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This study evaluates the antioxidative potential of crude and chemically modified polysaccharides derived from Lycium barbarum L. leaves to enhance the thermal stability of Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) during extended storage and heating. Natural polysaccharides were modified using ascorbic acid and hydrogen peroxide to improve their antioxidative properties, providing a potential alternative to synthetic antioxidants. EVOO samples treated with these polysaccharides were subjected to accelerated oxidation at 60 °C for eight weeks to simulate extended storage conditions.Oxidative stability was assessed through multiple parameters, including peroxide value (PV), P-Anisidine value (p-AV), acidity value (AV, calculated as twice the free fatty acid content), iodine value (IV), and free fatty acids (FFA). Results showed that modified polysaccharides significantly improved the oxidative stability of EVOO. After eight weeks, the peroxide value of EVOO treated with modified polysaccharides decreased by 35 % compared to the untreated control, and the free fatty acid content remained at 0.46 %, well below the European Union limit of 0.8 %. Additionally, the modified polysaccharides demonstrated 95.2 % DPPH radical scavenging activity, significantly higher than the 88.7 % observed for crude polysaccharides (p

The sea cucumber intestine (SI), a secondary product from sea cucumber processing, contains polysaccharides as one of its active ingredients, and fermentation is an effective method for extracting bioactive substances from food by-products. In this study, to explore the effect of Enterococcus hirae GS22 fermentation on the extraction of SI polysaccharides, the polysaccharides were extracted through the SI with and without Enterococcus hirae GS22 fermentation, and the obtained polysaccharides were designated as SC-PF and SC-P. The extraction yield, the structural characteristics, and the biological functions of the polysaccharides were then evaluated. The results indicated that Enterococcus hirae GS22 could grow well using SI as the substrate and that fermentation could improve the extraction yield of the polysaccharide from 0.48% to 0.63%, decrease the molecular weight (Mw), and change the monosaccharide composition. The diameter of SC-PF was smaller than SC-P, and the absolute value of the zeta potential of SC-PF was found to be lower than SC-P. Fermentation does not change the functional group or the thermal ability of the polysaccharide. SC-PF had better antioxidant ability than SC-P; the DPPH and superoxide anion scavenging ability were 96.3% and 36.5%, respectively. SC-PF also showed nearly 1.3- and 1.1-fold higher inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase as compared to SC-P. The current results showed that E. hirae GS22 fermentation has the potential to extract SI polysaccharides with better prebiotic abilities.

Hygienic behavior (HB) emerges as a pivotal trait, impacting colony resistance to diseases. This study aimed to understand the behavioral traits of Apis cerana indica colonies, with a focus on HB and other key characteristics crucial for colony health, and to screen and identify colonies with superior hygienic behavior and better performance to combat prevailing diseases and pests. This research spans a comprehensive field analysis with different seasons and locations, encompassing the distinct environmental and management factors that influence honey bee behavior. The inclusion of A. cerana indica colonies from various locations provides a novel perspective, offering valuable insights regarding the hygienic behavior of A. cerana indica. Several statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, principal component analysis (PCA), and Aligned Rank Transformation-Analysis of Variance (ART-ANOVA) for repeated measures, shed light on the distribution of hive metrics, emphasizing the significance of considering seasonality and location-specific factors. PCA highlights unique characteristics in Tirupur and Coimbatore colonies, while correlation analyses uncover relationships among HB, honey, pollen, brood area, and adult population. Moreover, the study’s nuanced findings gave the status of hygienic behavior of A. cerana indica colonies and identified colonies with better colony performance, which will be useful for future breeding programs with A. cerana indica.

Present study identified metal accumulation potential, biochemical, growth, and human health risk attributes of wheat varieties (Zincol-16, NARC-09, NARC-11, Pakistan-13, Borlaug-16) cultivated in sewage sludge amended soils, that is, 80% soil + 20% sludge (C), 90% soil + 10% sludge (B) and 100% soil (control, A). Metal accumulation significantly varied (p < 0.05) among wheat varieties and the accretion pattern was roots > straw > grains. The Borlaug-16 was found most efficient for biochemical attributes, that is, proline (0.84), sugar (2.76) and total chlorophyll (2.35) in mg/g amongst selected varieties. Among treatments, maximum mean total chlorophyll (2.18), carotenoids (0.97), sugar (2.88) in mg/g, plant height (76.04 cm), weight per 1000 kernel (55 g) and spike length (4.17 cm) were recorded in B followed by A > C. However, mean membrane stability index%, that is, A (82.76)>B (75.26)>C (54.35) and mean proline contents, that is, C (0.49)>B (0.39)>A (0.29) in mg/g were recorded respectively. Mean hazard quotient and hazard index (HI) calculated on the basis of grain metal contents followed the trend, that is, C > B > A. The HI results revealed highest and lowest health risks associated with the consumption of Zincol-16 and Borlaug-16, respectively. The 'Borlaug-16' and 'sludge treatment B' are recommended for cultivation and as rate of application, respectively, for ensuring food safety and agro-ecological health. NOVELTY STATEMENT: Proline accumulation was a significant and reliable indicator of metal stress in wheat plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the influence of reading anxiety on the English speaking proficiency of intermediate-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners. By examining the correlation between reading anxieties and speaking skills, it provides valuable insights for educators and curriculum developers to design strategies and materials that mitigate anxiety and improve language learning outcomes. Conducted in Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, the study employed a quantitative approach using the Foreign Language Reading Anxiety Scale (FLRAS) to gather data from 300 randomly selected students. Correlation analysis and descriptive statistics revealed a significant impact of reading anxiety on learners' speaking proficiency, conversational participation, and overall language competence. The findings emphasize the importance of addressing reading anxiety in EFL instruction and suggest that teachers adopt targeted strategies to create a supportive learning environment. This research underscores the critical role of reducing reading anxiety to enhance EFL learners' speaking skills and overall language development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The presence of geneticdiversity is of great importance in improving wheat traits and developing strategies for optimal conservation of germplasm. Genetic diversity was assessed among common wheat cultivars using RAPD (Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA) markers at the Center of Agriculture, Biochemistry and Biotechnology (CABB), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. RAPD primers were used among 14 Pakistani wheat cultivars, to screen the progenies and for the identification of the genes of interest. The polymorphic information content (PIC), was measured as the percentage of polymorphic fragments for all primers. A total of 583 bands(84% polymorphic) in all 14 wheat cultivars was amplified and discriminated all the wheat genotypes. The number of fragments amplified per primer ranged from 35 to 69 with an average of 48.52 fragments per primer averagely was observed. Population structure analysis anddandrogram showed distinct clustering among different wheat genotypes. Millat-11, Punjab-11, PBW-222 generated the maximum level of polymorphism, standing alone in the cluster while others are scatteredin different group.As a result, genetically numerous progenies are known, increasing the quality of sorts collections by broadening the genetic base of wheat cultivars. This study additionally indicates that RAPD markers allow quicker response and provide high throughputprocedure of accessions from a variety assortment to assess genetic diversity among wheat genotypes.