The Effect of Sex on the Chemical and Mineral Composition of the Meat, Bone and Liver of Giraffe (Giraffa giraffa angolensis)

Consumers tend to buy meat based on visual physical characteristics, which are affected by the chemical composition of the meat, and there is very little known about the chemical composition of the meat of giraffe. This study therefore aims to broaden the knowledge base on the chemical composition of giraffe meat, rib bone and liver. Eight different muscles from 15 giraffes were analyzed to determine the chemical composition, yielding an average moisture of 77.2 ± 0.09 g/100 g meat, an average protein of 20.8 ± 0.09 g/100 g meat, an average intramuscular fat (IMF) of 1.4 ± 0.03 g/100 g meat and an average ash of 1.1 ± 0.01 g/100 g meat. There was a significant interaction between sex and muscle for the moisture, protein and ash contents, while only muscle had an effect on the fat content. The mineral content of the bone, liver and Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle was also analyzed, and bone was found to be a rich source of calcium (highest concentration), whilst the liver had the highest concentration of iron. The chemical composition of the giraffe meat was such that it could be classified as lean meat.

Raspberry ketone feeding makes Queensland fruit fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), more vulnerable to desiccation but not starvation

BACKGROUND

Queensland fruit fly (Qfly) males exhibit accelerated sexual maturation when their diet is supplemented with raspberry ketone (RK) for 48 h following emergence, which is beneficial for sterile insect technique operation. The present study tests whether RK supplementation makes Qfly more vulnerable to starvation or desiccation.

RESULTS

Flies were fed for 48 h with a yeast hydrolysate and sugar diet (1:3) that contained 0% RK (control), 1.25% RK (low dose) or 5% RK (high dose) to test subsequent vulnerability to starvation and desiccation. RK feeding decreased body weight and water content in males and increased lipid levels in both sexes before exposure to any stress treatment. Under nutritional stress, flies fed the low RK dose, but not the high RK dose, had higher survival than controls. Under desiccation stress, flies fed both the low and high RK doses had lower survival than the controls. Body weight, water content and lipid reserves at death were all affected by RK dose when under nutritional stress, but not when under desiccation stress. In the absence of stress, body weight at death was higher than controls in flies provided with the high RK dose and lipids were lower than controls in flies provided with the low RK dose.

CONCLUSION

Feeding with RK makes Qflies more vulnerable to desiccation but not starvation. In most conditions, it is expected that the disadvantage of increased desiccation vulnerability would be outweighed by the benefits of accelerated sexual maturation in RK-fed young adult Qflies. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Screening of symbiotic Streptomyces spp. and optimization of microalgal growth in a microalgae-actinomycetes co-culture system

Microalgal biodiesel as a substitute for fossil energy has attracted extensive attention. However, the high cost of microalgae cultivation limits the industrial production of microalgal biodiesel. The co-culture system may offer a means to increase microalgae's biomass production. In this study, Streptomyces strains were selected to construct and optimize co-culture systems with Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11 and the algal cell biomass, lipid content, phycocyanin content, starch content, and fatty acid composition were determined. The results showed that Streptomyces nojiriensis significantly promoted Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11 growth and a co-culture system were established. Orthogonal experiments showed that the Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11 biomass was further increased when the initial culture pH was 7.5, the inoculation time of Streptomyces strain supernatants was 36 h, the volume ratio of microalgal actinomycetes was 1:1, and no additional acetic acid was added. Under these conditions, compared with monocultured Monoraphidium sp. HDMA-11, the cell biomass and lipid productivity of the co-culture system increased by 525.8 and 155.1%, respectively. These results suggest that S. nojiriensis supernatant potentially enhances microalgae biomass and may represent a new method to improve microalgae growth.

[Effects of the ITPR1 gene overexpression on Ca²⁺ concentration, lipid content and calcium transport-related genes in duck uterine epithelial cells]

Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 1 (ITPR1) is an important intracellular channel for releasing Ca²⁺. In order to investigate the effects of the ITPR1 overexpression on Ca²⁺ concentration and lipid content in duck uterine epithelial cells and its effects on calcium transport-related genes, the structural domain of ITPR1 gene of duck was cloned into an eukaryotic expression vector and transfected into duck uterine epithelial cells. The overexpression of the ITPR1 gene, the concentration of Ca²⁺, the lipid content, and the expression of other 6 calcium transport-related genes was determined. The results showed that the concentration of Ca²⁺ in uterine epithelial cells was significantly reduced after transfection (P<0.05), the triglyceride content was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the high-density lipoprotein content was significantly decreased (P<0.01). The correlation analysis results showed that the overexpression of the C-terminal half of the ITPR1 gene was significantly positively correlated with the total cholesterol content (P<0.01), which was significantly positively correlated with the low-density lipoprotein content (P<0.05). The overexpression of the N-terminal half of the ITPR1 gene was significantly positively correlated with the triglyceride content (P<0.01), which was significantly negatively correlated with the concentration of Ca²⁺ (P<0.05). RT-qPCR results of 6 calcium transport-related genes showed that the overexpression of the C-terminal half of the ITPR1 gene significantly inhibited the expression of the IP3R2, VDAC2 and CAV1 genes, and the overexpression of the N-terminal half of the ITPR1 gene significantly promoted the expression of the IP3R3 and CACNA2D1 genes. In conclusion, the ITPR1 gene overexpression can promote Ca²⁺ release in duck uterus epithelial cells, promote the synthesis of triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein and cholesterol, and inhibit the production of high-density lipoprotein, and the ITPR1 gene overexpression affected the expression of all 6 calcium transport-related genes.

EgmiR5179 Regulates Lipid Metabolism by Targeting EgMADS16 in the Mesocarp of Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis)

EgMADS16, one of the MADS-box transcription factors in oil palm, has a high expression level in the late fruit development of the oil palm fruit mesocarp. At the same time, it is also predicted to be the target gene of EgmiR5179, which has been identified in previous research. In this paper, we focused on the function and regulatory mechanism of the EgMADS16 gene in oil palm lipid metabolism. The results indicated that the transcription level of EgMADS16 was highest in the fourth stage, and a dual-luciferase reporter assay proved that the EgMADS16 expression level was downregulated by EgmiR5179. In both the OXEgMADS16 Arabidopsis seeds and oil palm embryonic calli, the total lipid contents were significantly decreased, but the contents of C18:0 and C18:3 in OXEgMADS16 lines were significantly increased. As expected, EgmiR5179 weakened the inhibitory effect of EgMADS16 on the oil contents in transgenic Arabidopsis plants that coexpressed EgmiR5179 and EgMADS16 (OXEgmiR5179-EgMADS16). Moreover, yeast two-hybrid and BiFC analyses suggested that there was an interaction between the EgMADS16 protein and EgGLO1 protein, which had been proven to be capable of regulating fatty acid synthesis in our previous research work. In summary, a model of the molecular mechanism by which miRNA5179 targets EgMADS16 to regulate oil biosynthesis was hypothesized, and the research results provide new insight into lipid accumulation and molecular regulation in oil palm.

Acute supplementation of growing rats with Brazil nut flour increases hepatic lipid content but prevents oxidative damage in the liver

Brazil nuts (BN) (Bertholletia excels, Bonpl.), are of great importance because of their nutritional properties and economic value. They can be consumed in natura or as flour (BNF). In this study, we evaluated the effects of BNF and BN intakes (Both 5% and 15%) on metabolic parameters of rats for 15 days. Serum Selenium (Se) levels were higher in BN-15% and BNF-15% groups. Lipid content was reduced in retroperitoneal and epididymal adipose tissues in all groups and in the BN-5% group in the liver. However, liver lipids increased in the BNF-15% group. The levels of carbonylated proteins and lipid peroxidation in the liver were not altered. The data reveal that the increase in hepatic lipids in the BNF-15% group probably occurred due to the high concentration of free fatty acids present in the flour. The Se bioavailability in the diet contributed to the preservation of the liver function in rats. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The consumption of BN is common in the population. However, changes in eating habits have led to a more frequent consumption of vegetable derivatives, such as drinks and oils. The cake residue generated after processing is still considered of high nutritional value, since it is a source of protein and minerals such as Se. Because of its low cost, the use of pie at the industrial level is becoming increasingly more interesting for the development of new products, and the Brazil nut flour (BNF) is considered a good option. Our study showed that just like BN, BNF can be a source of selenium for the body, although changes in lipid metabolism and physiological parameters can be observed depending on the amount used. We believe that the results of this investigation can be used to guide the development of new technologies and products containing BN.

Fatty acid profile of milk from Nordestina donkey breed raised on Caatinga pasture

In this research communication we describe the composition of fatty acids (FA) present in the milk of the Nordestina donkey breed, and how they differ during lactation. Milk samples were taken from 24 multiparous lactating Nordestina donkeys that grazed the Caatinga, comprising 5 animals at each of around 30, 60 and 90 d in milk (DIM) and a further 9 animals ranging from 120 to 180 DIM. The milk fat content was analysed by mid infrared spectroscopy and the FA profile by gas chromatography. The milk fat percentage ranged from 0.45 to 0.61%. The main FA found in milk were 16:0 and 18:1c9. These did not differ among DIM classes and comprised 23% and 25% of total FA. Notably, the α-Linolenic acid (18:3 n-3) was the third most abundant FA and differed (P < 0.05) with DIM, being lowest in the 30 and 60 DIM samples (around 10.7% of total FA) and highest in the 60 and 90 DIM classes (around 14.6% of total FA). The low-fat content and the FA profile of the donkey milk gives it potential as a functional ingredient, which could help to preserve the commercial viability of the Nordestina donkey breed.

Year-Round Cultivation of Tetraselmis sp. for Essential Lipid Production in a Semi-Open Raceway System

There is increasing demand for essential fatty acids (EFAs) from non-fish sources such as microalgae, which are considered a renewable and sustainable biomass. The open raceway system (ORS) is an affordable system for microalgae biomass cultivation for industrial applications. However, seasonal variations in weather can affect biomass productivity and the quality of microalgal biomass. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of year-round Tetraselmis sp. cultivation in a semi-ORS in Korea for biomass and bioactive lipid production. To maximize biomass productivity of Tetraselmis sp., f medium was selected because it resulted in a significantly higher biomass productivity (1.64 ± 0.03 g/L) and lower omega-6/omega-3 ratio (0.52/1) under laboratory conditions than f/2 medium (0.70/1). Then, we used climatic data-based building information modeling technology to construct a pilot plant of six semi-ORSs for controlling culture conditions, each with a culture volume of 40,000 L. Over 1 year, there were no significant variations in monthly biomass productivity, fatty acid composition, or the omega-6/omega-3 ratio; however, the lipid content correlated significantly with photosynthetic photon flux density. During year-round cultivation from November 2014 to October 2017, areal productivity was gradually increased by increasing medium salinity and injecting CO₂ gas into the culture medium. Productivity peaked at 44.01 g/m²/d in October 2017. Throughout the trials, there were no significant differences in average lipid content, which was 14.88 ± 1.26%, 14.73 ± 2.44%, 12.81 ± 2.82%, and 13.63 ± 3.42% in 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, respectively. Our results demonstrated that high biomass productivity and constant lipid content can be sustainably maintained under Korean climate conditions.

Overexpression of the Transcription Factor AtLEC1 Significantly Improved the Lipid Content of Chlorella ellipsoidea

Microalgae are considered to be a highly promising source for the production of biodiesel. However, the regulatory mechanism governing lipid biosynthesis has not been fully elucidated to date, and the improvement of lipid accumulation in microalgae is essential for the effective production of biodiesel. In this study, LEAFY COTYLEDON1 (LEC1) from Arabidopsis thaliana, a transcription factor (TF) that affects lipid content, was transferred into Chlorella ellipsoidea. Compared with wild-type (WT) strains, the total fatty acid content and total lipid content of AtLEC1 transgenic strains were significantly increased by 24.20–32.65 and 22.14–29.91%, respectively, under mixotrophic culture conditions and increased by 24.4–28.87 and 21.69–30.45%, respectively, under autotrophic conditions, while the protein content of the transgenic strains was significantly decreased by 18.23–21.44 and 12.28–18.66%, respectively, under mixotrophic and autotrophic conditions. Fortunately, the lipid and protein content variation did not affect the growth rate and biomass of transgenic strains under the two culture conditions. According to the transcriptomic data, the expression of 924 genes was significantly changed in the transgenic strain (LEC1-1). Of the 924 genes, 360 were upregulated, and 564 were downregulated. Based on qRT-PCR results, the expression profiles of key genes in the lipid synthesis pathway, such as ACCase, GPDH, PDAT1, and DGAT1, were significantly changed. By comparing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) regulated by AtLEC1 in C. ellipsoidea and Arabidopsis, we observed that approximately 59% (95/160) of the genes related to lipid metabolism were upregulated in AtLEC1 transgenic Chlorella. Our research provides a means of increasing lipid content by introducing exogenous TF and presents a possible mechanism of AtLEC1 regulation of lipid accumulation in C. ellipsoidea.

Development of Meat Products with Healthier Lipid Content: Vibrational Spectroscopy

This review focuses on the importance of developing meat products with healthier lipid content and strategies such as the use of structured lipids to develop these enriched products. The review also conducts a critical analysis of the use of vibrational spectroscopy as a tool to further these developments. Meat and meat products are extensively recognized and consumed in the world. They are an important nutritional contribution in our diet. However, their consumption has also been associated with some negative consequences for health due to some of its components. There are new trends in the design of healthy meat products focusing mainly on improving their composition. From among the different strategies, improving lipid content is the one that has received the most attention. A novel development is the formation of lipid materials based on structured lipids such emulsion gels (EGs) or oil-bulking agents (OBAs) that offer attractive applications in the reformulation of health-enhanced meat products. A deeper interpretation is required of the complicated relationship between the structure of their components and their properties in order to obtain structured lipids and healthier meat products with improved lipid content and acceptable characteristics. To this end, vibrational spectroscopy techniques (Raman and infrared spectroscopy) have been demonstrated to be suitable in the elucidation of the structural characteristics of lipid materials based on structured lipids (EGs or OBAs) and the corresponding reformulated health-enhanced meat products into which these fat replacers have been incorporated. Future research on these structures and how they correlate to certain technological properties could help in selecting the best lipid material to achieve specific technological properties in healthier meat products with improved lipid content.

Molecular Mechanism of Lipid Accumulation and Metabolism of Oleaginous Chlorococcum sphacosum GD from Soil under Salt Stress

The oleaginous microalgae species Chlorococcum sphacosum GD is a promising feedstock for biodiesel production from soil. However, its metabolic mechanism of lipid production remains unclear. In this study, the lipid accumulation and metabolism mechanisms of Chlorococcum sphacosum GD were analyzed under salt stress based on transcriptome sequencing. The biomass and lipid content of the alga strain were determined under different NaCl concentrations, and total RNA from fresh cells were isolated and sequenced by HiSeq 2000 high throughput sequencing technology. As the salt concentration increased in culture medium, the algal lipid content increased but the biomass decreased. Following transcriptome sequencing by assembly and splicing, 24,128 unigenes were annotated, with read lengths mostly distributed in the 200-300 bp interval. Statistically significant differentially expressed unigenes were observed in different experimental groups, with 2051 up-regulated genes and 1835 down-regulated genes. The lipid metabolism pathway analysis showed that, under salt stress, gene-related fatty acid biosynthesis (ACCase, KASII, KAR, HAD, FATA) was significantly up-regulated, but some gene-related fatty acid degradation was significantly down-regulated. The comprehensive results showed that salt concentration can affect the lipid accumulation and metabolism of C. sphacosum GD, and the lipid accumulation is closely related to the fatty acid synthesis pathway.

Stimulation action of mefenpyr-diethyl on soybean, wheat, and signal grass plants

Mefenpyr-diethyl is a safener used for protection of cereal plants under applications of ACCase and ALS inhibitor herbicides. Current studies are describing safeners using a new approach, relating these products to stimulation action on plants. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stimulation action of mefenpyr-diethyl on soybean, wheat, and signal grass plants. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, under a completely randomized design, with four replications, in two seasons. Mefenpyr-diethyl (50 g a.i. ha-1) was applied on soybean plants (at V4 stage), and wheat and signal grass plants (both with 15 cm height). The variables evaluated were plant height, dry matter, and lipid content of the three species, and number of tillers of wheat and signal grass plants. The application of mefenpyr-diethyl in the first season increased the number of tillers of wheat and height of soybean plants. The soybean presented 24 and 14% more dry matter than the control in the first and second season, respectively, and 0.5% more lipid content in plants treated with mefenpyr-diethyl. These results show the stimulation action of mefenpyr-diethyl on wheat and soybean plants, denoting its potential for growth promotion and indicating the need for studies with this approach. No effect was found for the signal grass plants.

Exploratory Study of Fatty Acid Profile in Two Filmy Ferns with Contrasting Desiccation Tolerance Reveal the Production of Very Long Chain Polyunsaturated Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Lipids are fundamental components of cell membranes and play a significant role in their integrity and fluidity. Alteration in lipid composition of membranes has been reported to be a major response to abiotic environmental stresses. This work was focused on the characterization of frond lipid composition and membrane integrity during a desiccation–rehydration cycle of two filmy fern species with contrasting desiccation tolerance: Hymenophyllum caudiculatum (less tolerant) and Hymenophyllum plicatum (more tolerant). The relative water content decreased without differences between species when both filmy ferns were subjected to desiccation. However, H. plicatum reached a higher relative water content than H. caudiculatum after rehydration. Fatty acids profiles showed the presence of a very long chain polyunsaturated fatty acid during the desiccation–rehydration cycle, with eicosatrienoic acid being the most abundant. Additionally, propidium iodide permeation staining and confocal microscopy demonstrated that, following the desiccation–rehydration cycle, H. plicatum exhibited a greater membrane integrity than H. caudiculatum. The lack of some very long chain fatty acids such as C22:1n9 and C24:1n9 in this species contrasting with H. plicatum may be associated with its lower membrane stability during the desiccation–rehydration cycle. This report provides the first insight into the fatty acid composition and dynamics of the membrane integrity of filmy ferns during a desiccation–rehydration cycle. This could potentially play a role in determining the different levels of desiccation tolerance and microhabitat preferences exhibited by Hymenophyllaceae species.

Lipid Dynamics, Identification, and Expression Patterns of Fatty Acid Synthase Genes in an Endoparasitoid, Meteorus pulchricornis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

In insect parasitoids, fatty acid synthases (FASs) have received less attention and their roles associated with lipogenesis loss are far from clear. Meteorus pulchricornis is a solitary endoparasitoid wasp of many larvae of lepidopteran pests. The lipid content during developmental stages of M. pulchricornis was measured; it was higher in the larval and pupal stages but declined from six-day-old pupae. Lipid accumulation constantly decreased in the adult stage, even after feeding on honey solutions. To investigate the roles of FASs in lipid synthesis in M. pulchricornis, four FAS genes (MpulFAS1~4) were identified from the transcriptome database of M. pulchricornis. All FAS genes included full-length open reading frames and shared 72–79% similarity with the sequences of Microplitis demolitor. qRT-PCR validation showed that all four FASs had the highest expression after the adult wasps were fed on honey diets. MpulFAS1 and MpulFAS2 reached their expression peaks at the adult stage but MpulFAS3 and MpulFAS4 peaked at the larval stage. To further study the function of FASs, dsRNA injection knocked down the expression of four MpulFASs and resulted in a significant decline of lipid content at the adult stage in M. pulchricornis. Results from this study suggest that M. pulchricornis adults cannot accumulate lipid content effectively and FASs may still contribute to lipid synthesis in the adult stage. This broadens the knowledge on the ability of lipid synthesis in parasitoid wasps and provides insight into the roles of FASs in insects with parasitic life-history traits.

In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion of Palm Olein and Palm Stearin-in-Water Emulsions with Different Physical States and Fat Contents

The impacts of lipid physical state and content on lipid digestion behavior were investigated using 4 and 20% palm olein-in-water emulsions (4% PO and 20% PO) and 4 and 20% palm stearin-in-water emulsions (4% PS and 20% PS). The changes of lipid physical state, particle size, and microstructure during gastrointestinal digestion; the free fatty acid (FFA) released in the intestinal phase; and the fatty acid composition of micellar phases were investigated. After gastric digestion, all emulsions underwent flocculation and coalescence, with 20% PS showing the most extensive aggregation. During intestinal digestion, the FFA release rate and level decreased as the lipid content increased from 4 to 20%, with 4% PO presenting the highest digestion rate and extent. Besides, the solid fat in 4% PS and 20% PS decreased and increased the maximum lipid digestibility, respectively. These results highlighted the combined roles of lipid physical state and content in modulating dietary lipid digestion.

Levels of Octachlorostyrene in Mothers' Milk and Potential Exposure Among Infants in Sendai City, Japan 2012

Persistent organic pollutants can accumulate inside the human body, including in mothers' milk, which may affect infant development. This cross-sectional study aimed to examine selected persistent organic pollutants in the milk of 100 mothers in Sendai city, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. We used gas-chromatography-electron capture negative chemical ionization-mass spectrometry to check for octachlorostyrene, dechlorane (Dec) plus, Dec 602, Dec 603, and Dec 604. Octachlorostyrene was detected in 86 samples at more than the method detection limit (84 pg g-lipid^-1) but no dechloranes were above the method detection limit (1 ng mL^-1 for dechlorane plus, Dec 602, and Dec 603; 20 ng mL^-1 for Dec 604). The mean octachlorostyrene concentration was 461&nbsp;pg&nbsp;g-lipid^-1, the median was 337 pg g-lipid^-1, and the standard deviation 450 pg g-lipid^-1. No baseline characteristics were associated with octachlorostyrene level except for mother's occupation (stay-at-home mother, 353 ± 327 pg g-lipid^-1; others, 531 ± 509 pg g-lipid^-1). Octachlorostyrene was also significantly negatively correlated with lipid content (r = -0.35, p = 0.0004). However, the maximum intake of octachlorostyrene among infants in this study (3.5 ng/kg/day) was under the acceptable daily intake (30 ng/kg/day, derived from 12-month study in rats), and is therefore unlikely to pose a health risk.

Mucoid and coccoid Helicobacter pylori with fast growth and antibiotic resistance

BACKGROUND

In this study, one Helicobacter pylori isolate, from gastric biopsy of a dyspeptic patient that turned into mucoid-coccoid (MC) form upon consecutive subcultures, was identified. The culturability, antibiotic resistance, and lipid contents of MC were compared with those of non-mucoid (NM) spiral H pylori.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mucoid-coccoid and NM H pylori were subcultured on Brucella blood agar (BBA) and incubated under aerobic and microaerobic atmospheres at 37°C. Cultures were examined for colony characteristics and bacterial morphology after 1-3 days. The isolates were identified by biochemical tests and detection of H pylori-16S rDNA. Antibiogram was performed with currently used antibiotics for H pylori eradication. Cellular lipid contents were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatography.

RESULTS

Compared with pin-pointed and glistening colonies of NM H pylori that appeared under microaerobic conditions, MC H pylori grew well in consecutive subcultures under aerobic and microaerobic atmospheres and produced white patches of mucoid colonies. MC exhibited coccoid and NM spiral morphology. Both isolates were catalase, oxidase, and urease positive and contained 16S rDNA. Compared with NM that was susceptible to almost all the antibiotics, MC was resistant to all the antibiotics. Lipid analyses showed high frequency of unsaturated fatty acids and cholesterol in MC.

CONCLUSIONS

Coccoid forms with high fatty acid and cholesterol contents that show resistance to antibiotics might resist against other stressful conditions such as gastric acidity and immune response. Moreover, mucoid property may enhance resistance of coccoids to stresses. With mucoid-coccoid lifestyle, H pylori may establish a chronic infection refractory to antimicrobial therapy.

Impact of Pesticide Type and Emulsion Fat Content on the Bioaccessibility of Pesticides in Natural Products

There is interest in incorporating nanoemulsions into certain foods and beverages, including dips, dressings, drinks, spreads, and sauces, due to their potentially beneficial attributes. In particular, excipient nanoemulsions can enhance the bioavailability of nutraceuticals in fruit- and vegetable-containing products consumed with them. There is, however, potential for them to also raise the bioavailability of undesirable substances found in these products, such as pesticides. In this research, we studied the impact of excipient nanoemulsions on the bioaccessibility of pesticide-treated tomatoes. We hypothesized that the propensity for nanoemulsions to raise pesticide bioaccessibility would depend on the polarity of the pesticide molecules. Bendiocarb, parathion, and chlorpyrifos were therefore selected because they have Log P values of 1.7, 3.8, and 5.3, respectively. Nanoemulsions with different oil contents (0%, 4%, and 8%) were fabricated to study their impact on pesticide uptake. In the absence of oil, the bioaccessibility increased with increasing pesticide polarity (decreasing Log P): bendiocarb (92.9%) > parathion (16.4%) > chlorpyrifos (2.8%). Bendiocarb bioaccessibility did not depend on the oil content of the nanoemulsions, which was attributed to its relatively high water-solubility. Conversely, the bioaccessibility of the more hydrophobic pesticides (parathion and chlorpyrifos) increased with increasing oil content. For instance, for chlorpyrifos, the bioaccessibility was 2.8%, 47.0%, and 70.7% at 0%, 4%, and 8% oil content, respectively. Our findings have repercussions for the utilization of nanoemulsions as excipient foods in products that may have high levels of undesirable non-polar substances, such as pesticides.

Oil quality in sea-level quinoa as determined by cultivar-specific responses to temperature and radiation conditions

BACKGROUND

There is renewed interest in quinoa as a potential source of vegetable oils; however, there is no information about how environmental conditions affect its fatty acid composition, a critical indicator of its oil quality. The fatty acid concentrations of four cultivars adapted to temperate environments were compared at three sowing dates to evaluate the effect of environmental conditions during the seed-filling period on the variation in oil quality.

RESULTS

The interaction between cultivar and sowing date was the main source of variation explaining the changes in the lipid content and fatty acid concentrations in quinoa. Most of the variation in the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids was attributed to the temperature and solar radiation during the seed-filling period; cultivar-specific responses to photo-thermal conditions were observed among the sea-level quinoa cultivars evaluated.

CONCLUSION

The lipid content and concentration of fatty acids in quinoa are affected by sowing date. This effect is exerted through changes in temperature and solar radiation conditions. This managing practice can therefore be used to achieve quinoa oil with different qualities. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Sulfur Starvation on Growth Rates, Biomass and Lipid Contents in the Green Microalga Scenedesmus obliquus

BACKGROUND

Scenedesmus obliquus, a green unicellular chlorophycean microalga, is well-established as a lipid and biomass production platform. The nutrient starvation strategy is considered as a robust platform for lipid production from different microalgal strains.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to analyse the influences of sulfur starvation on the growth rates, and also biomass and lipid production and composition in a naturally isolated strain of S. obliquus.

METHODS

The BG-11 culture medium was utilized for preservation and microalgal growth. To monitor the cell growth rates, two different methods, including direct cell counting and also dry cell weight measurement were used. The study was conducted in 28 days composed of two distinct growth modes as 10 days of sulfur-rich and 18 days of sulfur starved media.

RESULTS

The studied S. obliquus strain displayed higher lipid and carbohydrate production levels (34.68% and 34.02%) in sulfur starved medium compared with the sulfur-rich medium (25.84% and 29.08%). Nevertheless, a noticeable reduction (51.36%) in biomass contents and also in cell growth rates (63.36%) was observed during sulfur starvation. The investigated strain was composed of some important fatty acids with potential applications as food, feed and biodiesel.

CONCLUSION

The observed results implied the possibility of the sulfur starvation strategy to increase lipid production in S. obliquus strain. Besides, the available data from recently published patents reveals the promising potential of the identified lipids from S. obliquus in this study for bioenergy production and other biotechnological purposes.

Palm seed and fruit lipid composition: phylogenetic and ecological perspectives

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Palms are vital to worldwide human nutrition, in particular as major sources of vegetable oils. However, our knowledge of seed and fruit lipid diversity in the family Arecaceae is limited. We therefore aimed to explore relationships between seed and fruit lipid content, fatty acid composition in the respective tissues, phylogenetic factors and biogeographical parameters.

METHODS

Oil content and fatty acid composition were characterized in seeds and fruits of 174 and 144 palm species respectively. Distribution, linear regression and multivariate analyses allowed an evaluation of the chemotaxonomic value of these traits and their potential relationship with ecological factors.

KEY RESULTS

A considerable intra-family diversity for lipid traits was revealed. Species with the most lipid-rich seeds belonged to the tribe Cocoseae, while species accumulating oil in the mesocarp occurred in all subfamilies and two-thirds of the tribes studied. Seed and fruit lipid contents were not correlated. Fatty acid composition of mesocarp oil was highly variable within tribes. By contrast, within-tribe diversity for seed lipid traits was low, whereas between-tribe variability was high. Consequently, multivariate analyses of seed lipid traits produced groupings of species belonging to the same tribe. Medium-chain fatty acids predominated in seeds of most palm species, but they were also accumulated in the mesocarp in some cases. Seed unsaturated fatty acid content correlated with temperature at the coldest latitude of natural occurrence.

CONCLUSION

Several previously uncharacterized palms were identified as potential new sources of vegetable oils for comestible or non-food use. Seed lipid traits reflect genetic drift that occurred during the radiation of the family and therefore are highly relevant to palm chemotaxonomy. Our data also suggest that seed unsaturated fatty acids may provide an adaptive advantage in the coldest environments colonized by palms by maintaining storage lipids in liquid form for efficient mobilization during germination.

Effect of nitrogen deficiency on the physiology and biochemical composition of microalga Scenedesmus rotundus-MG910488

The present investigation ascertains the impact of gradient concentrations of sodium nitrate on the physiology and biochemical composition of isolated microalga Scenedesmus rotundus-MG910488. The concentrations of nitrate were selected as 0, 3.5, 7.0, 10.5, 14.0, and 17.6 mM/L in BG₁₁ medium. The lower concentrations of nitrogen were found to be significantly decreasing the cell count and photosynthetic activity in the microalga as well as changing cell morphology. The amount of biomass, its productivity and lipid yield were significantly affected. The highest biomass of 689.15 ± 14.27 mg/L was achieved in the concentration of 17.6 mM/L with the biomass productivity of 38.28 ± 0.78 mg/L. The highest lipid accumulation of 41.46 ± 1.94% dry-cell weight was obtained at a concentration of 3.5 mM/L, whereas the lowest lipid accumulation of 29.22 ± 1.65% at the concentration of 17.6 mM/L sodium nitrate. The fatty acid composition determines the quality of the fuel, so the characterization of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was performed by GC, and the assessment of methyl esters of fatty acid confirmed the existence of palmitic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid, which are essential components suitable for biodiesel production. FTIR confirms the presence of FAME components by estimating the bending and stretching of functional groups.

Maternal influence on early lipid content in an introduced partially anadromous population of Oncorhynchus mykiss

This study evaluated how the maternal migratory tactic in a partially anadromous population of Oncorhynchus mykiss may influence the early energetic status of their offspring. Total lipid content variation (% dry mass) of recently emerged fry caught in the Santa Cruz River, Argentina, was evaluated as a function of their maternal origin (anadromous v. resident) and fork length (L_F ). Lipid content of fry decreased with L_F and was higher for offspring of anadromous mothers.

Nutritional properties of organic and conventional beef meat at retail

BACKGROUND

Consumers perceive that organic meat has superior nutritional properties compared to conventional meat, although the available evidence from commercial samples is very scarce. The present study compared the nutritional composition of organic and conventional beef meat sold at retail, including, for the first time, the bioactive compounds coenzyme Q₁₀ , carnosine, anserine, creatine and taurine. Sampling comprised two muscles: longissimus thoracis and supraspinatus.

RESULTS

Organic beef had 17% less cholesterol, 32% less fat, 16% less fatty acids, 24% less monounsaturated fatty acids, 170% more α-linolenic acid, 24% more α-tocopherol, 53% more β-carotene, 34% more coenzyme Q₁₀ and 72% more taurine than conventional beef. Differences between organic and conventional samples were clearly dependent on the muscle because longissimus thoracis and supraspinatus showed different patterns of compound accumulation.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, a higher amount of bioactive compounds in organic beef meat is reported for the first time in the present study. Retail organic beef had a higher nutritional value than retail conventional beef, which resulted from better-balanced lipid and bioactive compound contents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Characterization of Metabolite Compositions in Wild and Farmed Red Sea Bream ( Pagrus major) Using Mass Spectrometry Imaging

Nutritional profiles and consumer preferences differ between wild and farmed fish, and identification of fish sources can be difficult. We analyzed the metabolite molecules of wild and farmed red sea bream ( Pagrus major) to identify specific metabolic differences. The total lipid content and molecular composition of wild and farmed red sea bream muscles were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometry imaging. Triacylglycerol levels were significantly higher in farmed fish. Wild fish contained saturated-fatty-acid-containing triacylglycerols as a major molecular species, while docosahexaenoic-acid-containing triacylglycerol levels were significantly higher in farmed fish than in wild fish. The localization of each muscle-fiber-type-specific marker demonstrated that wild fish exhibit myosin heavy chain (MHC)-type-IIb-specific phospholipids, while farmed fish exhibit MHC-type-IIa-specific phospholipids in their white muscle. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analyses separated the identified myosins and revealed that farmed fish possess additional myosin isoforms when compared to wild fish. In addition, we found a farmed-fish-specific distribution of anserine in their white muscle. These molecules can be used as new molecular markers for determining the geographic origins of wild versus farmed red sea bream.

Divergent responses of Atlantic cod to ocean acidification and food limitation

In order to understand the effect of global change on marine fishes, it is imperative to quantify the effects on fundamental parameters such as survival and growth. Larval survival and recruitment of the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were found to be heavily impaired by end-of-century levels of ocean acidification. Here, we analysed larval growth among 35-36 days old surviving larvae, along with organ development and ossification of the skeleton. We combined CO₂ treatments (ambient: 503 µatm, elevated: 1,179 µatm) with food availability in order to evaluate the effect of energy limitation in addition to the ocean acidification stressor. As expected, larval size (as a proxy for growth) and skeletogenesis were positively affected by high food availability. We found significant interactions between acidification and food availability. Larvae fed ad libitum showed little difference in growth and skeletogenesis due to the CO₂ treatment. Larvae under energy limitation were significantly larger and had further developed skeletal structures in the elevated CO₂ treatment compared to the ambient CO₂ treatment. However, the elevated CO₂ group revealed impairments in critically important organs, such as the liver, and had comparatively smaller functional gills indicating a mismatch between size and function. It is therefore likely that individual larvae that had survived acidification treatments will suffer from impairments later during ontogeny. Our study highlights important allocation trade-off between growth and organ development, which is critically important to interpret acidification effects on early life stages of fish.

Overexpression of a Transcription Factor Increases Lipid Content in a Woody Perennial Jatropha curcas

Vegetable oil is an important renewable resource for dietary consumption for human and livestock, and more recently for biodiesel production. Lipid traits in crops are controlled by multiple quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and each of them has a small effect on lipid traits. So far, there is limited success to increase lipid yield and improve lipid quality in plants. Here, we reported the identification of a homolog of APETALA2 (AP2) transcription factor WRINKLED1 (JcWRI1) from an oleaginous plant Jatropha curcas and characterized its function in Jatropha and Arabidopsis thaliana. Using physical mapping data, we located JcWRI1 in a QTL region specifying high oleate and lipid content in Jatropha. Overexpression of JcWRI1 in Jatropha elevated seed lipid content and increased seed mass. Lipid profile in seeds of over-expression plants showed higher oleate content which will be beneficial to improve biodiesel quality. Overexpression of JcWRI1 activated lipid-related gene expression and JcWRI1 was shown to directly bind to the AW-box of promoters of some of these genes. In conclusion, we were able to increase seed lipid content and improve seed lipid quality in Jatropha by manipulating one key transcription factor JcWRI1.

Feeding Relationship between Octopus vulgaris (Cuvier, 1797) Early Life-Cycle Stages and Their Prey in the Western Iberian Upwelling System: Correlation of Reciprocal Lipid and Fatty Acid Contents

Under the influence of the Western Iberian upwelling system, the Iberian Atlantic coast holds important hatcheries and recruitment areas for Octopus vulgaris. Recently identified as an octopus hatchery, the Ría de Vigo harbors an important mesozooplankton community that supports O. vulgaris paralarvae during the first days of their planktonic stage. This study represents a preliminary approach to determine the nutritional link between wild O. vulgaris hatchlings, paralarvae and their zooplankton prey in the Ría de Vigo, by analyzing their lipid class content and fatty acid profiles. The results show that octopus hatchlings are richer in structural lipids as phospholipids and cholesterol, while the zooplankton is richer in reserve lipids like triacylglycerol and waxes. Zooplankton samples are also particularly rich in C18:1n9 and 22:6n3 (DHA), that seem to be successfully incorporated by O. vulgaris paralarvae thus resulting in a distinct fatty acid profile to that of the hatchlings. On the other hand, content in C20:4n6 (ARA) is maintained high through development, even though the zooplankton is apparently poorer in this essential fatty acid, confirming its importance for the development of O. vulgaris paralarvae. The content in monounsaturated fatty acids, particularly C18:1n7, and the DHA: EPA ratio are suggested as trophic markers of the diet of O. vulgaris paralarvae.

Isolation and Proteomic Analysis of a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Mutant with Enhanced Lipid Production by the Gamma Irradiation Method

In this study, an enhanced lipid-producing mutant strain of the microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was developed by gamma irradiation. To induce the mutation, C. reinhardtii was gamma irradiated at a dose of 400 Gy. After irradiation, the surviving cells were stained with Nile red. The mutant (Cr-4013) accumulating 20% more lipid than the wild type was selected. Thin-layer chromatography revealed the triglyceride and free fatty acid contents to be markedly increased in Cr-4013. The major fatty acids identified were palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid. Random amplified polymeric DNA analysis showed partial genetic modifications in Cr-4013. To ascertain the changes of protein expression in the mutant strain, two-dimensional electrophoresis was conducted. These results showed that gamma radiation could be used for the development of efficient microalgal strains for lipid production.

Does selective logging stress tropical forest invertebrates? Using fat stores to examine sublethal responses in dung beetles

The increased global demand for tropical timber has driven vast expanses of tropical forests to be selectively logged worldwide. While logging impacts on wildlife are predicted to change species distribution and abundance, the underlying physiological responses are poorly understood. Although there is a growing consensus that selective logging impacts on natural populations start with individual stress-induced sublethal responses, this literature is dominated by investigations conducted with vertebrates from temperate zones. Moreover, the sublethal effects of human-induced forest disturbance on tropical invertebrates have never been examined. To help address this knowledge gap, we examined the body fat content and relative abundance of three dung beetle species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) with minimum abundance of 40 individuals within each examined treatment level. These were sampled across 34 plots in a before-after control-impact design (BACI) in a timber concession area of the Brazilian Amazon. For the first time, we present evidence of logging-induced physiological stress responses in tropical invertebrates. Selective logging increased the individual levels of fat storage and reduced the relative abundance of two dung beetle species. Given this qualitative similarity, we support the measurement of body fat content as reliable biomarker to assess stress-induced sublethal effects on dung beetles. Understanding how environmental modification impacts the wildlife has never been more important. Our novel approach provides new insights into the mechanisms through which forest disturbances impose population-level impacts on tropical invertebrates.

Modeling human Coenzyme A synthase mutation in yeast reveals altered mitochondrial function, lipid content and iron metabolism

Mutations in nuclear genes associated with defective coenzyme A biosynthesis have been identified as responsible for some forms of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA), namely PKAN and CoPAN. PKAN are defined by mutations in PANK2, encoding the pantothenate kinase 2 enzyme, that account for about 50% of cases of NBIA, whereas mutations in CoA synthase COASY have been recently reported as the second inborn error of CoA synthesis leading to CoPAN. As reported previously, yeast cells expressing the pathogenic mutation exhibited a temperature-sensitive growth defect in the absence of pantothenate and a reduced CoA content. Additional characterization revealed decreased oxygen consumption, reduced activities of mitochondrial respiratory complexes, higher iron content, increased sensitivity to oxidative stress and reduced amount of lipid droplets, thus partially recapitulating the phenotypes found in patients and establishing yeast as a potential model to clarify the pathogenesis underlying PKAN and CoPAN diseases.

Optimization of Chlorella vulgaris and bioflocculant-producing bacteria co-culture: enhancing microalgae harvesting and lipid content

Microalgae are a sustainable bioresource, and the biofuel they produce is widely considered to be an alternative to limited natural fuel resources. However, microalgae harvesting is a bottleneck in the development of technology. Axenic Chlorella vulgaris microalgae exhibit poor harvesting, as expressed by a flocculation efficiency of 0·2%. This work optimized the co-culture conditions of C. vulgaris and bioflocculant-producing bacteria in synthetic wastewater using response surface methodology (RSM), thus aiming to enhance C. vulgaris harvesting and lipid content. Three significant process variables- inoculation ratio of bacteria and microalgae, initial glucose concentration, and co-culture time- were proposed in the RSM model. F-values (3·98/8·46) and R(2) values (0·7817/0·8711) both indicated a reasonable prediction by the RSM model. The results showed that C. vulgaris harvesting efficiency reached 45·0-50·0%, and the lipid content was over 21·0% when co-cultured with bioflocculant-producing bacteria under the optimized culture conditions of inoculation ratio of bacteria and microalgae of 0·20-0·25, initial glucose concentration of <1·5 kg m(-3) and co-culture time of 9-14 days. This work provided new insights into microalgae harvesting and cost-effective microalgal bioproducts, and confirmed the promising prospect of introducing bioflocculant-producing bacteria into microalgae bioenergy production.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

This work optimized the co-culture conditions of microalgae (C. vulgaris) and bioflocculant-producing bacteria (F2, Rhizobium radiobacter) in synthetic wastewater using response surface methodology, aiming to enhance C. vulgaris harvesting and lipid produced content. Bioflocculant-producing microbes are environmentally friendly functional materials. They avoid the negative effects of traditional chemical flocculants. This work provided new insights into microalgae harvesting and cost-effective production of microalgal bioproducts, and confirmed the promising prospect of introducing bioflocculant-producing bacteria into microalgae bioenergy production.

Coffee silverskin: characterization, possible uses, and safety aspects

The reuse of coffee silverskin (CS), the main waste product of the coffee-roasting industry, could be an alternative to its environmental disposal. However, CS could also contain undesirable compounds, such as ochratoxin A (OTA) and phytosterol oxidation products (POPs). A study on the composition of CS (caffeine, moisture, dietary fibers, carbohydrates, and polyphenol contents) was carried out, with emphasis on OTA and POPs for safety reasons. The lipid fraction showed significant amounts of linoleic acid and phytosterols (7.0 and 12.1% of lipid fraction). Noticeable levels of POPs (114.11 mg/100 g CS) were found, and the phytosterol oxidation rate varied from 27.6 to 48.1%. The OTA content was 18.7-34.4 μg/kg CS, which is about 3 times higher than the European Commission limits for coffee products. The results suggest that CS could be used as a source of cellulose and/or bioactive compounds; however, the contents of POPs and OTA might represent a risk for human safety if intended for human or livestock use.

Effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early maturation and smolt development in hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar

The effects of feed quality and quantity on growth, early male parr maturation and development of smolt characteristics were studied in hatchery-reared landlocked Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. The fish were subjected to two levels of feed rations and two levels of lipid content from first feeding until release in May of their second year. Salmo salar fed high rations, regardless of lipid content, grew the most and those fed low lipid feed with low rations grew the least. In addition, fish fed low lipid feed had lower body lipid levels than fish fed high lipid feed. Salmo salar from all treatments showed some reduction in condition factor (K) and lipid levels during their second spring. Smolt status was evaluated using both physiological and morphological variables. These results, based on gill Na(+) , K(+) -ATPase (NKA) enzyme activity, saltwater tolerance challenges and visual assessments, were consistent with each other, showing that S. salar from all treatments, except the treatment in which the fish were fed low rations with low lipid content, exhibited characteristics associated with smolting at 2 years of age. Sexually mature male parr from the high ration, high lipid content treatment were also subjected to saltwater challenge tests, and were found to be unable to regulate plasma sodium levels. The proportion of sexually mature male parr was reduced when the fish were fed low feed rations, but was not affected by the lipid content of the feed. Salmo salar fed low rations with low lipid content exhibited the highest degree of severe fin erosion.

A decade of crystallization drops: crystallization of the cbb3 cytochrome c oxidase from Pseudomonas stutzeri

The cbb3 cytochrome c oxidases are distant members of the superfamily of heme copper oxidases. These terminal oxidases couple O2 reduction with proton transport across the plasma membrane and, as a part of the respiratory chain, contribute to the generation of an electrochemical proton gradient. Compared with other structurally characterized members of the heme copper oxidases, the recently determined cbb3 oxidase structure at 3.2 Å resolution revealed significant differences in the electron supply system, the proton conducting pathways and the coupling of O2 reduction to proton translocation. In this paper, we present a detailed report on the key steps for structure determination. Improvement of the protein quality was achieved by optimization of the number of lipids attached to the protein as well as the separation of two cbb3 oxidase isoenzymes. The exchange of n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside for a precisely defined mixture of two α-maltosides and decanoylsucrose as well as the choice of the crystallization method had a most profound impact on crystal quality. This report highlights problems frequently encountered in membrane protein crystallization and offers meaningful approaches to improve crystal quality.

Measurement of body condition in a common carabid beetle, Poecilus cupreus: a comparison of fresh weight, dry weight, and fat content

Because of its direct consequences on reproductive success, body condition is an often-studied individual trait in insects. Various studies on insects use disparate methods to assess "body condition." However, it is doubtful that the results obtained by disparate methods are comparable. In this study, the body conditions of Poecilus cupreus (Linnaeus) (Coleoptera: Carabidae) from eight sites were compared based on the following commonly used variables: (i) fresh weight, (ii) dry weight, and (iii) fat content. All of these variables were corrected for structural body size. Moreover, the effects of using the following ways of assessing structural body size were examined: (a) one size measurement (length of elytron, which is commonly used in beetles), and (b) three size measurements (length of elytron, width of pronotum and length of hind femur). The results obtained using the various estimations of body condition (i, ii, iii) varied significantly. Therefore, studies employing distinct body measurements to assess body condition are not comparable to each other. Using multiple structural size measurements in body condition analyses is better than the common practice of using only one size measurement. However, in the present study, results provided by both methods differ only slightly. A recommendation on the use of terminology in studies on body condition is introduced.

Lipid sac area as a proxy for individual lipid content of arctic calanoid copepods

We present an accurate, fast, simple and non-destructive photographic method to estimate wax ester and lipid content in single individuals of the calanoid copepod genus Calanus and test this method against gas-chromatographic lipid measurements.

Optimal hydration status for cryopreservation of intermediate oily seeds: Citrus as a case study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The purpose of this study was to investigate the basis of the optimal hydration status for cryopreservation of intermediate oily seeds using Citrus as a model.

METHODS

The relationships between equilibrium relative humidity (RH), seed water content, presence of freezable water as determined by DSC analysis, and germination percentage after immersion in liquid nitrogen (LN) were investigated in Citrus aurantifolia, C. grandis, C. madurensis and C. reticulata. The relationship between the lipid content of seeds and their unfrozen water content was also investigated.

KEY RESULTS

Independent of their level of seed desiccation tolerance, the optimal desiccation RH for seed tolerance to LN exposure was 75-80 % in the four species studied. This optimal hydration status always coincided with that at which presence of frozen water could not be detected in seed tissues during the cooling/thawing process. The unfrozen water content of seeds was variable between species and negatively correlated to seed lipid content. Using the present data, those obtained previously in seven coffee species and those reported by other authors for five other species, a significant linear relationship was found between the lipid content and the unfrozen water content of seeds.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides additional evidence that intermediate oily seeds do not withstand the presence of freezable water in their tissues during the cooling/warming process. Moreover, it offers two important applied perspectives: (1) independent of their level of desiccation tolerance, testing germination of seeds of a given oily seed species after equilibration in 75-80 % RH at 25 degrees C and LN exposure, gives a rapid and reliable evaluation of the possibility of cryopreserving whole seeds of this given species; (2) it is now possible to calculate the interval of water contents in which non-orthodox oily seeds of a given species are likely to withstand LN exposure as a function of their lipid content.