Search Results (3,630)

The increasing demand for sustainable and cost-effective animal feed alternatives has stimulated the use of agro-industrial by-products in poultry diets. This study evaluated the effects of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) residual oil (TRO), derived from aquaculture waste, on productive performance, physiological responses, and egg quality in commercial laying hens. A total of 144 Hisex Brown hens were assigned to diets containing 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, or 4.5% TRO for 63 days. While TRO inclusion did not affect overall productivity, moderate levels (1.5% and 3.0%) improved egg weight, yolk pigmentation, and internal quality (Haugh unit). Hematological and biochemical parameters indicated metabolic adaptations, with increased cholesterol and decreased triglycerides in treated groups. The yolk fatty acid profile revealed higher omega-3 content with TRO inclusion, but lipid oxidation (TBARS) also increased, especially at higher levels. Sensory evaluation showed reduced aroma and flavor acceptability in eggs from hens fed 3.0% and 4.5% TRO. These findings suggest that moderate TRO inclusion can enhance egg nutritional value and support sustainable aquaculture waste reuse, though excessive levels may compromise product acceptability. Optimal inclusion levels should be further explored to balance metabolic benefits, oxidative stability, and consumer preferences. Full article

Red grapes are recognized as valuable sources of phenolic compounds with nutritional and technological importance. Anthocyanins strongly influence the color, stability, and antioxidant activity of wines, thereby contributing to both quality and potential health effects. In this study, berries of nine red grapevine cultivars (Alicante Bouschet, Burgund Mare, Busuioacă de Bohotin, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cadarcă, Malbec, Sangiovese, and Syrah) were examined for their anthocyanin composition, total phenolic and flavonoid content, physicochemical parameters, and fatty acid profiles. Anthocyanins were characterized using High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-MS), total polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified spectrophotometrically, and fatty acids were determined by Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Substantial variability was observed across cultivars for the analyzed traits, with nine anthocyanins identified (total levels ranging from 70.79 ± 13.84 to 335.75 ± 87.62 mg malvidin-3-O-glucoside equivalents (MGE) per 100 g fresh weight (FW). Total phenolics ranged from 107.51 ± 11.11 to 432.13 ± 42.91 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per 100 g FW, and flavonoids from 34.23 ± 11.45 to 162.51 ± 39.63 mg catechin equivalents (CE) per 100 g FW. Ten fatty acids were identified, with linoleic acid being the most abundant. Alicante Bouschet and Burgund Mare showed the highest levels of total anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids, while Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sangiovese exhibited the richest profiles of polyunsaturated fatty acids, together highlighting their potential as valuable sources of bioactive and nutritional compounds for functional food applications. Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese, characterized by higher titratable acidity and balanced pH, showed favorable traits for producing stable, high-quality wines. Analysis of the data further grouped the cultivars based on their chemical and lipid profiles. Overall, these findings show the notable biochemical differences among the red grapevine cultivars and their potential uses in food and wine production. Full article

Technological proliferation relies on critical elements such as rare earth elements (REEs) and raises environmental problems associated with raw material extraction, industrial manufacturing, and the informal management of the growing e-waste. Algae are good bioindicators of contamination and have shown promise as biosorbents for remediating metal-contaminated environments. However, the effects of REEs on algae are still poorly documented and understood. This study investigated the uptake of yttrium (Y)—one of the most frequently used REEs, particularly in fluorescent lamps—by Ulva sp., as well as its effects on total chlorophyll content, relative growth rate, and biochemical performance. The algae were exposed to Y for 72 h at environmentally relevant concentrations, including levels found in e-waste leachates (0.5, 5.0, 50, and 500 mg/L). Ulva sp. removed 86% of Y within 72 h, with a bioconcentration factor of up to 621. EDTA analysis revealed that over 90% of yttrium was retained on the algal surface. SEM-EDS mapping showed crystal structures on the algae where Y was present. While the relative growth rate was unaffected by the tested Y gradient, photosynthesis was significantly impaired at 500 mg/L. Despite the activation of defence mechanisms, cell damage was observed at most Y concentrations tested, highlighting the potential risks associated with the presence of REEs in aquatic environments. Full article

Water temperature is a key factor affecting the growth, feeding performance and physiological status of Atlantic salmon parr in aquaculture. To determine optimal conditions, parr (average weight 31.27 ± 0.35 g) were reared for 60 days at 10, 14, 18, and 22 °C. The survival and condition factors were similar across treatments. The growth rate and feed efficiency were highest at 14 °C, coinciding with elevated antioxidant activity. Feed intake was lowest at 10 °C. Whole-body protein and lipid contents remained unaffected, while moisture and ash contents were lowest at 14 °C. Most plasma biochemical indicators were stable; however, total protein was lowest at 14 °C. Glutathione peroxidase activity peaked at 14 °C, whereas cortisol levels remained unchanged. Heat shock proteins (HSP70, HSP90) increased with temperature, while insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP1A, IGFBP1B) decreased at temperatures equal to or greater than 18 °C. Interferon alpha (IFNA) and thioredoxin (TRX) were lowest at 14 °C and highest at 22 °C. Overall, 14 °C appears optimal for growth and antioxidant capacity, although molecular stress markers suggest mild physiological trade-offs. These findings can inform temperature management strategies to enhance productivity and welfare in sustainable salmon aquaculture. Full article

This experiment investigated the effects of seaweed polysaccharide (SP) and seaweed enzymatic hydrolysate (SEH) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal function of Muscovy ducks. A total of 240 healthy 1 day female Muscovy ducks (48.85 ± 0.45 g) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups, with 4 replicates per group and 20 ducks per replicate. The control (CON) group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of water, the SP group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SP, and the SEH group received a basic diet supplemented with 20 mL/kg of SEH. The experimental period lasted for 28 d. The results indicate that, compared to the CON group, the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed to gain (F/G) of the SP and SEH groups of ducks significantly decreased at 28 d (p < 0.05). In the SP group, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as the concentrations of glucose (GLU), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCHO), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). In the SEH group, the activities of ALT and AST were also significantly lower (p < 0.05). Additionally, serum total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the SEH group were significantly higher than those in the CON group (p < 0.05), while the malondialdehyde (MDA) content was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Compared to the CON group, serum levels of immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the SP group were significantly increased (p < 0.05), whereas the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were significantly decreased (p < 0.05). In the SP and SEH groups, the villus height (VH) and the villus height to crypt depth (V/C) of the Muscovy ducks significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the crypt depth (CD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). A significant increase in the abundance of Barnesiella was observed in the SP and SEH groups (p < 0.05), whereas the abundances of UCG-005 and Romboutsia significantly decreased (p < 0.05). LEfSe analysis indicated that g__Bacillus and g__Veillonella were significantly abundant in the SP group (p < 0.05), while g__Coriobacteriaceae_UCG_002 was significantly abundant in the SEH group (p < 0.05). In summary, the addition of SP and SEH to the feed can promote the healthy growth of ducks by improving intestinal morphology, regulating the structure of intestinal microbiota, enhancing antioxidant capacity and immune function, and optimizing metabolic indicators. This occurs while reducing feed intake and feed-to-weight ratio, and there is a certain specificity in their mechanisms of action. Full article

Seed priming has become a promising technique in agriculture and crop-stress management. Several authors have shown that the positive effects of seed priming are associated with various metabolic, physiological, and biochemical modifications (enzyme activation, membrane repair, initiation of DNA/RNA, and protein synthesis) that enhance the speed, uniformity, and vigor of germination. However, the mechanisms underlying seed priming are not yet well understood. The aim of our work was to study the quantitative and qualitative metabolic changes in the embryonic axes (radicle and plumule) and cotyledons of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. Seeds were subjected to osmopriming with polyethylene glycol (PEG), simple hydropriming, and double hydropriming (a novel treatment). Results indicated that all types of priming, particularly double hydropriming, strongly stimulated the hydrolysis of protein and carbohydrate reserves. This resulted in a decrease in soluble proteins and starch contents and an increase in amino acids and soluble sugars contents. Moreover, the priming promoted the biosynthesis of osmolytes such as proline and induced qualitative changes in the composition of amino acids and soluble sugars. These biochemical changes depend on the organ and treatment method applied to the seeds. It is worth noting that double hydropriming induces metabolic modifications to a greater extent than single hydropriming. Full article

Potato peels are a waste product accounting for 15–40% of the mass of raw potatoes, depending on the processing method employed. The production of solid biofuel from potato peel was investigated in a superheated-steam fluidized bed filled with olivine sand. The co-fluidization of dried, crushed potato peels together with olivine sand was also investigated. Stable co-fluidization of olivine sand and crushed potato peels can be achieved when the mass fraction of potato peels in the fluidized bed does not exceed 3% (w/w). In a fluidized bed containing 3% % (w/w) potato peel, increasing the operational temperature of torrefaction from 200 to 300 °C with a processing duration of 30 min resulted in a 1.35-fold increase in HHV from 20.68 MJ/kg up to 27.93 MJ/kg based on ash-free dry mass. The effects of torrefaction temperature and duration on 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and furfural contents in condensable gaseous torrefaction products were studied, along with changes in the chemical composition of potato peel ash as a result of torrefaction. Furthermore, we analyzed the bed agglomeration index (BAI) predicting the possibility of agglomerate formation during combustion of torrefied potato peel in a fluidized bed and found that the probability of agglomeration may decrease along with increasing temperature and duration of the torrefaction process. Nevertheless, only the most severe torrefaction conditions of 300 °C for 30 min may completely prevent the risk of agglomerate formation during the subsequent combustion of torrefied potato peels as a solid biofuel. The proposed potato peel processing technology may be used in future frozen and fried potato factories in order to solve waste disposal issues while also reducing the costs of heat and electricity generation, as well as allowing for the recovery of high-value biochemicals from the torrefaction condensate. Full article

Porphyra umbilicalis is a red macroalga belonging to the genus Porphyra and the family Bangiaceae. Porphyra umbilicalis distinguishes itself among macroalgae due to its remarkable biochemical composition and nutritional value. It contains a broad spectrum of bioactive compounds, including macronutrients and micronutrients. Among the macronutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and essential fatty acids are particularly abundant, with protein levels reaching up to 40% dw (dry weight). Its high protein content makes Porphyra umbilicalis a promising alternative and sustainable protein source, particularly for plant-based diets. Its micronutrients, including vitamins (C, E, and B-group), pigments, and mineral components, contribute to antioxidant protection, metabolic regulation, and maintenance of overall nutritional balance. What makes P. umbilicalis particularly distinctive is its content of unique bioactives such as porphyran, phycobiliproteins, and mycosporine-like amino acids. Preliminary evidence from animal and in vitro studies indicates that these unique bioactive compounds contribute to the anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of P. umbilicalis. However, more systematic research into its chemical composition is needed due to variability related to harvest location, environmental factors, and inconsistencies in the existing literature. Detailed data on the full chemical profile and bioavailability of specific compounds remain limited, underscoring the need for further investigation. Evidence on the health benefits of P. umbilicalis remains limited, as current studies are restricted to preclinical models and have not been validated through human trials, emphasizing the need for rigorous research to clarify its role in functional foods. Full article

Meeting the growing demand for vegetable oil while promoting agricultural sustainability in Northeast China requires developing high-yield, high-oil-content soybean varieties. We present the comprehensive development and evaluation of Heinong 551, an innovative soybean variety created through an integrated approach of conventional breeding methods and radiation-induced mutation techniques. The breeding program began with hybridization between Heinong 44 (the maternal parent) and Hefeng 47 (the paternal parent), followed by targeted exposure to ⁶⁰Co gamma radiation at 130 Gy to induce beneficial mutations. Using systematic selection protocols over five generations from 2012 to 2016, we identified superior lines that underwent rigorous multi-location testing across seven sites in Heilongjiang Province during 2020–2021. Field evaluation results showed consistent performance, with Heinong 551 achieving average yields of 2901 kg/ha and 3142 kg/ha in those years, representing significant gains of 10. 6% and 11.0. 0% compared to standard control varieties. The cultivar maintained stable phenological traits with a reliable 120-day maturation period and demonstrated strong environmental adaptability across different growing conditions. Biochemical analysis revealed excellent nutritional value, with 39.45% crude protein and 21.69% crude fat, reaching a combined protein–fat percentage of 61.14%. Quality tests confirmed superior seed integrity, with sound seed rates over 97% and minimal pest or disease damage. Disease resistance assessments showed moderate tolerance to gray leaf spot while maintaining excellent overall plant health, with no signs of viral infections or nematode infestations during testing. Heinong 551 has received official approval for cultivation in Heilongjiang Province’ s second accumulated temperature zone, characterized by thermal units ≥2550 °C above a 10 °C threshold. This represents significant progress in high-oil soybean variety development, illustrating the success of combining traditional breeding methods with modern mutation technology. Full article

Invertase, a core catalyst in sugar metabolism, irreversibly hydrolyzes sucrose into hexoses, establishing the fundamental biochemical pathway for carbon allocation in plants and playing pivotal roles in plant growth development, fruit quality regulation, and stress response. In the present study, we identified a total of 25 invertase genes from the kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis cv Hongyang) genome and systematically analyzed the physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, genomic features, and gene evolution patterns of the AcINV family. The evaluation of selection pressure indices robustly demonstrated that the INV family underwent purification selection during domestication. Furthermore, based on the correlation between gene expression levels during the post-harvest ripening stage of kiwifruit and soluble sugar content, we identified the potential gene AcCWINV4 as being associated with sugar accumulation. Furthermore, virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of AcCWINV4 confirmed its functional role in fruit sugar accumulation and plant response to cold stress. This study provides critical theoretical support for breeding cold-tolerant and high-quality kiwifruit varieties using molecular biological methods. Full article

Adventitious rooting is a key step for the clonal propagation of many economically important horticultural and woody species. Accumulating evidence suggests that nitric oxide (NO) serves as a key signaling molecule with key roles in root organogenesis. However, the role of NO in adventitious root development and its underlying mechanism in sweetpotato cuttings remain to be clarified. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted using hydroponically cultured sweetpotato cuttings (Ipomoea batatas cv. ‘Jin Ganshu No. 9’) treated with different concentrations of sodium nitroprusside (SNP, an NO donor) solution (0, 10, 50, 100, 200, and 500 μmol·L⁻¹). Three treatments were established: Control, SNP (the optimal concentration of SNP), and SNP + 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO, an NO scavenger). The results showed that NO promoted adventitious rooting in a dose-dependent manner, with the maximal biological response observed at 100 μM SNP. At this concentration, the root number and length of adventitious roots increased by 1.22 and 2.36 times, respectively, compared to the control. SNP treatment increased fresh root weight, dry root weight, the content of soluble sugar, soluble protein, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), and total chlorophyll (a + b) [Chl(a + b)], as well as the activities of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), and indole acetic acid oxidase (IAAO). It also enhanced the levels of maximum fluorescence (Fm), maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), absorbed light energy (ABS/RC), trapped energy flux (TRo/RC), and electron transport flux (ETo/RC), while decreasing starch content and initial fluorescence (Fo). On the 7th day, the SNP treatment significantly enhanced several biochemical parameters compared to the control. We observed an increase in many of the parameters: POD activity by 1.35 times, PPO activity by 0.55 times, chlorophyll content (Chl a by 0.66 times, Chl b by 0.22 times, and Chl a + b by 0.57 times), and photosynthesis parameters by 28–98%. Meanwhile, starch content and Fo in the SNP treatment decreased by 10.77% and 23.86%, respectively, compared to the control. Furthermore, the positive effects of NO on adventitious root development and associated biochemical parameters were reversed by the NO scavenger cPTIO. Additionally, significant and positive correlations were observed between morphological characteristics and most physiological indicators. Collectively, these results demonstrate that NO promotes adventitious root formation, which may be by enhancing rooting-related enzyme activities, improving photosynthetic performance in leaves, and accelerating the metabolism of soluble sugar, soluble protein, and starch. Full article

Sugarcane productivity varies widely among genotypes, but the biochemical traits underlying these differences remain poorly characterized. In this study, six contrasting sugarcane cultivars were profiled to investigate how ionomic, hormonal, flavonoid, and photosynthetic pigment signatures are associated with yield and sucrose accumulation. Morphological traits and field performance revealed marked genotypic variation, with ZZ14 and GL1215 achieving the highest yields and sugar content, while GT59 and GT60 performed less favorably. Multivariate analyses of ionomic data showed that potassium, magnesium, and calcium were consistently enriched in high-yield cultivars, whereas sodium, boron, and manganese were negatively associated with growth traits. Hormone profiling revealed that high-yielding genotypes utilize diverse strategies: while the high-yielding GL1215 achieved superior sugar content with the lowest levels of growth-promoting hormones, the LT1790 genotype, despite having the highest levels of these hormones, showed suboptimal yield due to a costly trade-off with its hyperactive defense system. Flavonoid analysis indicated that LT1790 contained the highest levels of Quercetin, rutin, and caffeic acid, suggesting enhanced antioxidant capacity, whereas GT59 preferentially accumulated chlorogenic acid. Canonical correlation analysis confirmed that nutrient balance and metabolite composition strongly correlated with plant height, stem diameter, and sugar concentration. Together, these results suggest that high-yield sugarcane genotypes achieve a superior metabolic balance, combining efficient nutrient uptake and robust antioxidant capacity with a favorable hormone profile that promotes strong growth without triggering a costly constitutive defense system. Full article

Nitrosamines (NAs) pose a risk due to their carcinogenic properties, especially in processed and cured meats where nitrites and nitrates are widely used. The objective of this study was to develop an integrated Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC–HRMS) workflow for detecting both volatile (VNAs) and non-volatile (NVNAs) nitrosamines in meat matrices. Comparison of two ionization techniques showed that heated electrospray ionization (HESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) provided complementary coverage and sensitivity. Extraction and cleanup were optimized for meat, although recovery rates remained variable, underscoring the analytical complexity. The method was applied to raw, cooked, cured, and grilled meats, as well as to in vitro gastric digestion and co-digestion with spinach. Results revealed that some NAs were present even in untreated raw meat (≈3.0 µg/kg, N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine), while the addition of nitrites and nitrates significantly increased their levels (more than 10 µg/kg, N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosodimethylamine, N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine). Gastric digestion was the most critical condition, further promoting nitrosamine formation, particularly for N-nitrosodiethylamine, N-nitrosodi-n-butylamine, and N-nitrosopiperidine. Ascorbate exhibited a dual role, acting as an inhibitor at low nitrite concentrations but becoming pro-oxidant at high levels (300 mg/kg). Cooking alone had limited impact, whereas cooking combined with digestion yielded the highest and most consistent nitrosamine concentrations. The inclusion of spinach during digestion modestly altered nitrosamine levels, reflecting both its nitrate content and polyphenolic profile. Nonparametric ANOVA (aligned rank transform) confirmed that preservative treatment, rather than processing or interaction effects, was the main driver of variability (total nitrosamines: H = 24.15, p = 2.33 × 10⁻⁵), with the combination of preservative ascorbate plus nitrite producing significantly higher levels than other treatments (q = 0.000656). N-nitrosodimethylamine consistently emerged as the most relevant marker for dietary exposure, in agreement with EFSA guidance. Overall, this study underscores both the analytical and biochemical complexity of nitrosamine detection and formation in meat products, while highlighting the importance of preservative formulation and the potential role of dietary antioxidants in mitigating exposure. Full article

Estrogen deficiency is associated with endothelial dysfunction, vascular inflammation, increased lipoprotein oxidation, accumulation of lipid-rich material, and platelet activation. The absence of estrogen causes physiological, metabolic, and biochemical changes that increase the risk of cardiometabolic disease development caused by a deregulation in metabolic processes such as lipid metabolism and plasma lipoprotein levels. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has cardioprotective properties related to the quality and the quantity of its components that can be modified by some nutritional factors. Guava (Psidium guajava L.), a widely cultivated fruit in Mexico, is notable for its high polyunsaturated fatty acid and dietary fiber content in its seeds, but its effect on health is understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of guava-seed supplementation on body weight, blood pressure, lipid profile, HDL composition, and paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity in an ovariectomized rat model (OVX). Four groups with six adult female Wistar rats each were classified as a SHAM group: rats with simulated ovariectomy; OVX group: rats with ovariectomy; OVX + GS group: ovariectomized rats supplemented with 6 g of guava seeds; OVX + DGS group: ovariectomized rats supplemented with 6 g of defatted guava seeds. Biochemical parameters, size, and lipid concentration of HDL subclasses, apolipoproteins, and PON1 activity were determined. A decrease in body weight gain, systolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and triglycerides in plasma was observed at the end of the experiment in the supplemented groups. The supplementation of 6 g of guava seeds for 30 days decreased biochemical parameters in ovariectomized rats; these results could be attributed to the seed composition, suggesting a protective effect against the risk of developing diseases in menopausal states. Full article

This study aimed to elucidate the intrinsic regulatory mechanisms by comparing milk quality, blood metabolomics, and physiological indices between high-yielding (BH, n = 15, high milk yield, daily milk yield with 4.08 ± 0.17 kg) and low-yielding (BL, n = 15, low milk yield, daily milk yield with 2.54 ± 0.26 kg) Guanzhong dairy goats during early lactation. The results showed that the lactose content in the BH group was significantly lower than that in the BL group (p < 0.05), but the total daily lactose yield was 60 g higher. No significant differences were observed in milk fat or milk protein (p > 0.05). Among blood biochemical indices, total protein (TP), glucose (GLU), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were significantly lower in the BH group (p < 0.05), while β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Milk yield exhibited a highly significant negative correlation with TP and creatinine (CRE). Regarding immune and antioxidant indices, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), IgM, and IL-2 were significantly elevated in the BH group (p < 0.05), while IL-6 was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). CAT and IL-2 showed positive correlations with milk yield. Using a subset of animals for in-depth profiling (n = 6 per group)Serum metabolomics identified 184 differential metabolites (114 upregulated, 70 downregulated). In the BH group, betaine, acylcarnitines, and L-valine exhibited significant negative correlations with milk yield, implicating pathways related to fatty acid -oxidation, methyl donor regulation, and amino acid metabolism. These findings indicate that high-yielding dairy goats achieve efficient lactation through enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation, optimized methyl donor regulation for milk fat synthesis, and prioritized allocation of amino acids towards the mammary gland. Full article