Search Results (102)

Breast tissue-mimicking phantoms are essential tools for validating microwave imaging systems designed for early breast cancer detection. In this work, we report the fabrication and comprehensive characterization of oil-in-gelatin phantoms emulating normal, benign, and malignant breast tissues. The phantoms were manufactured with controlled mixtures of kerosene, safflower oil, and gelatin, and their dielectric properties were experimentally evaluated using a free-space transmission method with a Vector Network Analyzer across the 100 MHz–10 GHz range. Results demonstrated significant contrast in permittivity and conductivity among the different tissue types, consistent with values reported in the literature. Long-term stability was confirmed for up to six months under controlled storage. Additional structural and thermal characterization was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), providing insight into molecular composition and thermal response. The proposed method enables reproducible, low-cost, and stable phantom fabrication, offering reliable tissue models to support experimental validation and optimization of microwave-based breast cancer detection systems. Full article

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the tribological behavior of cylinder liners and piston rings—key components in internal combustion engines (ICEs). Experiments were conducted using a pin-on-disc wear tester under varying loads (50–100 N) and speeds (175–350 rpm) to determine the coefficient of friction (μ) and wear rate. The selected pin and disc materials represent real engine components to ensure realistic operating conditions. Before and after each experiment, the cylinder liner-piston ring pair was cleaned with acetone to ensure accurate measurement of mass loss. Surface roughness (Ra, Rq, Rz, µm) was assessed using a Mahr M-1 profilometer, and Brinell hardness tests were carried out using a digital optical Brinell hardness testing machine to determine the mechanical properties of the contact surfaces. The results revealed that safflower oil achieved the lowest coefficient of friction at higher speeds, with an 18% reduction compared with conventional 20W-50 engine oil. Camelina oil, camelina biodiesel and safflower biodiesel each exhibited a reduction of approximately 12.5% in friction, highlighting their potential as viable alternatives to petroleum-based lubricants. Full article

As the principal dietary source of lipids, edible oils (notably vegetable oils) exist in crude form predominantly as triacylglycerols (about 95%), with the remainder comprising impurities and diverse minor components. Therefore, the refining processes of vegetable oil are particularly important. The application potential of safflower seed oil (SSO) in both nutraceutical and pharmaceutical domains is attributed to its exceptionally high linoleic acid concentration and abundant polyphenolic constituents. However, a systematic analysis of SSO during physical refining has yet to be conducted. This study aims to investigate the effects of refining processes on the fatty acids of SSO compared with flaxseed oil (FSO). In this study, chemical analysis, gas chromatography and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography were used to analyze and compare the physicochemical indexes, fatty acid composition, and the lipidomics of SSO and FSO. Results indicated that optimized refining significantly enhances quality parameters in both SSO and FSO. A total of 40 and 43 fatty acids were identified in SSO and FSO, respectively. Deacidification significantly altered their fatty acid profiles, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, with C18:2 and C18:3 being the most affected. A total of 20 significantly different lipids were screened (variable importance in projection > 1.5, p < 0.05) and were mainly classified as glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids, of which two lipids (C18:2 and C18:3 (9, 12, 15)) demonstrated particularly marked differences, suggesting that these lipid species represent significant discriminators between SSO and FSO groups; these two lipids exhibited significant alterations during the refining processes of SSO and FSO, respectively. Full article

This study compares the nutritional and metabolic properties of unconventional cold-pressed vegetable oils available on the Polish market. Twelve oils—milk thistle, evening primrose, flaxseed, camelina sativa, black cumin, pumpkin seed, sesame, mustard seed, sea buckthorn, blue poppy seed, borage, and safflower—were examined. The chosen oils were investigated based on their fatty acids profiles, total phenolic compounds (TPC), tocopherols, and pigment contents. Despite the high polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) content raising concerns about oxidative stability, the significant tocopherol levels and polyphenols content contribute to antioxidative protection. These oils’ favorable hypocholesterolemic, antiatherogenic, and antithrombogenic properties were highlighted by key nutritional indices, showing potential benefits for cardiovascular health. These results suggest that these oils are a promising dietary supplement for promoting both cardiovascular health and sustainability, owing to their rich content of essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds. Moreover, high correlations were found between theoretical and experimental established oxidative stability of the tested oils at the ending stage of the thermostat test. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) seeds, rich in triacylglycerols, have poor fatty acid-to-sugar conversion during storage, affecting longevity and vigor. Previous experiments have shown that the aging of safflower seeds is mainly related to the impairment of energy metabolism pathways such as glycolysis, fatty acid degradation, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The treatment with exogenous sucrose can partially promote the germination of aged seeds. However, the specific pathways through which exogenous sucrose promotes the germination of aged safflower seeds have not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which exogenous sucrose enhances the vitality of aged seeds. Phenotypically, it promoted germination and seedling establishment in CDT-aged seeds but not in unaged ones. Biochemical analyses revealed increased soluble sugars and fatty acids in aged seeds with sucrose treatment. Enzyme activity and transcriptome sequencing showed up-regulation of key enzymes and genes in related metabolic pathways in aged seeds, not in unaged ones. qPCR confirmed up-regulation of genes for triacylglycerol and fatty acid-to-sugar conversion. Transmission electron microscopy showed a stronger connection between the glyoxylate recycler and oil bodies, accelerating oil body degradation. In conclusion, our research shows that exogenous sucrose promotes aged safflower seed germination by facilitating triacylglycerol hydrolysis, fatty acid conversion, and glycometabolism, rather than simply serving as a source of energy to supplement the energy deficiency of aged seeds. These findings offer practical insights for aged seeds, especially offering an effective solution to the aging problem of seeds with high oil content. Full article

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are powerful techniques that have been employed to analyze foodstuffs comprehensively. These techniques offer in-depth information about the chemical composition, structure, and spatial distribution of components in a variety of food products. Quantitative NMR is widely applied for precise quantification of metabolites, authentication of food products, and monitoring of food quality. Low-field ¹H-NMR relaxometry is an important technique for investigating the most abundant components of intact foodstuffs based on relaxation times and amplitude of the NMR signals. In particular, information on water compartments, diffusion, and movement can be obtained by detecting proton signals because of H₂O in foodstuffs. Saffron adulterations with calendula, safflower, turmeric, sandalwood, and tartrazine have been analyzed using benchtop NMR, an alternative to the high-field NMR approach. The fraudulent addition of Robusta to Arabica coffee was investigated by ¹H-NMR Spectroscopy and the marker of Robusta coffee can be detected in the ¹H-NMR spectrum. MRI images can be a reliable tool for appreciating morphological differences in vegetables and fruits. In kiwifruit, the effects of water loss and the states of water were investigated using MRI. It provides informative images regarding the spin density distribution of water molecules and the relationship between water and cellular tissues. ¹H-NMR spectra of aqueous extract of kiwifruits affected by elephantiasis show a higher number of small oligosaccharides than healthy fruits do. One of the frauds that has been detected in the olive oil sector reflects the addition of hazelnut oils to olive oils. However, using the NMR methodology, it is possible to distinguish the two types of oils, since, in hazelnut oils, linolenic fatty chains and squalene are absent, which is also indicated by the ¹H-NMR spectrum. NMR has been applied to detect milk adulterations, such as bovine milk being spiked with known levels of whey, urea, synthetic urine, and synthetic milk. In particular, T2 relaxation time has been found to be significantly affected by adulteration as it increases with adulterant percentage. The ¹H spectrum of honey samples from two botanical species shows the presence of signals due to the specific markers of two botanical species. NMR generates large datasets due to the complexity of food matrices and, to deal with this, chemometrics (multivariate analysis) can be applied to monitor the changes in the constituents of foodstuffs, assess the self-life, and determine the effects of storage conditions. Multivariate analysis could help in managing and interpreting complex NMR data by reducing dimensionality and identifying patterns. NMR spectroscopy followed by multivariate analysis can be channelized for evaluating the nutritional profile of food products by quantifying vitamins, sugars, fatty acids, amino acids, and other nutrients. In this review, we summarize the importance of NMR spectroscopy in chemical profiling and quality assessment of food products employing magnetic resonance technologies and multivariate statistical analysis. Full article

This study presents an innovative, resource-efficient apparatus for safflower oil production, designed for small- and medium-sized enterprises. The developed equipment integrates grinding and pressing into a single operation, optimizing extraction efficiency while reducing operational costs and processing time. A comparative analysis of the physicochemical and fatty acid profiles of safflower oil produced using traditional and combined grinding-pressing methods confirmed the superiority of the new approach. Optimal process parameters were identified: pressing time (τ = 3.41 min) and degree of grinding (i = 0.25), which resulted in higher oil yield and improved product quality. Multiple regression and sensitivity analyses revealed that temperature is the most significant factor positively influencing oil yield, whereas excessive grinding intensity and pressure negatively impact extraction efficiency. The results of the multiple regression analysis demonstrated that pressing time had a statistically significant impact on oil yield (p < 0.05). Although temperature was identified as the most influential factor overall, the significance of pressing time indicates that this variable also contributes meaningfully to the extraction efficiency. The regression model revealed a nonlinear (quadratic) relationship between pressing time and oil yield, suggesting that there is an optimal pressing duration. Beyond this optimal point, further increases in pressing time may result in a decline in yield due to over-compression or the release of undesired compounds. Interestingly, pressing time was found to have no significant effect on oil yield, suggesting that optimizing temperature and pressure is more critical for enhancing efficiency. The developed apparatus not only enhances oil quality, particularly its fatty acid composition, but also offers a scalable, sustainable solution for improving safflower oil production. These findings highlight the feasibility of integrating grinding and pressing, paving the way for advancements in cost-effective, high-yield oil extraction technologies. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a versatile oilseed crop valued for its adaptability, high oil quality, and antioxidant properties. This study investigates the influence of flower color (FC) on the phenotypic diversity of 172 safflower accessions, analyzing agronomic traits, metabolite profiles, and antioxidant capacities. Frequency distribution, effect size, principal component analysis (PCA), and network analysis were employed to elucidate trait associations and interrelationships. FC significantly impacted traits such as oleic acid (OA), linoleic acid (LA), oleic desaturation ratio (ODR), and N-feruloylserotonin (FS), with large effect sizes (η² > 0.16). Medium effects were observed for 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) scavenging capacity, palmitic acid (PA), and flowering date (FD). PCA and network analyses highlighted relationships between FC and other fatty acid and antioxidant traits. Qualitative traits such as seed coat color (SCC) and thorn of involucre (TI) also showed significant associations with FC, underscoring its role as a phenotypic marker. These findings provide a robust framework for trait-based breeding strategies in safflower and emphasize the need for further genetic validation of these associations. Full article

High-oleic acid edible oils are appealing, especially for frying, due to their nutritional benefits and high heat stability. This study benchmarked the newly developed super-high-oleic acid safflower oil (SHOSO) against high-oleic acid sunflower (HOSO), conventional canola (CCO), and rice bran (RBO) oils in a frying exercise. The oils were used to fry potato chips for 30 h (90 cycles), and their performance was assessed by measuring the changes in total polar compounds (TPCs), tocopherols, and fatty acid composition. SHOSO contained ~91% oleic acid and had the longest induction time (~35 h) compared with HOSO (~80%; 15.3 h), CCO (~62; 8.8 h), and RBO (~41%; 9.7). After 90 frying cycles, SHOSO’s performance was comparable to that of HOSO, showing the highest increase in TPCs and shortest frying lives (~22.5–25.1 h) compared with CCO (~27.5–33.0 h) and RBO (>30 h). Approximately 97% of the tocopherol in both high-oleic acid oils was α-tocopherol, which was depleted within 6 h. Moreover, SHOSO recorded the largest change in oleic acid, followed by HOSO. SHOSO’s higher oleic acid content influenced its thermal stability and frying life. This study showed SHOSO as a suitable frying oil, and its higher oleic acid content makes it attractive as a functional and healthier fat alternative in food formulations. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has highlighted the need for innovative alternatives to traditional plastics and composites. This study explores the development of polyurethane-based biocomposites synthesized using hydrogenated safflower oil (HSO), hydrogen gas, and a nickel catalyst. Safflower oil was hydrogenated via a catalytic hydrogenation mechanism, transforming carbon–carbon double bonds into saturated fatty acids. The process, optimized using response surface methodology (RSM), was conducted at 225 °C, 8 atmospheres, and 6 h, achieving a yield of 67%. Hydrogenation improved the physical and chemical properties of the biocomposites. Biocomposites were synthesized by combining HSO with methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) as a crosslinker. Optimal performance was observed at 2.5% HSO content, enhancing material properties. However, higher HSO content negatively affected biocomposite density and hardness, and surface morphology analyses revealed that increased HSO content led to irregular pore structures. These findings underscore the balance required in material composition to achieve optimal performance. This study presents a novel approach to producing hydrogenation-modified HSO-based biocomposites, providing an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative for industries such as packaging, construction, and automotive applications. The advancements contribute to reducing environmental impact and enhancing the performance of renewable material technologies. Full article

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a promising oilseed crop with potential applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors. Understanding the oil content and fatty acid composition of safflower germplasm is crucial for breeding programs aimed at enhancing its agronomic and nutritional traits. This study assessed the oil content and fatty acid composition in 87 safflower accessions. Significant variations were observed, with the oil content ranging from 36.88% to 18.44%. Genotype Egypt 1 exhibited the highest oil content. Among fatty acids, China 1 had the highest myristic acid (0.170%) content, while Remzibey had the lowest (0.100%). Palmitic acid ranged from 6.13% to 8.20%, with Egypt 3 and Bangladesh 3 at the extremes. For palmitoleic acid, Jordan 5 had the highest content (0.53%) and Bangladesh 2/Portugal 2 the lowest (0.03%). Linoleic acid varied from 37.7% (China 7) to 77.73% (Iran 1). A correlation analysis indicated strong positive correlations between protein and oil content, as well as between palmitic and myristic acids, and between palmitic and linoleic acids. Conversely, protein exhibited highly negative correlations with myristic, palmitic, and palmitoleic acids. The protein percentage showed a high heritability but a low genetic advance, while palmitic acid, oil percentage, stearic acid, linoleic acid, palmitoleic acid, and oleic acid showed a high heritability and a moderate genetic advance as a percentage of the mean. These findings can aid in developing cultivars with enhanced fatty acids, oil quality, and nutritional value, facilitating sustainable production for a wide range of industrial applications. Full article

Oil cakes are biomass wastes created by pressing oil from oilseeds. Their chemical composition (including high fat or protein content, a favorable fatty acid profile, and a high proportion of unsaturated acids) makes them valuable raw materials not only in animal feeding but are increasingly gaining popularity in biotechnological processes. This article examines the possibility of valorizing oil cakes using the lipid fraction extracted from them or their raw form in a two-pot biosynthesis process of GDDL—a cyclic ester with a creamy-peach aroma. This study tested five types of oil cakes (hemp seeds, rapeseed, safflower, camelina, and flax), analyzing their physicochemical composition and the fatty acid profile of their lipid fraction. Due to the high content of oleic acid (over 62% lipid fraction) and the wide availability, rapeseed cake was used in the biotransformation process. The synthesis of GDDL involved a three-step process: hydrolysis of triacylglycerols, hydration of oleic acid (via lactic acid bacteria in anaerobic conditions), and β-oxidation (via Yarrowia yeast, aerobic process). The analysis showed that it is possible to produce because of the two-pot biotransformation of approximately 1.7 g of GDDL/dm³. These results highlight the process’s potential and justify the feasibility of waste valorization. The proposed biotransformation requires optimization and is a good example of the application of the circular economy in food processing and waste management. Full article

Background: Anabolic resistance accelerates muscle loss in aging and obesity, thus predisposing to sarcopenic obesity. Methods: In this retrospective analysis of a randomized clinical trial, we examined baseline predictors of the adaptive response to three months of home-based resistance exercise, daily physical activity, and protein-based, multi-ingredient supplementation (MIS) in a cohort of free-living, older males (n = 32). Results: Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that obesity and a Global Risk Index for metabolic syndrome (MetS) were the strongest predictors of Δ% gains in lean mass (TLM and ASM), LM/body fat ratios (TLM/%BF, ASM/FM, and ASM/%BF), and allometric LM (ASMI, TLM/BW, TLM/BMI, ASM/BW), with moderately strong, negative correlations to the adaptive response to polytherapy r = −0.36 to −0.68 (p < 0.05). Kidney function, PA level, and chronological age were only weakly associated with treatment outcomes (p > 0.05). Next, we performed a subgroup analysis in overweight/obese participants with at least one other MetS risk factor and examined their adaptive response to polytherapy with two types of protein-based MIS (PLA; collagen peptides and safflower oil, n = 8, M5; whey/casein, creatine, calcium, vitamin D₃, and fish oil, n = 12). The M5 group showed greater improvements in LM (ASM; +2% vs. −0.8%), LM/body fat ratios (ASM/FM; +3.8% vs. −5.1%), allometric LM (ASM/BMI; +1.2% vs. −2.5%), strength (leg press; +17% vs. −1.4%), and performance (4-Step-Stair-Climb time; −10.5% vs. +1.1%) vs. the PLA group (p < 0.05). Bone turnover markers, indicative of bone accretion, were increased pre-to-post intervention in the M5 group only (P1NP; p = 0.036, P1NP/CTX ratio; p = 0.088). The overall anabolic response, as indicated by ranking low-to-high responders for Δ% LM (p = 0.0079), strength (p = 0.097), and performance (p = 0.19), was therefore significantly higher in the M5 vs. PLA group (p = 0.013). Conclusions: Our findings confirm that obesity/MetS is a key driver of anabolic resistance in old age and that a high-quality, whey/casein-based MIS is more effective than a collagen-based alternative for maintaining musculoskeletal health in individuals at risk for sarcopenic obesity, even when total daily protein intake exceeds current treatment guidelines. Full article

A plant-based diet is considered a promising approach for managing hyperuricemia (HUA). This study examined the effects of soy protein and plant-based oils on HUA-induced inflammation and immune dysfunction. Male Wistar rats, induced with HUA using oxonic acid and uric acid (UA), were fed casein or soy protein with palm or safflower oil (2 × 2 factorial design) for 8 weeks. HUA rats had lower serum albumin and T cell percentages in peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) and splenocytes, along with increased leukocyte counts and spleen weights, compared to healthy rats (p < 0.05). Soy protein improved HUA-induced reductions in albumin, while safflower-seed oil ameliorated reductions in albumin, plasma interleukin (IL)-4, and T-suppressor splenocytes, and mitigated elevated serum UA, plasma IL-6, and B leukocytes (two-way ANOVA, p < 0.05). In PBL, soy protein alleviated HUA-induced decreases in TNF-α, casein and palm oil increased IL-6, and casein further reduced IFN-γ production. Under Con A stimulation, casein and safflower-seed oil alleviated decreases in IL-6 and IL-10, respectively, while under LPS stimulation, casein further increased TNF-α production. In splenocytes, soy protein and safflower-seed oil reduced HUA-induced increases in TNF-α and increased IL-10, and safflower-seed oil increased IL-6 production. Under Con A stimulation, soy protein and safflower-seed oil reduced TNF-α and increased IL-10 production in splenocytes. The findings suggest that soy protein and safflower-seed oil may counteract HUA-related inflammation, alleviate monocyte activation, and enhance Th2 immune response in HUA. A plant-based diet rich in soy protein and safflower-seed oil may help manage HUA and associated inflammation and immune dysfunction. Full article

Safflower is a multipurpose, underutilized annual crop that could be an alternate oilseed crop for normal and marginal lands around the world. Zinc as a nutrient plays a critical role in enzyme activity and nutrient absorption, leading to improved productivity and quality of oilseeds. However, imbalances between NPK and Zn can result in antagonistic interactions, leading to nutrient deficiencies. Therefore, this field experiment at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, was conducted to explore the synergistic effects of NPK and Zn on safflower growth, yield, and oil content. Safflower accession (UAF-SAFF-100) was treated with ten different combinations of zinc and NPK having different concentrations, i.e., T₀ = control, T₁ = NPK at 40:40:40 kg ha⁻¹, T₂ = NPK at 50:50:40 kg ha⁻¹, T₃ = NPK at 60:60:40 kg ha⁻¹, T₄ = NPK at 70:70:40 kg ha⁻¹, T₅ = NPK at 80:80:40 kg ha⁻¹, T₆ = T₁ + zinc at 7.5 kg ha⁻¹, T₇ = T₂ + zinc at 7.5 kg ha⁻¹, T₈ = T₃ + zinc at 7.5 kg ha⁻¹, T₉ = T₄ + zinc at 7.5 kg ha⁻¹, and T₁₀ = T₅ + zinc at 7.5 kg ha⁻¹. The results indicated that the application of T₉ (NPK @ 70:70:40 kg/ha⁻¹ + zinc @ 7.5 kg/ha⁻¹) showed the most promising results in terms of growth and yield attributes. This treatment significantly improved key metrics such as capitulum diameter, the number of capitula per plant, seed yield, petal yield, and oil content. Thus, this treatment (T₉) is proposed as an effective strategy for enhancing safflower growth and productivity, particularly in semi-arid regions. This study underscores the importance of optimizing nutrient management to achieve superior crop performance and suggests that tailored NPK and Zn applications can be a promising approach to maximizing safflower yield and oil quality. Full article