Quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles ameliorate adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats by regulating anti-oxidant enzymes and downregulating pro- and inflammatory cytokines.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory condition and associated with the symmetrical synovitis of the joints and cause joint pain. The use of anti-rheumatic drugs is associated with many adverse effects. Quercetin, an important polyphenolic flavonoid, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic effects. Quercetin use is limited due to poor absorption and bioavailability. Nanomedicines are used for the targeted drug delivery, hence it reduces the adverse effects of the drug. Based upon these factors, quercetin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Q-NPs) were prepared by solvent evaporation method, characterized and their better anti-rheumatic effect with mechanistic insights was validated in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritic rats along with safety studies. The animals were divided into five groups, each containing 5 animals. Group I was normal control, group II was arthritic control, while groups III, IV and V were administered with quercetin (15 mg/Kg) and Q-NPs (10 and 20 mg/Kg), respectively. The reduction in ankle diameter, serum oxidative stress markers as well as pro- and inflammatory cytokines, e.g., tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), interleukin (IL-6) were determined. The prepared Q-NPs showed hydrodynamic size of 83.9 nm, polydispersity index of 0.687, entrapment efficiency 90.5% as well as no interaction between quercetin and chitosan in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A significant reduction (p < 0.001) in ankle diameter was observed after administration of high-dose Q-NPs (4.32 ± 0.14 cm to 5.13 ± 0.62 cm). There was also reduction (p < 0.001) in levels of TNFα and IL-6 following high-dose Q-NPs (72.56 ± 2.30 and 308.19 ± 11.5 pg). The effect on biochemical tests, hematological parameters and oxidative stress parameters was also found to be significant. Histopathological changes of kidney, liver and ankle also confirmed the anti-rheumatic effect of high-dose Q-NPs. The study concludes that administration of Q-NPs (20 mg/Kg) may be used for the treatment of FCA-induced RA in rats.

Novel metal enhanced dual-mode fluorometric and SERS aptasensor incorporating a heterostructure nanoassembly for ultrasensitive T-2 toxin detection.

Fluorescent gold (Au) nanostructures have emerged as burgeoning materials to fabricate nanomaterial assemblies which play a vital role in improving the detection sensitivity and specificity for various biomolecules. In this work, a fluorescence labelled (Rhodamine-B-Isothiocyanate) silica shell with Au metal core (AuNPs@PVP@RITC@SiO2) and a graphene-Au nanostar nanocomposite (rGO-AuNS) are presented as a metal enhanced fluorescence (MEF) material and Raman signal enhancer, respectively. Their composite (AuNPs@PVP@RITC@SiO2NPs/rGO-AuNS) was employed as a dual-mode fluorescence (FL) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobe for selective and sensitive detection of T-2 toxin. To comprehend the dual-modality, a core-shell nanostructure, AuNPs@PVP@RITC@SiO2, was functionalized with an aptamer (donor) and adsorbed on the surface of rGO-AuNS through electrostatic forces and π-π stacking which act as a FL quencher and SERS signal enhancer. When exposed to T-2 toxin, the apt-AuNPs@PVP@RITC@SiO2NPs move away from the surface of rGO-AuNS, resulting in the restoration of FL and reduction of the SERS signal. There was distinct linearity between the T-2 toxin concentration and the dual FL and SERS signals with lower limits of detection (LOD) of 85 pM and 12 pM, as compared to the previous methods, respectively. The developed FL and SERS aptasensor presented excellent recovery ratio and RSD in wheat and maize, respectively, as compared with the standard ELISA method. The complementary performances of the developed stratagem revealed a high correlation between the FL and SERS sensing modes with exquisite detection properties.

Antiulcerative potential of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in a rabbit model.

OBJECTIVES: Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is accredited as a functional food because of its nutraceutical compounds. These dietary components may help heal lesions and ulcer scars in the stomach. This research was designed to examine the antioxidant and antiulcerative potential of sweet potato (red skin, white flesh) against aspirin-induced gastric ulcers in a rabbit model. METHODS: Sweet potato samples were analyzed for in vitro analysis, such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. In a bioefficacy study, rabbits were divided into five groups (n = 6) in which G0 received the standard diet only, G1 150 mg/kg aspirin, G2 20 mg/kg omeprazole, G3 1000 mg/kg aqueous extract of sweet potato, and G4 1000 mg/kg ethanolic extract of sweet potato. After completion of the trial, the animals were decapitated and examined for antiulcer parameters, serum analysis, and hematologic parameters. RESULTS: The mean values for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content were 57%, 927 mg gallic acid equivalent/100 g, and 1901 µg quercetin equivalent/g, respectively. The values for gastric volume, acid output, ulcer scores and index, total oxidant status, white blood cell count, and lymphocyte count were increased significantly (P < 0.05) for the positive control group compared with G2, G3, and G4. Gastric pH and body weight at the end of the experiment were significantly reduced for the positive control group (P < 0.05) compared with G2, G3, and G4. Histology test results of gastric tissues in G1 depicted severe epithelial damage compared with G2, G3, and G4. CONCLUSIONS: The results for the antiulcer parameters ascertained the antiulcer activity of sweet potato in aspirin-induced gastric ulcer models.

Prophylactic role of olive fruit extract against cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Cigarette smoke exposure increases the production of free radicals leading to initiation of several pathological conditions by triggering the oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade. Olive fruit owing to its unique phytochemical composition possesses antioxidant, immune modulatory, and anti-inflammatory potential. Considering the compositional alterations in olive fruits during ripening, the current experimental trail was designed to investigate the prophylactic role of green and black olives against the oxidative stress induced by cigarette smoke exposure in rats. Purposely, rats were divided into five different groups: NC (negative control; normal diet), PC [positive control; normal diet + smoke exposure (SE)], drug (normal diet + SE + citalopram), GO (normal diet + SE + green olive extract), and BO (normal diet + SE + black olive extract). Rats of all groups were exposed to cigarette smoke except "NC" and were sacrificed for collection of blood and organs after 28 days of experimental trial. The percent reduction in total oxidative stress by citalopram and green and black olive extracts in serum was 29.72, 58.69, and 57.97%, respectively, while the total antioxidant capacity increased by 30.78, 53.94, and 43.98%, accordingly in comparison to PC. Moreover, malondialdehyde (MDA) was reduced by 29.63, 42.59, and 45.70% in drug, GO, and BO groups, respectively. Likewise, green and black olive extracts reduced the leakage of hepatic enzymes in sera, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 23.44 and 25.80% and 35.62 and 37.61%, alanine transaminase (ALT) by 42.68 and 24.39% and 51.04 and 35.41%, and aspartate transaminase (AST) by 31.51 and 16.07% and 40.50 and 27.09% from PC and drug group, respectively. Additionally, olive extracts also maintained the antioxidant pool, i.e., superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in serum. Furthermore, histological examination revealed that olive extracts prevented the cigarette smoke-induced necrosis, pyknotic alterations, and congestion in the lung, hepatic, and renal parenchyma. Besides, gene expression analysis revealed that olive extracts and citalopram decreased the brain and lung damage caused by stress-induced upregulation of NRF-2 and MAPK signaling pathways. Hence, it can be concluded that olives (both green and black) can act as promising antioxidant in alleviating the cigarette smoke-induced oxidative stress.

Determination of Adulteration of Chicken Meat into Minced Beef Mixtures using Front Face Fluorescence Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometric.

The objective of this study was to explore the potential of front face fluorescence spectroscopy (FFFS) as rapid, non-destructive and inclusive technique along with multi-variate analysis for predicting meat adulteration. For this purpose (FFFS) was used to discriminate pure minced beef meat and adulterated minced beef meat containing (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%) of chicken meat as an adulterant in uncooked beef meat samples. Fixed excitation (290 nm, 322 nm, and 340 nm) and fixed emission (410 nm) wavelengths were used for performing analysis. Fluorescence spectra were acquired from pure and adulterated meat samples to differentiate pure and binary mixtures of meat samples. Principle component analysis, partial least square regression and hierarchical cluster analysis were used as chemometric tools to find out the information from spectral data. These chemometric tools predict adulteration in minced beef meat up to 10% chicken meat but are not good in distinguishing adulteration level from 1% to 5%. The results of this research provide baseline for future work for generating spectral libraries using larger datasets for on-line detection of meat authenticity by using fluorescence spectroscopy.

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.

Research update of emergent gold nanoclusters: A reinforced approach towards evolution, synthesis mechanism and application.

Fluorescent biosensors and imaging devices have gained fervent consideration due to their prime functionality in biological. Among fluorescent nanomaterial (FNMs), the ultra-small gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) have gained promising attention with respect to extra-ordinary properties of bright fluorescence, economical synthesis, higher photostability, and biocompatibility, and deep tissue penetration. Therefore, the prior decades comprehended the revolutions in the field of real-time monitoring devices, nanotechnology-based biosensing, and bioimaging sensors. The present review primarily focuses on metal NCs (MNCs) and their advantages, a brief introduction of AuNCs along with history prospective and development, fundamental aspects regarding AuNCs quality and fluorescence, limitations and advantages of AuNCs, sensing mechanism, expected synthesis principle, and summarized the recent progress of AuNCs probe over the last 3 years (2019-2021) with their respective detection and bioimaging mechanism and synthesis principle. Moreover, the present work also serves as a novel stratagem for the preparation and potential applications of multifunctional AuNCs nano-systems responsiveness for various analytes detection and cell bioimaging with respective examples. At last, we described the challenges associated with the application of AuNCs based on recent signs of progress.

Neuroprotective effects of Olea europaea L. fruit extract against cigarette smoke-induced depressive-like behaviors in Sprague-Dawley rats.

Depression is broadly acclaimed as a mental health anomaly and despite advancements in the development of antidepressant drugs, they are linked with side effects. Dietary modifications and medicinal plants like olives can be used as effective strategies due to their antioxidant, immune-modulatory, antiinflammatory, and anticonvulsant properties. Considering the compositional alterations in olive fruits during ripening, the antidepressant potential of olive fruits at different degrees of ripeness, that is, un-ripened (green) and ripened (black) was investigated. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: G0 (Normal diet), G1 (Normal diet + smoke exposure (SE), G2 (Normal diet + SE + Citalopram), G3 (Normal diet + SE + Green olive extract), and G4 (Normal diet + SE + Black olive extract). Depressive-like behaviors were induced in all groups through cigarette smoke exposure except G0 . Green and black olive extracts prevented depressive behaviors by reducing the immobility time of rats in forced swim test and tail suspension test while increased the latency to respond in hot plate assay. Moreover, lipid peroxidation in brain tissue was reduced with citalopram, green, and black olive extracts. Additionally, treatments also enhanced the antioxidant pool of brain tissues. Histological examination revealed that olive extracts and citalopram prevented cigarette smoke-induced moderate to severe necrosis and congestion in the brain parenchyma and elucidated antidepressant potential by improving the expression of monoamine oxidase-A, solute carrier family 6 member 4, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor genes. Conclusively, olives may act as a promising antidepressant agent in ameliorating cigarette smoke-induced depressive-like behaviors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Olive extracts at both ripening stages revealed an antidepressant-like effect almost similar to the standard antidepressant drug and also prevented oxidative damages. Therefore, from the current findings, it can be recommended that food ingredients with antidepressant potential like olives should be incorporated in future interventions to combat depression/psychiatric anomalies and diet therapy should be encouraged to alleviate lifestyle-related disorders.

Development and storage stability of chickpea, mung bean, and peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic food to tackle protein-energy malnutrition.

Protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) is most prevalent and affecting a large number of children in Pakistan. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) is a tackling strategy to overcome the PEM in Pakistan. The present research was designed to formulate RUTF from different indigenous sources. After conducting some preliminary trials, 14 RUTF formulations were developed by mixing peanut, mung bean, and chickpea alone as well as in various combinations with the addition of sugar, powdered milk, oil, and vitamin-mineral premix. Freshly prepared RUTF was stored at room temperature (20 ± 5°C) and packed in aluminum foil for 90 days to investigate the microbiological analysis (total plate count and mold count), water activity (Aw), peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value. All the parameters showed significant (p < .05) differences among peanut, chickpea, and mung bean-based RUTF except water activity. The storage days and interaction between treatments and storage days also showed a significant (p < .05) effect on water activity, total plate count, mold count, peroxide value, and TBA of RUTF formulations. The present study revealed that the peanut, chickpea, and mung bean can be used in the formulation of RUTF due to their shelf stability and help to mitigate the PEM in Pakistan.

Cereal processing waste, an environmental impact and value addition perspectives: A comprehensive treatise.

This review is to describe various methods used for the treatment of cereal processing wastes and their efficiency to reduce environmental issues. Physico-chemical and biological methods have great potential for the treatment of cereal industrial waste. These methods can be used alone or in combination with effective treatment. Physico-chemical treatments are mostly employed for the pretreatment of cereal processing wastes that helps in reduced sludge formation during biological treatments. Biological treatments are mostly used owing to their high efficiency in removing pollutants, and less expensive than physico-chemical treatments. However, these treatments consume more time as compared to physico-chemical treatments. These treatments also proved to be efficient for a high rate of cereal waste conversion into value-added products. Thus, cereal industrial waste can result in value-added products such as biohydrogen, bioethanol, butanol, biogas and biocoal as biofuels, industrial valued enzymes, biomass, biofertilizer, proteins, organic acids, polysaccharides and few others.

Elucidation of morphological characteristics, crystallinity, and molecular structures of native and enzyme modified cereal brans.

Bran is a nutritious outermost layer of the cereal grain that is removed during milling to curtail the technical problems in end-products. Modification techniques such as enzyme treatments might be an effective way to alter bran morphology and end-use quality. In this study, bran from six cereals (wheat, barley, oat, maize, millet, and sorghum) were enzymatically modified (cellulase and xylanase), and evaluated for morphological properties through scanning electron microscopy, crystallinity through x-ray diffraction and molecular structures through FTIR spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that enzyme modifications caused breakage in bran fibers by hydrolyzing non-starch polysaccharides. X-ray diffraction exhibited that crystallinity of the structures was increased after modifications as enzymes hydrolyzed amorphous regions of cellulose and hemicellulose in bran matrix. Molecular structures studied by FTIR spectroscopy demonstrated absorption in wavelength ranges of 900-3400cm-1 associated to carbohydrates, oligosaccharides, proteins, and non-starch polysaccharides. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cereal bran creates technical problems for food processors and bakers in terms of grittiness leading to the unacceptability of the product. The bran can be modified using different approaches, such as enzyme modifications. This research will be helpful for the food scientists & researchers and bakers for making choices for preferred method of bran modification. This will also be helpful for cereal scientists for the understanding of structural properties of bran layers.

Bioavailability, rheology, and sensory evaluation of mayonnaise fortified with vitamin D encapsulated in protein-based carriers.

Vitamin D lost its functionality during processing and storage, thus, encapsulation with proteins is desirable to preserve bioactivity. The aim of the current study was to develop encapsulated vitamin D fortified mayonnaise (VDFM) using whey protein isolates (WPI) and soy protein isolates (SPI) as encapsulating materials in three different formulations, that is, 10% WPI, 10% SPI, and 5/5% WPI/SPI. Increased shear stress decreased the apparent viscosity along with significant effects on the loss modulus of VDFM. WPI encapsulates showed better results as compared to SPI. WPI based VDFM (M1 ) depicted the best results in terms of size and dispersion uniformity of oil droplets. Hue angle and total change differed significantly among treatments. The highest value for overall acceptability was acquired by M3 (5:5%WPI:SPI-encapsulates) thus proceed for in vivo trials. Serum vitamin D level was significantly higher in the encapsulated VDFM rat group (58.14 ± 6.29 nmol/L) than the control (37.80 ± 4.98 nmol/L). Conclusively, WPI and SPI encapsulates have the potential to improve the stability and bioavailability of vitamin D.

A "turnon" aptasensor for simultaneous and time-resolved fluorometric determination of zearalenone, trichothecenes A and aflatoxin B1 using WS2 as a quencher.

A "turn on" time-resolved fluorometric aptasensor is described for the simultaneous detection of zearalenone (ZEN), trichothecenes A (T-2), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Multicolor-emissive nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions (Dy3+, Tb3+, Eu3+) were functionalized with respective aptamers and applied as a bioprobe, and tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanosheets are used as a quencher of time-resolved fluorescence. The assay exploits the quenching efficiency of WS2 and the interactions between WS2 and the respective DNA aptamers. The simultaneous recognition of the three mycotoxins can be performed in a single solution. In the absence of targets, WS2 is easily adsorbed by the mixed bioprobes via van der Waals forces between nucleobases and the WS2 basal plane. This brings the bioprobe and WS2 into close proximity and results in quenched fluorescence. In the presence of targets, the fluorescence of the bioprobes is restored because the analytes react with DNA probe and modify their molecular conformation to weaken the interaction between the DNAs and WS2. Under the optimum conditions and at an excitation wavelength of 273 nm, the time-resolved fluorescence intensities (peaking at 488, 544 and 618 nm and corresponding to emissions of Dy3+, Tb3+ and Eu3+) were used to quantify ZEN, T-2 and AFB1, respectively, with detection limits of 0.51, 0.33 and 0.40 pg mL-1 and a linear range from 0.001 to 100 ng mL-1. The three mycotoxins can be detected simultaneously without mutual interference. The assay was applied to the quantification of ZEN, T-2 and AFB1 in (spiked) maize samples. This homogeneous aptamer based assay can be performed within 1 h. Conceivably, it can become an alternative to other heterogeneous methods such as the respective enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Graphical abstract Schematic presentation of an aptasensor for simultaneous detection of zearalenone, trichothecenes A and aflatoxin B1 using aptamer modified time-resolved fluorescence nanoparticles as signalling probes and tungsten disulfide as the quencher. This assay shows lower detection limit and requires no washing steps.

Development of Whey Protein Concentrate-Pectin-Alginate Based Delivery System to Improve Survival of B. longum BL-05 in Simulated Gastrointestinal Conditions.

Bifidobacterium longum BL-05 encapsulated beads were developed by using whey protein concentrate (WPC) and pectin (PE) as encapsulating material through extrusion/ionic gelation technique with the objective to improve survival of probiotics in harsh gastrointestinal conditions. B. longum BL-05 was grown in MRS (de man rogosa and sharpe) broth, centrifuged and mixed with polymeric gel solution. Bead formulations E4 (2.5% WPC + 1.5% PE) and E5 (2% PE) showed the highest value for encapsulation efficiency, size, and textural properties (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness) due to increasing PE concentration. The survivability and viability of free and encapsulated B. longum BL-05 was assessed through their resistance to simulated gastric juice (SGJ), tolerance to bile salt, release profile in simulated intestinal fluid (SIF), and storage stability during 28 days at 4 °C. The microencapsulation provided protection to B. longum BL-05 and encapsulated cells were exhibited significant (p < 0.05) resistance to SGJ and SIF as compared to free cells. Bead formulations E3 (5.0% WPC + 1.0% PE) and E4 (2.5% WPC + 1.5% PE) exhibited more resistance to SGJ (at pH 2 for 2 h) and at 2% bile salt solution but comparatively slow release as compared to other bead formulations. Free cells lost their viability when stored at 4 °C after 28 days but microencapsulated cells demonstrated promising results during storage and viable cell count was > 107 CFU/g. This study revealed that extrusion using WPC and PE as encapsulating material could be considered as one of the novel technologies for protection and effective delivery of probiotics.

Assessing the capability of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in tandem with chemometric analysis for predicting poultry meat spoilage.

BACKGROUND: Use of traditional methods for determining meat spoilage is quite laborious and time consuming. Therefore, alternative approaches are needed that can predict the spoilage of meat in a rapid, non-invasive and more elaborative way. In this regard, the spectroscopic techniques have shown their potential for predicting the microbial spoilage of meat-based products. Consequently, the present work was aimed to demonstrate the competence of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to detect spoilage in chicken fillets stored under aerobic refrigerated conditions. METHODS: This study was conducted under controlled randomized design (CRD). Chicken samples were stored for 8 days at 4 + 0.5 °C and FTIR spectra were collected at regular intervals (after every 2 days) directly from the sample surface using attenuated total reflectance during the study period. Additionally, total plate count (TPC), Entetobacteriaceae count, pH, CTn (Color transmittance number) color analysis, TVBN (total volatile basic nitrogen) contents, and shear force values were also measured through traditional approaches. FTIR spectral data were interpreted through principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least square (PLS) regression and compared with results of traditional methods for precise estimation of spoilage. RESULTS: Results of TPC (3.04-8.20 CFU/cm2), Entetobacteriaceae counts (2.39-6.33 CFU/cm2), pH (4.65-7.05), color (57.00-142.00 CTn), TVBN values (6.72-33.60 mg/100 g) and shear force values (8.99-39.23) were measured through traditional methods and compared with FTIR spectral data. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied on data obtained through microbial and quality analyses and results revealed significant changes (P < 0.05) in the values of microbial load and quality parameters of chicken fillets during the storage. FTIR spectra were collected and PCA was applied to illuminate the wavenumbers potentially correlated to the spoilage of meat. PLS regression analysis permitted the estimates of microbial spoilage and quality parameters from the spectra with a fit of R2 = 0.66 for TPC, R2 = 0.52 for Entetobacteriaceae numbers and R2 = 0.56 for TVBN analysis of stored broiler meat. DISCUSSION: PLS regression was applied for quantitative interpretation of spectra, which allowed estimates of microbial loads on chicken surfaces during the storage period. The results suggest that FTIR spectra retain information regarding the spoilage of poultry meat. CONCLUSION: The present work concluded that FTIR spectroscopy coupled with multivariate analysis can be successfully used for quantitative determination of poultry meat spoilage.

A novel bioassay based on aptamer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle for the detection of zearalenone using time resolved-fluorescence NaYF4: Ce/Tb nanoparticles as signal probe.

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a non-steroidal estrogenic mycotoxin produced by fungi on stored grains. The earlier detection methods used for ZEN rely on expensive equipment, time-consuming sample preparation and temperature sensitive antibodies. The current work, proposed a novel strategy based on ZEN aptamer labeled with amine-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (MNPs) as a capture probe and time-resolved fluorescence (TRFL) nanoparticles labeled with complementary DNA (cDNA) as a signal probe. Under the optimized conditions, TRFL intensity at 544 nm was used to measure ZEN (R2 = 0.9920) in the range of 0.001-10 ng mL-1 and limits of detection (LOD) for proposed method was 0.21 pg mL-1. The specificity of bioassay was also determined by using other mycotoxins (OTA, AFB2, DON and Patulin) and results showed that the aptamer are specific to recognize only ZEN. The analytical applications of the present bioassay in maize and wheat samples were also examined and results were compared with existing methods. Based on these findings, it is suggested to use current rapid and simple bioassay for the determination of ZEN in food and agricultural products.

Correlation of CD4 count with cariogenic oral flora indicators and dental caries in HIV-seropositive children undergoing antiretroviral therapy in Mangaluru, South India.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to compare the association of CD4 count with cariogenic oral flora indicators and dental caries in HIV-seropositive children receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted among HIV-seropositive children receiving ART at Snehasadan Camillian Care and Support Center HIV/AIDS in Mangaluru, India. Demographic details and r recent CD4 counts were recorded. For dental caries, the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT)/decayed, missing, filled/decayed, extracted, filled index was used. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Spearman's correlation was used to correlate CD4 count with dental caries and cariogenic oral flora indicators (mutans streptococci and lactobacilli). RESULTS: The study population comprised 35 patients. Dental caries prevalence was 54.1% in deciduous teeth and 41.2% in permanent teeth. Age and DMFT showed a significant, positive correlation; age and dmft showed a negative correlation (P < .05). A weak, negative correlation was found between age and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans), and also CD4 count; S. mutans and CD4 count and dmft were not found to be statistically significant (P < .05). CONCLUSION: No statistically-significant correlation was found between CD4 count and cariogenic oral flora indicators in HIV-positive patients. The presence of a minimum number of restored teeth compared to decayed teeth suggests a lack of dental care being given to HIV-positive patients.

Farm to Consumer: Factors Affecting the Organoleptic Characteristics of Coffee. II: Postharvest Processing Factors.

The production and consumption of coffee are increasing despite the roadblocks to its agriculture and global trade. The unique, refreshing, and stimulating final cupping quality of coffee is the only reason for this rising production and consumption. Coffee quality is a multifaceted trait and is inevitably influenced by the way it is successively processed after harvesting. Reportedly, 60% of the quality attributes of coffee are governed by postharvest processing. The current review elaborates and establishes for the first time the relationship between different methods of postharvest processing of coffee and its varying organoleptic and sensory quality attributes. In view of the proven significance of each processing step, this review has been subdivided into three sections, secondary processing, primary processing, and postprocessing variables. Secondary processing addresses the immediate processing steps on the farm after harvest and storage before roasting. The primary processing section adheres specifically to roasting, grinding and brewing/extraction, topics which have been technically addressed more than any others in the literature and by industry. The postprocessing attribute section deals generally with interaction of the consumer with products of different visual appearance. Finally, there are still some bottlenecks which need to be addressed, not only to completely understand the relationship of varying postharvest processing methods with varying in-cup quality attributes, but also to devise the next generation of coffee processing technologies.

Antioxidant potential of buffalo and cow milk Cheddar cheeses to tackle human colon adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) cells.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to assess the anti-oxidant potential of water-soluble peptides (WSPs) extract derived from buffalo and cow milk Cheddar cheeses at different stages of ripening. METHODS: The antioxidant potential of WSPs extract was assessed through 2,2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonic acid (ABTS)-radical scavenging activity. In addition, impact of WSPs extract on cell viability and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in human colon adenocarcinoma Caco-2 (tert-butylhydroperoxide-induced) cell lines was also evaluated. RESULTS: The ABTS-radical scavenging activity increased progressively with ripening period and dose-dependently in both cheeses. However, peptide extract from buffalo milk Cheddar cheese demonstrated relatively higher activity due to higher contents of water-soluble nitrogen. Intracellular ROS production in Caco-2 cells decreased significantly (p<0.05) till 150th day of cheese ripening and remained constant thereafter. Additionally, dose-dependent response of WSPs extract on antioxidant activity was noticed in the Caco-2 cell line. CONCLUSION: On the basis of current in vitro study, the Cheddar cheese WSPs extract can protect intestinal epithelium against oxidative stress due to their antioxidant activity.

Punicic acid: A striking health substance to combat metabolic syndromes in humans.

Punicic acid, a bioactive compound of pomegranate seed oil has gained wide attention for their therapeutic potential. Different studies conducted on animal and human models have revealed that punicic acid is very effective against various chronic diseases. Substantial laboratory works has been carried out to elaborate punicic acid effectiveness and mechanism of action in animals. The intention of this review article is to explore the facts about the clinical trials of punicic acid and to discuss different future strategies that can be employed to use it in human clinical trials. Although punicic acid may represent a novel therapeutic unconventional approach for some disorders, still further experimental studies are required to demonstrate its effects in human beings.