Effects of Bacterioruberin-Rich Haloarchaeal Carotenoid Extract on the Thermal and Oxidative Stabilities of Fish Oil

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a bacterioruberin-rich carotenoid extract (HAE) derived from the halophilic archaea Halorubrum ezzemoulense DSM 19316 in protecting crude fish oil against thermal oxidation. The research used fish oil derived from anchovies, which had a peroxide value (PV) of 6.44 ± 0.81 meq O2 kg-1. To assess the impact of HAE on the thermal stability and post-oxidation characteristics of fish oil, several concentrations of HAE were added to the fish oil samples: 0 ppm (no additive) (HAE0), 50 ppm (HAE50), 100 ppm (HAE100), 500 ppm (HAE500), and 1000 ppm (HAE1000). Furthermore, a control group was established with the addition of 100 ppm butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT100) in order to evaluate the effectiveness of HAE with a synthetic antioxidant that is commercially available. Prior to the fast oxidation experiment, thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on samples from all experimental groups. At the conclusion of the examination, it was seen that the HAE500 and HAE1000 groups exhibited a delay in the degradation temperature. The experimental groups underwent oxidation at a temperature of 55.0 ± 0.5 °C for a duration of 96 h. The measurement of PV was conducted every 24 h during this time. PV in all experimental groups exhibited a time-dependent rise (p < 0.05). However, the HAE500 group had the lowest PV measurement at the conclusion of the 96 h period (p < 0.05). Significant disparities were detected in the fatty acid compositions of the experimental groups at the completion of the oxidation experiment. The HAE500 group exhibited the highest levels of EPA, DHA, and ΣPUFA at the end of oxidation, with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Through the examination of volatile component analysis, specifically an oxidation marker, it was shown that the HAE500 group exhibited the lowest level of volatile components (p < 0.05). Consequently, it was concluded that the addition of HAE to fish oil provided superior protection compared to BHT at an equivalent rate. Moreover, the group that used 500 ppm HAE demonstrated the highest level of performance in the investigation.

The Diagnostic Value of SCUBE1 in Acute Appendicitis

BACKGROUND

SCUBE1 has recently been studied as a diagnostic biomarker for acute coronary syndrome, ischemic stroke, and acute mesenteric ischemia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the value of SCUBE1 and routine parameters used in patients diagnosed with acute appendicitis.

METHODS

Of the 150 patients admitted to the emergency department whose initial diagnosis were acute appendicitis (AA), 103 patients were excluded from the study for various reasons. Forty-seven patients with a definitive diagnose of AA and 43 volunteers were enrolled in the study. SCUBE1, Alvarado scoring (ASK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and routine tests were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

SCUBE1 was not statistically significant between the patient and the control groups (p = 0.209). SCUBE1 was significantly higher in the CRP (+) group (p = 0.048). Both the diameter of the appendix on computerized tomography (CT) and SCUBE1 levels increased proportionally (p = 0.043). CRP was significantly higher in the perforated appendicitis (PA) compared to non-perforated appendicitis (NPA) (p = 0.007). White blood cell (WBC) count was not differential for perforation (p = 0.06).

CONCLUSIONS

Although SCUBE1 was significantly higher in CRP (+) patients, it was not a diagnostic biomarker for AA. There was a positive correlation between SCUBE1 values and the diameter of appendix measured on CT.