Extraction and characterization of cereal bran cell wall in relation to its end use perspectives.

The main objective of the current research was to explore the physicochemical, microbial and sensorial attributes of cereals bran cell wall (CBCW) enriched bread. In 1st phase, the cell wall wasextracted from different cerealsbran and characterized for its dietary fiber profile and antioxidant activity. In addition, bread was prepared with the additionof CBCW at different ratios and explored for physicochemical, microbialand sensorial characteristics. Current results showed that total dietary fiber contents of CBCW were 59.1 ± 0.2%, 61.2 ± 0.03% and 68.8 ± 0.2% in wheat, maize and oat bran respectively. Furthermore, maize bran cell wall showed higher antioxidant activityof ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), DPPH and ABTS were 52.5 ± 0.12, 28.4 ± 0.07 and 18 ± 0.05 µmol TE/g as compared to wheat and oat bran cell wall. Additionally, CBCWimproved the bread quality in terms of physicochemical, microbial and sensorial characteristics.Moreover, CBCW-enriched bread showed higher loaf volume, loaf height, the specific volume of loaf and weight of bread as compared to control due to less baking loss. Furthermore, maize bran cell wall enriched bread exhibited less growth after 4 days as compared to other treatments. Moreover, CBCW-enriched bread showed higher sensorial properties score than C0.Convulsively, CBCW-enriched bread has good physicochemical, microbial and sensorial properties as compared to control bread.

Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.): An Unexplored Medicinal Fruit with Minerals, Antioxidants, and Phytochemicals.

The Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.) fruit is well known for its nutritional and medicinal values. The current study analyzed the chemical composition of Salvadora oleoides fruit. Fresh Peelu fruits were harvested, and physicochemical properties, proximate composition, macro- and micronutrients, and phytochemical properties were determined. Moreover, ethanol and methanol fruit extract was analyzed for physicochemical properties. The Peelu fruit seemed to be a potential source of essential macro- ((nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and copper (Cu)). The fruit had significant biochemical properties (total soluble solids (TSS), total acidity (TA), and TSS : TA ratio) with appreciable moisture, crude fiber, and ash contents. The fruit extracts demonstrated significantly higher antioxidants and phenolics, ascorbic acid contents, and carotenoids. Phytochemical screening of fruit revealed the presence of coumarins, flavonoids, phlobatannins, tannins, and terpenoids. Physicochemical and sensory evaluation of extracts indicated its potential for further in vivo study trials. The Peelu fruit was found to be a good source of mineral nutrients, proximate contents, vitamins (ascorbic acid and carotenoid), phytochemicals (total phenolic sand antioxidant contents), and pharmaceutically important metabolites that can be used as functional drink.

Impediment effect of chemical agents (additives) on gluten development in cookie dough.

Most of the countries grow wheat varieties according to the product specificity while others lack such a system of special purpose wheat production. Those countries face problems in quality of bakery products like cookies/biscuits and breads. Cookie manufacturers require low protein to prepare good quality cookies. In case of high protein wheat flour, one solution is to hinder the gluten development during dough formation. It can be achieved by using chemical additives like Sodium Stearoyl 2-Lactylate (SSL), L-Cysteine (CYS) and Lecithin (LEC). So, current study was designed to add these additives in dough to hinder gluten development. For this purpose, wheat flour of two local mills was procured and analyzed for chemical & rheological traits. Furthermore, flour was used to prepare cookies with the addition of chemical additives and these cookies were evaluated for textural hardness, physical parameters, and sensorial characteristics. Results showed that wheat flours have optimum values of chemical & farinographic attributes. Chemical additives significantly affect diameter, thickness, spread factor, hardness, flavor, taste, and texture of cookies. Conclusively, SSL can be added in mixed wheat flour @ 0.5-1% to get cookies of good quality.

Prevalence of Aflatoxins in Selected Dry Fruits, Impact of Storage Conditions on Contamination Levels and Associated Health Risks on Pakistani Consumers.

Dry fruits and nuts are nutritious foods with several health-promoting properties. However, they are prone to contamination with aflatoxins at all stages of production and storage. The present study aimed to determine the natural occurrence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), aflatoxin B2 (AFB2), aflatoxin G1 (AFG1), aflatoxin G2 (AFG2), and total aflatoxins (AFT) in dates, pistachios, and walnuts collected from four districts of South Punjab (Pakistan), and to assess the associated health risks as estimated by dietary exposure and the Margin of Exposure (MoE) determinations. The contents of AFB1 and AFT in these food products were monitored during storage under three different conditions (open-air, hermetically closed jars, and refrigeration at 4 °C) to determine the most efficient conditions in preventing aflatoxin accumulation. HPLC-fluorescence analysis of 60 samples of these products for aflatoxin contamination showed that 52 (86.7%) samples were contaminated at different levels, with a maximum of 24.2 ng/g. The overall (all samples) mean concentrations of AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2, and AFT were 3.39 ± 2.96, 1.39 ± 1.68, 1.63 ± 1.48. 1.12 ± 1.23, and 7.54 ± 6.68, respectively. The Estimated Daily Intake (EDI) and MoE of aflatoxins through the consumption of the products ranged from 0.06 ng/kg bw/day to 2.0 ng/kg bw/day and from 84.84 to 2857.13, respectively, indicating that consumers are at high health risk. Significant differences were recorded between aflatoxin levels in the samples stored under different storage conditions, with storage under refrigeration (4 °C) being the most effective in controlling aflatoxin accumulation, although storage in closed jars was also efficient and offers a more flexible alternative to retailers. The findings of the study urge official authorities of Pakistan to implement appropriate regulatory and control measures and surveillance program to alleviate the potential public health risks associated with the consumption of dry fruits and nuts in the scope of their increased consumption.

Neuroprotective effects of oleuropein: Recent developments and contemporary research.

Neurological disorders are increasing at a faster pace due to oxidative stress, protein aggregation, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. It is reported that the Mediterranean diet including olives as a major dietary component prevents and ameliorates neurological anomalies. Oleuropein is the major bioactive component in different parts of the Olive (Olea europaea L.) tree. Several mechanisms have been reported for the neuroprotective role of oleuropein including induction of apoptosis and autophagy, enhancing the antioxidant pool of the cerebral region, decreasing the unnecessary release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by deactivating the microglia cells and astrocytes thus preventing the occurrence of neuroinflammation. Regular intake of oleuropein seems to be correlated with decreased risks of neural disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, strokes, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and others. This review majorly discusses the chemistry, biosynthesis, and metabolism of oleuropein along with an updated vision of its neuroprotective role in counteracting the acute and chronic neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, mechanisms by which oleuropein may prevent neurodegeneration are reviewed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Neurological disorders are negatively affecting the health and life quality of individuals around the globe. Although various medicinal solutions are available to tackle such ailments, none has proven to fully cure and being deprived of side effects. In this respect, the prevention of such disorders using natural remedies may be an effective strategy to overcome the incidence of the increasing cases. Furthermore, the natural compounds provide a safer alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Hence, oleuropein from olive tree products is found to be efficacious against neurological disorders. This review provides an updated insight on the positive effects of oleuropein against neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. The diet practitioners and nutraceutical companies may benefit from the provided information to design and develop strategies to improve the mental health of suffering individuals.

In-vitro and In-vivo management of Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler in cotton using organic's.

Root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood and Rhizoctonia bataticola (Taub.) Butler, fungus, are very dangerous root damaging pathogens. Present study was planned to establish a chemical control of these root deteriorating pathogens under lab conditions as well as in field. Maximum death rate of nematode juveniles and minimum numbers of nematode eggs hatched were recorded in plates treated with Cadusafos (Rugby® 100G) @12 g/100 ml and Cartap® (4% G) @9g/100 ml. Chemical treatment of Rhizoctonia bataticola with Trifloxystrobin + Tebuconazole (Nativo®) @0.2 g/100 ml and Mancozeb + Matalaxyl (Axiom) @0.25 g/100 ml significantly controlled the mycelial growth in plates. The best treatments tested in laboratory were applied in field as protective and curative treatments. Results proved that chemical control of root-knot nematode and root rot fungi by tested chemicals at recommended time and dose is a significant management technique under field conditions.

Comparative study of innovative blends prepared by fortification of date powder to alleviate child malnutrition.

Child malnutrition is one of the biggest problems in developing countries with higher level of food insecurity. Pakistan is 5th largest producer of date fruit; therefore, its processing and products should be explored in various dimensions. Being rich source of minerals and sugars, it can contribute in weaning foods in a good manner. In current study, three blends were prepared with specific proportions of spray-dried date powder and rich in specific proportions. They were compared with each other and control (free of date powder). The nutritional profile of the formulations revealed that 100 g of each formulation included all macronutrients in compliance with the requirements of Food and Agriculture Organization for weaning formulations; moreover, they are enriched with minerals due to presence of date powder. The iron contents reached up to 12.74 ± 0.16 mg/100 g. The phosphorus, zinc, and potassium contents also increased with the increase in date powder subsequently. Physicochemical properties exhibited in compliance with the requirement of the weaning foods. The protein quality was assessed both in vivo and in vitro. Amino acid profiling indicated that the limiting amino acid in F1 and control were lysine but in F2 and F3 were threonine. This is suggested that date powder might contain good quality protein that was further explained in biological studies, the formulations that contained higher amount of date powder reveled better PDCAAS score 86.76 ± 4.5, true digestibility 84 ± 4.36, biological value 69.45 ± 0.69, net protein utilization 73.82 ± 1.46, and protein efficiency score 1.18 ± 0.07. The sensory evaluation revealed that F2 showed better result in overall acceptability. Thus, date powder is suggested to be used as good constituent that can fortify mineral contents and sugar contents of the weaning foods.

Transcriptomic analysis reveals differential gene expression, alternative splicing, and novel exons during mouse trophoblast stem cell differentiation.

BACKGROUND: Differentiation of mouse trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) to trophoblast giant cells (TGCs) has been widely used as a model system to study placental development and function. While several differentially expressed genes, including regulators of TSC differentiation, have been identified, a comprehensive analysis of the global expression of genes and splice variants in the two cell types has not been reported. RESULTS: Here, we report ~ 7800 differentially expressed genes in TGCs compared to TSCs which include regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, cytoskeleton, cell mobility, embryo implantation, metabolism, and various signaling pathways. We show that several mitotic proteins, including Aurora A kinase, were downregulated in TGCs and that the activity of Aurora A kinase is required for the maintenance of TSCs. We also identify hitherto undiscovered, cell-type specific alternative splicing events in 31 genes in the two cell types. Finally, we also report 19 novel exons in 12 genes which are expressed in both TSCs and TGCs. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our results uncover several potential regulators of TSC differentiation and TGC function, thereby providing a valuable resource for developmental and molecular biologists interested in the study of stem cell differentiation and embryonic development.

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) fruit: hidden phytochemicals and health claims.

Currently, nutrition and health linkages focused on emerging strategy of diet based regimen to combat various physiological threats including cardiovascular disorders, oxidative stress, diabetes mellitus, etc. In this context, consumption of fruits and vegetables is gaining considerable importance as safeguard to maintain human health. Likewise, their phytochemicals and bioactive molecules are also becoming popular as promising demulcent against various ailments. The current review is an effort to sum up information regarding persimmon fruit with special reference to its phytochemistry and associated health claims. Accordingly, the role of its certain bioactive molecules like proanthocyanidin, carotenoids, tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanidin, catechin, etc. is highlighted. Owing to rich phytochemistry, persimmon and its products are considered effective in mitigating oxidative damage induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). The antioxidant potential is too responsible for anti-malignant and anti-melanogenic perspectives of persimmon functional ingredients. Additionally, they are effectual in soothing lifestyle related disparities e.g. cardiovascular disorders and diabetes mellitus. There are proven facts that pharmacological application of persimmon or its functional ingredients like proanthocyanidin may helps against hyperlipidemia and hyperglycemia. Nevertheless, astringent taste and diospyrobezoars formation are creating lacuna to prop up its vitality. In toto, persimmon and its components hold potential as one of effective modules in diet based therapy; however, integrated research and meta-analysis are still required to enhance meticulousness.

Green tea and anticancer perspectives: updates from last decade.

Green tea is the most widely consumed beverage besides water and has attained significant attention owing to health benefits against array of maladies, e.g., obesity, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer insurgence. The major bioactive molecules are epigallocatechin-3-gallate, epicatechin, epicatechin-3-gallate, epigallocatechin, etc. The anticarcinogenic and antimutagenic activities of green tea were highlighted some years ago. Several cohort studies and controlled randomized trials suggested the inverse association of green tea consumption and cancer prevalence. Cell culture and animal studies depicted the mechanisms of green tea to control cancer insurgence, i.e., induction of apoptosis to control cell growth arrest, altered expression of cell-cycle regulatory proteins, activation of killer caspases, and suppression of nuclear factor kappa-B activation. It acts as carcinoma blocker by modulating the signal transduction pathways involved in cell proliferation, transformation, inflammation, and metastasis. However, results generated from some research interventions conducted in different groups like smokers and nonsmokers, etc. contradicted with aforementioned anticancer perspectives. In this review paper, anticancer perspectives of green tea and its components have been described. Recent findings and literature have been surfed and arguments are presented to clarify the ambiguities regarding anticancer perspectives of green tea and its component especially against colon, skin, lung, prostate, and breast cancer. The heading of discussion and future trends is limelight of the manuscript. The compiled manuscript provides new avenues for researchers to be explored in relation to green tea and its bioactive components.

Watermelon lycopene and allied health claims.

Presently, functional foods and nutraceuticals are gaining immense importance in the prevention of various maladies through dietary regimen module. Consumption of fruits and vegetables based diet has pursuit a range of bioactive components, especially phytochemicals targeting life threatening ailments. In this context, lycopene is an extensively studied antioxidant potentially present in watermelon, tomato, pink guava etc. Watermelon is one of the unique sources having readily available cis-isomeric lycopene. The distinctive aroma of watermelon is imparted by medium- and short-chain fatty acids along with geranial, ß-ionone and neral. Its consumption has been escalated owing to rich nutritional profile and allied health benefits. It is effective in reducing the extent of cancer insurgence, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and macular diseases. The structural characteristics, physiochemical properties and therapeutic effects of lycopene are the limelight of the manuscript. However, further research investigations are still needed to address the health enhancing potential of watermelon lycopene.

Anti-oncogenic perspectives of spices/herbs: A comprehensive review.

Contemporary nutrition regime has focused the attention of the researchers on phytochemicals enriched spices to mitigate various oncological threats. Numerous chemopreventive strategies against malignancy have been developed considering the anticancer perspectives of allied nutraceutical constituents. Current evidences have proven an inverse association of spices with that of oncological incidences. The high antioxidant activity of spices derived bioactives triggers the free radicals scavenging ability at cellular level thereby alleviating various metabolic syndromes. Promising compounds including curcumin and curcuminoids (turmeric), limonene (cardamom), allicin, allyl isothiocyanate (garlic), cinnamic aldehyde, 2-hydroxycinnamaldehyde and eugenol (cinnamon), gingerol, zingiberone, zingiberene (ginger), dipropyle disulfides and quercetin (onion), piperidine piperine, limonene, α- and ß-pinene (black pepper), crocetin, crocin and safranal (saffron) have been identified as chemopreventing agents against various malignancies. Chemopreventive properties of spices are mediated by functional bioactive ingredients that arrest the activity of cytochrome P450 and isozymes CYP 1A1, cyclooxygenase-2, reducing activator of transcription-3 (STAT-3) and signal transducer. They are closely associated with tumorigenesis activated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) receptors and epidermal growth factor (EGF) relate to an array of tumors. The bioactive constituents altering the expression of protein involved in cell cycle, activating caspases killer and suppressing Kappa-B activation. Alongside, they also restrain causative agents of cell structure damage as in lipid and protein membrane system and DNA that shifting healthy body towards cancerous state. Spices phytochemicals have established as carcinogenesis blockers by modulating cell proliferation pathways transformation, inflammation, metastasis etc. Furthermore, spices as functional ingredients may act as immune boosters and diminish inflammatory disorders. The current review is inevitably an affirmative approach in the development of novel guidelines against cancer by using dietary species to maintain good health.