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Irish edible brown (Himanthalia elongata—sea spaghetti, Alaria esculenta—Irish wakame) and red seaweeds (Palmaria palmata—dulse, Porphyra umbilicalis—nori) were assessed for nutritional (proximate composition, salt, pH, amino acid, mineral and dietary fibre contents), bioactive (total phenolic content (TPC) and in vitro antioxidant activity (DPPH and FRAP)), thermal (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)), and technological (water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC) and swelling capacity (SC)) properties. Red seaweeds had higher (p &lt, 0.05) protein levels, whereas brown seaweeds possessed higher (p &lt, 0.05) moisture, ash, insoluble and total dietary fibre contents. Nori had the lowest (p &lt, 0.05) salt level. Seaweed fat levels ranged from 1 to 2% DW. Aspartic and glutamic acids were the most abundant amino acids. The total amino acid (TAA) content ranged from 4.44 to 31.80%. Seaweeds contained numerous macro (e.g., Na) and trace minerals. The TPC, DPPH and FRAP activities followed the order: sea spaghetti ≥ nori &gt, Irish wakame &gt, dulse (p &lt, 0.05). TGA indicated maximum weight loss at 250 °C. Dulse had the lowest (p &lt, 0.05) WHC and SC properties. Dulse and nori had higher (p &lt, 0.05) OHC than the brown seaweeds. Results demonstrate the potential of seaweeds as functional food product ingredients.

Fatty acids and oxidative stability were determined in meat from lambs fed a diet containing 15% dehydrated alfalfa (CON, n = 8) or cardoon meal (CMD, n = 7). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of a phenolic-rich cardoon meal extract (1.32 GAE mg/ml) was examined in muscle homogenates (0, 0.5, 1, 5% v/w) subjected to iron/ascorbate-induced oxidation. Feeding CMD did not affect lamb performances and carcass traits but reduced (P

Background Concentrate supplementation of a grass silage-based ration is a typical practice employed for indoor winter finishing of beef cattle in many temperate countries. Plant by-products, such as dried corn gluten feed (CGF), can be used to replace conventional feedstuffs in a concentrate supplement to enhance the sustainability of ruminant production systems and to improve meat quality. This study examined the chemical composition, fatty acid profile, oxidative stability and sensory attributes of beef (longissimus thoracis muscle) from steers offered grass silage and concentrate supplements containing varying levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%) of CGF substituted for barley / soybean meal. Results Feeding 50%CGF decreased the protein content and increased intramuscular fat in comparison with 25%CGF. Total phenol content and iron-reducing antioxidant power followed the order: 0%CGF > 50%CGF and 25%CGF > 0%CGF = 50%CGF, respectively. Compared to 0%CGF, 25%CGF and 75%CGF decreased C14:0 and increased C22:2n-6, C20:5n-3 and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids whereas 75%CGF increased conjugated linoleic acids and C18:3n-3. Diet did not affect the oxidative stability and sensory attributes of beef patties. Conclusion The inclusion of up to 75%CGF in a supplementary concentrate for steers increased the proportion of health-promoting unsaturated fatty acids without negatively influencing the shelf-life and eating quality of longissimus thoracis muscle. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Cardoon meal is a by-product of oil extraction from the seeds of Cynara cardunculus and can serve as a novel alternative feedstuff for ruminants. This study examined the rumen fermentation, biohydrogenation of fatty acids (FA) and microbial community in lambs fed a concentrate diet containing 15% dehydrated lucerne (CON, n = 8) or cardoon meal (CMD, n = 7) for 75 days pre-slaughter. Diets did not influence rumen fermentation characteristics and the abundance of bacteria, methanogens, fungi, or protozoa. Rumen digesta in CMD-fed lambs displayed a higher concentration of total saturated FA and lower total odd- and branched-chain FA and monounsaturated FA. Feeding CMD decreased total trans-18:1 isomer and the ratio of trans-10 to trans-11 C18:1, known as the “trans-10 shift”. Amplicon sequencing indicated that the rumen bacterial community in CMD-fed lambs had lower diversity and a higher relative phyla abundance of Proteobacteria at the expense of Bacteroidetes and Fibrobacteres. At the genus level, CMD mediated specific shifts from Prevotella, Alloprevotella, Solobacterium and Fibrobacter to Ruminobacter, suggesting that these genera may play important roles in biohydrogenation. Overall, these results demonstrate that cardoon meal can be used as a feedstuff for ruminants without negatively affecting rumen fermentation and microbiota but its impact on biohydrogenation may influence the FA composition in meat or milk.

Thirty-six steers were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments fed ad libitum grass silage and concentrate supplements containing either barley/soybean meal (CON), 80% DM corn (CDGS)- or 80% DM wheat (WDGS)-dried distillers' grains with solubles for 124 days pre-slaughter. Chemical and fatty acid composition, shelf-life, and eating quality of longissimus thoracis muscle were determined. Dietary CDGS and WDGS increased the proportion of conjugated linoleic acids (P < 0.05) and tended to increase C18:3n-3 (P = 0.075) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (P = 0.060) relative to the CON. Feeding diets containing distillers' grains reduced the lipid and colour stability of fresh beef patties stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP), with CDGS exhibiting an intermediate effect between CON and WDGS. Diet did not negatively influence the texture profile parameters and eating quality attributes of beef stored in MAP. The inclusion of CDGS or WDGS in supplementary concentrates may improve the fatty acid profile but decreased the shelf-life of beef.

With rapid global change, organisms in natural systems are exposed to a multitude of stressors that likely co‐occur, with uncertain impacts. We explored individual and cumulative effects of co‐occurring environmental stressors on the striking, yet poorly understood, phenomenon of facultative migration. We reared offspring of a brown trout population that naturally demonstrates facultative anadromy (sea migration), under different environmental stressor treatments and measured life history responses in terms of migratory tactics and freshwater maturation rates. Juvenile fish were exposed to reduced food availability, temperatures elevated to 1.8°C above natural conditions or both treatments in combination over 18 months of experimental tank rearing. When considered in isolation, reduced food had negative effects on the size, mass and condition of fish across the experiment. We detected variable effects of warm temperatures (negative effects on size and mass, but positive effect on lipids). When combined with food restriction, temperature effects on these traits were less pronounced, implying antagonistic stressor effects on morphological traits. Stressors combined additively, but had opposing effects on life history tactics: migration increased and maturation rates decreased under low food conditions, whereas the opposite occurred in the warm temperature treatment. Not all fish had expressed maturation or migration tactics by the end of the study, and the frequency of these ‘unassigned’ fish was higher in food deprivation treatments, but lower in warm treatments. Fish showing migration tactics were smaller and in poorer condition than fish showing maturation tactics, but were similar in size to unassigned fish. We further detected effects of food restriction on hypo‐osmoregulatory function of migrants that may influence the fitness benefits of the migratory tactic at sea. We also highlight that responses to multiple stressors may vary depending on the response considered. Collectively, our results indicate contrasting effects of environmental stressors on life history trajectories in a facultatively migratory species.

This study investigated the effects of cholecalciferol (vitamin D₃) supplementation on beef vitamin D activity, beef tenderness and sensory attributes. Thirty heifers were randomly allocated to one of three finishing dietary treatments [(T1) basal diet + 0 IU vitamin D₃; (T2) basal diet + 2000 IU vitamin D₃; and (T3) basal diet + 4000 IU vitamin D₃] for a 30 day period pre-slaughter. Vitamin D₃ supplementation linearly increased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ (25-OH-D3) concentrations (R2 = 0.48), Longissimus thoracis (LT) total vitamin D activity (R2 = 0.78) as well as individually vitamin D₃ (R2 = 0.84) and 25-OH-D₃ (R2 = 0.75). The highest vitamin D₃ inclusion diet (T3) had a 42% increase (P < 0.001) in LT vitamin D activity compared to the intermediate diet (T2) and a 145% increase over the lowest level diet (T1). Vitamin D₃ supplementation decreased LT shear (P < 0.05) force values after 14 days chilling. Sensory parameters were not affected (P > 0.05). In conclusion, through short-term vitamin D₃ supplementation of cattle diets, beef vitamin D activity can successfully be enhanced Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

The optimization of processed meats through salt replacement using edible seaweeds may reduce the risk of chronic disease through reduction in dietary sodium. We investigated the impact of the inclusion of four selected seaweeds (1% w/w) in reformulated frankfurters in which salt addition and pork fat content was reduced by 50% and 21%, respectively, and where pork loin (longissimus dorsi muscle) was increased by 6%, compared to a Control. Two different types of red (Porphyra umbilicalis and Palmaria palmata) and brown (Himanthalia elongata and Undaria pinnatifida) edible seaweeds were evaluated. The reformulated frankfurters containing added seaweed were lower in ash, higher in moisture, protein and darker in colour and had altered textural properties in comparison to the Control; mainly less hard and less chewy. The volatile and sensory profiles of the reformulated frankfurters differed from the Control. However, the reformulated frankfurters with the inclusion of H.elongata were the most promising, although further work is required to optimise the formulation.

Introduction The success of a medical conference is dependent, in part, on the quality of research presented therein. Publication rates of scientific papers presented at a conference are a potentially useful surrogate for quality. Based on published data, the mean publication rate for paediatric conferences is 39%. To date, no analysis of this nature has been conducted on the Irish Paediatric Association’s (IPA) annual conference. Aim This study aims to identify the rates at which abstracts presented at the IPA meeting subsequently go on for publication and what factors were associated with higher rates of publication. Methods As ∼95% of publications occur within 5 years of conference presentation, abstracts from the 2008–2012 IPA conferences were selected for analysis. A PubMed/Medline search was conducted using the author’s names and if required, abstract keywords. For comparability with previous studies, articles were deemed published if they were full journal articles, contained at least one similar author and reported similar outcomes. Statistical analysis, including identification of factors associated with publication success was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010. Results Over the five-year period 584 IPA abstracts were presented and were included in our study. The mean rate of publication was 19.7% - well below the rate for other paediatric conferences. Articles were published in forty-five different journals with one-quarter were published in the Irish Medical Journal. On the basis of univariable analysis the rate of abstract publication was significantly higher for oral/podium presentations (23% vs. 15%, p Conclusion The rate of publication of IPA abstracts was significantly below the mean for similar conferences globally. This may reflect less stringent abstract acceptance criteria but could also indicate a lack of time or support for trainees to progress their work to publication. Further exploration of these factors is planned once preliminary data collection is complete so acceptance criteria can be reviewed and trainees better supported to publish their work.

Ruminant meat production is associated with a large environmental cost compared to other livestock products. Feed production, transport, and utilisation play a major role in global food security and greenhouse gas emissions from livestock production. Replacement of edible feed crops with human-inedible biomass in animal diets is a potential strategy that could reduce food-feed competition and mitigate the environmental impacts of livestock. Globally, plant by-products (PBP) represent an important human-inedible feed resource for livestock production. These waste streams can be obtained from agro-industrial processes such as distillery and biofuel production, oilseed processing, fruit and vegetable processing, sugar production, root and tuber processing, and herb, spice and tree processing. The microbial population in the forestomach (rumen) of ruminants allow PBP to be used effectively compared to monogastric livestock. Assessing and improving the utilisation of PBP may enhance the environmental sustainability of ruminant meat production without compromising the quality attributes and consumer acceptability of meat. Some PBP contain a considerable amount of residual bioactive compounds such as vitamins, unsaturated fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Feeding innovations based on the utilisation of bioactive-rich PBP may reduce enteric methane and nitrogen emissions in ruminants while improving the nutritional composition and shelf-life quality of meat and meat products. This review examines the dual-impact of dietary PBP on environmental sustainability and meat quality attributes in ruminant production. In addition, the paper highlights the implications of this alternative feeding strategy on meat safety and the strategic interventions pertinent to its practical application for ruminant meat production.

Marine microalgae are potential sources of functional bioactive compounds such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n − 3 PUFA), pigments and minerals. In this study, plain yoghurt was manufactured with or without a food grade lipid extract of the microalgae species Pavlova lutheri (0.25% and 0.5% w/v). Techno-functional properties, fatty acid analysis and sensory characteristics were evaluated over 28 days storage to assess the suitability of yoghurt as a vehicle for the microalgal extract. Inclusion of the extract at 0.25% and 0.5% w/v had no significant impact on yoghurt composition, viscosity, pH, starter culture viability (for 21 days) or whey separation. Addition of the extract dose-dependently increased concentrations of total n − 3 PUFA (p Industrial relevance This study is of particular relevance to the food industry because it examines the use of yoghurt as an effective method for the delivery of an omega-3-rich microalgae lipid extract. Omega-3 PUFA consumption has declined rapidly in place of other fats, particularly omega-6 PUFA, in the Western diet, which has likely contributed to the drastic increase in rates of chronic disease. Hence increasing omega-3 PUFA intake may help ameliorate and prevent certain chronic disease processes. The most potent sources of omega-3 PUFA are oily fish, however rapidly declining global fish stocks and increasing rates of marine pollution pose serious challenges to dietary intake of omega-3 PUFA from fish. Marine microalgae are potent producers of omega-3 PUFA and other bioactive compounds. Industrial production of omega-3 microalgal oils has expanded greatly in recent times for use as nutritional supplements and for the fortification of infant formula. Fortification of staple foods has been proven as a successful technique for the incorporation of functional ingredients into habitual diets, and previous studies have examined supplementation of dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt, with fish oil. The microalgal species P. lutheri has previously been demonstrated as a potent producer of omega-3 PUFA and in addition has previously demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. However, there is currently no published information on the incorporation of P. lutheri into a carrier food. The incorporation of an omega-3 PUFA-rich lipid extract of P. lutheri into yoghurt is a novel and innovative idea. These data reveal that fortification of yoghurt with a P. lutheri lipid extract has no negative effects on the technofunctional properties of yoghurt.

Yogurt was manufactured containing extracts (0.25% and 0.5% (w/w)) prepared from Ascophyllum nodosum (100% H2O (AN100), 80% ethanol:20% H2O (AN80e)) and Fucus vesiculosus (60% ethanol:40% H2O (FV60e)). Yogurt composition, shelf-life parameters, stability and bioactivity of seaweed extracts in yogurt was examined over 28 days. Yellowness ‘b*’ was higher (P

Supplementation of salmon (Salmo salar) diets with Ulva rigida (UR; 0, 5, 10, and 15% UR) or synthetic astaxanthin (positive control, PC) for 19-weeks preslaughter on quality indices of fresh (raw) salmon fillets was examined. Susceptibility of salmon fillets/homogenates to oxidative stress conditions (cooking/iron-ascorbate induced oxidation) was also measured. In salmon fillets stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP; 60% N2:40% CO2) for up to 15 days at 4oC, U. rigida increased surface “−a*” greenness and “b*” yellowness values in a dose-dependent manner resulting in a final yellow/orange flesh color. Proximate composition, pH, and lipid oxidation (fresh, cooked, and fillet homogenates) were unaffected by dietary addition of U. rigida. On Day 12, 5% UR psychrotrophic bacterial growth was lower than controls. Salmon fed 5% UR did not influence “eating quality” sensory descriptors (texture, odor, oxidation flavor, and overall acceptability) in cooked salmon fillets compared to 0% UR. Higher leve...

This study investigated the quality composition, oxidative stability and sensory attributes of beef (longissimus thoracis, LT) from steers offered grass silage and a concentrate supplement in which barley was replaced by 40% and 80% (as-fed basis) of dried citrus pulp (DCP). Dietary treatment did not influence the antioxidant status (α-tocopherol and total phenolic contents) and activities of LT (radical scavenging activity, ferric reducing antioxidant power and iron chelating activity). Feeding DCP significantly increased the proportion of conjugated linoleic acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in beef. Lipid and colour stability of fresh beef patties stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) were unaffected by dietary treatment but feeding 40% DCP reduced (P .05) lipid oxidation in aerobically-stored cooked beef patties. Beef patties stored in MAP for up to 7 days were assessed by sensory panellists to be juicier for those fed 40% DCP compared to 0% and 80% DCP. Results indicated that substitution of barley with DCP improved the fatty acid profiles of beef without negatively influencing the eating quality of beef.

The proximate composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and antioxidant capacity of beef from steers fed varying inclusion levels of dried corn gluten feed (CGF) were examined. Forty-eight Charolais and Limousin-sired steers (424.0 ± 39.0 kg), blocked by breed and body weight, were randomly assigned to one of four concentrate rations (n = 12 steers/treatment, 4.0 kg dry matter basis daily) offered as a supplement to grass silage fed ad libitum for 124 days pre-slaughter. Concentrate rations contained either 0% CGF (control, barley/soybean meal-based ration), 25% CGF, 50% CGF or 75% CGF. Following slaughter, longissimus thoracis muscles (LT) were excised at 48 h post-mortem, vacuum packaged and aged for 14 days prior to further analysis. Diets containing 25% and 75% CGF increased the pH (~ 5.47 to 5.53) of LT compared to control whereas 50% CGF decreased the protein content and increased intramuscular fat of LT compared to 25% CGF. In comparison to the control, 25% and 75% CGF decreased C14:0 and increased long-chain polyunsaturated FA (PUFA, C22:2 n-6 and C20:5 n-3) and total n-3 PUFA (P < 0.01) whereas 75% CGF increased (P< 0.05) conjugated linoleic acids (c-9 t-11+t-9 c-11 18:2) and α-linolenic acid. No treatment effect on the antioxidant status (α-tocopherol content, radical scavenging and iron-chelating activities) of LT was observed. However, the total phenol content and iron-reducing antioxidant power in LT followed the order: control > 50% CGF (P < 0.05) and 25% CGF > control = 50% CGF (P < 0.01), respectively. Lipid and oxymyoglobin oxidation were unaffected by dietary treatment when muscle homogenates were subjected to iron/ascorbate-induced oxidation for up to 4 h at 4 ºC. Overall, results demonstrated that replacement of barley/soybean meal with up to 75% CGF in supplementary concentrate diets of steers increased health-promoting unsaturated FA in beef without negatively influencing the susceptibility of beef to oxidative deterioration.

This study investigates dietary fortification of heifer feeds with cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol sources and effects on beef total vitamin D activity, vitamer, respective 25-hydroxymetabolite contents, and meat quality. Thirty heifers were allocated to one of three dietary treatments [(1) basal diet + 4000 IU of vitamin D3 (Vit D3); (2) basal diet + 4000 IU of vitamin D2 (Vit D2); and (3) basal diet + 4000 IU of vitamin D2-enriched mushrooms (Mushroom D2)] for a 30 day pre-slaughter period. Supplementation of heifer diets with Vit D3 yielded higher (p < 0.001) Longissimus thoracis (LT) total vitamin D activity (by 38–56%; p < 0.05) and serum 25-OH-D concentration (by 20–36%; p < 0.05), compared to that from Vit D2 and Mushroom D2 supplemented animals. Irrespective of vitamin D source, carcass characteristics, sensory and meat quality parameter were unaffected (p > 0.05) by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, vitamin D3 biofortification of cattle diets is the most efficacious way to enhance total beef vitamin D activity. European Commission - Seventh Framework Programme (FP7) Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under its Food Institutional Research Measures

This study characterised the response of ruminal fermentation and the rumen microbiome in lambs fed commercial vegetal sources of hydrolysable tannins (HT) and condensed tannins (CT). Forty-four lambs (19.56 ± 2.06 kg) were randomly assigned to either a concentrate diet (CON, n = 8) or CON supplemented with 4% of two HT [chestnut (Castanea sativa, HT-c) and tara (Caesalpinia spinosa, HT-t)] and CT [mimosa (Acacia negra, CT-m) and gambier (Uncaria gambir, CT-g)] extracts (all, n = 9) for 75 days pre-slaughter. Tannin supplementation did not influence ruminal fermentation traits. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that tannins did not affect the absolute abundance of ruminal bacteria or fungi. However, CT-m (-12.8%) and CT-g (-11.5%) significantly reduced the abundance of methanogens, while HT-t (-20.7%) and CT-g (-20.8%) inhibited protozoal abundance. Ribosomal amplicon sequencing revealed that tannins caused changes in the phylogenetic structure of the bacterial and methanogen communities. Tannins inhibited the fibrolytic bacterium, Fibrobacter and tended to suppress the methanogen genus, Methanosphaera. Results demonstrated that both HT and CT sources could impact the ruminal microbiome when supplemented at 4% inclusion level. HT-t, CT-m and CT-g extracts displayed specific antimicrobial activity against methanogens and protozoa without compromising ruminal fermentation in a long-term feeding trial.

The anti-oxidative potential of laminarin (L), fucoidan (F) and an L/F seaweed extract was measured using the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, in 25% pork (longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)) homogenates (TBARS) (3 and 6 mg/mL) and in horse heart oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) (0.1 and 1 mg/mL). The DPPH activity of fresh and cooked minced LTL containing L (100 mg/g, L100), F100 and L/F100,300, and bioaccessibility post in vitro digestion (L/F300), was assessed. Theoretical cellular uptake of antioxidant compounds was measured in a transwell Caco-2 cell model. Laminarin displayed no activity and fucoidan reduced lipid oxidation but catalysed OxyMb oxidation. Fucoidan activity was lowered by cooking while the L/F extract displayed moderate thermal stability. A decrease in DPPH antioxidant activity of 44.15% and 36.63%, after 4 and 20 h respectively, indicated theoretical uptake of L/F antioxidant compounds. Results highlight the potential use of seaweed extracts as functional ingredients in pork.

The effect of level (450 or 900 mg laminarin (L) and fucoidan (F) /kg feed) and duration (3 or 6 wks) of feeding a seaweed (Laminaria digitata) extract containing L/F on the quality of pork (longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)) stored in modified atmosphere packs and on organ lipid stability was examined. Mechanisms of L/F antioxidant activity in LTL were evaluated. Plasma total antioxidant status, LTL pH, colour, microbiology and 'eating quality' sensory analysis were unaffected by dietary L/F. 'Visual' sensory descriptors (purchasing appeal and overall visual acceptability) were enhanced (p0.05) in L/F450-3 LTL. Lipid oxidation was lower (p0.05) in L/F450-3 and L/F900-3 LTL and reduced in L/F900-6 kidney homogenates. In cooked minced pork, lipid oxidation was not reduced by dietary L/F. Saturated fatty acids were lower (p0.05) in L/F900-6 LTL. Results indicated L/F in pig diets for 3 weeks enhanced pork quality.

Six extracts were prepared from hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) leaves and flowers (HLF) and berries (HB) using solid-liquid [traditional (T) (HLFT, HBT), sonicated (S) (HLFS, HBS)] and supercritical fluid (C) extraction (HLFC, HBC) techniques. The antioxidant activities of HLF and HB extracts were characterised using in vitro antioxidant assays (TPC, DPPH, FRAP) and in 25% bovine muscle (longissimus lumborum) homogenates (lipid oxidation (TBARS), oxymyoglobin (% of total myoglobin)) after 24h storage at 4°C. Hawthorn extracts exhibited varying degrees of antioxidant potency. In vitro and muscle homogenate (TBARS) antioxidant activity followed the order: HLFS>HLFT and HBT>HBS. In supercritical fluid extracts, HLFC>HBC (in vitro antioxidant activity) and HLFC≈HBC (TBARS). All extracts (except HBS) reduced oxymyoglobin oxidation. The HLFS extract had the highest antioxidant activity in all test systems. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) exhibited potential as a technique for the manufacture of functional ingredients (antioxidants) from hawthorn for use in muscle foods.

Novel dairy products were produced by the addition of seaweed extracts to milk. Ascophyllum nodosum 100% water (AN100) or 80% ethanol (AN80e) and Fucus vesiculosus 60% ethanol (FV60e) extracts were prepared. AN80e and FV60e (0.25 and 0.5%) milk had higher (P

The antioxidant activities of extracts from the Irish seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (AN), Fucus vesiculosus (FV) and Fucus serratus (FS) prepared using different solvents were assessed in Caco-2 cells. The extracts were prepared using 100% H2O (AN100, FV100, FS100), 60% ethanol (AN60e, FV60e, FS60e), 80% ethanol (AN80e, FV80e, FS80e) or 60% methanol (AN60m, FV60m, FS60m) combined with an accelerated solvent extraction (ASE®) technique. The cellular antioxidant status was determined by measuring catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content. The protective effects of the extracts against H2O2 and tert-BOOH-induced DNA damage were assessed using the comet assay. AN100 and AN80e significantly protected (P

Background Despite numerous animal studies that have illustrated the impact of additional vitamin D in the diet of hens on the resulting egg vitamin D content, the effect of the consumption of such eggs on vitamin D status of healthy individuals has not, to our knowledge, been tested. Objective We performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effect of the consumption of vitamin D-enhanced eggs (produced by feeding hens at the maximum concentration of vitamin D3 or serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3] lawfully allowed in feed) on winter serum 25(OH)D in healthy adults. Design We conducted an 8-wk winter RCT in adults aged 45-70 y (n = 55) who were stratified into 3 groups and were requested to consume ≤2 eggs/wk (control group, in which status was expected to decline), 7 vitamin D3-enhanced eggs/wk, or seven 25(OH)D3-enhanced eggs/wk. Serum 25(OH)D was the primary outcome. Results Although there was no significant difference (P > 0.1; ANOVA) in the mean preintervention serum 25(OH)D in the 3 groups, it was ∼7-8 nmol/L lower in the control group than in the 2 groups who consumed vitamin D-enhanced eggs. With the use of an ANCOVA, in which baseline 25(OH)D was accounted for, vitamin D3-egg and 25(OH)D3-egg groups were shown to have had significantly higher (P ≤ 0.005) postintervention serum 25(OH)D than in the control group. With the use of a within-group analysis, it was shown that, although serum 25(OH)D in the control group significantly decreased over winter (mean ± SD: -6.4 ± 6.7 nmol/L; P = 0.001), there was no change in the 2 groups who consumed vitamin D-enhanced eggs (P > 0.1 for both). Conclusion Weekly consumption of 7 vitamin D-enhanced eggs has an important impact on winter vitamin D status in adults. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02678364.

The ability of brown seaweed extracts, Ascophyllum nodosum, Laminaria hyperborea, Pelvetia canaliculata, Fucus vesiculosus and Fucus serratus to protect against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tert-BOOH) induced stress in Caco-2 cells was investigated. Oxidative stress was determined by measuring alteration in the enzymatic activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutases (SOD) and cellular levels of glutathione (GSH). L. hyperborea, P. canaliculata and F. serratus significantly protected against tert-BOOH induced SOD reduction but did not protect against the reduction in CAT activity or the increased cellular levels of GSH. The ability of F. serratus and F. vesiculosus to protect against H(2)O(2) and tert-BOOH induced DNA damage was also assessed. The DNA protective effects of the two seaweed extracts was compared to those of three metal chelators; deferoxamine mesylate (DFO), 1,10-phenanthroline (o-phen) and 1,2-Bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetrakis (BAPTA-AM). F. serratus and F. vesiculosus significantly protected (P

Pervasive healthcare systems facilitate various aspects of research including sensor technology, software technology, artificial intelligence and human-computer interaction. Researchers can often benefit from access to real-world data sets against which to evaluate new approaches and algorithms. Whilst more than a dozen data sets are currently publicly available, their use of heterogeneous mark-up impedes widespread and easy use. We describe \(\mathcal{PI}\)—the Perceiver and semantic Interpreter—which offers a workbench API for the querying, re-structuring and re-purposing of a range of diverse data formats currently in use. The use of a single API reduces cognitive overload, improves access, and supports integration of generic and domain-specific information within a common framework.

The antioxidant potential of methanolic extracts of brown seaweeds was assessed by Total Phenol Content, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), β-carotene bleaching and the DPPH scavenging assays. Ascophyllum nodosum, Pelvetia canaliculata, and Fucus serratus contained the highest phenol concentrations while Fucus vesiculosus and F. serratus exhibited the highest FRAP activities. F. vesiculosus and A. nodosum were the most effective extracts at scavenging DPPH radicals and preventing β-carotene bleaching. The antioxidant activity of the seaweed extracts was also evaluated in Caco-2 cells. All extracts significantly (P

Four commercially available natural products (olive leaf extract, lutein, sesamol and ellagic acid) were investigated for in vitro antioxidant properties using the DPPH , ABTS + , ferric reducing antioxidant capacity (FRAP), oxygen reducing antioxidant capacity (ORAC) and β-carotene-linoleic acid assays. Antioxidant potency followed the order: ellagic acid > sesamol > olive leaf extract > lutein for all antioxidant test methods. Total phenolic content of olive leaf extract was estimated as 1.60 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g dry weight of olive leaf extract using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Qualitative and quantitative compositional analysis carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with photo diode array detection (DAD) revealed six major polyphenolic compounds present in olive leaf extract: oleuropein, verbascoside, luteolin-7-O-glucoside, apigenin-7-O-glucoside, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. Lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract all showed great potential as natural antioxidants which would be useful in the prevention of diseases in which free radicals are implicated.

The effect of lutein (200 μg/g meat), sesamol (250 μg/g meat), ellagic acid (300 μg/g meat) and olive leaf extract (200 μg/g meat) on total viable counts (TVC), pH, water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss, lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARs), colour stability, texture and sensory evaluation of fresh and cooked pork sausages stored in aerobic or modified atmosphere packs (MAP) was investigated. Addition of sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract reduced (P ellagic acid 300 > olive leaf extract 200 > lutein 200 for both raw and cooked pork sausages. Addition of sesamol increased (P < 0.001) WHC on days 2 and 12 of MAP storage. Meat addition of lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract had no detrimental effect on pH, cooking losses, TVCs, tenderness, juiciness, texture or product flavour. Lutein, sesamol, ellagic acid and olive leaf extract were effective as natural functional ingredients in suppressing lipid oxidation and have the potential to be incorporated into functional raw and cooked pork sausages.

The chemical composition, fatty acid (FA) profile and antioxidant potential of beef from steers fed corn (CDG) or wheat (WDG) dried distillers’ grains were determined. Thirty-six Charolais and Limousin-sired steers (421.9 ± 38.9 kg) were blocked by breed and body weight and randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatments (n = 12 steers/treatment). Treatments consisted of ad libitum grass silage supplemented with concentrate ration (4.0 kg dry matter basis daily) containing either barley/soybean meal (control), 80% CDG or 80% WDG (as-fed basis) fed for 124 days pre-slaughter. Following slaughter, the longissimus thoracis muscle (LT) was excised at 48 h post-mortem, vacuum packaged and aged for 14 days prior to subsequent analysis. Feeding CDG increased (P < 0.05) the pH and decreased the ash content of LT relative to the control. Dietary CDG (P < 0.05) increased the protein content of LT compared to WDG. The proportion of C14:0 (P < 0.05) was lower in LT from steers fed WDG relative to the control whereas the percentage of C15:0 and C20:0 (P < 0.01) were greater in LT from WDG compared to the control. Both CDG and WDG increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of conjugated linoleic acids (c-9 t-11+t-9 c-11 18:2) and tended to increase the percentage of α-linolenic acid (P= 0.08), C22:2 n-6 (P = 0.05) and polyunsaturated FA (PUFA, P = 0.06) compared to the control. There was no treatment effect (P > 0.05) on antioxidant status (total phenol and α-tocopherol contents) or activity (radical scavenging and iron-chelating activities, and iron-reducing antioxidant power) of LT. In addition, dietary CDG or WDG did not influence lipid or oxymyoglobin oxidation in muscle homogenates incubated with iron/ascorbate pro-oxidants. Overall, the inclusion of distillers’ grains in supplementary concentrates may improve the FA composition of beef irrespective of distillers’ grains type.

Interest exists in the manufacture of functional meat products whereby synthetic antioxidants are replaced with naturally-sourced compounds. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine the bioactivity of pork and beef patties containing ellagic acid (600 μg/g), lutein (200 μg/g) or sesamol (500 μg/g). Cooked pork and beef patties were subjected to an in vitro digestion procedure and the resultant micelles were added to human intestinal Caco-2 cells. Supplementation with micelles from lutein-enriched pork patties protected (P

The effects of lutein (100 and 200 microg/g muscle), sesamol (250 and 500 microg/g muscle), ellagic acid (300 and 600 microg/g muscle) and olive leaf extract (100 and 200 microg/g muscle) on total viable counts (TVCs), lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, TBARS), colour, oxymyoglobin oxidation, pH, water-holding capacity (WHC), sensorial properties of raw beef patties (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) stored in modified atmosphere packs (80% O(2):20% CO(2)) (MAP) aerobically at 4 degrees C for up to 8 and 12 days, respectively, were examined. All the nutraceuticals reduced (P

This study was carried out to determine the antioxidant activity of phytochemicals and plant extracts in fresh lamb patties. Quality indices such as colour (Hunter L* a* b*), lipid oxidation (TBARS) and pH were measured over an 8-day storage period. Resveratrol, citroflavan-3-ol, olive leaf extract and Echinacea purpurea were added to raw minced M. longissimus dorsi lamb patties, at concentrations ranging from 0-400 mg kg -1 lamb meat, stored in high oxygen modified atmospheres packs (75% O 2 :25% CO 2 ) for up to 8 days at 4 °C. The pH of the lamb meat was not significantly affected by the addition of the phytochemicals and plant extracts examined (P > 0.05). Resveratrol and citroflavan-3-ol decreased (P < 0.05) lipid oxidation in raw lamb patties during storage and increased a* values (P < 0.05), relative to controls. By contrast, olive leaf extract and Echinacea purpurea did not exhibit antioxidant activity or promote higher a* values relative to controls. Results obtained demonstrate potential for the development of functional meats using plant extracts such as resveratrol and citroflavan-3-ol.

Interest exists in the manufacture of meat products with added functional ingredients to enhance consumer health. Because experimental evidence suggests that many herbs and spices, particularly those of the Lamiaceae family such as Salvia officinalis L. (sage) and Origanum vulgare L. (oregano), possess a wide range of biological and pharmacological activities, they represent promising functional ingredients for incorporation into meat and meat products. The present study aimed to determine the bioactivity of cooked beef patties that were enriched with or without sage or oregano extracts (1,200 microg/g). Cooked beef patties were subjected to an in vitro digestion procedure, and the resulting micelles isolated from the digested meats were added to human intestinal Caco-2 cells. The antioxidant potential (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP] value) of enriched beef patties was significantly higher than the FRAP value of non-enriched beef patties, both before and after in vitro digestion. Cell viability significantly increased following treatment with certain concentrations of the micelle fractions from digested sage- or oregano-enriched beef patties. Pretreatment with micelles derived from sage- or oregano-enriched beef patties did not significantly protect against cell injury or DNA damage induced by H(2)O(2). However, micelles derived from digested sage-enriched beef patties (10% vol/vol) significantly increased cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) content. In addition, micelles derived from both sage- and oregano-enriched beef patties (10% vol/vol) significantly protected against H(2)O(2)-induced GSH depletion. Thus, it appears that sage and oregano exhibit some bioactivity within a meat system. Our findings suggest that herbal extracts have potential as possible functional ingredients in meat products.

The effect of supplementation of pig diets with grape seed extract (GSE) (100, 300, 700 mg/kg feed) and bearberry (BB) (100, 300, 700 mg/kg feed) for 56 days pre-slaughter, on the oxidative stability and quality of raw and cooked M. longissimus dorsi (LD) was examined. Susceptibility of porcine liver, kidney and heart tissue homogenates to iron-induced (1 mM FeSO 4 ) lipid oxidation was also investigated. In raw LD steaks, stored in modified atmosphere packs (75% O 2 :25% CO 2 ) (MAP) for up to 16 days at 4 °C, surface lightness (CIE ‘ L ’ value), redness (CIE ‘ a ’ value), lipid stability (TBARS, mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg muscle) and pH were not significantly affected by supplemental GSE or BB. Similarly, the oxidative stability and sensory properties of cooked LD steaks, stored in MAP (70% N 2 :30% CO 2 ), for up to 28 days at 4 °C, were not enhanced by dietary GSE or BB. Iron-induced lipid oxidation increased in liver, kidney and heart tissue homogenates over the 24 h storage period and susceptibility to oxidation followed the order: liver > heart > kidney. Dietary GSE or BB did not significantly reduce lipid oxidation in tissue homogenates. Potential reasons for the lack of efficacy of supplemental GSE and BB on pork quality were explored.

The effect of supplementation of beef cattle diets with tea catechins (TC) (1000mg/animal/day) and rosemary extract (RE) (1000mg/animal/day), for 103 days preceding slaughter, on the oxidative stability of M. longissimus dorsi (LD) steaks was evaluated. Dietary supplementation with TC and RE did not increase plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), LD α-tocopherol concentrations or pH. In LD steaks stored aerobically or in modified atmosphere packs (80% O(2):20% CO(2)) (MAP) for up to 8 days at 4°C, surface redness (CIE 'a' redness value) and lipid stability (TBARS, mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg muscle) were not significantly improved as a result of supplementation with TC and RE. Similarly no improvement in the sensory properties and lipid stability of cooked LD slices, stored aerobically or in 30% CO(2):70% N(2) for up to 11 days at 4°C, was observed. An in vitro fermentation study demonstrated that TC and RE were not fermented to any great extent under simulated rumen conditions. Direct addition of TC (1000ppm) and RE (1000ppm) significantly (P

The effects of addition of tea catechins (TC) and vitamin C (VC) on sensory evaluation, colour and lipid stability in cooked or raw beef and chicken meat patties during refrigerated storage were studied. Fresh beef striploin and chicken breast muscles were minced, following removal of external fat and connective tissue. Following mincing, beef and chicken were assigned to one of the following five treatments: control (meat treated with no antioxidant); TC200, meat plus 200 mg TC/kg muscle; TC400, meat plus 400 mg TC/kg muscle; VC200, meat plus 200 mg VC/kg muscle, VC400, meat plus 400 mg VC/kg muscle. Sodium chloride (1%) was added to all samples. Patties (125 g portions), formed from the above-treated minced meat, were oven cooked, cooled, and packaged in 30% CO(2):70% N(2). Fresh raw beef and chicken patties were packaged in 80% O(2):20% CO(2). All samples were stored for up to 7 days under fluorescent lighting at 4 °C. Sensory parameters (colour, flavour, taste, tenderness and overall acceptability) were evaluated on cooked beef and chicken patties after 1, 3 and 6 days of storage. Surface colour (Hunter L, a and b values), and lipid oxidation (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were measured on days 1, 3 and 6 of storage for cooked meats and on days 2 and 7 for raw beef and chicken. Tea catechins addition (200 or 400 mg/kg) to minced meat caused (P

The relationship between oxymyoglobin oxidation and lipid oxidation in a bovine muscle homogenate containing FeCl 3 /ascorbate was examined. Increases (P ≤ 0.05) in lipid oxidation preceded Increases in oxymyoglobin oxidation. Lipid oxidation products extracted from an oxidized homogenate bad no significant effect on oxymyoglobin oxidation. Increasing lipid oxidation and oxymyoglobin oxidation was associated with a decrease (P 0.05) in dissolved oxygen. Inclusion of α-tocopherol or Trolox C led to reductions (P ≤ 0.05) in lipid oxidation and oxymyoglobin oxidation, but Trolox C exhibited greater antioxidant potency than α-tocopherol. Hydrogen peroxide had a greater prooxidant effect on oxymyoglobin than the combination of H 2 O 2 and FeCl 2 . Trolox C inhibited H 2 O 2 Induced oxidation of oxymyoglobin. Results support the contention that lipid oxidation is likely to be an important contributor to oxymyoglobin oxidation and meat discoloration. Les relations entre l'oxydation de l'oxyhemoglobine et l'oxydation des lipides dans un homogeneisat de muscle bovin en presence de FeCl 3 /ascorbate ont ete etudiees. L'augmentation de l'oxydation des lipides precede celle de l'oxyhemoglobine, mais les produits d'oxydation des lipides isoles n'ont pas d'effets sur l'oxyhemoglobine. Elles sont associees a une diminution de l'oxygene dissout. L'ajout d'α-tocopherol ou de trolox C provoque une reduction de l'oxydation des lipides et de l'oxyhemoglobine. Le peroxyde d'hydrogene a un effet de prooxydant sur l'oxyhemoglobine. L'ensemble des resultats permet de conclure que l'oxydation des lipides contribue au phenomene d'oxydation de l'oxyhemoglobine et a la decoloration de la viande.

Oxymyoglobin and lipid oxidation were examined in low and high vitamin E (α-tocopherol) bovine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LD) homogenates and in subcellular fractions of LD. Investigation of the effects of temperature (4, 22, 37C) and pH (5.5, 6.4, 7.2) on lipid and oxymyoglobin oxidation indicated that oxymyoglobin oxidation increased with increasing temperature (P < 0.05) and was higher at the low pH (P < 0.05). Lipid oxidation increased with temperature (P < 0.05) only at pH 5.5. The inclusion of 45 μM Fecl3/ascorbate (1:1), at pH 5.5 and 4C, led to significant increases (P < 0.05) in lipid oxidation but significant oxymyoglobin oxidation occurred only when the extent of lipid oxidation exceeded a threshold level. Oxymyoglobin and lipid oxidation were significantly lower in LD fractions derived from high vitamin E muscle compared to low vitamin E muscle. α-Tocopherol did not interact directly with oxymyoglobin to suppress oxymyoglobin oxidation but a positive unit effect of muscle α-tocopherol on metmyoglobin reductase activity was observed.

Beef steaks (M. longissimus dorsi) were stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) (80% O₂:20% CO₂) with gas headspace to meat ratios of 2:1, 1:1 and 0.5:1 for 14 days at 4 °C. The pH, surface colour, texture and microbiology of beef steaks were unaffected (P0.05) by varying the gas headspace to meat ratio. APLSR (ANOVA-partial least squares regression) and jack-knife uncertainty testing indicated that lipid oxidation (TBARS) was significantly positively correlated with days 10 (P0.05) and 14 (P0.001) of storage. Chemical and sensory detection of lipid oxidation in beef steaks were in agreement on day 14 of storage. The sensory quality and acceptability of beef steaks were similar in gas headspace to meat ratios of 2:1 or 1:1 and unacceptable in 0.5:1. Results indicate that pack size and gas volume can be reduced without negatively affecting fresh beef quality and shelf-life.

A seaweed extract containing laminarin (L) and fucoidan (F) (L/F) was manufactured from brown seaweed (Laminaria digitata) in spray-dried (L/F-SD) and wet (L/F-WS) forms. The effect of supplementation of pig diets with L/F-SD and L/F-WS (L, 500 mg/kg feed; F, 420 mg/kg feed) for 21 days pre-slaughter, on quality indices of fresh M. longissimus dorsi (LD) steaks was examined. Susceptibility of porcine liver, heart, kidney and lung tissue homogenates to iron-induced (1mM FeSO₄) lipid oxidation was also investigated. Dietary supplementation with L/F did not increase plasma total antioxidant status (TAS). In LD steaks stored in modified atmosphere packs (80% O₂:20% CO₂) (MAP) for up to 15 days at 4 °C, muscle pH, surface colour (CIE 'L*' lightness, 'a*' redness and 'b*' yellowness values) and microbiology (psychrotrophic and mesophilic counts, log CFU/g pork) were unaffected by dietary L/F. In general, levels of lipid oxidation (TBARS, mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg pork) followed the order: C>LF-SD>L/F-WS. A statistically significant reduction in lipid oxidation (P

The conference series on Pervasive Computing Technologies for Healthcare is one of the leading fora for research dissemination in this space. In May 2011, the most recent event took place in Ireland. A brief overview of the conference is now presented. Science Foundation Ireland Fáilte Ireland ti, sp, ke - TS 02.02.12