Effects of ultrasound on the structural and functional properties of sheep bone collagen

Changes in physicochemical properties and formation process of colloidal nanoparticles (CNPs) during the lamb soup stewing

Colloidal nanoparticles (CNPs), as carriers of nutrients, naturally exist in food or form during cooking. In this study, the colloidal properties, structures, rheological properties, and chemical composition location of CNPs were analyzed during 15 min to 5 h lamb soup stewing. With the increasing stewing time, the particle size and absolute value of the zeta potential of CNPs increased, indicating that CNPs became more stable. As the stewing time increased, the blue-shifted Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy absorption peaks and the red-shifted fluorescence spectroscopy absorption peaks certificated the structural changes in CNPs. And α-helix and β-turn content decreased, while β-sheet and random coil content increased in processing, potentially resulting in the opening CNPs structures. In addition, our findings revealed that proteins were encapsulated within the lipids in the inner part, while carbohydrates were dispersed in the outermost layers of the CNPs with a phospholipid bilayer.

Effect of high-intensity ultrasound on the structural and functional properties of proteins in housefly larvae (Musca demestica)

Insect protein has gradually attracted wide attention from the international research community as a promising source of high-quality protein that can replace traditional protein sources. The larvae of the housefly, a prevalent and widespread species, contain high levels of protein with beneficial properties, namely, anti-fatigue, anti-radiation, and anti-aging functions, as well as liver protection and immunity enhancement. This work thoroughly examined the impact of high-intensity ultrasound (HIUS) on the structural and functional characteristics of housefly larval concentrate protein (HLCP). HLCP samples were sonicated for 20 min at a frequency of 20 kHz with varying energies (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 W). The findings demonstrated that sonication considerably altered the secondary and tertiary structures of HLCP but had no effect on molecular weight. With an increase in ultrasonic power, HLCP's particle size shrank, more hydrophobic groups were exposed, more free sulfhydryl groups were present, the solution's stability improved, and HLCP's solubility rose. In addition, HLCP's emulsification and foaming abilities were improved by HIUS treatment. It is anticipated that this study's findings will offer fresh insights into the implementation of HLCP in the food sector.

Pulse wave Doppler ultrasound of umbilical cord in experimentally induced pregnancy toxemia in sheep

Contrary to its widespread use in human cases, the use of Doppler ultrasonography is only recently becoming prevalent in farm animals. This study aimed to determine the effects of maternal metabolic and clinical changes on fetal hemodynamics during pregnancy toxemia with the doppler examination of umbilical cord. In the study twenty ewes with a single healthy fetus were included in the study. At the end of the 120th day of pregnancy, 20 single-bearing pregnant ewes were randomly categorized into two groups. Ewes in the control group were fed to meet all nutritional requirements. On the other contrary, the experimental ewes were fed to meet equivalent to 50 % of the daily needs and then fasted for 96 h. Doppler ultrasonographic examinations of umbilical cord were performed once every two days and once a day during fasting. Beta hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) concentration was measured by taking blood from sheep on examination days. Pulse systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), PSV/EDV, pulsatility index (PI), resistance index (RI), and fetal heart rate (FHR) as well as BHBA values and how those parameters has changed over time (time by treatment effect) due to energy deprivation during pregnancy were evaluated using repeated measure analysis of variance. No clinical signs were observed in both toxemia and control groups during restricted feeding. BHBA concentration increased and there was a significant time, time by treatment and main effect of treatment effect between groups. No significant main effect of treatment and time by treatment interaction was observed in the changes of PI, RI, FHR, and systolic/diastolic velocity values over time in both groups. FHR was reduced over time, and there was a significant time effect in FHR in both groups. Although doppler indices didn't increase, both PSV and EDV values increased significantly in the pregnancy toxemia group compared with the controls (Time P = 0.03, time by treatment interaction P < 0.05) and the main effect of treatment P < 0.05). The marked increase in blood velocities (PSV and EDV) in the umbilical cord is probably due to the compensatory functioning for excessive energy deprivation of the fetus. Therefore, PSV and EDV might be a valuable indicator for evaluating the fetus's health status during the management of the PT.