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Multivariate analysis of chemical markers to distinguish “Ceylon” and "Cassia” cinnamon in the Spanish market
Get PDFCinnamon adulteration represents a significant threat to food authenticity, consumer health and market integrity. This study aimed to analyse the presence of Ceylon and Cassia cinnamon in supermarkets across the province
of Alicante (Spain) and identify markers to distinguish these species using spectrophotometry, chromatography,
and sensory analysis. Cinnamomum zeylanicum, was characterized by malic, butyric, sugars and monoterpenes,
while C. cassia by aldehydes, sesquiterpenes and coumarin. C. zeylanicum was mainly associated with “citrus”
aroma and high intensity, while C. cassia with “sweet” aroma. Four out of 52 volatiles (β-phellandrene, d-3-
carene, cryptone, and eugenol) were exclusive to C. zeylanicum and 9 (limonene, eucalyptol, endo-fenchol,
Δ-elemene, cyclosativene, 7-epi-sesquithujene, bisabolene, α-calacorene, and cadalene) were exclusive to
C. cassia ground cinnamon. Multivariate analysis revealed that only one of the 16 ground cinnamon samples from
the Spanish market closely resembled C. zeylanicum, one was a mix of both, and the remaining were identified as
C. cassia.Chromatographic equipment (GC-MS) was acquired thanks to Grant EQC2018–004170-P funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by ERDF A way of making Europe. The study was financed by the Generalitat Valenciana, Conselleria de Innovacion, ´ Universidades, Ciencia y Sociedad Digital project AICO/2021/326. Author Leontina Lipan has been funded by “Ministerio de Universidades” and the European-Union Next Generation EU within the frame of Grants for the Requalification of the Spanish University System, modality ‘Margarita Salas’.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Eleganolone, a diterpene isolated from seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata (Phaeophyceae, Fucales), protects neuronal cells from oxidative stress-induced damage
Get PDFThe brown seaweed Bifurcaria bifurcata has gained particular interest in recent years due to its abundance in bioactive linear diterpenes with potential high-value applications. Evidences suggests that oxidative stress is an important mediator of neurodegenerative disorders. In this research study, the aim was to evaluate the potential protective effect of eleganolone, diterpene isolated from the brown seaweed B. bifurcata, on oxidative stressed human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH). The protective effects of eleganolone on the oxidative stressed SH-SY5Y cells were measured by cell viability, cytotoxicity, oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidative enzyme activity assays, as well as associated intracellular signaling pathways. The mRNA expression of apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal development signaling pathway-related genes was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. Eleganolone prevented the elevation of oxidative stress markers, such as reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and caspase 3/7 activity, as well as induced an increase in reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzyme activities in a dose-dependent manner on oxidative stressed SH-SY5Y cells. Additionally, our data showed that eleganolone downregulated the expression of genes associated with apoptosis (BAX, BNIP3, p53, p38, APAF1), inflammation (NFKB1, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), oxidative stress (HO-1) and neuronal development (CAMK2A, WNT5A, WNT7A) pathways in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to oxidative stressor tert-BOOH. These findings suggest that eleganolone offers neuroprotective potential in ameliorating diverse pathological aspects associated with oxidative stress.This work was supported by the Project Ref. PID 2020-15979RR-C33 from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, Spain (Project/AEI/10.13039/501100011033).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Conservation of strain properties of bank vole-adapted chronic wasting disease in the absence of glycosylation and membrane anchoring
No full textPrion disease phenotypes (prion strains) are primarily determined by the specific misfolded conformation of the cellular prion protein (PrPC). However, post-translational modifications, including glycosyl phosphatidyl inositol (GPI) membrane anchoring and glycosylation, may influence strain characteristics. We investigated whether these modifications are essential for maintaining the unique properties of bank vole-adapted Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD-vole), the fastest known prion strain. Using a novel transgenic mouse model expressing I109 bank vole PrPC lacking the GPI anchor and largely devoid of glycans, we performed serial passages of CWD-vole prions. Despite elongated initial incubation periods, the strain maintained 100 % attack rate through three passages. Although the pathological phenotype showed characteristic GPI-less features, including abundant extracellular plaque formation, three subsequent serial passages in fully glycosylated and GPI-anchored bank vole I109 PrPC expressing transgenic mice TgVole (1×) demonstrated that the strain's distinctive rapid propagation properties were preserved. These findings suggest that neither GPI anchoring nor glycosylation are essential for maintaining CWD-vole strain properties, supporting the concept that strain characteristics are primarily encoded in the protein's misfolded structure.The present work was partially funded by three different grants awarded by “Agencia Estatal de Investigación, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación” (Spanish Government), grant numbers PID2021-122201OB-C21 and PID2021-1222010B-C22, and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). EFA031/01 NEURO-COOP, which is co-funded at 65 % by the European Union through Programa Interreg VI-A España-Francia-Andorra (POCTEFA 2021–2027). Additional funding was provided by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), grant number AC21_2/00024 as member of a JPND grant JPND-2021-650-130. Additionally, CICbioGUNE currently holds a Severo Ochoa Excellence accreditation, CEX2021-001136-S, also funded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033. Transgenic Facility, directed by M.A. S-M, is supported by Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), co-funded by the European Union grant PT23/00123. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Techno-functional and physico-chemical properties of high moisture extrudates from faba bean (Vicia faba) protein concentrate using different extrusion conditions
No full textThe objective of the present work was to investigate the effects of high moisture extrusion process conditions on the physico-chemical and techno-functional characteristics of high moisture extrudates (HME) elaborated from a faba bean (Vicia faba) protein concentrate (FBPC). First, the characterisation of the raw material based on commercial FBPC was performed to assess its potential for producing HME. The effects of the process conditions, specifically the extrusion cooking temperature (140–157 °C) and solid concentration (37.2–52.2 % w/w), on the physico-chemical characteristics and techno-functional properties of HME were then assessed using response surface methodology. FBPC at 40 and 50 % (w/v) allowed for obtaining gels with good water holding capacity and textural properties such as hardness, chewiness and elasticity. Significant second-order models were obtained for the response variables moisture, protein and fat content, colour parameters, water holding capacity, cooking loss and textural properties of extrudates. HME with the optimal techno-functional properties were obtained using extrusion temperatures of 143–150 °C with 50–52 % of FBPC. Extrudates obtained under these conditions showed acceptable textural properties and good water retention capacity. The results of this work can be useful in defining the appropriate conditions to develop meat analogues through high moisture extrusion technology.This research was financially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and by FEDER/UE, through the project “SENSANALOG” (reference number PID2021-122285OR-I00). We also acknowledge Spanish Ministry of Universities (MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) and to “ESF - Investing in your future” for financing Clara Barnés-Calle's predoctoral studies (grant number FPU20-04009); to the consolidated Research Group (2021 SGR 00461); and CERCA program from Generalitat de Catalunya. The authors also thank C. Rodríguez, O. Sempere, and A.M. Aymerich for their helpful technical assistance.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Evaluation of an alkaline hydrolysis method under atmospheric pressure for Category 1 animal by-products
Get PDFA new alternative method for the processing of entire bodies or body parts of pet animals (Category 1 animal by-products (ABPs)) was assessed. The method consists of an alkaline hydrolysis process under atmospheric pressure carried out in a batch system within a stainless-steel container at temperatures higher than 95.5°C for more than 14 h. Prions are the most resistant biological hazards potentially present in the material to be treated. The proposed method was assessed by the BIOHAZ Panel for its efficacy in achieving a reduction in prion infectivity by at least 6 log10 to be considered equivalent to the processing method laid down in Point A Section 2 Chapter IV Annex IV of Commission Regulation (EU) No 142/2011. The application focusses on demonstrating the capacity of the alternative method to inactivate prions by providing evidence from two studies applying matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation time of flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry to show the absence of peptides larger than 3 kDa after the treatment. The BIOHAZ Panel considers that these studies do not provide direct or indirect experimental evidence that the quantitative reduction of prion infectivity is achieved by the alternative method. Therefore, in the absence of quantitative estimation of prion infectivity reduction, the alternative method cannot be considered equivalent to the approved alkaline hydrolysis process.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Avaluació de nou material vegetal de sorgo farratger per millorar la qualitat de farratge davant una situació de canvi climàtic
No full textEl sorgo és actualment l’únic cultiu que pot esdevenir una alternativa al farratge de blat de moro davant un escenari d’escassetat d’aigua. Existeix una gran diversitat en les tipologies de sorgo, i s’ha de conèixer molt bé com es pot ajustar cada varietat a les necessitats de les explotacions. Els híbrids de sorgo per pasto en general mostren una major capacitat de rebrot i permeten fer un segon dall més productiu. Les varietats bmr mostren un contingut en lignina menor i una major digestibilitat del farratge. Els aprofitaments precoços aporten un major contingut en proteïna al farratge, i en els més tardans (gra lletós-pastós) augmenta una mica el contingut en midons.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Efeito da fertilização azotada no teor de gordura dos grãos de colza
No full textUm dos principais parâmetros de qualidade na cultura da colza é o teor de gordura do grão. Para além de um elevado rendimento, é importante que esta produção contenha um elevado teor de gordura. Há vários aspetos que podem influenciar o teor de gordura do grão de colza, e a fertilização azotada aplicada é um dos mais importantes. Quanto mais azoto aplicarmos, obteremos uma maior ou menor percentagem de gordura? Neste artigo damos a resposta.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
New insights into the epidemiology of Streptococcus suis in pig production systems using whole genome sequencing
Get PDFStreptococcus suis (S. suis) is a major pathogen for pigs, causing large economic losses to the swine industry. Moreover, this bacterium has a zoonotic potential, being capable of infecting humans in close contact with pigs or, less frequently, through contact with pork products. Given its importance in both veterinary and public health, S. suis remains a key topic of research. This study explores the genetic characteristics of 154 S. suis isolates obtained from clinical samples collected from pigs between 2018 and 2022. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) allowed a comprehensive analysis of the S. suis population in Spain, including detection of serotype, sequence type (ST), antimicrobial resistance genes, and virulence-associated genes. This approach also explored the vertical transmission of this pathogen through vertically integrated pyramids, as evidenced by associations between grandmother and mother sow farms, and phylogenetic groups, serotypes, and STs. Our analysis revealed that serotype 9 was the most prevalent in our strain collection, predominantly associated with ST123. Notably, the three most significant virulence genes, encoding the extracellular protein factor (EPF), the muramidase-release protein (MRP), and suilysin (SLY), were not consistently present in all clinical isolates. Regarding antimicrobial resistance, no phenotypic resistance was observed to ceftiofur or florfenicol, while observing low resistance to ampicillin (0.6 %) and enrofloxacin (2.6 %), intermediate resistance to penicillin (22.1 %), and high percentage of non-wild-type isolates to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (57.1 %), and doxycycline (96.1 %). The most prevalent antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) were tet(O) (85.1 %) and erm(B) (86.4 %), conferring resistance to tetracyclines and macrolides, respectively, although macrolides were not included in the phenotypic testing. Overall, this study provides key epidemiological insights into this significant systemic pathogen within the Spanish swine population. The findings underscore the importance of understanding sample origins, such as grandmother and mother sow farms, to develop an effective antimicrobial stewardship program for managing S. suis-associated diseases.This study was partially funded by AEMPS/PRAN with the European funds “Mecanismo de recuperación y resilencia (C18.I2.P3.S2)” and the CERCA program. Anna Vilaró is supported by the Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (AGAUR) of the Catalan Government though the industrial doctorate grant 2021DI 86. This study was carried out with the support of Grup de Sanejament Porcí, Lleida (GSP). The authors wish to thank the veterinary clinicians involved and Dr. Øysten Angen from Statens Serum Institute.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Danys per fred en cultius extensius. Quina incidència té la varietat?
Get PDFLes baixes temperatures dels dies 13, 14, 15 i successius han tingut una incidència variable segons zones de cultiu, espècies i estat del cultiu. En els casos més extrems les colzes amb menys de 2 fulles han sofert una pèrdua de planta del 100%, després l'espècie amb incidència més evident ha esta l'ordi en les zones de regadiu, després les colzes i el pèsol, el blat ha estat l'espècie menys afectada.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
Aptamer-antibody sandwich lateral flow test for rapid visual detection of tetrodotoxin in pufferfish
Get PDFTetrodotoxin (TTX) is a highly potent marine toxin which can cause severe poisoning following consumption of contaminated fish and seafood. Thus, a sensitive, reliable and simple test is required for rapid screening of samples and prevention of intoxication. Herein, we translated a previously reported microtiter plate hybrid aptamer-antibody assay into a rapid lateral flow assay (LFA) test. The test relies on an aptamer immobilized on the membrane and an antibody conjugated with gold nanoparticles to provide a visual result when TTX is present in the sample. The optimized test is simple (one-step), rapid (<20 min), highly sensitive (visual limit of detection of 0.3 ng/mL TTX in buffer corresponding to 0.78 mg TTX/kg tissue), specific, reproducible and with long storage life. It was validated by analyzing contaminated pufferfish tissue extracts and it successfully detected TTX below the current limits set by official bodies. The analysis performed with this device in combination with a simple LFA reader for quantification was in excellent agreement with other established methods, further demonstrating the value of this test as a simple, low-cost and reliable analytical tool to ensure food safety, protect human health, and broaden the knowledge on the correlation between biological parameters and environmental data.The present work has been funded by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación (MICIN) and Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI) through the CELLECTRA projects (PID2020-112976RB-C21 and PID2020-112976RB-C22). Ulises G. Díaz-Avello acknowledges MICIN and AEI for his PhD grant. Jaume Reverté acknowledges IRTA for his PhD grant (CPI0422).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio