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Objective Methods Results Conclusions The objective of this work was to understand how triglyceride plant oils can deliver strength and softness benefits to hair by their penetration. These plant oils are complex mixtures of TAGs, so the initial studies performed were with pure TAGs and then these data compared to plant oils and their measured TAG compositions.LC–MS was used to identify the di and triglycerides in coconut oil, Camellia oleifera oil and safflower seed oil. Penetration of these plant oils and pure individual triglycerides was measured by a differential extraction method. Cross‐sections of oils treated with 13C‐labelled triolein were studied by NanoSIMS to visualize location of triglyceride inside hair. Fatigue strength was measured using constant stress to generate a survival distribution. Models of the lipid‐rich cell membrane complex (CMC) were created with the equimolar ratio of 18‐methyl‐eicosanoic acid (MEAS), palmitic acid (C16:0) and oleic acid (C18:1).Penetration of the individual pure TAGs was confirmed for all chain lengths and degree of unsaturation tested with higher penetration for shorter chain lengths and unsaturated fatty acids. Detailed compositional analysis of selected plant oils showed a wide variety of TAGs and penetration was also demonstrated for these oils. NanoSIMS and modelling confirmed these TAGs are penetrating the lipid‐rich CMC of hair and are interacting with the fatty acids that make up the CMC. All plant oils delivered a fatigue strength improvement by penetration into the CMC and it is proposed that these oils prevent formation and/or propagation of flaws in the CMC network that leads to breakage.Many plant oils with a wide range of triglyceride compositions can penetrate into hair and NanoSIMS data confirmed these oils partition into the lipid‐rich cell membrane complex. Penetration studies of individual TAGs shown to be present in these oils confirmed TAGs of varying chain length can penetrate and there is a correlation between increased penetration efficacy and shorter chain lengths and presence of unsaturation in the fatty acid chains. All the oils studied delivered single fibre fatigue strength benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel stands out as a promising contender in the quest for renewable energy solutions, offering a greener alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Derived primarily from the transesterification of vegetable oils or animal fats, biodiesel offers an eco-friendly energy avenue with a minimized carbon footprint. Catalysts are central to the success of this process, which significantly enhance yield rates. Geopolymers, traditionally associated with construction applications due to their inorganic nature, have been derived from aluminosilicate sources activated using alkaline solutions. However, recent advancements spotlight geopolymers in a new light, emphasizing their prospective role as nanocatalytic agents for biodiesel synthesis. This paradigm shift suggests improved production efficiency and an innovative method of repurposing industrial waste. This study centers on the pioneering application of geopolymers, fortified with magnetite, as potent heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel generation from soybean and safflower oils. By leveraging a meticulously crafted geopolymer matrix—consisting of metakaolin, sodium hydroxide, and magnetite—this research replaced traditional catalysts with this advanced nanostructured geopolymer variant in the biodiesel methylation process. The research delved deep to ascertain the prime synthesis conditions. Furthermore, utilizing cutting-edge machine learning methodologies provided an analytical lens to navigate the extensive experimental data, thereby fine-tuning the optimization trajectory. One of the salient takeaways from this research is the validation that geopolymer catalysts, rooted in kaolinite, can be ingeniously tailored to ensure elevated biodiesel yields across a spectrum of oil sources, underscoring their unparalleled efficiency and versatility in the biofuel domain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodiesel production represents a great opportunity to reduce marine and land pollution while incorporating circular economy principles into modern society. The objective of this research is to use the response surface methodology to evaluate the best engine performance and emission characteristics of safflower-based biodiesel and diesel mix dual-fuel Compression ignition engines. The optimization aims to increase brake power, and brake thermal efficiency, and reduce brake-specific fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. The independent input variables were biodiesel blending ratio, compression ratio, and engine load. The novelty of this study is to optimize the operating parameters of a dual-fuel compression ignition engine fueled with safflower biodiesel and diesel blend fraction. A total of 48 experimental trials were conducted. The oil output from safflower seed in the lab and the biodiesel yield obtained were 26% and 91%, respectively. RSM results predict the optimized magnitude of the biodiesel blending ratio, CR, and EL are B16.66, 16.68, and 12 kg, respectively. The optimal values for dependent parameters, that is, BP, BTE, BSFC, CO, UHC, CO2, and NO were 3.27 kW, 19.60%, 3.30 kg/kWh, 0.0006 (% vol.), 0.8 (ppm), 0.78 (% vol.), and 140.87 ppm, respectively. The cumulative composite desirability was found to be 0.5877. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research letter explores the potential therapeutic benefits of safflower oil-based linoleic acid (LA) supplementation on Barth syndrome cardiomyopathy. Barth syndrome is a lipid disorder caused by mutations in the TAFAZZIN gene, and cardiomyopathy is a significant clinical feature of the syndrome. The study investigates the effects of a high-LA safflower oil diet on mouse models of Barth syndrome and finds that LA supplementation can prevent and partially reverse cardiomyopathy in these models. The findings suggest that LA supplementation could be a potential treatment for Barth syndrome cardiomyopathy, although more research is needed to understand its long-term effects and mechanisms of action. [Extracted from the article]

In this investigation, the examination revolves around the characterization of diatomite-enhanced modified safflower oil (MSO)-derived polyester biocomposites. The primary objective is to explore the feasibility of these biocomposites as a substitute for petrochemical-based unsaturated polyester (UP) materials, with the overarching goal of enhancing their economic sustainability. Experimental data analysis employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN), uncovering the optimal composition for the polyester biocomposite to be 6.7 wt.% MSO and 4.5 wt.% diatomite. During the RSM analysis, it was noted that the response parameters exhibited quadratic p -values, specifically, for density (p <.0001), thermal conductivity (p <.0001), and Shore D hardness (p <.0003). However, higher ratios of MSO lead to decreased hardness and increased curing time. SEM images reveal a detrimental impact on the surface morphology of the polyester biocomposite when the diatomite content reaches 8 wt.%. Additionally, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) offer valuable insights into the chemical bond structure and thermal behavior of the biocomposite, respectively. The Cure Index (CI) value for the diatomite-enhanced composite was determined to be 0.925, indicating a favorable contribution to the polyester curing process. The study finds that diatomite contributes to a linear change in the thermal conductivity coefficient, making the biocomposite suitable for use in the insulation industry. Overall, the study suggests that diatomite reinforced MSO-based polyester biocomposites have the potential as an alternative to petrochemical unsaturated polyester. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Induction of obesity by dietary fats and oils differs according to the type of fat. Adiponectin is believed to be related to obesity prevention. We hypothesized that flaxseed oil is important for preventing obesity and producing adiponectin. To clarify this hypothesis, we investigated the relationship between obesity and different fat sources in mice fed diets with 6 types of fat and oils. C57BL/6J mice were given a control diet containing 5% corn oil or a high-fat diet containing 20% of either lard, palm oil, rapeseed oil, oleate-rich safflower oil, corn oil, or flaxseed oil for 14 weeks. In another experiment, mice were given a control diet and rosiglitazone (10 mg/kg body weight) by oral gavage for 1 week. At the end of study, plasma adiponectin and expression of fatty acid metabolism–related factors in white and brown adipose tissue and the liver were measured. Dietary flaxseed oil, which is rich in α-linolenic acid, did not induce obesity. Flaxseed oil resulted in increased β-oxidation–related factors in epididymal white adipose tissue, decreased fatty acid synthesis–related factors in the liver, and thermogenesis-related factor in brown adipose tissue following increase of plasma adiponectin. The results suggested that increase in plasma adiponectin after intake of flaxseed oil may be due to altered expression of AdipoQ and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ in epididymal white adipose tissue. Flaxseed oil increased expression of adiponectin in visceral fat and regulated obesity-controlling fatty acid metabolism-related factors in white adipose tissue and liver, and thermogenesis-related factor in brown adipose tissue. A high-fat diet containing lard or palm oil induced obesity, whereas a high-fat diet containing flaxseed oil prevented it. Flaxseed oil promoted mRNA expression of AdipoQ in eWAT, but not in sWAT. Plasma adiponectin induced by flaxseed oil related to regulation of β-oxidation–related factors in eWAT, fatty acid synthesis–related factors in the liver, and thermogenesis-related factor in BAT. Abbreviations: BAT, brown adipose tissue; eWAT, epididymal white adipose tissue; sWAT, subcutaneous white adipose tissue. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is an oilseed crop with substantial medicinal and economic value. However, the methods for constructing safflower core germplasm resources are limited, and the molecular mechanisms of lipid biosynthesis in safflower seeds are not well understood. Results: In this study, 11 oil-related quantitative traits and 50 pairs of InDel markers were used to assess the diversity of a collection of 605 safflower germplasms. The original safflower germplasm exhibited rich phenotypic diversity, with high variation for most of the phenotypic traits under investigation. Similarly, high genetic diversity was evaluated in the original germplasm, in which the mean Shannon's information index (I), observed heterozygosity (H0), and expected heterozygosity (He) were 0.553, 0.182, and 0.374, respectively. Four subgroups with strong genetic structures were identified and a core germplasm of 214 cultivars was constructed, which is well represented in the original germplasm. Meanwhile, differential expression analysis of the transcriptomes of high and low linoleic acid safflower varieties at two stages of seed development identified a total of 47 genes associated with lipid biosynthesis. High expression of the genes KAS II and SAD enhanced the synthesis and accumulation of oleic acid, while FAD genes like FAD2 (Chr8G0104100), FAD3, FAD7 and FAD8 promoted the consumption of oleic acid conversion. The coordinated regulation of these multiple genes ensures the high accumulation of oleic acid in safflower seed oil. Conclusions: Based on these findings, a core germplasm of 214 cultivars was constructed and 47 candidate genes related to unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and lipid accumulation were identified. These results not only provide guidance for further studies to elucidate the molecular basis of oil lipid accumulation in safflower seeds, but also contribute to safflower cultivar improvements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant activity of curcumin (0.02-0.1%) was evaluated in olive, sesame, and safflower oils at 373, 383, and 393 K. The results were examined in contrast to the effects of tocopherol (0.1%) and BHT (0.02%), so that the inhibitory function of curcumin was evaluated comparatively. The activation energy of oxidation was determined for olive (82.94 kJ·mol-1), sesame (77.39 kJ·mol-1) and safflower oils (74.42 kJ·mol-1). Adding curcumin (0.1%) enhanced the activation energy by 26.26, 26.64, and 38.81% in the case of olive, safflower, and sesame oils, respectively. Based on Gibbs free energy, curcumin functioned more effectively in olive oil at 373 K (growth coefficient: 1.52%), compared to the action of the other two antioxidants, namely tocopherol (1.43%) and BHT (1.39%). The efficiency of curcumin was lower in oils which had a higher degree of polyunsaturation due to the disproportionation of the hydrogen-donating mechanism and the rate of free-radical formation in these oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, safflower oil oleogels were made using propolis wax and carnauba wax in three different concentrations each, and their effectiveness as a fat substitute in cake was evaluated afterward. Oleogels' oxidative stability and characterization were looked into. In oleogels, the oil binding capacity, solid fat content, and crystallization time were all assessed. The cakes underwent an examination for moisture content, texture, and sensory evaluation. Additionally, analyses of fatty acid composition, free fatty acidity, oxidative stability (peroxide value, conjugated diene‐triene), 3‐monochloropropane‐1,2‐diol (3‐MCPD), and glycidyl were carried out both before and after baking in oleogels and shortening. Several of the physical, textural, and sensory qualities of the oleogel‐based cakes were acceptable when compared to those of the shortening‐based cakes. The general acceptability of cakes made with carnauba wax was very high and almost under control. The acceptability of cakes made with propolis wax oleogels was lower than this. The study of these criteria has shown that safflower oil‐based carnauba and propolis wax oleogels can be utilized to produce high‐quality, healthful cakes with a high amount of unsaturated fatty acids. Practical Applications: To replace fat phases in cake products high in saturated fatty acids and to enhance the fatty acid profile of the cakes, safflower oil‐based oleogels with propolis wax and carnauba wax are a very good option. The results obtained provide useful information for the production of high‐quality cakes with higher unsaturated fatty acid content, recommended for a healthier diet, with these oleogels containing different concentrations of oleogelator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigated were the influence of drying and pressing parameters of rapeseed, sunflower, and safflower seeds on oil yield, as well as antioxidant addition on the oxidative stability of cold pressed oils. The parameters of the oilseeds and cold pressed oils quality (moisture content, iodine value, saponification value, peroxide value, free fatty acids, and insoluble impurities content) were determined using standard methods. In terms of oxidative stability, rosemary, green tea, and pomegranate extracts were used as natural antioxidants, and propyl gallate was used as synthetic antioxidant. The results showed that the moisture content of the oilseeds, as well as nozzle size and electromotor frequency of the press had an effect on the yield of cold pressed oil. By reducing the nozzle size and electromotor frequency, the volume of produced cold pressed oil increased. Rosemary extract effectively increased the oxidative stability of sunflower and safflower oils, and green tea extract increased the stability of rapeseed oil. Greater stabilisation of the tested oils was achieved with the addition of 0.4 % of natural antioxidants compared to the addition of 0.2 %. The synthetic antioxidant, propyl gallate, failed to stabilise safflower oil, and unlike the natural antioxidants, it was less protective for rapeseed and sunflower oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxidative stress and inflammation, as natural parts of metabolic adaptations during the transition from late gestation to early lactation, are critical indicators of dairy cows' metabolic health. This study was designed to investigate the effects of abomasal infusion of essential fatty acids (EFA), particularly α-linolenic acid, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on plasma, erythrocyte, and liver markers of oxidative stress in dairy cows during the transition period. Rumen-cannulated German Holstein cows (n = 38) in their second lactation (11,101 ± 1,118 kg milk/305 d, mean ± standard deviation) were abomasally infused with one of the following treatments from d −63 antepartum until d 63 postpartum (PP): CTRL (n = 9; 76 g/d coconut oil); EFA (n = 9; 78 g/d linseed plus 4 g/d safflower oil); CLA (n = 10; isomers cis -9, trans -11 and trans -10, cis -12 CLA; 38 g/d); and EFA+CLA (n = 10; 120 g/d). Hematological parameters as well as markers of oxidative status were measured in plasma, erythrocytes, and liver before and after calving. Immunohematological parameters, including erythrocyte number, hematocrit, hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, leukocytes, and basophils, were affected by time, and their peak levels were observed on the day after calving. The oxidative stress markers glutathione peroxidase 1 and reactive oxygen metabolites in plasma and erythrocytes were both affected by time, exhibiting the highest levels on d 1 PP, whereas β-carotene, retinol, and tocopherol were at their lowest levels at the same time. Immunohematological parameters were only marginally affected by fatty acid treatment in a time-dependent manner. As such, lymphocyte and atypical lymphocyte counts were both significantly highest in the groups that received EFA at d 1 PP. Moreover, EFA supplementation increased the mean corpuscular volume and showed a trend for induction of mean corpuscular hemoglobin compared with the CLA group during the transition period. The PP mean thrombocyte volume was higher in the EFA than in the CLA group (except for d 28) and both EFA and CLA reduced number of thrombocytes and thrombocrit at distinct time points. Hepatic mRNA abundance of markers related to oxidative status, including glutathione peroxidase (GPX-1) and catalase (CAT), was lower (P < 0.05) in EFA-treated than non-EFA-treated cows at d 28 PP. Dairy cows at the onset of lactation were characterized by induced markers of both oxidative stress and inflammation. Supplementing EFA and CLA had minor and time-dependent effects on markers of oxidative stress in plasma, erythrocytes, and liver. A comparison of EFA supplementation with CLA or CTRL showed higher immunohematological response at d 1 PP and lower hepatic antioxidant levels by d 28 PP. Supplementation with EFA+CLA had only a minor effect on oxidative markers, which were more similar to those with the EFA treatment. Altogether, despite the time-dependent differences, the current findings show only minor effects of EFA and CLA supplementation in the prevention of early lactation-induced oxidative stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adult neurogenesis has been reported in the hypothalamus, subventricular zone and subgranular zone in the hippocamp. Recent studies indicated that new cells in the hypothalamus are affected by diet. We previously showed beneficial effects of safflower seed oil (SSO), a rich source of linoleic acid (LA; 74%), on proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSCs) in vitro. In this study, the effect of SSO on hypothalamic neurogenesis was investigated in vivo, in comparison to synthetic LA. Adult mice were treated with SSO (400 mg/kg) and pure synthetic LA (300 mg/kg), at similar concentrations of LA, for 8 weeks and then hypothalamic NSCs were cultured and subsequently used for Neurosphere-forming assay. In addition, serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Administration of SSO for 8 weeks in adult mice promoted the proliferation of NSCs isolated from SSO-treated mice. Immunofluorescence staining of the hypothalamus showed that the frequency of astrocytes (glial fibrillary acidic protein+ cells) are not affected by LA or SSO. However, the frequency of immature (doublecortin+ cells) and mature (neuronal nuclei+ cells) neurons significantly increased in LA- and SSO-treated mice, compared to vehicle. Furthermore, both LA and SSO caused a significant increase in the serum levels of BDNF. Importantly, SSO acted more potently than LA in all experiments. The presence of other fatty acids in SSO, such as oleic acid and palmitic acid, suggests that they could be responsible for SSO positive effect on hypothalamic proliferation and neurogenesis, compared to synthetic LA at similar concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroperoxy‐9Z,11E‐octadecadienoic acid (13‐HPODE) can be obtained from safflower oil in an enzyme cascade utilizing lipase, lipoxygenase (LOX), and catalase for in situ oxygen generation. The application of immobilized enzymes may open a new path to a cost‐efficient production of 13‐HPODE, which is used for the synthesis of green note aroma hexanal. Ten immobilization supports are compared for immobilization of lipoxygenase‐1 from Glycine max (LOX‐1) and oxirane‐based Immobead 150 P proves to be best with a maximum LOX‐1 activity of 22 470 U g−1. The immobilizate is successfully recycled in eight consecutive batches and maintains full activity over a period of 16 h using a 3D‐printed column reactor. Catalase from Micrococcus lysodeikticus and LOX‐1 are co‐immobilized on Immobead 150 P allowing a constant production of 13‐HPODE for up to six cycles with a maximum product conversion of 45% and a 13‐regioselectivity of 83%. In this two‐enzyme system with H2O2‐dosage, foam generation is significantly reduced. Co‐immobilization of LOX‐1 and lipaseis possible; however, rapid lipase deactivation occurs. Therefore, a two‐reactor approach with oil hydrolysis in the first reactor is proposed. Immobilized lipases from C. rugosa are suitable for safflower oil hydrolysis and maintain full activity over ten hydrolysis cycles. Practical applications: Linoleic acid hydroperoxide (13‐HPODE) is the starting material for the synthesis of the green note aroma compound hexanal. The byproduct of the hydroperoxide splitting is ω‐oxododecenoic acid, which is currently not employed industrially. The bifunctional oxodocecenoic acid is interesting as precursor for the synthesis of polymer building blocks. Simple one‐step derivatization of the oxo‐group can yield suitable C12 monomers such as dicarboxylic acids, ω‐amino acids, or ω‐hydroxy acids. Cost‐efficiency is a key parameter to incorporate these new biobased building blocks for polymer applications. In this approach, immobilized enzymes are used for the synthesis of 13‐HPODE starting from safflower oil with in situ oxygen generation to prevent excessive foam formation. A two‐reactor concept is designed to circumvent hydroperoxide‐induced lipase deactivation. Direct comparison of both batch and continuous process is performed and provides information for the implementation of the enzyme cascade and the design of an optimized reactor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the protective efficacy of fresh (FG) and aged (AG) Taşköprü Garlic (Allium sativum L.) macerated oils prepared in safflower oil at different concentrations against post-operative (PO) intra-abdominal adhesions (PIA). No commercial garlic product was used in the study. AG was produced from Taşköprü Garlic, which is one of the geographically indicated products of the European Union. Then FG and AG were kept at two different concentrations (1.5 g/mL & 2.0 g/mL) in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) oil to get macerated oils of FG15, FG20, AG15 and AG20. After spectrophotometric and chromatographic analyzes of the oils, in vivo experiments were made on rats. A cecal abrasion model was applied to six study groups viz FG15, FG20, AG15, AG20, serum physiologic control and oil control. Their preventive activities against PIA were examined macroscopically and histopathologically at different time points (7th-14th-21st days PO). The safflower oil did not give successful results in preventing PIA when used alone. The AG macerated oils, especially AG20, caused negative effects on the injured tissue/organ surfaces due to their high ratio of 2,4-decadienal content. The macerated oils prepared with fresh Taşköprü Garlic in safflower oil (FG15 and FG20) at the rate of 0.1 mL were found successful agents to prevent PIA by intra-abdominal route without any irritant effect in rats. These oils are considered as low cost clinical/laboratory preparations and can be used in laparotomy/laparoscopy to prevent PIA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The R 1 relaxation rate of fat is a promising marker of tissue oxygenation. Existing techniques to map fat R 1 in MR-oximetry offer limited spatial coverage, require long scan times, or pulse sequences that are not readily available on clinical scanners. This work addresses these limitations with a 3D voxel-wise fat R 1 mapping technique for MR-oximetry based on a variable flip angle (VFA) approach at 3 T. Varying levels of dissolved oxygen (O 2) were generated in a phantom consisting of vials of safflower oil emulsion, used to approximate human fat. Joint voxel-wise mapping of fat and water R 1 was performed with a two-compartment VFA model fitted to multi-echo gradient-echo magnitude data acquired at four flip angles, referred to as Fat DESPOT. Global R 1 was also calculated. Variations of fat, water, and global R 1 were investigated as a function of the partial pressure of O 2 (pO 2). Inversion-prepared stimulated echo magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used as the reference technique for R 1 measurements. Fat R 1 from Fat DESPOT was more sensitive than water R 1 and global R 1 to variations in pO 2 , consistent with previous studies performed with different R 1 mapping techniques. Fat R 1 sensitivity to pO 2 variations with Fat DESPOT (median O 2 relaxivity r 1, O 2 = 1.57× 10−3 s−1 mmHg−1) was comparable to spectroscopy-based measurements for methylene, the main fat resonance (median r 1, O 2 = 1.80 × 10−3 s−1 mmHg−1). Fat and water R 1 can be measured on a voxel-wise basis using a two-component fit to multi-echo 3D VFA magnitude data in a clinically acceptable scan time. Fat and water R 1 measured with Fat DESPOT were sensitive to variations in pO 2. These observations suggest an approach to 3D in vivo MR oximetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower is an annual herb of Compositae, which has great economic value. To explore the impact of invasive weed Xanthium italicum Moretti on the economic crop safflower, field experiments were conducted, the growth-related characters and the relative intensity of competition between the two species was explored. The results showed that under monoculture conditions, the stem height, crown width, stem diameter and the biomass of X. italicum root, stem and leaves were 1.14, 1.96, 1.82, 4.42, 4.21 and 3.99 times as high as those of safflower, respectively. When the two species coexisted, the growth related characters of X. italicum were further significantly improved, while the growth related characters of safflower were significantly decreased. When coexisted with X. italicum, the corolla biomass, hydroxysafflor yellow A content of corolla, seed yields, 100-seed weight, and seed oil content of safflower in the interplanted treatment 90.04%, 33.11%, 63.89%, 40.58%, and 25.61% lower than those in the monocultured treatment, respectively. Relative yield (RY) and Competitive balance index (CB) of X. italicum and safflower showed that the interspecific competitiveness of X. italicum was significantly higher than that of safflower. Under the competitive inhibition of X. italicum, not only the vegetative growth, but also the reproductive growth, yield, and quality of the economic organs of safflower were significantly negatively impacted. Together, our findings provide important scientific basis for evaluating the invasion risks and consequences of safflower's cropland ecosystem by X. italicum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objectives of this study were to prepare and characterize two different salad dressings based on coldpressed safflower oil. Common physico-chemical and thermal properties, compositions, sensory descriptive analysis, and consumer tests were completed. Both samples had acceptable free fatty acidity, peroxide and pH values, and had color values reflecting the spices (red pepper and green spices). Both dressings were liquid at around -14 to -19 °C and were pourable. They were good sources of essential fatty acids, including around 91-92% of total unsaturated fatty acids. Total phytosterol contents were around 1693-1700 mg/kg, with a majority of β-sitosterol. Further, both samples had around 284 mg/kg of total tocopherols. The panel used 8 sensory terms (consistency, sweet, salty, sour, bitter, spicy, vinegary, and metallic) to describe the samples. Consumers liked their appearance and smell/aroma, but taste/flavor and general acceptance scores were lower. Further studies to improve taste properties are suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oil body comprises lipid droplets surrounded by a surface embedded with oil body-related proteins. To form a drug delivery system, an oleosin can be fused with foreign proteins and bound to the oil body surface. Here, safflower oil bodies carrying oleosin-human epidermal growth factor (hEGF) were mixed with xanthan gum to form self-assembled polymers, referred as an oil body microgel emulsion (OBEME) without any chemical crosslinking agent. The physicochemical properties of OBEME were evaluated and compared with those of natural lipid droplets. The electrostatic interaction between xanthan gum and oil bodies prevents excessive cross-linking and forms a uniform network structure. The basic properties of OBEME were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, cryo-scanning electron microscopy, rheology, and thermogravimetric analysis. The OBEME is an interconnected network and presents a smooth surface without any pores; it remains stable at room temperature for 90 days, and is not affected by low-speed centrifugation and repeated freeze-thaw cycles as indicated by particle size, potential, and fluorescence microscopy analyses. The OBEME enlarges the skin tissue gap, enhances skin permeability, and shows a good slow-release effect in the transdermal absorption test in vivo. It demonstrates a wound healing effect; further, it regulates the inflammatory response of full-layer skin wounds in rats, as well as accelerate angiogenesis, and promote re-epithelialization and remodeling. The OBEME as a bioactive molecule-carbohydrate complex can effectively accelerate skin regeneration and has great translational potential to provide low-cost alternative wound care treatments. • OBEME was a network-like microgel emulsion loaded with recombinant oil body. • OBEME can be stably stored at room temperature. • OBEME still has good stability after low-speed centrifugation and freeze-thaw cycles. • OBEME was a new carrier for drug delivery, which has a good sustained release effect. • OBEME has a good function of accelerating wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evaluate the influence of maternal consumption of safflower oil on reflex maturation, memory and offspring hippocampal oxidative stress.Methodology: Two groups were formed: control group (C), whose mothers received a standard diet, and Safflower group (SF), whose mothers received a normolipidic diet with safflower oil as lipid source. Treatment was given from the 14th day of gestation and throughout lactation. To evaluate newborn development, the reflex ontogeny indicators between the 1st and the 21st days of life were evaluated; to assess memory, from the 42nd day of life on these animals were examined on open field habituation and novel object recognition test. Following behavioral analysis, the animals were anesthetized and decapitated. Hippocampus was rapidly dissected. In the hippocampal tissues, we evaluated the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST) and reduced glutathione (GSH).Results: SF offspring showed delayed maturation of reflexes and improvement of novel object recognition in short-term and long-term (p < 0.05). Safflower oil decreases lipid peroxidation evaluated by MDA levels (p < 0.001) and increases antioxidant defenses as shown by SOD, CAT, GST and GSH levels (p < 0.05). In our study, the composition of flavonoids present in the oil was not evaluated. Furthermore, in a future study, the effect of maternal consumption on female offspring should be verified.Conclusion: Maternal intake of safflower oil could: (1) change neonate reflex parameters, (2) promote improvement of cognitive development in adolescence (3) improve antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defenses in the hippocampus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hypothalamus receives ingested nutrient information via ascending gut-related projections and plays a significant role in the regulation of food intake. Human neuroimaging studies have observed changes in the activity or connectivity of the hypothalamus in response to nutrient ingestion. However, previous neuroimaging studies have not yet assessed differences in temporal changes of hypothalamic responses to various nutrients in humans. Thus a repeated measures functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study using 30-min scans was designed to examine differences in hypothalamic responses to various nutrients. In this study, 18 healthy adults (mean age, 22.4 years; standard deviation, 4.8; age range, 19–39 years; 11 males and seven females) underwent fMRI sessions. On the day of each session, one of the four solutions (200 ml of monosodium glutamate, glucose, safflower oil emulsion, or saline) was administered to participants while fMRI scanning. Infused amino acid and glucose, but not lipid emulsion, increased lateral hypothalamic responses as compared to a saline infusion ([x, y, z] = [4, −4, −10], z = 2.96). In addition, only hypothalamic responses to saline, but not those to the infusion of other nutrients, elicited a subjective sensation of hunger. These findings suggest that lateral hypothalamic responses to ingested nutrients may mediate homeostatic sensations in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of saturated fats from cocoa butter (plant source) compared with lard (animal source) on alcoholic liver damage in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed either a control diet (C) or an ethanol diet (E), and the dietary fats (corn oil, olive oil, and safflower oil) of these two diets were further replaced by lard (CL, EL) or cocoa butter (CC, EC). After 8-week feeding, plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities, hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels, plasma intercellular adhesion molecular (ICAM)-1 levels, hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) protein expression, and hepatic interleukin (IL)-1β significantly increased in the E group compared to the C group. In addition, hepatic histopathological scores of fatty changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and degeneration and necrosis in the E group were significantly higher compared to those in the C group. However, fatty changes were significantly inhibited only in the EC group as well as hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration, degeneration, and necrosis being significantly lower in the EL and EC groups. Plasma ICAM-1 and hepatic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were significantly lower in the EL and EC groups than those in the E group. Moreover, a correlation analysis showed that hepatic histopathological scores of degeneration and necrosis were significantly positively correlated with erythrocytic oleic acid (C18:1) and were negatively correlated with linoleic acid (C18:2). In conclusion, cocoa butter protected the liver against lipid accumulation and inflammation in rats chronically fed ethanol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To enhance the quality and flavor of surimi‐based products, we investigated the effects of vegetable oils (peanut, soybean, corn, coconut, olive, and safflower seed oils) on the texture, water‐holding capacity (WHC), microstructure, and flavor of the Nemipterus virgatus surimi gel. The results showed that 6 kinds of vegetable oils could improve the whiteness and flavor of gels. However, peanut, olive, and coconut oils enriching oleic acid or lauric acid were easy to accumulate with an average diameter of more than 0.15 μm. Thus, the gel with the oil showed a loose network structures with large cavities, and the texture was deteriorated, accompanied by decreased WHC (p <.05). Compared with other vegetable oils, soybean, corn and safflower seed oils enriching linoleic acid were emulsified with protein forming a stable interfacial protein film. The gel with the oil showed an increase in the WHC and bound water content. Furthermore, the oil droplets with an average diameter of less than 0.15 μm were evenly distributed in the gel matrix, and the gel exhibited dense network structures with small cavities and smooth surface. In general, soybean and safflower seed oils can be used as a potential additive to improve the quality and flavor of surimi‐based products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) of unsaturated fatty acids (FA) reduces absorption of essential FA and can result in formation of bioactive FA that cause milk fat depression. Rates of biohydrogenation of unsaturated FA are commonly observed using in vitro systems and are not well described in vivo. Seven ruminally cannulated cows were enrolled in a 3 × 3 Latin square design study to quantify biohydrogenation of 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3 using a recently developed in vivo BH assay. All cows were fed a common high corn silage basal diet. Biohydrogenation was quantified using a perturbation model that consisted of a bolus dose of 200 g of an oil enriched in each unsaturated FA (oleic acid, OA = 87% 18:1n-9 sunflower oil; linoleic acid, LA = 70% 18:2n-6 safflower oil; and α-linolenic acid, ALA = 54% 18:3n-3 flaxseed oil) and 12 g of 17:0 as a marker of rumen outflow. Rumen contents were sampled before and after the bolus and enrichment of the bolused FA modeled. Using first-order kinetics to model FA disappearance, the fractional rates of disappearance of 18:1n-9 was 0.597 per hour, 18:2n-6 was 0.618 per hour, and 18:3n-3 was 0.834 per hour, similar to rates previously reported with this approach. Rumen turnover of 17:0 was 0.123 per hour, 0.065 per hour, and 0.106 per hour during the OA, LA, and ALA treatments, respectively. The extents of BH were calculated to be 82.8, 90.4, and 88.6% for 18:1n-9, 18:2n-6, and 18:3n-3, respectively. Finally, compartmental modeling was used to quantify the amount of each unsaturated FA metabolized through trans -10 and trans -11 BH pathways. The recently developed in vivo BH assay was able to predict rates of BH and provide insight into rumen metabolism of individual FA and may be useful to future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower is a highly valued oilseed crop. Safflower oil is a source of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids which are important for a plurality of industries including the edible vegetable oil industry. Safflower is highly resistant to salinity and drought stress, which impede seed germination. Two safflower cultivars and 4 lines were screened against nine levels of osmotic stress treatments (using NaCl0 and PEG 60000 (control), NaCl-0.2, NaCl-0.4, PEG 6000-0.2, PEG 6000-0.4, PEG 6000-0.2+NaCl-0.2, PEG 6000-0.2+NaCl-0.4, PEG 6000-0.4+NaCl-0.2, PEG 6000-0.4+NaCl-0.4 MPa) for 8 days at seed germination stage. The osmotic stress was observed to induce a negative effect on the percentage of seed germination, shoot length, root length, root/shoot length ratio, fresh and dry weights of seedlings as well as on germination, and seedling vigor index. Lines and varieties significantly differed for respective and combined effects of stress treatments at early seedling growth stages. These results demonstrated that the respective effects of PEG 6000 and NaCl on safflower genotypes seedlings were less detrimental than the combined effects. Despite safflower varieties and lines were observed to be affected differently by individual and combined stresses, cv. Dinçer, lines G-8, and G-6 showed a tolerance response to the studied conditions. Significant positive correlations were identified between shoot length and germination percentage (r = 0.91*), and root length (r = 0.98**). A significant correlation was observed between seedling dry weight and root length (r = 0.94**), shoot length (r = 0.91*), and seedling fresh weight (r = 0.97**). Similarly, significant correlation coefficients were noted between seedling fresh weight and root length (r = 0.90*), and shoot length (r = 0.87*). Cv. Dinçer, lines G-8, and G-6 were determined to be significantly tolerant against salinity, drought, and combined stresses for the studied traits using principal component analysis. According to these findings, effects individually produced by salinity and drought on seedlings of safflower are less damaging to plant development when compared to the combined effects of said two stresses. This study emphasized the importance of monitoring the genotypes of safflower for salt and drought stress tolerances in breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower seed oil (SSO) is suitable for nutritional and pharmacological applications due to its high content of linoleic acid and polyphenols. The study aims to investigate the quality of SSO extracted using different extraction methods. In this study, solvent extraction (SE), cold pressing (CP), hot pressing (HP), and subcritical fluid extraction (SFE) by dimethyl ether (SDE), n- propane (SPE), and n -butane (SBE) were used to extract oil from SSO. The physicochemical indexes, bioactive compounds, and oxidative stability of SSO were analyzed and compared. In all samples, the main fatty acid found was linoleic acid, ranging from 76.1% to 79.49% of total fatty acids. SE dramatically improved phytosterol content (up to 311.8 mg/100 g) and yield (up to 23.1%) in SSO. The SFE oils had a higher oxidation induction time (4.28–4.38 h) and α-tocopherol content (580.1–643.7 mg/kg) than other oils (0.76–3.22 h and 451.5–511.7 mg/kg, respectively). In SSO samples, phenolics were particularly abundant in SDE oils. Trachelogenin was the most abundant in all samples. Compared to all the other oils, SFE oils had better oxidative stability, with almost the highest yield, and had higher linoleic acid content, phytosterols, and tocopherols. SFE is a promising processing technology in nutrient-rich SSO. [Display omitted] • Compared to all the other oils, SFE oils had better oxidative stability. • Phenolics were particularly abundant in SDE and HP oils. • N-feruloyl serotonin was only detected in SDE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the preparation, evaluation, and comparison of alkaline and acidic heterogeneous carbon-based catalysts in the transesterification of safflower oil with methanol to obtain biodiesel. These catalysts were obtained from the pyrolysis of flamboyant pods and their functionalization and activation with potassium hydroxide, citric acid, tartaric acid, sulfuric acid, and calcium nitrate. Different routes for the preparation of these catalysts were tested and analyzed where the FAME formation was the target variable to be improved. Results showed that the catalyst prepared with potassium hydroxide and calcium nitrate achieved the highest FAME formation (i.e., 95%) and outperformed the catalysts prepared with calcium nitrate and other acids even after four regeneration-reaction cycles. The best properties of an alkaline catalyst could be associated with its specific surface area and contents of potassium and calcium moieties, which were higher than those observed for acidic catalysts. Transesterification rates for biodiesel production were better estimated with the pseudo-order kinetic model, which ranged from 0.0004 to 0.038 L/mol⋅min for alkaline and acidic catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this factorial field experiment was to investigate the influence of farming systems and intercropping patterns (IPs) on the physiological aspects of safflower and bitter vetch. Treatments included high and low-input farming systems and various IPs that exchanged safflower and bitter vetch with row ratios of 2:2, 2:3, 2:4, 2:5, while sole cropping safflower and bitter vetch were used as control. The highest grain yield of both plants was obtained from the high input farming system (HIFS). The most safflower oil yield and protein yield of bitter vetch were achieved from sole cropping in the HIFS. Safflower sole cropping in the Low-input farming system (LIFS) had the highest oil content, but in other traits, HIFS had superior to LIFS. Intercropping resulted in high P and N content and low stearic acid in safflower compared with sole cropping. These novel findings demonstrate that HIFS was beneficial than LIFS in all traits of both plants except safflower oil content and some fatty acids content like palmitic acid. Also, in the 2:2 IP monetary advantage index (MAI) and the land equivalent ratio (LER=1.13) were highest that indicating that 13% additional area needed by the sole cropping system to provide an equivalent yield in HIFS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All fats are not created equal, and despite the extensive literature, the effect of fat intake is the most debated question in obesity, cardiovascular, and cardiorenal research. Cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cardiac dysfunction and consequent heart failure in the setting of obesity are not well understood. Our understanding of how fats are metabolically transformed after nonreperfused myocardial infarction (MI), in particular, is incomplete. Here, using male C57BL/6J mice (2 mo old), we determined the role of omega-6 fatty acids, provided as safflower oil (SO) for 12 wk, followed by supplementation with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; n-3 fatty acids) for 8 wk before MI. With SO feeding, inflammation resolution was impaired. Specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs) increased in DHA-fed mice to reverse the effects of SO, whereas prostaglandins and thromboxane B2 were reduced in the spleen and amplified multiple resolving mechanisms in heart and kidney post-MI. DHA amplified the number of resolving macrophages and cardiac reparative pathways of the splenocardiac and cardiorenal networks in acute heart failure, with higher Treg cells in chronic heart failure and marked expression of Foxp3+ in the myocardium. Our findings indicate that surplus ingestion of SO intensified systemic, baseline, nonresolving inflammation, and DHA intake dominates splenocardiac resolving phase with the biosynthesis of SPMs and controlled cardiorenal inflammation in heart failure survivor mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Safflower oils, which are sold commercially, are in demand with food, cosmetics, and health-promoting claims. In this study, safflower oil samples belonging to 11 different brands were evaluated in terms of European Pharmacopoeia Criteria 7.0. Additionally, in vitro weight control potential of all samples was investigated. Materials and Methods: Samples to be analyzed were purchased from pharmacies, herbal, online, and cosmetics stores. Acid and peroxide values of 11 safflower samples and analysis of their fatty acids by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were carried out according to the “Carthami oleum raffinatum” monograph registered in the European Pharmacopeia 7.0. To test the effects of all samples on weight control, their inhibitory effects on carbohydrate-digesting enzymes (α-glucosidase and α-amylase) were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. Results: Out of 11 oil samples, only two of them had acid and peroxide values below the reference value. According to GC analysis, safflower oil samples are rich in monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic acid) (67.10-99.53%) of total fatty acids in its content are oleic, linoleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Saturated fatty acids were 0.58 to 12.18% of the total fatty acid methyl esters in oils. When evaluated in terms of the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes that hydrolyze carbohydrates, the results showed that safflower oil samples had no inhibitory activity on these enzymes. Conclusion: It has been determined in this report that many safflower oil samples on the market do not meet the quality criteria recommended in European Pharmacopoeia 7.0. It was observed that safflower oil did not show any inhibitory effect on these two enzymes, which is considered a rational approach for weight control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it was aimed to reveal the socio-economic aspect of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) production in the Beyşehir district of Konya/Türkiye, as well as the profitability compared to other plants. In the study, data were collected from a total of 31 safflower producers in the Konya-Beyşehir district through a questionnaire, and economic analysis of safflower production was carried out as of 2019. The average safflower land is 22.21 decares and the grain yield per decare is 91.36 kg, and the average selling price is 1.2 TL. Variable costs per decare were 139.27 TL, total fixed costs per decare were 227.99 TL, and total production costs per decare were 367.26 TL. In the gross profit calculation made, the producer makes a loss of approximately 30 TL from safflower per decare. However, when oil is obtained from safflower, the gross profit per decare increases to 134.85 TL. Instead of selling the product they produce directly, it is possible for the safflower producers to add value to the product by processing the safflower seeds in cold press machines and extracting the oil. In this way, the producers in the region will be able to avoid losses and make a profit. This condition may also provide job opportunities for many oil processing establishments that are idle due to a lack of raw materials. The state should update the guarantee purchase support of the product applied in the past years and increase farmer training and extension services to utilize the uncultivated idle areas with safflower agriculture, expand the production of safflower, which is an alternating plant, and to use the safflower pulp as animal feed after processing in the industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the effects of using a fat substitute in beef burgers composed of a hydrogel emulsion enriched with encapsulated safflower oil and açai extract. The influences of the fat substitute on the chemical (TBARS, fatty acids, and volatile compounds profile) and physical (weight loss, cooking loss, water-holding capacity, color, and texture analyses) characteristics of the burgers were analyzed after 0, 4 and 8 days of storage at 4 ± 1 °C. The obtained results were compared with control groups (20 g of tallow or 8 g of safflower oil). The fat substitute used improved burger parameters such as chewiness, hardness and the a* color parameter remained unchanged over storage time. The addition of açai extract slowed the oxidation rate of polyunsaturated fatty acids and reduced the changes in the volatile compounds profile during the storage of burgers. The utilization of a fat substitute enriched the burgers with polyunsaturated fatty acids and lowered the atherogenic index (0.49 raw, 0.58 grilled burger) and the thrombogenicity index (0.8 raw, 1.09 grilled burger), while it increased the hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio (2.59 raw, 2.09 grilled burger) of consumed meat. Thus, the application of the presented fat substitute in the form of a hydrogel enriched with açai berry extract extended the shelf life of the final product and contributed to the creation of a healthier meat product that met the nutritional recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Essential fatty acids (EFA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) are unsaturated fatty acids with immune-modulatory effects, yet their synergistic effect is poorly understood in dairy cows. This study aimed at identifying differentially abundant proteins (DAP) and their associated pathways in dairy cows supplied with a combination of EFA and CLA during the transition from antepartum (AP) to early postpartum (PP). Sixteen Holstein cows were abomasally infused with coconut oil as a control (CTRL) or a mixture of EFA (linseed + safflower oil) and CLA (Lutalin, BASF) (EFA + CLA) from − 63 to + 63 days relative to parturition. Label-free quantitative proteomics was performed on plasma samples collected at days − 21, + 1, + 28, and + 63. During the transition time, DAP, consisting of a cluster of apolipoproteins (APO), including APOE, APOH, and APOB, along with a cluster of immune-related proteins, were related to complement and coagulation cascades, inflammatory response, and cholesterol metabolism. In response to EFA + CLA, specific APO comprising APOC3, APOA1, APOA4, and APOC4 were increased in a time-dependent manner; they were linked to triglyceride-enriched lipoprotein metabolisms and immune function. Altogether, these results provide new insights into metabolic and immune adaptation and crosstalk between them in transition dairy cows divergent in EFA + CLA status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Safflower seed oil (SSO) is considered to be an excellent edible oil since it contains abundant essential unsaturated fatty acids and lipid concomitants. However, the traditional alkali-refined deacidification process of SSO results in a serious loss of bioactive components of the oil and also yields massive amounts of wastewater. In this study, SSO was first extracted by ultrasonic-assisted ethanol extraction (UAEE), and the extraction process was optimized using random centroid optimization. By exploring the effects of ethanol concentration, solid–liquid ratio, ultrasonic time, and the number of deacidification times, the optimum conditions for the deacidification of safflower seed oil were obtained as follows: ethanol concentration 100%, solid–liquid ratio 1:4, ultrasonic time 29 min, and number of deacidification cycles (×2). The deacidification rate was 97.13% ± 0.70%, better than alkali-refining (72.16% ± 0.13%). The values of acid, peroxide, anisidine and total oxidation of UAEE-deacidified SSO were significantly lower than those of alkali-deacidified SSO (p < 0.05). The contents of the main lipid concomitants such as tocopherols, polyphenols, and phytosterols in UAEE-decidified SSO were significantly higher than those of the latter (p < 0.05). For instance, the DPPH radical scavenging capacity of UAEE-processed SSO was significantly higher than that of alkali refining (p < 0.05). The Pearson bivariate correlation analysis before and after the deacidification process demonstrated that the three main lipid concomitants in SSO were negatively correlated with the index of peroxide, anisidine, and total oxidation values. The purpose of this study was to provide an alternative method for the deacidification of SSO that can effectively remove free fatty acids while maintaining the nutritional characteristics, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant capacity of SSO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C18 trihydroxy fatty acids (THFAs), plant oxylipins, are used as antifungal agents and vaccine adjuvants. The chemical synthesis of THFAs has several disadvantages, including low yields and environmental pollution. Microorganisms and plants also produce THFAs in vivo; however, the productivity is low. Here, we reported a recombinant Escherichia coli co-expressing bacterial linoleic acid (LA) 13-lipoxygenase with high isomerization activity and epoxide hydrolase that converted 200 mM polyunsaturated fatty acids, including LA, α-linolenic acid, and γ-linolenic acid (GLA), into THFAs via epoxy hydroxy fatty acids with high conversion yields (>60%) in a flask. Among the products, GLA-derived 12S,13S-epoxy-11R-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid and 11R,12R,13S-trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acid were new compounds. For the efficient biotransformation of safflower oil into THFA, the LA content in the safflower oil hydrolyzate was increased by the addition of an adsorbent resin with lipase to safflower oil. The resin bound unsaturated fatty acids, thereby removing unbound impurities such as palmitic acid and glycerol. In a 3 L-bioreactor, the recombinant cells converted 250 mM (70 g L−1) LA in resin-treated safflower oil hydrolyzate, which was derived from safflower oil (93 g L−1), into 230 mM (76 g L−1) 11R,12R,13S-trihydroxyoctadecenoic acid in 24 h, with a conversion yield of 92% and a productivity of 9.6 mM h−1. The product was isolated with a purity of 94% and an isolated yield of 75%. We successfully developed an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly process for the biotransformation of safflower oil into THFAs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ascorbic acid, widely known as vtamin C, is an essential nutrient for animals such as poultry. Ascorbic acid in poultry feed improves animal health and thus increases the growth performance of birds. Ascorbic acid can be used in the form of synthetic products or can be naturally obtained from fruits and plants. It is soluble in water and can be easily administered in drinking water and the diet. Poultry can synthesize ascorbic acid in the body. However, the performance of the animals can be improved by adding ascorbic acid to their diet. In addition, ascorbic acid is called an antioxidant and an anti-inflammatory. This increases their resistance to disease during the transition season. Ascorbic acid supplementation positively affects the stress response, especially during the dry season in tropical countries. Furthermore, supplementing ascorbic acid in the poultry’s diet improves resistance to diseases, regulates stress, and helps in the body’s oxidation process. Ultimately, this enhances the laying rate, egg hatch performance, and higher poultry productivity. For layers at the end of the laying period, it helps increase the quality of the eggshell and reduces the proportion of broken eggs. Ascorbic acid has a strong relationship with other vitamins such as vitamin E and other substances such as zinc, safflower oil, folic acid, and a fibrous diet. This review aims to synthesize all the information of ascorbic acid in the poultry’s diet, thereby providing the general role of ascorbic acid for the poultry industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the energy and exergy analyses for a single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection, compression-ignition (CI) engine when it was run on the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) oil methyl ester (SOME) and traditional diesel (as reference fuel) at various engine loading conditions (from 25% to full load in 25% steps) at a fixed speed of 1500 rpm. In addition, the compression ratio (CR) was changed between 12:1 and 18:1 in order to monitor its effect on the engine characteristics. The experimental outcomes obtained from the above-stated analyses showed that the tested engine spent more alternating fuel because of its lower energy content than that of diesel fuel in an effort to ensure the output power to be the same for the test fuels. Furthermore, the results exhibited that the energetic and exergetic efficiency enhanced with the increase of load and CR. In this contest, at the CR of 18:1 and full load, the maximum energy efficiency values for SOME and diesel fuel were found to be 28.67% and 29.78%, respectively meanwhile the related exergetic efficiency values were calculated to be 26.41% and 27.94%, respectively. The minimum exergy destruction figures were revealed at the CR of 18:1 and a load of 100% for tested fuels with the findings of 56.59% for SOME and 55.22% for diesel fuel. In conclusion, the results of the conducted analyses for the tested diesel engine powered by SOME appeared to be fairly close to those of diesel fuel at various loads and CRs. SOME will eventually be classified as an alternate fuel to petroleum-based diesel fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Petroleum‐based solvents and synthetic resins are used as raw materials for the production of varnish, which is one of the main components of offset printing inks. These petrochemical compounds that are released to the surrounding in printing process demonstrates harmful effects on environment and human health. In the light of these facts, this study was carried out to investigate the use of renewable natural resources for offset printing inks production to lower environmental impacts and protect human health. In this study, different vegetable‐based offset printing inks were developed with safflower oil (SO); grape seed oil (GSO) and Pinus pinaster resin (PPR) and printability analysis were performed. To understand the effect of pine resin in the ink formulation an ink sample with mineral oil (MO) was also produced. Printing tests were carried out with coated papers and the IGT C1 offset printability tester. Color, gloss, rub resistance, viscosity and tack values were measured on the test prints. Comparison of results with standard values figured out the suitability of using the newly developed offset printing inks for printing industry. The color difference values of color differences were in range of tolerance value. The density value of SO‐PPR ink was found as same with standard values while the density value GSO‐PPR and MO‐PPR inks were measured close to standards as 1.45, 1.42, and 1.46, respectively. The results of printability analysis demonstrated appropriate utilization of the renewable sources for ecological development of offset printing inks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the energy and exergy analyses for a single-cylinder, four-stroke, direct-injection, compression-ignition (CI) engine when it was run on the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) oil methyl ester (SOME) and traditional diesel (as reference fuel) at various engine loading conditions (from 25% to full load in 25% steps) at a fixed speed of 1500 rpm. In addition, the compression ratio (CR) was changed between 12:1 and 18:1 in order to monitor its effect on the engine characteristics. The experimental outcomes obtained from the above-stated analyses showed that the tested engine spent more alternating fuel because of its lower energy content than that of diesel fuel in an effort to ensure the output power to be the same for the test fuels. Furthermore, the results exhibited that the energetic and exergetic efficiency enhanced with the increase of load and CR. In this contest, at the CR of 18:1 and full load, the maximum energy efficiency values for SOME and diesel fuel were found to be 28.67% and 29.78%, respectively meanwhile the related exergetic efficiency values were calculated to be 26.41% and 27.94%, respectively. The minimum exergy destruction figures were revealed at the CR of 18:1 and a load of 100% for tested fuels with the findings of 56.59% for SOME and 55.22% for diesel fuel. In conclusion, the results of the conducted analyses for the tested diesel engine powered by SOME appeared to be fairly close to those of diesel fuel at various loads and CRs. SOME will eventually be classified as an alternate fuel to petroleum-based diesel fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Rice bran oil, safflower oil and flaxseed oil were obtained by supercritical CO 2 extraction. • The obtained oils were thoroughly characterized for their physico-chemical properties. • Supercritical CO2 extraction at 60 °C and 450 bar favoured the extraction of the highest amount of oils. • Rice bran oil extracted by supercritical CO 2 was found to be superior to oil extracted by solvent extraction. • Kinetic parameters were fitted to get a quantitative description of the supercritical CO2 extraction process. This study reports the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction of oil from rice bran, safflower seeds, and flaxseeds performed at varying conditions of pressure (250–450 bar), temperature (45 and 60 ⁰C) and supercritical carbon dioxide flow rate of 1 kg/min at pilot scale. The oils obtained were evaluated for yield, fatty acid composition and other physico-chemical properties. They were compared with the oil obtained using supercritical carbon dioxide extraction and the conventional extraction method with n-hexane. The total mass yields obtained by both the methods were comparable. The highest experimental extraction yields were obtained at 450 bar 60 ⁰C for rice bran oil (16.2 %), safflower oil (27.8 %), and flaxseed oil (30.8 %), at 1 kg /min flow rate of supercritical carbon dioxide which was considered optimal at the studied conditions. It was observed that the extracted oils via supercritical carbon dioxide exhibited enormous reduction in phosphorus content of rice bran oil (3.5 ppm), safflower oil (1.2 ppm) and flaxseed oil (2.32 ppm) as compared to conventional extraction. Rice bran oil extracted by supercritical carbon dioxide retained most of the antioxidant contents, oryzanol as compared to Soxhlet extracted oil and contained significantly lower (1.3 %) amounts of wax. Further, extraction curves were evaluated by a mathematical model where broken and intact cells was applied to consider mass transfer kinetics of extracted oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ticks and tick-borne diseases are a severe economic and public-health problem for cattle producers. The emergence of acaricide resistance to synthetic chemical treatments has prompted interest in developing alternative tick control methods. Aim: The main objective of the current research was to identify the chemical structure of Carthamus tinctorius and Nasturtium officinale seed oils and to assess their anti-tick properties against Hyalomma scupense ticks both alone and in combination (1:1). Methods: Analytical methods were used to analyze the chemical components. For in vitro assays, adults of H. scupense were immersed in C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils at 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/ml concentrations; for 5 minutes. Larvae of H. scupense were dipped in 25, 50, 100, 125, 200, and 300 mg/ml doses of seed oils; the mortality percentage was determined after 24 hours. Results: The seed oil safflower was mainly composed of linoleic acid (84.48%), followed by palmitic acid (6.54%) and stearic acid (3.77%). Meanwhile, watercress seed oil was mainly composed of linolenic acid (50.78%), gondoic acid (13.57%), linoleic acid (10.58%), palmitic acid (8.02%), and erucidic acid (6.62%). The Adults Immersion Test showed the sensitivity of ticks to C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oil: C. tinctorius seed oil caused (95%) mortality of H. scupense at 300 mg/ml, while N. officinale seed oil induced (88.68%) mortality at the same concentration. At a 200 mg/ml concentration, C. tinctorius and N. officinale oil combined caused 100% mortality. Tested oils showed larvicidal efficacy. LC50 values for C. tinctorius and N. officinale seed oils were 84.16 and 61.78 mg/ml, respectively, in 24 hours. LC50 value of oils association (50% C. tinctorius: 50% N. officinale) was 47.96 mg/ml. The mixture of seed oils from two plants tested against H. scupense larvae and adult females at a 1:1 ratio showed synergistic interaction. Conclusion: Seed oils tested alone, and the mixture could be used as an alternative solution in the fight against ticks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway is critical to mammary epithelial cell function throughout pregnancy, lactation, and involution. Treatment with trans -10, cis -12 conjugated linoleic acid (t10c12CLA) suppresses mammary lipogenesis and stimulates the ER stress pathway. The ER stress pathway includes tribbles pseudokinase 3 (TRB3), a protein that regulates cellular energy and insulin signaling. Objectives Our objective was to describe the effect of TRB3 deficiency on milk fat synthesis and determine if TRB3 deficiency protects against suppression of mammary lipogenesis. Methods First, mammary Trb3 expression was observed throughout pregnancy and lactation using ancillary microarray data (n  = 4/time point). Second, intake, litter growth, and milk clot fatty acid (FA) profile of Trb3 knockout (KO) C57BL/6N mice were compared with wild-type (WT) and heterozygous (HET) mice throughout first (n  ≥ 8/group) and second (n  ≥ 6/group) lactation. Lastly, the interaction between Trb3 genotype and 2 treatments that suppress mammary lipogenesis, t10c12CLA and high safflower oil (HO) diet, was investigated in a 2 × 2 factorial design (n  ≥ 6/group). Results Trb3 expression was higher during late pregnancy and lactation. Trb3 KO and HET mice had lower feed intake, dam weight, and litter growth throughout first, but not second, lactation than WT mice. Treatment with t10c12CLA decreased litter growth (28%; P  < 0.0001) and feed intake (8%; P  < 0.0001) regardless of Trb3 genotype. When fed the HO diet, Trb3 KO mice had 17% higher mammary de novo synthesized FAs (<16 carbons; P int = 0.002) than WT mice. Mammary ER stress and lipogenic genes were mostly unaltered by Trb3 deficiency. Conclusions Overall, TRB3 plays a minor role in regulating mammary lipogenesis, because Trb3 deficiency had only a limited protective effect against diet-induced suppression of lipogenesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relevance of this article is due to the need for wider distribution of alternative fuels for engines and the solution of growing environmental problems. Means and methods of reducing toxic emissions from exhaust gases of internal combustion engines are analyzed. The advantages and problems of using in the engines of alternative fuels derived from renewable raw materials, vegetable oils. The use of alternative motor fuels made from vegetable raw materials not only replaces the fuel of oil engines, but also reduces emissions of harmful substances into the exhaust gases of diesel fuel. Shows the workaround for the use of a mixture of biofuels - a mixture of petroleum diesel fuel and vegetable oil. Research aimed at optimizing the composition of such biofuels. Consider using a mixture of petroleum diesel fuel with linseed, mustard and sage oil. A method for optimizing these mixtures based on the definition of a generalized criterion of optimality, calculated as the sum of private standards characterizing the concentrations of normalized toxic components in exhaust gases, is proposed. Optimization calculations for the composition of biofuel diesel D-245.12C. The results showed that the exhaust gas toxicity of the engine improved as the content of these oils in the blend with petroleum diesel fuel increased, but even the addition of a small amount of vegetable oil to this fuel significantly improved these parameters. The minimum of the generalized optimal criterion was reached when using a mixture containing 91% of petroleum diesel fuel and 9% of linseed oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritionists recommend to consume 3 g Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) to prevent cancers, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, obesity and other lifestyle-related disorders. To fulfill the daily requirements of CLA, large proportions of dairy and meat products have to be included in the dietary plan that may have negative impacts such as excessive intake of fat, cholesterol, and lactose. Current investigation was aimed to determine the effect of safflower oil derived CLA on fatty acids composition, lipolysis and sensory properties of cheddar cheese. Safflower oil-derived conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) was added to cheddar cheese at four levels i.e. 1%, 2%, 3% and 4% concentrations (T1, T2, T3 & T4), cheese without CLA supplement was used as control, vacuum packaged samples were ripened at 6–8°C for 90 days. Analysis of CLA supplement revealed that concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2, ∆10 t,12c-18:2, ∆9c,11c-18:2, ∆9 t, 11c-18:2 were 52.16, 44.37, 0.27 and 0.55 mg/100 g. In control, concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2 and ∆10 t,12c-18:2 was 0.24% and 0.07% with a total CLA content of 0.31%. In T3, concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2, ∆10 t,12c-18:2, ∆9c,11c-18:2 and ∆9 t, 11c-18:2 were 1.12, 3.82, 1.63, 2.77 (total CLA 8.34mg100g). In T4, concentrations of ∆9c,11 t-18:2, ∆10 t,12c-18:2, ∆9c,11c-18:2 and ∆9 t, 11c-18:2, were 1.47, 3.50, 3.25 and 3.44% (total CLA 11.67 mg/100 g). Supplementation of cheddar cheese at all four levels significantly increased the concentrations of lactic acid, citric acid, propionic and acetic acids. After 90 days of ripening, free fatty acids in control, T1, T2, T3 and T4 were 0.14, 0.19, 0.23, 0.29 and 0.37% with no difference in composition and sensory properties. These results suggested that CLA content of cheddar cheese can be successfully increased with safflower oil-derived CLA supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Carthamus oil is a compound that has the potential to be used in numerous applications due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory and neuroprotective effects. Chromium picolinate has been indicated for the control of insulin resistance. Aim: To evaluate the effect of Carthamus oil (30 mg/kg) and chromium picolinate (5 μg/kg) interaction with oral glyburide in chemically diabetes-induced Wistar rats and its influence on drug therapy. Method: Diabetes mellitus was induced with streptozotocin, and the animals were randomized into experimental groups (n= 6/group), who received gastric gavage treatments for ten days, G1: control, G2: diabetic and received glyburide, G3: diabetic and received the interaction of Carthamus oil and chromium picolinate, G4: diabetic and received the interaction of glyburide, Carthamus oil and chromium picolinate. After the treatment period, fasting blood glucose, post-sucrose blood glucose, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in blood serum were compared, in addition to urine analysis. Results: In this study, the only altered parameters were the post-sucrose blood glucose measurement with the lowest result for G4 (P <0.05) and the ALT measurement, with lower values for G4 (P <0.05) compared to G1. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the unprecedented interaction of Carthamus oil, chromium picolinate and glyburide contributed to the reduction of blood glucose and serum levels of ALT in diabetic rats and is promising for future studies in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among of the emerging methods to increase the efficiency of oil extraction from oilseeds, the use of ultrasound has attracted the attention of researchers. In this study, bath ultrasound with frequency of 37 kHz was used and the variables included times of 30, 60 and 90 minutes and temperatures of 35, 45 and 55º C. Some physicochemical analysis were tested on the extracted oil and the remaining meal, and compared with the results of the traditional method (Soxhlet). Maximum oil efficiency in the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) method was 17.4%. Ultrasound pretreatment did not have much effect on the composition of fatty acids, iodine value, refractive index and saponification value of the oil. However, the amount of free fatty acids, phosphatide and peroxide value increased with increasing time and temperature of pretreatment. The results of meal analysis showed that ash, crude fiber and crude protein were not affected by ultrasound. Trypsin inhibitory activity (TIA) was also measured and it was found that safflower seeds studied in this Research did not have TIA. The effect of this pretreatment on the urease activity was significant (P< 0.05) and reduced the activity of this enzyme, which is an undesirable and anti-nutritional factor. The results showed that UAE had no adverse effect on protein solubility of meal, and increased it under optimal conditions. The use of ultrasound pretreatment under optimal conditions increased the oil efficiency and reduced the extraction time, compared to the traditional method (Soxhlet), without having an adverse effect on the physicochemical properties of the extracted oil and residue meal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastitis has a high incidence in dairy cows. Experimental infection with Escherichia coli increased the number of leukocytes in milk and the gene expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 in mammary gland tissues. A link between CXCR4 expression and lipopolysaccharide sensing was demonstrated in other species using in vitro models. The receptor that binds the chemokine stomal cell-derived factor 1 might be associated with the inflammatory response in bovine mammary glands. However, studies in cows are rare, and data on the localization of CXCR4 in bovine mammary glands and its distribution in bovine leukocytes are lacking. Fatty acids (FA) affect the inflammatory response. In human peripheral blood monocytes, exposure to conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) decreases the expression of CXCR4, leading to a decreased inflammatory response in these cells. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CXCR4 in the mammary glands of dairy cows by immunohistochemistry (n = 5) and laser capture microdissection followed by qualitative PCR (n = 3). We characterized the surface expression of CXCR4 on bovine leukocytes, including monocyte subpopulations, first by flow cytometry (n = 5) and then confirmed these results by Western blotting (n = 3). Rumen fistulated dairy cows (n = 4; 126 ± 4 d in milk) were fitted with abomasal infusion tubes, arranged in a 4 × 4 Latin square design, and supplemented for 6 wk twice daily with rising doses of FA followed by a 3-wk washout period. Then, CXCR4 expression on leukocytes was analyzed. The cows received a corn-based diet and were supplemented with coconut oil delivering medium-chain FA (38 g/d), linseed-safflower oil mix delivering n-3 FA (EFA, 39 g of linseed oil and 2 g of safflower oil per day), Lutalin (cis -9, trans -11 and trans -10, cis -12 CLA, 5 g/d; BASF), and EFA + CLA. In the bovine mammary gland, the epithelial cells of the lactiferous duct, but not alveolar epithelial cells, showed clear CXCR4 protein and mRNA signals. Among the leukocyte subsets, monocytes displayed the highest percentage of CXCR4-positive cells (87%), whereas circulating neutrophils showed almost no CXCR4 surface expression (3%) but stored the receptor intracellularly. The percentage of CXCR4-positive leukocytes was not affected by the different FA supplements, but FA supplementation reduced the receptor abundance per cell (40% on average). In conclusion, CXCR4 was clearly detected in the lactiferous duct cells of the mammary gland but not in the alveolar epithelial cells. Compared with other leukocytes, bovine monocytes showed the highest signal intensity of CXCR4 on their surface, whereas granulocytes stored CXCR4 intracellularly. Supplementation with all the FA reduced the surface expression of CXCR4 per leukocyte and could therefore potentially affect the inflammatory status associated with the surface expression of CXCR4. The importance of our observations should be verified in cows with mastitis in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious global health problem that is strongly linked to insulin resistance, obesity, and oxidative stress. The goal of current work was to inspect the hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic effects of Phyllanthus niruri ethanolic extract (PNEE) on high fat hyperlipidemic diet –induced rat's fatty liver. A unique high-fat diet (HFD) composed of coconut oil (7.3%), beef tallow (7.3%), safflower oil (0.4%) and cholesterol (1.5%) were used in the present study for induction of NAFLD or hyperlipidemia in male Albino rats. Forty-eight clinically healthy male Albino rats were equally divided into four groups: the first served as control. The second group, rats administered ethanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri (PN) (250 mg/kg b.wt.); while the third group was rats fed diet supplemented high fat concentrated (HFCD); and the fourth was rats received combination of HFCD and PN (HFCD+PN). All treatments were given daily by oral route for 105days. All treatments were given daily by oral route for 105 days. Treatment of hyperlipidemic rats by PNEE resulted in reduction of serum liver enzymes, and improvement in proteins and lipids profile, as well as pancreatic function tests, in comparison with hyperlipidemic rats (gp.3) which showed severe biochemical alterations. This was confirmed by histopathological findings in the liver. It could be concluded that PNEE treatment has a strong hepatoprotective impact against fatty alterations in animal models, suggesting that PNEE could be used as a promising agent to prevent fatty liver disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To distinguish different adulterated vegetable oils in safflower seed oil, counterfeit vegetable oils were identified and quantified. The near-infrared hyperspectral reflectance curve data of four oil samples were obtained in the range of 387–1035 nm. The spectrum data was preprocessed by five methods and combined with four algorithm models to predict different types of oil samples. The results showed that the median filtering algorithm combined with the Gradient Boosting Decision Tree model can achieve a 100% recognition rate for four kinds of oil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]