in HF+WHR fed mice. The abundance of fecal L. gasseri and propionic acid negatively correlated with metabolic and inflammatory markers (p<0.05). The findings suggest that WLD dose-dependently attenuated metabolic and inflammatory disorders in HF diet-fed mice. Interactions between WLD components and gut microbiota may upregulate fecal propionic acid and contribute to metabolic and anti-inflammatory benefits of WLD diet-induced insulin resistant mice.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction and communication, anxiety, hyperactivity, and restricted interest for specific subjects. In addition to the genetic factors, multiple environmental factors have been related to the development of ASD. Animal models can serve as crucial tools for understanding the complexity of ASD and identifying potential therapeutic strategies. In this study, a chemical model of ASD has been developed in zebrafish by exposing embryos to valproic acid (VPA) from 4 to 48 hours post-fertilization. After the exposure, embryos were transferred to fish water and the effects on behavior and neurotransmitters profile were analyzed at both larval and adult stages. Larvae from VPA-treated embryos showed hyperactivity and decreased visual and vibrational escape responses, as well as an altered neurotransmitters profile, with increased glutamate and decreased acetylcholine and norepinephrine levels. Adults from VPA-treated embryos exhibited impaired social behavior characterized by larger shoal sizes and a decreased interest for their conspecifics. Neurotransmitter analysis revealed a significant decrease in dopamine and GABA levels in the brain. These results support the interest of this model in the study of ASD.

Typical modern information systems are required to process copious data. Conventional manual approaches can no longer effectively analyze such massive amounts of data, and thus humans resort to smart techniques and tools to complement human effort. Currently, network security events occur frequently, and generate abundant log and alert files. Processing such vast quantities of data particularly requires smart techniques. This study reviewed several crucial developments of existent data mining algorithms, including those that compile alerts generated by heterogeneous IDSs into scenarios and employ various HMMs to detect complex network attacks. Moreover, sequential pattern mining algorithms were examined to develop multi-step intrusion detection. These studies can focus on applying these algorithms in practical settings to effectively reduce the occurrence of false alerts. This article researched the application of data mining algorithms in network security. The academic community has recently generated numerous studies on this topic.

Electrifying aircraft, a crucial advancement in the aviation industry, aims to cut pollutive emissions and boost energy efficiency. Traditional aircraft depend on fossil fuels, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution. Despite progress in electric propulsion and energy storage technologies, challenges such as low energy density and integration issues persist. This paper provides a comprehensive thematic and bibliometric analysis to map the research landscape in aircraft electrification, identifying key research themes, influential contributors, and emerging trends. The study applies natural language processing to unstructured bibliographic data and cross-sectional statistical methods to analyze publications, citations, and keyword distributions across various categories related to aircraft electrification. The findings reveal significant growth in research output, particularly in energy management and multidisciplinary design analysis. Collaborative networks highlight key international partnerships, with the United States and China being key research hubs, while citation metrics highlight the impact of leading researchers and institutions in these countries. This study provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and industry stakeholders, guiding future research directions and collaborations.

Short chain quinones (SCQs) have been identified as potential drug candidates against mitochondrial dysfunction, which is largely dependent on their reversible redox characteristics of the active quinone core. We recently synthesized a SCQ library of > 148 naphthoquinone derivatives and identified 16 compounds with enhanced cytoprotection compared to the clinically used benzoquinone idebenone. One of the major drawbacks of idebenone is its high metabolic conversion in the liver, which significantly restricts is therapeutic activity. Therefore, this study assessed the metabolic stability of the 16 identified naphthoquinone derivatives 1-16 using hepatocarcinoma cells in combination with an optimized reverse-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) method. Most of the derivatives showed significantly better stability than idebenone over 6 hours (p < 0.001). By extending the side-chain of SCQs, increased stability for some compounds was observed. Metabolic conversion from the derivative 3 to 5 and reduced idebenone metabolism in the presence of 5 were also observed. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of naphthoquinone-based SCQs and provide essential insights for future drug design, prodrug therapy and polytherapy, respectively.

Procurement plays a central and defining role in the efficiency of supply chains. In recent years, the understanding and practice of procurement management have changed significantly due to increasing emphasis on and demand for agility and sustainability within supply chain management systems. Meanwhile, traditional supply chain systems, characterized by siloed processes, limited visibility, and inefficiencies due to manual interventions, can no longer cope with the current dynamic market conditions. Besides, the increasing requirements of sustainability, ethical sourcing, and environmental impact have intensified, making more responsible, transparent, and traceable procurement practices unnegotiable requirements for modern systems. In this paper, we examine the potential of emerging technologies and innovations such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in filling these gaps within the supply chain systems of enterprises in the US. The study employs a comprehensive review of relevant literature and case studies to discover and provide insights on how these technologies can improve procurement processes, optimize resource allocation and utilization, and improve sustainability. The findings of this study highlight the need for stakeholders to embrace technological advancements to effectively navigate the dynamic landscape of supply chain management.

Integrating advanced air mobility (AAM) into the logistics of high-value electronic commodities can enhance efficiency and promote sustainability. The objective of this study is to optimize the logistics network for high-value electronics by integrating AAM solutions, specifically using heavy-lift cargo drones for middle-mile transport and using the mostly rural and small urban U.S. state of North Dakota as a case study. The analysis utilized geographic information system (GIS) and spatial optimization models to strategically assign underutilized airports as multimodal freight hubs to facilitate the shift from long-haul trucks to middle-mile air transport. Key findings demonstrate that electronics, because of their high value-to-weight ratio, are ideally suited for air transport. Comparative analysis shows that transport by drones can reduce the average cost per ton by up to 60% compared to traditional trucking. Optimization results indicate that a small number of strategically placed logistical hubs can reduce average travel distances by more than 13% for last-mile deliveries. Cost analyses demonstrate the viability of drones for middle-mile transport, especially on lower-volume rural routes, highlighting their efficiency and flexibility. The study emphasizes the importance of utilizing existing infrastructure to optimize the logistics network. By replacing truck traffic with drones, AAM can mitigate road congestion, reduce emissions, and extend infrastructure lifespan. These insights have critical implications for supply chain managers, shippers, urban planners, and policymakers, providing a decision support system and a roadmap for integrating AAM into logistics strategies.

The increasing demand for high-quality livestock products dictates to develop approaches to assessing the composition of the fatty acids (CFAs) and amino acids (CAAs) in animal tissues. The review considers the following issues: chromatographic methods for the determination of CAAs and CFAs of pig tissues; factors influencing the CAAs and CFAs of pig tissues; methods of regulating CAAs and CFAs of pork using nutritional factors; the effect of CAAs and CFAs on formation of meat properties. The main methods for determining CAAs or CFAs are the ion-exchange or gas chromatography, respectively. The total FA amount and individual FAs have significant effects on the tenderness, taste, color and juiciness of pork meat (due to the different melting points of particular fatty acids, formation of lipid oxidation products during cooking, etc.). Muscle proteins of pigs with regulated fatness differ also in CAAs (decreasing by increase in “pork fat” and decrease in the protein’s amount. The significance of this review is also determined by high popularity of pork in Russia and in a number of other countries of the world.

Seafood products are the main dietary source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA), which are essential for human health. However, due to the widespread use of processed fish products, the presence of these n-3 PUFAs may be subject to changes related to different processing methods. The aim of this study was to determine the fatty acid composition, with a focus on n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), in different processed fish and shellfish food of EU and non-EU origin purchased in supermarkets and ethnic food shops in Messina (Italy), using gas chromatography with flame-ionization detector (GC-FID). From the fatty acid profile, the atherogenic index (AI), thrombogenicity index (TI) and flesh-lipid quality index (FLQ) were determined: 0.13-1.04 (AI), 0.31-9.84 (TI) and 0.41-29.90 (FLQ). The percentages of saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids had the following ranges: 13.55-50.48%, 18.91-65.58%, 13.84-52.73%, respectively. All samples showed a good presence of PUFAs and, in particular, eicosapentaenoic (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) were the main n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA).

In this study, four kinds of animal bone marrow powders were extracted with n-hexane using the Soxhlet extraction method. Polyunsaturated fatty acids were enriched by urea inclusion and low temperature crystallization method, then were further evaluated antioxidant and antibacterial activities. These results showed that the oil composition of the n-hexane extracts of four kinds of animal bone marrow primarily consisted of palmitic acid (18.57–31.01%), stearic acid (3.6–20.95%), and oleic acid (40.22–58.69%). The ratios of saturated fatty acids (SFA)/unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) were 1/1.417, 1/1.327, 1/2.140, and 1.285/1 for sheep, bovine, horse, and camel bone marrow oil, respectively. The SFA/UFA ratios determined by the urea inclusion method were 1/1.518, 1/1.390, 1/2.037, and 1.216/1, respectively. The SFA/UFA ratios according to the low temperature crystallization method with acetone were 1/1.920, 1/2.141, 1/2.360, and 1/1.157 for sheep, bovine, horse, and camel bone marrow oil, respectively. These enrichment methods effected the concentrations of UFAs from the camel bone marrow oil. Among the methods, the low temperature crystallization method effectively enriched the UFAs. All four bone marrow oils exhibited strong antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The horse bone marrow oil showed the strongest antioxidant activity. Both antioxidant and antimicrobial activity improved after enrichment of the UFAs. These results lay a theoretical basis for application bone marrow oil resources in food and medicine.

The absorption of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) depends on the solubility of these components in the gastric fluid. Parameters such as the total MCFA concentration, carboxyl ionization level, and carbon chain length affect the solubility of these molecules. Moreover, the enzymatic lipolysis of solubilized triacylglycerol (TAG) molecules may depend on the carbon chain length of the fatty acids (FAs) components and their positions on the glycerol backbone. This present study aimed at investigating the effect of electrolyte usually formed during the gastric digestion phase on the solubility of MCFA, and evaluating the influence of the FA carbon chain length on the lipolysis rate during the in vitro digestion simulation. The results obtained here showed that the increasing of electrolyte concentrations tend to decrease the mutual solubility of systems composed by the caproic and caprylic fatty acids + sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, and potassium chloride solutions. We also observed that a conventional version of the thermodynamic UNIQUAC model was able to correlate the liquid-liquid phase behavior of the electrolyte solutions. Regarding the in vitro digestion simulation, the experimental data indicated that the action of the pancreatic enzyme occurred preferentially in TAG molecules comprised of short and medium-chain fatty acids.

Fatty acids (FFAs) are important biological molecules that serve as a major energy source and are key components of biological membranes. Besides, FFAs play important roles in metabolic regulation and contribute to the development and progression of metabolic disorders like diabetes. Recent studies have shown that FFAs can act as important ligands of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) on the surface of cells and impact key physiological processes. Free fatty acid activated receptors include FFAR1 (GPR40), FFAR2 (GPR43), FFAR3 (GPR41) and FFAR4 (GPR120). FFAR2 and FFAR3are activated by short chain fatty acids like acetate, propionate and butyrate whereas FFAR1 and FFAR4 are activated by medium and long chain fatty acids like palmitate, oleate, linoleate and others. FFARs have generated considerable attention over the last few years and have become attractive pharmacological targets in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Several lines of evidence point to their importance in the regulation of whole-body metabolic homeostasis including adipose metabolism. Here we summarize our current understanding of the physiological functions of FFAR isoforms in adipose biology and explore the prospect of FFAR based therapies to treat patients with obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.

Palm fatty acid distillate (PFAD) is a by-product from the refining of crude palm oil. It comprises mainly of free fatty acids, having around 45% of palmitic and 33% oleic acids as the major components. Ultra-violet (UV) curable urethane acrylate (UA) oligomers could be synthesized from PFAD by the following procedure. A hydroxyl terminated macromer was first prepared by reacting PFAD with a mixture of isophthalic acid, phthalic anhydride, neopentagylcol (NPG) and pentaerythritol. The macromer is then reacted with 2-hydroxylethylacrylate (2HEA) and toluene diisocynate (TDI) to generate a resin containing acrylate side chains for UV curable application. A series of UA resins were prepared by using 15, 25, 45, 55 and 70% of PFAD respectively. The UA resin has Mw in the range of 3200 to 27,000. They could be cured by UV irradiation at intensity of 225mW/cm². Glass transition temperature (T_g) of the cured film was measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), and hardness of the film was determined by pendulum hardness tester according to ASTM4366. The resins were used in wood coating application. All of the cured films showed good adhesion, hardness and chemical resistant for resins using up to 55% PFAD; however the resin at 70% did not cure properly.

Porcine parvovirus 8 (PPV8), a novel virus in the Parvoviridae family, was first identified in 2022 in lung samples of domestic pigs from China. Retrospective analyses showed that it had been circulating in China since 1998, but no other countries had reported its presence so far. A recent study conducted in South America did not detect any PPV8-positive samples in that region. Here we report the detection of PPV8 in Hungarian and Slovakian pig farms and the estimated prevalence of the virus in Hungary. Altogether 2230 serum, 233 oral fluid, and 115 processing fluid samples were systematically collected from 23 Hungarian and 2 Slovakian pig farms between 2020 and 2023. A real-time quantitative PCR method was developed to detect the viral genome. Our results revealed the presence of PPV8 on 65% of the Hungarian farms and on both Slovakian farms included in our study, marking its first detection in Europe. Oral fluid samples showed the highest positivity rates, reaching up to 100% in some herds. The viral genome was successfully detected in serum and processing fluid samples too, but with significantly lower prevalence rates of 4% and 5%, respectively. Genetic analysis of 11 partial VP2 sequences demonstrated high similarity to the original Chinese strain but with unique amino acid mutations, suggesting possible local evolution of the virus. Our study presents the first scientific evidence of PPV8 infection outside of China and offers a comprehensive assessment of its prevalence in the Hungarian pig population. Further research is required to understand its potential impact on swine health.

This study is based on the fatty acid and amino acid profile of 7 edible insect species: Acheta domesticus, Alphitobius diaperinus, Blaptica dubia, Galleria mellonella, Locusta migratoria, Tenebrio molitor and Zophobas morio. The fatty acid distribution within lipid classes (neutral lipids, glycolipids and phospholipids) was studied, while the amino acid profile was used to calculate the species-specific nitrogen-protein conversion factor (Kp). The profiles were used to evaluate the nutritional quality of the lipids and proteins. Oleic acid was the predominant fatty acid in all insects except for A. domesticus, in which a larger percentage of linoleic acid was found. The majority of the lipids were neutral lipids. L. migratoria showed a remarkably high content of α-linolenic acid in its phospholipid fraction, while T. molitor phospholipids were the only fraction in which a measurable amount of docosahexaenoic acid was found. Overall, in most insects, the phospholipid fraction had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid content compared to the other classes, which may be protective in terms of autoxidative stability. Kp values in the range of 4.17 to 6.43 were obtained. Within the nutritional quality indices, all insects showed healthy fatty acid and high quality amino acid profiles.

This study investigated the relationship of acrosome reactions and fatty acid composition on fertility in boar sperm. The acrosome reaction of sperm was induced via methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MBCD), and acrosome reaction, plasma membrane integrity, and fertility were analyzed. The fatty acid composition of the excess acrosome reacted sperm was determined via gas chromatography. The results showed that the acrosome reaction in sperm was induced over 85% of the time by 60 mM MBCD treatment, and the plasma membrane integrity was significantly decreased and was dependent on the MBCD level. The acrosome reacted sperm resulted in significantly higher saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and lower unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) than the non-acrosome reaction group. Moreover, the acrosome reacted sperm from 60 mM MBCD significantly decreased in vitro fertility and blastocyst formation relative to non-acrosome reacted sperm, and the acrosome reaction was positively correlated with SFAs and negatively correlated with PUFAs. Of these fatty acids, C22:5n-6 (docosapentaenoic acid [DPA]) and C22:6n-3 (docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) were directly negatively correlated with the acrosome reaction (r = -0.982 and -0.947, respectively). In conclusion, the excessive acrosome reactions may occur by reducing the PUFAs, which may then dramatically decrease sperm fertility in pigs.

There are now a wide variety of global metrics. To find the degree of overlap between these different measures, we employ a principal components analysis (PCA) to 15 indices across 145 countries. Our results demonstrate that the most important underlying dimension highlights that economic development and social progress go hand in hand with state stability. The results are used to produce categorical divisions of the world. The threefold division identifies a world composed of what we describe and map as Rich, Poor and Middle countries. A five-group classification provided a more nuanced categorization described as; The Very Rich, Free and Stable, Affluent and Free, Upper Middle, Lower Middle, and Poor and Not Free.

Theories on life’s origin generally acknowledge the advantage of a semi-permeable vesicle (protocell) for enhancing the chemical reaction-diffusion processes involved in abiogenesis. However, more and more evidence indicates that the origin of life concerned the photo-chemical dissipative structuring of the fundamental molecules under UV-C light. In this paper, we analyze the Mie UV scattering properties of such a vesicle made from long chain fatty acids. We find that the vesicle could have provided early life with a shield from the faint, but dangerous, hard UV-C ionizing light (180-210 nm) that probably bathed Earth’s surface from before the origin of life and until perhaps 1,500 million years after, until the formation of a protective ozone layer as a result of the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis.

This study evaluated the effect of pig diet supplementation with an Olea europaea L. extract on the muscle fatty acid composition. Ten commercial hybrid pigs (Large White x (Landrace x Duroc)) were randomly assigned to two experimental treatments and fed either a standard diet (C) or diet with olive leaves extract (OL). For 90 days, the OL group received the olive leaf extract (300 mg/head/day), which mainly comprises oleuropein diglucoside, luteolin-7-glucoside, and verbascoside. The phenolic content, antioxidant activity, bioactive molecules’ characterization, and the fatty acids profile of meat and diet were performed. The results indicated that while the OL supplementation did not significantly alter the overall chemical composition of the meat or the pigs' performance, it did modify the lipid profile of the meat. The OL diet results in a significant reduction in SFA and an increase in oleic acid in meat, which correspondingly elevates the total MUFA content. Dietary treatment reduced the sum of n-6 PUFA in the meat of the OL group, and resulted in a significantly lower n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio. Therefore, these findings suggest that incorporating olive leaf extract into the pig diet enhances the nutritional and functional quality of the meat by improving its fatty acid profile.

The intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of the average consumer is generally low and products like fish oils high in omega-3 PUFA have become a popular dietary supplement. There is a need for more sources of omega-3 PUFA to cover the increasing demand. This study investigated whether livers from different lean fish species could be a potential new source of oils rich in omega-3 PUFA. The seasonal variation in lipid content, fatty acid composition, peroxide value and free fatty acid content of livers from cod, hake, ling, coalfish and monkfish was determined and the effect of storage conditions on the fishing vessel (ice vs frozen) was studied. Generally, the lipid content and composition of the livers from the five fish species varied similarly during the two years of sampling period with significantly lower values in spring (March, April) and higher values in fall (November, October). Storage conditions were found to have no significant effect on the quality and oil composition. Monkfish livers were less suitable for production of omega-3 oil due to their lower lipid and EPA content and higher FFA levels. Coalfish had higher fluctuations in oil composition during sampling period, which potentially makes a standardised quality difficult to obtain. Cod, hake and ling were the most suitable species for fish liver oil production.

Palmitic acid metabolism involves delta-9 and delta-6 desaturase enzymes forming palmitoleic acid (9cis-16:1; n-7 series) and sapienic acid (6cis-16:1; n-10 series), respectively. The corresponding biological consequences and lipidomic research on these positional MUFA isomers are under development. Furthermore, sapienic acid can bring to the de novo synthesis of the n-10 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) sebaleic acid (5cis,8cis-18:2), but such transformations in cancer cells are not known. The model of Caco-2 cell line was used to monitor sapienic acid supplementation (150 and 300 μM) and evidence the formation of n-10 fatty acids as well as their incorporation at levels of membrane phospholipids and triglycerides. Comparison with palmitoleic and palmitic acids evidenced that lipid remodeling was influenced by the type of fatty acid and positional isomer, with increase of 8cis-18:1, n-10 PUFA and decrease of saturated fats in case of sapienic acid. Cholesteryl esters were formed only in case of sapienic acid. EC₅₀ of sapienic acid (232.3 μM at 96 hrs) was the highest found among the tested fatty acids, thus influencing cell viability that was only reduced at 25% at 300 μM, whereas palmitoleic acid induced cell death. Two-photon fluorescent microscopy with Laurdan as a fluorescent dye provided information on membrane fluidity, highlighting that sapienic acid increases the distribution of fluid regions, probably connected with the formation of 8cis-18:1 and the n-10 PUFA in cell lipidome. Our results bring evidence for MUFA positional isomers and de novo PUFA synthesis for developing lipidomic analysis and cancer research.

Melittin, a natural antimicrobial peptide, displays a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which has caused increasing attention as a potential antibiotic alternative. However, melittin has not been used widely at present due to its high hemolysis and low proteolytic stability. In this study, N-terminal fatty acid was conjugated to melittin to develop new melittin-derived lipopep-tides (MDLs) for improving the limitation of melittin. Our results showed that, the antimicrobial activity of MDLs was increased by 2 to 16 times compared with native melittin, and the stability of these MDLs against trypsin and pepsin degradation was increased by 50 to 80%. Besides, the hemolytic of the MDLs decreased when the length of the carbon chain of fatty acids exceeded 10. Among them, the newly designed analog Mel-C8 showed optimal antimicrobial activity and protease stability. The antimicrobial mechanism studied revealed that the MDLs showed a rapid bactericidal effect by interacting with LPS or LTA and penetrating the bacterial cell membrane. In conclusion, we designed and synthesized a new class of MDLs with potent antimicrobial activity, high proteolytic stability, and low hemolysis through N-terminal fatty acid conjugation.

Lipid-based drugs are emerging as an interesting class of novel anticancer drugs with the potential to target specific cancer cell metabolic pathway linked to their proliferation and invasiveness. In particular, ω−3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) derivatives such as epoxides and their bioisosteres have demonstrated the potential to suppress growth and promote apoptosis in triple-negative human breast cancer cells MDA-MB-231. In this study 16-(4’-chloro-3’-trifluorophenyl)carbamoylamino]hexadecanoic acid (ClFPh-CHA), an anticancer lipid derived from ω−3,17,18-epoxyeicosanoic acid, was formulated as a stable nanoemulsion with size around 150 nm and narrow droplet size distribution (PDI<0.200) through phase-inversion emulsification process followed by high pressure homogenization in view of an oral administration. The ClFPh-CHA-loaded nanoemulsions were able to significantly decrease the relative tumor volume in mice bearing an intramammary tumor xenograft at all doses tested (2.5, 10 and 40 mg/kg) after 32 days of daily oral administration. Furthermore, absolute tumor weight was decreased to 50% of untreated control at 10 and 40 mg/kg, while intraperitoneal administration could achieve a significant reduction only at the highest dose of 40 mg/kg. Results suggest that oral administration of ClFPh-CHA formulated as a nanoemulsion has a sufficient bioavailability to provide an anticancer effect in mice and that the activity is at least equal if not superior to that obtained by a conventional parenteral administration of equivalent doses of the same drug.

The aim of this study (first analytical approach) was to obtain data on the fatty acid composition of gluten-free foods (bakery products) for celiac people. The study included 35 different products (snacks, biscuits, bakery products, pasta, flours, etc.) from several manufacturers. After extraction and esterification, the fatty acid content was determined by GC-MS. The monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) are the major constitutes (57%) of the fatty acids pool followed by saturated fatty acids (SFAs) (30%) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (13%). Only fifteen, of the thirty-five gluten free samples analyzed, provide adequate energy intake, while in eleven samples, saturated fatty acids take more energy than that recommended by EFSA. It has emerged that local producers generally use the finest raw materials (olive oil, etc.) compared to the industries which, as has been pointed out, in many cases use palm and palm kernel oils although gluten free commercial products are high added value foods, expensive and intended for a particularly sensitive public.

The efficacy of chemotherapy depends on sensitivity and intrinsic or acquired drug resistance of cancer cells. The n-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs) are considered chemosensitizing agents and revertants of multidrug resistance by pleiotropic mechanisms. The specific mechanisms are not fully understood, but nowadays, it is widely accepted that there are a complex network of mechanisms, including alteration in gene expression, modulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation, induction of apoptosis, generation of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. A crucial mechanism in the control of cell drug uptake and efflux is related to n-3 LCPUFA influence on membrane lipid composition. The incorporation of docosahexaenoic acid in the lipid rafts produces significant changes in their physical-chemical properties affecting content and functions of transmembrane proteins, such as growth factors, receptors and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Of note, n-3 LCPUFAs often impact on the lipid compositions more in chemoresistant cells than in chemosensitive cells, suggesting their adjuvant role in cancer treatment.

We used atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study polyelectrolyte brushes based on anionic α-L-glutamic acid and α-L-aspartic acid grafted on cellulose in the presence of divalent CaCl2 salt at different concentrations. The motivation is the search of the ways to control properties such as sorption capacity and the structural response of the brush to multivalent salts. For this detailed understanding of the role of side chain length, chemical structure and their interplay is required. It was found that in the case of glutamic acid oligomers, the longer side chains facilitate attractive interactions with the cellulose surface, which forces the grafted chains to lie down on the surface. The additional methylene group in the side chain enables side chain rotation enhancing this effect. On the other hand, the shorter and more restricted side chains of aspartic acid oligomers prevent attractive interactions to a large degree and push the grafted chains away from the surface. The difference in side chain length also leads to differences in other properties of the brush in divalent salt solutions. At a low grafting density, the longer side chains of glutamic acid allow the adsorbed cations to be spatially distributed inside the brush resulting in a charge inversion. With an increase in grafting density, the difference in the total charge of the aspartic and glutamine brushes disappears, but new structural features appear. The longer sides allow for ion bridging between the grafted chains and the cellulose surface without a significant change in main chain conformation. This leads to the brush structure being less sensitive to changes in salt concentration.

Bioactive lipids are involved in cellular signalling events with links to human disease. Many of these are involved in inflammation under normal and pathological conditions. Despite being attractive molecules from a pharmacological point of view, detection and quantification of lipids has been a major challenge. Here, we have optimised a liquid chromatography dynamic multiple reaction monitoring targeted mass spectrometry (LC-dMRM-MS) approach to profile eicosanoids and fatty acids in biological samples. In particular, by applying this analytic workflow to study a cellular model of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML), we found that intra- and extra-cellular 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), intracellular Arachidonic Acid (AA), and extracellular Prostaglandin F_2α (PGF_2α), 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE), Palmitic acid (PA, C16:0) and Stearic acid (SA, C18:0) were altered in response to immunomodulation by type I Interferon (IFN-I), a currently approved treatment for CML. Our observations indicate changes in eicosanoid and fatty acid metabolism with potential relevance in the context of cancer inflammation and CML.

A New monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), a known monogalactosylmonoacylglycerol (MGMG) and a known polyunsaturated fatty acid methyl ester (PUFAME) were isolated from the marine dinoflagellate Karenia mikimotoi. The planar structure of the glycolipids was elucidated using MS and NMR spectroscopic analyses and comparisons to the known glycolipid to confirm its structure. The isolation of PUFAME strongly supports the polyunsaturated fatty acid fragment of these glycolipids. The relative configuration of the sugar was deduced by comparisons of 3JHH values and proton chemical shifts with those of known glycolipids. All isolated compounds MGDG, MGMG and PUFAME (1-3) were evaluated for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity. All compounds modulated macrophage responses, with compound 3 exhibiting the greatest anti-inflammatory activity.

Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) is an essential odd-chain saturated fatty acid with broad activities relevant to protecting cardiometabolic, immune, and liver health. C15:0 activates AMPK and inhibits mTOR, both of which are core components of the human longevity pathway. To assess the potential for C15:0 to enhance processes associated with longevity and healthspan, we used human cell-based molecular phenotyping assays to compare C15:0 with three longevity-enhancing candidates: acarbose, metformin, and rapamycin. C15:0 (n=36 activities in 10 of 12 cell systems) and rapamycin (n=32 activities in 12 of 12 systems) had the most clinically relevant, dose-dependent activities. At their optimal doses, C15:0 (17 µM) and rapamycin (9 µM) shared 24 activities across 10 cell systems, including anti-inflammatory (e.g., lowered MCP-1, TNFɑ, IL-10, IL-17A/F), antifibrotic, and anticancer activities, which are further supported by previously published in vitro and in vivo studies. Paired with prior demonstrated abilities for C15:0 to target longevity pathways, hallmarks of aging, aging rate biomarkers, and core components of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, our results support C15:0 as an essential nutrient with activities equivalent to, or surpassing, leading longevity-enhancing candidate compounds.

The search for economical and sustainable sources of PUFAs within the framework of the circular economy is encouraged by their proven beneficial effects on health. The extraction of monkfish liver oil (MLO) for the synthesis of omega-3 ethyl esters was performed evaluating two blending systems and four green solvents. Moreover, the potential solubility of the MLO in green solvents was studied using the predictive simulation software COSMO-RS. The production of the ethyl esters was performed by one or two step reactions. Novozym 435, two resting cells (Aspergillus flavus and Rhizopus oryzae) obtained in our laboratory and mix of them were used as biocatalysts in a solvent-free system. The yields for Novozym 435, R. oryzae and A. flavus in the one-step esterification were 63%, 61% and 46%, respectively. The hydrolysis step in the two-step reaction led to 83%, 88% and 93% of free fatty acids (FFA) for Novozym 435, R. oryzae and A. flavus respectively. However, Novozym 435 showed the highest yield in the esterification step (85%) followed by R. oryzae (65%) and A. flavus (41%). Moreover, selectivity in front of polyunsaturated fatty acids of R. oryzae lipase was evidenced, since it did slightly esterified docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in all the esterification reactions tested.

The fatty acid elongase ELOngation of Very-Long-chain fatty acids protein 2 (ELOVL2) controls the elongation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) producing precursors for omega-3, do-cosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and omega-6, docosapentaenoic acid (DPAn6) in-vivo. Expectedly, Elovl2-ablation drastically reduced the DHA and DPAn6 in liver mitochondrial membranes. Unexpectedly, however, total PUFAs levels decreased further than could be explained by Elovl2 ablation. The lipid peroxidation process was not involved in PUFAs reduction since malondial-dehyde-lysine (MDAL) and other oxidative stress biomarkers were not enhanced. The content of mitochondrial respiratory chain proteins remained unchanged. Still, membrane remodeling was associated with high voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and adenine nucleotide trans-locase 2 (ANT2), a possible reflection of the increased demand on phospholipid transport to the mitochondria. Mitochondrial function was impaired despite preserved content of the respiratory chain proteins and the absence of oxidative damage. Oligomycin-insensitive oxygen consumption increased, and coefficients of respiratory control were reduced by 50%. The mitochondria became very sensitive to fatty acid-induced uncoupling and permeabilization, where ANT2 is involved. Mitochondrial volume and number of peroxisomes increased as revealed by transmission elec-tron microscopy. In conclusion, the results imply that endogenous DHA production is vital for the normal function of mouse liver mitochondria and could be relevant not only for mice but also for human metabolism.

Bacterial infections are world-wide problem and resistant bacteria is increasing globally that lead to treatments failure. Thus, it is important to find new techniques that are effective for the treatment antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Green medicine used for the medication of different bacterial infection. Therefore , the study aimed to evaluate the immunomodulatory activity of essential fatty acid semi carbazide (EFASC) compounds extracted from flaxseed to eradicate resistance pathogens . Crud extracts of Linum usitatissimum was extracted by hexane for extraction of EFASC. The results of LD₅₀ appear that a live suspension of E.coli was 0.49×10⁷ ,while HK E.coli was 10⁸ , 125 mg /ml were the optimum dose in stimulate immune response of EFASC which gave maximum dose of total WBC , Neutrophil and Monocyte count. The immunomodulatory activity appear that E.coli + EFASC released moderate levels of IL-4 . HK E.coli release higher IL-4 lead to increase the hypersensitivity and hyper responses of immune system. HK + EFASC immunogen revealed moderate increased in IL-12 mean level 0.99 pg /ml, HK bacteria recorded 1.49 pg/ml, while the mean of EFASC revealed no significant different compare with control. An effective protection was observed in immunized groups with HK E.coli and EFASC challenged with 100 of LD50 of a live E.coli.

Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0) and heptadecanoic acid (C17:0) have been described as dietary biomarkers of dairy-fat consumption with varying degrees of reliability between studies. It remains unclear how the total amount of dietary fat; one of the main confounding factors in these biomarker investigations, affects C15:0 and C17:0 circulating compositions independently to their relative intake. Additionally, it is unknown how changes in the dietary total-fat affects other fatty acids in circulation. Through two dietary studies with different total-fat levels but maintaining individual fatty acid compositions we were able to see how the dietary total-fat affects the fatty acids in circulation. We saw that there was a significant, proportionate, and robust decrease in the endogenous C15:0 levels with an increase in dietary total-fat. However, there was an increase in the circulating C17:0 compositions as the total-fat increased. To conclude, the dietary total-fat content and fat-type have a very complex influence on the relative compositions of circulating fatty acids, which are independent to the actual dietary fatty acid composition. Knowing how to manipulate circulating C15:0 and C17:0 composition is far-reaching in nutritional/pathological research as they highlight a dietary route to attenuate the development of metabolic disease (both by reducing risk and improving prognosis).

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating linseed oil and fish oil in the diet on intake, ruminal fermentation milk yield and milk fatty acid profile in dairy goats. Four crossbred Saanen lactating goats in mid-lactation and milking 1.30±0.28 g/day were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The basal diet consisted of concentrate and Para grass (C:F 40:60). Treatments included the basal diet without oil supplement (Ctrl) or with 2.5% linseed oil (LO2.5), 2.5% linseed oil and fish oil (3:2, w/w, LFO2.5), and 4.16% linseed oil and fish oil (3:2, w/w, LFO4.16). Diets had no effect on intake, milk yield, milk composition and ruminal fermentation patterns (P > 0.05). The lower (P < 0.05) proportions of C10:0-C14:0 in milk fat were observed with LFO4.16 compared with Ctrl. Compared with the Ctrl and linseed oil added alone, feeding LFO4.16 resulted in a 589% and 303% increase in C18:1 t11, respectively. Milk c9,t11 CLA was markedly increased with the LFO4.16 diet, accounting for 4.53 and 2.94 times greater concentrations than those in Ctrl and LO2.5 diets, respectively (P < 0.01). Goats fed LFO2.5 and LFO4.16 had greater levels of C22:6n-3 (0.63% and 0.87%; P < 0.001) compared with those fed Ctrl and LO2.5 diets (0.06% and 0.08%). Overall, the combined data suggested that including 4.16% linseed oil and fish oil in the diet of dairy goats is effective for improving the concentrations of healthy fatty acids in milk, without affecting milk production.

The production of oil by thraustochytrids is still costly because of its necessary and expensive culture medium. We evaluated the growth, lipid production, and fatty acid composition in an inexpensive, molasses-based (M) medium. Newly isolated thraustochytrid strains were identified as members of genus Aurantiochytrium based on 18S rRNA gene sequences. Isolated strains were repeatedly cultured in M medium for acclimatization to the medium. Acclimatized and non-acclimatized strains were cultured in basal GY medium and M medium. The lipid in the cultured cells were extracted by the Folch method, and the fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatograph. The growth and lipid production in the non-acclimatized strains were significantly inhibited by culturing in M medium, whereas the growth and lipid production were improved by acclimatization treatment in the same medium. The fatty acid composition in the cultured cells were affected by the M medium compared to the basal GY medium. The production of some enzymes such as leucine and valine aryl-amidase was suppressed in the M medium, and the activities recovered by acclimatization treatment. The growth of some strains in the molasses medium was thus recovered by the acclimatization process, and the profiles of extracellular enzymes were also affected.

Ningxiang pigs exhibit a diverse array of fatty acids, making them an intriguing model for exploring the genetic underpinnings of Fatty acid metabolism. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study using a dataset comprising 50,697 SNPs and samples from over 600 Ningxiang pigs. Our investigation yielded novel candidate genes linked to five saturated fatty acids (SFAs), four monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and five polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Re-markably, 37, 21, and 16 SNPs showed significant associations with SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, respectively. Notably, ALGA0047587, H3GA0046208, DRGA0016063, and ALGA0031262 demonstrated substantial phenotypic variance (≥ 30%) in Arachidic acid (C20:0), Elaidic Acid (C18:1n-9(t)), and Arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6), respectively. Several significant SNPs were posi-tioned proximally to previously reported genes. In total, we identified 11, 6, and 5 candidate genes associated with SFAs, MUFAs, and PUFAs, respectively. These findings hold great promise for advancing breeding strategies aimed at optimizing meat quality and enhancing lipid metabolism within the intramuscular fat (IMF) of Ningxiang pigs.

Current low meat production in Omani goats under traditional feeding regimes justifies a study of the effects of Spirulina Platensis (SP) supplementation on goats’ performance. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of incorporating SP into diets on carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile and meat quality traits of two Omani goat breeds. Thirty-six eleven-month-old bucks from the Jabbali and Sahrawi goat breeds (n= 18/breed) were divided into three groups (control, Treatment 1, and treatment 2). All animals received a conventional concentrate feed ration (con-trol (CON) consisting of pellets creep fed. Animals were fed SP daily with Treatment 1 (T1) fed at 2g/head and Treatment 2 (T2) fed at 4g/head. Sahrawi bucks showed a highly significant response to SP feeding compared to Jabbali bucks. Average daily gain and carcass traits (body length, leg length and the rack weight) of Sahrawi bucks were significantly higher in the T1 group than in the CON group. The weights of omental and kidney fat increased in T1 group of Sahrawi goats, while it increased in T2 group of Jabbali goats compared to CON group. Ultimate pH increased in T1 group and meat color (lightness) increased in T2 group in both LD and SM muscles of Sahrawi goats. Most of PUFA n-6 and n-6/n-3 ratio increased in T1 group, while most of MUFA2 and PUFA n-3 fatty acids increased in T2 group of Sahrawi goats. In addition, a significant decrease in pentadecanoic and margaric acids of Sahrawi goats was observed by adding SP to the diet com-pared to the control group. The study concluded that incorporating SP (2g and 4g/head) into the diet of Omani goats, especially Sahrawi goats, can increase growth performance, improve fatty acid composition and meat quality.

Fatty acids play a major role in determining membrane biophysical properties. Staphylococcus aureus produces branched-chain fatty acids (BCFAs) and straight-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and can incorporate exogenous SCFAs and straight-chain unsaturated fatty acids (SCUFAs). Many S. aureus strains produce the triterpenoid pigment staphyloxanthin, and the balance of BCFAs, SCFAs and staphyloxanthin determines membrane fluidity. Here, we investigated the relationship of fatty acid and carotenoid production in S. aureus using a pigmented strain (Pig1), its carotenoid-deficient mutant (Pig1ΔcrtM) and the naturally non-pigmented Staphylococcus argenteus that lacks carotenoid biosynthesis genes and is closely related to S. aureus. Fatty acid compositions in all strains were similar under a given condition indicating that staphyloxanthin does not influence fatty acid composition. Strain Pig1 had decreased membrane fluidity as measured by fluorescence anisotropy than the other strains under all conditions indicating that staphyloxanthin helps maintain membrane rigidity. We could find no evidence for correlation of expression of crtM and fatty acid biosynthesis genes. Supplementation of medium with glucose increased SCFA production and decreased BCFA and staphyloxanthin production, whereas acetate-supplementation also decreased BCFAs but increased staphyloxanthin production. We believe that staphyloxanthin levels are influenced more through metabolic regulation than responding to fatty acids incorporated into the membrane.

The central nervous system (CNS) is the final frontier in drug delivery because of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which poses significant barriers to the access of most drugs to their targets. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a tryptophan (Trp) metabolite, plays an important role in behavioral functions and abnormal KYNA levels have been observed in neuropsychiatric conditions. The current challenge lies in delivering KYNA to the CNS owing to its polar side chain. Recently, C-3 side chain modified KYNA analogs have been shown to cross the BBB; however, it is unclear whether they retain the biological functions of the parent molecule. This study examined the impact of KYNA analogs, specifically SZR-72, SZR-104, and the newly developed SZRG-21, on behavior. The analogs were administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), and their effects on the motor domain were compared with those of KYNA. Specifically, open field (OF) and rotarod (RR) tests were employed to assess motor activity and skills. SZR-104 increased horizontal exploratory activity in the OF test at a dose of 0.04 μmol/4 μL, while SZR-72 decreased vertical activity at doses of 0.04 and 0.1 μmol/4 μL. In the RR test, however, neither KYNA nor its analogs showed any significant differences in motor skills at either dose. Side chain modification affects affective motor performance and exploratory behavior, as the results show for the first time. In this study, we showed that KYNA analogs alter emotional components such as motor-associated curiosity and emotions. Consequently, drug design necessitates the development of precise strategies to traverse the BBB while paying close attention to modifications in their effects on behavior.

The human chromosome 11q13 (HSA 11q13) genomic locus is a major cancer hotspot and has been established as the most frequently altered by amplification in a variety of human cancers. The fatty acid desaturase genes (FADS1, FADS2 and FADS3) localize to the 11q12- 13.1 region. FADS2 activity is promiscuous, catalyzing biosynthesis of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, including unsaturated branched chain fatty acids (BCFA) by Δ6, Δ8, and Δ4 desaturation toward at least 16 substrates. Our main aim here is to review known and putative consequences of FADS2 dysregulation due to effects on the 11q13 locus in various cancer types. We searched PubMed and Google Scholar databases for articles that showed 11q13 amplification and studies reporting FADS2 function in various cancer types. FADS2 silencing causes synthesis of sciadonic acid (ScA, 5Z,11Z,14Z-20:3) in MCF7 cells and breast cancer in vivo. 5Z,11Z,14Z-20:3 is structurally identical to the eicosanoid precursor arachidonic acid (5Z,8Z,11Z,14Z–20:4) except it lacks the internal Δ8 double bond required for prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis, among other eicosanoids. Melanoma, prostate, liver and lung cancer cells insensitive to SCD inhibition show increased FADS2 activity leading to sapienic acid (16:1n10) biosynthesis from 16:0. Elevated serum mead acid (20:3n-9) levels were found in more than a third of hepatocellular carcinoma patients, indicative of an unsatisfied demand for arachidonic acid, likely as a substrate for eicosanoids. A highly expressed circular RNA (hsa_circ_022382) within an exonic region of FADS2 is associated with shorter overall survival in colorectal cancer patients. Similarly, in lung cancer tissues circFADS2 RNA is highly expressed. Palmitic acid (16:0) is a common substrate for SCD and FADS2. FADS2 circular RNAs are at high levels in colorectal and lung cancer tissues. The evidence thusfar supports an effort for future research on the role of FADS2 as a tumor suppressor in a range of neoplastic disorders.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) have been found to be modulators of immune function. Additionally, they may affect the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC). With the advent of novel treatment approaches in oncology targeting immune checkpoint inhibition and aiming to boost the immune response against tumors the exact role of n-3 and n-6 PUFA in inflammation as well as in CRC needs to be re-evaluated in order to understand potential interactions with these new treatment paradigms. Interestingly, for the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor aspirin a possible synergistic effect together with a PD1-Ligand antibody has been shown. However, could n-3 PUFA be disadvantageous in the context of immune tumor therapy due to an immune suppressive effect that has been described for these fatty acids in the past, or could they also enhance the effect of immune checkpoint inhibition? In this paper, we discuss the current data regarding the immune modulatory as well as the anti-CRC effect of n-3 PUFA. Arguing towards an immune-activating effect of n-3 PUFA, we demonstrate the results of a pilot study. Here, we show that incubation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with the n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) significantly decreases CRC-cell supernatant-triggered secretion of IL-10 and increases secretion of TNF-a, while the omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-6 PUFA) arachidonic acid (AA) reduced TNF-a secretion. These changes in cytokine secretion upon incubation with DHA demonstrate a possible enhancing effect of n-3 PUFA on an anti-tumor immune response.

Background & Aims: This RCT aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of MF4637, a medical food comprising highly concentrated, highly purified, long chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acids, (460 mg eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 380 mg docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) in correcting the omega-3 fatty acid nutritional deficiency present in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The potential for MF4637 to reduce liver fat was evaluated in a subset of patients. Methods: 176 subjects with NAFLD were randomised to receive 3 g/d of LC-omega-3 fatty acids (n=87) or placebo (olive oil; n=89) for 24 weeks, in addition to following standard-of-care dietary guidelines for these patients. Thus, interventions were given on top of the dietary advice. The omega-3 index, omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio (primary outcome) and quantitative measurements of red blood cell (RBC) EPA and DHA (secondary outcome) were determined at baseline and study completion. Magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) assessment of change in liver fat fraction was conducted in a subset of patients. Results: Of the 176 randomised subjects, 167 were analysed for the primary and secondary outcomes (n=81 in the MF4637 group; n=86 in the placebo group). Supplementation with MF4637 for 24 weeks significantly increased the omega-3 index and absolute values of RBC EPA and DHA, and decreased the omega-6:omega-3 fatty acid ratio in NAFLD patients compared to placebo (p<0.0001). There was a statistically significant reduction in liver fat content within both groups with no difference between them. An inverse relationship between change in absolute RBC EPA+DHA and change in liver fat, AST and ALT levels was seen suggesting that a greater increase in omega-3 content was associated with a reduction for both liver fat content and improvement in liver enzyme levels. Additionally, a significant liver fat-lowering effect of MF4637 compared to placebo was demonstrated in a subset of patients with baseline fatty liver index (FLI) score ≥ 40. There were no serious adverse events related to study interventions. Conclusions: The study results demonstrate that the medical food MF4637, was able to correct the nutritional deficiency of omega-3 in NAFLD patients above and beyond that obtained with nutritional counselling. This demonstrates that MF4637 is beneficial in raising the low omega-3 index observed in these patients. A reduction in hepatic steatosis was demonstrated with both intervention groups although no distinction between groups was seen. Further analyses demonstrate the potential to identify omega-3 sensitive patients using an easily available clinical tool for steatosis prediction.

This paper explores in depth the mechanism of enterprise digital capability effects in supply chain digital development by reconstructing the supply chain cooperation capabilities (digital diffusion capability and digital collaborative capability). We use the questionnaire data covering 272 Chi-nese manufacturing enterprises and apply a structural equation model to test the hypothesis. The results show that enterprise digital capability does not directly have a significant impact on sup-ply chain digitalization, and the supply chain cooperation capabilities play mediation role be-tween enterprise digital capability and supply chain digitalization. The results are robust due to we thoroughly consider the action boundary of enterprise capabilities, and verify the systematic requirements of supply chain digitalization and the high-order of enterprise digital capability. These provide a theoretical basis for enterprises to promote the digital transformation of supply chain through digital technology.

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of xylan depolymerizing enzyme namely endo-xylanase (Xyn) combined with debranching enzymes namely arabinofuranosidase (Afd) and feruloyl esterase (FE) on digestion, growth performance and intestinal volatile fatty acid profile of piglets. The in vitro experiments were firstly conducted to examine the enzymological properties of Xyn, Afd and FE, the synergy among these enzymes, together with the effect of combination of these enzymes on digestion of piglet diet. The in vivo experiment was then implemented by allocating 270 35-d-old postweaning piglets into 3 treatment groups: control group, Xyn group and (Xyn+Afd+FE) group. Each group had 6 replicates (15 piglets/replicate). The results revealed a satisfying thermostability and pH stability of Xyn, Afd and FE. Combination of Xyn, Afd and FE had a superiority (P < 0.05) over Xyn alone and its combination with Afd or FE in promoting degradation of different bran fibers rich in arabinoxylan (Abx). Treatment with combination of Xyn, Afd and FE had advantages over Xyn alone to induce increasing trends (P < 0.10) of in vitro digestibility of dietary nutrients (dry matter, crude protein, crude ash and gross energy) and piglet growth performance (average daily gain, final body weight and feed efficiency), concurrent with a reduction (P < 0.05) of diarrhea rate and increases (P < 0.05) in cecal acetic acid, butyric acid and total volatile fatty acids concentrations as well as pH value of piglets. Collectively, combination of Xyn, Afd and FE was efficient in benefiting degradation of Abx in brans, as well as improving digestion, growth performance and intestinal volatile fatty acid profile of piglets.

The ever-increasing demand for seafood-containing diets, especially fish, primarily due to their superior nutritional value, has impacted the availability of wild stocks, necessitating the focus on other underutilised aquaculture species. In this study, the proximate and fatty acid (FA) composition of the indigenous black South African mussel (Choromytilus meridionalis) was investigated. The effects of the hot-smoking as preservation method on the proximate composition for mussels were assessed using the standard AOAC protocols; while gas chromatography-flame ionised detection (GC-FID) was used to determine the FA content. The moisture level in hot-smoked mussels significantly (P

Alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic liver disease, becoming a major global burden. Hovenia dulcis fruit peduncle polysaccharides (HDPs) has the potential to alleviate alcoholic liver injury may play essential roles in treating for alcohol-exposed liver disease, however, the hepatoprotective effects and mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of HDPs and its potential mechanisms were investigated in alcohol-exposed mice by liver metabolomics and gut microbiome. The results found that HDPs reduced medium-dose alcohol-caused dyslipidemia (significantly elevated T-CHO, TG, LDL-C), elevated liver glycogen levels and inhibited intestinal-hepatic inflammation (significantly decreased IL-4, IFN-γ and TNF-α), consequently reversing hepatic pathological changes. By applying gut microbiome analysis, HDPs showed significant decreases in Proteobacteria while significant increases in Firmicutes at the phylum level, and increased Lactobacillus abundance while decreased Enterobacteria abundance, maintaining the composition of gut microbiota. Further hepatic metabolomics analysis revealed that HDPs had a regulatory effect on hepatic fatty acid metabolism, by increasing the major metabolic pathways including arachidonic acid metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism and identified two important metabolites C00157 and C04230 involved in the above metabolism. Overall, HDPs reduced intestinal dysbiosis and hepatic fatty acid metabolism disorders in alcohol-exposed mice, suggesting that HDPs has a beneficial effect on alleviating alcohol-induced hepatic metabolic disorders.

One of the most interesting groups of fatty acid derivates is the group of conjugated fatty acids, from which the most researched are conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and conjugated linolenic acid (CLNA), which are associated with countless health benefits. Sex pheromone mixture of some insect species, including tobacco horn-worm (Manduca sexta), are typical for the production of uncommon C16 long conjugated fatty acids with two and three conjugated double bonds, as opposed to C18 long CLA and CLNA. In this study, M. sexta desaturases MsexD2 and MsexD3 were expressed in multiple strains of Y. lipolytica with different genotypes. Experiments with supplementation of fatty acid methyl esters into the medium resulted in production of novel fatty acids. Using GCxGC-MS 20 new fatty acids with two or three double bonds were identified. Fatty acids with conjugated or isolated double bonds or combination of both were produced in trace amounts. Results of this study prove that Y. lipolytica is capable of synthesizing C16 conjugated fatty acids. Further genetic optimization of the Y. lipolytica genome and optimization of the fermentation process could lead to increased production of novel fatty acid derivatives with biotechnologically interesting properties.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of condensed tannin (CTs) with differing molecular weight on their capacity to modify the fatty acid profile in milk. Twenty multiparous crossbred lactating dairy goats were assigned in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), and were subjected to receive the dietary treatments as followings; T1: control (with no CTs supplementation), T2: supplemented with mangosteen peel in a concentrate as a source of low molecular weight CTs at level of 3.0 %DM of CTs equivalent, T3: supplemented with the same diet with T2 but added with polyethylene glycol (PEG, as tannin inactivator) as the control of T2, and T4: supplemented with quebracho CT extract (UNITAN ATO, Buenos Aires, Argentina; 75-77 % tannins) in a concentrate as a source of high molecular weight CTs at level of 3.0 %DM of CTs equivalent, and T5) supplemented with the same diet with T4 but added with PEG as the control of T4. No significant change was detected for feed intake and nutrient digestibility indicate that CTs at level of 3.0 %DM of diet did not showed the detrimental effect to feed intake and nutrient digestibility, however, ruminal fermentation parameters and milk yield and milk compositions did not affected by different source of CT inclusion.

This study examines the relationship between Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and income inequality in Greece across three key periods: the pre-crisis period (2003-2008), the crisis and memoranda period (2009-2014), and the post-crisis period (2015-2020). Using data from the World Bank Open Data database, the study employs correlation analysis, and linear regression models to analyze how economic changes influence income distribution. The findings reveal that during the pre-crisis period, economic growth was moderately correlated with increasing inequality, although this relationship was not statistically significant, indicating uneven distribution of growth benefits. In the crisis period, a strong and statistically significant negative relationship between GDP and the Gini coefficient was identified, highlighting the sharp rise in inequality as the economy contracted due to austerity measures. In the post-crisis period, the relationship between GDP and inequality weakened, showing a statistically insignificant correlation, suggesting that economic recovery alone did not significantly reduce inequality. The study concludes that economic growth is insufficient to address income inequality without targeted policy interventions, particularly during periods of crisis. These findings underscore the importance of comprehensive social policies to mitigate inequality and suggest areas for future research on the impact of specific interventions on income distribution.

Marula seed cake (MSC) is a nutritionally-rich natural feed resource that can enhance the healthiness of animal-derived foods (ADFs) for human consumption. This study compared the health-related fatty acid (FA) profiles of MSC products from South Africa and Eswatini. Composite samples monthly collected from both countries were analysed for FAs. MSC products from both countries were found to be dominated by oleic acid (>70%), followed by palmitic, linoleic and stearic acids. Consequently, both products had their FA totals dominated by ƩMUFA followed by ƩSFA, ƩPUFA, Ʃn-6 PUFA and Ʃn-3 PUFA. Both oleic and stearic acids were higher (P < 0.01) whilst linoleic (P < 0.001), α-linolenic (P < 0.05), margaric (P < 0.05), palmitoleic (P < 0.05) and eicosatrienoic (P < 0.05) acids were lower in South African in comparison to Eswatini MSC. Consequently, South African MSC had higher ƩMUFA (P < 0.01) but lower ƩPUFA (P < 0.001), Ʃn-6 PUFA (P < 0.001) and Ʃn-3 PUFA (P < 0.05). Also, Eswatini MSC had higher n-6 : n-3 PUFA, PUFA : SFA (P = 0.001) and PUFA : MUFA (P < 0.05) ratios. Further, MSC products from both countries had similarly (P > 0.05) low atherogenicity and high desaturase indices. In conclusion, both country products are rich particularly in oleic acid and their incorporation into farm animal diets would increase content of the MUFA in ADFs and, consequently, improve health benefits to human consumers.

Aldehydes are natural volatile aroma compounds generated by the Maillard reaction of sugars and amino acids in food and affect the flavor of food. They have been reported to exert taste-modifying effects, such as increases in taste intensity at concentrations below the odor detection threshold. The present study examined the taste-enhancing effects of short-chain aliphatic aldehydes, such as isovaleraldehyde (IVAH) and 2-methylbutyraldehyde, attempted to identify the taste receptors involved. The results obtained revealed that IVAH enhanced the taste intensity of taste solutions even under the condition of olfactory deprivation by a noseclip. Furthermore, IVAH activated the calcium-sensing receptor CaSR in vitro. Receptor assays on aldehyde analogues showed that C3-C6 aliphatic aldehydes and methional, a C4 sulfur aldehyde, activated CaSR. These aldehydes functioned as a positive allosteric modulator for CaSR. The relationship between the activation of CaSR and taste-modifying effects was investigated by a sensory evaluation. Taste-modifying effects were found to be dependent on the activation state of CaSR. Collectively, these results suggest that short-chain aliphatic aldehydes function as taste modulators that modify sensations by activating orally expressed CaSR. We propose that volatile aroma aldehydes may also partially contribute to the taste-modifying effect via the same molecular mechanism as kokumi substances.

This study propounds a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polyurethane (PU) foams aiming to curtail this nonrenewable resource's continued and uncontrolled use. Coconut fatty acid distillate (CFAD) and crude glycerol (CG), both wastes from vegetable oil processes, were utilized for bio-based polyol production for rigid PU foam application. The raw materials were subjected to catalyzed glycerolysis with alkaline-alcohol neutralization and bleaching. The resulting polyol possessed properties suitable for rigid foam application with an average OH number of 215 mg KOH/g, acid number of 7.2983 mg KOH/g, and Gardner color value of 18. The polyol was used to prepare rigid PU foam, and its properties were determined using FTIR, TGA/DTA, and UTM. Additionally, the cell foam morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) in which most of its structure revealed an open-celled network and quantified at 92.71% open cell content using pycnometric testing. The PU foam thermal and mechanical analysis results showed an average compressive strength of 70.59 kPa, thermal conductivity of 46.50 mWm-1K-1, and density of 32.79 kgm-3. These properties showed its applicability as thermal insulating foam, thus, demonstrating the potential use of CFAD and CG in commercial polyol and PU foam production.

Trans fatty acids (TFA) are a concern for public health due to their negative impact on cardiovascular health. This study aimed to assess the levels of TFA and other fatty acids in popular edible oils and fried foods commonly consumed in Tanzania. A total of 57 samples from 38 brands of edible oils and 20 samples of fried street foods and fast foods were collected in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Capillary gas chromatography was used to determine TFA levels, while nutritional labeling and other fatty acid classes were also evaluated. Among the analyzed edible oils, 21% exceeded the recommended TFA levels, primarily found in popular brands of margarine, industrially refined sunflower oils, animal butter, and peanut butter. Only two food items surpassed the 2% TFA limit, but a majority of the foods had high levels of saturated fatty acids and a fatty acid profile similar to palm oil. Additionally, only 22% of the edible oils provided TFA content information. These findings indicate the persistence of TFA levels beyond recommended limits and inadequate TFA nutritional labeling in Tanzanian food products. Urgent interventions are necessary to reduce TFA levels and improve nutritional labeling practices to safeguard public health.

Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) are important fatty acids having the beneficial roles in human health including reducing blood pressure, lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease and exerting anti-inflammation activities. Omega-3 FAs were mainly found in fish oils, therefore, determination of these FAs is very important. This study highlighted the employment of FTIR spectroscopy combined with multivariate data analysis for determination of ω-3 FAs in fish oils. Fish oils were obtained from the extraction of corresponding fishes and subjected to purification. The oils were further subjected to FTIR spectroscopic measurement at mid infrared region (4000-450 cm-1). Fatty acid compositions of ω-3 FAs namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were determined using gas chromatography with flame ionization (GC-FID), and the results from GC-FID were used as actual values. Two multivariate regressions along with wavenumbers regions or their combinations were optimized and compared to provide the best condition for prediction of EPA and DHA in fish oils. The results showed that partial least square regression (PLSR) was suitable for prediction of DHA applying the variable of absorbance values of the second derivative spectra, with the values of coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.9916 and 0.9316 in calibration and validation models, respectively. The values of root mean square error of calibration (RMSEC) and root mean square error of prediction (RMSEP) obtained were 0.789 and 2.53. While, prediction of EPA was performed using principal component regression with R2 value of &gt; 0.72 and low values of RMSEC and RMSEC. It can be concluded that the combination of FTIR spectra and multivariate regression provides the effective tools and alternative GC-FID method for the prediction of EPA and DHA in fish oils.

The early detection of cutaneous melanoma, a potentially lethal cancer with rising incidence, is key to increase survival and therapeutic adjustment. Especially in stages II-IV biomarkers are urgently needed for adjuvant therapy purposes after resection and for treatment of metastatic patients. We here investigated if fatty acid (FA) and protein composition of small extracellular vesicles (sEV) deriving from plasma of 0-I, II, and III-IV stage melanoma patients (n=38) could reflect disease stage and thus function as biomarker. The subpopulation of sEV expressing CD81 (CD81sEV) was isolated by an ad hoc immune affinity technique from microvesicle-depleted plasma. Biological macromolecules were investigated by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry in CD81sEV. A higher content of FA and a decrease in Saturation Index (C18:0/C18:1), already detectable in early stages, distinguished patients’ from healthy donor CD81sEV. Proteomics (identifier PXD024434) detected an exclusive and significant increase of CD14, PON1, PON3 and APOA5 in stage II and a significant decrease of Rap1b in stage III-IV CD81sEV. The FA and proteomic stage dependent CD81sEV signature strengthens the potential of circulating sEV studies in providing discriminatory information for early diagnosis, prediction of metastatic behavior and follow up of melanoma patients.

Obesity is a universal health concern that can lead to serious diseases. The side effects of synthetic anti-obesity drugs necessitate the finding of suitable natural/herbal alternatives. Mother nature offers a wide range of plants with medicinal properties that include crude extracts and isolated compounds which are effective for controlling and reducing weight gain. Obesity was induced in 60, 3-week-old male ICR mice, using high-fat diet (60% dietary energy from fat) for 16-week. The mice were divided at random into six groups with 10 mice: mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD) only, mice fed normal diet only (NC), and orlistat at 15.9 mg/kg (HFD+Orlistat), and mice in three other high-fat diet groups treated with methanolic leaf extract of Clinacanthus nutans (MECN) at 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/kg. After 21-day of the treatment, MECN significantly reduced (P<0.05) the body weight, visceral fat and muscle saturated fatty acid compositions. There was also significant downregulation of HSL, PPAR α and PPAR γ and SCD genes expressions in the obese mice treated with 1500 mg/kg MECN compared to the HFD group. Therefore, MECN is a potentially useful natural supplement for alleviating obesity and obesity-mediated metabolic diseases.

Flower bud formation and flowering in chrysanthemum occur under short day conditions (SD), but the molecular basis for the switch to reproductive growth is less well understood than in model plants. Here, a spontaneous mutant able to flower under long days is described. In an attempt to reveal the pathway(s) involved in the formation of flower buds under contrasting daylengths, transcriptome sequencing was carried out in plants grown both under SD and under long day conditions (LD). A number of differentially transcribed genes involved in the various known flowering pathways were identified. Both circadian clock genes and CmFTL3 were up-regulated under SD, thereby inducing floral bud formation and flowering. The gibberellin (GA) signalling pathway-related genes GA20ox and GID1 were up-regulated in the mutant under LD, while the catabolic gene GA2ox and GAI was down-regulated, thereby inducing the transcription of CmFTL1, SOC1 and LFY. The GA content of the leaf was higher in the mutant than in the wild type under LD. When treated with GA, the mutant flowered earlier under both SD and LD, but there was no other detectable phenotype difference between the two lines. The indication was that the photoperiod pathway majorly regulates flower bud formation and flowering time in chrysanthemum under SD. GA signalling pathway only plays a subsidiary role for flowering. However, the GA signalling pathway predominated for flowering under LD.

This study deals with computational analysis of dominant fatty acid ethyl esters characterized from the biodiesel produced from waste beef tallow by means of KOH catalyzed ethanol based transesterification. Ethyl palmitate, Ethyl Oleate, Ethyl Stearate and Ethyl Myristate were identified as dominant fatty acid esters and were computed for molecular analysis in Gaussian 09 software using Density Functional Theory (B3LYP method) with 6-31G* as basis set. Geometric parameters were in accordance with existing experimental values and population analysis exhibited negative charge for oxygen atoms, both positive & negative charge for carbon atoms in all ester molecules. The molecular dipole moment was higher for unsaturated ester molecule and quadruple moment proposed electronic dislocation in X+Y direction. Also, energy gap decreased slightly with increasing carbon chain but reduced drastically with increase in unsaturation. Electrostatic potential mapping displayed negative electrostatic potential for oxygen atoms in ester linkage of all ester molecules.

Quantum leaps advances in the single-molecule investigative science have been made possible over the past decades through the implication of nanopores, as versatile components on dedicated biosensors. Here, we employed the nanopore-tweezing technique to capture amino acid-functionalized, peptide-nucleic acids (PNA) with -hemolysin-based nanopores, and correlate the ensuing stochastic fluctuations of the ionic current through the nanopore with the composition and order of bases in the PNAs primary structure. We demonstrate that while the system enables detection of distinct bases on homopolymeric PNA or triplet bases on heteropolymeric strands, it also reveals rich insights into the conformational dynamics of the entrapped PNA within the nanopore, relevant for perfecting the recognition capability single-molecule sequencing.

Introduction: Transportation logistics play a pivotal role in facilitating both individual mobility and supply chain operations on a global scale. However, conventional transportation systems have contributed significantly to urban congestion and environmental degradation. In response to these challenges, there is a growing momentum towards the adoption of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and sustainable transportation solutions. This research aims to explore the potential of renewable energy sources to power electric vehicles (EVs) and flying automobiles, thereby accelerating the transition towards a low-carbon future. Objectives: The primary objectives of this research are as follows: - Investigate the role of renewable fuels in powering both EVs and flying cars to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate carbon emissions. - Analyze the dynamic growth and sustainability implications of advancements in battery technology and alternative renewable energy sources, such as Hydrogen Fuel Cells. - Evaluate the challenges and opportunities associated with the integration of flying vehicles into existing transportation infrastructure, focusing on safety, airspace control, and infrastructure development. - Review insights and guidance to stakeholders on promoting sustainable transportation solutions for EVs and flying cars through the utilization of renewable energy sources and the reduction of carbon emissions from the literature. Methodology: This research employs a mixed-method approach, combining literature review, and causal loop diagram analysis. The literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of current trends, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable transportation and renewable energy technologies. A causal loop diagram is utilized to visualize the dynamic interactions between various factors influencing the adoption of EVs and flying cars, including technological advancements, policy interventions, and market dynamics. Results and Discussion: The findings of this research highlight the significant potential of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, in powering both EVs and flying cars. Advances in battery technology and hydrogen fuel cells are identified as key drivers in accelerating the transition towards sustainable transportation systems. However, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure development, safety regulations, and airspace management for flying vehicles. Nevertheless, there is a noticeable advancement in reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels with the widespread adoption of EVs. By harnessing renewable energy and implementing effective policy measures, stakeholders might able to promote the widespread adoption of sustainable transportation solutions, thereby contributing to environmental protection and societal well-being. Conclusion: Literally, this research underscores the importance of sustainable transportation solutions in addressing urban congestion, environmental pollution, and energy security concerns. By leveraging renewable energy sources and embracing technological advancements, such as EVs and flying cars, stakeholders pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient transportation system. However, concerted efforts are needed to overcome existing challenges and ensure the successful integration of these technologies into existing infrastructure. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative initiatives, a low-carbon future for transportation logistics can be achieved, benefiting both the environment and society as a whole.

This research aims to explore the complex interplay between supply chain resilience (SCR), digital supply chain (DSC), and sustainability, focusing on the moderating influence of supply chain dynamism. The goal is to understand how these elements interact within the framework of contemporary supply chain management and how they collectively contribute to enhancing sustainability outcomes. The sample size is 300 CEOs and managers. The study approach integrates quantitative research methods. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is utilized to quantitatively analyze the direct and indirect effects of SCR and DSC on sustainability. The numerous surveys we conduct among supply chain ecosystem stakeholders provide a rich picture of practical implications and contextual nuances. In sum, our early findings generally support a positive relationship between SCR and sustainability in and of itself decrying the need for more resilient supply networks for sustainability. We further find the beneficial impact of digital technologies in promoting sustainability via enhancing environmental control and controlling for efficiency in supply chains. We also offer evidence to show that supply chain dynamism compounds the positive logic between SCR and DSC and sustainability. As a final word, it must be noted that our work speaks to the burgeoning Supply Chain Dynamism as moderator literature by examining the direct and contingent effects of SCR and DSC on not only performance but sustainability. By shedding light on the moderating role of dynamism, the study provides fresh insights into the multifaceted nature of supply chain management and sustainability practices. The study's findings enhance theoretical understanding by elucidating the synergistic effects of SCR, DSC, and sustainability in dynamic supply chain settings. It augments existing theoretical frameworks by integrating concepts of resilience, digitalization, and sustainability into a comprehensive model. Practical and economical, the research offers actionable guidance for organizations aiming to improve sustainability performance through resilient and digitally advanced supply chains. By acknowledging the role of supply chain dynamism, managers can tailor strategies to manage disruptions effectively and leverage digital innovations. Economically, adopting sustainable practices can result in cost savings and competitive advantages. The research emphasizes the importance of aligning supply chain strategies with sustainability goals to drive long-term value and societal impact.

The enhancement of health-beneficial omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 LC-PUFA) contents in the muscle, liver, heart and kidney of Australian prime lambs through pasture grazing and supplementation with oil infused pellets was investigated. Forty-eight first-cross prime lambs were randomly assigned into a split-plot design with pasture type as the main plot effect and pellet supplementation as a sub-plot effect in a feeding trial that lasted for nine weeks. The n-3 LC-PUFA content in Longissimus dorsi muscle of all lambs was well above the 30 mg threshold for “omega-3 source” nutrition claim under the Australian Food Standards and Guidelines. Pasture type impacted the fatty acid contents in muscle, heart and kidney of prime lambs. Lambs grazing cocksfoot only had the highest 18:3n-3 (ALA) and n-3 LC-PUFA contents (67.1 mg/100g and 55.2 mg/100 g, respectively). Supplementation of pellets with or without oil infusion to grazing lambs decreased the ALA and n-3 LC-PUFA contents and increased n-6/n-3 ratio in Longissimus dorsi muscle. The fatty acid content in internal organs of grazing lambs was also affected by pellet supplementation. The liver and kidney of grazing lambs were both “good sources” (60 mg/100 g) of omega-3. The cocksfoot grass showed considerable potential for producing healthy, premium quality meat with high contents of n-3 and n-3 LC-PUFA which may consequently enhance the omega-3 intake of Australian lamb consumers.

Maternal intake of the polyunsaturated fatty acids omega-3 (n-3 PUFA) and omega-6 (n-6 PUFA) impacts hippocampal neurogenesis during development, an effect that may extend to adulthood by altering adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN). n-3 PUFA and n-6 PUFA are precursors of inflammatory regulators that potentially affect AHN and glia. Additionally, n-3 PUFA dietary supplementation may present a sexually dimorphic action in the brain. Therefore, we postulated that dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA balance shapes the adult DG in a sex-dependent manner influencing AHN and glia. We test our hypothesis by feeding adult female and male mice with n-3 PUFA balanced or deficient diets. To analyze the immunomodulatory potential of the diets, we injected mice with the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS reduced neuroblast number, and its effect was exacerbated by the n-3 PUFA deficient diet. The n-3 PUFA deficient diet reduced the DG volume, AHN, microglia number and surveilled volume. Diet effect on most mature neuroblasts was exclusively significant in female mice. Colocalization and multivariate analysis revealed an association between microglia and AHN, and the sexual dimorphic effect of diet. Our study reveals that female mice are more susceptible than males to the effect of dietary n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio on AHN and microglia.

Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus spp) is a fruit that has a significant antioxidant activity, due to its content in anthocyanins and antioxidant compounds. Emerging technologies are required as the thermoultrasound technique that ensures microbial reduction and release of compounds with antioxidant properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in the antioxidant content and fatty acid profile of blackberry juice when it is subjected to conservation treatment (pasteurization and thermoultrasound). The blackberry juice and the extracted oil of blackberry juice with n-hexane (control, pasteurized and thermoultrasonicated) were evaluated in antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile and antioxidant content. The thermoultrasound juice had the highest (p < 0.05) amount of total phenols (1011 mg GAE/L), anthocyanins (118 mg Cy-3-GlE/L); antioxidant activity by ABTS (44 mg VCEAC/L) and DPPH (2665 µmol TE/L) compared to the control and pasteurized samples, as well as, as well as, oil extract of obtained of the thermoultrasound juice presented high antioxidant activity (177.54 mg VCEAC/L to ABTS and 1802.60 µmol TE/L to DPPH). The fatty acid composition of the oil extract showed the presence of myristic, linolenic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acid, the fatty acid profile was similar in the different samples with the exception of stearic acid where this was higher in control sample. The thermoultrasound treatment can be an alternative to pasteurization treatments because keeps and releases antioxidant bioavailable compounds, preserving their fatty acids.

The age-related loss of muscle mass and strength is referred to as “sarcopenia”. The combined effect of sarcopenia and osteoporosis is a devastating threat to the old adult, accounting for reduced mobility, risk for falls and subsequent fractures. In previous studies, we observed a high degree of inter-individual variability of paraspinal muscle fatty infiltration, one most relevant index of muscle wasting. This aspect solicited us to develop a computerized method to quantitatively characterize muscle fatty infiltration in aging and diseases. Magnetic resonance images of paraspinal muscles from 58 women of different age (age range 23-85 years) and physio-pathological status (healthy young, pre-menopause, post-menopause, and os-teoporosis), were used to set up the method. It is based on fractal analysis of lean muscle area (contractile muscle) to estimate muscle fatty infiltration. In particular, lacunarity was computed by parameter β from our hyperbola model function, used to fit the GBA (gliding box algorithm) curvilinear plot. Succolarity was estimated by parameter µ, for the four main directions, through an algorithm implemented on purpose. Results show that fractal lacunarity, by quantifying muscle fatty infiltration, can discriminate be-tween osteoporosis and healthy aging while succolarity can separate the other three groups showing similar lacunarity. Therefore, fractal features of contractile muscle, by measuring fatty infiltration, can represent good indices of sarcopenia in aging and disease.

Cells have metabolic flexibility that allows them to adapt to changes in substrate availability. Two highly relevant metabolites are glucose and fatty acids (FA), and hence, glycolysis and fatty acid oxidation (FAO) are key metabolic pathways leading to energy production. Both pathways affect each other, and in the absence of one substrate, metabolic flexibility allows cells to maintain sufficient energy production. Here we show that glucose starvation or sustained pyruvate dehy-drogenase (PDH) activation by dichloroacetate (DCA) induce a large genetic remodeling to pro-pel FAO. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase 5 (ERK5) is a key effector of this multistep metabolic remodeling. First, there is an increase in the lipid transport by expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins (LRP), e.g. CD36, LRP1 and others. Second, an increase of the expression of members of the acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain (ACSL) family acti-vates FA. Finally, the expression of the enzymes that catalyze the initial step in each cycle of FAO, i.e. the acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs), is induced. All of these pathways lead to enhanced cellular FAO. In summary, we show here that different families of enzymes, which are essential to perform FAO, are regulated by the signaling pathway, i.e. MEK5/ERK5, which transduces changes from the environment to genetic adaptations.

Abstract: (1) Background: Cancer immune escape is associated with the metabolic reprogramming of TME, and combining metabolic targets with immunotherapy has great potential to improve clinical outcomes. Among all metabolic processes, lipid metabolism, especially fatty acid (FA) metabolism, has a huge role in cancer cell survival, migration, and proliferation, but its mechanism and role in the tumor immune microenvironment remain to be investigated. (2) Methods: We comprehensively analyzed 309 fatty acid-related genes, screened 121 different genes, and used one-way COX regression to select 15 genes with prognostic impact. Systematically evaluated the correlation between FMGs modification patterns and Tumor Microenvironment Infiltration, prognosis, and Immunotherapy. The FMGs-Score was constructed to quantify the FMGs modification patterns using principal component analysis. (3) Results: Three clusters based on FMGs-related genes were demonstrated in breast cancer, with three patterns of distinct immune cell infiltration and biological behavior. An FMGsScore signature was constructed to reveal that patients with a low FMGsScore had higher immune checkpoint expression, higher immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) scores, increased immune microenvironment infiltration, better survival advantage, and were more sensitive to immunotherapy than those with a high FMGsScore. Finally, the expression and function of the signature key gene NDUFAB1 were examined by in vitro experiments. (4) Conclusions: This study significantly demonstrates the non-negligible role of FMGs in the immune microenvironment of breast cancer, and that FMGsScores can be used to guide the prediction of immunotherapy in breast cancer patients. In in vitro experiments, knockdown of the NDUFAB1 gene resulted in reduced proliferation and migration of MCF-7 cell lines.

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an annual plant belonging to the family of Cannabaceae with several varieties characterised by different fatty acid profiles, content in flavonoids, polyphenols and cannabinoid compounds. Hemp is mostly used in livestock nutrition as oil or as protein cake, not as inflorescences. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary hemp inflorescences on milk yield and composition in grazing goats. Twenty goats (Camosciata delle Alpi), after kidding, were equally divided into two groups (G: Grazing and GH: grazing and hemp), homogeneous for milk yield in the previous lactation, parity and live weight. For three months, all goats were fed on a permanent pasture and received 700/head/day of concentrate (barley, oats and faba bean); diet of group GH was supplemented with 20 g/head/day of hemp inflorescences. Pasture DM intake was estimated according to previous research performed in the same area. In addition, goats’ body weight did not change along the trial meaning that their energy requirements were guaranteed. Individual milk yield was daily registered and samples collected every 20 days for chemical com-position (Milkoscan) and fatty acid profile (Gas Chromatography). The data were analysed by ANOVA (GLM procedure of SAS, 2000), for repeated measure. No significant differences were found for milk yield and chemical composition. Lauric acid (C12:0) was significantly higher in milk of group GH (4.83% vs 4.32%; P<0.01) as well as total conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs) (0.435% vs 0.417%; P<0.01).

Twenty-four extensively-reared Iberian pigs were used to study the influence of fattening period length (30, 60 or 90 days) on the fatty acid profiles of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat and the relationships between both profiles. Regarding fatty acid (FA) percentage, PUFA was greater in backfat and MUFA was greater in intramuscular fat (IMF), regardless fattening period length. The longer fattening period increased MUFA content in backfat (which had a more marked change in oleic acid) and decreased PUFA content in backfat and IMF, but it did not affect SFA content. Within the 3-layers subcutaneous backfat, SFA content was greater in the inner layer, MUFA was greater in the outer layer and PUFA was greater in both of these layers. The few differences in FA composition between both adipose tissues suggest that the changes due to the feeding regime are slow and, therefore, although the length of the fattening phase was increased, the fatty acid profile did not change substantially. The strong relationship between the FA profiles of IMF and backfat might be used to predict one profile from the other one when this latter was more readily available for sampling or analytical reasons.

Salinity is a known factor which shapes population dynamics and community structure through direct and indirect effects towards aquatic ecosystems. The responses of Moina macrocopa (Cladocera) collected from Setiu Wetland lagoon (Terengganu) were evaluated through manipulative laboratory experiments to understand the ability of M. macrocopa to tolerate under high salinity stress. Specifically, the fatty acid composition, growth, survival and reproduction of this cladocerans species were examined. Sodium chloride (NaCl) were used in the treatments water with the concentration 0, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 15psu. Fatty acid levels were determined using Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrophotometry (GC-MS). Results clearly indicate that normal conditions give the highest content of fatty acid, especially the polyunsaturated fatty acid content like EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), ALA (alpha-linoleic acid), ARA (arachidonic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Furthermore, M. macrocopa survival also was best at 0psu, with percentage reached 98%, whereas the opposite occurred at 15psu, with approximately 9% of viable animals survived. On other aspects, M. macrocopa also showed the highest reproduction rate at 0psu (e.g. average initial age of reproduction, 4.33±0.58 days) compared with other salinities level. Interestingly, the difference in terms of growth at different salinities was unapparent, an unexpected outcome when adverse effects such as osmoregulation pressure on the organism are considered. Based on the results, we conclude that M. macrocopa can only tolerate salinity below 8psu and, is unable to withstand stressful environmental condition engendered with salinities above 8psu.

Introduction: A plethora of biological molecules regulate chondrogenesis in the epiphyseal growth plate. Disruptions of quantity and function of these molecules can manifest clinically as stature abnormalities of various etiologies. Traditionally, the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) axis represents the etiological center of final stature attainment. Of note, little is known about the molecular events that dominate the growth of the craniofacial complex and its correlation with somatic stature. Aim: Given the paucity of the relevant data, this review discusses available information regarding potential applications of lateral cephalometric radiography as a potential clinical indicator of genetic short stature in children. Materials and Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed electronic database using the key words: cephalometric analysis and short stature; cephalometric analysis and achondroplasia; cephalometric analysis and hypochondroplasia; cephalometric analysis and skeletal abnormalities; cephalometr* and SHOX; cephalometr* and CNP; cephalometr* and ACAN; cephalometr* and CNVs; cephalometr* and IHH; cephalometr* and FGFR3; cephalometr* and Noonan syndrome; cephalometr* and “Turner syndrome”; cephalometr* and achondroplasia. Results: In individuals with genetic syndromes causing short stature, linear growth of the craniofacial complex is confined, following the pattern of somatic short stature regardless of its etiology. The angular cephalometric measurements differ from the average height normal individuals and are suggestive of a posterior placement of the jaws and a vertical growth pattern of the face. Conclusion: The greater part of the existing literature regarding cephalometric measurements in short statured children with genetic syndromes provides qualitative data. Furthermore, cephalometric data for individuals affected with specific rare genetic conditions causing short stature, should be the focus of future studies. These quantitative data are required to potentially establish cut-off values to refer for genetic testing based on craniofacial phenotypes.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ɷ-3 PUFAs) offer diverse health benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular health, improving cognitive function, promoting joint and musculoskeletal health, and contributing to healthy aging. Despite their advantages, challenges like oxidation susceptibility, low bioavailability, and potential adverse effects at high doses persist. Nanoparticle encapsulation emerges as a promising avenue to address these limitations while preserving stability, enhanced bioavailability, and controlled release. This comprehensive review explores the therapeutic roles of omega-3 fatty acids, critically appraising their shortcomings and delving into modern encapsulation strategies. Furthermore, it explores the potential advantages of Metal-organic framework nanoparticles (MOF NPs) compared to other commonly utilized nanoparticles in improving the therapeutic effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids within drug delivery systems (DDS). Additionally, it outlines future research directions to fully exploit the therapeutic benefits of these encapsulated omega-3 formulations for cardiovascular disease treatment.

Today, mechanical tracking systems have been downsized to allow them to be used in the field of airborne laser communications and in the military domain. Risley systems are used for this purpose, which work by directing a beam of light to a given target point, this procedure is commonly known as the inverse problem. In this paper, an analytical method, the geometric method, has been designed and developed to determine the beam steering in a Risley system and solve the inverse problem. The method focuses on different geometric shapes, like circumference or ellipse, that are described when the beam passes through the second prism. The accuracy and efficiency of the geometric method has been analysed and found to be faster than the two-step method. Furthermore, the geometric method has been implemented in an iterative process and an accuracy of up to 1 pm has been achieved. This high accuracy would allow the geometric method to be applied in fields such as lithography, stereolithography or 3D printers.

We propose an innovative approach called SMPTC3, designed specifically to enhance security and privacy in cross-chain transaction verification. This approach addresses multi-chain, multi-participant information exchange and large-scale cross-chain transfers, resisting various types of malicious attacks. We leverage the verifiability of cross-chain transactions based on smart contracts and innovatively transform transaction information into confidential sets, organizing them into quadratic secret polynomials. By utilizing secret sharing and random distribution techniques, we construct a secure multiparty computation method, tailored for cross-chain transactions. To enhance the efficiency of cross-chain transactions, we introduce cross-chain batch processing technology, grouping inter-chain transactions into cross-chain transaction sets. Unlike traditional distributed notary technologies, SMPTC3 designates honest participants as a cross-chain notary group, reducing the time required for redundant signature confirmations and significantly lowering the possibility of malicious notaries. Theoretical analysis and empirical experiments demonstrate that SMPTC3 is highly efficient in addressing cross-chain transaction security issues.

The high penetration of distributed energy resources poses significant challenges to the dispatch and operation of power systems. Improving the accuracy of short-term load forecasting (STLF) can optimize grid management, leading to increased economic and social benefits. Currently, some simple AI and hybrid models has issues to deal with and struggle with multivariate dependencies, long-term dependencies, and non-linear relationships. This paper proposes a novel hybrid model for short-term load forecasting (STLF) that integrates multiple AI models with Lasso regression using the stacking technique. The base learners include ANN, XgBoost, LSTM, Stacked LSTM, and Bi-LSTM, while Lasso regression serves as the meta-learner. By considering factors such as temperature, rainfall, and daily electricity prices, the model aims to more accurately reflect real-world conditions and enhance predictive accuracy. Empirical analyses on real-world datasets from Australia and Spain show significant improvements in forecasting accuracy, with a substantial reduction in Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) compared to existing hybrid models and individual AI models. This research highlights the efficiency of the stacking technique in improving STLF accuracy, suggesting potential operational efficiency benefits for the power industry.

This study addresses a gap in the literature by conducting a comparative analysis of statistical and artificial intelligence techniques for predicting bankruptcy in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Using a comprehensive database of 7,104 Belgian SMEs, our findings demonstrate that intelligent techniques offer superior predictive accuracy for bankruptcy. Notably, our results indicate that a firm's position in the global value chain significantly affects prediction accuracy, with lower performance for firms operating upstream in the production process. This suggests that bankruptcy risk may spread upward along the value chain. This insight is particularly valuable for practitioners, as it highlights the importance of focusing on specific performance factors based on the type of firms they manage, advise, or collaborate with.

Gut microbiota and its metabolites like short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are linked with pathology of Alzheimer’s disease (AD)- a debilitating public health problem in older adults. However, strategies to beneficially modulate gut microbiota and its sensing signaling pathways remain largely unknown. Here, we screened, validated and established the agonists of free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFAR2) signaling, which senses beneficial signals from SCFAs produced by microbiota in the gut. We demonstrated that inhibition of FFAR2 signaling increases amyloid-beta (Aβ) stimulated neuronal toxicity. Thus, we screened FFAR2 agonists, using in-silico library of more than 144,000 natural compounds, and 15 compounds were selected based on binding with FFAR2 agonist sites. Further, cell culture toxicity and FFAR2 stimulatory experiments demonstrated that Fenchol (a natural compound commonly present in basil) was potent FFAR2 agonist in neuronal cells. Interestingly, we also demonstrated that Fenchol protects Aβ-stimulated neurodegeneration in FFAR2 dependent manner. In addition, Fenchol reduced AD like phenotypes such as Aβ-accumulation and, learning and memory behaviors in Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans. Fenchol increased Aβ-clearance by increasing proteasome/lysosome activity and reduced senescence in neuronal cells. These results demonstrated that the inhibition of FFAR2 signaling promotes Aβ-induced neurodegeneration, while activating it by Fenchol as a natural agonist reverse it by promoting Aβ-clearance and reducing cellular senescence; thus stimulation of FFAR2 signaling can be a therapeutic approach to prevent/ treat AD.

This study investigated the possible usage of beeswax oleogels instead of milk fat as a fat source in ice cream production and konjac gum as a stabilizer instead of salep. For this aim, 12 different ice cream samples were prepared using various fat and oil sources (milk fat and oleogel), stabilizers (salep and konjac gum), and emulsifiers (monoglyceride (MG), palsgaard (PG), and none emulsifier emulsifier-free (NE)). It was determined that the overrun ratio in ice cream samples containing milk fat was higher than in oleogel and the viscosity of the ice cream mix containing palsgaard and oleogel was greater than that of the other treatments (milk fat, MG, and NE). While the first dripping time of the samples with PG and konjac gum was longer compared to the samples without emulsifier (NE) and Monoglyceride (MG), the complete melting times of the samples were close to each other. Whereas the dissolution rate of the samples with salep was higher than that of konjac gum, the fat destabilization ratios of the samples with oleogel and konjac gum were lower than those of milk fat and salep. The fat destabilization ratio of samples containing PG as an emulsifier was statistically higher (p <0.01) than that of samples containing MG and NE. It was found that the unsaturated fatty acid (C18:1, C18:2, and C18:3) content of the samples containing oleogel was significantly higher (p <0.01) than that of the samples containing milk fat. However, butyric and caproic acids, which are aliphatic fatty acids, were found to be deficient in the samples to which oleogel was added instead of milk fat. As to the microscopic appearance, while water and oil particles were not homogeneously dispersed in the ice cream samples with oleogel, they were fully homogeneously dispersed in the milk fat-added ice cream samples. In addition, it was determined that panelists preferred the C samples (milk fat as fat source, salep and PG as emulsifier).Among the samples with added oleogel as oil source, they liked the J sample more (oleogel as fat source,conjak gum and none emulgator). Therefore, the C and J samples can be recommended for consumption

The modern supply chain (SC) is growing in terms of data, devices, users, and stakeholders, which introduced new security challenges and threats, especially with the reliance on centralized servers or cloud platforms. In addition, increased trust among system participants exposes the SC to a higher risk of vulnerabilities which require strong security measures. This article proposes a hybrid security framework for SC systems, BC-DRLzSC, that integrates Blockchain (BC) and Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) designed to operate in a zero trust (ZT) environment. In particular, we propose a decentralized BC-based approach integrated with smart contracts to manage system participant registration and authentication and to control access to system resources. BC-DRLzSC adopts a ZT architecture to reinforce SC security, which can be achieved with an advocate to verify each entity’s trustworthiness before granting or retaining access to system resources. Incorporating the ZT architecture, with BC and DRL, can potentially and significantly bolster SC system security. DRL is employed to develop a proactive attack detection model that continuously monitors the incoming traffic from authenticated nodes within the network and predicts any malicious actions. Finally, we evaluate the performance of our proposed DRL solution using the NSL-KDD dataset.

The paper presents an error model of a measurement chain containing link performing discrete wavelet transform algorithm which is most often the last stage of measurement signal processing. The goal is to determine the uncertainty budget of the input quantities of the wavelet transform algorithm. The error model takes into account parts of analog, analog-to-digital and digital processing, describing the properties of subsequent fragments of the chain using their transmittance and processing functions. The proposed model enables the description of both deterministic and non-deterministic properties of signal errors. The proposed model was validated using an example measurement chain created for this purpose.

Diabetes is a major health concern that the next-generation of on-demand insulin releasing implants may overcome for personalized therapy. Therein, 3D-printed phenylboronic acid-containing subcutaneous implants with on-demand glucose-triggered drug release abilities are produced using high resolution stereolithography technology. To that end, the methacrylation of phenylboronic acid is targeted following a two-step reaction. The resulting photocurable phenylboronic acid derivative is accordingly incorporated within bioinert polyhydroxyethyl methacrylate-based hydrogels at varying loadings. The end result are sub-centimeter scaled 3D-printed bionert implants that can be remotely activated with 1,2-diols and 1,3-diols such as glucose for on-demand drug administration such as insulin. As a proof of concept, varying glucose concentration from hypoglycemia to hyperglycemia levels readily allow the release of pinacol, i.e. a model molecule with similar release properties than insulin, at respectively low and high rates. In addition, the results demonstrated that adjusting the geometry and size of the 3D-printed part is a simple and suitable method for tailoring the release behavior and dosage.

The rise in prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age in both developed and developing countries might propagate intergenerational cycles of detrimental effects on metabolic health, contributing to substantial economic burden on society. Placental lipid metabolism might be disrupted by maternal obesity, which possibly affects the life-long health of the offspring. Here, we investigated placental lipid metabolism and handling from women with pre-gestational obesity as a sole pregnancy complication and compared to placental responses of lean women. Open profile and targeted lipidomics were used to assess placental lipids and oxidized products of docosahexahenoic acid (DHA), neuroprostanes, and arachidonic acid (AA), isoprostanes. Placental fatty acid transporters FABP1, FABP3 and endothelial lipase protein were measured. Despite no signs of overall alterations in lipid content, increased contents of DHA, AA, DHA-derived neuroprostanes and AA-derived isoprostanes and decreased content of FABP1 protein were found in placentas from obese women. Multivariate analyses suggested that these oxidised fatty acids are associated with maternal and placental inflammation and also with birth weight. These results might shed light on the molecular mechanisms associated with altered fatty acid metabolism and lipid handling in maternal pre-gestational obesity, placing these oxidized fatty acids as novel mediators of placental function.

The conjugation of phytosterols (PSs) with fatty acids results in producing phytosterol esters (PSEs) characterized with enhanced lipophilicity and improved functional properties of major interest in food and nutraceutical applications. The use of immobilized lipases to catalyze direct transesterification reactions between PSs and plant oils to form PSEs as a green alternative to conventional chemical production methods has attracted interest during the last two decades. The low solubility of PSs in common plant oil triglycerides, typically below 3% at ambient temperatures, remains the main challenge for bringing lipase-catalyzed direct transesterification reactions of PSs and oil triglycerides to commercial scales. This study focuses on the enzymatic synthesis of PSEs starting from solubilized PSs at concentrations of up to 30% wt./wt. of oil mixtures comprising fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs), monoglycerides (MGs), diglycerides (DGs) and triglycerides (TGs) as a homogeneous medium for the direct transesterification reaction. The results of this study show for the first time that the addition of FAEEs into the reaction medium results in altering of the substrate preference of the enzyme making MGs as the favorite fatty acyl group donors for PSs amongst all other fatty acyl donors present in the reaction system. The proposed new enzymatic route allows starting with high concentrations of solubilized PSs making the direct transesterification of oil glycerides attractive for production of PSEs at industrials scales.

Triglycerides of waste cooking oil reacted with methanol in refluxing toluene to yield mixtures of diglycerides, monoglycerides and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) in the presence of 20% (w/w) catalyst/oil using the hydrophilic sulfonated silica (SiO₂-SO₃H) catalyst alone or with the addition of 10% (w/w) co-catalyst/oil [(Bun4N)](BF₄) or Aliquat 336]. The addition of the ammonium salts to the catalyst lead to a decrease in the amounts of diglycerides in the products, but the concentrations of monoglycerides increased. Mixtures of [(Bun4N)](BF4)/catalyst were superior to catalyst alone or Aliquat 336/catalyst for promoting the production of mixtures with high concentrations of FAMEs. The same experiments were repeated using DMSO as the solvent. The use of the more polar solvent resulted in excellent conversion of the triglycerides to FAME esters with all three-catalyst media. A simplified mechanism is presented to account for the experimental results.