Biofortified orange corn increases xanthophyll density and yolk pigmentation in egg yolks from laying hens.

Plant breeding has developed corn genotypes with grain higher in levels of carotenoids. Dietary consumption of specific carotenoids by humans has been associated with improved eye health, notably with some protection against age-related macular degeneration. Increasing dietary sources of macular carotenoids in the standard American diet might be accomplished by using high carotenoid Orange Corn in poultry diets to increase macular carotenoid concentrations in egg yolks. Three hundred sixty laying hens (Novogen White) were fed three different diets over 31 days. Each diet had six replicates of 20 hens housed in enrichable colony cages. The only difference was the type of corn included - white, yellow, and orange, in order to assess the impact of each type of corn on egg production, yolk pigmentation, and carotenoid deposition. This study assessed yolk color and carotenoid densities using a portable colorimeter and the DSM YolkFan, and by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) on eggs from the feeding study and on 43 cartons of 12 eggs commercially available and produced in various production settings: conventional cage, cage-free, cage-free organic, free-range/pasture, and free-range/pasture organic. Yolks from hens fed with the Orange Corn diet produced eggs with higher (P < 0.01) DSM yolk color (6 to 10) and total xanthophylls (23.5 to 35.3 µg/g of egg yolk) compared to the yellow diet (5 to 6 DSM and 12.3 to 17.7 µg/g xanthophylls) and white diet (1 to 2 DSM and 2.5 to 3.0 µg/g xanthophylls). Egg yolks reached a maximum xanthophyll accumulation with the Orange Corn diet (35.3 µg/g of egg yolk) after twelve days of treatment and maintained steady levels at subsequent time points. In general, xanthophyll levels in yolks from the Orange Corn diet were superior (30-61% higher) to any of the commercial egg brands, suggesting that feeding high carotenoid Orange Corn increases xanthophyll density in eggs.

Assessment of an On-board Classifier for Activity Recognition on an Active Back-Support Exoskeleton.

Despite the growing interest, the adoption of industrial exoskeletons may still be held back by technical limitations. To enhance versatility and promote adoption, one aspect of interest could be represented by the potential of active and quasi-passive devices to automatically distinguish different activities and adjust their assistive profiles accordingly. This contribution focuses on an active back-support exoskeleton and extends previous work proposing the use of a Support Vector Machine to classify walking, bending and standing. Thanks to the introduction of a new feature-forearm muscle activity-this study shows that it is possible to perform reliable online classification. As a consequence, the authors introduce a new hierarchically-structured controller for the exoskeleton under analysis.

Identification and Quantification of Carotenoids and Tocochromanols in Sorghum Grain by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Carotenoids and tocochromanols are lipid-soluble secondary plant metabolites that are essential for the normal functioning of plants and, in some cases function as a source of vitamin A and E in humans. Enhancement of the provitamin A carotenoid and tocochromanols levels in sorghum and other cereal grains through traditional breeding and transgenic methods has increased in recent years with interest in biofortification of grains to combat micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. With this increase in research, reliable methodology for the extraction, identification, and quantification of individual carotenoids and tocochromanols species from sorghum and other cereal grains is essential. Here, we describe a basic method for extraction of carotenoid and tocochromanols adapted to sorghum grain and chromatographic condition for separation, identification, and quantification of individual carotenoid using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system.

Carotenoid Stability during Dry Milling, Storage, and Extrusion Processing of Biofortified Maize Genotypes.

Translation of the breeding efforts designed to biofortify maize ( Z. mays) genotypes with higher levels of provitamin A carotenoid (pVAC) content for sub-Saharan Africa is dependent in part on the stability of carotenoids during postharvest through industrial and in-home food processing operations. The purpose of this study was to simulate production of commercial milled products by determining the impact of dry milling and extrusion processing on carotenoid stability in three higher pVAC maize genotypes (C17xDE3, Orange ISO, Hi27xCML328). Pericarp and germ removal of biofortified maize kernels resulted in ∼10% loss of total carotenoids. Separating out the maize flour fraction (<212 µm) resulted in an additional ∼15% loss of total carotenoids. Carotenoid degradation was similar across milled maize fractions. Dry-milled products of Orange ISO and Hi27xCML328 genotypes showed ∼28% pVAC loss after 90-days storage. Genotype C17xDE3, with highest levels of all- trans-ß-carotene, showed a 68% pVAC loss after 90-day storage. Extrusion processing conditions were optimal at 35% extrusion moisture, producing fully cooked instant maize flours with high pVAC retention (70-93%). These results support the notion that postharvest losses in maize milled fractions may be dependent, in part, on genotype and that extrusion processing may provide an option for preserving biofortified maize products.

Molecular analysis of the expression of a crtB transgene and the endogenous psy2-y 1 and psy2-y 2 genes of cassava and their effect on root carotenoid content.

A conventional breeding program was established to transfer the bacterial phytoene synthase transgene-crtB-from a transgenic, white-rooted cassava to yellow-rooted cassava plants carrying the endogenous phytoene synthase alleles named psy2-y 1 and/or psy2-y 2. Combining endogenous phytoene synthase enzymes (PSYs) with CRTB in a single cassava plant would allow the molecular dissection of individual allele contributions to carotenoid synthesis and/or accumulation in cassava roots. The simultaneous expression of the crtB transgene and psy2-y 2 in individuals planted in the field coincided with higher total, HPLC-quantified carotenoid content in roots, although the variability among replications (plants) precluded the detection of statistically significant differences. Nevertheless, the highest total carotenoid content in roots within a family coincided with one individual of the F1 progeny carrying both psy2-y 2 and crtB genes. The results also indicated the presence of at least one more key gene-different from psy or crtB-which too is necessary for the synthesis and/or accumulation of Pro-Vitamin A carotenoids in cassava roots.

Influence of Temperature and Humidity on the Stability of Carotenoids in Biofortified Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes during Controlled Postharvest Storage.

Maize is a staple crop that has been the subject of biofortification efforts to increase the natural content of provitamin A carotenoids. Although significant progress toward increasing provitamin A carotenoid content in maize varieties has been made, postharvest handling factors that influence carotenoid stability during storage have not been fully established. The objectives of this study were to determine carotenoid profiles of six selected provitamin A biofortified maize genotypes at various developmental stages and assess the stability of carotenoids in maize kernels during controlled storage conditions (12 month period), including elevated temperature and relative humidity. There were no significant changes in the content of individual carotenoids within genotypes during kernel development from 45 days after pollination through the time of harvest. Carotenoid losses through traditional grain drying were also minimal (<9%). However, the stability of carotenoids in maize kernels over storage time after harvest was found to be dependent on both temperature and humidity, with variation observed among genotypes. Different forms of provitamin A carotenoids follow similar degradation rates. The genotype C17xDE3 had a degradation rate 2 times faster than those of the other genotypes evaluated (P < 0.001). These differences in carotenoid stability under controlled storage were attributed, in part, to observed differences in the physical properties of the kernels (surface area and porosity). These results support the notion that effective control of moisture content and temperature of the kernels during storage conditions is essential to reduce the speed of degradative reactions.

Actividad antioxidante en guanábana (Annona muricata l): una revisión bibliográfica / Soursop (Annona muricata L) antioxidant activity: a literature review

An antioxidant is a compound capable of inhibiting molecular oxidation and therefore of protecting biological molecules from reactive oxygen species or free radicals. Antioxidants can be synthesized by the body or obtained from a diet containing fruit, such as soursop. The aim of this project was to review the literature on antioxidant activity of the soursop and compounds that might be responsible for this activity. From the analysis of fourteen studies, we found that in most cases soursop did not contain high activity or concentration of antioxidants in fresh or frozen pulp, in comparison with highly consumed fruits in Colombia. The leaves, as well as the juice and wine from the plant, do not contain high activity or concentration of antioxidants. In-depth characterization of antioxidant activity and compounds in soursop is lacking; additional studies are required to identify the mechanisms of action of the compounds present in the whole fruit (peel and seed) for different varieties of this tropical fruit.

Los compuestos antioxidantes están en la capacidad de inhibir la oxidación de moléculas y por lo tanto actuar como protectores de moléculas biológicas contra especies reactivas de oxígeno o radicales libres. Muchos antioxidantes pueden ser sintetizados en el cuerpo u obtenidos a partir de una dieta basada en frutas, como la guanábana. El propósito del presente trabajo fue revisar las principales investigaciones relacionadas con el estudio de la capacidad antioxidante de la guanábana y los compuestos presentes que le otorgan dicha propiedad. A partir del análisis de catorce investigaciones halladas sobre el tema, se encontró que en la mayoría de los casos la guanábana no contiene concentraciones elevadas de actividad o compuestos antioxidantes en su pulpa fresca o congelada comparada con frutos de mayor consumo en Colombia. Sus hojas, al igual que sus jugos y vinos, no contienen concentraciones elevadas de actividad o compuestos antioxidantes. Sin embargo, el tema de investigación de compuestos antioxidantes en guanábana se ha realizado con poca profundidad, hace falta estudios adicionales con métodos que logren la identificación de los mecanismos de acción de los compuestos presentes en el fruto completo (cáscara y semilla) de las diferentes variedades que se conocen de este fruto tropical.

Validación de una metodología analítica para la cuantificación de glucósidos cianogénicos en productos comerciales de yuca / Validation of an analytical methodology to quantify cyanogenic glucosides in commercial cassava products

En este trabajo se valida un método espectrofotométrico para la determinación de glucósidos cianogénicos (CGs) de acuerdo a los requerimientos de IUPAC y ICH para nuevos métodos. El método demuestra una buena linealidad en el rango de 0,1-0,88 μgg-1 de ácido cianhídrico (HCN). La exactitud del método está entre 95,2 y 96,4%. La precisión del método reflejada como la desviación estándar relativa de los replicados es menor al 12%. El método se compara con el método más usado para la detección de CGs en raíces de yuca, el método de Essers et al. Ambos métodos se usan en la cuantificación de CGs en productos comerciales de yuca. El nuevo método es una herramienta útil y confiable para monitorear los niveles de CGs en productos comerciales de yuca.

Evaluación de la composición nutricional, antinutricional y biodisponibilidad in vitro de diferentes extractos foliares / Evaluation of the nutritional and antinutritional composition and in vitro bioavailability of foliar extracts

Foliar extracts (FEs) are an alternative to address food and nutrition insecurity. FEs and leaves of cassava, bean, sweet potato and alfalfa were evaluated for nutrient and antinutrient composition and in vitro nutrient bioavailability. Bean FE had a high average ± (SD) iron concentration (1006 ± 8.49 mg/kg), as did cassava FE for zinc (110.1 ± 6.72 mg/kg) and soluble protein (34.23 ± 3.81 g/kg) concentration. For the cassava, bean and alfalfa FEs in vitro protein digestibility was greater than 71.18 percent; in vitro iron dialyzability was less than 2.29 percent; the phytate:zinc molar ratio was less than 0.08, and the in vitro all-trans-β-carotene bioavailability was greater than 23.85 percent. These values suggest a high protein, zinc and all-trans- β -carotene bioavailability and a low iron bioavailability. FEs can be a nutritious alternative for those countries with low dietary diversity.

Los extractos foliares (EF) son utilizados como complemento nutricional en países como Nicaragua y Tanzania. Se evaluaron hojas y EF de yuca, fríjol, batata y alfalfa, y se cuantificó los componentes nutricionales, antinutricionales y biodisponibilidad por métodos in vitro. En promedio (DE), el EF de fríjol tiene una elevada concentración de hierro (1006,23 (8,49) mg/kg); el EF de yuca tiene alta concentración de zinc (110,65 (6,72) mg/ kg) y proteína soluble (34,23 (3,81) g/kg). Así mismo, la digestibilidad in vitro de proteína en los EFs de yuca, fríjol y alfalfa fueron superiores a 71,18 por ciento; hierro dializable in vitro menor a 2,29 por ciento; la relación molar fitato:zinc inferior a 0,08 y la bioaccesibilidad all-trans-β -caroteno superior a 23,85 por ciento. Estos valores sugieren una alta asimilación de proteína, zinc y all-trans-β -caroteno, y una baja asimilabilidad de hierro. Los EFs pueden ser una alternativa nutricional en la alimentación en países que carecen de diversificación alimentaria.

Evaluación del valor nutricional de recetas típicas elaboradas con maíz común y biofortificado en el departamento del cauca, Colombia

Objetivo. Investigar si el maíz QPM (con más triptófano y lisina) presentaba mejor calidad proteica que el maíz común (MC) utilizándolo en preparaciones colombianas. Material y métodos. Entre 2008 y 2009, en el CIAT, Palmira, Colombia, se evaluó la concentración de triptófano, proteína soluble (PS) y digestibilidad in vitro de proteína (DP) en 10 recetas, preparadas con QPM o MC. Resultados. El triptófano osciló entre 0.011 y 0.072 por ciento para MC y 0.012 y 0.107 por ciento para QPM. Las recetas de QPM presentaron mayor o igual concentración de triptófano que las recetas de MC. PS osciló entre 2.359 y 14.783 g/kg para MC, y 3.339 y 16.839 g/kg para QPM. Las recetas de QPM, exceptuando una, presentaron mayor o igual concentración de PS. DP estuvo entre 75 y 84 por ciento para ambos maíces. Sólo cuatro recetas presentaron diferencia de DP entre QPM y MC. Conclusiones. Las recetas de maíz QPM son de mejor calidad proteica.

Objective. Ten typical recipes from southwestern Colombia were evaluated at CIAT in Palmira, Colombia between 2008 and 2009. Material and Methods. The recipes were prepared in a traditional manner, using quality protein maize (QPM, with more tryptophan and lysine) or common maize (CM); each of these was either fresh kernel or dry grain, or white or yellow maize, per the recipe. The two types of maize were compared for their protein quality. Results. Tryptophan concentrations were 0.011-0.072 percent and 0.012-0.107 percent for CM and QPM, respectively. Tryptophan values for QPM recipes were greater than or equal to those for CM recipes. Soluble protein ranged from 2.359-14.783 g/kg for CM and 3.339-16.839 g/kg for QPM. Except for one recipe, soluble protein in QPM recipes was greater or equal to that of CM recipes. In vitro protein digestibility was 75-84 percent for recipes prepared with both maize types. Only four recipes had a statistically significant difference between QPM and CM with regard to digestibility. Conclusions. Most recipes prepared with QPM had a higher protein quality than those prepared with CM.

[Evaluation of the nutritional value of typical recipes from the Cauca Department in Colombia prepared with common and biofortified maize]. / Evaluación del valor nutricional de recetas típicas elaboradas con maíz común y biofortificado en el Departamento del Cauca, Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: Ten typical recipes from southwestern Colombia were evaluated at CIAT in Palmira, Colombia between 2008 and 2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The recipes were prepared in a traditional manner, using quality protein maize (QPM, with more tryptophan and lysine) or common maize (CM); each of these was either fresh kernel or dry grain, or white or yellow maize, per the recipe. The two types of maize were compared for their protein quality. RESULTS: Tryptophan concentrations were 0.011-0.072% and 0.012-0.107% for CM and QPM, respectively. Tryptophan values for QPM recipes were greater than or equal to those for CM recipes. Soluble protein ranged from 2.359-14.783 g/kg for CM and 3.339-16.839 g/kg for QPM. Except for one recipe, soluble protein in QPM recipes was greater or equal to that of CM recipes. In vitro protein digestibility was 75-84% for recipes prepared with both maize types. Only four recipes had a statistically significant difference between QPM and CM with regard to digestibility. CONCLUSIONS: Most recipes prepared with QPM had a higher protein quality than those prepared with CM.