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ABSTRACT Neuroinflammation can be triggered by a high‐fat/high‐fructose diet (HFFD), and CD36 may be an underlying mechanism. Lauric acid (LA), the major fatty acid in coconut oil, and resveratrol, the plant‐based polyphenolic compound, may exert anti‐inflammatory effects. Therefore, this study investigated the possible effects of LA and resveratrol on diet‐induced neuroinflammation and CD36. Healthy male C57BL/6 mice (8 weeks of age, n = 31) were fed a control diet (10%kcal fat) or diets containing high fat (60%kcal fat) and fructose (5% w/v fructose drinking water) for 6 weeks, ad libitum. Supplemented to the HFFD, mice daily received resveratrol (7.5 mg/kg) (HFFD‐RSV) or LA (750 mg/kg) (HFFD‐LA). At the end of the study, HFFD resulted in anxiety‐like behavior, reduced locomotor activity, neuroinflammation (increased brain GFAP, IL‐6, MCP‐1, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α), and systemic inflammation (increased plasma GFAP, IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, IL‐12p70, reduced plasma IL‐10). HFFD‐RSV and HFFD‐LA alleviated HFFD‐induced anxiety‐like behavior, neuroinflammation, and systemic inflammation. HFFD‐LA improved memory. Brain and plasma CD36 levels were increased by HFFD and reduced by HFFD‐RSV or HFFD‐LA. Dietary resveratrol and LA intake may alleviate HFFD‐induced neuroinflammation, systemic inflammation, and anxiety‐like behavior and improve memory, as CD36 may be an underlying mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer has become one of the most common and deadliest diseases worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. As a contribution to finding ways how to combat this problem by well balanced nutrition, the current research compared the levels of medium and longchain saturated fatty acids in the milk of three distinct domestic animal species, including cattle, goats, and horses, intending to identify their potential anti-cancer properties. The study analysed milk samples from three different animal species in Slovenia and Croatia - the Simmental cows, the Saanen goats, and the Lipizzaner mares. The samples were evaluated for their fatty acid profiles, which included five medium-chain fatty acids (caprylic, pelargonic, capric, undecylic, and lauric) and ten long-chain fatty acids (myristic, pentadecylic, palmitic, margaric, stearic, nonadecylic, arachidic, behenic, tricosylic, and lignoceric). By analysing the fatty acid profiles, the research study aimed to contribute to the development of new nutritional recommendations for cancer and to help improve the lives of those affected by the cancer. The results indicate that milk from different animal species varies in the concentration of medium and long-chain saturated fatty acids. Goat’s milk has a high concentration of caprylic acid that may help prevent certain cancers (colorectal, skin, and breast cancer), whereas cow’s milk has more capric and lauric acid that can have beneficial effects against cancer. All three species have high concentrations of long-chain fatty acids (myristic, palmitic, and stearic acid), with cow’s milk having the highest value. These fatty acids have potential benefits in the prevention of diverse types of cancer (leukemia, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, and breast cancer). Therefore, consumption of milk, especially cows’ milk, may offer some protection against cancer prevalence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise and safe treatment of bioorthogonal prodrug system is hindered by separate administration of prodrug and its activator, which often results in poor therapeutic effects and severe side effects. To address above issues, we herein construct a single bioorthogonal-activated co-delivery system for simultaneous PROTAC prodrug (proPROTAC) delivery and controlled, site-specific activation for tumor-specific treatment. In this co-delivery system (termed AuPLs), prodrug (proPROTAC) and water-soluble Pd-catalyst are first encapsulated by gold nanocubes (AuNCs), which are further coated with a layer of phase-change material (lauric acid/stearic acid, LA/SA). Below 39 °C, the solid state of LA/SA prevents the activation of Pd-mediated bioorthogonal reaction due to the solidification of Pd-catalyst and proPROTAC. Nevertheless, once over 42 °C, the phase change of LA/SA into liquid state, enabled by the photothermal effect of AuNCs, triggers the simultaneous release of proPROTAC and Pd-catalyst and initiates the in situ bioorthogonal reaction for proPROTAC activation. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, the systemic administration of AuPLs results in the accumulation in tumor region, where the photothermal effect activates and controls the tumor-specific bioorthogonal reaction to degrade BRD4 protein, leading to anti-tumor effects with minimized side effects. Overall, the co-delivery proPROTAC and Pd-catalyst and controlled activation by photothermal effects provide a precise way for biorthogonal-based anticancer prodrugs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of coconut milk as a raw material for yogurt has the potential to make yogurt and its benefits become a food product that can be consumed by everyone. Fortification of pineapple puree can maintain the quality of yogurt and has the potential to increase health benefits due to reducing the amount of fat. The aim of this research is to optimize the yogurt formulation regarding fermentation time and percentage of pineapple puree composition. The analysis carried out was total lactic acid bacteria and total plate count calculation, as well as pH, acidity, water holding capacity, viscosity, fat content, and fatty acid composition. The fermentation time variables used were 20, 24, 28, and 32 h, where 24-h fermentation time was the optimum fermentation time according to standards, with a total of lactic acid bacteria of 6.69 ± 0.03 log cfu/g, pH value of 4.45 ± 0.01, acidity of 0.46 ± 0.06%, water holding capacity 72.82 ± 0.03%, viscosity 2547 ± 55.84 cP, and fat content 15.12 ± 0.06%. Fortification of pineapple puree is carried out with composition percentage variables of 0, 4, 8, and 12%, where by fortification of 12% pineapple puree, it can maintain quality similar to unfortified coconut milk yogurt as well as lactic acid bacteria viability through 14 days storage and excel in water holding capacity (79.25 ± 3.06%), viscosity (3360 ± 38.13 cP), and low fat content (10.57 ± 0.08%). Lauric acid was the dominant fatty acid in the yogurt specimen (~ 64%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Materials Engineering / Cailiao Gongcheng is the property of Journal of Materials Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Sarcosine was inserted between fatty chain and carboxylic group of lauric acid to obtain lauroyl sarcosine, and the corrosion inhibition of lauroyl sarcosine triethanolamine (LSTEA) was significantly improved. The synergistic mechanism of amide group and lauric acid was investigated by comparing the corrosion behavior on the surface of HT300 gray cast iron in 330 mg/L NaCl solution. The results showed that both lauryl triethanolamine (LATEA) and LSTEA could prevent corrosion. At 298 K, when 1000 mg/L inhibitor was added, the inhibition rates are 71.93% and 83.89%, respectively. The morphology analysis also verified that LSTEA had better inhibition properties than LATEA. Comparing the adsorption parameters and Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculation results, it was found that LATEA and LSTEA could spontaneously adsorb on the surface of gray cast iron as monolayer to form a stable protective layer. However, the chelation of amide group and the electron absorption effect could make the electron density distributed at the polar end of the whole molecule, covering the active sites at the interface to the maximum extent, so that LSTEA has more excellent corrosion inhibition for gray cast iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we present a comparative study on the Kolbe electrolysis of fatty acids. First, key parameters such as solvent composition and starting pH were briefly investigated with myristic acid (C14 : 0) as model fatty acid using a platinized titanium (Pt−Ti) anode involving the emerging liquid wax as environmentally friendly cosolvent. Second, the parameters were verified by experiments with fatty acids of different chain length (C10 : 0 to C18 : 0) which led to excellent results in the electrolysis of lauric acid (C12 : 0) with a current efficiency of 51±2 % after applying 1 FE. Comparable results (47±2 %) were obtained with a boron doped diamond anode (BDD). With current efficiencies of 45±1 % (Pt−Ti) and 46±1 % (BDD), the results were successfully transferred to an artificial fatty acid mixture as found in bio‐based coconut oil. Thus, a green and efficient method to produce bio‐based paraffin waxes on a multi‐gram scale was developed. The high hydrophobicity of the obtained waxes was validated by water contact angle measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumer demand for high-quality meat has increased. This study aimed to investigate the potential application of cocrystals of thymol and carvacrol in broilers for high-quality meat production. Eight hundred 1-day-old chicks were assigned to four groups fed diets supplemented with 0, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg of Crystal EO® (CEO), containing 25% cocrystals of thymol and carvacrol in a 42-d feeding trial. The results showed that dietary CEO supplementation decreased the muscle fiber diameter and increased the muscle fiber density, glycogen content, L*45 min value, and proportion of α-linolenic acid in the breast muscle; dietary 40 and 60 mg/kg of CEO decreased the lactate content, MDA concentration, cooking loss, shear force, and thrombogenicity index and increased the proportion of lauric acid in the breast muscle; dietary 60 and 80 mg/kg of CEO increased the glucose content, total superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity levels of breast muscle. Citrate synthase activity, free radical scavenging capacity, pH24 h and a*45 min values, and the cystine content in the breast muscle were especially higher in the 60 mg/kg CEO group compared to the control group. Collectively, dietary CEO supplementation improved meat quality and nutritional values and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of broiler meat, with 60 mg/kg of CEO having the greatest effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's disease (PD), the most prevalent type of Parkinsonism, is a progressive neurological condition characterized by a range of motor and non‐motor symptoms. The complicated etiology of PD is thought to involve a summation of aging, genetic predisposition, and environmental variables. However, the α‐synuclein protein plays a significant role in the disease's pathophysiology. Materials and methods: The UAS‐α‐Syn and Ddc‐Gal4 strains were crossed to produce offspring referred to as PD flies. The entire population of flies was divided into five groups, each having about 100 flies and five replicates. The control group (w1118) and the PD group not receiving treatment were exposed to lauric acid (LA)/levodopa (LD)‐free diet, while the PD groups that received treatments were fed with either a 250 mg/kg LA diet, a 250 mg/kg LD diet, or a combination of the two for 21 days. Longevity, geotaxis, and olfactory assays were performed in addition to other biochemical tests. Results: As a result of the overexpression of α‐synuclein, the locomotive capacity, lifespan, and antioxidant status were all significantly (p <.05) reduced, and the apoptotic and neuroinflammatory activities were increased. Nevertheless, the majority of the treated flies improved significantly (p <.05). Conclusion: LA, whether combined with LD or not, elicited a significant response in α‐synuclein/dopa decarboxylase genetically modified Drosophila melanogaster Parkinsonism models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the thermal properties of lauric acid (LA) as a phase change material (PCM) using the K‐Means clustering method to analyze the melting characteristics. This study focuses on the optimization of PCMs using a hybrid methodology of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and K‐Means clustering. LA, enhanced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, was evaluated for its thermal performance. LA's suitability as a PCM is evaluated based on initial temperature, heating rate, final temperature, and time to melt. AHP was employed to determine the weightage for three critical outcomes: latent heat, melting point, and thermal conductivity. The weightages assigned were 59%, 31%, and 11%, respectively, reflecting the relative importance of each outcome in assessing the efficiency of LA as a PCM. Furthermore, K‐Means clustering was then applied to categorize the data based on these weighted outcomes. AHP was utilized to determine the weightage of input parameters, assigning 27% to initial temperature, 15% to heating rate, and 22% to final temperature, underscoring their significance in the analysis. The optimal input conditions identified were an initial temperature of 24.8°C, a ieating rate of 5.6°C/min, a final temperature of 81.4°C, and a time to melt of 10.6 min. These conditions resulted in optimal outcomes of 208 J/g for latent heat, a melting point of 80.9°C, and a thermal conductivity of 0.21 W/m·K. This hybrid approach provides a robust framework for optimizing PCM performance, facilitating enhanced thermal energy storage and release in practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of the water on Earth roughly 97% is contaminated or salty, only 3% is fresh water, and only 1% of pure water is easily available for human use. In rural areas and remote locations suffering from pure drinking water scarcity.Water purification techniques are generally dependent on electricity, which relies on coal and gas plants, these poses a risk to the environment and society. Solar desalination is being recognized as the most practical way to deal with the scarcity of pure drinking water in all aspects of sustainable development. This paper describes the creation of a single slope solar still (SSSS) using opaque and crystal‐clear toughened glass with a thickness of 6 mm as a cover and also another setup of a single slope phase change material (PCM)‐based solar still (MSSSS). In this paper, a flat plate solar collector coupled with water heater is used to enhance the productivity of still. In this study, an experimental model has been developed to experimentally analyze exercise productivity performance of SSSS and MSSSS of MMIT Kushinagar, India on April 10, 2023 to April 15, 2023. Combination of stearic acid, lauric acid, and paraffin wax combined with CuO (nanoadditive) is used to enhance the solar still productivity. Also, basin temperature for different PCM's such as paraffin wax, lauric acid, and stearic acid are compared. Different combinations of PCM's and nanoadditives are compared to find the better productivity. It is observed that maximum output is obtained at 3:00 p.m. afternoon on experimental setup. Paraffin wax, stearic acid, and lauric acid still increases productivity by 38.8%, 20.3%, and 30.5%, respectively, when compared to simple solar still. On experimentation of various combinations, it is found that the use of PCM paraffin wax and nanoadditives CuO gives 55% better productivity compared to other combinations. This innovative system is suitable and ideal for desalinating water in isolated and rural locations with low traffic and limited demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antioxidant activity of all organic extracts of Alyssum sibiricum Willd. growing in Trakya Region was investigated and the chemical content of hexane extract was identified by GC-MS this study. For this purpose, Alyssum sibiricum was extracted with hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and methanol successively. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was investigated using DPPH, ABTS, β-Carotene-linoleic acid decolorization activity and CUPRAC methods. Methanolic extract showed the highest antioxidant activity in all methods. According to the GC-MS results of A. sibiricum plant, 41 components were detected. n-Docosan (23.24%), palmitic acid (15.02%), lauric acid (7.67%) and 1-hexadecanol (5.82%) were identified as the major components. It is anticipated that this study will provide insights that will inform future research on the isolation of antioxidant compounds and the elucidation of their structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrolysis of polysorbate surfactants in large molecule drug product formulations caused by residual host cell proteins presents numerous stability concerns for pharmaceuticals. The fatty acids (FA) released by polysorbate hydrolysis can nucleate into particulates or challenge the conformational stability of the proteinaceous active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The loss of intact polysorbate may also leave the Drug Product (DP) vulnerable to interfacial stresses. Polysorbate 20 and 80 are available in several different quality grades (Multi-compendial, Super Refined, Pure Lauric Acid (PLA)/Pure Oleic Acid (POA)). All variations of polysorbate as well as three alternative surfactants: Brij L23, Brij O20 and Poloxamer 188 were compared for their ability to protect against air-water interfacial stresses as well as their risk for developing particulates when in the presence of lipoprotein lipase (LPL) (Pseudomonas). Results show a meaningful difference in the timing and morphology of FA particle formation depending on the type of polysorbate used. All grades of polysorbate, while susceptible to hydrolysis, still offered sufficient protection to interfacial stresses, even when hydrolyzed to concentrations as low as 0.005 % (w/v). Alternative surfactants that lack an ester bond were resistant to lipase degradation and showed good protection against shaking stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a promising way to produce the second generation biodiesel from aliphatic acid based biomass. In this study, NixMoy@NC bimetallic catalysts with varying molar ratios were prepared using ZIF-8 as a representative MOF precursor. Lauric acid was chosen as the model compound, the catalytic performance of these catalysts with different metal ratios, reaction temperatures, and pressures was investigated. In addition, the reaction of lauric acid, lauric alcohol, and lauric aldehyde at different reaction times were investigated to explore the pathways of lauric acid. The influence of Mo doping on the catalyst structure, reducibility, and electronic properties was investigated through a series of characterizations, including SEM, TEM, XPS, H2-TPR, and NH3-TPD. This study revealed that the ZIF-8 support with incorporated Ni and Mo maintained a stable structure. Compared to Ni-based catalysts, the addition of Mo in the bimetallic catalyst can bring the electron transfer between Ni and Mo and increased the active sites and acid sites. An appropriate amount of Mo can lower the reduction temperature and enhance the catalytic activity for hydrogenation and deoxygenation reactions. Based on the catalytic experimental results, it can be observed that liquid alkanes, such as undecane and dodecane, are primarily formed through decarbonylation of lauric aldehyde and hydrodeoxygenation of lauric alcohol. Additionally, under high-temperature conditions, the hydrodeoxygenation reaction is favored over the decarbonylation reaction, promoting the production of dodecane. This indicates that Mo exhibits better activation for the C–OH reaction, leading to these observations. Under repeated use, the catalyst still has good catalytic activity and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Black Soldier Fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens) larvae are recognized for their ability to convert diverse organic materials into protein-rich biomass, depending on the substrate they consume. The composition of these substrates can significantly impact the nutrient profile and enzyme activities of the resulting maggot protein extract (MPE). Therefore, this exploratory research aimed to assess the nutrient content, protease, and cellulase activity of MPE obtained from BSF maggots reared on different substrates, with a specific focus on substrates A (comprising restaurant waste and rejected milk), B (layer manure), and C (kitchen waste). The results showed that maggot meal from layer manure had the highest protein content (45.36%) and the lowest fat content (18.44%). Amino acids in maggot meal contained high levels of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, alanine, valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Lauric acids were found in maggot meal from kitchen waste (33.79%), layer manure (32.18%), and restaurant waste and rejected milk (22.94%). Maggot meal from layer manure had the highest oleic acid content (15.13%). The protein concentration of MPE from various substrates ranged from 0.56 to 0.601 mg/ml (at 60% w/v ammonium sulfate saturation) and 0.555 to 0.609 mg/ml (at 70% ammonium sulfate saturation). The protease activity of MPE from layer manure substrates exhibited optimum activity and stability in neutral to alkaline pH, with activity levels of 0.748 U/mg at pH 7.0 and pH 11.0 (at 60% w/v ammonium sulfate saturation) and 0.774 units/mg at 70% w/v ammonium sulfate saturation. The highest cellulase activity was found in MPE from kitchen waste, which remained stable at pH 5.0-11.0. In general, maggots from different substrate sources exhibited distinct nutrient profiles and enzyme activities. Protein extract from maggots grown in layer manure showed the most suitable nutrient profile for use as an alternative source of protein feed and protease enzymes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study presents an analytical and biological evaluation of selected vegetable oils and their unsaponifiable compounds, which are of crucial importance for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, with the aim of ensuring their targeted use in dermal products. Methods: Vegetable oils were selected based on their dominant fatty acid composition: pomegranate seed oil (punicic acid), linseed oil (α-linolenic acid), coconut oil (lauric acid), olive oil (oleic acid), poppy seed oil (linoleic acid), linden seed oil (linoleic acid), and marigold seed oil (α-calendic acid). Pharmacopoeial chemical values, fatty acid profiles, and unsaponifiable compounds were analysed. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH assay. Results: Chemical values indicated good oxidative status and minimal hydrolysis. Fatty acid analysis revealed expected compositions, with rare linden and marigold seed oils exhibiting distinctive fatty acid composition, featuring sterculic and α-calendic acids. Marigold seed oil showed the richest profile of unsaponifiable compounds. Antioxidant activity was highest in olive oil and lowest in coconut oil. No significant correlation was found between the fatty acid composition, unsaponifiable matter, and antioxidant activity suggesting the synergistic or antagonistic interactions of oil components. Conclusion: The study highlights the complex interactions among oil components that influence antioxidant activity. These findings deepen the understanding of the complex mechanisms determining the antioxidant properties of vegetable oils, crucial for informed decisions in dermal product formulation as demand for natural, effective cosmetic and pharmaceutical ingredients rises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interesterification process allows structured lipids (SLs) to be obtained with a modified triacylglycerol (TAG) structure, in which the unfavorable saturated fatty acids (SFAs) are replaced with nutritionally significant fatty acids (FAs) such as monounsaturated (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated (PUFAs). Oxidative stability is crucial for the quality of SLs. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the FA profile and oxidative stability of SLs synthesized by the enzymatic interesterification of hemp seed oil (HO) and coconut oil (CO) blends. Blends were prepared in three ratios (75% HO:25% CO, 50% HO:50% CO, and 25% HO:75% CO) and interesterified using sn-1,3 regiospecific lipase for 2 or 6 h. FA composition, the FA distribution of TAGs, acid value (AV), peroxide value (PV), and oxidation time were analyzed and compared to non-interesterified blends. Results showed no significant difference in the SFA:MUFA ratios between interesterified and non-interesterified blends with the same proportions. Lauric acid predominantly occupied the sn-2 position in all blends. Interesterified blends had higher AVs, exceeding codex standards, while PVs remained within the acceptable limits. Blends with 75% HO had lower oxidation times compared to those with 75% CO, with no significant difference between interesterified and non-interesterified blends. In the interesterification process of the studied blends, new TAGs with a modified structure were created, which may affect their physical and nutritional properties. This process also had a significant effect on the AV and PV levels, but not on the oxidation time of the modified blends. Therefore, it is necessary to remove free FAs after the enzymatic process to produce SLs characterized by improved hydrolytic stability. This will lead to better technological properties compared to the original oils. Further research is also necessary to enhance the oxidation stability of SLs obtained from blends of CO and HO to improve their storage stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Describing fat phase behavior is of significant interest for food and non-food applications. One recognized approach to understand the behavior of complex fatty systems is to simplify the fat matrix and to emphasize only the main triacylglycerol (TAG) components. In this context, the kinetic phase behavior and phase transformation paths of binary mixtures of selected saturated monoacids (trilaurin (LaLaLa), trimyristin (MMM), and tripalmitin (PPP)) and of mixed saturated triacylglycerols containing lauric (La) and myristic (M) acids (MMLa and LaLaM) typical from lauric fats were investigated. Kinetic phase diagrams were constructed based on DSC heating thermograms (fast cooling and reheating at 5 °C min−1) and powder X-ray diffraction data. The investigated binary kinetic phase diagram presented an apparently typical eutectic behavior, with a eutectic point that varies depending on the blend composition. Introducing mixed saturated TAGs (MMLa or LaLaM) in binary blends led to a shift in the position of the eutectic point. Considering the binary blends made of LaLaLa, it was shifted from XLaLaLa = 0.7 in the LaLaLa–MMM system to XLaLaLa = 0.5 for the LaLaLa–MMLa mixture, and to XLaLaLa = 0.25 for the LaLaLa–LaLaM blend. Finally, the blend made of the two mixed TAGs (MMLa–LaLaM) also presented a complex non-ideal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecules confined within nanometer‐scale environments frequently exhibit a distinct physical response in contrast to those found in bulk conditions. In this study, intercalates of lauric acid (LA) are synthesized within halloysite nanotubes (HNT), successfully trapping 12 wt.% of LA within the internal HNT tube, as demonstrated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and wide‐angle and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS/SAXS) techniques. Furthermore, it is noted that the confinement of LA within the HNT lumen resulted in a significant reduction in LA crystallinity, consistent with the impact of geometric constraints on crystallization behavior. The presence of a significant amorphous phase in the intercalates proved beneficial for the gradual release of LA into water, as evidenced by pH changes. Remarkably, the necessity of employing a vacuum method and extended contact time (72 h) for the physical entrapment of LA in ethanol within the HNT lumen is found to be unnecessary, as similar physical characteristics are observed in an intercalate generated without vacuum and with very short contact time (<1 h). Finally, it is observed that the source of HNT is crucial in determining the final properties of the confined material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lubricant base oils, traditionally derived from non-renewable petroleum, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, oils sourced from furfural and long-chain ketones through aldol condensation and hydrodeoxygenation present a renewable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative, offering superior cold flow properties. However, the production of long-chain ketones, a crucial component, currently relies on solvent dewaxing in refineries, which is costly and non-selective. One promising biobased approach involves self-ketonization of long-chain fatty acids derived from coconut or palm kernel oils. This method typically employs high boiling point solvents like dodecane or is done in a batch configuration, limiting its scale and industrial viability. This study addresses this bottleneck by eliminating solvents, transitioning to a continuous flow reactor, and achieving kilogram-scale production of long-chain ketones with exceptional selectivity (90%). The lab-scale setup can yield up to 25 kg of 12-tricosanone per month, utilizing earth-abundant MgO as a catalyst. The catalyst underwent slight deactivation due to carbonate formation. Catalyst stabilization, using mixed metal oxides, and regeneration via simple calcination in air are also discussed. Techno-economic analysis (TEA) indicates a 29% lower minimum selling price than the commercial synthetic poly alpha olefin (PAO). Life cycle assessment (LCA) evaluates the global warming potential (GWP) under different environmental assumptions. Under the carbon-neutral assumption for lauric acid production, an 8.9% reduction in GWP was achieved compared to petroleum-based lubricants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three samples of aqueous magnetic fluids based on magnetite particles stabilized with double layers of surfactants have been synthesized. The samples have been stabilized with lauric and oleic acids, as well as their salts, taken in three different combinations. The viscosity of the synthesized samples has been measured as depending on the concentration, temperature, and shear rate. With increasing temperature, the viscosity of a sample of the fluid stabilized with a double layer of lauric acid does not decrease relative to the viscosity of water, as has been previously observed for classical magnetic fluids, but rather increases. For a sample stabilized with two layers of lauric and oleic acids, the temperature dependence of the relative viscosity is nonmonotonic. The relative viscosity of a sample stabilized with a double layer of oleic acid is actually independent of temperature. To determine the concentrations of the samples, measurements of magnetization curves were carried out followed by their granulometric analysis. It has been found that the dispersity of the samples remains unchanged upon dilution. The initial magnetic susceptibility of the fluid samples has been shown to increase with concentration more slowly than it has been predicted by the modified effective field model. In contrast to the effective field model (and other ones), the coefficient at the quadratic term in the expansion of the initial susceptibility in terms of the Langevin susceptibility has turned out to be significantly lower than 1/3. Thus, new theories of dipole–dipole interparticle interaction must be developed to describe the properties of magnetic fluids stabilized with double layers of surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article deals with the effect of adding coconut oil to the diet of heavy pigs on the concentration of fatty acids in leg meat, back fat, and liver. Lauric acid has several positive effects on the consumer. However, the concentration of this fatty acid in pig meat is very low or absent. Coconut oil, which contains a high concentration of lauric acid, was added to the pigs' diet (30 g per head per day) for 18 days before slaughtering. This dietary intervention increased the concentration of lauric acid in leg meat and back fat but had no effect on the lauric acid concentration in pig liver. Concentrations of margaric and arachidic acids in leg meat, oleic, arachidic, and sum of monounsaturated fatty acids in back fat, palmitoleic and sum of saturated fatty acids in pig liver were affected by the addition of coconut oil to the diet of pigs. The monounsaturation index C18:1/C18:0 in leg meat was higher in the coconut oil group. The intake of small amounts of coconut oil affected the concentration of some fatty acids and increased the concentration of lauric acid in the leg meat and back fat of pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocardial damage significantly impacts the prognosis of patients with cancer; however, the mechanisms of myocardial damage induced by cancer and its treatment remain unknown. We previously reported that medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) improve cancer-induced myocardial damage but did not evaluate the differences in effect according to MCFA type. Therefore, this study investigated the role of inflammatory cytokines in cancer-induced myocardial damage and the effects of three types of MCFAs (caprylic acid [C8], capric acid [C10], and lauric acid [C12]). In a mouse model, the C8 diet showed a greater effect on improving myocardial damage compared with C10 and C12 diets. Myocardial tubes differentiated from H9C2 cardiomyoblasts demonstrated increased mitochondrial oxidative stress, decreased membrane potential and mitochondrial volume, and inhibited myocardial tube differentiation following treatment with high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) but not interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α cytokines. However, HMGB1 treatment combined with C8 improved HMGB1-induced mitochondrial damage, enhanced autophagy, and increased mitochondrial biogenesis and maturation. However, these effects were only partial when combined with beta-hydroxybutyrate, a C8 metabolite. Thus, HMGB1 may play an important role in cancer-related myocardial damage. C8 counteracts HMGB1's effects and improves cancer-related myocardial damage. Further clinical studies are required to investigate the effects of C8. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Rudarsko-Geolosko-Naftni Zbornik is the property of Faculty of Mining, Geology & Petroleum Engineering and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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The efficiency and economy of an ASHP (air source heat pump) can be significantly improved in a cold area by combining it with a TESU (thermal energy storage unit). The work of looking for a phase change material with a suitable temperature range, a large thermal capacity, and high conductivity has been always on the road. This paper prepared 10 CPCMs (composites of a phase change material) by using the vacuum adsorption method, which consists of LA (lauric acid) as the phase change material and EG (expanded graphite) as the skeleton matrix for its high thermal conductivity and porous characteristics. By characterizing and analyzing their basic properties, surface morp\hology, and stability, a suitable CPCM for the TESU coupled with the ASHP heating system is found. The leakage experiment results show that the maximum effective content of LA absorbed in 100-mesh EG of a CPCM is 80%, and that in 200-mesh EG, it is 90%. Among 10 CPCMs, CPCM3, with a mass ratio of LA:EG/8:2, is considered the more satisfactory one for the TESU proposed by this paper, because its performance shows good stability, its phase transition temperature is 40.98–41.94 °C, its latent heat is 164.34–168.28 kJ/kg, and especially, its thermal conductivity is 8.15–8.33 W/(m·K). This paper will be followed by performance research on TESUs coupled with ASHP heating systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study evaluated the potential enhancement of lauric acid (LA) in black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens , (L.) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larvae (BSFL), a source of this short-chain fatty acid which has antimicrobial and immunostimulatory properties. Replicate groups of BSFL were reared on either the coconut or Gainesville diet for 7 days. After the rearing period, BSFL were harvested, purged, dried, and subjected to proximate, fatty acid and amino acid compositions, and pepsin digestibility analyses. Results demonstrate changes in proximate composition. BSFL reared on the coconut had significantly (P  = 0.002) higher lipid content (47.3% vs. 25.2%) on a dry-matter basis. The LA concentration in BSFL produced on the coconut was 31% greater than those reared on Gainesville, resulting in almost 150% more LA. Furthermore, BSFL-fed coconut had reduced crude protein (29.7% of dry weight) and ash (3.7% of dry weight) relative to those fed Gainesville (43.4% and 7.5% for crude protein and ash, respectively) but higher pepsin digestibility (91.0% vs. 87.0%). The relative amounts of various amino acids in the 2 BSFL meals did not differ extensively, with statistically lower concentrations of only phenylalanine and tryptophan and higher concentrations of alanine, arginine, isoleucine, leucine, and serine in BSFL reared on coconut. Results demonstrate that the nutritional composition of BSFL can be manipulated, and an enhancement of LA concentrations of 150% was achieved with coconut, which has value for BSFL as a feed for various livestock, including aquaculture. Lower protein content is a tradeoff in terms of BSFL value as a feed additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase transition temperature of single fatty acids is generally high and prone to leakage， which cannot meet the demand for using them as phase change materials for regulating the energy consumption of building air conditioning in summer.Based on conductor-like screening model for real solvents （COSMO-RS），136 binary low eutectic fatty acids of 7 medium chain fatty acids and 10 long chain fatty acids were designed and calculated by using COSMOthermX software，and the eutectic temperature and molar ratio of binary low eutectic fatty acids were predicted.Furthermore， the optimal combination was used as the core material， and melamine-urea-formaldehyde （MUF） resin was used as the wall material to prepare phase change microcapsules through in-situ polymerization. The effects of different process conditions （core-to-wall ratio， reaction temperature， reaction time， reaction speed，etc.） on the thermal and physical properties of the microcapsules were systematically discussed. The results show that the COSMO-RS model can judge the relationship between hydrogen bond donor （HBD） and hydrogen bond acceptor （HBA） more intuitively. The eutectic temperature （33.25 ℃） in theory is 98.08% similar to the experimental temperature （33.1 ℃） of lauric acid （LA）-myristic acid （MA） （LM） with the optimal combination of LA and MA with a molar ratio of 0.66 to 0.34. Under the conditions of a core-to-wall ratio of 2∶1， reaction time of 3 h， reaction temperature of 80 ℃， and stirring speed of 200 r/min， the encapsulation efficiency of MUF on the core material LM is 61.37%， which effectively solves the leakage problem and has potential application value in reducing the energy consumption of building air conditioning refrigeration.

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is the most common mycotoxin contaminant of food or feed worldwide and causes disease in animals. Lauric acid (LA) is a medium-chain fatty acid useful for barrier functions such as antimicrobial activity in the intestine of monogastric animals. However, the molecular mechanisms by which lauric acid exerts its effects on the deoxynivalenol-exposed small intestine have not been studied. We used an intestinal porcine epithelial cell line (IPEC-J2) as an in vitro model to explore the molecular mechanism of lauric acid in alleviating deoxynivalenol-induced damage. We found that lauric acid reversed deoxynivalenol-induced reduction in cell viability. Our quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results indicated that lauric acid alleviated deoxynivalenol-induced apoptosis through Annexin-V. Additionally, immunofluorescence and Western blotting showed that lauric acid attenuated deoxynivalenol-induced forkhead box O3 (FOXO3a) translocation into the nucleus. These results suggest that lauric acid attenuates forkhead box O3 translocation in the small intestine damaged by deoxynivalenol, thereby reducing apoptosis. In conclusion, this study found that lauric acid alleviates deoxynivalenol-induced damage in intestinal porcine epithelial cell line through various molecular mechanisms.

Lauric acid (LA) has the possibility to improve milk production in dairy cows by improving mammary gland development, however, the mechanism by which it might regulate mammary gland development is unclear. The influence of LA on milk production, nutrient digestibility and the expression of proteins related to mammary gland development in dairy cows were evaluated. Forty primiparous Holstein dairy cows were divided into 4 groups in a randomized block design. Four treatments included the control (0 g/d LA per cow), low-LA (100 g/d LA per cow), medium-LA (200 g/d LA per cow), and high-LA (300 g/d LA per cow). Yields of milk, fat-corrected milk, and energy-corrected milk quadratically increased (P

In this study, two cardanol based epoxidized resins, NC514 with less than two epoxies per molecule and side chain epoxidized cardanol glycidyl ether (SCECGE) with approximately 2.45 epoxies (1.0 phenolic+1.45 aliphatic epoxies) per molecule were methacrylated. The methacrylated versions of cardanol based NC514 (NC514VE) and SCECGE (SCECGEVE) epoxy resins were used as cross‐linker units in vinyl ester formulations with methacrylated lauric acid (MFA) and styrene (ST) as bio‐based and synthetic based reactive diluents respectively, at various concentrations (10–40 wt%). The curing reactions of the resins were studied via FTIR and the extent of polymerization was determined for different cross‐linker units in the presence of ST and MFA. Our mechanical and thermomechanical characterizations showed that VER formulations prepared with cardanol based SCECGEVE cross‐linker unit have significantly improved properties than the samples prepared with commercially available counterpart NC514VE using either reactive diluent. These properties of SCECGEVE were also comparable with to that of methacrylated petroleum‐based diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A vinyl ester (DGEBAVE) formulations unlike NC514VE formulations due to more effective side chain functionalization and cross‐linking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although naturally Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) causes meningitis resulting in death or sequela of neurological symptoms in pigs and humans, severely threatening public health in the world, it has been difficult to build up and confirm experimental meningitis mouse models with obvious neurological syndrome for about two decades, which strongly hampers the in-depth study on the control measures and mechanisms of SS2-induced meningitis. In this study, a typical meningitis mouse model of SS2 was successfully established, as confirmed by the behavioral indicators of balance beam test, suspension test, and gait analysis. With bacteria gathering in the brain, distinguishable unique features including meningeal thickening, vacuolization of the Nissl body, brain barrier damage, glial cell activation, and more infiltration of T cells, macrophages, and DCs are observed in SS2 meningitis mice with typical neurological signs. Some meningitis mice were also accompanied by identical nephritis, ophthalmia, and cochlearitis. Investigation of the metabolic features demonstrated the downregulated cholic acid and upregulated 2-hydroxyvaleric acid, tetrahydrocortisone, nicotinic acid, and lauric acid in blood serum of mice and piglets with meningitis. And feeding trials show that lauric acid can promote meningitis by promoting the infiltration of immune cells into brain. These findings demonstrated that infection of ICR (improved castle road) mice with SS2 was able to induce typical meningitis accompanied by immune cell infiltration and lauric acid upregulation. These data provide a basis for the deep study of SS2 meningitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The determination of optimal levels of green tea amount and brewing time would have a crucial role in the accumulation of desired aromatic volatile compounds to meet worldwide market demand. Aroma is the most important factor influencing tea consumers' choices along with taste, price, and brand. This study aims to determine how the brewing time and amount of green tea affect the aroma profile of green tea infusion. The effect of the amount of Turkish green tea (5–10 g) and brewing time (5–60 min) on aromatic volatile compounds was evaluated using solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) technique. The SPME/GC–MS analysis identified 57 components in the aroma profile of green tea infusions including 13 esters, 12 alkanes, 7 unknowns, 6 ketones, 3 alcohols, 2 terpenes, 2 terpenoids, 1 alkaloid, 1 phenolic compound, 1 lactone, 1 pyrazine, and 1 norisoprenoid. The green tea amount and brewing time had significant effects on the number of chemical compounds. A total of 42, 47, and 36 aromatic volatile compounds were determined by brewing 5, 7.5, and 10 g of green tea. The most abundant constituents in green tea infusions were phytone, 2‐decenal, lauric acid, unknown 1, methoxy‐1‐methylethyl pyrazine, α‐ionone, β‐ionone, and diethyl phthalate (DEP). With this study, the aroma structures of green tea infusion have been revealed for the first time depending on the brewing time and quantity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A promising solution for challenges in thermal energy storage (TES) and its management is the use of phase change materials (PCMs). The ionic liquids (ILs) offer a unique properties that make them proper candidates for a number of energy related applications. The IL based PCMs are an important category of novel materials that significantly contribute to the efficient use and conservation of solar energy and wasted heat. This work presents a new family of ionic liquids (ILs) 2-hydroxyethylammonium, bis (2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium, and tris (2-hydroxyethyl) ammonium laurate as PCMs for the first time operating in the temperature range of 50–150 °C, and offer a safe and inexpensive capacity. The latent heat of fusion values were 147.13, 131.95 and 113.54 kJ·kg−1 for the [HEA]Lau, [DHEA]Lau and [THEA]Lau, respectively. Also, the thermal stability was obtained to be 99% for the [HEA]Lau. Finally, the thermal-to-electric energy conversion is performed using a homemade electronic data gathering and processing instrument with a PCMs (synthesized ILs) container cell and a commercial thermoelectric generator (TEG) device to record the real-time generated electric energy. The recorded output voltage (open circuit case) of TEG device versus time was measured that demonstrated that after turning off the thermal energy source, the proposed system provides the electric energy for a while (more than 2 h). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red palm weevil (RPW) (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) threatens most palm species worldwide. This study investigated the molecular responses of coconut (Cocos nucifera) leaves to RPW infestation through metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis. An RPW insect attack model was developed by placing different RPW larval densitiesin coconut plants and measuring the relative chlorophyll content of different leaf positions and physiological indicators of dysfunction after RPW infestation. The metabolomic changes were detected in the leaves of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 days after infestation (DAI) using GC-MS. Certain metabolites (glycine, D-pinitol, lauric acid, allylmalonic acid, D-glucaro-1, 4-lactone, protocatechuic acid, alpha, and alpha-trehalose) were found to be possible indicators for distinct stages of infestation using metabolomics analysis. The influence on ABC transporters, glutathione, galactose, and glycolipid metabolism was emphasized by pathway analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified at 5, 10, 15, and 20 DAI through transcriptomics analysis of infested coconut leaves, with altered expression levels under RPW infestation. The KEGG pathway and GO analysis revealed enrichment in pathways related to metabolism, stress response, and plant–pathogen interactions, shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying coconut–RPW interactions. The identified genes may serve as potential markers for tracking RPW infestation progression and could inform strategies for pest control and management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The melting and solidification processes of the organic phase change material -- lauric acid exposed to air were experimentally studied to investigate the heat exchange and its effect on the heat transfer behaviour inside a shell as well as its phase-change characteristics. Lauric acid was placed in spherical shells made of polyvinyl chloride with diameters of 44, 63, and 74 mm. This study was based on analyses of the surface temperature and vertical temperature distribution data inside the shells. We found that the phase change characteristics were strongly related to the dominant heat transfer mechanism. In this case, melting was dominated by convection, whereas solidification was dominated by conduction. The convection intensity increased as the shell diameter increased. Further analysis revealed the melting and solidification periods. In contrast to latent heat release accompanying solidification, latent heat absorption accompanied by melting does not occur at a constant temperature, although it has a smaller temperature gradient than does sensible heat absorption. Based on the asymmetry between the melting and solidification processes, we discuss various possible strategies by which to control the charging and discharging of the phase change material by restraining the heat transfer rate to optimise its performance as a latent thermal energy storage material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This research delved into the role of gluten fractions on digestion, physical properties and structure of wheat starch (WS)–lauric acid (LA) system under non‐alkaline/alkaline conditions. Results showed that gluten fractions decreased the digestion of WS with LA and gliadin had greater effect on the digestion of WS with LA under non‐alkaline/alkaline conditions than glutenin. Specifically, gliadin increased RS content of WS with LA by 70.99% and 84.89%, respectively, under non‐alkaline and alkaline conditions. The diminished in WS digestion caused by gluten fractions and LA ascribed to the decrease in swelling power and leaching of starch. Rapid viscosity analyser (RVA) demonstrated that gluten fractions were conducive to WS–LA and/or WS–LA–protein complexes formation and gliadin was more helpful to these complexes' formation than glutenin under non‐alkaline conditions. Additionally, gliadin had greater effect on the stability and short‐range ordered structure of WS with LA than glutenin. Addition of gliadin resulted in 6.79% and 13.33% of increase in short‐range orderliness compared with WS–LA system under non‐alkaline and alkaline conditions, respectively. Furthermore, gluten fractions had greater influence on the digestion of WS with LA under alkaline conditions than non‐alkaline conditions ascribed to the formation of WS–LA and/or WS–LA–protein complexes with low swelling power and high ordered structure under alkaline conditions. This study provided crucial information on the design of starchy foods with low digestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wound is a local response of a tissue caused by contact with a heat source, sharp object, or microbes. Some pathogens have developed resistance to several topical antibiotics and cause adverse side effects. Therefore, the search for natural anti-inflammatory drugs that are effective but have few side effects is urgently needed. One of the natural ingredients that have the potential as anti-inflammatory is Black Soldier Fly (BSF) prepupa oil. This study aims to reveal the potential of BSF prepupa oil in accelerating burn wound healing and explain the content of chemical compounds in BSF prepupa oil as an anti-inflammatory using gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GCMS) analysis. This study used 48 male BALB/c mice with four treatment groups, namely control group (without any treatment), 0,1 g Bioplacenton® treated group three times a day, 20 µL BSF prepupa oil-treated groups with once a day or two times a day applications. Burn wound conditioning was done by administering 25% phenol for 30 seconds, after which it was left for one day and then treated. Furthermore, changes in wound morphology, a decrease in the wound area, and leukocyte count were observed. The results showed that administering 20 µL BSF prepupa oil twice a day had a considerable anti-inflammatory effect on burn wound healing, as indicated by morphological changes in scab detachment and a significant decrease in wound area on day 7. However, it did not affect the number of leukocyte components in mice. In addition, GC-MS analysis revealed several anti-inflammatory solid compounds, namely acetic acid, ethenyl benzene, lauric acid, propionic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) processing generates substantial quantities of date seeds, constituting a potential source of valuable oil yet currently considered waste. This study aimed at characterizing date seed oil (DSO) as a prospective approach for date seed valorization while investigating the influence of geographical origin on its composition. Samples from three Moroccan palm groves (Allougoum, Alnif, and Errachidia) and four non‐Moroccan samples were analyzed. Liquid and gas chromatography were applied to determine the chemical composition. The prevalent fatty acids were oleic acid (Ol), ranging from 40.8% to 50.2%, followed by lauric acid (La, 14.0%–24.2%), myristic acid (My, 9.0%–12.6%), palmitic acid (Pa, 9.0%–11.6%), linoleic acid (7.1%–10.7%), and stearic acid (St, 2.4%–4.8%). Major triacylglycerols identified included LaOlLa, LaOlMy, LaOlPa, LaOlOl, MyOlPa, MyOlOl, and PaOlOl. Notably, DSO contains significant tocochromanol (424–760 mg kg−1) and phytosterol content (3422–4827 mg kg−1), with specific phytosterols identified for the first time. Multivariate analysis employing principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis, supplemented by heatmaps, underscored the influence of geographical origin on DSO composition. Moroccan samples exhibited distinctive profiles rich in St, Ol, Pa, PaOlSt, MyOlPa, PaOlPa, γ‐tocotrienol, and δ‐tocotrienol, leading to a differentiation from non‐Moroccan oils. Challenges in classifying DSO within selected Moroccan palm groves were discussed, emphasizing the necessity to consider major and minor compounds, along with date varieties, in geographical effect studies. Practical Applications: By delving into the chemical properties and potential applications of DSO, this research strives to contribute to sustainable and economically viable approaches for utilizing agricultural waste products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and tetraethylenepentamine as primary raw materials, with a molar ratio of 1.2, amidation was conducted for 4 h at 150 °C followed by cyclization for 4 h at 190 °C. Subsequendy, benzyl chloride was added for material modification at a molar ratio of 1-1.2, with a reaction time of 10 h at 80 °C. This process yielded double symmetric imidazoline corrosion inhibitors with alkyl chain lengths of C11 (LIRQ), C13 (MIRQ), C15 (MIRQ), and C17 (PIRQ). Functional group structures were characterized using infrared spectroscopy. The corrosion inhibition performance was studied by static weight loss experiments, electrochemical polarization curves, and observation of sample surface morphology using transmission electron microscopy. The weight loss experiments and polarization curve results demonstrate that in a 1 mol/L HCl medium, as the alkyl chain length increases, the corrosion inhibitor concentration, and experimental temperature gradually increase, leading to an enhanced corrosion inhibition rate. Through linear simulation, it was found that these inhibitors chemically adsorb on the metal surface and follow the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salmonella contamination of post-harvest produce has been a persistent problem worldwide. We determined the effects of storage temperature (5 and 25 °C), lauric acid amide pyrrolidine (LAPY), a bacterial competitor (Bacillus subtilis) and produce rinse on attachment and survival of Salmonella on produce. Produce types but not storage temperature influenced the strength of Salmonella attachment (SR-values). SR-values were significantly (p < 0.05) greater on pistachio and soybean seed (0.53–0.76) than on alfalfa and carrot (0.10–0.13). LAPY resulted in significantly (p < 0.05) greater Salmonella reduction on alfalfa, pistachio and soybean (2.10–3.00 logs), but not on carrot (< 1.50 log). Produce rinse with peptone water significantly (p < 0.05) reduced Salmonella attachment and bacteria populations. Mitigation of Salmonella attachment by selective post-harvest decontamination measures may limit Salmonella survival and enhance produce safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritional interventions are one focus of sarcopenia treatment. As medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are oxidized in the mitochondria and produce energy through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), they are key parts of nutritional interventions. We investigated the in vitro effects of three types of MCFA, caprylic acid (C8), capric acid (C10), and lauric acid (C12), in skeletal muscle cells. Compared with C10 and C12, C8 promoted mitophagy through the phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)-induced kinase 1-Parkin pathway and increased the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-α and dynamin-related protein 1 to reduce mitochondrial oxidative stress and promote OXPHOS. Furthermore, the expression of myogenic differentiation 1 and myosin heavy chain increased in myotubes, thus promoting muscle differentiation and maturation. These results suggest that C8 improves mitochondrial quality and promotes skeletal muscle maturation; in contrast, C10 and C12 poorly promoted mitochondrial quality control and oxidative stress and suppressed energy production. Future animal experiments are required to establish the usefulness of C8 for nutritional interventions for sarcopenia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to different concentration levels of fatty acids (FAs) may have an impact on depression. However, previous studies using individual FAs may not reflect the performance of mixtures of various FAs, and the associations of FA patterns with depression remain unclear. Methods: We conducted the cross-sectional analysis in 792 adults aged 18 and older with available serum FAs and depression screening data in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012. The serum concentrations of thirty FAs were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and their percentage compositions were subsequently calculated. Depression was defined as the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 score ≥ 10. We employed principal component analysis to derive serum FA patterns. We examined the association between these patterns and depression in the overall population and various subgroups through survey-weighted logistic regression. Results: Four distinct patterns of serum FAs were identified: 'high eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA); low docosatetraenoic acid (DTA) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) n-6', 'high long-chain saturated FA and long chain FA', 'low median-chain saturated FA and myristoleic acid' and 'low capric acid and lauric acid; high gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and stearidonic acid (SDA)' pattern. Individuals in the high tertile of 'high EPA and DHA; low DTA and DPA n-6' pattern score had 0.46 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.93) lower odds of developing depression compared to individuals in the lowest tertile after adjusting for confounders such as age, sex, physical activity and total energy intake, etc. The odds ratio (OR) of depression was increased in the population with the highest tertile of 'low capric acid and lauric acid; high GLA and SDA' pattern (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.83). In subgroup analyses, we observed that the association between 'high EPA and DHA; low DTA and DPA n-6' and depression persisted among specific demographic and lifestyle subgroups, including females, non-Mexican Americans, non-obese, those aged over 60 years, smokers and drinkers. Similarly, 'low capric acid and lauric acid; high GLA and SDA' showed stable associations in female, non-Mexican Americans and smokers. Conclusions: Serum FA patterns are associated with depression, and their relationships vary across sex, race, BMI, age, smoking and drinking subgroups, highlighting the importance of considering specific FA patterns within these demographic and lifestyle categories. Utilization of combined FA administration may serve as a mitigation measure against depression in these specific populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, lauric acid was taken as a phase change material (PCM), and different nanoparticles (NPs) such as SiO2, TiO2, CuO, and ZnO were taken as the supporting materials. CuO NPs were prepared through the co-precipitation technique; SiO2, TiO2, and ZnO NPs were synthesized via the sol-gel technique. These NPs with different weight fractions were dispersed into molten lauric acid, individually. The variations in thermal properties (phase change temperature and latent heat for solid and liquid) of the prepared composite PCMs due to the dispersion of NPs were observed by DSC analyses. An increase in thermal conductivity of the composite PCMs was observed with the increasing weight fraction of NPs. In order to ascertain the long-term utility, a thermal reliability test was conducted on the composite PCMs with repeated heating and cooling cycles. Also, the specific heats of the pure PCM and the composite PCMs were determined as a function of temperature. Further, the experimental investigation was performed on the pure PCM and the prepared composite PCMs to assess their phase change behavior, and the test results clearly proved that the time required for the complete melting and freezing process of the composite PCMs was less when compared to pure PCM. By considering the above facts, the newly prepared composite PCMs can be recommended as a potential candidate for low-temperature solar heating applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Polysorbates are the most commonly used surfactants in formulations to stabilize therapeutic proteins against interfacial stresses. Polysorbates can undergo oxidative or enzyme-mediated hydrolytic degradation to produce free fatty acids (FFAs) and subvisible particles in formulations. To determine which product related variables contribute to PS20 degradation, we investigated the effects of storage temperature, formulation, pH, presence of hydrolytic enzymes, and specific fatty acid composition on different grades of PS20 in relation to their PS20 degradation profile and consequently the quality of protein drug products. Methods: Bevacizumab and T-DM1 were reformulated in the freshly prepared therapeutic protein formulations containing either compendial PS20 or non-compendial PS20 with high % lauric acid and spiked with exogenous esterase or lipase. The release of FFAs and formation of particles were monitored at 4°C and 37°C. Protein quality was assessed for secondary structures, purity, and biological activity. Results: Hydrolytic release of FFAs and formation of subvisible particles were found to be dependent on grades of PS20, types of enzymes used, incubation temperature, and pH. Esterase- or lipase-mediated degradation of PS20 and formation of subvisible particles in drug formulation showed no significant impact on the biological activity and stability of therapeutic proteins against degradation or aggregation. Conclusions: Our study suggests that degradation of PS20 and formation of FFA particles depend on the fatty acid composition of PS20, types of hydrolytic enzymes, pH, and temperature. The presence of FFA subvisible particles showed no significant impact on the purity and biological activity of the therapeutic proteins under the tested conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Core (Co)/shell (Co‐oxide) nanoparticles assembly exhibits interesting magnetic properties that depend on the inorganic shell characteristic (composition and crystalline structure). Assemblies of pure and partially oxidized cobalt (core/shell) nanoparticles, ~9 nm in diameter, were prepared and analyzed by techniques probing the matter at macroscale to nanoscale: UV–visible‐near‐infrared (NIR) transmission, FTIR, Raman microspectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Attention is paid to compare nonoxidized and (partially) oxidized Co nanoparticles, coated with lauric acid as stabilizing agent (ligands). The approximately 1 nm disordered inorganic coating is perfectly detected by transmission electron microscopy, UV–visible–NIR, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectrum is sensitive to laser wavelength and power due to the local heating induced by the laser, which modifies the interaction between the organic chains and the nanoparticle inorganic shell. For comparison, nanoparticle films were analyzed under heating from room temperature to 300°C. The "fusion" (dynamic disorder) of lauric (dodecanoic) chains is observed concomitantly with the merging of very low wavenumber Lambs' modes into a Rayleigh wing, which is consistent with an increase in the topological nanoparticle disorder. Hydroxylation or water adsorption is observed for Co film. The UV–visible–NIR and Raman spectra of the Co‐oxide shell do not correspond to that of CoO (rock salt) nor to that of Co3O4 (spinel) but has some similarity to that of 2D delafossite (CoOOH) phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Development of an energy‐efficient and economical route is necessary for society to synthesize green biofuels. Herein, cobalt‐doped tungstophosphoric acid (Co‐HPW) is in‐situ impregnated in the Zr‐based metal–organic framework (MOF‐801) forming composite of Co‐HPW/MOF‐801. The chemical composition, morphology, and acidic sites of the Co‐HPW/MOF‐801 composite were analyzed through x‐ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), N2 physisorption, ammonia temperature‐programmed desorption (NH3‐TPD), pyridine‐adsorbed infrared spectra (Py‐FTIR), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The catalytic performance of the as‐synthesized catalyst was explored to catalyze esterification of lauric acid (LA) with methanol. The outcomes revealed that the Co‐HPW/MOF‐801 nanocatalyst achieved a high conversion of 86.3% under the optimized reaction condition (catalyst amount of 0.15 g, temperature of 100°C, time of 4 h, and methanol/LA molar ratio of 20:1). The excellent catalytical performance is mainly due to the large BET surface area, exposure of more active centers from available pore structure, and simultaneous possession of high Lewis and Brønsted acidity. Furthermore, the kinetic study revealed that the reaction process was kinetically controlled and the activation energy was found to be 42.1 kJ/mol. The results suggest that the synthesized Co‐HPW/MOF‐801 nanocatalyst is an environmental greenness, low cost, and suitable for easy scale‐up for the production of biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although inflammation is primarily a protective response guarding the human body, it can result in a variety of chronic diseases such as allergies, auto-immune, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. In NF-κB-mediated inflammation, many small molecules and food compounds characterized as nutraceuticals have shown positive effects associated with immunomodulatory properties. We investigated the effects of selected bioactive small molecules, commonly found in food components, vanillyl alcohol (VA) and lauric acid (LA), on different cell lines exposed to pro-inflammatory stimuli, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the food allergen actinidin (Act d 1). Pro-inflammatory cytokines were downregulated in response to both VA and LA, and this downregulation was caused by a decrease in the activation of the NF-κB pathway and the translocation of p65, the pathway's major component. Small nutraceutical molecules, VA and LA, showed not only inhibition of the pro-inflammatory cytokines, but also inhibition of the NF-κB activation, and reduced translocation of the p65 component. The present study may contribute to the therapeutic use of these molecules for various inflammatory diseases, which have in common an increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB-mediated inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]