Triticum vulgare para el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia, Armenia, Colombia / Triticum vulgare for the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause, Armenia, Colombia

OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad de Triticum vulgare en el tratamiento del síndrome genitourinario de la menopausia (SGUM). MÉTODO: Estudio cuasiexperimental (antes-después, con grupo control) en mujeres posmenopáusicas (amenorrea ≥ 36 meses, hormona estimulante del folículo > 40 U/l y estradiol < 25 pg/ml), sexualmente activas, con un índice de maduración vaginal (IMV) < 50 y pH ≥ 5, citología cervical negativa (Papanicolaou) y diagnóstico de SGUM, atendidas en el programa de climaterio y menopausia de una clínica privada de mediana complejidad, en Armenia, Quindío (Colombia). Se seleccionaron 207 mujeres con edad promedio de 55,19 ± 7,28 años. Se realizó un muestreo consecutivo. Se asignaron dos grupos: A (n = 105), que recibió T. vulgare, y B (n = 102), que recibió placebo. Se hizo seguimiento al inicio (basal) y 4, 8 y 12 semanas después, utilizando el IMV y el Índice de Función Sexual Femenina (IFSF). Los síntomas del SGUM se evaluaron con una escala visual analógica (EVA). Se aplicó estadística descriptiva. RESULTADOS: La puntuación media del IMV fue mayor en las semanas 4, 8 y 12 en todas las mujeres del grupo A (p = 0,01). Se observó una diferencia significativa en el promedio final de la puntuación del IMV de T. vulgare frente al placebo (p < 0,05). Al final del estudio, el grupo A mostró una mejoría significativa en la puntuación promedio del IFSF, en comparación con el grupo B (p < 0,001). Las puntuaciones de la EVA presentaron una disminución progresiva a lo largo del estudio, pero fueron comparables entre los dos grupos (p = 0,813). CONCLUSIONES: T. vulgare es una efectiva, segura e innovadora alternativa, no hormonal, para el tratamiento del SGUM. No se registraron eventos adversos, por lo que se demostró su seguridad.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Triticum vulgare in the treatment of genitourinary syndrome of menopause. METHOD: Quasi-experimental study (before-after, with control group) in postmenopausal women (amenorrhea ≥ 36 months, FSH > 40 U/L and estradiol < 25 pg/ml), sexually active, with a vaginal maturation index (VMI) < 50 and pH ≥ 5, negative cervical cytology (Papanicolaou) and with a diagnosis of genitourinary syndrome of menopause (SGUM); who were treated in the climacteric and menopause program of a private clinic of medium complexity, in Armenia, Quindío (Colombia). 207 participants were selected, with a mean age of 55.19 ± 7.28 years. A consecutive sampling was carried out. Two groups were assigned: A (n = 105) with T. vulgare and B (n = 102) with placebo. Follow-up was done at baseline (baseline), four, eight and twelve weeks later, using the VMI and the female sexual function index (IFSF). Symptoms of SGUM were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). Descriptive statistics were applied. RESULTS: The mean score of the IMV was higher in weeks 4, 8 and 12 in all the participants of group A (p = 0.01). A significant difference was observed in the final mean MVI score of T. vulgare versus placebo (p < 0.05). At the end of the study, group A showed a significant improvement in the mean IFSF score, compared to placebo (p < 0.001). The VAS scores showed a progressive decrease throughout the study but were comparable between the two groups (p = 0.813). CONCLUSIONS: T. vulgare is an effective, safe and innovative non-hormonal alternative for the treatment of SGUM. No adverse events were recorded, guaranteeing their safety.

Enhancement of antioxidant properties of Triticum durum obtained by traditional spontaneous fermentation in underground silos

Fermented foods have made important contributions to human diets for thousands of years and continue to do so. Their health-promoting benefits are attracting increasingly attention. The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of natural fermentation on antioxidant properties of traditionally fermented wheat (Triticum durum) compared to unfermented samples. Initially, the samples were submitted to traditional spontaneous fermentation. Subsequently, an aqueous extract was obtained and used to determine polyphenolic and flavonoid contents. Moreover, the antioxidant potential was also measured through the determination of the scavenging ability against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals, reducing power and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. The results showed that the total phenolic and total flavonoid contents were significantly increased in fermented wheat. Moreover, the antioxidant activity was more effective in fermented than in unfermented wheat. Thus, natural fermentation can enhance natural antioxidants in wheat and transform it into a healthy food or ingredient with multi-functional properties which can be used in the food industry.

Avaliação do teor de sódio contido em salgadinhos industrializados comercializados em supermercados / Evaluation of the sodium content contained in industrialized salted snacks marketed in supermarkets

Objetivo: Analisar experimentalmente o teor de sódio de sal-gadinhos industrializados disponíveis no comércio da Cidade de Maceió, Alagoas. Material e Métodos: Classificar o teor de sódio de acordo com a legislação vigente. Vinte amostras de salgadinho de milho, trigo e batata, de diferentes sabores foram avaliadas utilizando-se a metodologia de espectrofotometria de emissão com atomização em chama. Resultados: Verificou-se que todas as amostras apresentavam a classificação de "alto teor" de sódio, tendo por base a RDC n° 24 de 2010 da Anvisa e que 65% das amostras apresentaram valores reais do teor de sódio superiores aos que estavam declarados nos rótulos. Conclusão: Com relação ao teor de sódio encontrado nos salgadinhos analisados, verificou-se que todas as amostras apresentaram a classificação de "alto teor" de sódio. (AU)

Objective:The objective of the study was to analyze experi-mentally the sodium content of commercially available savory foods in the city of Maceió, Alagoas,. Method: to classify this content according to the current legislation. Twenty samples of corn flakes, wheat and potato snacks of random flavors were evaluated using the emission spectrophotometry with in-line flame atomization method. Results: It was verified that all The samples presented a sodium "high content" classification, based on Anvisa's RDC nº 24 of 2010 and that it was also observed that 65% of the samples had actual values of sodium content higher than those declared on the labels. Conclusion: Regarding the sodium content found in the analyzed snack foods, it was found that all samples had the classification of "high" sodium. (AU)

Effect of wheatgrass on DNA damage, oxidative stress index and histological findings in diabetic rats / Efecto del pasto de trigo sobre el daño del ADN, el índice de estrés oxidativo y los hallazgos histológicos en ratas diabéticas

This study was aimed to search the effect of wheatgrass on the Total Antioxidan (TAS)-Oxidan Status (TOS) and DNA damage in rat with diabetes. The rats used in the study were randomly divided into 4 groups that each of has 10 rats: Control group; 1 ml single dose phosphate-citrate buffer injected i.p (pH: 4.5), Diabetes group; 45 mg/kg single dose streptozotocin injected i.p., Wheatgrass group; was given oral wheatgrass (10 ml/kg/day) for 6 weeks, Diabetes +Wheatgrass group; 45 mg/kg single dose streptozotocin injected i.p. and wheatgrass (10 ml/kg/day) was given by oral during 6 weeks. After the process of experiment during 6 weeks, blood sample and pancreas tissue were taken. The analysis were done of blood glucose levels, TAS, TOS levels by colorimetric kits; DNA damage by ELISA kits in serum. The pancreas tissues were examined histopathologically. In the group of Diabetes+Wheatgrass was determined that the levels of glucose levels (p<0.001), TOS (p<0.05) and OSI (p<0.01) statistically decreased and heal histopatolojical compared to diabetes group. In the group of Wheatgrass was determined that the levels of TAS p<0.05 statistically increased from other groups. The statistical significance were not found in the level of serum 8OHdG differences between the groups. The beta cells were seen to increase in the group receiving wheatgrass for therapeutic purposes.As a conclusion, it was determined that wheatgrass strengthened the anti-oxidant defense system and reduced the glucose level in diabetic rats.

El objetivo de este estudio fue buscar el efecto del pasto de trigo sobre el estado total de antioxidantes (TAS) -Oxidan Status (TOS) y el daño del ADN en ratas con diabetes. Las ratas analizadas en el estudio se dividieron aleatoriamente en 4 grupos de 10 ejemplares cada uno: grupo control; 1 ml de tampón fosfato-citrato de dosis única inyectado i.p. (pH: 4,5)., Grupo diabetes; 45 mg / kg de estreptozotocina en dosis única inyectada i.p., grupo pasto de trigo; se administró pasto de trigo oral (10 ml / kg / día) durante 6 semanas, grupo diabetes + pasto de trigo; 45 mg / kg de estreptozotocina en dosis única inyectada i.p. y pasto de trigo (10 ml / kg / día) por vía oral durante 6 semanas. Después del proceso experimental durante 6 semanas, se tomaron muestras de sangre y tejido de páncreas. Se midieron los niveles de glucosa en sangre, TAS, y TOS mediante kits colorimétricos; El daño al ADN fue realizado por kits de ELISA en suero. Los tejidos del páncreas se examinaron histopatológicamente. En el grupo de diabetes + pasto de trigo se determinó que los niveles de glucosa (p <0,001), TOS (p <0,05) y OSI (p <0,01) disminuyeron estadísticamente y curaron histopatológicamente en comparación con el grupo de diabetes. En el grupo de pasto de trigo se determinó que los niveles de TAS p <0,05 se incrementaron estadísticamente con respecto a otros grupos. No fue estadísticamente significativo el nivel de las diferencias séricas de 8OHdG entre los grupos. Se observó que las células beta aumentaron en el grupo que recibió pasto de trigo con fines terapéuticos. Como conclusión, se determinó que el pasto de trigo fortaleció el sistema de defensa antioxidante y redujo el nivel de glucosa en las ratas diabéticas.

Folatos y embarazo, conceptos actuales: ¿Es necesaria una suplementación con Acido Fólico? / Folate and pregnancy, current concepts: It is required folic acid supplementation?

El aporte de folatos durante el embarazo es esencial para un desarrollo fetal y placentario adecuados y para la salud del individuo a largo plazo. Su deficiencia puede inducir alteraciones y patologías fetales como bajo peso al nacer, recién nacidos de pre término y defectos del tubo neural (DTN). Por ello, varios países han decidido implementar políticas públicas de fortificación de alimentos con ácido fólico (AF). Chile inició la fortificación de la harina de trigo con AF en el año 2000, logrando reducir en un 43% la prevalencia de DTN. Sin embargo, además de la elevada ingesta de pan de nuestra población (principal alimento fortificado con AF), muchas mujeres embarazadas consumen suplementos de AF, lo que podría estar superando las concentraciones máximas de AF recomendadas. Adicionalmente, si la dieta materna es reducida en vitamina B12 (vit B12), se alteraría la razón óptima folatos/vit B12 lo que modificaría la metilación de genes específicos y otras vías metabólicas pudiendo afectar el desarrollo fetal y la salud de los recién nacidos a largo plazo. Creemos que, transcurridos 17 años del inicio de la fortificación de la harina de trigo con AF, es necesario evaluar los posibles efectos secundarios de un alto consumo de AF, no solo durante el embarazo, sino también en la población general. Presentamos antecedentes acerca del mecanismo de acción de folatos y vit B12 a nivel celular, y conceptos actuales sobre las posibles consecuencias de un aporte materno elevado de AF sobre la descendencia.

Folate intake during pregnancy is essential for an adequate fetal and placental development and for the long time health of the individual. Its deficiency may induce fetal pathologies, including neural tube disease (NTD). Therefore, several countries implemented public policies to fortify foods with folic acid (FA). Chile started the fortification of wheat flour with FA in the year 2000, decreasing a 43% the prevalence of NTD. However, despite the high consumption of bread (the main fortified food with FA) by our population, a high number of pregnant women consume FA supplements, thus, over passing the maximal recommended FA intake. Additionally, if the diet is reduced in vitamin B12, the optimal ratio folates/vit B12 may be altered, thus inducing changes in the methylation of specific genes and other metabolic pathways, affecting fetal development and the long-term health of the neonates. We think that, after 16 years of the initiation of the fortification of wheat flour with FA, it is necessary to evaluate the possible side effects of a high intake of FA in the pregnant population and their offspring. This article shows antecedents about mechanisms of folates and vit B12 at cellular level, and their possible consequences of an elevated FA maternal intake on the offspring.

Role of Triticum aestivum aqueous extract in glucocorticoid induced osteoporosis in rats.

Administration of aqueous extract of T. aestivum (200 and 400 mg/kg/day, po, for 30 days) and risedronate (20 mg/kg, sc, five times a week for 30 days) following methyl prednisolone sodium succinate (10 mg/kg, sc, thrice a week for 4 weeks) induced osteoporosis in Wistar rats showed an increase in the serum levels of bone mineral content markers, decrease in the serum and urinary levels of bone resorption markers. An incline in strength of femur and tibia was seen particularly with 400 mg/kg of T. aestivum. Maintenance of calcium homeostasis, formation of collagen and scavenging of free radicals can plausibly be the mode of action of aqueous extract of T. aestivum thereby combating osteoporosis induced by glucocorticoids.

Comparative efficiency of different methods of gluten extraction in indigenous varieties of wheat / Eficacia comparativa de diferentes métodos de extracción de gluten en variedades autóctonas de trigo

The present study investigated six varieties of locally grown wheat (Lasani, Sehar, Miraj-08, Chakwal-50, Faisalabad-08 and Inqlab) procured from Punjab Seed Corporation, Lahore, Pakistan for their proximate contents. On the basis of protein content and ready availability, Faisalabad-08 (FD-08) was selected to be used for the assessment of comparative efficiency of various methods used for gluten extraction. Three methods, mechanical, chemical and microbiological were used for the extraction of gluten from FD-08. Each method was carried out under ambient conditions using a drying temperature of 55°C. Mechanical method utilized four different processes viz:- dough process, dough batter process, batter process and ethanol washing process using standard 150 mesh. The starch thus obtained was analyzed for its proximate contents. Dough batter process proved to be the most efficient mechanical method and was further investigated using 200 and 300 mesh. Gluten content was determined using sandwich ω-gliadin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).The results of dough batter process using 200 mesh indicated a starch product with gluten content of 678 ppm. Chemical method indicated high gluten content of more than 5000 ppm and the microbiological method reduced the gluten content from 2500 ppm to 398 ppm. From the results it was observed that no gluten extraction method is viable to produce starch which can fulfill the criteria of a gluten free product (20ppm).

El presente roduc seis variedades de trigo cultivado localmente (Lasani, Sehar, Miraj-08, Chakwal-50, Faisalabad-08 e Inqlab) obtenidos por sus contenidos proximales en Punjab Seed Corporation, Lahore, Pakistán. Sobre la base del contenido de roduct y su fácil disponibilidad, Faisalabad-08 (Fd-08) fue seleccionado para ser utilizado para la evaluación de la eficacia comparadativa de los diferentes métodos utilizados para la extracción de gluten. Tres métodos fueron utilizados para la extracción de gluten; mecánico, químico y microbiológico realizados en condiciones ambientales utilizando una roduct e de secado de 55°C. El método mecánico roduct cuatro procesos diferentes, a saber: proceso de masa, proceso de rebozado de masa, proceso de pasta y proceso de lavado en etanol empleando malla estándar de 150 mesh. El almidón obtenido se analizó por sus contenidos proximales. El contenido de gluten se roduct usando roduct ω-gliadina, ensayo de inmunoabsorción ligado a enzimas (ELISA). El proceso de rebozado de masa fue el método roduct más eficiente y se investigó adicionalmente usando malla 200 y 300 mesh. El proceso de rebozado de masa usando malla 200 generó un almidón con contenido de gluten de 678 ppm. El método químico produjo un contenido de gluten de más de 5.000 ppm, y el método microbiológico redujo el contenido de gluten de 2500 ppm a 398 ppm. A partir de estos resultados se roduct que ningún de estos métodos de extracción de gluten fue es viable para roduct almidón que pueda cumplir los criterios de un roduct libre de gluten (20 ppm).

Occurrence of zearalenone in wheat- and corn-based products commercialized in the State of Paraná, Brazil

The productivity of wheat and corn crops depends on climatic conditions and resistance against phytopathogenic fungi such as those of the genus Fusarium. Some species of this genus produce zearalenone (ZEA), a mycotoxin with hyperestrogenic effects. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of ZEA in samples of cracked wheat (n = 109), popcorn (n = 51) and corn grits (n = 50) commercialized in the State of Paraná, Brazil. Commercial samples of each crop were collected between September 2007 and June 2008 and analyzed by thin-layer chromatography. The method used for detection of the mycotoxin in wheat and corn derivatives presented a recovery rate of 94.5% and 99.5%, respectively, detection limit of 40 μg.kg-1 and quantification limit of 55 μg.kg-1. No contamination with ZEA was detected in cracked wheat samples. Among the corn derivatives, only one cracked corn sample was contaminated with ZEA (64 μg.kg-1). Despite the low contamination observed, monitoring the occurrence of mycotoxins in foods is important to ensure safety.

Assessment of total lipid fractions and fatty acid composition of wheat biscuits and fortified wheat biscuits with oat flour

Oat, Avena sativa is the sixth important cereal in the world Presently oat flour is a nutritious food product with high potential applications as neutraceutical in functional anc fortified foods in a variety of porridges and baked goods Oats are also used in breads, biscuits, cakes, muffins, cookie mixes, breakfast food, snack product or fram form, quick and instant flakes, rolled flakes, oat flour and oat bran. Oats after corn [maize] have the highest lipid content of any cereal. The present investigation was carried out in an attempt to evaluate sepration and identification of total lipid fractions in wheat biscuits and fortified wheat biscuits with 15%, Egyptian and Syrian oat flours using thin Layer Chromatogram Technique [TLC]. The fatty acid composition of the studied biscuits was carried out by Gas Liquid Chromatographic Technique, [GLC]. Using TLC technique the total lipid of the studied biscuits were fractionated to eight fractions namely: phospholipids, monoglycerides, 1-2 and 2-3 diglycerides, sterols, 1-3 diglycerides, free fatty acids, triglycerides and hydrocarbons + sterol esters in variable levels, except in Egyptian wheat biscuits, which was fractionated to six fractions only, since the sterols and 1-3 diglycerides were not detected. The fatty acids analysis revealed that there were eight fatty acids in the studied biscuits namely: palmitic acid, plamitoleic acid stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid and eicosenic acid in variable levels. The data revealed that the predominant saturated fatty acid was palmitic acid, while the predominant unsaturated fatty acid was linoleic acid in all the studied biscuits but in variable levels. Fortification of wheat flour with 15% oat flour produced low-fat biscuits which could be recommended for caloric diets for obese and over weight persons as well as for hyper-cholesterolemic and diabetic persons due to its low fat content and low caloric value

Cytotoxic effects of commercial wheatgrass and fiber towards human acute promyelocytic leukemia cells [Hl60]

Cytotoxicity, the possible selective activity upon HL60 as well as the anti-proliferation effect of local health supplement wheatgrass and mixture of fibers were investigated in vitro using various cancerous cell line and normal blood cell culture. The IC[50] of wheatgrass-treated HL60 [17.5 +/- 1.1, 12.5 +/- 0.3, and 16 +/- 0.5 microgram/ml for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively] and fibers-treated HL60 [86.0 +/- 5.5, 35.0 +/- 2.5, and 52.5 +/- 4.5 microgram/ml for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively] showed that both extracts possessed optimum effect after 48 hours of treatment. No significant cytotoxic effect was observed on other type of cells. For trypan blue dye exclusion method, wheatgrass reduced the number of viable cells by 13.5% [ +/- 1.5], 47.1% [ +/- 3.6], and 64.9% [ +/- 2.7] after 24, 48 and 72 h exposure, respectively. Mixture of fibers reduced the number of viable cells by 36.4% [ +/- 2.3], 57.1% [ +/- 3.1], and 89.0% [ +/- 3.4] after 24, 48 and 72 h exposure, respectively, indicated that necrosis is also an alternative to the apoptotic mechanism of cell death. Annexin-V/propidium iodide staining revealed that both extracts induced apoptosis where early apoptosis had been detected concurrently with the reduction of percentage of cell viability. Cell cycle analysis revealed that in HL60, the percentage of apoptosis increased with time [wheatgrass: 16.0% +/- 2.4, 45.3% +/- 3.4 and 39.6% +/- 4.1; mixture of fibers: 14.6% +/- 1.8, 45.4% +/- 2.3 and 45.9% +/- 1.2] after exposure for 24, 48 and 72 h, respectively at the concentration of 100 microgram/ml and showed optimum effect at 48 hours. Thus, these health products can be a potential alternative supplement for leukaemia patients

Determinación de ocratoxina-a por HPLC con detección por fluorescencia (HPLC-FL): un nuevo método estandarizado para muestras de trigo / Ochratoxin-a determination by HPLC with fluorescence detection(HPLC-FL): a new standardization method for wheat samples

El objetivo principal de este estudio fue evaluar la presencia de Ocratoxina-A (OTA) en los granos del trigo y harina del trigo realizadas por un nuevo método de determinación que usa la cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (CLAR) acoplada al descubridor delfluorimetrio. El experimento usó seis muestras de grano de trigo del lugar del almacenamiento diferente a la industria local de Chapeco (SC), Brasil Sur, en agosto, 2008. El extracto de OTA era llevado a cabo usando el acetonitrila: agua (120:80 vlv) como solventes. Después el suprenadante fue filtrado, y aplicado en la columna del inmunoafinidad específica a OTA. Además, la columna se lavó con agua y la toxina era el eluido con el metanol. La determinación del OTA se realizó por detección de fluorescencia acoplado al aparato de HPLC. Los volúmenes de OTA en los granos del trigo y harina del trigo eran entonces los determínate y los resultados mostraron una concentración de OTA menor que los límites exigidos por la legislación internacional.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of Ochratoxin A (OTA) in wheat grains and wheat flour samples using a new high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The experiment used six wheat grain samples from different industry storage place from Chapeco (SC), South Brazil, on August 2008. The OTA extraction was carried out using acetonitrile: water (120:80 v/v) as solvent. Thereafter, the supernatant was filtered, and applied on OTA-specific immunoafinity column to HPLC Furthermore, the column was washed with water and the toxin was eluted with methanol. The OTA wheat grains and wheat flour concentration were analyzed by a fluorescence detector coupled to the HPLC apparatus. The results showed a smaller OTA concentration than the limits set by international legislation.

Bioregulation of carbohydrate metabolism in relation to source-sink operation during grain-filling phase of growth in wheat.

Mobilization of free sugars from vegetative tissues to grain and their transformation to starch in relation to activities of some relevant enzymes during growth and development were investigated in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Vegetative tissues, viz. flag-leaf, flag-leaf sheath, nodes and internodes contained high concentration of free sugars from 70 DAS to 18 DPA and that was in the order of accumulation--flag-leaf sheath> flag-leaf and internodes > nodes. In these tissues, major portion of 14C appeared in endogenous sucrose, irrespective of the nature of (U-14C]-sugars supplied. In photosynthetic structures above flag-leaf node, namely peduncle, rachis and bracts, the free sugar make-up was maximum at anthesis (90 DAS). Activity of soluble acid invertase (EC 3.2.1.26) was high in these tissues during early stages of grain growth but reverse was true for soluble neutral invertase (EC 3.2.1.27) activity. In apical and basal portions of grain, free sugars were more or less similarly distributed in concentration. Linear and rapid accumulation of starch in endosperm paralleled with a decline in accumulation of this polymer in pericarp-aleurone. In the latter tissue, the activities of starch hydrolyzing enzymes, i.e alpha- and beta-amylases (3.2.1.1 and 3.2.1.2) were high during initial stages of grain growth. During active grain-filling, alkaline inorganic pyrophosphatase (EC 3.6.1.1) seemed to play a vital role during starch accumulation in endosperm, whereas the involvement of 3-PGA phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.38) was almost confined to pericarp-aleurone. Impairement of ear head photosynthesis by shading depressed starch synthesis (approximately 50%) indicating, thereby, the significant role of current photosynthates during grain-filling. The results suggested that grain growth in wheat was influenced by an efficient operation of source as well as regulatory factors, including enzymes, constituting intrinsic potential of grain sink.

Solid state cultivation of Curvularia lunata for transformation of rifamycin B to S.

Biotransformation of rifamycin B to rifamycin S using two strains of C. lunata namely NCIM 716 and NMU grown on various solid substrates viz., grass, paper, jowar/wheat straw, bran and bagasse was studied. Almost complete biotransformation efficiency of rifamycin B at 0. 06 mM concentration was observed within 24 hr. Among these two strains, C. lunata NMU showed 90% of biotransformation and higher rate of cellulose utilization on solid substrates vis-à-vis reference strain. Cellulase activity of both strains was also studied for exoglucanase, endoglucanase and beta-glucosidase. Column bioreactor studies with bagasse revealed further improvement in biotransformation efficiency of C. lunata NMU.

Purification and characterization of toxins from wheat isolates of Drechslera tritici-repentis, Bipolaris bicolor, and Bipolaris sorokiniana

Low molecular weight metabolites produced by Bipolaris bicolor, Bipolaris sorokiniana, and Drechslera tritici-repentis are considered to be toxins that facilitate disease in wheat cultivars. Several such toxins were isolated from these fungi. Electrophoresis demonstrated bands of proteins that reduce shoot inhibition in susceptible plants but not in resistant plants. Chlorophyll content was reduced during the first 10 hours of light in the susceptible plants and after 18 hours in the resistant plants. The enzyme beta-1,3-glucanase increased in the resistant plants after treatment with toxins, but in the susceptible plants this enzyme decreased compared to the control. This suggests that the toxin was a protein and the susceptible plants needed other mechanisms for induce resistance.

Predicting nitrogen nutritional status of wheat, maize and sugar beet using a handhold chlorophyll meter

A field study has been carried out in Ismailia Governorate, Egypt, during the seasons 96/97 and 97/98. It aimed to determine nitrogen, status of economically important field crops wheat, maize and sugar beet under field conditions using a portable chlorophyll meter. Readings of the chlorophyll meter were proportional to the chlorophyll density as well as nitrogen concentrations in the plant leaves. Mg concentration of wheat leaves showed a non- significant correlation with the N-Tester readings, while iron concentrations were negatively correlated with the apparatus readings. Both Mg and Fe concentrations in maize leaves were negatively correlated with the meter readings. In contrast, Mg and Fe concentrations in sugar beet leaves showed highly significant positive correlations with the N-Tester readings. Thus, the apparatus can be used to predict N-statiis for the three studied crops. More studies are needed to establish predicting of magnesium and iron using the portable meter under field conditions

Enzymatic determination of soluble and insoluble dietary fiber in rice and wheat bran

The information about dietary fiber presents controversies in many research areas such as in nomenclature, related illnesses, recommended quantities and terminology, mainly because of lack of analytical data. Different needs and interests for the dietary fiber composition of foods and forages have led to a proliferation of methods for its analysis. This research, a further adaptation of the enzymatic method of Asp et al. (1983) for its appplication is proposed for rice and wheat bran, byproducts of agroindustries in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). The inclusion of Amyloglucosidase in the proposed methodology contributed to the decrease in the content of residual starch at the end of the experiment, like Prosky et al (1992). To increase the efficiency of the enzyme system inthis type of samples, other changes were made with respect to incubation time and proteolytic enzyme concentration. In the final adaptation, a decrease of 51.33 per cent of the starch content was observed in rice bran (RB) and of 52.93 per cent in wheat bran (WB). This decrease was also verified in the model system (MS) (52.08 per cent), which demonstrates the adequacy of the proposed adaptation. With respect to the residual protein, it was verified that the measures adopted provoked a reduction of 42.15 per cent (RB), 52.19 per cent (WB) and 42.11 per cent (MS) as compared to the original method. Then the proposed conditions has been shown to be efficient in decreasing the level of interference (indigestible starch and protein) in the quantification of dietary fiber in rice and wheat bran.

Silica particles as a possible aetiological factor of esophageal carcinoma in the qassim region of Saudi Arabia; a pilot study

To determine the causative relation between the high levels of silica content in local wheat and salt and the reported increased incidence of esophageal carcinoma in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia The wheat and natural salt produced in the Qassim province of Saudi Arabia are analyzed using the "ash-weight-method" in order to determine their content of silica. At the same time, the acid insoluble particles of silica isolated from esophageal squamous epithelium surrounding the tumor-bearing site are assessed using a filtration method for extraction. The particles are subsequently observed by a scanning electron microscope and the elements measured by an x-ray analyzer. The results obtained from the experimental and control specimens are tabulated and compared. The resected esophageal segments of four Saudi patients who were diagnosed to have esophageal carcinoma and have been resident in the Qassim province formed test group number I [group I]. Group II [the control tissue specimen] consisted of equal weight of mucosal samples obtained from four normal esophageal segments taken during necropsies performed in Riyadh Central Hospital. The results of this retrospective pilot study showed that the wheat and natural salt produced in the Qassim province contain significantly higher levels of silica when compared with that of other countries like United Arab Emirates and Australia: 130 [6.5%], 74 [3.7%] and 34 mg [1.7%] of silica per 2000 mg of wheat respectively and 14 mg [0.12%] only of silica per 2000 mg of sample. A comparison between the mean values of the counts and weight of silica granules in carcinomatous esophageal specimens and that of control samples show a significant increase in the levels of silica in the resected esophageal segments, Table 1. This pilot study suggests a previously unconsidered possible aetiological relation between the significant silica contents in the wheat and salt and the increased reported incidence of oesophageal carcinoma among the local population of Qassim's province. It is possible that the putative sharp-edged silica particles cause repeated local injury during their passage down the esophagus and also during the time they spend buried in the mucosa. This repeated injury may lead to cellular proliferation and subsequent neoplastic change

Effect of wheat flour and yeast on balady bread characteristics

Three wheat flour varieties [Giza 157, Sakha 8 and Sakha 69] and 3 different sources of yeast were used for the production of Balady bread. There were slight differences in the main constituents of wheat flour varieties. Rheological properties [as measured by farinograph and extensograph] indicated that the strength of flour dough changed in a decreasing order as Sakha 69> Sakha 8> Giza 157. Sensory evaluation of the produced bread revealed a higher score for dry yeast [0.5%] followed by compressed yeast [0.75%] then Soltani starter [25%]. The results, also, showed that the staling of bread loaves was significantly affected by wheat flour variety and type and level of yeast added. Slight differences in the chemical composition of the produced bread were also noticed

Chemical and physical studies on flour mill streams 1- Break flours

Investigation was conducted to evaluate the variation in chemical contents, rheological properties and baking quality of flour mill streams, break flours, from commercial mill. Results showed a gradual variation in contents. Crude protein increased from 7.27% in the first break flour to 13.95% in the last break flour, also wet and dry gluten increased from 20.64% and 7.91% in flour of first break to 38.32% and 16.80% in flour of the last break, comparison between break flour streams farinograms showed a gradual increase of water absorption, arrival time, dough development time, stability and valorimeter value with reduction in tolerance index and dough softening. Extensograms of break flour streams demonstrated a variation between them and patent flour, extensibility and energy increased from first break flour to the last one, while resistance to extensibility showed the opposite trend. Test bake results showed a gradual decrease in bread volume and specific volume. Results obtained revealed the possibility of obtaining three different quality flours according to protein content and quality