Permalink for this collection
This collection contains items published by Lincoln University researchers where we do not have the full text or cannot make it open access. Instead we provide the bibliographic data (title, author, date etc), the abstract, and where relevant a link to the publisher's site.
Browse
Recent Submissions
Item Restricted Exploring efficient extraction methods: Bioactive compounds and antioxidant properties from New Zealand damson plums(Elsevier Ltd., 2023-10) Xia, P; Ahmmed, Mirja; Rashidinejad, AThe study determined the best extraction method for phenolic compounds (rutin, catechin, epicatechin, naringenin, neochlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid) in the New Zealand damson plums. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) using ethanol and water was used to evaluate the solvent efficacy. Further comparisons were made among ASE, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and a combined method (E + UAE) using water as the solvent. The findings showed that ASE for 40 min was the most effective method for extracting phenolic compounds (1.76 mg gallic acid equivalent/g) compared to other methods (UAE = 1.17, EAE = 1.3, and E + UAE = 1.45 mg/g). The ASE method also resulted in an extract with a higher antioxidant activity than other methods. The extraction time over 40 min decreased the yield regardless of the solvent used. Therefore, the ASE extraction method for 40 min is recommended as the best method for extraction of phenolic compounds from the New Zealand damson plums.Item Restricted Utilisation of probiotics for disease management in giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii): Administration methods, antagonistic effects and immune response(Wiley, 2023-12) Ahmmed, Mirja; Bhowmik, S; Ahmmed, F; Giteru, SG; Islam, SS; Hachem, M; Hussain, MA; Kanwugu, ON; Agyei, D; Defoirdt, TThe giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) is a high-yielding prawn variety well-received worldwide due to its ability to adapt to freshwater culture systems. Macrobrachium rosenbergii is an alternative to shrimp typically obtained from marine and brackish aquaculture systems. However, the use of intensive culture systems can lead to disease outbreaks, particularly in larval and post-larval stages, caused by pathogenic agents such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, yeasts and protozoans. White tail disease (viral), white spot syndrome (viral) and bacterial necrosis are examples of economically significant diseases. Given the increasing antibiotic resistance of disease-causing microorganisms, probiotics have emerged as promising alternatives for disease control. Probiotics are live active microbes that are introduced into a target host in an adequate number or dose to promote its health. In the present paper, we first discuss the diseases that occur in M. rosenbergii production, followed by an in-depth discussion on probiotics. We elaborate on the common methods of probiotics administration and explain the beneficial health effects of probiotics as immunity enhancers. Moreover, we discuss the antagonistic effects of probiotics on pathogenic microorganisms. Altogether, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of disease control in M. rosenbergii aquaculture through the use of probiotics, which could enhance the sustainability of prawn culture.Item Restricted Use of fungal and bacterial protease preparations to enhance extraction of lipid from fish roe: Effect on lipidomic profile of extracted oil(Elsevier Ltd, 2022-12-30) Ahmmed, Mirja; Carne, A; Tian, H; Bekhit, AE-DAThe present study investigated the hydrolysis of protein in hoki roe homogenate using a HT (bacterial), a FP-II (fungal) protease preparations and Alcalase (bacterial) to enhance lipid yield extraction. The degree of hydrolysis was determined at various pH, temperature and time using casein and hoki roe. Total lipid extraction and lipidomic analysis was carried out following proteolysis of hoki roe homogenate. The degree of hydrolysis and SDS-PAGE revealed that the hydrolytic capability of Alcalase was better than HT and FPII. The total extracted lipid yield was better following hydrolysis with Alcalase (19.29 %), compared to HT (18.29 %) and FPII (18.33 %). However, the total phospholipid (PL) and n-3 fatty acid yields were better from HT hydrolysed hoki roe homogenate (PL = 30.7 μmol/g; n-3 = 10.5 %), compared to Alcalase (PL = 22 μmol/g; n-3 = 5.95 %). Overall, this study indicates that HT protease preparation hydrolysis of fish roe homogenate can both enhance lipid extraction and retain lipid quality.Item Restricted Marine fish-derived lysophosphatidylcholine: Properties, extraction, quantification, and brain health application(MDPI, 2023-04) Ahmmed, Mirja; Hachem, M; Ahmmed, F; Rashidinejad, A; Oz, F; Bekhit, AA; Carne, A; Bekhit, AE-DALong-chain omega-3 fatty acids esterified in lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC-omega-3) are the most bioavailable omega-3 fatty acid form and are considered important for brain health. Lysophosphatidylcholine is a hydrolyzed phospholipid that is generated from the action of either phospholipase PLA₁ or PLA₂. There are two types of LPC; 1-LPC (where the omega-3 fatty acid at the sn-2 position is acylated) and 2-LPC (where the omega-3 fatty acid at the sn-1 position is acylated). The 2-LPC type is more highly bioavailable to the brain than the 1-LPC type. Given the biological and health aspects of LPC types, it is important to understand the structure, properties, extraction, quantification, functional role, and effect of the processing of LPC. This review examines various aspects involved in the extraction, characterization, and quantification of LPC. Further, the effects of processing methods on LPC and the potential biological roles of LPC in health and wellbeing are discussed. DHA-rich-LysoPLs, including LPC, can be enzymatically produced using lipases and phospholipases from wide microbial strains, and the highest yields were obtained by Lipozyme RM-IM®, Lipozyme TL-IM®, and Novozym 435®. Terrestrial-based phospholipids generally contain lower levels of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, and therefore, they are considered less effective in providing the same health benefits as marine-based LPC. Processing (e.g., thermal, fermentation, and freezing) reduces the PL in fish. LPC containing omega-3 PUFA, mainly DHA (C22:6 omega-3) and eicosapentaenoic acid EPA (C20:5 omega-3) play important role in brain development and neuronal cell growth. Additionally, they have been implicated in supporting treatment programs for depression and Alzheimer’s. These activities appear to be facilitated by the acute function of a major facilitator superfamily domain-containing protein 2 (Mfsd2a), expressed in BBB endothelium, as a chief transporter for LPC-DHA uptake to the brain. LPC-based delivery systems also provide the opportunity to improve the properties of some bioactive compounds during storage and absorption. Overall, LPCs have great potential for improving brain health, but their safety and potentially negative effects should also be taken into consideration.Item Restricted Real-time genomics for One Health(Springer, 2023-08-08) Urban, L; Perlas, A; Francino, O; Martí-Carreras, J; Muga, BA; Mwangi, JW; Boykin Okalebo, L; Stanton, J-AL; Black, Amanda; Waipara, N; Fontsere, C; Eccles, D; Urel, H; Reska, T; Morales, HE; Palmada-Flores, M; Marques-Bonet, T; Watsa, M; Libke, Z; Erkenswick, G; van Oosterhout, CThe ongoing degradation of natural systems and other environmental changes has put our society at a crossroad with respect to our future relationship with our planet. While the concept of One Health describes how human health is inextricably linked with environmental health, many of these complex interdependencies are still not well-understood. Here, we describe how the advent of real-time genomic analyses can benefit One Health and how it can enable timely, in-depth ecosystem health assessments. We introduce nanopore sequencing as the only disruptive technology that currently allows for real-time genomic analyses and that is already being used worldwide to improve the accessibility and versatility of genomic sequencing. We showcase real-time genomic studies on zoonotic disease, food security, environmental microbiome, emerging pathogens, and their antimicrobial resistances, and on environmental health itself – from genomic resource creation for wildlife conservation to the monitoring of biodiversity, invasive species, and wildlife trafficking. We stress why equitable access to real-time genomics in the context of One Health will be paramount and discuss related practical, legal, and ethical limitations.Item Restricted Comparative growth and morphometric assessment between cultures of wild and hatchery-produced mud crabs(Elsevier Ltd, 2021-09) Sarower, MG; Mahmud-Al-Hasan, M; Rahman, MS; Hasan, MM; Ahmmed, Mirja; Ali, MY; Giteru, SG; Banu, GRThis paper reports the comparative growth, nutritional performance, and morphometric variation between wild and hatchery-reared juvenile mud crabs (Scylla olivacea) in earthen ponds. The crabs were fed daily with boiled tilapia paste at a feeding rate of 5–8% body weight for the first two weeks, followed by feeding with chopped eviscerated tilapia until termination of the experiment. Selected phenotypic trains, including carapace width (CW), carapace length (CL) and abdominal width (AW), were measured weekly. The protein content of the muscle (21.13%), gill (13.51%) and egg (43.28%) were significantly higher in the hatchery-sourced compared to wild female crabs (muscle = 19.15%; gill = 10.09%; egg = 38.15%). Likewise, the hatchery sourced crabs exhibited higher lipid content in the muscle (2.45–2.51%) and eggs (7.51%) compared to the wild counterparts (muscle = 1.45–1.47%; egg =6.15%). These findings suggested a superior nutritional quality of the hatchery-reared compared to the wild-sourced crabs. Although some selected phenotypic traits did not vary among the wild and hatchery-reared crabs (p < 0.05), their survival rates varied significantly depending on the stocking density (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings suggest that the growth characteristics of the hatchery produced and wild-sourced crab were similar, which will help to remove the misconception among the crab farmers about the hatchery seeds and promote diversification of the crab production system for long-term sustainability.Item Restricted Navigating the depths of marine lipids: From extraction efficiency to flavour enhancement(Elsevier, 2023-12-30) Ahmmed, Mirja; Carne, A; Wu, H; Bekhit, AMarine lipids are recognised to have substantial importance in biology and human health. These remarkable lipids, which originate from the rich biodiversity of the oceans, hold a unique status for several reasons. Marine lipids provide long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs), specifically eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6) (Ahmmed, Ahmmed, et al., 2021; Ahmmed, Carne, et al., 2021; Ahmmed et al., 2022a, 2022b; Ahmmed et al., 2023), that play an important role in health and wellbeing (Zhang et al., 2019), and especially brain health (Ahmmed et al., 2020; Ahmmed et al., 2023; Burri et al., 2012).Item Restricted Immunity boosting roles of biofunctional compounds available in aquafoods: A review(Elsevier Ltd, 2022-05) Suraiya, S; Ahmmed, Mirja; Haq, MAquafoods are diverse and rich in containing various health functional compounds which boost natural immunity. In this manuscript, the contents of biofunctional compounds such as vitamins, minerals, protein and amino acids, ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, and pigments, etc. in various aquafoods like fishes, molluscs, crustaceans, seaweeds etc. are reported. The functional roles of those compounds are also depicted which enhance the immunecompetence and immunomodulation of the consumers. This paper provides an account of the recommended daily dietary intake level of those compounds for human. Those compounds available in aquafoods are recommended as they fight against various infectious diseases by enhancing immunity. Available reports on the bioactive compounds in aquafoods reveal the immunity boosting performances which may offer a new insight into controlling infectious diseases.Item Restricted Differences in response to a low altitude football training camp supplemented with additional hypoxic training(ECSS, 2024-07-02) Hamlin, Michael; Manimmanakorn, A; Manimmanakorn, N; Simpson, C; Davidson, RCR; Tsolakidis, E; Thompson, JL; Ferrauti, A; Piacentini, MFIntroduction: Living and training at altitude is a popular training method for athletes, however, there is considerable individual variation in subsequent sea-level performance improvement where some athletes adapt successfully, while others do not adapt and fail to improve. Since such training is expensive, time consuming, and normally requires considerable logistical planning, coaches and athletes do not want unsuccessful altitude training experiences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate possible physiological measures that might recognise athletes that respond positively to altitude training compared to those that do not. Methods: This longitudinal study included 20 male football players (20.6 ± 1.1 years, 173.9 ± 4.8 cm, 67.7 ± 8.3 kg, mean ± SD) who undertook an 8-week training camp at 825 m above sea-level (Khonsan, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand). Players were also supplemented with intermittent hypoxic training via a hypoxicator (Altitude Training Systems, Australia) 15 min/day 3 times/week at FIO2 of 0.15 while cycling at an exercise intensity between 100-120 W. Based on the players 2800-m running performances between baseline and 14 days post training camp, players were separated into responders (improved by 10.7 ± 8.1%, mean ± 95% CI, n=14) and non-responders (decreased by 6.1 ± 12.8%, n = 6). Changes in the 2800 m run performance along with other physiological variables (resting heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, haematology and blood lactate) from the 3 trials (baseline, 1, and 14 days post training camp) and stand-ard deviations representing the between-and within-subject variability were estimated using a mixed modelling procedure (Proc Mixed) in the Statistical Analysis System (Version 9.3, SAS Institute, Cary, North Carolina, USA). The effect size statistic (ES) was also calculated. Results: Compared to baseline, the responders had a lower heart rate at 1 (-4.6 ± 2.7 bpm, Effect Size = 1.2) and 14 days (-6.7 ± 3.3 bpm, ES = 1.7) post training camp, whereas the non-responders resting heart rate did not change substantially. Compared to the non-responders, the responders had higher pNN50 at 1 (12.2 ± 11.5, p = 0.04, ES = 1.6) and 14 days (10.1 ± 11.7, p = 0.09, ES = 1.4) post training camp. As a result of the training camp, the responders decreased their LF/HF ratio at day 1 (-1.1 ± 0.6, p < 0.01, ES = 1.0) and day 14 post camp (-0.9 ± 0.6, p < 0.01, ES = 0.8), whereas the non-responders LF/HF ratio moved in the opposite direction (0.8 ± 0.9 and 0.9 ± 0.9), with large effect sizes found between groups (ES = 1.7-1.8). Between-group differences in other variables measured were not substantive. Conclusion: Reduced resting heart rate and increased cardiac parasympathetic tone was associated with improved run performance after the altitude training camp and may be used to differentiate athletes that respond to altitude training compared to those that do not.Item Restricted An update of lectins from marine organisms: Characterization, extraction methodology, and potential biofunctional applications(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2022-07) Ahmmed, Mirja; Bhowmik, S; Giteru, SG; Zilani, MNH; Adadi, P; Islam, SS; Kanwugu, ON; Haq, M; Ahmmed, F; Ng, CCW; Chan, YS; Asadujjaman, M; Chan, GHH; Naude, R; Bekhit, AE-DA; Ng, TB; Wong, JHLectins are a unique group of nonimmune carbohydrate-binding proteins or glycopro-teins that exhibit specific and reversible carbohydrate-binding activity in a non-catalytic manner. Lectins have diverse sources and are classified according to their origins, such as plant lectins, animal lectins, and fish lectins. Marine organisms including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks produce a myriad of lectins, including rhamnose binding lectins (RBL), fucose-binding lectins (FTL), mannose-binding lectin, galectins, galactose binding lectins, and C-type lectins. The widely used method of extracting lectins from marine samples is a simple two-step process employing a polar salt solution and purification by column chromatography. Lectins exert several immunomodulatory functions, including pathogen recognition, inflammatory reactions, participating in various hemocyte functions (e.g., agglutination), phagocytic reactions, among others. Lectins can also control cell proliferation, protein folding, RNA splicing, and trafficking of molecules. Due to their reported biological and pharmaceutical activities, lectins have attracted the attention of scientists and industries (i.e., food, biomedical, and pharmaceutical industries). Therefore, this review aims to update current information on lectins from marine organisms, their characterization, extraction, and biofunctionalities.Item Restricted Effectiveness of blood flow training during a taper phase in basketball players(ECSS, 2024-07-02) Smith, Hoani; Bird, S; Kavanagh, Thomas; Olsen, P; Hamlin, Michael; Davidson, RCR; Tsolakidis, E; Thompson, JL; Ferrauti, A; Piacentini, MFIntroduction: Blood flow restriction (BFR) training, shown to enhance muscular strength and hypertrophy, has been studied for its potential in aiding various groups, including older people and recovering athletes. It’s effectiveness, however, in maintaining or enhancing performance among highly trained athletes during a taper phase at a season’s end remains undecided. This study aimed to explore if BFR could help maintain athletic performance in a taper phase where the aim was to reduce the external load, but maintain intensity, in basketball players. Methods: The study involved 17 experienced basketball players divided into two groups: a placebo group (n = 8, 22 ± 2.1 years mean ± SD) and a BFR group (n = 9, 21.1 ± 1.5 years). Typically, their training schedule included strength training 3 days/week, alongside 2 team training sessions, 2 individual skill sessions, and 1 competitive basketball game per week. For the studys taper period, players adhered to this weekly routine but reduced the volume of lifting while either maintaining (placebo) or reducing (BFR) lifting intensity. For 4 weeks during the taper the BFR group exercised with 60% arterial occlusion pressure at an intensity of 25-30% of their one-repetition max (1RM), while the placebo group completed their normal taper training at an intensity of 80% of their 1RM wearing BFR cuffs which were only inflated to 20% arterial occlusion pressure. Additional metrics, such as arterial oxygen saturation, heart rate, rate of perceived exertion, and average bar velocity, were also monitored during the training sessions. Results: Compared to the placebo group, the BFR group increased sprint performance over 5m (-1.4 ± 1.5% mean ± 95% CI, p = 0.032), 10m (-1.1 ± 0.5%, p = 0.0003), and 20m (-0.3 ± 0.5%, p = 0.223). Compared to the placebo group improve-ments were also observed in the BFR group in their barbell back squat (9.6 ± 8.0%, p = 0.013), trap bar deadlift (1.3 ± 5.5%, p = 0.427), barbell bench press (4.5 ± 4.8%, p = 0.106) and barbell prone row (3.3 ± 5.1%, p = 0.199). Counter-movement jump performance also improved in the BFR compared to placebo participants (1.1 ± 0.8%, p = 0.035). Conclusion: Implementing BFR to maintain exercise intensity while reducing overall work volume has shown to not only be effective in sustaining performance levels during a taper phase, but this type of training can actually increase performance in many cases. This information can be used to develop targeted interventions throughout a macrocycle in different phases of the season and may be useful in team sports where players must peak a number of times throughout the season.Item Restricted Light aerobic training combined with whole body vibration, or a weighted vest protects against bone loss in osteopenic or osteoporotic older females(ECSS, 2024-07-02) Manimmanakorn, A; Tantanasest, J; Manimmanakorn, N; Hamlin, Michael; Davison, RCR; Tsolakidis, E; Thompson, JL; Ferrauti, A; Piacentini, MFIntroduction: Older adults suffer from degenerative physiological changes including musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoporosis, osteopenia, and sarcopenia. Several studies have reported that a reduction of muscle strength and muscle mass lead to a high prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) osteopenia and osteoporosis. Resistance exercise training is recommended as an effective way to stimulate bone osteogenesis in osteoporosis patients. Other forms of exercise that stress the osteogenic pathways may also prove useful in such patients including aerobic training with whole body vibration or aerobic training with weighted vests. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of light aerobic exercise supplemented with weighted vest or whole-body vibration on BMD and skeletal muscle mass in osteopenic or osteoporotic older females. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 31 osteopenia/osteoporosis females (T-score -2.15±0.9, mean ± SD) aged 60 to 79 years. The participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. The control group (CON; n=10) received 40 minutes of light aerobic exercise 3 days per week for 8 weeks, whereas the weighted vest group (WV; n=11) completed the same aerobic exercise program wearing a vest filled with sand equivalent to 5% (first 2 weeks) then 10% (last 6 weeks) of their body weights. The whole-body vibration group (WBV; n=10) completed the same aerobic exercise programme supplemented with vibration exercise (30 Hz., 1 min x 8 sets) he BMD, muscle mass and percent body fat of participants were assessed before and after the 8 weeks training. Results: We found a significant decrease in BMD over the course of the study in the CON group (pre = 956 ± 58, post = 941 ± 57 mg/cm2, p<0.05, mean ± SD) but no substantial BMD changes in WV and WBV groups. Only the WV participants showed a significant increase in leg lean mass (pre = 11.69 ± 1.59, post = 12.82 ± 2.13 kg, P< 0.05). Like the BMD changes, skeletal mass index (SMD) showed a significant reduction (pre = 6.38 ± 0.6, post=6.22 ± 0.7 kg/m2, p<0.05) only in CON participants, with unchanged SMD in the WV and WBV groups (p>0.05). Furthermore, compared to the pre-test, only par-ticipants in the WV (92.95 ± 36.80 m) and WBV (57.80 ± 41.18 m) groups substantial improved their aerobic performance in the 6-min walk test. Conclusion: The addition of a weighted vest or whole-body vibration training to light aerobic exercise may protect against bone mineral loss in older female participants. This may be a practical therapeutic exercise for osteopenic or osteoporotic individuals.Item Restricted Light aerobic exercise supplemented with a weighted vest improves pulmonary function, triglyceride levels and physical performance in older adults(ECSS, 2024-07-02) Khaengkhan, C; Manimmanakorn, A; Manimmanakorn, N; Sang-Artit, W; Hamlin, Michael; Davison, RCR; Tsolakidis, E; Thompson, JL; Ferrauti, A; Piacentini, MFIntroduction: Aging is associated with progressive changes and unavoidable processes characterized by functional, biochemical, and structural deterioration of the human body. Specifically, pulmonary function which is strongly related with morbidity and mortality, decreases with age . Importantly, regular exercise is well-recognized as at strategy for delaying the risk of age-associated diseases. However, a high proportion of the older population may not achieve sufficient exercise particularly at an intensity that is sufficient to result in positive adaptation. Therefore, this study aimed to find a more practical way of increasing exercise intensity by adding weighted vests to light exercise on the pulmonary function, triglyceride levels and physical performance in elderly participants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 36 female participants aged 60 to 79 years. The participants were randomly assigned to either a control (CON; n=17 received 40-minute light aerobic exercise program 3 days per week for 8 weeks), or a weighted vest group (WV; n=19 completed the same exercise program with participants wearing a vest filled with sand equivalent to 5% (first 2 weeks) then 10% (last 6 weeks) of their body weight). Outcome variables including pulmonary function, physical performance and lipid profile were assessed before and after the 8 week experi-mental period. Results: As a result of the training, the WV participants showed a significant increase in FEV1/FVC (3.51 ± 4.51 %, P = 0.012) and Vt (0.24 ± 0.28 L, P = 0.012), but these increases were not significant between groups. Compared to the CON group, the WV group showed significant increased in VE (CON; 0.82 ± 2.16, WV; 4.36 ± 2.31 L/min, P = 0.003) and MVV (CON; -6.59 ± 4.67, WV; 4.17 ± 5.54 L/min, P = 0.000). Only the WV showed significant reductions in triglyceride (-40.25 ± 47.95 mg/dL, P = 0.004) from baseline. While performance in the timed up and go test and the single leg to stand test increased in both groups, there was no significant difference between groups. However, compared to the CON group the WV group increased their performance in the 6-min walk test (CON; 4.77 ± 39.17, WV; 89.48 ± 68.90 m, P = 0.000). Conclusion: Using a combination of light exercise supplemented with a weighted vest may be a practical way of in-creasing exercise intensity sufficiently to improve pulmonary function, physical performance, and triglyceride levels in the elderly.Item Restricted Implications of increased agricultural production at the farm level(New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science, 1963-11) Stewart, J.D.The human problems involved in increasing agricultural production are reviewed by A. T. G. McArthur (p. 201) so that the farm management aspects can be discussed here in a much less complex atmosphere. It will be assumed that farmers want to develop their farms, and will do so, if it is technologically and financially possible, and they have the required degree of skill in management. There has been practically no research experience in New Zealand in the decision-making characteristics of farmers ; that this assumption is not an unreasonable one can therefore be only a personal view. At least until some sound research convinces otherwise, it would be unwise to accept without question the widespread view that all that is needed is to make farmers want to develop their farms and they will. The impediments to development are much more real than this. Although it is true that farm advisers are often confronted by mental resistance to ideas leading to expanded output, it is surprising how often this can be met by the removal of some technical or managerial problem which is really the basis of this resistance. For example, resistance to expanded sheep numbers, on the score of labour demands, may be met by planning and budgeting out a policy in which ewe numbers remain static, and the increasing capacity is taken up by dry sheep. The herringbone milking shed is playing a similar role in meeting similar problems on dairy farms.Item Restricted Some economic and social implications of increased pastoral production: Economic implications at the industry level(New Zealand Institute of Agricultural Science, 1963-11) Philpott, B.P.It is proposed to discuss, at the broad aggregate level, the implications of a specific rate of growth of agricultural production in the future, and for this purpose, 4% per annum has been chosen. At this rate of increase, it would take 15 years to reach the required targets. As all the implications of an increase to this level cannot be discussed in the space available, this paper will be confined to the following special questions: ( 1) What resources are required for a 4% rate of growth? ( 2) Whqt rate of return would be earned on these resources? ( 3) How can the resources be shifted into agriculture? ( 4) The indirect use of resources. ( 5) Some special quasi economic objections to faster agricultural growth.Item Restricted Effect of pulsed electric fields on the lipidomic profile of lipid extracted from hoki fish male gonad(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2022-02) Burnett, A; Ahmmed, MK; Carne, A; Tian, H; Ahmed, IAM; Al-Juhaimi, FY; Bekhit, AEDAProcessing of hoki, a commercially important fish species, generates substantial quantities of co-products, including male gonad, which contains valuable lipids, such as phospholipids, that could be recovered and utilised. Hoki fish male gonads (HMG) were subjected to pulsed electric fields (PEF) treatment at varying field strengths (0.625, 1.25, and 1.875 kV/cm) and frequencies (25, 50, and 100 Hz), at a fixed pulse width of 20 µs. The total lipid was extracted using an ethanol-hexane-based (ETHEX) extraction method, and the phospholipid and fatty acid compositions were determined using ³¹P NMR and GC-FID, respectively. The total lipid yield was increased from 4.1% to 6.7% by a relatively mild PEF pre-treatment at a field strength of 1.25 kV/cm and frequency of 50 Hz. A higher amount of EPA (8.2%), DPA (2.7%), and DHA (35.7%) were obtained by that treatment, compared to both un-heated (EPA: 8%; DPA: 2.5%; DHA: 35.2%) and heat-treated controls (EPA: 7.9%; DPA: 2.5%; DHA: 34%). No significant changes to the content of the major phospholipids were observed. PEF pre-treatment under mild conditions has potential for improving the total lipid yield extracted from fish male gonad.Item Restricted Phospholipidomics in clinical trials for brain disorders: Advancing our understanding and therapeutic potentials(Springer Nature, 2024-06) Hachem, M; Ahmmed, MK; Nacir-Delord, HPhospholipidomics is a specialized branch of lipidomics that focuses on the characterization and quantification of phospholipids. By using sensitive analytical techniques, phospholipidomics enables researchers to better understand the metabolism and activities of phospholipids in brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. In the brain, identifying specific phospholipid biomarkers can offer valuable insights into the underlying molecular features and biochemistry of these diseases through a variety of sensitive analytical techniques. Phospholipidomics has emerged as a promising tool in clinical studies, with immense potential to advance our knowledge of neurological diseases and enhance diagnosis and treatment options for patients. In the present review paper, we discussed numerous applications of phospholipidomics tools in clinical studies, with a particular focus on the neurological field. By exploring phospholipids’ functions in neurological diseases and the potential of phospholipidomics in clinical research, we provided valuable insights that could aid researchers and clinicians in harnessing the full prospective of this innovative practice and improve patient outcomes by providing more potent treatments for neurological diseases. Graphical Abstract: (Figure presented.).Publication Restricted Altering the probiotic epigneome, its potential application in fermentation(2023-07-09) Kong, Y; Winefield, C; Wescombe, P; On, S; Saunders, A; Chelikani, VenkataEpigenetics is the study of changes in gene expression and function that occur without a change in the underlying DNA sequence. These changes in humans, can be caused by a variety of factors, including dietary intake, environmental exposures, and lifestyle factors. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, can turn genes on or off and affect the expression of certain proteins. However, epigenetics also has great potential for interdisciplinary applications, including in the fields of microbiology and fermentation science. This study aimed to investigate the impact of certain human dietary compounds on probiotic strains which also present in the gut, specifically focusing on Lactobacillus acidophilus, and to apply the acquired knowledge to enhance the effectiveness of probiotic strains used in fermentation processes. The study explored epigenetic effects of six dietary compounds on the target probiotic strains. These compounds were compared to a known DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, 5-aza-2’-deoxycytidine, as a positive control. The microbial epigenetic effects were evaluated using whole genome bisulphite sequencing, RNA sequencing, and metabolomic profiling. The results show that each dietary compound has a unique epigenetic-based impact on regulation of gene expression in L. acidophilus. The study also investigates the application of epigenetically-modified probiotics in milk fermentation to develop a novel probiotic yogurt that could provide additional functional benefits in the gut and overall health benefits to the body.Item Restricted Climate-smart agriculture for a sustainable future(2024-06-05) Ma, Wanglin; Rahut, DAs we celebrate and appreciate our natural resources and surroundings today on World Environment Day, we are also acutely aware of the rising temperatures, shifting precipitation patterns, and increasingly frequent extreme weather events like droughts and floods that devastate the planet.Item Restricted Sauvignon blanc wine protein stability as affected by pH adjustment and timing of bentonite addition(2024-06-17) Hung, W; Harrison, Roland; Morton, James; Trought, M; Frost, A; Tian, BinThe effects of pH adjustments on Sauvignon Blanc wine protein haze formation and the required amount of bentonite were investigated at both micro-scale and commercial scale, using identical juice. Additionally, three different timings for bentonite addition were examined during the pH adjustment trial: before, during, and after fermentation. The study utilized the hot and cold test to determine the bentonite requirement for protein stabilization. Wine proteins were analyzed using various techniques including a modified Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) assay, lithium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (LDS-PAGE), and sodium dodecyl sulfate capillary gel electrophoresis (SDS-CGE). Findings revealed that lower juice pH levels (2.80 and 3.00) resulted in sluggish fermentation, while the presence or absence of bentonite during fermentation did not significantly alter fermentation kinetics at each pH level. Bentonite remaining in contact with ferment improved fermentation completion for the sluggish ferment (pH 2.80). Wines with lower pH exhibited reduced wine protein content and enhanced protein adsorption efficiency of bentonite fining, necessitating lower bentonite dosages for stability. Bentonite addition during fermentation proved to be the most effective in protein removal, while fining after fermentation required the least overall bentonite dosage. Although different fermentation scales minimally affected wine protein contents, they did not alter molecular weight (MW) profiles. The protein contents and MW profiles in stabilized wines were influenced by the original juice pH, displaying more complex patterns with high pH juice.