Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: From wild to plate.

Increased salt (sodium chloride (NaCl)) consumption contributes to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing the intake of NaCl could result in significant public health benefits. Australian grown halophytes are consumed traditionally by indigenous communities as food and medicine. The importance of halophytes has been recently "rediscovered" due to their salty taste and crunchy texture. This study aimed to assess the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes (AIEH) as salt substitutes. A benchtop test was carried out to establish a sensory lexicon of four important AIEH (samphire, seapurslane, seablite, and saltbush) and to select the most promising halophyte based on sensory attributes and nutritional composition. Samphire and saltbush, the most common and commercially important halophytes, were used as comparisons. Semolina was used to prepare the halophyte-based test food for the benchtop sensory study. Results of the formal sensory study showed that the growing location of samphire and saltbush can significantly affect their sensory attributes. Samphire had the most favorable sensory attributes and nutritional quality, with dry herb and bran aroma and flavor, whereas the saltbush test food preparations had herbaceous, minty dry wood, and green fruit aroma and flavor. The "optimal" concentration of added freeze-dried samphire/saltbush powder was determined based on the saltiness perception of the NaCl-semolina formulation (0.3% table salt equivalent to 1% samphire freeze-dried powder and 1.4%-2.0% saltbush freeze-dried powder, respectively). This study provided novel and crucial information on the potential use of AIEH as natural salt substitutes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: There is an increasing demand for natural salt substitutes. Halophytes are salt tolerant plants that sustain in arid or semiarid areas and have the potential to be used as natural salt substitutes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the sensory profiles of four important Australian indigenous edible halophytes (samphire, seapurslane, seablite, and saltbush). This study also demonstrated how different growing locations can affect the sensory attributes of halophytes and subsequently their potential food applications. Our findings provide critical information and data to further study halophytes in the context of novel food applications.

Astringency and its sub-qualities: a review of astringency mechanisms and methods for measuring saliva lubrication.

Astringency is an important mouthfeel attribute that influences the sensory experiences of many food and beverage products. While salivary lubricity loss and increased oral friction were previously believed to be the only astringency mechanisms, recent research has demonstrated that nontactile oral receptors can trigger astringency by responding to astringents without mechanical stimulation. Various human factors have also been identified that affect individual responses to astringents. This article presents a critical review of the key research milestones contributing to the current understanding of astringency mechanisms and the instrumental approaches used to quantify perceived astringency intensity. Although various chemical assays or physical measures mimic in-mouth processes involved in astringent mouthfeel, this review highlights how one chemical or physical approach can only provide a single measure of astringency determined by a specific mechanism. Subsequently, using a single measurement to predict astringency perception is overly idealistic. Astringency has not been quantified beyond the loss of saliva lubrication; therefore, nontactile receptor-based responses must also be explored. An important question remains about whether astringency is a single perception or involves distinct sub-qualities such as pucker, drying, and roughness. Although these sub-quality lexicons have been frequently cited, most studies currently view astringency as a single perception rather than dividing it into sub-qualities and investigating the potentially independent mechanisms of each. Addressing these knowledge gaps should be an important priority for future research.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for monitoring the nutritional composition of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) and frass.

BACKGROUND: The demand for protein obtained from animal sources is growing rapidly, as is the necessity for sustainable animal feeds. The use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) reared on organic side streams as sustainable animal feed has been receiving attention lately. This study assessed the ability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) combined with chemometrics to evaluate the nutritional profile of BSFL instars (fifth and sixth) and frass obtained from two different diets, namely soy waste and customised bread-vegetable diet. Partial least squares (PLS) regression with leave one out cross-validation was used to develop models between the NIR spectral data and the reference analytical methods. RESULTS: Calibration models with good [coefficient of determination in calibration (Rcal 2 ): 0.90; ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) value: 3.6] and moderate (Rcal 2 : 0.76; RPD value: 2.1) prediction accuracy was observed for acid detergent fibre (ADF) and total carbon (TC), respectively. However, calibration models with moderate accuracy were observed for the prediction of crude protein (CP) (Rcal 2 : 0.63; RPD value: 1.4), crude fat (CF) (Rcal 2 : 0.70; RPD value: 1.6), neutral detergent fibre (NDF) (Rcal 2 : 0.60; RPD value: 1.6), starch (Rcal 2 : 0.52; RPD value: 1.4), and sugars (Rcal 2 : 0.52; RPD value: 1.4) owing to the narrow or uneven distribution of data over the range evaluated. CONCLUSION: The near-infrared (NIR) calibration models showed a good to moderate prediction accuracy for the prediction of ADF and TC content for two different BSFL instars and frass reared on two different diets. However, calibration models developed for predicting CP, CF, starch, sugars and NDF resulted in models with limited prediction accuracy. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Near Infrared Spectroscopy for Prediction of Yeast and Mould Counts in Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Feed and Frass: A Proof of Concept.

The use of black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) grown on different organic waste streams as a source of feed ingredient is becoming very popular in several regions across the globe. However, information about the easy-to-use methods to monitor the safety of BSFL is a major step limiting the commercialization of this source of protein. This study investigated the ability of near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics to predict yeast and mould counts (YMC) in the feed, larvae, and the residual frass. Partial least squares (PLS) regression was employed to predict the YMC in the feed, frass, and BSFL samples analyzed using NIR spectroscopy. The coefficient of determination in cross validation (R2CV) and the standard error in cross validation (SECV) obtained for the prediction of YMC for feed were (R2cv: 0.98 and SECV: 0.20), frass (R2cv: 0.81 and SECV: 0.90), larvae (R2cv: 0.91 and SECV: 0.27), and the combined set (R2cv: 0.74 and SECV: 0.82). However, the standard error of prediction (SEP) was considered moderate (range from 0.45 to 1.03). This study suggested that NIR spectroscopy could be utilized in commercial BSFL production facilities to monitor YMC in the feed and assist in the selection of suitable processing methods and control systems for either feed or larvae quality control.

Quality Assessment of Burdekin Plum (Pleiogynium timoriense) during Ambient Storage.

Pleiogynium timoriense, commonly known as Burdekin plum (BP), is among many Australian native plants traditionally used by Indigenous people. However, only limited information is available on the nutritional and sensory quality of BP grown in Australia as well as its changes during storage. Therefore, this study evaluated the quality of BP during one week of ambient storage (temperature 21 °C, humidity 69%). Proximate analysis revealed a relatively high dietary fiber content in BP (7-10 g/100 g FW). A significant reduction in fruit weight and firmness (15-30% and 60-90%, respectively) with distinguishable changes in flesh color (ΔE > 3) and an increase in total soluble solids (from 11 to 21 °Brix) could be observed during storage. The vitamin C and folate contents in BP ranged from 29 to 59 mg/100g FW and 0.3 to 5.9 µg/100g FW, respectively, after harvesting. A total phenolic content of up to 20 mg GAE/g FW and ferric reducing antioxidant power of up to 400 µmol Fe2+/g FW in BP indicate a strong antioxidant capacity. In total, 34 individual phenolic compounds were tentatively identified in BP including cyanidin 3-galactoside, ellagic acid and gallotannins as the main phenolics. Principle component analysis (PCA) of the quantified phenolics indicated that tree to tree variation had a bigger impact on the phenolic composition of BP than ambient storage. Sensory evaluation also revealed the diversity in aroma, appearance, texture, flavor and aftertaste of BP. The results of this study provide crucial information for consumers, growers and food processors.

Sensory properties of Australian bunya nuts.

Bunya nuts are the seeds of Araucaria bidwillii, a conifer native to South-East Queensland, Australia. They are one of the 19 species of Araucaria family found around the world, with the nuts from South America being the most commonly consumed. They are traditionally eaten boiled or roasted. This study aims to profile the sensory properties of bunya nuts with chestnut as a comparator. Since chestnuts do not come from a conifer tree, it is expected that there will be differences. Different methods of preparation are also expected to change the sensory attributes. Representative samples were collected from a variety of locations in South-East Queensland, prepared and presented to a panel of 14 experienced tasters applying conventional sensory descriptive profiling. During training, the panel developed a lexicon of 23 sensory attributes together with definitions and reference. Profiles of the boiled and roasted bunya nuts revealed higher scores for hardness on the first bite than chestnuts and, when chewed, became more crumbly, dry, and grainy. They had a savory aroma and flavor, and roasted samples exhibited a roasted aroma. Bunya nut samples were less sweet than chestnut samples. Differences in the sensory properties due to method of preparation were also observed. Boiled bunya nuts were softer and moister, with lower scores for crumbly and grainy. This research is foundational in providing technical information on the sensory profile of this important Indigenous Australian nut and provides a strong basis to support novel food sector opportunities for the bunya nut as a reemerging food source not only in Australia, but also South America. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: There is an increase demand for local, sustainable, and natural foods. Bunya nuts are native to Australia and are part of the Araucaria family, which includes 19 species that can be found around the world. To the best of our knowledge there is no study characterizing Araucaria nuts in terms of sensory attributes. This study builds a lexicon for bunya nuts and compares to chestnuts. It also shows how different preparation methods affect its sensory attributes, as well as possible future uses in product development. The outcomes might provide information to support studies on Araucaria nuts in other countries.

Correction: Shelat, K.J.; et al. Overall Nutritional and Sensory Profile of Different Species of Australian Wattle Seeds (Acacia spp.): Potential Food Sources in the Arid and Semi-Arid Regions. Foods 2019, 8, 482.

The authors wish to make the following correction to the paper [1]:The title of Table 3 "Amino acid (g/100 g dry weight) profile of four different species of wattle seeds" should be changed to "Amino acid (mol% dry weight) profile of four different species of wattle seeds" [...].

Sensory properties of yellow pea and macadamia honeys from conventional and flow hive extraction methods.

BACKGROUND: The process of harvesting honey is time consuming and labor intensive. A new system, the Flow Frame, has drastically simplified the harvesting process, enabling honey to be extracted directly from the hive with minimal processing. The sensory profile of honey is influenced, first, by botanical origin and subsequently by processing and storage parameters. A reduction in harvest processing may thus influence the sensory profile of honey harvested from FFs compared to that of honey produced from conventional processing. To test this hypothesis, two monofloral honeys (macadamia and yellow pea) were harvested from FFs, or by conventional honey extraction. Sensory profiling using conventional descriptive analysis was carried out for each floral source with an experienced trained panel. RESULTS: The two monofloral honeys harvested using the FF system had significantly (p < 0.05) higher floral and cleaner aftertaste sensory scores than the honey extracted using commercial (C) methods that involve the use of heat and centrifugation. CONCLUSION: The flow system retains honey's natural sensory properties compared to harvesting methods that require heat and centrifugation. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry.

Overall Nutritional and Sensory Profile of Different Species of Australian Wattle Seeds (Acacia spp.): Potential Food Sources in the Arid Semi-Arid Regions.

Wattle seed (Acacia spp.) is a well-known staple food within indigenous communities in Australia. A detailed investigation of the overall nutritional and sensory profile of four abundant and underutilized Acacia species-A. coriacea, A. cowleana, A. retinodes and A. sophorae-were performed. Additionally, molecular weight of protein extracts from the wattle seeds (WS) was determined. The seeds are rich in protein (23-27%) and dietary fibre (33-41%). Relatively high fat content was found in A. cowleana (19.3%), A. sophorae (14.8%) and A. retinodes (16.4%) with oleic acid being the predominant fatty acid. The seeds contained high amounts of essential amino acids (histidine, lysine, valine, isoleucine and leucine). A. coriacea is rich in iron (43 mg/kg), potassium (10 g/kg) and magnesium (1.7 g/kg). Pentose (xylose/arabinose), glucose, galactose and galacturonic acids were the major sugars found in the four species. Raw seeds from A. sophorae, A. retinodes and A. coriacea have the highest protein molecular weight, between 50-90 kDa, 80 kDa and 50-55 kDa, respectively. There was variation in the sensory profile of the WS species. This study showed that the four WS species have good nutritional value and could be included in human diet or used in food formulations.

Ring Shear Tester as an in-vitro testing tool to study oral processing of comminuted potato chips.

Oral processing of solid foods is an extremely dynamic and complicated activity that involves multiple processes in tandem such as comminution, mixing, dilution, hydration and enzymatic breakdown that gradually transform the food from a morsel or a bite to a bolus that is ready for swallowing. It is hypothesised that just after "first bite" and initial particle reduction and hydration of solid brittle foods, the response to deformation of food particles is analogous to studies on the flowability and cohesion of wetted powders, which are effectively characterised using a Ring Shear Tester (RST). We examine this hypothesis and determine whether the RST measures properties of solid snack foods (potato chips or crisps, PCs) that are relevant to their dynamic sensory response, which includes capturing the effect of hydration on comminuted PCs. The RST is found to differentiate PCs obtained from different manufacturing sources (e.g. baked versus fried), and its measurements of cohesion and friction can be considered in context of the structure and composition of the PCs as well as oral processing. Remarkably, RST measurements for this small set of PC samples correlate with several sensory attributes that arise during mastication, which includes Sharpness and Ease of Clearance. This study highlights the potential of the RST as a new tool for oral processing research.

Mitotic Exit Dysfunction through the Deregulation of APC/C Characterizes Cisplatin-Resistant State in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer.

Purpose: Acquired resistance to cisplatin is a major barrier to success in treatment of various cancers, and understanding mitotic mechanisms unique to cisplatin-resistant cancer cells can provide the basis for developing novel mitotic targeted therapies aimed at eradicating these cells.Experimental Design: Using cisplatin-resistant models derived from primary patient epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) cells, we have explored the status of mitotic exit mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant cells.Results: We have uncovered an unexpected role of long-term cisplatin treatment in inducing mitotic exit vulnerability characterized by increased spindle checkpoint activity and functional dependency on Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) for mitotic exit in the presence of anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) dysfunction in a cisplatin-resistant state. Accordingly, PLK1 inhibition decreased the survival of cisplatin-resistant cells in vitro and in vivo and exacerbated spindle checkpoint response in these cells. APC/CCDC20 inhibition increased sensitivity to pharmacologic PLK1 inhibition, further confirming the existence of APC/C dysfunction in cisplatin-resistant cells. In addition, we uncovered that resistance to volasertib, PLK1 inhibitor, is due to maintenance of cells with low PLK1 expression. Accordingly, stable PLK1 downregulation in cisplatin-resistant cells induced tolerance to volasertib.Conclusions: We provide the first evidence of APC/C dysfunction in cisplatin-resistant state, suggesting that understanding APC/C functions in cisplatin-resistant state could provide a basis for developing novel mitotic exit-based therapies to eradicate cisplatin-resistant cancer cells. Our results also show that PLK1 downregulation could underlie emergence of resistance to PLK1-targeted therapies in cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 24(18); 4588-601. ©2018 AACR.

Influence of surface adsorption on the interfacial electron transfer of flavin adenine dinucleotide and glucose oxidase at carbon nanotube and nitrogen-doped carbon nanotube electrodes.

The adsorption of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and glucose oxidase (GOx) onto carbon nanotube (CNT) and nitrogen-doped CNT (N-CNT) electrodes was investigated and found to obey Langmuir adsorption isotherm characteristics. The amount adsorbed and adsorption maximum are dependent on exposure time, the concentration of adsorbate, and the ionic strength of the solution. The formal potentials measured for FAD and GOx are identical, indicating that the observed electroactivity is from FAD, the redox reaction center of GOx. When glucose is added to GOx adsorbed onto CNT/N-CNT electrodes, direct electron transfer (DET) from enzyme-active FAD is not observed. However, efficient mediated electron transfer (MET) occurs if an appropriate electron mediator is placed in solution, or the natural electron mediator oxygen is used, indicating that GOx is adsorbed and active on CNT/N-CNT electrodes. The observed surface-confined redox reaction at both CNT and N-CNT electrodes is from FAD that either specifically adsorbs from solution or adsorbs from the holoprotein subsequently inactivating the enzyme. The splitting of cathodic and anodic peak potentials as a function of scan rate provides a way to measure the heterogeneous electron-transfer rate constant (k(s)) using Laviron's method. However, the measured k(s) was found to be under ohmic control, not under the kinetic control of an electron-transfer reaction, suggesting that k(s) for FAD on CNTs is faster than the measured value of 7.6 s(-1).

Molecular characterization of the transition to mid-life in Caenorhabditis elegans.

We present an initial molecular characterization of a morphological transition between two early aging states. In previous work, an age score reflecting physiological age was developed using a machine classifier trained on images of worm populations at fixed chronological ages throughout their lifespan. The distribution of age scores identified three stable post-developmental states and transitions. The first transition occurs at day 5 post-hatching, where a significant percentage of the population exists in both state I and state II. The temperature dependence of the timing of this transition (Q 10 ~ 1.17) is too low to be explained by a stepwise process with an enzymatic or chemical rate-limiting step, potentially implicating a more complex mechanism. Individual animals at day 5 were sorted into state I and state II groups using the machine classifier and analyzed by microarray expression profiling. Despite being isogenic, grown for the same amount of time, and indistinguishable by eye, these two morphological states were confirmed to be molecularly distinct by hierarchical clustering and principal component analysis of the microarray results. These molecular differences suggest that pharynx morphology reflects the aging state of the whole organism. Our expression profiling yielded a gene set that showed significant overlap with those from three previous age-related studies and identified several genes not previously implicated in aging. A highly represented group of genes unique to this study is involved in targeted ubiquitin-mediated proteolysis, including Skp1-related (SKR), F-box-containing, and BTB motif adaptors.

Influencia de la estructura social en las prácticas de cuidado en infantes menores de un año / Influence of social structure in care practices in infants under one year / Influência da estrutura social em práticas de cuidado em menores de um ano

Objetivo: Conocer la influencia de la estructura social en las prácticas de cuidado en infantes, con la participación de madres pertenecientes al programa de FAMI en el barrio Aeropuerto de Cúcuta, aplicando la teoría de la diversidad y universalidad de Madeleine Leninger representada en el modelo del sol naciente. Materiales y Métodos: investigación de tipo cualitativa ­ etnográfica, la muestra se tomó por conveniencia y a priori conformada por ocho mujeres de estrato socioeconómico 2 pertenecientes al programa FAMI, a quienes se aplicaron entrevistas a profundidad que fueron grababas utilizando una videograbadora para facilitar su análisis, todo esto previo consentimiento de las informantes. Resultados: se pueden destacar que el cuidado de los infantes está influenciado por: las familias, sus conocidos (amigos y vecinos) y las costumbres de cada uno, que se van trasmitiendo de generación; también se identificó como factor relevante la economía del hombre como único proveedor del sustento, lo que hace limitante el acceso a los cuidados del niño. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos permiten determinar que las expresiones, situaciones y los hechos en la práctica de cuidado de los infantes están influenciadas por la estructura social en los factores tecnológicos, la familia y factores sociales, los valores culturales y modos de vida, factores políticos y legales y lo económico. Las prácticas de cuidado no están influenciadas por la religión y la educación; así mismo, se identifican elementos de éstos factores contenidos en los sistemas genéricos y profesionales, siendo enfermería quien articula e integra conocimientos para determinar acciones de cuidado.

Objective: To determine the influence of social structure on infant care practices, with the participation of mothers belonging to the program in the district¨ FAMI Aeropuerto de Cúcuta¨, applying the theory of diversity and universality of Madeleine Leninger represented in the model ¨rising sun¨. Materials and Methods: a qualitative research - ethnographic, the sample was taken for convenience and a priori consists of eight women socioeconomic FAMI 2 belonging to the program, who have applied depth interviews that were recorded using a VCR to facilitate analysis, all this with the consent of the informants. Results: We may note that the care of infants is influenced by family, acquaintances (friends and neighbors) and customs of each one is transmitted from generation to generation, also identified as a relevant factor the economy of man as sole breadwinner, making limiting access to child care. Conclusions: The results can determine whether the expressions, situations and events in the practice of caring for infants is influenced by the social structure, in the technological factors, family and social factors, cultural values and ways of life, political, legal factors and the economy of the family . Care practices are not influenced by religion and education, likewise, it can be identified elements of these factors contained in generic systems and health professionals who articulates and integrates nursing knowledge to determine care actions.

Objetivo: determinar a influência da estrutura social sobre as práticas de cuidados infantis, com a participação de mães pertencentes ao programa no aeroporto distrito ¨FAMI Cucuta¨, aplicando a teoria da diversidade e universalidade da Madeleine Leninger representada no modelo ¨subindo sol¨. Materiais e Métodos: a pesquisa qualitativa - etnográfica, a amostra foi colhida por conveniência e, a priori, é composto por oito mulheres socioeconômicos¨ FAMI 2 ¨pertencentes ao programa, que aplicou entrevistas em profundidade, que foram foram gravação usando um gravador de vídeo para facilitar a análise, tudo isso com o consentimento dos informantes. Resultados: Pode-se notar que o cuidado das crianças é influenciado por familiares, conhecidos (amigos e vizinhos) e os costumes de cada um, a ser transmitida de geração, também identificado como um fator relevante na economia do homem como arrimo, fazendo com que a limitação do acesso ao cuidado da criança. Conclusões: Os resultados podem determinar se as expressões, situações e acontecimentos na prática de cuidar de crianças são influenciados pela estrutura social nos fatores tecnológicos, sociais e familiares fatores, valores culturais e modos de vida, os fatores políticos e jurídica e económica. Práticas de cuidados não são influenciados pela religião e educação, da mesma forma, identifica os elementos desses fatores contidos em sistemas genéricos e os profissionais de saúde que articula e integra conhecimentos de enfermagem para identificar ações de cuidado.