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The aim of this paper was to analyze selected properties of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) treated by one-sided surface charring. Specimens were one-side charred with a hot plate using several time-temperature combinations (from 200 to 400 °C). Characteristics such as colour, discoloration, surface roughness, fire resistance, total carbohydrate content at several wood layers and decay resistance were evaluated. Surface charring was applied to the radial and tangential surfaces. Colour measurements showed that the surface of the wood turned grey due to charring. In addition to colour measurements, other experiments showed significant differences between radial and tangential specimens due to their different structures. The higher the temperature used in treating them, the lower the roughness values for radial specimens, while the trend for tangential specimens was the opposite. A smoother surface is more fire resistant, so radial specimens are generally better in this regard. Tangential specimens are more susceptible during preparation to forming cracks that impair flame resistance because a continuous protective densified layer is not formed. The determination of total carbohydrates revealed significant changes at various wood depths after surface charring. These changes were more predictable in radial specimens due to the annual ring orientation, because each layer consisted of a similar earlywood/latewood ratio. Finally, when decay resistance was assessed, weight loss was found to be lower in all specimens than in the references. The results suggest that charring at a particular combination of temperature and time improved the investigated properties of the surface-modified beech.

This paper reports the analytical detection and energetic properties of a glucose-fed Direct Catalytic Fuel Cell (DCFC) operated in association with yeast cells (Saccharomyces Cerevisiae). The cell was tested in a potentiostatic mode, and the operating conditions were optimized to maximize the current produced by a given concentration of glucose. Results indicate that the DCFC is characterized by a glucose detection limit of the order to 21 mmol L−1. The cell was used to estimate the “pool” of carbohydrate content in commercial soft drinks. Furthermore, the use of different carbohydrates, such as fructose and sucrose, has been shown to result in a good current yield.

The effect of substituting maize (masa) flour with Bambara groundnut flour in tortillas production was investigated. Thermal, antioxidant, physicochemical properties, degree of puffing and rollability of flour and tortillas were determined. Tortillas were produced from maize and Bambara Groundnut (BGN) flours at the ratio of 100:0, 95:5, 90:10, 85:15 and 80:20, respectively. Compositing maize with BGN flour showed an improvement on the proximate composition of maize flour and tortillas, however, carbohydrate content of tortillas significantly decreased with the addition of BGN in blends from 77.07 to 55.22. The temperatures of gelatinisation such as onset temperature (To) of flour blends increased from 57.50 to 71.95 &deg, C, peak temperature (Tp) from 74.94 to 76.74 &deg, C and the end temperature (Te) from 81.72 to 91.58 &deg, C. Composite flours and tortillas had higher values of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant activities than the control sample. Textural properties of control tortillas were higher than that of composite tortillas. Increase in the levels of BGN flour improved the weight and thickness of tortillas. However, diameter and spread ratio decreased. Degree of puffing and rollability of tortillas increased with the incorporation levels of BGN flour.

Fourier-Transform Infrared micro-spectroscopy (µFT-IR) was used for an in vitro investigation on spermatozoa (SPZ) samples separately collected from caput and cauda of mouse epididymis. SPZ are characterized by deep biochemical changes during the transit along the epididymis and they can constitute ideal candidates for a µFT-IR investigation, thanks to the ability of this technique in analyzing cells at a molecular level. Appreciable differences were reported in the infrared spectra from caput and cauda SPZ, and biochemical changes in protein, nucleic acid, lipid, and carbohydrate content of cells were evidenced. The present investigation indicates that µFT-IR can constitute a valuable tool for monitoring, in an easy and fast way, the changes suffered by SPZ during the transit along the epididymis.

Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), a turf grass species that is hypertolerant of cadmium (Cd), is a potential phytoremediation material for soil polluted with Cd. However, the mechanism of Cd phytotoxicity in Kentucky bluegrass is unclear. Here, we compared the phenotype, induction of oxidative stress, and structural and non-structural carbohydrate contents between a Cd-tolerant genotype (‘Midnight’, M) and Cd-sensitive genotype (‘Rugby’, R). The results showed that both genotypes accumulated more Cd in the roots, whereas the R genotype distributed more Cd into the leaves compared with the M genotype. In both genotypes, Cd inhibited the length and fresh weight of the leaves and roots; increased the peroxidase (POD) activity but inhibited ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and catalase (CAT) activity; and increased the superoxide radical (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. However, the M genotype exhibited lower root length inhibition, and the H2O2 and MDA contents confirmed that the M genotype had increased Cd accumulation and resistance, while the R genotype exhibited a better distribution of Cd. Moreover, Cd stress significantly increased the soluble sugar, trehalose, and sucrose contents of both genotypes. Pectin, lignin, and cellulose were significantly increased to prevent the entry of Cd into the roots. The Cd-induced growth inhibition and physiological responses in Kentucky bluegrass were preliminarily explored herein, with the chelation of pectin, lignification, and antioxidant response being possible contributors to Cd detoxification in Kentucky bluegrass. In addition, the Cd-induced increase in trehalose, sucrose, and soluble sugar contents might play a pivotal role in the defense against Cd stress in Kentucky bluegrass.

Stem photosynthesis has been suggested to play relevant roles to cope with different biotic and abiotic stress factors, including drought. In the present study, we performed measurements of stem hydraulic conductance and non-structural carbohydrate content in the evergreen Laurus nobilis L. and the deciduous Populusalba L., subjected to inhibition of stem photosynthesis and successive exposure to a drought-recovery cycle in order to check if stem photosynthesis may be involved in allowing hydraulic recovery after drought stress relief. Stem shading affected the growth of L. nobilis but not of P. alba saplings. By contrast, inhibition of stem photosynthesis was coupled to inhibition of hydraulic recovery following embolism build-up under drought in P. alba but not in L. nobilis. The two study species showed a different content and behavior of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs). The differences in NSCs’ trend and embolism reversal ability led to a significant relationship between starch content and the corresponding hydraulic conductance values in L. nobilis but not in P. alba. Our findings suggest that stem photosynthesis plays a key role in the maintenance of hydraulic functioning during drought especially in the deciduous species. This, in turn, may increase their vulnerability under current global climate change scenarios.

Nowadays, there is a growing demand for high-quality vegetal protein food products, such as pulses and lentils in particular. However, there is no scientific evidence on the nutritional and morphometric characterization of the main lentil cultivars in the Western Mediterranean area. For this reason, the aim of this work is to carry out a morphometric and nutritional characterization of the main Spanish lentil cultivars. Nutrient content assessment was performed on dry matter. The results showed that all studied cultivars are large and heavy lentils, except for the cultivar “Pardina”. They have high protein levels, ranging from 21% to 25%, which is higher than those found in any other pulse, as well as a high carbohydrate content, greater than 59% in all cases. Fiber content was higher than expected in “Armuña” and “Rubia Castellana” cultivars, ranging from 6% to 6.6%, and exceptionally high in the case of the cultivar “Pardina”, which reached 7.8%. Conversely, very low values were found for fat content, varying between 0.5% and 0.9%. Ca, Fe and Mg levels were remarkably higher (from 550 ppm to 851 ppm, from 98 ppm to 139 ppm and from 790 ppm to 989 ppm, respectively) than those found for other lentil cultivars, especially the high Mg content in the cultivars “Jaspeada” and “Microjaspeada”, both above 955 ppm. Clear differentiation was found between the cultivars “Rubia Castellana”, “Pardina” and those included in the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) “Lenteja de la Armuña”. Overall, lentil cultivars included in the PGI “Lenteja de la Armuña” showed better morphometric and nutritional characteristics than cultivars “Pardina” or “Rubia Castellana”.

Biofortified colored wheat (black, blue, and purple) is rich in anthocyanins and phenolic acid compounds that impart positive physiological effects in humans. A large proportion of wheat is consumed in the form of Chapatti in Asian countries. The effect of chapatti cooking on the proximate composition, bioactive compounds (anthocyanins and phenolics), and antioxidant activities of these wheat varieties were checked in this study. Apart from acceptable sensory parameters, good taste, and soft texture of chapatti, biofortified colored wheat chapatti and flour had higher dietary fibers, protein content, and lower carbohydrate content. Higher soluble and insoluble phenolic compounds, anthocyanin content, and antioxidant activity were in the order of black &gt, blue &gt, purple &gt, white. Chapatti making has reduced their antioxidant activity and anthocyanin content in comparison to flour. Moreover, the reduction in antioxidant activity is less as compared to the decrease in anthocyanin content. Our results suggest that colored wheat can be a better alternative to normal wheat for preparing chapatti as it would have additional health-promoting activities.

Heat stress constitutes a major threat to crop production, and according to climatic projections, night temperatures are expected to increase faster and to a greater extent compared to day temperatures. While extensive research has been dedicated to the effects of higher than optimum day temperatures on cotton physiology, metabolism, and yield, and while heat-tolerant cotton cultivars have been introduced, the responses of such heat-tolerant cultivars to high night temperatures have not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess the efficiency of heat-tolerant cultivars to high night temperatures stress by monitoring the physiological and biochemical responses of two cotton cultivars, differing in thermotolerance, subjected to higher than optimum night temperatures, during anthesis. To that end, growth chamber experiments were conducted using two cotton cultivars differing in thermotolerance, namely ST5288B2RF (thermosensitive) and VH260 (thermotolerant). Treatments consisted of normal day/night temperatures (32/24 &deg, C) and high night temperatures (32/30 &deg, C) for 2 weeks at flowering (approximately 8 eight weeks after planting). The results indicated that VH260 was more thermotolerant than ST5288 even under conditions of high night temperature stress, as it managed to maintain its net photosynthetic rates, cell membrane integrity, as well as pistil carbohydrate contents and ultimately achieved higher total reproductive weight. It was concluded that heat tolerance of thermotolerant cultivars selected under conditions of high day temperatures is also conserved under high night temperatures, while net photosynthetic rates and cell membrane integrity can be utilized as selection traits for heat tolerance under either high day or night temperatures.

Edible insects are an important protein rich natural resource that can contribute to resilient food security. Edible insects not only play an important role in traditional diets, but are also an excellent source of protein in traditional dishes in Africa. We systematically searched Web-of-Science and Google Scholar from year 2000–2019 for studies on the consumption of insects and their nutritional composition in Africa, resulting in 98 eligible papers, listing 212 edible insect species from eight orders. These insects were rich in protein, fats, and fibre. The highest protein content was reported for Lepidoptera (range: 20–80%). Coleoptera had the highest carbohydrate content (7–54%), while Lepidoptera had the highest fat content (10–50%). Considering the excellent source of nutrition, and potential socio-economic benefits, from edible insects, they can contribute strongly to improved food security, and rural development in developing countries. In addition, edible insects can be used as a sustainable food source to combat food shortages in the future, for example, providing resilience during times of drought or other climate stressors.

Commercial cereals are among the first complementary foods fed to infants in Germany and elsewhere. The purpose of this national survey is to describe the nutritional adequacy of commercial complementary cereals. A comprehensive, cross-sectional survey of cereal manufacturer websites (n = 15) was conducted from March to April 2019. Food labels were analyzed for iron, zinc, iodine, sodium, and sugar contents in commercial complementary cereals, and ingredient lists were evaluated for whole grains and added sugars. Preparation instructions were evaluated for the type of liquid recommended for reconstitution. Among 164 commercial complementary cereals, few contain iron (n = 43, 26%), zinc (n = 23, 14%) or iodine (n = 43, 26%). Sodium contents fall within EU thresholds. Most cereals were single grain, containing only wheat (n = 54), with half of the products (n = 86, 52%) containing whole grains. The average carbohydrate content of dry cereals is 69 g/100 g &plusmn, 9 g of which 14 &plusmn, 15 g is sugar. Preparation instructions for breakfast porridges and cereals recommend formula or toddler milk, while few recommend human milk (n = 13, 18%). Few commercial complementary cereals contain appreciable amounts (at least 15% of daily reference values) of zinc, iron, or iodine. A quarter of cereal carbohydrates are sugar and one-third of the products contain added sugars. Future directives should stipulate minimum micronutrient levels, strictly regulate sugar contents, and include human milk among preparation instructions.

Despite evidence for the benefits of higher-protein (HP) diets in weight loss, their role in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) management and weight maintenance is not clear. This randomised study compared the effects of a HP diet (38% carbohydrate, 30% protein, 29% fat) to a isocaloric higher-carbohydrate diet (HC: 53%:21%:23%) on cardiometabolic risk factors for 12 weeks in energy restriction (~30% reduction) followed by 12 weeks of energy balance whilst performing regular exercise. Outcomes were measured at baseline and the end of each phase. Sixty-one overweight/obese adults (BMI (body mass index) 34.3 ± 5.1 kg/m2, aged 55 ± 8 years) with T2DM who commenced the study were included in the intention-to-treat analysis including the 17 participants (HP n = 9, HC n = 8) who withdrew. Following weight loss (M ± SEM: −7.8 ± 0.6 kg), there were significant reductions in HbA1c (−1.4% ± 0.1%, p < 0.001) and several cardiometabolic health risk factors. Improvements were sustained for 12 weeks when weight was stabilised and weight loss maintained. Both the HP and HC dietary patterns with concurrent exercise may be effective strategies for weight loss and weight maintenance in T2DM although further studies are needed to determine the longer term effects of weight maintenance.