Fertility and content of cadmium in pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) following cadmium intake in drinking water

In this study, the effects of cadmium applied per os on fertility, live weight of newly hatched chicks, and cadmium concentrations in some organs of young and adult pheasants were investigated. The metal was applied at the concentration of 1.5 mg Cd(2+)/L during 3 months. After the egg laying, the numbers of eggs laid, cracked, and unfertilized were determined and the live weights of newly hatched chicks were measured. The cadmium concentrations in liver, kidney, and muscle (m. pectoralis) of young and adult pheasants were analyzed. We found that cadmium exposure of the adults did not affect the number of eggs laid but resulted in more eggs being damaged. Hatchlings were significantly heavier in the cadmium-treated group (21.36 +/- 2.28 g) compared to the control group (20.91 +/- 1.97 g) 4 weeks after the cadmium intake. Higher cadmium concentrations were observed in the muscle and kidney tissue of newly hatched pheasants after 4 weeks compared to the cadmium-exposed groups after 8 and 12 weeks. The cadmium concentrations in kidneys and liver increased significantly in adult pheasants. The metal had accumulated especially in kidneys of the adult pheasants and reached levels up to 9.64 mg/kg wet weight 3 months after the daily cadmium intake in drinking water. The concentration in liver of the adults was 3.53 mg/kg wet weight.     

Lipophilic antioxidant content of almonds (Prunus dulcis): A regional and varietal study

This study investigated the fatty acid and tocopherol content of 24 almond samples (Prunus dulcis) mainly sourced from several regions in Australia, as well as Spain and the USA, to determine the influence of variety and region on linoleic acid and vitamin E content in particular. Considerable variation was observed not only in linoleic acid (15.7–29.9% of total lipids) and vitamin E (8.2–21.5 mg/100 g) content, but also in lipid (46.1–63.5 g/100 g), oleic acid (58.5–71.3% of total lipids), palmitic acid (5.9–7.5% of total lipids) and stearic acid (1.0–2.4% of total lipids) content. Tocol composition comprised α-tocopherol (8.0–20.9 mg/100 g), γ-tocopherol (0.08–0.59 mg/100 g), β-tocopherol (0.02–0.12 mg/100 g) and α-tocotrienol (0.01–0.30 mg/100 g). The influence of genotype and environment was evaluated and enabled identification of new selections, being No. 13 and 23, as almonds suited to growing conditions in Australian regions.     

Nutritional composition of Mutton bird (Puffinus griseus) meat

Mutton birds (Puffinus griseus) are wild seabird chicks traditionally harvested by Maori but available commercially for seasonal consumption in New Zealand. Little information is available on the nutritional content of the meat from these birds. Proximate analysis and amino and fatty acid composition of Mutton bird breast meat (MBBM) were measured over two harvesting seasons, 2007 and 2008. Protein content was lower, and fat and ash contents were higher (P < 0.05) in meat from birds harvested in 2008 (18.5, 13.0 and 11.7%, respectively) compared with that from 2007 (20.3, 11.8 and 10.3%, respectively). Higher lysine concentrations and lower proline, cysteine and methionine were found in MBBM compared with literature values for beef, lamb and pork. The essential amino acid content in Mutton bird (41.7 and 38.4% for 2008 and 2007, respectively) was slightly lower than those reported for common meats (42–43%). Palmitic, arachidonic, DHA, stearic, EPA, and oleic were the major fatty acids (FA) detected in MBBM and accounted for approximately 60% of the FA. The cholesterol concentration was not affected by season. Seasonal variations MBBM existed which may be of little nutritional consequence but might be a useful indicator for ecological events including changing feed availability.     

Proximate composition and fatty acid profile of edible tissues of Capoeta damascina (Valenciennes, 1842) reared in freshwater and brackish water

This study aimed to determine the proximate composition and fatty acid profile of edible tissues of Capoeta damascina reared in freshwater and brackish water. The Juveniles of freshwater originating C. damascina were acclimated to brackish water of different salinities (6, 12, and 24 g/l); and grown in same conditions as their counterparts in freshwater. Increase in salinity led to higher moisture and lower lipid content (P < 0.05) in muscle, but had no marked impact (P > 0.05) on proximate composition of liver. In both tissues, the contents of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-3 PUFAs were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while the content of total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by increase in salinity. The contents of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA, 20:5 n-3), docosahexanenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3), and arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while linoleic acid (18:2 n-6) and α-linolenic acid (18:3 n-3) were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) by salinity. Considering the contents of fatty acids in 100 g of edible portions, fillets of C. damascina reared in 6 and 12 g/l salinities as well as freshwater group were good sources of n-3 PUFAs particularly EPA and DHA.     

Nutritional content,mercury, and trace element analyses of two skate (Rajidae) species in the Gulf of Alaska

Seafood is recognized as an important source of proteins and long chain omega-3 fatty acids. However, one of the primary concerns with seafood consumption is the level of heavy metals, particularly mercury, present in fish tissues, which may influence the demand of certain fishery products. We sampled muscle and liver tissues from 20 big (Beringraja binoculata) and 20 longnose (Raja rhina) skates collected near Kodiak and Cordova, Alaska, and analyzed their nutritional content (protein, moisture and lipid content and fatty acid profiles), heavy metal (mercury, arsenic, cadmium, lead) and trace element (selenium) load. Big and longnose skate muscle was composed of lean protein (14.7% ± 0.7% SD) with 1.2% (±0.4%) lipids and 83% (±0.8%) moisture. Skate livers were very high in lipids, between 52.5 and 57.5% and had high percentages of omega-3 fatty acids (30.2%). Mercury in these skates had mean levels of 0.21 mg/kg, lower than average levels found in Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis). Overall, the risk/benefit ratio of consuming skate muscle was slightly positive (3.62%) based on the balance of mercury toxicity and omega-3 fatty acid benefits. Big skates were overall more beneficial to consume, and only longnose skates from Cordova had a negative risk/benefit ratio. These data can be used by the fishing industry to understand current and future market demands for skate products, and to be aware of any health concerns of consuming Gulf of Alaska skates.     

维生素E和不同脂肪酸对大鼠血糖、血脂及脂质过氧化水平的影响

目的观察维生素E和饱和脂肪酸、单不饱和脂肪酸、多不饱和脂肪酸对大鼠血糖、血脂及脂质过氧化物的影响.方法雄性SD大鼠48只随机分成6组,分别为猪油组、橄榄油组、橄榄油 维生素E组、葵花籽油组和猪油 维生素E组、葵花籽油 维生素E组.各组大鼠的饲料中脂肪占总能量的30.7%,蔗糖占总能量的14.8%,喂饲6周后采血测定大鼠血清葡萄糖耐量、胰岛素、总胆固醇(TG)、甘油三酯(TG)、高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)、血清丙二醛(MDA)、血清谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GSH-Px)和血清维生素E浓度.结果橄榄油组大鼠的血清TG、TC、空腹血糖、空腹胰岛素和餐后2 h血糖均显著低于猪油组;血清MDA低于葵花籽油组,血清GSH-Px、HDL-C高于葵花籽油组和猪油组(P＜0.05);葵花籽油 维生素E组和猪油 维生素E组大鼠的血清TC、TG、餐后2 h血糖、血清MDA均显著低于相应的未加维生素E组,血清维生素E、HDL-C、GSH-Px高于相应的未加维生素E组(P＜0.05).结论维生素E和单不饱和脂肪酸有利于正常的葡萄糖代谢,可能与降低血清TC、TG,减少脂质过氧化物的产生,减轻机体组织的胰岛素抵抗有关.     

Milk fat chemical composition of yak breeds in China

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and cholesterol contents in the milk from three yak breeds, Maiwa yak (n = 24), Zhongdian yak (n = 16) and Gannan yak (n = 16) and two yak crossbreeds, Maiwa yak × yellow cattle (n = 16) and Gannan yak × yellow cattle (n = 16). Statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the proportions of individual milk fatty acids were observed among the three yak breeds. The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) did not differ statistically (P > 0.05) among the three yak breeds. However, the percentage of total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in Zhongdian yak milk (4.82%) was significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in Maiwa (3.99%) and Gannan (3.68%) yak milks. The contents of α-linolenic acid (C18:3) and cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) were significantly different (P < 0.05) among the three yak breeds. The total SFAs, MUFAs and PUFAs were not significantly different (P > 0.05%) between the two yak crossbreeds. The cholesterol contents in milk samples from yak breeds and yak crossbreeds were found to be in the range 12.32-16.17 mg/100 g. Cholesterol contents in milk samples from yak breeds and yak crossbreeds were positively correlated with their fat contents.     

Variability in the fermentation index,polyphenols and amino acids of seeds of rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) during fermentation

The variability in the fermentation index, polyphenols, and amino acids of rambutan seeds was investigated during fermentation. Results revealed that fermentation index (FI) value ≥1 was achieved on the 4th day of fermentation. While fermentation significantly reduced the levels of total polyphenols (59%), tannin (60%), and saponins (33%), it seems to have a moderate effect on geraniin, corilagin, and a much stronger effect on ellagic, and gallic acids. During fermentation, variability in gallic acid, geraniin, corilagin, and ellagic acid did not show a consistent trend. In contrast, amino acids significantly decreased up to the second day of fermentation. Importantly, amino acids (phenylalanine, tyrosine and leucine) with characteristic bitter taste showed reductions of 20%, 30%, and 40%, respectively after 10 days of fermentation. Sucrose, which was the only sugar present in significant concentrations in unfermented seed, was significantly reduced by fermentation.     

Discriminant amino-acid components of Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) and Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) meat

Dromedary (Camelus dromedarius) and Bactrian (Camelus bactrianus) camels are close species and their hybrids fertile, but until now no comparative data on the nutrient composition of their meat has been available. Six muscle samples were collected from nine Bactrians and 10 dromedaries from Kazakhstan and the Sultanate of Oman, respectively. They were used for amino-acid pattern determination. The essential amino-acid index was higher for all muscles in the dromedary meat than in Bactrian meat with a mean value of 216.9 and 191.6, respectively, which is high compared to other red meats. The between-muscle variability was higher in dromedary than in Bactrian meat and was more important than the between-species variability. However, the two species were well discriminated on the second factor of the linear factorial discriminant analysis with 93.14% well-classed meat based on 7 discriminant amino-acid including 4 essential ones. The Bactrian camel meat was richer in proline and leucine and the dromedary camel meat in serine, tyrosine, histidine, threonine and arginine. In spite of these differences, both meats were characterized by their richness in methionine and leucine. Consequently, the dromedary and Bactrian meats could provide an excellent source of high-quality proteins for human consumers.     

Changes in the content and forms of vitamin K in processed foods

High intake of trans fatty acids has been linked to deleterious health effects including increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Since 2006, the Food and Drug Administration requires companies to label the trans fatty acid content of foods. This has resulted in an overall decrease of commercially-hydrogenated oils in the food supply. Hydrogenation of vitamin K (VK)-rich plant oils changes the form and content of VK. It is not known if changes in use of hydrogenated oil in the U.S. food supply resulted in a change in the forms and amount of VK in processed foods. To test this, we compared 253 foods for total and individual forms of VK in foods analyzed pre- and post-2006 as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Nutrient and Food Analysis Program. Overall, foods identified as rich sources of the hydrogenated form of VK pre-2006 (dihydrophylloquinone; dK) had lower amounts of dK post-2006 with a concomitant increase in the parent form of VK, phylloquinone. However, the range of dK was large within foods, suggestive of a wide range of current practices regarding use of hydrogenated oils in the U.S. food supply.     

Utilization of i-TRAQ technology to determine protein modifications in pork soup in response to addition of salt

During cooking of traditional Chinese meat-based soups, the presence or absence of salt creates a very different environment for the product during the cooking process, with potential nutritional effects. The protein profiles of soup included 2 % salt (Treated) and soup without salt (Control) were determined and showed significant proteolysis in the treated group. Proteolytic index of treated was 5 % higher than the control. 50.9 % of the differentially abundant proteins (112 proteins) shared in the comparison between control and treated groups using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification method. 13 collagen proteins were identified as up-regulated proteins. Some disease-related proteins were down-regulated. Some bioactive peptides may also be generated by protein degradation in response to salt. These results indicated that addition of salt did not result in a negative effect on the pork soup, and could be positively related to protein nutrition.     

Canola (Brassica napus) oil from Australian cultivars shows promising levels of tocopherols and carotenoids,along with good oxidative stability

A total of 156 commercial canola seed samples were collected from two growing seasons and tested for oil and protein content, glucosinolate concentration and kernel weight. Extracted oil samples were tested for the bioactive compounds: β-carotene (mean = 2.03 mg/kg), lutein (64.7), α-tocopherol (263), γ-tocopherol (378) and δ-tocopherol (8.94). A subset of 52 oil samples were analyzed for fatty acid profile (FAP) and oxidative stability. Canola cultivar was found to be the dominant influence on many traits, particularly carotenoids and tocopherols, indicating potential breeding opportunities. Previously unreported significant correlations were discovered between the two major carotenoids, lutein and β-carotene. Additionally, significant (p < 0.01) negative correlations existed between oil content and: β-carotene (r = −0.33), lutein (r = −0.23), α-tocopherol (r = −0.49), γ-tocopherol (r = −0.22), and δ-tocopherol (r = −0.30). Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was significantly (p < 0.01) positively correlated with carotenoid (r = 0.48) and tocopherol (r = 0.60) concentrations. Oxidative stability showed a weak negative correlation with total tocopherols (r = −0.38, p = 0.01) likely due to the over-riding influence of fatty acid profile on oxidative stability, indicating tocopherols may be more influential from a nutritional perspective rather than oil functionality.     

Proximate composition and lipid profile of red mullet (Mullus barbatus) from two sites of the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas (Italy): a seasonal differentiation

Proximate composition, unsaponifiable lipid components (cholesterol, squalene, tocopherols, all-trans retinol, total carotenoids) and fatty acid profile were evaluated on red mullet (Mullus barbatus) caught in the Central Tyrrhenian and Central Adriatic seas (Italy). The study was conducted in spring, the reproduction period, and in autumn, the period of maximum recruitment and market demand for this species. Results showed that, in fish from both sites, protein (18.1–18.8 g 100 g⁻¹), nonprotein nitrogen (0.32–0.35 g 100 g⁻¹), ash (1.27–1.42 g 100 g⁻¹) and cholesterol (56.8–73.7 mg 100 g⁻¹) contents were almost stable. Total lipid levels were highly variable, with very low levels in spring (0.96–1.48 g 100 g⁻¹) and high levels in autumn (7.28–8.72 g 100 g⁻¹). On a total fatty acids basis, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were significantly higher in spring (30–40% of total fatty acids), when fish was lean, than in autumn (20%), while monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly higher in autumn (35–38%) than in spring (18–29%). Saturated fatty acids were almost stable throughout the year (34–39% of total fatty acids). Red mullet from the two sites showed a good nutritional value; in particular they proved to be a good source of n-3 PUFA, which accounted for 75–80% of total PUFA, regardless of the fishing season. However, it was in autumn that red mullet exhibited the highest content of n-3 PUFA (>1000 mg 100 g⁻¹ wet fillet). The comparison of samples by geographical origin showed no difference in autumn, while slight differences were observed in spring.     

Analysis of Robusta coffee cultivated in agroforestry systems (AFS) by ESI-FT-ICR MS and portable NIR associated with sensory analysis

Electrospray ionization Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (ESI(±)FT-ICR MS) and portable micro near-infrared spectroscopy (microNIR), coupled to sensory analysis, were used to propose a new analytical methodology to observe the characteristics of Robusta coffees cultivated in agroforestry systems (AFS). Principal component analysis (PCA) chemometric models provided excellent discrimination of the samples analyzed by ESI(±)FT-ICR mass spectra for the ground coffee grains. Analysis of the spectra allowed for identification of the compounds responsible for distinguishing the samples grown with different intercropping AFS species. The microNIR results corroborated the ESI(-)FT-ICR MS data and the sensory analysis, by grouping together coffees grown in AFS intercropped with Gliricidia sepium and Inga edulis. The coupling of these analytical techniques shows promise in coffee quality control, presenting advantages such as collection at point analysis, speed, and analytical reliability.     

Analysis of protein amino acids,non-protein amino acids and metabolites,dietary protein,glucose, fructose,sucrose, phenolic,and flavonoid content and antioxidative properties of potato tubers,peels, and cortexes (pulps)

The composition and antioxidative activity of whole potato tubers from five Korean cultivars, three peels from one cultivar, and eight pulps (cortexes) after peeling from six different cultivars were evaluated. Whole tubers were sectioned into three parts followed by analysis of the peels and pulps of each part. The following characteristics were determined: the dimensions and water content of whole tubers; nutritional protein content consisting of protein and free amino acids by an automated Kjeldahl nitrogen assay; free non-protein amino acids, metabolites, and fructose, glucose, and sucrose content by HPLC; phenolic compounds by HPLC and LC/MS; total phenolics and flavonoids by colorimetry; and antioxidative properties by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP assays. The results demonstrate differences and similarities in the content of nutritional and bioactive compounds and in their bioactivities from whole potatoes, peels, and pulps. The present study reports for the first time the analysis of multiple potato nutrients and bioactive components as well the antioxidative properties of whole potatoes, peels, and pulps derived from the same tubers. The described methods are expected to facilitate the analysis of commercial and newly-developed potato cultivars, peels, and pulps and relate their composition and antioxidative activities to their reported nutritional, health-promoting, and industrial properties.     

The influence of different sample preparation procedures on the determination of fatty acid profiles of beef subcutaneous fat,liver and muscle by gas chromatography

Three sample preparation procedures for producing a solution of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) from the liver, subcutaneous fat and muscle of 9 bulls were compared. Fat was extracted from fresh samples using solvents under ambient (Folch) or high temperature and pressure (ASE) conditions. As an alternative to Folch, a one-step procedure carried out on freeze-dried samples (Jenkins) was used to produce FAME solutions. All methods involved mild acid-base transmethylation and in each case 9 samples of each tissue type were analyzed in duplicate, resulting in the quantification of 77 FAs. Equal amounts of total FAs were extracted with the different methods. The effect of the method on the FA profile was low in fat, intermediate in liver, and high in muscle. Compared with Folch, ASE resulted in higher saturated and monounsaturated FAs and fewer polyunsaturated FAs (PUFAs), and a lower relative incidence of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in muscle (>25%) and liver (17%). Jenkins had a smaller influence than Folch on PUFAs, and caused only a weak reduction in CLA (<3.4%). ASE tended to cause greater oxidation of PUFAs and unacceptable alterations to CLAs compared with Folch. The Jenkins procedure is a valid alternative to Folch when freeze-drying of samples is appropriate.     

Investigation of amino acids in wolfberry fruit (Lycium barbarum) by solid-phase extraction and liquid chromatography with precolumn derivatization

The aim of this work is to present a simple and sensitive reverse-phase liquid chromatography method for the determination and investigation of amino acids in wolfberry fruit (Lycium barbarum) after solid-phase extraction-derivatization. The method linearity, calculated for each amino acid, had a correlation coefficient higher than 0.9950, in concentrations ranged from 9.60 to 3.33 × 10³ μmol L⁻¹. The detection limits of amino acids were between 2.42 and 6.51 μmol L⁻¹. The calculated recoveries for amino acids in wolfberry fruit were from 87.3% to 97.1% and relative standard deviations were from 2.62% to 5.22%. The investigation illustrated that each tested wolfberry fruit contained at least 16 amino acids and the main amino acids were glutamic acid, aspartic acid, proline, alanine, serine, glycine, lysine, and tyrosine. The levels of amino acid in wolfberry fruit were varying from different areas.     

Triacylglycerols, fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acids in Italian Mozzarella di Bufala Campana cheese

Water buffalo Mozzarella di Bufala Campana, a protected designation of origin (PDO) cheese that complies with European Union legislation, has shown potential nutritional value for its conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content. In the current study, triacylglycerols (TAGs) and fatty acids (FAs) in commercial samples of Mozzarella di Bufala Campana were characterized over a 1-year period. The distribution of TAGs represented by CN, where N equals the number of carbon atoms, ranged between N = 24 and N = 56. The TAG and FA pattern in Mozzarella di Bufala Campana was similar to the pattern of the parent milk and the bovine counterparts. The data acquired over four seasons showed a significant difference between winter-spring and summer-autumn water buffalo milk fat composition. Using high-resolution gas chromatography, a cis9-trans11 C18:2 isomer was found to represent approximately 80% of the total CLA fraction.     

Nutrient composition of important fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to recommended nutrient intakes

Fish, in Bangladesh where malnutrition remains a significant development challenge, is an irreplaceable animal-source food in the diet of millions. However, existing data on the nutrient composition of fish do not reflect the large diversity available and have focused on only a few select nutrients. The purpose of this study was to fill the gaps in existing data on the nutrient profiles of common fish in Bangladesh by analysing the proximate, vitamin, mineral and fatty acid composition of 55 fish, shrimp and prawn species from inland capture, aquaculture and marine capture fisheries. When comparing species, the composition of nutrients of public health significance was diverse. Iron ranged from 0.34 to 19 mg/100 g, zinc from 0.6 to 4.7 mg/100 g, calcium from 8.6 to 1900 mg/100 g, vitamin A from 0 to 2503 μg/100 g and vitamin B12 from 0.50 to 14 μg/100 g. Several species were rich in essential fatty acids, particularly docosohexaenoic acid in capture fisheries species (86–310 mg/100 g). The potential contribution of each species to recommended nutrient intakes (RNIs) for pregnant and lactating women (PLW) and infants was calculated. Seven species for PLW and six species for infants, all from inland capture, and all typically consumed whole with head and bones, could potentially contribute ≥25% of RNIs for three or more of these nutrients, simultaneously, from a standard portion. This illustrates the diversity in nutrient content of fish species and in particular the rich nutrient composition of small indigenous species, which should guide policy and programmes to improve food and nutrition security in Bangladesh.     

Amino acids,major carotenoids and vitamin A activity of some traditional sauces consumed in the Far North Region of Cameroon

The aim of this study was to determine the amino acids major carotenoids and vitamin A activity in the 22 most frequently consumed traditional sauces in the Far North Region of Cameroon. Results showed that the most abundant amino acids in all sauces were glumatic acid (119–192 mg/g protein), aspartic acid (61.3–132 mg/g protein), leucine (34.5–99.2 mg/g protein) and phenylalanine (22.1–64.3 mg/g protein). High levels of amino acids were found in Gouboudou. Essential amino acids in most of the sauces represented up to 33% of total amino acids, indicating a good equilibrium between amino acids. Essential amino acids in most of these sauces met the recommended children requirement of the FAO/WHO/UNU for children 1–2 years old, except methionine and cysteine. Methionine + cysteine and lysine were the limiting amino acids in these sauces. Carotenoids and vitamin A activity (0.02–0.15 mg retinol activity equivalents/100 g dry weight) were present only in small quantities in all sauces when compared with other African sauces.