Comparison of Physical and Compositional Attributes between Commercial Plant-Based and Dairy Yogurts.

A primary strategy led by the food industry to improve the sustainability of the agricultural food supply is the development of modern plant-based alternatives. The information provided via marketing and product packaging provides consumers with the expectation that these products provide a similar product experience to conventional products, yet it is not well understood whether these commercial alternative products are comparable to traditional animal-based products. To aid in developing improved plant-based products, this study aimed to compare the quality and physical attributes of commercially available plant-based and dairy yogurts. Using instrumental methods, commercially available yogurt products were analyzed for their pH, titratable acidity, color, water activity, moisture content, and rheology, which included 13 plant-based (almond, cashew, coconut, oat, soy) and 8 whole-milk dairy yogurts. The present study reveals that the plant-based and dairy yogurts had no significant differences in pH, lactic acid, water activity, or moisture content. However, there were significant differences in the color and texture properties between the plant-based and dairy yogurts. Additionally, significant differences were observed across the plant-based yogurt products in terms of their color and texture properties. This highlights the need for additional studies to determine how individual ingredients influence the physical characteristics and textural properties to direct the development of plant-based yogurts. Improving upon the physicochemical properties of plant-based yogurt may encourage more consumers to adopt a more sustainable diet.

Correction to: In vitro mineral nutrition of Curcuma longa L. affects production of volatile compounds in rhizomes after transfer to the greenhouse.

Following publication of the original article [1], the author reported a formatting error and an error in the figure caption. The original article has been corrected. The details of the errors are as follows.

In vitro mineral nutrition of Curcuma longa L. affects production of volatile compounds in rhizomes after transfer to the greenhouse.

BACKGROUND: Turmeric is a rich source of bioactive compounds useful in both medicine and cuisine. Mineral concentrations effects (PO43-, Ca2+, Mg2+, and KNO3) were tested during in vitro rhizome development on the ex vitro content of volatile constituents in rhizomes after 6 months in the greenhouse. A response surface method (D-optimal criteria) was repeated in both high and low-input fertilizer treatments. Control plants were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium, acclimatized in the greenhouse and grown in the field. The volatile constituents were investigated by GC-MS. RESULTS: The total content of volatiles was affected by fertilizer treatments, and in vitro treatment with Ca2+ and KNO3; but PO43- and Mg2+ had no significant effect. The content was higher in the high-input fertilizer treatments (49.7 ± 9 mg/g DM) with 4 mM Ca2+, 60 mM KNO3 and 5 mM NH4+, than the low-input fertilizer (26.6 ± 9 mg/g DM), and the MS control (15.28 ± 2.7 mg/g DM; 3 mM Ca2+, 20 mM K+, 39 mM NO3-, 20 mM NH4+, 1.25 mM PO43-, and 1.5 mM Mg2+). The interaction of Ca2+ with KNO3 affected curcumenol isomer I and II, germacrone, isocurcumenol, and ß-elemenone content. Increasing in vitro phosphate concentration to 6.25 mM increased ex vitro neocurdione and methenolone contents. CONCLUSION: These results show that minerals in the in vitro bioreactor medium during rhizome development affected biosynthesis of turmeric volatile components after transfer to the greenhouse six months later. The multi-factor design identified 1) nutrient regulation of specific components within unique phytochemical profile for Curcuma longa L. clone 35-1 and 2) the varied phytochemical profiles were maintained with integrity during the greenhouse growth in high fertility conditions.

In vitro growth of Curcuma longa L. in response to five mineral elements and plant density in fed-batch culture systems.

Plant density was varied with P, Ca, Mg, and KNO3 in a multifactor experiment to improve Curcuma longa L. micropropagation, biomass and microrhizome development in fed-batch liquid culture. The experiment had two paired D-optimal designs, testing sucrose fed-batch and nutrient sucrose fed-batch techniques. When sucrose became depleted, volume was restored to 5% m/v sucrose in 200 ml of modified liquid MS medium by adding sucrose solutions. Similarly, nutrient sucrose fed-batch was restored to set points with double concentration of treatments' macronutrient and MS micronutrient solutions, along with sucrose solutions. Changes in the amounts of water and sucrose supplementations were driven by the interaction of P and KNO3 concentrations. Increasing P from 1.25 to 6.25 mM increased both multiplication and biomass. The multiplication ratio was greatest in the nutrient sucrose fed-batch technique with the highest level of P, 6 buds/vessel, and the lowest level of Ca and KNO3. The highest density (18 buds/vessel) produced the highest fresh biomass at the highest concentrations of KNO3 and P with nutrient sucrose fed-batch, and moderate Ca and Mg concentrations. However, maximal rhizome dry biomass required highest P, sucrose fed-batch, and a moderate plant density. Different media formulations and fed-batch techniques were identified to maximize the propagation and storage organ responses. A single experimental design was used to optimize these dual purposes.

Brachial plexus impairment: Incidence and predisposing factors.

OBJECTIVE: To study brachial plexus impairment, incidence and predisposing factors. METHODS: A retrospective study of cases of brachial plexus palsy diagnosed post delivery at Al-Jamahiria Maternity Teaching Hospital, Benghazi, Libya from 1st January 1993 to 1st December 1993. RESULTS: Out of a total of 17,288 deliveries in 1993, there were 20 cases of brachial plexus impairment (0.115% or 1.15/1000 births). The predisposing factors were maternal age >24 years (85%), increased parity (100%), obesity (35%), diabetes mellitus (20%), term infant (100%), birth weight of >/= 4 kg, attending juniors and midwives (75%). CONCLUSION: Maternal age >24 years, increased parity, obesity, diabetes mellitus, term infants, birth weight >/= 4 kg and an attendant of little experience were the most valuable risk factors predisposing to brachial plexus palsy at birth. We conclude that birth control and glucose controls are very important for prevention, though cesarean delivery can be performed for at risk mothers. Serial training programs on the management of obstetric emergencies, such as shoulder dystocia, are essential for the junior doctors and midwives.

Bilateral asymptomatic pisiform and hamate coalition--a case report.

Abnormal anatomy of carpal bones is uncommon. We report on a multitrauma patient that, was initially misdiagnosed as scaphoid dislocation, which later was proven to be pisiform hamate coalition.

Functional scoring system for obstetric brachial plexus palsy.

We suggest a new scoring system that measures the upper limb function both as a unit and in separate parts. Our system was designed to study the recovery in patients with obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP). It measures active limb movements and compares them with the normal side to obtain a ratio, which is then converted to a score. Fifty-two patients with OBPP were studied with a follow-up of 2 years. The progress of the patients was monitored using the system. Thirty-seven patients (71%) achieved very good recovery, eight patients (15%) achieved a good score, and five patients (10%) achieved a poor score. Most of the recovery occurred before the age of 6 months.

Neurofibromas of digital nerves.

We report four cases of neurofibromas affecting the digital nerves. Diagnosis and management are both difficult and demanding. Excision of the tumour while preserving the nerve was achieved by meticulous dissection in three out of four cases, resulting in normal sensation in two. The risk of recurrence is outweighed by the risk to sensation.