O consumo de farinha de taro (Colocasia esculenta) favorece a integridade óssea em ratos machos / Taro (Colocasia esculenta) flour intake enable bone integrity in male rats

Objetivo: A proposta deste estudo foi investigar a composição óssea em ratos tratados com dieta suplementada com farinha de taro (Colocasia esculenta) até eles completarem 90 dias de idade. Métodos: No momento do desmame, os ratos foram divididos em grupo controle (C, n = 11) e experimental (T, n = 12) ­ composto por animais tratados com farinha de taro até os 90 dias de idade. Ingestão alimentar, massa e comprimento corporal foram avaliados semanalmente ao longo de todo o período experimental. Dimensões ósseas, bem como a densidade mineral óssea (DMO), conteúdo mineral ósseo (CMO), área óssea total e propriedades biomecânicas foram determinadas no final de 90 dias. Resultados: Grupo T apresentou elevados valores (P<0.05) para massa e comprimento corporal; DMO, CMO e área óssea da coluna vertebral; DMO na quarta vértebra lombar; massa femoral, distância entre as epífises, largura do ponto médio da diáfise, DMO, força máxima e concentrações séricas de osteocalcina, quando comparado ao grupo controle. Conclusões: A ingestão da farinha de taro apresentou efeito positivo na saúde óssea. (AU)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate bone composition in male rats treated with diet supplemented with taro (Colocasia esculenta) flour until their 90 days. Methods: Weanling male rats were divided into control (C, n=11) and experimental group (T, n=12); the latter comprised animals treated with taro flour until their 90 days. Food intake, body mass and length were evaluated on a weekly basis throughout the experimental period. Spine bone dimension, as well as bone mineral density (BMD), mineral content (BMC), total area and biomechanical properties were determined after 90 days. Results: T group recorded higher values for (P<0.05) body mass and length; BMD, BMC and total spinal area; BMD of the fourth lumbar vertebra; femoral mass, distance between epiphysis, medial point of diaphysis width, BMD, maximum strength and osteocalcin concentrations than the control. Conclusion: Taro flour intake had positive effect on bone health. (AU)

Technical feasibility of conventional and nonconventional vegetables' intercropping under organic fertilization / Viabilidade técnica do cultivo consorciado de hortaliças convencionais e não convencionais sob fertilização orgânica

This work aimed to evaluate the technical feasibility of lettuce, Indian spinach and taro intercropping under organic fertilizer. The experiment was performed at Água Limpa Farm, belonging to the University of Brasília, located in Brasília - DF, from October 2014 to June 2015. A completely randomized block design with seven treatments and four replications was used. Each experimental plot had 18 m2 (4.5 m x 4.0 m), totaling 28 plots. The following treatments were assessed: lettuce monoculture, Indian spinach monoculture, taro monoculture, lettuce/Indian spinach intercropping, lettuce/taro intercropping, Indian spinach/taro intercropping, and lettuce/Indian spinach/taro intercropping. In all treatments, the following spacings were used: 0.25 x 0.25 m (lettuce), 1.0 x 0.6 m (Indian spinach), and 1.0 x 0.3 m (taro). Crop production was evaluated from sample plants taken from the central part of each plot. Two harvests of lettuce, two of Indian spinach and one of taro were carried out during intercropping. In the first cycle, lettuce highest mean yield values were observed in the lettuce monoculture (3.5 kg m-2) and lettuce/Indian spinach intercropping (3.4 kg m-2). The crop reached the commercial size in both production cycles, except when intercropped with Indian spinach in the second cycle. The highest Indian spinach mean fresh mass was recorded in the lettuce/Indian spinach intercropping (974.7 g plant-1; first harvest) and monoculture (327.5 g plant-1; second harvest). The yield of taro rhizomes was significantly higher when intercropped with lettuce, showing a mean value of 16.8 kg m-2. The intercropping arrangements with lettuce increased yield of nonconventional vegetables. The conventional and nonconventional vegetables' intercropping technique increased species diversity in the area without interfering in the agronomic performance and quality of the crops.

Physicochemical, Thermal, Structural and Pasting Properties of Unconventional Starches from Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and White Yam (Dioscorea sp)

Abstract Ginger and white yam starches were investigated and compared with maize starch. Proximal composition, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, microscopy, colourimetry, X-ray powder diffractometry and pasting profile were analysed. The unconventional starches presented higher protein and ash contents than the maize starch, that had the highest thermal stability. Higher gelatinisation temperatures were reported for ginger starch, and the enthalpy of the unconventional starches were similar. The maize starch presented the lowest gelatinisation values. For the corn starch the granules were polygonal and smaller than the unconventional starches, and oval shapes and larger diameters were found for the ginger and yam starches. The unconventional starches presented less brightness and a greater tendency to red and yellow. The maize and ginger starches had A-type diffraction patterns, while the white yam starch had a C-type pattern. The highest relative crystallinity was observed for the ginger starch and there were small differences between the yam and maize starches. Higher peak viscosity and final viscosity and lower pasting temperature were observed for the yam starch. Ginger starch showed the highest shear and stability of heating glue, so may be used in products processed under high temperatures; and yam starch can be used in acidic foods that require high viscosities.

Caracterización física y nutricional de harina del tubérculo de "Malanga" Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) de Actopan, Veracruz, México / Physical and nutritional characterization of tuber meal of "Malanga" (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott) of Actopan, Veracruz, Mexico

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, conocida comúnmente como taro o malanga se cultiva en los trópicos húmedos en varios países de África, América y Asia y su tubérculo es un alimento esencial para humanos y animales. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar física y nutricionalmente la harina del tubérculo de malanga cultivada en Actopan, Edo. De Veracruz, México. Se llevaron a cabo análisis químico proximal, aminoácidos, fracciones de fibra, minerales, actividad de agua, color, factores antinutricionales y contenido de fenoles totales. Los resultados indican un contenido de humedad de 6,87 g/100 g, proteína cruda de 5,93 g/100 g, extracto etéreo 1,25 g/100 g, fibra dietaria 12,08 g/100g, cenizas 3,47 g/100 g y extracto libre de nitrógeno 77,27 g/100g. El contenido de fenoles totales fue de 113,57±14 expresado como miligramos de equivalente de ácido gálico (mg EAG/100g). La harina de malanga presentó un alto contenido de K (1743 mg/100 g) y bajo en Na (9,25 mg/100 g). Se concluye que a pesar de no ser una fuente importante de proteína el perfil de aminoácidos esenciales supera los valores de FAO, en relación a la fibra dietética total podría ser un ingrediente en formulaciones alimenticias que además aportaría K, Ca y Mg. De acuerdo a las fracciones de fibra la harina es una alternativa para la elaboración de alimentos balanceados. El contenido de fenoles totales abre la posibilidad de que se complemente con la identificación de su actividad antioxidant(AU)

Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, commonly known as taro, malanga or yam, is grown in the humid tropics in several countries in Africa, America and Asia and its tuber is an essential food for humans and animals. The objective of this study was to characterize malanga meal physicochemically and content of phenolic compounds cultivated in Actopan, Edo. Veracruz, Mexico. The proximal chemical analyzes, aminoacid, fiber fractions, minerals, water activity, color, antinutritional factors and total phenol content were carried out. The results indicate a moisture content of 6.87g /100 g, crude protein of 5.93 g /100 g, ether extract 1.25g /100g, dietary fiber 12.08 g /100 g, ash 3.47g/100g and nitrogen-free extract 77.27g/100g The total polyphenol content in this study was 113.57 ± 14 expressed as milligrams of gallic acid equivalent (mg EAG/100g). It concluded that despite not being an important source of protein the profile of essential amino acids exceeds the values of FAO, in relation to total dietary fiber could be an ingredient that in food formulations that also provide K, Ca and Mg. According to fiber fractions, meal is an alternative for the elaboration of balanced foods. The content of total phenols opens the possibility that it complements with the identification of its antioxidant activity(AU)

Alterations of Food-specific Serum IgG4 Titers to Common Food Antigens in Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The role of dietary factors in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to compare IgG4 levels to common food antigens between patients with IBS and healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty-two patients diagnosed as IBS according to the Rome III criteria (12 diarrhea subgroup; 20 non-diarrhea subgroup) and 32 sex and age-matched healthy controls participated in the study. Serum IgG4 titers to 90 common foods were measured in each subject. The number of subjects with positivity defined as the cut-off value ≥ 0.7 U/mL was compared. RESULTS: Patients with IBS had significantly higher IgG4 titers to wheat, leek and taro compared to those of controls. Serum IgG4 titers to ginger, cocoa, walnut, white radish, onion, and lettuce in IBS patients tended to be higher than controls. IgG4 titers to wheat, gluten and gliadin in the diarrhea subgroup, and lettuce, leek and taro in the non-diarrhea subgroup tended to be higher compared with controls. The number of subjects with positivity to apple, orange, lettuce, and leek was significantly higher in IBS patients than controls. The number of subjects with positivity to apple, orange, gluten, and gliadin in the diarrhea subgroup, and egg white, pineapple, soybean, lettuce, and leek in the non-diarrhea subgroup was significantly higher compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IgG4 antibody levels to some common foods are abnormally elevated in IBS patients. The type of foods with abnormally elevated serum IgG4 titers in the diarrhea subgroup may be different from that in the non-diarrhea subgroup.

Evaluation of metal contamination and phytoremediation potential of aquatic macrophytes of East Kolkata Wetlands, India

OBJECTIVES: The present study analyzes metal contamination in sediment of the East Kolkata Wetlands, a Ramsar site, which is receiving a huge amount of domestic and industrial wastewater from surrounding areas. The subsequent uptake and accumulation of metals in different macrophytes are also examined in regard to their phytoremediation potential. METHODS: Metals like cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and lead (Pb) were estimated in sediment, water and different parts of the macrophytes Colocasia esculenta and Scirpus articulatus. RESULTS: The concentration of metals in sediment were, from highest to lowest, Mn (205.0±65.5 mg/kg)>Cu (29.9±10.2 mg/kg)>Pb (22.7±10.3 mg/kg)>Cd (3.7±2.2 mg/kg). The phytoaccumulation tendency of these metals showed similar trends in both native aquatic macrophyte species. The rate of accumulation of metals in roots was higher than in shoots. There were strong positive correlations (p<0.001) between soil organic carbon (OC) percentage and Mn (r =0.771), and sediment OC percentage and Pb (r=0.832). Cation exchange capacity (CEC) also showed a positive correlation (p<0.001) with Cu (r=0.721), Mn (r=0.713), and Pb (r=0.788), while correlations between sediment OC percentage and Cu (r=0.628), sediment OC percentage and Cd (r=0.559), and CEC and Cd (r=0.625) were significant at the p<0.05 level. CONCLUSIONS: Bioaccumulation factor and translocation factors of these two plants revealed that S. articulatus was comparatively more efficient for phytoremediation, whereas phytostabilization potential was higher in C. esculenta.

Extratos aquosos de inhame (Dioscorea rotundata Poirr. ) e de mastruz (Chenopodium ambrosioides L. ) no desenvolvimento da lagarta-do-cartucho-do-milho Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797) / Aqueous extracts of yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poirr. ) and chenopodium (Chenopodium ambrosioides L. ) in the development of fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith, 1797)

RESUMO: Estudou-se o efeito de extratos aquosos de inhame (0; 5; 10; e 20% p/p) e de mastruz (0; 2; 4; 6; 8 e 10% p/p) na biologia da lagarta-do-cartucho. Secções de folhas de milho foram mergulhadas por 30 segundos em soluções de cada concentração; após a secagem, colocou-se em cada secção uma lagarta recém-eclodida. Foram avaliadas a viabilidade e a duração das fases larval e pupal, peso e comprimento das lagartas e pupas. Em relação ao extrato de inhame, a concentração de 20% causou maior influência na fase larval, sendo a viabilidade reduzida para 12%, com duração de 7 dias, diferindo da testemunha com 17 dias. O extrato da mesma planta a 10% causou 48% de mortalidade. Em todas as concentrações esse extrato também afetou a fase de pupa; na testemunha, 85% das pupas foram viáveis, enquanto nos demais tratamentos a viabilidade não excedeu a 25%. Para o peso e comprimento das lagartas, os resultados não foram significativos. Para o mastruz, o extrato a 20% causou influência na fase larval com baixa viabilidade e mortalidade logo nos primeiros seis dias de avaliação. Outras concentrações de mastruz não deferiram entre si nas fases larval e pupal. Verificou-se que a alimentação das lagartas com folhas tratadas com mastruz diminuiu o peso das pupas.

ABSTRACT: The effect of aqueous extracts of yam (0, 5, 10, and 20% h/h) and chenopodium (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10% h/h) on the biology of fall armyworm was studied. Sections of maize leaves were dipped for 30 seconds in solutions of each concentration; after the section dried, a recently hatched caterpillar was placed onto each treated section. The viability and duration of the larval and pupal stages and the weight and length of the caterpillars and pupae were evaluated. For yam, the extract at 20% concentration caused the greatest influence on the larval stage of the insect, significantly reducing larval viability to 12%, with 7 day larval stage duration, differing from the control at 17 days. The extract of the same plant at 10% caused 48% larval mortality. At all concentrations, that extract also affected the pupal stage; in the control, pupal viability was 85%, whereas for the other concentrations the viability did not exceed 25%. No significant differences were observed for the weight and length of caterpillars. For chenopodium, the extract at 20% concentration caused influence on the larval stage, as it showed the lowest viability, causing mortality in six days. Other chenopodium concentrations did not show differences for the larval and pupal stages. Feeding caterpillars with leaves treated with the extract of chenopodium decreased pupal weight.

AMIDO NATIVO E MODIFICADO DE TARO (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott): CARACTERIZAÇÃO QUÍMICA, MORFOLÓGICA E PROPRIEDADES DE PASTA / NATIVE AND MODIFIED STARCH OF TARO (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott): CHEMICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND PASTE PROPERTIES

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi comparar as propriedades do amido nativo de taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott), clone Macaquinho, com o seu amido modificado por oxidação para utilização pela indústria alimentícia. As amostras foram avaliadas com base nas alterações referentes à sua morfologia e propriedades funcionais. Os percentuais de grupos carboxila e carbonila obtidos após modificação classificou o tratamento empregado como brando, o qual é determinante para a caracterização funcional desse amido. A microscopia revelou grânulos com formatos circulares e poliédricos, aglomerados, tendo o amido oxidado apresentado grânulos um pouco mais volumosos. O amido oxidado mostrou maior poder de intumescimento e solubilidade na temperatura prevista para gelatinização (75ºC), embora tenha sido superado pelo homólogo nativo em temperatura próxima a 80ºC, com valores máximos para ambos os amidos a 95ºC. O amido oxidado também apresentou maior capacidade de absorção de água e óleo, transparência e propriedades de pasta em relação ao amido nativo. A modificação conduzida evidenciou excelentes vantagens para a indústria alimentícia que necessita de produtos com propriedades específicas em temperaturas mais baixas em virtude da rapidez desejada no preparo de sopas, molhos e sobremesas, entre outros alimentos instantâneos.

The objective of this study was to compare the properties of native starch from taro (Colocasia esculenta L. Schott), clone "Macaquinho" with its starch modified by oxidation to be utilized in the food industry. The samples were evaluated based on the alterations of morphology and functional properties. The percentage of carbonyl and carboxyl groups obtained after modifi cation, classify the applied treatment as mild, and that is a determiningfactor for the functional characterization of starch. Microscopy revealed beads with circular and polyhedral, clusters, where the oxidized starch granules showed a little more bulky. The oxidized starch obtained the highest swelling power and solubility due to gelatinization temperature (75°C), although it has been overcome by the native starch at a temperature close to 80°C, with maximum values for both starches at 95°C. The oxidized starch presented better capability of absorbing water and oils, transparency and paste properties in comparison with native starch. The performed modifi cation presents great advantages for the food industry that needs more products with specifi c properties at lower temperatures, due to the speed required to prepare products such as soups, sauces, desserts, and other instant foods.

A Study on Vegetable Intakes and Dietary Habits of Middle School Students in Chungnam / 대한지역사회영양학회지

The purpose of this study was to provide basic data for nutritional education for juveniles' desirable vegetable intake by analyzing their vegetable intake, dietary habit and nutrient intakes according to gender of middle school students in Chungnam. The average age of the subjects was 15.0, height was 162.5 cm, weight was 53.5 kg and their average BMI was 20.1 kg/m2. The frequency of eating supper in girls was lower than that in boys. Many respondents answered that a meal-time was 10~20 minutes. Without gender difference, more than 90% respondents thought that vegetables were good for health. As for the preference of vegetable, subjects responded, "I am in the middle", "I like them", "I dislike them", "I like them very much", and "I dislike them very much" in order, without gender difference. The frequent eaten leaf vegetable was Chinese cabbage, the frequent eaten fruit vegetable was cucumber, and the frequent eaten root vegetable was radish. The favorite leaf vegetable was lettuce, the favorite fruit vegetable was corn, and the favorite root vegetable was sweet potato. The preference degrees of taro and ginger were very low. The reasons why they liked a vegetable were that it was delicious and they ate it at home often. In addition, the reason why they disliked vegetables was that they are untasty in flavor or texture and it showed that many students had a prejudice that vegetables were untasty. The intakes of plant protein, dietary fiber, ash and INQs of dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin C, folate, vitamin E in the group with high preference of vegetables were significantly higher than those of low preference group. The study results indicate that intake frequency and preference of root vegetables in juveniles are low and the major reasons of these results are taste and eating experience of vegetables. In addition, the intake amounts of dietary fiber and folate are poor in the subjects with low preference of vegetables. Therefore, families and schools should make efforts that juveniles can recognize the importance of vegetable intake and select various vegetables properly through the development of cooking methods and systematic nutrition education.

Aspectos sensoriais e fpisico-químicos de iogurtes de soja com espessantes/estabilizantes a base de fécula de inhame (Dioscorea alata), amido modificado e gelatina / Sensorial and physical-chemical aspects of soy yogusts with yam (Dioscorea Alata) starch, modified starch and gelatin as stabilizers /thickeners

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da fécula de inhame, amido modificado da Cargill-Brasil (Amidomax 4800) e gelatina da Geklita-Brasil(GEL-LAC) como espessantes/estabilizantes em diferentes proporções e combinações em "iogurte" de soja fermentado com Enterococcus faecium e Lactobacillus helveticus ssp jugurti. Dez formulações de "iogurte" de soja contendo os diferentes espessantes?estabilizantes, sempre totalizando 0,5 por cento em relação à formulação final, foram analisadas em termos sensoriais e físico-químicaos. Com base nos resultados observados concluiu-se que sob o ponto de vista sensorial o produto mais adequado fopi processado apenas com gelatina na concentração de 0,5 por cento. Esse produto também apresentou os melhores resultados físico-químicos em relação à consistência, sinérese e capacidade de retenção de água. No entanto, a gelatina utilizada isoladamente provocou aumento no tempo de fermentação do iogurte de soja.

Tóxicos al alcance de los niños / Household hazardous

Existen productos frecuentes de uso doméstico y plantas ornamentales en nuestros jardines con gran poder toxigénico que son importantes de conocer.

Soil streptomycetes with in vitro activity against the yam pathogens Curvularia eragrostides and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Yam (Dioscorea cayennensis Lam), an important crop in the Northeastern region of Brazil, is susceptible to the attack of several phytopathogenic fungi, such as Curvularia eragrostides (Henn.) Meyer and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.), which cause leaf spot diseases. This work aimed to evaluate the effect of six actinomycete isolates (S. thermotolerans, S. griseus subsp. griseus, Streptomyces sp. N0035, S. purpurascens, and two isolates identified as Streptomyces sp.), as well as the effect of their secondary metabolites, on mycelium growth and spore germination of C. eragrostides and C. gloeosporioides, from yam plants, cultivar da Costa. Additionally, the chitinolytic activity of these actinomycete strains was determined in a minimum salt growth medium with chitin as the sole carbon source. There was significant interaction between the actinomycete isolates and the phytopathogenic fungi for spore germination and mycelium growth inhibition. Streptomyces sp. codified as AC 26 was more efficient in inhibiting spore germination of C. eragrostides, while S. thermotolerans and Streptomyces sp. N0035 were more efficient for C. gloeosporioides. Streptomyces sp. (AC 26) was the most efficient in inhibiting mycelium growth of both fungi, and the inhibitory effect was positively correlated to metabolite concentration. S. griseus subsp. griseus did not show chitinolytic activity and did not control mycelium growth of both fungi. The actinomycete strains evaluated in this study can be considered potential biological agents for controlling yam phytopathogenic fungi associated with leaf spot diseases.

O inhame da Costa (Dioscorea cayennensis Lam.), uma cultura importante na região do nordeste Brasileiro, é suscetível ao ataque de diversos fungos fitopatogênicos, como Curvularia eragrostides (Henn.) Meyer e Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.), que causam manchas foliares. Este trabalho teve o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de seis isolados de actinomicetos (S. thermotolerans, S. griseus subsp. griseus, Streptomyces sp. N0035, S. purpurascen e dois isolados identificados como Streptomyces sp.) e de seus metabólitos secundários no crescimento micelial e na germinação de esporos de C. gloeosporioides e C. eragrostides, da cultura do inhame da Costa. Adicionalmente, foi avaliada a atividade quitinolítica desses microrganismos, em meio de sais minerais e ágar, contendo quitina coloidal como única fonte de carbono. Houve interação significativa entre os isolados de actinomicetos e os fungos fitopatogênicos para inibição da germinação de esporos e do crescimento micelial. Streptomyces sp., codificado como AC 26, foi eficiente na inibição da germinação de esporos de C. eragrostides, enquanto que S. thermotolerans e Streptomyces sp. N0035 foram mais eficientes para C. gloeosporioides. Streptomyces sp. (AC 26) foi o mais eficiente na inibição do crescimento micelial de ambos os fungos e o efeito inibitório aumentou com o aumento na concentração dos metabólitos. S. griseus subsp. griseus não apresentou atividade quitinolítica e não inibiu o crescimento micelial de ambos os fungos. Os actinomicetos testados neste trabalho podem ser considerados potenciais agentes de biocontrole de doenças foliares do inhame.

Produção e composição nutritiva de taro em função do propágulo, em solo hidromórfico do Pantanal Sul-Mato-Grossense / Yield and nutritive components of taro as a function of propagule type in a hydromorfic soil of South Mato grosso Pantanal

O objetivo do trabalho foi determinar a produtividade e a composição nutritiva dos rizonas de taro, em condições de solo hidromórfico do pantanal sul-mato-grossense. Foram avaliados os taros Chinês e Macaquinho, propagados por rizomas das classes grande e pequena, como tipos inteiros e cortados no meio, arranjados em esquema fatorial 2x2x2, no delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com quatro repetições. A população final, altura das plantas e massa fresca das folhas e dos rizomas-mãe do taro Chinês foi significativamente superior à do macaquinho. Quanto ás classes de propágulos utilizados para a propagação, foi melhor o uso de rizomas grandes. O uso de rizomas inteiros foi significativamente melhor que dos rizomas cortados quanto à população final e produção de massa fresca dos rizomas mãe (RM) e semelhantes para altura das plantas e produções de massa fresca de folhas e dos rizomas-filho (RF). Em relação à composição nutritiva dos rizomas, os RM e os RF tiveram teores caracterísitcos do clone. Os RM e RF dos dois clones apresentaram maiores teores de resíduo mineral fixo, proteínas e carboidratos e menores teores de lipídeos e de fibras, assim como de valor calórico total-VCT, que os domilho. Os RM e RF dos dois clones tiveram menores teores de lipídeos, carboidratos e VCT em relação à farinha de trigo

The objective of this work was to determine yield and nutritive components of taro rhizomes inhydromorfic soil conditions of South Mato Grosso Pantanal. Chinês and Macaquinho taroswere evaluated. They were propagated by rhizomes of big and small classes, as whole and halftypes, arranged as 2 x 2 x 2 factorial scheme in randomized block experimental design, with four replications. Final population, plant height and fresh mass of leaves and of corms of Chinêstaro were significantly superior than 'Macaquinho'. Regarding to propagule classes used forpropagation, big rhizome was the best. The use of whole rhizomes was significantly better thancut rhizomes regarding to final population and yield of fresh mass of corms (RM) and it wassimilar for plant height and yield of fresh mass of leaves and of cormels (RF). In relation tonutritive compound of rhizomes, RM and RF had contents which were characteristics of theclone. RM and RF of both two clones showed higher contents of fix mineral residue, proteinsand carbohydrates and they have smaller contents of lipids and of fibers, as well of total caloricvalue, than of corn. RM and RF of both two clones had smaller contents of lipids, carbohydratesand TCV in relation to wheat flour

Características físicas y nutricionales de extrudidos de plátano verde (Musa spp), ocumo chino (Colocasia esculenta) y maíz (Zea mays L) / Physical and nutritional characteristics of green plantain (Musa spp), taro (Colocasia esculenta) and corn (Zea mays L) extrudates

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar las propiedades físicas y nutricionales de las harinas extrudidas de plátano verde, ocumo chino o taro y sus mezclas con maíz, para diversificar la producción y el uso potencial en la agroindustria. El plan de investigación se realizó con un extrusor de laboratorio, tipo monotornillo a una temperatura de alimentación 75 ºC, temperatura del barril y de la matriz 180 ºC, velocidad del tornillo 120 rpm y 16 por ciento en el contenido de humedad de las harinas. Bajo estas condiciones, se obtuvo a partir de la harina de plátano verde un extrudido de alta densidad y bajo índice de expansión, mientras que con las mezclas por separado de la harina de ocumo chino y de plátano verde con un 80 por ciento de la harina de maíz blanco, resultaron extrudidos con baja densidad y alto índice de expansión, encontrándose diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p< 0,05) en las medidas del color (“L”). Con relación a la composición nutricional, se determino que todos los extrudidos presentaron un alto contenido de almidón resistente (22 por ciento) y variaciones en el contenido de fibra dietética en el intervalo de 8,4 por ciento a 2,88 por ciento. En conclusión los extrudidos de plátano verde por su aporte en almidón resistente, fibra dietética y una digestión lenta del almidón, se podrían recomendar en alimentos precocidos para regimenes especiales de alimentación. La obtención de extrudidos de ocumo chino permitiría diversificar el uso potencial de este rubro en la industria de alimentos.

The object of the present study, was to evaluate the physical and nutritional properties of the extruded flours ofgreen plantain, taro, and their mixture with corn, to diversify the production and the potential use in the agro industry The researching plan was made with a laboratory extruder single screwed type; to a feeding temperature of 75 ºC, barrel and matrix temperature of 180 ºC, screw speed of 120 rpm, and an humidity content of 16 percent in the flours. Under these conditions, it was obtained an green plantain flour based extrusion, of high density and low ratio of expansion; in the meantime, the separated mixtures of taro and green plantain with an 80 percent white corn flour, gave as results extrudates with low density and high level of expansion, and statistically significant differences were found (p< 0,05) in the color measure (“L”). In relation with the nutritional composition, it was determined that all the extrudates presented a high content of resistant starch (22 percent), and variations in the content of dietary fiber in the interval from 8,4 percent to 2,88 percent. Finally, the green plantain extrudates, for their contribution in resistant starch, dietary fiber and slow digestion of starch; could be recommended in precooked foods for special nutrition regimes. The obtention of taro extrudates, would allow to diversify the potential use of this product in the food industry.

Comparative effects of Xanthosoma sagittifolium and colocasia esculenta based diets on hepatic cholesterol and phospholipid profile in albino rats

The effects of Xanthosoma sagittifolium [tannia] and Colocasia esculenta [taro] based diets on hepatic cholesterol and phospholipid levels in albino rats were studied. Fifty albino rats randomly distributed into 5 groups [I-V] of 10 rats each, were respectively fed growers mash as the control diet and 25% tannia, 50% tannia, 25% taro and 50% taro supplemented diets respectively for a period of 30 days. Hepatic cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations were measured spectrophotometrically. There were statistically significant decreases in hepatic total and esterified cholesterol concentration in rats fed with the taro and 50% tannia supplemented diets when compared with those on control diet [P< 0.05]. However, only rats fed with 50% tannia supplemented diet showed significant decrease in hepatic free cholesterol compared with controls [P< 0.05]. Rats fed with tannia supplement showed non-significant elevation in hepatic phospholipid concentration, while those fed with taro supplement showed non-significant decrease in hepatic phospholipid concentration compared with controls [P> 0.05] respectively. However liver phospholipid concentrations of albino rats fed with tannia supplemented diets were significantly higher than those of albino rats fed with taro supplemented diets [P< 0.05]. Generally, the taro diet supplementation elicited lower body weight gain, with better feed intake among the experimental animals. However diet supplementation with tannia and taro can be recommended for both human and livestock consumption for weight maintenance, as well as for reduction and maintenance of low hepatic lipid profile

Effects of Plant Extracts on Conidial Germination, Mycelial Growth and Sporulation of Fungi Isolated From Poultry Feed

Effect of ethanolic extracts of Lawsonia inermis, Azadirachta indica, Vinca rosea, Tagetes patula, Ocimum sanctum, Colocasia antiquorum, Adhatoda vasica, Moringa oleifera, Datura metel and Curcuma longa leaf on conidial germination, mycelial growth and sporulation of Aspergillus flavus, A. niger and A. fumigatus were examined. The conidial germination of A. flavus and A. fumigatus were most inhibited by the extract of L. inermis, while that of A. niger was inhibited by A. indica. Other tested plant extracts have a good effect on conidial germination on the selected fungi. The highest mycelial growth of A. flavus (37 mm) was found in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus it (38 and 39 mm) was found in D. metel. The lowest (4, 9 and 6 mm) respectively mycelial growth of these fungi found in L. inermis. The highest sporulation (75 x 10(4)/ml) of A. flavus was counted in V. rosea, but in case of A. niger and A. fumigatus those (45 x 10(4) and 55 x 10(4)/ml) were in D. metel and the lowest (5 x 10(4), 12 x 10(4) and 9 x 10(4)/ml) respectively sporulation of these fungi counted in L. inermis plant extract medium.

Food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis: first case report in Thailand.

A forty-year-old military personnel presented with generalized urticaria, syncope, shortness of breath and headache associated with jogging after ingestion of a taro-filled bun and a red bean-filled bun. Skin prick test was positive for bread, taro and wheat but negative for red bean and preservative. Exercise challenge tests were performed. Exercise alone failed to induce any allergic reaction but exercise following ingestion of a taro-filled bun and a red bean-filled bun induced generalized urticaria. Since the patients stopped taking these types of food, the urticaria has not returned. This is the first case report of food-dependent, exercise-induced anaphylaxis in Thailand.

Oral allergy syndrome in pollen - sensitized patients / 천식및알레르기

BACKGROUND: Oral allergy syndrome(OAS) is composed of it,ching sense and edema in oral cavity, lips, throat, pharynx, and larynx following eating some fresh fruits or vegetables. It has been known that most of patients with OAS are allergic to pollens. Common epitopes were found among pollens, fruits and vegetables. Although OAS is a common farm of food allergy in adults, this is the first epidemiologic study of OAS in Korea. MATERIAL AND METHOD: One hundred and fifty one patients who showed positive skin reaction to pollens were telephone-interviewed. Investigation of the prevalence and clinical manifestations of OAS was possible in 81 patients. RESULT: The prevalence of OAS among these patients was 34.6% (28/81). OAS was found in 24(48%) out of 50 patients sensitized to tree pollens, whereas 4(13%) of 31 grass or weed pollen-sensitized paients had OAS. Most common causative food was apple and all of 17 apple- OAS patients were sensitized to tree pollens. Peach was the second common food and 14 of 15 peach-OAS patients were sensitized to tree pollens. Besides oral symptoms, rhinitis, asthma, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or generalized urticaria were accompanied in half of the OAS patients (14/28). Some patients showed OAS to some unique Korean foods such as dropwort, taro and Aster. CONCLUSION: OAS was very common in pollen-sensitized patients. Larger epidemiologic studies are needed to find unique Korean foods and their antigensm causing OAS.