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Journal of the Science of Food and... Apr 2024Color, nutrients and flavor are the key characteristics of pomegranate juice, but they are susceptible to processing methods and raw materials. In this study, the...
BACKGROUND
Color, nutrients and flavor are the key characteristics of pomegranate juice, but they are susceptible to processing methods and raw materials. In this study, the effects of aril juicing and whole fruit juicing methods on the composition of 'Black-seed' pomegranate juice from three producing areas were studied, including physicochemical parameters, color attributes, organic acids, sugars, phenolic compounds, and volatile compounds.
RESULTS
The whole fruit juicing method resulted in higher juice yields of pomegranate fruit with 69.01-72.59%, hue angle values were 5.95-6.45°, and the juice remained red. The highest level of citric acid (21.21 g L ), total acids (24.78 g L ), and total anthocyanin content (435.59 mg L ) were found in whole fruit juice, and seven tannins were detected. The most abundant volatile compounds were (Z)-3-hexen-1-ol and 1-hexanol in all juice samples, with alcohol content increased and aldehydes content decreased by whole fruit juicing. Principal component analysis revealed that the 24 indexes (variable important in projection >1) clearly distinguished juice samples obtained by two juicing methods, with ellagic acid hexoside, (E)-2-heptenal, (+)-catechin, and octanoic acid having the best discriminatory potential.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the effects of juicing method on 'Black-seed' pomegranate juice were greater than those of raw-material-producing areas. These results confirmed the potential for using the whole 'Black-seed' pomegranate for processing, and also provided a theoretical basis for the healthy product development and utilization of dark-color pomegranate varieties. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Topics: Fruit; Pomegranate; Anthocyanins; Fruit and Vegetable Juices; Seeds; Antioxidants
PubMed: 38117127
DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.13230 -
Foods (Basel, Switzerland) Dec 2023The aim of this work is to discriminate between the volatile org9anic compound (VOC) characteristics of different qualities of green coffee beans () using two analysis...
The aim of this work is to discriminate between the volatile org9anic compound (VOC) characteristics of different qualities of green coffee beans () using two analysis approaches to classify the fresh product. High-quality coffee presented the highest values for positive attributes, the highest of which being fruity, herbal, and sweet. Low-quality samples showed negative attributes related to roasted, smoky, and abnormal fermentation. Alcohols and aromatic compounds were most abundant in the high-quality samples, while carboxylic acids, pyrazines, and pyridines were most abundant in the samples of low quality. The VOCs with positive attributes were phenylethyl alcohol, nonanal and 2-methyl-propanoic acid, and octyl ester, while those with negative attributes were pyridine, octanoic acid, and dimethyl sulfide. The aroma quality of fresh coffee beans was also discriminated using E-nose instruments. The PLS-DA model obtained from the E-nose data was able to classify the different qualities of green coffee beans and explained 96.9% of the total variance. A PLS chemometric approach was evaluated for quantifying the fruity aroma of the green coffee beans, obtaining an RP2 of 0.88. Thus, it can be concluded that the E-nose represents an accurate, inexpensive, and non-destructive device for discriminating between different coffee qualities during processing.
PubMed: 38201115
DOI: 10.3390/foods13010087 -
Journal of Dairy Science Apr 2024The cheese microbiota plays a critical role in influencing its sensory and physicochemical properties. In this study, traditional Apulian Caciocavallo cheese coming from...
The cheese microbiota plays a critical role in influencing its sensory and physicochemical properties. In this study, traditional Apulian Caciocavallo cheese coming from 4 different dairies in the same area and produced following standardized procedures have been examined, as well as the different bulk milks and natural whey starter cultures used. Moreover, considering the cheese wheels as the blocks of Caciocavallo cheeses as whole, these were characterized at different layers (i.e., core, under-rind, and rind) of the block using a multi-omics approach. In addition to physical-chemical characterization, culturomics, quantitative PCR, metagenomics, and metabolomics analysis, have been carried out post-salting and throughout ripening time (2 mo) to investigate the major shifts in the succession of the microbiota and flavor development. Culture-dependent and 16S rRNA metataxonomics results clearly clustered samples based on the microbiota biodiversity related to the production dairy plant as the result of the use of different NWS or intrinsic conditions of each production site. At the beginning of the ripening, cheeses were dominated by the Lactobacillus and, in 2 dairies (Art and SdC), Streptococcus genera associated with the NWS. The analysis allowed us to show that, although the diversity of identified genera did not change significantly between the rind, under-rind and core fractions of the same samples, there was an evolution in the relative abundance and absolute quantification, modifying and differentiating profiles during ripening. The qPCR mainly differentiated the temporal adaptation of those species originating from bulk milks and those provided by NWSs. The primary starter detected in NWS and cheese reassured the high relative concentration of 1-butanol, 2-butanol, 2-heptanol, 2-butanone, acetoin, delta-dodecalactone, hexanoic acid ethyl ester, octanoic acid ethyl ester, and VFFA during ripening, while cheeses displaying low abundances of Streptococcus and Lactococcus (dairy Del) have a lower total concentration of acetoin compared with Art and SdC. However, the sub-dominant strains and NSLAB present in cheeses are responsible for the production of secondary metabolites belonging to the chemical classes of ketones, alcohols, and organic acids, reaffirming the importance and relevance of autochthonous strains of each dairy plant although considering a delimited production area.
PubMed: 38642657
DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-24049 -
ChemSusChem Sep 2023The energy crisis and dependence on fossil fuels forces societies to develop alternative pathways to secure energy supplies. Therefore, non-fossil fuels such as biofuels...
The energy crisis and dependence on fossil fuels forces societies to develop alternative pathways to secure energy supplies. Therefore, non-fossil fuels such as biofuels and e-fuels can help counteract the resulting demand for existing combustion engines. However, biofuels, like biodiesel, have disadvantages in terms of oxidation stability. In general, aging of biodiesel is a complex mechanism due to interaction of various components. In order to develop an ideal fuel, the mechanism must be understood in full detail. In this work, an attempt is made to simplify the system by using methyl oleate as a biodiesel model component. In addition, other fuel components of interest such as alcohols and their respective acids help to clarify the aging mechanism. This work used isopropylidene glycerol (solketal) as the main alcohol, 1-octanol and octanoic acid. A holistic biodiesel aging scheme was developed by using generated data and evaluating the role of acids. They epoxidize unsaturated fatty acid via Prileschajev reactions. In addition, the role of epoxides in oligomerization reactions is confirmed. Moreover, the alcohols show that the suppression of oligomerization can be achieved by the reaction with methyl oleate. The alcohol-dependent aging products were determined by quadrupole time-of-flight (Q-TOF) mass spectrometry.
PubMed: 37220243
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202300263 -
The American Journal of Clinical... Jan 2024No prospective observational study has specifically examined the associations between dietary intakes of medium-chain fatty acids and risk of colorectal cancer.
BACKGROUND
No prospective observational study has specifically examined the associations between dietary intakes of medium-chain fatty acids and risk of colorectal cancer.
OBJECTIVES
This study examined the association between dietary intakes of medium-chain fatty acids and colorectal cancer risk overall and by racial subgroups in a predominantly low-income United States population.
METHODS
This prospective study included 71,599 eligible participants aged 40 to 79 who were enrolled in the Southern Community Cohort Study between 2002 and 2009 in 12 southeastern United States states. Incident colorectal cancer cases were ascertained via linkage to state cancer registries, which was completed through 31 December, 2016. The dietary intakes of medium-chain fatty acids were assessed using a validated 89-item food frequency questionnaire. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the associations between intakes of medium-chain fatty acids and risk for incident colorectal cancer.
RESULTS
Among 71,599 participants, 48,008 (67.3%) were Black individuals and 42,260 (59.0%) were female. A total of 868 incident colorectal cancer cases occurred during a median follow-up of 13.7 y. Comparing the highest to the lowest quartile, high intake of dodecanoic acid/lauric acid (C12:0) was associated with reduced risk of colorectal cancer among White participants (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.30, 0.91; P-trend = 0.05), but not in Black individuals (HR: 0.92; 95% CI, 0.68, 1.24; P-trend = 0.80) in multivariable-adjusted models. No associations were found between intakes of hexanoic acid/caproic acid (C6:0), octanoic acid/caprylic acid (C8:0), or decanoic acid/capric acid (C10:0) and risk of incident colorectal cancer overall or within racial subgroups.
CONCLUSIONS
In a predominantly low-income United States population, an increased dietary C12:0 intake was associated with a substantially reduced risk of colorectal cancer only among White individuals, but not in Black individuals.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Cohort Studies; Colorectal Neoplasms; Fatty Acids; Poverty; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; United States; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged
PubMed: 37898435
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.10.024 -
Food Microbiology Jun 2024This work describes the characterization of an artisanal sourdough set of bakeries located in the city of Valencia. Culture-dependent and -independent analyses detected...
This work describes the characterization of an artisanal sourdough set of bakeries located in the city of Valencia. Culture-dependent and -independent analyses detected Fructilactobacillus sanfranciscensis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kazachstania humilis as dominant species. Nevertheless, specific technological parameters, including backslopping temperature, dough yield, or the addition of salt affected microbial counting, LAB/Yeast ratio, and gassing performance, favouring the appearance of several species of Lactobacillus sp., Limosilactobacillus pontis or Torulaspora delbrueckii as additional players. Sourdough leavening activity was affected positively by yeast counts and negatively by the presence of salt. In addition, the predominance of a particular yeast species appeared to impact the dynamics of CO release. Seven important flavour-active compounds (ethyl acetate, 1-hexanol, 2-penthylfuran, 3-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-hexadiene, 2-octen-1-ol, nonanal and 1-nonanol) were detected in all samples and together with 3-methyl butanol and hexyl acetate represented more than the 53% of volatile abundancy in nine of the ten sourdoughs analysed. Even so, the specific microbial composition of each sample influenced the volatile profile. For example, the occurrence of K. humilis or S. cerevisiae as dominant yeast influenced the composition of major alcohol species, while F. sanfranciscensis and L. pontis positively correlated with aldehydes and octanoic acid content. In addition, relevant correlations could be also found among different technological parameters and between these, volatile compounds and microbial species. Overall, our study emphasises on how differences in technological parameters generate biodiversity in a relatively small set of artisan sourdoughs providing opportunities for excellence and quality baking products.
Topics: Saccharomyces cerevisiae; Bioprospecting; Fermentation; Bread; Biodiversity; Flour; Food Microbiology
PubMed: 38431320
DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104474 -
Toxicology Dec 2023In humans, serum testosterone (T) is largely bound to the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and human serum albumin (hSA), resulting in a 2-3 % of unbound or "free"...
In vitro binding analysis of legacy-linear and new generation-cyclic perfluoro-alkyl substances on sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, suggests low impact on serum hormone kinetics of testosterone.
In humans, serum testosterone (T) is largely bound to the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and human serum albumin (hSA), resulting in a 2-3 % of unbound or "free" active quote (FT). Endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including perfluoro-alkyl substances (PFAS), are recognized to interfere with the hormonal axes, but the possible impact on the FT quote has not been addressed so far. Here we investigated the possible competition of two acknowledged PFAS molecules on T binding to SHBG and hSA. In particular, perfluoro-octanoic acid (PFOA) and acetic acid, 2,2-difluoro-2-((2,2,4,5-tetrafluoro-5(trifluoromethoxy)-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)oxy)-ammonium salt (1:1) (C6O4) were used as, respectively, legacy-linear and new-generation-cyclic PFASs. Human recombinant SHBG 30-234 domain (SHBG), produced in HEK293-F cells, and delipidated recombinant hSA were used as in vitro protein models. Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and tryptophan fluorescence quencing (TFQ) were used to evaluate the binding modes of T and PFAS to SHBG and hSA. ITC revealed the binding of T to SHBG with a K of 44 ± 2 nM whilst both PFOA and C6O4 showed no binding activity. Results were confirmed by TFQ, since only T modified the fluorescence profile of SHBG. In hSA, TFQ confirmed the binding of T on FA6 site of the protein. A similar binding mode was observed for PFOA but not for C6O4, as further verified by displacement experiments with T. Although both PFASs were previously shown to bind hSA, only PFOA is predicted to possibly compete with T for the binding to hSA. However, on the base of the binding stoichiometry and affinity of PFOA for hSA, this appears unlikely at the blood concentrations of the chemical documented to date.
Topics: Humans; Fluorocarbons; HEK293 Cells; Protein Binding; Serum Albumin, Human; Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; Testosterone; Tryptophan
PubMed: 37931871
DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153664 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2023The efficacy of low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets, such as ketogenic diets, for cancer patients is of research interest. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of the...
Ketogenic effects of medium chain triglycerides containing formula and its correlation to breath acetone in healthy volunteers: a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, single dose-response study.
The efficacy of low-carbohydrate, high-fat diets, such as ketogenic diets, for cancer patients is of research interest. We previously demonstrated the efficacy of the ketogenic diet in a case study in which medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) or MCT-containing formula (ketogenic formula) was used as a supplement to increase blood ketone bodies. However, little is known about the amounts needed to induce ketogenic effects and about the usefulness of monitoring of breath acetone. To investigate the pharmacokinetics of MCTs and their metabolites, blood ketone bodies and breath acetone, 24 healthy subjects received one of four single oral doses of the ketogenic formula (equivalent to 0, 10, 20, and 30 g of MCTs) under fasting conditions. Total blood ketone bodies, β-hydroxybutyrate, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid were increased in a dose-dependent manner. The ketogenic effect was considered to depend on octanoic and decanoic acids, because a positive correlation was observed between them. A strong positive correlation was also observed between total serum ketone bodies and breath acetone at each time points. Therefore, monitoring breath acetone levels seems a less invasive method to predict blood concentrations of ketone bodies during ketogenic diet therapy. https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/en/detail?trial_id=UMIN000032634, UMIN-CTR UMIN000032634.
PubMed: 37829730
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1224740 -
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B Mar 2024The membrane lipid compositions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are inherently different in many aspects, although some similarities exist in their structure and...
The membrane lipid compositions of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells are inherently different in many aspects, although some similarities exist in their structure and composition. Therefore, selective targeting of membrane lipids with a compound of therapeutic value, such as an antibacterial copolymer, is often challenging. Hence, developing an ideal copolymer with antibacterial properties demands hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity balance with a high biosafety profile. To integrate hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance and cationic charge in an alternating antibacterial copolymer with enzyme and pH-responsiveness, a lysine appended styrenic monomer was copolymerized with a fatty acid (octanoic acid (OA) or myristic acid (MA)) tethered maleimide monomer reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. A range of microscopic analyses, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), confirmed the formation of nanoaggregates (size ∼30-40 nm) by these polymers in aqueous solution with positive zeta potential (cationic surface charge). Hydrophobic Nile red (NR) dye was successfully encapsulated in the nanoaggregates, and the release kinetics of the NR dye were monitored at different pHs and in the presence or absence of esterase/lipase. The release kinetics of NR revealed ∼85% dye release in the presence of pH 5.5 and lipase, suggesting their suitability for pH/enzyme-triggered therapeutic payload delivery. The standard broth microdilution assay showed significant bactericidal activity against both Gram-positive () and Gram-negative () bacteria with an MIC value <30 μg mL. The effect of polymeric nanoaggregates on bacterial morphology and survival was further confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), agar gel disk diffusion assay, and bacterial live/dead cell count. The significantly low hemolytic activity against red blood cells (RBCs) (HC >10 μg mL) and nontoxic effect on human intestinal epithelial cells (INT 407) (EC >500 μg mL) ensure that the polymer nanoaggregates are safe for use and can serve as a potent antibacterial polymer.
Topics: Humans; Polymers; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Polymerization; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Lipase
PubMed: 38436419
DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02801a -
PloS One 2023Asthma attacks are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations, and identification of associations with asthma attacks is necessary to improve...
BACKGROUND
Asthma attacks are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in vulnerable populations, and identification of associations with asthma attacks is necessary to improve public awareness and the timely delivery of medical interventions.
OBJECTIVE
The study aimed to identify feature importance of factors associated with asthma in a representative population of US adults.
METHODS
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using a modern, nationally representative cohort, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2017-2020). All adult patients greater than 18 years of age (total of 7,922 individuals) with information on asthma attacks were included in the study. Univariable regression was used to identify significant nutritional covariates to be included in a machine learning model and feature importance was reported. The acquisition and analysis of the data were authorized by the National Center for Health Statistics Ethics Review Board.
RESULTS
7,922 patients met the inclusion criteria in this study. The machine learning model had 55 out of a total of 680 features that were found to be significant on univariate analysis (P<0.0001 used). In the XGBoost model the model had an Area Under the Receiver Operator Characteristic Curve (AUROC) = 0.737, Sensitivity = 0.960, NPV = 0.967. The top five highest ranked features by gain, a measure of the percentage contribution of the covariate to the overall model prediction, were Octanoic Acid intake as a Saturated Fatty Acid (SFA) (gm) (Gain = 8.8%), Eosinophil percent (Gain = 7.9%), BMXHIP-Hip Circumference (cm) (Gain = 7.2%), BMXHT-standing height (cm) (Gain = 6.2%) and HS C-Reactive Protein (mg/L) (Gain 6.1%).
CONCLUSION
Machine Learning models can additionally offer feature importance and additional statistics to help identify associations with asthma attacks.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Cross-Sectional Studies; Nutrition Surveys; Asthma; Machine Learning; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 37992024
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0288903