Behavior of endo-xylanases on wheat milling products in relation with variable solid loading conditions

To investigate the incubation conditions encountered by enzymes in cereal-based product transformation processes, this study aims to provide comprehensive information on the effect of low (18 %) to high (72 %) solid loading on the behavior of bacterial and fungal xylanases towards wheat grain fractions, i.e. white flour, ground whole grain and bran. Both enzymes are effective from 30 % water content. A water content of 50 % appears as the threshold for optimal arabinoxylan solubilisation. The specificity of enzymes was influenced by low hydration conditions, particularly in wheat bran, which contains arabinoxylan with diverse structures. Especially the bacterial xylanase became more tolerant to arabinose substitution as the water content decreased. Time Domain-NMR measurements revealed four water mobility domains in all the fractions. The water populations corresponding to 7.5 nm to 15 nm pores were found to be the most restrictive for enzyme activity. These results define the water content limits for the optimal xylanase action in cereal products.

Particle size of insoluble fibres and gelation of soluble fibres influence digesta passage rate throughout the gastrointestinal tract of finishing pigs

Fibres, as abundant in agricultural by-products, exhibit a large range of physicochemical properties that can influence digestive processes such as digesta mean retention time (MRT), thereby affecting nutrient digestion kinetics. In this study, we investigated the effects of particle size of insoluble fibres, and gelation of soluble fibres on MRT of liquids, fine solids, and fibrous particles in the different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of pigs. Twenty-four boars (51.6 ± 4.90 kg) were allocated to four diets; two diets contained 15% wheat straw, either coarsely chopped or finely ground (1-mm screen), two diets contained 27% wheat bran without or with the addition of 10% low-methylated pectin. After 14 days of adaptation to the diet, a total collection of faeces was performed to determine the total tract digestibility of nutrients. Thereafter, pigs were fed diets supplemented with tracers for at least 5 days and dissected following a frequent feeding procedure to approach steady-state passage of digesta. The MRT of liquids (Co-EDTA), fine solids (TiO2), and fibrous particles (Chromium-mordanted fibres) in the different segments of the GIT were quantified. In the stomach, particle size reduction of straw decreased the MRT of fine solids by 02:39 h, and fibrous particles by 07:21 h (P < 0.10). Pectin addition to the wheat bran diet reduced the MRT of fine solids by 03:09 h, and fibrous particles by 07:10 h (P < 0.10), but not of liquids, resulting in less separation between digesta phases in the stomach compared with the bran diet (P < 0.05). In the mid-small intestine (SI), pectin addition reduced the MRT of fibrous particles and the separation between fibrous particles and fine solids. No further effects of particle size reduction of straw nor pectin addition on MRT and digestibility of starch, nitrogen, or fat were observed in the SI. In the large intestine (LI), particle size reduction of straw reduced separation between fibrous particles and fine solids (P < 0.10), while pectin addition had no effects. Total tract, non-starch polysaccharide degradation of straw was poor (∼31%), and unaffected by particle size reduction (P > 0.10). The complete fermentation of pectin did not influence the degradation of wheat bran fibres (∼51%). In conclusion, the effects of particle size of insoluble fibres and gelling properties of soluble fibres on the passage of digesta phases were most pronounced in the stomach, but less prominent in distal segments of the GIT.

An effective moisture interference correction method for maize powder NIR spectra analysis

The detection of maize starch content is of great significance for maize processing industry and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an ideal rapid detection technology. However, the interference of moisture in maize is a bottleneck problem that affects the accuracy of NIRS quantitative analysis. In this study, we proposed methods based on external parameter orthogonalization (EPO) combined with wavelength selection algorithms to bring more accurate analytical results. Two groups of maize starch samples with different moisture content distributions were investigated to compare the predictive performance of NIRS models. The results showed that the model built using EPO combined with the synergy interval partial least squares (EPO-siPLS) algorithm exhibited the superior prediction accuracy, whose RMSEP/RMSEPck is improved by 9.7 % compared with that of siPLS model, 25.3 % compared with that of EPO-PLS, and 45.8 % compared with that of the PLS model. This study provides a more accurate and robust new method for rapid detection of maize starch and offers new insights for its application.

Wild edible yams from Madagascar: New insights into nutritional composition support their use for food security and conservation

Yams (Dioscorea species) are an important food resource in Madagascar, where both cultivated winged yam (D. alata) and wild edible yams are consumed. However, there is limited knowledge on the nutrient composition of wild edible yams in Madagascar, and on how they compare with the cultivated winged yam. Therefore, in this study, nine wild edible yam species, one with two subspecies from Madagascar (D. bako, D. buckleyana, D. irodensis, D. maciba, D. orangeana, D. pteropoda, D. sambiranensis subsp. bardotiae and subsp. sambiranensis, D. seriflora, and Dioscorea species Ovy valiha), were analyzed for their nutrient composition, compared with cultivated D. alata. They include 6/6 of the most favored wild edible yam species in Madagascar. New nutrient composition data (protein, carbohydrate/starch, energy, lipid, β-carotene, and minerals) are presented for these nine wild edible yam species. The results show that they contain comparable levels of lipids and starch to D. alata, but none are better sources of protein than D. alata. The results show that D. irodensis contains a significantly higher β-carotene content when compared to all other edible yams analyzed, and that D. buckleyana, D. irodensis, and D. sambiranensis subsp. bardotiae have a higher calcium content than cultivated D. alata, while all nine wild edible yam species analyzed contain a higher iron content, compared to cultivated D. alata. The nutrient composition data presented could provide new incentives to conserve wild edible yams and inform on strategies to select Dioscorea species for sustainable cultivation and use, providing opportunities to enhance future food security in Madagascar.

Starch-ascorbyl palmitate inclusion complex, a type 5 resistant starch, reduced in vitro digestibility and improved in vivo glycemic response in mice

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) has become a major public health concern worldwide. Slowly digested or indigestible carbohydrates such as resistant starch (RS) are associated with a low glycemic index (GI) and the decreased risk of developing T2D. Recently, starch inclusion complexes (ICs) have raised attention due to their thermally stable structure and high RS content. In this study, starch-ascorbyl palmitate (AP) ICs were produced using two different methods with hydrothermal treatments performed, and their in vitro digestion kinetics and in vivo glycemic response in C57BL/6J mice were investigated to determine their potential as a new type of RS, i.e., RS5. After treatments of annealing followed by acid hydrolysis (ANN-ACH), IC samples produced by both methods retained V-type crystalline structure. Either in their raw or treated conditions, V6h-AP ICs prepared using the "empty" V-type method exhibited a more favorable hydrolysis pattern as compared to its counterpart produced by the DMSO method in terms of a lower hydrolysis rate and equilibrium concentration (C∞) (p < 0.05). From the in vitro results, the ANN-ACH treated V6h-AP IC exhibited an estimated GI (eGI) value of 54.83, falling within the range of low GI foods and was the lowest among all tested samples (p < 0.05). Consistent with the in vitro digestion kinetics, the in vivo results showed that mice fed with ANN-ACH V6h-AP IC exhibited a modest glycemic response as evidenced by the lowest increase in postprandial blood glucose and AUC blood glucose (p < 0.05). In addition, the in vivo GI of the ANN-ACH V6h-AP IC (39.53) was the lowest among all the sample treatments and was even lower than that of the RS2 comparison (56, p < 0.05), indicating its more pronounced effect in modulating the postprandial glycemic response in mice and great potential as a new RS5.

The study on the feasibility of dietary supplementation with dimethyl silicone oil to prevent frothy rumen bloat in goats fed with high concentrate diets

The current study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of high concentration diet (HCD) supplementation with Dimethyl Silicone Oil (DSO) to prevent frothy rumen bloat in goats. The treatments were control group (group C, feeding HCD) and test group (group T, feeding HCD supplemented with 0.1%DSO). The results showed that compared with the group C, the ruminal pH value, Microbial Crude Protein content of group T was extremely significantly higher (p < 0.01), the levels of acetic acid and propionic acid were significantly (p < 0.05) and extremely significantly (p < 0.01) lower in group T, respectively. The foam production and foam strength of the rumen fluid in the group T was extremely significantly lower (p < 0.01), the viscosity was extremely significantly (p < 0.01) higher than those of group C. The total gastrointestinal apparent digestibility of various nutrients, the rumen microbial relative abundance at the phylum level and genus level were not significantly different (p > 0.05). The results indicated that the supplementation of 0.1% DSO in HCD can significantly eliminate foam of the rumen fluid, and didn't disturb the ruminal microorganisms, no negatively affect on digestibility of nutrients in goats, thereby has the application prospect of preventing frothy rumen bloat.

Effect of dietary concentrate level on digestibility of nutrients in each region of the gastrointestinal tract and rumen fermentation in goats

This study evaluated the effects of high concentrate diets (HCD) on the rumen fermentation and the digestibility of nutrients in different sites of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in goats. Four goats were used in a crossover design. The goats were fitted with a ruminal cannula and flexible T-cannulae proximal duodenum and terminal ileum. Treatments were as follows: low concentrate group (LCG) and high concentrate group (HCG). Duodenal flow and forestomach digestibility of starch were significantly higher in the HCG than those in the LCG (p < 0.05); There was no significant difference in ileum flow and digestibility of starch in the small intestine, large intestine and total GIT (p > 0.05). The digestibility of crude protein (CP) in the forestomach was significantly higher in the HCG than in the LCG (p < 0.05); the flow of the duodenum and ileum of CP, and the CP digestibility of the small intestine, large intestine and total GIT were not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). The duodenal and ileal flow of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), the NDF digestibility of the different segments and total GIT were not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). Compared to the LCG, the ruminal pH of the HCG was significantly lower (p < 0.05). The HCG concentrations of microbial crude protein, ammonia nitrogen and isovaleric acid were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the LCG. The foam strength, foam production and viscosity of the rumen fluid in the HCG were higher than the LCG (p < 0.01). These results showed that when the goats were fed with HCD, the digestibility of nutrients was not significantly impaired, but the risk of frothy rumen bloat increased. ImplicationsDue to a serious shortage of high-quality roughage in China, producers commonly used a high-concentrate diet in ruminants, which can improve animal production performance.Gastrointestinal digestive function plays a vital role in the absorption of nutrients and the healthy growth of animals.Therefore, this research evaluated the digestibility of various nutrients in different segments of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) under HCD feeding by using three-site cannula goats as experimental animals.The results indicated that the GIT of goats could fully digest nutrients such as starch and protein under HCD feeding conditions.

Efficient proteome-wide identification of transcription factors targeting Glu-1: A case study for functional validation of TaB3-2A1 in wheat

High-molecular-weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS), a major component of seed storage proteins (SSP) in wheat, largely determine processing quality. HMW-GS encoded by GLU-1 loci are mainly controlled at the transcriptional level by interactions between cis-elements and transcription factors (TFs). We previously identified a conserved cis-regulatory module CCRM1-1 as the most essential cis-element for Glu-1 endosperm-specific high expression. However, the TFs targeting CCRM1-1 remained unknown. Here, we built the first DNA pull-down plus liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry platform in wheat and identified 31 TFs interacting with CCRM1-1. TaB3-2A1 as proof of concept was confirmed to bind to CCRM1-1 by yeast one hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Transactivation experiments demonstrated that TaB3-2A1 repressed CCRM1-1-driven transcription activity. TaB3-2A1 overexpression significantly reduced HMW-GS and other SSP, but enhanced starch content. Transcriptome analyses confirmed that enhanced expression of TaB3-2A1 down-regulated SSP genes and up-regulated starch synthesis-related genes, such as TaAGPL3, TaAGPS2, TaGBSSI, TaSUS1 and TaSUS5, suggesting that it is an integrator modulating the balance of carbon and nitrogen metabolism. TaB3-2A1 also had significant effects on agronomic traits, including heading date, plant height and grain weight. We identified two major haplotypes of TaB3-2A1 and found that TaB3-2A1-Hap1 conferred lower seed protein content, but higher starch content, plant height and grain weight than TaB3-2A1-Hap2 and was subjected to positive selection in a panel of elite wheat cultivars. These findings provide a high-efficiency tool to detect TFs binding to targeted promoters, considerable gene resources for dissecting regulatory mechanisms underlying Glu-1 expression, and a useful gene for wheat improvement.

Adult and elderly in vitro digestibility patterns of proteins and carbohydrates as affected by different commercial bread types

Carbohydrate and protein digestibility were assessed in different commercial bread types, i.e., soft, durum, and whole wheat, by applying in vitro digestion protocols mimicking adult or elderly physiological conditions. Protein digestibility was measured after the gastric and intestinal phases by the o-phthalaldehyde spectrophotometric assay (OPA). Carbohydrate digestibility was assessed by determining the incremental area under glucose curve during the intestinal phase of digestion to estimate the glycaemic index (GI_e). Finally, the correlation between protein and carbohydrate digestibility was computed. Bread proteins presented a high gastric resistance, with a digestibility < 10% in all cases while after the intestinal phase, protein digestibility increased, ranging from 40 to 70%. Protein digestibility was affected both by formulation, with whole wheat bread presenting the lowest values, and by physiological conditions, with restrained digestibility under elderly conditions compared to adult ones. The GI_e decreased in the order durum > soft > whole, under both adult (119, 101, and 82, respectively) and elderly (107, 93, and 65, respectively) conditions. The extent of differences under different physiological settings varied depending on the bread type, without significant changes for soft wheat bread (ΔGI_e = 8), whereas elderly conditions significantly reduced GI_e both for durum (ΔGI_e = 12) and whole (ΔGI_e = 17) wheat bread. An almost strong positive correlation between protein digestibility and GI_e was observed (p = 0.69), indicating that concomitantly addressing sarcopenia and type 2 diabetes can only be pursued by a compromise solution or more desirably requires identifying technological strategies to maximize protein digestibility while restraining the glycaemic response.

The impact of the soluble protein fraction and kernel hardness on wheat flour starch digestibility

Wheat is the staple crop for 35% of the world's population, providing a major source of calories, mainly in the form of starch. The digestibility of wheat starch varies between different flours and products. Wheat products that are rapidly digested elicit large post-prandial glucose peaks associated with metabolic disorders. We investigated the impact of protein on starch digestion in three commercial flours with different grain hardness. A soluble extract of wheat proteins reduced starch digestion, even following gastric proteolysis. This extract was enriched in proteinaceous α-amylase inhibitors which were partially degraded during gastric proteolysis. Starch digestion kinetic analysis was carried out for flour samples pre-treated with different pepsin activities. The rate of starch digestion was altered following pepsin pre-digestion, and the extent of starch digestion increased in response to pepsin pre-digestion. We conclude that soluble proteinaceous alpha-amylase inhibitors present in wheat can escape gastric digestion and significantly contribute to reducing starch digestion in the small intestine.

Dry heating, moist heating, and microwave irradiation of cold-climate-adapted barley grain-Effects on ruminant-relevant carbohydrate and molecular structural spectral profiles

Different feed processing techniques affect barley digestibility and nutrient utilization in ruminants. To our knowledge, there are few studies on the interactive relationship between carbohydrate molecular structure profiles of cool-season-adapted barley grain and nutritional characteristics for ruminants. The objectives of this study were: (1) to investigate the effect of different technological processing methods on carbohydrate chemical profiles, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System-carbohydrate subfractions, ruminal and intestinal carbohydrate digestion of barley grain in dairy cows; (2) to study the effect of heat processing on carbohydrate molecular structure of barley grain using advanced molecular spectroscopy; and (3) to associate processing-induced changes in carbohydrate molecular structure with changes in carbohydrate metabolic profiles in dairy cows. Barley grain samples collected from Crop Research Field in Western Canada underwent four different processing treatments: control, dry heating (120°C for 60 min in an air-ventilated oven), moist heating (120°C for 60 min in an autoclave), and microwave irradiation (900 W and 2450 MHz for 5 min in a microwave). The heating conditions used in the current study induced some changes in rumen-degradable and -undegradable digestible fibre (CB3) fraction. Intestinally digestible CB3 was decreased after moist heating. Moist heating decreased starch digestibility compared to the other three treatments. The processing-induced carbohydrate molecular structure changes, which was revealed by advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopic technique (attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared), could be used to predict carbohydrate nutritional value.

Interconnection between protein-related chemical functional group spectral features of prairie oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties and ruminant relevant nutrition-Degradation, intestinal digestion and true nutrient supply to dairy cows

To our knowledge, the study interconnection between inherent chemical functional group spectral features and nutrient utilisation is still limited. The objective of this study was to test the adequacy of vibrational Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy as a fast tool to assess the interactive relationship between the nutritive value of the Prairie cool-season oat (Avena sativa L.) varieties in dairy cows and inherent chemical functional group spectral features. The chemical functional group spectral features of the Prairie cool-season oat varieties in western Canada were determined by Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance spectroscopy. The protein-related spectral parameters of chemical functional groups included peak height and peak area intensity of Amide I, Amid II, protein structural α-helix and β-sheet, and their ratios. The rumen degradation kinetics were determined using in situ techniques with four rumen-canulated lactating dairy cows. The intestinal digestion was evaluated using a three-step in vitro technique with 12 h preincubation. The experiment was an randomized complete block design. The data were analysed using the mixed-model procedure of the Statistical Analysis System. The results showed that the interconnection between rumen degradation kinetics, intestinal digestion and true nutrient supply to dairy cows and protein-related chemical functional group spectral features could be revealed by ATR-FTIR with univariate and multi-variate spectral analyses. These findings indicate that ruminant relevant nutritive value of cool-season oats could be rapidly evaluated and predicted using oat-specific functional group spectral characteristics which could be obtained by a non-distractive bioanalytical tool of ATR-FTIR spectroscopy.

Effects of composition, thermal, and theological properties of rice raw material on rice noodle quality

The study aims to evaluate the relationships between characteristics of regional rice raw material and resulting quality of rice noodles. Four of most commonly used rice cultivars in Guangxi for noodles production were investigated. The results showed that compositions of rice flour primarily affected gelatinization and retrogradation, which then influenced the textural and sensory properties of rice noodles. Amylose content had strong positive correlation with peak viscosity (PV) and trough viscosity (TV) of rice flour (P < 0.01). PV and TV had strong negative correlations with adhesive strength (P < 0.01) and positive correlations with chewiness (P < 0.05), hardness, peak load and deformation at peak of rice noodles (P < 0.01). Protein content had positive correlation with the Setback of rice flour (P < 0.05), which is known to have influences on retrogradation. In addition, solubility had positive correlations with cooking loss (P < 0.01) and broken rate (P < 0.05) of rice noodles and strong negative correlation with its springiness (P < 0.01). Swelling power had negative correlation with broken rate (P < 0.05). As sensory score of rice noodles was negatively correlated with broken rate (P < 0.05) and cooking loss (P < 0.01) and positively correlated with springiness (P < 0.01), solubility and swelling power of rice flours were presumed to be useful for predicting consumer acceptability of rice noodles.

Biorefinery of apple pomace: New insights into xyloglucan building blocks

Within the apple pomace biorefinery cascade processing framework aiming at adding value to an agroindustrial waste, after pectin recovery, this study focused on hemicellulose. The structure of the major apple hemicellulose, xyloglucan (XyG), was assessed as a prerequisite to potential developments in industrial applications. DMSO-LiCl and 4 M KOH soluble hemicelluloses from pectin-extracted apple pomace were purified by anion exchange chromatography. XyG structure was assessed by coupling xyloglucanase and endo-β-1,4-glucanase digestions to HPAEC and MALDI-TOF MS analyses. 71.9% of pomaces hemicellulose were recovered with starch. DMSO-LiCl and 4 M KOH soluble XyG exhibited Mw of 19 and 140 kDa, respectively. Besides the XXXG, XLXG, XXLG, XXFG, XLFG and XLLG structures, novel oligosaccharides with degree of polymerization of 6-10 were observed after xyloglucanase digestion. Cellobiose and cellotriose were revealed randomly distributed in XyG backbone and were more present in DMSO-LiCl soluble XyG. Residual pomace remains a potential source of other materials.

Preparation and Characterization of Methyl Jasmonate Microcapsules and Their Preserving Effects on Postharvest Potato Tuber

Potato tubers tend to sprout during long-term storage, resulting in quality deterioration and shortened shelf life. Restrictions on the use of chlorpropham, the major potato sprout suppressant, have led to a need to seek alternative methods. In this study, the effects of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) solutions and MeJA microcapsules on sprouting and other key quality attributes of the potato tuber were investigated. The results showed that the MeJA solution was most effective at 300 μmol L⁻¹ according to TOPSIS analysis. To prepare MeJA microcapsules, the optimal formulation is with 0.04% emulsifier, 2.5% sodium alginate, 0.5% chitosan and 3% CaCl₂. Compared to 300 μmol L⁻¹ MeJA solution, MeJA microcapsules consumed a lower dose of MeJA but demonstrated a better retaining effect on the overall quality attributes of potato tubers. MeJA microcapsules are promising agents for the preservation of postharvest potato tubers.

Effects of dietary inclusion of cassava starch-extraction-residue meal on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, and yolk fatty acid profile in laying ducks

This study was designed to evaluate the effects of different dietary levels of cassava starch extraction residue meal (CReM) on egg production, egg quality, oxidative status, egg yolk fatty acid profile, and hepatic expression of fatty acid metabolism-related genes. In total, 288 Longyan laying ducks aged 21 wk with similar BW were randomly assigned to 4 dietary treatments, each consisting of 6 replicates of 12 birds. The birds were fed a typical corn-soybean meal diet, which contained 0% (control), 5%, 10%, and 15% CReM, mainly replacing wheat bran, and the experiment lasted for 16 wk. The tested CReM levels did not show significant effects on the egg production, nonmarketable egg percentage, egg weight, daily egg mass, and FCR (g feed: g egg), but daily feed intake was reduced with increased CReM level (linear P < 0.001, quadratic P < 0.05). Yolk color increased (linear and quadratic, P < 0.01) with the increase in CReM level, but the Haugh unit, yolk proportion, albumen proportion, shell proportion, eggshell thickness, and eggshell strength were unaffected. Yolk contents of C11:0 and C12:0 (linear, quadratic, P < 0.01) and total saturated fatty acids increased, and the C22:1 level decreased (linear P < 0.01, quadratic P < 0.05) with the increase in CReM level, but the total monounsaturated fatty acids, the individual and total polyunsaturated fatty acids and n−6 and n−3 fatty acids, triglycerides, and total cholesterol in egg yolk were not affected. Hepatic gene expression revealed a significant increase in peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ (linear, quadratic, P < 0.001), but the expression of fatty acid synthase, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 and apolipoprotein A1 genes were unaffected by CReM level. In conclusion, the results of the current study indicated that the CReM could be included up to 15% in laying duck diets without negative effects on the egg-laying rate, egg quality, and oxidative status. Dietary inclusion of CReM increased the yolk content of total saturated fatty acids and SOD activity in the liver.

Assessment of blood and productive parameters in mid-lactation dairy cows fed different diets: replacement of corn silage with triticale silage

Corn crops require large amounts of resources that affect the environmental sustainability of dairy cow farming systems. The aim of the study was thus to investigate the effects of the replacement of corn silage (CS) with triticale silage (TS) by evaluating blood and productive parameters. The study lasted 7 weeks and involved two groups of 20 Italian Holstein Friesian dairy cows that were homogeneous in terms of parity (3±1.5), days in milk (DIM) (150±85.0), and daily milk production (26±4.6 kg).

Chemical analysis of feeds was carried out weekly. Dry-matter intake was estimated daily. At the beginning and end of the trial, haematological, metabolic, and immunological parameters were analysed. At the same, time body weight and body condition score were measured. Milk characteristics were also analysed weekly. Statistical analysis was performed by ANOVA on data of the second sampling, and a non-parametric test was performed to analyse BCS.

Regarding the haematological parameters in the two groups, only lymphocyte values were not in the normal range (2.86 and 2.50×109 L for CS and TS, respectively). Metabolic parameters were in the normal range except for blood ureic nitrogen (BUN; 13.65 and 14.04 mgdL-1), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs; 21.40 and 31.93 µmolL-1), and Cl (91.99 and 93.50 mmolL-1). Hair cortisol was low (0.94 and 0.91 pgmg-1), indicating the absence of stress signs, as confirmed by the results of other immunological parameters (serum lysozyme (SL), bactericidal activity (SBA), haptoglobin (HP), and oxygen free radicals (OFRs)).

Statistical differences were not found either for haematological or biochemical parameters. The total replacement of CS with TS did not affect milk yield and composition.

In conclusion, the replacement of CS by TS did not give rise to significant modifications in the parameters investigated and did not alter the health status of the animals, thus suggesting the feasibility of its introduction into the diet of mid-lactation dairy cows.

Ancient Caucasian Wheats: A Contribution for Sustainable Diets and Food Diversity

Through the centuries, the domestication and modern breeding of wheat led to a significant loss of genetic variation in the cultivated gene pool with a consequent decrease in food diversity. Current trends towards low-input and sustainable agriculture call for the revitalization and exploitation of ancient wheats, which represent a reservoir of biodiversity useful to ensure sustainable wheat production in the context of climate change and low-input farming systems. Ancient Caucasian wheat species, such as the hulled wheats Triticum timopheevii (tetraploid A^uA^uGG) and Triticum zhukovskyi (hexaploid A^uA^uA^mA^mGG), are still grown to a limited extent in the Caucasus for the production of traditional foods. These Caucasian wheats were grown in Italy and were analyzed for physical, nutritional and technological characteristics and compared to durum wheat. Both Caucasian species revealed a high protein content (on average 18.5%) associated with a low gluten index, mainly in T. zhukovskyi, and test weight values comparable to commercial wheats. The total antioxidant capacity was revealed to be the double of that in durum wheat, suggesting the use of ancient Caucasian wheats for the production of healthy foods. Finally, the technological and rheological results indicated that Caucasian wheats could be potential raw material for the formulation of flat breads, biscuits and pasta.

Metabolic Response of Malus domestica Borkh cv. Rubin Apple to Canopy Training Treatments in Intensive Orchards

In this study, we used apple tree (Malus domestica Borkh.) cv. Rubin grafts on dwarfing P60 rootstock. Our planting scheme was single rows with 1.25 m between trees and 3.5 m between rows. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of canopy training treatments, as a stress factor, on metabolic response to obtain key information on how to improve physiological behavior and the management of the growth and development of apple trees. The results indicated that all applied canopy training treatments significantly increased the total phenol and total starch contents in apple tree leaves. The total starch increased from 1.5- to almost 3-fold in all treatments, especially during the 2017 harvesting season, compared to the control. The fructose, sorbitol, and ratio of chlorophyll a to b in leaves also significantly increased. Higher precipitation levels induced changes in the accumulation of secondary metabolites in apple tree leaves and fruits during the 2017 harvesting season. The total phenol content significantly increased in apple tree leaves in all treatments, but the fructose content decreased. We observed the same tendencies in total phenolic content and glucose concentration in apple fruits. Therefore, the defense reaction might be a preferred option for apple tree cultivation and the optimization of its growth and development.

Structure of heteroxylans from vitreous and floury endosperms of maize grain and impact on the enzymatic degradation

Heteroxylans (HX) from vitreous and floury parts of maize endosperm were isolated. Structural analysis showed a xylan backbone with few unsubstituted xylose residues (<9%) demonstrating the high content in side chains in both fractions. HX from floury endosperm contained more arabinose and galactose than vitreous HX. The mono-substitution rate was 15% higher in the vitreous endosperm HX. Similar amounts of uronic acids were present in both fractions (~7% DM). Galactose in the floury endosperm HX was present exclusively in terminal position. A xylanase preparation solubilized more material from floury (40.5%) than from vitreous endosperm cell walls (15%). This could be a consequence of the structural differences between the two fractions and/or of the impact of structure on the interaction abilities of these fractions with other cell wall polysaccharides. Our study advances the understanding of cell wall polysaccharides in maize endosperm and their role in enzymatic susceptibility of maize grain.

Influence of Broiler Age on the Apparent Metabolizable Energy of Cereal Grains Determined Using the Substitution Method

Simple Summary

Knowledge of the metabolizable energy content of cereal grains is critical for their economical and sustainable use and precise poultry feed formulation. The current practice in the feed industry is to use the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) or nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) values of ingredients from prediction equations or reference tables, which have been estimated using (5-week-old birds). Several factors, including age, ingredient type, and methodology, can affect the AMEn value of ingredients in poultry. Currently, there are no data available on the age effect, from hatch to 6 weeks of age, on the AMEn of grains in broilers. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of age on the AMEn of wheat, sorghum, barley, and corn from hatching to day 42 using the substitution method. The results showed that the age influence on the AMEn of cereal grains was grain dependent. In wheat and sorghum, AMEn was influenced by age, while the AMEn of barley and corn were unaffected. Poultry nutritionists might need to consider age-dependent AME or AMEn values for some grains in feed formulations.

Abstract

The present study investigated the influence of broiler age on the AMEn of wheat, sorghum, barley, and corn using the substitution method at six different ages (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42). A corn-soybean meal basal diet was formulated and, the test diets were developed by replacing (w/w) 300 g/kg of the basal diet with wheat, sorghum, barley, or corn. Bird age influenced (p < 0.001) the AMEn of wheat and sorghum but had no effect (p > 0.05) on those of barley and corn. The AMEn of wheat increased with age (p < 0.001) from 12.53 MJ/kg DM in week 1 to 14.55 MJ/kg DM in week 2, then declined subsequently, but no linear or quadratic responses were observed. The AMEn of sorghum demonstrated a quadratic response (p < 0.05), increasing from 12.84 MJ/kg DM in week 1 to 13.95 MJ/kg DM in week 2, and then plateauing to week 6. Overall, the present results suggest that the effect of broiler age on the AMEn varies depending on the grain type. The current data suggest that the application of age-dependent AME or AMEn of wheat and sorghum will lead to more precise feed formulations.

Metabolic flux analysis of the non-transitory starch tradeoff for lipid production in mature tobacco leaves

The metabolic plasticity of tobacco leaves has been demonstrated via the generation of transgenic plants that can accumulate over 30% dry weight as triacylglycerols. In investigating the changes in carbon partitioning in these high lipid-producing (HLP) leaves, foliar lipids accumulated stepwise over development. Interestingly, non-transient starch was observed to accumulate with plant age in WT but not HLP leaves, with a drop in foliar starch concurrent with an increase in lipid content. The metabolic carbon tradeoff between starch and lipid was studied using 13CO2-labeling experiments and isotopically nonstationary metabolic flux analysis, not previously applied to the mature leaves of a crop. Fatty acid synthesis was investigated through assessment of acyl-acyl carrier proteins using a recently derived quantification method that was extended to accommodate isotopic labeling. Analysis of labeling patterns and flux modeling indicated the continued production of unlabeled starch, sucrose cycling, and a significant contribution of NADP-malic enzyme to plastidic pyruvate production for the production of lipids in HLP leaves, with the latter verified by enzyme activity assays. The results suggest an inherent capacity for a developmentally regulated carbon sink in tobacco leaves and may in part explain the uniquely successful leaf lipid engineering efforts in this crop.

Influence of Age on the Standardized Ileal Amino Acid Digestibility of Corn and Barley in Broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDCs) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AAs) in corn and barley at six different ages (days 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42) of broilers using the direct method. The apparent AA digestibility coefficients were corrected using age-appropriate basal endogenous AA losses. No age effect (p > 0.05) was noted for the SIDC of N in corn. The average SIDC of indispensable AAs (IAAs) and total AAs (TAAs) was influenced in a quadratic manner (p < 0.05) with the values being higher at day 7 that decreased at day 14, increased and plateaued between days 21 and 35 and dropped again at day 42. The average SIDC of dispensable AAs (DAAs) was influenced linearly (p < 0.05). In barley, the SIDC of N and average IAAs, DAAs and TAAs was affected (quadratic; p < 0.001) by age. The digestibility increased from day 7 to 21 and then plateaued up to day 42. The present findings confirm that the SIDC of AA in corn and barley are influenced by broiler age and that the age effect on AA digestibility may need to be considered for precise feed formulation.

An investigation into the influence of age on the standardized amino acid digestibility of wheat and sorghum in broilers

Standardized ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDC) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AA) in wheat and sorghum at 6 different ages (d 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42) of broilers were determined. Two assay diets were formulated to contain 93.8% of each grain as the sole source of AA in the diet. Titanium dioxide (0.5%) was added as an indigestible marker. Each assay diet was fed to 6 replicate cages housing 14 (d 7), 12 (d 14), 10 (d 21), 8 (d 28), 8 (d 35), and 6 (d 42) birds per cage for 4 d prior to ileal digesta collection. The apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) were standardized by using the age-appropriate basal endogenous AA losses. In the case of wheat, AIDC of N and all AA increased (linear or quadratic, P < 0.05 to 0.001) with advancing age. No age effect was noticed on the SIDC of N, average of indispensable (IAA) and dispensable AA (DAA), though the average of total AA (TAA) tended (linear, P = 0.09) to increase as birds grew older. In sorghum, the AIDC of N, average of IAA and DAA were unaffected (P > 0.05) by age. The SIDC of N, average SIDC of IAA, DAA and TAA were higher at d 7, reduced at d 14 and then plateaued. Among the IAA, the SIDC of Arg, His, Ile, Leu, Lys, Thr, Val, and the SIDC of all individual DAA (except Cys) decreased with age (linear or quadratic, P < 0.05 to 0.001) with higher values at d 7. The higher SIDC values determined at d 7 were due to higher EAA losses during wk 1. The results showed that broiler age influences AA digestibility and this may need be considered in practical feed formulations. The age effect is variable depending on the grain type and specific AA.

Effects of Roasting Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas L. Lam.): Quality, Volatile Compound Composition, and Sensory Evaluation

Roasting can increase the Maillard reaction and caramelization of sweet potatoes to create an attractive appearance, color, aroma, and taste, and is rapidly increasing in the commercial market. This study mainly analyzed the influence of roasting sweet potatoes, with and without the peel, on sweet potato quality and flavor characteristics combined with sensory qualities. The results showed that the a* value (1.65-8.10), browning degree (58.30-108.91), total acidity (0.14-0.21 g/100 g, DW), and maltose content (0.00-46.16 g/100 g, DW) of roasted sweet potatoes increased with roasting time. A total of 46 volatile compounds were detected and 2-furanmethanol, furfural, and maltol were identified as the main sources of the aroma of roasted sweet potatoes. A sensory evaluation based on a comprehensive nine-point acceptance test and descriptive analysis showed that roasting for 1 to 2 h resulted in the highest acceptance score (6.20-6.65), including a golden-yellow color, sweet taste, and fibrous texture. The sweet potatoes became brown after roasting for 2.5 to 3 h and gained a burnt and sour taste, which reduced the acceptance score (4.65-5.75). These results can provide a reference for increased quality in the food industry production of roasted sweet potatoes.

Proteome and Nutritional Shifts Observed in Hordein Double-Mutant Barley Lines

Lysine is the most limiting essential amino acid in cereals, and efforts have been made over the decades to improve the nutritional quality of these grains by limiting storage protein accumulation and increasing lysine content, while maintaining desired agronomic traits. The single lys3 mutation in barley has been shown to significantly increase lysine content but also reduces grain size. Herein, the regulatory effect of the lys3 mutation that controls storage protein accumulation as well as a plethora of critically important processes in cereal seeds was investigated in double mutant barley lines. This was enabled through the generation of three hordein double-mutants by inter-crossing three single hordein mutants, that had all been backcrossed three times to the malting barley cultivar Sloop. Proteome abundance measurements were integrated with their phenotype measurements; proteins were mapped to chromosomal locations and to their corresponding functional classes. These models enabled the prediction of previously unknown points of crosstalk that connect the impact of lys3 mutations to other signalling pathways. In combination, these results provide an improved understanding of how the mutation at the lys3 locus remodels cellular functions and impact phenotype that can be used in selective breeding to generate favourable agronomic traits.

Rice Bran Makes a Healthy and Tasty Traditional Indonesian Goat Meatball, 'Bakso'

Meatballs are popular in Asia and traditionally made from beef or chicken with tapioca (≈8% wt/wt) as filler. Tapioca has a high glycaemic index (GI); therefore, rice bran was evaluated as a substitute to create a healthier meatball of acceptable quality. Substitution of tapioca with rice bran (100:0; 75:25, 50:50; 25:75; 0:100% tapioca: % rice bran) decreased the starch content (7.8 to 3.3%) and GI (56.08 to 43.85) whilst increasing the protein (10.9 to 12.8%) and fibre (8.1 to 10.3%) contents. Although consistency (995 to 776 N/mm) was affected, firmness (90.6 to 90.5 N) and shear force (300 to 312 N) were only slightly affected by the ratio of tapioca to rice bran. Sensory analysis revealed that the goat meatball with the substitution of tapioca with up to 25% rice bran was deemed acceptable by 40 Indonesian consumers.

In Vitro Selection of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Antioxidants to Develop an Innovative Synbiotic (NatuREN G) and Testing Its Effect in Reducing Uremic Toxins in Fecal Batches from CKD Patients

We aimed to develop an innovative synbiotic formulation for use in reducing dysbiosis, uremic toxins (e.g., p-cresol and indoxyl sulfate), and, consequently, the pathognomonic features of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Twenty-five probiotic strains, belonging to lactobacilli and Bifidobacterium, were tested for their ability to grow in co-culture with different vegetable (pomegranate, tomato, and grapes) sources of antioxidants and prebiotics (inulin, fructo-oligosaccharides, and β-glucans). Probiotics were selected based on the acidification rates and viable cell counts. Inulin and fructo-oligosaccharides reported the best prebiotic activity, while a pomegranate seed extract was initially chosen as antioxidant source. The investigation was also conducted in fecal batches from healthy and CKD subjects, on which metabolomic analyses (profiling volatile organic compounds and total free amino acids) were conducted. Two out of twenty-five probiotics were finally selected. After the stability tests, the selective innovative synbiotic formulation (named NatuREN G) comprised Bifidobacterium animalis BLC1, Lacticaseibacillus casei LC4P1, fructo-oligosaccharides, inulin, quercetin, resveratrol, and proanthocyanidins. Finally, NatuREN G was evaluated on fecal batches collected from CKD in which modified the viable cell densities of some cultivable bacterial patterns, increased the concentration of acetic acid and decane, while reduced the concentration of nonanoic acid, dimethyl trisulfide, and indoxyl sulfate.

Temporal changes in metabolism late in seed development affect biomass composition

The negative association between protein and oil production in soybean (Glycine max) seed is well-documented. However, this inverse relationship is based primarily on the composition of mature seed, which reflects the cumulative result of events over the course of soybean seed development and therefore does not convey information specific to metabolic fluctuations during developmental growth regimes. In this study, we assessed maternal nutrient supply via measurement of seed coat exudates and metabolite levels within the cotyledon throughout development to identify trends in the accumulation of central carbon and nitrogen metabolic intermediates. Active metabolic activity during late seed development was probed through transient labeling with 13C substrates. The results indicated: (1) a drop in lipid contents during seed maturation with a concomitant increase in carbohydrates, (2) a transition from seed filling to maturation phases characterized by quantitatively balanced changes in carbon use and CO2 release, (3) changes in measured carbon and nitrogen resources supplied maternally throughout development, (4) 13C metabolite production through gluconeogenic steps for sustained carbohydrate accumulation as the maternal nutrient supply diminishes, and (5) oligosaccharide biosynthesis within the seed coat during the maturation phase. These results highlight temporal engineering targets for altering final biomass composition to increase the value of soybeans and a path to breaking the inverse correlation between seed protein and oil content.

Effects of feeding blend-pelleted co-products on nutrient intake, digestibility, and production performance of high producing dairy cows

The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of feeding newly developed blend-pelleted carinata meal (BPPCR) and blend-pelleted canola meal (BPPCN) on nutrient intake, digestibility, and production performance of high producing dairy cows. In this study, nine mid-lactating Holstein cows (body weight, 679 ± 124 kg; days in milk, 96 ± 22) were used in a triplicated 3 × 3 Latin square study. Within each square, each cow was randomly assigned to one of three treatments: control (typical barley-based diet in Western Canada), BPPCR (soybean and canola meal in the control diet replaced by BPPCR), and BPPCN (soybean and canola meal in the control diet replaced by BPPCN). Each period lasted for 21 d, with the first 14 d as an adaptation period. The total collection of feces and urine were conducted on six cows from two Latin squares. The results showed that there were no treatment effects on milk yield, milk composition, and nutrient intake and digestibility (P > 0.10). The nitrogen balance among the three treatment groups was not different either. In conclusion, replacing soybean meal and canola meal with blend-pelleted co-products did not affect the nutrient intake, digestibility, and production performance in high producing dairy cows.

Impact of Xylanase and Glucanase on Oligosaccharide Formation, Carbohydrate Fermentation Patterns, and Nutrient Utilization in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Broilers

This study aimed at determining how the degradation of cereal non-starch polysaccharides (NSP) by dietary enzymes during feed digestion can influence nutrient digestibility and NSP fermentability in broilers. Ninety-six one-day-old male broilers were assigned to 4 different treatments: control and enzyme-supplemented wheat-based (WC, WE) or maize-based (MC, ME) treatments. Enzyme supplementation with endo-xylanase and endo-glucanase occurred from day 20 onwards. On day 28, digesta samples were collected. Nutrient digestibility, NSP recovery, oligosaccharide profile, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) content were determined. Enzyme supplementation in WE resulted in a higher starch (3%; p = 0.004) and protein (5%; p = 0.002) digestion in the ileum compared to WC. Xylanase activity in WE led to in situ formations of arabinoxylan-oligosaccharides consisting of 5 to 26 pentose units in the ileum. This coincided with decreased arabinose (p = 0.059) and xylose (p = 0.036) amounts in the ceca and higher acetate (p = 0.014) and butyrate (p = 0.044) formation in WE compared to WC. Conversely, complete total tract recovery of arabinoxylan in MC and ME suggested poor maize NSP fermentability. Overall, enzyme action improved nutrient digestibility and arabinoxylan fermentability in the wheat-based diet. The lower response of the maize-based diet to enzyme treatment may be related to the recalcitrance of maize arabinoxylan as well as to the high nutritive value of maize.

High steam-conditioning temperature during the pelleting process impairs growth performance and nutrient utilization in broiler starters fed barley-based diets, regardless of carbohydrase supplementation

The influence of supplemental carbohydrase (Carb) and conditioning temperature (CT) on growth performance, nutrient utilization and intestinal morphometry of broilers (d 1-21) fed barley-based diets was examined in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, evaluating 2 levels of Carb (0 and 150 g/tonne of feed) and three CT (60, 74, and 88°C). A total of 288, 1-day-old male broilers (8 birds/cage; 6 cages/treatment) were used. The activities of endo-1,4-β- glucanase, endo-1,3 (4)-β-glucanase and endo-1,4-β-xylanase in the Carb were 800 BGU/g, 700 BGU/g and 2,700 XU/g, respectively. On d 21, ileal digesta was collected for the determination of nutrient digestibility. There was no significant interaction between Carb and CT for any tested parameter. Supplemental Carb, regardless of CT, increased weight gain (WG; P < 0.05) and reduced feed per gain (F/G; P < 0.001) by 30 g/bird and 6.5 points, respectively. Increasing CT to 88°C reduced (P < 0.05) WG, but increased (P < 0.05) F/G compared to the diets conditioned at 60° and 74°C. Regardless of CT, Carb enhanced (P < 0.05) the digestibility of starch and AMEn by 1.15% and 32 kcal/kg, respectively. Compared to the diets conditioned at 60° and 74°C, CT at 88°C reduced (P < 0.05) digestibility of dry matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, gross energy, and AMEn. Birds fed diets conditioned at 88°C showed lower (P < 0.05) starch digestibility compared to those fed diets conditioned at 60°C. Conditioning at 88°C increased (P < 0.05) jejunal digesta viscosity by 10.2% compared to diets conditioned at 60° and 74°C. Overall, Carb supplementation improved WG, F/G, starch digestibility and AMEn in broilers fed barley-based diets, irrespective of CT applied. Conditioning barley-based diets at 88°C impaired the ability of birds to utilize nitrogen, starch, phosphorus and energy, and consequently deteriorated WG and F/G. The lack of significant interactions between Carb and CT indicated that negative impacts caused by high CT on bird performance and nutrient utilization occurred regardless of Carb enzyme supplementation. Supplemental Carb per se could not remedy the adverse effects of high CT.

Faba bean meal, starch or protein fortification of durum wheat pasta differentially influence noodle composition, starch structure and in vitro digestibility

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) flour, starch concentrate (60% starch), protein concentrate (~60% protein) and protein isolate (~85% protein) were added to replace one-quarter of durum wheat semolina to enrich the nutritional quality and physiological functions of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) pasta. The raw pasta samples prepared with protein concentrate or isolate had higher (p ≤ 0.001) protein and lower (p ≤ 0.001) total starch concentrations, along with increased total dietary fiber and slowly digestible starch (p ≤ 0.001) than durum wheat semolina control or those with added whole faba-bean flour or isolated starch. The faba bean fortified pasta had altered starch with increased proportion of medium B-type glucan chains and long C-type glucan chains, reduced starch digestibility and were associated with glycaemia related effects in the human diet. The faba bean fortified pasta had increased protein and dietary fiber that influenced food intake and satiety. The results suggest differential contributions of food ingredients in human health outcomes.

Lipases of germinating jojoba seeds efficiently hydrolyze triacylglycerols and wax esters and display wax ester-synthesizing activity

BACKGROUND

Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) is the only plant known to store wax esters instead of triacylglycerols in its seeds. Wax esters are composed of very-long-chain monounsaturated fatty acids and fatty alcohols and constitute up to 60% of the jojoba seed weight. During jojoba germination, the first step of wax ester mobilization is catalyzed by lipases. To date, none of the jojoba lipase-encoding genes have been cloned and characterized. In this study, we monitored mobilization of storage reserves during germination of jojoba seeds and performed detailed characterization of the jojoba lipases using microsomal fractions isolated from germinating seeds.

RESULTS

During 26 days of germination, we observed a 60-70% decrease in wax ester content in the seeds, which was accompanied by the reduction of oleosin amounts and increase in glucose content. The activity of jojoba lipases in the seed microsomal fractions increased in the first 50 days of germination. The enzymes showed higher activity towards triacylglycerols than towards wax esters. The maximum lipase activity was observed at 60 °C and pH around 7 for triacylglycerols and 6.5-8 for wax esters. The enzyme efficiently hydrolyzed various wax esters containing saturated and unsaturated acyl and alcohol moieties. We also demonstrated that jojoba lipases possess wax ester-synthesizing activity when free fatty alcohols and different acyl donors, including triacylglycerols and free fatty acids, are used as substrates. For esterification reactions, the enzyme utilized both saturated and unsaturated fatty alcohols, with the preference towards long chain and very long chain compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

In in vitro assays, jojoba lipases catalyzed hydrolysis of triacylglycerols and different wax esters in a broad range of temperatures. In addition, the enzymes had the ability to synthesize wax esters in the backward reaction. Our data suggest that jojoba lipases may be more similar to other plant lipases than previously assumed.

Impact of a Fermented High-Fiber Rye Diet on Helicobacter pylori and Cardio-Metabolic Risk Factors: A Randomized Controlled Trial Among Helicobacter pylori-Positive Chinese Adults

Background: High dietary fiber intake has been associated with reduced risk of Helicobacter pylori infection and co-morbidities such as gastric cancer but also with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. It has been suggested that fermented rye could affect Helicobacter pylori bacterial load and that high- fiber rye may be superior to wheat for improvement of several cardiometabolic risk factors, but few long-term interventions with high fiber rye foods have been conducted. Objective: To examine the effect of high-fiber wholegrain rye foods with added fermented rye bran vs. refined wheat on Helicobacter pylori infection and cardiometabolic risk markers in a Chinese population with a low habitual consumption of high fiber cereal foods. Design: A parallel dietary intervention was set up and 182 normal- or overweight men and women were randomized to consume wholegrain rye products containing fermented rye bran (FRB) or refined wheat (RW) for 12 weeks. Anthropometric measurements, fasting blood sample collection and ¹³C-urea breath test (¹³C-UBT) were performed at baseline and after 6 and 12 weeks of intervention as well as 12 weeks after the end of the intervention. Results: No difference between diets on Helicobacter pylori bacterial load measured by ¹³C-UBT breath test or in virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori in blood samples were found. Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were significantly lower in the FRB group, compared to the RW group after 12 weeks of intervention. The intervention diets did not affect markers of glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: While the results of the present study did not support any effect of FRB on Helicobacter pylori bacterial load, beneficial effects on LDL-C and hs-CRP were clearly shown. This suggest that consumption of high fiber rye foods instead of refined wheat could be one strategy for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Clinical Trial Registration: The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier: NCT03103386.

Overexpression of miR156 and Silencing SPL6RNAi and SPL13RNAi Genes in Medicago sativa on the Changes of Carbohydrate Physiochemical, Fermentation, and Nutritional Profiles

This study aimed to explore the comparative effects of overexpressing miR156 with individually silencing SPL6RNAi and SPL13RNAi genes on carbohydrate physiochemical, fermentation, and nutritional profiles of alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Three sub-genotypes of miR156 overexpressed (miR156 OE), SPL6RNAi, and SPL13RNAi grown with the wild type (WT) in a greenhouse were harvested 3 times at an early vegetative stage. Samples were freeze-dried, ground, and analyzed for carbohydrate nutritional profiles in terms of chemical composition, CNCPS fractions, energetic values, in vitro degradation, and fermentation characteristics. Results showed that miR156 OE had lower fiber and higher energy compared to all other genotypes. Moreover, miR156 OE had higher starch compared to SPL13RNAi and higher DM degradation compared to WT and SPL13RNAi. In conclusion, overexpression of miR156 decreased the fiber content of alfalfa but increased energy and DM degradation. SPL6RNAi was more similar to miR156 OE alfalfa in chemical composition and degradation, indicating that the SPL6RNAi gene plays an important role in the miR156 overexpression event.

Post-Anthesis Water-stressed Barley Maintains Grain Specific Weight Through Altered Grain Composition and Plant Architecture

Specific weight (SW) is a long-established measure used as a malting quality specification in barley, with an increased SW thought to result in a higher malt output. Specific weight is a product of individual grain density as determined by grain composition and structure, and grain packing efficiency in a container as determined by grain dimensions. We investigated the effect of moderate but prolonged post-anthesis water stress on barley plant and grain development using pots of cultivars with a known range of SWs to explore how altering plant growth influence SW. Water stress was expected to influence these grain characteristics through decreased photosynthetic capacity. We demonstrated that SW was maintained under water stress conditions through compensatory mechanisms such as increased tiller mortality which preserved grain physical parameters on the main shoots. However, water stress significantly affected plant development by reducing not only ear number and yield, but also grain filling duration, plant biomass and ear length. Grain composition was also altered, with water-stressed plants having reduced carbon:nitrogen. Therefore, although SW can be conserved under water-stressed conditions, grain composition and plant development are altered, producing smaller harvests with higher grain nitrogen content. This would result in bulks of malting barley having different malt outputs despite having the same SW.