ENERGY LOSS AND ENERGY STRAGGLING OF LIGHT IONS IN FULLERITE

To determinate the stopping cross section in fullerite a feasible approach, taking into account the high radiation sensitivity and mechanical fragility of fullerite films, should be employed. In this work, the stopping cross sections of ¹H, ³H, ⁴He and ⁷Li ions for several selected energies were measured by Rutherford backscattering, neutron depth profiling and alpha spectroscopy using sandwich structures of samples composed of fullerite deposited on a firm substrate (Si, steel) with an intermediate marker (Au, N, Li, B, Pu). In addition, ion transmission through a thin C film supporting a fullerite layer was also utilized. The measured stopping cross sections follow the theoretical predictions calculated for carbon, but are systematically (10-35%) higher than the theoretical ones (with the exception of 5 — 5.5 MeV ⁴He). The observed deviation of the experimental data can partly be explained by the chemical state effects in fullerite, which accounts for about 20-50% of the difference. The measured energy straggling exceeds Bohr's value by a factor of about 2 for alpha spectroscopy and ion transmission, and 2.5 or 9.5 for Rutherford backscattering and neutron depth profiling, respectively. The discrepancy can be explained by a thickness variation, such as surface roughness of the fullerite films.     

Supplementation of squalene attenuates experimentally induced myocardial infarction in rats

We have investigated the preventive effects of squalene against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction in male albino rats. Supplementation with squalene significantly prevented the isoprenaline-induced adverse changes in the levels of protein and glycoprotein components in plasma and heart tissue of experimental groups of rats. It exerted an antioxidant effect by inhibiting the isoprenaline-induced lipid peroxidation and by maintaining the level of non-enzymatic free radical-scavenger, reduced glutathione at near normalcy. Histopathological observations also confirmed the possible cardioprotective action of squalene by maintaining the normal architecture of the heart tissue. The results of the present investigation demonstrate that supplementation with squalene offers cardioprotection in experimental rats by its antioxidant and membrane- stabilizing properties.     

Yellow discoloration of the liposome system of cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) as influenced by lipid oxidation

Lipid oxidation, discoloration, loss of amine groups and pyrrolization of the liposome systems of cuttlefish (Sepia pharaonis) in the presence of FeCl₃ and ascorbic acid were studied. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and the b^∗-value of cuttlefish liposomes increased with a coincidental decrease in amine groups when the incubation temperatures (0, 4, 25, and 37 °C) and incubation times (0–24 h) were increased (p < 0.05). As lipid oxidation and yellow pigment formation in the cuttlefish liposome proceeded, a loss of amine groups and pyrrolization were also detected. The effects of FeCl₃ and ascorbic acid, at different concentrations, on TBARS production, b^∗-value, loss of amine groups and pyrrolization of cuttlefish liposome were also investigated. Both FeCl₃ and ascorbic acid showed prooxidative effects in cuttlefish liposome in a concentration-dependent manner. Sodium chloride (0–2%) reduced TBARS, b^∗-values and pyrrole compounds. These results suggest a positive correlation between lipid oxidation and the development of yellow pigments in cuttlefish phospholipids.     

Egyptian mango by-product 1. Compositional quality of mango seed kernel

Egyptian mango seeds were collected as wastes from local fruit processing units and the kernels were separated and dried. This study was carried out on mango seed kernels to clarify their proximate composition, amino acids, phenolic compounds and the characteristics of the extracted oil including unsaponifiable matter constituents, lipid classes and fatty acid composition. Mango seed kernels contained a considerable amount of total phenolic compounds, total lipid, unsaponifiable matter, and a low amount of crude protein, but the quality of protein was good because it was rich in all essential amino acids. Eight phenolic compounds were identified; tannin and vanillin were in highest amounts. Unsaponifiable matter showed the occurrence of high amounts of squaline followed by sterols and tocopherols. Stearic acid was the main saturated fatty acid, while oleic acid was the major unsaturated fatty acid in all lipid classes. The fatty acid composition of total lipid and neutral lipid was similar, while phospholipid had a high amount of palmitic, linoleic and linolenic acids.     

FTIR spectroscopic characterization of irradiated hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.)

Radiation induced molecular changes in macromolecular components of hazelnut tissues were investigated by mid-Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Irradiation dose of 1.5 kGy (low) and 10 kGy (high) were applied. The changes in frequency, signal intensity and intensity ratio of IR bands revealed that the unsaturated lipid concentration increased for low dose treated samples whereas it decreased and peroxidation appeared at high dose treatment. The low dose irradiation treatment, slightly increased the total lipid content whereas it dramatically decreased for high dose treatment. A slight increase in the lipid to protein ratio was observed for low dose treatment, whilst this ratio significantly decreased for high dose treatment. In addition, the high dose γ-irradiation caused alterations in the structure of hazelnut proteins, as cross-linking and aggregation occured in protein molecules. These results indicate that FTIR spectroscopy can be successfully used to monitor food irradiation.     

Structural changes in sardine (Sardina pilchardus) muscle during iced storage: Investigation by DRIFT spectroscopy

Diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy has been used for the first time to evaluate the postmortem changes in structure of components from sardine muscle in relation to quality loss. Sardines (Sardina pilchardus) were stored in ice for up to thirteen days. The spectroscopic study was focussed on the structural changes produced on the lipids and proteins.     

Coriander (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Coriandrum sativum</Emphasis> L.) seed oil improves plasma lipid profile in rats fed a diet containing cholesterol

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) seed oil (COR) is a promising oil with high levels of bioactive compounds. Very little information, however, is available on the effect of administration of COR on different aspects of plasma lipid profile in experimental animals. In view of the important implications, the effect of administration of COR and oil blend [a mixture of soybean oil, coriander oil and sunflower oil (4:2:4, w/w/w; Blend)] on the profile of plasma lipids was investigated in 24 male albino rats placed on a cholesterol-rich (1%) basal diet as compared to rats on a cholesterol-free basal diet. Coriander seed oil and Blend were analyzed for composition of fatty acid, sterol and tocopherol. The levels of bioactive compounds (sterols and tocopherols) were higher in COR than in the Blend. In addition, the antiradical potential of COR and Blend was measured and the results showed that COR had stronger radical scavenging activity than Blend. In the biological experiment, rats were divided into four diet groups. The negative control group (control) consumed the basal diet (BD) only, which contained wheat starch, casein and cellulose, as well as mineral and vitamin mixtures. To the BD were added 1 g/100 g cholesterol (Chol/group), or both (Chol/COR group) and (Chol/Blend group). The groups did not differ before the experiment, which lasted 60 days. Plasma total lipids (TL), triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured at day 15, 30, 45 and 60 during the experiment period. Generally, COR and Blend-supplemented diets decreased the levels of TL, TC, TAG and LDL-C in plasma. In addition, significant increase in the levels of HDL-C was observed for Chol/COR and Chol/Blend groups. The results demonstrated that COR, and to a relatively lesser degree Blend, have hypocholesterolemic properties in rats fed a cholesterol-rich diet.     

Effect of the long-term intake of an egg white hydrolysate on the oxidative status and blood lipid profile of spontaneously hypertensive rats

This paper examines the effects of the long-term consumption of egg white hydrolysed with pepsin (hEW) on the antioxidant status and lipid profile of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The antioxidant capacity was measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and the oxidative status by the malon-dialdehyde (MDA) assay. The lipid profile was analysed spectrophotometrically. The radical-scavenging capacity of the plasma was increased and the MDA concentration in the aorta was decreased in the SHR treated with 0.5 g/kg/day of hEW. Our findings indicate that hEW played an important role in antioxidative defence of SHR and exerted a beneficial effect on the lipid profile, lowering triglycerides and total cholesterol without changing HDL levels. Therefore, hEW may be useful to prevent or reverse abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome and its complications, such as hypertension, oxidative stress and hyperlipidemia.     

Antioxidant effect of a crude phenolic extract from sorghum bran in sunflower oil in the presence of ferric ions

Whole grain condensed tannin sorghum, its bran and a crude phenolic extract (CPE) prepared from the bran were evaluated for total phenols (TP), condensed tannins (CT) and antioxidant activity (AA). Antioxidant effect of the CPE from the sorghum bran was evaluated in sunflower oil in the presence of ferric ions by measuring peroxide values (PVs) and anisidine values (AVs) during storage at 65 °C, in comparison with tertiary butyl hydroquinone (TBHQ). Sorghum bran contained three times more TP and AA, and seven times more CT than the whole grain. The CPE had highest levels of TP, CT and AA. Sunflower oil with CPE had lower PVs and AVs compared to control samples. Oil samples with TBHQ had PVs lower than, but AVs similar to samples containing CPE. In the presence of ferric ions, the CPE was less effective in reducing PVs, but was more effective than TBHQ in reducing AVs.     

Chemical quality and sensory attributes of marinated Pacific saury (Cololabis saira) during vacuum-packaged storage at 4 °C

This study was carried out to evaluate the chemical changes and sensory attributes of Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), brined (12% NaCl brine solution) or marinated (12% NaCl + 2% acetic acid; or 12% NaCl + 3% acetic acid solutions) followed by vacuum-packaging and storage at 4 °C for 90 days. The chemical analysis revealed a significant reduction in the pH value, total volatile bases nitrogen (TVBN), and trimethylamine (TMA) contents in marinated versus brined fillets. Lipid oxidation, as indicated by the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values, was significantly delayed in marinated fillets in comparison with the brined fillets. The growth rate of psychrotrophic bacteria was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced in marinated versus brined fillets. No significant differences were detected for the sensory attributes between the two marinating conditions although the overall acceptability was significantly higher in marinated versus brined fish. Both conditions of the marinating process resulted in an extension of the shelf life of the product to more than 90 days versus only 60 days for the control brined fillets. The study concluded that marination of Pacific saury can delay the undesirable chemical changes, retard lipid oxidation, improve the sensory attributes and extend the shelf life of the product during refrigerated storage.