Nutritional assessment of wheat biscuits and fortified wheat biscuits with oat flour

Oat flour is a nutritions food product with high potential applications as neutraceutical in functional and fortified foods. The present investigation was carried out in an attempt to clarify the nutritional assessment of wheat biscuits and fortified wheat biscuits with oat flour. The study included the determination of gross chemical composition, caloric value and minerals composition [Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ca, Se and P] as well as the amino acids composition of wheat biscuits and fortified wheat biscuits with oat flour. Likewise, physical characteristics and sensory characteristics of control [100% wheat flour biscuits] and fortified wheat biscuits with oat flour were assessed as well. The data revealed that incorporation of oat flour in wheat flour biscuits increased crude protein, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate contents, and decreased moisture content and caloric value of fortified biscuits as well. However, 15% Syrian oat flour fortified biscuits recorded the highest protein content [7.22%], ash [0.90%], crude fiber [1.37%] and carbohydrate content [79.30%] on dry weight basis. Meanwhile, it recorded the least moisture content [4.15%] and the least caloric value [446.97 k.cal/100g biscuits]. However, the 15% Egyptian oat flour fortified biscuits recorded higher protein, ash, crude fiber and carbohydrates contents than that of the wheat biscuits as well as lower moisture and caloric value. Therefore, it could be concluded that the supplementation of control biscuits with 15% oat flour [both Egyptian and Syrian] enhanced the nutritive value in terms of its chemical constituents. Besides, the data revealed that 15% oat flour fortified biscuits had higher Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ca and P contents than that in wheat flour biscuits. The most abundant minerals elements in wheat biscuits fortified with both 15% Egyptian and Syrian oat flours were P, Ka and Ca. Furthermore, the data revealed that 18 amino acids were detected in the three studied biscuits among them 8 represented the essential amino acids, namely: isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Meanwhile, another 10 non essential amino acids were detected, namely: alanine, arginine, aspartic acid, cystine, glutaniic acid, glycine, histidine, proline, serine and tyrosine. The data revealed that both 15% Egyptian and Syrian oat flour fortified biscuits contained a good balance of essential amino acids. Considering the spread factor of control biscuits as 100, the data recorded a gradual increment of spread rates as well as of spread factors of both Egyptian and Syrian fortified biscuits in all studied levels [5%, 10% and 15% oat flour; respectively]. Taking the sensory characteristics of biscuits in consideration both physical and sensory characteristics indicated the best quality biscuits were fortified biscuits with 15% Egyptian oat flour and fortified biscuits with 15% Syrian oat flour compared with the control biscuits. In conclusion, both 15% Egyptian and Syrian oat flours fortified biscuits proved that they are nutritious functional food gaining renewed interest as oat flour is a food component with high protein, high carbohydrate, high crude fiber and low fat as well as high level of all the nine studied minerals; and good balance of the essential amino acids required for human nutrition. Moreover, wheat flour fortified biscuits with 15% oat flour could be recommended for caloric reduced diets for obese and over weight persons as well as for diabetic persons due to its lower glycemic response because of its rich beta-glucan having the potential impact on the maintenance of human health

Effects of electrolyte viscosity on the efficiency of the electrochemical removal of lead ions using porous flow-through electrodes

The current study addresses the effect of the electrolyte viscosity on the efficiency of porous flow-through electrode [PFTE] made up of stacked screens during the electrochemical removal of lead ions from flowing alkaline solutions. Two types of efficiencies characterize the overall behaviour of the PFTE, namely, the collection efficiency [ratio of the captured ions to the feed concentration] and the coulombic efficiency [percentage of the total current used for the electrodeposition of lead ions]. The increase in the electrolyte viscosity causes a decrease in the experimentally measured limiting current of the electrodeposition reaction at the same electrolyte flow rate, and hence the collection efficiency decreases correspondingly. Also, the coulombic efficiency decreases with the increase of the electrolyte viscosity. This is attributed to the consequences of decreasing the diffusivity and the interfacial mass transfer coefficient of lead ions with the increase of electrolyte viscosity. On the other hand, the conductivity of the electrolyte has no effect on the limiting current

Effect of high doses of nutmeg [Myristica fragrans] on healthy albino rats

The present work seeks to investigate the effect of high doses of nutmeg [Myristica fragrans] on healthy albino rats. Twenty male albino rats Sprague Dawley were divided into 4 groups; the first group fed on basal diet [control]; the rats of second, third and fourth groups were fed on basal diet supplemented with nutmeg [5%, 10% and 15%] respectively for eight weeks. The food intake, body weight gain ratio BWG%, feed efficiency ratio FER, organs / body weight ratio, parameters of serum, Total protein, Albumin AL, liver functions [AST and ALT] and kidney functions [Urea and Creatinine] in healthy albino rats were estimated and histopathological changes in liver, kidney and heart were examined also. The obtained results revealed nonsignificant differences in serum total protein for all groups fed on basal diet supplemented with different levels [5, 10 and 15%] of nutmeg and control group. In addition the data shows significant increase in serum AST and ALT for all groups fed on basal diet supplemented with different levels of nutmeg [5, 10 and 15%] comparing with control group. In addition, it could be showed nonsignificant differences in serum albumin for all groups fed on basal diet supplemented with different levels [5, 10 and 15%] of nutmeg comparing with control group. Meanwhile significant increase in serum urea and creatinine were recorded for all groups fed on different levels [5, 10 and 15%] of nutmeg compared with control group. The results obtained in this study revealed that high doses nutmeg consumption could affect the histology of liver and kidney of albino rat. The results concluded that the functions of liver and kidney may have been adversely affected. It is recommended that caution should therefore be advocated in the intake of this product and further studies be carried out to examine these findings

Impact of pregnant women' nutritional and sociodemgraphic status on their newborns

The study was carried out on 110 pregnant women "and their newborns"- attending to a governmental hospital in Cairo, to study the effect of their nutritional and sociodemographic status on their neonates. 14% of mothers were anaemic. 1.72% of the newborns were low birth weight. No significant correlation was found between maternal nutrients intake and the neonates "Length nor weight". The biochemical parameters of mothers and their newborns were within the normal range except albumin and total protein were low. 9% of mothers practice breast feeding. 47.25% of newborns were breastfed immediately after delivery. 67% of infants were breastfed for-more than 6 months of age. Improving the nutritional status prior to and during pregnancy is important for mothers and for superior out comes

study on the nutritional status and food habits of pregnant women

The study was conducted on 110 pregnant women mean age +/- S.D [29 +/- 7.9 years] attending to an antenatal clinic in a public hospital in Cairo to study their [nutritional status and food habits] The average dietary intake was far from satisfactory. The [mean +/- SD [nutrients intakes that is below RDA was for energy [1785 +/- 498.6 kcal], iron 16.92 +/- 5.0mg]. calcium [795 +/- 342mg] and vitamin A [407 +/- 386ug>. 64.3% of the pregnant women in the 3[rd] trimester were at <11g/dl haemoglobin level. The majority of pica pregnant women are 35 years [44.44%], workers [66.66%], illetrate and low education level [77.77%], low family income [55.55%] and their parity < 3 children. 50% of pica pregnant women are anaemic [< 11 g/dl haemoglobin level]. There is no significant between pica, cravings, aversions and normal food habits pregnant women. Nutrition education and nutritional supplementation are very important for the pregnant women

Pravastatin induced myopathy

Lipid-lowering agents such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors [also known as statin drugs] are generally well tolerated. But a recognized side effect still can happen, We report a case of 47-year-old Iraqi male patient previously known hypothyroid, was not on replacement therapy, as he did not appear after his thyroid functions was checked came in with severe body pain for 10 months got worse in the last three months, started on lipostat [ten months ago] found to have myopathy as evident by high CPK which improved gradually clinically and biochemical after stopping lipostat

Investigation of the free sugars and mucilage of euphorbia pseudocasts A. Berger and euphorbia pubica N.E.BR.

Free sugars of the aerial parts of Euphorbia pseudocactus and Euphorbia nubica were isolated. Identification was carried out by paper chromatography [PC] and gas liquid chromatography [GLC] which revealed the presence of arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, fructose, galactose, glucose and glucuronic acid in a ratio of [16: 20: 12: 4: 16: 3: 1] in E. pseudocactus, as well as arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, fructose, galactose, glucose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid were detected in a ratio of [2: 1: 14: 5: 2: 18: 2: 1] in E. nubica. Mucilage of each plant was separately extracted by cold and hot methods and weighed. PC and GLC analysis of the mucilage hydrolyzates revealed the presence of arabinose, rhamnose, xylose, galactose, glucose, and galacturonic acid in different ratios in the four mucilage hydrolyzates of the two plants

Free sugars, mucilage and amino acids of leaves of hibiscus esculentum L. var. lady finger

Free sugars, mucilage and amino acids contents of leaves of Hibiscus esculentus L., var. Lady's finger [Adelmoschus esculentus Moench, okra] were studied. GLC and PC analysis of free sugars and mucilage hydrolysates revealed the presence of rhamnose, arabinose, xylose fructose, glucose, galactose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid. Moreover, analysis of free amino acids content and total amino acids of protein hydrolysate was carried out by HPLC technique. The major free amino acid is tyrosine [0.76%], while glutamic acid [2.22%], aspartic acid [1.76%] and arginine [1.21%] constitute the main amino acids in the protein hydrolysate of the leaves of H. esculentus L., var. Lady's finger

GC/MS analysis and antimicrobial activity of the volatile oil of the flowers of hedychium coronarium

The steam-distilled essential oil of the fresh flowers of Hedychium coronarium Koenig was analyzed by GC/MS. The detected components were identified by their retention times and mass spectral data, while the percentage of each component was determined by peak area measurement. Such analysis revealed the presence of 39 major components, of which 35 [94.27%] were identified. The major components were found to be benzyl acetate, hexahydrofarnesol, phytol, 3-methyleicosan-11-one, benzyl benzoate, bergamotine, myrcene and nerolidol. The results of the analysis showed that the composition of the flowers oil is quite different from that reported for those of the leaves and rhizomes. Antimicrobial screening showed that the oil had good activity against most of the yeasts and fungi, while possessing weak activity against the bacterial species tested

Coumarins of euphorbia pseudocactus A berger

Five coumarins have been isolated from the ethereal extract of the alcoholic extract of the aerial parts of E. pseudocactus A. Berger. The isolated coumarins were esculetin, xanthotoxol, daphnetin, isooxyimperatorin and xanthotoxin. The identification was performed by spectroscopic analysis and m.p. determination

Tomodensitometry versus blood electrolytes in chronic renal failure patients after extraction

The present work was conducted on 10 male adult patients, all undergoing dialysis regularly twice a week. All the patients had teeth indicated for extraction. Special precautions were taken for these medically compromised patients including prophylactic antibiotics in the form of erythromycin, in regular doses. Acetaminophen, as an analgesic, was given as a preventive measure. The local anesthetic used was lidocaine. All these medications were used quite safely. Furthermore, pre- and postoperative analysis, including complete blood picture, clotting and prothrombin time, calcium and phosphorus levels, were done. Moreover, panoramic views were taken pre- and postoperatively, as well as tomodensitometric study, to estimate the amount of incremental bone deposition in relation with the results of electrolyte analysis. The dental practitioner should be acquainted with the update current knowledge of the clinical and radiological oral findings in patients suffering from chronic renal failure and undergoing hemodialysis, to properly diagnose and manage them. When dental treatment is indicated, the dentist should be alerted to several possible concerns. Besides routine thorough medical history and laboratory investigations with blood pressure monitoring, the physiological equilibrium of renal impaired patients also must be considered with attention given to the types of medication used and prescribed. Furthermore, delicate state of the dialysis patient as related to infection control needs to be acknowledged. If dental hygienists understand and stick to these considerations, complications in treating the renal impaired patients can be minimized

Alpha-2B-interferon in head and neck cancer

Alpha-2b-interferon had demonstrated a different activity in advanced refractory of relapsing solid tumors and in particular tumors of head and neck. Because of the reported synergism between interferon and different treatment modalities [including cytotoxic agents], a trial of 31 patients with advanced head and neck cancer was conducted utilizing alpha-2b-interferon [interon A]. Interon A was given as a single [in 7 patients] or in combination with other treatment modalities [in 24 patients]. Administration of interon A was either perilesionally [in 17 patients] or intravenously [in 14 patients] in a dose of one million IU. daily for a planned minimum 4 weeks, then 3 times weekly for 3 weeks. The overall remission [partial and complete] was seen in 13/24 [54%] of patients in the combined treatment group and in 2/7 [28.6%] of patients treated with interferon alone. Response duration was 7 and 44 months, respectively. The most common side effects were flu-like symptoms; fatigue and pyrexia which could be ameliorated by acetaminophen. Statistically, there was no significant difference observed between patients treated by interferon alone or in combination with other treatment modalities, as regard response rate; duration of response or effect of prior therapy, yet, considering the high risk characteristics of this group of patients [61% relapse or refractory after prior therapy, and 39% had advanced disease], in addition to the small-sized sample of this group; these preliminary results suggest that interferon may have an active role in treatment of head and neck cancer patients with an acceptable degree of toxicity

Histochemical studies on the submandibular gland of the male albino rat under the effect of repeated amputation of lower incisor teeth

This work revealed that repeated bilateral amputation of the lower incisor teeth causes an alteration in the histochemistry of the rat subm and ibular gl and s. The changes showed great variations depending on the period and number of amputations. Two days after amputation of the lower incisor teeth, there was an increase in the carbohydrate content of the gl and, alteration or loss of metachromatic staining of the acini, with a reduction in tryptophan contents in the granular convoluted tubules and an increase in alkaline phosphatase activity in the myoepithelial cells. Twenty-eight days after repeated amputation of the lower incisor teeth, the gl and s appear to adapt the process of amputation and start to return more or less similar to the control

value of booster dose for local residual primary lesion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Twenty two patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma with a documented residual lesion in the nasopharynx at 66 GY [clinically and/or pathologically] were studied. Booster dose 10-14 Gy was given in 14 patients while 8 patients did not receive the boost. The value of booster dose was reflected favourably upon the overall response rate and its duration and on the disease free survival rates. Among 14 patients received the boost, 3 have partial remission for a median 18 months and 11 patients have complete remission for a median 30 months. For the 8 patients left unboosted only one patients maintained a complete remission for 30 months; 3 patients have partial remission for a median 15 months and 4 patients with stationary disease for 12 months. The total local recurrence, rates of both groups of patients were 21.4% [3/14] and 87.5% [7/8], respectively. Local recurrence was relatively high among patients with primary well to moderately differentiated epitheliomas than poorly to un-differentiated ones, even in boosted patients. The disease-free survival rate for the whole study group was 50% at 36 months with a median follow-up period and overall survival of 27 and 14.5 months for the patients with and without primary boosting, respectively. Disease free-survival rate was significantly higher for the boosted than non-boosted patients [80% and 13% at 20 months, respectively], and with 73% disease free-survival at 36 months for the boosted patients. From this-study, we believe that booster dose for residual lesion in the nasopharynx [better pathologically proved] is necessary to improve the local control and the disease-free survival of patients