Bleaching techniques impact on some quality parameters in two different cold-pressed oils obtained at farm scale

The consumption of cold-pressed oil, such as linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.) and hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) oil has increased recently. In these oils obtained on the farm, a large number of components able to affect oil quality (mainly chlorophylls) are present. Given this, an experiment was conducted with the following aims: (1) to compare different bleaching methods by applying ultrasound waves and earths in cold-pressed hempseed and linseed oils and (2) to evaluate the effect of different types (acid-activated and natural) and amount (2% and 4%) of earths with different processing temperatures (60 and 80°C) in hempseed oil, utilizing a bleaching method with earths alone. Regarding the linseed oil, any bleaching methodologies adopted must not include ultrasound treatment, as the high temperatures reached determine high levels of oxidation to the detriment of the oil. Concerning the hemp oil, the natural earths, especially at farm level, should be preferred, because in addition to removing chlorophyll satisfactorily, when used at 4% even at the lowest temperature (60°C), an improvement of the stability and nutritional value (Vit. E) of the oil was observed

Identification of the B-cell tumor-specific molecular fingerprint using non-radiolabelled PCR consensus primers

Abstract BACKGROUND: The complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) of the immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain variable region (VH) is the most reliable molecular fingerprint for most if not all human B cells. The nucleotide sequence encoding for any B-cell tumor-specific VH CDR3 is currently identified by PCR sequencing based on procedures involving the usage of either radioactive materials, patient/family-specific primers, or bacterial cloning. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In six consecutive patients with follicular lymphoma we assessed the feasibility of a method that allows for identification of the tumor-specific VH CDR3 using consensus primers while avoiding both radioactive materials and bacterial cloning procedures. RESULTS: The tumor-specific VH CDR3 was successfully identified in all six patients in nearly half the time typically required by any other method currently utilized. The feasibility of the proposed method was not significantly affected either by the tumor-specific Ig isotype, or by the tumor infiltration in the original biopsy specimen. In the three patients for whom tumor specimen-derived hybridomas were available, the tumor-specific VH CDR3 was also found in at least 8 of 10 of them. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method allows the ability to quickly identify the B-cell tumor-specific VH CDR3 using consensus primers while avoiding radioactive materials and bacterial cloning procedures

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Variability of seed fatty acid composition to growing degree-days in high oleic acid sunflower genotypes

High temperature enhances the oleic acid content in the oil of normal cultivars but conflicting results are reported on temperature effects on oleic acid content in HO cultivars: either no effect or an increase in oleic acid content with temperature. To investigate the effects of temperature on HO genotypes under natural field conditions, a three-year field trial was conducted using two sowing dates and three HO genotypes (two inbred lines and one hybrid). To compare our results with previous works, growing degree-days (GDD) were computed (base temperature \ubc6\ub0C). GDD accumulated during the \u201cflowering \u2013 25 days after flowering\u201d period influenced fatty acid composition of seed. Oleic and linoleic acid contents were affected by accumulated GDD in two HO genotypes (one inbred line and the hybrid). There was an increase of about 3% in oleic acid content as response to more high GDD accumulated. Their content was not modified by GDD in the other inbred line. There was a genotype environment interaction that we suppose depending on modifier genes. These genetic factors affected oleic acid content. This indicated the importance of breeding targeted to select hybrids with a stable oleic acid content and higher than 90%. Saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) were also influenced by temperature, and there was genetic variability among genotypes

Genotypic responses and diallel analysis for an early resistance test to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in sunflower

The evaluation of sunflower genotypic performance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infections is important for understanding its usefulness as source of resistance. In the field, artificial and natural resistance tests provide important information that can be used in the selection of the best materials, however the procedures for resistance tests are usually both expensive and laborious. This work describes the performance of sunflower genotypes of broad genetic base at an early stage of plant development using a resistance test carried out under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. Statistical analysis detected highly significant genotypic responses and the combined abilities effects among the evaluated populations and their offspring, obtained by a diallel crossing system method 2 for dead seedlings (%) at 25 days after S. sclerotiorum infection on the basal stem. The methodology allowed superior parents to be detected and crosses to be furthered in the selection for S. sclerotiorum resistance. The usefulness of the evaluated genetic materials and the early resistance test in sunflower breeding plans is discussed

Genotypic responses and diallel analysis for an early resistance test to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum in sunflower

The evaluation of sunflower genotypic performance against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum infections is important for understanding its usefulness as source of resistance. In the field, artificial and natural resistance tests provide important information that can be used in the selection of the best materials, however the procedures for resistance tests are usually both expensive and laborious. This work describes the performance of sunflower genotypes of broad genetic base at an early stage of plant development using a resistance test carried out under controlled conditions in the greenhouse. Statistical analysis detected highly significant genotypic responses and the combined abilities effects among the evaluated populations and their offspring, obtained by a diallel crossing system method 2 for dead seedlings (%) at 25 days after S. sclerotiorum infection on the basal stem. The methodology allowed superior parents to be detected and crosses to be furthered in the selection for S. sclerotiorum resistance. The usefulness of the evaluated genetic materials and the early resistance test in sunflower breeding plans is discussed

Evaluation of genetic variability for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum Lib. de Bary resistance in a F2 population from a cross between susceptible and resistant sunflower

The inbred line R28, coming from Helianthus argophyllus, displays low susceptibility to both artificial and natural infection by basal stem and head rot and to artificial infection by fungus filtrate (oxalic acid). A cross was made between this line and 9304 (a susceptible inbred line). F2 plants, parental plants and F1 plants, were artificially infected by: i. pathogen mycelium over the basal stem (basal stem attack), ii. ascospores on the head (head rot attack). As result of basal stem infection, 72.4% of the F2 plants showed symptoms and died. Incubation period (IP), as the number of days from infection to the appearance of first symptoms, varied from 5 to 25 days, with a population mean of 12.5\ub16.1 days. The IPs in 9304, F1 and R 28 were 7, 10 and 16 days, respectively. The same IP character and the percentages of lesions on the capitulum, monitored at the end of flowering time (EF) and at physiological maturity (PM), were also measured after the infection with ascospores. After the ascospore test, 60.7% of the infected F2 plants showed disease symptoms on the capitulum. In this case the IP ranged between 16 and 45 days, with a population mean of 27.6 \ub1 6.4 days. The IPs for 9304, F1 and R 28 were 18, 25 and 35 days, respectively. Among all the plants with lesions at PM, 24% was completely safe at EF, thus showing different reactions of F2 genotypes against Sclerotinia. Relationship among EF, PM and IP were investigated and the obtained results suggest two different Sclerotinia attack mechanisms. This paper discusses the possibility of obtaining some results from classical selection programs utilizing these parameters. We are also considering a molecular markers assisted approach. Recently, several hundred microsatel-lite markers were developed for sunflower. For this purpose we have selected a first set of primer combinations on the basis of amplicon length to facilitate multiplexing. SSR markers were screened for polymorphism using three-color multiplexes