Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Sunflower”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Rheology and spinning of alkaline solutions of sunflower seed globulin and casein].

The specific demand of sodium hydroxide is determined for the dissolution of sunflower seed globulin, casein and a mixture of them to equal parts. In low protein-containing solutions it depends for sunflower seed globulin very much on the sodium chloride concentration. From sunflower seed globulin, casein and a mixture of them to equal parts are prepared with sodium hydroxide high protein-containing alkaline solutions. Sunflower seed globulin forms temporally a gel phase. After this phase the solution of sunflower seed globulin shows like casein and a mixture of sunflower seed globulin/casein (I:I) pseudoplastic flow. The flow curves of the pseudoplastic solutions are described mathematically with the OSWALDian power statement. By alkaline solutions of casein and sunflower seed globulin/casein (I:I) the flow exponent n is distributed statistically about 0.9, by solutions of sunflower seed globulin a distribution exists about the mean values n = 0.85 and n = 0.50. lg k depends in all protein solutions on the concentration of protein, sodium chloride, sodium hydroxide and on the temperature and time. For all protein solutions exists a linear relation between the logarithm of viscosity and the reciprocal temperature for lg k and I/T, which is derived normally for NEWTONian flow behaviour. In a suitable scope of spinning for all protein solutions are carried out complete factorial experiment, which guide to regression equations of lg k; in the case of sunflower seed globulin are calculated also a regression equation of the flow exponent n. Going out from the parameters of the spinning process the properties of the spun sunflower seed globulin/casein (I:I) fibers are described.

Caseins↗

Morphometric and mating compatibility of Dectes texanus texanus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) from soybean and sunflower.

The cerambycid Dectes texanus texanus LeConte that infests soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., is thought to be the same Dectes that damages sunflower, Helianthus annuus L. However, morphometric characteristics and mating compatibility between individuals from soybean and sunflower fields have not been assessed. Eight hundred eighty stalks of soybean and sunflower residues infested with Dectes were collected from Texas and Kansas. Outside stalk diameter of sunflower (22.6 mm) was 3.2 times greater than that of soybean. Diameters of tunnels by Dectes in sunflower and soybean were 7.0 and 3.4 mm, respectively. Widths of head capsules and pronotums were approximately 1.3 times greater for Dectes larvae from sunflower than soybean. Larval, pupal, and adult Dectes from sunflower were approximately 2.5 times heavier and 1.3 times longer than from soybean. Adults reared from residues of soybean and sunflower were paired to evaluate mating compatibility. Although individuals collected and reared from different crop residues differed significantly in size, percentage of mating success by Dectes from the two crops (26.2%) did not differ significantly from that by adults from the same kind of crop (34.9%). Results indicated that Dectes that infest soybean and sunflower are the same species and reconfirmed that farmers should not plant soybean and sunflower in rotation or in adjacent fields.

Animals↗

Ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids from high-oleate sunflower seeds.

The objective of these experiments was to examine methods of modifying the fatty acid composition of bovine tissues. In the first experiment, four steers were fitted with duodenal fistulas and were assigned to four diets in a Latin square design. The steers were fed a control diet or the same diet containing 10% high-oleate partially crushed sunflower seeds, serum-coated sunflower seeds, and heat-treated, serum-coated sunflower seeds for 5 d. Samples of digesta and feces were collected on d 5. The inclusion of sunflower seeds (plain or serum-coated) in the diet increased (P less than .05) the digesta concentration of stearate. The percentage of stearate in the digesta and feces was increased (P less than .05) from 51 to 67% and from 64 to 74%, respectively, when steers were fed the untreated sunflower seed. The fecal concentration of oleate was increased (P less than .05) by dietary sunflower seeds in steers that were fed the serum-coated, unheated sunflower seeds. In a second experiment, heifers (four per group) were fed a corn-based control diet or diets containing 10% of high-oleate sunflower oil encapsulated with calcium alginate, either plain, coated with blood meal, or with blood meal integrated into the pellet. After 50 d on treatment, samples of perianal adipose tissue were obtained by biopsy. The fatty acid composition of the adipose tissue was not modified by the inclusion of the encapsulated oleate in the diet. In summary, limited ruminal bypass of sunflower seed oleate was accomplished with sunflower seed but not with encapsulated oleate.

Adipose Tissue↗

Feeding value of a high oil variety of sunflowers as silage to lactating dairy cows.

Whole-plant sunflowers (oilseed) were chopped and stored as silage and compared to corn silage as the sole forage to 20 lactating Holsteins in a switch-back design of three 5-wk periods. Cows fed sunflower silage produced less milk (22.4 vs. 20.5 kg/day) but similar amounts of 4% fat-corrected milk. Cows fed sunflower silage had greater fat, less protein, and less total solids in milk. Cows consumed 4.0 kg/day less dry matter from sunflower silage than from corn silage. Oleic and linolenic increased, and myristic and palmitic fatty acids decreased in milk fat from cows fed sunflower silage. Cholesterol in serum (mg/dl) was 321 and 160 for cows fed sunflower silage and corn silage. Cows fed sunflower silage had higher molar percentage of acetate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, and a wider acetate propionate ratio with concomitant lower molar percentage of propionate, butyrate, valerate, and less total acids in rumen fluid than cows fed corn silage. Rumen fluid pH was 6.98 and 6.83 for cows fed sunflower silage and corn silage. Acceptable quality silage can be made from whole oilseed sunflowers. For maximum milk production, sunflower silage should not be fed as the only forage to dairy cows.

Animal Feed↗

Whole rolled sunflower seeds with or without additional limestone in lactating dairy cattle rations.

Thirty lactating Holstein cows were in a continuous trial from 21 to 120 days postpartum to evaluate diets containing whole, rolled sunflower seeds with or without additional limestone. Cows were fed individually total mixed rations of (dry matter) 47% corn silage, 9% alfalfa hay, and 44% concentrate. Concentrates were corn and soybean meal (control); corn, soybean meal, and 22% sunflower seeds; or corn, soybean meal, and sunflower seeds plus 3.5% additional limestone. Milk yield (32.2, 32.0, and 32.8 kg/day) was similar among rations. Yield of 4% fat-corrected milk was lower for cows fed sunflower seeds without additional limestone (30.2, 28.1, and 30.2 kg/day) because of lower milk fat percentages (3.57, 3.19, and 3.51). Milk protein percentage tended to be lower for cows fed sunflower seeds with additional limestone (3.01, 2.97, and 2.90). Milk, flavor score was acceptable but tended to be lower for milk from cows fed sunflower seeds with additional limestone (8.4, 8.5, and 7.9). Milk fat from cows fed sunflower seed rations contained less carbon-14:0, 16:0, and 16:1 fatty acids but more carbon-18:0. Dry matter intakes were 21.0, 18.4, and 20.0 kg/day. Dry matter digestibilities, body weight changes, and ruminal volatile fatty acid concentrations were similar among treatments. Total cholesterol in blood serum was elevated in cows fed sunflower seed rations. Insoluble salts of fatty acids were increased in ruminal fluid dry matter from cows fed sunflower seeds but were not increased further by additional limestone. Concentrations of nonesterified carbon-18:1 fatty acids in ruminal fluid dry matter were lower for cows fed sunflower seeds with additional limestone.

Animal Feed↗

Lactational responses of dairy cows to diets containing regular and high oleic acid sunflower seeds.

Ten Holstein cows were used in a 15-wk nested factorial to evaluate the response to diets containing added fat from sunflower seeds high (greater than 65%) in linoleic acid (regular sunflower seeds) or high (80%) in oleic acid (high oleic acid variety sunflower seeds). Replicated periods were of 5 wk each, with data collected the last 3 wk of each period. Total mixed diets were 40% corn silage (DM basis), 15% alfalfa hay, and 45% concentrate mix. Concentrate mixes were control, 20% regular sunflower seeds, or 20% high oleic acid sunflower seeds in place of portions of the corn and soybean meal. Yields of milk (27.9, 25.4, and 28.8 kg/d) were similar for all diets, while 4% FCM (24.0, 19.2, and 24.0 kg/d) and SCM (24.8, 20.2, and 24.8 kg/d) were lower when cows were fed regular sunflower seeds. Percentages of fat (3.14, 2.43, and 2.92%) were reduced when cows were fed regular sunflower seeds, but protein (3.00, 3.24, and 3.03%) and total solids (12.12, 11.34, and 11.82%) were similar for all diets. Milk fat from cows fed regular sunflower seeds contained the highest proportions of unsaturated fatty acids with the lowest proportions from cows fed the control diet. Dry matter intakes (22.8, 20.6, and 21.9 kg/d) were similar. Molar percentages of ruminal acetate were lower and propionate higher when cows were fed regular sunflower seeds than when fed high oleic acid sunflower seeds or control. The fatty acid composition of dietary fat influenced the fatty acid composition of cows milk.

Animals↗

Effects of cadmium amendments on low-molecular-weight organic acid exudates in rhizosphere soils of tobacco and sunflower.

To recognize physiological response of plants to cadmium (Cd) toxicity in rhizosphere of plants, the pot experiments were employed to investigate how low-molecular-weight organic acids (LMWOAs) were exudated from tobacco and sunflower roots of Cd-amended soils. The aims of this study were to assess the effect of LMWOAs on uptake of Cd by tobacco and sunflower under pot experiments, thus comparing the ability of tobacco and sunflower for phytoremediation. Surface soils (0-20 cm) were collected from Taichung Experiment Station (TC) (silty loam). Cadmium chloride (CdCl(2)) was amended into TC soil, giving Cd concentrations of 1, 5, 10 mg kg(-1) soil. Soils with different concentrations of Cd were put into 12 cm (i.d.) pots for incubation, and then 2-week-old tobacco and sunflower seedlings were transplanted into the pots. Tobacco and sunflower were grown in greenhouse for 50 days, respectively. The rhizosphere and bulk soils, and fresh plant tissues were collected after harvest. The Cd concentrations in the plant and transfer factor values in the sunflower were higher than that in the tobacco. No LMWOAs were detected by gas chromatograph in bulk soils, and low amounts of LMWOAs were found in uncontaminated rhizosphere soils. Acetic, lactic, glycolic, malic, maleic, and succinic acids were found in the tobacco and sunflower rhizosphere soils. Concentrations of LMWOAs increased with increasing amendment of Cd concentrations in tobacco and sunflower rhizosphere soils. Correlation coefficient (r) of concentrations of Cd amendment versus LMWOAs exudates of tobacco and sunflower were 0.85 and 0.98, respectively. These results suggest that the different levels of LMWOAs present in the rhizosphere soil play an important role in the solubilization of Cd that bound with soil particle into soil solution and then uptake by plants.

Biomass↗

Preparation and application of vegetable proteins, especially proteins from sunflower seed, for human consumption. An approach.

About 80% of the world protein production are of vegetable origin. More than half the vegetable protein is fed to animals, whereas merely 10 kg protein per capita are obtained from meat, milk and eggs per year. Therefore, and because of rising prices for raw materials and energy the production and the firsthand utilisation of proteinacous plants for foodstuffs are a worldwide problem. As future source of protein for human nutrition sunflower seed and oil extraction residues from sunflower seed, respectively, are of great significance. Sunflower seed does not contain anti-nutritive and toxical compounds. After crossing of species having a high oil content, the today cultivated sunflower hybrids bring seeds containing 17-22% crude protein and 30-52% oil. The cultivation also has led to a considerable reduction of the hull content. In processing of sunflower proteins colour problems occur resulting from finely ground particles of dark hulls and from polyphenolic acids which are easily oxidized and converted into brown polymerics. Essential components of the sunflower protein production are, therefore, the at least 98% dehulling before processing as well as the separation of polyphenolic acids and/or the prevention of their oxidation. In principle, the variation and combination of technological steps in pre-treating and defatting of sunflower seed, in extracting, precipitating, washing and drying of proteins, the chemical modification of proteins obtained, the interaction with neutral salts or complexing agents, and the admixture of lysine or proteins of high lysine content allow to adapt sunflower proteins to each type of application.

Amino Acids↗

Balance of unsaturated fatty acids is important to a cholesterol-lowering diet: comparison of mid-oleic sunflower oil and olive oil on cardiovascular disease risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of a trans fat-free monounsaturated fatty acid-rich vegetable oil (NuSun sunflower oil, National Sunflower Association, Bismark, ND) that is a good source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and low in saturated fatty acids on lipid and lipoprotein levels and oxidative stress. DESIGN: A double-blinded, randomized, three period crossover, controlled feeding study. SUBJECTS/SETTING: Thirty-one men (n=12) and women (n=19) with moderate hypercholesterolemia who were 25 to 64 years of age. INTERVENTION: Experimental diets provided 30% fat (olive oil or NuSun sunflower oil contributed one half of the total fat), 8.3% vs 7.9% saturated fatty acid, 17.2% vs 14.2% monounsaturated fatty acid, and 4.3% vs. 7.7% PUFA (olive oil and NuSun sunflower oil, respectively), and 294 mg cholesterol. The control diet was an average American diet (34% fat, 11.2% saturated fatty acid, 14.9% monounsaturated fatty acid, 7.8% PUFA). Subjects consumed each diet for 4 weeks with a 2-week compliance break before crossing over to another diet. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Lipid and lipoprotein levels were measured, and measures of oxidative stress, including lag time, rate of oxidation, total dienes, and lipid hydroperoxides, were assessed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The mixed model procedure was used to test for main effects of diet, feeding period, and order of diets. Tukey-Kramer adjusted P values were used to determine diet effects. RESULTS: The NuSun sunflower oil diet decreased both total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels compared with the average American diet and the olive oil diet. There was no effect of the olive oil diet compared with the average American diet. Total cholesterol decreased 4.7% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased 5.8% on the NuSun sunflower oil diet vs the average American diet. There was no effect of the experimental diets on triglyceride levels, rate of oxidation, total dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, or alpha-tocopherol. Lag time was the longest following the olive oil diet and shortest following the NuSun sunflower oil diet. CONCLUSIONS: The higher PUFA content appeared to account for the greater total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol lowering and reduction in lag time of the NuSun sunflower oil diet. However, the fact that there were no differences in the resulting oxidation products suggests there were no adverse effects on low-density lipoprotein oxidation. Since PUFAs are important for cholesterol lowering, foods that replace saturated fatty acids should include a balance of unsaturated fatty acids.

Adult↗

Occupational allergy to sunflower pollen.

Although the sunflower belongs to the Compositeae family, allergy to sunflower pollen is not common. The occurrence of occupational allergy to this pollen species made it possible to characterize cross-reactive patterns of Compositeae pollens in a human experimental model. A 24-yr-old man developed rhinitis and conjunctivitis over 5 yr of exposure to sunflower pollens, and asthma developed during the fifth year. All respiratory and occular symptoms disappeared after he was removed from exposure, but he had a food allergic reaction while he was eating honey containing 30% sunflower pollens. The diagnosis of occupational allergy was based on history, skin prick tests and RAST to the pollen. Bronchial provocation tests performed after removal from exposure confirmed the sensitivity to sunflower pollens but there was no nonspecific hyperreactivity. It was found by RAST inhibition that sunflower pollen does not cross-react with other Compositeae pollens tested or with sunflower seed. The honey that elicited food intolerance was demonstrated to inhibit significantly sunflower pollen RAST.

Adult↗

Sunflower hulls degradation by co-composting with different nitrogen sources.

The decomposition of sunflower hull and its mixtures was examined under mesophilic (M) and thermophilic (T) temperatures during 100 days. Thermophilic conditions were used to define the composting process. Vetch, alfalfa and ammonium nitrate were used as nitrogen co-substrates, in 6 treatments: sunflower hulls alone (C), sunflower hulls plus ammonium nitrate (CN), sunflower hulls plus alfalfa (CA), sunflower hulls plus alfalfa and ammonium nitrate (CAV), sunflower hulls plus vetch (CV), sunflower hulls plus vetch and ammonium nitrate (CVN). Total organic carbon (TOC), oxidizable carbon (OC), dry matter, ashes content, total nitrogen (N), cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, pH, electrical conductivity and C to N ratio were measured to asses the efficiency of the composting process and to determine the best amendment. Results show that sunflower hulls (Sh) treatment with the organic amendments had a better response than the inorganic ones. This was concluded from the variation in the fiberfractions, the decrease in dry matter and the major decrease in C to N ratio.

Biodegradation, Environmental↗

In vivo digestibility of corn and sunflower intercropped as a silage crop.

Six nonlactating Holstein cows in a 3 x 3 Latin square total collection digestion trial were used to evaluate three low DM (less than 26%) silage types: 1) corn; 2) corn and sunflower intercropped and 3) sunflower. Feeding periods consisted of a 7-d adjustment followed by a 5-d collection period. Dry matter intake was similar for the three treatments; 12.5, 12.1, and 12.0 kg, respectively. Percent apparent digestibilities for DM, NDF, and N for corn and corn-sunflower were similar and greater than for sunflower: DM (69.6, 68.2, 57.4); NDF (68.1, 61.5, 51.6); and N (66.3, 66.5, 63.6). No differences were observed for digestibilities of ADF, hemicellulose, starch, or for N retention. Percent ether extract digestibility was greatest for corn-sunflower and sunflower silage when compared with digestibility of corn silage (82.5, 77.9, vs. 66.3). Major changes in rumen fermentation patterns were not observed as evidenced by rumen molar proportions of propionate, isobutyrate, isovalerate, valerate, or acetate to propionate ratios. No difference was observed for rumen NH3 N (2.7, 3.2, 4.1 mg/dl, respectively). Corn and sunflower intercropped silage had intermediate concentrations of fat, fiber, and protein when compared with those of corn or sunflower silages.

Animal Feed↗

Production responses by early lactation cows to whole sunflower seed or tallow supplementation of a diet based on barley.

A 2-yr study to evaluate the effectiveness of whole sunflower seed as a source of fat was conducted with 18 primiparous and 31 multiparous Holstein cows. The three diets evaluated were a basal diet based on barley (control), a basal diet supplemented with 2.7% tallow, and a basal diet supplemented with 7.1% whole sunflower seeds. The DMI of lactating cows during the 16-wk test period was not influenced by supplementation with either sunflower seeds or tallow. Milk production was 34.4, 34.6, and 35.5 kg/d for cows fed the control diet or the diets supplemented with sunflower or tallow, respectively, and was not influenced by diet. The production and concentrations of milk protein, fat, and SNF also were not influenced by diet. The concentrations of C6:0 to C14:1 fatty acids were highest in the milk of cows fed the control diet. The concentrations of C10:0 to C16:1 were higher when cows were fed the diet with the tallow supplement than when they were fed the diet with the sunflower supplement. However, the concentrations of C18:0 to C18:2 and C20:0 were higher in the milk of cows that were fed the sunflower supplement than in the milk of cows that were fed the tallow supplement or the control diet. Concentrations of individual VFA and the ratio of acetate to propionate were not influenced by diet. Body weight, body condition score, and reproduction parameters were similar for all diets, suggesting that there were no effects on subsequent production. The performance of cows fed whole sunflower seeds as a source of energy appeared to be similar to the performance of cows fed traditional high energy diets based on barley. The fatty acid profile of the milk of cows fed diets supplemented with sunflower seeds was more favorable than that of the milk of cows fed diets supplemented with tallow.

Animal Feed↗

Influence of refining steps on trace allergenic protein content in sunflower oil.

BACKGROUND: Although allergy to sunflower seed and oil is a relatively rare occurrence, several cases of sunflower seed allergy have been observed, and we have already described one case of anaphylaxis after eating sunflower oil and margarine. OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to determine and characterize the allergens from sunflower oil at the different steps of the refining process: crude pressed oil (step A), acidification and neutralization (step B), pregumming by centrifugation (step C), washing (step D), bleaching (step E), gumming by filtration (step F), and deodorization (step G). METHODS: A sample of oil from each step of the process (steps A to G) was heat extracted with PBS. The protein concentration of each extract was evaluated by using the micro-Bradford assay. Samples were run on SDS-PAGE. The immunoblot was performed with the serum of a patient sensitized to sunflower seed and oil. RESULTS: The extracts obtained after each step reveal a decrease in total protein concentration from 13.6 microg/mL to 0. 22 microg/mL. The result of SDS-PAGE shows 5 bands, from 67 kd to 145 kd, with the most abundant being the 67-kd protein. The amount of this protein decreases after each step of the process. It is, however, still present in trace amounts in the refined oil. The 67-kd protein, which is mainly present in the crude oil and slightly in the refined oil, has been shown to be allergenic. CONCLUSION: Because of the presence of allergenic proteins, refined sunflower oil may pose a threat to people highly sensitized to sunflower seeds.

2S Albumins, Plant↗

Effects of forage and sunflower oil levels on ruminal biohydrogenation of fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid formation in beef steers fed finishing diets.

Six Hereford steers (295 kg) cannulated in the proximal duodenum were used to evaluate the effects of forage and sunflower oil level on ruminal biohydrogenation (BH) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) outflow. Steers were fed one of six treatment diets in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments (grass hay level: 12, 24, or 36% of DM; and sunflower oil level: 2 or 4% of DM) in a 6 x 6 Latin square design. The remainder of the diet was made up of steam rolled corn and protein/mineral supplement. Duodenal samples were collected for 4 d following 10-d diet adaptation periods. Data were analyzed with animal, period, forage level, sunflower oil level, and two-way interaction between forage and sunflower oil level in the model. Dry matter intake showed a quadratic response (P < 0.04), with an increase in DMI as forage level increased from 12 to 24% followed by a decrease in DMI when 36% forage was fed. Flow of fatty acids at the duodenum was higher (P < 0.03) for 4 vs. 2% sunflower oil diets, and similar among forage levels. Apparent ruminal digestibility of NDF increased in a linear manner (P < 0.04) as dietary forage level increased. Ruminal BH of dietary unsaturated 18-C fatty acids, oleic acid, and linoleic acid increased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary forage level increased. Linoleic acid BH tended (P < 0.07) to be greater for 4 than 2% sunflower oil level. Duodenal flow of pentadecyclic, stearic, linolenic, and arachidic acids increased linearly (P < 0.05) as dietary forage level increased from 12 to 36%. Duodenal flow of linoleic acid decreased in a linear manner (P < 0.03) with increasing dietary forage level. Flow of trans-10 octadecenoate decreased linearly (P < 0.03) as dietary forage level increased, whereas trans-11 vaccenic acid flow to the duodenum increased (P < 0.01) linearly with increased dietary forage. Dietary forage or sunflower oil levels did not alter the outflow of cis-9, trans-11 CLA. Flows of cis-11, trans-13, and cis-9, cis-11 CLA increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased dietary forage. Flows of cis-11, cis-13, and trans-11, trans-13 CLA decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increased dietary forage. Increasing dietary forage levels from 12 to 36% in beef cattle finishing diets increased BH of unsaturated 18-C fatty acid and outflow of trans-11 vaccenic acid to duodenum without altering cis-9, trans-11 CLA outflow.

Animal Feed↗

Comparison of fullfat soybean, sunflower seed and protected fat as fat supplements for their effect on the performance of growing-finishing bulls and carcass fatty acid composition.

One hundred and twelve Holstein bulls (179-203 kg) were allotted to four dietary treatment groups (I: control; II: fullfat soybean diet; III: sunflower seed diet, and IV: protected fat diet) and used in a 120-day comparative feedlot trial to evaluate the effect of toasted fullfat soybean, whole sunflower seed and protected fat (calcium soap) on their weight gain, feed conversion and carcass fatty acid composition. The diets consisted of 45-46% concentrate and 55-54% corn silage. Digestibility, nutritive value as well as degradability were also determined. The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, N-free extract and crude protein as well as nutritive value were almost similar for the four diets. However, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre (ADF) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibilities decreased with increasing fat level but the differences were not significant. The inclusion of fullfat soybean or whole sunflower seed significantly (P < 0.05) increased the digestion of fat. Ruminal degradability of protein and dry matter were significantly (P < 0.01) lower for toasted fullfat soybean mixture compared to whole sunflower mixture. The inclusion of toasted fullfat soybean, whole sunflower seed and calcium soap in the diets was not effective in improving the bulls' weight gain or feed conversion in this trial. As both toasted fullfat soybean and whole sunflower seed increased the proportions of C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3 in adipose fat tissue and decreased the proportion of C16:0, they consequently significantly (P < 0.01) increased the ratio of unsaturated fatty acids. Whole sunflower seed was more effective than fullfat soybean. However, inclusion of the calcium soap had no effect on the fatty acid profiles in the present study.

Adipose Tissue↗

Cloning, expression, and purification of glyoxysomal 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase from sunflower cotyledons.

The glyoxysomal beta-oxidation system in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cotyledons is distinguished by the coexistence of two different thiolase isoforms, thiolase I and II. So far, this phenomenon has only been described for glyoxysomes from sunflower cotyledons. Thiolase I (acetoacetyl-CoA thiolase, EC 2.3.1.9) recognizes acetoacetyl-CoA only, while thiolase II (3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase, EC 2.3.1.16) exhibits a more broad substrate specificity towards 3-oxoacyl-CoA esters of different chain length. Here, we report on the cloning of thiolase II from sunflower cotyledons. The known DNA sequence of Cucumis sativus 3-oxoacyl-CoA thiolase was used to generate primers for cloning the corresponding thiolase from sunflower cotyledons. RT-PCR was then used to generate an internal fragment of the sunflower thiolase gene and the termini were isolated using 5'- and 3'-RACE. Full-length cDNA was generated using RT-PCR with sunflower thiolase-specific primers flanking the coding region. The resultant gene encodes a thiolase sharing at least 80% identity with other plant thiolases at the amino acid level. The recombinant sunflower thiolase II was expressed in a bacterial system in an active form and purified to apparent homogeneity in a single step using Ni-NTA agarose chromatography. The enzyme was purified 53.4-fold and had a specific activity of 235 nkat/mg protein. Pooled fractions from the Ni-NTA column resulted in an 83% yield of active enzyme to be used for further characterization.

Acetyl-CoA C-Acyltransferase↗

2S methionine-rich protein (SSA) from sunflower seed is an IgE-binding protein.

BACKGROUND: Sunflower seed contains 2S albumins that in other crops have been associated with allergenicity. The sunflower seed methionine-rich 2S albumin (SSA) may be an IgE-binding protein responsible for anaphylactic reactions in some sunflower seed-sensitive subjects. The objective was to demonstrate that SSA is an IgE-binding protein. METHODS: SSA was purified and the amino-acid sequence determined. The degree of purity of SSA was evaluated by silver staining, and its IgE-binding capacity by immunoblotting with serum from a subject with a convincing clinical history of anaphylaxis to sunflower seed. RESULTS: The amino-acid sequence confirmed that the purified protein was the mature form of the methionine-rich storage protein SSA from sunflower seed (Helianthus annuus). The SSA was specifically recognized by IgE from the serum of the sunflower seed-allergic subject. CONCLUSIONS: SSA is an IgE-binding protein, and subjects allergic to sunflower seed whose IgE binds to SSA are at risk of developing allergic reactions if they consume SSA.

2S Albumins, Plant↗